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F1 Returns To The Kingdom!

Must-Try Outdoor Activities In Bahrain

More Practical, Still Playful

CONTENTS

80 96 102 A New Chapter In Oriental Elegance

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Moon Over Samarkand

Blending Art And Heritage

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• THE EDITOR

Stepping Out

“

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

inally, the weather is on our side. With cooler days and more sunshine to enjoy, there’s no better excuse to get out and see a different side of Bahrain. This month, our cover story rounds up some of the island’s must-try outdoor activities, from rock climbing and falconry to off-roading and water sports. And there’s no shortage of reasons to head out this month. Our calendar

is packed with events, from comedy and crafts to anime and fintech, and everything in between. Formula 1 fans have even more to look forward to, with Bahrain confirmed as the 2027 season opener, alongside pre-season testing and its first Sprint Race weekend. Registration is also open for the Bahrain Touring Car Challenge, while November brings the return of the Royal Bahrain Concours. Culture gets its turn too, with an evening of classical music at the Bahrain National Theatre, an exhibition inspired by Arabic poetry and our interview with Bahraini artist Mahmood Mohamed. Plus, Primark has finally arrived at City Centre Bahrain (yay!), so it's time to treat yourself to a little shopping spree! Cooler weather also calls for long, lazy brunches, and our second feature has you covered. From family-friendly favourites to leisurely Friday and Saturday spreads, we’ve rounded up our top picks. And if all that brunch talk has left you hungry, our dining pages have plenty more to tempt you, from Oriental elegance at China Garden and Persian flavours at Golestan to Legendz SteakHouse’s new Sit Down Brunch and breakfast at CaféCAFÉ. We also meet three names making their mark on Bahrain’s hospitality scene: Hussain Al Samahiji of The K Hotel, Ali Salah Alkhaja of The Don Steakhouse & Grills and Executive Chef Marwan Slim of Aqua Vista Bahrain. Over in motoring, we get behind the wheel of the practical and playful MINI Cooper S 5-Door, and bring you details of two new international launches – the first fully electric all-new Bentley Torcal and Genesis introduces its first full-size flagship SUV, the GV90. Meanwhile, for a change of scenery, our travel pages take you to magical Uzbekistan, to inspire your next wanderlust. And, as always, we keep you in the know with the latest in fashion, beauty, tech and entertainment. Happy reading and make the most of the weather while it lasts!

fact Magazine Bahrain Edition • OCTOBER 2026 VOLUME 20, ISSUE 01

PUBLISHER RAMI KHALIL (rami@fact-magazine.com) GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR LIZ O’REILLY (editorial@fact-magazine.com) EDITOR APPLE SHARMA (editor@fact-magazine.com) DIGITAL DIRECTOR NIDHI SHARMA DIGITAL TEAM FAREEDA ABDULLA ROHITH TR CONTRIBUTORS AMIRA RAGAB GARETH WOODS SIRINE BOUDJADI DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING NABAYIT AFEWORKI OPERATIONS KIM MARSHALL ART DIRECTOR SYED MUHAMMED RAIHAN GRAPHIC DESIGNER SACHAN CHANDRAN PHOTOGRAPHY HABEED HAMEED SHAREEF PANHATT PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION AJIT PILLAI NOWSHAD MAMMUNHI RAJESH KALYATH ENQUIRIES Tel: +973 3632 0131 E-mail: rami@fact-magazine.com PRINTED BY DAR AKHBAR AL KHALEEJ

Bye for now…

Apple Sharma Editor editor@fact-magazine.com

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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 24 Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef. Ministry of Information. Subject Registration Number: CFB779

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• FACT FINDS

F1 RETURNS TO THE KINGDOM! It’s official! Bahrain has been confirmed as the 2027 Formula 1 season opener and the host for the pre-season testing and its inaugural Sprint Race weekend.

ahrain is set to kick off the 2027 Formula 1 season, with Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) confirmed as the host of the opening race and pre-season testing. The announcement of the full 2027 calendar, approved by the World Motorsport Council, also brings Bahrain its first-ever Sprint Race. The first race of the 2027 season will take place at BIC from March 12 to 14, giving fans the first opportunity to see the new cars in competitive action. It will be the seventh time Bahrain has hosted the season opener, while pre-season testing is scheduled to take place at the circuit from February 24 to 27. The addition of a Sprint Race promises even more exciting racing across the three-day weekend, adding a new element to Bahrain’s F1 offering. “It’s a great honour for us to be hosting both pre-season testing and the season opening race in 2027, which will incorporate our first ever Sprint Race weekend,” said Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of Bahrain International Circuit. “As we plan the final stages of this year’s Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, we also look ahead to the return of F1 to BIC, The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East. It will be a celebratory 12

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homecoming and a weekend of incredible entertainment on and off the track, welcoming our expectant fans from Bahrain and across the world." The 2027 calendar features 24 races, with Portugal returning on June 20 and Türkiye on October 3. Following testing and the season opener in Bahrain, F1 will head to Saudi Arabia the following weekend, before travelling to Australia, Japan, China, Miami and Canada. Monaco will mark the start of the European season on June 6, followed by further races across Asia and the Americas. The season will conclude in Abu Dhabi on December 12. A limited-time discount of up to 20% is available for race weekend tickets as part of the Early Bird offer. The tickets under the promotion for all three days of F1 weekend are BD156 for the Main Grandstand, BD112 for the Turn 1 Grandstand, BD104 for the Beyon Grandstand, BD60 for the University Grandstand and BD56 for the Victory Grandstand.✤

GO: VISIT BAHRAINGP.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• FACT RECOMMENDS

FLOAT AWAY Need an excuse to slow down for an hour or two? This month, head to Aqua Vista Bahrain for its Floating Sound Journey, in partnership with Svara Space. Drift weightlessly across the water as crystal singing bowls, soothing healing frequencies and ambient soundscapes wash over you, creating a deeply calming experience designed to quiet the mind, release tension and give your nervous system that much-needed reset. Set beneath the open sky, the outdoor experience is all about switching off and letting the water do the work. Sessions take place every Saturday this month on October 10, 17, 24 and 31, from 7pm to 8.30pm. Bring your calm-seeking self and leave the rest behind. ✤ GO: CALL 3330 2450 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESREVATION.

FIESTA TIME

SPREAD YOUR WINGS

Cantina Kahlo is marking its anniversary with a four-day celebration of food, drinks and plenty of fiesta spirit from October 14 to 17. The Cantina Kahlo Feria Anniversary Weekend kicks off with a four-course dinner set menu, available Wednesday to Saturday from 6pm to 10.30pm. Priced at BD35 per person with soft drinks or BD45 with house beverage pairing, it’s a chance to enjoy a special menu in true Cantina Kahlo style. The fun continues over the weekend with special anniversary dishes served during brunch on October 16 and 17, before the festivities culminate on Saturday evening with a celebration from 6pm to 11pm. Expect games, a raffle with amazing prizes, a piñata, live entertainment and, of course, anniversary cake cutting. Brunch is priced at BD35 per person with soft drinks or BD45 per person with house beverage pairing. ✤

Ready for a day of fun watching people fling themselves into a pool in the name of charity? The Llongsteppers Birdman competition is back on October 9 at The British Club, bringing an afternoon of costumes, flying feathers, plenty of laughs and some very questionable attempts at flight. Dress up, dress down or come as your favourite bird or character, then get ready to take the plunge! Everyone is welcome, with free entry to the club from 11.30am to 5pm. Each pool jump costs BD1 per person, with all proceeds going to The Mission to Seafarers. So don't be a chicken, grab your friends and join the fun. ✤

GO: CALL 1758 6401 OR WHATSAPP 3977 0525 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

GO: FOLLOW @THEBRITISHCLUBBAHRAIN ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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GCC Breaks Rediscover Bahrain with a retreat that feels worlds away. Unwind in our private suites and villas, where space, serenity and Arabian hospitality come together, crafted for moments that matter. Offer Benefits: 15% savings on rooms, dining and spa treatments Two complimentary soft beverages by the pool or beach Access to five temperature-controlled pools, private beach, wellness facilities and cinema Late check-out until 16:00, subject to availability jgbinfo@jumeirah.com | +973 7777 1000 jumeirah.com/bahrain Zallaq, Kingdom of Bahrain

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• LISTEN UP

ROYAL BAHRAIN CONCOURS RETURNS

Image - Tim Scott

From pre-war classics and legendary racers to contemporary supercars and hypercars, the Royal Bahrain Concours is back for another celebration of the cars, collectors and stories that have made automotive history.

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Image - Tim Scott

he Royal Bahrain Concours returns to the Royal Golf Club in Riffa on November 6 and 7, bringing classic and contemporary automotive worlds together with 70 exceptional collector cars across six concours classes. Organised by Thorough Events in collaboration with the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority and held under the patronage of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, the second edition will draw significant machinery from Bahrain, the wider GCC and international collections. Staged across the manicured lawns of the Royal Golf Club, the event gives the cars a stunning landscaped open setting against the club’s 7,102-yard, par-72 championship course designed by Colin Montgomerie. At its heart, the concours is a meeting point, connecting regional collectors with international cars and owners, while celebrating the engineering, design, craftsmanship, heritage and stories behind important cars in a luxury, social setting.

What to Expect The programme runs from 12pm until 9pm on both days, including stage activity, entertainment and an evening DJ set. Friday, November 6, is Premier Day, featuring a guest speaker session on the evolution of automotive design; presentations and commentary around the concours cars and classes; a session on collecting rare automobiles; a Ladies’ Afternoon Tea Experience; and a Fashion Unveiling Show. Live entertainment will continue through the afternoon and into a DJ-led evening full of atmosphere. Saturday’s Prestige Day on November 7 moves towards the competition itself, with a guest speaker session on the future of automotive design; presentations of the concours class winners; and a fashion show presented by Lexus on the Main Concours Stage. A masterclass on the future of luxury automotive design and an automotive heritage speaker session will lead into the major concours awards, culminating in Best of Show. Then, the evening entertainment and a DJ set continue through to 9pm. Alongside the main concours, the 2026 event will also bring together a hand-curated selection of cars under the RBC Car Clubs umbrella. Up to 100 cars will be selected by the RBC Car Club Steering Committee, with the programme also featuring three dedicated classes: Thirty Under 30, spotlighting the next generation of enthusiasts; Restomod & Modified, celebrating modern reinterpretations of

Image - Tim Scott

Image - One Space Bahrain

LISTEN UP •

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automotive heritage; and 4x4 Trailblazers, recognising vehicles associated with exploration, utility and endurance. New for 2026 is RBC TV, a dedicated broadcast experience designed to take selected Royal Bahrain Concours stories beyond the Royal Golf Club through live and on-demand programming, including coverage of judging, awards, interviews, owner stories and features on automotive heritage and craftsmanship. A History of Concours A concours d’elegance brings together carefully selected automobiles judged and celebrated for rarity, design, provenance, historic significance, originality, restoration quality and craftsmanship. The tradition grew from displays of elegant vehicles, while the modern format can encompass everything from pre-war coachbuilt cars and competition machinery to supercars and hypercars. Why Bahrain? Bahrain has a long relationship with motoring having established the region’s first motoring club in 1954 and later becoming home to Formula 1 in the Middle East. The Royal Bahrain Concours adds another chapter to that motoring story, bringing collector cars and automotive heritage into the Kingdom’s international automotive profile. It also creates a meeting point between important cars and collectors from Bahrain and the wider GCC and significant international collections, with the region contributing its own cars, collectors and automotive culture to the concours world. 18

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Image - Tim Scott

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Last Year’s Winners Among an extraordinary gathering of legendary cars, a few captured the hearts of fellow collectors. Among the 2025 winners, some of the standouts were: ● Best of Show – 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV ‘Shah of Iran’ ● Sports & Race Classics – 1959 Ferrari 250 TR ● Modern Classics – Pagani Zonda F Clubsport ● Supercars – 2006 Porsche Carrera GT ● Hypercars – 2025 Mercedes-AMG One

With more vehicles, designers, brands and programme details still to be announced, there is plenty more to come. For now, mark your calendars for November 6 and 7 for the Royal Bahrain Concours as Bahrain’s premier celebration of all things automotive. GO: VISIT ROYALCONCOURS.COM OR FOLLOW @ROYALBAHRAINCONCOURS ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Beyond the Ordinary Set against the turquoise waters of Hawar Island, Hawar Resort by Mantis offers a different rhythm of escape. From exclusive island experiences and leisurely days by the sea to moments of quiet discovery, where nature, adventure and reﬁned island living come together. For reservations or more information, call +973 3218 3610 or email reservations@hawarresort.com fact magazine

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JAPANESE ANIME ON THE BIG SCREEN The Embassy of Japan in Bahrain is bringing the Japan Anime Fest 2026 to the Kingdom, screening two Makoto Shinkai classics alongside six beloved favourites.

SHAWN CHIDIAC ON STAGE

Anime fans across Bahrain have a new reason to head to the cinema, with Japan Anime Fest 2026 running from October 1 to 8. Eight films will screen across Epix Cinemas at Dana Mall and Bahrain Polytechnic, opening with Shinkai’s 5 Centimeters per Second, a three-part anthology following two childhood friends, Takaki and Akari, as the physical and emotional distance between them grows over the years. The line-up spans tender coming-of-age stories and high-energy adventures, with family favourites Sumikkogurashi: The Movie, Chieri and Cherry and Okko’s Inn joined by the romance-fantasy Ride Your Wave, the nostalgic comedy Crayon Shin-chan: The Storm Called and Miyori in the Sacred Forest. Bahrain Polytechnic will also host Shinkai’s The Place Promised in Our Early Days, a science-fiction drama set in an alternate postwar Japan. A culturally rich outing for families and anime fans alike, the festival offers a chance to experience these beloved stories on the big screen — completely free of charge. Seats are limited, and booking is required, with individual showtimes for each screening. The festival forms part of the Embassy’s ongoing programme of cultural exchange between Japan and Bahrain, sharing the creativity and imagination behind Japan’s globally renowned anime industry with audiences of all ages. ✤

Comedy fans, mark the date: Lebanese comedian Shawn Chidiac is live in Bahrain on October 30, at Exhibition World Bahrain. Doors open at 7pm, with the show starting at 9pm. Known for his razor-sharp observational humour and characters drawn from growing up in the Middle East, Chidiac has built a massive online following off the back of viral sketches — some racking up nearly 20 million views — before translating that following into sold-out live shows across the region. His last Bahrain run, at The Quarry in 2025, sold out so fast a second night was added. Expect a set built around family dynamics, everyday absurdities and the kind of sharp-eyed material that's made him one of the region's most in-demand comedic voices. Tickets start from BD27.5 and the show is strictly 18+. ✤

GO: FOLLOW @JAPAN_EMBASSY_BAHRAIN FOR MORE INFORMATION.

GO: VISIT EWBAHRAIN.COM OR MANAMA.PLATINUMLIST. NET FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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The comedian behind viral sketch My Parents Are Divorced is bringing his stand-up show to Exhibition World Bahrain, promising a night of unfiltered laughs and crowd-favourite characters.

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Layla Albassam

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A MONTH OF CULTURE The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities' October calendar pairs an evening of classical masterpieces with an exhibition inspired by Arabic poetry and family memories. This month brings two cultural experiences from the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), from an evening of classical music at the Bahrain National Theatre to a new exhibition at The Art Centre exploring the relationship between Arabic poetry and visual art. On October 9, the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Maestro Dr. Mubarak Najem, takes to the stage for a Classical Evening. The concert is a celebration of some of the most beautiful and beloved masterpieces in classical music, bringing together iconic works by the world’s greatest composers, including Rossini, Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms and Tchaikovsky, alongside others whose music continues to inspire audiences across generations. The performance, starting at 8pm at the Bahrain National Theatre, is suitable for audiences aged eight and above. Ticket prices start from BD16.5 and are available to purchase online at Platinumlist. Meanwhile, The Art Centre is hosting Layla Hamad Albassam’s exhibition Each Era, Dyed in the Color of its Poetry, which will run until October 17, open daily from 9am to 8pm. For Layla Albassam, the exhibition grew from a lifelong 22

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passion for visual art and her connection to Arabic poetry. Her journey began in 1997 with the late artist Abdulilah Arab, in the realm of Arabic calligraphy, followed by her first exhibition at the Bahrain Women’s Society in 2022. The idea for the current showcase emerged while searching through the library of her late father, who was passionate about poetry. There, she found a book of Arabic poetry containing scraps of paper on which her father had written verses from various poems that appealed to him. She gathered some of these scraps and transformed them into visual artworks, creating a collage collection dedicated to classical Arabic poetry. The work combines excerpts from poems by classical and modern poets, with the artist hoping to convey some of the poignant verses and wisdoms of Arabic poetry to new audiences, while keeping these words alive with the warmth and authenticity of Bahrain’s heritage. ✤

GO: FOLLOW @CULTUREBAH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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GET CRAFTY THIS MONTH Fancy trying your hand at something new? Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre has 12 workshops lined up, from traditional crafts to creative activities for kids. Traditional crafts take centre stage this month as Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre, in collaboration with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), offers a series of hands-on workshops. The programme gives participants the opportunity to learn, experiment and create while exploring some of Bahrain’s traditional arts and crafts. The month begins with Basics of Cream Making on October 10, from 10am to 12pm, introducing participants to the fundamentals of making creams and skincare products, including ingredients, their functions, suitable materials, formulation, hygiene, safety, storage and use. On October 17, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, Carpet Art combines carpet textiles with painting and artistic composition. Participants will create their own artwork using readymade carpet pieces and wooden letters, before mounting, painting and arranging them on canvas. Bakhoor Making takes place on October 24, from 10am to 12pm, using natural ingredients and master blending techniques to explore this ancient traditional art that dates back thousands of years. A Resin Art workshop will also take place on the same day and at the same time. For those interested in Bahrain’s maritime heritage, Traditional Boat Making runs on October 10, 17 and 24, from 10am to 12.30pm. Participants can learn about a craft closely associated with Bahrain’s communities living near the sea, including the work of the traditional boat makers 24

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(Qallaf). Pottery on the Wheel, running on the same three dates from 4pm to 6.30pm, introduces the creation of various forms of pottery. Meanwhile, Arabic Calligraphy, from 10am to 12.30pm, explores the history and main types of Arabic scripts, with a focus on Diwani. Naqda Embroidery, held on October 10, 17 and 24 from 10am to 12pm, introduces the techniques behind this Bahraini traditional art, once used to embroider women’s attire with real silver thread. At the House of Basket Weaving, Alsabagh Making takes place on the same three dates from 10am to 12.30pm, introducing a traditional household item made from palm fronds. Younger artisans have three workshops of their own. Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre hosts Finger Crochet on October 10, teaching children simple crochet techniques, while Makers’ Woodshop on October 17 introduces woodworking and safe use of tools. Cloth Houses workshop on October 24 at House of Basket Weaving explores the art of depicting the architecture of traditional Bahraini houses in practical fabric bags. All three workshops take place from 4pm to 6pm. ✤

GO: EMAIL HANDICRAFTS.WORKSHOPS@CULTURE.GOV.BH OR FOLLOW @HANDICRAFTS_BAH AND @CULTUREBAH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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BIC LAUNCHES TOURING CAR REGISTRATION Registration is now open for the 2026-27 Bahrain Touring Car Challenge, with seven rounds scheduled from this month at Bahrain International Circuit. Engines are getting ready to roar once again as Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) opens registration for the 2026-27 season of the Bahrain Touring Car Challenge (BTCC), one of the region’s leading national racing championships. To take part, drivers must hold a valid Bahrain Motor Federation

FINTECH IN FOCUS Bahrain is gearing up to host Fintech Forward 2026 at Exhibition World Bahrain this month, bringing global financial leaders, innovators and policymakers together to explore the opportunities ahead. Marking its fourth edition, Fintech Forward, the region’s flagship financial services forum, will take place from October 7 to 8 at Exhibition World Bahrain. Hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) and programmed by Forbes Middle East, Fintech Forward 2026 (FF26) will bring together global thought leaders and industry trailblazers to examine pressing ecosystem challenges and high-potential investment opportunities driving the financial 26

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National ‘C’ Circuit Racing Licence or higher, or an equivalent Circuit Racing Licence issued by an FIA-affiliated national sporting authority in a GCC country. Applicants must also ensure that their racing licence is valid for the 2026-27 season. The 2026-27 championship will consist of seven rounds, beginning with the official shakedown on October 16 at BIC in Sakhir. The season-opening round follows on October 30 as part of BIC’s National Race Day, organised by BIC in cooperation with the Bahrain Motor Federation and the Circuit Racing Commission. The championship’s sporting and technical regulations and registration form are available on the official Bahrain Circuit Racing Club website (www.crc.me). Those wishing to participate are encouraged to review the requirements, complete the registration form and email it to btcc@bic.com.bh for submission. Ali Almansoori won the 2025-26 title after an exceptional season in which he won all 14 races, with James Taylor finishing second and Ahmed Bajnaid third. Ali Almansoori also claimed two awards for the season’s fastest lap and most pole positions. Formerly known as the BIC 2,000cc Challenge, the BTCC is one of several national racing championships hosted by BIC as part of its 2026-27 calendar. ✤

GO: VISIT BAHRAINGP.COM AND CRC.ME FOR MORE INFORMATION.

services industry’s next phase of growth in Bahrain, the wider region and beyond. Supported by the Central Bank of Bahrain and Bahrain FinTech Bay, this year’s edition is held under the theme Finance in the Age of Intelligent Infrastructure, building on the forum’s reputation for collaboration, thought leadership and industry advancement. “Now in its fourth year, Fintech Forward has emerged as a leading industry gathering, underscoring both the dynamism of Bahrain's financial services ecosystem and the robust backing of industry stakeholders collectively committed to advancing its future,” said Mohammed AlAlawi, Chief of Marketing and Communications at Bahrain EDB. “With financial services contributing over 17% to Bahrain's GDP, FF26 serves as a powerful platform to showcase the sector's continued progress, resilience and pivotal role in driving the next wave of innovation and economic growth.” The 2026 edition will focus on practical pathways for growth, including closer integration across financial systems, regulation and infrastructure, while highlighting opportunities for collaboration and scalable innovation. The forum will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions and networking opportunities, with participants able to build strategic relationships with prospective partners, investors and decision-makers. ✤

GO: VISIT FINTECHFORWARD.BH OR FORBESMIDDLEEASTEVENTS.COM FOR REGISTRATION AND MORE INFORMATION.

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A LEBANESE FAVOURITE MAKES A COMEBACK Beloved Lebanese restaurant Byblos has reopened at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, bringing new dishes, signature drinks and lively entertainment to its vibrant beachfront setting. As the cooler season returns to the Kingdom, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay welcomes guests back to the reopening of Byblos, its beachfront Lebanese restaurant. It returns with new seasonal dishes, vibrant entertainment and the warm Lebanese hospitality that has made it a favourite dining destination. Set along the hotel’s private beachfront, Byblos offers sweeping views of Bahrain Bay, with the sea providing a picturesque backdrop to sunset dining and lively evenings. At the heart of the experience is a menu celebrating Lebanon’s rich culinary heritage through vibrant Mediterranean flavours, seasonal ingredients and dishes designed for sharing. Curated by Chef Tony El Khoury, the seasonal menu introduces new creations inspired by coastal dining and shared table experiences. New highlights include Sawda Djej with lemon butter and pomegranate molasses, Makanek bi Limon with sautéed onions and mushrooms, Mudardara Bil Lahmeh with braised lamb shank, onions and pickled turnips, and Moghrabiye with scallops and prawns, combining seafood with traditional Lebanese ingredients. Alongside the new additions, returning favourites include the signature Cold Mezzeh Platter, Chickpea Fattah, Fattoush Bil Khubz and Seabass Tajin, followed by the restaurant’s celebrated Kunafa with homemade pistachio ice cream. "This season's menu is inspired by the flavours of the Lebanese coast and the vibrant spirit of Mediterranean gatherings," says Chef Tony El Khoury. "Guests can look 28

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forward to fresh seafood, charcoal-grilled specialities and dishes designed for sharing in a relaxed beachfront setting." “As we welcome guests back this season, we look forward to sharing new culinary creations and vibrant entertainment alongside the warm hospitality and waterfront atmosphere that have made Byblos a favourite dining destination,” says Jason Rodgers, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Complementing the culinary offering is a beverage programme featuring Lebanese-inspired signature cocktails, handcrafted mojitos, refreshing drinks and an expanded selection of a special aniseed-flavoured distilled beverage, all carefully curated to pair with the restaurant’s menu and social dining style. As day transitions into evening, the beachfront setting comes alive with music and entertainment, with DJ performances taking place every Thursday and Friday from 7.30pm to 11.30 pm on the outdoor terrace. Additional live entertainment activations and seasonal programming will be introduced throughout the season. With its distinctive beachfront setting, broader food and beverage selection and lively entertainment programme, Byblos continues to evolve as one of Bahrain’s most distinctive destination dining experiences. ✤

GO: CALL 1711 5500 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.

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BAHRAIN GETS A HIGH-STREET FAVOURITE Primark has landed in Bahrain, bringing its much-anticipated mix of fashion, beauty, accessories and homeware with a brand-new store at City Centre Bahrain. For Bahrain shoppers, the wait is finally over. Primark has officially arrived in the Kingdom, with its first store now open at City Centre Bahrain. The international fashion retailer, known for its affordable style and everyday essentials, opened its doors recently in partnership with Alshaya Group. The Bahrain launch brings Primark’s vibrant in-store energy to local customers, combining trend-led fashion, everyday essentials and unbeatable value. Opening celebrations reflected the energy and excitement the brand is known for, with entertainment, giveaways and activations designed to create a memorable shopping journey for customers. Primark will also debut in Qatar on October 29, with its first-ever store in the market opening at Doha Festival City. The brand will also continue to expand its existing UAE footprint, with a second floor at the Mall of the Emirates store scheduled to open in November, introducing a significantly larger menswear and Primark Home offering. The expansion will also increase capacity across the first floor, giving customers a wider selection and greater availability of products across womenswear, kidswear, 30

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accessories and beauty. “We're incredibly excited to introduce the Primark experience to customers in Bahrain and Qatar for the very first time,” said Ghansham Pindoria, Vice President of Primark Middle East. “These openings are more than just launching new stores; they're about creating exciting destinations where customers can discover fashion, beauty and homeware at exceptional value. We're grateful to the many customers who have patiently waited for Primark to arrive – we can't wait to welcome them to our amazing stores.” And the expansion is set to continue. Looking ahead to 2027, Primark plans to open a new location in Kuwait at Aventura Mall, as well as a second store in Qatar at Villaggio Mall. The additions will further strengthen the brand’s presence across existing markets and bring Primark to more communities throughout the GCC. ✤

GO: VISIT PRIMARK.BH OR FOLLOW @PRIMARK.ME ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• COVER STORY

Image - Tom Morbey, Unsplash

MUST-TRY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN BAHRAIN

The weather is finally cooperating, which means it’s time to step outside and enjoy the light breeze and sunshine together. From rock climbing and learning the ancient art of falconry to getting behind the wheel and tackling Bahrain’s rugged terrain, there’s far more to outdoor adventure on the island than the usual beach day. Read on for some of our favourites. 32

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ADVENTURE & ADRENALINE

If you’d rather discover Bahrain on two wheels than four, the Nasser bin Hamad Loop in Zallaq gives cyclists a dedicated 50-kilometre route to explore the area and take in the landscape at their own pace. Don’t have a bike? Elite Sports in Zallaq rents road, mountain and TT bikes, with three-hour rentals starting from BD5 and full-day rentals at BD12, including a helmet and light. Whether you’re looking for a proper training ride or simply want to swap the car for a morning in the open air, it’s a wonderfully straightforward way to make the most of Bahrain’s cooler season. GO: FOLLOW @ELITESPORTS.BH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Image – Courtesy of bahrain.com

CYCLING THE NASSER BIN HAMAD LOOP

Image – Courtesy of bhfalconryschool.wixsite.com/ bhfalconryschool

FALCONRY Few outdoor experiences connect you to Bahrain’s heritage quite like falconry. At Bahrain Falconry School, the experience goes well beyond watching a bird of prey take flight. Its three-month Falconry Crash Course covers both theory and practical training, including the knowledge and skills needed to care for, tame and train a bird of prey. Practical sessions take place on Saturdays for approximately two hours before sunset at Al Najma Club in Juffair. It’s an unusually hands-on way to discover one of the region’s most ancient sporting traditions – and one that feels particularly suited to the cooler season. GO: VISIT BHFALCONRYSCHOOL.WIXSITE.COM/ BHFALCONRYSCHOOL FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Tucked into Gravity Village in Zallaq, away from the noise of the city, The Crag gives climbers of every level a proper outdoor wall to test themselves against. Routes range from approachable to genuinely demanding, so first-timers and seasoned climbers can share the same session without either feeling out of place. It’s less a workout than a puzzle you solve with your body – mapping the next hold, shifting your weight, committing to the reach – and the payoff at the top, framed by open sky rather than a gym ceiling, is the whole point. Open daily from 4pm to 12am, closed Sundays. GO: FOLLOW @THECRAGBH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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Image – Courtesy of thecragbh.com

THE CRAG

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THE RIFFA SKATEPARK

Image – Courtesy of premierq.com

There’s a new reason to dust off your board. Opened in June 2026, Bahrain’s first public skatepark has given the Kingdom’s skating community a dedicated place to ride, practise and progress. Located in Riffa, the purpose-built park caters to skateboarders, BMX riders, scooter enthusiasts and roller skaters, with a mix of street and transition elements designed for different ages and abilities. Whether you’re still figuring out your balance or already comfortable navigating ramps and rails, the idea is the same: turn up, find your line and see what you can do. More than just a place to skate, it marks a new chapter for action sports in Bahrain – and, with the cooler months ahead, there’s no better time to give it a go. GO: VISIT SCYS.GOV.BH/EN/THE-SKATE-PARK FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Think you know your way around a 4x4? Bahrain International Circuit’s Y.K. Off-Road Experience will put that confidence to the test. Set in Sakhir, the purpose-built course takes participants across sand, rock, hills and water obstacles, with expert instructors on hand to explain how to tackle each challenge. You can take the wheel yourself or sit back and let the instructor demonstrate what the Ford Bronco is capable of, making it accessible whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or simply curious to see what these machines can do. With a mix of natural and man-made obstacles, it’s a hands-on way to experience Bahrain’s rugged landscape. GO: VISIT BAHRAINGP.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Image – Courtesy of bahraingp.com

Y.K. OFF-ROAD EXPERIENCE

BENEATH THE SURFACE DIVE INTO SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Image – Courtesy of scubamaster.ws

Bahrain’s waters offer considerably more than a leisurely dip. At SCUBAMASTER, experienced divers can explore local wrecks, head out on night dives or develop more specialised skills, including Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) diving. There are also courses in underwater photography and videography for those who want to turn their dive into a creative pursuit. The operator currently lists wreck sites including Fifi, Cut, Sestan, Boom, Al Jarem and Caisson, alongside dedicated night-diving trips. For those wanting to experience the underwater world without the usual daytime routine, it’s a chance to see a very different side of Bahrain’s marine landscape. GO: VISIT SCUBAMASTER.WS FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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For something that strips diving back to its most elemental form, try freediving. Rather than relying on a tank and regulator, the discipline combines breath control, relaxation and technique as you descend beneath the surface on a single breath. Bahrain has an active freediving scene, with Bahrain-based instructor Abdullatif Abdulmalik currently listed as an active FII instructor offering freediving courses and practice sessions. It’s as much about learning to move calmly and efficiently underwater as it is about depth, making it a fascinating challenge for anyone looking to try something completely different. GO: VISIT FREEDIVINGINSTRUCTORS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Image – adiprayogo liemena, Pexels

FREEDIVING

ON THE WATER DOLPHIN WATCHING

Image – SlimMars 13, Pexels

There’s something rather magical about seeing Bahrain from the water and suddenly spotting a pod of dolphins cutting through the waves. Dolphin-watching trips offer the chance to head out into the Gulf in search of these intelligent, elusive creatures in their natural environment. Aldar Islands offers dedicated dolphin-watching trips, making this less about a standard boat ride and more about keeping your eyes on the horizon. There are no guarantees when it comes to wildlife, of course, but that is part of the appeal – you never quite know what might appear beside the boat. GO: VISIT ALDARISLANDS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Who said boating had to be serious? Dough Bahrain has given the traditional boat trip a rather playful makeover with its doughnutshaped boats, taking groups out onto Bahrain Bay for a leisurely ride on the water. Designed for up to five people, it’s less about speed and more about getting together, enjoying the views and doing something a little different. Grab a few friends, settle into the circular boat and let someone else worry about navigating while you enjoy a very photogenic afternoon on the water. GO: FOLLOW @DOUGHBAHRAIN ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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Image – Courtesy of doughbh.com

DOUGHNUT BOAT

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EFOILING

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Imagine surfing, flying and gliding over the sea all at once. eFoiling uses an electrically powered hydrofoil board that lifts above the water as you gain speed, creating the sensation of flying just above the surface. Joy of Life is currently listed by Bahrain Tourism as Bahrain’s first eFoil rental provider, operating at Water Garden City Beach. It’s quiet, surprisingly smooth and, once you get the balance right, seriously addictive. The result is one of the more futuristic ways to get out on Bahrain’s waters. GO: FOLLOW @JOYOFLIFE.BH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Forget jet skis. Bahrain’s Jet Car takes getting out on the water to an entirely different level. Designed to look and feel like a sports car while carving across the waves, this unusual watercraft combines the thrill of driving with the freedom of being out at sea. It’s the kind of experience that makes you do a double take before you even get behind the wheel. Whether you’re chasing speed, something completely different or simply want to arrive back on shore with a very good story, the Jet Car is one of Bahrain’s more unexpected outdoor adventures. GO: VISIT BAHRAIN.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Image – Courtesy of bahrain.com

JET CAR ADVENTURE

WAKESURFING

Image - Nick Gosset, Unsplash

If standing on a board while being pulled behind a boat sounds like your idea of fun, wakesurfing is worth a try. Wakeboat Bahrain offers wakesurfing sessions for different skill levels, with professional guidance, equipment and certified instructors provided. Based at Amwaj Marina, the operator takes groups out onto Bahrain’s waters for a session that combines balance, speed and a healthy amount of falling before you finally find your feet. It’s one of those activities where the first successful ride feels considerably more satisfying because of all the attempts that came before it. GO: FOLLOW @WAKE_BOAT.BH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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SOMETHING MEANINGFUL

Not every outdoor activity needs to involve speed, heights or deep water. Cleanup Bahrain regularly brings volunteers together for beach and coastal clean-ups, giving participants the chance to spend a few hours outdoors while doing something genuinely useful for the environment. The organisation has worked with volunteers across Bahrain’s coastline, with previous initiatives attracting large groups to beaches and islands around the Kingdom. It’s a simple idea, but one that turns a weekend outing into something with a little more purpose – and a good reminder that enjoying Bahrain’s outdoors also means looking after it. GO: FOLLOW @CLEANUPBAHRAIN ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Image – www.instagram.com/cleanupbahrain

COASTAL CLEAN-UPS

COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING

Image – Courtesy of niadbh.com

If you want your outdoor adventure to leave something behind – preferably something green – community tree planting is worth putting on your seasonal radar. Bahrain’s National Initiative for Agricultural Development runs the Forever Green campaign with community and institutional partners, encouraging tree planting and the greening of public spaces. It’s a slower, more purposeful way to spend time outdoors, and one where the reward isn’t an adrenaline rush but the knowledge that the tree you helped plant will hopefully be around long after your weekend is over. GO: VISIT NIADBH.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Sometimes the best outdoor activity comes with four legs and a wagging tail. The BSPCA and BARC both offer volunteering opportunities that include exercising, training, grooming and providing enrichment for their adoptable animals. Spending time with shelter dogs is an easy way to get outdoors while doing something genuinely useful – and, let’s be honest, probably one of the more rewarding ways to spend an afternoon. Just be prepared to leave wanting to take one home. GO: FOLLOW @BSPCA ON INSTAGRAM OR VISIT BARC.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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Image – Courtesy of visitbarc.com

DOG VOLUNTEERING WITH BSPCA AND BARC

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UNDER THE OPEN SKY STARGAZING

Image - Saajithan Thayaparan, Unsplash

Sometimes the best outdoor adventure is simply looking up. Bahrain Stargazers, the Kingdom’s non-profit astronomy club, regularly brings enthusiasts together to explore the night sky, while its activities range from observing sessions to educational workshops. For a more leisurely evening, Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain currently offers its Spot a New Planet experience, beginning with golden hour before moving into a dedicated stargazing session from sunset until 7pm. Popcorn and hot chocolate are included, making it an especially appealing way to spend a cooler evening under the stars. GO: FOLLOW @STARGAZERS.BH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

CHILDREN’S CAMP AND ADULT ACTIVITIES With summer coming to an end, Learn to Grow is opening its gates for a children’s camp, welcoming young learners to an engaging outdoor environment filled with nature, discovery and hands-on activities. The camp gives children the chance to explore the garden, take part in creative projects and enjoy meaningful time outdoors. Separately, adults can take part in the centre’s one-day programmes, while families are invited to discover the space and learn more about the activities on offer. It’s a lovely way for children and adults alike to ease back into the season, with plenty of fresh air, greenery and new things to explore. GO: FOLLOW @LEARNTOGROW.BH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

WIM HOF METHOD Image - Faisal Amin - learn to grow workshop

Ready to get seriously uncomfortable? The Wim Hof Method brings together breathing exercises, physical practice, mindfulness and cold exposure, creating an outdoor wellness experience that is rather different from your usual sunset stretch. Bahrain-based advanced instructor Faisal Amin leads Wim Hof Method sessions at Learn To Grow Farm regularly. It’s not about simply jumping into an ice bath and hoping for the best; the method is structured around learning the techniques before putting yourself through the cold. Not for the faint-hearted – but certainly memorable. GO: FOLLOW @FAISALAMINSHEIKH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• ISLAND RIDES

MORE PRACTICAL, STILL PLAYFUL fact’s time with the MINI Cooper S 5-Door revealed a more powerful, technologically advanced model that is easier to live with every day, yet still delivers the driving fun we expect from MINI. 46

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ISLAND RIDES •

“

Crucially, it still feels like a MINI from the driver’s seat – alert, playful and full of character.”

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he MINI Cooper S has always made a virtue of being compact, quick and full of character. In five-door form, it adds everyday practicality, with rear passengers spared the usual impromptu flexibility test. This latest version also promises more power, smarter technology and more driver assistance. We took it out for a spin to see whether it still delivered the fun expected of a Cooper S.

Refined by Design Up close, the latest Cooper S 5-Door struck us as cleaner and sharper than before, without losing the details that make a MINI instantly recognisable. The short overhangs, round LED headlights and compact stance remain, but smoother surfacing gives the car a more polished feel. Our Midnight Black II test car suited that approach, while the 17-inch U-spoke vibrant silver wheels provided welcome contrast and came fitted with runflat tyres. The body-coloured roof kept the profile neat, while LED headlights with extended features and selectable daytime running lights added visual character. We also liked the triangular rear lights, which gave the back end a stronger identity. Overall, it looked sharper and more contemporary, without sanding away the charm that has long defined MINI’s design.

Premium, With Personality Inside, our test car combined Favoured Trim with Nightshade Blue Vescin upholstery, John Cooper Works sport seats and an anthracite headliner, while the panoramic glass roof helped make the cabin feel light and open. The BMW Group 48

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ISLAND RIDES •

influence was evident in the quality and sophistication, yet the cabin still felt unmistakably MINI. The textile treatment across the dashboard and doors added warmth and texture too, a welcome change from the dark plastics and gloss-black trim we so often encounter in compact cars. We liked the driving position. The JCW sport seats held us securely, while electric adjustment with memory made it easy to get comfortable. The active driver’s seat added another layer of support, and automatic air conditioning quickly earned its keep. The rear seats split 60:40, expanding luggage capacity from 275 to 925 litres. It is a useful amount of flexibility to have, especially in a car that still feels focussed on making the drive enjoyable.

Smart Enough to Stand Out The circular OLED display has become a familiar MINI signature, yet it still caught our eye the moment we climbed in. We liked how much information it presented without making the layout feel cluttered, with navigation, media, phone and climate functions housed within the same interface. MINI Experience Modes changed the presentation and atmosphere, while MINI Navigation AR added useful guidance. Our test car also came with the optional MINI Head-Up Display, wireless charging, Connected+ Unlimited, Personal eSIM and a Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. The toggle strip beneath the screen kept key functions such as start/stop, gear selection, volume and Experience Modes within easy reach. The voice assistant handled navigation, calls, temperature and journey information. We considered asking it which member of the team was the better driver, then decided against it – why drag the dashboard into it?

Built for the Bends This is where the Cooper S earns the letter on its boot. Its fourcylinder petrol engine produces 150kW and 300Nm, taking it from 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds and on to 242km/h through a Steptronic transmission with double clutch. On public roads, it felt eager and responsive, with strong acceleration and plenty in reserve when overtaking. At our test site, we could explore more of its character. The Cooper S dug in through bends, the steering staying precise as it changed direction, while the adaptive suspension kept the body settled and the tyres gripping hard. Best of all, the familiar MINI sense of fun remained intact – enough to warrant a few extra test runs, purely in the interests of thorough journalism.

Keeping an Eye on Everything After the fun of the test site, the Cooper S proved equally capable of everyday driving. Driving Assistant worked quietly in the background, joined by high-beam assistant, tyrepressure monitoring and Intelligent Emergency Call, while ISOFIX mounts kept family duties firmly on the checklist. Parking Assistant Plus took much of the guesswork out of tighter spaces, with surround-view cameras and sensors making positioning the MINI reassuringly straightforward. Comfort Access added convenience, but Remote Engine Start fact magazine

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was the feature we appreciated most after leaving the car in the sun. On a properly hot day, avoiding a steering wheel with the surface temperature of a baking tray feels less like convenience and more like self-preservation.

Still Very Much a MINI By the end of the drive, the Cooper S 5-Door had reminded us exactly why we enjoy MINIs so much. The extra doors and useful cabin space make it easier to fit into everyday life, while more power, sharper technology and a generous assistance package give this latest version even more depth. Crucially, it still feels like a MINI from the driver’s seat – alert, playful and full of character. Practicality is useful, but personality is usually the reason people buy a MINI in the first place. ✤

GO: CALL 1775 0750 OR VISIT MINI-BAHRAIN.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK A TEST DRIVE. 50

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PINK OCTOBER Pink isn’t just a color, It’s a message of awareness.

+973 380 555 57, +973 320 555 57 hdautobh hdautobh@gmail.com fact magazine

• MOTORING NEWS

A NEW ERA OF LUXURY The all-new Bentley Torcal makes its global debut, introducing fully electric power to the marque alongside new standards in comfort, craftsmanship and everyday usability.

Bentley has revealed the all-new Torcal in London, launching the brand’s fourth model line and its first fully electric powertrain. Designed, engineered and built in Crewe, the Torcal represents a significant investment in British manufacturing, supported by a network of suppliers from across the UK. "The Torcal is a Bentley first and foremost, created by hand by people who care, using the best available materials and technology to blend heritage with cutting-edge innovation,” said Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, Bentley Chairman and CEO. “I believe this is one of the best Bentleys ever.” Led by Design Director Robin Page, the in-house team at Crewe has created a low, sleek SUV that introduces a bold new design language, rooted in Bentley’s DNA. Its long wheelbase, short overhangs and proud frontal aspect create a powerful stance, while an ‘endless bonnet’ emphasises the car’s length and presence. Echoes of iconic Bentleys, notably the Continental T, are reinterpreted through advanced lighting technology and a distinctive illuminated diamond grille. Inside, the dashboard architecture remains inspired by the Bentley wings, while leather, wool, veneer and aluminium are given space to breathe. Knurled controls and reinterpreted bullseye air vents celebrate Bentley’s ‘magical fusion’ of craft and technology. The standard seats offer 16-way adjustment, heating, ventilation, adjustable bolsters and a new massage function. Comfort is further supported by Bentley’s most advanced chassis technology to date. Fully active suspension, a first for Bentley, and adaptive two-valve dampers deliver a ‘magic 52

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carpet’ ride while allowing greater control of the car’s body. Bentley’s innovative Postural Adjust and Smart Seat Climate systems continuously adjust the seat’s shape to alter pressure distribution, while regulating heating and ventilation. Performance remains central. Torcal delivers up to 888PS and 1,350Nm of torque, the highest torque of any Bentley ever made, accelerating from 0-100km/h in as little as 2.9 seconds. The 113kWh battery provides a range of up to 375 miles (600km WLTP), with 10-80% charging in 16 minutes at 400kW – approximately 100 miles (160km) in seven minutes. The Torcal also brings a handcrafted soundscape, created using real instruments, including drums, viola and bass guitar to form the Bentley Dynamic Symphony. The soundtrack responds to driver torque demand and vehicle speed, reinforcing the connection between driver and machine. Innovation extends into the cabin, with new interior materials including the world’s first 100% Merino wool automotive fabric, and a new finish, Ombré Walnut by Mulliner, made from sustainably sourced walnut off-cuts and recycled paper. Launching as both a core model and a more sporting S version, the Torcal combines advanced technology and timeless craftsmanship for a fresh expression of the human connection at the heart of every Bentley. ✤ GO: VISIT BAHRAIN.BENTLEYMOTORS.COM OR FOLLOW @BENTLEYBAHRAIN ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• MOTORING NEWS

LARGE SUV, LARGE PERSONALITY Swivelling seats, coach doors and a pop-up cinema screen: Genesis has revealed its first full-size flagship SUV, and it is taking the luxury lounge idea rather seriously.

Genesis has pulled the covers off the GV90, a large electric SUV that puts as much thought into what happens when you’re parked as when you’re actually driving. Unveiled at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco on August 19, the production model follows the Neolun concept first shown in 2024. Two versions are planned: the GV90 and the more elaborate GV90 Neolun, which is where some of the car’s more unusual ideas come into play. The biggest visual trick is its coach doors. On the Neolun, the front and rear doors open in opposite directions with no fixed B-pillar between them, creating one large opening into the cabin. The rear doors use a mechanism that first pushes them slightly outwards before swinging them open independently from the fronts. Once inside, things become even less conventional in the Neolun. When the car is parked, the two front seats can rotate 180 degrees, allowing passengers in the first and second rows to sit facing each other. There’s even a four-seat Executive Suite version, complete with a real wood veneer floor incorporating radiant heating inspired by traditional Korean ondol underfloor heating, plus a refrigerator and integrated tables. That lounge-like approach continues up front. Instead of a traditional instrument cluster, the GV90 has a 25-inch head-up display, while a central 23.6-inch OLED screen can rise from the dashboard and expand to 24.6 inches when the car is parked. The idea is to turn it into a screen for watching entertainment rather than simply displaying maps and driving information. Sound gets similar treatment. A 25-speaker Bang & Olufsen system with Dolby Atmos can digitally recreate the acoustics of venues including Wembley Stadium and Boston Symphony Hall. Seats feature 15 individual air cells for massage, while ambient lighting stretches across the dashboard, doors, headliner and centre console. 54

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Genesis has also looked to its Korean roots for the design. The exterior takes inspiration from the moon jar, a form of white porcelain known for its simple curves and restrained decoration. That influence is most obvious in the clean surfaces and gently rounded rear of the 5.28-metre-long SUV. Underneath all that luxury is a 123.5kWh battery. Genesis estimates around 500km of range for the seven-seat GV90 based on its own internal testing, while a 350kW charger can take the battery from 10% to 80% in a claimed 22 minutes. Power from the front and rear motors reaches a combined 490kW, with rear-wheel steering designed to make the sizeable SUV easier to manoeuvre. There’s plenty more technology packed inside, but perhaps the GV90’s most interesting idea is simpler: making a large luxury EV feel less like a car cabin and more like a space you might actually want to spend time in. ✤ GO: VISIT GENESIS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

SPORTS MEET STYLE

*T&C APPLY

17703703 MG-Bahrain.com

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• PLUGGED IN

HEADLINE SOUND, HANDHELD SIZE You’ll be ready to rock on the go with SOUNDBOKS’ most portable party speaker ever. There’s no more choosing between power and performance or practicality and portability; the new SOUNDBOKS Rider promises both, offering the brand’s signature powerful sound but now in a featherweight frame. With an 118dB max volume and audio engineered specifically for social settings, Soundboks Rider is incredibly loud for its size and the engineering delivers better quality than any Bluetooth speaker at any volume. Weighing just 6.5kg and small enough to fit in your bag or bike basket, Rider is more like portable Bluetooth speakers in size. Normally, you wouldn’t be able to carry a party speaker around with one hand either but the Rider has a handy strap so you won’t break a sweat moving it around. Plus, how many Bluetooth speakers come with swappable batteries and 35 hours of life? This unlocks your ability to get off the beaten path, away from power sources, and still have the means of playing music all night long. Features include a single-hand carry handle; robust silicone

rubber ball corners; a detachable front grille; simple UI panel; swappable SOUNDBOKS battery and a sturdy plastic cabinet. And there’s more. Want to adjust the equalisation to fit the mood? Fancy creating a sound profile to personalise your listening experience? Need to lock and secure your SOUNDBOKS? Ready to upgrade for peak performance? All of this can be done in the app. ✤ GO: VISIT SOUNDBOKS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

CHILL OUT Regular handheld fans don’t stand a chance against our desert heat. Enter the Aecooly Misting Fan Cold Air Ultra.

Aecooly’s Cooling Lab has studied how high-speed airflow, airpump mist and evaporation work together to create portable heat relief you can actually feel. The result is a serious piece of hardware with a 70,000 rpm rotation speed, 7,000mAh battery capacity and a wind speed of up to a massive 90km/h that mists as it blows. You just fill up the tank and the fan does the rest in a simple 56

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sequence: draw air in, drive mist into the stream, carry it to the user, then let evaporation do its work. And repeat. Weighing in at around 345g, it’s easy to carry and with a battery life of up to two-and-a-half hours, you can definitely stay cool on the go. ✤ GO: VISIT AECOOLY.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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RETRO REVIVAL Perhaps inspired by the upsurge in vinyl record players, cassettes recorders and retro games consoles, Camp Snap’s latest digital camera heads back to the 1970s. The 110D draws its inspiration from the slim, pocket-sized 110 film cameras of 1972 – and, at first glance, it looks just like the much loved Kodak Pocket Instamatic. In keeping with the retro feel, there’s no screen; it’s a simple point-and-shoot digital setup with an eight-megapixel sensor. Five built-in filters give you the choice of how your pics will look, including vintage and black-and-white options, while a slider lets you switch between images. And thanks to Camp Snap’s fastest shutter button design, shooting is almost instant. The camera has a pre-installed 4GB microSD card that holds around 2,000 photos – shooting around 500 pictures on a single charge – and it works with USB-C for both charging and file transfer. ✤ GO: VISIT CAMPSNAPPHOTO.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

SMART RING, SMART PRICE If you want to try the fitness ring phase without paying out the usual big bucks, then this one’s for you. Sekonda has released a basic ring that retails at under USD110.

With no subscription, ever, the ring provides sleep tracking, step counter, body temperature and heart rate records, stress monitoring and fatigue level gauge. It also measures blood oxygen, respirations and more, with customisable alerts and exercise records. Slim and lightweight in a silver colour, the ring is water 58

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resistant to 50 metres and has a seven day battery life, dependent on use. Sync to Apple Health and Health Connect and simply forget you’re wearing it until you want to check your figures. ✤ GO: VISIT SEKONDA.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• BUSINESS IN FOCUS

A PASSION FOR HOSPITALITY Hussain Al Samahiji, Group Chief Executive Officer of The K Hotel, The Dragon Beach Hotel & Sealoft Villas Amwaj, reflects on his journey through the world of hospitality. He talks about running a diverse team, the group’s future plans and his proudest achievements. 60

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BUSINESS IN FOCUS •

You are that rare thing, a hotel Group CEO who has genuinely come up through the ranks. Please tell us about your start in the industry and how you progressed to become one of Bahrain’s successful hospitality leaders. My career in hospitality began in 1998, when I joined the food and beverage (F&B) department as a junior staff member. At that stage, my focus was simple – learning the business properly, understanding what good service requires and giving my best in every role. After 28 years, that foundation has taken me through F&B, sales and marketing, operations, property leadership and, today, group executive management. A major part of that journey has been with The K Hotel. I joined as Director of Sales & Marketing in 2013 and moved into the Executive Assistant Manager role in 2014. During this period, I completed the General Managers Program at Cornell University in New York, which broadened my management perspective and prepared me for greater leadership responsibility. In June 2017, I was appointed General Manager of Asdal Gulf Inn Boutique Hotel in Bahrain, operated by Gulf Hotels Group. I returned to The K Hotel as General Manager in October 2018 and, in April 2024, was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer. What has remained constant throughout the journey is my passion for hospitality. I value the professionalism and standards of the industry, but even more than that, I value the people. I am grateful for how far the journey has taken me, but I still try to lead with the same respect for the work that I had when I first started. Did you have any idea 28 years ago that you would reach the position you are in today, with responsibility for numerous staff and multiple properties? Honestly, I did not imagine at the beginning of my career that I would one day be responsible for multiple properties and so many people. I was focussed on doing the job in front of me well, learning from every position and giving my best wherever I was. With 28 years in the hospitality industry and counting, I am very grateful for the opportunities I have been given. I also try to remember where I started – that keeps me grounded and reminds me that progress comes from consistency, hard work and a willingness to keep learning. How do you lead such a diverse portfolio while allowing each property to retain its unique identity? Each property has its own character, so I believe the role of Group CEO is to create consistency without making every hotel feel the same. Alongside The K Hotel, I oversee Dragon Beach Hotel and Sealoft Villas, and each requires a different approach because each has its own identity. The core principles remain consistent – service standards, operational discipline, teamwork and accountability – but the way we apply them is adapted to the individual property. That balance allows us to protect what makes each hotel distinctive while still operating as one group. You also have a very diverse team; how do you bring them all together? For me, bringing together a diverse team starts with fact magazine

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communication, support and mutual respect. In leading the team, we [the management team] make it important to stay connected with the teams across the properties, to listen to their concerns and to ensure they are aware that they have our full support. People come from different backgrounds and have different experiences, but when expectations are clear and everyone feels respected, it becomes much easier to work towards the same goals. What would you say is your management style and what are your plans for the future of the group? My management style is straightforward. I want my team to know that they have my trust and support, but also that we are accountable for the standards we set. I believe people perform at their best when they are given responsibility, clear direction and the confidence that their leader will support them when needed. As for the future, there's a lot in motion. We're continuing to invest in both The K Hotel and Dragon Beach Hotel and Sealoft Villas, and we are actively exploring opportunities to further expand the group internationally in the coming years On a more personal level, what would you say has been the biggest challenge of your career, and how did you address it? I would not point to only one challenge, because every stage of a hospitality career brings a different one. The industry constantly tests you through operational pressures, changing circumstances and the responsibility of leading people. I have learnt to address challenges by staying focussed, adapting 62

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when necessary and treating each difficult situation as a learning experience. Over time, those moments have made me more resilient and have helped me become a better leader and a better person. And having been presented with numerous industry awards, what has been your greatest achievement? I am genuinely grateful for every hospitality industry award I have received, but I do not view these achievements as mine alone. Each recognition reflects the work of the wider team and the standards we have built together. For me, the greatest achievement is seeing our collective effort acknowledged, because hospitality is never the work of one person. An award is most meaningful when the team can look at it and feel that they were part of earning it. What would you tell any young Bahraini seeking a career in the hospitality industry? My advice to any young Bahraini considering hospitality is to believe in yourself, stay true to your values and never stop learning. There is no harm in starting from the ground up; in fact, it can give you a much stronger understanding of the hospitality industry. Keep developing your skills, knowledge and ability, and be open to learning from the people around you. Above all, work hard and be consistent. Success in hospitality is built over time, and every role can teach you something that prepares you for the next opportunity. ✤

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• 5 OVER 5

In Conversation with… Ali Salah Alkhaja

A serial entrepreneur, Founder and Owner of The Don Steakhouse & Grills and FRIED, Ali Salah Alkhaja, is the brains behind the homegrown Bahraini brands. As a seasoned restaurateur, he shares his passion for the business, talks about creating strong concepts and what keeps him excited.

The Don launched in 2020 and FRIED in 2022, both during a particularly challenging period for hospitality. What do you believe has been behind the restaurants' success? Our success began with seeing possibility where others saw uncertainty. We launched The Don in 2020, when COVID-19 placed pressure on hospitality. It was difficult, but the timing created an opportunity to enter the market decisively, move 64

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quickly and build differently from day one. That period taught us lessons ordinary conditions never could: how to adapt, protect standards and make confident decisions under pressure. Combined with more than eight years travelling across continents and studying leading steakhouses, it shaped our vision. By God's grace, hard work and our team's commitment, that vision became a trusted Bahraini brand.

5 OVER 5 •

Hospitality has changed a lot since you first opened your restaurants. What have you had to learn or adapt to along the way? I have learnt that passion may open a restaurant, but discipline keeps it relevant. Hospitality changes quickly, so I had to master costs, people, operations and difficult decisions without losing the identity of the brand. The most important balance is listening to guests while remaining clear about who we are. Feedback helps us improve; trends do not control our direction. I have also learnt that standards must be communicated, demonstrated and followed consistently. I remain demanding because excellence requires it, but strong leadership also means recognising the people who deliver that excellence every day.

Do you think success in hospitality is more about having the right idea or being willing to keep working at it? A strong idea may attract attention, but consistent work earns lasting respect. In hospitality, guests judge what you deliver today, not the promise written in your original business plan. Success requires presence during the busiest services and the quietest periods, with the same discipline in both. Persistence does not mean repeating mistakes; it means recognising weaknesses, making decisive changes and returning stronger. I am proud of what we have built, but confidence should never become complacency. The moment you believe you have finished improving is the moment the market begins to move ahead of you.

The Don and FRIED are very different concepts. How would you describe each restaurant, and what inspired the idea behind each one? The Don is a refined, homegrown Bahraini steakhouse built around premium cuts, generous hospitality and an atmosphere with confidence and character. It reflects my personal taste and our ambition to create a steakhouse that belongs in any serious international conversation. FRIED is a bold, modern, fast-casual concept developed with my partner, Mr Mukhtar. His creativity, original thinking and instinct for product innovation are central to its identity. FRIED is not a smaller version of The Don; it has its own energy, flavour and direction. Both concepts are different, but both are built with purpose and uncompromising standards.

What keeps you excited about hospitality after six years in the business? What keeps me excited is the opportunity to create an experience people deliberately choose and remember. A restaurant is more than food; it is the quality of the welcome, the atmosphere, the music and the feeling guests take with them when they leave. I still enjoy seeing a strong service come together and watching the team deliver at the level we expect. After six years, the ambition is greater, not smaller. I want The Don to keep evolving, strengthening its position and representing Bahrain with confidence, while protecting the character and standards that made it successful from the beginning. ✤ fact magazine

• VOICE FROM THE KITCHEN

WHERE INSPIRATION MEETS ASPIRATION Marwan Slim, Executive Chef of the recently relaunched Aqua Vista Bahrain, on his culinary vision for the hotel and the joy of simple cooking.

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VOICE FROM THE KITCHEN •

What first drew you to a career in professional kitchens, and what has kept your passion for the craft alive? Honestly, it started with how food brings people to the table. Early on, I realised being a chef goes way beyond just cooking; it’s about discipline, quick thinking, teamwork and building moments people remember. Moving through different kitchens and learning from chefs across various cultures really shaped who I am. Today, what keeps me going is mentoring the next generation in the kitchen and catching that look on a guest’s face when a dish hits just right. What’s your culinary vision for Aqua Vista Bahrain for the coming months? Being on the waterfront gives us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate fresh ingredients, seafood, Arabic flavours and international influences. I want to build a menu that feels authentic to Bahrain, but with a fresh, modern edge. It shouldn't feel stiff or overly complicated; just welcoming, beautifully plated and delicious. Beyond the food, my main focus is consistency. I want our team to deliver the kind of warmth and quality that turns first-time visitors into regulars.

What is the one dish or meal you love cooking for yourself or your family when you’re off duty? When I’m off the clock, I keep it simple. My go-to is always Chicken Machboos. It’s hearty, aromatic and a good reminder that great food doesn't have to be fussy. After long shifts in a high-pressure kitchen, I love standing over a home stove, forgetting about delicate plating and just putting down a big, generous meal for the family to share. Which signature dish at Aqua Vista should guests try and why? While Arabic cuisine is a key part of our concept, our Wagyu steak is one of the main highlights of the Aqua Vista experience. We start with exceptionally marbled, premium cuts and prepare them with precision to elevate every natural flavour and tender bite. Modern cooking techniques meet rich, comforting flavours to create a dish that feels both effortlessly indulgent and memorable. Balancing that level of culinary craft with an approachable, modern presentation is really what my cooking is all about. ✤

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• BAHRAIN’S BEST BRUNCHES

BAHRAIN’S TOP 15 BRUNCHES

Image - Sergei Starostin, Pexels

With the weather turning, it’s time to put on your Sunday best and head out with family and friends to sample some of the island’s favourite brunches. We’ve rounded up our picks of the best ones to try, from fabulous Friday and Saturday offerings to great family-friendly options. So, get out there and paint the town red!

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Tomahawk Steak Night Every Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm

+973 17713710

Adliya

@cicosrestaurant fact magazine

• BAHRAIN’S BEST BRUNCHES

FABULOUS FRIDAYS

Friday brunches are a given on the island. Almost a ritual, they get the weekend started in full swing, setting you up for a whole day and evening of good food, fun and frolic. BUSHIDO BY BUDDHA-BAR – SEEF DISTRICT When: Every Friday | 12.30pm to 3.30pm What: Settle in for a Japanese and Pan-Asian brunch with an extensive buffet, the theatre of live cooking stations and plenty of entertainment. Expect fresh sushi, delicate dumplings, tempura and sizzling teppanyaki, followed by a selection of decadent desserts. Bushido’s signature setting adds a stylish backdrop to the afternoon. With its lively atmosphere and family-friendly offering, it’s a relaxed way to spend Friday with friends and family. Price: Standard – BD27.9 net per person | Premium – BD38.5 net per person | Children aged six to 10 – BD13.950 net. GO: Call 1758 3555 or WhatsApp 3793 3551 for more information or to make a reservation.

CLAW BBQ – HILTON BAHRAIN When: Every Friday | 12.30pm to 4pm What: Over at CLAW BBQ on the 44th floor, the Friday brunch takes an American approach, with live guacamole and carving stations. A live DJ provides the soundtrack, while arcade games, pool tables and darts offer plenty to keep guests entertained between bites. Once brunch wraps up, the afternoon continues with an After Party Happy Hour from 4pm to 6pm. Price: From BD24 per person. GO: Call 3320 8408 or email reservationsbahrain@clawbbq.com for more information or to make a reservation.

CUT BY WOLFGANG PUCK – FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY When: Every Friday | 12.30pm to 3.30pm What: CUT by Wolfgang Puck takes a more sophisticated approach to Friday brunch with a specially curated à la carte menu by Executive Chef Brian Becher. Live entertainment by a DJ adds energy to the elegant setting, with guests able to dine indoors or outdoors. Price: BD36, inclusive of soft drinks | BD50, inclusive of selected beverages | BD70, inclusive of free-flowing bubbly beverages. GO: Call 1711 5044 for more information or to make a reservation.

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A SEASON OF LAROCCA New dishes. Artisan favourites. Freshly made gelato. More than a place to dine. A place to be.

7790 7797

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• BAHRAIN’S BEST BRUNCHES

HILTON BAHRAIN When: Every Friday | 1pm to 7pm What: Origin Kitchen & Culture goes big on Fridays with an international brunch running until early evening. Expect live carving and cooking stations, alongside the weekly Culinary Giant – a speciality dish that changes each week. With live bands and a DJ keeping things moving, non-stop cheers add to the fun, as the venue lays claim to the longest brunch on the island. Price: BD29 net per person, including house drinks | BD38 net per person, including premium drinks. GO: Call 3369 2013 or email bahhh.dining@hilton.com for more information or to make a reservation.

INTERCONTINENTAL BAHRAIN When: Every Friday | 12pm to 4pm What: Forget the buffet and settle in for an indulgent tableside brunch at Legendz Steakhouse. The experience starts with sharing starters, followed by a choice of signature mains, before finishing with a selection of decadent desserts. Every dish is freshly prepared and served directly to the table, creating a relaxed and refined alternative to the traditional buffet brunch. A DJ provides live entertainment throughout the afternoon. Price: BD28 net per person with soft drinks | BD38 net per person with endless selected beverages | Children aged six to 12 receive 50% off | Children under six dine for free. GO: Call 1722 7777 or WhatsApp 3696 7701 for more information or to make a reservation.

MCGETTIGAN’S – ADLIYA When: Every Friday | 12pm to 4pm What: Get into the spirit of a proper Irish brunch at McGettigan’s, with great food, live music and a fun, energetic atmosphere throughout the afternoon. From October 16, the brunch moves into the garden, adding an outdoor setting to the Friday experience. Price: BD29 per person. GO: WhatsApp 3214 2229 for more information or to make a reservation.

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• BAHRAIN’S BEST BRUNCHES

SUSHISAMBA BAHRAIN – CONRAD BAHRAIN FINANCIAL HARBOUR When: Every Friday and Saturday | 1pm to 4pm What: Head to the 25th floor of Conrad Bahrain for SUSHISAMBA’s Friday brunch, with a buffet spanning seafood, Peruvian, Japanese and Brazilian dishes. Live entertainment includes percussion performances and a DJ at the decks, while outdoor seating is available when the weather permits. The afternoon also continues at the bar with a brunch after party. Price: From BD35 per person. GO: Call 3377 9979 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE K HOTEL When: Every Friday | 12.30pm to 3.30pm What: Kolors Restaurant's Friday Funday Brunch serves up an international spread with fresh seafood and meat, alongside a live cooking station, where dishes are prepared to your liking. Musicians provide live entertainment, adding to the fun Friday atmosphere. Price: BD18 net per person, including unlimited soft drinks | BD25 net per person, including unlimited selected beverages. GO: Call 3660 0433 or follow @thekhotelbahrain and @kolorsrestaurant on Instagram for more information or to make a reservation.

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN When: Every Friday | 12.30pm to 4pm What: Experience the essence of Italy at Primavera Osteria with Bella Italia Brunch inspired by the Italian coast. The menu includes authentic Italian favourites, from saffron arancini and fresh seafood to tableside tiramisu, with the resort’s outdoor terrace providing a picturesque setting for al fresco dining. Live entertainment keeps the afternoon lively, while the relaxed pace allows you to linger over the food and soak up a little taste of la dolce vita. Price: BD35 per adult, including soft drinks | BD45 per adult, including selected beverages | BD17.5 per child aged four to 12, including soft drinks. GO: Call 1758 6452 or WhatsApp 3977 0525 for more information or to make a reservation.

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THE NEW SOCIAL TABLE

Come for the Table. Stay for the Experience.

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• BAHRAIN’S BEST BRUNCHES

SCRUMPTIOUS SATURDAYS

End your weekend in style with Saturday brunches that bring good food, great ambience and chilled vibes, setting you up for the week ahead. KAYA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE – THE GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION & SPA When: Every Friday and Saturday | 1pm to 5pm (Friday), 3pm to 7pm (Saturday) What: If you’ve missed Kaya’s Friday offering, make a Saturday afternoon of it, where the brunch set menu is served alongside a live sushi chef station and a dedicated dessert counter. The restaurant and lounge’s premium Asian-Mediterranean setting provides the backdrop, while guests can choose between two drinks packages for a leisurely afternoon. Price: Silver package – BD30, including mocktails, soft drinks, juices and water | Platinum package – BD42, including selected beverages. GO: Call 1717 1722 or follow @kayabahrain on Instagram for more information or to make a reservation. ROKA BAHRAIN – BAHRAIN HARBOUR When: Fridays and Saturdays | From 12pm What: ROKA’s Family Brunch pairs views across the Manama seafront with an extensive selection of Japanese favourites. The meal starts with sharing plates of salads, makis, nigiris and robata dishes, followed by signature mains served to the table. For an additional BD5, upgrade to premium robata, featuring black cod marinated in yuzu miso or lamb cutlets with Korean spices. Guests can also enjoy ROKA classic and signature dishes from the main menu, and the meal finishes with ROKA’s signature dessert platter. Children aged eight to 14 can opt for a special Kodomo menu, while kids under seven are offered a complimentary menu. Colouring activities at the table keep younger guests entertained. Price: From BD23 per person GO: Call 1334 3334 or email rb.info@rokarestaurant.bh for more information or to make a reservation.

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN When: Fridays and Saturdays | 1pm to 4pm What: Discover the vibrant flavours and spirit of Mexico with the Weekend Brunch Fiesta at Cantina Kahlo. Start with fresh salads, house-made guacamole and tortilla chips, followed by a selection of hot and cold appetisers. A generous mixed grill takes centre stage for the main course, with a selection of desserts offering a sweet finale. Unlimited servings are accompanied by crafted beverages, while a resident mariachi band adds to the atmosphere, keeping the afternoon lively. Price: BD35 per person, including soft drinks | BD45 per person, including selected beverages | BD17.5 per child aged four to 12, including soft drinks. GO: Call 1758 6401 or WhatsApp 3977 0525 for more information or to make a reservation.

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Where Great Taste Begins.

the_don_steakhouse

+973 39753770

linktr.ee/TheDonBHfact magazine

• BAHRAIN’S BEST BRUNCHES

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN

There’s no better way to spend the weekend than enjoying quality time with your loved ones over a lavish brunch in a relaxed atmosphere, topped with plenty of entertainment. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY When: Every Friday | 1pm to 4pm What: Bahrain Bay Kitchen lays out an extensive international buffet, with live cooking stations and a wide selection of global favourites throughout the afternoon. A resident singer provides the live entertainment, while indoor and outdoor seating gives families plenty of room to enjoy the vibrant brunch atmosphere. Price: BD35 per person with soft beverages | BD48 per person with selected beverages | Bubbly packages also available. GO: Call 1711 5500 for more information or to make a reservation.

JUMEIRAH GULF OF BAHRAIN When: Every Friday | 1pm to 5pm What: The J Brunch at Obab Al Bahar brings together global flavours, handcrafted beverages and sweet indulgences, with live music and vibrant entertainment adding to the afternoon. The brunch is thoughtfully curated for family and friends, with engaging activities for children alongside exceptional food and drinks. A brunch and day-pass option is also available, giving guests the chance to enjoy more of their Friday and Jumeirah’s signature hospitality. Price: BD30 per person with soft drinks | BD39 per person with selected beverages | BD15 per kid for children aged five to 11. Brunch and Day Pass: BD35 per person with soft drinks | BD44 per person with selected beverages | BD15 per kid for children aged five to 11. GO: Call 3366 3464 or email JGB.ObabAlBahar@jumeirah.com for more information or to make a reservation.

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA When: Every Friday | 12pm to 4pm What: Offering a great family-friendly atmosphere, Sofitel Bahrain’s Saraya Restaurant serves up a different themed brunch each week, with a wide selection of international favourites spanning Indian, Asian and Italian cuisine. Live cooking stations add to the experience, while a Cuban band, a saxophonist and a DJ provide live entertainment throughout the afternoon. Younger guests can enjoy the dedicated kids’ corner, with mascot appearances adding an extra touch of fun for families. Price: BD36 per person, including selected beverages | Children aged six to 12 enjoy 50% off | Kids aged five and below dine for free. GO: Call 3888 5789 for more information or to make a reservation.

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An Evening Worth Staying For.

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• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

A NEW CHAPTER IN ORIENTAL ELEGANCE Amira Ragab and her colleagues set out in search of lunch, finding a fulfilling feast wrapped in Oriental elegance.

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

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• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

here are days when you leave a meeting with one thing on your mind: food. Not just anything, but something properly good. The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa, with its wonderfully vast culinary landscape, is usually where I find myself heading when I want options but cannot quite decide what I am in the mood for. So, after a meeting with my colleagues, we wandered over, hungry and undecided, to see what would tempt us. As luck would have it, China Garden had just reopened. That was all the convincing we needed, so we walked in without hesitation and settled in for lunch. The transformation is immediately apparent. China Garden now feels like a polished interpretation of modern Oriental dining, bringing contemporary glamour together with touches of traditional Chinese design. Towering, intricately woven lantern pillars create a dramatic entrance, while inside, deep, moody tones meet rich wood panelling and sleek black marble tables streaked with gold. Crimson velvet seating adds warmth, while amber-lit shelving and soft wall sconces create an intimate glow. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto lush greenery, framed by geometric grilles that filter the daylight, while mirrored ceiling panels amplify the sense of space. Throughout our lunch, Joann, the restaurant manager, was a wonderful host, attentive without ever being intrusive and making the experience particularly welcoming. The meal began with complimentary bites of crunchy Chinesestyle kimchi, roasted peanuts and a fiery chilli paste. Simple, but enough to awaken the palate and set the tone. The Imperial Lotus Root Salad was a refreshing start, combining tender greens, edamame and cucumber ribbons with roasted walnuts and delicate, crispy lotus root chips, all brought together by a rich, aged balsamic dressing. Then came the dumplings. The Roast Duck Dumplings were pan-seared, with a savoury filling and crisp base, while the TSO Braised Wagyu Dumplings took things up a notch. Filled with slow-braised Wagyu, ginger, garlic and spring onion, they were beautifully pleated and finished with microgreens and a touch of edible gold. Chef Ding’s Golden Sampler brought together golden-battered prawns, sesame-topped shrimp toast and crisp vegetable spring rolls, arranged over fried vermicelli. Crunchy, indulgent and made for sharing, it disappeared rather quickly. For the mains, the Sichuan Chilli Eggplant was perhaps the biggest surprise for me. I have never been the biggest fan of aubergine, but this dish completely changed my mind. Crisp around the edges and wonderfully soft inside, the Chinese aubergine was coated in a sticky Sichuan chilli sauce with just the right balance of spicy and sweet. Sublime. The Hot Garlic Chicken followed, with wok-fried chicken, colourful peppers, onions and fresh vegetables tossed in a glossy, aromatic garlic sauce. It also comes with a little celebrity history, said to have been a favourite order of Michael Jackson during his visits to the Gulf Hotel. The Legendary Crispy Beef delivered exactly the crunch its name promised, with shredded fried beef, sweet chilli sauce, 82

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

spring onions, carrots, peppers and sesame sprinkled onions. And, because a Chinese meal without something sweet and sour would hardly feel complete, we also ordered the Sweet and Sour Prawns. Served with peppers and pineapple, it was a familiar classic executed with admirable finesse. The drinks offered a refreshing counterpoint to the richer flavours. The Shanghai Sunrise combined hibiscus, kaffir lime leaves, basil and passion fruit for a vibrant, floral and tropical finish. The Purple Hummingbird took a more delicate route, pairing fragrant jasmine tea with sweet lychee and aromatic basil. Both were refreshing without overwhelming the food. By dessert, we were comfortably full, but there was still room for two very different endings. The Sago Cream with Mango was cool, velvety and wonderfully tropical, with creamy sago pearls, mango custard, diced mango and a delicate chocolate garnish. Then came the Sizzling Sichuan Brownie, the theatrical finale. A warm, fudgy brownie arrived on a sizzling skillet with vanilla ice cream, followed by a generous pour of warm chocolate sauce that bubbled dramatically around it. Unapologetically indulgent and, naturally, impossible to resist. China Garden’s reopening feels like a new chapter for one of the Gulf Hotel’s longstanding dining destinations. The refreshed setting gives it a more contemporary identity, while the menu retains the bold flavours, familiar classics and generous spirit that make Chinese dining such a pleasure. For us, what began as a spontaneous post-meeting wander turned into a thoroughly satisfying lunch – proof that sometimes the best meals are the ones you didn’t plan. ✤

GO: CALL 1774 6423 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION. fact magazine

• ON THE MENU

A LASTING TASTE OF PERSIA Amira Ragab joins her friends for a nostalgic taste of Golestan, where old flavours bring cherished memories back to the table.

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ON THE MENU •

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• ON THE MENU

ince I set foot in Bahrain in 2023, I've been fascinated by the affection people have here for things from the past – that nostalgia lingering in the heart, the quiet pride when something reminds them of the old days. Bahraini friends have a lovely way of referring to those memories and moments: the kind days. So when a little birdy whispered that Golestan, one of the island's original Persian institutions, was bringing back dishes from its old menu with Chef Hassani – one of the chefs who worked there decades ago – I didn't hesitate. I called my Bahraini friends, who were over the moon and excited to share the experience together. We arrived at Golestan, on the ground floor of the Sheraton Bahrain, at lunchtime. The vast yet cosy dining room didn't disappoint. Our host settled us in, then proudly explained the special menu and Chef Hassani's return to recreate dishes from his earlier days at the restaurant. It took us two minutes to agree: we were ordering the whole menu to share. It wasn't a long list, and it was a chance for us to revisit flavours and memories. For me, it was my first taste of those ‘kind days’, made all the more special by sharing it with people I care about. Before the menu even opened, a welcome platter arrived – deceptively simple, profoundly delicious. Fresh greens, walnuts, cucumber, radish and creamy feta came with paperthin flatbread. My first bite was warm bread layered with feta, peppery arugula, kurrath (leek) and walnuts: fresh, crunchy and wonderfully simple. Then came the second: feta, walnuts and a little apricot jam. For reasons I still can't explain, that sweet touch worked beautifully, balancing creamy, savoury and sweet. Next to arrive was Soup-e-Adas in a rustic terracotta bowl – a hearty soup of brown and green lentils, onion and warm spice, its earthy surface finished with cream and fresh herbs. Simple and comforting, it was the sort of soup that made you slow down for another spoonful. The appetisers followed. Borani Esfenaj, the beloved Persian spinach-yoghurt dip, came in a pale jade bowl, swirled and dusted with cinnamon, with warm flatbread alongside. Shami Pook arrived as deep-golden patties with a crackling crust, pickled cucumber and tomato. Inside, the lamb and chickpea remained tender rather than dry – a simple balance that is harder to get right than it looks. Then the mains started arriving, filling the table with the warmth of Persian home-style cooking. My friend's Khoresht-e-Kharafs came in a two-handled metal karahi – a glossy brown-green celery stew with flaky meat, blackened dried lime and crisp fried onions. Beside it was saffron rice, scattered with tart barberries sitting pretty against the yellow. I'm not usually a stew person, yet I sat quietly humbled. It was patient cooking, the kind that earns your respect one spoonful at a time. Next up, Chef Hassani's kababs really made lunch come alive. The Do Mazeh – chicken and lamb koobideh – sat on saffron rice, ridged from the grill and accompanied by grilled tomato and pepper, sumac-dusted lemon, pickles and parsley. Beautifully juicy and charred, they delivered exactly what Persian grilling should. The Kabab-e-Dariyayi – Golestan's fish and shrimp – was my order, and the star for me. The turmeric-marinated fish was flaky,

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ON THE MENU •

the shrimp tender and full of flavour, both char-streaked from the grill and served with cauliflower, carrot, blistered tomato and pepper. That golden saffron-turmeric crust against the char wasn't just beautiful – one bite and I had nothing left to say. My friends ordered the Kabab-e-Makhsus – joojeh masti, lamb barg and beef masti – the most substantial plate of the day. Thinpounded lamb was fanned beside grilled chicken and beef, with a separate rice platter carrying saffron, plain and herbed sabzi rice. Honestly, we could have ordered this alone and left satisfied. Generous, beautifully grilled and varied enough to keep everyone reaching across the table. After all that, you'd think dessert was optional. It wasn't. Cakee-Shokolati arrived as a molten chocolate cake stamped with a gold-foil transfer, revealing a dark, glossy centre of melted milk chocolate. Besides it, saffron ice cream on chocolate crumb brought a cool, fragrant contrast to the richness. By the end of the meal, I understood what kind days really mean. It isn't simply nostalgia for a restaurant or a menu; it's the feeling of being transported back to a time that still lives in your memory. For my friends, it was exactly that – remembering, sharing stories and introducing me to a piece of Golestan they knew and loved. With warm hospitality throughout, lunch felt less like a meal and more like being welcomed into someone else's cherished memory. I'll probably sneak back one weekday with my work colleagues, because some meals are too good to leave as a one-time experience. Perhaps that's the nicest thing about kind days: they become even kinder when shared with people you care about. ✤

GO: CALL 1753 3533 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION. fact magazine

• DINING DELIGHT

BRUNCH AT ITS FINEST

Eager to experience Legendz SteakHouse’s new Sit Down Brunch, Apple Sharma headed to InterContinental Bahrain for a leisurely Friday afternoon filled with good food, attentive service and a relaxed fine-dining atmosphere. 88

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DINING DELIGHT •

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• DINING DELIGHT

hen it comes to brunch, I’ve always preferred the sit-down variety, where you can settle in, take your time and enjoy each course as it arrives rather than wandering from station to station. So, I was especially excited to try the new Sit Down Brunch at Legendz, which takes a more refined, fine-dining approach. And being a four-hour-long affair, it felt like the perfect way to spend a Friday afternoon with my partner. As we took our seats, Restaurant Manager Aditya greeted us and explained the new concept, while our courteous server, Hsu, looked after us all afternoon with a smile. As a vegetarian, I was glad to find a few options, and the kitchen was able to accommodate me without prior notice. Chef Tauseef even stopped by to explain some of the dishes and check that my dietary needs were being taken care of – a thoughtful touch that made the experience feel personal. The brunch began with a basket of sourdough bread, accompanied with a duo of plain and onion butter, and as a little veggie treat, the chef had prepared a small starter of fried stuffed mushrooms in a creamy sauce to whet our appetites. Crisp on the outside with a soft, savoury centre, it was a tasty introduction to what was to come. Before long, the table began to fill with an exquisite selection of sharing appetisers. I love this style of brunch, where you can sample a little of everything without having to commit to just one dish, and there was certainly plenty to tempt us. The Dark Rye & Walnuts Sourdough Egg Benedict combined guacamole, turkey bacon, roquette, lettuce, perfectly poached

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organic eggs and shaved Parmesan, giving the familiar brunch favourite a more refined treatment. Next came the Olive Oil Poached Lobster & Shrimp Bocal. The tender seafood was submerged in the buttery-sweet garlic confit, beautifully complemented by pink peppercorns, lemon zest and thyme. Served with crisp sourdough toast, it had a lovely freshness and just enough richness to make it feel indulgent. The Legendz Garden Salad was a standout – kale and red cabbage, shallots, carrots and beetroot tossed in Dijon lemon vinaigrette, topped with feta and pomegranate. Toasted pine nuts added texture to the crunchy vegetables and, although a generous portion, it didn't last long on our table! One of the prettiest plates of the afternoon was the Peruvian Salmon Ceviche. Thin slivers of fish, finished with dill, sliced red radish and leche de tigre, it was as refreshing as it was beautiful. Mango and caviar added a hint of sweetness and a contrast to the fresh, citrusy dish. The Maki Rolls Platter brought a taste of Japan to the table, with Californian, salmon avocado and spicy tuna options offering a colourful variety of fresh flavours. The Beef Tartare with an egg yolk on top offered a richer, more savoury note. Finely prepared Angus tenderloin chunks mixed with capers, shallots, cornichons and Dijon mustard gave every bite plenty of character without overwhelming the meat. For my vegetarian starters, I was treated to the Burrata Salad, one of my favourites. It was wonderfully creamy, served over cherry tomatoes and rocket with tasty quenelles of tomato puree keeping the dish light and summery. I also tried the Avocado on

DINING DELIGHT •

Toast, a simple but satisfying addition, with its creamy avocado and crisp toast making for a lovely contrast in texture. Vegetarian dishes were clearly not an afterthought here. Before moving on to the mains, we took a breather and looked around. The setting can make all the difference to a long brunch, and Legendz has the perfect ambience for lingering over a meal. Our table was pristinely dressed in white crockery, beige mats and a delicate glass vase of baby’s breath, giving everything an elegant touch. A grand piano catches your eye as soon as you walk in, doubling as a DJ station and live performance area. During our visit, a singer kept things lively with music that suited the afternoon perfectly. Best of all, the volume was at just the right level, letting us enjoy the experience without having to raise our voices. It's a small detail, but one that can make or break a brunch for me. For the main course, diners can choose one dish, with four signature options on offer. The Grilled Gambas comes with virgin sauce, saffron oil, couscous and grilled vegetables, while the Roasted Seabass is served with a red grape matelote, blue mussels, glazed pearl onions, wild mushrooms and garden peas. For me, the Burrata & Pecorino Tortellini was an easy choice. A pretty dish, the plump pasta parcels were filled with creamy burrata and pecorino, paired with sweet heirloom tomatoes and green olive halves. Basil meuniere butter added a gentle richness, while toasted pine nuts gave a nice crunch against the soft pasta – a deliciously comforting vegetarian main. My partner opted for the Filet Mignon Café de Paris, and it arrived with plenty of tableside flair. The grilled Angus beef tenderloin

was thinly sliced and kept warm over a flame, allowing the rich, buttery Café de Paris sauce to stay silky throughout the meal. The medium-rare meat was tender and full of flavour, and the homemade French fries, crisp on the outside and fluffy inside, were so moreish that the plate was cleared in minutes. By the time dessert arrived, we had enjoyed our way through the menu, but there’s always room for something sweet. The Baba au Rhum was wonderfully moist, soaked in citrus syrup and topped with vanilla Chantilly and an almost marmalade-like candied orange zest. The Chocolate Bourbon brought together chocolate crémeux, bourbon caramel, Biscoff crumble and vanilla sauce for a deeply indulgent finish, while the Caramelized Basque Cheesecake, served with red berry coulis and whipped fresh cream, was excellent with its creamy centre and deeply browned top. With its elegant setting, friendly service and beautifully presented dishes, Legendz’s new Sit Down Brunch makes for a wonderfully relaxed Friday afternoon, and one I'd happily return to. The brunch menu is subject to change based on seasonality and availability of ingredients. ✤

GO: CALL 1722 7777 OR WHATSAPP 3696 7701 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION. fact magazine

• ADVERTORIAL

NOSTALGIA, EVOLVED: A BREAKFAST FEAST The morning we stopped rushing – Amira Ragab visits CaféCAFÉ

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ADVERTORIAL •

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• ADVERTORIAL

etting a group of busy people to the same table before nine in the morning is its own small miracle. Getting them to linger is another thing entirely. It had been on our list for months – one of those places we kept meaning to try and kept finding excuses not to. Too busy. Too early. Maybe next week. But on this particular Monday, something shifted. While the morning was still finding itself, our little group was filtering through the door one by one. By eight o'clock, we were ordering. By eightfifteen, the table was already alive. We're a mixed crowd, and that's precisely what makes a shared table interesting. The sweet-tooth devotees. The healthconscious, for whom breakfast is less indulgence and more ritual. The adventurous eaters who will try anything once. And then there's the friend who orders the same safe thing every time and spends the meal eyeing everyone else's plates. The drinks arrived and, as always, told the whole story before the food did. Coffee for some, cold-pressed juices for others. Matcha for me. And for our health-conscious friend – something called a Red Velvet. I raised an eyebrow. He ignored me. First sip, and I owed him an apology. What makes CaféCAFÉ quietly exceptional is something Executive Chef Ashwani Kumar seems to understand intuitively: nostalgia is powerful, but it's even more powerful when you give it an upgrade. The menu is built on breakfasts you already know, then gently rewired with flavours from elsewhere. Nothing demands explanation. Everything asks you to look a little closer. 94

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The Corn Fritters & Egg set the tone. A golden corn fritter beneath a generous avocado smash and a soft-boiled egg whose deep-orange yolk broke into a tangle of feta, shredded cheddar, arugula and edamame. The dynamite sauce threaded through all of it – bright, warm, just sharp enough to keep everything honest. With so much on the plate, the balance was the real achievement. By the time I finished, it was my favourite thing of the morning. Then came the croissants, and the table's energy shifted upward. The Smoked Turkey & Stracciatella arrived in an artisan croissant bun, the creamy cheese cut through by a roasted tomato and olive tapenade. Across the table, my companion took her first bite of the Honey Croissant Melt – honey-glazed, filled with sliced turkey and cheese, finished with balsamic syrup and crushed pistachios – and responded with a quiet, involuntary sound of delight. Some dishes you finish politely. Some dishes you finish fast. The Truffle Scramble was the moment the table got serious. Soft scrambled eggs baked in a rich cream sauce, finished under the broiler until just golden, with fresh chives and toasted sourdough alongside. The truffle elevated the whole thing without trying. One of those dishes that needs no explanation. The Mushroom & Cream Omelet was predictable in the best possible way – golden and folded, covered in a creamy mushroom sauce with blistered cherry tomatoes and micro herbs. Not every dish needs to surprise you. Then again, some do. The Crispy Rice Benedict was a bolder plate: crispy rice cakes topped with smashed avocado, a soft-boiled egg and hollandaise, alongside

ADVERTORIAL •

blistered greens, charred corn and cherry tomatoes. A reimagined classic is always a gamble. This one paid off. Around the table, everyone had found their moment. The Keto Power Plate arrived, and our health-conscious friend didn't need convincing – fanned avocado, soft scrambled eggs, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, blistered broccolini, olives and cherry tomatoes. He's not easy to impress. He was impressed. At the other end of the table, the Eggplant & Chilli Shakshouka was built for the spice-lover: soft roasted eggplant, a bubbling tomatoand-chilli base, baked eggs, garlic confit labneh and roasted chilli threads, warm pita on the side. Hearty and full of flavour. The Café Club – a triple-decker of egg, marinated chicken, beef bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise and avocado with fries – did exactly what it needed to, nothing more. The Crispy Potato Rosti followed: golden pan-fried shredded potato, fried eggs, herb oil, chilli flakes and a creamy labneh base that brought a cool, tangy finish to the whole plate. We ended with something sweet, because we always do. The Summer Berry French Toast – thick-cut brioche, caramelised golden-brown, piled with strawberry, blueberry and raspberry compote, vanilla ice cream and a dulce drizzle – was sweeter-looking than it tasted. The caramelised crust kept it grounded. Equally stunning was the Golden Mango French Toast, featuring buttery brioche with whipped mango cream, fresh mango and a zip of lime zest that kept the tropical sweetness remarkably light and refined. One thing ran quietly beneath everything: a remarkable amount is made in-house, bread included. You notice it not because anyone tells you, but because things taste like they were made with care rather than convenience. It's a small detail that makes an outsized difference. By the time we pushed back our chairs, the morning had done everything it was supposed to. Next time, I'm coming on a weekend. I'm staying longer. And I'm ordering the corn fritters again. CaféCAFÉ – the kind of place that earns a second visit before you've even left the first. ✤

GO: CALL 1712 5111 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION. fact magazine

All Images - Courtesy of Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

• TRAVEL

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TRAVEL •

MOON OVER SAMARKAND Amira Ragab follows a decades-old dream and discovers Uzbekistan alone. fact magazine

• TRAVEL was still a high school senior when I first came across the name Mohamed Mansi Qandil and fell irrevocably under the spell of his novel Moon Over Samarqand. The way he rendered its people and conjured the country from the page planted in me a quiet, persistent wish: to one day stand where he had described so lovingly. Twenty years later, that wish finally came to pass.

The First Glance Uzbekistan seizes the imagination the instant you step beyond the airport doors – a vast green expanse unfurling further than one expects of any capital's outer edges. My first destination was Tashkent, a capital that seems to argue, quietly and everywhere at once, that Islamic, Soviet and contemporary architecture need not compete for space, but can coexist in genuine harmony. After an exceptionally long flight, I had braced for exhaustion. Instead, the drive from the airport to my hotel, Inspira-S, set in the heart of the city, did quite the opposite – it stirred something awake in me, enough to send me back out into the evening before the day had properly ended. It was late August, and I had steeled myself for punishing heat. Instead, I was met with a warm, forgiving breeze that carried me further than I'd intended to go.

Tashkent Tashkent compels you to walk, and to turn just one more corner. Buildings emerge like standalone works of art – façades of mural, mosaic, beige bricks, coloured marble – each insisting on a second glance. On one such wander, I happened upon a carpentry workshop, its doors carved with such intricate detail that I stood before them speechless. Just beyond was the Naqsh School of Crafts, where I was welcomed graciously into a tradition of calligraphy and craft taught free of charge, to anyone between seven and 70. Back at the hotel, wanting only something light before sleep, I was greeted instead by three plates piled high with dried fruit and nuts – an Uzbek welcome so generous it rendered any further ordering unnecessary. The next morning, I traced Uzbekistan's history through its newest museum, the Center for Islamic Civilization, whose main eastern portal deliberately echoes the façade of the Ulugh Beg Madrasah in Samarkand. Five halls unfold like chapters of a single narrative. At its heart lies the Quran Hall, home to the seventh-century Mushaf of Uthman, among the oldest surviving Quranic manuscripts on earth. Around it, the story expands backwards and forwards at once – petroglyphs from a pre-Islamic world, Timurid-era miniatures glowing in the blues of Bukhara and Shiraz, a decree bearing the hand of Amir Timur himself, and finally a hall stepping into modern Uzbekistan. Still unhurried, I made my way to the Hazrati Imam Complex, the spiritual heart of old Tashkent – the Barak Khan Madrasah, the Muyi Muborak Madrasah (which once 98

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held the very Uthman Quran I'd admired that morning), the Tillya Sheikh Mosque, and the mausoleum itself – losing all sense of time amid turquoise domes, carved wooden doors and calligraphy tracing every wall. I surrendered what remained of the day to a spa, an unhurried swim and a hammam that delivered on every promise.

Samarkand I had not come this far to stop short of the very reason for my journey: Samarkand itself, the city I had first met on the page. I booked passage aboard the Afrosiyob, Uzbekistan's high-speed train, named for the long-ruined quarter of Samarkand dating to the sixth and seventh centuries BC, once a centre of Sogdian culture along the Silk Road. The two-hour journey, departing at 8am, cut first through urban greenery, then grass-covered mountains where cattle and sheep grazed unhurried, made richer by breakfast served on board: Uzbekistan's flaky bread, a small cupcake and tea. Stepping off the train, the day carried me backwards through nearly a millennium of history. The Imam alBukhari Complex rose before me with 14 blue domes, four 75m-high minarets, a white marble mosque built to hold 10,000 worshippers and a nine-pavilion digital museum tracing Al-Bukhari's life and the Prophet's lineage. Its façades draw on 18 varieties of imported natural stone, lending the complex a timeless gravity.

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A Yandex Go (local taxi service) then carried me to Shah-i-Zinda, my driver pausing to point out the old Samarkand Jewish Cemetery, a quiet testament to the centuries-old Bukharian Jewish presence in Central Asia, just northeast of the necropolis. Shah-i-Zinda is nothing short of an architectural masterpiece – a continuous avenue of mausoleums rising organically from the hills, a wander through an open-air museum of mediaeval ceramic art. From there, I made my way to Registan Square, where three madrasahs stand as monuments to two centuries of ambition. Ulugh Beg Madrasah came first, raised by the astronomer-prince himself as a seat of mathematics and astronomy. Sher-Dor Madrasah broke with Islamic convention, its façade bearing tiger-and-sun mosaics, in defiance of tradition. Tilya-Kori Madrasah closed the square last, its mosque interior sheathed entirely in gold leaf, true to its name meaning ‘gilded with gold’. The square's scale is impossible to take in at a glance – I found newlyweds posing there, having learnt that no wedding in Samarkand feels complete without a portrait framed by it. The day's final, most contemplative stop was the Ulugh Beg Observatory on Chupan-Ata Hill, one of the most sophisticated scientific achievements of the mediaeval world, built by Ulugh Beg, grandson of Amir Timur and a master astronomer in his own right. I returned to the station and dozed through the ride back to Tashkent, Samarkand still lingering behind my eyes. fact magazine

• TRAVEL

Shopping Back in Tashkent, my last day was reserved for shopping, beginning at Magic City – part amusement park, part bazaar, part backdrop for photographs waiting to be taken. A full-scale replica of Registan Square dazzles in crisp modern tilework, tiger motifs roaring across its façade in place of the real Samarkand, while hundreds of umbrellas form a rainbow canopy over a café-lined lane. From there, I wandered to Seoul Mun, a three-story open-air dining and shopping complex along the Anhor canal, styled after a Korean quarter, complete with barbecue, bibimbap and nightly musical fountains. I nearly forgot my one remaining promise to myself: the local bazaars. A Yandex delivered me to Chorsu Bazaar, in the heart of Tashkent's Old Town – Uzbekistan's most iconic market, trading on the same ground for over a thousand years along the ancient caravan routes. Its turquoise-tiled dome, part of Tashkent's UNESCO-listed modernist architecture, crowns a market within, featuring towers of spice, mountains of dried fruit, garments in every colour and street food sizzling at every turn. I tried the momos and regretted every day I'd been here without them and then came the melons – Uzbek melons – unlike any fruit I had tasted before.

Food and Culture Uzbeks understand how to let a meal breathe. One begins with salads, then arrives the samsa: golden baked triangles of finely minced lamb steeped in fragrant spice, crispy on the outside, trapping the meat juices within. Nothing here is rushed; each course is given time to settle before the next arrival. Tashkent treated me to the traditional grills – shashlik and kebab, where Uzbek grill masters seem to have redefined what cumin is capable of – alongside lagman, a hearty noodle stew thick with lamb, and Naryn, a masterpiece of restraint built from only flour, water and meat. It arrived beside kazy, horse-meat sausage, which I tried for the first time and understood at once why it's considered a delicacy. Samarkand was a different story: plov, Uzbekistan's most celebrated dish, said to be made best here, preceded by a dumpling soup hearty enough to stand as a meal on its own. The plov – golden rice steamed rather than boiled, layered over sweet, julienned carrots, black cumin, chickpeas and barberries, resting atop tender braised lamb – was far more considered than rice has any right to be.

Never Goodbye My only true regret is that time was too short to take in all this country had to offer, and that I did not take nearly as many photographs as I should have. But when one is truly mesmerised by beauty, the impulse to reach for a phone tends to vanish – one can only hope to preserve it somewhere safer: the heart. All I know with certainty is that this will not be my last journey to Uzbekistan. After 20 years, I finally arrived. And, as it turned out, I had only just begun. ✤ 100 fact magazine

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• ARTS & CULTURE

BLENDING ART AND HERITAGE

From international galleries to solo exhibits, Bahraini artist Mahmood Mohamed has carved out a niche for himself with his unique mixed media style. Apple Sharma speaks with him about the inspiration behind his art, his favourite pieces and a few fun facts! 102 fact magazine

Threads of Memory

ARTS & CULTURE •

fact: How did your artistic journey begin? Were you a natural, or did you have to work at developing your craft? MM: My artistic journey started when I was around 10 years old. I was always drawn to visual art, especially the energy and freedom I saw in European street art. That fascination encouraged me to start experimenting and creating for myself. I participated in school events and competitions, and I was fortunate to have art teachers who supported and motivated me. My mother also played an important role. I still remember her buying me my first set of art supplies, which gave me the encouragement to take painting more seriously. I think there may have been a natural attraction to art from the beginning, but developing my own voice took time and practice. I am still learning, and that process of discovery is one of the things I enjoy most about being an artist. fact: What was it about European street art that first captured your imagination? MM: It was the freedom of it. Street art felt energetic, direct and fearless. I was fascinated by the scale, the colours, the layering, the graffiti and the way artists could transform an ordinary wall or public space into something that immediately communicated with people. What interested me most was that it didn't feel restricted by the traditional idea of what art should look like. There was room for typography, portraits, abstraction, symbols, texture and social or cultural references all within the same work. That freedom stayed with me. Eventually, I began thinking about how I could take some of that urban visual language and

combine it with something much closer to my own Arab identity and Bahraini culture. fact: Your work combines a fascinating mix of materials and techniques. How would you describe your style and creative process? MM: I would describe my work as a contemporary fusion of urban art, portraiture and traditional Arab visual culture. I enjoy mixing materials and techniques rather than limiting myself to one medium. I have worked with spray paint, acrylics, screen printing, stencils, collage and digital tools such as Photoshop and Procreate. I have also experimented with different surfaces, including canvas, cardboard and carpet. My process usually develops through layers. I may begin with graffiti-inspired marks, abstract forms or patterns to establish the background. Then I introduce the portrait, often through drawing, stencilling and spray-paint techniques. Finally, I build the cultural layer through Arabic calligraphy, geometric patterns, textile references and traditional dress motifs and decorative details. For me, those layers represent the meeting point between contemporary urban art and traditional Arab culture. fact: Your pieces often celebrate Arab women and culture. What draws you to these subjects? MM: Arab culture has always been visually rich to me. The textiles, architecture, calligraphy, jewellery, traditional clothing, colours and geometric patterns contain an incredible amount of beauty and history. When I paint women, however, I don't want the work to be only fact magazine

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• ARTS & CULTURE about appearance. I am interested in personality, expression and body language. The eyes, in particular, are very important in my portraits. I want the viewer to feel that there is a person and a story behind the patterns. Arab women also represent strength, elegance and resilience to me. By combining their portraits with traditional elements and a contemporary urban style, I am trying to celebrate that strength while presenting Arab culture through a visual language that feels current. fact: How have your family and Bahraini upbringing shaped you as an artist? MM: They have shaped me enormously. Growing up in Bahrain meant being surrounded by a culture with its own distinctive patterns, architecture, clothing, calligraphy and traditions. As I developed as an artist, I began looking at them differently. I started recognising how much visual inspiration existed around me. My family has also been very supportive. One of my earliest and most precious memories is my mother buying me my first set of art supplies. Something that may seem simple became very important to me because it represented encouragement at an age when I was just beginning to discover art. My wife has also been very supportive of my creative journey. As my work has evolved, I have found myself becoming increasingly interested in Bahraini identity and in researching traditional patterns, Arabic and Islamic calligraphy and decorative elements. For me, Bahrain isn't simply where I am from; it has become part of the visual vocabulary of my work. fact: Is there a particular artwork or series that is especially close to your heart, and why? MM: There are several works that are important to me, but the portrait Threads of Memory is especially close to my heart. What I love about it is the balance between simplicity and detail. The woman's expression is quiet and composed, while the layers surrounding her are much more active – traditional patterns, strong red and turquoise elements, black and white sections and gold details. The portrait itself is mostly monochromatic, which allows the expression and especially the eyes to remain the emotional centre of the work. Around her, the different patterns come together almost like pieces of memory or heritage. I also like that the work doesn't feel purely traditional or purely contemporary. It exists somewhere between the two. That is very close to what I am trying to achieve as an artist, taking elements connected to our heritage and allowing them to live within a modern visual language. fact: What are you working on at the moment, and what can we look forward to seeing next? MM: At the moment, I am continuing to develop the visual language that has become central to my work while pushing it further. I am particularly interested in refining the relationship between portraiture, Arabic and Islamic calligraphy, Bahraini patterns and traditional decorative elements. Gold has also become an important element in some of the newer works because of the way it interacts with the more urban and 104 fact magazine

contemporary parts of the composition. I want to continue researching Bahraini culture more deeply rather than simply using patterns decoratively. I am also interested in experimenting with scale, materials and different ways of presenting the work. ✤

FUN FACTS ● Your favourite artist? Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein have both been a major influence on me. ● Three most-used colours in your work? Black, gold and turquoise. ● Calligraphy or painting? Painting, but I love incorporating calligraphy into it. ● Digital or analogue art? Analogue. I enjoy digital tools as part of the process, but I love the physicality, texture and imperfections of working with real materials. ● Your dream collab? A collaboration that takes my artwork beyond the canvas, ideally with a fashion or design house where I could reinterpret Bahraini and Arab patterns through contemporary art, textiles and design.

GO: FOLLOW @MIMS_ART ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• ENTERTAINMENT

A selection of the new movies and TV releases you won't want to miss this month.

DIGGER

VERITY

KLARA AND THE SUN

Director: Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu Cast: Tom Cruise, Riz Ahmed, John

Director: Michael Showalter Cast: Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson,

Director: Taika Waititi Cast: Jenna Ortega, Amy Adams,

Digger follows the most powerful man in the world, a wealthy oil tycoon, as he races to prove that he can save humanity from a major environmental disaster he himself has set in motion. Starring Tom Cruise in the title role, the film marks director Alejandro González Iñárritu’s return to the big screen after The Revenant, bringing Tom Cruise together with an ensemble cast including Riz Ahmed, Sandra Hüller and Jesse Plemons.

Adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, Verity follows struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh, who is hired to complete the remaining books of successful author Verity Crawford, who has been left unable to write following a devastating car accident. Moving into the Crawford family’s remote home to sort through her notes, Lowen discovers what appear to be Verity’s private autobiographical confessions, containing disturbing revelations about her life and her husband, Jeremy. As she continues her work, it becomes increasingly difficult to tell what is true and what has been invented.

Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s bestselling novel, Klara and the Sun follows Klara, an Artificial Friend designed to provide companionship to teenagers. Chosen by Josie, a young girl suffering from a life-threatening illness, Klara becomes part of her family’s home and observes their strained relationships. As she grows increasingly devoted to Josie, Klara develops a deep belief in the Sun’s power to heal her, offering an unusual perspective on love, hope and human connection in a near-future world.

Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg

Netflix

EAST OF EDEN

Adapted for television by:

Zoe Kazan Cast: Florence Pugh, Christopher Abbott, Mike Faist, Hoon Lee, Tracy Letts, Ciarán Hinds Premiering on October 1, East of Eden is a seven-part adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel. Set in California’s Salinas Valley in the early 20th century, the series follows several generations of the Trask family, with Florence Pugh starring as Cathy Ames, whose arrival has a lasting impact on the lives of brothers Adam and Charles Trask. The story unfolds across two generations, bringing Steinbeck’s family saga to television through a new adaptation by Zoe Kazan. 106 fact magazine

Josh Hartnett, Ismael Cruz Córdova

Mia Tharia, Aran Murphy

APPLE TV

NOCTURNE

Created for television by:

Rowan Joffé, Nicholas Wootton Cast: Liev Schreiber, Zazie Beetz, Stephen Graham, Bill Camp, Rory Culkin, Poorna Jagannathan Nocturne follows former soldier and homicide detective Jonah Lynn, who leaves Philadelphia in search of a quieter life in rural Pennsylvania. His plans are disrupted when serial killer Jurek Walter begins targeting the town and those closest to him. As the search for a missing victim intensifies, Jonah turns to FBI agent Saga Bauer for help. The 10-part crime drama is based on the bestselling novels Lazarus and The Sandman by Swedish writing duo Lars Kepler.

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FULLY BOOKED

Some great new sounds for you to check out this month.

FREQUENCY OF LOVE

FANTASY / HORROR

By Victoria Monét

Other Worlds Than These

With 22 tracks, Frequency of Love gives Victoria Monét plenty of room to build on the success of Jaguar II. Out on October 2, the album includes the already released Let Me and Reach Out, the latter produced by Kaytranada and D’Mile. It marks Monét’s first full-length project since her Grammywinning 2023 album and arrives after several years in which she has moved firmly into the mainstream R&B spotlight.

Jack Sawyer returns in the final instalment of the Talisman trilogy, continuing the story that began with The Talisman and Black House. Now older, Jack must confront a new threat involving a group of infected teenagers and mysterious forces emerging from the edge of Mid-World. The novel also reconnects the world of the trilogy with elements from Stephen King’s Dark Tower universe.

By Stephen King and Peter Straub

SHE’S THE BEST By Troye Sivan Troye Sivan kicks off his fourth album with a title track created alongside Jack Antonoff, George Daniel and longtime collaborator Leland. She’s the Best, out October 9, follows 2023’s Something to Give Each Other and arrives with a suitably starry introduction: Nicole Kidman and Sasha Colby both appear in the music video for the lead track, set against New York nightlife.

THRILLER

Chain Reaction

INSTINCT By Angèle Five years after Nonante-Cinq, Angèle’s next chapter arrives with Instinct. The Belgian singer’s third studio album features 13 tracks, including Dis-le, Une seule vie and What You Want, her collaboration with French electronic duo Justice. To be released on October 16, it is her first full-length studio record since 2021 and continues a career that has brought French-language pop to an increasingly international audience.

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By Lee Child and Andrew Child Jack Reacher is called back into action when General Susan Turner asks for his help following the murder of a member of her team during a covert operation. Unable to trust the people around her, General Turner sends Jack to the remote town of Summertown, Colorado, where a handful of residents live alongside vast data centres and solar farms. What begins as an investigation into one killing soon places Jack at the centre of a much larger operation.

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• FASHION FOCUS

TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES MEET MODERN MATERIALS

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American designer Thom Browne takes the rolling meadows and hillside towns of Scotland as inspiration for his latest collection. 112 fact magazine

Pause the afternoon. Savor lunch.

cafecafe.bh

+973 17 125 111 • +973 38 125 111 Aali Mall - Seef • Kingdom of Bahrain

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• FASHION FOCUS

n a campaign shot in Birnam, near the Highlands, photographer Robbie Lawrence captured a series of locals and friends in Thom Browne’s autumn 2026 collection. The result is a striking campaign that’s very fitting, since the brand takes inspiration from centuries of collective weaving and traditional craftsmanship. Artisanal knowledge that uses the water of Loch Leven to finish yarns feeds into the story as does Thom’s history with Scotland. In 2006, he developed his own navy and grey tartan, which is still officially registered today. For this season’s collection, knitwear draws on centuriesold techniques, bringing depth and texture to fine cashmere and merino wool. Cable-knit construction, jacquard, Fair Isle patterning and graphic intarsia motifs build dimension across relaxed and classic fit V-neck pullovers and cardigans, exaggerated patchwork knits and statement outerwear. Combining technical down fill with the tailored structure of suiting fabrics, new outerwear silhouettes give chalk stripe flannel, jacket-weight cashmere and windowpane tweed unexpected volume and warmth. Ski-inspired details such as engineered thumbholes and rib-knit gaiters build sport-driven utility directly into cropped zip-front vests, football parkas and low calf-length jackets, for a layered approach to winter dressing. Black tie shifts into new forms this season, taking shape in dresses, capes and sharply structured sport coats. Trompe l’oeil detailing and open-back apron closures rework the conventions of formal tailoring, while heritage tailoring codes, including windowpane check, are rendered in precise grids of pearls. Since its launch more than 25 years ago, Thom Browne has been widely recognised for challenging and modernising, questioning traditional proportions but rooted in quality craftsmanship and precise tailoring. This collection confirms that ethos once again. ✤ GO: VISIT THOMBROWNE.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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THE NEW

GREEN

OBSESSION EMERALD PISTACHIO

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• NEW & NOW

FOR HER

fact brings you the latest must-haves from the beauty and grooming world… from skincare to scents and make-up. DOLCE&GABBANA BEAUTY My Lash Seduction Celebrating devotion, femininity and the art of seduction through makeup, this mascara delivers panoramic volume and instant curl for up to 24 hours, thanks to a lightweight, smudge-proof formula and curling fibre applicator. Designed to lift, define and sculpt every lash, it creates an intensely magnetic gaze with a long-lasting, beautifully curled finish.

RITUALS COSMETICS The Ritual of Ayurveda Inspired by ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, the renewed collection returns with a warm, floral-spicy fragrance, enriched with Indian rose and sweet almond oil. The newest additions include Super Dry Body Oil, which intensely moisturises while delicately scenting skin; Face & Body Clay Mask that draws out impurities; and Pre-Wash Hair & Scalp Oil, which nourishes the scalp, helping prevent dryness and breakage.

SAIE SuperSuede Baked Eyeshadow Introducing eyeshadow, simplified. These 11 modern neutral shades come in demi-matte and low-lit shimmer finishes, wearing for 16 hours without creasing, caking or fading, with no primer required. Baked in Italy, the lightweight, skin-like formula is infused with jojoba esters, ceramides and squalane for hydration, comfort and seamless blendability.

DIOR Rouge Dior On Stage Matte & Ink Blur Matte These two new lipsticks were designed to make matte a statement. On Stage Matte offers an intense finish with 24-hour no-transfer wear, while the liquid On Stage Ink Blur Matte delivers buildable blurring colour with a weightless, airy texture. Both combine extreme performance and intense comfort, with shades ranging from the iconic Dior red to rosewood and subtle nudes.

KOSAS Cloud Set Loose Powder Giving every skin tone a translucent veil of setting, blurring and shine control without taking away the glow, this ultra-translucent powder offers 12-hour setting and baking. Its featherweight, talc-free formula smooths pores and fine lines, blurs for an airbrushed finish and sweeps away shine, while melting into skin without looking cakey, powdery or dry.

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Mastering The Art of Hairstyling For over 22 years, Dessange Paris Bahrain has been shaping the way women experience their hair. Every style, from the boldest transformation to the simplest finish, is guided by the hands of our master stylists, trained in the French tradition of precision, artistry and care. This is more than a hairstyle. It's a signature, tailored to you, perfected by two decades of expertise.

SPA · SALON · HEALTHCLUB

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FOR HIM

• NEW & NOW

CAELI

THE BODY SHOP

Cala Soraja Organic Hand Cream Created to deeply soften dry hands, this hand cream brings together organic shea butter, organic olive oil, organic argan oil and organic aloe vera leaf extract. Part of the limited-edition Back to Routine set, its calming scent combines notes of lavender, bergamot and Roman chamomile, creating a serene moment with every application.

Vanilla Bath & Shower Gel Elevate your shower routine with this syrup-textured formula that glides onto skin and transforms into a soft, airy lather, gently cleansing without stripping moisture. Vanilla Absolute, crafted from responsibly sourced Madagascan vanilla bean pods, joins nashi pear, coconut water, mood orchid, creamy milk and sandalwood for a warm, enveloping routine.

ACQUA DI PARMA

LUSH

CLINIQUE FOR MEN

Cedro Virtuoso Eau de Parfum This warm, enveloping fragrance celebrates the sensorial warmth of creation. A tailormade co-infusion of Virginia cedarwood and hazelnut essence, macerated together for 30 days, creates a creamy, woody and luminous signature. Calabrian bergamot brings clarity and freshness, while cedarwood unfolds through smooth warmth, spiced balsamic tones and refined aromatic nuances.

Hey Pumpkin Gift Set The Hey Pumpkin gift set from the Autumn Gourmand collection contains Pumpkin Scrubee and Cinnamon Spiced Latte Shower Gel, making it a cosy pairing for glowing, radiant skin through the dullest autumn days. Buff away dryness with the nourishing pumpkin seed oil scrub, then wrap the skin in a warm, comforting embrace of clove and cinnamon spices.

Daily Hydrator Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Lightweight and silky, this multitasking moisturiser delivers instant hydration with hyaluronic acid, while helping protect against damaging UVA/UVB rays with Broad Spectrum SPF 35. The skin-strengthening formula helps repair the moisture barrier in just two hours, absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast and is suitable for sensitive skin.

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ELITE MMA. FUNCTIONAL TRAINING. WORLD-CLASS COACHING. THRIVING COMMUNITY. 17000044

@ufcgymbh

Juffair

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• SOCIETY

#JetourBahrain #ChineseNationalDay #Celebrations #ChineseEmbassyReception 124 fact magazine

#ZainBahrain #NewApple18Products #OfficialLaunch

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#KismetbyMilka #STRONG #CollabEvent #CityCentreBahrain 126 fact magazine

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#FrancoFilmFestival #GrandOpening #EpixCinemas #DanaMall 128 fact magazine

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#PorscheCentreBahrain #911DrivingRange #TrackManGolfExperience #RoyalGolfClub 130 fact magazine

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• SOCIETY

#Primark #OfficialOpening #BahrainInBlue #VIPParty #CityCentreBahrain 132 fact magazine

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#SALTBahrain #BROOKI #CollabEvent #TheAvenuesBahrain 134 fact magazine

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#GWM #All-NewTANK700 #OfficialLaunch #FourSeasonsHotelBahrainBay 136 fact magazine

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• MATTER OF FACT

What We’re (Still) Talking About? For Flock’s Sake

The title of World’s Worst Guard Dog has to go to Nash the golden retriever, who was home alone when a burglar entered his house. Sky News reports that homeowner Dante Rowley looked on in amazement via his home’s camera system as a man used a ladder to enter his property through an upstairs window. Sitting at the bottom of the stairs was Nash, but this good boy wasn’t interested in any theatrics, he

We’ve covered some weird stuff in our time but this one comes close to the best. AP reports on a rather odd contest held each year in Nyergesujfalu, Hungary. Concerned that its members don’t have much occasion to meet up and discuss their trade, the Hungarian Association of Cemetery Maintainers and Operators stages a grave digging contest and this year 19 teams of two men competed. Aiming to spotlight the professionalism of the trade and its

We had to giggle at the tale from UPI of the chap who attended a San Diego City Council meeting dressed as Star Wars villain Darth Vader to defend the use of Flock cameras in the city. The cameras, which use high definition video and AI to log vehicle details and movements, have attracted a fair deal of controversy over issues such as mass surveillance of everyday citizens – not just criminal suspects – and data privacy. However, our movie villain seems to have had no such qualms, speaking publicly in favour of the cameras claiming they are “what the Emperor needs”. He urged officials: "The Emperor is a fan

simply wanted to play and greeted the intruder, toy in mouth all ready for a game. The would-be burglar soon exited the property heading outside to find armed police waiting for him. The villain was taken into custody as police officers entered the house and, you guessed it, Nash tried to play with them too. Someone give that guy a game of fetch! 138 fact magazine

Dylan Gillis, Unsplash

Can You Dig It?

Anthony, Unsplash

Ferocious…Not

physical demands, each team had to dig a standard grave of 1.6m deep, 2m long and 0.8m wide, using only spades, shovels and pickaxes. They were judged on speed and style, and the winning team of Róbert Nagy and László Kiss managed to dig their burial plot in just an hour and 21 minutes, to share a cash prize of 200,000 Hungarian forints (about USD640). Pretty sure those benefitting from their labours aren’t too concerned about either speed or style.

of Flock, and we must continue utilising Flock technologies so that we can follow and surveil the rebel scum as they move from playground to playground, from playground to pool, from pool to gymnasium, because we all know that the Flock cameras are not only following the licence plate readers, they are following children." Adding that libraries, community centres and the like are far less worthy causes of funding than Storm Troopers, he continued: “We will not succumb to the forces of democratic will.” The report claims the council appearance was intended as satire, but in today’s US, you really can’t be sure.

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fact Bahrain October2026