Bahrain This Month - August 2019

TRAVEL – TECHNOLOGY - ENTERTAINMENT

Since 1997

August 2019 ~ Vol. 23 ~ Issue 8 YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

HAPPENINGS

NEW ON THE NIGHTLIFE SCENE THE LATEST BANDS TO HIT TOWN INTRODUCING THE ZENPHONICS

The Wizard of Oz comes to town

INDIA IN BAHRAIN A Special Supplement

DINING

Yummy Eid Feasts

TRAVEL

It’s ‘Dam Time

MOTORING

A British Icon

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Arts

Culture

Clubs

Sports

Interviews

Lifestyle

Dining

Nightlife

Digital Edition

Beat Summer Heat

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THE TEAM Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton

Bahrain This Month August 2019

Editorial Director Liz O’Reilly Contributors Behnaz Sanjana, Zilia Monteiro, Dick Potter Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Romeo San Miguel, Hatem Monem Photography Editor Muna Yousef Staff Photographers Subeesh Kumar N S, Ranjith Mohan Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa Corporate Affairs Director Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Group (Hilal Direct Services) Media Sales RANDA GHAZI HOWAIS randa@redhousemarketing.com ANURADHA MANHAS anuradha@redhousemarketing.com

The only Lifestyle Magazine distributed with the GDN

DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director Lini Reghunath Content Editor Liz O’Reilly Digital Marketing & Social Media Executive Michelle D’Souza Art & Animation Director Hatem Monem Printing Press Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej W.L.L., Bahrain Published monthly by

RED HOUSE MARKETING P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: (+973) 17 813-777, Fax: (+973) 17 813-700 Email: info@redhousemarketing.com www.bahrainthismonth.com © Copyright Reserved 2005-2019 The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. and must not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Red House Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission.

•

Views expressed in this magazine by journalists and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month.

Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001 ISBN 1 899 348 09 3

1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24

Welcome to the August edition of Bahrain This Month. And to those of you who have not fled for cooler climes in this hottest ever summer, we salute you!

Despite the heat, there’s still plenty to do around the island this month from Eid special rates at Adhari Park to quizzes, party nights and even a theatrical performance of family favourite, The Wizard of Oz, which will go down a treat with the younger members of the family.

You’ll find all the details in our Happenings section.

Our big feature this month is India in Bahrain, in which we look at the unique relationship between the two nations. We chatted with the Indian Ambassador, HE Alok Kumar Sinha, about a trade explosion and life at the new embassy, one year on from its inauguration. We also caught up with Raj Damani, Chairman of the Bahrain India Society, and Ambilikuttan Nair, who has dedicated 16 years to teaching classical Indian music and dance to a range of students on the island.

August is the time when the Kingdom’s clubs and bars welcome a whole host of new performers and we bring you a round-up of some of the hottest bands at venues around town as well as an interview with Zenphonics – the musicians bringing a whole new sound to the nightlife scene.

In motoring, Dick waxes lyrical about a British icon and, in dining, Liz heads to Reef Resort to discover a somewhat hidden gem, while Behnaz lines up some special Eid deals to keep you happy over the holiday.

Speaking of holidays, the Travel section this month takes you to Amsterdam – a beautiful city that’s just a short flight away, in case you’re considering a mini-break over Eid al-Adha.

As always, we have our regular round-ups from the worlds of motoring, business, technology and entertainment and, of course, our hugely popular events section at www.bahrainthismonth.com is regularly updated throughout the month.

COVER Cover Picture:

Nightlife Special TRAVEL – TECHNOLOGY - ENTERTAINMENT

Since 1997

George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman

August 2019 ~ Vol. 23 ~ Issue 8 YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

HAPPENINGS

NEW ON THE NIGHTLIFE SCENE THE LATEST BANDS TO HIT TOWN INTRODUCING THE ZENPHONICS

The Wizard of Oz comes to town

INDIA IN BAHRAIN A Special Supplement

DINING

Yummy Eid Feasts

TRAVEL

It’s ‘Dam Time

MOTORING

A British Icon

Scan this QR Code to subscribe to the digital edition of the magazine.

Gulf and international subscriptions available on request. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Arts

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Culture

Clubs

Sports

Interviews

Lifestyle

Dining

Digital Edition

Nightlife

August 2019 5

Issue 264

Contents August 2019 HAPPENINGS Bahrain This Month previews events happening around the island in August 2019:

Carnival Time

15

Family fun and laughter at Adhari Park.

Party in White

16

18

Make your way down to the Elite Seef Residence and Hotel for a party all in white.

Musical Treat

18

The greatest family musical of all time, The Wizard of Oz, comes to Bahrain.

20

Paint It Pink

Unwind at the pink party hosted by the Upstairs Downstairs Restaurant.

15

20

Visit www.bahrainthismonth.com for a comprehensive list of daily events.

FEATURE

23-49

India in Bahrain

A special supplement commemorating

24

28

India’s 73rd Independence Day and its bilateral relations with Bahrain.

Motoring 55

My Life In Cars

Dick Potter shares his passion for motors.

56-58

Motoring Bites

BTM brings you the latest news from the motoring world.

46

55

COMMERCE 61-62

Business Bites

Bystander This month heralded Bastille Day celebrations for France, alongside a number of farewell parties for HE Simon Martin, the British Ambassador.

There was also an important wedding, several special brunches and motoring events galore. Did our snappers spot you out and about? www.bahrainthismonth.com

August 2019 7

Issue 264

Contents August 2019 INTERVIEWS 63

A New Musical Genre

Bahrain This Month talks to members of the new trip

65

hop-inspired band – Zenphonics.

64-65 New

on the Nightlife Scene

A round-up of new music bands at Bahrain’s nightclubs.

Dining 67 A

Poolside Pleasure

Liz O’Reilly checks out Pool Delight restaurant’s Thursday night seafood barbecue at Reef Resort.

68-71 Table

64

67

Hopping

Technology 72-73 74

Gadgets: The newest gizmos in town

Computer Games: The hottest games of the month 75

Websites: The coolest sites on the web 76

RAMMSTEIN RAMMSTEIN

Apps: Essential apps to try

Entertainment 80 81

Music: Top new tunes

Hollywood faves: Latest film releases 82

New on TV: Shows to download

Lifestyle

80 72

84

83

What’s New: Must-have products 84-85 86

Travel: Amsterdam

AD Index and QR Codes

80 Connect with Bahrain This Month:

81 www.bahrainthismonth.com

83

Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

www.facebook.com/bahrainthismonth www.twitter.com/BHThisMonth www.instagram/bahrainthismonth www.YouTube.com/bahrainthismonth

August 2019 9

bystander

French National Day

To celebrate the French National “Bastille� Day, the French Embassy held a reception at ART Rotana Hotel & Resort

10 August 2019

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

bystander

Al Hawaj Wedding

Dr Abdulla bin Yousif Al Hawaj held the wedding celebrations of his son Yasser at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

Farewell Party A farewell party for the Moroccan Ambassador’s wife was held at their residence in Barbar

12 August 2019

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

bystander

Taste of Japan Japanese Ambassador, HE Hideki Ito, hosted a Taste of Japan event including live demonstrations by the ambassador’s chef

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14 August 2019

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happenings

AUGUST 2019-HAPPENINGS DID YOU SAY CARIBBEAN?

CARNIVAL TIME

FRIDAYS

UNTIL AUGUST 7

CARIBBEAN NIGHT

Z LOUNGE CLUB

Savour the relaxed island life at Z Lounge Club with this creatively themed Caribbean night. Tuck in to some mouth-watering dishes from a wide variety of Caribbean cuisine. DJs Guy and MCPJ will keep you on your feet all evening with the soulful Caribbean tunes of soca and calypso music. Join in the fun anytime between 9pm and 2am. Free entry for couples and ladies and the dress code is smart casual.

Call 17 814-777.

ARTY FUN AUGUST 3, 17, 24, 31

EID CARNIVAL

ADHARI PARK

Did someone mention Carnival?! What better way to spend your Eid with family and friends than this carnival full of fun and laughter? Enjoy two free rides as you top up for BD5, on your next visit to Adhari Park. The promotion excludes karting, bowling, video games and skill games. The park is open between 4pm and 11.45pm.

Call 17 407-300.

ALL FOR THE LADIES SUMMER ART CLASSES

THE ART CENTRE

AUGUST 1

LADIES’ NIGHT

WEMBLEY LOUNGE

Ladies, when the weekend comes and you’re looking for something to do, why not head over to the Wembley Lounge for a night of singing, dancing and karaoke with resident DJ TinTin. You’re going to feel spoilt with a wide selection of unlimited beverages to choose from for just BD3. Catch all the entertainment and live it up between 8pm and 1am.

Call 33 536-448.

In collaboration with Meraki Art Space, the Art Centre is hosting a series of summer workshops.

First up, on August 3, is The Art of Mosaic in which participants will be guided and taught how to select tiles, designs, adhesives and cutters. The class will practice various techniques of cutting tiles and grouting. It is suitable for those aged 16 and above. The cost is BD10 per person and the class runs from 10am to noon.

On August 17, it’s Techniques in Acrylic Painting. The session will encourage participants to select a topic/photo and create their own masterpiece using acrylic paints. The class is aimed at those aged 10 to 15 year and runs from 10am to noon. Price is BD10 per person.

August 24 is the day to learn all about string art. Class participants will be taught techniques of creating patterns, and compositions using coloured string and other tools. The possibilities are endless in this fun and trending art form. This class, from 10am to noon, is suitable for those aged 16 and over and costs BD10.

And lastly, on August 31, comes Woodworking. Participants, aged 10 to 15 years, will be introduced to basic tools and beginner carpentry skills in wood selection and craftsmanship. They will build and take home their own wooden creations at the end of the session. The class runs from 10am to noon and the price is BD12. email: meraki.art.bh@gmail.com www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

HAVANA OH NA NA…!

AUGUST 1

HER NIGHT

HAVANA CLUB

It’s not just Camilla Cabello who has those good Cuban memories!

Havana club at Jumeirah Royal Saray promises a treat for the ladies every Thursday night with a live trio from Cuba from 8pm to midnight.

Put on your dancing shoes and be ready to party with some complimentary cocktails, good company and memories to cherish from a fun Cuban night out!

Call 77 707-070.

August 2019 15

happenings

PARTY IN WHITE AUGUST 1

FTV ALL WHITE AT WHITE

GAMES FUN ELITE SEEF RESIDENCE & HOTEL

AUGUST 3

BOARD GAME MEET UP

HOWAYTE HOBBY STORE

When? Mondays Event? Mens Night Venue? Upstairs Downstairs Restaurant

Gentlemen, enjoy select packages for only BD17, topped up with some live music to entertain you all night through!

Call 17 713-093.

When? Fridays Event? Caribbean Night Venue? Z Lounge Club Call 17 814-777.

When? Until August 7 Event? Eid Carnival Venue? Adhari Park Call 17 407-300.

When? August 1 Event? Ladies’ Night Venue? Wembley Lounge Call 33 536-448.

When? August 1 Event? Thursday Night Out Venue? Movenpick Hotel Call 17 460-017.

Fashion TV joins Crystal White Bahrain in hosting this allwhite party, featuring the legendary Italian DJ, Andrea T Mendoza and the Secret Garden Dancers. The evening’s entertainment is supported by resident DJ Oscar and is free for ladies and couples and BD20 for single men. So what are you waiting for? Pull on your best white attire and make your way down to the Elite Seef Residence and Hotel for a party all in white!

Call 38 810-080.

TIME FOR TRIVIA AUGUST 6

DR WAYNE QUIZ NIGHT

GRAND YARD HOUSE

When? August 1 Event? Her Night Venue? Havana Club Call 77 707-070.

Whether you like trains, classic board play, cards, tiles or big boxes with lots of pieces, this event could be your new Saturday afternoon fun time. Players usually try to complete two or more short- to medium-length games per table, but will sometimes spend an evening with one longer game.

The event is all about growing the local board game community in Bahrain and introducing people to the awesome hobby itself! Join the fun from 6pm to 10pm on Tuesdays and 3pm to 10pm on Saturdays. Sign up for free!

Call 17 670-863.

SING AWAY THE BLUES AUGUST 7

When? August 1 Event? Live Music from Five Motion band Venue? An Nada Lounge Call 17 533-533.

BLUESADERS BACK AT CALEXICO

CALEXICO BAHRAIN

When? August 1 Event? Russian Ladies Night Venue? Club XS

Join this unique Russian night of fun from 9pm to late, at the Ramee Rose Hotel.

Call 33 602-055.

When? August 1 Event? Turn Up Thursday Venue? Wrangler

Turn up your Thursday night with good vibes from DJ Arson from 8pm onwards.

Call 38 898-343.

When? August 1 Event? DD & the Groove Venue? InterContinental Regency Call 17 227-777.

16 August 2019

Challenge yourself to a round of trivia at the Dr Wayne Quiz Night, held every Tuesday at the Grand Yard House Juffair. Starting at 7.30pm, the quiz runs over five rounds and winners for each round will be awarded vouchers or giveaways, sponsored by African and Eastern.

If you are lucky enough to make it to the final, you can expect to win a cash prize! It’s important to play by the rules if you want to last it out; first and foremost, the quizmaster is always right! Teams should comprise of a maximum of six people and entry is BD1 per person. Most importantly, to play by the rules and in the spirit of fair play, players are not permitted to use mobile phones and Shazam during the quiz.

Call 36 255-195 / 33 412-510.

After a very successful first show at Calexico in July, the Bluesaders are proud to announce a comeback at the venue on August 7. Don’t miss out on a spectacularly nostalgic evening with this eclectic power trio who will belt out a variety of classic blues and blues-rock songs. Throwback to songs of old from classics to modern with tunes from your favourites such as BB King, Hendrix and more.

Call 17 666-644. www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

bystander

Rapunzel

A charming musical was put on for the third year by the Missoula Children’s Theatre, as part of the 2019 Bahrain Summer Festival. A cast of local children acted in the original musical adaptation of the timeless tale Rapunzel

Soul Culture Bahrain Pure Falastini held an event at Soul Culture Bahrain to display products, embroidery, art and more

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

August 2019 17

happenings When? August 1 Event? FTV All White at White Venue? Elite Seef Residence & Hotel Call 38 810-080.

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY AUGUST 9

DJ CN WILLIAMS RETURNS

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN CAVALLO CLUB

FNM PAUPER AUGUST 9 TOURNAMENT

HOWAYTE HOBBY STORE

When? August 3 Event? Board Game Meetup Venue? Howayte Hobby Store Call 17 670-863.

When? August 4-29 Event? Adult French Class Venue? Alliance Francaise

Beginner level French class from Sunday to Thursday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. The cost of the course is BD173.

Call 17 683-295.

When? August 5 Event? The Legends of Rocker Venue? Posh-lounge

Don’t miss out on this legendary concert with rockers Neng Y not 7 and Kob Taxi from 9pm to 2am.

The event is BD8 per person.

Call 66 705-583.

When? August 5-28 Event? Adult French Class Venue? Alliance Francaise

DJ CN Williams returns to Cavallo Club this month, flying in from Dubai for a night to remember! DJ CN is an international house DJ, producer and broadcaster and owner of Reel House Group Inc, Reel House TV and Reel House Records. Needless to say, he will be the highlight of the evening supported by DJ Darkbeatz and DJ Renee.

Call 35 181-111.

LAUGH ALONG AUGUST 15

MUSIC FUN & TAWANAN

REPUBLIQ LOUNGE

Learn conversational French at this workshop on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. The price is BD60.

Join this Friday Night Magic Pauper tournament hosted by Howayte Hobby Store. Entrance fee is BD2 per player and prizes are based on winning records and tournament size, paid out in booster packs of the latest standard set.

The format has been officially considered as a sanctioned format, so now it’s time to get those commons put to good use. Build your Pauper deck and give it a go.

Call 17 670-863.

MUSICAL TREAT AUGUST 13

BAHRAIN THE INTERNATIONAL WIZARD EXHIBITION AND OF OZ CONVENTION CENTRE

Call 17 683-295.

When? August 6 Event? Dr Wayne Quiz Night Venue? Grand Yard House Call 36 255-195 / 33 412-510.

When? August 7 Event? Bluesaders back at Calexico Venue? Calexico Bahrain Call 17 666-644.

When? August 9 Event? DJ CN Williams Returns Venue? Cavallo Club Call 35 181-111.

When? August 9 Event? FNM Pauper Tournament Venue? Howayte Hobby Store Call 17 670-863.

When? August 10 Event? Heya Beya Venue? Aldar Islands Celebrate Eid with this traditional Heya Beya party at Aldar Islands.

Call 17 704-600.

When? August 13 Event? The Wizard of Oz Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre Call 17 558-800.

18 August 2019

Here’s a Pinoy event not to be missed! Krause and Antoinette events hosts an evening of fun and merriment with Kim Idol, Ate Gay and Mico Aytona at Republiq Lounge at the Park Regis Lotus Hotel. The event starts at 6pm.

Call 37 773-810.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AUGUST 15

1ST ANNIVERSARY

RAINFOREST LOUNGE

Make it an anniversary to remember with the team at Rainforest Lounge as they celebrate their first year.

Complimentary beverages will be served on the night and snacks from 8pm to 2am with entertainment from The Tribe Band and DJ Zack. Ladies pay BD5 for entry, and gents pay BD15.

Call 33 159-437.

There truly is no place like home as the greatest family musical of all time, The Wizard of Oz, twists its way into Bahrain! The entire family will be captivated as they travel down the Yellow Brick Road and beyond with Dorothy, Toto and their friends the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow in this lavish production featuring breathtaking special effects, dazzling choreography and classic songs.

A spectacular celebration of the iconic 1939 MGM film, The Wizard of Oz will blow you away from the moment the tornado touches down and transports you to a dazzling Oz, complete with munchkins and flying monkeys. Don’t miss the chance to travel Over the Rainbow and experience this international sensation onstage.

Tickets are available online starting at BD10 per person. Show timings are 5pm-7.30pm on August 13 and 15, and 11am-1.30pm and 5pm-7.30pm on August 14, 16 and 17.

Visit manama.platinumlist.net www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

‫ﺳﻮق اﻟﻤﺰارﻋﻴﻦ ﺑﻤﺠﻤﻊ ﺳﺎر‬ ‫ﻛﻞ ﻳﻮم ﺳﺒﺖ‬

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‫‪STARING FROM 29TH JUN TILL END OF AUG 2019 EVERY SATURDAY‬‬ ‫ﻓﻮاﻛﻪ وﺧﻀﺮوات‬

‫‪Fruits & Vegetables‬‬

‫ﻧﺒﺎﺗﺎت‬

‫‪Plants‬‬

‫إﻓـﻄــــﺎر‬

‫‪Breakfast‬‬

‫ﻋـﻄـــﺎر‬

‫ﺗـﻤـــﻮر‬

‫‪Traditional Herbs‬‬

‫‪Dates‬‬

‫ﻣﺴﺎء ‬

‫‪1‬‬

‫‪PM‬‬

‫إﻟﻰ‬

‫ﺻﺒﺎﺣ ‬

‫‪AM TO‬‬

‫‪7‬‬

happenings When? August 15 Event? Music Fun & Tawanan Venue? Republiq Lounge Call 37 773-810.

When? August 15 Event? 1st anniversary Venue? Rainforest Lounge Call 33 159-437.

When? August 24 Event? Pink Party Venue? Upstairs Downstairs Restaurant Call 66 658-888.

When? August 29-30 Event? ACDC Tribute Band Brunch Party Venue? Sherlock Holmes Call 66 901-323.

When? August 30 Event? Crossroads 2nd Anniversary Venue? Juffair Gate Hotel Call 33 614-447 / 33 092-571.

PAINT IT PINK AUGUST 24

PINK PARTY

UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS RESTAURANT

Unwind at this pink party hosted by the Upstairs Downstairs Restaurant. The Upstairs Pink bar invites you to enjoy a free select beverage when you order any main meal for a minimum of two people. Enjoy live music through the night, which goes on from 8pm to 1.30am.

Call 66 658-888.

TRIBUTE PARTY AUGUST 29-30

ACDC TRIBUTE BAND BRUNCH PARTY

SHERLOCK HOLMES

When? September 20 Event? Family Biathlon Venue? Art Rotana Hotel & Spa Call 39 132-102.

SECOND ANNIVERSARY PARTY AUGUST 30

CROSSROADS 2ND ANNIVERSARY

JUFFAIR GATE HOTEL

Drink, eat and enjoy yourself at this second anniversary party, which promises an eventful evening featuring the groove of soulful music, the Rough House band and support from VDJ Boogie. Doors open 11am and the fun starts at 7.30pm and goes on to the wee hours of 2am.

Call 33 614-447 / 33 092-571.

This month’s anticipated brunch party at Sherlock Holmes is a tribute to AC/DC! Fronted by the most authentic Angus Young and 80s-era Brian Johnson in the business; AC/DC UK deliver up to two hours of a powerhouse show, featuring all the big AC/DC hits; with a few fan favourites thrown in to boot!

The experienced backline drive out the set with the same tenacity, volume, and passion as the real deal! All the AC/DC gimmicks are brought out to whip the crowd into a frenzy!

From Angus’ famed striptease, Brian’s iconic flat cap, a giant inflatable Rosie, and fully firing cannons to salute those who are ready to rock! June 2018 saw the British tribute band, AC/DC UK embark on one of their biggest shows in the band’s history. Closing the Friday night of Graspop, the band played just after legendary headliners Iron Maiden to a packed out Metal Dome.

The past several years have seen the band play several other notable shows and festivals alongside the likes of Alice Cooper, The Darkness, Steve Vai, Santana, Magnum, Within Temptation, Saxon and more.

So get your tickets to the Friday brunch on August 30 at BD26 (early bird, prestige club, NSA, Gulf Air) and BD29 on the day for the unlimited food and selected beverage package. The fun starts at 12.30pm and goes on till 4pm and is first come first serve.

The evening party on August 29 is BD10 inclusive of one round of drinks.

Call 66 901-323.

20 August 2019

CHARITY BIATHLON SEPTEMBER 20

FAMILY BIATHLON

ART ROTANA HOTEL & SPA

Adnan Sport Events Management in co-operation with ART Rotana will be organising a charity swim and run event in support of Bahrain Cancer Society. The event starts at 4pm and is expected to draw a crowd of 700 participants and spectators.

Call 39 132-102.

Follow the link to add your event.

www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

bystander

German Embassy held an event at the Ambassador’s residence to hand out certificates to Awards Ceremony The Bahraini-German students for completing the embassy’s German language programme

Join Upstairs Downstairs in the celebration of our 43rd Anniversary from the 30th of August 2019 for a Month of Amazing celebration promotions in recognition of this Iconic venue.

Reserve your table now www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

SINCE 1976

For reservations:

+973 3630 9444 August 2019 21

bystander

Piaf by Pam Gems The British Club presented Piaf by Pam Gems, a gutsy depiction of the life of legendary French singer, Edith Piaf

New Mixed Gym Fitness Studio

The official opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s new Mixed Gym Fitness Studio was celebrated at The Royal Beach Club

22 August 2019

To view more images, scan the QR code

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

india in bahrain

A Special Supplement Commemorating India's 73rd Independence Day 24-25 Upgrades in Trade and Facilities Indian Ambassador, HE Alok Kumar Sinha, tells us about trade growth and life at the embassy.

26 Ever-Closer Ties Raj Damani, Chairman and founding member of the Bahrain India Society (BIS), explains the group’s history, activities and future plans.

28 Enriching the Cultural Quotient Managing director and principal of the Indian Institute for Performing Arts (IIPA), Ambilikuttan Nair, on the centre’s vision.

44 Indian News Bites from the island’s Indian community.

46 India Travel Off the beaten Track.

48 Opinion Financial expert Pria Masson Tanwar looks at the special bilateral relationship.

Commercial Index Aditya Birla (Ultratech Cement Bahrain Company)... 27 BBK................................................................................ 29 Ramada Hotel............................................................... 31 UAE Exchange.............................................................. 33 UNEECO Group............................................................. 35 Al Rashid Group (Centrepoint).................................. 37 Lulu Hypermarket........................................................ 39 Ramee Grand................................................................ 41 Mega Mart.................................................................... 43 Kewalram & Sons Co. (Titan).................................... 45 Caravan Group of Hotels (Delmon International Hotel).................................... 47 Kingdom Pride.............................................................. 49 The Lanterns Restaurant & Lounge.......................... 51 www.bahrainthismonth.com

August 2019 23

india in bahrain

Upgrades in Trade and Facilities Indian Ambassador, HE Alok Kumar Sinha, tells us about trade growth and life at the embassy.

You have now been in the new embassy building for a year, how are you finding it and what has been the benefit for the local Indian community?

The new embassy is 3,810sq/m and thus quite spacious for providing effective and efficient services to Indian nationals. The relationship between India and Bahrain goes beyond the usual political or economics, the embassy complex reflects the civilisational connect. The Chancery seats 200 and 24 August 2019

comprises a state-of-the-art, spacious consular hall with disabled access, token machines and a TV. The trade centre has facilitated the organisation of trade/ investment promotional events as well as responding to queries and resolving traderelated complaints.

There is also a multipurpose hall with sound system, projector and stage. And the landscaped courtyard also has an open theatre area. In the past year, many cultural

programmes have been organised in the embassy. The Chancery also has a library which is open to all.

There are provisions for future expansion of the embassy in terms of increasing the number of officials to meet the needs of the increasing number of Indian expatriates in Bahrain.

Earlier this year it was reported that trade between India and Bahrain had increased significantly with a jump estimated at around www.bahrainthismonth.com

india in bahrain 40 per cent between April 2018 and February 2019. Can you clarify these figures? To what do you attribute this impressive rise? Are we seeing trade in new products and services or simply an increased uptake?

India-Bahrain bilateral trade for the year 2018-19 reached USD1.282 billion, registering an increase of almost 30 per cent over the previous year. India’s share in Bahrain’s nonoil trade has also increased from 3.5 per cent to 4.3 per cent. India has become the fifth largest trading partner of Bahrain. There is a significant shift in items exported to Bahrain from traditional items like food stuffs, gems and jewellery etc to an increasing share of automobiles, engineering goods and iron and steel. A large infrastructure project pipeline in Bahrain offers potential for maintaining the increasing trend in our exports.

The consistent rise in bilateral trade over the past years is due to the synergies and complementarities created because of the Indian Government flagship programme Make in India, which has a vision to make India a manufacturing hub, coupled with various reforms undertaken by the Bahraini Government to diversify the country’s economy in non-oil sectors. Bahrain is re-engineering its fiscal model to encourage greater participation by private capital in driving growth. The efforts to curb government spending coinciding with regulatory reforms and a greater willingness to embrace publicprivate partnership structures; the large project pipeline; the recent discovery of tight oil and deep gas reserves as well as Bahrain’s strategic location as a gateway to the Gulf have all resulted in opportunities for greater economic engagement with the Kingdom.

The creation of a trade centre in the embassy complex has provided an excellent venue for visiting delegations to conduct road shows and thus bridge the information gap about the opportunities available for expanding trade and investments in various sectors.

It has also been reported that India is the largest external investor in Bahrain, what makes the Kingdom such an attractive prospect?

Indian investments have been in sectors like IT, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, real estate and construction, etc. There are significant advantages for foreign investors in Bahrain such as low operating costs, 100-percent ownership and availability of skilled expatriates; thus creating a comparative advantage for Bahrain over many other countries in the region. Success stories from Indian businesses in the Kingdom have also www.bahrainthismonth.com

contributed towards a consistent increase in Indian investments in Bahrain.

Are you able to say, approximately, how many Indian nationals currently make their home in Bahrain?

Approximately 350,000 Indians are currently staying in Bahrain. The Indian expatriate community is an important anchor of the India-Bahrain bilateral relationship contributing to the development of both countries.

In its role as support to the community, the embassy frequently lays on social, charitable and cultural events. Can you tell us of anything that is planned for the coming months?

The various socio-cultural associations within the Indian community in Bahrain organise year-round various activities which are supported by the embassy. Besides events to mark our Independence Day on August 15, India is celebrating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and a series of programmes has been planned culminating on October 2. We are also celebrating the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji, the founder of the Sikh religion, and a number of activities are being planned in this regard from September to November 2019.

How will you be marking Independence Day at the embassy?

A flag hoisting ceremony will be held in the Embassy complex in the morning. In the evening, the embassy will organise a cultural programme showcasing the heritage of India and the richness of the India-Bahrain relationship.

On a personal note, have you found the move to the new embassy has impacted your working life?

The move has been quite satisfying as the embassy has been able to provide services effectively to visitors due to the availability of our infrastructure.

What are your favourite aspects of the new building?

The exterior curvilinear stone façade and the ornamental gate establishing a strong Indian identity; also, being able to meet the long-standing aspirations of the Indian community adding the requisite infrastructure to meet emerging requirements due to the expanding IndiaBahrain ties in diverse spheres.

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EVER-CLOSER TIES B

IS was established in 2008 with 38 members. Today that number has grown to 150 individuals and 16 companies and banks as corporate members.

Raj says: “While there are many Indian clubs and societies in Bahrain, each of them caters to the social and cultural needs of a specific community or a specific professional field of interest.

“The founding members of BIS felt that given the centuries-old friendly relations between Bahrain and India, there was a need for a society which would represent both the countries, have both Bahrainis and Indians as members with the Indian ambassador as its patron and with an objective to further strengthen the relations between the two countries in a non-discriminatory, non-political and non-profit manner.”

The society works in close coordination with the Indian Embassy in Bahrain. And government and semi-government bodies from India maintain regular contact about exhibitions and events taking place all over India. BIS coordinates member attendance either as individuals or as a group.

For the past few years, BIS members as a group have attended the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, the largest gathering of the global Indian diaspora, in India, which is addressed by the Prime Minister and ministers from many states.

“We bring well-known business speakers from India to talk on the Indian economy, budget, banking, business regulations and opportunities,” says Raj. “We also have Bahraini ministers and CEOs of well-known organisations in Bahrain as our guest speakers.”

On the attraction of Bahrain, he explains: “Trade links between India and Bahrain can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation of ancient India and the Dilmun Civilisation of Bahrain. There has been a flourishing trade of Bahraini pearls and Indian spices between the two countries for millennia.

Many of Bahrain’s prominent figures have studied and have had close ties with India, while Indian traders have been 26 August 2019

living in Bahrain for over a century.

“Given this background and the fact that Bahrain has always been welcoming and very tolerant when it comes to practising of one’s religion and culture, plus its geographical location to service the whole GCC market and duty-free access to the US market, surely makes Bahrain an attractive proposition for Indian businesses and their families.”

And, as to what differentiates an Indian business, he adds: “Indians in general are very adjusting, loyal and hardworking by nature. Indian businesses do not look for a quick entry and exit. This is the reason one will see Indian businesses established for generations all over the world.

This commitment and the philosophy to live in peace, while minding their own business, is perhaps the essential DNA that differentiates Indian businesses from others, even in a common marketplace.”

Promotion of cooperation between educational

Raj Damani, Chairman and founding member of the Bahrain India Society (BIS), explains the group’s history, activities and future. plans.

institutions, scientific research institutes and training programmes in both countries is also among the society’s objectives. It encourages student exchange programmes for cultural and sports activities and is planning to showcase the work of Bahraini artists in India.

And, the future looks interesting. Raj concludes: “We have a lot of exciting plans for the society for the coming two years. We are collaborating with the Capital Club to bring well-known international speakers to Bahrain. As mentioned earlier, we are planning to hold an exhibition of Bahraini artists in India and also take a trade delegation to India, as there are great investment opportunities in India today.”

www.bahrainthismonth.com

india in bahrain UltraTech Cement

Investing in Service Rahul Godbole, Country Head of UltraTech Cement Bahrain, explains his company’s operation in the Kingdom.

Can you take us through the journey of UltraTech Cement in Bahrain?

UltraTech Cement took over the cement operations of ETA group in the UAE, Bahrain and Bangladesh in 2010. UltraTech wanted to expand its presence in international waters and this was the company’s first overseas acquisition. The Middle East market has always been attractive for global businesses. Since then, we have invested heavily in upgrading and modernising our plant. We have end-to-

end control on our cement production and a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

What is your company’s take on the present market situation of Bahrain?

From cement shortage to cement surplus, Bahrain has witnessed all situations in the last 10 years. We are now in an era when geographical boundaries are disappearing and global/regional play has a huge role in the country’s economics.

Times are difficult, but we are confident that the leaders and authorities of this region will ensure impetus is provided to spur growth to support local manufacturing companies. At this point, the way to stay ahead is to be more adaptable and efficient.

UltraTech Cement Bahrain Company W.L.L P.O Box: 50605, Building No: 590, Block: 116, Road: 102, Dry Dock Highway, Hidd Town, Kingdom Of Bahrain

www.bahrainthismonth.com

UltraTech Cement takes this opportunity to wish the Indian diaspora in Bahrain a very Happy Independence Day and we remain committed to partner in the future growth journey of Bahrain.

UltraTech is the largest Indian manufacturing company in Bahrain. It is part of the USD45bn Aditya Birla Group, a global conglomerate present in 35-plus countries and diverse sectors such as aluminium, cement, telecom, carbon black, textiles etc.

UltraTech Cement is the third largest (excluding China) cement company globally.

Building Bahrain’s Pride August 2019 27

india in bahrain

ENRICHING THE CULTURAL QUOTIENT Managing director and principal of the Indian Institute for Performing Arts (IIPA), Ambilikuttan Nair, tells Behnaz Sanjana of the centre’s vision.

28 August 2019

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ailing from a family of writers and musicians, Ambilikuttan was always inclined to music, and pursued Indian classical Carnatic singing alongside his academics. Being confined to a wheelchair due to poliomyelitis in infancy did not hamper his progress or spirit. “On completing my postgraduation in English, I was in a dilemma as to whether to study further, or take the path of music,” Ambilikuttan relates. “At that time, I chanced upon a meeting with my guru, Dr Balamuralikrishna, an eminent Carnatic vocalist whose work has been accoladed by the Indian and French governments. He invited me to Chennai for advanced studies in music, and without another thought, I was on my way there.”

Five years of intense tutelage later, Ambilikuttan had his mentor’s blessings to perform stage shows. He says: “I travelled all over the country and abroad, singing classical Carnatic, ghazals and cinematic songs, including to Bahrain on the invitation of various social organisations.” During one such visit, someone lamented the lack of a facility to teach Bahrain’s Indian diaspora classical forms of music and dance.

“Continuous travelling had begun to take its toll on me, so I took the opportunity to propagate the performing arts of our motherland in Bahrain.”

And thus, IIPA came into being in 2003. The centre is a platform of expression and learning for around 500 students and teaches various Indian classical Carnatic and Hindustani instruments and vocals, as well as traditional dance forms like Bharat Natyam, Kathak, Mohini Aattam and Kuchipudi. Classes in Western classical instruments such as the violin, keyboard and guitar are also offered. “We have recently started teaching the indigenous Indian martial art, Kallari, and will start a new centre in October teaching theatrical arts,” Ambilikuttan adds.

To this day, the institute holds up its founder’s belief of music being a universal language. “It inculcates and encourages brotherhood and peaceful coexistence between nations, cultures, people and societies,” says the expert vocalist.

At IIPA, age, origin and nationality are no bar. “Some of our students are grandparents; it’s the inclination that matters. We also have some Bahrainis studying Carnatic music. Art is allencompassing and breaks through geographical barriers. After all, we are all just human beings.”

During its 16 years, the institute has organised several highquality shows that have been much appreciated by aficionados.

“Last year, two ghazal artists, Pankaj Udhas and Ghulam Ali, enthralled audiences. We are preparing for musical maestro Hariharan to perform in Bahrain in January. Our students also perform group and solo shows at our centre’s annual day, a full-day event when they get to showcase their talent and skills,” he adds.

Mulling over the question of why expression through art is important, the musician says: “Technologically, the frontiers of the world have shrunk, but the distance between people’s hearts has considerably increased. Music is an ennobling faculty that brings people together. Those who indulge in it gain peace and solace from the complexities of present-day life, and can enjoy a content, healthy mental state. It is an intrinsic part of the Universe – just like the seven continents, days of the week, colours of the rainbow, are the seven notes of music.” www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

BIS Dinner Abdul Rahman Juma, Vice Chairman of Bahrain India Society, hosted a dinner for the board members of BIS at Brazil Rodizio Grill & Lounge

Awareness Campaign

The Indian Community Relief Fund coordinated an awareness campaign, organised by the Ministry of Labour & Social Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, at Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam

Ramee Grand Party

Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa, Seef held a corporate party

To view more images, scan the QR code

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August 2019 29

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Ramada by Wyndham Bahrain

A LEVEL-HEADED

LEADER

Chef Wilfred Coelho, new Food and Beverage Director at Ramada by Wyndham Bahrain, chats to Behnaz Sanjana about his journey from commis to high-ranking executive and his plans for the hotel.

“

Food has always been part of my journey.

Not being very academically inclined, I really don’t know what other profession I would have taken up!”

A

lthough only two months into his role at the stylish hotel in upscale Adliya, chef Wilfred Coelho is no stranger to Bahrain. He has been the executive chef with a well-known hospitality group, and consultant for numerous restaurant openings on the island since 2001. “I formally started my career as an apprentice with the Taj group of hotels in Mumbai,” he says. “It was on-the-job training as a third commis chef. I was soon promoted to be first commis, and went on to work in South Africa for around nine years before I arrived in Bahrain.”

However, his love story with food dates back to his pre-teens, helping his brother run a catering business back in Mumbai, alongside schooling.

“Food has always been part of my journey. Not being very academically inclined, I really don’t know what other profession I would have taken up!” he laughs.

Since first stepping onto the bottom rung of the kitchen career ladder, chef Wilfred has over 25 years of experience tucked under his double-breasted chef’s 30 August 2019

coat. But there were road bumps along the way. “In 1986, it was not well looked-upon for boys from good families to drop out of higher education and work in a hotel’s kitchen. People did not understand why I wanted to do it. It was difficult, but slowly a new trend was set where youngsters started opting for a career in food production.

worldwide and is a promising place to work at. I’ve had an exceptional time so far, and I really appreciate the work culture here.”

While gaining knowledge of world cuisines, Chef Wilfred stayed true to his roots and specialised in Indian cuisine. “North Indian food is my strong point and, coming from a South Indian community, I also have a special touch for its regional cuisine.” Milking his forté, he has introduced some positive changes to the kitchens at the Ramada by Wyndham Bahrain, like building an actual clay tandoor to serve guests ovenfresh flatbread. He says: “Ramada is a famous brand

All changes, however, are implemented only after discussion with the kitchen and service teams.

“Teamwork is everything. A leader’s innovations should be acceptable to the staff. They are the ones interacting with guests and can tell what will and won’t work. We have employees working here for 15-20 years; I can learn a lot from them. Likewise, I’d like to be remembered for the skills I impart to them.”

“Working in a commercial kitchen can get very stressful for a beginner, but there is a joy in finally creating a dish to perfection, after much struggle.

And the passion just grows thereon.”

Once the clay furnace is ready, Le Jardin, the main dining outlet, will see a revamped menu, focusing on innovative, fusion dishes. “Old-school fare is a bit outdated now and our clientele is dominated by youngsters who know their gastronomy. Of course, we will retain those elements that have kept our loyal patrons returning over several years. A new menu has already been introduced at The Exchange.”

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

BIS Seminar

Bahrain India Society held a seminar at Capital Club Bahrain on the topic of “BDB - The Entrepreneurs’ Bank”.

The seminar was conducted by Sanjeev Paul, CEO of Bahrain Development Bank

Farewell Dinner A farewell dinner was held for Dr Krishnan & Vani at the Best Western Plus The Olive

32 August 2019

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

india in bahrain UAE EXCHANGE

Driving An Omnichannel Customer Experience In an age of disruptive technology, where customers’ needs are evolving rapidly, UAE Exchange, a renowned financial services brand in the Kingdom, has been making significant headway by empowering its customers through multiple customer touchpoints, such as retail stores and digital solutions.

A front-runner when it comes to leveraging its technological capabilities, UAE Exchange has also been facilitating seamless movement of money across geographies. Its digital offerings echo the brand’s ambitious pursuit of embracing technology for service excellence.

For instance, the introduction of self-serve kiosks at UAE Exchange branches facilitates customers with a wide range of bill payment solutions and round-the-clock money transfers.

FLASHremit is another popular service as it enables the customer to conveniently and

securely transfer money directly to their beneficiary account in real time.

With customers at the nuclei of all its activities, UAE Exchange endeavours to connect the physical world with the digital experience and deliver exceptional customer experiences that combine convenience, speed and value.

These are just some of the strides that have made UAE Exchange, a Finablr company, the most preferred financial brand in the country. And with the Indian government encouraging its citizens to adopt digital payments instead of relying on physical cash, UAE Exchange is well positioned to provide the Indian diaspora with its digital

capabilities that cater to their distinctive financial needs and aspirations.

UAE Exchange wishes India and its citizens a very Happy Independence Day!

Bank Transfers

Customer Care: +973 1722 8224 | www.uaeexchange.com/bhr

www.bahrainthismonth.com

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UNIVERSAL ELECTRO-ENGINEERING

A SUPPORTIVE PARTNER Quality is assured with this local-international partner which has been recognised for its support of the Indian community.

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NEECO (Universal ElectroEngineering) is the go-to for several world-renowned brands of electrical, electronics and mechanical products, including India’s L&T and Modutec and, in recognition of his support of the Kingdom’s Indian expats, its chairman, Abdul Rahman Juma, recently received a prestigious award from Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS).

The company, which was established in 1976, is a leading manufacturer of lowvoltage switchgear products in the Kingdom particularly building panels for Schneider Electric and L&T. It also markets various high-voltage equipment such as vacuum switchgear, SF6 ring main units and transformers which are manufactured by well-known companies globally.

The most popular of its inventory are Saudi transformers, Raychem for medium voltage, electrical switchgears, transformers, ring main units, fuse boards, termination and joints etc. It will also soon begin providing items from RR Global and Modutec panels.

34 August 2019

Uneeco products are well trusted and can be found in Electricity and Water Authority as well as in major residential, commercial and retail developments across the Kingdom.

The company currently employs 180 people, of whom many are Indian expatriates, leading to the Business Icon Award, which was recently handed to Abdul Rahman Juma.

Presenting the award BKS president P V Radhakrishna Pillai said: “The Bahrain Keralyeeya Samajam is very thankful to Mr Juma. Over the years, his company has employed hundreds of our compatriots which has helped them in supporting their families. We take pride in applauding such great personalities.”

For the future, the company has plans to expand across the wider GCC bringing products, services and employment to a wider market.

Call 17 826-644 or visit www.uneeco.com www.bahrainthismonth.com

india in bahrain

AL RASHID GROUP

BE COOL FOR SCHOOL Mothercare, the flagship line from the region’s largest retail giant, enables youngsters to go back to school in style.

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ounded in 1973 in Bahrain, Al Rashid Group is a division of the Indian-owned Landmark Group, now headquartered in Dubai. The company, which markets its own homegrown brands as well as renowned international franchises, has completed over 45 years of growth and prosperity, and is one of the largest and most successful retail organisations in Bahrain. Al Rashid Group operates 80-plus outlets across the island, each offering consumers a wide range of quality lifestyle goods which are great value for money. Product category leaders like Centrepoint, Home Centre, Max, Splash, Mothercare and Shoexpress are firm favourites amongst expatriates and locals. The group also operates four malls in the Kingdom: Oasis Malls in Juffair, East Riffa and Muharraq, and Marina Mall in central Manama.

Mothercare is the foremost brand of this iconic multi-retail conglomerate, with a network of over 230 stores across 13 countries.

It is a one-stop destination with the widest range of world class children’s products from leading international brands. The product range encompasses all essentials in fashion apparel, preschool and early development toys, nursing and baby basics, feeding, bath and toiletries, travel systems, nursery furniture and more for the little ones.

As the summer vacation comes to an end, prepping for the new school year takes priority in many households. To put the enthusiasm back into returning to school, Mothercare has launched the latest Back to School collection, featuring top-trends and the best character merchandise for children across all age groups.

This year’s selection offers a brilliant range of products at amazing prices. A wide variety of backpacks and trolley bags is available with a

one-year guarantee, adding more value to your purchase. For toddlers, the range is a blend of practical design with eye-catching motifs, perfect for little ones who are making that momentous move to nursery. Featuring fun characters, these colourful designs are sure to be a hit as the new term begins.

Teens will make their mark at the start of the new semester with cleverly designed kits from cool brands. Boys and girls can pick from the widest range of licensed character products in the market featuring LOL, Pikmi Pops, Frozen, Ferrari, Real Madrid, Spiderman, Rocco and Pepe.

Stock up on this exceptional assortment of school gear from any of the standalone Mothercare outlets at Marina Mall and Segaya, or those part of the Centrepoint stores at Oasis Mall Juffair, Muharraq, Riffa and City Centre Bahrain.

Visit www.mothercarestores.com

Under its long-standing social campaign, ‘Child Safety First’ the brand continually collaborates with associations and government bodies responsible for kids’ development and well-being.

36 August 2019

www.bahrainthismonth.com

india in bahrain

LULU HYPERMARKET

Party Perfect

Whether you are celebrating Indian Independence Day, Eid al-Adha or any other momentous occasion, make sure to check out the new Ethnic fashion range, currently in store at Lulu.

38 August 2019

www.bahrainthismonth.com

india in bahrain

RAMEE GRAND HOTEL & SPA

SUMMER OFFERS Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa knows how to keep you busy through the summer holiday period in Bahrain.

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enowned hospitality hub, Ramee Grand Hotel, is part of the Ramee group of Hotels, Resorts and Apartments. This Indian brand has a slew of high-end and budget properties across the subcontinent, including in India, Oman, the UAE and Bahrain.

Ramee Grand Hotel, located in Seef, has a host of enticing offers that will make the prospect of a sweltering summer a little more bearable for islanders. The property has special deals lined up for its esteemed guests this season.

Ruka, the stylish Japanese restaurant, is one of the best known in town.

Surround yourself with a high-end ambience as you nibble on the freshest bites from the Orient. During the hot months, Ruka is the perfect place to cool down by taking advantage of its Summer Cocktails promotion. A plethora of special drinks await you, full of sunny flavours that’ll transport you to floating on cool blue waters around tropical lands.

If it’s business as usual for you through the month of August, pop in to Lemon Tree restaurant for a quick, but energising lunch. If you are in and out of meetings and struggling to meet deadlines all day, this is a perfect mid-day ‘pick-me-up’. Dig into comforting flavours from the extensive buffet and top all the deliciousness with a satiating sweet treat, all for just BD5.

Besides mouth-watering food from the Indian subcontinent, Tanatan, the hotel’s popular Indian restaurant has some great offers for you. Monday is all about Hoteliers Night, where those in the hotel industry can come in to unwind and beat the stress. As an added bonus, they get a flat 30 per cent discount on food and also can make the most of the ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Free’ offer on selected drinks.

Partial to Bahrain’s lovely ladies, every evening at Tanatan is Ladies’ Night. As part of this unmissable offer, ladies can order a main course and get another one absolutely free of cost! Now that’s a bargain no smart woman should forego. The offer is valid up to August 31.

Moving on to accommodation, Ramee Grand is reputed for its wellappointed rooms and suites, and now is your chance to experience them at a special price. At only BD40, guests can enjoy staying in an elegantly appointed, well-equipped single or double Deluxe room, inclusive of breakfast at Lemon Tree restaurant. After a sumptuous breakfast, why not make a splash in the pool or hit the gym to get the endorphins going? The hotel’s gymnasium is equipped with a diverse range of work-out machines for an invigorating exercise session. Reborn Spa is where you can embark upon a journey to refresh you mind, body and soul.

This unbeatable staycation offer is valid on all days up to August 31, excluding the Eid al-Adha holidays. Guests need to furnish their Bahraini resident permits to take advantage of this fantastic deal.

Call 17 111-999 or WhatsApp 33 590-045.

40 August 2019

www.bahrainthismonth.com

india in bahrain

MEGA MART

On the occasion of India’s 73rd anniversary of independence, come experience the country’s true flavours at Mega Mart.

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With Love

FROM INCREDIBLE INDIA

ith a vision and mission of satisfying customers with wholesome products that remind them of the goodness of home, Mega Mart enriches the Kingdom’s retail sector with 12 world-class branches under the Babasons, Mega Mart and Macro Mart banners. The company is committed to providing the best-loved Indian brands that are of the highest quality and at the best prices, something which Mega Mart is reputed for.

The organisation caters to all the basic household demands that shoppers might have.

Fresh fruits and vegetables that are sourced from local and international vendors, a variety of meats and deli items from trusted suppliers, as well as imported and locally-caught fresh fish are available every day. Customers can relish sweet and savoury baked treats just out of the ovens, including a range of breads, cakes, pastries and teatime bites.

Household Indian names such as Parle, the world’s largest-selling biscuit brand; Gits, the pioneer of convenience packaged foods and instant mixes; Bikaji, a leading exporter of tasty traditional snacks like Bhujia, Namkeen, Papad and sweets; Mother’s Recipe for pickles, condiments and curry pastes; and Milma, the provider of high-quality milk and dairy products,

are all available under one roof.

Cool off with rich and creamy ice creams from Vadilal, the Indian brand that has been delighting customers for decades. Try evergreen Indian flavours like Anjeer (fig), Raj Bhog and tender coconut, as well as classics such as vanilla and chocolate. Frozen vegetables, parathas (stuffed flatbreads) and cottage cheese are also part of its inventory.

To celebrate special occasions, or just for a taste of home, take your pick from the delicious Indian sweet counter. Authentic delicacies like Ras Malai, Gajar Halwa and traditional milk

cake, which are frozen to preserve and enhance their taste, are popular with Mega Mart’s Asian and Middle Eastern clientele.

The Segaya, Muharraq and Riffa branches of the supermarket chain have food-to-go counters that serve tasty and freshly-prepared Arabic, Indian and Chinese fare. Stop by the Chaat counters for a tangy summertime snack that you can take home, assemble and serve.

The stores also undertake catering orders on advance booking.

When it comes to domestic necessities, whether it’s for the Bahraini, Indian or any other home, they’re all available on the shelves here. Laundry and cleaning supplies, personal toiletries and basic beauty essentials from prominent Indian and foreign brands can be bought according to your specific needs.

Besides groceries and non-perishables, garments, innerwear, linen, kitchen essentials and home appliances can be found at Mega Mart outlets.

The company is also a reliable wholesaler across Bahrain, thanks to a well-managed and professional infrastructure.

The management and staff of Mega Mart wish their Indian patrons a very happy Independence Day. Call 17 341-070 or visit www.megamart.bh

42 August 2019

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india in bahrain

News Street Art Winners

India in Their Sights

Indian 3D artists Limnesh Augustine and Jincy Babu, flew the flag for their adopted Bahraini homeland when they took the top spot at the International Street Art Festival in Blumberg, Germany.

Concentrating on a theme of children at play and the importance of bringing back board games to counter the rise of mobile play, the pair created a giant piece called ‘Schlange argere dich nicth’ (Snake don’t argue with you) – which was a combination of the snakes and ladders game and the German version of Ludo.

A second, slightly small piece, featured a baby dragon for kids to play with.

This was the couple’s third consecutive win at the festival since 2017 and they were also invited to take part in the Sarasota International Chalk Festival, Florida, US.

Sofitel Bahrain led the way for destination weddings at the 6th Travel Wedding Show In India.

As interest in destination weddings picks up in the USD30 billion Indian wedding industry, the hotel, along with wedding planners from across the world, travel agents, domestic and international tourism boards came together in a unique B2B platform held recently in Mumbai.

Businesspeople from all over, including guest and panelist Sofitel

India Flights Increased Bahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air, has increased the number of direct daily flights to New Delhi from two to three.

The company’s CEO, Krešimir Kucko said: “We are constantly developing strategies to satisfy the high demand to and from India and cater to our passengers’ needs across the Gulf Air network.”

He added that the increased flights will both add flexibility and create improved connections for those travelling from India to Gulf Air’s connections across the globe.

Gulf Air currently serves eight destinations in India – Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin, Hyderabad, Calicut and Bangalore – with 75 flights each week.

A Hero’s Farewell

Bahrain recently said goodbye to a woman who has made it her mission to help the less fortunate for more than 16 years. Marietta Dias, former 44 August 2019

Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa’s director of sales and marketing, Emre Kirazci, gathered to showcase products and services, demonstrate their expertise and increase awareness, generating sales from a qualified audience with maximum exposure. Proudly cradling the award he received at the show, Emre highlighted the impact destination weddings have on Bahrain’s tourism and how the Kingdom is fully equipped to handle such grand scale weddings.

chairwoman and co-founder of the Migrant Workers Protection Society, has left the island after 56 years to head back to her native Bangalore.

Mrs Dias is widely known for her compassion to lowly paid workers who find themselves in difficulty. Over the years, she had become a familiar face at both police stations and immigration offices, doing her best to help.

She has been honoured by the US State Department for her volunteer work, receiving the Hero Acting to End Modern-Day Slavery Award in 2008.

Multi-million Dollar Investment Achieved Bahrain-based Investcorp closed its maiden India private equity fund offering at USD142 million.

In a filing to Bahrain Bourse, the firm announced the total capital commitment just a few few months since launching its presence in India. Fund partners include Indian banks, insurance companies, family offices and international funds.

Investcorp’s co-chief executive Rishi Kapoor said: “The fact that we were able to close our maiden India fund offering at a size of $142m in a few months is testament to investor confidence in our market entry approach and investment strategy for India.”

Investcorp entered the Indian market last year through the acquisition of the private equity and real estate funds businesses of IDFC Alternatives. www.bahrainthismonth.com

KEWALRAM KEWALRAM Since 1922 Since 1922

Manama BabBab - Al- Bahrain Showroom Manama Al Bahrain Showroom- 17210982 - 17210982 Manama Al Hadrami Road Showroom - 17230402 Manama Al Hadrami Road Showroom - 17230402 Gudaibiya Showroom - 66746276 Gudaibiya Showroom - 66746276

kewalramandsons kewalramandsons KewalramAnd And Sons Sons Kewalram www.kewalrams.com www.kewalrams.com

india in bahrain

Forget the Taj Mahal, Varanasi and the Pink City of Jaipur. It’s time to go for something different and take the road less travelled.

EXPLORE TEA ESTATES IN DARJEELING The Himalayan city of Darjeeling, in West Bengal, is an area of stunning vistas with houses running up the steep hillsides. Aside from its vibrant markets; eclectic mix of restaurants; the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, home to a range of endangered animals; numerous temples and the famed Tiger Hill; the thing the area is perhaps best known for is tea. First produced here by the British, many of today’s tea plantations are still reminiscent of those old Colonial days. Workers, often women, can been seen in the fields picking the richest of the crop by hand. Visits to tea gardens mean starting out early on mist-shrouded mornings and taking your time to sip lots of different varieties until you find your favourite.

GO TIGER TRACKING IN RANTHAMBORE This might sound too good to be true and one might not necessarily think of India to go on safari, but you won’t regret heading to Ranthambore National Park which is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in the region. Found in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, it is about 130km from Jaipur and 400km from Delhi. A former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today it is a major wildlife spot and an important tiger conservation area. Book your tours before sunrise and in the late afternoon for a chance to see these magnificent, endangered beasts and keep your eyes open for several other carnivores including the caracal, striped hyena, ratel, leopard, sloth bear and jungle cat.

46 August 2019

Travel – Off the Beaten Track Ladakh

VISIT SNOW-CAPPED PEAKS IN LADAKH Known as The Land of Snows, Ladakh is often referred to as “Little Tibet” and is an area not much known to foreign travellers. It is in a disputed zone, so you may need special permission to travel there; but it is worth it for the stunning vistas and uniquely preserved culture. From snow-capped Himalayan peaks to gorgeous alpine lakes, fabulous treks and friendly people, you will find a warm welcome in this faraway place. The main city is Leh, where there is much to do and see, including the massive 17th-century Leh Palace, modelled on the Dalai Lama’s former home (Tibet’s Potala Palace), which overlooks the old town’s bazaar and mazelike lanes. Make sure to take in religious sites such as the Deskit Monastery, with its colourful Buddha, and the Thiksey Monastery, which offers homestays and amazing views of the Indus river.

Ranthambore

Darjeeling

www.bahrainthismonth.com

india in bahrain

Delmon International Hotel

An Authentic Experience

T

puffed puris – are prepared on live stations. Then try the rice and khichdi.

To bring your meal to a sweet conclusion there’s a variety of desserts, including sitaphal basundi or Aam Raas, based on the seasonal availability.

Jelebi served hot and prepared in pure desi Ghee is served occasionally.

The menu is prepared daily with the chef insisting on only the freshest ingredients. And the portions are so generous as to satisfy the heartiest appetite.

And at the end, the traditional mukhvas with dana and sweet saunf are offered.

Celebrate the spirit of freedom with a scrumptious buffet dinner at Café Sayah

for reservations 17224000 / 36401071

www.bahrainthismonth.com

This authentic Gujju experience is a great treat for just BD3 per person. And children below eight years pay BD1.900.

Call 17 224-000.

* T & c Apply

he sumptuous Gujarati Thali Lunch at Al Hamra Restaurant in the Delmon International Hotel is a royal treat of luxurious Indian style.

On arrival you are treated to a plate of roasted pappads with assorted chutneys and Chaas. And, although the lunch is a buffet in the sense that the thali is unlimited, the dishes are initially presented in the katori – a large stainless-steel dish.

For snacks, make sure to try the dhokla and patra with the traditional Gujarati sautéed julienned cabbage and carrots that complement the taste and texture of other preparations served.

The main-course dal is slightly on the sweeter side and there are great looking, tasty green vegetable dry preparations consisting of palak and different kinds of green beans. You’ll also find the usual pulses, drumstick kadi and alu in tamatar gravy, Sev Tamatar and the all-time favourite, Undhiyo.

Hot assorted rotis – thepla, phulka and large

August 2019 47

india in bahrain

Financial expert, Pria Masson Tanwar, looks at the IndiaBahrain relationship.

A PARTNERSHIP ON A GROWTH TRAJECTORY

A

s in life, among economies, the most seemingly unlikely partners sometimes end up making fantastic teams. This is based on the complementary nature of the benefits that can accrue to each country.

Bahrain’s history with India is based on this very evidently complementary factor. Geographic proximity, cultural familiarity and a welcoming ambiance have transformed this beautiful island into a second home for many Indians.

Economically, Bahrain has been a focus for tradesmen and service providers looking for an in-road into the region, or, more often, as an expansion strategy within the Middle East. To me however, the dynamic between these two countries is at a threshold of change with tremendous opportunities just waiting to be utilised. This optimism I have is based on the changes that have been occurring in both countries.

Bahrain is an island economy with demographic and cultural diversity. Indians form a large part of this ecosystem and yet, there is an interesting cultural mix that makes it a very small global melting pot. It is a relatively small market that can act as an excellent testing ground and landing spot – whether for expansion in India or for expansion to the alluring GCC. Within Bahrain, there is a clear impetus for 48 August 2019

new industries. Tourism is being given a significant push, as are technology-led businesses. Start-ups are a specific focus and the whole ecosystem to welcome new business and new entrepreneurs in very steadily being put in place. Education and healthcare are at inflexion points. It is an economy waiting for its moment to exhale and welcome the world in.

The country offers opportunities in each sector that it is focusing on.

If you look at healthcare, for instance, core provisions such as doctors, nurses, supplies etc aside; healthcare systems or using artificial intelligence in healthcare could be emerging opportunities waiting for the right partnerships.

In the tourism space too, Bahrain has so much potential that could make it akin to many small destination locations. Being an island with ample sunshine, good infrastructure, a central location and a convenient connection hub makes for a potent combination for tourism. Steadily, the number of resorts with interests in the island has been rising. During the non-summer months, the number of destination weddings in Bahrain has been increasing. Again, a significant opportunity for alliances with India with its geographic proximity and easy access.

In education, Bahrain is now at the inflexion

point where private schools are gaining prominence. There is a significant need gap in the affordable, private, quality education space – an area that India has had decades of expertise in.

India on the other hand has been down these paths. Entrepreneurship, start-ups and most industries have been developing and innovating at a rapid place. Technology, of course, is at the forefront in some form or another. The idea to keep in mind, however, is that one of the most essential requirements for a successful business is the ability to identify a suitable market to incubate the project and learn the ropes. That is the biggest opportunity for Bahrain and Indian entrepreneurs alike i.e. the potential that Bahrain could be a relatively safe landing spot for entrepreneurs.

The most basic financial tenet is that risk and reward go hand in hand. Which means, if you’re willing to take it slow, you can minimise your risk, achieve moderate returns and then wait for your moment of glory in the sun. Indians and Bahrain have been interacting for decades; however, it seems the time is ripe to further deepen and expand the scope of the partnership.

You can follow Pria on Instagram at money_ cues or visit http://www.i2d-consulting.com to know more about her professional experience. www.bahrainthismonth.com

india in bahrain

Opposite Shk.Abdul Aziz Mosque, Sehla Supermarket and Department Store

Tel: 17402852 - SEHLA www.kingdompridecenter.com

GOODS FOR ALL OCCASIONS Whatever you are looking for, you will find it at Kingdom Pride Center.

Established in Bahrain since 2007, Kingdom Pride has a much longer history being one of the country’s oldest family-run businesses. Owner Gulum Abbas came to the island from India in 1952. He started Noble Traders in 1955 as a wholesaler in stationery, household goods and toys and the operation is still thriving in Manama today.

Seeing a gap in the market, Mr Gulum set up Kingdom Pride Center at North Sehla in 2007 and, over the years, it has become a favourite for those seeking reasonably priced, good-quality items for home, school and work.

The department store stocks a vast range of more than 24,000 items, including toys, household goods, plastics, furniture, stationery, food, cosmetics, cleaning items, shoes, car accessories, electronics, electric items, bukhoor, candles, frames, artificial jewellery and much more.

The most popular, fast-moving products are toys and household goods, both of which are in constant demand with the store being a miniParadise for kids who love to browse the shelves checking out the everchanging range of goodies under the watchful eye of the helpful staff.

The store can be found in North Sehla opposite the Shaikh Abdul Aziz Mosque and there are plans for expansion in the coming months to make Kingdom Pride Centers even more convenient for customers around Bahrain.

‫ﺃﻟﻌﺎﺏ ﻭﻫﺪﺍﻳﺎ‬

‫ﻣﺴﺘﺤﻀﺮﺍﺕ ﺗﻨﻈﻴـﻒ‬

‫ﺇﻟـــﻜﺘـﺮﻭﻧـﻴــﺎﺕ‬

‫ﻣـﻔﺮﻭﺷــﺎﺕ‬

‫ﺍﻟﻘﺮﻃـﺎﺳـﻴـﺔ‬

‫ﺍﻟﺴﻠﻊ ﺍﻟﺒﻼﺳﺘﻴﻜﻴﺔ‬

‫ﺍﻟﻤﻮﺍﺩ ﺍﻟﻐﺬﺍﺋﻴﺔ‬

‫ﺍﻷﺩﻭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﻤﻨــﺰﻟــﻴﺔ‬

‫ﺇﻃﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺼﻮﺭ‬

(‫ﺯﻫـــﻮﺭ )ﺻــﻨــﺎﻋــﻴــﺔ‬

‫ﺍﻟـــــﺒـــــﺨـــــﻮﺭ‬

‫ﺍﻟﺴﻠﻊ ﺍﻻﺳﺘﻬﻼﻛﻴﺔ‬

‫ﺃﺣــــﺬﻳــــــﺔ‬

‫ﺷﺮﺍﺋﻂ ﺍﻟﻬﺪﺍﻳﺎ‬

‫ﺃﺩﻭﺍﺕ ﻛﻬﺮﺑﺎﺋﻴﺔ‬

‫ﻣـﻮﺍﺩ ﺍﻟﺘﺠﻤﻴﻞ‬

‫ﻣﻨﺘـﺠﺎﺕ ﻟﻸﻃﻔﺎﻝ‬

‫ﺃﺩﻭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟـﻤـﻄـﺒـﺦ‬

‫ﻫــﺪﺍﻳــﺎ ﻭ ﺗــﺤــﻒ‬

‫ﺃﺩﻭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟـــﺰﻳـــﻨـــﺔ‬

‫ﺍﻟﻤﻼﺑﺲ ﺍﻟـﺠـﺎﻫــﺰﺓ‬

‫ﻣـــﻌـــﺪﺍﺕ ﻭ ﺃﺩﻭﺍﺕ‬

‫ﺻـﺤﻮﻥ‬

‫ﺩﻻﻝ‬

‫ﺃﻏﻄﻴﺔ ﻟﻠﻄﺎﻭﻻﺕ‬

‫ﺳـﺎﻋـﺎﺕ‬

‫ﺗﻐﻠﻴﻒ ﺍﻟﻬﺪﺍﻳﺎ‬

‫ﺇﻛﺴﺴﻮﺍﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺴﻴﺎﺭﺍﺕ‬

‫ﺍﻟﻤﻼﺑـﺲ ﺍﻟـﺘﺤﺘـﻴـﺔ‬

Call 17 402-852. www.bahrainthismonth.com

August 2019 49

bystander

Farewell Party Dr Dhaffer Al Umran held a farewell party for British Ambassador, HE Simon Martin, and his wife Sophie at the Capital Club

Truck Dhina Dhin Dinner

A Truck Dhina Dhin Dinner was held at Rivaaj Restaurant, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

To view more images, scan the QR code

Peru Fiestas Patrias

A Peruvian Festival was held at Tapas Bar & Restaurant, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa To view more images, scan the QR code

50 August 2019

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bystander

Lanterns Party

Lanterns Lounge & Restaurant held its annual staff party at Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, Seef

Lanterns (Riffa, Budaiya, Juffair, Adliya (Dining room only))

To view more images, scan the QR code

MMER BONA U S Y NZ A D K A E E W

BUY GET

Dish absolutely free!

Of lesser or equal value. Valid from Sun-Wed. No limit on purchase. Excluded during holidays.

Can not be combined with any other offer or discount. Dine in only.

Exp: Sep. 30th 2019.

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

August 2019 51

bystander

US Independence Day Brunch

To view more images, scan the QR code

A Summer Independence Day Brunch was held at Saraya Restaurant, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

Bastille Day Brunch A Summer Bastille Day Brunch was held at Saraya Restaurant, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

52 August 2019

To view more images, scan the QR code

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

Get your favourite partner anytime at www.redhousemarketing.com

redhousemarketing

redhousemarketing

rhmbahrain

redhousemarketing

bystander

Farmers’ Market Saar Mall held the grand opening of its Summer Event – Saar Mall Farmers’ Market

To view more images, scan the QR code

Farewell Party

A farewell party was held for Anna Marie Dowling at Baharat Restaurant, Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain. Le Meridien’s Sparkling Corner was also showcased during the event.

54 August 2019

To view more images, scan the QR code

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MOTORING THIS MONTH

HIGH-TECH GIVEAWAY, p56

MY LIFE IN CARS

Dick Potter falls more than a little bit in love with a legend.

I am returned! Undoubtedly missed, by you my legions of fans? If not, I shall lay the blame squarely on the shoulders of Liz, who very kindly scribed in my absence. Thank you Liz – I’m still basking in her referring to me as “lovely Dick”. Indeed, Liz is very lovely herself! George, on the other hand? Well, best I crack on with the car article then!

So, I was in Belgium. Yes, Europe is in the grip of summer and needing a car for the duration of my two weeks, air-conditioning was absolutely on the top of my priority list. Staggering into Brussels and to the car hire desk after a long night flight, I was offered an upgrade.

Not just any old upgrade mind you. “Would Sir care to have the Bentley Bentayga?” my tired ears heard.

Would I ever! Euros – many Euros – were passed across the desk and I scampered off with the keys to this beauty!

Now, I have alluded to this vehicle – if you could reduce it to that – before, you may remember? That’s correct, in an article I wrote about the cars of footballers.

My footballing days are well behind me I assure you, but, my penchant for luxury cars is not. The keys in my paw were to the 542hp, twin-turbo, V-8 engine version.

Now, I confess to not having actually driven a Bentley before, much less the very successful SUV range.

Always a first time eh? So, without further ado, one clambered inside.

“Filled with rich-smelling leathers, real wood and genuine metal accents, the Bentayga’s cabin boasts of being one of the most luxurious on sale today.” Thus goes

the vehicle’s sales blurb. Thing is, they’re not far wrong here. The cabin is all that and then some. Buyers can customise just about everything, too – for many, many more Euros, or other currency, you understand.

The interior can be configured to seat four via front and rear bucket seats or five if the rear bench seat is optioned. Plenty of standard extravagances – a panoramic sunroof, touchscreen infotainment and automated emergency braking, just to name a few – make the Bentayga a very well-equipped SUV indeed. I must confess that the first accoutrement my tired eyes furtively sought out was the famed Breitling dashboard clock. As I recall from my footballer article on this SUV, this clock was the primary reason I would have bought one. Oh to be so rich-stupid, or even such a great footballer!

On starting it up, those V-8s emitted a healthy burble which changed to an extremely hearty burble indeed as it went from zero to 60mph is less than four seconds as I hit the motorway. All Bentayga models, irrespective of what’s under the lid, utilise an eight-speed automatic transmission and come standard with all-wheel drive.

Belgium’s amazing motorways afforded me two weeks of sheer driving enjoyment with this gorgeous SUV. What Belgium afforded me in tall frosted glasses – to cope with the summer heat you understand – is another story!

Happy Motoring wherever you are this summer all!

THE VALKYRIE HAS LANDED, p57

CUSTOMER-CENTRIC TOOL, p57

RECORD MARKET SHARE, p58

View more info online

www.bahrainthismonth.com

August 2019 55

motoring news

Training Programme Launched E

brahim K. Kanoo has partnered with the National Institute for Industrial Training (NIIT) in Bahrain to launch the ‘Body & Paint Programme 2019’ to train students on best practices in the field.

The 10-month accelerated programme will impart an in-depth understanding of the various tools and techniques used by the company’s internationally trained and certified technical staff. It will ready the students for the job market and provide them with access to both highly-trained staff and use of the newly launched Ebrahim K. Kanoo Training Centre.

Upon successful completion, the students will have the opportunity to work at the company’s dedicated body and paint centre.

High-Tech Giveaway T

he Mercedes-Benz A-Class could be said to be in a field of its own. Even when brand new, within a few days it is thoroughly familiar with on-board systems that have adjusted to your driving style, knowing your peculiarities and whims. To make it more exciting Al Haddad Motors, Bahrain’s registered dealer, is currently giving away a Mercedes-Benz Garmin Smart Watch with every A-Class sold. So, what are you waiting for, it’s Mercedes time!

Facelift for Mid-Size Hero

H

yundai’s all-new Sonata is heading to showrooms this summer, giving the eighth generation of the popular mid-size sedan a sleek four-door-coupe look that highlights the brand’s latest ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language.

Created at Hyundai’s California Design Studio, the reimagined Sonata enters the market with a more assertive profile, a freshly styled cascading grille framed by distinctive lighting architecture, and an entirely new rear. Chrome accents surround the daylight opening and fresh wheel designs complete the look. New bodywork is built on Hyundai’s latest third-generation platform, for a completely re-engineered driving experience.

New Home for an Icon B

entley Motors, the British luxury automotive manufacturer, has appointed Behbehani Brothers as its official retail partner in Bahrain to provide sales and after-sales services in the Kingdom.

The news marks an exciting new chapter for Bentley in Bahrain as it seeks to strengthen its position in the country, supported by the recent launches of acclaimed models such as the Continental GT Coupe and Convertible, and the Bentayga V8 and Bentayga Speed luxury SUVs. With Bentley Bahrain coming under the management of Behbehani Brothers, all new and pre-owned sales, service and warranty enquiries will be directed to Behbehani Brothers. With recognised experience across the automotive field, Behbehani possesses particularly in-depth 56 August 2019

knowledge of the luxury car market through its existing partnerships with Porsche, Lamborghini and Audi.

Bentley recently unveiled the all-new four-door Flying Spur that delivers the ultimate combination of performance, comfort and luxury. www.bahrainthismonth.com

motoring news

The Valkyrie Has Landed T

he new Aston Martin Valkyrie broke cover making its dynamic public debut in front of an enthusiastic crowd ahead of the 2019 British Grand Prix.

Piloted by the company’s high-performance driver, Chris Goodwin, the 1,160bhp machine took to Silverstone’s world-famous Grand Prix circuit for its first public demonstration run.

The world’s most extreme road car and platform for a future FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) challenger, Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO said: “Today is a real

Framework for Safe Automated Driving

milestone in not only Aston Martin’s history but for our industry as a whole. Aston Martin Valkyrie continues to redefine what you and I recognise as a hypercar, possessing unrivalled levels of performance in a package that is technologically beyond anything else. While Chris’ demonstration today was not delivered at full speed, there is no doubt in my mind that we will one day return to deliver its full potential around this magnificent circuit.”

The 150 road-going Aston Martin Valkyries are sold out, with first deliveries commencing in the last quarter of this year.

I

ndustry leaders across the automotive and automated driving technology spectrum have published “Safety First for Automated Driving” (SaFAD), a non-binding organised framework for the development, testing and validation of safe automated passenger vehicles.

The 11 leaders — Aptiv, Audi, Baidu, BMW, Continental, Daimler, FCA US LLC, HERE, Infineon, Intel and Volkswagen — comprise the broadest representation across the industry and the SaFAD white paper authors’ purpose is to emphasise the importance of safety by design, along with verification and validation, as the industry works toward creating standards for automated driving.

The foundation of the SaFAD white paper is its 12 guiding principles, which are further refined into capabilities of the automated vehicle, from which safe-by-design elements are derived to support the capability and achieve the guiding principles. “Safety First for Automated Driving” combines the expertise from key companies in the automaker, supplier and technology industries to help direct development of safe automated vehicles.

Customer-Centric Tool V

olvo has introduced a car configurator tool on volvocars.com/bh as the company pursues its new mission ‘Freedom to Move’ by offering safe, personal and sustainable mobility services rather than traditional retailing.

The biggest revolution currently underway in the car industry is happening in the customer journey. Buyers prefer going from website to website rather than from dealership to dealership. This makes it critical to focus on digital leadership. www.bahrainthismonth.com

As the starting point, the local Volvo Cars website was recently transformed from simply a source of information to a brand experience.

The car configurator tool is available to complement the local website content, giving customers an easy, interactive and premium experience to configure their choice of Volvo model with different engines and trim levels together with various possible combinations of colours, wheels, upholstery, exterior styling, packages and options available.

Motorcity has ongoing offers for Volvo vehicles.

August 2019 57

motoring news

A Unique Line-up I

n a sight to get motor fans’ pulses racing, for the first time ever, McLaren brought together an example of every model of its modern sports cars and supercars at the luxury maker’s global headquarters in Woking, UK. The special line-up of over 25 cars, estimated to be worth around BD23.7m, included iconic models such as the P1 GTR – the track version of the world’s first ever hybrid hyper car – through to the new McLaren Speedtail of which only 106 will ever be produced.

Despite McLaren Automotive only being founded under a decade ago, it recently built its 20,000th car and with a BD56.8m investment strategy, will launch a further 14 models or derivatives between now and 2025. Under the company’s ambitious Track25 business plan, all McLaren’s sports cars and supercars will be hybridised with an equal focus on using advanced materials to save weight and enable exhilarating performance.

New Regional Appointment

F

ord Motor Company has announced the appointment of Randy Krieger as President, Direct Markets, a new position which will focus on the company’s distributor markets.

In this new role, Krieger will drive a Distributor Centre of Excellence, which brings together more than 80 markets across the Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia Pacific Emerging Markets. He will report to Mark Ovenden who has taken on a new role as President, Ford International Markets Group.

Krieger joins the Dubai office from Shanghai where he was executive director, marketing and sales, Ford Asia Pacific Operations (APO). Prior to his APO posting, Krieger was Ford ASEAN marketing and sales director. He also served as President of Ford Japan and Ford Philippines, where he successfully restructured the business operations to return to profits, and played a central role in Ford’s strong presence in China during the early days of Changan Ford operations. His achievements included aggressive expansion of Changan Ford dealers from 26 to 150 and six-fold vehicle sales growth over a 30-month period.

Record Market Share

58 August 2019

A

nnouncing its fiscal year 2018 (FY18) business results in the Middle East, Nissan’s market share in the Gulf reached a record high of 16.9 per cent, a gain of 2.9 points over the last two years.

Nissan also witnessed strong growth momentum across the wider Middle East region, with its overall market share standing at a healthy 15.7 per cent.

• The Nissan Patrol range continued its segment domination in the UAE with a 45.2-per-cent market share.

• Regional icon the Nissan Patrol Safari also saw a steady growth in annual sales with an increase of 28.4 per cent thanks to the introduction of exciting new variants like the Nissan Patrol Gazelle and Falcon.

• The Nissan Sunny maintained its segment leadership with a 58-per-cent growth in sales and 52.1-per-cent market share.

• The Nissan Kicks’ dual-tone variant launch accelerated the car’s upward trajectory to a 32.4-per-cent market share, also ranking first in its segment.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Your local search engine for restaurants and hotels in Bahrain Restaurants

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bystander OTHER EVENTS

First Motors, the exclusive distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Bahrain, organised a training course for its staff to discover the all-new Hyundai Palisade

Behbehani Brothers, the official retail partner of Bentley Bahrain marked 100 years of Bentley Motors and joined the global celebrations by hosting an Extraordinary Gala Dinner at the Royal Golf Club at Riffa Views. The highlight of the evening was the reveal of the Bentley EXP 100 GT to the world.

Hyundai honoured its best sales staff for distributors worldwide, with a trip to Seoul, Korea, under the title Global Top Sales Consultant Club 2019. Shadi Kfoury and Mohammed Saeed were selected from Hyundai Bahrain - First Motors.

Nissan Middle East held its annual Skills Contest and Awards Ceremony which recognises the company’s top sales and customer service employees from its national sales companies from across the Middle East.

A press conference was held at the Bahrain National Museum on the occasion of the inscription of the Dilmun Burial Mounds on UNESCO’s World Heritage List

Alyousuf Exchange opened its 12th branch in Budaiya

60 August 2018

AmCham, in collaboration with Export Bahrain, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and the US Embassy, held a Free Trade Agreement seminar at Arcapita

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

business bites

Mama Mia Mama Shelter, the French boutique brand founded by the company which created Club Med back in the 1950s, is coming to Bahrain in partnership with Accor and Gulf Finance House Though it’s not yet clear whether the brand will take over an existing property, hoteldesigns.net reports that the 160-room Bahrain debut will be water facing and in the Manama area. It will incorporate the great rooftop zone that the brand is known for with rooms created by the Mama Design Studio. Opening is anticipated for late 2019.

New Beach Club The Reef Clubhouse and Lagoon Beach offers an exclusive retreat on the purpose-built Reef Island.

The clubhouse aims to be a vibrant hub of luxury lifestyle amenities including facilities for dining, well-being, leisure, socialising and relaxation as well as a playroom with great kids’ facilities Foodies will find a selection of international dining options guaranteeing unique and delightful experiences with an emphasis on healthy and seasonal cuisine. Top picks are the Resto Club, to enjoy continental dishes and signature cocktails, and the stunning floating Lagoon Moon restaurant as well as various other options.

There’s also a kilometre of white sand beach bordering the North Lagoon and South Lagoon, each with its own food offerings and recreational facilities as well as beachside tents and three gorgeous floating lounges with their own utilities.

Membership plans and day passes for beach access are available.

Call 77 900-700.

Iconic Brand for Kingdom Leading Singapore property Raffles is coming to Bahrain to take over the Al Areen Palace and Spa. Hospitality group, Accor, has signed a milestone agreement with GFH Financial Group (GFH) to manage the Kingdom’s first ultraluxurious retreat.

Major enhancements will transform the property into an exclusive and opulent oasis that immerses guests in Raffles’ bespoke well-being experiences. The site will close during refurbishment.

Property enhancements attuned to Raffles brand standards will include the refurbishment of the 56 one-bedroom Desert Pool Villas and 22 two-bedroom Royal Pool Villas, which feature open-air swimming and jet pools, and converting the four existing food and beverage outlets to six.

The resort’s 10,000sq/m spa and hydrotherapy area, one of the Middle East’s largest and featuring 16 spa pavilions, the world’s first garden hammam and a hydrothermal garden, will be renovated and upgraded. The extensive health facilities including separate male and female gymnasiums, the kids’ club and indoor and outdoor swimming pools will see uplift and refurbishment. www.bahrainthismonth.com

UAE Group Joins the Market In another move from Gulf Finance House, GFH Financial Group and UAE-based H Hotels & Resorts Management (H Hotels) are bringing a new five-star property to Manama.It is H Hospitality Collection’s debut in the Bahrain market and will be located at the Harbour Row waterfront project. Boasting restaurants, meeting rooms, a pool, gym and other amenities, the property is reported to be around 60 per cent complete.

August 2019 61

business bites

New Airline Appointments National carrier, Gulf Air, has appointed Shams Al Doseri as country manager for its Addis Ababa, Ethiopia station. The first Bahraini woman to run a station, she has eight years of airline sales experience in the Bahrain hub. The airline has been flying to the African nation since 2011.

She said: “I am very proud and delighted to take this challenge and be the first Bahraini woman in Gulf Air to represent the national carrier outside the Kingdom.

This assignment is of a national nature to me as I will not only promote my airline but also promote my beloved country to the world by encouraging more passengers to fly Gulf Air to or via Bahrain.”

The airline has also announced Mohamed Al Hamer as country manager for its Colombo and Male stations making him the youngest person ever to hold the position for Gulf Air in the Asia Pacific region. He will represent the national carrier in Sri Lanka and the Maldives as well as managing the airline’s office in Colombo after gaining extensive knowledge within sales, network and revenue management departments at the headquarters in Bahrain.

Shams Al Doseri

Mohamed Al Hamer

Bank Profits Rise National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) announced another period of continued growth reporting a net profit of BD40 million and an operating profit of BD44.7 million for the first six months of the year ended 30 June 2019, an increase of 8.7 per cent and 17.3 per cent respectively on the prior year period. This was achieved despite provisions (funds set aside for anticipated future losses) of BD4.7 million, which were more than double the provision amount in the corresponding period in 2018. For the second quarter of 2019, the bank’s net profit increased by 14.6 per cent, to BD19.6 million, compared to BD17.1 million for the same period last year.

NBB chairman, Farouk Yousuf Khalil Almoayyed (pictured), said: “NBB continued to deliver strong growth and performance throughout the first half of 2019. Record results once again reflect the ongoing success of our strategy and the achievements made in transforming the bank with a focus on modernisation and further diversification and digitalisation of the business.

National Exports Climb Bahrain’s national origin exports increased by six per cent during the second quarter of this year to BD595 million compared with BD561m for the same period last year, according to the latest report from the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA). The report, which includes data on balance of trade, imports, exports and re-exports (national origin), said that during the quarter, the top 10 trading partners accounted for 78pc of the value of the Kingdom’s national origin exports .

62 August 2019

www.bahrainthismonth.com

A NEW MUSICAL GENRE Tell us a bit about Zenphonics.

Tamar: Zenphonics formed last November in the living room of my house. For a long time, I had wanted to put together a band with a fresh sound and style. As a fan of trip hop music, I wanted a band that could re-create covers of some of the greatest trip hop songs of all time. I also wanted to create a live electronic sound that was experimental and unique to us, as well as a tribute to the pioneers of trip hop. We’re comprised of Beata, our violinist and second vocalist, Nader, our musical developer and director, Joel on the keys, and I’m lead vocalist and band manager.

How would you describe trip hop music?

Nader: It is best described as an electronic, experimental, downtempo music genre that originated around the early ‘90s in the United Kingdom, especially in Bristol. It was described as “a fusion of hip-hop and electronica until neither genre is recognisable”. It uses a variety of styles, including funk, dub, soul, psychedelia, R&B, hip-hop, house, as well as other forms of electronic music.

Does it sound like hip-hop?

Joel: No, trip hop is not similar to hip-hop, besides some tiny similarities. Common musical

www.bahrainthismonth.com

interview

Bahrain This Month talks to members of the newly emerging and only trip hop inspired band in the country – Zenphonics.

aesthetics include a bass-heavy drumbeat, often emulating the slowed down breakbeat samples typical of hip-hop in the ‘90s, giving the genre a more psychedelic feel. Vocals in trip hop are more often female, and feature characteristics of various singing styles including R&B, jazz and rock.

Is it happy or sad music?

Tamar: Trip hop has been known for its melancholy sound, which they attribute to it coming out of the post punk movement. I certainly wouldn’t describe our music as sad; it is exciting from beginning to end. Lyrically, the songs we play live can be romantic, visually descriptive, curious, thought provoking, emotional, other-worldly and dramatic.

needed that special attention and care before our debut show at Coda Jazz Lounge.

How did that go?

Beata: Our first show was awesome. People didn’t know what to make of it, but the main thing was everyone enjoyed it. People find it unique, that’s what makes our band special.

There’s a song for everyone.

Where can we see Zenphonics?

Beata: You’ll find us in chic and contemporary hot spots around Bahrain. We’ll be at some festivals over summer, and we have a resident spot once a month at Coda Jazz Lounge. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @Zenphonics

What would you like to do more of as a band?

Beata: We’d like to collaborate with more artists and creative types, and build a little underground following. I think we’d definitely like to do more festivals, and we’d like to go to different countries as a band and travel more around the Middle East.

What is your unique selling point as a band?

Tamar: It’s how passionate we are and how hard we work to support each other as a team.

Before we even started playing live to an audience, we spent three months in dedicated rehearsals developing our sound. Trip hop songs are more often complicated, and they

August 2019 63

feature | new bands

LATIN SON Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Hailing from Las Tunas, Cuba, members of Latin Son have a history together, having gone to the same professional music school for three years and playing at various five-star hotels in Cuba before their first endeavour abroad, in Bahrain. While Amelia is the lead singer, Manuel, Brenda and Nayelis play the drums and the piano between them. They’ve all been passionate about music ever since they can remember and it shows in the fantastic quality of the pop, Latin and contemporary songs performed in their shows.

New

Call 17 636-363.

ON THE NIGHTLIFE SCENE

It’s that time of year when clubs around the island are showcasing new talent and fresh rhythms. Check out the bands bringing glamour and a whole load of spunk to your nights out!

LEVEL UP Rodeo Bahrain, Juffair Grand Hotel

FIVE MOTION Sheraton Bahrain Hotel All-girl rockers ‘Five Motion’ are a group of talented multi-instrumentalists all the way from Colombia. Amanda Yaneth, Ana Julieth, Beartriz Estefenia, Diana Katherine and Diana Marcela will perform daily except Saturday at An Nada Lounge. Guests can enjoy the live music on weekdays from 9.45pm to 12.45am and from 9.45pm all the way to 1.30am on weekends.

Call 17 533-533.

Rodeo Bahrain, the newest club in the Kingdom, presents Level Up, a brand-new band that’s taking the stage giving clubbers a reason to rejoice. Level Up is a guitar and bass/keyboard-playing duo, performing everything from classic hits to new country, as well as pop and rock requests. Band members Pieter Grobler and Stefan Malinowski have both visited Bahrain many times in the past as parts of different music-making ensembles, including ‘The Trio Grande’, ‘Grafitti Park’, ‘Counterpoint’ and ‘The International Playboys’. They pride themselves on playing songs that other bands don’t. “Pieter knows just about every song you can think of,” says Stefan. “And I know the rest.”

Call 17 827-600.

DJR TRIO Wembley Lounge, Atiram Premier Hotel Philippines nationals Des, Jen and Renz make up DJR Trio, and have been playing gigs around Asia, the UAE and other GCC countries for several years.

They now rock the party at the much-loved Wembley Lounge, with the aim of appealing to all guests. Their musical influences include The Beatles, Queen, Guns N’ Roses, Bob Marley, David Bowie, Elton John, Janis Joplin, The Cranberries, Elvis Presley, Pink Floyd, Gloria Gaynor, The Bee Gees, The Eagles, Michael Jackson, Madonna, AC/DC, Dire Straits and many more. They get the crowds swinging with songs from the ‘60s up to present day favourites including pop, rock, funk, R&B, Spanish/Italian, new wave, reggae, soul and Jazz on Fridays, when guests can croon with them on the stage until the early hours.

Call 33 640-009.

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feature | new bands

X FORCE BAND at Kenza Lounge, K Hotel

DD & THE GROOVE

Located on the first floor of the K Hotel is one of Bahrain’s best kept hospitality secrets; Kenza Lounge is where those in the know throng for groovy live music and great eats. This summer, the X Force band has arrived, giving a breath of cool air to the venue’s music scene. Clubbers will find superb capabilities in the three vocalists’ voices – Eiman, Blessie and Kate. They are ably accompanied

by Arvie on the guitar, Barry on the bass and Jenrey’s fingers fly on the keyboard. Before heading to Bahrain, they played at well-known nightlife venues in the Philippines, so Pinoy guests might see a familiar face.

Downtown, InterContinental Regency Bahrain.

Get ready to swoon with the riveting beats of DD &The Groove, the modern soul funk band born out of the love of playing music and travelling the world. This party band consists of six professional session musicians hailing from Italy. Fronted by highly charismatic vocalists DD and Naj, with a super tight rhythm section, they deliver on every level. Passion is a key ingredient in what they do, and it’s what truly drives them to make their shows infectious, fun and energetic. The band’s repertoire covers the 1950s (Motown, Aretha, James Brown) to today’s top hits from the likes of Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson and Beyonce.

Discerning night owls are guaranteed top-quality entertainment that can be pegged to global standards.

Call 34 419-910.

Call 17 227-777.

THE KAPERIGHT at Beats Lounge, The Arch Hotel Filipino band, The Kaperight, enthrall the crowds every evening with lead singer Zer Owera taking over the microphone with Pia Piamonte, Mae Cardenas, Annie Donga. Alongside, it’s Marc Japson on the guitar, Jovic Quindipan on the keys, Yvan Awa on percussion and Joel Roma Jr providing the bass. The talented musicians showcase outstanding cover versions of the world’s latest top 40 chartbusters that almost sound like they’re being performed by the original artistes.

The band’s forte lies in making the audience shake a leg with the very best hip-hop and rock music from 9pm to 2am.

Call 39 014-245 / 33 043-014

FINESSE at Rock City, Juffair Grand Hotel

The newly refurbished outlet welcomes nocturnal party animals to witness Finesse, the band that promises something for everyone in a diverse and discerning audience. When this powerhouse of a group performs live, it delivers an unforgettable musical experience. From 9pm onwards, the air at Rock City is filled with the talent of veteran musicians Manny Geronimo on the vocals, Canadian, Shawn Mercer, on drums and Donovan Williams, from South Africa, playing the keyboard. The band also introduces the remarkable Manoela Fortunate from Brazil to the Middle East for the first time to lend her smooth voice to R&B, pop, reggae and many other popular hit genres.

Call: 33 836-197.

Blacklist at A-Venue Lounge, Grand Safir Hotel If you’re a rock ‘n’ roll fan, then head to this venue that features the Blacklist Band performing live every night. Guests are guaranteed total entertainment, vibrant, fun and something new on the nightlife spectrum with this ensemble of skilled musicians.

Call 32 170-898, www.bahrainthismonth.com

August 2019 65

bystander

Beats Lounge Grand Opening

Beats Lounge held its grand opening ceremony at The Arch Hotel, Juffair with special guest of honour Rufa Mae Quinto

To view more images, scan the QR code

Monkey Around

International spinner, Mehmet Gulec, flew in from Turkey for the soft opening of Social Monkey

66 August 2019

To view more images, scan the QR code

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

By Liz O’Reilly

A POOLSIDE PLEASURE

G N I DIN onth this m

GOURMET TREATS, p68

PATRIOTIC FLAVOURS, p69

Waterside dining with a sweet finale.

As a first-time visitor to Reef Resort, I was keen to check out not just the dining but also the ambience of the place. And, I have to say, it’s an interesting mix with all sorts of curiosities dotted around the lobby area from blown-glass birds and other creatures to an old-fashioned piano, appearing as if it has been transported from a Western saloon.

Heading for the Thursday night seafood barbecue, we walked outside to the Pool Delight restaurant wandering along prettily lit pathways passing opulent villas boasting giant pots of succulents and Italianate fountains.

The slightly smoky aroma of cooking fish let us know we were heading in the right direction and, as we arrived, we were greeted by the chefs who talked us through the impressive range of fresh fish on offer. Stacked on ice, clams sat alongside large, juicy shrimp and a mountain of crabs just waiting for us to tuck in. There were also generous fillets of salmon and sea bream, a tempting tray of red mullet and more.

For those not of a fishy persuasion, skewers of marinated meats sat alongside, and there were plenty of non-fishy options on the buffet inside.

The barbecue station was conveniently sited just at the doorway, allowing us to peruse our potential dinner as we headed in to choose starters and check out the restaurant proper.

Looking out onto the water, Pool Delight is all high wooden ceilings, mirrors and glass panels, striking an easy balance between traditional and modern and managing to take the best of both. The chairs and tables of whitewashed wood giving an almost garden-like feel, their sparkling silverware adding to an air of quiet luxury.

A range of side booths offers a little more privacy and there’s also a glassed-in terrace-style section which feels as if you’re sitting right by the water as well as outdoor seating; perfect for www.bahrainthismonth.com

CULINARY CLASSES, p70

when the weather cools.

Gleaming chafing dishes, reflected the light and making the buffet all the more inviting. But we were more interested in the main event of trying out that delicious looking barbecued fish. I opted for a generous fillet of sea bream and a couple of red mullet while my companion chose salmon and a healthy portion of big, juicy shrimp.

The fish was cooked to perfection – which is not an easy task on a barbie – with the chunky, white flesh of the bream separating like butter under my knife. The taste was equally as impressive, a perfect, delicate complement to the mixed veggies I’d chosen to go with it. The red mullet was also extremely tasty but, as small fish often are, quite bony. The flavour was actually worth picking through the bones, particularly with the light searing of the skin – yum.

The shrimp were also a great hit with plenty of meat to dive into and a good, fresh flavour.

I have to say that, for me, the dessert counter was the highlight of the evening. I will confess, I had been eyeing it since our arrival and I think, between us, we must have tried just about every item with the profiteroles coming out a firm favourite.

FRESH FROM THE OCEAN, p71

View more info online

August 2019 67

tablehopping

SPECTACULAR SPREAD Saraya Restaurant at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa will host an Arabic brunch on the first three days of Eid al-Adha from 12.30pm–4pm, priced at BD25, inclusive of soft beverages, or BD30, inclusive of selected beverages. Enjoy extravagant celebrations with the whole family accompanied by a wide range of authentic Arabic dishes and sweets, along with top-of-the-line live entertainment by the talented Robert’s One Man Show. Children from six to 12 years of age dine at half price and those under six go free.

Call 38 885-789.

G N I PP

O H g n E i L n i D TAB t s gu

Au

Bahrain Bay Kitchen at the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay welcomes the festivities with a gourmet buffet brunch on the first three days of Eid al-Adha from 1pm-4pm. Guests will find a goat carving station, among many other quintessential dishes, and every table will be gifted a traditional Bahraini sweet to enjoy at home. The brunch costs BD30, inclusive of nonalcoholic beverages, or BD43, inclusive of selected beverages. Children below five years eat for free, and those up to 12 get a 50-per-cent discount.

Call 17 115-500.

A DECADENT AFFAIR An Eid al-Adha-themed lunch will be offered at Baharat Restaurant at Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain on August 12, 13 and 14 from 12.30pm-4pm. The mouth-watering range of food will feature several international cuisines and a wide range of traditional Eid specialities with grilled meat, seafood and traditional Ouzi.

The buffet costs BD20, inclusive of soft beverages, or BD30, inclusive of free-flow beverages. Children aged six-12 dine at half price, and those below six go free.

Call 17 171-144.

A SPECIAL OFFER Make merry on the second and third day of Eid with the indulgent Mercure Eid Brunch at Neyran Restaurant. Tuck into an appetising array of international and traditional cuisines fused with local flair, complemented with live entertainment. This funfilled experience costs BD12+++, inclusive of unlimited soft beverages. Guests can enjoy a special Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer during the two days.

Call 17 584-400.

68 August 2019

GOURMET TREATS

CELEBRATORY EVENINGS Let this Eid be truly special at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa’s Pashawat restaurant with a dinner that will feature a sumptuous Arabian set menu and a dazzling line-up of live entertainment acts, along with an exotic belly dancing show. The set menu will be available on the first three days of Eid from 7pm-1am, priced at BD30, inclusive of soft beverages.

Call 38 885-789.

BE SPOILT FOR CHOICE Gulf Hotel Bahrain has a range of options to mark the festive days, each an unmissable proposition. Royal Thai offers a traditional three-course sharing set menu, including welcome drinks, for a minimum of two people, while Takht Jamsheed offers a fantastic royal set menu. Both are priced at BD19 per person. For BD26+++ per person, Zahle offers delicious fare and Arabic entertainment that will bedazzle. Al Waha’s special Eid lunch and dinner buffet is priced at BD 21+++ per person.

Call 17 713-000.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

tablehopping

ALOHA!

Put on your tropical togs for a grand Luau-themed Hawaiian Summer Friday brunch at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa on August 2, 16, 23 and 30, from 12.30pm-4pm. Indulge in a unique experience, full of delicious Hawaiian-inspired dishes, refreshing beverages and electrifying live performances. This tropical afternoon is priced at BD25, inclusive of selected beverages. Little ones under six years go for free, while those between six and 12 years get a 50-per-cent discount. Children will be kept busy with a special kids’ corner throughout.

Call 38 885-789.

AN OFFER TO GRAB Ready your appetite for Mercure Bahrain’s ‘Buy 2 Get 1 Free’ Seafood Night buffet special at Neyran Restaurant every Thursday, from 7pm onwards. Tuck into a savoury spread of topquality seafood goodness for a memorable culinary experience costing BD12 per person, inclusive of soft beverages.

Call 17 584-400.

ITALIAN IN A JIFFY InterContinental Regency Bahrain’s Medzo Italian Restaurant offers the ‘Italian Job’ promotion from Sunday to Thursday, between noon and 3pm.

For BD3.500, you can choose from a wide variety of antipasti for your starter, a choice of your favourite pasta, or a main course from the menu, and a coffee with biscotti to finish your meal. The outlet guarantees serving your order in just seven minutes.

Call 17 227-777.

SATURDAY SPECIAL

PATRIOTIC FLAVOURS Rivaaj, the Indian fine-dining outlet at Sofitel Bahrain invites you to celebrate the 73rd Indian Independence Day with a lavish dinner on August 15 and 16, from 6pm-11pm. Enjoy a diverse selection of sub-cuisines from all around India and pay only 73-percent of your bill!

Call 38 885-789.

BIRTHDAY TREAT

The weekend’s delight is heightened at Al Waha, at the Gulf Hotel, Bahrain.

The outlet, which has been given a new look, hosts the Waleema Brunch every Saturday. This Middle Eastern spread is priced at BD18+++, and guests can enjoy the authentic world of Arabic food culture that the property is renowned for.

Call 17 713-000.

Sheraton Bahrain Hotel’s Al Safir Restaurant stages a sumptuous buffet lunch and dinner, both priced at BD10+++, along with the option of a lavish a la carte menu. Lunch is laid out from 12.30 pm-3:30pm, while dinner is on between 7.30pm-11:30pm. Entertainer vouchers are accepted for a Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer. If it’s your birthday, you can dine for free at this outlet. A table of minimum four guests can get a 20-per-cent discount, and a minimum of eight guests get a 25-per-cent discount. Prior reservation is required.

Call 17 533-533.

www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

August 2019 69

tablehopping

A ROYAL BRUNCH

When? Three days from the second day of Eid Event? Eid Dinner Venue? Furn Bistro, The Westin City Centre Bahrain

Enjoy a selection of Middle Eastern and the best Khaleeji dishes with a western influence for BD15, inclusive of soft beverages.

Call 17 171-441.

When? August 1-31 Event? Free Dessert Venue? Waves Seafood Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Bahrain

Order two main course items and get one sweet dish free.

Call 17 531-122.

When? August 9 Event? Women’s Summer Friday Brunch Venue? Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

A gourmet selection of dishes and thirst-quenching beverages with live entertainment especially for ladies, for BD25, inclusive of selected beverages, from 12.30pm-4pm.

Treat your family and friends to a delicious brunch at Brasserie Royale, at the Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain every Friday from 1pm-5pm. An array of delectable options from seafood and sushi to delicious pastries awaits you, while the DJ keeps the beat going all afternoon. Little guests will love their dedicated buffet and the special activities organised by the Bulbul Kids’ Club team exclusively for them. Guests get complimentary access to the pool and beach. The afternoon is priced at BD27, including soft drinks, or BD35, including selected beverages.

Call 77 707-070.

SURF AND TURF The chic Selections Restaurant, at the InterContinental Regency Bahrain, allows you to take your love of meat to the next level with the special ‘Fisherman and Butcher’ evening buffet, featuring live stations offering a wide array of seafood and meats. The sumptuous spread is laid out every Thursday, from 7pm-10.30pm, and is priced at BD19, inclusive of food only, or BD29, inclusive of selected beverages.

Call 17 227-777.

CULINARY CLASSES The Gulf Hotel, Bahrain hosts The Art of Cooking class every Saturday, from 10.30am-noon. Priced at BD18, including lunch, the classes are designed for passionate home cooks with busy lifestyles. The sessions are led by professional chef instructors, and participants get special aprons, chef hats and completion certificates. Each class seats eight to 10 guests only. The various sessions are based on Mexican, Indian, Italian and Fusion cooking through the month of August.

Call 17 713-000.

Call 38 885-789.

When? Every Monday Event? Hotelier Night Venue? Amber Bar, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

A perfect after-work sanctuary for hoteliers and their friends to get a 50-per-cent discount on a selection of cocktails.

Call 38 885-789.

When? Every Monday Event? Seafood Night Venue? Al Murjan Ballroom, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain

Experience a unique medley of succulent seafood delicacies for BD25, including soft drinks and water, or BD30, including unlimited selected beverages.

Call 17 460-017.

When? Every Tuesday Event? Truffle Tuesday Venue? Medzo Italian Restaurant, InterContinental Regency Bahrain

A LOT AT STEAK No plans for Wednesday evening? It’s Steak Night every Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain’s La Mosaique Restaurant and Harvesters. If you fancy getting your chops around some impressive beefy cuts, this is where you need to head. Enjoy high-quality meat from 7pm-11pm for BD18, inclusive of water and soft drinks. The selected beverage package costs an additional BD5++.

Call 17 531-122.

EXTENDED ENJOYMENT Every Friday, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain hosts the Extended Friday Brunch, a unique culinary offering that dishes up excellent chef’s special delicacies, a lively atmosphere and a delightful selection of drinks. What’s more, the live band and DJs will have the latest hits going on, along with loads of surprises for guests. The lavish spread will be laid out at the property’s Al Murjan Ballroom from 12.30pm-5pm, and costs BD38 per person, including unlimited beverages. Children from six to 12 years get a 50-per-cent discount and those under six eat for free.

Call 17 460-017.

Let your taste buds dance with the anticipation of the delightful flavour of truffles for only BD7.900 from 6.30pm-10.30pm.

Call 17 227-777

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tablehopping

FRESH FROM THE OCEAN

Get unlimited sushi at your table from the special sushi selection from 7pm-11pm for BD9.900.

Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain invites you to head down for Thursday Seafood Night at Baharat Restaurant, from 7pm–11pm. Indulge in a wide selection of fresh oysters, prawns, Lobster Thermidor, sushi, clams, fresh filleted fish and mussels cooked to your liking.

The buffet costs BD25, including soft drinks and water, or BD31, including selected free-flow beverages.

Call 17 171-144.

Call 1722 7777

When? Every Thursday Event? Thursday Night Out Venue? Al Murjan Ballroom, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain

Get in the weekend mood with prime US beef, unlimited exotic cocktails, drinks and gourmet food for BD34, including unlimited beverages.

Call 17 460-017.

When? Every Friday Event? Brunch Venue? Bahrain Bay Kitchen, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

SUMMER INDULGENCE Boudoir Bar and Lounge at The Westin City Centre Bahrain has a string of fun promotions lined up for guests. Watch the live streaming of all major sports events on big screens with state-of-the-art audio entertainment while enjoying your favourite drink at this stylish venue. Every day, ladies can enjoy two free house beverages from 6pm-11pm at Boudoir. Guests can purchase a pint at a discounted price during the ‘All Day Happy Hour’ offer period. And lastly, as part of the special Burger and Malt Combo deal from 5pm-2am every day, diners can savour a delicious, homemade cheese burger, plus a pint of hops of their choice.

Call 17 171-441.

AN EPICUREAN WEEKEND Relish the varied flavours of the Al-Sofra Friday Brunch at Neyran Restaurant located at Mercure Grand Hotel Seef, as you make the most of the unbeatable Buy 1 + 1 Free offer throughout August. Ready your appetite for an extraordinary combination of international and local flavours, freshly prepared under the expert eye of chef Tahir.

The buffet is priced at BD12++, including soft beverages, and runs from 12.30pm–4pm.

Call 17 584-400.

When? Every Wednesday Event? Izakaya Wednesday Venue? Elements Pool & Lounge, Intercontinental Regency Bahrain

Enjoy five unique food stations serving Arabic, Western, Indian, Japanese and Chinese delicacies for BD30, inclusive of non-alcoholic beverages and BD43, inclusive of selected beverages.

Call 17 115-000.

When? Every Friday Event? Ladies Friday Venue? Al Safir Restaurant, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel

Ladies can enjoy an international buffet lunch or dinner at a 50-percent discount on food only. Drinks will be charged as per consumption.

Call 17 533-533.

When? Every Friday Event? Sweetest Brunch Venue? Baharat Restaurant, Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain

Indulge in a sensorial and savoury experience for BD28, including soft drinks and water, or BD40, including selected free flow beverages, from 12.30pm-4pm.

Call 17 171-144.

When? Every Saturday Event? Kids Baking Classes Venue? Furn Bakery, The Westin City Centre Bahrain

Kids from three to 12 years learn the basics of baking for BD5, between 9am-10am.

Call 17 171-441.

When? Every Day Event? Mussels Promotion Venue? Waves Seafood Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Bahrain

Come in for an extravagant experience as you relish the best flavours of mussels served with fries for BD10.

Call 17 531-122.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

August 2019 71

gadgets

GADGETS IMMERSE VIRTUAL REALITY HEADSET

BTM brings you the latest gadgets to push your technological buttons.

SHOWER CLOCK RADIO

Watch 3D movies, dive into a virtual world and play simulated games all on this one device. Place your phone into the slot on the headset and load up the accompanying VR apps, and enjoy 360° virtual environments, which move along with your head thanks to gyroscopic technology.

Available from www.amazon.com

This water resistant radio features a digital clock so you won’t spend too much time singing along to your favourite tunes via the FM radio and you have the option to either hang it up or use the suction cup.

Available from www.red5.co.uk

FIXR - 20 TOOLS IN 1

This nifty piece of kit contains 20 tools in one compact design.

Crafted from stainless steel, it has a gold titanium treated rotating tool disc, a stainless steel nut and clip as well as a carbon steel blade to see you through any DIY dilemma.

Available from www.amazon.com

THE REAL BOOK SAFE

The realism of this secret safe disguise should keep your treasured belongings under wraps. It’s a hardback book with real paper pages that perfectly blend into its surroundings on the bookshelf.

Concealed within the inconspicuous ‘book’ is a lockable metal safe with two keys.

Available from www.amazon.com

ICLIP WALLET

This extremely compact wallet is the size of a credit card, so it should fit in any pocket. Slim and lightweight, its rounded corners protect your clothing from wear and tear, and the big viewing window at the back allows you to access your cards with ease. Made from high-tech resin, the clip to hold your notes and cards is durable as well as flexible and will not damage the magnetic strips on your debit or credit cards.

Available from www.red5.co.uk

72 Augiust 2019

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gadgets

SPY WATCH

This stylish, covert watch records video and audio, takes photographs, is splash proof and, of course, tells the time!

This timepiece packs a hidden video and sound recorder, and can take photos at the touch of a button. It has 4GB of built-in storage, more than enough space to take hours of video surveillance in computer-ready AVI format, capture high-quality photographs of your quarry, or record crystal clear audio.

Available from www.amazon.com

ALL DAY RECHARGEABLE FAN

Beat the Bahrain heat with this device. It has three fan speed settings (low, medium and high) and a handy stand allowing you to prop it up for optimum cooling power. It can also simultaneously charge up your phone or MP3 player via its USB slot.

Available from www.amazon.com

BRIGHT IDEA USB LIGHT

This device illuminates when connected to your laptop so you can work diligently in the middle of the night while not disturbing the rest of the house and wasting electricity. The light bulb also glows in the dark when not powered.

Available from www.red5.co.uk

6 IN 1 PEN TOOL

This useful tool is not only a normal writing pen, but packs some nifty hidden features. Inside its metal casing, it has a stylus tip for touch screen, a Philips screwdriver head, a flat screwdriver head, a spirit level and a ruler with inches and centimetre markings.

Available from www.amazon.com www.bahrainthismonth.com

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games

GAMES VERDICT: A superb remake of a classic.

RATING: WHAT IS IT?

Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is a kart racing game developed by Beenox and published by Activision. It is a remake of Crash Team Racing, which was originally developed by Naughty Dog for the PlayStation in 1999, and also includes content from the games Crash Nitro Kart, originally developed by Vicarious Visions in 2003, and Crash Tag Team Racing, originally developed by Radical Entertainment in 2005.

GAMEPLAY

Like the original Crash Team Racing, Nitro-Fueled is a racing game featuring characters from the Crash Bandicoot series. Players must avoid obstacles and navigate the various tracks to reach the finish line, performing boosts via power sliding and jumping to gain speed, and using power-ups scattered across the track to give themselves a boost or hinder their opponents. The game supports local quick races and grand prix circuits, online races, as well as featuring a full adventure mode with new areas, characters and boss battles being unlocked as the player progresses.

Nitro-Fueled includes all 31 race tracks from Crash Team Racing and Crash Nitro Kart, along with several new features not present in the original Team Racing, including online multiplayer and the ability to choose different karts, which can be customised by the player.

CRASH TEAM RACING:

NITROFUELED

THE SINKING CITY

GRAPHICS

The Sinking City is an adventure and investigation game set in an open world inspired by the universe of H.P. Lovecraft, the master of horror. The halfsubmerged city of Oakmont is gripped by supernatural forces. You’re a private investigator, and you have to uncover the truth of what has possessed the city… and the minds of its inhabitants.

SEA OF SOLITUDE

SUPER MARIO MAKER 2

Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled instantly transports you back to 1999 with its familiar tracks and cartoonishly bright colours. But this remaster is far from stuck in the past. Visually, it looks stunning with vivid details around every corner and animations that give each character plenty of personality. The ability to swap between characters during Adventure mode and the cosmetic options are welcome additions too.

Sea of Solitude takes you on a personal journey of a young woman’s loneliness. Set sail across a beautiful and evolving world, where nothing is quite what it seems. Meet fantastical creatures and monsters, learn their stories, and solve challenges. Explore a flooded city, either by boat, on foot or by swimming through the water itself. Dare to look what lies beneath the surface, in a haunting struggle of darkness and light, and discover what it truly means to be human.

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Mario fans of the world, unite! Now you can play, create, and share the sidescrolling Super Mario courses of your dreams. Dive into the single-player Story Mode and play builtin courses to rebuild Princess Peach’s castle. Make your own levels, alone or together, then share them online or access a nearendless supply made by others.

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websites

websites

Pool Party-Reef Resort

Reef Resort and Spa, Reef Island, held a pool party

SITE: www.camelcamelcamel.com RATING: VERDICT: Useful resource for bargain hunters.

To view more images, scan the QR code

WHAT IS IT?

Online retailers like Amazon are a one-stop shop for many people, but prices tend to fluctuate on a fairly regular basis. CamelCamelCamel can set you up with email and/or Twitter-based price alerts that let you know when a particular item goes on sale.

THE GOOD

You can see a particular item’s 18-month price history to decide whether you should buy it now or wait until it gets even cheaper.

THE BAD

Whilst it provides prices for many items, there are a couple of occasions where price history isn’t available or a product simply can’t be found. It’s very rare, but certainly frustrating.

www.mubi.com

If you are someone who is overwhelmed by the sheer number of movies in any catalogue and cannot decide what to watch, this one if for you. The website only hosts 30 movies at a time, with a single movie added and removed daily. This gives you a highly curated and small list of the option you can easily choose from. From the day of the upload, a movie remains on the website for 30 days essentially giving you the same time to watch that movie before it is removed. A great little website for any movie lover.

www.asoftmurmur.com

This website is amazing if you have disturbances around you that keep distracting you. Is your colleague nattering away to the point of driving you mad? Is your brother in the next room playing terrible music? Just plug in your headphones and select the kind of ambient sounds you would prefer, and at what intensity. Sounds available include rain, wind, thunder, birds and more. www.bahrainthismonth.com

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apps

APPS REVIEW BTM BRINGS YOU THE LOW-DOWN ON THE LATEST AND GREATEST APPS ON THE MARKET.

APP: LUMINARY WHAT IS IT? RATING: Luminary wants to be the Netflix of podcasts and has this dubbed itself a ‘podcatcher’. As such, you do have to pay to get access to its VERDICT: An app with plenty of promise but little in the aspodcast library, but there’s a ton of great exclusive content in there. The

way of execution.

app also allows you to listen to all your favourite free podcasts.

THE GOOD

Luminary is the only place you can go to listen to certain shows and it has one of the most extensive search functions ever seen on a podcast app.

THE BAD

Luminary lacks some basic quality-of-life functions one has come to expect from a podcatcher after years of just having these features for free. It feels like the company put all of their power into establishing themselves as ‘The Company With 40 Exclusive Podcasts You Have to Pay For’ that they never stopped to ask the question: “How do we also make Luminary a good podcast app?”

APP: CALORIECAP CalorieCap is the diet app for people who often eat out. The app is aimed at helping you find meals at restaurants that fit within your diet, allowing you to quickly and easily choose from restaurants, meal types, lifestyle options and more. The app is pretty well-designed and easy to use too, which is always a plus.

PREMIERE RUSH Premiere Rush is Adobe’s latest app for Android, and it’s largely built for those that want to quickly and easily edit videos on the go. The app supports video, audio and image files, and allows for things like the addition of text, transitions and so on. The app is available as a premium version for USD10 per month, or you can get it as part of Adobe’s larger Creative Cloud subscription.

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bystander OTHER EVENTS

The Asian School conducted an awards ceremony at the Dr Abdul Kalam Memorial Auditorium of the school with chief guest Vijay Kumar, CEO of State Bank of India, Bahrain in attendance

US Ambassador, Justin Siberell, hosted a luncheon reception at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa to commemorate the close collaboration between the US Embassy and the University of Bahrain Teachers College

The Shreenathji Krishna Hindu Temple hosted a farewell reception for the outgoing British Ambassador, HE Simon Martin, and his wife Sophie

Dimitris Manikis, President & Managing Director of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts EMEA, and Michel Augier, Head of Operations, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts Middle East visited Ramada by Wyndham Bahrain

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

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bystander

Keep Calm It’s the Weekend

JJ’s Irish Restaurant held a “Keep Calm it’s the Weekend” night of entertainment

Microphone Madness To view more images, scan the QR code

A night of Microphone Madness Karaoke was held at JJ’s Irish Restaurant

To view more images, scan the QR code

America’s Independence Day Party America’s Independence Day was celebrated with a patriotic pool and beach party at Coral Bay Resort Bahrain

78 August 2019

To view more images, scan the QR code

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bystander

Finesse Band Rock City Bahrain introduced its new band “Finesse� at The Juffair Grand Hotel

Pool and Beach Carnival

To view more images, scan the QR code

Miami Events Bahrain held a pool and beach carnival party at Coral Bay Resort Bahrain with Afrobeats, reggaeton, Arabic, hip-hop, R&B and house music.

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

To view more images, scan the QR code

August 2019 79

music

N I E T S M RAM N I E T S M RAM

THOM YORKE – ANIMA It sounds counterintuitive to say Thom Yorke delivers uneasy music with a sense of ease, yet ANIMA unfurls with a slow, steady confidence that can be called comfortable. Perhaps this relaxed gait is due to how ANIMA finds Yorke treading familiar territory, revisiting the kind of jittery, chilly electronica that has been his solo speciality. The subject is, naturally, a distrust of the modern world and a fear of a creeping dystopia, a paranoia that suits the troubled times of 2019. Against all odds, Yorke’s eerie electronic shimmer doesn’t inspire fear so much as console; in this dark time, it’s reassuring to hear a human heart beating the digital clutter.

JESCA HOOP

VERDICT:

– STONECHILD Jesca Hoop continues to expand and sharpen her distinctive indie folk with Stonechild, a set which puts a premium on chromatic melodies, crisp vocal harmonies and spare arrangements to the point of sometimes evoking Renaissance vocal music. The album takes into account the personal politics of the late 2010s, with other songs addressing subjects like patriarchy and misogyny, Old Fear of Father, and white supremacy, Red White and Black, all with persistent elegance and gumption. Poised and spacious, warm and inclusive, and highly provoked, Stonechild is another memorable addition to Hoop’s discography.

A FINE RETURN FOR THE ECCENTRIC GERMANS

WHAT’S THE STORY?

Rammstein’s first studio album in 10 years is their first not to be produced

by Jacob Hellner. Realistically this album could be a collection of ditties about the crustacean population of the river Rhine and people would not only buy it in droves, but would flock to see them play it live. In the last 30 years, no other metal band has been quite so unique and uncopied as Rammstein.

WORTH A LISTEN?

It’s been 10 years since Rammstein’s last industro-metal jaunt and, if their latest album is any indication, it sounds like they’ve been stockpiling aggression the entire time. The Berlin rockers start things by dropping an atom bomb on Germany’s modern history with Deutschland, a deceptively catchy number with lyrics about how the country — the EU’s shining star and a role model for world diplomacy — has become a letdown. Frontman Till Lindeman bemoans the state of a country that became too powerful, too heavy and too greedy. Most of the lyrics are delivered in German, but, even without a translation, the way he sings with rolled Rs and growls over a big drumbeat is enough to make your skin crawl. Then again, nobody listens to Rammstein for the lyrics.

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3TEETH – METAWAR

On their third campaign to open the public’s eyes to the ills of modern society, Los Angeles industrial anarchists 3Teeth expand the scope of their assault with the powerful Metawar. Uncovering all the sins that America has to offer, the band pull no punches, delivering their typically subversive and unflinching messages with beefed-up sound quality courtesy of producer Sean Beavan. These songs are unrelenting, cathartic releases, with frontman Alexis Mincolla’s nightmarish lyrics, as apocalyptic and dystopian as ever, bludgeoned home by a band (Chase Brawner, Xavier Swafford, Andrew Means and Justin Hanson) in peak form.

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S E I V MO

film releases

Genre: Action, Adventure Release Date: August 1 Touted to be one of the most entertaining summer action movies is the exciting new spin-off to the Fast & Furious series, focusing on Luke Hobbs, played by Dwayne Johnson, and Deckard Shaw, played by Jason Statham. Lawman Hobbs and outcast Shaw form an unlikely alliance when a cyber-genetically-enhanced villain threatens the future of humanity. The full cast includes Hollywood stalwarts like Idris Elba, Helen Mirren, Vanessa Kirby, Eddie Marsan and Joe Anoa’i.

Dora and the Lost City of Gold Genre: Adventure, Family Release Date: August 9 Having spent most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents, nothing could prepare Dora for her most dangerous adventure ever – high school. This is a live-action movie in which the intrepid explorer ends up in the jungle on a real adventure to save her parents and solve the mystery behind a lost city of gold, along with her little sidekick monkey, Boots.

The Kitchen Genre: Action, Crime, Drama Release Date: August 9 The women have sprung in to action! Wives of New York gangsters in Hell’s Kitchen in the 1970s continue to operate their husbands’ rackets after they’re locked up in prison.

The movie is based on the graphic novel with the same name, and stars funny girl Melissa McCarthy along with Elisabeth Moss and Tiffany Haddish as the wives of imprisoned mobster husbands.

47 Meters Down: Uncaged

Ready or Not

Don’t Let Go

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Horror Release Date: August 16

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller Release Date: August 21

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller Release Date: August 30

This one will have you at the edge of your seats. It tells the story of four teen girls on a backpacking trip who go diving in a ruined underwater city. They quickly learn they are not alone and they’ve entered the territory of the deadliest shark species in the claustrophobic labyrinth of submerged caves. Will they make it out alive?

Grace couldn’t be happier after she marries the man of her dreams at his family’s luxurious estate. There’s just one catch - she must now hide from midnight until dawn while her new in-laws hunt her with guns, crossbows and other weapons. This one proves to be a dark, twisted tale that’ll have you hooked.

After Detective Jack Radcliff’s family dies in what appears to be a mysterious murder, he gets a phone call from one of the dead, his niece. He’s not sure if she’s a ghost or if he’s going mad, but as it turns out, he’s not. Now Jack must race to unravel a mystery to prevent a death that has already happened.

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August 2019 81

tv releases

FANCY SOME CHILL-TIME AT HOME? Check out these latest TV series to hit your screens.

Stranger Things: Season 3

In the summer of 1985 in Hawkins, the new Starcourt Mall has become the focal point of the town, driving other stores out of business. Sheriff Hopper is conflicted over Eleven and Mike’s budding relationship, while Joyce considers moving out of Hawkins for better prospects, leaving the state of the children’s friendships and her own relationship with Hopper in the air.

However, strange power fluctuations trigger Will’s awareness of something otherworldly, and Eleven and Max sense something is off about the town’s residents, and despite having closed the portal to the Upside Down, fear that they are all in danger from it still.

Under the Silver Lake

Under the Silver Lake is a comedy neo-noir mystery film written, produced and directed

by David Robert Mitchell. Set in Los Angeles, it follows a young man (Andrew Garfield) who sets out on a quest to investigate the sudden disappearance of his neighbour (Riley Keough), only to stumble upon an elusive and dangerous large-scale conspiracy.

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Dark

Mean Streets

Dark is a German science fiction thriller series co-created by Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese.

Set in the fictional town of Winden, Germany, the show concerns the aftermath of a child’s disappearance which exposes the secrets of, and hidden connections among, four estranged families as they slowly unravel a sinister time travel conspiracy which spans across three generations. Throughout the series, Dark explores the existential implications of time and its effects on human nature.

As Netflix subscribers get pumped up for the autumn arrival of Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman, it only makes sense that the streaming service would help build anticipation by making more of the master filmmaker’s work available. This is his breakthrough film and remains one of his unqualified masterpieces, a stunning look at masculinity and friendship that also happens to contain one of the best performances of Harvey Keitel’s career. The hardest thing to believe is that it’s almost 50 years old.

Peterloo

Oh, Dumb and Dumber. Is this one of the best comedies of its time? Maybe, maybe not — but it’s certainly one of the most memorable, providing pages upon pages of quotable lines that one can still hear being uttered in the wild to this day. It’s crazy to consider that one of the film’s two co-stars is currently playing Atticus Finch on Broadway, while the other is, uh, still Jim Carrey. Thankfully, it still holds up now it’s finally available to stream.

The brutal attack by government forces on a peaceful demonstration in St Peter’s Field Manchester, becomes known as the Peterloo Massacre, the carnage evoking the Battle of Waterloo. Peterloo tells of poor mill workers, hot-headed radicals, moderate reformers, weak magistrates, brutal police and military, a repressive government, decadent royalty and devious spies.

Dumb and Dumber

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what's new

WHAT’S NEW

HURRAY FOR 5G Huawei’s Mate 20 X 5G is now available through VIVA Bahrain. Equipped with HUAWEI’s powerful 5G multi-mode terminal chips, the world’s first 7nm Balong 5000 and ultimate performer the Kirin 980, boasts excellent 5G connectivity while retaining the ability to down shift to 4G, 3G and 2G as well as other network systems. The device can be bought outright or through a monthly contract.

Available at VIVA Bahrain branches

FLUID FLORALS Inspired by Denmark’s national flower, the refined and elegant Daisy collection from Georg Jensen has been a favourite for generations of women. The latest additions exude purity, innocence, strength and drama and transition seamlessly from season to season with inherent understated cool and refined elegance. The versatile pieces of this joyful, fresh range can transform from a brooch to a pendant or earrings and go well with jeans, business or cocktail attire.

Available at www.georgjensen.com

BEST IN TECHNOLOGY

LOOK DAPPER ALWAYS It’s important to travel light, but handy grooming essentials are a must in every man’s packing list. The Art of Shaving travel kit comes to the rescue, containing an unrivalled set of products to ensure you experience the perfect shave every time while helping against ingrown hairs, razor burn and nicks and cuts. The starter and mid-size kits are equipped with a small handcrafted brush, pre-shave oil, shaving cream and after-shave balm. The popular Morris Park travel kit comes with an additional Jet Black Morris Park 5 Blade Razor.

Available at www.amazon.com

Batelco has launched Xiaomi Mi Mix 3, the first 5G network supported device in Bahrain. The device was tested on Batelco’s 5G network by a professional gamer who commented on the speed when connected to the company’s 5G network, as well as its practicality to use digital applications including social media apps, streaming services and online games as it features a large screen with fast mechanism to switch between apps.

Available at www.batelco.com

VERSATILE WONDER Purificacion Garcia has developed the idea of the Ori bag, the conception process of which was purely handcrafted, with no drawings, simply folding the leather and shaping it directly until the final silhouette was achieved. The versatile design allows for five different ways of shaping the bag when folding it in various ways. Ori is introduced as a satchel in two different sizes which can be worn cross body, while a third version of the bag presents a shopping format for those occasions when there’s a lot to carry.

Available at www.purificaciongarcia.com www.bahrainthismonth.com

August 2019 83

travel

AMSTERDAM

For a quintessentially ‘dam experience, rent a bike! Amsterdam is one of the most famous bicycle-friendly cities in the world. There is no shortage of cycle paths and parking stations, so to travel ‘eco’ and see more in less time, it’s definitely worth spending a day on wheels.

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The A’DAM Lookout tower stands at 20 stories tall, and for only USD15 you can drink and dine at the rooftop bar, catch a stunning 360-degree outdoor view of Amsterdam and even swing over the edge of the sky deck – yup, at about 21 floors above ground. www.bahrainthismonth.com

travel

Head to this European favourite for a short break or a long laze.

Located in the province of North Holland, Amsterdam, the capital city of The Netherlands, is home to a wonderful abundance of bridges, canal houses and cycling trails. Even a few days in Amsterdam offers so much to see and explore.

Simply explore Amsterdam North, the area surrounding the Lookout Tower. Known as the Noord, it’s a peaceful and scenic break from the centre. It’s surprisingly common to visit Amsterdam and not see a single windmill, so if you do spare some time for the Noord, pay a visit to Windmill d’Admiraal – a monument of a typical Dutch windmill.

About 20 minutes away from Museumplein is the unmissable canalside Anne Frank House, but note that tickets should be booked at least two months in advance. An adult ticket costs around USD12 but the odds of getting one on the day are not good.

A good place to start is Museumplein (Museum Square) which hosts the major museums: Rijksmuseum, The Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk and more. One can hop from Vermeer’s masterpieces to Van Gogh’s bright and vivid palettes, to more contemporary pieces from artists like Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock.

Locals speak English very well, so don’t feel shy about asking for directions or the time.

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You’ll be hungry from the peddling, so the Foodhallen is where you’ll want to refuel.

Stop by for sushi, burgers and tacos, or sample some traditional Dutch pannenkoeken (rich pancakes that are stuffed with either sweet or savoury fillings). Or, check out Albert Cuypmakt, The Netherlands’ most popular outdoor food market.

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advertisers index Financial Institutions

BBK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 UAE Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Medical & Dental Services

Bahrain Specialist Hospital . . . . . . . . . 4

Hotels & Serviced Residences

Others

Jewellery & Watches

Restaurants & Cafés

At Reef Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC Atiram Hotels (Premier Hotel) . . . . . . 17 Caravan Group of Hotels (Delmon International Hotel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Ramada Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Ramee Grand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Sofitel Hotels & Resorts . . . . . . . . . . . BC Swiss-Belresidences Juffair . . . . . . . 14 The Arch Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The K Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Kewalram & Sons Co. (Titan) . . . . . . . 45

Aditya Birla (Ultratech Cement Bahrain Company) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Al Rashid Group (Centrepoint) . . . 13, 37 G4S Bahrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC Kingdom Pride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Lulu Hypermarket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Mega Mart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Saar Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Thai Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 UNEECO Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Akaya Bar & Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Crystal White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Elite Crystal Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 The Lanterns Restaurant & Lounge . 51 Upstairs Downstairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Scan the QR code for more information from the advertisers

Akaya Bar & Bistro

Elite Crystal Hotel

The Arch Hotel

Get your favourite partner anytime at www.redhousemarketing.com

G4S Bahrain

The K Hotel

Sofitel Hotels & Resorts

Upstairs Downstairs

BTM retail sales outlets BAHRAIN THIS MONTH, your guide to a great way of life, is available at the following selected outlets:

● 24-Seven Minimart, all outlets

● Muntaza Supermarket, all outlets

● 24 Hours Market, all outlets

● Other leading Cold Stores and News Stands

● Al Hilal Bookshops, all outlets ● Al Jazira Supermarket, all outlets ● Alosra Supermarket, all outlets ● Amwaj Islands Market, Amwaj ● Aseel Supermarket, all outlets ● Babasons Market, all outlets ● Lulu Hypermarket, all outlets

redhousemarketing

redhousemarketing

rhmbahrain

redhousemarketing

● Mega Mart, all outlets ● Metro Markets, all outlets ● Midway Supermarket, all outlets

All Gulf Daily News home subscribers receive a complimentary copy of BTM. You can also subscribe directly by visiting www.bahrainthismonth.com For subscription enquiries and back issues of BTM, call 17 813-777.

Photos Copies of most pictures depicted in this publication (and some which aren’t) are available from Red House Marketing, 17 813-777 or email: bystander@redhousemarketing.com.

86 August 2019

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THAI

EXPO

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