• THE EDITOR
Change is Good
“
T
Endless effort, endless humility, endless modesty.” - Rain
his issue has been a long time coming. The conversation surrounding the rise of modest living has been at the forefront of society, in the Gulf and beyond, for the past few years. Modesty comes in many different forms and it’s certainly having its moment. From frugal-folk tribes living the #nospend life to fashion houses hiring hijab-wearing models, more than ever, there’s a basic desire to be modest in the way we live, shop and dress. Now, in 2018, we can firmly say that aspects like modest fashion and modern representations of Muslim women in the mainstream media are slowly starting to change for the better – and proving to be more than just a “trend” thanks to social media and other content-sharing tools. In a September special, we take a look at the rise of the modest lifestyle and how everything from the birth of bloggers and influencers to the images of hijab-wearing cover girls has contributed to the growth of all things modest. Turn to p41 and let our thought-provoking feature take you on the journey of modest to mainstream. When you’ve finished reading about how modest living has taken over the world, turn over and check out some of the most incredible women who have helped to propel it forward in our 16 Style Setters to follow on the gram (p49). Right here in Bahrain, we met up with Tulin Meric who is championing the modest fashion movement. Meet the lady behind @trestouline for an insight into her embrace of faith and style (p54). Of course, a special issue deserves a beautiful cover – and we found just the right creative to give us one. Bahraini Digital Artist Hala AlAbbasi talks to us on p61 and shares her work, her colourful skills and her modest lifestyle choices. Those looking for some excitement to fill their calendars, you'll be pleased to learn that FACT is sponsoring the second annual Bahrain International Jazz Festival, taking place on October 26. We have the lowdown on all the acts and what you can expect from this great day out and celebration of music (p25). It’s all about quality in our dining pages this month as we take on the Latin feast and visit Via Brasil in our Culinary Spotlight (p85); we also check out the brand new revamped menu at Links in the Royal Golf Club which makes our On the Menu feature (p89); and a spotlight is cast on the liquid concoctions at Hazel (p92) - all of this and plenty more news on eating out with all the best deals to keep your bellies full. Welcome back to the sandpit – and the humidity – for those of you who have had a lovely summer away! Whatever you say, there’s no place like the Gulf – and we’re going to spend September enjoying (trying to, at least) all that Bahrain life has to offer. ☺
Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@fact-magazine.com Insta: @shabs_a 4
fact magazine
FACT Magazine Bahrain Edition • SEPTEMBER 2018 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 01
DIRECTOR OMAR SHAHEEN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GREG HUGHES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SHABANA ADAM (shabana@fact-magazine.com) ASSISTANT EDITOR AANCHAL DUGGAL SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS SYED MUHAMMED RAIHAN JYOTI RAWAT PHOTOGRAPHY SHOBIN JOSEPH COVER IMAGE HALA ALABBASI CONTRIBUTORS GEORGINA JENNSEN YVONNE COLE JAYNE GREEN REGIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR RAMI KHALIL PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION AJIT KUMAR NEIL MAHMOOD ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +973 3632 0131 E-mail: rami@nansgroup.com PRINTED BY DAR AKHBAR AL KHALEEJ All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. Bahrain cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Office 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef. Ministry of Information. Subject Registration Number: CFB779