TECHNOLOGY - ENTERTAINMENT - DINING
Since 1997
March 2021 | Vol. 25
| Issue 3 | BD2 / SR20
YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE
DINING
MOTORING
Dick Potter on the motoring industry going electric!
Where to grab a Bahraini Breakfast Outdoor dining
Motoring News to get you up to speed
We Dine at Cantina Kahlo
WTM
WOMEN IN BAHRAIN SPECIAL Insightful chats with Ahlam Janahi, Suzy Kanoo, Khadija Mercer, Mojda Banahi and Eman Deabil
PEOPLE
Majaz and their Melodious Melodies
Beauty Essentials
A Saving grace for Migrant Workers OneHeartBahrain
Pretty Powerful Fashion
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Arts
Culture
Clubs
Sports
Interviews
Lifestyle
Dining
Nightlife
Digital Edition
bystander
Official Opening of Juffair Square
Leading property management and hospitality company in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Royal Ambassador, recently held a media tour and official opening for its latest property, Juffair Square. During the event, guests were given a tour of the property which includes cafes, restaurants, a salon, optician and more.
At the Forefront of Women’s Health
Dr. Nailah Nisar
Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Siti Saleha
Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Bhanu Handa
Specialist Obstetrics & Gynecology
1724 6800 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery
Dr. Dalya Al Hamdan
Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Natasa Nikolic
Specialist Obstetrics & Gynecology
1724 6888
Dr. Murat Koc
Consultant - Gynecology & Gynecological Oncology (Part Time: Tue 12 noon - 8PM)
Dr. Amaal Kareem
Specialist Obstetrics & Gynecology
3218 1810
Royal Bahrain Hospital March 2021 3
MARCH ISSUE 283
CONTENTS
8
INTERVIEWS
8 10
Moving Melodies
Renowned Bahraini fusion band, Majaz, brings us up to speed on their new music and more.
In This Together
We speak to the humanitarian behind the charitable group OneHeartBahrain, Birthe van der Heijden.
DINING
12 15 16
The best spots to get an authentic Bahraini breakfast We feast on authentic Mexican food at Cantina Kahlo!
12
10
The best of dining options this month
MOTORING
21 22
My Life in Cars
Dick Potter tells us about the motoring industry’s shift to electric vehicles
Motoring Bites
15
COMMERCE
24 26
24
Business Bites To Own or to Rent
Business Expert, Pria Masson Tanwar, explores franchises and brands, and what it means for your business
22 www.bahrainthismonth.com bahrainthismonth 4 March 2021
bhthismonth www.bahrainthismonth.com
MARCH ISSUE 215
42
CONTENTS
Interview
36
44
40
We speak to President of the Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society, Ahlam Janahi, about the society’s contributions to female entrepreneurs in the Kingdom.
42
Intuitive businesswoman and humanitarian at heart, Suzy Kanoo, talks about her soon-to-be-launched book centred around the inspiring stories of Arab women.
43
CSR and Marketing Manager, Khadija Mercer tells us about the need for market adaptability and her plans for the future.
44
Animal rescuer and PR Manager of Bahrain Rescues, Mojda Banahi, tells us about the way forward for animal welfare in Bahrain.
Fashion
36 48
We explore some pretty powerful fashion inspo Jewellery that’s sure to make it onto your wishlist.
Beauty
48
52
46
The latest Skincare and Makeup products
Lifestyle
52
Why overlook your kitchen when decorating your home? We have some inspiration for you.
Opinion
50 www.womanthismonth.com womanthismonth www.bahrainthismonth.com
54
50 54
Accredited Chartered Manager (CMI), EmanDeabil, gives us valuable insights into how to get to the boardroom. Ouiam El Hassani tells us how to keep date nights alive (despite COVID-19).
rhmbahrain March 2021 5
WOMAN THIS MONTH GOES MULTI-PLATFORM Read Woman This Month in any format convenient to you • Print • Online • Digital • Social media to keep you abreast of everything that’s happening in and about town.
You can now read Woman This Month from its Instagram account. Click on the bio-link and it takes you to a curated page where you can tap the images and read the articles. Simple, convenient and easy!!
Go Published monthly by:
Red House Marketing P. O. Box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: editor@womanthismonth.com womanthismonth
Digital Edition
THE TEAM Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton
Bahrain This Month March 2021
Editor Farah Baig Contributors Behnaz Sanjana, Kristian Harrison, Dick Potter, Pria Masson Tanwar, Ouiam Charkani El Hassani, Bill Grieve Editorial Consultant Ahdeya Ahmed Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Art Director Hatem Monem Webmaster Nishad Eapen CRM & Database Coordinator Muna Yousef Staff Photographer Subeesh Kumar N S 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 Anuradha Manhas anuradha@redhousemarketing.com DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director Lini Reghunath Digital Marketing & Social Media Executive Farah Baig
Printing Press Union Press, Bahrain Published monthly by
W
elcome to the March issue of Bahrain This Month! While the Kingdom continues to power through the challenges presented by the pandemic, we have held on to our sheer optimism given that the number of vaccinated people in the Kingdom continues to grow. Perhaps we are destined to experience some level of normality in the months to come? That being said, we could all use some good entertainment, food and company to keep our spirits up. So in true Bahrain This Month style, we put together a fabulous listing of dining spots that you can enjoy a meal in this month. For added benefit, we’ve put together a list of restaurants that serve delectable Bahraini breakfasts because; who doesn’t love tucking into some Balaleet? There’s no dearth of talented individuals on the island, so we quite enjoyed our conversation with the Bahraini band, Majaz, who shared some insight into how the pandemic has affected them while revealing that fans can soon enjoy some new music from them. We also had the opportunity to speak to the benevolent woman behind OneHeartBahrain, Birthe van der Heijden, who has proved to be a saving grace for several migrant workers in the Kingdom. In our Motoring section, Dick Potter reflects on the motoring industry’s shift towards electric vehicles and what this means for classic car drivers. If you plan on staying at home for the most part, you’ll enjoy our Downtime pages which provide you with a wide range of movies, games and music that you can enjoy while in the safety of your own home. March is largely a month dedicated to women, given that International Women’s Day falls on March 8. With this in mind we sought out some of the Kingdom’s most prolific women. You’ll enjoy our interview with the President and Founder of Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society, Ahlam Janahi, who talks about how female-owned businesses have contributed to the growth of Bahrain’s economy and the society’s many achievements over the last decade. We also had an insightful chat with intuitive businesswoman and humanitarian at heart, Suzy Kanoo, who will soon be launching her book - Hear Us Speak: Letters from Arab Women. We also speak to a young Bahraini woman, Khadija Mercer, the director of CSR and Marketing at a business consultancy, a university student and future entrepreneur who, despite being only 19-years-old, has plenty of interesting views on the role of women in Bahrain. In addition, we had an insightful chat with Bahrain Rescues’ Mojda Banahi about animal welfare and the way forward. In an interesting opinion piece, Eman Deabil shares her thoughts on how women can lead the way and make it to the boardroom following her in-depth study. As always, in this month’s issue, you’ll get a first-hand look at some of the best fashion trends, accessories and beauty essentials too! We’re sure you’ll enjoy this issue and, if you want more of the same, don’t forget to subscribe and follow us on our official social media channels while doing so! Until next month, remember: you can always count on ‘Your Guide to a Great Way of Life’.
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 2005-2020 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
COVER Cover Picture:
outdoor dining in bahrain
George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman
Scan this QR Code to subscribe to the digital edition of the magazine.
Gulf and international subscriptions available on request.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
March 2021 7
interview
MOVING MELODIES MAJAZ BRINGS BAHRAIN THIS MONTH’S FARAH BAIG UP TO SPEED ON THEIR NEW MUSIC AND MORE. The world has gone through several unforeseeable changes in the last year. With the onslaught of the pandemic, we’ve watched as life around us has changed beyond recognition, but one change that music lovers have surely felt is the lack of vibrant live music events. While the pandemic might have brought these events to a screeching halt, musicians around the world have proved that even a pandemic is incapable of dampening their spirit, affecting their drive to create or snubbing out their undying inspiration. We were thrilled to have a conversation with one such band in Bahrain, Majaz, which has taken crowds of spectators through a myriad of emotions with their enthralling music. The band has soldiered on and gave us some insight into their latest developments including a fresh new recording space and new music for listeners to look forward to! 8 March 2021
www.bahrainthismonth.com
interview
Listeners across Bahrain and beyond have been inspired by your music. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself and what makes Majaz unique! We brought the concept of Majaz to life in 2013 and have actively released music and performed shows in the Kingdom and abroad ever since. Most recently, we performed in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, which was an overwhelming experience! We’ve also performed at festivals and events in North Africa, South Asia and other countries in the GCC. The band consists of Jehad Al Hallal (Cello), Hameed Al Saeed (Guitar), Salah Alawi (Bass) and Abdulla Faisal (Drums & Percussion). I guess what makes our sound pop besides our unconventional blend of instruments - is the fact that we all come from musical backgrounds that are so far away from each other. Each one of us always brings something new and exciting to the table! As for our music; we always like to take our listeners on a progressive intertwining journey through different cultures, times, places and most importantly, different moods and emotions! How would you describe your music? What do you draw inspiration from? Throughout the years we found it best not to try and describe the music that we make, as that sort of puts it in a box. But rather we allow any and all possibilities of exploring new grounds and musical directions to be open and limitless! Some of our music will make you emotional and nostalgic, some of it will make you laugh, some of it will make you cry, and some of it will make you dance! As for what inspires us; we’ve always been fascinated by the unique and interesting music and sounds of the many different cultures of the world; be it our own or the polar opposite of it. We draw our inspiration from its people and their ways of life: the places, nature, landscapes, languages, and everything in between! www.bahrainthismonth.com
Tell us a little bit about the albums you’ve released so far. So far we have released an EP, and a couple of singles. We are currently working on a full-length LP but are going to release some singles too before we release the full album. Majaz recently announced the completion of RIHLA Studio. Could you tell us more about this space? A few years ago, we decided to build our own rehearsal space/studio where we could hold practice sessions and record our music - something that a lot of bands in Bahrain face because of the limited and usually costly rehearsal spaces available in the country. We recently had the opportunity to expand and renovate the space that we had and turn it into a proper, fully equipped studio which will be the new home of Majaz! RIHLA studio has always been the space where we rehearsed, composed, arranged, produced and recorded our music! How has The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) been helpful in the completion of this project? One of the ways The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture extends their support to regional artists is by offering grants and programs that span through all mediums of art and that are open to all artists from the Arab region. We had applied to a grant called the ‘Artist Support Grant’ in early July of last year and were extremely happy to be one of the grantees. We sincerely cannot thank AFAC enough for their valuable support and dedication towards the well-being of all artists in the Arab region! How has the outbreak of COVID-19 impacted Majaz since you previously played live shows? The pandemic has clearly affected all musicians around the world, but
definitely some more than others. For us, we’re all full time musicians, so basically our main source of income stopped, but the good side of it is that we focused more on recording and other things bands need to do other than just playing shows. Individually, some of us started doing studio session gigs online. There is always a way to create music - in any situation and time. Has the pandemic had any effect on the creation of new music? What other challenges has it presented? While the absence of concerts, festivals and other music events certainly allowed us to shift more of our time and effort towards songwriting and composition, COVID-19 restrictions definitely posed some obstacles that slowed our roll, especially recently. For instance, Abdulla, our percussionist, has not been able to return to the country due to restrictions for almost three months now, which really affected our composition process. But we still find new ways to adapt to these changes every day, whether it’s through communicating more effectively or working on our compositions remotely via video calls! What’s next for Majaz? Any new music in the pipeline, given your fresh new recording space? Definitely! We are currently in the process of composing and recording new material that we can’t wait to share with all of you! Our new studio space is certainly giving us that extra kick we need. Anything else you would like to add? When things slowly start coming back, we wish that the venues in Bahrain who used to book local bands every weekend, also book local bands who do original music and not just cover music, it’s healthier for the Bahraini music scene. March 2021 9
interview
IN THIS TOGETHER Bahrain This Month’s Farah Baig gets an insight into the work of the charitable group
OneHeartBahrain
10 March 2021
The Kingdom of Bahrain, along with other countries in the region, have developed consistently over the years. There’s no denying that Bahrain has gone from strength to strength with plenty of notable achievements, despite the challenges that this past year might have thrown our way. That being said, it’s easy for the community to overlook a very crucial part of our society, which has played a significant role in these developments – migrant workers. This segment of society is often overlooked and faces several hardships, sometimes involving access to basic necessities. Charity groups like OneHeartBahrain – founded by Birthe van der Heijden – are often a saving grace for these workers. Here’s what Birthe had to say when we had a chat this month. www.bahrainthismonth.com
interview Could you tell our readers a little bit about yourself? I am originally from The Netherlands and spent half my life in UK aside from a couple of years in Italy. I consider myself to be from nowhere, but my home is Bahrain after living here for almost seven years now. I wish for my life to be about others and not about me. With a background in marketing communications, business management, strategy and development, I am now focused on using these abilities towards creating a more united world. When did you start OneHeartBahrain? What are its key initiatives? I started OneHeartBahrain two years ago just as a personal endeavour to shine a light on the plight of migrant workers in the Kingdom. I just wished for them to be seen and accepted as equal members of society doing a very noble job, often in harsh conditions, in supporting the economic growth of this country. Then, over time, others joined the efforts and it became a goodwill community initiative towards unity. We are currently going through a stage of development as we are preparing to incorporate as an NGO. There will be three main strands of activity to support socioeconomic well-being of this beautiful nation: food, jobs and second-hand goods. What are your on-going initiatives? Our current initiatives are centered around food and goods distribution, and we also offer goodwill meditation. We are in the process of creating a platform for the exchange of goods to support redistribution of wealth within this country. We will soon share our new Instagram page for OneHeartBahrain Loved Goods. Around 30% or more – depending on available donations - of goods will be distributed for free directly to those in need through our volunteers, especially items for immediate survival such as clothing and beds. This is the start of a secondhand goods market which encourages people to either fully donate, or part-sell/part-donate goods with 50% profits going towards donations of food, which the OneHeartBahrain volunteer force will then distribute to those in need. In other words, financial proceeds from the Loved Goods exchange process will support the food charity aspect.
Do you have any stats on how many individuals you might have helped to date? Our intention is to help those that reach out to us in whatever capacity we are able to. We have supported thousands of people but we don’t keep score. It is important that we focus on quality and not on quantity, and that we teach people about coming together in unity by doing good and being there for one another. This is what is important. We don’t want to show off and stay focused on being humble and selfless instead. Could you tell us a bit about your volunteers? How many people work collectively to keep your initiative going? We have volunteers from all corners of the globe including many from South Asian country. Even those that are struggling themselves are still there to serve others. We often join forces with Bangladesh Society of Bahrain. Our workforce across the different activities is pushing towards one hundred people. Together with Bangladesh Society we have a massive workforce that we can put to great work for a better future of this wonderful nation.
What has been your most fulfilling experience yet? No one particular experience, but what has been most humbling is the never-ending supply of goodwill from residents within this country in support of our charitable causes. We are so grateful. If you’d like to reach out to OneHeartBahrain, follow @oneheartbahrain on Instagram or Facebook and drop them a message. Alternatively, you can WhatsApp 33872346 or email oneheartbahrain@gmail.com.
Which groups of people do you usually help? We wish to help everyone. We are about unity One Humanity - there is no difference for us between nations, races, cultures and beliefs. How has COVID-19 impacted the target groups that you usually help out? What can the public do to help? COVID-19 has increased the hunger situation in this country. Many have been left jobless and without money. And on a wider societal scale there is less disposable income which is why secondhand goods and redistribution of goods to those left destitute is now more in demand. www.bahrainthismonth.com
March 2021 11
feature
STARTING THE DAY Behnaz Sanjana hunts down the 10 Best Bahraini Breakfast Spots in the Kingdom! Breakfast like a king, they say. Well, the island has no dearth of breakfast spots, and certainly not of those that serve an authentic Bahraini breakie. Trust rich Arabic flavours to jolt you out of a lazy stupor and fuel you up for a busy weekday or a chilled-out weekend. So, Shakshuka, Nakhi, Aloo Chab or Nashif; it’ll be hard to pick a favourite that’ll really have you ‘rise and shine’. Don’t forget to wash all this down with a cheery cup of Chai Haleeb or Qahwa. Here are our top spots for an authentic Bahraini breakfast, along with their Instagram accounts so you don’t have to dig too much!
NASEEF
They refer to this joint when they say ‘old is gold’. Its doors opened a century ago, when Naseef quickly gained popularity for its unique Iraqi ice cream. Besides an eclectic selection of dishes, the Bahraini breakfast platters are hot favourites for the uninitiated as well as those who crave familiar, comforting goodness. @naseefrestaurant
LUMEE STREET CAFE
For a more upmarket breakfast experience that offers a perfectly balanced fusion between traditional flavours with a stylish, contemporary twist, Lumee it is. Lumee is slang for lemon in Arabic, and at this chic eatery the ambiance and flavours reflect that – young, hip and tangy. The menu is bursting with Middle Eastern staples that are interjected with a fresh but harmonious variation. Medjool Date Pancakes, or Arabic Coffee Affogato, anyone? @lumeestreet
FREEJ BIN RASHDAN
The bright seating and décor of this much-loved venue are rivalled only by the colourful coolers available here (think tall glasses of rose and saffron elixirs to cool you down after a stroll or run around the park). Sink your teeth into authentic Bahraini fare served on traditionally woven circular mats and keep a look out for whimsical accessories dotting the place, including the lamps that hang from the wooded ceiling. Bestsellers include the Mahyawa and Cheese Tanoor Bread and Balaleet. @freej_bin_rashdan
DARSEEN CAFÉ
This elegant café-restaurant is steeped in history; literally. You’ll find it inside the statuesque Bahrain National Museum. Ponder upon Bahrain’s varied and rich heritage with an Egg and Cheese Falazi roll, or let it soak into the senses with a hearty breakfast thali comprising the works – keema, spicy potatoes, Bahraini Kebabs, eggs and foul medames. All this with a rejuvenating seaside view to boot. @darseencafebh
RAAZJI
The menu at Raazji underpins the palpable culture and erudite ethos of the Sheikh Ebrahim center in Muharraq, within which it nestles. The façade sports tradition, while the interiors are more modern, claiming to bring ‘the taste of Bahrain in every bite’. What guests have appreciated is the Raazji Special Breakfast; a full-fledged local breakfast platter replete with all the mouth-watering fare that Bahrain has to offer. @raazjii
VILLA MAMAS
This eatery that started out as an extension of its founder, Chef Roaya Saleh’s home, catapulted her into the culinary spotlight for dishes that are a paean to fresh, locally-sourced seasonal ingredients. If you are looking to start the day with food that is a contemporary nod to the island’s quintessential ingredients and flavour combinations, this is your go-to, because mama knows best! @villamamas 12 March 2021
HAJI’S CAFE
Colloquially called Haji Gahwa, here is a favourite of the prince and the pauper. Set in an unassuming little alleyway of Manama, where guests can soak in old-world charm – sepia-splotched pictures of Bahrain by-gone share wall space with air-conditioning ducts and retro wall fans. Furrowed brows and hardy hands constantly work the glowing furn that churns out pillowy bread to wipe clean any remnants of a hearty breakfast from unassuming melamine plates. Michelin-starred chefs haven’t missed a visit to Haji’s while in Bahrain; why should you? @hajiscafe www.bahrainthismonth.com
feature HERITAGE VILLAGE RESTAURANT CAFÉ
This venue hidden inside Manama Souq has the feels of an informal meal at a Bahraini friend’s ancestral home. The place is full of kitsch and quirky paraphernalia, but the breakfast is the real deal - simple and satiating, including staple crowd pleasers. There’s also a little corner where you can snap up selfies in traditional attire for, you know, the sake of the ‘gram. @alqarya_bh
DANET ALTAWAWISH
When you come upon a clearing of sorts in the otherwise narrow-laned Manama Souq, you’ll find Danet Altawawish. Not too well-known among the hoi polloi, it’s a place for tasty, traditional Bahraini fare. The venue is reminiscent of a vintage photo gallery and service of the morning meal starts as early as 5am, coming in piping hot to stir the soul and senses. @altawawish
EMMAWASH
No frills; full fun – that’s Emmawash for you. Here is where you can leave your mark – literally – on the walls of the restaurant while you sip on mint tea and wait for your order to be brought out. This restaurant does justice to true-blue carnivores – the taste of the chicken liver, kheema, nashif, lentil curry and freshly baked bread will stay with you long after breakfast hours. @emmawash_bh www.bahrainthismonth.com
March 2021 13
Scan here to upload your event and get listed!
LET US
CROWD SOURCE
OUTDOOR DINING AVAILABLE!
YOUR EVENT www.bahrainthismonth.com
your guide to a great way of life
c al l f o r mo r e i n f o +9 7 3 1 7 5 2 2 7 3 3
Subscribe your mail to receive your monthly digital edition! www.bahrainthismonth.com/addme
WWW.OLIVERMAKI.COM
Tel.: 17 813 777 Ext. 239
bystander@redhousemarketing.com bahrainthismonth 14 March 2021
@makirest
@makirestaurant
www.bahrainthismonth.com
A FIESTA OF FLAVOURS!
review
Farah Baig gets a feel for Mexico’s street food at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s Cantina Kahlo.
It’s quite easy to sink into a bit of a lull these days with the virus changing life as we know it. That being said, being in a pandemic-induced stupor is hardly appealing to me; so, I decided to dine at a venue that would reignite my passion for life - the exuberant Mexican restaurant, Cantina Kahlo, located at The Ritz Carlton, Bahrain. I made my way there on a cool Monday evening, ready for a meal as vibrant as the restaurant’s artsy interiors. Seated at a cosy table on the patio, we took in our beautiful surroundings and basked in the upbeat Mexican music as we were introduced to Cantino Kahlo’s team – led by the wonderful Chef Hector Miguel Mendoza Becerra who was ready to serve up a Mexican feast. To start, we were served a big bowl of Guacamole with a side of Tortilla chips. The Guacamole had the perfect balance of avocado, tomatoes, coriander, Serrano chili and sea salt which gave it the right profile of freshness balanced with a pleasant tanginess. This was followed by two fresh ceviches: Hamachi and Pulpo. The Hamachi ceviche gives you all the flavours you expect from a good ceviche; it’s citrusy and tangy while bringing you that pleasant flavour of the coriander. The Aguachile De Pulpo ceviche combined slices of cooked octopus, cucumber slivers and cooling avocado in a spicy sauce made with burned jalapeño chili and garlic oil which was divinely spicy. Next, we were served Sopes Con Carne which consists of absolutely juicy Wagyu short ribs, masa and black beans layered onto a delicious crunchy corn base that is made in house. This is finished with a dollop of delicious sour cream – a cooling addition. To follow the Sopes,
we helped ourselves to a warm skillet of Queso – a cheese lover’s dream. Sliced mushrooms cooked with morita chili are blanketed in a thick layer of melted cheese that can be spread on warm flat bread which is made in-house.
With world-class ingredients and culinary prowess, Chef Miguel expertly prepared a trio of tacos: Barbacoa, Pescado Estilo Baja and Alambre – each staying true to their Mexican heritage. The Barbacoa is loaded with shredded lamb topped with a flavourful morita chili sauce that has a slight sweetness to it. The Alambre has a generous serving of peppery diced flank stank, bell peppers, grated cheese and more. While we thoroughly devoured every last taco, we’d be lying if we didn’t admit that our favourite was the Pescado Estilo Baja. These delicious fish tacos are loaded with batter-fried seas bass, coriander mayo, cabbage and arbol chilli; so, they’re perfectly light with fresh flavours. You’ll just have to taste them yourself!
To top off the Mexican medley of flavours, we were served two desserts: Pastel De Tres Leches and Churros. The Churros have just the right crunch and are generously coated in cinnamon sugar. We quite enjoyed dipping them into the rich chocolate, caramel and guava sauce for that added oomph. Ending with a whole lot of comfort, we savoured the moist Tres Leches cake topped with delectable meringue and a scoop of mango icecream.
Needless to say, Cantina Kahlo’s ambience, food and delightful team are as colourful and fresh as Frida Kahlo herself, and is sure to leave you feeling gastronomically rejuvenated. www.bahrainthismonth.com
March 2021 15
tablehopping
DINING THIS MARCH
Good food is certainly not a scarcity on the island. Here are some places you can grab a great meal this Women’s Day, Mother’s Day, over the weekend or otherwise too!
THE LUCK OF THE IRISH Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa will be staging the Grand Friday St Patrick’s Brunch on March 19, from 12.30pm – 3.30pm. Enjoy delicious dishes, with lots of green and plenty of lucky clovers to garnish decadent treats. Let your senses be mesmerised during this hearty celebration with live entertainment and plenty of gastronomic surprises that will satisfy all your cravings in Sofitel Bahrain’s well-protected ALL SAFE setup. Dress in your favorite green attire to avail an exclusive 25 per cent discount on your brunch package. The afternoon is priced at BD36 per person, inclusive of selected beverages. Call or WhatsApp 38 885-789.
BARBEQUE IN A BOX The Westin City Centre Bahrain’s award-winning Baharat Barbeque Night can now be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home, with a Barbeque Night box available for BD48, good for four persons. Every order comes with Furn Bistro’s signature short ribs, mushroom sauce, natural gravy, Béarnaise sauce and Pommery mustard, and charcoal to grill. Guests get a choice of three kinds of salad, hot starter, dessert, and five kinds of barbeque items, as well as a 20 per cent discount voucher that can be used on your repeat order. Orders need to be placed 24 hours in advance. Call 17 171-000.
AN ODE TO THE ORIGINAL Chef Wolfgang Puck returns to Bahrain for F1, this time paying an ode to Ma Maison, West Hollywood’s legendary restaurant in the 1970’s where Puck’s career as a chef skyrocketed. Ma Maison rebelled against fine dining establishments of the time, ushering in a new era of food culture – ‘California nouvelle’. Wolfgang Puck invites you to dine al fresco at BD69 per person, as he presents a five-course menu featuring dishes that were made famous at Ma Maison. Take a step back in time to Los Angeles’ 1970’s at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay’s CUT by Wolfgang Puck, on Friday, March 26, from 7pm – 11pm. Call 17 115-000.
A BIG FAT MEAL Enjoy top-quality meats at Fat Butcher Fabulous Fridays hosted at The Backyard and Harvesters, Crowne Plaza Bahrain. This is a three-course feast consisting of their popular Fat Butcher’s big meat platter prepared with premium cuts of meat cooked to perfection and complemented by a wide starter and dessert selection served on platters to your table. Guests can choose from beef, chicken, seafood, vegetarian, or St Louis platters; each including five selected beverages per meal, priced at BD20, or BD25, from noon to midnight. Call 17 531-122 / 39 920-163 16 March 2021
www.bahrainthismonth.com
tablehopping
SUSHI BY THE POOL
Join in for the perfect outdoor poolside venue to enjoy the cool breeze, magical sunsets and majestic views from the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Indulge in the newly introduced Japanese menu featuring sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls by the sushi chef along with refreshing drinks and DJ tunes at the The Pool Deck, from 6pm – 11pm, Thursday – Saturday throughout March. Call 17 115-000.
ONE FOR THE LADIES To celebrate all the amazing ladies on International Women›s Day, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa will be treating all women with a whopping 50 per cent discount on the day pass and in all of its outlets on March 8. Spoil yourself at any one of Sofitel Bahrain’s award-winning restaurants and enjoy a sumptuous meal or treat yourself to an unforgettable day at the beach as you unlock the true meaning of living the French way at this lavish five-star resort. Call or WhatsApp 38 885-789.
CATCH OF THE DAY Experience a unique medley of super succulent seafood delights every Monday on Seafood Night at the poolside outdoor terrace at the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain. Explore a vast range of aquatic delicacies from sushi, sashimi, seafood dim sum, tempura, oysters, slipper lobster and tiger prawns, to other popular dishes prepared to your liking and served to your table, from 7pm – 11pm, priced at BD25, including unlimited soft drinks and water, or BD30, including unlimited selected grape, ales and soft drinks. Ladies receive 20 per cent discount on March 8, in celebration of International Women’s Day. Call 17 460-017.
VEGAN WONDERS In keeping with its commitment to sustainable development and consumers› growing demand for healthier options, The Merchant House Hotel now offers a new vegan menu. The repertoire of wholesome, plant-based options includes Tagliatelle Napolitana and Wild Mushrooms Risotto as main course and Asparagus and Cucumber Roll, Aubergine Ssamjang, Tomato Ceviche, Wafu Salad, and Portobello Mushroom for starters. The menu also includes various side dishes such as Hand-Cut Potato, Half Avocado, Salt-sautéed Asparagus, and the dessert selections include Sorbet and Fresh Fruit. Guests can truly experience quality, variety, and health benefits when dining at The Merchant House. Call 16 671-000. www.bahrainthismonth.com
March 2021 17
tablehopping
AN ITALIAN SOJOURN The Meridione Italian Food Festival at Sofitel Bahrain’s award-winning restaurant, Fiamma, will take you on a special culinary trip to southern Italy with Chef Marco Terranova. Unlock the unique flavours from this beautiful region as you enjoy a specially prepared Italian feast in a beautifully lit outdoors terrace with live entertainment to add that extra flair to your weekends. Indulge in this Italian escape safely from March 18 – 26, from 7pm – 10.30 pm, with Sofitel’s enhanced ALL SAFE protocols, following all Ministry of Health’s safety guidelines. Call or WhatsApp 38 885-789.
DIVE IN
F1 FEVER The thrilling action of F1 is taking the month by storm, and racing afficionados can watch the show on giant screens at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain’s poolside terrace on March 25 and 26. Savour the excitement of watching the live event while enjoying your favorite dish or drink at the hotel’s F1 themed Flaming Thursday and Friday Brunch. The meal on Thursday is priced at BD34, while the F1 themed Friday Brunch is priced at BD38, both inclusive of unlimited premium beverages. Call 17 460-017.
18 March 2021
Take a journey of flavours to exotic and far-away destinations every Thursday as Chef Magesh and his team prepare a delectable five-course seafood menu emphasising the unique taste and cooking styles of various continents. This seafood journey is priced at BD18, at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain’s La Mosaique Restaurant Terrace, from 7pm – 11pm. Call 17 531-122 / 39 242-391
SEAFOOD AT YOUR DOOR The Westin City Centre Bahrain will bring its award -winning Seafood Night at your doorstep for BD56. Each order is good for four persons, and includes the signature Seafood Spanish Paella, Lemon butter sauce, Curry and coconut sauce and charcoal to grill. Guests can pick three preferred salads, sides and desserts, and five seafood items, which will be marinated and ready to grill. Place your order 24 hours in advance. (Items may change depending on availability at the time of order.) Call 17 171-000.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
tablehopping
QUALITY TIME
SHOW HER YOU CARE
Make Mother’s Day on March 21 a special day to spend at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain’s outdoor poolside terrace, where you can spoil your mum with a special Mother’s Day afternoon high tea. Enjoy the lovely weather with some fine pastries and delicious dessert, including unlimited sparkling rosé for BD18 for mom and daughter. Call 17 460-017.
Cherish this significant day with Mom’s Sushi Brunch at The InterContinental Regency Bahrain. Indulge the most important lady in your life with delicious Asian cuisine. Elements Lounge will be your right choice with a generous 50 per cent discount for this sumptuous Asian brunch every Saturday through March, from 12.30pm – 4pm. Call 17 227-777.
A LAVISH TEATIME WITH MUM Celebrate your mother at Bay View’s Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at the Four Season’s Hotel Bahrain Bay on March 21 and 22, from noon to 9pm. Executive pastry chef Imad Boukli has created an exquisite floral inspired afternoon tea to behold, complete with delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones, signature mocktails, a choice of 18 loose-leaf teas and a flower bouquet to take home. Treat mum to this decadent experience priced at BD48 for two persons. Call 17 115-000.
DELIVERY WITH LOVE Mother’s Day is a perfect time to reward your beloved mom for her love and care. Express your appreciation with a special delivery box of a tasty Arabic set dinner menu for four persons, from The InterContinental Regency Bahrain. The set menu box will be available on March 21, and costs BD65, including cold and hot mezzeh, main course and sweets with a special beverage, flower bouquet and sparkling grape juice. We can ensure Mom will be delighted. Call 17 227-777.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
March 2021 19
travel
RANI KI VAV
Patan, Gujarat This UNESCO World Heritage Site was literally unearthed from under silt by archaeologists. It was commissioned to be built by Queen Udayamati to commemorate her husband, and took 20 years to build. The main theme of the stepwell is Dashavatar, or the 10 incarnations of the Hindu deity, Vishnu. The 64m long well is 27m deep, and comprises seven levels of stairs with frescoes adorned with 500 principal, and over a thousand minor, beautiful sculptures depicting religious, mythological and secular imagery.
E R U L L A D N A Y R E
MYST
4 marvellous
n t s yo u m e m u n o m n India
ust visit!
ever, ne that. How been there, do has no dearth ve ha ay m u d heritage, es to India, yo its culture an When it com etime. Here d diverse in an nce in this lif h rie ric pe y, tr ex d an s njana, that es the coun Sa itn by Behnaz gems to w l d ta de en en m but um m on of m as reco must-see list, tourist spots, age tourist’s er av e th are four such of p e it to the to ell bound. leave you sp may not mak won’t fail to
THE MYSORE PALACE
Mysore, Karnataka One of the most famous tourist attractions in India after the Taj Mahal, this treasure trove of historical artefacts exudes splendour and grandeur with its imposing expanse. Tourists particularly flock to see the Durbar Hall that makes a lasting imprint on the mind with its ornate ceiling, moulded pillars, beautiful paintings and enchanting stained-glass windows. Hang around till dusk for a spectacular sound and light show, and on Sundays, national holidays and during Dussehra, you can witness the palace lit up with around 97,000 lights.
CITY PALACE
Jaipur, Rajasthan In spite of being be autiful, the façade of this palace belies the lies within its many magic that courtyards, landscap ed gardens and ma rooms. Prepare to be rble-floored stunned by interiors that ooze artistic op their amalgamation ulence with of Rajput and Mugh al architecture. Wand labyrinths leading yo er the royal u to colourful rooms that are guaranteed breath away. Cerulea to take your n blue, fuchsia pink, lime green or earth intricate lattice work, y rust – their ornamented walls an d floral inlay work wi ll stop you in your tracks at the very first look.
20 March 2021
LLORAraCAVES E D N A A T N JA A arasht rangabad, Mah site of
Au e seen at the tting techniqu cu ck ro s. The Ellora ue iq The un baffles expert ill st g ls ve ar m sculptures datin these ancient ddhist and Jain ht Bu u, lig nd gh hi Hi t e bi Th caves exhi century AD. xth and 11th to be the between the si which is touted e, pl m Te a sh ila ld. The Ka or e w here is th ith in the rock-cut monol t ing. The es el rg is la ch le e ng on si ts exquisite st as bo ts that ex pl um m cave mon en temple-co ise 30 rock-cut urals pr m m d co an s es ve ur ca pt Ajanta asteries, scul on me m so st hi be dd to e deemed showcase Bu Ellora. They ar re t. fo ar be an di en In ev t en dating amples of anci of the finest ex
www.bahrainthismonth.com
motoring
GOING ELECTRIC!
Dick Potter reflects on the motoring industry’s shift towards electric vehicles Watching Sky News the other day brought home the stark reminder that by the beginning of 2030 the UK government will not allow the further sale of any new combustion-driven cars. Ten percent of new cars sold in 2020 were electric or hybrid cars and the International Energy Agency projects that the current five million electric cars will increase to 140 million by 2030. The US car manufacturing giant, Ford, for example, plan for 100% of their cars sold in Europe to be electric by 2030 and Ford intends to splurge a whopping $1bn converting their plant in Cologne to become their first exclusive electric vehicle facility in Europe. Undoubtedly, other car manufacturing companies will quickly scramble to follow suit. It was interesting to see in the paper here recently the launch of the McLaren Artura which is an EV hybrid. As McLaren is part owned by Mumtalakat, that’s a good sign for Bahrain’s further progression and commitment to going green also. Now that’s all well and good. Think of the environmental benefits that will ensue from the www.bahrainthismonth.com
cessation of combustion engines’ emissions? So why do I find these reports somewhat perturbing? Well, for starters, we might expect it may deter many car buyers from buying a new car any time before 2030. Understandably, one might ask, why buy a car that you possibly wouldn’t be able to sell in a few years’ time? That may result in many lesser environmentally friendly vehicles remaining on the roads for longer than usual. Furthermore, this might result in many manufacturers’ profit-or lack thereof- disaster due to this downturn in demand as drivers hold onto their cars to the bitter end. Classic car drivers shouldn’t feel too guilty about continuing to drive their flash set of wheels, though, as the carbon footprint of continuing to drive those cars is better than the carbon footprint which ensues in making a car. However, owners of such cars should bear in mind that governments, especially in the UK, plan to eventually remove all fossil fuel mobile dinosaurs from the road. There may come a time when the only way we might see these beautiful creations-Ferraris, Porsches, and so forth- will be on display in a museum or in a
private collector’s exhibition. What a sad demise it will be to a wonderful chapter in the rich histories of these lovely creations. At the moment, petrol filling stations hugely outweigh electric charging stations but this obviously has to change to the point where it may be difficult to fill up your tank as the balance changes. Who knows, maybe you might be able to order your delivery of leadfree on Amazon before long?! Here in Bahrain, I’m not even aware of any public charging stations on the island. With that in mind, I’m sure we’ll still be able to fill up our trusty, rusty motors with Mumtaz or Jayyid here for quite some time to come. Happy motoring all! Would you like to share your opinion on this piece? You can reach out on dickpotter@redhousemarketing.com. March 2021 21
motoring news
BESPOKE INTERIORS Bentley Mulliner - Bentley’s bespoke commissioning division - is offering an elegant and sophisticated door trim option in tweed for the Flying Spur, Continental GT and Bentayga, providing customers with even greater choice when specifying their new vehicle. For admirers of authentic British heritage and those passionate about the use of sustainable materials, the four contemporary tweed patterns add a new, high quality texture to the near-limitless range of customisation options showcased in the Mulliner Personal Commissioning Guide. The introduction of tweed as an option for the complete product range gives customers the opportunity to specify an even more unique finish for their vehicle’s interior. The introduction of tweed to the list of personalisation options continues Bentley’s progress towards the greater use of sustainable materials in the production of its luxury vehicles. This is in line with the recently announced Beyond100 strategy, which outlined plans for the company to become a global leader in sustainable luxury mobility.
THE ULTIMATE HIGH-PERFORMANCE HYBRID SUPERCAR
McLaren Automotive, the British creator of luxury, high-performance supercars, has revealed the long-anticipated McLaren Artura. The Artura combines the McLaren philosophy of super-lightweight engineering with faster throttle response, lower emissions and ability to run in pure EV mode, thanks to its ground-breaking electrified powertrain. The McLaren Artura is the first model built on the new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), which sets new standards for advanced and flexible chassis design and has been optimised for hybrid applications. The Artura is designed with full Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) capability and can be charged to an 80% level in just 2.5 hours. At the heart of the Artura’s all-new powertrain is a lightweight 2,993cc twinturbocharged V6 petrol engine, paired to a bespoke eight-speed transmission and a compact e-motor. The package generates a combined power output of 680PS (671 bhp) and 720S Nm of torque, which translates to a class-leading powerto-weight ratio of 488PS per tonne*, as well as truly breath-taking performance figures. The Artura’s top speed is electronically limited to 330km/h with 0-100km/h reached in just 3.0 seconds* and 0-200 km/h in 8.3 seconds*.
A FIRST FOR THE REGION
Genesis Middle East & Africa HQs has announced the opening of the region’s first dedicated Genesis showroom, in Manama, Bahrain. The first-of-its-kind showroom will display the entire Genesis range, offering customers an even more personalised and first-hand experience. Closely following the design of the Genesis Gangnam showroom in South Korea, the new facility is designed to provide a complete experience in all facets of the brand and product. All Genesis products including the flagship G90, G70 and recently launched all-new G80 and GV80 will be on display, along with all available exterior colours, wood and interior leather material for visualisation and comparison. The 900m² venue will host an unparalleled collection of Genesis models which will be able to showcase up to six cars. This is in addition to a test drive area and configuration space whereby customers can sample interior materials including colours, fabrics and leathers as well as exterior finishes. The opening of the showroom is part of Genesis’ expansion plans in the region, with a further five standalone showrooms scheduled to open by the end of 2021. 22 March 2021
www.bahrainthismonth.com
motoring news
CELEBRATING EXPEDITION LEGACY Land Rover Classic is continuing the formidable expedition legacy of the original Defender with a limited production run of adventure-ready Defender Works V8 Trophy vehicles for an exclusive competition at Eastnor Castle in 2021. Based on the re-engineered 2012-2016 Defender Works V8 specification developed by Land Rover Classic, including 405PS / 515Nm 5.0-litre V8 petrol powertrain, eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and comprehensive uprated suspension, steering and braking packages, the Trophy vehicles feature a wide range of additional upgrades specifically tailored for off-road use. Twenty-five examples of the Defender Works V8 Trophy will be created and designed to tackle the most demanding endurance challenges. Additional all-terrain kit includes a front winch, multi-point expedition cage, roof rack, underbody protection, A-bar, raised air intake, LED spotlights and mud-terrain tyres. The purpose-built vehicles also receive LED headlamps, a Heritage front grille, unique Land Rover Trophy badging and personalised event-participation graphics.
PREMIUM SUSTAINABILITY
The all-electric Lotus Evija hypercar has received an award for the ‘Product Design of the Year’ at the prestigious International Design Awards (IDA). The award was presented to Lotus after being selected by a panel jury representing each of the five diverse IDA disciplines – Architecture, Fashion, Interior, Product and Graphic Design, with entries from over 80 countries. The Evija was honoured for its breathtaking ability to stretch boundaries of automotive design. IDA jury members commented that the Lotus Evija “paves a way towards a more sustainable future whilst embodying an exceptional aerodynamic aesthetic”, and that “its style elevates the Evija to be the world’s most premium sustainable car”. The Lotus Evija was built with a simple goal – to be the absolute pinnacle of world-class engineering and most powerful performance car ‘For The Drivers’.
UNLEASHING THE HELLCAT
Global automaker, Stellantis, has announced the start of production for the new 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat at its three million-squarefoot Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, USA. The Durango SRT Hellcat is a powerful SUV, delivering 710 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque from the proven supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI® Hellcat V-8 engine paired with the quick-shifting TorqueFlite 8HP95 eight-speed automatic transmission. The Durango SRT Hellcat has a 0-60 mile-per-hour (mph) time of 3.5 seconds, a quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.5 seconds as certified by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and a top speed of 180 mph. The Durango has best-in-class towing capacity across its lineup. The supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI Hellcat V-8, legendary 392-cubic-inch HEMI V-8 and classic 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 with the Tow N Go Package outhaul every full-size, three-row SUV on the road, with a towing capability of 8,700 lbs. The award-winning 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine has a towing capability of 6,200 lbs. www.bahrainthismonth.com
March 2021 23
business bites
TALKING BUSINESS The Chairman and members of the Bahrain Bosnia and Herzegovina for Friendship and Business Society recently visited Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, to discuss potential business between the two entities in relation to enhancing joint cooperation. The society, headed by its Chairman, Jawad Al-Hawaj, shared the interest and plans with the airline’s executive management, headed by Acting CEO Captain Waleed AlAlawi. The discussion aims to solidify the tourism and economic relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Federal Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the society discussed ways of possible collaboration to improve commercial, cultural and social ties in the near future. The meeting included a proposal submitted by the society to Gulf Air with a vision of launching a direct flight route between Manama and Sarajevo following the method of air charter service. The number of GCC tourists in recent years travelling to Bosnia and Herzegovina for leisure and medical tourism as well as real estate business has grown; the society believes a direct route between the two capitals will be successful in attracting seasonal charter travel. The Bahrain Bosnia and Herzegovina for Friendship and Business Society will continue to work closely with Gulf Air to establish business ventures between the two countries.
FLYING HIGH Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, have signed a Strategic Commercial Cooperation Agreement (SCCA). The SCCA envisages a phased approach to closer collaboration between the partners. In the first phase, by June 2021, the scope of the codeshare agreement, first signed in 2019, will be significantly expanded. Gulf Air and Etihad will be able to offer up to an additional 30 combined destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia. The airlines will work together to optimise joint operations on the Bahrain-Abu Dhabi route, with improvements to network connectivity. There will be additional offerings to premium tier customers of Falconflyer and Etihad Guest, including reciprocal lounge access at the hubs and enhanced recognition through a guest’s journey, regardless of the operating airline. The Strategic Commercial Cooperation Agreement was signed by Captain Waleed AlAlawi, Gulf Air’s Acting Chief Executive Officer and Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group.
THE FIRST OF ITS KIND Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) recently launched the ‘BisB Arcade Card’ - a brand new VISA prepaid card created with its gaming customers in mind. This marks the first of its kind offering in the Kingdom of Bahrain and GCC region, catered to customers’ lifestyle by rewarding gaming customers for every transaction conducted and purchases made at gaming stores and various other points of sale, for both PC and console games. “We are now in a new era of banking where we are creating solutions to cater to our customers daily lives, which are personalized and curated to how they lead their lives, instead of dictating how cards ought to be used,” said Hassan Jarrar, Chief Executive Officer of BisB. “The BisB Arcade Card will enable gamers to be rewarded on their 24 March 2021
gaming experience, giving them the opportunity to qualify in a quarterly draw and increase their chances of winning, but also earn reward points as part of the Bank’s Loyalty Program,” revealed Dalal Al Qais, Chief of Retail Banking at BisB. www.bahrainthismonth.com
business bites
FRAUD PREVENTION Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB) has revealed plans to launch a national campaign to boost awareness of various electronic fraud operations targeting bank customers. The campaign shall broadcast awareness messages through diverse channels directed to a wide demographic of users of banking services in the Kingdom. The campaign will be launched in cooperation with the General Directorate of Anti-corruption and Economic and Electronic Security at the
Ministry of Interior, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, the Central Bank of Bahrain, and members of the Association from financial and banking institutions. Dr. Waheed Al Qassim, CEO of the Bahrain Association of Banks, stated that the campaign is in line with recent directives of the Central Bank of Bahrain which required banks to prepare awareness programs for their customers to warn them of the risks related to electronic fraud, and
the need to preserve their data. “These awareness-raising messages will be drafted through videos, designs, SMS, news, and advertisements. Moreover, these messages will be distributed through social media channels such as Instagram, in addition to TV and radio messages to be produced in different languages, including Arabic, English, and Urdu,” concluded Dr. Al Qassim.
REAL ESTATE COLLABORATIONS GOING LOCAL
Real estate developer in Bahrain, Promoseven Holdings, has announced that its latest project, the ‘Diyar Alkhair’ project, has joined the list of real estate projects included in the ‘Mazaya’ program. This will allow citizens who meet the terms of ‘Mazaya’ to benefit from the program in buying a housing unit in the project which is located in Sanabis and includes different types of apartments, with prices starting from BD 50,000. Chairman of Promoseven Holdings Group, Akram Miknas, praised the Ministry’s efforts to partner with the private sector to accelerate the www.bahrainthismonth.com
provision of housing services with various options for the citizens. “Diyar Alkhair project meets the needs and requirements of the real estate market, and serves as a national contribution to support the government›s efforts to provide more housing units to the increasing numbers of citizens, with qualitative benefits that suit their income,” said Mr. Miknas. “The project provides diverse housing solutions to a wide range of those who wish to live or invest in Bahrain’s real estate,” concluded Promoseven Holdings Real Estate Department Head, Ibtissam Laitoum.
The production of more Bahraini products or goods manufactured in Bahrain encourages the prosperity of a national e-commerce system which will consequentially contribute to the growth of the national GDP, creating more job opportunities and building a knowledge economy within the framework of Bahrain Vision 2030. This was stated by the CEO of Al-Amthal Group, a Bahrain-based company that provides technology solutions to organisations across the GCC and other counties, Hani Awachi. “Bahraini sweets or palm water are products that are popular among visitors and tourists, and constitute a good base for electronic platforms and applications to be sold outside Bahrain. They represent successful models that can be built upon in developing other Bahraini products targeting the local, regional and even global markets. Digital marketing in building the reputation of Bahraini products and services would be significant in this regard. “We call for setting up a national plan to develop e-commerce in Bahrain with the participation of government agencies, technology companies and owners of products and services, in order to boost Bahrain’s competitiveness in the global e-commerce market,” he concluded. March 2021 25
commerce
TO OWN OR TO RENT Business Expert, Pria Masson Tanwar, explores franchises and brands, and what it means for your business.
T
he other day, while driving down one of the busy highways here, I noticed how many new eateries seem to have opened. Somehow, it got me thinking about the business case for having your own brand versus franchising an established brand – which is also a popular route in the GCC region. Both routes have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. So, this month, I thought I would delve into understanding the key legal and business aspects that need to be assessed when making this decision. To simplify this complex decision process, I have categorised the key factors into the four R’s of the decision-making process: Reason, Realm, Resources and Restrictions.
Reason
This is the core question that needs an answer at several points of the life cycle of any business. The Reason refers to asking several “why” questions. Why is there demand for the product or service being offered? Why will the customer choose your product or service instead of a competitor’s? Why is the product or service being offered in its chosen location? Why will the customer continue to focus on your product or service? These questions are critical because they define the way forward. So, whether you want a to start a brand or franchise one, depends on whether the product or service is catering to a specific audience, to a specific experience, or to an experience that has the potential to make money. For instance, if there is a market for a specialised coffee or cupcakes or a children’s activity, but it requires a certain brand to back it, then a franchise or quasi franchise could be a way forward. A quasi franchise is leasing the equipment from a specific brand and marketing based on the reputation of that brand. 26 March 2021
www.bahrainthismonth.com
commerce Realm
The Realm is nothing but the scope of your product or service. If your offering has the scope for expansion across product lines, or geographies, or both, then the question to ask is what will be the reason across each of the new product lines. Will new geographies benefit from a branded backing or will there be some benefit from being a regionally grown brand? With Realm, the key consideration is what is the scope that a franchise agreement could have without being financially debilitating. For instance, if you have a regional franchise for Starbucks or Zara, while the realm of expansion is tremendous, it does mean that the fees involved will be equally tremendous. Usually, for each product or geography there will be a payout either as a minimum commitment or a commission on sales or even both. On the other hand, if you have a home grown brand, the marketing to establish the brand and creating brand loyalty could be a separate price to pay.
Resources
This is one of the driving forces of most business decisions – how much money will it entail. However, Resources covers more than money. It is connections, physical infrastructure, local know-how, knowledge of the market – the list is long and covers everything it takes to take the offering to a customer. The decision to be made is, who has access to the more critical resources and what value can be attributed to those resources. A new product in the technology space, for instance, greatly benefits from experience of how the product works. In this case, franchising or tying up with the owner, could be a smart way forward. On the other hand, if your offering is bringing in a new confectionary item where the key to success lies in effective marketing, cost efficiencies and supply chain management – not having the burden of up-front fees could ease out the process. The other aspect to resources that needs to be kept in mind is that the specifications that usually come with a franchise are stringent in relation to the experience. So, a franchised coffee shop needs to look a certain way, staff needs to be trained and products need to be maintained at a certain level. The costs of these are usually borne by the local partner. The final experience often pays for itself, but the cash-outgo needs to be factored in.
Restrictions
Every business has its risks and its restrictions. With franchise agreements however, the restrictions are sometimes more critical than in other businesses. This is because, the company is giving a lot of knowledge as part of the franchising agreement and it will ensure protection of that knowledge. So usually, a franchisee cannot enter a competing business for a long time. Any failure or dilution of the franchise involves payouts and geographic restrictions limit the scope of what you can do with the final offering. A franchise is not your business in all practicality – it is you leasing a business and bearing the risk of running it. You can make a tremendous success of it and make a lot of money, but the creative elements and passion that often drives entrepreneurs as something being “your own” goes amiss. On the other hand, being the person who has the right to operate a renowned school, hospital, hotel, retail store or cupcake shop, can have its own unique charm, money, and scope for growth. In business and in marriage, choose your partner well, because the right partner can pave your way to growth and sometimes being alone, is better than being with a partner who adds weight to your daily life.
Pria is a business consultant and advisor. You can follow Pria at her Instagram handle businessclues33 or read more of her articles at www.business-clues.com
www.bahrainthismonth.com
March 2021 27
gadgets
GADGETS
BTM brings you trendiest tech and greatest gizmos in its latest batch of cool gadgets.
PORTABLE DOOR ALARM WEDGE
This device gives you added security when wedging the door during sleep. Those who live in shared accommodation may crave a little privacy, or those who live alone may wish to sleep easier. The wedge slips under the inside of a door so that any unwanted visitors will set off a 130dB alarm alerting neighbours and preventing the door from being opened. Available at: www.menkind.co.uk
DIGITAL LUGGAGE SCALE
These scales allow you to pack your bags with confidence, because this device gives you the exact weight of your suitcase every time! No more panicking at the check-in desk and stuffing as much as possible into your handluggage. The scale is safe and easy to use - insert the scale belt through the handle of your luggage, lift it up and the LCD screen will display the weight up to 50kg. Available at: www.menkind.co.uk
28 March 2021
BIG EYE WI - FI SPY TANK
This beast features a moveable camera and is controllable from an iOS or Android device. It creates its own Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing you to control it both indoors and out, plus it even has a night vision mode so you can carry on driving even when it’s dark. Not only that, but you can also use it as a drivable walkie-talkie as well as letting you record videos and upload photos via email or various social networks once they have been saved to your device. Available at: www.thinkgeek.com
SCRIBBLE ALARM CLOCK
If you are constantly getting great ideas late at night whilst drifting off to sleep, then the Scribble Alarm Clock is the perfect bedside accessory for you. This simple yet clever device will beautifully illuminate your notes/scribbles/drawings with a simple touch, and can be wiped off with a dry cloth when done. It also features a backlit LCD scrolling pixel display showing time, temperature, year and date, countdown timer, calendar, birthday reminder, three different alarm melodies and the all-important snooze function. Available at: www.amazon.com www.bahrainthismonth.com
gadgets
FLASK TIE
SMART PLANTER
This nifty item of attire allows any professional in a working environment to grab some discreet refreshment. Dying of thirst in a business meeting? Take a sip of water from your tie! It holds approximately 450ml which can be accessed via the permanentlyfitted plastic spill-proof straw. Available at: www.amazon.com
Grow your kitchen herbs indoors and with style by using the Smart Planter. It will let you know when your plant needs water with the help of the ‘flower’ indicator. You’ll always know when to water them and won’t be perplexed as to whether they are growing in a healthy way or not. The planter also uses an innovative cotton wick irrigation system which allows you to maintain proper moisture for your plant. Available at: www.amazon.com
POLAR PEN
Perfect for those who easily get bored or can’t keep their hands still while at work or school, the Polar Pen is comprised of 13 neodymium magnets to attach or detach to your heart’s content. It works great as a pen, a touchscreen stylus or as a play thing. Available at: www.thinkgeek.com
GOLF UMBRELLA WITH SCORE COUNTER
Keeps score of the whole round all 9 or 18 holes – and fits snugly into the handle of the umbrella which also contains a digital clock so you can time how long each shot is taking. The brolly has a black and white double canopy to protect you from the elements and is lightweight so won›t add much weight to your golf bag. Available at: www.menkind.co.uk
HANDBAG HERO
It attaches to your bag handle via a circular carabineer clip. Simply tug the Hero to retrieve your keys. The Hero is long enough to reach the lock without the need for you to remove it from your handbag and can remain attached to the bag to make sure you don›t leave without them next time you go out. Available at: www.amazon.com
WATER DANCING DROPLET SPEAKERS
These conic speakers will not only provide the sound for your party but some of the lighting too! Packed into these cool speakers are colourful LEDs along with special water. Once your music starts playing, the speakers will send colourful jets of water up and down in time with the beat. Powered by USB, you can connect any device to the speakers with the included 3.5mm audio cable. Available at: www.amazon.com www.bahrainthismonth.com
March 2021 29
games
GAMES
WHAT IS IT?
Destruction AllStars is a vehicular combat game developed by Lucid Games for the PlayStation 5, dubbed by the creators as a “global sports entertainment event where stars and cars collide.” The player assumes control of one of 16 AllStars, each of whom has access to unique hero vehicles. The goal is to seek ways to destroy the vehicles of the opponents and be the last AllStar standing.
GAMEPLAY
The game ultimately has fun bursts of frantic action, but never adds up to much more than that. The crux is a simple one: drive fast and hit hard. This is often extremely satisfying to do as well, because it makes it easy to push down on the accelerator, line up your target, and then flick the right stick forward to slam into an opposing vehicle. The harder you hit the other car, the more points you’ll get: one point for a light hit, two for a medium one, etc. This scoring system works well as the basis for most of the four modes, keeping things for the most part nice and simple. The handling is slick and responsive in a very arcade style.
GRAPHICS
There is often a lot happening on screen, not least the collisions constantly taking place around the gorgeous looking arenas. However, the characters are very generic. There aren’t really distinctive personalities, just a lot of arguably stereotypical representations: imagine if someone clicked 16 times on a random Overwatch character creator and repainted them using a Fortnite art style and you wouldn’t be far off.
LITTLE NIGHTMARES II
Little Nightmares II is a suspense-adventure game in which you play as Mono, a young boy trapped in a world that has been distorted by the humming transmission of a distant tower. With Six, the girl in a yellow raincoat, as his guide, Mono sets out to discover the dark secrets of The Signal Tower and save Six from her terrible fate. But their journey will not be straightforward as Mono and Six will face a gallery of new threats from the terrible residents of this world. 30 March 2021
VERDICT:
Average, but fun in small doses.
RATING:
WEREWOLF: THE APOCALYPSE EARTHBLOOD Werewolf: The Apocalypse Earthblood is an action RPG set in the World of Darkness franchise. In the game, players take control of Cahal, a shape shifting, supernatural being who has three different forms: wolf, human and werewolf. Each of Cahal’s forms grants him unique abilities that players will be able to use both in combat and while traversing the game world.
SUPER MARIO 3D WORLD + BOWSER’S FURY
Multiplayer mayhem pounces onto Nintendo Switch! This enhanced version of Super Mario 3D World features co-op gameplay both online and through local multiplayer in a variety of creative levels. A new campaign, Bowser’s Fury, has been added to the game, which follows Mario as he winds up in a place called Lake Lapcat and teams up with Bowser Jr. in order to stop Bowser, who has been transformed by an inky substance into the morphed Fury Bowser. www.bahrainthismonth.com
websites Every day is an opportunity to learn something new, so here are our top picks on the internet! www.ancient.eu
If you love history, this is your one-stop shop to learn everything about the past. From ancient kingdoms to epic wars, you can find everything here. It is a great site for history buffs and casual observers alike.
www.bigthink.com
It’s a place which shares ideas and insights from the most successful people around the world. You won’t get life-hacks here, but you will get real information. You will learn from the mistakes of others and their successes too.
www.laughingsquid.com
Laughing Squid is one of the most creative blogs to check out. You can find all sorts of highly visual posts about art, culture and technology on this site, most of which are photos and videos. It’s updated with several new posts a day featuring the newest, freshest content.
Your local search engine for restaurants and hotels in Bahrain
www.smithsonianmag.com
If you want to learn something useful about history or technology without feeling like you are in a classroom, this is the place to go. It’s one of the most thorough and researched sites on the web.
Restaurants
Hotels
40m
Entertainment
65m
Cafés
20m
Serviced Apartments 35m
www.thebhrg.com
Featuring: Apps / Updates & Blogs / Promos & Deals / Events / Menus / Videos / Photos / Answer Reviews & Chats / Listings / Digital Campaign
The Bahrain Hotel & Restaurant Guide 2019 @bahrainhotelandrestaurantguide
www.bahrainthismonth.com
25m
@thebhrg
March 2021 31
APPS REVIEW WE KEEP AN EYE ON SOME OF THE MOST USEFUL APPS TO KEEP UP WITH YOUR DIGITAL NEEDS
Sky Weatherman Sky Weatherman is a weather app that wants to help you plan activities. It shows you a weekly forecast and gives you an idea of what kinds of activities would be good for specific days. There are weather filters that toggle whenever the weather is appropriate. The weather features are super basic, but perfunctory.
Colorize Colorize is a photography app which changes black and white images into colour images. You simply scan the photo in or use one from your gallery and the app does the rest. It’s a fairly simple process and you can save or share the touched up photo after it’s done. The app uses an AI algorithm to get everything right. The free version limits the number of photos you can colour but unless you’re converting a ton of them, it’ll suffice.
Listshare Listshare is a simple list app. You create lists and share them with your family members. The lists can be anything from to-do lists to grocery lists. The choice is yours. Listshare’s UI is simple, but effective. There are also customisation features to flash it up a bit. It works very well and efficiently, with a bit more personality than other long-standing apps.
AirMusic AirMusic is a powerful tool for streaming and casting audio to your devices. It boasts support for any music streaming app and support for any receiver with cast capabilities. This includes Apple AirPlay along with the usual suspects like Chromecast. It’s a little weird to use at first but it doesn’t take long to figure out and is the only way to use AirPlay on Android.
32 March 2021
www.bahrainthismonth.com
music
Virginia Wing
private LIFE The discrete sounds Virginia Wing use on private LIFE emphasise how the second half of the album’s title expresses a vitality that thrives behind closed doors. Its tracks often feel less like pop songs and more like scenes playing out in different locales: “OBW Saints” touches on arch, asymmetrical post-punk before ending in applause and a lopsided rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In.”
Django Django
FOO FIGHTERS Medicine and Midnight Verdict:
The iconic rockers try something different.
What’s the story? Medicine at Midnight is the tenth studio album by American rock band Foo Fighters. Originally scheduled for 2020, the album was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The album was recorded in a large, old house from the 1940s in Encino, Los Angeles. Recording sessions proceeded quickly, something front man Dave Grohl attributed to two things – that the material was progressing at a fast pace and that they were recording in an environment where strange things kept happening.
Worth a listen? Dave Grohl called Medicine at Midnight the Foo Fighters’ “Saturday Night party album” – a self-evaluation that turns out to be pretty accurate. It also functions as an acknowledgment of an open secret within the band’s catalogue: for all their attributes, the Foos have rarely been ‘fun’. Foo Fighters fix that deficit by diving head on into disco and dance. Dance-rock isn’t necessarily the height of exploration but Foo Fighters have adhered to rock and roll basics for so long, the shift in rhythms seems nearly as giddy as the group’s unexpected celebration of the power of the hook. Big riffs battle with the kind of nagging singalong choruses the band have avoided over the years, a combination that makes Medicine at Midnight rush by with the intoxication of a good night out. Ballads are still part of the equation but they provide necessary breathing room on a record that needs a brief respite from the relentless velocity of the rockers.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Glowing in the Dark U.K. quartet Django Django have been honing their peculiar strain of art-pop since the beginning of the 2010s, weaving together bits of angular surf guitar, glowing synths and rich vocal harmonies with a strong electronic undercurrent. A decade into their career, Django Django return with Glowing in the Dark, their fourth album together. As a whole, Glowing in the Dark is a mostly solid, wellbuilt album with enough standouts to keep it fresh without venturing too far out of the group’s wheelhouse.
The Moons
Pocket Melodies Marking their return from a six-year recording hiatus, Pocket Melodies is the fourth full-length from the Moons, an English group whose musical touchstones include the British Invasion, psychedelia and garage rock of the ‘60s as well as later soft rock, power pop and Britpop inspirations. An ambitious return, the hour-long offering is nonetheless jammed with lyrical, infectious material that frequently matches the high song-writing watermark of some of their influences. That is to say that it plays much like a hits collection, beginning with the tight harmonies, pristine jangle, slick keyboards and skittering drum kit and bongos of the ‘70s-inflected “Today.” There’s little if anything worth skipping on Pocket Melodies despite its generous length. March 2021 33
tv releases
Planning on staying at home to stay safe? It’s a whole lot easier with our top movie picks!
Bliss
The Map of Tiny Perfect Things
This Prime Original sci-fi romantic drama is a mind-bending love story following Greg (Owen Wilson) who, after recently being divorced and then fired, meets the mysterious Isabel (Salma Hayek), a woman living on the streets and convinced that the polluted, broken world around them is a computer simulation.
This sci-fi rom-com starring Kathryn Newton and Kyle Allen is based on the Lev Grossman short stories of the same name. This Groundhog Day-esque movie is about two teens (Newton and Allen) who live the same day repeatedly, enabling them to create the titular map.
City of Ghosts Moxie
Amy Poehler is returning for her second feature film with the release of the adaptation of Moxie which was written by Jennifer Mathieu. The movie follows a teen who organises a feminist revolution at her high school. Among the stars are Josephine Langford and Josie Totah.
34 March 2021
Described as being a quieter and gentler show for kids, the series comes from Elizabeth Ito who is mostly known for her role in Adventure Time. The series combines live-action settings with animated characters and is essentially a documentary about a group of kids who learn about life and their neighbourhood with friendly ghosts.
Myth: A Frozen Tale Myth: A Frozen Tale is an animated short based on Disney’s smash hit Frozen II. In an enchanted forest outside of Arendelle, a family sits down for a bedtime story and is transported to a vibrant and mystical world where the elemental spirits come to life and the myth of their past and future is revealed.
Raya and the Last Dragon Long ago, in the world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when sinister monsters known as the Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, those same monsters have returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, and her pet pill bug companion Tuk Tuk, to track down the last dragon in order to finally stop the Druun for good.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Bahrain Edition
BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | LOCAL ISSUES
March 2021 | Issue 215
A SPECIAL ISSUE MARKING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
BEAUTY
Our top picks this Spring
LIFESTYLE
Kitchen Inspo
OPINION
Ouiam on Pandemic date nights
Eman Deabil on how women can make it to the boardroom www.womanthismonth.com
FASHION
Be pretty powerful this season! Accessories that turn heads
INTERVIEW Ahlam Janahi on the role of women in the economy Suzy Kanoo highlights the launch of her new book Young, insightful and brimming with potential –Khadija Mercer The need for animal welfare with Mojda Banahi
FASHION | trend
Pretty POWERFUL
Looking for some fashion inspo? Here are some looks straight from the runway that say: “I mean business.”
Michael Kors
Ferragamo
Michael Kors
Tory Burch
On March 8, every year, the world marks International Women’s Day. Women undoubtedly make a significant contribution to the growth and development of the world in every way or form. Needless to say, we mean business. So we scoured the runways of top design houses to bring you our favourite looks that are pretty powerful. To set these looks out, you could either pair them with boots or stilettos.
36
March 2021
www.womanthismonth.com
Giorgio Armani
BALLY
EMPORIO ARMANI
BALLY
FASHION | trend
Malene Birger
www.womanthismonth.com
You don’t have to go with monochrome looks to make a statement. We quite love these looks from Boss which seamlessly combine tailoring expertise that has been perfected over years with strong colours. These are the looks that will have you turning heads… like a boss.
Boss
Boss
Editor’s Pick
March 2021
37
s e i t i r b e l Ce potted! S FASHION | celebrities
spo? n i n o fashi our
some at some of ere d e e N ’s wh ties w Here e celebri rit ring. u a o e v w fa ed spott
We love this casual chic look sported by the muti-talented Jennifer Lopez, but what we love the most is her Coach Beat saddle bag.
Splash
Out and about in Miami, Jennifer Lopez dawned the Coach Tabby top handle 20 to go with this bright purple outfit.
Splash
JANE FONDA IN POMELLATO
Jane Fonda wore Pomellato’s stunning Tango Earrings and Montenapoleone ring during the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony.
38
March 2021
EMMA CORRIN IN CARTIER
How beautiful is Emma Corrin in Cartier’s High Jewelry? She wore these platinum and emerald earrings and ring to the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony. www.womanthismonth.com
At the Forefront of Women’s Health
Dr. Nailah Nisar
Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Siti Saleha
Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Bhanu Handa
Specialist Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Dalya Al Hamdan
Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Natasa Nikolic
Specialist Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Murat Koc
Consultant - Gynecology & Gynecological Oncology (Part Time: Tue 12 noon - 8PM)
Dr. Amaal Kareem
Specialist Obstetrics & Gynecology
Clinical Expertise: Colposcopy • Female Sexual Health • Treatment of Endometriosis High Risk Obstetrics (Normal & C-Section Deliveries) Infertility • Gynecological Conditions • Recurrent Miscarriages Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) • Vulval Disease 1724 6800
1724 6888
3218 1810
Royal Bahrain Hospital
PEOPLE | interview
WE MEAN BUSINESS Woman This Month’s Farah Baig finds out about womenowned businesses and more from the President of Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society, Ahlam Janahi.
O
n the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Woman This Month team wanted to get an insight into the role of Bahraini women in the growth of the Kingdom’s economy. The President and founder of Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society, Ahlam Janahi, has over 35 years of business experience and has played an undeniable role in the growth of women’s endeavours in the Kingdom. MS. Janahi highlighted the role of women in the economy and their achievements to date. How does the Bahrain Businesswomen's Society help businesswomen in Bahrain? What are the society's most recent notable achievements? The society contributes to training and networking among businesswomen on every level: locally, regionally and internationally. This is through participation in various workshops, attending economic conferences, direct contact with similar associations and chambers of commerce. This is in addition to opening communication channels for women with relevant government agencies and highlighting the role of women in the boards of companies and the Commercial chamber. The society also works to highlight women entrepreneurs and help society members reach decision-making positions. Some of the most notable achievements of the society in the recent years includes the training and graduation of about 100 members through UNIDO, training of 100 members through the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) and attendance of 150 members at international conferences to promote Bahraini women as businesswomen. In addition, the society has played a role in the increment of the percentage of businesswomen in the global economic index
40
March 2021
www.womanthismonth.com
PEOPLE | interview As the founder of Bahrain Businesswomen's Society, how do you believe female-owned businesses have contributed to and changed the economy over the years? Gender diversity in economic growth leads to long-term value creation, stability, and even greater returns. It is one of the key principles of the Bahrain Economic Vision and mentored by the Supreme Council for Women (SCW). The role of BBS is to align and work with the government and other stakeholders to incorporate women’s advancement as a valid strategy into national and corporate growth, both to ensure sustainable growth and demonstrate leadership through values. It also serves as a bridge between the administrators and the growth of women as economic catalysts. Bahraini women were businesswomen from the days of diving when the men used to leave for four months or more. It was these women who would take charge of trade matters: selling spices and food, knitting clothes, and other things. The commercial laws in Bahrain do not differentiate between genders, just as SCW supports Bahraini women in all fields, and we as a society get support and cooperation from the SCW in private business. This includes joint activities like awareness and training programmes or support for commercial issues and the percentage indicator.The records highlighting the increase in women’s opening of business is the greatest evidence of women's growth in the economy. As someone who has been in business in Bahrain for several years, what would you consider to be the most notable changes over the years? The participation of women in the labour market has visibly increased over the last three decades; they have entered new sectors and decision-making positions previously monopolised by men. The Kingdom has also made efforts to promote gender equality in all laws promulgated on the economy and the labour market, such as the Commercial Companies Act, Commercial Registration Act, Trade Act, and Non-Governmental Sector Employment Act. www.womanthismonth.com
What have been the major challenges presented by the pandemic to businesswomen in Bahrain? The challenges are global, but the Kingdom of Bahrain has handled COVID-19 effectively and the steps taken by the authorities are worthy of praise. The Kingdom’s strategy was notably applauded by the World Health Organisation and various international institutions. Bahrain’s government made huge efforts to alleviate the financial burden of businesses and individuals during this period of economic uncertainty, and protect the welfare of the community under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Although a small percentage of Bahraini businesswomen could not continue, SCW has a team and a program of advisors who will find appropriate solutions for them. How have women coped with these challenges? About half of Bahrain’s women entrepreneurs are attempting to innovatively market their business at this time. Everyone is also focused on saving expenditures, focusing on priorities, changing the traditional pattern in trade and union to digital trade and
technology, and gaining experiences through zoom meetings and other alternatives instead of traveling abroad. Should the pandemic persist, what do you believe would be a sustainable change to ensure the continuation of businesses and recovery of the economy? Continued government support, changing the traditional pattern of trade, and making it possible to form unions from small and medium-sized companies to establish large companies would help the situation. What do you believe is the key to success for potential business owners in Bahrain? I believe that my key to success has been my ability to serve my beloved Kingdom of Bahrain and its leaders while mentoring and supporting the women of Bahrain in their path to success. Hard work, persistence, and sincerity in supporting my counterparts are guidelines. Focusing on business and launching Bahraini companies into the global arena are also essential. Joint cooperation between the government and the business sector in international and important projects, and attracting international projects to reduce the unemployment rate are vital. Do you have any statistics on the number of businesswomen in the Kingdom? According to SCW statistics in the ‘Bahrain Gender Balance Indicators’ app developed by SCW, Bahraini women made notable contributions to business, with an average of 43% of all active individuals’ Commercial Registers (CRs) between 2010 and 2018 being owned by Bahraini women. Is there anything else you would like to add? I believe that we should focus on exporting Bahraini products abroad. In addition, I wish success to everyone who works hard in developing themselves and their work to contribute to the development of the Kingdom. We wish the Kingdom of Bahrain and the region continued security and safety in the years to come.
March 2021
41
PEOPLE | interview
BRIGHT BEGINNING Khadija Mercer proves that the youth aren’t just the future, but the present too.
A
young woman brimming with potential, Khadija Mercer is the quintessential representation of Bahrain’s highly-driven youth. At just 19 years old, Ms. Mercer is not just a university student, but the Director of CSR and Marketing at Mercer Consultancy and a budding entrepreneur who is currently developing her own business concept. As an individual, Ms. Mercer’s main aim is to continue learning about the sector that she is involved with and the general economic climate of Bahrain. “The consultancy that I represent focuses on providing counsel with expert advice regarding areas such as Governance, Banking, Strategy and Operations, and Islamic Finance,” she explains, adding that the consultancy’s direct involvement with many of their clients includes advice on public relations. “We have confidence that our work does ultimately enhance the professional services sector for the Kingdom of Bahrain,” she adds. Despite being a fresh addition to Bahrain’s workforce, Ms. Mercer has an interesting insight into the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on young women in the Kingdom. “We see now that the capacity for adaptability is a crucial one that applies to all aspects of life, both in the corporate and the personal. In retrospect, I have found that the Kingdom’s collective efforts to provide flexibility has given women a better environment to balance multiple priorities,” she says. “Being in lockdown, especially for many women, was an opportunity to take some time to re-evaluate our current situations, and figure out how to move forward with our lives most effectively.” Ms. Mercer strongly believes that women in Bahrain have the potential to impact the economy. “Firstly, I have had the pleasure of meeting numerous women that I feel have an existing impact on the economy whether they are CEOs or in other leadership roles,” she says, www.womanthismonth.com
highlighting that women conduct the majority of consumer purchasing. “Our influence in the consumer market cannot be overlooked. According to Ms. Mercer, women in Bahrain undoubtedly have the potential to do more for the benefit of Bahrain’s economy. “I hope that becomes a motivator for growth and for more women to take up leading positions in the corporate field especially. If there is one sentiment that I could share today it’s that the Kingdom provides so much for female entrepreneurs and I look forward to seeing more women take up these opportunities,” she says. Time management has proved to be key, when juggling her responsibilities. “I am in my second year at university, pursuing my bachelor’s degree. Alongside that I’ve been working at the business consultancy for about a year now,” she says, adding that she has been developing her business concept in her own time. “I do consider myself a very optimistic individual when it comes to multitasking
various priorities with my personal life.” “I think I can speak for many women that we have numerous unsaid commitments - the responsibilities to our families as a daughter, a sister or a mother, the time that we promise to our friends too,” she says. “All of these things have to be kept in mind, but with the right motivation taking those risks reap many benefits for yourself and the people around you.” Ms. Mercer’s business concept involves designing and showcasing clothing lines for bespoke abayas. “I do hope to open a store and specifically pay more attention to customised luxury pieces,” she says, when asked how she would like to grow her business. “I would also like to find new ways to provide ethicallymade and environmentally-friendly garments and make products such as these more accessible to the consumer market.” “As a Bahraini woman, I hope that I give back to my country and create a significant impact in some type of way.” March 2021
43
PEOPLE | interview
HOPE FOR THE VOICELESS Woman This Month’s Farah Baig has an insightful chat with Bahrain Rescues’ Mojda Banahi about animal welfare and the way forward.
W
e’ve seen it happen before- a family gets excited, plans a celebration and decides the best way to mark the occasion is with a new puppy or kitten. While some of these situations might work out, more often than never, these decisions aren’t thought out and the little soul ends up being passed on from home to home and sometimes dumped on the streets. Situations like these has led to a growing stray population and often leaves these animals in a state of distress, fending for themselves in environments they are unfamiliar with. However, all hope is not lost with proactive individuals like Mojda Banahi – an avid animal rescuer and the outspoken PR Manager of Bahrain Rescues. “I have always loved animals and as every child who is fond of them dreamed of being able to help them when I became older. Although I did not intentionally seek out the task of becoming a rescuer, all the roads lead me down this path, it was really just one coincidence after another,” says Ms. Banahi, who has grown to be a ray of hope for the many voiceless animals in Bahrain. Shining a Light on Bahrain Rescues Bahrain Rescues, which was established by its chairwoman Eman Eid, is an animal rescue group focused on picking up critical cases and facilitating their recovery. “Eman started by feeding strays and moved on to picking up injured domestic pets that were dumped,” says Ms. Banahi.
44
March 2021
www.womanthismonth.com
PEOPLE | interview These animals are left to fend for themselves, without having developed the instinct of strays for survival, and need to be rehabilitated before Bahrain Rescues can find them new homes. The group’s core mission is to rescue animals that are in immediate danger – animals that have been in car accidents, have broken limbs, are injured and abandoned on the streets. “We transport them to clinics to receive adequate treatment, and once they are relatively healthy, move them to our shelter to continue their treatment and put them up for adoption,” she explains. Bahrain Rescues began as a simple Instagram account, in 2016, with a few hundred followers to help cover clinic bills to a large network of volunteers, clinics, and supporters that help run the shelter - a barren land which was developed from the ground up. “I have been fortunate enough to partner with someone as dedicated and strong as Eman to be able to turn a childhood fantasy into a reality and inspire the next generation to do what we have, and build on it once we’re too old to run around after 15 kg dogs and lug them to the vet,” she says. Animal Welfare in the Kingdom Although Bahrain has proper rules regarding animal welfare and treatment in place, she believes it would help a lot more to have a task force monitoring and penalising the sale of pets in the Kingdom. “The biggest issue is that people breed cats and dogs in their homes purely to make a profit. Ill-educated people will buy them and get bored or fake being so busy they can’t care of it; so, the animal will be passed on to 20 different places before ending up on the streets,” she says.
people who do the background rescuing that we can’t reach. Overall, we are so grateful for all the support we have because without it we would have never come this far along and have one success story after another,” she says. “If you can’t adopt, donate. If you can’t donate, educate. You can be an everyday hero!” Changing the Mentality “Our society still has a long way to go in terms of how they view a pet,” she says with conviction. “Although religion and common sense is perfectly clear on how we must treat animals with dignity and mercy, people still see them as a means of entertainment to be discarded or passed on once it becomes an inconvenience,” she says. “A pet is a lifetime responsibility. People need to understand that just because you can afford to buy it does not mean your expenses end there,” she adds, stressing that a pet either becomes a household member or be left for someone willing to commit to it. Making an Impact When asked is she has advice for women in Bahrain who are hoping to make an impact on their community, she says, “There will always be people who work hard against you, dislike you and discredit you. This should be the fuel to whatever you are passionate about. Nothing worth having comes easy and there will always be days when you want to throw in the towel and just let everything go, those are the turning points you will look back on that helped you level up your game,”
“THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING A WOMAN CANNOT PERFECT.”
“This is usually done on social media and as long as one person buys an animal, the breeder will make sure to continue the vicious cycle to supply the demand,” she adds. The Volunteers’ Role To date, the group has been fortunate to have generous and supportive followers who not only help them in financing, but also pay a very crucial role in spreading awareness. “They educate people on the overpopulation of pets caused by puppy mills and backyard breeding, and the responsibility that comes with considering owning a pet,” she says.
What’s Next I am focusing on restarting my career now that the wheels of the Bahrain Rescues machine are in motion, Ms. Banahi is focusing on restarting her career. “Although the current climate is not promising, hopefully I can make my way back into the corporate world,’ she says.
The most efficient way through which the public can make an impact on animal welfare in the Kingdom is to educate everyone they can. “Education is a huge part of our work and to have our followers take that burden off us is a beautiful thing because we know there are www.womanthismonth.com
March 2021
45
BEAUTY | news
INSTANT LIFT WITH LANCÔME
Following the successful launch of Idôle Eau de Parfum, Lancôme hits a new high with a groundbreaking new mascara, Lash Idôle. A radical new lash result for an instant lift and fanned-out volume effect. Unlock maxed-out volume, exceptional lift and a featherweight lash feel in an instant, with Lancôme’s new pioneering brush and formula combination. Lash Idôle is exclusively available at Sephora.
Ladies, treat yourselves! FEEL YOUTHFUL WITH KIEHL’S FIRMING FACEMASK
We’re all on the hunt for a good anti-aging product that will change up our skincare routine. Kiehl’s latest formulation claims to offer you an immediate firming effect and smoother-looking skin by morning. The Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask is formulated for all skin types and is infused with two naturepowered ingredients that have an instant firming effect and an indulgent velvety texture upon application- making it a quick and simple addition to any skincare regimen. With continued use, this overnight mask softens the look of fine lines and unveils a younger-looking complexion. It is recommended to use Kiehl’s Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask regularly up to 5 times a week after the application of a toner and a serum. Essential Oils add a soothing, calming aroma to the paraben free formula.
We’d like to think that March is a month to celebrate women, despite March 8 being the day that is celebrated across the World as International Women’s Day. This month, we put together our top beauty essentials which we believe will put a spring in your step. You deserve to be taken care of and to treat yourself or get treated to divine skincare, makeup and other products that you’re sure to love.
LOVE IS IN THE HAIR
Could you be in a toxic relationship with your hair? Break up with your existing routine and check out Sukin: products that are naturally derived, cruelty-free and 100% vegan, all while adhering to Sukin’s strict NO List. This means that every product is free from parabens, silicons, mineral oils, animal derivates and more! Their hair detox will serve as a process that get you the locks you’ve always wantedrebuilding the health of your hair and scalp. Sukin’s shampoo and conditioners use gentle plant-based cleansers to keep the good oils in and the bad oils out, while natural ingredients hydrate and nourish, so you can let your natural hair shine. In just 10 washes you will have successfully shed all those synthetic nasties that have been weighing your hair down.
46
March 2021
www.womanthismonth.com
BEAUTY | news
CHANEL’S TAKE ON SPRING
This Spring, Chanel explored the world of flowers to create a divine new range of colours and effects. The collection is light and luminous, mixing warm with cool, and sparkles with the subtlety of earthy brown undertones. Shimmering with copper sparkles, the LE VOLUME DE CHANEL mascara brings out the different tones of the brand’s eyeshadow palette- LES 4 OMBRES. For application, you can use just one, two, three, or all four shades from LES 4 OMBRES palette. Apply in layers for a more intense, long-lasting result — apply the metallic shades on top of other shades for a sensual look.
ACHIEVE YOUR SKIN GOALS WITH MARTIDERM
Our daily habits have a huge impact on how our skin looks day to day. Some staples that should make the cut in your skincare regime are a daily cleanser and toner, and bi-weekly face mask and scrub. With a plethora of active ingredients, designed to give you clear, toned, and glowing skin, The Essentials range from Spanish Pharmaceutical brand, MartiDerm offer this and more. We loved their Exfoliating Facial Scrub which is suitable for combination and oily skin, and has a triple effect on the skin. It works to cleanse impurities, control sebum and has antibacterial effects. It boosts cell renewal, removes dead cells and controls grease. From the first application, skin is smoother and more even. Small granules remove dead cells and pimples are gradually reduced with continuous use. www.womanthismonth.com
HUILE PRODIGIEUSE FLORALE NUXE is revealing a novel version of its iconic oil. From the incandescent warm and sun of the original scent to the fresh and delicate fragrance of Huile Prodigieuse® Florale, a breath of spring air from a field of blossoming flowers. This fresh and sensual floral crush is a real ode to femininity and is sure to make your heart bloom. This novel fragrance is a bright bouquet of floralnotes, including the joyful notes of blossoming magnolia. It comes together with an enveloping base of white musks and zesty citrus top notes, and a mischievous harmony of grapefruit blends with essences of Lemon, Orange and Calabrian Bergamot. March 2021
47
FEATURE | Accessories
BRIGHT & BEJEWELLED! JEWELLERY THAT’S SURE TO MAKE IT ONTO YOUR WISHLIST.
“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” Well, we beg to differ. Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, gold… every gemstone and precious metal that can be crafted into exquisite jewellery is a girl’s best friend. So, we couldn’t resist and put together a kaleidoscope of our favourite jewellery collections this season. Needless to say, we’re positive they’ll make their way onto your wishlist!
MKS JEWELLERY’S LULU HEARTS COLLECTION Pearls are scrutinised to a very high standard and as such, even though they are borne out of a common process, they are held to the same standards of beauty. This collection, by the UAE-based fine jewellery brand, celebrates the beauty of the world in all its diversity. The beautiful collection of earrings, rings and necklaces is created with stunning Tahitian and Emirati pearls, white diamonds and yellow gold.
48
March 2021
NINA RUNSDORF’S ALL THAT IS COLLECTION
Nina Runsdorf has released amazing heart-shaped All That Is pieces from the first gold collection by Nina Runsdorf. We love the beautiful bold pieces that you can wear every day! The Nina Runsdorf Flip Rings are available in different sizes and colors, from mini to large, allowing you to create the most exquisite color combinations. Our absolute favourites from the collection, though, has to be the pieces with pink Quartz and red Garnet.
www.womanthismonth.com
FEATURE | Accessories
FABERGÉ’S NEW COLOURS OF LOVE RINGS GARRARD’S NEW FANFARE SYMPHONY JEWELS
Injecting bold colour into the new year, Garrard has expanded its Fanfare collection with a new range of refreshingly contemporary Fanfare Symphony jewels - inspired by the symphony of colour unleashed as ladies swirled around ballrooms in extravagant gowns.
The latest additions to Fabergé’s Colours of Love Collection is a trio of new rings, featuring emeralds, rubies and sapphires, set in 18k yellow gold, 18k rose gold and 18k white gold, respectively. The collection combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques and contemporary style, and incorporate responsible sourcing.
The collection perfectly balances the opacity and tonal variations of the hardstones and the fire and translucency of the coloured precious and semi-precious gemstones. Designed to accentuate the primary hue of each jewel, pink tourmaline is combined with pink opal; emerald with malachite; sapphire with lapis lazuli; aquamarine with turquoise; yellow sapphire with cachalong; ruby with hematite; and white diamond with mother-of-pearl. These new jewels, which have been created to be worn anytime, anywhere.
MARIA TASH CHAINS
Maria Tash is delighted to present new chains to transform any Curated Ear®. The chain charm styles create the option to accentuate existing jewellery and further the process of curation by adding movement to an established look. Hang the Triple and Double Chain Connecting Charms between different piercings for a dramatic effect, or wear them front to back to create a chain wrap style. With two brilliant diamonds, the Long Double Scalloped Set Charm catches light with every flutter. www.womanthismonth.com
TIFFANY & CO. INTRODUCES ATLAS X
Crafted from 18k gold, sterling silver and pavé diamonds, the Atlas X collection is a bolder, more modern update to the iconic Atlas™ collection. The Atlas X collection is about making your mark in time and is distinguished by powerful angles, clean lines and statement silhouettes united with graphic simplicity. There are three different motifs within Atlas X: Closed, X and Open. The collection features a range of earrings, pendants, bracelets and more. March 2021
49
interview
WOMEN’S PATH TO THE BOARDROOM (Part 2 of 2)
Accredited Chartered Manager (CMI), Eman Deabil, gives us valuable insights into how to get to the boardroom.
If you’ve read my last article which appeared in the February issue of Woman This Month, let’s pick up where we left off - with the million-dollar question: What does it take to get to the boardroom?
wealth versus 62% for men globally. It’s a third or less in low and lower-middle income countries.
The answer to this question might not be straightforward as there is no predefined checklist or criteria to make a woman qualified for a seat in the boardroom. Different industries, organizations and countries might require different criteria, simply put - no one size fits all. Realistically speaking, in some societies, your family name, connections, nationality, colour and ethnicity matter more than your knowledge, experience and qualities. However, at least from a gender perspective, if we look at the figures shared in the previous part, your chances to become a board member are higher by around 90% if you are a man – but that comes at a cost!
As said by the CEO of Trust Re and a Board Member in a number of organizations, Talal Al-Zain: “The cost of not engaging half (or more) of the population in decision making at all levels is massive. It’s an opportunity loss on the national economy front. Empowering competent contributors who formulates large portions of our population is key to achieving Vision 2030.”
this might give us a clue as to what the criteria could be to pave the path to the boardroom.
Now let’s look at the 95 women in our sampled organizations who made it to the boardroom and try to analyze their profiles,
First, to be precise, we have only 82 unique profiles for women in our dataset, several women have a presence in several boards
According to the report published by the World Bank Group in 2018 titled “The Cost of Gender Inequality, Unrealized Potential: The High Cost of Gender Inequality in Earnings” women account for only 38% of human capital 50 March 2021
www.bahrainthismonth.com
interview
(three women in three boards, five women in two boards) - this observation is applicable to men and women. The fact that we have repeating profiles raises several questions:
• What made these profiles (men and
women) so competitive to enter more than one boardroom?
• Do we have other capable or competent
women who can be board members? If we do, then where are they? If we don’t, then how do the education and vocational training systems contribute to creating more capable or competent women?
• How do we define capability or competence when it comes to the boardroom (e.g., educational background, minimum years of experience, exposure, etc.)?
• Did we take into consideration corporate governance best practices when a board member is hired in different boards (e.g. conflict of interest matters, serving competing organizations, etc.)?
• Can the average human being maintain
focus and show dedication if he or she is a board member in several boards? Is it an honorary title or a position that implies certain duties and accountabilities?
• Nevertheless, serving in more than one
board is not our topic, let’s get back on track and speak about the women’s path to the boardroom. Here are some observations:
• 14 women out of 82 (17%) are working for the family business.
• 18 women are holding PhD/doctorate
degrees (22%), 12 in education and the training sector, two in health services, two in
www.bahrainthismonth.com
financial institutions, and two in other services.
• Bahraini women are around 65 out of the 82 (79%).
• These women are scattered across a variety
of age groups, but the majority are above 40.
We can say that holding high academic degrees, being middle-aged, being local, or studying abroad might be good contributing factors, but this is yet to be proved. At the global level there are many good initiatives and serious movements on women empowerment to leadership positions, for instance in January 2021, the German cabinet agreed a quota for women on listed companies’ boards. Now the question is: Are women looking for a quota? At the individual level, for those who have the dream of climbing the ladder, first you need to remember that “the future belongs to those who know where they belong”. If you believe that you belong in the boardroom, then all the powers in the world will ally to put you there, no matter what your gender is. But just like anything else, to work on achieving something, there are factors that will contribute or hinder. As long as you’re clear about your goal, keep playing and never give up, being clear about it upfront, will enable you to program and train your mind to accept challenges and take calculated risks. As rightly stated by Stephen R. Covey: “start with the end in mind”. Secondly, experience doesn’t come overnight, it doesn’t come by spending years in the same job, sitting behind your desk for 8 hours, waiting for your salary end of month to pay your bills, and expecting a good appraisal
followed by a pay raise every end of year. You need to expand your horizon, look above and beyond, make career shifts vertically and horizontally sometimes. Try to look at things through different lenses, allow yourself to switch hats. Experience is the sum of your efforts and to stand on solid grounds, you need to build it brick by brick. Third, your network is very essential in your journey. Define the network you want to be part of, expand it by selecting the people surrounding you wisely and strategically. Don’t forget to establish and maintain a high level of Political Intelligence (PQ) or political awareness. Meaning, try to understand the dynamics in your surroundings. Fourth, being authentic and staying authentic is not an easy mandate, whether you want to be a board member or you are already one, you need to be authentic anyways, you need to build a good reputation. Stay true to your values and walk your talks, state your mind and express yourself openly, activate your guts and your common sense, voice out your opinion, make it loud and clear. Many people will try to put you down, others will let you down, but that should never break you. Diversity is a multi-faceted term, widely misused, and it’s not limited to gender. The whole ecosystem should embrace more diversity in all aspects. More diversity at the top means more viewpoints and translates into a variety of solutions and eventually better decisions. Diversity is key to drive a positive change and contribute to economic growth. The puzzle is not complete by repeating the same piece, it’s complete only when we use different pieces that complete one another. March 2021 51
LIFESTYLE | home
Serve in Style Salad Servers
Contemporary Flair Side board
Hammered Highball Glasses
Lifestyle
THE One
Lifestyle
KITCHEN GOALS As the sun begins to feel warmer on our backs, we know Spring is on its way. It's the time for a rejuvenating change, especially in the way we care for and nourish ourselves - and the kitchen takes centre stage.
The best way to beat kitchen fatigue is to spruce up this all-important hub of your home - a little redecoration with new cabinetry and functional storage, nifty kitchen tools, pretty table settings and eye-catching kitchen essentials and accessories is sure to do the trick.
52
March 2021
www.womanthismonth.com
LIFESTYLE | home
Pots ‘n Pans Cookware Home Centre
A Ready Reckoner Chalk board with Forrest transfers by IOD design Colgrave-Holmes Creations
Perfect Pour Tea set Namshi.com
Stack the Spices Jars with Rack Home Box
Rainbow Riot Crockery Home Centre
Pretty Pattern Table runner Lifestyle
Floral Blooms Table Cloth amazon.com
Flower Power Napkin ring THE One
www.womanthismonth.com
March 2021
53
LIFESTYLE | opinion
Pandemic Date Nights
It’s 2020 all over again. We are once again asked to stay home to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. However, this time we might just be a tad more prepared and have a trick or two up our sleeves because 2020 has taught us well! Some got their dumbbells and mats ready, some prepared their study, and today I will share how you can have all the romance you need without leaving the comfort of your home.
Ouiam El Hassani tells us how to keep date nights alive (despite COVID-19).
Before having kids, couples almost never struggled to find time for romance. The simplest thing would be to head out for dinner on a whim, without worrying about coordinating schedules or arranging childcare. Kids bring a new challenge to date nights or to any possible opportunity to reconnect with your partner. They are always there, they always need you, and they never sleep when you want them to! Throwing a pandemic into the mix makes things even harder; you can kiss your romantic dinner goodbye. However, instead of giving up, why not view the challenge as an opportunity to get creative? Here are some date night ideas you can still enjoy:
1- TAKEOUT AND MOVIE NIGHT
3- LEARN A NEW SKILL
Dinner and a movie have always been a staple for cosy date nights. Netflix makes it easy to find an option that will satisfy you and your partner -an old movie or a new one, in the comfort of your own living room. Order some food you both enjoy, watch a romantic comedy, and chill - a plan that never gets old, especially if you are a parent!
Easy there. I don’t mean learning a language; I am leaning more towards perfecting a cocktail recipe or learning how to roll sushi.
2- CHEESE PLATTER NIGHT One thing that helps keep the spice in date night is taking turns planning it. Cheese night is the perfect opportunity for one of you to surprise the other. Selecting and arranging a tasting board of cheeses, crackers, and spreads to sample together, seems like a fancy and fun way to spend the night. If you are feeling competitive, each one can put together their own charcuterie and then decide who did it best. (Spoiler alert: Everyone wins)
54
March 2021
At-home date nights are the perfect opportunity to learn something new together, it is fun, challenging and rewarding too! You can try making your own pasta, take on painting, or recreate an episode of ‘Master Chef’. Feeling adventurous? Maybe you can learn how to unclog a kitchen sink or speedread; the sky is the limit.
Whatever game you choose, it will be awesome!
5- KARAOKE NIGHT Unleash the star within you… and laugh together as you miss a beat.
6- AN UNUSUAL ONE! Have a fun cardio workout, or take an online Yoga or meditation class, whatever feels more fun to you.
4- GAME NIGHT
7- SPA NIGHT
Nothing says ‘fun’ more than a game night. Laughter, fun, and some clumsiness are all recipe for a great night. Whether it’s playing cards, game boards, or even puzzles, you won’t just have an unforgettable date but an original one too.
Put on robes, take out your face masks, moisturisers, and creams, slice up some cucumbers and lemons to make that fancy spa water, and have a night of relaxation.
Let nothing spoil your romantic night with your partner; you both deserve it! www.womanthismonth.com
What’s your proudest achievement?
I think I can say my proudest achievement would be me - the person I am today due to the experiences I had in my life so far to become who I am. So, I consider each experience that’s made me live and learn from are my achievements.
In Her Shoes
This month, we got to know a woman who has an exquisite eye for creating stunning aesthetics. Didem Bynum is a creative fashionista who has taken her love for fashion and nurtured it as a stylist. We discovered that Didem’s personality is just as vibrant and inspirational as her wardrobe!
last word
What’s a mantra you live by?
If I’m given this life then I will do my best to enjoy it and do everything in my power to be best version of myself.
What’s one song you just can’t resist at Karaoke?
Oh, I can’t stand to hear my own voice on a microphone! I can only sing in the shower and usually sing Jess Glynne’s Thursday.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? “The only time you should look back at your past should be to learn something from it or to remember happy memories.” It was advice given to me by my mom.
What is your dream holiday destination?
What are your five fashion essentials?
When you’re into fashion, essentials never end with only five pieces! I love hats! They are perfect bad hair day savers! While hiding your stubborn hair that doesn’t want to get in to shape, you can still look stylish. I’m obsessed with shoes and can’t seem to have enough. Combat boots, heels and sneakers are my jam. Perfumes! Oh my perfumes! I’m a Gemini so I have a lot of moods and I have a lot of perfumes for all my moods, but my ultimate favourite one would be the Tom Ford Lost Cherry. Sunglasses are another obsession of mine as it can change your whole mood and your whole look. Necklaces! I love layering them up! And there’s no way I would go out without wearing at least two!
Cats or dogs? Give me both!!!! I love them all! www.womanthismonth.com
Tibet!!!
Didem Bynum
What would your life be incomplete without? My health!
Name three things you are currently looking forward to.
I look forward to whatever life has planned for me; I love surprises. I look forward to seeing my family back home in Turkey. I look forward to a happier and kinder humanity; I still have hope. March 2021
55
advertisers index Scan the QR code for more information from the advertisers
Maki
Mercer Consultancy S.P.C
Royal Bahrain
Ramee Group
Hotels & Serviced Residences
Ramee Group of Hotels:Ramee Grand ....................5 Ramee Group of Hotels:Ramee Grand.....................1
Medical & Dental Services
Now you’ve seen your regular issue, which we hope you enjoyed, make sure to check out our websites and social media for daily updates of what’s happening across the Kingdom. You can find us at:
www.bahrainthismonth.com
www.womanthismonth.com
facebook.com/bahrainthismonth
facebook.com/womanthismonth
www.instagram.com/bahrainthismonth
www.instagram.com/womanthismonth
Restaurants & Cafes
Maki Restaurants Group Co.....................5
Others
Mercer Consultancy S.P.C........................5
Royal Bahrain Hospital.................................................5 [FOC] Royal Bahrain Hospital.................................................5
56 March 2021
www.bahrainthismonth.com
WEAR A FACE MASK
WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN
CLEANING HANDS WITH ANTISEPTIC
AVOID CONTACT WITH SICK PEOPLE bahrainthismonth
www.bahrainthismonth.com
March 2021 57
Get your favourite partner anytime at www.redhousemarketing.com
redhousemarketing
redhousemarketing
rhmbahrain
redhousemarketing