FACT Bahrain June 2015

JUNE 2015 VOL 8. ISSUE 10 BD 1. SR10

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cOntents

8. Fact Finds

16. haPPenings

Looking for a coool and shabby chic store? We visit Pachachic at seef Mall to bring you the quirky goods.

June brings with it a slew of fantastic events.

We pick some of the best activities and happenings for you to check out.

39. arts

55. isLand rides

23.raMadan

the holy Month is upon us once more, and we’ve got a run down of the best iftar and ghabga

71.FashiOn FOcUs

Fact caught up with Uaebased artist salah shaheen to talk about his artistic journey, technique, and future goals.

Fact’s resident motoring man takes the all-new 2015 Volkswagen touareg for a spin. read his verdict here...

need a wardrobe overhaul? check out the ss’15 collection from river island. We’ve got trends for both men and women.

83. BeaUty checkList

91. cheF’s taBLe

97. VenUe reVieW

shop for the latest beauty products and check them

a special chef’s table with Michelin star chef Vineet Bhatia. indian cuisine at its best!

Our experience at nicole’s Mediterranean restaurant was one of a kind. read all about it here...

36. MaJLis 101

One of the best ways to entertain guests during ramdan is to create a Majlis in your home. We have some starter tips.

77. styLe

Blue is the new black this season. Fact brings you the best of blue, for men and women with our fashion picks of the month.

101. FOOdie cOrner Primavera at the ritzcarlton Bahrain, hotel & spa introduces its new menu. One word - amazing!

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THE EDITOR

Rejoice in Ramadan

“Ramadan is, in its essence, a month of humanist spirituality.” – Tariq Ramadan

I

t has been two years since I moved to the GCC, and when I arrived, preparations for Ramadan were in full swing. Beautiful tents, lavish Iftar spreads, Sohour events, and, in Bahrain, the popular Ghabgas – I was blown away. This excitement and celebration of the Holy Month really helped me to get through the fasting with a positive attitude (like most, I was worried about it being too difficult in the Middle East heat). Now, two Ramadan’s down, I feel completely adjusted and ready for the spiritual 30 days ahead.

We’re helping you to make the most of this year’s Ramadan offerings with our rundown of all the top spots for Iftar and the best Ghabgas in town. The country’s hotels, restaurants and lounges have gone all out to make Ramadan 2015 a memorable one. And what’s great is that everyone can join in the special celebrations. Check out all that awaits us starting p23. Those of you planning to play host to family and friends during the Holy Month, we’ve got some great tips for creating an at-home Majlis to get you started (p36) – there’s never been a more perfect time to transform space in your home into a cosy gathering area.

Our arts pages are also keeping the Ramadan spirit alive. FACT caught up with UAE-based artist Salah Shaheen whose work covers geometry, calligraphy, and many more techniques, in a bid to catapult the Arabic font and art from the Arab world, onto the international stage.

Read all about his journey on p39.

As Ramadan starts mid-month, there is still plenty of time for you to check out our dining picks this month. We head to The Gulf Hotel Bahrain to meet Michelin-Star Chef Vineet Bhatia at his exceptional venue Rasoi By Vineet (p91), while the recently-opened Nicole’s Mediterranean Restaurant & Lounge steals the spotlights as the Venue Review (p97), and one of our favourite restaurants in Bahrain brings to the table an exquisite and more refined taste of Italy, as we head for the Foodie Corner to Primavera at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa (p101).

On that note, Ramadan Kareem – we’ll see you at an Iftar (or five)…!

Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@factlive.com 4

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FACT Magazine Bahrain Edition June 2015 Volume 8, Issue 10 Director Omar Shaheen Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes Editor-in-Chief Shabana Adam (shabana@factlive.com) Group Regional Editor Tony Sidgwick Editor Pallavi Ramesh (editorial@factlive.com) Creative Director Paula Leal Graphic Designers Jyoti Rawat Rashed Bin Daina Photography Rashed Bin Daina Shobin Joseph Production & Distribution Neil Mahmood Ajit Kumar Regional Sales Director Chelsea Copenhaver Regional Business Development Director Rami Khalil Country Director Kirsty Edwards-Harris Contributors Christal Dennis Yvonne Cole Georgina Jennsen Marina Smera Cover Image by Salah Shaheen ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +973 3632 0826 E-mail: kirsty@factlive.com PRINTED BY United Printing Press

All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication.

However, FACT M.E. Bahrain cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Office 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef. Ministry of Information. Subject Registration Number: CFB779

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CHECK IT OUT

Fact Finds

Pachachic Discover more of Bahrain with FACT Finds. Every month we’ll bring you a new hotspot, our favourite happening, eatery, activity, or interesting find from around the country.

Pachachic is a cool and quirky shabby chic store with an array of home furniture pieces and accessories that bring whimsical ideas into the home. It is a unique store and the first on the island to introduce this style, displaying vintage pieces with a twist, and giving a homely, individual touch to modern interiors.

Pachachic is co-owned by two lovely sisters; Nouf and Fajer from the Al Pachachi family.

Some of the items displayed at the store are designed by the siblings and some are carefully handpicked from around the world. The label has a unique collection including Frenchinspired furniture and household accessories, as well as the recent launch of their own Pachachic brand of crockery with dinnerware and tea sets (they’re beautiful!). There are so many cute and quaint home décor items like stylish floral cushions, witty door signs, classic cushions and trendy furniture including dining tables, magazine stands and lots more. We particularly love the charming memory boxes and the tall, stylish bedside lamps – all at great, affordable prices.

At the opening of their store in Seef Mall, co-founder Fajer Al-Pachachi said: “We wanted 8

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to open with a new line, and decided to extend our arm even further by crafting our own label, which we are extremely proud of as it truly represents our brand and our store.” The word and name of their label Pachachic pays homage to their father’s name, whilst merging with their passion for all things shabby chic.

Not only does Pachachic stock items from around the world, and their own label, it also serves as a platform for young and artistic local and Bahraini designers to showcase their handcrafted items, all of which will add a little more warmth to your home. The store also caters to client needs when it comes to planning a party, a baby shower, bridal shower or any such events. They suggest a complete list of whom to approach for every aspect of the party; from cakes to decoration to entertainment. They have tie-ups with many brands and this will help the customer avail a discount as well.

This store is a haven if you are looking to redecorate your home or plan a cute party for your loved ones. The creativity and style of Pachachic is unique to Bahrain.

GO: Visit Pachachic at Seef Mall. Follow @Pachachic on Instagram for all the latest.

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LISTEN UP

Qatar Airways Celebrates 15 Successful Years in Bahrain

Big Win for Jawad Business group

Qatar Airways celebrated 15 successful years of flying to Bahrain by offering its passengers a spectacular arrival at Bahrain’s International Airport last month. Passengers on board flight number QR1102 arrived into Bahrain’s International Airport at 09:20am on May 7 and were welcomed with a magnificent water salute and greeted by the entire Qatar Airways Bahrain team and dignitaries from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bahrain. Passengers received exclusive giveaways to mark the airline’s 15-year anniversary in the Kingdom.

In addition, travellers and crew waiting to board the return Qatar Airways flight were invited to join a cake-cutting ceremony and enjoy the celebrations organised by the Bahrain Airport Company at Gate 11, where they were joined by VIPs from Bahrain Airport Company, Bahrain Airport Services, Bahrain Airport Security, Civil Aviation Authority of Bahrain and Bahrain Airport Customs and Immigration.

Zeina S. Safa, Qatar Airways Country Manager in Bahrain, said: “We are delighted to mark 15 years of operations in the Kingdom of Bahrain, by taking the opportunity to thank all of our customers and partners for their continued support and confidence in Qatar Airways with these celebrations.” Qatar Airways currently operates seven flights daily from Bahrain to Doha, connecting passengers to more than 140 destinations worldwide with its modern fleet.

GO: To book your next flight with Qatar Airways visit www. qatarairways.com.

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Jawad Business Group (JBG) was awarded International Franchisee of the Year at a glittering function held in Orlando, Florida for the Papa John’s Conference. The annual OPCON 2015 celebration was attended by Papa John’s Founder John Schnatter, COO Steve Ritchie, Sr. VP Jack Swaysland and other top executives. In the running for top honours for two years straight, JBG walked away with the Award, beating other heavyweight Papa John’s Pizza operators from around the globe. Handing over the award to the Jawad team, Founder ‘Papa’ John Schnatter, said: “The winners were selected for exemplifying Papa John’s commitment to serving a superiorquality pizza, world-class customer service and outstanding community involvement. Congratulations Franchisee of the Year winners!”

Papa John’s has had tremendous growth internationally over the past years, but the success of the brand has always been rooted in the principles established in 1984 – using better ingredients to make a better pizza. Faisal Jawad, Chairman & CEO of Jawad Business Group said: “We are proud of our team that has worked hard to make Papa John’s such a success story in the GCC. Mohammed Jawad is a wonderful example for all Bahrainis to emulate. His success shows just how far one can go with a strong work ethic, sincerity and determination.”

JBG’s partnership with Papa John’s is now in its eleventh year, with 89 successful restaurants, and more to come, across the GCC, including Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Oman and the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

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LISTEN UP

Tranquility at Dessange ign retUrns FOr 2015 Bahrain’s biggest pop culture event is back for another fantastic year of activities and celebrations, in mid-October at BIC. IGN Convention is a one-of-a-kind event that introduces international, regional and local stars in a celebration of the best and latest in the world of pop-culture, film, and videogames. The two-day convention will combine fans of cosplay, superheroes, comic books, and movies in addition to games and fun activities under one roof. The 2015 IGN Convention will see a new lineup of international stars, as well as an expanded list of tournaments and competitions, more exclusive gaming and movie content and more family oriented activities and games.

GO: Visit www.ignconvention.com/Bahrain for more information.

The Holy Month of Ramadan is a month of fasting, not merely physical fasting but a total commitment of the body and soul to the spirit of the fast. It is time of inward reflection and for understanding the true value of patience, tolerance, will and perseverance. Ramadan is a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus. This Ramadan, Dessange is featuring a package that includes their authentic Moroccan Hammam; a body-scrub using an exclusive range of oils, herbs and black soap. Feel the rejuvenating tingle of your skin after a vigourous scrub, be cloaked in rich, natural soap and later experience the unique Dessange Shampoo Bar where a beauty mask of coloured clay, essential oils and shampoo are specially prepared for your hair. Relax while the skilled technicians soothe away your tension with a calming head massage then expertly blow-dry your hair to the perfect style for you. Discover a tranquil experience at Dessange that will give you peace of mind, body and soul this Ramadan!

GO: Call 1771 3999 for reservations and more information.

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tO gO: araBic Mezzeh at aLOsra During Ramadan, when Bahrainis break their fast, they do so over the most delicious meals. Alosra want to take make your Ramadan meals as satisfying as possible. With To Go, the selection of Arabic mezzeh will complement your meals perfectly and can even be enjoyed as a light Sohour meal!

Food Specialist Sara Babar, says: “Mezzes make for perfect sides, but we wanted to provide customers with more than just your typical hummus and tabouleh. We have mixed it up and now customers can enjoy the classics with a special twist, such as tabouleh with pomegranate and beetroot hummus. The To Go brand aims to provide people with new recipes to enjoy on the go.” If you want delicious Arabic mezzeh this Ramadan, head down to Alosra and pick up a variety of yummy food from the To Go chillers - yum!

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RAMADAN

The Gift of Giving One of the most important aspects of Ramadan is to give alms to the less fortunate. Make a difference this Holy Month by supporting the various charities on the island, and experience the joy of giving….

Feed THe Need

A fantastic initiative that speaks right to the spirit of Ramadan; Feed the Need was created

by Michelle Bailey, an Australian expat, and EMEA Development Director, living in Bahrain. Michelle was inspired by an article about a Saudi man who put a giant fridge outside his house filled with free food for people to take. She started the conversation for Feed the Need on Facebook and when it was well received, Michelle put the wheels in motion. Now there are over 15 donor fridges installed all over the island, from Muharraq to Seef, Janabiya, Isa Town, Manama, Hidd and many more areas. Essential items such as long-life flour, pasta, rice, oil, milk, sugar, nuts, cereal and canned food are all preferred donations. Groceries can be collected or you can even nominate volunteers who will shop and fill up a fridge on your behalf. There is no better gift than the gift of food this month, especially to families who observe fasting and may not be able to afford the necessities.

Connect with Feed The Need on Facebook.

RoyAl CHARITy oRgANISATIoN

The Royal Charity Organization (RCO) is one of the biggest charity organisations in Bahrain, established by His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa in 2001 for the purpose of caring for the Bahraini orphans coming from eligible families. RCO also sponsors widows and the elderly as well people with special needs. The organisation provides social, health and educational care for families in need. This is a great charity to support as RCO contributes in also setting up and developing non-profit making social and charity projects.

Visit www.royalcharity.org.bh for more information.

ToNy THe dogFATHeR

Donating time and money to our fellow humans is a great thing to do, but don’t forget the furry friends among us either! Tony 14

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certainly doesn’t, as he rescues abandoned, stray, abused, injured animals and evaluates, rehabilitates and then re-homes them unless the animals are old, damaged or have special needs, in which case they are cared for by Tony, for the rest of their lives, in air conditioned kennels. This animal welfare charity is run under the umbrella of the Cats Society of Bahrain and Pet Animals, and as a volunteer you can get involved by taking the dogs for a walk, bathing and grooming the pooches, helping with the cats, fundraising and organizing events. A great way for animal lovers to spend time in Bahrain and do their good deed for the day!

Connect with The Dogfather’s Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, Bahrain on Facebook.

BSPCA

Run by volunteers,The Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the welfare of animals in Bahrain, caring for the injured, abandoned, mistreated or homeless

animals. The society’s Animal Welfare Centre (AWC) looks after all the rescue efforts of the animal. Give a voice to the voiceless by adopting a furry friend or simply help out by donating or buying from the BSPCA’s thrift shop, which partly funds the animal shelter.

Visit www.bspca.org for more information.

New dAwN SoCIeTy

The Bahrain New Dawn Ladies Society is a non-profit organisation that aims at supporting families in need within the community. The society organises unique and creative events by engaging women efficiently and effectively in Bahrain’s community. It has organised various events from food festivals to book drives, and cooking classes to painting competitions. You can also support by donating clothing, nonperishable food items, books and glasses to the Bahrain City Centre’s ‘Make A Difference this Ramadan’ programme, where all collected items will be donated to the humanitarian initiatives taken by the New Dawn Society. Visit www. newdawnbahrain.org for more information.

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HAPPENINGS

Getting Out & About This Month in Bahrain

Say goodbye to boredom this month and mark your diaries with these all-important dates. We’ve put together a calendar packed with happenings just for you! This is what FACT recommends (and you can stil find more throughout the rest of the mag!)

040510 12 15

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

WEDNESDAY

FRIDAY

MONDAY

HED KANDI AT MEISEI

JJ’S CELEBRATES 16TH ANNIVERSARY

MISS MEISEI SALSA LADIES NIGHT AT MEISEI

FRIDAY BRUNCH SIX AT THE DOMAIN HOTEL

HIGH TEA AT CAFÉ AMSTERDAM

Hed Kandi is coming to Bahrain! This presummer evening will feature an ice bar, to keep revellers cool as they dance the night away. Official Hed Kandi artists never disappoint, and it’s all about extravagance as their DJs and live musicians energise the start of summer. Call 1700

JJ’s celebrates its 16th Anniversary with the Irish legend; Paddyman performing live! JJ’s resident DJ Tripz warms up the After Brunch Party crowd from 6pm onwards and Paddyman with his infectious live energy takes centre stage from 8pm onward to keep you well entertained. Call 1774 2323

Visit Meisei for a glamorous night of Salsa, food and drinks, especially for ladies. The Salsabor dance group heats up the rooftop and ladies receive complimentary sparkling vino until 11pm, how lovely it sounds? Either join the dancers for some salsa moves or sit back and watch as they whirl and twirl. Call 1700 7770 for

A Friday Brunch with family and friends is a fun thing to do. Visit The Domain for a grown-up affair with tantalising food options including appetisers, mains and desserts, priced at BD19++ per person excluding beverages, BD27++ including beverages at Le Sauvage and LE Domain [34]. Call

The High Tea at Café Amsterdam is a homely affair where you can experience a selection of premium Jing Tea. The Cream Tea option at BD7.5 comes with homemade scones and clotted cream, sandwiches and cakes. Try sandwiches like rare roast beef, poached chicken, avocado and pesto and smoked salmon at BD1.2. Call 1700 7404 for

7770 for more information.

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for more information.

more information.

1600 0222 for more information.

more information.

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HAPPENINGS

Getting Out & About This Month in Bahrain

Say goodbye to boredom this month and mark your diaries with these all-important dates. We’ve put together a calendar packed with happenings just for you! This is what FACT recommends (and you can stil find more throughout the rest of the mag!)

17 18 2225 27

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

MONDAY

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

FOOTGOLF AT ROYAL GOLF CLUB

IFTAR AND GHABGA DELIGHTS

ARABIC MEZZE AT ALOSRA SUPERMARKET

IFTAR AT MOVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN

THE SICILY OF THE LEOPARD IN PIRAINO’S COLLECTION

FootGolf, the latest sports craze has arrived in Bahrain! This game combines both football and golf with players kicking a football around the golf course with the aim of getting it into giant-sized cups.

Visit Royal Golf Club every Sunday evening between 7pm to 9pm.

The Holy Month of Ramadan begins and the island has to offer each one of you a wide choice of Iftar and Ghabga buffets across hotels and restaurants.

Enjoy deliciously cooked traditional Arabic food at the restaurants we have selected for you.

Turn to p25 to learn more about these Ramadan delights.

Alosra wanted to take part in making your Ramadan meals as satisfying and special as possible. With To Go, customers can enjoy the classics with a special twist, such as tabouleh with pomegranate and beetroot hummus to name a few. Alosra has its branches in Saar, Amwaj, Riffa Palms, Juddair and Durrat.

Break your fast with your loved ones at the Movenpick Hotel Bahrain. The Ramadan Iftar buffet is on throughout the Holy Month featuring an array of traditional Ramadan favourites, at Gallery Lobby Lounge and Silks Restaurant at BD15++ per person. Call 1746 000

The exhibition at the Bahrain National Museum displays the prestigious Piraino collection consisting of a wide variety of costumes, headdresses and accessories from Sicily and Europe that date to the 18th century and the first half of the 20th century. It also includes some examples from the reputable fashion houses. The exhibition is on until

Call 1775 0777 for more information.

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for more information.

July 21.

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DIARY DATES

GCC GETAWAYS Thinking about jetting off around the region this month? We’ve rounded up some of the best hotels for you to stay in whilst exploring our neighbouring nations…

ABu DhABI

QATAR

OmAn

Somewhat of an architectural wonder, this multi-award winning luxury hotel features 382 stunning rooms and suites, 199 serviced residences for longer stays, a variety (12 to be specific) restaurants, bars and lounges, three swimming pools and a private beach, a well equipped conference centre, and a Talise spa with 13 treatment suites – now, if that’s not impressive, we don’t know what is! No matter which room type you opt for, rest assured that your view will be an extraordinary one.

There’s so much to experience at this lavish property, including the mega buffet at Rosewater restaurant, and the stunning views from observation deck at 300. (www.jumeirah.com).

We never thought we’d find a hotel in Doha that was reminiscent of European-style buildings, but lo and behold, there’s the beautiful Zubarah Boutique Hotel, that blends fine décor and furnishings with the warmth of Arabian hospitality. Zubarah is a quiet hotel with a homely atmosphere, and whether you’re there to relax and explore Doha, or if you want peace and quiet to get some work done; Zubarah hotel is perfect to do both.

Each of the 45 guest rooms at Zubarah Hotel offers luxury accommodation that is elegantly appointed and decorated in modern style. (www.zubarahhotels.com).

Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, located between the foothills of the Hajjar Mountains and the breathtaking Sea of Oman, is a hidden jewel that brings the celebrated traditions and the unparalleled beauty of this GCC country to life. When you enter the grand lobby, with its tall ceilings, plush chandelier and intricate architecture, you’re instantly transported to an environment of tranquility. The relaxed ambience, the friendly and attentive staff, the spacious rooms and suites, fantastic dining options, superb service and great recreational facilities, will all make for a very memorable stay. (www.ritzcarlton.com).

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

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Zubarah Boutique Hotel

Al Bustan Palace

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SOCIETY

#An #EvEning #in #itAly InterContInental regenCy and Crowne Plaza BahraIn, who are Part of the Ihg hosPItalIty Brand, launChed the ‘Ihg BusIness rewards’ at elements Pool & lounge, InterContInental regnCy BahraIn. InformatIon on the rewards Programme was revealed to the esteemed guests. It was an ItalIan serenade By the Pool and lIve CookIng wIth Chef stefano.

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Ramadan

Kareem

We’ve picked the best Iftar, Sohour & Ramadan tents for a busy social calendar this month. Get ready to celebrate, feast and spend quality time with your nearest and dearest. fact magazine

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RAMADAN

BUSHIDO Bushra returns to Bushido Restaurant & Lounge for the fourth successive year this Ramadan and focuses to deliver a highquality experience for all guests to enjoy.

The food on offer will be coordinated

by Bushido’s experienced and talented Executive Chef, Karim Aghai. Chef will be dipping into his Iranian heritage for this year’s Ramadan, contributing a selection of exciting new dishes with a Persian touch such as Duck in Pomegranate and Walnut Sauce and Beef Lentil Stew, to name but a few. Guests can expect additional live cooking stations and more international dishes, including Bushido’s Teppanyaki kitchen, live carvery, wok and pasta dishes cooked fresh to order. A variety of refreshing high quality infusions, Arabic coffee, exotic mocktails and labans will be available too. Iftar will go on until 8pm and is priced at BD15++ on weekdays and BD17++ on weekends. The Gabga will run from 9pm to 1am at BD13++ weekdays and BD15++ on weekends (both inclusive of all drinks).

GO: Call 1758 3555 for bookings and more information.

SHERATON BAHRAIN

AL AREEN PALACE & SPA Experience a memorable event during the Holy Month of Ramadan at Al Areen Palace & Spa, with a traditional tent setting, decorated to create an ambience of Arabic decadence. The tent, officially sponsored by Hadag and Ohlala Arabia magazines, will have a classy Atrium style, offering a panoramic view of the magnificent landscape, with live performance by the famous Bahraini singer Nejma Abdulah and an Arabian 24

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Takht Band. The tent will also include a Bahraini corner where you can enjoy the traditional Bahraini food and sweets prepared and presented by Bahraini ladies in traditional dress. Discover the exquisite Iftar and Ghabga buffet; with live cooking stations for everyone’s delight, with traditional Ramadan fare to savour.

The Iftar Buffet on weekdays is priced at BD14++ and BD16++ on weekends. The Ghabga buffet is BD16++ on weekdays and BD18++ on weekends.

GO: Call 1784 5000 for bookings and more information.

Sheraton celebrates Ramadan with a grand tent and a lavish Ramadan buffet.

Gather with your family and friends for Iftar and revel in a lavish Iftar buffet with traditional and international dishes including live cooking station at the Awali Ballroom. The Iftar buffet for adults is priced at BD15.9++ on weekdays and BD16.9++ on weekends. Children between the age group of four and 12 can enjoy the buffet at BD8.5++. Group Ghabga is also available, which is offered at BD14.5++ per person. So join the hotel and celebrate each day, by breaking the fast with your loved ones.

GO: Visit www.sheratonbahrain.com or call 1753 3533 for more information

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RAMADAN

TRADER VIC’S Ranin is an opulent and ethnic Ramadan concept which transformed the humble and informal Polynesian atmosphere of Trader Vic’s, into a majestic display of rich Arabic grandeur and traditions.

Ranin 2015 will deliver an innovative and surprising concept for guests. This year, dishes will be elegantly presented and individually plated for a personalised approach. Traditional dishes will be served in an avant-garde style, artistically echoing the monochrome theme of the decor. These creations include the white asparagus and deeply hued Aberdeen Angus steak of Ying & Yang, the Black Sea dish which comprises of black squid and charcoaled tiger prawns in pasta, in addition to a wide selection of delicious starters, mezzeh and desserts. Starters and desserts will be available as part of the magnificent buffet display while main courses will be freshly prepared for each guest as part of the a la carte menu selection. Live music will also be performed each night by the Ahlam Trio.

Enjoy one main course at BD12.5++ or the two main courses for BD14.5++. For BD16++ indulge in three main courses.

All options include unlimited starters and desserts from the buffet selection.

GO: Call 1758 6555 for bookings and more information.

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN HOTEL & SPA The Al Khayma: Ramadan Tent at The Ritz-Carlton is popular on the insland.

The hotel will continue the Bahraini tradition with Iftar and Ghabgha buffet and daily entertainment to celebrate in style. Rejoice in the Holy Month of Ramadan as you savor an extensive buffet of authentic Middle Eastern specialties, live cooking stations and the melody of our live entertainment. The buffet is complemented by live cooking stations where guests can savour freshly baked Arabic breads, traditional mezzeh, and a selection of mouth-watering Arabic sweets.

For those who prefer private surroundings, the Ramadan Tent also provides pergolas The buffet is priced at BD24++per person for Iftar and BD 26++ per person for Ghabga and BD 250++ for Pergolas.

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Open daily during the Holy month of Ramadan visit the Al Khayma tent from 6pm onwards.

GO: Call 1758 6499 or email rc.bahrz.restaurant. reservations@ritzcarlton.com for more information.

ELITE RESORT & SPA Celebrate Ramadan this year at the Al Noor Tent. Indulge in a lavish international buffet offering traditional Bahraini Ramadan dishes such as Thareed, Hareesa and Madhrooba. Indulge in a wide variety of salads, appetisers, main course and mouth-watering desserts including freshly baked Arabic sweets, and a special selection of 15 types of dates and dry fruits. Refresh with delicious Ramadan beverages such as Jallab, Tamarind, Karkade, Qamer Al Deen, Laban and fresh juices. For Ghabga there will be live entertainment including authentic tunes of Oud and Arabic Tarab, surrounded by an atmosphere of Ramadan. Play traditional games such as chess, backgammon and cards, accompanied by sheesha in a wide

choice of flavours. Iftar buffets will start at Maghreb prayer until 8pm.

Iftar for adults is priced at BD 8.5++ and kids Iftar at BD4.25 ++. Ghabga starts at 8.30pm until late, and is priced at 12.9++.

GO: Call 3627 5444 for bookings and more information.

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA & SPA Experience the joy and happiness of a Magnifique Ramadan with your friends and family under the stars at Sofitel Bahrain’s Ramadan Tent. The tent will offer the Magnifique feel of spending an Arabian Night under the stars with a beautifully decorated ceiling offering a wonderful expression of the night sky while the atmosphere of the tent remains cool, spacious and airy against the summer night’s warmth. Games such as playing cards, dominoes, chess and backgammon will be available. Bassem Osman band will perform classic, traditional Arabic music in the Ramadan tent from 10pm to 1:30am.

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Iftar and Ghabga prices are set at BD19++.

Indulge in the number of famous recipes re-created with a modern twist by the Arabic Chefs!

GO: Call 1763 6363 for bookings and more information.

THE K HOTEL End a long day of fasting with some delicious treats at The K Hotel with a banquet of tantalising treats at Iftar.

This exquisite feast is followed by a scrumptious spread for Ghabga with a variety of carefully selected traditional recipes. Break your fast at Klouds with an Iftar buffet, featuring Arabic foods along with a selection of international dishes.

The restaurant offers regional delicacies, such as tabbouleh, hammour, machboos, Bahrani ouzi and more. Pamper your sweet tooth at the impressive dessert station with regional delicacies. The Iftar buffet is priced at BD9++ and includes Ramadan beverages and Arabic coffee. Later in the evening, enjoy with friends and family by savouring the Ghabga preparations at Kenza Restaurant until early hours of the morning. Guests can enjoy an extensive range of shisha flavours and live entertainment in the form of Arabic music.

GO: Call 1736 0000 for bookings and more information.

FOUR SEASONS BAHRAIN BAY The new plush hotel on the block is also participating in the Ramadan festivities with an array of dining options. The Ramadan Tent at the hotel will have an Arabic Favourites brunch with Bahraini food as well as Persian and Indian specialties. Al Bahrain Ballroom will serve as the main dining area with capacity for up to 400 guests and the shisha lounge with capacity for 150 guests overlooking the Manama Skyline, all dressed up in a modern Arabesque theme. The buffet spread here features a wide selection of traditional Bahraini fare as well as Lebanese, Egyptian, Indian, Asian and global cuisine with a number of live cooking stations. For Sohour the hotel will 28

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“the PhiLOsOPhy OF Fasting caLLs UPOn Us tO knOW OUrseLVes, tO Master OUrseLVes, and tO disciPLine OUrseLVes, the Better tO Free OUrseLVes. tO Fast is tO identiFy OUr dePendencies, and Free OUrseLVes FrOM theM.� offer an array of Arabic and internationally inspired dishes and desserts. During the Holy Month, a professional live band will be playing mellow traditional tunes in the shisha lounge and kids entertainment will be available as well. The Iftar buffet will be served from sunset until 8pm and is priced at BD25++.The Ghabga buffet is priced at BD26++ and will be available between 9pm and 2am.

GO: Call 1711 5000 for reservations and more information.

THE GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN The Gulf Hotel Bahrain invites guests to experience their popular Ramadan tent, Khaimat Al Khaleej, in addition to lavish Iftar buffets featured daily. Al Waha Restaurant will host a traditional Iftar buffet, while Takht Jamsheed will serve a delicious Iftar buffet featuring both Arabic and Persian delicacies. The Iftar buffet is priced at BD 17++ per person in both restaurants. Offerings include a selection of exquisite dates, refreshing juices, as well as hot and cold mezzeh with an enticing selection of salads, home-baked breads, shawarma and falafel. For those who wish to enjoy a late evening get-together, the Ramadan tent will be open every night between 7pm to 2am from Saturday through Wednesday at BD16++, and from 7pm to 3am on weekends at BD18++.

Guests can indulge in a delicious buffet,

including a wide variety of traditional Bahraini and Arabic specialties, whilst enjoying traditional Arabic music, with a live Oud player.

GO: Call 1729 8008 for bookings and more information.

NOVOTEL BAHRAIN AL DANA RESORT At Novotel Al Dana Resort Bahrain, the All Day dining restaurant Zytoun is a place where sharing and enjoying is made easy. Head Chef Ali is looking forward to treating guests to an unforgettable experience by cooking Arabic delicacies from his heart and memories. Zytoun will play host to a special Iftar buffet featuring the much-loved Arabic and Bahraini fare specialties from sunset to 9pm at BD9++.

GO: Call 1729 8008 for bookings and more information.

RAMEE GRAND HOTEL & SPA Enjoy the evenings during the Holy Month of Ramadan with friends and family in the elegant atmosphere of the Acacia Ballroom in Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa. The hotel will be serving up exciting Arabic flavours at an extensive nightly buffet during Ramadan. Enjoy a wide range of authentic Middle Eastern specialties and relish a great selection of beverages while you enjoy the live music, henna arts and fun games. The Iftar buffet will run from sunset until 9pm and Ghabga starts at 9pm until late; both priced at BD14++. Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa has announced a joint Ramadan partnership with Etihad Airways to offer guests a chance to win free roundtrip tickets. During Ramadan, all guests who dine at the hotel for Iftar or Ghabga will automatically enter into a raffle draw to win Etihad Airways tickets across Europe and the Far East Asia.

GO: Call 1711 1999 for more information.

CORAL BAY Every year in Ramadan, Coral Bay hosts a delightful and joyous event, called Ramadan

By The Sea. This will be an entertaining family and friends gathering where all the excitement, food and culture is mixed in

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special price of BD15.7++.

GO: Call 1746 0017 for more information.

DIPLOMAT RADISSON BLU The Diplomat Radisson Blu will host Iftar and Ghabga buffets throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan. The main location for the Iftar will be at the Al Fanar hall. The price per person will be BD16++. Ghabga will be served daily at The Kontiki restaurant starting from 9pm onwards until late. The menu offers and array of options at BD12++ per person.

Fiddler’s pub, Mondo restaurant, Olivos restaurant will be closed during the month of Ramadan.

Call 1753 1666 for more information.

together to give everyone the best Ramadan experience possible. The Ramadan tent will be set up close to the beach to enjoy the beautiful view of Marina deck over the sea whilst you enjoy Iftar and Ghabga. Coral Bay’s Iftar will feature a variety of dishes including all the Ramadan favourites such as, lentil soup, saj manses, falafel, shawarma, and lots of other special Ramadan dishes.

There will be soothing sounds of live acoustic Oud to entertain the guests. The Iftar and Ghabga buffet during weekdays is priced BD12++ each, and on weekends BD14++ each.

GO: Call 1731 2700 for more information.

BAYTI

LE MERIDIEN BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE AND THE WESTIN BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE With the arrival of the Holy month of Ramadan, The Le Meridien and The Westin at Bahrain City Centre are hosting guests to a Ramadan Tent. Break your fast at T-Spoon with an Arabic coffee setup, including juices, laban, dried fruits, nuts, dates, oriental sweets, baklava and lokum.

Baharat will host guests to a Ramadan Tent with Iftar and Ghabga menus. Enjoy a la carte Ghabga and Sohour menu with traditional Ramadan food. Enjoy a shisha at the tent with live music. The Ramadan Tent will be open until 2am.

GO: Call 1717 1441 for more information.

Enjoy a relaxed and casual ambience, while the talented chefs treat you with such signature dishes as Gourmet Shawarma, regional specialties and homemade desserts. Bayti’s menu offers a fresh selection of modern Middle Eastern Dishes from around the region focusing on fresh ingredients, local produce and contemporary presentation. The venue offers an executive buffet lunch , kids menu and a delivery service. The restaurant will be offering Iftar Buffet during the holy month of Ramadan along with special Corporate packages for big groups.

GO: Call 1722 9788 for more information.

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MOVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN Your date awaits at Movenpick Hotel Bahrain wishing you a blessed and Holy Ramadan. We invite you to break your fast with a delicious Iftar buffet spread across the majestic Gallery and intimate Silks restaurant. Numerous live cooking stations will be available to choose from amongst many flavourful dishes priced at BD18.1 net with options to book a majlis (Arabic couch) for minimum of seven and maximum of 10 pax. What’s more, the bigger the group, the better, with bookings of 25 and above get a

INTERCONTINENTAL REGENCY BAHRAIN Feel the spirit of Ramadan and go back in time to culture and tradition at Al Thurayya tent. Share timeless stories and break the fast with the special Arabic Iftar and Ghabga buffet, that has all your Ramadan favourites. Exclusive Corporate Packages are also available with international menu options. The Iftar buffet starts at BD13++ per person and the Ghabga prices starts from BD15++ per person.

GO: Call 1720 8308 for more information.

ART ROTANA, AMWAJ Choices Restaurant at ART Rotana, Amwaj Island invites guests to experience the very true essence of Ramadan through an unforgettable setting that will unquestionably revive an era of great Arabian Hospitality. Indulge on a diverse buffet of the most renowned Ramadan dishes and juices complimented by great selection of Arabic sweets for BD 15++ during weekdays and BD17++ during weekends for Iftar or Ghabga. Groups of 50 people or more can enjoy Iftar or Ghabga in the spacious ballroom for affordable prices. Reserve now to enjoy the best time with your family, friends and colleagues.

GO: Call 1600 0111 for more information.

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RAMADAN 101

terMs: need tO knOW Whether it’s your first Ramadan here or you’ve been around for so many you’ve lost track, we’ve put together the important terms you need to know for this special month….

IFTAR Breaking of the fast at sunset.

SOHOUR Meal before the dawn rises.

GARGAON Usually celebrated on the 15th of Ramadan, this Gulf tradition is marked with children dressing in traditional attire and going doorto-door to receive nuts and sweets from neighbours, whilst also singing traditional songs.

MESAHAR An old tradition of Ramadan where the ‘Mesahar’ man takes to the streets, banging his drum to wake the community up before dawn to eat and drink.

RAMADAN KAREEM Happy Ramadan in Arabic, usually said at the beginning of greetings during the Holy Month.

EID AL FITR The celebrations and feast marking the end of Ramadan.

THE DO’S & DON’TS OF RAMADAN DO: Watch What yOU Wear!

Avoid anything too revealing like bare arms and short skirts, and keep clothes loose and modest.

DO: get intO the charitaBLe sPirit raMadan is FaMOUs FOr. Whether it’s donating to your favourite charity or giving out water at Iftar, the Holy Month is the perfect time to give back to the community.

DO: iMMerse yOUrseLF in the rich cULtUraL traditiOns OF the MOnth.

Check out all the Iftars and Sohours about town and enjoy the fabulous atmosphere of Ramadan tents and buffet gatherings.

DO: accePt any inVitatiOns that cOMe yOUr Way. Try and make it to any Iftar or Sohour your colleagues or friends invite you to; it’s nice to be a part of their celebrations.

DON’T: eat, drink, sMOke Or cheW gUM in PUBLic BetWeen sUnrise and sUnset.

Although fasting is only compulsory for Muslims, foreigners and non-Muslims should refrain as well at least in public as a sign of respect. Remember you could be penalised if caught!

DON’T: shOW aFFectiOn in PUBLic. It’s disrespectful and could get you into trouble. Remember, this is a Holy Month and for 30 days you should be on your best behaviour.

DON’T: PLay MUsic tOO LOUdLy. As long as it’s not audible to others you won’t offend anyone.

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RAMADAN 101

rOad rage

PA S T I m e S The days might seem super long and places may be closed too, but there are so many cool ways to combat boredom…

Be careful going down an hour before sunset as some drivers can go crazy racing on the roads trying to make it home on time for Iftar!

OPening/ cLOsing tiMes

LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE

STAYCATION

Ever wanted to speak different lingos? Well now is the perfect time to pick up a new language or brush up on existing skills. And why not get into the spirit of Ramadan while you are at it and learn some Arabic?

With lots of hotels having special rates during Ramadan, now is the perfect time to explore different areas of Bahrain and even the region, with a mini-getaway!

GO: Visit www.berlitz-bahrain.com for more information.

GO: Visit www.kanootravel.com for travel packages.

CULTURE SHOCK

CHARITY WORK

If you’re a huge arts/culture junkie and don’t get much time to explore the many exhibits around Bahrain, now is the perfect time to do so. Bahrain National Museum, and the many independent art galleries around the island will provide respite from the heat as well as a good day out.

Now is definitely the perfect time to start giving.

Lend a helping hand at one of your local charities or start a collection initiative and bring a whole group of people together to donate to a worthy cause.

Go: Visit www.rcsbahrain.org for more information.

Go: Visit www.moc.gov.bh for more information.

keePing Fit Working hours change for Ramadan, with most government offices working short hours. That also means banks, malls, and supermarkets operate at different times. So be sure to check out timings before you head out the door!

get enOUgh sLeeP With Ramadan being in the Summer, the time between your early morning meal and your iftar (break-fast) may only be 7 to 8 hours. If you can’t take advantage of that full 7 to 8 hours between meals, think about taking a power nap during the day.

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We know it’s super hard to get motivated to do any exercise in Ramadan with fasting and all. So here are some training tips to keep your fitness level up to par this month.

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4

Keep your metabolism going by working out early in the morning or right after breaking your fast. This way you’ll be exercising after a meal and won’t disrupt your body clock.

Exercise and diet go hand in hand. So don’t overeat at Iftar, we know that it’s hard to resist all those delicious Ramadan dishes but try to not over indulge!

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5

lose muscle definition.

to drink just to keep up with the physiological demand that comes with this month.

Try to keep workouts to a minimum; a good 45 minutes is all you need to keep in shape and not

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Take up yoga or Pilates. Both sports are relaxing and help tone the body, while not being too strenuous after a long day of fasting.

Stay hydrated! We can’t begin to stress how important it is to keep well hydrated and how much water you need

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You might find yourself eating a smaller variety of foods.

Take your multi-vitamin to prevent any deficiencies.

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M a J L i s

1 0 1

There’s no better way to get into the spirit of Ramadan than having your family, friends or colleagues over for a lovely evening gathering. One of the best ways to entertain your guests throughout the Holy Month is to create a Majlis at your home. FACT has a few tips to get you started‌

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RAMADAN

A Majlis is... a comfortable seating area in a Muslim’s home created especially for ramadan (and sometimes on other important occasions) to receive visitors, mainly family and friends, but also colleagues and other respected members of the community. for the purpose, and then furnished and decorated suitably. during the cooler months, a large tent or temporary atrium can be built for use, but this year most will be indoors! it is also, often, used as a recreation and relaxation area.

Find A SpACe A Majlis doesn’t have to take up a whole room. A corner of a large living room or the empty space in an entrance hall will do. You can either buy yourself some of the comfortable patterned Arabic couches or take existing furniture you already have and decorate it with accessories and cushions to give it that Arabian feel.

Floor cushions are also a very popular and traditional alternative, and make for very relaxed seating. Check out the homewares section on www.littlemajlis. com for everything from soft furnishings, to tea towels, lighting and so much more.

HOSpiTAliTy A very strong aspect of Arabian culture is hospitality, and this is especially relevant in a Majlis. You will be expected to serve traditional tea, coffee, and delicacies when you receive guests, and many families use this as an opportunity to demonstrate their hospitality prowess! It is all about being unique and memorable. A sure winner is serving some authentic Moroccan tea in ornate teapots. And, from what we’ve heard, the drink Vimto plays a big part – if you’ve got Vimto on tap all evening, then you’re really celebrating Ramadan!

Or how about setting up your own shisha at home? This will surely impress your guests!

CulTuRAl ACTiviTieS If the gathering is one with close family and friends, why not take it in turns to tell some fables and stories? Put a modernday twist on the pastimes at your Majlis with a good supply of fun board games.

Everything from Monopoly to Guess

Who? and Operation! Go old-school and get everyone involved for a game of Dawama (spinners!) or Kairam (wooden game board with four corner pockets), the options are plenty. A deck of cards to hand is always good to keep boredom at bay.

ACCeSSORiSe It’s important to set the mood and ambience with all the little touches expected at a Majlis. It can be as simple as having some candles with calligraphy, decorating your shelves with ceramic plates and cups, or even dotting the area with handcrafted ornaments like Arabianstyle lamps and lanterns or mosaicdecorated show pieces. Incense is key to getting the aroma of the setting right.

Oud is the most popular and can really help to create an oriental atmosphere.

TASTy TReATS Tajines are Moroccan cooking implements that are already popular as household ornaments around the world.

Colourful and pretty to look at, they make great decorations for tables and unused corner arrangements. However, they can be functional too – fill them with different sweets and arrange them artfully around your Majlis. Serve up a good variety of traditional desserts like basbousa, kunafa, baklava, maamool, halva, Luqaimat, and dates with various fillings, and even a mix of nuts. Try your hand at makig Umm Ali, a favourite in Ramadan, and serve it in separate bowls or pots, like desserts at a buffet. This way, guests can pick and choose what they like. Savoury food options can also be served.

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SOCIETY

#lEt’s #Fly #KitEs the smIle InItIatIve, In CooPeratIon wIth gfh organIsed the “let’s fly kItes” event In suPPort of Its aBjad Program, whICh ProvIdes teaChIng servICes and suPPort to ChIldren fIghtIng CanCer. the event was held at the rItz-Carlton, BahraIn hotel & sPa featurIng a kIte sale, kIds zone and faCe PaIntIng other aCtIvItIes aImed at enhanCIng awareness of the Issues faCIng ChIldren wIth CanCer. 38

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ARTS

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ARTS

F A C T ’ S S H A B A N A A D A M TA L K S T O J O R D A N I A N ARTIST SALAH SHAHEEN ABOUT HIS ARTISTIC J O U R N E Y, H I S T O O L S A N D T E C H N I Q U E S , A N D MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ART IN THE ARAB WORLD.

S

alah Shaeen has been living in the UAE since 2005, and one thing he really values is the country’s art scene. “I do not exaggerate when I say that the UAE society appreciates art in all its forms,” he says. “The community has a huge interest in following the trends and visiting exhibitions, and keeping up with events and artists’ activities. This can be seen, easily, on social media platforms,” Salah adds.

Talking of social media, it was on Instagram that we first discovered Salah’s work. A quick hashtag search of #UAEarts led to a few hundred results, the majority of which showcased Salah’s beautiful pieces. It was the colours, the intricate patterns and the elegant calligraphy that caught our attention. Just perfect for the Ramadan issue!

Upon quizzing Salah about the tools and techniques he uses, we’re pleasantly surprised to learn that he employs both traditional and modern methods in his artwork. “I strongly believe that everything around you can be turned into a tool to be used in your art,” he says. “Starting from any regular materials like wood, cloth, sponge or paint brushes, to more modern practices such as digital techniques, which are now becoming a big part of the new modern art movement.

“For a decade now, I have used both techniques,” Salah tells us. “For example, I have been drawing and painting with a regular brush and different materials, then I scan the work digitally and start editing using one of the applications like Photoshop, Painter and Sketch Tools.

“This method has caused unimaginable success in terms of how both techniques have been beautifully implemented,” he adds.

Salah’s sophisticated approach to art is a result of years of learning and practice. The 47-year-old takes us on a trip down memory lane to where it all began. “It started when I was in school and my

art teacher noticed that I was drawing my lines in a very balanced way, as well as noticing my color choices,” Salah recalls. “This drove my teacher to tell my father about my talent and, luckily, my dad was also interested in art and poetry, specifically.”

His first exhibition was at school, and it gave Salah a real taste of the potential and possibilities for artists. It was then that Salah’s interest and passion for art was further ignited, and he began to read books and magazines, watch TV programmes, and visit actual exhibitions to learn anything related to arts and different artists.

“This was a very important stage in my life and it was a stepping stone for what I have achieved so far,” Salah shares. “I still remember my teacher’s encouraging words as he made me believe that these are not just drawings, they are stories and sentences that the artist is trying to demonstrate by drawing them.”

What we come to know and understand about Salah is that he had full access and support with his artistic experiences. This is something that is, often, misrepresented of the art world in the Middle East, and Salah is the first to stand up and dispel this view when we ask if he faces any challenges being an artist in this region. “The question in general comes from the stereotypical image about the region,” he explains. “There’s a Middle Eastern stigma that it’s the land of wars and political issues and that the Middle East has no time for art and creativity, which I strongly believe to be a totally wrong image.

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“The Middle East, regardless of the current events that are happening, is a region that is rich with artists that are filling up even international exhibitions and events,” Salah continues. “We cannot accept or take the current stereotypical image about the region for granted. Europe for example, prior the renaissance period, witnessed the rise of so many legendary artists even though the region was at its worst.

“Now, I can answer your question by saying that I, along with so many others, did not and do not have any challenges here that I have struggled to overcome,” he adds.

Salah’s biggest inspiration comes from his arts teacher, as well as his father who would take him to international exhibitions, and enrol Salah in workshops, and buy him magazines about art, all of which helped encourage the seasoned artist to keep learning and working on new visual techniques.

When it comes to artistic role models, he admires the work and careers of Jackson Pollock, Georges Braque, and Pablo Picasso.

Salah has taken part in a number of individual and group exhibitions, both in the region and internationally. He believes that exhibitions play a big part in giving people the chance to view new cultures as well as introducing the artist to a new culture, new ideas and new understandings, too.

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ART HAS BECOME A H U G E PA RT OF MIDDLE EASTERN LIFE IN RECENT YEARS WITH EXHIBITIONS, WORKSHOPS, TA L K S & P R O J E C T S L E A D I N G T H E W AY.

ARTS

He says: “The most important exhibitions to me are the ones where I usually get inquiries about the displayed work and what is the message behind them.

For example, when I display one of the paintings with Arabic calligraphy, even when the lines that are used are from other artists, it gives the opportunity to present the Arabic Font as an independent art’s icon, and it has a specific history and subject.”

His passion for bringing Arabic art to the forefront is what makes Salah’s work so genuine and special. We’re sure that if he continues on this path, Salah Shaheen will be a name of great importance in the history of Middle Eastern art.

“THE MAJOR AUTHORITIES SUCH A S T H E E D U C AT I O N A L S E C T O R I N T H E U A E A L S O H AV E A G R E AT INTEREST IN DEVELOPING ARTS WITH WORKSHOPS IN SCHOOLS AND MUSEUMS. THE UAE IS ALSO A N I N T E R N AT I O N A L H U B F O R ARTISTS WHEN IT COMES TO HOSTING EVENTS, EXHIBITIONS, A N D E D U C AT I O N A L C O U R S E S . T H I S R E A L LY R E F L E C T S T H E C O U N T R Y ’ S S U P P O R T O F T H E A R T ’ S S C E N E .” fact magazine

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T H E B E S T A N D M O S T D I F F I C U LT T H I N G ABOUT BEING AN ARTIST… “The best is being in a spontaneous environment that is “busy-free”. While the worst is definitely not having the time to apply this huge innerenergy that is within some people, who can actually keep the image in their brains until they reach to their tools and start working on it.

But Personally, I will make this statement for the first time in my life; my ideas can disappear as fast as they appear in my head! It’s insane how it starts and ends in a very short time. Some tend to draw a quick sketch so they can remember it until they’re free, but that is a very hard thing for me to do. If I’m already not next to my tools and start working immediately; I usually fail to get the image back.”

GO: Visit www.salahshaheen.com to view more of Salah’s work.

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YOUR PERSONAL AND ARTISTIC GOALS FOR THE FUTURE… “My goal is to present a true visual script that shows the identity of the region without any prior thoughts and ideology. My goal is to connect with other communities in a way that fits the experience pattern that represents their culture. Also, the most important goal is to demonstrate the significance of Arabic Calligraphy as a key factor in the fine arts world, as an icon and as a personality with clear features and history. When I talk about this region, I am not only talking about the Arabian Countries, I am also talking about Iran, Pakistan, India and Mid-Asian Countries too! This is my goal, to say, “This is the east,” in a different way that represents the beauty of its true nature and pushes the person to explore more about it, more than any other history in the world of arts.”

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IsmaIl azzam:

For Them CELEBRATING LATE AND GREAT ARAB ARTISTS, THIS NEW EXHIBITION AT QATAR MUSEUMS GALLERY (QM) SHOWCASES RENOWNED PORTRAIT ARTIST, ISMAIL AZZAM’S DISTINCTIVE ‘REVERSE CHARCOAL’ DRAWINGS OF PAINTERS AND SCULPTORS WHO HAVE MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE ARAB ART WORLD.

Displaying an entire body of work that was created exclusively for this exhibition, Ismail Azzam, one of Iraq’s most famous artists, is sharing a selection of striking and emotive charcoal portraits, celebrating and honouring the work of 15 past masters.

Ismail Azzam knew many of those featured in the exhibition personally and created artistic and creative contributions, believing many did not receive the critical recognition or popular appreciation they deserved whilst they were alive.

The exhibition features portraits of artists drawn from across the Middle East including Egypt, Lebanon, Yemen, Kuwait and Iraq. Amongst these is a portrait of the late Qatari artist Jassim Zaini. Throughout paintings captured key moments in Qatar’s recent history and documented the country’s development from humble beginnings, as well as its social and and the sixties after the discovery of oil.

“I am hugely honoured to present my work at QM Gallery,” Ismail says. “With this exhibition, I hope both to raise awareness of these great Arab artists and their stories, but also to continue to educate Qatar’s growing artistic community to understand the meaning behind the art.

“I invite everyone to enjoy this exhibition and honour the huge and important

Though Ismail also uses oil and watercolour in his artworks, he is particularly highly regarded for his mastery of the distinctive technique known as ‘reverse charcoal drawing’. During this process, the whole then slowly etched away using a rubber to accentuate contrasting shades of light and dark to create a range of dramatic has captured the likenesses of these artistic familiarise audiences with their individual stories and personal histories.

to present these inspirational portraits by Ismail Azzam in Qatar this year. Ismail is an incredible technically gifted artist who created these portraits exclusively for the show. His work engages onlookers in what is both an emotional and personal tribute to 15 late and great Arab painters and sculptors.

We hope that this exhibition helps to educate audiences across Qatar on the lives and artistic contribution made by these The exhibition is presented under the leadership of Qatar Museums’ chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

GO: Ismail Azzam: For Them is on view at Qatar Museums Gallery,

development of Arab art,” he adds.

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Katara until August 31. Visist www.qm.org.qa for more information.

ARTS

“I INVITE E V E RYO N E TO E N J OY T H I S EXHIBITION AND HONOUR THE HUGE A N D I M P O R TA N T CONTRIBUTION THESE FIGURES HAVE MADE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARAB ART”

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M o d e R N

M o S A I C S

FRENCH PHOTOGRAPHER ISABELLE AVENARIUS’ WORK WILL BE SHOWCASED IN THE “MOSAIQUES – ABU DHABI” SERIES AT FAIRMONT BAB AL BAHR STARTING MID-APRIL. INSPIRED BY THE SKYLINES ACROSS ABU DHABI, ISABELLE’S WORK IS A UNIQUE GEOMETRIC COMPOSITION WHICH INCLUDES SYMMETRIC PATTERNS, AND PAYS TRIBUTE TO NON FIGURATIVE ARABIAN ART. Photography is not just about taking pictures anymore. Images taken on a camera are now manipulated in a variety of ways and play a key and unique role in modern art. Take Isabelle Avenarius for example, her creations for this exhibition include 10 photography mosaic art works that use landmarks and skylines across Abu Dhabi including, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Corniche, the Marina, and Khalidiya Palace, among others. To the naked eye the pieces on display appear as traditional mosaics, but upon closer inspection, guests will see some very familiar buildings and cityscapes.

Nils Axing, General Manager at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, says: “Art that encapsulates the wonderful architecture of the UAE always resonates with guests at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. Isabelle’s photography series takes the monumental buildings around Abu Dhabi and turns them on their heads - literally - to create further works of art.

One key element that will intrigue visitors to the exhibition is how Isabelle manipulates scale and size. Her technique involves shrinking the skyline and the landmarks of Abu Dhabi, placing these images into tiles and creating these uniquely themed mosaics.

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She states that these works of art are inspired by the modern architecture in Abu Dhabi and its contrasting natural environment.

Another unique component is the shape of the art itself.

Each mosaic is printed on circular acrylic, 100cm in diameter, which naturally makes them distinctive and adds to their appeal.

“Mosaiques – Abu Dhabi” is Isabelle’s latest photography series and follows her “Street” series where she took photographs on the streets of Abu Dhabi, and caught the spirit of the Capital using vibrant colours, long exposure and motion to enhance the dynamism of the fast developing city.

Isabelle has been living in Abu Dhabi since 2012 where she has found a new source of inspiration for her artistic work. Using her camera as a pencil, playing with light and movement, she first used canvas as a medium. Her inspiration in various places such as Giverny, Scandinavia and Peru has led to three photo series entitled Natural Impressions I and II and Between Land and Sea. GO: Mosaiques – Abu Dhabi is on display from April 15 to June 30 at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr.

Call (0)2 654 3333.

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REVIEWS

BIG SCReen

The Wolfpack What’s it about?

Seven siblings (six brothers and one sister) have grown up in near isolation, locked away from society in an apartment on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The Angulo brothers have spent their childhood learning about the world through the films. When they venture outside without parental supervision for the first time, everything changes.

DIRECTOR: Crystal Moselle CAST: Bhagavan Angulo, Govinda Angulo, Jagadisa Angulo WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING? We remember when The Wolfpack made its Sundance premiere; it was the talk of the town. This documentary introduces a gang of siblings who have been raised in seclusion in the heart of New York City. They’ve been home schooled and much of their views on the outside world come from a well-stocked DVD and VHS library, which has prompted them to take refuge in play-acting of their favourite films – weird? A little. Our problem is not the subjects – they’re very very intriguing. The issue here is that the documentary seems to only scratch the surface; there are dark suggestions not pursued, mostly centering on Oscar, the father, a Peruvian follower of Hare Krishna who appears to be controlling every aspect of family life.

There are also the scenes where it’s more than hinted that the wife, Susanne, may be a victim of domestic abuse. There is more than one elephant in the room here; the fact that social services is aware of this dysfunctional family is swept under the rug, and one of the boys reveals that there was a whole year when none of them left the apartment. It’s the strange yet fascinating, and mysterious, factors at the heart of The Wolfpack that make it so compelling to watch.

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Highlights “Our problem is not the subjects – they’re very very intriguing. The issue here is that the documentary seems to only scratch the surface.”

Spy What’s it about?

A CIA analyst working a desk job is reminded that she once had dreams of being a spy. Lucky for her, a new mission requires someone unrecognisable to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer and stop a diabolical global disaster, and so, she volunteers for the task.

The Wolfpack.

Win 2 Free Cinema Tickets Redeemable for any film at any Cineco cinema Answer the following question:

Which female actress starred in the heat alongside Melissa Mccarthy?

Email answers to: editorial@factlive.com

DIRECTOR: Paul Feig CAST: Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, Jude Law WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING? How amazing is Melissa McCarthy?

This woman was made for comedy – she’s hilarious! Along with Paul Feig (director of The Heat and Bridesmaids), everything about Spy is amazing. The writing, the screenplay, and all the laugh out loud, witty one-liners, plus, who knew Jason Statham could do funny so well? The comedy factor is kept to a consistent, generous and pleasurable level, that doesn’t spoof the espionage-thriller genre – in fact; Spy makes it all the more exciting.

Both Melissa McCarthy and Paul Feig have a commitment to comedy, and from their proven track record, everything they touch, turns to comedy gold (excuse the cliché). Spy is brimming with gigglestuffed scenes, hitting the zeitgeist, hard!

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REVIEWS

On The ReCORD

FullY BOOKeD

FICTION

Hold Still: A Memoir With Photographs

By Sally Mann

FOLK/INDIE-ROCK

Beneath The Skin

By Of Monsters and Men

Who remembers that infectious single Little Talks? It was this catchy song, and the platinum-selling debut album My Head is an Animal that shot the Icelandic chamber pop group onto the international music scene. Now, with a solid fan base in all corners of the world, Of Monsters and Men (OMAM) is back with their highly anticipated 15-track follow-up. If the first single, Crystals, is any indication, it’s clear that OMAM hasn’t lost any magic. The warm-hearted band’s grand-scale, folk-pop sound is as alive and robust as ever with chanted choruses, uplifting beats, and the noise of thundering drums. Where the first album was very story-based bringing out the ‘monsters’ side, Beneath The Skin is for ‘men,’ with a heavier, darker element and more open-minded lyrics and musical sensibility. It’s just OMAM being more up front. And we love it. Iceland might be small but its music continues to outshine that of countries 10 times its size. This sophomore release is already exciting fans; and you don’t have to be a music genius to guess that this too could be a global hit.

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ALT-ROCK

Get To Heaven

By Everything Everything

Mercury-nominated, genre-defying, highpitched, frenetic pop – there are so many cool adjectives we can use to describe the Manchester-based quartet, Everything Everything, and their sound. We were late to the party and only fell in love with this band after the release of their contagious single Cough Cough back in 2012 (thanks to Greg James on Radio 1), and it was the falsetto-voiced lead, Jonathan Higgs, who kept our attention. His natural range is rich and soulful and his tongue-twister raps, will have you trippin’. On Get To Heaven, the band’s third album, we hear more of the math-rock movement, merging guitar intricacies, complex afrobeats and electro whistles. The best thing? Everything Everything are committed to this off-kilter approach to music, and with this 11-track CD, they’ll make you embrace and believe in the genre-marauding style even more. In other words; the album is INSANELY good.

“His natural range is rich and soulful and his tongue-twister raps, will have you trippin”

Acclaimed photographer Sally Mann has crafted an original form of personal history with a unique interplay of narrative and images. Sorting through boxes of family papers and yellowed photographs she finds more than she bargained for: deceit and scandal, domestic abuse, car crashes, clandestine affairs, racial complications, vast sums of money made and lost, and maybe even bloody murder. Pick up this revealing and beautifully written memoir of Sally Hann to indulge her past-life. A pageturning and gripping novel.

HEALTH & NUTRITION

The L.A. Girl Goes to Saudi

By Melissa Hartwig

A story about Dina Ahmed, a girl who has lived in L.A. all her life, when one day she gets a phone call from her wealthy family back in Saudi Arabia to come back and see her ailing father. She has to leave her party girl lifestyle of all-nighters and clubbing, for the veiled world of Saudi Arabia. The story chronicles her defiant and irrepressible L.A. spirit, as she leaves L.A. and manoeuvres her way into Saudi society with defiance and flare, only to find a hidden treasure at the end. She develops faith that takes her away from the superficial world of L.A. and onto a spiritual journey that is Islam. The book will give the reader a bird’s eye view from an original, rare and artistic perspective.

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SOCIETY

#PrEviEw #OF #ChEry #tiggO5 motorCIty hosted an exClusIve medIa PrevIew of the all new Chery tIggo 5 In the sanad showroom. the entIre desIgn of thIs Car aPPears fashIonaBle, graCeful and very dIstInCtIve In level. tIggo 5 aPPlIes muCh ergonomIC desIgn, CoverIng softness of the seat PaddIng, suPPortIng strength of the seatBaCks, as well as wIdth and length of seat CushIons to relIeve drIvIng fatIgue as muCh as PossIBle 54

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2015

VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG WE TAKE THE NEW TOUAREG ON THE ULTIMATE ROAD TEST, A GRUELLING 14 HOUR-LONG ROAD TRIP TO ALMOST EVERY LEISURE DESTINATION IN ABU DHABI. SO HOW DID IT FARE?

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ISLAND RIDES

INSIDE, THINGS ONLY GET BETTER. THE INTERIOR IS HUGELY COMFORTABLE, MODERN AND STYLISH, AND PUNCHES WELL ABOVE ITS WEIGHT WAY UP INTO PREMIUM LEVELS OF LUXURY.

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M

y instructions were simple. We needed a suitable vehicle for our FACT Awards Road Trip, in which we would visit all 140-odd nominated venues, and we were to do it in one day – the mother of all road trips the length and breadth of Abu Dhabi with three team members, luggage and equipment.

We needed something big, comfortable, and yet easy to park or manoeuvre through busy streets and hotel forecourts, that was easy on the fuel but quick enough to get us from A to B (and the rest) in a timely manner.

It’s almost like this role was written for the Touareg… A quick call to VW confirmed that the new 2015 model was available, so I picked up our vehicle, the luxurious V6 SPORT. First impressions were good – the exterior styling, whilst not head turning, is certainly handsome,

with that understated European elegance that German cars seem to define.

Inside, things only get better. The interior is hugely comfortable, modern and stylish, and punches well above its weight way up into premium levels of luxury. The dash layout is simple and straightforward, putting everything where you’d expect to find it, and the infotainment software is intuitive and easy to navigate.

We came to know the entertainment system intimately, as we spent practically the entire journey switching from smartphone to smartphone, iPhone to Samsung and back, playing whichever mp3s or internet radio stations were being selected by the in-car DJ of the hour.

Apart from slight delays updating the on-screen track info, the system handled it all without fuss, connecting to any phone we threw at it almost instantly via the USB port. Also handy was being able

ISLAND RIDES

to charge all of our phones at the same time via the two power outlets and the USB port.

My only initial reservation about the car was the engine. Almost the entire Touareg range comes with the 280hp 3.6l V6 mated to an eight-speed auto, with the exception of a V8 in the top-spec R-Line. The V6 initially felt a bit sluggish to me, but the benefits of this engine soon became apparent. It has a claimed consumption of 9.9l per 100km/h, and I fully believe it. Unbelievably, on our endurance road trip, we only had to top up the tank once.

As you can imagine, a 14-hour car journey can lead to frayed nerves and worn tempers amongst even the closestknit teams. The same goes for vehicles.

After a long journey in a car, seemingly minor irritations can turn into massive annoyances by the end. However, after 14 hours there was simply nothing about the

It had been a pleasure to drive, with a smooth, comfortable ride, and very easy to pilot through the streets thanks to a great allround field of vision...

Touareg that had gotten on our nerves.

Quite the opposite – we’d all developed quite an affection for the car. It had been a comfy living space that had made a potentially awful journey that much less unpleasant, with comfy seats, a good stereo, a panoramic sunroof, and plenty of pockets and cubby holes to stash junk in.

It had been a pleasure to drive, with a smooth, comfortable ride, and very easy to pilot through the streets thanks to a great all-round field of vision, assisted by the 360 degree parking cameras.

So the verdict is thus: The Touareg is the perfect white-collar workhorse.

Whether you’re a crew of media types with equipment, a beleaguered parent hopping from school to shops to sports fields, or a civil engineer visiting remote sites in rugged terrain, the 2015 Touareg will deliver everything you need and more from a vehicle, and do so with a smile and a comforting pat on the back. fact magazine

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MINI COOPER S 5-DOOR HATCH MINI OFFER UP A FIVE-DOOR VERSION OF THEIR FAMOUS SPORTS HATCH FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE MODEL’S HISTORY AS PART OF THE BMW GROUP. WE PUT IT THROUGH ITS PACES… IT SEEMS STRANGE TO US THAT MINI have taken this long to introduce a five-door variant of their famous hatchback.

The reason for this, as it turns out, is simple.

The chassis of the MINI Hatch was simply too short to squeeze an extra row of doors in.

That is, until the introduction of the MINI Clubman, and the larger chassis upon which it was based. The 5-Door Hatch is actually more closely related to the MINI Clubman, being based on the same, slightly longer platform, which allows for 58

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those extra two doors. Even with the extra length, though, things are a little cramped in the back row – fine for kids and smaller adults, but anyone over 6ft tall wouldn’t enjoy themselves back there.

Being slightly longer and heavier, the 5-Door is slightly more prone to under steer than the 3-Door. Aside from that, you’d be hard pressed to find any noticeable differences to the driving experience. It still feels light and nippy, with plenty of pickup from the 192hp 2.0l turbocharged four-pot.

One thing that did frustrate me was

the gearbox, which insisted on interfering whenever I even thought about pushing the red line, even in manual mode! As soon as the revs got towards the top of the dial the MINI would shift up whether you liked it or not, often a split second before you’re about to do it yourself, resulting in a double upshift which instantly kills any joy you might be experiencing. I soon began fantasizing about manual gearboxes…

Inside, however, MINI have taken things to the next level with the high-spec Cooper S. There’s a distinctly premium

ISLAND RIDES

Inside, however, MINI have taken things to the next level with the high-spec Cooper S. There’s a distinctly premium feel to everything...

feel to everything, with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and padded surfaces, and a style and layout that will instantly win you over. It’s an absolute masterpiece of design, squeezing all kinds of great features into the compact space.

The last time I drove a MINI, it still had that ludicrous giant speedo in the centre of the dash. This has thankfully made way for a very eye-catching TFT display and stereo controls, framed by a rather cool ring of luminous ever-changing colour which doubles as a volume dial. You still get the unique and quirky switches and buttons that MINIs have always had, which give them their distinctive character.

So what is a MINI Cooper S now? Well, it’s a premium hatchback whose sporting credentials have made way somewhat for high levels of luxury and style.

If you’re looking for a sports experience, save up for a few more months for the John Cooper Works. If you’re looking for a nippy, enjoyable and stylish city hatch with added space and practicality, the MINI Cooper S 5-Door Hatch is all that, and then some. fact magazine

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MOTORING NEWS

FOUR SEASONS TEAMS UP WITH BENTLEY The Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay has introduced a special partnership with Bentley Bahrain giving registered hotel guests the chance travel in the luxurious handcrafted Bentley Mulsanne when arriving to or departing from the Hotel.

Guests of Four Seasons can choose the Mulsanne, which was custom made to the hotel’s specifications and boasts complimentary WiFi and Four Seasons amenities on board, for airport transfers as well as for hourly use in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

NISSAN BAHRAIN BACKS TRIP TO ARCTIC 60

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“The Mulsanne is focused on the very highest of standards and quality just like Four Seasons is committed to provide the utmost luxury in product and service,” said Greg Pirkle, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. The Mulsanne can be booked for airport transfers, business trips in and around Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, sightseeing, a day of shopping or just getting from one place to another in comfort and style.

Call Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay at 1711 5000 to book a stay.

Nissan Bahrain and Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons have once again agreed to sponsor Bahraini adventurer Amal Al Saffar, a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in International Logistics Management from Bahrain Polytechnic.

Back in 2013 she became the first Bahraini woman ever to set foot on Antarctica, and this year will become the first to visit the Arctic Circle.

Amal is using this Arctic mission as a means to raise funds for the Bahrain Cancer Society in support of cancer patients and their families.

Paul Baker, General Manager of Nissan Bahrain said, “As a Bahraini company, it falls within our social responsibility to help adventurous young Bahrainis achieve their dreams and aspirations.

It is indeed a pleasure to able to help Amal fulfill her ambition on reaching the Artic Circle.”

Amal on her part will be constantly sending the company regular updates and pictures of her progress and the trip which will be uploaded on to the Nissan Bahrain’s Facebook page.

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MOTORING NEWS

MOTORCITY DELIVERS SUBARU CARS TO MAJESTIC CAR RENTAL Motorcity, the sole distributor of Subaru cars in the Kingdom of Bahrain, recently delivered ten Subaru Forester SUVs to Majestic Car Rental to add to their extensive fleet of quality rental vehicles.

Dr. Bijan Majidi, General Manager of Motorcity along with Mr Sooraj Kumaran, Fleet Sales Manager, handed over the keys to Mr Ebrahim Al Senan at Motorcity’s Sitra showroom last month. Like any other Subaru, the Forester is equipped with the symmetrical All Wheel Drive (AWD) system, the efficient Subaru Boxer engine and is 100% made in Japan.

Mr Ebrahim Al Senan of Majestic Car Centre commented: “We chose the Subaru Forester as it offers a combination of comfort, performance and space that is ideally suited for our customers. In addition, Motorcity’s strong After Sales service is always a big plus.” Call 1773 6222 for more information.

2015 KIA PICANTO HITS MIDDLE EAST MARKET

The latest version of Kia’s stylish A-segment city hatchback, the Picanto, is now on sale in the Gulf. The enhanced Picanto boasts redesigned front and rear bumpers to emphasize the car’s bold looks, with a new wider grille and flared bumpers matching updates to Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger-nose’ grille.

At the rear of the car, the upgraded Picanto gets a new black diffuser-effect panel integrated into the rear bumper, for a sportier, more sophisticated look.

Buyers can also choose an optional new 14-inch alloy wheel design and a bright new metallic paint finish, Dazzling Blue, to make the car stand out

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even more.

Inside, a new cloth upholstery pattern boosts the car’s youthful appeal, while, at the centre of the dashboard, a more modern fascia now surrounds the Picanto’s audio system. The driver’s standard instrument binnacle gets a larger LCD display for greater clarity on the move, while an optional Supervision instrument cluster replaces the conventional LCD gauge with a more modern, higher-resolution dot matrix LCD display.

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ADVERTORIAL

VIVA Partners with gVision to introduce Bahrain’s First rewards-Based recycling Programme

When it comes to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – VIVA Bahrain has taken things up a notch with its brand new innovative CSR initiative. Partnering up with GVision, the network has introduced a unique recycling project involving Reverse Vending Machines (RVM). Introduced for the first time in Bahrain by VIVA and GVision, the incentive-based recycling programme, offers great telecom benefits to VIVA postpaid and prepaid customers in return for their recycling efforts to help keep Bahrain clean.

Ulaiyan Al Wetaid, VIVA Bahrain CEO, said: “As a socially responsible company, we want to create awareness and drive change amongst the local community to actively contribute towards reducing and recycling waste for a sustainable tomorrow. By making recycling more accessible through the setting-up of RVMs in strategic locations, we trust this initiative can turn into a nation-wide recycling programme contributing to keeping Bahrain litter-free.”

Taking the CSR initiative forward, there will be installations of recycling vending machines in public areas where people can exchange plastic bottles and aluminium cans in return for reward vouchers offering telecom benefits from VIVA – sounds pretty neat to us! In total 1,000 machines will be strategically placed in locations across Bahrain, over the next three years.

Start saving your plastic bottles and aluminium cans now, because they’ll go a long way in keeping Bahrain clean and earning you some great rewards with VIVA. Mr. Ahmed Salman AL Musallam, Chairman of Green Vision, added: “Such a national project is an exemplary contribution towards the economical aspect of the vision set for 2030 and is an illustration of the governments’ support in line with the many signed regional and international environmental agreements.” Both VIVA and GVision are raising the standards and setting a new benchmark for environmental thinking and projects in Bahrain. We can’t wait to welcome the first of the RVMs – keep on the look out for your nearest one!

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ADVERTORIAL

VIVA Rewards i t s c u s t o m e r s w i th new P r o g r am m e VIVA is the first to introduce a rewards-based loyalty programme for its telecom customers which includes all postpaid and prepaid mobile and broadband subscribers, putting more smiles on customers’ faces...

VIVA customers are in for a treat as the telecommunications company is now offering a fantastic rewards programme to its customers. VIVA Rewards is the new loyalty rewards programme introduced to further enhance value and benefits for customers, and it’s an exciting way of thanking the network’s service users. VIVA’s new loyalty programme has a great structure that’s based on tiers, allowing subscribers to accumulate points in conjunction with their usage – i.e. the more you use VIVA’s services, the more points you get! Your points can then be redeemed for services like free VIVA to VIVA calls, SMS, international minutes, and additional data. All you have to do is enrol for free to earning points by using your mobile or data services. The programmes tier structure is done through various classifications; basic Bronze Level is earning up to 120 points; Silver Level is from 121 to 299 points; and when you’ve reached the 300 to 600 points, you’re on Gold Level – fun, right? But wait, there’s more. Anyone who reaches 601 points will have reached the highest Elite Level. All users have the flexibility to grow their tier level via their mobile or data transactions.

On the launch of the exciting VIVA Rewards, Eng Ulaiyan Al Wetaid, VIVA Bahrain CEO, said: “VIVA Rewards offers a platform for us to connect with our customers in a relevant, meaningful, and uniquely differentiated way. The introduction of VIVA Rewards is our way of saying thank you to our customers for being part of the VIVA family and offering them a chance to earn points for using our services in exchange for rewarding experiences.” VIVA is inviting all its customers to take advantage of its new loyalty program, to earn and save up your rewards points and use them towards experiencing VIVA services and offers – there’s no better time than now to be a VIVA subscriber!

To enrol for this rewarding programme, all what VIVA subscribers have to do is type ‘Rewards’ and send an SMS to 98833 or dial *98833# from their mobile. To check their redeemable points, customers have to either dial *98833*1# from their mobile or send via SMS the word ‘Points’ to 98833.

GO: Customers can access additional information on VIVA Rewards or sign in by visiting viva.com.bh/personal/rewards fact magazine

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PLUGGED-IN

THE SAMSUNG GALAXY S6 EDGE The new Galaxy Edge phones are the most important that Samsung have released in recent memory. This is because they represent the first completely new innovation from Samsung in a while, and something that no other phone offers, in the shape of its functional curved screen.

Not just a cosmetic change, although it does serve to make the phone look superb, the ‘edge’ of the screen also adds some functionality in accessing favourite contacts or apps by swiping down the side, as well as displaying notifications and updates, and much, much more. Samsung have really gone all out to make sure that the ‘edge’ screen isn’t just a skin-deep gimmick, but an integral part of the phone’s functionality.

In terms of storage and muscle, the S6 Edge boasts pretty much exactly the same as the normal S6, with a 2.1Ghz 8-core processor and a Quad HD Super AMOLED display.

The downside of these new generation Samsung phones is that the battery and memory cards are no longer interchangeable, so in terms of storage you’re stuck with what you bought, and if you want the extra space, you’ll have to spend the extra money from the outset. One area in which the new S6 phones have really outdone themselves is the camera – both the S6 AND S6 Edge now boasts excellent image quality both front and back and a range of new features that really make them stand out.

Verdict: Some might say that the Edge is a gimmick that you pay an unreasonably high premium for, considering you get almost exactly the same specs for significantly less on the standard S6. However, many people want, and are happy to pay for, premium, and that is certainly what you get with the S6 Edge. It looks better, feels better, and instantly impresses.

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SOCIETY

#vivA #MAnChEstEr #UnitEd #sOCCEr #sChOOls #2015 the seCond leg of the fIfth vIva manChester unIted soCCer sChools 2015 Program kICkedoff at the rIffa vIews footBall PItChes, wIth footBall try-outs ComPrIsIng of regIstered footBall enthusIasts to show off theIr footBall skIlls and ComPete In grouP matChes. the Program was judged By InternatIonal uefa qualIfIed CoaChes and the wInner wIll Be traIned at one of the Best soCCer traInIng CamPs In the world In manChester thIs year.

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PLUGGED-IN

APP-LICIOUS Today’s tech-savvy generation of smartphones and tablets means the world is at your fingertips, literally! FACT has three great apps to download for your device, keeping you plugged-in to all the best techie help for every area of life...

LIFESTYLE

COMMUNICATION VIVA

IFTTT – IF This Then That

This is a convenient and reliable app for people who are fasting during the Holy Month.

The app will keep you updated on the correct prayer timings throughout Ramadan. The great part is that you can access the Suhoor and Iftar times for more than 251 countries so even if you’re travelling, you’ll always be informed. All you need to do is select your country, set the alarm so that you never miss a prayer again.

Read supplications and salutations (Hadith and Dua) that are highly recommended to be recited during this special month including the Nights of Power (Laylat al-Qadr).

VIVA is one of the top telecommunication brands in Bahrain, and their app makes life easier for consumers. Manage your VIVA account with ease - be it bill payments, balance transfer, international credit transfer, add-ons activation, submitting service requests or locating your nearest VIVA store - it’s all just a click away. You can also monitor your unbilled charges, data usage and stay updated about latest products or offers by VIVA. All VIVA users, make sure to download this app now, it’s super convenient.

Not only does it have a pretty cool name, but IFTTT is a genius app. Create powerful connections with one powerful statement; for example, IF you post a photo on Instagram THEN share it on Facebook.

This way you automate this statement and whenever you post a picture or video on Instagram, it automatically gets posted on Facebook. So, go on and activate your social channels – services like Facebook, Dropbox, Gmail and many more. You’ll be amazed how much you can do with such a simple idea.

Ramadan 2015

CREATIVE

INSTAGRAM Connect with us on instagram @factmagazine and get a behind the scenes sneak peek at what the team is up to every month!

Stay connected and get FACT magazine on your phone or tablet. Get the latest issue at your fingertips, and enter the world of FACT whenever and wherever you are - just download the issuu.com app for more! fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#lACOstE #lAUnCh #PArty laCoste hosted a Party at elements Pool lounge, InterContInetal regenCy BahraIn. the regIon’s toP medIa, Bloggers and InfluenCers along wIth vIP guests were InvIted to CeleBrate the Brand’s motto ‘lIfe Is a BeautIful sPort’, wIth the exClusIve look of the new lt12 raCket. durIng the event attendees got to see the new ss15 ColleCtIon, try theIr hand at tennIs and watCh a lIve graffItI artIst whIle enjoyIng Beverages and CanaPés.

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RIVER ISLAND GO ES SU N NY S ID E U P

It’s June and the fashion stakes are heating up with River Island’s hot SS15 Campaign. fact magazine

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FASHION FOCUS

SUGAR , OXYG EN, G L A M AT H O N. . .

I

t’s one of our favourite high street brands that continuously offers great looks for all seasons.

And for Spring Summer 2015, River Island really went all out. Calling on the fashion big guns to shoot the SS15 ad campaign, the brand turned to photographer Emma Summerton with creative direction by Studio Blvd and on-point styling by Edward Enninful.

The sun-drenched campaign was shot in Palm Springs, California with models Ieva Laguna, Kai Newman, Simon Nessman and Nathaniel Visser. With super bright whites and sunny yellows, River Island’s SS15 collection is packed with fresh styles for a new season wardrobe overhaul.

For women, outfit ideas and inspiration is plenty. The Sugar Trend makes a comeback with bright pieces.

There’s pop art inspired accessories, slogan bags, jewelled sandals, metallic flats and trainers and lots of ice-cream palette choices.

The Oxygen Trend also comes to the forefront with a combination of tactile textures in a crisp palette of creams and whites, great for a wardrobe detox this season. Key to this look is soft tailoring, lightweight knits and sportier pieces.

Ladies who crave print and colour, River Island has you covered. Grab the sassy Glamathon look with block colour pieces, geometric prints and bold designs, 72

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perfect for summer festival fun. Orange and blue are massive colours this season! There’s also the fun 70s denim style. All of these trends round off a sleek collection for women.

For all the trendy men out there, it’s time to get out with the old and in with the new. River Island’s SS15 collection for the boys starts off by helping you nail your Ivy League style. Cropped, pleated trousers, textured knits and a classic blue palette are modernised with ombre dye shirts and co-ord sets.

If you prefer vintage American, pick up the staple jeans and bomber jackets from the Rumblefish trend – sure to turn heads at any summer gathering.

If you’re looking to step away from the dark side, embracing the all-white palette should be right up your style street. Blissed out whites; light greys and touches of metallic silver will help you reinvent your summer essentials. Going opposites, if you’re more of an all-black-everything kind of guy, you’ll love the youthful baseball shirts and joggers in luxe fabrics and textures. Men, that’s your summer season covered.

GO: SHOP RIVER ISLAND AT CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN.

IV Y LEAGUE , RU M BLE F I S H ... fact magazine

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FASHION FOCUS

SHOP THE BRAND HERE IS OUR WISHLIST FROM RIVER ISLAND’S SPRING/SUMMER 2015 COLLECTION.

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for her

for him

RIVER ISLAND’S SS15 WOMEN’S COLLECTION IS PACKED WITH FRESH STYLES FOR A NEW SEASON WARDROBE OVERHAUL.

FOR ALL THE TRENDY MEN OUT THERE, IT’S TIME TO GET OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW.

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SOCIETY

#AniMAniA #COnvEntiOn #2015 the BIggest anIme and gamIng ConventIon, anImanIa took PlaCe at the BahraIn InternatIonal CIrCuIt. the event saw anIme enthusIasts dressed uP and In Costume to enjoy a fun-fIlled, aCtIvIty-PaCked atmosPhere. guests vIsIted eaCh Corner of the ConventIon to get the whole exPerIenCe. there were more than 5000 PeoPle who attended thIs ConventIon.

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STYLE

BHS DRESS

MISS SELFRIDGE SUNGLASSES

BLUE

MISS SELFRIDGE SCARF

Harmony BLUE IS AN ENIGMATIC COLOUR THAT ADDS A SOPHISTICATED PUNCH TO BLAZERS AND BLOUSES, BUT IS ELECTRIC AND PLAYFUL WITH ACCESSORIES LIKE STATEMENT JEWELLERY. SAY BYE BYE TO GLOOMY HUES, AND INVITE THIS POP OF COLOURAND INTO YOUR WARDROBE.

MISS SELFRIDGE PEPLUM TOP

M&CO NECKLACE

MONSOON BAG

BHS BLAZER

MONSOON SHOES

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SOCIETY

#MAssiMO #dUtti #MUst-hAvE #COllECtiOn massImo duttI launChed Its exClusIve must have ColleCtIon from Its sPrIng summer 2015 lIne to the medIa, Bloggers, soCIal medIa InfluenCers, as well as to the Brand’s loyal Customers. the guests were welComed By kuwaIt’s most admIred soCIal medIa InfluenCers hassan al mosawI and yalda golsharIfI wIth the aPPearanCe of a sPeCIal guest asCIa akfa kuwaItI fashIon Blogger who also Pleased the attendees wIth her PresenCe. 78

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STYLE

MARKS & SPENCER JUMPER MARKS & SPENCER SHIRT

NEXT SUNGLASSES

TRUE Blue

BOLD AND BRIGHT COLORUS ARE NOT JUST FOR THE LADIES, THE GUYS CAN ROCK THEM TOO. FROM SCHOOLYARD ROYAL BLUE TO CLASSIC NAVY AND THE CLEAR SKY BLUE, ALL SHADES OF BLUE ARE SEEN THIS SEASON. SUCH A FUN, BRIGHT COLOUR TO PUT ON AND MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION.

DEBENHAMS SHORTS

NEXT T-SHIRT

MARKS & SPENCER SHOES

MARKS & SPENCER HAT

ZARA BAG fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#wAilErs #PErFOrM #livE Coral Bay welComed the summer season, wIth none other than the orIgInal BoB marley Band, the waIlers. havIng sold over 250 mIllIon alBums worldwIde wIth BoB marley, the waIlers are one of the most reCognIzed reggae Bands In the world. waIlers Performed lIve In a fantastIC, soulful reggae settIng wIth Cool vIBes and groovy tunes.

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GIFT GUIDE

Father’s Day Gift Guide

FATHERS DAY IS COMING UP! HAVE YOU BOUGHT A GIFT FOR YOUR DAD? IF NOT, WE BRING YOU SOME STYLISH OPTIONS THAT YOU CAN PRESESNT YOUR POPS WITH ON THIS VERY SPECIAL DAY.

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01. CH CAROLINA HERRERA 02. MONT BLANC 03. LOUIS VUITTON 04. LOUIS VUITTON 05. ARMIN STORM 06. MERCEDEZ-BENZ 07. CH CAROLINA HERRERA 08. CH CAROLINA HERRERA 09. LACOSTE fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#AlhAwAJ #CrEdiMAX #3hOtdAys three luCky wInners of al hawaj and CredImax’s ‘3 hot days’ Promo reCeIved theIr Cash PrIzes at al hawaj salmanIya. Present on the oCCasIon were al hawaj’s ChaIrman and managIng dIreCtor, jawad al hawaj, general manager aBdul wahaB al hawaj, CredImax senIor manager, head of merChant servICes and sales, amIra IsmaIl, al hawaj oPeratIons manager shyam narayanan and retaIl manager hazem elrazek, along wIth the wInners.

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BEAUTY

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BEAUTY

CHECKLIST

HAVE YOU STOCKED UP ON THE BRAND NEW PRODUCTS FROM THE WORLD OF BEAUTY? FACT BRINGS YOU A NEW LIST OF BEAUTY ESSENTIALS EVERY MONTH. SO LADIES, WHAT IS ON YOUR CHECKLIST THIS MONTH? MAKE SURE TO TICK THEM ALL OFF…

CLARINS

L’OCCITANE

SuPeR ReSToRATIVe ToTAl eye CoNCeNTRATe

youTHFul Body VelVeT BAlM

Clarins highly effective formula replenishes, fights wrinkles, under-eye puffiness and dark circles.

The texture is exceptional, with immediate results. Enriched with cassie flower wax, it offers an instant tightening effect. In addition, it also facilitates make-up application. Refreshing and comforting, it leaves the eyes wonderfully soothed.

The L’Occitane laboratory created the new youth complex, which acts on five signs of aging on the body; dryness, skin slackening, lack of tonicity, fine lines and skin irregularities. The enveloping melting texture feels wonderfully rich on the skin, providing an immediate sensation of comfort. This product is a must-have!

Nothing spells understated glamour more than a flawless nude look on the eye. The shades, whether from the beige or pink palette, in matte or pearly finishes, work universally to look fabulous on all women across a range of skin tones and textures. This inventive palette, beige or pink, allows you to create1001 nude looks for your eyes.

MARC JACOBS

NARCISO

RIMMEL

CUT HERE

SuMMeR ColleCTIoN – le MARC This summer, Marc Jacobs Beauty unveiled its new collection, and is focusing on lips and the art of contouring. Le Marc is a long-lasting cream lipstick with ultra-concentrated pigments.

Glamourous lips, intense colour and long-lasting staying power without dryness. Le Marc is available in 18 intense shades; this collection was inspired by Marc Jacobs world of Muses.

eAu de ToIleTTe NARCISO eau de toilette celebrates a new facet of seductive femininity with an irresistible olfactory composition. Bright top notes of white peony meld with Bulgarian rose to compose a heady white floral bouquet that transforms the signature muse into a crystalline yet sensual heart.

Enhanced by voluptuous woody accords -this perfume is mesmerizing!

L’OREAL PARIS ColoR RICHe lA PAleTTe Nude

exAggeRATe SMoke N’ SHINe lINeR Take your eye-look to an extreme level. This automatic pencil eyeliner delivers an effortless streak of super-saturated, luminous colour with a shiny gel-like finish. Choose from four intense, fashion-forward shades – Little Black Smokey, Copper Bling, Purple Craze, and Blue Steel – for peepers that POP! fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#MEXiCAn #FEstivAl #At #gUlF #hOtEl #BAhrAin margarIta mexICana at the gulf hotel BahraIn hosts the mexICan food and Cultural festIval, BrIngIng the sIzzle and sPICe of true mexICan CuIsIne and 14 entertaIners flown In from mexICo. the mexICan festIval Is ongoIng untIl june 9. a Press ConferenCe was held to announCe the detaIls of the festIval. the mexICan Buffet InCludes everythIng from freshly grIlled steaks, ChICken and other tradItIonal refreshments.

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LAKELAND ADVERTORIAL

Family Fun Whether it’s a garden party, bbq, or an afternoon outdoors, these games will have you covered.

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SHOP ALL THE LATEST ITEMS FROM LAKELAND AT CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN, LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR. CALL 1717 9810 FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#sAtUrdAy #BrUnCh #At #lAvinOtECA #BArCElOnA the ComBIned saturday BrunCh of la vInoteCa BarCelona and CafĂŠ amsterdam Is a ComBInatIon BrunCh lIke no other, wIth order as muCh as you lIke all you Can eat a la Carte taPas seleCtIons from la vInoteCa BarCelona and a la Carte Breakfast oPtIons from Cafe amsterdam!

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LAKELAND ADVERTORIAL

Summer lovin’ Stay cool with popsicles, ice lollies and other cool foodie bits this season.

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SHOP ALL THE LATEST ITEMS FROM LAKELAND AT CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN, LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR. CALL 1717 9810 FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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RAMADAN

arabic desserts for dummies RAMADAN IS THE PERFECT TIME TO TUCK INTO DELICIOUS ARABIC SWEETS, BUT MOST PEOPLE MAY NOT ACTUALLY KNOW WHAT ALL THE DIFFERENT TASTY TREATS ARE. FACT HAS ROUNDED UP SOME OF THE POPULAR CHOICES YOU’RE LIKELY TO FIND FOR IFTAR, AROUND BAHRAIN…

Kunafa

Qatayef

MaaMoul

One of our absolute faves, Kunafa is the Middle Eastern version of Cheese Danish. It’s popular across the Levant region and Turkey, and especially favoured during Ramadan. Kunafa is prepared with wheat and topped with raisins, nuts and cream, though ingredients can be substituted with other dry nuts, spices and sometimes cheese, too. Sounds delicious, right? It is!

Filled with cheese or nuts, this delicious Ramadan dessert is relished almost daily during the Holy Month, so you’re

A traditional Lebanese sweet bound with butter, orange blossom water and rose water, which on the inside is packed

most Iftar gatherings. This delectable confection consists of a delightful fried pastry covered with sugar syrup. Ricotta

buttered dates or walnuts. Topped with a delicious crumbly crust, the sticky sweet centre is complemented well. Maamoul is one Arabic dessert that we’ll be tucking into, more, this Ramadan! So, if you spot it at dessert time, like us, don’t hold back.

BaKlava

BasBousa

MuhallaBia

The Turkish specialty, Baklava, is layers

Egyptian Basbousa is a popular dessert

walnuts and pistachios, and drenched in mouthwatering syrup (always a yummy choice!). Baklava is a Ramadan essential when it comes to dessert time during the Holy Month, and, with a variety of

Widely eaten in Morocco, and one of the region’s signature milk puddings, Muhallabia is usually made with ground

syrup, decorated with almonds, and cut in diamond shapes. After the baking is done, each piece is soaked in the chosen syrup (we’re drooling just thinking about it!). For

from chocolate, orange, and apricot, and topped with crunchy nuts. If you love a

as it usually leaves you craving for more.

fat recipes for Basbousa too, winner!

perfect Arabic dessert for you.

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favourite and highly recommended for

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SOCIETY

#tAMKEEn #MEdiA #trAining #PrOgrAMME tamkeen and twofour54째 tadreeB, the medIa traInIng aCademy, Partnered to launCh a unIque traInIng Programme aImed at develoPIng the skIlls of young BahraInI natIonals to helP them Craft a Career In the CreatIve IndustrIes. the Programme offers sIx months of sPeCIalIsed traInIng Courses aCross graPhIC desIgn delIvered By hIghly-qualIfIed BIlIngual InstruCtors wIth many years of exPerIenCe In resPeCted medIa organIsatIons.

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“It’s not a signature dish for me, it is the signature approach. It’s not that one dish that makes you stand out, but it’s the entire thought process of food and the restaurant that gives one the edge.”

Indian Culinary Art With a focused dream of bringing Indian Cuisine to the top of the table, Michelin-Starred Chef Vineet Bhatia showed that Uttapa can be fused with Lasagna to create a dish like never before. The FACT team was excited, not only to taste his creations, but to also have a sit down with the world-famous chef at his new Bahrain restaurant – Rasoi By Vineet, at The Gulf Hotel. Here, he talks food, spices and reminisces his journey into cooking…

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CHEF’S TABLE

“Evolved Indian or Progressive Indian is the term I would use for my style of cooking. If you eat with your eyes closed, it is India on your palette. If you look at it, it is very modern and in European style,”

C

hef Vineet Bhatia started cooking at the age of 17.

Eager for knowledge; he spent 24/7 cooking and learning. But was being a chef his first career choice? “Chef happened by mistake,” he says. “I wanted to become a pilot when I was a kid. I gave my NDA exams, passed my theory, but failed the medical because I was short in height. They offered me Army and Navy, but I declined it,” he recalls.

Luckily for Indian cuisine lovers, this led to Chef Vineet heading to hotel school to learn how to become a bartender. “I got rejected for being too short to stand behind the bar, so they put me in the kitchen,” he shares. “I went into 92

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the kitchen in 1985 and fell in love with it.” That’s where his beautiful journey as a chef began.

His ethos of doing something unique and spectacular by translating authentically Indian fare into something contemporary, takes Indian cuisine to new heights. Each dish on the menu is a creative fusion.

He says: “Evolved Indian or Progressive Indian is the term I would use for my style of cooking. If you eat with your eyes closed, it is India on your palette. If you look at it, it is very modern and in European style,” Chef Vineet explains.

Ready to start the culinary journey with Chef Vineet, our meal began with a south-Indian lamb creation and a street-style Mumbai chaat. Chef Vineet

Menu Almond Tikki Malabari Magic Sambhar Podi Lobster Gulabi Gulab Chocolate-Chikki

prepared and served each dish to us, a lovely gesture that made the experience all the more special. The aromatic masala fragrance drifted through the air as the Malabari lamb dish came to our table. In front of us was typical coastal spices and flavours infused in diced meat, served with minced lamb-coconut tikki – mildy spiced. Going to the west of India, The Almond Tikki is a crispy, almondcrusted, green-pea tikki paired with chickpeas that takes you directly to the Mumbai Chaat scene. The flawless blend of hot and cold with a dash of salt and spice gives it a tangy zest.

As Chef Vineet adds the final touch to our main course dish, Sambhar Podi Lobster; which looks so good, we asked him how he chooses the spices to use in each dish. “There’s a golden rule, if you have a rich lamb dish with lots of flavour, you need heavier spices; add cloves,

carom seeds, cinnamon, and black pepper,” he explains. “For a lighter dish or meat, use fenugreek, saffron, and cardamom, which are light spices.”

We finished the lobster dish with gusto – it was divine. Submerged in exotic South Indian Spices paired with flavourful lemon-peanut rice, beetroot moilee and coconut-coriander chutney, this was a refreshing and very well spiced dish. When it comes to cooking practices, the lobster was prepared to perfection and every ingredient was an absolute treat for our taste buds.

At this point, we were curious to know what the most underrated ingredient is for Chef Vineet. “I guess ginger is underrated,” he says. “It can be used to add that typical flavour to any dish. It can be poured into syrups, ice creams, kebabs, marinades or biryani. Can be used in puree form, as ginger oil, or to prepare desserts and mocktails.

“For example, to prepare a mojito crush ginger, mint and lychee, then add brown sugar and soda water; and you’re good to go,” he adds. We’ll be trying this at home!

Moving onto desserts, we loved the gulabi gulab, it was by far the best rose flavoured dessert we had every tried. The pink cheesecake with gulab jamun in it was to-die-for. Then came something

special, the chocolate-chikki! A little fun fact for you all – this was the last dish served on the final Concord journey when the plane flew from New York to London – what a privilege to try it?! The saffron caviar, and choco-rose soil with the chikki was a completely delightful dessert – one that we’ll remember for a long time.

We can understand why Chef Vineet Bhatia is one of the best in the food game - this was by far one of the finest meals we have had in a long time. If you want to enjoy the same culinary magnificence and warm hospitality, head down to Rasoi by Vineet at The Gulf Hotel, today.

GO: VISIT RASOI BY VINEET AT THE GULF HOTEL. CALL 1771 3000 FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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Q&A

the chef talks You are the first Indian Michelin Starred chef. How do you feel about it?

It came as a surprise; it didn’t sink in for a while. Winning this award in 2001 changed things, people wanted to know the why, what, who and where. The whole focus turned on the food and that’s exactly what we wanted. It wasn’t about me, it was about the food. We always wanted to put Indian Cuisine at the top of the podium, not number 3 or 4. In the Olympic one wants the Gold award, and that’s exactly what I wanted for Indian food.

What do you consider the highlight of your career till date?

Opening Rasoi in London in 2004! It was the highlight because we put our house to the bank as collateral to raise funds; we had no money. If this decision of opening the restaurant would have back fired, the house would have gone. It was a gamble we took, we had no option; it was the question of survival for us. I never thought we would open 12 restaurants in the next 11 years. It’s been a tough ride.

Keeping the focus still on and not losing it. After achieving so much its important to stay grounded. I am not a businessman, entrepreneur or maverick – I am a cook and that’s what I do best. Food and tableware is what I love, it’s all my selection.

How do you pick your team?

I handpick and I feel that the team is very important. We make sure the main team in each restaurant always comes from within the existing kitchen. I have never gone out and poached anybody in my life. Lot of my team has been poached, the weak ones leave first. The good ones remain.

Manpower Management is very important; you have to be a good leader. You can be a great chef but if you cannot manage your team well, it’s hard to succeed. With that I also mean, give them the respect, the growth pattern and the training they need. Culinary degree is not important. I look just 7 seconds in the eyes and you know it instantly.

What is your Favourite Dish?

Chocolate Samosa, it’s crispy and when you bite into it there is warm chocolate inside which is very luxurious. It has a sensuous feel to it; something you will enjoy, lingers in your mouth and chocolate is liked by majority. Although it is fried it is not oily. The taste of this dish according to me is a very satisfying feel in your mouth. If you end your meal on a good note you will remember it very well. We tell our staff that when people dine in our restaurant, we want our guest to leave with a wow factor; design service or food, they have to go back with a certain memory. It makes me happy when they have that one memory 94

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RAPID FIRE

FRIED EGG, OMELETTE, OR SCRAMBLED? Omelette, because its difficult to make.

Salt, whipped egg and a hot pan, that’s what you need. The challenge is to make it fluffy and not thin. That’s why it’s difficult.

That’s the first thing I learned in Oberoi.

CRÈME BRULE OR GAJAR KA HALWA? Gajar ka Halwa.

YOUR MIDNIGHT MUNCHIES DISH… Bowl of yellow dal and yougurt.

YOUR PERFECT DINNER MENU… Home smoked Tandoori Salmon, Ginger tandoori Lamb Chops and Chocolate Samosa.

FAVE INDIAN DISH Mumbai Chaat; Pani Puri, Sev Puri and Bombay Sandwich is a must.

FAVE CUISINE… Besides Indian, Japanese – any sushi!

YOUR IDEAL DINNER DATE SCENARIO… Me and my wife, sitting on a beach and me cooking fish for her.

ANY CHEF THAT INSPIRES YOU..

In terms of role model, it is Alaine Ducasse.

HOBBY OTHER THAN COOKING… Travelling and Photography.

WHICH INDIAN STATE IS YOUR FAVE CUISINE FROM? South Indian food, I love it.

A CURRENT FAVE COOKING TREND? Healthy Organic food.

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN BAHRAIN… La Fontaine, I fell in love with the place.

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SOCIETY

#MAX #stOrE #rE-OPEning the fashIon aPParel store max re-oPened Its newly renovated store at CIty Centre BahraIn. In the mIdst of grand CeleBratIon, the rIBBon-CuttIng was done By anIl d’sIlva – max ConCePt manager and vIkas attrI – Ceo of al rashId grouP.

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A Mediterranean Food Journey There’s a new foodie hotspot in town, bringing Mediterranean flavours to Bahrain’s eclectic dining scene. FACT went to savour all that Nicole’s Mediterranean Restaurant and Lounge has to offer…

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VENUE REVIEW

W

henever a new eatery opens its doors in Bahrain, the FACT team is immediately eager to check it out; after all, Block 338 is one of Bahrain’s most popular foodie areas with so many restaurants, lounges, and cafes to choose from. And one thing we’ve learned from the hospitality market here is that a strong concept and tons of passion are both key ingredients to making the food business work. Nicole’s definitely has this. It is the brainchild of husband-andwife-team, Fadi and Denise Kfoury, and is named after their daughter Nicole.

On first impressions, it’s the colourful façade that will draw your attention; bright blues, oranges, and yellows, as well as the Cycladic-style architecture are all elements reminiscent of the elegant dwellings found on Mykonos.

This is what we love about Nicole’s, the concept is clear and the attention to detail is striking. Inside you’ll find a lovely restaurant divided into three areas; dine on the Italian coast, the French Riviera or the Lebanese mountains. Each section has different interiors, from the furnishings to the beautiful wall art; everything reflects the region that is being represented. Oh and did we mention that there’s a fabulous Santorini-style rooftop, great for tapas and 98

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“On first impressions, it’s the colourful façade that will draw your attention; bright blues, oranges, and yellows, as well as the Cycladicstyle architecture...”

drinks, especially in cooler climes? – Bonus!

Nicole’s serves Italian, French, Greek, Lebanese and Spanish cuisine with an original twist by the Cordon Bleu chef, Valter Piergiovanni (how’s that for Mediterranean?). On this occasion we decided to try some of Mr Fadi and Chef Valter Piergiovanni’s recommendations – both are incredibly knowledgeable about the restaurant’s ingredients and cooking practices.

VENUE REVIEW

For starters out comes salmon and tuna tartar with papaya, mango and wasabi air; shrimps and papaya salad; and beef carpaccio with black truffle and parmesan flakes. The fish tartar was an absolute standout – fresh, colourful, packed with flavour – the use of avocado and mango is exquisite. The beef carpaccio also has us saying “delicious!” – we were impressed with the use of real truffle (and not just truffle oil), which enhanced the taste, beautifully, with the meat and parmesan – an all-round excellent dish.

For mains we had a vegetarian platter; yellowfin tuna in white sesame crust with sauté fennel and saffron sauce; and beef steak with porcini mushrooms, spinach puree, parmesan flakes and rucola salad.

The mains were so fresh and perfectly cooked, and had simplistic yet wholesome flavour, so pleasing that we were able to enjoy every last bite.

We would highly recommend the

“Expect a warm, family atmosphere with charming surroundings and friendly, efficient service at Nicole’s. Highquality, fresh fare and generous portions...” veggie platter for sharing. It’s made up of tofu, beetroot, eggplant, asparagus, green beans, mix peppers, radicchio, Belgium endive, rucola and purple potatoes.

There were three sauces to go with each ingredient of the dish too. The beef steak was mouthwatering, cooked to medium preference – it was quite clear that the meat was very good quality.

These delectable dishes were so good we wanted more on the plate. We munched all the mains down with gusto, excited to see if the desserts were as impressive.

A few minutes later, out came the classic Italian Tiramisu; the coconut cylinder filled orange cream (cannoli); and the chcoclate and hazlenut parfait. We love a bit of flair for presentation, and these certainly ticked that box. Each dessert was well-crafted to satisfy all the different demanding palettes around our table – scrumptious!

Expect a warm, family atmosphere with charming surroundings and friendly, efficient service at Nicole’s. High-quality, fresh fare and generous portions make this a haven for foodies who want to be transported to the Mediterranean for an enjoyable dining experience.

GO: VIST NICOLE’S MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT & LOUNGE IN BLOCK 338, ADLIYA. CALL 3514 0504 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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ITALY ON

A PLATE ITALIAN FOOD IS SIMPLE AND CAN BE ENJOYED BY EVERYONE. THE CUISINE IS VIBRANT, DELICIOUS AND DIVERSE; AND ESPECIALLY GREAT FOR SHARING WITH YOUR NEAREST AND DEAREST. NOW, YOU CAN TAKE A TRIP TO ITALY AT THE STUNNING PRIMAVERA AT THE RITZCARLTON BAHRAIN, HOTEL & SPA. THE RESTAURANT’S AUTHENTIC MENU AND EXCELLENT SERVICE ARE JUST TWO REASONS WHY YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH FOOD ALL OVER AGAIN…

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FOODIE CORNER

PRIMAVERA IS KNOWN FOR ITS TRADITIONAL ITALIAN FARE AND INNOVATIVE COOKING METHODS. IT HAS NEVER DISAPPOINTED US, EVERY TIME WE’VE VISITED. SO, IMAGINE OUR EXCITEMENT WHEN WE HEARD ABOUT ITS BRAND-NEW MENU? THE WELCOMING STAFF, THE KNOWLEDGEABLE CHEFS, THE RELAXED AMBIENCE, AND THE BEAUTIFUL DÉCOR AND TABLEWARE – ALL WAS AUTENTICO ITALIANO! 102 fact magazine

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rimavera is like home, and the hospitality of the staff, especially the friendly Restaurant Manager Beatrice; is what makes it so. It’s these small things that add an exclusive touch to the dining experience here.

Celebrating the spring season, fresh Basil plants are placed on each table (swoosh your hand through the plant to get the lovely aroma). A special mention of the amazing tableware is a must; FYI we love the cute elephants, frogs, fish and birds on each handmade ceramic plate. All the tableware is colourful and quirky, adding a more laid-back vibe, unlike any other that you’d usually get at a fine-dining venue. And this is what Primavera is going for.

The new menu looked so delicious that we wanted to try everything!

Beatrice and Chef Alphonso carefully selected a three-course meal; we were in for a treat! After enjoying a plate of several delicious antipasti, main-course and dessert, deciding what to recommend has been a task, because each dish had uniqueness. Tuna never

FOODIE CORNER

tasted as fresh as this one, nor had we tried such perfectly cooked octopus. But, we managed to narrow it down to the absolute musthaves; here are our recommendations, get ready…

Our Recommendations You have to start with the exquisite tuna carpaccio with pasta salad and basil yogurt – it’s simply wonderful. Healthy and light; the tuna is the freshest we’ve had in Bahrain and melts in the mouth. The basil yogurt is an innovative component that tastes delicious. If veal is what you fancy, the Vitello Tonnato is a must try. An elegantly presented dish of cold, succulent veal with rich tuna mayonnaise that imparts a contrast of texture and flavour to the dish – we loved it! Another dish we couldn’t get enough of was the grilled baby Octopus. We were surprised too. Many get Octopus wrong and it can be very chewy. Not here. This dish is flavourful and lightly grilled, making it tender and delectable to taste. Moving onto

the main-course, Ravioli capresiripieni di caciotta was the clear winner. We couldn’t stop drooling over the caciotta cheese-filled ravioli drenched in tangy tomato sauce; the texture and flavours of the dish were beautiful. This is culinary creativity at its best. The Linguine all’astice was not far behind. Chunks of lobster on thick linguini noodles with zesty cherry tomato sauce – divine!

Desserts were just as inventive as the rest of the meal. Led by the untouchable Cioccolato in cinque which is a sinful five layers of chocolate with liquorice semifreddo - a choco-lovers dream (and the best kind of sin!). The ones who don’t fancy chocolate must try the Pastiera Napoletana, a Neapolitan tart with ricotta ice cream – scrumptious to say the least.

We were happily full at the end of this yummy meal. A lunch that included great food, a beautiful ambience, superb hospitality and many memorable moments – this was a real taste of traditional Italian cooking, and we loved every second.

GO: Primavera is at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa. Call 1758 0000 for more reservations and more information. fact magazine

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PEP TALK

Working Out During Ramadan

Ramadan: A Blessed Time

Yvonne Cole, Personal Trainer, believes that when you eat clean, train hard and trust the process, your consistency and patience pays off…

Christal Dennis, Personal Performance Coach and Hypnotherapist, is dedicated to helping people overcome life’s hurdles and tapping into their deepest potential...

Ramadan will soon be upon us and for those of you that will be participating here are a few tips on keeping up with your health and fitness goals throughout the Holy Month.

Keep Working out Many of my clients booked their training slots a few months ago as they have learnt that keeping up with their fitness will preserve their fitness level.

Plan Ahead Make sure you have nutritious food around. Start with something like Harira or Lentil soup with some dates and lots of water Intensity As your carbohydrate levels have been depleted it is normal that you will not have as much energy so decreasing your training intensity is very important. This could be by cutting down the amount of weights you’re lifting or cutting down your cardio.

Adjust Your Workout Times Try and adjust the times you workout closer to when you’ve eaten or are about to eat. This way if you workout just before fast is broken you can replace your energy reserves.

Muslims are so lucky to have the Holy Month of Ramadan. The reason I think so is not just because of the sense of community and family that is fostered during this time but also for the massive potential for transformation it presents.

What keeps most of us from reaching our true potential is all the addictions we hold on to. Some of these addictions are so part of our lives that we can easily deny their existence. The addictions I’m talking about here are things like food, smoking and television. Of course the list is much longer than this.

Did you notice that when you are fasting all kinds of emotions come up? I would say the most noticeable emotion is anger, because we see people losing their tempers in places like on the road in traffic. Now this could be a bad thing if we don’t recognize what it means for our personal growth.

See, when you get angry for example, we automatically assume that it is because of the person that just cut us off. What is really going on

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That Evening Meal Even though Ramadan is a month of fasting a lot of people actually gain weight in this period this is because most people over indulge with all the wrong foods. Drink at least eight glasses of water in the non-fasting hours; add fresh fruit and make sure the meat you eat is lean.

I hope you find these few tips helpful and make this Ramadan season happy, healthy and fit.

GO: Email ymcfitness@gmail.com or call 3935 9105 for more information.

is that the anger you are experiencing has been in you all along, and some kind person has just helped you bring it to the surface.

The best thing you can do when any strong emotion comes up is thank whatever has helped bring the emotion to the surface, and then sit with the emotion that has come up. Feel it fully. Acknowledge its presence and listen to what it has to say to you. You can be pleasantly surprised with the wonderful things it can bring into your life. You can find the entire process in the site www.focusingresources.com.

Have a blessed Ramadan.

GO: For a personal consultation call 3669 6666.

PEP TALK

Ramadan Realities

The Social Media Types

iF yOU’re WOndering What the WOrd On the street is, the cOUntry’s OWn BLOnde in Bahr ain, geOrgina Jannsen, has her Finger On the PULse. this MOnth she’s discUssing the hOLy MOnth…

Marina Smera

Georgina Jennsen Georgina Jennsen is the blogger behind the popular lifestyle blog, Blonde in Bahrain.

Georgina loves all things beautiful and luxurious.

While doing a little online pre-reading on the topic of Ramadan for this month’s column, I came across this gem. “Among Muslims each person can see the difference in his personality as the days pass in the month of Ramadan.”

Can I just say, it’s not only among Muslims that you can see personalities shift. As the month progresses, I pretty much cover the whole gamut of emotions available to womankind.

It starts with confusion. I know that there’s something I shouldn’t be doing during the day in public, but what it is, sometimes slips my mind.

Talking on the phone? Or just talking full stop? It always takes a few days to get my head around this one. Next comes frustration.

Why is everyone driving so fast? Why can’t I get my favourite iced skinny cinnamon soy latte when I want it (e.g. now!) But all the while, there’s admiration. For those, who fast without complaint, and continue their day with a smile on their face and love in their heart. Wishing you all many smiles and much love this Ramadan.

#rain#cosy#romanticmood#tea Wow, it’s raining outside, traffic jam, umbrellas, picture of the rain drops on a window with the most suitable filter applied.. romantically blurred. This must be my weather forecast guru.

If it snows, rains, hurricane Katrina is approaching or the UV index is higher than normal, he will inform the nation. He will make sure to post how many drops of rain can fill up a bucket and which speed should the wind have to lift my skirt in a charming Marilyn Monroe style. #Obama#Putin#Parrot#Wonderland Next post comes from my political/social/environmental correspondent on Facebook. Hundreds of headlines are being shared on his wall: “Obama bought a massive mansion in Moscow where he intends to spend his long winters having shots with Putin”, “Airline Pet Policy – Only parrots & other birds are allowed on board. What follows is an awkward monologue, then a debate with another friend and after 276 comments they will agree to buy a parrot and fly to Wonderland together. #victoriassecret#buckwheat#vegan#size0 Two minutes later, my friend with a rubenesque allure but obsessed with Adriana Lima and other victorian angels is sharing a vegan recipe and I will finally learn how to prepare buckwheat steak garnished with spongy kale and sprinkled with almond flakes. Yummy, what a feast! I rarely see pictures of her,she prefers to hide her complexes behind these trendy posts. #celebrity#party#socialite Mr. Socialite just posted a pic from last week’s party. He’s surrounded by all these girls and I think I even see my good friend Freddie somewhere in the background. I must mention, I have no idea where I met this guy but he’s just omnipresent.

-Freddie, you also have this guy on Facebook? Who is he? Yes, I have him. But to be honest, no idea who he is… fact magazine

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Peter Lyons

General Manager, Bahrain Family Leisure Company

island insider

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR PLANS FOR GROWTH AT BFLC?

RECOMMEND THREE FOODIE HOTSPOTS TO TRY IN BAHRAIN?

We are currently looking for new sites that support our growth and aim, to develop home grown concepts capable of competing in the regional market place. Our current two home grown concepts Bayti and Cucina Italiana are doing very well and there are possibilities of second sites for both of these brands. Our franchise outlet – Bennigans is performing very well and we are actively searching for a suitable second location to grow the reach of this great restaurant. In addition we have a number of possibilities with new concepts in early development stages that may come to fruition if we can secure the right location – it’s all about the location.

Hospitality jobs rarely give you the opportunity to have an active social life – but on those rare occasions I have a few places I like to frequent that hit the spot. First has to be David’s Stir Fry Crazy - the food is divine, authentic and David is always on call giving his touch of real hospitality. I’ve recently discovered Oishi Sushi in Juffair – a small place but it has the most amazing street sushi served or delivered. Finally I had the pleasure of meeting Wolfgang Puck recently at his new restaurant “Cut” It may be on the expensive side but having Michelin quality food in Bahrain is a massive step forward for the Island’s culinary scene.

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WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR?

2015 is becoming a very busy one for me, which is great as I’m not one to take the chilled approach. I’m in the process of finishing my first book – A method in the Madness – a training methodology book for hospitality professionals, something of a passion of mine.

This year I have finally made the decision to hire a personal trainer to get me in super shape – honestly it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

From a professional level in BFLC – My main passion is to continue to develop concept. I am, at heart, a creative mind and I just love planning a restaurant concept from drawing board to fruition.

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