Bahrain This Month - January 2012 by Red House Marketing

YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

BD 2.000 (SR 20)

January 2012 ~ Vol. 16 ~ Issue 1 www.bahrainthismonth.com

Look To The Skies

Bahrain Air Show

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Featured This Month:

10 Burgers To Savour | 2012 Motoring Review | Garden Show

HAPPENINGS ~ DINING ~ ARTS SCENE ~ CLUBS & SPORTS ~ KIDS’ EVENTS ~ AFTER DARK ~ SAT TV

Issue 173

Contents January 2012 Cover Story:

18 Bahrain International Air Show The bi-annual event is back in town this month; expect action both in the sky and on the ground as the organisers have

lined up a spectacular show for visitors.

Happenings: Bahrain This Month reviews events happening around town during the month of January 2012:

15 New Vista: Landscaping at the Garden Show 24 New Ideas: Health and Wellness Expo offers plenty of tips 26 Culture Capital: Manama at the centre of attention 30 Home in Your Heart: Sri Lankans gear up to celebrate 32 Track Time: Schools go outdoors this month 34 Organic Lessons: Improving performance through diet 15-34 Calendar: Events during January

Spotlight:

45 Inspiring Compilation Ahmed Al Jumairi teams up with superstars from the regional music scene to launch a song for peace within the

Arab region, mentored by Quincy Jones.

Business:

48 Redefining the Scenario Leading investors from the business world converge on Bahrain this month to discuss a rapidly changing economic environment, seeking new opportunities.

115 Bystander At BTM we took in a veritable selection of national days last month, from the Kingdomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own celebrations to those from Japan, Thailand and Qatar. There were cocktails with Maserati, an anniversary for Bahrain Specialist Hospital and the Bahrain marathon to enjoy. Then, of course, there were festive carols and Christmas tree lightings to attend.

50 Opportunity in Adversity Starting a new business venture at the height of the unrest last year might not have seemed such a good idea in hindsight. Jacob Thomas explains.

52 Winning Combination The Marriott hotel group remains bullish on opportunities within the hospitality industry, recently launching the Residence Inn brand in the Kingdom.

BTM January 2012 5

Issue 173

Contents January 2012 2012 Motoring Review:

82 Time to Rumble The New Year offers plenty of reasons to be optimistic, and

showrooms around town even more reason to change-up your wheels this year. BTM investigates.

Downtime: 55 Did I Say That?: Resolutions not to brag about 56 Gadgets: A virtual world beckons 59 Music: Illusion in a melody 60 Computer Games: Video game award-winners 61 DVDs: Penguins in Paris 62 Websites: Open day with Simon 63 Movies: Impossible heist 64 Sat TV: Divas on Friday

Motoring: 79 Headline Grabber: Hyundai Azera 80 Test Drive: BMW M3 and M5 82 Feature: 2012 models

Dining: 91 Truly Eclectic: Panasia Restaurant 92 Happenings: Where to dine this month 94 Burgers: Our selection of 10 patties to savour 103 Restaurant Listing: Find your ideal venue

105

After Dark: 105 Turning Three: Dublin sets out to party 106 Happenings: Where to be seen this month 109 Showcase: Klub360 debuts 112 Venue Listing: The ‘in’ places to be

Showcase: 113 What’s New: Urban finish 114 Marketplace: Latest products and services 26

125 126 127 128

WIN WIN Tarotscope AD Index Last word BTM January 2012 7

The team

Bahrain This Month January 2012

Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Email: george@bahrainthismonth.com Publishing Director David M. Robertson Editorial queries: editor@redhousemarketing.com Editorial Consultant Dr. Paul Balles Assistant Editors Alison Coldridge Elma Bartholomew

Dear Readers,

Staff Writer Maryam Toorani Contributors James Claire (dining)

I have to say that the festive period towards the end of last month was one that I thoroughly enjoyed. Surrounded by my three children — Gigi, Alexander and Andrea; it brought so many fond memories of times past. I could not help think, though, about what will happen in 12 months’ time. Gigi will have finished her university education, at UCLA in California, during the course of this year. It will be the end of an era, and there is no certainty we will congregate in the same manner in 2012. A sign of the times, perhaps; the events of last year have changed all of us forever. There is, however, a sense that the New Year also heralds a new beginning, albeit one not without its own uncertainties. Fortunately not everything changes and we can continue to enjoy many of the events this month, as our happenings pages demonstrate, that have become part of our lives. Pictured on our cover is the Bahrain International Air Show, in its second edition this year. The annual Bahrain International Garden Show, a perennial fixture on the calendar, returns again this month, on January 16-18. There’s also a sporting agenda at local schools and a high profile investors conference, opening our minds to the wonders of youthful expression and the serious task of making money. I’m sufficiently intrigued by the international convention on roads that I think I’ll pop in myself to see where we are all heading! Our interviews include a chat with Jacob Thomas about his experiences of launching not one but two new businesses on the cusp of the unrest last year. We also feature a much-respected Bahraini singer, Ahmed Al Jumairi, and his participation in a song of hope for the Arab world. ‘Fast’ is a word that aptly describes our two consumer features in this issue; burgers and motoring. Now a staple in our diets, there’s much more to a patty of minced meat within a bun than meets the eye; we showcase 10 of the best burgers around town. In our motoring pages we include a preview of eight 2012 vehicles that have caught our attention, and which we expect to see in abundance on our roads this year. We also took the latest BMW M5 for a spin around the Bahrain International Circuit. I wish all of our readers a happy New Year and an invitation to experience the great way of life the Kingdom has to offer.

Bystander Editor Anil Ravi Shankar Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Dalal Al-Sabbagh, Romeo San Miguel, Rodolfo A. Reyes Jr. Staff Photographers Shankar Kunhambu, Subeesh Kumar N S Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa Personnel Manager Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Sales Manager Mayukh Majumdar Media Sales Marise Prata Dos Santos Circulation Manager Fawaz Al Balooshi Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Rafeeq Mohammed, Gopal Arul Kumar, Epegenio Tempra Jr. Distributor Al Hilal Corporation Photography Picture Arabia: andrew@picturearabia.com Printing Press Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej W.L.L., Bahrain Published monthly by

Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. P.O. Box 641, No. 1 Seaton Place St., Helier Jersey JE48JJ, Channel Islands, U.K.

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 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

Cover

Cover Picture: Bahrain International Air Show; fast forward to the future! YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

BD 2.000 (SR 20)

January 2012 ~ Vol. 16 ~ Issue 1

George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Look To The Skies

1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24

Bahrain Air Show

Gulf and international subscriptions available on request.

Join us on Facebook If you are wondering what this image to the left is, or the one on the front cover, it’s a QR code. To find out how to use these, read page 124.

Bahrain This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Featured This Month:

10 Burgers To Savour | 2012 Motoring Review | Garden Show

HAPPENINGS ~ DINING ~ ARTS SCENE ~ CLUBS & SPORTS ~ KIDS’ EVENTS ~ AFTER DARK ~ SAT TV

www.facebook.com/bahrainthismonth

BTM January 2012 9

bystanderthismonth

Japanese Emperor's Birthday Celebration HE Tomoko Sumi, Japanese Ambassador & Mrs Sumi hosted a reception celebrate the Japanese Emperor's birthday last month. The event attended by HE Abdulla Abdullatif, Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs, members of the diplomatic corps and VIP guests was held at Al Dana Hall, Gulf Hotel Cmdr Iwashige, Mrs Akiyama, Mr Akiyama, Mrs Sumi & HE Tomoko Sumi

Joern, Rupert, David & George

Abdulla Juma, Mubarak Kanoo & Nabeel Ajoor

Cdr Lertrob, Cmdr Foreman & Cdr Buccitti

Noriko, Kogepan, Yuko & Tomohiro

HE Abdulla Abdullatif, HE Tomoko Sumi & members of the diplomatic corps at the cake cutting ceremony

Issa Ansari, Nasser Alarayedh, Ahmed Al Noaimi & Jassim Al Shirawi

Hatim Zu'bi, Qays H. Zu'bi & Huda

Ashina, Nagayosh & Kondo

10 January 2012 BTM

Stephanie Williams & Dr Dhafer Al Umran

Kaoru & Mark

Poonam, Veena & Sunita

Mansoor & Zahra

Hisako & Toshiyo

Karen & Taylor

Simon, Lisa & Glenn

Jen & Belknap

Sadiq Dawani

Anoop & Issa

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BoConcept Bahrain Showroom 269 · Al Seef 428 · Next to Ritz Carlton Hotel and Spa · PO Box 20104 · Tel: +973 17564211 · Fax: +973 17564212

bystanderthismonth

Qatar National Day Celebrations HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Thamer Al-Thani, Qatari Ambassador hosted a reception to mark the National Day of Qatar. The event attended by HE Ali Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, HE Dr Majid Al Nuaimi, Minister of Education, diplomats & VIP guests was held at the Gulf Convention Centre, Gulf Hotel

HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Thamer Al-Thani & HE Victor Smirnov, Russian Ambassador

HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Thamer Al-Thani & HE Karim Al Shakar

HE Thomas C. Krajeski, US Ambassador & Nasser Alarayedh

HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Thamer Al-Thani with ministers & diplomats at the cake cutting ceremony

Nabeel Ajoor, Shaikh Khalifa, Shaikh Khalid, Shaikh Thamer, Khalid & Nasser

Mohammed, Mohammed & Hashim

Yasser, HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Thamer Al-Thani & Abdulla

Karim, Faiza, Alam, Momem & Fatima

12 January 2012 BTM

Sadiq Dawani, Jano Mouawad & Abir Ali

Marlies, Wedad, Semmler & Fatima

Rehab & Mohammed

Khalid Kanoo

Nancy

Jawad Y. Al Hawaj & Mohammed

HE Karim Al Shakar & Abdulwahab Al Hawaj

Abdul & Ahmed

Dr Yousef

Taylor

Ahmed

Dr Zuhair

bystanderthismonth

Thai King's Birthday Celebration HE Vichai Virasirikul, Thai Ambassador and the Royal Thai Embassy hosted a reception to mark the 84th birthday anniversary of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand and the National Day of the country. The reception attended diplomats & VIP guests was held at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf Conference Centre last month

HE Vichai Virasirikul & members of the diplomatic community at the cake cutting

Sarah, Panee, Thatree, HE Vichai Virasirikul & Witchu

Khalifa Rumaihi & Ghazi Al Dosari

Anoop & Veena

Dr Dhafer Al Umran

Beverley, Evone & Marietta

Poy, Bob & Rego

HE Vichai Virasirikul & Pascal

Bless & David

Mark, Gigi & Kaoro

Bobbie, Senggan & Mariam

Juzer & Mubarak

Tujanat & Patcharanit

Andrew & Shahafeez

Dalal & Fatima

Nadia, Milena, Yati, Shanjida, Mala & Sukma

Jayachandran, Shameer, Anil & Govardhan

14 January 2012 BTM

Capt Bannawit

Thamonphat, Pimlada, Wipaporn & Phassanan

Pnut, Jang & Lertrob

happeningsthismonth When? January 16-18 | Event? Bahrain International Garden Show | Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre

Landscaping Your Vista Polish up your gardening skills by learning tricks of the trade and new techniques from the many experts at the Bahrain International Garden Show. The annual Bahrain International Garden Show is being held this month and is a great event for all agricultural experts and hobbyists alike to attend. Just as in previous years, the entire BIECC will be transformed into a green haven of floral designs, landscaping examples and new trends and creations. However, the show will be expanded this year to include a new structure promoting the importance of landscaping and nurturing the talents of local landscape architects. Appealing to a wide variety of visitors, the show will introduce the very latest in garden and landscaping technology, trends and equipment. It serves as a venue for exhibitors to showcase their unique products and services and is a great way to create networks and view products available on a global scale. The entire event is designed with a prominent aim in mind; to encourage the consideration of agricultural development and practices. This year’s show is the eighth successive event and features the theme of ‘Sustainable Agriculture for Ongoing Competitive Harvest’. This critical world issue will be highlighted in a comprehensive display, showing the different roles that individuals, companies and policy-makers can play in ensuring the best utilisation of precious resources to guaranteed better, and greener, future for the generations to come. Also this month

Another distinguishing element from last year’s show is the support from the National Initiative for Agricultural Development launched by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa in March 2010. The initiative has the aim of unifying all efforts to enhance the agricultural industry in Bahrain. The Bahrain International Garden Show is now an annual event under this ambitious initiative that will undoubtedly boost the sector and make it a viable career choice for the future workforce. The Garden Show will include many different displays spread throughout the entirety of the centre. Hall 1 will be full of companies who wish to showcase their products and services to the general public. Florists, nurseries, tools, pots, garden furniture, machinery and lighting will be some of the products and companies highlighted. Hall 2 will be home to all manner of impressive exhibits showcasing innovation and design specialism. There, exhibits will be from leading companies hoping to inspire and educate visitors. The show will effectively act as a marketplace, where both local and international exhibitors will be present with a huge array of innovative ideas, tools and examples. The achievements of new designers will be brought to light, encouraging celebration in this area and further development. The grand and official opening ceremony of the show will be held on January 15 with the next three successive days open to the public. E Call 17 417-008 or visit www.bigs.com.bh.

00 x Arts & Culture - 00 x Clubs & Societies - 00 x Teens & Kids - 00 x Sports & Recreation

World days Recognise these world days this month…

When? January 1 Event? Family day Take time to appreciate your family and their support. When? January 1 Event? World peace day Do your part and eliminate resilience and quarrels in your life. When? January 5 Event? Environment day Consider how you can help the environment and pick up some litter! When? January 10 Event? Laughter day The simple act of laughter makes you much happier and relaxed. When? January 23 Event? Handwriting day Abandon your computer on this day and get writing. When? January 29 Event? Cancer day Donate some time or money to any one of the numerous cancer charities.

BTM January 2011 15

happeningsthismonth When? January 7 Event? AWA charity sale bazaar Venue? Shahrazad Hall Clothes, toys, electronics, books and plenty more will be on sale. E Call 39 414-194. When? January 7 Event? Amwaj Marina Market Venue? Amwaj Marina A great family day out with plenty to buy, delicious food and lots of fun. E Call 16 030-605. When? January 13-14 Event? Diva Festival Venue? Amwaj Islands Lagoon Browse unique vendors’ products; enjoy live music and the outdoors. E Call 36 226-440. When? January 16-18 Event? Bahrain International Garden Show Venue? Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority View the wild, wacky and extraordinary creations of budding gardeners. E Call 17 417-008.

When? January 6-7 | Event? Speed Weekend | Venue? BIC

Racing Spectacle If you are a racing nut and are yet to experience the BIC’s Speed Weekend, make sure you head to the tracks for January’s edition to experience the best regional racing. The pure velocity of the cars will have your adrenalin pumping as two of the most sought-after racing categories in the region are brought together — the WGA Supercars Middle East and the BIC 2000cc Challenge. Additionally, the all-new, all-exciting, newest regional series Maserati Trofeo JBF RAK will be continued with a packed grid of Gentlemen Drivers racing at the Middle East’s premier circuits. This month’s weekend of events will see WGA Supercars staging its third round, the BIC 2000cc Challenge holding its fifth and the Maserati Trofeo JBF RAK hosting its second meeting of the season. It is set to be a thrilling ride for both the driving teams and the spectators as we wait with baited breath to see who comes out on top.

When? January 25-February 2 | Event? Autumn Fair | Venue? BECA

Shopping Extravaganza

When? January 19-26 Event? Air Show Venue? Sakhir The air show returns with flying displays, kids’ activities and new models. E Visit www. bahraininternationalairshow.com.

This month sees the return of the Autumn Fair as it celebrates its 24th year of showcasing consumer products. The family-targeted event will span nine days at the end of this month with a vast array of goods from around the world available to purchase. Come along and browse a huge variety of differing products, from handy household items to mouth-watering food stalls, popular fashion to children’s toys, electronics, textiles, plus many more new-to-market products and all your old favourites. The Autumn Fair organisers have worked hard to ensure that there will be something for everyone, to make this year the best yet. Previous years have seen over 200,000 shoppers visit from around the world, so make sure you don’t miss out! Admission is 700 fils and children under five can enter free of charge. E Visit www.theautumnfair.com.

When? January 20 Event? Inter-school quiz Venue? Bahrain Karaleeya Samajam Get your thinking caps on to prepare for the 8th interschool quiz. E Call 36 066-022. When? January 25-February 2 Event? Autumn Fair 2012 Venue? Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority Consumer goods from around the world will be showcased to purchase. E Call 17 550-033. When? January 26 Event? Burns Night Venue? Caledonian Society It’s that time of the year again to celebrate the birth of Robert Burns. E Call 36 557-655.

16 January 2012 BTM

Aside from the races, there will be plenty of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. A wide variety of activities will be on hand across the circuit’s paddock area, including arts and crafts stations, pot painting, wooden car making, a water-walker and huge bouncy castles. Kids and adults can also win prizes on the spread of carnival games. It’s the ideal way to spend a weekend, enjoying one of the greatest and most impressive venues that the Kingdom has to offer. E Call 17 450-000.

When? March 1-June 31 | Event? Awareness projects | Venue? Various locations

Walk Together After launching The White Stick Project Facebook page, AIESEC Bahrain will soon be hosting a series of events to help raise better awareness and advocate for the visually-impaired. “We’re hoping to leave a positive impact on the minds of local community members to sustainably benefit the visually impaired,” said Adil Shafeeq, vice president of projects in AIESEC Bahrain. The initiative will host five international community development experts from different countries as well as major fund raising event in April that will include a walkathon. Funds raised will support the Saudi Bahrain Institute for the Blind and the Friendship Society for the Blind. E Call 39 200-058 or 33 674-621.

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happeningsthismonth When? January 19-21 | Event? Air show | Venue? Sakhir Airbase

BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW

Look to the Skies The Bahrain International Air Show is set to return this month with many spectacular displays, innovative designs and plenty for all to see and do.

18 January 2012 BTM

Two years ago, in January 2010, Bahrain hosted its first ever air show. It was a resounding success that drew in huge crowds of all varieties; families enjoyed a day out enveloped in the world of aviation whilst trade visitors educated themselves on new technologies and the participating companies. This month the Kingdom can rejoice in the sequel to the event, promising to be an even bigger and better spectacle. Bahrain International Air Show (BIAS) 2010 showed how a clearly-focused event attracting the highest level of delegations and visitors is precisely what the industry wanted and that is the aim again this time around. 30,000 people attended in 2010 and it is hoped more will come this month. The BIAS is a unique business event and was created through a partnership between the Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) for the Kingdom of Bahrain and UK-based events organiser Farnborough International Limited, with the support of the Bahrain Royal Air Force. Uniquely modelled compared to any other trade air show in the world, the success of the first show has already established the event on the aviation calendar and it is recognised as one of the must-attend events of its type. In 2010 there were almost 100 aircraft on display but this year’s show will build on these numbers with a greater selection of aircraft comprising of civil airliners, military fast jets, helicopters and aerobatic display teams.

There will be commercial aircraft on display from Airbus and Boeing, civil submissions from Cessna, Gulfstream and Hawker Beechcraft and military assets from the US Department of Defence and Bahrain Defence Force, including F16, F18 and C17 and some privately-owned light aircraft. Plenty of entertainment The air show promises to offer something for everybody, and at every level, whether you are a member of the public, a company representative or a VIP. However, the BIAS organisers understand that the trade and public audience expectations are very different and as such these two sectors are catered for independently. The public can visit the show between 9am and 5pm on any of the three days and partake in activities and entertainment. Probably the most mesmerising events of the air show for the public are the daily flying displays. Get ready to crane your neck as you look to the skies and watch the aviation world show their skill. From military fast jets to gyrocopters, you will see the pilots flip, dive and zoom through the air and will surely truly marvel at the smoothness of the aircrafts. The Russian Knights are one such team of entertainers coming to the show. Russikiye Vityazi — as they’re known at home — are an aerobatic display team. All team members are

happeningsthismonth

from 237th Guards Proskurov Aircraft Demonstration Centre based at the Kubinka Airbase near Moscow and their appearance at events like the BIAS outside of Russia is incredibly rare and they will give a truly breathtaking display of flying expertise in Sukhoi SU-27 and SU-27UB fighters. The event organisers have also secured the UAE Display Team, Al Fursan and the Saudi Hawk Display team. Aside from the flying displays, the public can expect to see an additional array of on-ground attractions and entertainment, including the Heritage Village, children’s rides and games, flight simulators and interactive educational experiences for all ages. There will also be opportunities to meet with pilots and flying club members to explore the wonderful world of aviation. Situated in the Sakhir Airbase, the venue is a purpose-built, five-star exhibition site that boasts all of the modern facilities that you would expect from a world class venue. There is ample parking, a fully-equipped media centre and Wi-Fi connectivity across the entire site — so you should find everything you need!

20 January 2012 BTM

Tickets cost BD7 for adults and BD3 for children and can be purchased from a lengthy list of outlets across the island, which can be viewed on the air show’s website. Evolution and growth The inaugural show was a spectacular success — for the aviation industry as a whole and also for the Kingdom of Bahrain. 40 international companies took part displaying 94 aircrafts and delegations attended from 25 countries. Deals in the region of US$1 billion were announced over the three day event period. Last time Yemenia purchased 10 A320 planes from Airbus, Bahrain bought nine Blackhawk-M helicopters from US manufacturer Sikorsky, Gulf Air agreed to lease two Embraer 170 jets, Selex was awarded a $15 million contract by the Bahrain Civil Aviation Authority for a primary surveillance radar and two Mode-S secondary surveillance radars at the Bahrain International Airport and Boeing announced delivery of 1,700 aircraft in the next 20 years to the Middle East. 2010 brought manufacturers, suppliers and end users together enabling them to do business effectively and uniquely, reflecting Bahrain's status as a regional centre for transport and trade. BIAS 2012 will continue to provide an opportunity for buyers and suppliers to engage in high-level networking and meetings with VIP delegations from around the Middle East and further afield. The Kingdom of Bahrain has a long and historic association with aviation. Responsible for both the region’s first international carrier, as well as the Gulf’s first international aviation hub, the BIAS underlines why Bahrain remains a regional leader in the aviation sector. Moving forward, plans are to grow the show, but at the same time to retain the exclusivity, privacy and high level business networking opportunities that are already associated with the BIAS. E Visit www.bahrainairshow.com.

happeningsthismonth When? January 7 | Event? Amwaj Marina Market | Venue? Amwaj Islands AMWAJ MARINA MARKET

Outdoor Bonanza

The Amwaj Marina Market has been causing quiet a frenzy in recent months; the organisers are planning to start off 2012 with a bang! The goods on offer this month include clothing, jewellery, shoes, children’s books, electronics, decorations and even furniture. If you’re on the verge of sprucing up your home, then the assortment of traditional arts and crafts, as well as paintings, from Sheema Frames and National Photo Service is what you need! Shoppers can also munch on baked items, juicy burgers, pizza from Pizza Inn, steak sandwiches from Tony Luke’s, healthy smoothies and organic fruits and vegetables from Al Ghalia Farms. The great weather and the stunning views of the Amwaj Marina make this the perfect way to spend the weekend. To keep visitors entertained, a special performance by ACES Taekwondo School will be held. Also, if you don’t want to walk around, the market will be offering complimentary boat rides courtesy of Yamal Boats throughout the day. The little ones can enjoy the bouncy castle, rides, henna and face painting and art and craft stations by Studio Ceramics. You can even give your pets the royal treatment with a special treat from Tails. The outdoor markets will be held throughout the cooler months on the first Saturday of each month.

Get your shopping shoes on and head out for a day of great company, good food and a whole lot of fun.

E Call 16 030-605 or 16 030-607.

bystanderthismonth

Romanian National Day Celebrations The Romanian community of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia held a reception to celebrate their National Day. The event held at the Palm Inn Restaurant, Hamala Beach Resort, was attended by HE Mihail Coman, the Romanian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and a number of Romanian residents of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia

HE Mihail & Andreia Coman, Alexia, Christina & Stefan

Violeta, Andrew & Lavina

Mihai

Cora, Liana & Simona

Lavina, Alina & Malina

Anca, Avina & Gabriela

Rajaa, Gina & Daniela

HE Mihail & Andreia Coman, Monica & Zahi

Gabi, Mariam & Florentina

Sasha, Bianca & Bogdan

George & Dinu

22 January 2012 BTM

happeningsthismonth HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO

Get Healthy Packed full of fresh and innovative ideas to help you make better lifestyle choices, the second annual Health and Wellness Expo 2012 will keep you in check!

This three-day spectacle will shed light on the world of health and wellness this spring. Industry experts from all over the world will be in the Kingdom to promote the difference that a healthy lifestyle can make in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day-to-day living. The event will increase awareness for all residents of the GCC on the issues surrounding well-being as well as providing exhibitors a platform to achieve maximum exposure for their brands, gain networking opportunities and increase revenue. The event premiered last year and was a resounding success. International and regional exhibitors participated including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, India, Thailand and Cyprus with all kinds of buyers, retailers, importers, exporters, distributors and doctors of all sectors. This year will see an even wider range of exhibitors ranging from the top hospitals and heath care facilities to hotels and the best in fitness and spa centres. A whole wealth of products and services are set to be exhibited, which the whole family can benefit from. There will be natural skincare products showcased and aroma treatments, health care diets and products, fitness and exercise, mind and body and nutrition plans for children. Visitors will learn about the latest brands and products and educate themselves with a number of scheduled seminars and workshops. Special side activities will also be available including a massage zone (which sounds heavenly), kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; health

games, fitness exercises, and also a healthy cooking zone with local chefs instructing. Aside from the main stage and demonstration area, exhibition-goers can also participate in the health screening activities and enjoy a number of healthy food samplings at live cooking stations. There will also be lots of great competitions to enter and prizes up for grabs, such as free membership vouchers and spa weekends for two. Industry professionals, on the other hand, can meet fellow industry colleagues and suppliers, attend workshops, generate new leads for their businesses, consolidate business connections, demonstrate their products and launch new ones. Calling all food lovers The event will also be running alongside the Food and Hospitality Expo where organisers are expecting to attract in visitors from all over the region. This will be the fourth Food Expo and the event is the Kingdomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest gathering of food, beverage and hospitality industry professionals. The event will bring together an international audience of buyers, retailers, distributors and food and beverage professionals. This year will also see live cooking stands, local chefs cooking, and a wide range of activities for the entire family. E Call 17 558-894.

When? April 17-19 | Event? Health and Wellness Expo | Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition and Conference Centre

24 January 2012 BTM

happeningsartsculture When? January 1-31 | Event? Manama the Arabian Culture Capital | Venue? Various locations Bab Al Bahrain

The Capital of Art The New Year is starting off on an artistic note as Bahrain is honoured with one of the region’s most coveted titles.

26 January 2012 BTM

Our very own Manama will be put under the spotlight this year after being named the Arab Culture Capital for 2012. The initiative was first started in 1996 by the Arab League as part of UNESCO’s cultural capitals programme. One capital a year is chosen to hold programmes to promote and celebrate Arab culture and encourage cooperation in the region. As the first time that Manama has been selected for the initiative, Minister of Culture Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa has lined up 12 months of events that will keep your artistic appetite in check. Each month will centre on different themes aiming to interlock all the cultures around the world. “This exceptional event is not only an accomplishment for the Ministry of Culture but it’s an accomplishment for every Bahraini who lives on this planet. The title which Manama was awarded with is an emphasis on its pioneering role in the field of culture and knowledge in the region. Also, our broadly comprehensive civilisation is able to prove that Bahrain has a prime role in cultural word,” explained Shaikha Mai. The year’s events will be supported by twelve pillars of culture: visual arts, architecture, designing, tradition, museums, poetry, intellect, translation work, music, environment, theatre and patriotism. A group of conferences, symposiums, lectures, workshops and cultural exhibitions are just a few of the linedup events.

Among the new projects that will be implemented is the Open Ideas Competition Bab Al Bahrain; to transform the historic land mark. The Kingdom’s creative minds will be invited to share their ideas. The submission deadline is February 1 and a total of U.S. Dollar 15,000 in prize money will be given to the winner. Fine arts focus January’s focus will be the diverse world of fine arts and the month will start with three exhibitions followed by a lecture by HH Princess Wijdan Ali and a translation of the doctorial thesis of the late Bahraini Artist Ahmed Baqer. First up will be the 38th annual plastic arts exhibition featuring the works of Jordanian artists in collaboration with the Royal Society of Fine Arts; the artworks will represent different cultures as well as generations. The True and the Colour of the Dream exhibition will feature works of Arab artists in collaboration with the Arab World Institute in Paris followed by the eagerly awaited opening exhibition of the 5th Bahrain International Sculptural Symposium. After this month’s dose of arts, culture and entertainment, those many lovers of structural design should keep their calendars free as February’ events will have architecture as the primary theme. E Call 17 298-712.

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happeningsartsculture When? January 10-February 4 | Event? Exhibition | Venue? Albareh Art Gallery

Yusuf’s Betrayal Prominent contemporary Iraqi artist, Nazar Yahya, is set to showcase his collection of latest artworks entitled Yusuf. The exhibition consists of ten artworks that use staged, digitised photography printed on rice paper and executed on canvas. Nazar’s conviction and his passion are evident in a series of recent works that symbolise the biblical story of Joseph’s exile in the desert and at the same time, tell a parallel story of the cruel Iraqi exodus from Iraq. The aim is to compare Yusuf’s life with his life story with the perils of our own times. “I am Joseph; we are Joseph enduring the betrayal of our peers, sexual and physical abuse, false accusations and forceful expulsion from our homeland. This is the message of the exhibition,” the artist explains. E Call 17 713-535.

Odd One Out The terms ‘odd’, ‘incompatible’, ‘unbefitting’ or ‘inappropriate’ often have a negative connotation. In an exhibition titled ‘Out of Place’, 17 artists of various backgrounds and ideologies have come together with one common purpose — to explore the meaning of the statement ‘out of place’. The outcome is a diverse and introspective examination of issues related to identity, culture, society and spatial ambiguity, with a shared awareness; that taking something out of context can often help us see it from another perspective. E Call 17 102-600.

28 January 2012 BTM

When? January 11-24 | Event? Exhibition | Venue? Bin Mattar House

When? January 1-8 | Event? Exhibition | Venue? Bahrain Financial Harbour

Calligraphic Harmony International award-winning Bahraini artist, Ebrahim Bu Saad will be displaying his latest drawings this month. Titled Ring of the Dove, the collection will feature 20 artworks of ink on paper. The drawings include both detailed miniatures as well as different styles of calligraphy inspired by the works of 10th century Arab poet Ibn Hazem Al Andalusi. Organised by the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Heritage, the exhibition opening will start at 7pm on January 11. E Call 17 322-549.

When? January 1-8 Event? Exhibition Venue? Bahrain Financial Harbour Seventeen young artists showcase identity, culture, society and spatial ambiguity. E Call 17 102-600. When? January 1-15 Event? Exhibition Venue? Lina’s Café Madhvi Dhanak holds her first solo exhibition featuring paintings inspired by nature. E Call 17 532-538. When? January 1-31 Event? Arabian Culture Capital Venue? Various locations Events in celebration of Manama’s award as the 2012 GCC Culture Capital. E visit www.facebook.com/bapco.

When? January 1-31 Event? Art competition Venue? Bapco Bapco invites artists to take part in a new art contest titled “Energising the Nation”. E Call 17 298-712. When? January 10-February 4 Event? Exhibition Venue? Albareh Art Gallery Nazar Yahya reflects on the biblical story of Joseph’s exile. E Call 17 713-535. When? January 11-24 Event? Exhibition Venue? Bin Matar House Exhibition of exquisite ink drawings on paper, by local artist Ebrahim Bu Saad. E Call 17 322-549. When? January 13 Event? Tamil Festival Venue? Indian Club Celebrate the Tamil Nadu harvest with a host of dance, music and sports festivities. E Call 39 873-488. When? January 14 Event? Exhibition Venue? World Beat Fitness Café Mairi Thomas displays Islamic design through a collection of her photographs. E Call 17 612-576.

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happeningsclubssocieties When? February 4 | Event? Independence Day celebrations | Venue? Sri Lanka Club

A Celebration of Home The Sri Lanka Club is recognising its country’s independence with a day packed full of dance, food, speeches and traditions to take place early next month.

30 January 2012 BTM

February 4 will mark a very important day for Sri Lankans worldwide; the 64th year of independence of the country, which was achieved in 1948. Here in Bahrain, the longstanding Sri Lanka Club will be holding many events at the club’s premises to get all members of the Sri Lankan community into the national spirit, and many guests are expected to don national colours and wave miniature flags. Current club president Wisvanat Jayasekara, who has held his position for one year now, is anticipating the day to be a resounding success. “The club’s celebration of Independence Day is something that has been marked each year since 1982. It’s an important day to observe particularly with fellow Sri Lankans. Each year the festivities are bigger and better and this year will be the best yet!” he explains. Additionally, the consul general’s office will be organising a special cultural programme to complement the club’s events. The commemorative day will begin at 9am on February 4 with the traditional hoisting of the Sri Lankan flag at the club’s premises. Wisvanat himself will do the honours, along with other confirmed attendees including honorary consul general P. Bandara Higgoda, past presidents, senior members and invited guests. Following this will be a welcoming speech from Wisvanat, a speech from the consul general and a third speech from one of the guests.

All attendees will get a feel of authentic Sri Lanka with plenty of traditional native cuisine available for everyone to indulge in. There will also be lots of varied entertainment to keep guests of all ages amused; a range of traditional dances will take place complete with authentic costumes and there will be various musical performances. The event will conclude with a thanking speech from the club’s vice president, Pandula Madawattha. Within the day’s entertainment, a children’s programme will run to keep the little ones amused. “We want the children to enjoy the day and so there will be lots of fun games and entertainment to keep them interested. Sri Lanka’s Independence Day is a fun, and important, day for all to appreciate,” outlines Wisvanat. The Sri Lanka Club is known for its grand celebration of events ever since its establishment in 1978. As well as Independence Day, the club is involved in a host of sporting ventures. Female members love to get involved in the fashion shows executed, and there are many schemes dedicated purely to children, such as the youth leadership programme which has a toastmasters-in-training focus. The club also frequently donates to local charities and shows its support to local communities by inviting all to attend events and functions. E Call 17 276-134.

happeningskidsteens When? January 18 | Event? Marathon | Venue? Arad Bay Corniche

Taking to the Track An expected 100 private school students will be giving their running shoes a good workout this month while getting fit with a short marathon.

32 January 2012 BTM

In an attempt to encourage more children to participate in outdoor activities, a 3 km marathon is being held this month for private school students in the Kingdom. The concept has been devised and organised by Redha Ghuloom of the Lycee Francais MLF De Bahrain School along with the Bahrain Private School Sport League (BPSSL). Given Redha’s previous successes with sporting events — the most recent run at Arad Bay saw 55 children participating — he hopes to instill values in the participating runners that will go beyond school life. “Sport is an integral part of learning; it prompts fitness, sustainability, healthy competitiveness and teamwork. This marathon serves to get children active — this is our main focus. Where they place is not important, that they actively participate and try their best is all that we ask. Being able to interact with others outside of their school is always a bonus too!” explains Redha. The schools that will be participating are Ibn Khuldoon, Bayan School, Bahrain School, St Christopher’s, The British School of Bahrain, Modern Knowledge, Lycee Francais, Al Raja School and Sheikha Hessa School. “In the first-ever run there were over 100 children of all ages, which took quite some time to finish. To have a little more control, now participation is limited to 11 years and above age

groups,” clarifies Redha. All children who wish to participate need to sign up with their relevant school sports teacher in advance of the event and the children who place in the top positions will be awarded with medals for their achievements. Although one of the event’s focuses is to provide a fun day out for kids, a marathon is still not an easy feat and as with any other goal, it takes hard work and dedication. The organisers recommend that runners train well, and in a gradual manner, before all events — Lycee Francais will hold weekly practice sessions during the period running up to the day. Redha himself joined the Lycee Francais in 2011 and has since arranged and organised all of the sporting events. The BPSSL committee meets regularly and allocates events to different school sports professionals; with the current chairman being Rob Subbaini from St Christopher’s school. This year’s BPSSL season promises to be full of sporting events to keep school kids busy and active; next up will be the start of the interschool volleyball and basketball season, boy’s and girl’s squash, tennis and water polo leagues to name a few. “All of the schools in the Kingdom are putting lots of effort into persuading children to take part in, and enjoy, sports. It’s such a simple way for them to spend time with friends and other children and prompts a healthier lifestyle,” says Redha. E Call 17 323-770.

happeningssportsrecreation When? January 28 | Event? Nutrition talk | Venue? Organic Café, Seef Mall Nils El Accad

When? January 1-31 Event? Golf competitions Venue? Awali Golf Club With the Hempel’s Pairs, DHL Challenge Trophy and the Crown Prince Cup, it’s a busy month for golfers! E Call 17 756-770. When? January 6 Event? Half marathon Venue? Seef Take part in the Bahrain Road Runners’ 21-km race, which starts at Seef Mall. E Visit www.bahrainroadrunners.com. When? January 6 Event? Show jumping Venue? Dilmun Stables Head out for a sizzling new Jumping League Event! Show starts at 2pm. E Call 17 693-766.

Organic Lessons Alison Coldridge What you consume on a daily basis can either make you or break you; especially if you are an athlete. Arsenal Soccer School is organising an informative talk at the end of this month, which promises to be highly useful for all budding athletes. From 10am until midday, parents of the school’s children and the young athletes themselves will be able to attend and be educated about the correct diets that athletes should follow, so that they remain fit and healthy. The talk will be led by Nils El Accad, the founder of the largest international organics chain — the Organic Foods and Café. It will focus on how eating right can affect our bodies. Nils aims to educate local athletes in Bahrain as to the best food sources to help them organise their daily meals and improve their performance. The topics to be discussed include the meaning of organic foods, why it’s important, how your body functions and what it cannot deal with, how your body suffers through chemicals, our environment and what we are doing with it and how organic farming works in harmony with nature. The organisers encourage younger athletes to join as Nils will also explain why organic produce is important in assisting bodily functions

34 January 2012 BTM

When? January 6-February 4 Event? Horse riding Venue? Various locations Horse races and championships to keep you entertained at the stables! E Call 17 836-199.

and, in particular, how food can be used to from to produce energy to train and play sports. The man behind the cause Seven years after opening his first outlet, Nils has now become a well-known speaker having given a number of lectures around the region including the American School of Dubai and Sheikh Zayed University. His speeches and discussions all revolve around health and nutrition and how organic food can improve your lifestyle. This pioneer in healthy living was first exposed to the wrongs of the food industry by his mother when he was younger and it was her who had planted in him the seeds of raw food, organic food and healthier living. In the late 1990s he fell ill and realised he was poisoned by the very food he ate. “This was an enlightening experience for me; I went back home to try to change the industry and try to get organic food to the UAE,” he explains. This was when the first Organic Foods and Café was opened, with the aim to make a difference by providing a healthy option to those that cared and with the aim to educate those that did not know. The Bahrain branch can be found on the first floor of Seef Mall’s new extension. E Call 17 561-615.

When? January 8 Event? Soccer season begins Venue? Batelco sports ground Arsenal Soccer School’s new season kicks off for a 12-week period of soccer mayhem! E Call 17 561-615. When? January 16 Event? Ladies’ soccer league Venue? Batelco sports ground Ladies, get your sports shoes on for the Arsenal Soccer School’s ladies’ team season! E Call 17 561-615.

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Lebanese National Day Celebrations Abir Ali, Charge d'Affaires, Lebanese Embassy hosted a reception to mark Lebanese National Day. The event attended by HE Abdulla Abdullatif, Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs, members of the diplomatic corps and VIP guests was held at the Al Riffa Ballroom, Regency InterContinental

Alice, Zainab & Abir Ali

Maya, Youmn, Rodolphe & Carla

Abdulla

HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Thamer Al-Thani, Qatari Ambassador, HE Abdulla Abdullatif Abir Ali & Dr Dhafer Al Umran cut the celebratory cake watched by diplomats

Dr. Kasim Ardati, Dr Najah Al Zayani & Mazen Al Umran

Nabeel Ajoor & Abir Ali

Lillian, Dr Jihan & Joelle

Fatin, Zaina, Akram & Dayana

Carla, George & Nina

Rosita, Meeji, Sukma & Nobuko

Tima, Nidal & Mohammed

36 January 2012 BTM

Jiji & Fadi

Rihab & Baria

Marco

Zaina & Dr Wajdi

Nadia & Sadiq

Monika & Zahi

Abir Ali & Fatima

Souheil

Ashraf

James McDonald

Cyril Mouawad

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Qays H. Zu'bi & Karina Zu'bi Christmas Party Qays H. Zu'bi, Honorary Consul for Canada and his wife Karina Zu'bi hosted a Christmas party for a number of diplomats and VIP guests at their residence in Saar last month

HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Thamer Al-Thani, Qatari Ambassador & Qays Zu'bi

Qays & Karina Zu'bi

HE Thomas Krajeski, US Ambassador & Arif

Qays & Karina Zu'bi with HE Enrico Padula, Italian Ambassador & Milena Padula

Qays & Karina Zu'bi with Mr & Mrs Haytham Al Zu'bi

Karina, Reema, Shehadeh & Qays

38 January 2012 BTM

Jamal, HE Mohammed Siraj, HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Thamer Al-Thani & HE Ahmet Ulker

Karina Zu'bi, Mubarak Kanoo & Qays Zu'bi

Gaider, Stelio, Nasser Alarayedh, Abdul Hussain Dawani, Nabeel Ajoor & Kohei

Qays & Karina Zu'bi with Neville & Nonie

HE Mohammed Siraj, Jordanian Ambassador, Qays Zu'bi & HE Ahmet Ulker, Turkish Ambassador

Sameer Al Majali, Qays Zu'bi & Munther

Mathew, Anna & Zain

Demet, Maria, Chris, Karina & Klara

George & Munther

Jan & Delano

Mariala, Nancy & Nonie

Demet & Sherif

Chris & Edel

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French Ambassador's Reception HE Yves Oudin, French Ambassador hosted a reception during the French Week that celebrated the finest in French cheese, bread and fine vintage. The reception was held at HE's official residence last month

Joseph & HE Yves Oudin

Loutfi, Alexandra & Joelle

Nabeel, Nejib, Kamal & Nasser

40 January 2012 BTM

Vicky, HE HE Mohammed Ashraf Harbi, Egyptian Ambassador, Huda & Jano

Karelin, Isabelle & Vlad

Dr Ahmed & HE Yves Oudin

Kostantinos Pallikaropoulos & George

Kohei & Nobuko

Jehane & Charlotte

Damien & HE Jauhar Saleem, Pakistani Ambassador

Rodolphe with Abdulla Juma

German Ambassador's Reception To celebrate the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander and HE Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, CEO of the Economic Development Board (EDB), to Germany, HE Sabine Taufmann, German Ambassador hosted a reception at her residence last month

HE Abdul Nabi Al Sho'ala, HE Sabine Taufmann & Prof Dr Bernd

Gernot Taufmann, Paola Wafa, HE Sabine Taufmann & Tareq Wafa

Manal Al Saleh, Mohammed Hejres & Noor Butalal

Ali & Jassim

Natalie, Sebastian & Wiebke

Ahlan, HE Sabine Taufmann, HE Essam Khalaf, Works Minister & Jawad Y. Al Hawaj

Amal & Mahmood

Jalil Al Ansari & Gernot Taufmann

Essam, HE Sabine Taufmann, Mohammed Dadabhai & Tariq Taqi

BTM January 2012 41

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US Ambassador's Reception HE Thomas Krajeski, US Ambassador hosted a welcome reception at his residence last month. Senior government officials, diplomats, businessmen, Shura Council members, members of Parliament, academics, and journalists attended the event Bonnie Krajeski & HE Thomas Krajeski, US Ambassador

HE Vichai Virasirikul, Thai Ambassador & Fikret

Nabeel Ajoor, HE Ahmad Shahizan, Malaysian Ambassador & Nor Hayati

Brian & Shana Shawn, Dr Faisal Zeerah, Farouk Almoayyed & Sadiq Dawani

Chen & Tressa

Doris, Groomes & Michelle

Stephanie Williams, Michael, Talal & Ahlam

Hind & Shana

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42 January 2012 BTM

British Ambassador's Reception HE Iain Lindsay, British Ambassador hosted a reception in honour of HE Alistair Burt, Britain's Minister for the Middle East and North Africa who was on a two-day visit to Bahrain. The reception was held at Sandy Whitford's residence

HE Iain Lindsay, Dena, Nasser Al Araryedh & Jihan Alarayedh

Russ, Steve, Hesham & David

Debbie, Mohammed, HE Alistair Burt & Stella

William, Stephanie & Robert

Pauline, Dena & Stella

A VIP guest Nasser Alarayedh

HE Alistair Burt

Brian & Lynne

Stella with Sandy Whitford

HE Alistair Burt

BTM January 2012 43

Inspiring Compilation In his most recent venture, Bahraini music icon Ahmed Al Jumairi joins hands with regional artists for a better future.

In a joint project between legendary music producer Quincy Jones and Emirate social entrepreneur Badr Jafar, the Global Gumbo Group was initiated as a means to develop media opportunities across all entertainment platforms within this region. With the recent ‘Arab Spring’ in mind, the company started a charity project inviting regional superstars to be featured on a song; including Bahrain’s very own Ahmed Al Jumairi. “The song Bokra was chosen, which is an Arabic readaptation of Quincy’s Grammy award-winning song Tomorrow (A Better You, Better Me),” explains the regionally-adored singer. “The song’s message suits this moment in time of Arab history, I think. Teaching us to change our way of thinking, change everything wrong in us and unite our cultures and society for a better future,” he continues. Ahmed was the only Bahraini singer in the project and joining him were other Arab greats like Kadim Al Sahir, Marwan Khoury, Sherine Abdel Wahab and even small cameos by Akon and Shakira. The project took around six months to complete; Ahmed did his recording bit in Doha and the video for the song was shot in Lebanon. All proceeds raised from the charity project will fund educational programs in music, art and culture for children across the region.

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“All the funds will be dedicated to the further development of Arab children. And the whole experience was lovely to be a part of. I met Quincy Jones only after we finished, when we were invited to a dinner before the launch of the song. A truly nice man,” he says. The artist, who is arguably one of the most prominent in his field, had been keeping quite busy these few months. His fans can look forward to the New Year as the singer will be releasing six new traditional songs. Ahmed first showed interest in the arts when he was in school; finding that he could only express himself through music. His first official album was released in 1964 and songs like Shwaij Min Ardh Meknas and Taw Al Nahar will forever be staples in the world of Arab culture. Having one of the longest and most profound careers in the region, Ahmed epitomises the idea of being true to oneself and has always taken pride of his Bahraini roots. His advice to young up and coming Bahraini artists is to always show character. “I advise them to sing and to make the music by the same way they talk, with the Bahraini accent. So that when we hear them, we know that they are representing Bahraini, they should always represent their people,” Ahmed opines. Quincy Jones and Ahmed Al Jumeeri

BTM January 2012 45

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Maserati Reception Euro Motors and Maserati Middle East & Africa hosted an exclusive reception to celebrate the first race of the Maserati Trofeo JBF RAK one-make race series in Bahrain. The reception was held at the Tapas Bar, Hotel Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa last month

Majeed, Abdul Redha, Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Meher, Milena & Maram

Zayed Al Zayani & Umberto

Patrick & Jade

Abdulla, Osamah, Faisal & Mohammed

Stan, Shaikh Salman & David

Adrian & Cedric

Mohammed & Thamer

Firas & Walid

46 January 2012 BTM

Rabie, Mohammed & Saad

Phil & Alix

Fredrick & Gabriel

businessthismonth When? January 9-11 | Event? Congress and exhibition | Venue? Gulf International Convention Centre

The Road to Success Bringing in experts from around the globe, the path to safe and sustainable transport systems is in focus this month at the 3rd International Road Federation exhibition. As Bahrain is undergoing fast economic growth, anchored on a solid foundation of ongoing and future infrastructure projects, the Kingdom will once again be playing host to a major regional event — the 3rd International Road Federation (IRF) Middle East Congress and Exhibition 2012. As the region’s largest and most comprehensive IRF showcase, the event will bring together the world’s foremost road experts and industry leaders to promote the development and dissemination of innovative solutions and the best practices needed to meet Bahrain’s infrastructure needs. Safety will also come under the spotlight as the safety of both motorists and pedestrians will be explored. A forum will also be conducted to discuss and showcase major projects and accomplishments in the entire Gulf region. Consisting of three main components — congress sessions, commercial exhibition, and certified training courses — the programme will consist of plenary, executive and technical sessions featuring innovation and best practices in the areas that will be discussed, which includes road safety, intelligent transport systems (ITS), sustainable transport, pavements and asset management. Visitors may also participate in a special workshop on tunnel construction, developed in cooperation with the International Also this month

Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA) and PIARC (World Road Association). Registered congress delegates will receive an attendance certificate at the end of the event but moreover, an additional three days will be devoted to the world-renowned IRF Certified Training Courses on pavement management, NTCIP and ITS Standards, AASHTO roadside design guide and asset management. The course curricula have been developed to address the specific needs of Bahrain, the rest of the Gulf and the larger Middle East region. All participants who pass the compulsory test will receive an IRF certificate recognised by most engineering societies around the world, and applicable for professional development purposes. Held in parallel with the event will be the technology and commercial exhibition covering 2,000 square metres showcasing the best companies that are active in the Gulf. The exhibition will also include IRF’s Innovation Forum, a platform where the latest technologies will be presented and discussed. The IRF is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation with the mission to encourage and promote development and maintenance of better, safer and more sustainable roads and road networks. Previous Middle East congress hosts were Saudi Arabia and the UAE; IRF have been working together with its members and associates for years, to promote social and economic benefits that flow from well-planned and environmentally sound road transport networks. E Call 17 727-100.

When? January 9-11 Event? Road exhibition Venue? Gulf Hotel Road industry giants will all be under one roof to discuss the region’s leading issues. E Call 17 727-100. When? January 10-11 Event? MEP Venue? BECA Conference covers the key segments of HVAC and refrigeration industry. E Call 17 180-689. When? January 15-17 Event? Green Tech Expo Venue? BIECC Experts from around the world promote green and clean technologies. E Call 17 000-000. When? January 25 Event? 2012 Investor Conference Venue? The Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Spa E Call 17 216-000. When? February 7-9 Event? Gulf Industry Fair Venue? BIECC The most comprehensive industry-related exhibition comes to the Kingdom. E Call 17 299-123.

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BTM January 2012 47

businessconference When? January 25 | Event? 2012 Investors Conference | Venue? The Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Spa

Redefining the Scenario Market turmoil and a crisis of confidence appear to be persistent across global markets. Is 2012 likely to be less or more of the same?

48 January 2012 BTM

Last year will probably go down in history as the worst year for natural disasters worldwide. Add to that the ongoing civil unrest in Middle East and a deepening economic crisis in the Euro zone and it becomes increasingly difficult to make sense as to how the world will unfold in 2012. Investor sentiment continues to be bearish and the focus appears to have shifted towards the region and the wider Asia Pacific to seek out bullish opportunities. To this end, Middle East institutional investors continue to face a variety of challenges, grappling with the market conditions tinged by the European sovereign debt crisis. Ultimately, has enough been done to encourage stability within the global financial system? With these challenges in mind, the 2012 Investors Conference brings a much-needed discussion among MENA market experts. “With its theme ‘Capitalising on market opportunities from a Middle Eastern Perspective’, the event brings together experienced international financial market participants to discuss likely investment opportunities and strategy for investors in the Middle East against a backdrop of the European financial stability of the Euro, sovereign debt crisis of some member states and ratings downgrade,” says Tijjay Majiyagbe, a director at event organiser Sarandon. The conference will feature four panel discussions that seek to define the market outlook, explore the realm of alternative investments and debt capital markets as well as assess the performance of the investor relations function. Heads of researchers from JP Morgan, City, Standard Chartered, HSBC and the International Capital Market

Association (ICMA) will address the outlook on the Middle East markets in light of the volatile landscape. Alternative investments With uncertainty abundant in local and international capital markets, MENA investors are prepared to seize opportunities both at home and abroad to ensure portfolio diversity and asset protection. The time for alternate investments may have arrived, but the hunt is on for resilient sectors and geographies. A second panel discussion will focus on steps taken by institutions and family investors to mitigate risk and explore ways in which Shari-compliant investors in the region seeking to diversify from real estate can capitalise on alternative investment opportunities. The local currency government debt markets have so far played a limited role in the Gulf region and a third panel discussion will dissect the nascent growth of the region’s debt capital markets. Managing expectations Heavily impacted by a downward spiralling economy, investor relations have become a brand new challenge today. Yet, communicating with investors and shareholders, especially during the tough times, results in a resilient shareholder base that can ride the storm. The last panel discussion will focus on successful case studies of US and Singapore-based companies in actively managing investors. E Call 17 216-000.

businessentrepreneur Jacob Thomas and Kyle Henry

Opportunity in Adversity There’s nothing like adversity to test the strength of a business relationship, believe entrepreneurial duo Jacob and Kyle.

50 January 2012 BTM

Celebrating the first anniversary of their partnership this month, Jacob Thomas and Kyle Henry look back with satisfaction at the year they have weathered together. Both businesses launched by the duo over the last year have thrived to the point that exciting expansion plans are now very much on the cards. Autovee, the Kingdom’s lone branded car-care service has been the fastest player to get “Grade A” workshop certification from insurance companies while Patrick York Ireland (PYI), the insurance and reinsurance brokerage firm, registered a growth of 15 per cent during 2011. “Carrying on business anywhere in the world these days is difficult, however we remain confident in the potential of this region, particularly Bahrain and intend to build our base on this beautiful island, from where we will soon expand to other neighbouring countries” says Jacob. Having worked in the automotive trade for 17 years, Jacob had set himself a timeframe that envisaged starting his own venture at 40. He met the ‘deadline’ in December 2010 when he bought out human resource consultancy firm IPF. The same year Jacob met Kyle, who had worked at some of the most prestigious insurance firms in London, but had grown up in Bahrain and wanted to relocate here. Sharing the same values and a passion for the Kingdom, the duo decided to embark on ventures that would tap into their core expertise. Autovee was born in December 2010. Excercising prudent business practices to control expense, which included utilising back office efficiencies in India gave the predicted results and the ventures are firmly in the black.

“Working on reduced margins and providing a second to none service has basically given our clients exactly what they want”, says Kyle. “Being leaner & meaner has paid off for us", chipped in a smiling Jacob. The vibrant business duo are confident for the future prospects not just in Bahrain but regionally. Delivering Value The duo have set their sights on delivering value, no matter what they tackle. For instance, says Jacob “Bahrain has over 270 car repair workshops but the market is largely unorganized. I believe there’s ample scope for a branded carcare facility providing affordable service. With our 20,000 square feet facility in Salmabad that can service over 150 automobiles every month, Autovee aims to deliver a customer experience entirely different from the usual motor workshops. We have the best of automotive machinery and technicians that allow us to tackle the most challenging of tasks”. Such has the name and reputation grown, Saudi and UAE investors have approached the duo proposing joint ventures. On the insurance front, PYI has forged trusted and loyal relationships with both local insurers and international reinsurers. Their part acquisition of a UK (City based) broker gives the company direct access to Lloyds of London, from which they are able to offer very competitive cover on Sabotage & Terrorism insurance. There is friendliness in their unassuming smiling faces which belies the confidence and determination of this entrepreneurial duo.

businessinterview Sheikh Mohammed Al Khalifa and Sam Van Campenhout

xxxxx Marriott chose Bahrain to launch the Residence Inn brand in all of the Middle East, which speaks volumes of their confidence in Bahrain The challenge remains in the ability to offer something different. Under the Marriott stable, RI offers a hotel feel in both its layout and services, but the serviced suites combine the convenience of a hotel with the essentials of an apartment. “The main reason for venturing into this market was the strong performance of MEA. It did so well that we saw the opportunity to further develop the segment,” says Sam. Sheikh Mohammed says he chose to extend the partnership with Marriott since the brand has instant recall in the region. “Customers here demand bigger rooms and personalised service. Marriott was flexible enough to accommodate all our requirements,” he says.

A different league

RESIDENCE INN, MARRIOTT

Winning Combination All eyes are on Marriott Residence Inn as the brand debuts in one of Bahrain’s fast expanding hospitality segments — the extendedstay clientele.

52 January 2012 BTM

Three years after it opened the Marriott Executive Apartments (MEA) in Juffair, Marriott has launched its Residence Inn (RI) brand in Bahrain. The extended-stay suites are only the third property under this brand outside the US, after Munich and Edinburgh. Geared primarily towards the GCC business traveller as well as customers from the US, the all-suites property offers stays between five and 29 days. The RI brand is a notch lower than the upscale MEA, which typically caters to long-term expatriates staying for months. “Marriott chose Bahrain to launch the Residence Inn brand in all of the Middle East, which speaks volumes of their confidence in Bahrain,” notes Sheikh Mohammed Al Khalifa, managing director, International Trading and Investments Company, the project promoters. Bahrain is once again the preferred weekend destination among GCC travellers and their demand for serviced accommodation has gone up. Extended stay comprises about one-third of all business travel room nights, believes Sam Van Campenhout, general manager of both properties.

The Residence Inn is several notches above most of the hotels and serviced accommodation coming into supply in Juffair, feels Sheikh Mohammed. “Many saleable apartments and even office properties are being converted into serviced accommodation, but nothing can match the quality and safety standards of Marriott, who’ve been working closely with us since the planning stages.” For instance, the fire safety standards followed by Marriott are possibly the most stringent in the industry. The RI building includes a provision for fresh air in the corridors to suck out smoke in the event of a fire. Being a value proposition brand, RI offers everything that a price-conscious family looks for; complimentary daily hot buffet breakfast, a self-service pantry, a 24-hour market at the lobby, a fully functional kitchen, free Internet in rooms, a laundrette and a 42 inch television and even room heater in bedrooms. For those who want to cook, there’s a complimentary grocery delivery service to restock their refrigerators. Business travellers will find workstations in the suites, wired and wireless Internet and a meeting room that seats 15 people. The property will draw on the strength of MEA next door and both properties will benefit from shared services and a stronger management team. “Marriott has the strongest reservation system in the business, with our website ranking the eighth best consumer website in the world, generating US$3,500 in revenues every second,” Sam says. RI customers will also enjoy more rewards on their booking compared to MEA as Marriott has a very generous customer loyalty programme for the RI brand.

riday Jazzy runch

Brunch: 12pm - 5pm

downtimethismonth Kris Humphries and Kim Kardashian

I Said What? Really? Never! Elma Bartholomew New Year’s resolutions — every year we make them and every year we break them. But that’s just us. What happens when celebrities make high claims and forget about it? We’re only a few days into 2012 and already there’s a good chance that the gym membership has stains on it from the takeaway pizza you ate last night. Still, it’s good to have goals. From getting fit to learning how to play the guitar or throwing themselves out of a plane, there were some interesting blunders that celebrities made last year. Topping the charts by an invincible margin and setting a benchmark for dumb stars for years to come was limelight-crazy Kim Kardashian, of course. The reality star had pledged to remain single for all of 2011. Yes, it was hard to put that name and that word in the same sentence and not question my faith in everything under the sun. And I wasn’t the only one who thought this was a resolution that would probably end five minutes after the final countdown. It was already a thoughtless claim to make when she had already been dating NBA star Kris Humphries. But then, let’s not begin to analyse the brain functionality of that family or its fans. What the world-renowned serial dater, whose good deal of fame relies on her A-list counterparts, must have meant is that she isn’t going to tie the knot. That would be more believable. But wait; what were we thinking? We’re talking about the Also this month

Kardashians here. If they aren’t scheming a way to stay in the tabloids and magazine covers, they’re finding a way to load up their vaults. And surprise us, she did. Before she could make it halfway through the year, Kim had a rock to flaunt. And before her followers could wrap their brains around its price, wedding plans were on — on air. And if you thought the entire hullabaloo about her special day was a media stunt, what would you call a 72-day marriage? So, let’s see if we got this straight. Before she had found her way through 2011, she had found a boyfriend, got engaged, got married and filed for divorce — all understandably while she was struggling to stay single. Now you must agree, not a lot of us can check out everything on our grocery list at that pace. We’ve got to give it to her, that’s some skill she’s got there. It looks like she’s going to stick on to that ‘promise’ to herself, at least till she misses making the covers for a few weeks running. In all fairness, she only said she wants to try to be single in her whole year of being 30. At least she ended 2011 that way, so that should count, right? Besides it was followed by an anticipatory bail, “I don’t think that’s going to last because that’s just how I am. But the fact that I’m trying is a big step for me.” We agree. It sure is. This is where we all stand and applaud. I’ve always heard people feel better when they know they’re not alone at whatever it is that they are going through. So, don’t beat yourself up if you’ve already broken your resolution. For celebrities, it’s usually hard enough to think of anything to say, let alone stick to it.

000 Gadgets x 000 Music x 000 Computer games x 000 Websites x 000 Satellite TV

I Spy

The Spy Gear Spy Video Trakr is probably the most intelligent remote-controlled vehicle ever. With colour video and sound facilities, you can catch all the action live; customise it with online apps if the built-in ones won’t do.

The Wait Ends

The Razer Tiamat 7.1 headset is a unique piece of gaming kit and is equipped with 10 discrete drivers; five in each circumaural ear cup to give you true pinpoint positional surround sound.

BTM January 2012 55

downtimegadgets

Revamping Your Virtual World By the New Year, every home has gone through a facelift. It’s time to start flaunting your gizmo updates and here are a good few that’ll keep you on top of things.

Fighting every shot

Olympus has released the Tough TG-810 taking toughness to a whole new level. The new cameras are virtually indestructible. It is waterproof, shockproof, freeze-proof and scratch-resistant. The range also offers a host of nifty features that delivers excellent quality shots. Available in Gajria Electronics.

It’s got eyes

LG Electronics’ Hom-Bot 2.0 is a robotic vacuum cleaner. It combines dual cameras (upper and lower) with ultrasonic and infrared sensors to navigate, ensuring thorough cleaning with minimal collisions throughout the home.

Editors pick!

In a touch

The QuNeo multi-touch pad is a unique controller designed for electronic musicians, DJs, VJs and DIY hackers. While it covers all of the functionality of other pad controllers, QuNeo adds the power of touch recognition in other dimensions.

The sky on your wrist

Going retro

Yamaha makes all sorts of audio gear. Now, it has a new amp for musicians that looks really cool with a very retro design. The outside may look like something from decades ago, but inside it’s modern.

56 January 2012 BTM

The Portuguese Sidérale Scafusia from IWC combines solar time and sidereal time on a single dial. From the front, this is a classical Portuguese watch, from the reverse side an astronomical instrument and, on the inside, a milestone in the art of haute horlogerie.

Shocking news

Fans worldwide will be pleased to learn that the sequel to the popular Bioshock game will arrive on Mac OS X this month. The port onto the Mac is being created by Mac dev Feral Interactive.

Staying indoors

The Nest smart thermostat is equipped with a colour display and has been designed to keep your house warm or cool using its onboard â&#x20AC;&#x153;learningâ&#x20AC;? system. It is also fitted with a IR proximity, PIR movement, humidity, magneto scroll and a mini USB connector.

Bound by law

After purchasing EchoSign, Adobe has now revealed their new iOS application can send a document for a legallybinding eSignature, allowing users to get documents signed in minutes rather than days, increasing the speed of completion for projects and orders.

A comical experience

Hori has unveiled their new Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 Fight Stick, designed for gamers to get a little extra edge during combat. Features include a wide body design with a heavy weight to provide a more stable and spacious platform for control.

A heartbeat away

If you have an iPhone 4S or other smart device that is Bluetooth Smart ready, the new Wahoo Blue HR is designed just for you. The device is designed to interface with fitness apps and send your heart rate directly to them.

All in one

Popular cloud storage service has launched a new version of its mobile application for the Android, DropBox 2.0, and it comes with a new design. It now adds support for version 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, plus a range of bug fixes.

BTM January 2012 57

downtimevoicebox

Planning to Buy a New Car? FAWAZ AL BALOOSHI A lot of new models are coming up in the year 2012…You’d better start making up your mind on something NOW! But, what would you buy?

Abdulla Janahi | AGE 26 I am planning to get the Ford Mustang 5.0; it’s fast, quite underpriced for its crazy performance, and is much better than a lot of cars in its range. The agent here is really good, too; you get a service package on the car once you buy it.

Rebecca Muller | AGE 26

Soha Ahmed | AGE 25

I was really disappointed; I had made up my mind to buy a HUMMER and then the salesman was like, production stopped. That was my first choice; now I’m just going to wait and use my old baby until I get a promotion.

At the moment, I’m not very sure about buying a car. My financial situation is pretty tight, although I’d like to acquire a Porsche Cayman. I wanted to get one last year but my friends were against it; now I regret not getting it when I had the chance.

Ola Riyadh | AGE 24 I’m in love with the Porsche Panamera; unfortunately it’s out of my league. For now I will be getting a Lexus IS; it’s girlie, reliable and I wouldn’t feel weird driving it. On top of that its resale value is so good you don’t even feel like you lost any money on it.

58 January 2012 BTM

Ameera Al Kallawi | AGE 25 I just got a Cadillac CTS two months back; I like it and am enjoying it. Maybe when I decide to sell it, I would be thinking of something like BMW 5 Series — beautiful car. But for now my ‘Cadi’ is the best car in the whole world.

music

Cruising Through an Illusion Their agonisingly slow evolution hit a wall last year with their sludge-treading album. Has Korn been able to find themselves in their latest release? Read on to see what we think of it.

Korn

The Path of Totality

OF AL TH B E UM M ON TH

RATING:

WHAT’S THE STORY? Jonathan Davis and

crew attempt to take their grimy brand of hard rock in a different direction on their latest album. Pairing with a handful of successful dubstep, drum, bass and electro artists, the band tries to meld the swirling industrial stomp of those genres with their own burly rock. While it is a daring step for the band, the inability to balance the two sides of the hybrid make for an uneven album marked with great highs and disappointing lows.

WORTH A LISTEN?

This is nothing more than an experimental album that wouldn’t be a loss if it never hit the stands. Many parts sound like trash. Of the 13, there are probably five tracks that are worthy of a second listen, but we don’t think it’ll last long on your playlist. If it does, you really must be a hardcore fan. Even if the album doesn’t deliver as consistently as you’d like it to, Davis’ vocals seem right at home slithering through the winding grind; the warped rhythm and heavier reliance on the guitar swell to a fiery hook for proof that this is a great concept at its core.

VERDICT: This album proves to its fans that they are lost beyond belief. TOP TRACKS: Get Up, My Wall, Way Too Far. Taio Cruz

TY.O

The British star is back with a third album that includes 11 amazing tracks. The sizzling first single titled Troublemaker is a definite hit. This starstudded venture also features Flo Rida in the massive international single Hangover, a catchy number from start to finish giving a hint to what the rest of the tracks have to offer. You’ll also find input from Pitbull, Ludacris and David Guetta; all reasons to get hooked.

Hot Chelle Rae

Nightwish

Whatever

Imaginaerum

The tracks on the sing-alongfilled album are every bit as innocuous as they mean to be. In the context of the obvious target audience of girls between the age of 9 and 14, they pass off as inspirational.

If the symphonic power metal of the Finnish heavyweights always took your fancy, the added Corpse Bride-esque soundtrack dimension will absolutely fascinate you.

BTM January 2012 59

downtimecomputergames

A Game of Success

Ahmed Al-Nasheet Every year, gamers around the world tune into Spike TV to watch the annual Video Game Awards. Catch who made the cut and who didn’t in 2011. It has been nine years since Spike TV started airing the Video Game Awards (VGA). In 2011, it was hosted by the talented star of NBC’s ‘Chuck’ Zachary Levi, a show produced by Emmy award-winner Mark Burnett. Featuring cutting edge in-show augmented reality and world premiere footage from hotly anticipated releases, the ninth annual event proved to be a night to remember. Internationally, the VGAs (as they call it) were screened in over 100 countries and territories around the world as it played host to the most influential members of the gaming industry, as well as stars from the fields of sports, television, music and movies gathered on the biggest night in the gaming world. Together, they watched The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim receive the highest honour in the virtual realm of entertainment when it took home the coveted Vector Monkey after being named ‘Game of the Year’. It also won the title of ‘Best RPG’ and garnered ‘Studio of the Year’ honours for Bethesda Game Studios. Other multiple award-winners include Portal 2 which won in five prominent categories, including ‘Best PC Game’ and ‘Best Multiplayer’; Batman: Arkham City which won four Vector Monkeys including the titles for ‘Character of the Year’ for the Joker, ‘Best Xbox 360 Game’ and ‘Best Action Adventure Game’. Guest appearances The night debuted never-before-seen world premieres of the most anticipated games of 2012 and beyond. Some of them were Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us and the surprise unveiling of Command & Conquer: Generals 2, Alan Wake: American Nightmare, Epic Games’ Fortnight, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow 6 Patriots, Transformers: Fall of Cybertron, BioShock Infinite and the winner for ‘Most Anticipated Game’ Mass Effect 3.

60 January 2012 BTM

This year’s show was truly a big success with all the announcements and the appearances from the gaming industry stars to the big names from the big and mini-screens. It shocked viewers worldwide with celebrities like Charlie Sheen, Brooklyn Decker, Seth Green, Felicia Day, LL Cool J, Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott, Tony Hawk, will.i.am, Hulk Hogan and Stacy Keibler. The VGA’11 ended on a high note with the legend himself Hideo Kojima, the creator of the Metal Gear Solid franchise, who presented an exclusive screening of the trailer of his new game Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. 2011 was a great year for gamers and the show perfectly summed up its success; you can catch it all again ,and my thoughts, online in my channel (www.youtube.com/DvLZGaME).

Winners of the VGA’11 Game of the Year: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Studio of the Year: Bethesda Game Studios Character of the Year: The Joker (Batman: Arkham City) Video Game Hall of Fame Award: The Legend of Zelda Gamer God Award: Blizzard Entertainment Best Xbox 360 Game: Batman: Arkham City Best Ps3 Game: Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception Best Wii Game: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Best PC Game: Portal 2 Best Handheld/Mobile Game: Super Mario 3D Land Best Shooter: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Best Action Adventure Game: Batman: Arkham City Best RPG: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Best Multi-Player: Portal 2 Best Individual Sports Game: Fight Night Champion Best Team Sports Game: NBA 2K12 Best Driving Game: Forza Motorsport 4 Best Fighting Game: Mortal Kombat Best Motion Game: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Best Independent Game: Minecraft Best Adapted Video Game: Batman: Arkham City Best Song in a Game: Build that Wall (Zia’s Theme) by Darren Korb -Bastion Best Original Score: Bastion Best Graphics: Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception Best Performance by a Human Male: Stephen Merchant as Wheatley, Portal 2 Best Performance by a Human Female: Ellen McLain as GLaDOS, Portal 2 Best Downloadable Game: Bastion Best DLC: Portal 2 Peer Review Most Anticipated Game: Mass Effect 3 Gametrailers.Com Trailer of The Year: Assassin’s Creed: Revelations, E3 2011

dvds

D ONT DV M

E TH

Midnight in Paris RATING: DIRECTED BY: Woody Allen STARRING: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams

THE PLOT:

Gil and Inez travel to Paris as a tag-along vacation on her parents’ business trip. He is a successful Hollywood writer but is struggling on his first novel. He falls in love with the city and thinks they should move there after they get married, but she does not share his romantic notions of the city. When his fiancée goes off dancing with her friends, Gil discovers what could be the ultimate source of inspiration for writing. His daily walks at midnight in Paris could take him closer to the heart of the city but further from the woman he’s about to marry.

WORTH WATCHING? There are very few movies that you

watch and by the end of which you will have realised you could watch this a hundred times over and love it just as much. Midnight in Paris rekindles your love for reading classics, for travelling, for appreciating art and, in its own way, even in your faith in true love. It is wonderful how a tale winding in such fantasy can bring back a sense of reality in you.

VERDICT: It’s everything you can expect from Woody Allen and more.

Kung Fu Panda 2 The only way Po can win the war against the end of kung fu is to master inner peace. This isn’t easy as he is burdened by crippling flashbacks that link him to the antagonist. The adventurous path is as hilarious as the first. It’s a fun, family watch.

Mr Popper’s Penguins The life of a businessman begins to change after he inherits six penguins. Before he knows it, life is anything but the same. Jim Carrey is his usual best. You’ll want penguins by the end of the movie.

BTM January 2012 61

downtimewebsites

Time-savers’ Special OF

SITEON EB M W THE

If you’ve learnt to manage time, you’ve learnt it all. Most of our time is wasted trying to get hold of what we need. What if a website could bring you everything you’re looking for?

SiteSimon.com RATING:

WHAT IS IT?

Discover more, work less. SiteSimon recommends articles, videos, and other content by privately analysing your browsing habits and social connections. It pulls in content shared by your networks on Facebook and Twitter and helps you connect with new people who share your interests. Not only does it power your recommendations, but it’s also the fastest way to share content you love.

THE GOOD:

They learn from what you’re already doing, so there’s no additional work on your part. Privacy is their biggest priority. They keep your browsing data anonymous. Nothing you browse is ever made public unless you actively share something. SiteSimon never records known personal content, secure web pages, client emails, or anything viewed in private browsing.

THE BAD:

Although it seamlessly integrates with your browser via an add-on, this feature is active on Google Chrome alone. If you aren’t a fan of the search engine, you might be a little disappointed with their link-up with Gmail when it comes to sharing information via your email account. Some might find it a little creepy that it remembers your likes and dislikes.

VERDICT: It is not easy to find online content that interests you. SiteSimon makes it easy.

MyOpenLetter.in Wouldn’t it be nice if there was something that let you address anyone openly, i.e. for all to read? If you agree, then you should definitely check out the web service called MyOpenLetter. It is a free to use web service that lets you write open letters to anyone else in the world and publish them online. This service was inspired by the ‘open letter saga’ on Twitter. A major benefit is that it offers a very user-friendly platform.

Ruck.us It is clear that the war at the top of the social network pyramid is likely to be Facebook versus Twitter for the next few years. So, people perhaps realise the futility of investing time and energy into building yet another all-in-one social site. Therefore niche social sites are the new thing and Ruck.us has just joined the league. Thanks to this website, it is now easier to find people with similar interests and you can avoid the hassle of screening through every person that you have come across in your life. Choose the people you would like to stay in touch with and those you would like to get to know.

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TH E

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movies

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol RATING: DIRECTED BY: Brad Bird STARRING: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg

THE PLOT: In the fourth instalment of the Mission Impossible series, Ethan Hunt and his team track down a dangerous terrorist named Hendricks, who has gained access to Russian nuclear launch codes and is planning a strike on the United States. An attempt by the team to stop him at the Kremlin ends in a disaster, with an explosion causing severe destruction, forcing the President to invoke Ghost Protocol under which the IMF is disavowed. Undaunted, they chase Hendricks to Dubai, and from there to Mumbai. But several close encounters later, they might still be too late to stop a disaster.

WORTH WATCHING?

Let’s face it; the only reason people follow the Mission Impossible series religiously is for the impeccable action sequences. The one thing that is consistently offered is the suspense factor. This time is no different with the nail-biting scenes shot in Dubai. A true fanatic that can move away from the Ethan Hunt aura would realise the plot is too loose. There’s no chance of you developing any sort of rage against the villain because he’s barely there. More than a fight of good versus evil, this is only a race against time.

VERDICT: The most advertised scenes make it worth the watch; you know which ones we’re talking about.

Tower Heist What happens when a bunch of good guys try to play Robin Hood with one of the wealthiest and most protected businessman in the city? A mess, by the truck loads. A suspense comedy, it has a Mission Impossible touch to it.

Cat in Boots There is no justification good enough to be watching this flick. If you love the character that stole your heart in the Shrek series, then we advise you to stay away from this one. It’s disappointing to say the least.

BTM January 2012 63

downtimesatTV WHEN? Every Friday on OSN First HD/OSN First

MOVIES

Fright Night Senior Charlie Brewster (Anton Yelchin) finally has it all; he’s running with the popular crowd and dating the hottest girl in high school. In fact, he’s so cool he’s even offending his best friend Ed. But trouble arrives when an intriguing stranger, Jerry (Colin Farrell) moves in next door. A remake of the 1985 original, Fright Night is about the events that follow when this teenager guesses that his new neighbour is a vampire responsible for a string of recent deaths in the vicinity. When no one he knows believes him, he enlists a self-proclaimed vampire killer and Las Vegas magician, to help him take down Jerry. The remake benefits from terrific performances by Colin Farrell and David Tennant. It’s smart, funny and stylishly gory to boot. Find out if Charlie gets rid of the monster in this revamp of the comedy-horror classic.

SERIES/SPECIALS

Drop Dead Diva (Season 3) The highly anticipated third season of the hit series Drop Dead Diva premieres January 6 at 9pm. Praised by critics and loved by fans, the one-hour, comedic drama tells the story of a shallow wannabe model who dies in a sudden accident only to find her soul resurfacing in the body of a brilliant, plus-size and recently deceased attorney, Jane. Produced by Sony Pictures Television, this sitcom features Brooke Elliott. Now both personalities must learn to coexist in Jane’s curvy frame in the ultimate showdown between brains and beauty. The Season 3 opener will once again be a celebrity-packed celebration as entertainer Paula Abdul reprises her role as Jane’s voice of reason to give her some sage advice about her relationship. LeAnn Rimes also guest-stars as the estranged soon-to-be ex-wife to a hard-partying celebrity who is on trial for a hit-and-run case that Jane takes on.

WHEN? Every Friday on OSN Comedy

Happy Endings (Season 2) It revolves around the lives of a bunch of friends whose little group was rocked when the couple that brought them together part ways. In this modern comedy, a break-up will complicate all of their lives and make everyone question their choices.

64 January 2012 BTM

WHEN? Every Sunday on OSN Comedy

Whitney The pilot episodes take a hilarious look at modern-day love, which centres on Whitney (Whitney Cummings) and Alex (Chris D’Elia), a happily unmarried couple. Together for three years, the duo is in no rush to get hitched, which seems to get a mixed response from their friends.

WHEN? OSN Comedy, January 30

WHEN? OSN Box Office 3, January 24

Letters to Juliet

Horrible Bosses

This is the final film of director Gary Winick. The film was inspired by the 2006 nonfiction book, Letters to Juliet, by Lise and Ceil Friedman, which chronicles the phenomenon of letter writing to Shakespeare’s most famous romantic heroine.

For Nick, Kurt and Dale, the only thing that would make the daily grind more tolerable would be to grind their intolerable bosses into dust. There’s only one problem, even the best laid plans are only as foolproof as the brains behind them.

Community (Season 3) A smarmy lawyer whose education is deemed void by the bar is forced to attend a local community college with an extremely eclectic staff and student body. Community returns to screens this month with a fresh new load of madness.

WHEN? OSN Cinema/OSN Movies HD, January 25

WHEN? OSN Box Office 1, January 27

bystanderthismonth

Golden Tulip Kids Christmas Party & Tree Lighting To mark the festive season, the Golden Tulip held a Christmas Party for kids and tree lighting last month. The reception featured Christmas carols, and Santa Claus much to the delight of the kids, and lots of good cheer

Soetekin, Inge & Ellemein

Connie & Lorenzo

Maya, Uddhav, Pradeep & Atharv

Dilraz & Monika

Nico & Daniela

Nina, Dilraz & George

Emily, Katja & Nick

Lani, Ulysse & Michel

Philip & Irina

Ghuloom, Adel & Rachel

Maria & Layal

Chloe & Candy

Nina, Sunny & Jessica

BTM January 2012 65

bystanderthismonth

Little Picasso's Art Competition The International Advertising Agency (iaa) held the annual Little Picasso's Art Competition at the Al Aali Shopping Complex last month. A large number of kids participated in the event under the theme 'I Love Bahrain'

Saeed Abdul Rahman cuts the ribbon to open the competition

Mahin, Saeed Abdul Rahman, Lynne & Mohammed

Fatima & Jameela

Enasa, Abdul Rahman & Esra

Nayla & Shaikha

Mona & Sara

Ashika & Abita

Sairama

66 January 2012 BTM

Anna

Hasooni & Mahin

Sunita, Silvia, Meera, Amina & Hisham

Reem & Salma

French Week Closing Reception Under the patronage of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council of Youth and Sports and Chairman of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) a reception was held to mark the end of the French Week that was held in the kingdom last month. The reception attended by HE Yves Oudin, French Ambassador and a number of VIP guests was held at The Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

Mala Kumar, HH Shaikh Nasser & HE Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador

Fares, Sami, Mirna & Bert

HE Yves Oudin & HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa with VIPs

HE Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister of Culture

HE Dr Hassan Fakhro, Industry and Commerce Minister

Abdul, Amanda, Ray, Anne & Lori

Abdulla Juma & Betsy

HE Dr Majid Al Nuaimi, Minister of Education

Sid Banerjee

Mona & Lynne

BTM January 2012 67

bystanderthismonth

K Hotel Christmas Tree Lighting The K Hotel in Juffair held a Christmas Tree lighting to mark the festive season

Santa Claus & Neman Abdulla

Chef Rozario, Leobel & Muzammil

Salina & Cristalyn

Anjali, Cheryl, Diya, Sherya & Aru

Laura, Sophia, Samar, Merna, Mariah, Maya & Ahlam

Raj, Manju, Armaan & Amogha

John, Alexandra & Giovanna

Maile, Lani & Stephanie

Always at your disposal

Mayukh & family

Louisa, Micaiah & Herbie

Offers available: 1. Circuit training session: kickboxing, mixed exercise for punching techniques, move, cardio, stamina and strength exerciseâ&#x20AC;Ś. 2. Personal training: A) Fitness programs: burning fats, metabolic acceleration, strengthening muscles B) Recreation program: a combination of different exercise to raise the basic physiological functions of your body. C) Kick-boxing training: punching technique, movement, stamina, strength... Personal training programs intended for age groups from 7 to 75 years based strictly on individual health assessment.

Facilities available: Cardiovascular equipment, isotonic equipment, exercise equipments like olympic bench, weights and dumbbells, adjustable benches and racks. Plus jacuzzi, steam room and swimming pool.

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For further information visit us at Juffair Fitness Center, next to Bahrain Medical Society, Juffair. Or call us: Mobile: 33002592, Tel: 77072220, E-mail: jfcenter@hotmail.com

Crowne Plaza Christmas Carols The Crowne Plaza Bahrain held an evening of Christmas carols to celebrate the festive season. The carols were held at the hotel's lobby last month

The choir signing carols

Shova

Pascal Eggerstedt & Ebrahim Kooheji

Eric & Marivic

Ahmed, Ashraff & Susantha

Marivic, Ehab & Christy

Karishma & Tamara

Ameer, Abha & Marvan

Kisha & Emma

Ali

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Adnan & Faye Sharabi Thanksgiving Dinner Adnan & Faye Sharabi held a traditional thanksgiving dinner for a number of friends at their residence in Saar

Adnan & Faye Sharabi

Henny Dawani

Rashida Tadayon, Dato Zubaida Ariff & Fawzia Ariff

Faye Sharabi, Rakan Jallad & Khalil Rasool

Faye Sharabi & Zain Jallad

Ismail Rasool & Abdul Hussian Dawani

Ladan Rasool, Adnan Sharabi & Dr Bahiya Al Jishi

Hussain Tadayon & Dr Mohammed Khozai

Noha & Rakan

Marcia, Adnan, Jenine & Yasmin

Marcia Johnston, Yasmin Sharabi & Jenine Sharabi

Firas Alkhozai,Khalil Rasool & Yanal Jallad

Al Ghalia Zumba Charity Event A large number of people attended the Zumbaning Charity event organised by Al Ghalia with Dessange Bahrain at the Al Bander Hotel and Resort last month. The event part of Al Ghalia Give Back programme was a 12-hour Zumba and Spinning session on the beach to raise money for the Bahrain Cancer Society (BCS)

At an earlier press meet announcing the event are, Adnan, Ahmed, Yasmine Deeb, Suzanne Yousef & Lelali Vray

Maria, Rahmed, Ahmed, Tariq & Ivy

Katarina & Lelani

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Mohammed

Tamara, Lina & Yasmin

Lama

Zumba class during the event

Layal, Nada, Bayan & Fatima

Charmain & Zenobia

Elena

Badia, Yasmine & Rabie

Almoayyed Motors ‘Explore Bahrain’ Event – Mission Accomplished Explore Bahrain, an event sponsored by Almoayyed Motors, the authorised dealer of Ford in Bahrain, gave people a chance to rediscover the Kingdom’s heritage sites and amusement parks. The mission, launched in November 2011 and lasting for five weeks, was to rediscover Bahrain while winning cash vouchers and high-value gifts apart from free entry tickets to the respective facilities. Explorers who were sharp enough to track down the locations were also eligible for raffle draws. A large number of participants who registered to the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/fordbh) visited Al Areen Wildlife, the first location on November 19, Wahooo! Water Park on November 24, Adhari Park on December 10, Funland on December 17 and Bahrain International Karting Circuit on December 24. To participate, all they had to do was to ‘like’ the Ford Bahrain page on Facebook and register to get a unique ID after which it was all about exploring. They kept track of their progress and status with an exclusive app that showed them which locations they had visited or missed

Participants at the Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary Event

Jaffar Al Ashoor, winner of the raffle for the event at Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary & Declan McCluskey, Automotive general manager, Y.K. Almoayyed

Sandeep Mathur, senior marketing manager, Y.K. Almoayyed congratulates Syed Kurshid Asif, winner of the event at Wahooo! Waterpark, in the presence of Syed Ashfaque & Dharmesh Bhat

Participants at Wahooo! Waterpark event

Orchid Thai Restaurant Launch The Ramada Palace Bahrain held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the hotel's Orchid Thai Restaurant. The ribbon was cut by well know Filipina actress, fashion model and singer Ara Mina

Anna & Sam

Thatree & Ara

Ara Mina cuts the ribbon watched by hotel management & guests

Rajiv, Hareesh, general manager, Basim & Mo

Sam, Hareesh & Sageer

Amitabh, Sarosh & Jude

Ara Mina with hotel management, staff and guests

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Bahrain Specialist Hospital Annual Day The Bahrain Specialist Hospital celebrated its 9th anniversary with a staff party at the hospital's coffee shop last month

Dr. Kasim Ardati, Alaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a Al Zayani & Hassan Mokdad

Anita & Lolita

Fawas & Waleed

Arpitha & Sunny

Kiran

Staff who performed during the party

Jancy & Lissy

Irene, Jocelyn & Joyce

Mary Grace, Temelee & Rona

Dr Lani, Dr Aysha, Prema & Dr Salam

Hassan, Redha, Jaffer & Ahmed

Winter Wonderland at Bahrain City Centre Bahrain City Centre celebrated the festive season with a magical Winter Wonderland, reminiscent of a picturesque winter village. The larger-than-life display took children and families on a journey through snow-capped trees, and encountering a giant snowman, polar bears and reindeer along the way made for a fun, interactive experience for all

Nada & Mawahib

Rabia, Saad, Kamran, Taha & Samina

Mohammed

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Lulu & Sophia

Luisa, Zaki & Jenan

Malak, Khalid & Diala

Danya

Saloni

Sabeena & Umar

Noor

Praveena & Vasin

Alex & Megan

Joud

Bharathanatyam Arangetram The Bharatnatyam Arangetram (debut performance) of Sneha S. Nair, Simran N. Butt & Aishwarya Dinesh Dhume at the Baan Saeng Thai Restaurant in Adliya last month

Aishwarya, Simran, Guru Kalamadalam Soumya & Sneha

Joby Thomas lights the traditional lamp

Hale Ruttenden

Falguni, Simran & Dr Bhatt Riya Joby

Shankar, Sneha & Usha

Farhaat, Carissa, Priyanka & Alisha

Soumya

Sebastian & Bindu

Dinesh, Alisha, Aishwarya & Shilpa

Kirti, Gunj, Kiran & Alisha

British School Fair The friends of the British School of Bahrain held their 2nd International Family Fair at the school premises last month. The fair was officially opened by HE Iain Lindsay, British Ambassador

Sydney, Gracie & Lauren

HE Iain Lindsay, HE Saleem Jauhar, Pakistani Ambassador & family

Sachii, Chantal, Roshini & Arwina

Vikas, Arpita, Sejeal, Neal, Riya & Raka

Georgie, Samar & Laya

Alex & Yazad

Rebecca, Lei-Zhang & Rui & Wei

Hana & Mia

Muneera & Yasmeen

Heba & Eilidh

Maysoon & Mashal

Adam

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Oasis Tribute Band At JJ's JJ's Irish Restaurant was the venue last month for an electrifying performance by Oasish - an Oasis tribute band, much to the delight of all Brit-rock fans Oasish on stage

Tina, Siyana & Roxxane

Amanda & Naomi

Jodie, Iggy, Pete, Brian & Jamie

Steph, Kate & Sasha

Melissa & Jay

Neil & Anthony

Paul & Lee

Toni, Claire, Louise & Nikita

Syrus, Ryan & Faran

Miled & Dwayne

George's Birthday Party George celebrated his birthday with family and friends at the residence of Dr Iris & Manfred in Saar last month

Ernst & Susi

Manfred, Dr Iris, Ingrid, Wilfred, Max, Laure & George

Monika, Peter, Andrea & Josefine

Henry & Madeleine Tanya, Matthias & Nicholas

Christin & Jaochim

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Fatima, Maria & Nader

Moya & Mike

Yousif & Mohsan

Dr Shakar & Yati

Ann

Amy

Dr Beulah & Cmdr David Party Dr Beulah & Cmdr David Isaacs hosted a house warming party for a number of their friends at their new residence in Juffair last month

Dr Beulah, Dr Michel, Effat & Cmdr David

Dina & Ashok

Dr Beulah, Rachel & Jeff

Anil & Karina

David, Swasti, Dr Beulah & Dr Mehta

Vicki & Lesley

Cmdr Chris, Dr Beulah & Lesley

David, Jeanie, Dr Beulah & Paul

George, Anne & David

Swasti, Karina, Dr Beulah, Rachel & Rupa

Tim Hortons Launched In Jumeirah Beach Residence Tim Hortons, one of North Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most successful restaurant chains, officially opened the doors on its fourth UAE cafe and bake shop in Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, last month. The evening launch was attended by hundreds of fans who were met by the Tim Hortonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; team who had spent the day travelling to each of the four locations, formally launching each one in the presence of various officials

Griffin, Ardill & Kaiden

Sunil, Clark & Abhijit

Natalie

Candace & Connor

Soufi & Rara

Artem

Joy

Alan

Philips Seminar Mohammed Fakhroo & Bros organized a Philips Lighting Seminar & dinner for their trade partners at the Crowne Plaza. During the event, prizes were distributed to selected dealers for achievements in different categories in lighting. The awards included cash awards, gold coins, Philips electronics products & more

Ali Fakhroo, deputy chief executive, Ghassan Fakhroo, Group chief executive, Mohammed Fakhroo & Bros., Unni Nair, general manager, Consumer Division & Rashid Kaleem, manager, Lighting Division

Fahd Khan, senior product & business development manager, Philips Middle East

Manoj Jayachandran, Regional Manager, Philips Middle East with a representative from Lulu Hypermarket for winning the 2011 Best Retail Display

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Hans Radek Christmas Party Hans Radek, general manager, Ramada Hotel Bahrain hosted a Christmas party for a number of invited guests at the hotel's Le Rendezvous Conference Room last month Henry Uster & Hans Radek

Reji, Rukmani & Kochu

Michel & Hans

Michael & Raj Hans & Emma Radek, Meaza & Nahu

Les & Phil

Semmler, Claude, Wendy & Frej

Evelyn & Jeffrey

Dr Cynthia & Dr Conrad

Claus Buchi

Chef Roland

Mohammed & Akeel

Gulf Air Hosts ‘Skypals 2011’ Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, gathered hundreds of the airline’s virtual fans (via Facebook, Youtube and Twitter) at “Skypals 2011,’ their annual social media event. The dinner event, held at Coral Bay, gave guests the opportunity to win a variety of free gifts including Gulf Air tickets while enjoying various games and competitions

Wael, Hamood & Ali

Mohammed, Shehab Al Saeed, senior manager marketing, Gulf Air, Ayas, one of the winners & Hamood

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Khalid, Yahya, Mohammed & Mohammed

Hamad, Hamid & Retha

Marwan & Tariq

Junaid, Ayas & Ahmed

Susan & Amna

Christina

Tuhina & Prasanth

Ghazi & Niraj

Mövenpick Hotel Christmas Tree Lighting The Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain in an attempt to get into the Guiness Book of World Records, constructed the largest plastic bottle sculpture in the shape of a Christmas Tree. The hotel held a special reception to mark the lighting up of the tree. Santa Claus was also on hand to give the kids plenty to cheer about

Heinz, Heinz Kraehenbuehl & Siggi

Lini & Rohit

The plastic bottle Christmas tree

Haitham & Salman Al Mahmeed

Jules, Tariq, Isa & Yousef

Santa Claus with James & Henry

Danial & Alison

Hamna & Zainab

Heinz & Sumaya

Alexia & Alexsandra

Daithi, Paddy & Annie

Internations.Org Get-Together InterNations - a trusted Network & Guide for Expats in Bahrain held a get together for members to mix and mingle with fellow expats and global minds. The event was held at the Déjà Vu Restaurant last month Bill, Jamshed & Kai

DJ Freeze

Burak, Emrah & Gizem

Siobhan, Sonja, Rodrigo, Susan & Claire

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Hyundai Azera

Grabbing the Headlines The Hyundai Azera chalks up another major industry award in the large sedan segment, cementing the Korean carmaker’s position within this market. The all-new Hyundai Azera has scooped many awards for its unprecedented technology-rich features, placing it on top of the large sedan category. This latest award, voted ‘Best Car of the Year 2011’ from Sport Auto magazine, a leading motoring publication in the Arab world, is further evidence that the Azera has secured a segment-leading position. This sedan is the result of three-and-a-half years and US$420 million of research, development and testing in order to create a credible challenger in the luxury car segment. The end product is a car with an appealing design and significantly improved performance, ride comfort, road-handling as well as cutting-edge safety and convenience features. “We are proud to be associated with an internationallyrenowned brand. Bagging the ‘Best Car of the Year 2011’ prestigious award is another accomplishment for the Azera,” says Raed Mu’ti, general manager of First Motors, the official distributors of Hyundai in the Kingdom. The award is based upon stringent criteria including design, performance, fuel economy, level of emissions, ecofriendliness, safety features and general customer acceptance. “First Motors is fully committed to demonstrating to the Bahrain market that Hyundai is the brand that represents unique value for money without compromise,” adds Raed. “Our commitment is demonstrated, for instance, through the lifetime warranty offered on the entire range of Hyundai passenger and commercial vehicles.” Also this month

Fleet deal First Motors recently handed over more than 300 Hyundais to two of Bahrain’s leading car rental companies, Oscar and Gulf Rent a Car, which ranged from the Accents, Azeras to the luxurious Genesis and Centennial marques. “We are delighted that Oscar and Gulf have chosen Hyundai for their car rental services, which reflects their confidence in the brand. Our array of models and added-value programs are reasons why our fleet customers increasingly value the service and product excellence we deliver,” commented Raed Mu’ti. “Hyundai has come a long way in the past few years and managed to build an excellent reputation in the automobile industry globally to be now rated as the sixth largest car manufacturer in the world.” E Call 17 121-121.

When? January 6 and 7 Event? Speed Weekend Venue? BIC A line-up of three top championships, with activities for the family! E Call 17 450-000. When? January 19-20 Event? Drag racing Venue? BIC Racers go head-to-head in round four of the drag racing championship. E Call 17 450-000. When? January 20 Event? Open track day Venue? BIC Take your ride down to the circuit to see how fast it can really go! E Call 17 450-000. When? January 21 Event? Track Xperience Venue? BIC Test your driving skills in the Evolution X, Caterham G7 or the V8s. E Call 17 450-000. When? January 30 Event? Drag and drift Venue? BIC Take your own car or motorbike onto the drag strip to experience the thrill! E Call 17 450-000.

Second from right, Raed Mu’ti handing over the Oscar fleet cars

80 x Wheels - 82 x Feature - 86 x Showcase

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motoringwheels EURO MOTORS

Turn on the Power! david m. robertson Offered the option to take an M model BMW for a spin around the racetrack at the Bahrain International Circuit, or an X edition of the brand’s SUV line-up over the 4x4 off-road course, the choice really is a no-brainer. In reality, I did both! Model BMW M5 Model year 2012 Engine type 4.4-litre, V8 engine, with turbo package Displacement 4,395 cc Horsepower 560 hp @ 6,000 rpm Torque 680 Nm @ 1,500 rpm Transmission Seven-speed manual gearbox Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 4.4 seconds Top speed 305 km/h

80 January 2012 BTM

Lined up in the pit lane, in front of the Oasis stand, were an M3, the all-new 2012 M5 and an M version of the BMW X5. After a few words of advice from a couple of BMW’s Germanybased driver trainers, the M3 was first up for a drive. Our German friends elected to be a little economical with the M specifications and omitted to reference the MDM settings available; with good reason, one might add. If you switch on this functionality you are going to get a ‘fuller’ experience, that’s a step short of turning off the traction control completely! Activating the M Dynamic Mode (MDM), and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), offers you, the driver, greater freedom over the way the vehicle performs. In effect ‘drive slip’, for both longitudinal and transverse dynamics, increases at all speeds as DSC does not instantly intervene in the automobile’s motion. This does not impact on safety; it’s just a means to increase driving pleasure. ‘Smooth’ is probably the best way to describe the performance of the M3; the slightly lighter weight of the car, compared to an M5, in one sense accentuates the experience. Extremely stable, even with the accelerator pedal on the floor, the M3 was very easy to drive. Decelerating, driving through the apex of the corners and then accelerating away was like poetry in motion. In comparison, the M5 required much more ‘driving’, particularly when using the ‘paddle’ sticks in manual rather than automatic transmission mode. The increased power transmitted to the track on acceleration was clearly evident. A few times around the track and the ‘instant’ control afforded by the M3 was, nevertheless, quickly replicated with the M5.

The design, comfort, technology and engineering of the new BMW M5 are very different from the predecessor model. For starters, this M5 features the newly-developed BMW M highperformance, high-revving, 4.4-litre V8 engine with an M Twin Power Turbo package. With Twin Turbo technology, direct petrol injection and fully variable valve control, the V8 engine churns out 560 hp from 6,000 rpm and up to 680 Nm of torque from 1,500 rpm. You might want to read the torque statistic again. To put this into perspective, that’s more than four times the amount of torque, at one third the level of revs, compared to the MINI Cooper Coupé we test drove last month! Unsurprisingly, this results in a lag-free power delivery while generating typical M car thrust. The M5’s very agile handling derives from its innovative rear axle differential with Active M Differential lock, which enables a fully variable distribution of power between the rear wheels. Individually configured set-ups for the car can be chosen by the driver via the M Drive buttons on the steering wheel; changes can be made to the accelerator response, gearbox response, DSC modes, Dynamic Damper Control and information in the Head-Up Display. BMW is available in the Kingdom through Euro Motors, the exclusive distributor for the brand. E Call 17 750-750.

A MASTERLY STROKE OF MOTORING GENIUS. Now own it with the reassuring offers from First Motors. Setting new benchmark motoring standards and winning plaudits and awards, the Hyundai Genesis luxury sedan captures many hearts. Elegant design, plush luxury features, powerful performance and cutting edge of technology all come together to offer you an immersive driving experience. • • • •

Lifetime warranty 3 years service package Attractive leasing option Guaranteed buyback at 50% of the price after 3 years

www.1stmotors.com

17 121 121 www.hyundai.com

Showroom Opens 7 days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM

motoringfeature

Time to Rumble Needless to say, if you are looking to start off the year as a new car owner, then your choices are wide, confusing and endless!

From top down sports cars, to monster trucks and the ultimate in luxury sedans, car shoppers are spoiled for choice in 2012. Bahrain This Month picks out a selection of new arrivals over the next 12 months that will doubtlessly turn heads. Range Rover Evoque With its stylish and sporting appearance, the Range Rover Evoque has launched both three- and five-door versions of the SUV. The Evoque twins are the same except that the five-door is about one inch taller and rear-seat passengers get about two more inches of shoulder room. The SUV’s engine is from Ford’s new family of EcoBoost four-cylinders, offering a polished driving experience that combines dynamic and sporty handling with responsive, effortless performance and refinement. The car’s interior is lavishly appointed with premium quality materials and an elegance befitting only of a Range Rover. Customers can specify soft, premium leather and beautifully tailored, twin-needle stitching providing a luxurious finish to almost every surface of the instrument panel, doors and seats.

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motoringfeature

Hyundai Genesis Prada

MINI Countryman Need a little room in your MINI? The four-door Countryman will do it for you. With an elevated seating position that improves overall driver sight lines, adjustable back seats and a lot more cargo space, the vehicle is a gem in the cross-over category. The Countryman 2012 is the largest in the line-up of MINIs, and while always high on style and performance, the model is adding to its already high-tech options. A mirror-mounted digital compass, two-tone leather steering wheel and unique wheels and upholstery are amongst the additions. Don’t be fooled by the marquee; this MINI has plenty of space inside, offering a comfortable ride in the brand’s own unique style.

Hyundai, in cooperation with Italian fashion label Prada, has launched a limited edition Genesis Prada with a small number of models for the China and Middle East markets. Designed to be one of the most luxurious models the company has ever built, this model will be available in three colours — black nero, blue baltico and brown moro — and is distinguished by dark chrome accents, a shark-fin antenna and exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels. Upping its interior luxury, the dashboard and the upholstery have been revised and artisan-crafted in saffiano, Prada’s signature top quality leather.

Infiniti G37 Convertible Motoring fans can indulge in the luxury brand’s new 2012 Infiniti G37 Convertible. The sports car again features athletic, well-proportioned coupé-like styling (with the top raised), flowing front fenders, wave-like hood and the signature Infiniti double-arch grille. The new model’s features include a wider rear track, modified rear suspension and a special convertible-focused interior. Powered by a 3.7-litre V6 engine, which uses aluminium-alloy for the block and heads, it comes with lowfriction coated pistons. An excellent car for those looking for a luxury sporty convertible; it handles and performs well, and pampers the driver in luxurious surroundings.

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Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG With the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG, it’s all about what’s under the hood; this model is the most powerful SLK yet. Also much more fuel efficient, the engine combines low consumption figures with superior power delivery and the much-loved exhaust growl. The new 5.5-litre V8 engine will deliver 422 hp and is mated with a seven-speed automatic transmission, with AMG speed shift technology.

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 The new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is even more aggressive looking than before, boasting front and rear fascias with LED daytime running lamps and chrome bezel inserts. The interior has also been upgraded with a three-spoke steering wheel with a flat bottom, nappa leather and suede seats and extensive carbon fibre accents. By far the most powerful Jeep ever offered, the SRT gains steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, to control the five-speed automatic transmission, and a new rear liftgate spoiler that is designed to reduce drag and improve downforce at high speeds. As with most of the cars entering showrooms today, fuel efficiency continues to be a primary theme; an active valve exhaust system cuts out four cylinders, to reduce fuel consumption, when the additional power is not required.

2012 Lexus GX 460 This luxury SUV transitions into the New Year with minimal changes but remains a leading contender in its category. The spacious vehicle is engineered to hold up to seven people with a number of seat configurations. High in style, performance, safety and its advanced handling and control technologies makes the 460 ideal for use on- or off-road. Its 4.6-litre V8 engine produces 301 hp and is teamed with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with sequential shift; providing outstanding power and a responsive performance. For 2012, the standard model has received colour-keyed body side moulding with a chrome accent, while the premium version now features a high-gloss wheel finish. As in any Lexus, the GX 460’s interior oozes comfort; ventilated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers and memory system for the driver’s seat are just a few of its features.

Ford F150 Raptor The purpose-built off-road performance pick-up has made quite a few changes this year. With a 411 hp from a 6.2-litre V8 engine, the truck retains the toughness and power of its line. Among the additions is a new Torsen front differential, helping to increase grip significantly on the front end of the truck and improve its capabilities in handling obstacles and slippery conditions. Also in the new model is an off-road front camera system designed to give drivers a view of what’s happening in front of their truck. Visually, the F150 looks tougher than ever; with new available body side graphics featuring gloss, matte and textured black finishes with the usual 17-inch cast aluminium units shod with 35-inch tyres.

BTM January 2012 85

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ALMOAYYED MOTORS

Stylish Value The Ford Figo’s exterior and interior styling follows global kinetic design elements, bringing new standards in this segment of the market.

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The Figo, Ford’s latest entry in the B-car segment, brings a smart and affordable contender to retail and fleet customers looking for a quality and value vehicle in the sub-compact segment, with great looks and styling. Available in Ambiente and Trend models, Figo stays true to Ford’s design elements that help harmonise the car with other models in the Ford global line-up such as Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo. On the exterior, the tri-plane front end, distinct fenders and a comet-tail side treatment, starts at the front fenders and carries through the doors into the quarter panels. These combine to give the car a sporty and aggressive appearance and develop its unique personality. Its large headlamps, equally, have a dynamic shape that helps define the element of speed and agility for the Figo. Inside, a free-flowing instrument panel greets the driver. Seating comfort is enhanced with a design specific for Figo, which is all-new and includes fabric seat inserts with a specific bolster and trim pattern. Generous front seat travel comfortably accommodates almost every driver; the rear seat is designed for three adults and can easily fold down to offer generous storage. Almoayyed Motors, the local distributor for Ford in the Kingdom, offers a fuel-efficient powertrain for the Bahrain market: 1.6-litre Duratec petrol engine paired with a five-speed automatic. The transmission shifter is located in a short console on the floor that includes a cup holder.

Extensive engineering Based on Ford’s proven global small car architecture, the Figo has been thoroughly tuned for demanding drivers and undergone extensive engineering to the suspension and steering along with sound refinement to bring new heights to the driving enjoyment in the segment. The chassis for the new Figo is based over a 2,489-mm wheelbase, the longest of any car in the B segment. This provides a superior ride over different road conditions along with a large and refined cabin environment that can be enjoyed by the driver and all occupants. High strength steel has been utilised in key areas of the structure to provide optimal strength properties in the body and help reduce bending in key areas to allow the suspension and steering systems to operate with full effectiveness. The standard power-assist steering system has also been tuned to require less effort for parking and tight traffic manoeuvers and offers precision and agility at higher highway speeds. An anti-lock braking system is offered standard on the Trend model. E Call 17 737-373.

E. K. KANOO

Reinvested Camry The best Toyota Camry ever built retains the DNA of a car that is acclaimed for its superb quality, durability and reliability.

The new Camry 2012 has evolved to shape the next generation of comfort, performance and style, making it the best-ever built. It’s available in three grades, SE, GLX, and GL, all of which are equipped with a powerful 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, 181 hp dual VTT-i engine that offers a fantastic drive. The excellent matching of the super-intelligent six-speed automatic transmission with the engine produces outstanding driving performance and top fuel efficiency. Coupled with the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system, with vehicle speed sensing, this helps to realise an optimal steering feeling through the range of gears selected. In addition, 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels add a sporty and youthful feeling to the vehicle’s presence on the roads. “The new Camry represents a futuristic saloon car that fulfils all the needs of the smart driver, and indulges him with an artistically crafted dashboard and a progressive sporty exterior,” says Toyota and Lexus brand manager at Ebrahim K. Kanoo, Ayman Shehadeh. “The new Camry integrates the top levels of safety performance in its class to give true peace of mind. With features like the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) that helps prevent wheel slip, and the front, side and curtain SRS airbags that help reduce the impact to occupants in a collision.” Drive in style The feeling of contemporary luxury is created through the refinement of the driving position layout in the new Camry, which provides information at a glance and enables intuitive

operation. The spacious, quiet cabin is also very welcoming and comfortable and, with attention to quality in every detail, the ample trunk space and the availability of 10 colours adds to the appeal of the car. Lots of applications and features were added to make Camry lead the way with the highest standards of comfort and safety, such as the navigation system that guides to the destination required with clear and easy-to-read graphics. The camera integrated into the rear of the vehicle provides a smooth reversing operation when parking, and the smart entry and start system helps in adding more fun and convenience to the driving experience. Moreover, Toyota has earned a reputation for offering best value automotive experience through Ebrahim K. Kanoo’s service centres available throughout the Kingdom. To test drive the new Camry today, visit the Toyota Showroom in Sitra. E Call 17 730-730 or visit www.toyota.com.bh.

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motoringshowcase

Skoda Fabia

AHMED ZAYANI & SONS

A Fun Lifestyle Skoda has yet again broken new ground in the sub-compact car segment with the all-new Skoda Fabia, the brand’s entrylevel compact hatchback.

Smart, fun and trendy would be three of the most fitting terms to describe the new Skoda Fabia. The new car comes with a fresh and striking array of bright exterior hues — such as bright yellow, lime green and bright red — and a white painted roof, that hits this little hatchback with tonnes of character. “Elsewhere on the exterior, standard 15-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels delivers an aggressive and sporty stance, as does the new lower front lip,” comments Jeffrey Barratt, general manager at Ahmed Zayani & Sons, the exclusive distributor for Skoda in the Kingdom. “The interior on the new Fabia is also pleasingly well-equipped, with electronic auto air-conditioning, tilt-telescopic steering wheel, an MP3 player with a brightly illuminated screen for information and various well-thought out storage areas.” In addition, the “Maxi-Dot” display screen set in the middle of the instrument cluster provides all relevant information to the driver about fuel consumption, speed warnings, and system messages. Interior styling Premium fabric seats are quite supportive and comfortable, with the driver’s seat featuring adjustability for height as well as pedal reach. Despite the car’s super-compact exterior dimensions, the interior room is on a par with much larger medium-sized sedans. Leg-room, head-room and shoulder-room are extremely generous with the car being able to seat five adults quite comfortably. The trunk is incredibly voluminous as well, with over 45 litres of trunk space.

88 January 2012 BTM

Power play For those with sporting inclinations, the Fabia doesn’t disappoint, as Skoda’s engineers have endowed the car with a powerful 1.6litre, inline four-cylinder engine that pumps out 106 hp, more than adequate to satisfy the city-dwellers’ acceleration needs as well as maintaining spectacular fuel-economy. The Fabia is also one of the only cars in its segment to be equipped with a quick-shifting, six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission as standard; more proof that the FABIA can be as thrilling as it is frugal at the pump. Safety first Being compact in dimension does not make the Fabia any less safe; it comes equipped with advanced driver and front passenger airbags as standard as well as anti-lock brakes and the all-important Electronic Stability Programme. Out on the road the electro-hydraulic steering makes turning at low speeds light and effortless, while providing greater control at higher speeds. The independent front and rear suspension provides excellent road holding for spirited driving, making the car feel like a nimble sport hatchback. On-the-road pricing for the Fabia starts at BD5,000. Call today for a test drive! E Call 17 238-822.

bystanderthismonth

AIDA BLU Cruise Ship Docks In Bahrain Bahrain's cruise ship season began with the arrival of German cruise ship AIDA BLU at the Khalifa bin Salman Port, in Hidd. An official delegation from the Tourism sector headed by Assistant Undersecretary of Tourism, Nada Ahmed Yaseen, received around 2400 tourists and 650 crew members that were on board the ship. This new ship, built last year, will be docking to Bahrain on a weekly basis, which bodes well for the tourism sector in the kingdom

The AIDA BLU

Abdulla A. Aziz, Ministry of Culture, Tourism Sector, Ali Alsharif, CEO & President of Alsharif Group WLL, Nada Ahmed Yaseen, Hassan Al Sharif, HE Sabine Taufmann, German Ambassador, Capt Dieter Wieprecht, Master of AIDA BLU & officials

Shnaida & Michel

Hissan & Tim

Ali Alsharif presents Capt Dieter Wieprecht with a plaque watched by Hussein Alsharif, Nada Ahmed Yaseen, Hassan Alsharif, HE Sabine Taufmann & guests

Polley & Gerhard

Nada Ahmed Yaseen

Rob, Erica, Glane & George

Capt Dieter Wieprecht with officials and guests

A passenger enjoys traditional Bahraini hospitality

Georgia

Claus

Passengers at the port

Michelle

Saleh & Martin

Irish

Velaroy

Saleh & David

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Anil & Karina Christmas Party Anil & Karina hosted a Christmas party for a number of their friends at their residence in Tubli last month

Karina & Anil

Naveen & Vishu

Rachel, Jeff & Vijay

Paddy & Shailaja

Lakshman & Mahmood

Shanee, Lalith, Anjali & Pauline

Lekha & Rajani

Arunav

Jharna & Dr Mary

Radha & Renuka

Sanjay, Meenakshi, Dr. Dilip & Navneet

Riyanka & Preethi

Mandy, Sheran & Sabby

Debjiani & Sunita

Wedad, John & Ingrid

Ava & Peter

Ervin, Anita & Vivek

Riyanka, Shoba, Gigi & Anne

Suja, Susy & Joe

Stew & Tina

Jeannine, Hendrik & Cecilia

Dr Kalyan

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Renuka, Sharon, Sarva & Arpita

Yogesh & Harsha

Dorothy

Ali & Sharath

diningthismonth

Truly Eclectic Elma Bartholomew With a title that is suitably self-explanatory, Panasia Restaurant is an intriguing venue. Find out what has made it successful within a month of its opening. Tucked away within Umm Al Hassam (opposite Kims Hospital) is a brand new casual dining venue that looks as inviting on the inside as it is from the outside. A two-storey stand-alone restaurant, Panasia is home to all things Thai, Chinese and Indian. Step into this abode of oriental grandeur and you’ll notice it has an uncanny way of hiding away the chaos outside its walls. The interiors boast an interesting blend of modern architecture, funky décor and rustic tableware all with a touch of sophistication. Adding to the lounge-like ambience, the soul music, which sports a fusion of traditional instruments, plays in the background soothing its customers and preparing them for a unique dining experience. A taste of the exotic Panasia boasts an extensive menu with three sections each catering to a particular region from the appetiser and main course to an interesting array of side dishes, desserts and drinks. Your rendezvous begins with a complimentary treat of masala papad and prawn crackers accompanied by a spread of dips, pickles and sauces. Also this month

The Thai section isn’t limited to the usual red and green curries. Their prawn starters are a treat, fused with various kinds of chilli and a dash of coconut; alternatively try the mouth-watering crystal dumplings. A bite into this cuisine and you experience a blast of unusual flavours from the handpicked herbs that add the extra zing to any original Thai recipe. If your palate doesn’t favour the herbal flair, move on to their adaptation of the Chinese empire. Fanatics of this cuisine should know those dishes with the Sichuan tag never disappoint. Dare to step out of the box and have a go at their signature recipes; they promise to be spellbinding. Are you in the mood to add some spice to your dining ventures? Then, indulge in their Indian fare. Nothing defines this cuisine more than its variety of curries that go well with steamed rice or their choices of breads from which the garlic naan is a must-have. If you aren’t sure what to order, team that with a tawa gosht and you’ll find heaven on your plate. Wash it all down with their freshly-prepared mocktails and wind up your meal with any of their delectable desserts. The fried banana with vanilla ice-cream, honey and a garnish of sesame seeds is a favourite among its patrons. Walk right in if you feel like you need to pamper yourself without boring a hole in your pocket. Segmented into smaller rooms, this allows for undisturbed gatherings and private dinners all while catching a glimpse of the live cooking in the tandoor kitchen. We can’t wait to see what they’ve planned for the tea lounge upstairs. E Call 17 721-600.

When? January 1-31 Event? Food festivals Venue? Crowne Plaza Visit Waves for their seafood platter and Spices for their curries. E Call 17 531-122. When? January 1-31 Event? Gourmet lunch Venue? Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel A delectable three-course gourmet lunch awaits you at Saveur. E Call 17 171-000. When? January 5-30 Event? Seafood festival Venue? Fish Market, Al Bander Hotel & Resort Spoil yourself with the finest oysters and caviar. E Call 17 701-201. When? January 18, 19 and 20 Event? Indian festival Venue? It’s Mirchi, Ramee International Indulge in authentic spices at their kabab and biryani festival. E Call 17 727-230. When? January 23 Event? Chinese New Year Venue? Soie, Sheraton Hotel They have a specially set menu for their new year. E Call 17 533-533.

92 x F&B Happenings - 94 x Cuisine Feature - 102 x Theme nights - 103 x Restaurant Listings

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Fare Temptations There are always so many new venues and menus popping up, it’s hard to decide where to go and what to try. Here are a few tips to some interesting meals in January.

Food festivals For those in the mood for Indian cuisine, the kabab and biryani festival at It’s Mirchi in Ramee International from January 18-20 is your cue to indulgence. Choose from an extensive array that features different recipes from around the subcontinent. It’s all about the spicy aroma and tender meat. E Call 17 727-230.

You already know what we think about the brand new restaurant that has opened its doors in Umm Al Hassam. Now it’s your turn to find out if you like it as much as we do. Panasia is a must-try for all who love Chinese, Indian or Thai food. They take authenticity seriously, so don’t expect any sort of negotiation on taste. They’ve got live-cooking as an added advantage to their impeccable interiors. E Call 17 721-600.

Not so far away from this venue, you’ll find the true essence of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Established in 1975, Hyderabad House captures the ethos, smells, sights and sounds of the historical city. Steadily rising in popularity over the decades and ensconcing itself in the hearts, minds and palates of every food lover, Hyderabad House is now open in the restaurant strip at Umm Al Hassam. E Call 17 720-031.

Meanwhile, Mövenpick Hotel has a treat for you every Sunday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Prepare for a gourmet feast as part of their World of Swiss Fondue festival running till the end of February. From 7pm onwards, you can sample the varied delights of classic Swiss cheese fondue, gruyere and Vacherin cheese melted in white wine. Save your appetite for fondue Bourguignonne or the fondue Chinoise. E Call 17 460-000. Al Bander Hotel and Resort have chosen to show you what luxurious dining is all about. Venture into their seafood restaurant, — Fish Market, where they will host an oyster and caviar festival from January 5-30. E Call 17 701-201. The seafood promotion extends to Waves at Crowne Plaza. Combining the most succulent seafood, this is a feast that can be shared by two if need be. A BD9.950++ platter entitles you to a delightful tray of lobster, hamour, salmon, squid, shrimp and mussel grilled to perfection and served with mixed vegetables. The neighbouring venue Spices hosts a curry festival all through the month with distinct tastes from the four corners of India. The menu offers a choice between vegetables, mutton, chicken and seafood that come with basmati rice and naan breads. E Call 17 531-122. New menu Saveur at the Kempinski Grand Hotel sets the tone for a new delectable three-course gourmet lunch affair. Be it for business or leisure, this culinary experience will hold your taste buds captive hours after the meal has ended at BD 9.900++. Dig into a slice of cake at the elegant T-Spoon Café as compliments from the hotel for choosing to dine with them. E Call 17 171-000.

Another major franchise that has unveiled in the Kingdom of Bahrain is Bice Ristorante. A chain that began 85 years ago, this Italian venue is known for its extraordinary hospitality. It brings the feeling of home outside of your walls. Bice today caters to a discerning international clientele at its outlet in the World Trade Centre. E Call 17 533-666.

92 January 2012 BTM

THE YELLOW CHILLI

A Very Spicy Affair For those of you who simply can’t seem to have enough of Indian cuisine, there’s a new venue in town that will set your taste buds on fire. Established in 2003, SunCity Ventures, a Bahrain-based company which operates as a franchisee of popular food and beverage concepts in the GCC, has a high reputation in the gastronomic world with successful outlets like Zayt Zaytoon, which offers authentic Lebanese foods, Gloria Jean’s Coffees and Vapiano. Adding to their repertoire is the Middle East’s first branch of The Yellow Chilli. The grand opening will be on January 9. Situated on the first floor of Seef Mall, near the cinema halls and closest to Entrance 6, this restaurant is the brainchild of celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor. The restaurant derives its name from a special variety of chillies from the town of Meerut where his grandparents hail from. It offers a high-end dining experience that serves authentic Indian food that traces back to its origin. “Indian cuisine is a favourite for one and all, and we want to explore this through this unique venue,” said Mohammed Adel Fakhro, SunCity Ventures chairman on the opening of the restaurant. Through The Yellow Chilli, they plan to bring the true flavours of India to the Kingdom like never before. In a curry Tastefully done in hues of earthy tones like cream and brown, the restaurant offers a sumptuous buffet for lunch; featuring over a number of hot, cold, sweet and savoury dishes from Kapoor’s famous inventory. At dinnertime, a great à la carte menu treats you to an exciting new culinary endeavour. The restaurant chain offers casual dining restaurants with a five-star feel. All food lovers are invited to take a journey through North West Frontier cuisine with exotic picks from the regions of Punjab and the Mughal era. The highlights of the menu are his popular and tantalising delicacies including the famous lulla mussa dal, the inimitable sham savera and the all-time favourite aloo nazakat. Nonvegetarians can look forward to a wide selection from the tandoori and curried delights like the murgh kali mirch, the fiery lal murgh and the delightful raan buzkazi. His inspiration for his signature recipes that are a part of the menu has come from the melting pot of local flavours across India and the world. Guests will be delighted with the consistent quality of food and service that will not burn a hole in their pocket. SunCity Ventures prides itself in being one of the leading catering services in the Kingdom. It reinforced this reputation by providing their services at popular events such as the Bahrain International Airshow and Boat Show in 2011. E Call 17 580-480, email tycseef@fakhro.com or visit www.theyellowchilli.com or www.suncityventures.com.

The brain behind the brew Sanjeev Kapoor is the most celebrated face of Indian cuisine today. Chef extraordinaire, TV show host, author of bestselling cookbooks, restaurant consultant, architect of a unique range of food products and winner of numerous culinary awards, he dreams of making Indian cuisine the best in the world. According to this prodigy, a chef without a restaurant is like an artist without a canvas. “Cooked with passion and served with the warm hospitality India is known for, The Yellow Chilli promises a dining experience that you will cherish,” says chef Sanjeev Kapoor. The Yellow Chilli is his way of bringing his culinary works of art to Bahrain’s gourmands. Every order is prepared by their expert chefs with the freshest produce and handpicked spices.

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diningcuisinefeature

Sum of its Parts James Claire

Americans have managed to take the most basic of ingredients (minced meat) and turn it into the ubiquitous hamburger that now spans every corner of the world.

A few years of eating out in the Kingdom and you could be excused for thinking that all we enjoy here is Asian, Lebanese and Italian food. But if you look deep, you’ll also see that we have a penchant for the good old-fashioned hamburger. From a basic fast food staple, delivered through a drive-thru to a serious designer concoction served in their own couture lounges, we even have burgers that care for the planet and your health. Bahrain indeed has the burger scene covered. Whether you believe the numerous franchisee owners who claim to have invented the ‘burger’ or if you believe in evolution whereby first cavemen slapped hot-cooked pieces of meat between vine leaves, so as not to burn their fingers, one thing is for certain; the first printed American diner which listed ‘hamburger’ was an 1826 menu from Delmonico’s in New York. It takes more than meat to make a perfect burger, though. A burger after all is one food which is the sum of its parts; not just about a patty or a bun, but the whole enchilada. Great beef, perfect burger, tasty fresh bun and toppings that give crunch and texture are what make a burger perfect.

Having scoured Bahrain and its numerous burger joints, I’ve come up with the eight memorable burgers which should stave off the hunger pangs when the need arises. Bennigan’s (Juffair) The Australian Burger; named after an entire country and you’d better be certain you have a true grasp of the culture. Bennigan’s have certainly done their research. A tall juicy, wellseasoned burger topped with pineapple, beetroot, rashes of bacon, lettuce, relish and fried egg had me reminiscing down memory lane; the burger our family ate when I was a kid. Served on a wooden plank it has an unpretentiousness of quality; when you know something is amazingly good, why dress it up with fancy plates. For those seeking something larger, although I’m not sure why, Bennigan’s also offers their ‘Ultimate Big Irish’ burger which is a full-pound of belly-busting mastication — two juicy patties, four slices of cheese and an additional bun so as to soak up the moisture of it all. For small appetites, I also recommend the ‘Pub Bites’; three mini burgers in beef, chicken and southern-coated chicken.

Hard Rock Café

94 January 2012 BTM

diningcuisinefeature Burger Lounge

Fuddruckers (multiple locations) Tumbleweed Burger; several years’ back I tried the ‘Tumbleweed’, after I had seen a real one that day blowing across the sand dunes! It amused me then, and still does to this day as the fried onion strings piled high on top of this burger truly look like its namesake. Fuddruckers rocks in the burger category because, depending on how hungry you are on the particular day, you can size your burger accordingly. One-third of a pound, half a pound, twothirds and full-pound burgers; adjust your meal to the way you feel. Tumbleweed gives me both a sweet flavour and juicy burger in one, which is topped with sautéed peppers, fried onion strings and a delicious burger bun, too. Meals are served in baskets filled with fries and space for your own toppings, which you choose from their fresher than fresh salads bar. How can you ever complain when you create the burger yourself! Fat Burger (Bahrain City Centre) The Quad; at a time when everyone else is talking skinny and health food, one company is thankfully talking about all things fat! Started in 1952, Lovie Yancey made burgers so big and juicy they had to be called ‘fat’! 60 years later, Fat Burger has just entered Bahrain and would seem to be doing all the right things. The Quad is ‘massive’ gastronomy; at BD5 per burger, this does not disappoint. Four all-beef patties made from fresh 100 per cent pure USDA lean halal beef, grilled to perfection before your eyes and served on a toasted bun with lettuce, onion, cheese and more. For those seeking less there are the single, double and triple Fat burgers. But, why start small in a place called Fat? Just be careful if you order “Fat burger and skinny fries” as you will get it repeated by the entire Fat team for all to hear. Turkey, chicken and veggie burgers, skinny fries, fat fries, chilli cheese fries and onion rings; these are succulent burgers with the freshest of toppings cooked in a store reminiscent of a roadside burger stand than a diner. What’s more, there’s also hot dogs and hand-scooped, real ice-cream shakes. Burger Wisconsin (Budaiya Highway) The Full Monty; a great-looking outlet with a product to match! Burger Wisconsin touts itself as the home of the hamburger and indeed there are some that say that Charles Nagreen was one of the originators; yet his meat patties, flavoured in the style of his home town of Hamburg, date long after the first menus featuring hamburgers. Still, for Bahrain, he may as well be the founder of the hamburger for his accomplishments are gorgeously-sized and perfectly seasoned, with a number of choices including the ‘Build Your Own’ section. The ‘Full Monty’ holds nothing back and delivers a burger full of flavour and value. Double beef patties, beef bacon, melted cheese and garlic mayo; if this is not enough, then you simply have to try the ‘add-ons’. There’s lime coriander mayo, caramelised onions and Camembert, Indonesian satay sauce or blue cheese from which to choose. Marriott Burger Sliders

96 January 2012 BTM

Burger Lounge (The Lagoon) Beef Hater Burgers; by the time I reached this venue I was almost done with beef for a lifetime. Thankfully, in this gorgeous setting reminiscent of a harbour, they offered the Beef Hater; a selection of three burgers which adequately filled any void remaining in my stomach. Chicken, fried chicken and grilled salmon were a welcome relief to the offerings from other locations. The salmon burger, with a hint of tartar sauce and mayo, tomato and lettuce, was a refreshing choice; its slightly pricier cost forgiven for the beauty of the atmosphere in which it was eaten. For lovers of traditional style burgers, Burger Lounge is right up your alley, with its wonders such as ‘The Royal’, ‘Deep Heat’, ‘Chromatic’, ‘Lava’ and ‘Kofta’ burgers. Johnny Rockets (Al A’ali Shopping Complex and The Lagoon) The Route 66 Double; when dining in a traditional, authentic diners like Johnny Rockets, with its memorabilia and mayhem of dancing servers, you really want to try something aptly name after traditional Americana. For that, nothing is better than the Route 66 burger. If the smiley faces of ketchup piped for your fries by your waiter does not put a huge smile on your face, then the burger itself will. With single or double patties the ‘66’, named after the famed US highway where roadhouses and diners are plentiful, the burger comes with toppings that are well-seasoned. This burger is moist and luscious, and perfectly sized for a meal when accompanied with fries and a good old-fashioned milk shake. Johnny Rockets rocks it in the family category as well with its music, fun and value for money. Elevation Burger (Seef Mall) The Elevation Burger; this burger scores with my primary dining rule; eat where the locals eat. New but already busy, Elevation Burger is clean, crisp and has certainly elevated the burger scene to new heights. With a mantra of ‘ingredients matter’, you expect great things — and they delivered, resoundingly. The Elevation Burger is a double-meat patty made with 100 per cent organic, grass-fed free-range beef. Despite the size of the burger I just felt good eating it. Delicious and well-seasoned, the burger had that home-made touch. Perhaps it was the coarseness of their burger, but it reminded me of the great burgers my mother used to make — simply delicious. Thin straw fries and fresh lettuce with a true crispness add to the experience. For those with a real appetite go for the ‘Vertigo Burger’ and for those not into meat there is a ‘Veggie Burger’ and even a ‘Half Guilt Burger’ to make you feel good about yourself!

diningcuisinefeature Hard Rock Café (Exhibition Road) Hickory BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger; serving happy customers since 1971! How could you ever question that burgers cannot be amazing? Quite rightly, the burgers at Hard Rock Café are called ‘legendary’, because they are. The biggest issue here is how many times to return so that you get through the entire menu. ‘S.O.B. Burger’, ‘The Big Cheese’ and ‘Caramelised Onion’, ‘Mushroom Swiss’, these are all delicious. But, for me, the best has to be the ‘Hickory BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger’ because of its depth of flavour. Basted with Hard Rocks’ own hickory BBQ sauce, this burger fills a void like few others. A big burger, on a good-sized bun, smothered in caramelised onions, hickory BBQ sauce and topped with bacon and cheddar cheese, it is perfection, and served with piles of fries. Considering the great atmosphere, the music and the big screens, which accompany the burger, it is by far not the most expensive burger in town. But it’s also served with the biggest side order of entertainment value. Marriott Executive Apartments (Juffair) The Marriott Burger; a classic bacon and cheddar burger with seven ounces of pure Angus chuck steak. This is perfect because of the natural balance of lean meat to fat. It also has great flavour and is infinitely more consistent than the plethora of trim product patties out there. Simply adorned with fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, crisp fries and the classic pickle, the cheddar and bacon burger outsells all other flavour profiles combined. Burgers are considered the original all-American food, but the pedigree of this American culinary icon has roots in Europe. Hamburg, Germany was a jumping-off point for early 20th century immigrants to the US, and the grilled meat patty in bread often served in this port city may have been just the memory of home these early citizens needed in their new country. Fast forward 100 years and the hamburger is a worldwide menu staple. In fact, Marriott hotels, globally, serve over two million hamburgers a year.

Chili's OT Burger

Chili’s (multiple locations) Oldtimer; this mouth-watering burger is probably the closest thing you’ll find at Chili’s to an ordinary burger, but it’s done extraordinarily well. With a topping of mustard, shredded lettuce, tomato slices, pickles and diced onions, this is an all-time favourite of the restaurant’s patrons. You have the option of adding cheese, crispy beef bacon and chilli if you would like to give your meal an interesting twist. Chili’s grill their burgers to medium, medium-well and well-done. So, you have the advantage of getting the meat done the way you like it. Remember these are only for the big-mouthed. Save up an appetite for delicious patties served on a sesame seed bun with home-style fries.

Bennigan's Australian Burger

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FUDDRUCKERS

Take a Big Bite We’re all fans of this casual American diner. Find out what makes the ‘world’s greatest hamburgers’ invincible. There isn’t an individual who hasn’t piled up their plates with the extensive options available at their signature burger topping bar, be it pickles, salads or just some coleslaw. We have all been pumping those amazing extras like it’s our last meal, including the freshly-prepared jalapeño cheese and mustard. But these aren’t the only features that keep Fuddruckers on top of the charts. Apart from the belief that its customers mustn’t be limited by a single combination, this venue caters to varying palates through its variety of burgers like the Inferno, Hot Rocks and Swiss Melt. There are three things that contribute to the inimitable taste of their preparations. Firstly, only the freshest US Angus beef is used in their patties. Secondly, they are available in four sizes — one-third, half, two-third and one pound. The most important factor, though, is evident in the aroma that lurks within their walls. Fuddruckers bakes its own bread everyday to bring the softest bun to your table. In addition, they cook the meat to your liking. Unlike most burger venues, this chain takes casual dining seriously with a full range of meals from their ever-popular breakfast to lunch and dinner with their scrumptious starters like platters, salads and soups; juicy steaks like the rib-eye, grilled hamour and Cajun chicken; and tempting desserts like the Brownie Blast, cheesecakes and apple pie. Offering a complete experience for the family, ordering from the kids’ menu entitles your child to a complimentary colouring book. Fuddruckers also provides free home delivery and catering services including on-site live cooking. E Call 17 620-999 (Sanad), 17 728-728 (Juffair) or 17 742-266 (Adliya).

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JOHNNY ROCKETS

Where the Good Times Roll! Longevity in the hospitality industry is the biggest mark of success for any restaurant; Johnny Rockets is well-regarded, serving us for the past six years.

100 January 2012 BTM

Whether you lived the early heady days of true Americana, its music, fun and trail blazing food, in person or simply through the movies, drop into Johnny Rockets and you’ll find yourself skipping down memory lane. The second sign of success is multiple successful outlets, and it now has that, too, with a second outlet having opened, in June last year, at The Lagoon on Amwaj Islands. Johnny Rockets, famed worldwide since 1986 offers simple, great-tasting food from a menu of all-American favourites, including juicy hamburgers, hand-scooped shakes and malts and freshly-baked apple pie. This all-American diner with its clean crisp white décor and red bench booth seats looks as new today as it did when it first opened. This is the originator of Eat-ertainment; burgers and sodas served with a side of fun and music. With great fresh food and family prices it is no wonder this has become a staple for family dining. Children have their own menu, and are encouraged to sit at the bar stools and even join in on the dancing and singing to the tunes of Staying Alive, Last Dance and Saturday Night Fever by the Johnny Rockets team every hour when it’s busy. With a look and feel of a time gone by, servers who know the secret behind getting ketchup out of the bottle and tabletop jukeboxes that belt out tunes for a nickel and authentic deco, Johnny Rockets makes dining out fun and easy.

Start with chili cheese fries, Rocket Wings or try the popular ‘Sliders’ which offers a trio of mini hot dogs in a variety of forms. For mains, there is the ‘Original’ to greatly named delicacies such as the ‘Streamliner’, ‘Rocket Pounder’, ‘Route 66’ or, for spicy food lovers, the ‘Houston’ — a hamburger topped with jalapenos and pepper jack cheese. Finally, top off the Johnny Rockets experience with the brand new deluxe shakes menu. All shakes are made with Johnny Rockets’ own hand-dipped premium vanilla ice-cream and real powdered malt, or choose from a selection of flavours including chocolate, banana, strawberry or Oreo cookies. Dessert lovers can complete their dining experience off with the ‘Perfect Brownie’, a brownie sundae or feel at home with true American apple pie served à la mode. With old style caps, vintage Coca-Cola and diner advertising lining the walls and with the red booth seating and juke boxes on tables playing tracks from the 60s, 70s and 80s, this fun house of authentic American food is one which must truly be experienced by the entire family. What’s more, both locations, including the original restaurant in the Al A’ali Shopping Complex restaurant block, offering delivery services, there is no reason not to enjoy Johnny Rockets today. E Call 17 566-565 (Al A’ali) or 16 011-199 (The Lagoon).

f&bhappenings

BUSHIDO

Slim and Trim It’s hard not to feel guilty about eating out when you’re trying to trim down. Fret not; Bushido helps us stick to our New Year resolution of eating right with some outstanding recipes.

A new dawn is upon us and with it the desire to change for the better. Topping that list is the need to stay fit and the first thing we cut down on is our food. But why compromise on a good meal when it holds the key to all things healthy? All you need to do is to take up the Japanese diet. There’s a reason the people of that region have the longest lifespan. Known as ‘the iPod of food’, this cuisine concentrates the magnificent energy of the ingredients into a compact and pleasurable size. You don’t have to cook Japanese-style to enjoy the healthy foundations. Just eat more fish, vegetables and fruit; add some healthy options like tofu and rice. Or you could just go to Bushido where its expert chefs know how to keep the right balance between nutrition and good taste. Eat with your eyes What you eat matters as much as where you eat. With a dip in the temperature, people now enjoy fine-dining at this Samuraicastle nestled by the shores in Seef during lunch as much as they love to visit for dinner. This owes to their alfresco options on both floors and their exclusive island, all boasting a spectacular view of the lagoon, perfect to take in the island’s splendid winter. The intricate details in their décor and architecture may be reasons enough to return to this restaurant-lounge that oozes class and sophistication. Adding to that is their amazing lunch promotion. Indulge in their bento box at BD9 that includes the finest sashimi, grilled fish or chicken depending on your craving for the day, a crunchy signature salad, some crispy tempura and their most popular miso soup.

A highlight of the Japanese culture is their need to embrace beauty in every respect of life. Their cuisine is considered an art due to their style of cooking and presentation which is almost magical; this way of dining encourages you to enjoying your meal. The result: you’ll want to slow down to savour every bite, which means eating less, because it gives your brain time to realise your body is full. According to research, those following the Japanese diet intake 25 per cent fewer calories as compared to Western counterparts. Hitting relaxation mode If you couldn’t make it for lunch, make your way upstairs to lift your sprits in a soothing, glamorous setting. Made of glass shelves, the bar rests on katana handles; it appears as if dozens of blades have been inserted into the walls. Take advantage of their special offer this month. For each selected beverage that you buy, you are entitled to a second drink on the house. The skilled bartenders will leave you breathless while flaring with fire right before your eyes. Bushido, masters of the art of taking anything ordinary and doing it extraordinarily well. Lounge music hovers over this venue as it is all about easy listening. As the night progresses, the beats may get quicker and the music a bit louder; but it doesn’t move far away from its genre. The spread of rich silks in turquoise and red in the décor and furniture remind you that there’s nothing typical about this lounge. E Call 17 583-555 or visit www.bushido.com.bh.

BTM January 2012 101

themenights Theme? Couples night Venue? Brenigan’s Restaurant Tucked within Budaiya, this venue is bound to impress. E Call 17 593-593.

wednesday Theme? Meat Room Venue? La Mosaique Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Choose any cut you like and have it cooked to perfection. E Call 17 531-122.

sunday Theme? Indian Night Venue? Skyw@lk Café, Marriott Apartments Spice up your taste buds with their mouth watering Indian buffet. E Call 17 363-999. Theme? BBQ Night Venue? Mövenpick Indulge in a wide selection of fine meats including the churrasco. E Call 17 460-000. Theme? Sizzling Sirloin Venue? Sizzler’s Restaurant It’s time you found out why their steaks are so popular. E Call 17 716-999. Theme? Italian Night Venue? Brenigan’s Restaurant It’s everyone’s favourite cuisine. It’ll soon be your favourite venue. E Call 17 593-593. Theme? Sunday Roasts Venue? Sherlock Holmes, Gulf Hotel Who knew they were open for lunch? We’re enthused! E Call 17 713-000.

monday Theme? Gulf night out Venue? Gulf Hotel A splendid pool-side dinner is available at BD17++ with discounts for early birds. E Call 17 746-412. Theme? Curry Club Venue? Sherlock Holmes, Gulf Hotel Every week they cook up a curry from different parts of the world. E Call 17 713-000.

102 January 2012 BTM

Theme? Seafood Night Venue? Silk’s Restaurant, Mövenpick Sushi, prawns, lobster, oysters — seafood buffet at its best. E Call 17 460-000. Theme? Moules et frites Night Venue? Camelot You know their wines are great; now try their mussels and fries. E Call 17 717-745. Theme? Family Day Venue? Sizzler’s Restaurant Searching for a place to dine out with the kids? Look no further. E Call 17 716-999. Theme? Seafood Night Venue? Brenigan’s Restaurant It might be far from the city; but it’s well worth the visit. E Call 17 593-593. Theme? Sushi Night Venue? Cocoon Lounge Sample one of eight fresh, sumptuous platters of sushi. E Call 17 827-600.

tuesday Theme? Italian Night Venue? Skyw@lk Café, Marriott Executive Enjoy their “La Famosa Notte Italiana” with delicious food. E Call 17 363-999

Theme? Italian Night Venue? Medzo, InterContinental Regency Travel through the tastes of Tuscany with a free flow of wine. E Call 17 208-308. Theme? Italian Night Venue? Silk’s Restaurant, Mövenpick Eat as much as you like of any kind of fresh pasta and pizza. E Call 17 460-000. Theme? Seafood Night Venue? Al Wasmeyyah Restaurant, Golden Tulip Are you in love with seafood? So are they and they’ve got it all. E Call 17 535-000.

Theme? Seafood Night Venue? Sizzler’s Restaurant We love their grilled hammour. The mixed platter is a must-have. E Call 17 716-999. Theme? Seafood Night Venue? Al Waha, Gulf Hotel You can’t have enough fish in a day — nor crabs or clams. E Call 17 713-000.

friday

Theme? Italian Night Venue? Sizzler’s Restaurant A true foodie can’t have enough pasta; especially from here. E Call 17 716-999.

Theme? Fish on a Friday Venue? Sherlock Holmes, Gulf Hotel They’re going back to the British tradition with interesting menus. E Call 17 713-000.

Theme? Barbeque Night Venue? Casa Bar, Mercure Grand A live BBQ counter boasts meat and seafood done to perfection. E Call 17 584-400.

Theme? Dinner Buffet Venue? It’s Mirchi, Ramee International Try the Mirchi platter with the most succulent kababs. E Call 38 381-615.

thursday Theme? Steak Night Venue? Silk’s Restaurant, Mövenpick Stick a fork in juicy Angus steaks and scrumptious salads. E Call 17 460-000.

Theme? Suds USA Creole Venue? Al Wasmeyyah Restaurant, Golden Tulip Check out how the Louisiana cuisine is a blend of influences. E Call 17 535-000.

Theme? Smokes and Grills Venue? La Brasserie Restaurant, Elite Resort and Spa Dining by the pool sounds good, doesn’t it? Load up on barbecues. E Call 17 313-326.

Theme? Let's Meat Venue? Legendz Steakhouse, InterContinental Regency Using fine ingredients, they call you to experience grilled cuts. E Call 17 227-777.

Theme? Seafood Night Venue? La Mosaique Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Eat the freshest catch cooked any way you like till your belly bursts. E Call 17 531-122.

Theme? The Grape Escape Venue? Camelot Wine tasting has never been more entertaining than it is here. E Call 17 717-745.

Theme? Seafood Night Venue? Rimal, Al Areen Palace and Spa Experience a unique culinary excursion across the seven seas. E Call 17 845-000.

Theme? Couples Night Venue? Sizzler’s Restaurant A romantic night out? Your meal includes a bottle of wine. E Call 17 716-999.

Theme? Great American BBQ Venue? Al Wasmeyyah Restaurant, Golden Tulip Whether you like it medium or rare, it will be there! E Call 17 535-000.

Theme? Lunch Buffet Venue? Fareast Seafood Market, Ramee International There isn’t better news for a true gourmand than a lobster promotion. E Call 36 359-548.

Theme? All Day Breakfast Venue? Camelot Eggs made the way you love them; home-made waffles and more. E Call 17 717-745.

saturday Theme? Sushi Fest Venue? Mo Kan Restaurant, The K Hotel Pamper your palate and taste a great selection of sushi at half price. E Call 17 360-000 or 39 162-139. Theme? Special Breakfast Venue? Rayes, Coral Bay They offer a unique spread with sweets and oven-fresh specialties. E Call 39 777-701. Theme? Saturday Brunch Venue? Sizzler’s Restaurant Overslept on Friday? Worry not. Try the brunch here. E Call 17 716-999.

restaurantlisting American Bennigan’s Burger Lounge Burger Wisconsin Chili House Chili’s Franks a Lot Fuddruckers Hard Rock Café Johnny Rockets Ric’s Kountry Kitchen Ponderosa Steak Escape T.G.I.Friday’s Tony Luke’s

European 17 813-750 77 055-772 17 594-458 17 580-045 17 581-221 17 811-970 17 742-266 17 291-569 17 566-565 17 725-550 17 580-552 17 178-464 17 179-041 17 494-940

Asian Bambu! Chin Li Chop-Chop Tea House Curry Country Hot Wok House Boat Kontiki Memories Mo Kan Monsoon Nu Asia Panasia Papaya Peppers Rice Bowl Thai Chi

17 714-424 17 717-717 17 178-701 17 537-555 17 178-083 16 010-321 17 525-455 17 178-646 17 360-000 17 749-222 17 587-171 17 721-600 17 697-105 17 717-808 17 179-600 17 179-747

Block 338 Camelot Coco’s Cyprus Taverna Déjà Vu L’Avenue Le Pain Quotidien Mezzaluna Paul Café Sizzlers Zytoun

17 710-338 17 717-745 17 716-512 17 716-316 13 657-770 17 567-222 17 179-734 17 742-999 17 172-321 17 716-999 17 298-008

Filipino Bahay Kubo Borakay Chuckay Fast Food Flamingo Kowloon Lutong Pinoy Quick Stomach Swan Lake Tops

17 231-996 17 514-400 17 532-250 17 231-106 17 224-357 17 295-540 17 232-382 17 291-655 17 237-768 17 277-665

Fusion Fusions L’Ile

17 746-427 17 845-000

Indian Aachi’s Chettinad Kitchen 17 233-110 Akbar 17 296-660

Muju Nando’s Rendezvous Salad Boutique The Crepe Café Upstairs Downstairs Zoe

16 039-800 17 825-339 17 178-712 36 664-427 17 820-722 17 713-093 17 176-400

International (5 Star Hotel) Al Safir Al Waha Al Wasmeyyah La Mediterranee La Mosaique Olivo’s Brasserie Rimal Saraya Saveur Selections Silk’s

17 524-538 17 746-425 17 535-000 17 580-000 17 531-122 17 525-214 17 845-000 17 636-410 17 171-000 17 227-777 17 460-055

International (4 Star Hotel) Café California Café Marisol Café Sayah Chaq’s Grill Fusion Café Grand Café Il Giardino Klouds La Brasserie La Café Le Jardin Neyran Palm Parsia Ramee Bistro Ramee Café Red Café Savoy Café Temptations (EGH) Temptations (ESH) Tiffany’s

17 826-001 17 701-201 17 224-000 17 290-555 17 811-688 17 727-230 17 583-388 17 360-000 17 313-333 17 810-555 17 742-000 17 584-400 17 296-699 17 814-777 17 290-600 17 297-000 17 296-660 17 827-999 17 565-888 17 558-888 17 716-999

Iranian

Tian Wok Yum Chow!

17 717-080 17 636-415 17 744-900

Brazilian Brasa de Brasil Brazil Rodizio Grill

17 582-225 17 826-686

Chinese Beijing Chinese China Express China Garden Ching Foli Hong Kong Magic Wok Shanghai Hut Soie Spice Nice

17 717-969 17 717-439 17 746-423 17 564-424 17 722-199 17 728-700 17 506-070 17 292-988 17 533-533 17 713-603

Café Restaurants Café T Camille’s Sidewalk Café Delifrance Esquires Le Bateau Le Chocolat Lina’s Café Rosa Verge Skyw@lk Café

17 750-777 17 339-508 17 696-031 77 177-660 17 369-165 17 582-259 17 532-538 13 667-777 17 363-999

Asha’s Clay Oven Copper Chimney Curry Tree Hyderabad House 17 720-031 It’s Mirchi Lanterns Moti Mahal Mumbai Spices Nattinpuram Nirvana Papadom Spices The Great Kabab Factory The Yellow Chilli

17 179-751 17 717-008 17 728-699 16 030-662 17 727-230 17 590-591 17 825-333 17 382-255 17 290-600 17 589-318 17 564-434 17 531-122 17 690-629 17 580-480

Indian/Pakistani B-B-Q Delights Chutney’s

17 564-282 17 591-259

International East West Cuisine Flair Healthy Calorie Jim’s Restaurant La Fontaine Links Little Chef/Wholesale Mei n Yu

17 210-012 17 212-900 17 369-399 17 710-654 17 230-123 17 751-262 17 595-950 16 010-160

Golestan Isfahani Parsian Persian Garden Takht Jamsheed Tehran Grill

17 524-579 17 369-269 17 811-511 17 580-600 17 746-431 17 555-989

Sugoi Sumo Sushi & Bento Sushi 101 Yo! Sushi

17 178-084 17 718-090 17 822-274 17 583-373

Korean Arirang

17 290-945

Lebanese Abd El Wahab Al Areesha Al Arz Al Hamra Palace Café Blanc Carla’s Lebanese Bistro Leila L’Sultan Mashawi Lebanese Grill Qasr Al Sultan Grill Rayés Saj Express Shoo Fee Ma Fee Yamin Jana Zahle Zayt Zaytoon

17 311-111 17 725-414 17 296-660 17 224-000 17 100-069 17 697-687 17 711-772 17 567-222 17 506-070 17 179-500 17 312-700 17 365-055 17 311-280 16 033-800 17 746-417 17 312-222

Mexican Casa Mexicana Margarita Mexicana Senor Paco’s

17 715-521 17 746-462 17 725-873

Totally Fish Waves

17 179-757 17 531-122

Shawarma Shawarma Express Zahlawiya

17 729-922 17 710-051

Steak Houses Klouds Le Relais De Venise Legendz Plums The Butcher Shop & Grill The Meat Co

17 360-000 17 567-222 17 227-777 17 580-000 17 172-323 17 742-080

Thai Baan Saeng Thai Banana Leaf Hash House Lanna Thai Muay Thai Orchid Thai Royal Thai Shada Thai Express Thailand Wang Thai

17 715-775 17 744-171 17 715-094 17 593-940 77 040-454 17 312-006 17 746-421 17 721-155 17 506-070 17 717-040 17 710-771

Turkish Anatolia

17 690-601

Iskenderun Grill Kosebasi

17 292-950 17 172-322

Italian Bice Ristorante Biella Café & Pizzeria Café Italia Caffe Spasso Capri Carino’s Italian Grill Castello Cico’s Ciro’s Pomodoro Cucina Italiana Fiamma Gusto Italiano Justapasta La Pergola La Taverna Medzo Mia Mia Mino’s Pizzeria Mondo Nino Oliveto Pastarito Ristoranti Prego Primavera Roma Romano’s Macaroni Grill Terrazza Bistro Veneto

17 533-666 17 178-703 17 744-774 17 822-274 17 697-707 17 587-878 17 697-552 17 713-710 17 534-567 17 001-317 17 636-414 17 695-556 17 581-919 17 506-070 17 746-419 17 229-979 17 227-777 17 564-414 17 744-777 17 525-484 17 566-555 17 716-747 17 179-300 17 751-263 17 580-000 17 725-885 17 506-070 17 360-000 17 680-967

Japanese Bushido Edo Frangipani Fuji Sushi Bar Hakisushi I Love Sushi Kei Maki Mirai Sato

Middle Eastern Al Abraaj Al-Bokhari Leewan Al Khor Melh Alzad Taza

17 178-090 17 311-186 16 010-666 17 311-170 17 784-997

Moroccan Momo

17 180-659

Pizza Little Caesars Metro Pizza Papa John’s Pizza Express Pizza Hut Pizza Inn Pizzabella Speezza The Pizza Company

17 179-400 17 794-000 17 581-516 17 742-299 17 711-113 17 811-666 17 827-133 17 826-222 17 811-830

Trader Vic’s

17 586-555

Seafood Afandi Far East Seafood Market Fish Market La Marine La Mer La Perle Seafood Market

17 506-070 17 713-778 17 257-778 17 506-070 17 587-828 17 241-111 17 131-414 17 711-112 17 243-115 17 727-887 17 711-111 17 717-542 17 178-436 17 811-812 17 161-716 17 714-972

Eating Out listings

Polynesian 17 583-555 17 290-945 17 582-422 17 533-336 17 725-638 17 300-610 17 533-450 17 522-733 17 713-113 17 746-429

Quick Service Restaurants Burger King Burgerland Chickey’s DQ Grill & Chill Elevation Burger EZ Take out Burger Fatburger Hardee’s Herfy Jasmi’s Kentucky Fried Chicken Kudu New York Fries McDonald’s Pollo Campero Tasty Bite

17 849-111 17 727-230 17 701-201 17 595-775 17 636-411 17 298-008 17 533-336

Note: Whilst every effort is made to cover all leading restaurant outlets in Bahrain, the details listed are based upon replies to our survey. BTM cannot accept any responsibility or liability for inaccurate information: we recommend you check with the restaurant to reconfirm their listing.

BTM January 2012 103

bystanderthismonth

Omran & Rowena Al Musawi Christmas Party To celebrate the festive season, Omran & Rowena Al Musawi hosted an early Christmas party for friends and family at the Musawi residence in Sarraya last month. HE Corazon Yap-Bahjin, Philippines Ambassador also attended the party

Jenny, Rhoda, Rowena, HE Corazon Yap-Bahjin, Omran, Jovy & Ruel

Kameela & Fadheela

Abbas & Tony

Elena, Hussein & Hussain

Mahmood, Lalit, Omran, Mr & Mrs Sanjeev & Abbas

Rowena, Omran, Mohamed & Masahlik

104 January 2012 BTM

Tariq & Alia

Abbas, Rowena, Omran, Qahtan & Mahmood

Afat, Omran, Dr Mitchel & Rowena

Rhoda, Elena, Jovy, Huda, Rowena, Gemma & Julie Ann

Kameela, Sawsan, Aida, Adeela & Nada

Mahdi, Masood & Gemma

Kameela, George, Omran & Ali

Deema, Shaikha, Sahar & Fatin

Kameela & Alawi

Mohammed & Daniel

Fatima, Noor & Nada

Sergio, Marise & George

Lynne

afterdarkthismonth EvolveR

RAMEE PALACE HOTEL

Dublin Turns Three ELMA BARTHOLOMEW

Can’t wait till the end of the month to party? Well, you needn’t. Here are some exciting DJ nights not to be missed as we head into a New Year. Since opening the doors three years ago, over 180,000 party people have walked through the doors of Dublin Club for a beverage or two and to be entertained by one of their six resident bands and five DJs. This month, you have the chance to watch some of those memories resurface on the big screen. Now a birthday tradition at the Irish-American pub, January 25 will be a black and white night with birthday cake and a free glass of bubbly for everyone within its walls. The seven dynamic and versatile members who make up the multi-ethnic band bring the wealth of their combined experience to the stage as they move seamlessly through a wide array of musical styles covering hits from the ‘70s to today. Bringing a lively vibe to the venue between the power-packed sets of this septet is their newly-inducted in-house DJ. Find out what tricks he has up his sleeve once stationed by the turntable. Join in from 9pm as they combine to provide the entertainment for an evening of ‘shenanigising’ as they like to call it. Party all month long Dublin plans to keep the venue bustling with people all through their founding month. January 12 is the ‘Back 2 School’ night Also this month

— an old idea, but always a good idea. All ‘students’ dressed in their uniforms will get a free drink to kick their evening off on a good note. Detention, as some might see it, begins at 9pm and will continue till the early hours of the morning — attendance compulsory. They transform into a treasure island on January 19. It’s a pirate-themed night, so you know there’ll be plenty of ‘Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of…’ An eye patch and a striped top should do the trick, but a wooden leg and a parrot would be a nice touch to this interesting evening. Although Long John Silver might not be able to make it, we hear there’ll be a lot of his friends and family pouring in on this weekend. Weekly splurges Meanwhile, all the regular weekly promotions are still in full swing including Ladies’ Night every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday with free unlimited beverages from their ‘Citrus Chic’ menu from 9pm onwards. Monday nights call for half price on all shots and cocktails which is quite a bargain that begins at 5pm. Happy hours are from 5-9pm seven days a week with a 20 per cent discount on your order. For those with a penchant for Mexican shots, Tijuana Tuesdays throw a 50 per cent discount on them. Draught beverages cost only BD2 every Saturday till 10pm and all night long on Sundays; which is perfect for a couple of early ones while watching a live match on the big screen. E Call 39 736-547 or visit Facebook.com/Dublin Club Bahrain.

When? January 12, 26 Event? Theme parties Venue? The Warbler, Baisan International Pyjamas or pirate costumes — Pick your party theme! E Call 17 290-600. When? January 12, 19 Event? Theme parties Venue? Dublin, Ramee Palace Choose to go back to school or stay back in Treasure Island. E Call 39 413-677. When? January 13, 27 Event? Theme parties Venue? Enigma, Windsor Tower If you’re not feeling green, yellow or red, hop into your school uniform. E Call 39 508-403. When? January 13, 20 Event? Theme parties Venue? Club Buffalo, Ramee California Be your glowing best for Kings of Neon III. E Call 17 826-001. When? January 19 Event? Theme party Venue? ? Bedrock, Ramee California Celebrate 2012 with ‘Electro Gravity’, and stay grounded! E Call 17 826-001.

108 x Happenings - 110 x Theme nights - 112 x Venue listing

BTM January 2012 105

afterdarkhappenings When? January 19 Event? Theme party Venue? Club Euphoria, Ramee International Don your deepest blacks or your finest purples, or both. E Call 39 413-677.

Where’s the Party At?

When? January 26 Event? DJ night Venue? Bushido DJ Kaan Gokman is in town, with Akcent and a show of fire. E Call 17 583-555. When? January 26 Event? DJ night Venue? JJ’s Music Hall Introducing Housexy’s DJ Scott Langley! E Call 39 329-083. When? January 27 Event? Theme party Venue? Rocky’s Café, Ramee International Sport your whites because tonight it’s the black lights. E Call 39 413-677. When? February 3 Event? Tribute act Venue? Club Buffalo, Ramee California Missed the Metallica concert? Don’t worry, here’s Mentallica! E Call 17 826-001.

106 January 2012 BTM

DJ Scott Langley

If you thought the first month of the year means a comparatively quiet nightlife scene, you are wrong. It looks like we’re kicking off to an electrifying start this 2012. New venues Klub360 is finally set to show you what they’ve got. Be prepared to have the best night of your life as they open their doors to the party-goers of Bahrain on January 12. With a lot of focus thrown into the ambience, you are bound to be impressed no matter where you’re stationed within the venue. Resident DJ Bren from the UK christens the venue with some outstanding tracks that will set the mood to the evening.

Kempinski Grand Hotel makes its mark with two new luxury lounges. Grand Lounge offers exclusive access to guests staying in the senior, diamond and royal suites of the hotel or via a supplement for those staying in the deluxe rooms. A more popular venue is the recently unveiled Boudoir Lounge. This dome-shaped venue is the answer to opulence with its plush interior setting the tone for an exclusive evening. Party time There’s no reason you need to waste the coincidence of the first month sporting a Friday the 13th; drink till you drop at BD13 at Club Buffalo in Ramee California Hotel. The Wild West

Boudoir Lounge

parlour makes the most of January 20 with the third instalment of Kings of Neon party following popular demand. On February 3, they give you the treat of a lifetime with the tribute act by Mentallica. Get ready to rock. Next door, prehistoric themed disco, Bedrock, hosts their biggest party of the month on January 19 — Electro Gravity. Win the key to an open bar at BD15; ladies get unlimited selected cocktails at BD7. Theme nights Don’t put your costumes away yet as Bahrain is suffering from theme-frenzy this month. On January 12, The Warbler, at Ramee Baisan International, forgets all about its dress code policy; come along in your jammies tonight. Think Jack Sparrow while you dress to attend the Pirates of the Caribbean party on January 26. Dublin at Ramee Palace takes advantage of January being its founding month. On the same day, they ask you to fetch out your school uniforms — ties, plaids et al. The pirates are in town on January 19, as the venue sets a Treasure Island theme. The big night is on January 26; get complimentary cake and bubbly on this eventful evening. Ramee International joins the fun with a ‘black and purple’ night at Club Euphoria on January 19 and a ‘glow in the dark’ party at Rocky’s Café on January 27. Meanwhile, a stop light party gives you the signal on January 13 at Enigma in Windsor Tower; if you’re up to it, don your school attire on January 27.

Suzee

Natalie

Marcos

DJ nights Mark January 26 on your calendar as Ministry of Sound’s Housexy brings its best to you in the form of DJ Scott Langley. He will be performing at JJ’s Music Hall. Men get passes at BD5; ladies walk in for free. On the same night, Bushido brings you the ultimate party of the month. Are you ready to party with Akcent? Well, you’d better be because they’re in town people. Their performance is followed by the spinning marvels of DJ Kaan Gokman. Choose your party. Cocoon, at Best Western Juffair, has a treat for you almost every other day. Here are a few names that should get you excited to visit them on a daily basis — DJs Nakadia, Matthew Charles, Natalie B, Suzee X, Hattitude and DJ Maffous. Jot the respective dates partyholics — January 4, 11, 13, 18, 20 and 25.

BTM January 2012 107

afterdarkhappenings RAMEE BAISAN INTERNATIONAL HOTEL

Extreme Entertainment Crazynuts

RAMEE CALIFORNIA HOTEL

Party Kings! Among the best Wild West parlour-themed pubs on the island, Club Buffalo is all geared up already to offer the most-happening events this month.

108 January 2012 BTM

Don your high tops, unearth your leg warmers, gather your glowing costumes or accessories and get ready for the most popular neon night in the Kingdom. A theme party like no other, the Kings of Neon III hits Club Buffalo on January 20. The third part of this massively successful event comes to this happening nightlife venue following popular demand and repetitive requests of the club’s patrons who cannot get enough of the ‘glow in the dark’ theme and the dizzying ambience it calls for. Additional treats to this exciting night are the ‘all you can have’ food and beverage packages that last all night. The live entertainment by their resident American band

Designed to create an enjoyable and friendly atmosphere, The Warbler continues to be a favourite among locals and expatriates alike. Get ready for a treat! Following the huge success of their previous performance, The Warbler, located in the Ramee Baisan International Hotel, is pleased to welcome Crazynuts. This is a group born and raised in the Philippines where music is life. Though hailing from different backgrounds, they are united by the most important factor that keeps a band intact — their commitment and passion for music. Composed of talented musicians, Crazynuts is spearheaded by ArF; other members include Essa, Roel, Benjie, Undo and Walter at the vocals. They were anointed with this wacky title as it was the only way of describing such a vibrant and powerful group that is popular for their energetic performances. They don’t just limit themselves to leaving the audience in awe and love for their music; they add fun and entertainment to their gig to give guests nothing short of the best. So, you can expect, when you enter the doors of this pub, you will be enveloped by fellow patrons having a good time with this crazy group of artists, who perform live every night of the week. Pumping up the volume in between each of their powerpacked sets is VDJ Kiwi who knows just how to pull you onto the dance floor. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter with the keywords ‘Warbler Baisan’ for regular updates on their discounts and party shout-outs. E Call 38 868-976 or 38 381-631.

Deluxe and in-house DJ Johnny Bailo turns the party around taking your clubbing spirits to a new high. From the moment you step in till the doors shut at 2am, you will witness a musical treat of dance, pop, rock and R&B genres; you can never pull yourself away from the dance floor. Friday the 13th means one thing at this bustling hangout — that’s unlimited drinks at BD13. Endless rounds of cocktails find the ladies at BD3. Watch out for the amazing tribute act by Mentallica on February 3. Scrumptious delights Check out their latest introduction to the menu. The Buffalo royal skewers are available in both chicken and beef and are served with mushroom risotto, baked potatoes, vegetables, honey yoghurt and Robert sauce. This hot-selling dish is bound to catch your eye on its way to the next table. Your tummy will be grumbling for a bite as soon as you get a whiff of this delectable item. E Call 36 131-020 or 33 731-000.

ELITE CRYSTAL HOTEL

Pumped Up Entertainment We’ve heard about it so much and have been waiting for their doors to open for a while now. The day has come; get dressed, be prepared — Klub360 is ready to party.

Promising to be the freshest, newest and by far the most sophisticated nightclub in Bahrain, Klub360 is all set to launch on January 12. Situated on the ground level, this venue is aimed at the discerning, sophisticated customer who likes to relax, socialise and party in a stunning, luxurious and uniquely captivating environment. Combining stunning interiors, exquisite lighting, a huge video wall for visual effects, it offers something fantastic to look at whichever way you turn. “Klub360 includes a VIP lounge, LED bubble wall, an ultramodern dance floor complete with state-of-the-art audio and visual enhancements which are unique to Bahrain. The club will be open seven days a week, and will also feature worldclass DJs and artists,” says Najeeb Rihan, food and beverage director at the Elite Crystal Hotel, where the club is located. The party of the month The spanking new nightlife venue makes its presence known by presenting DJ Bren as its inaugural resident spin master. A celebrity DJ from the UK, he is known for his ultra mix and video enhancements. He is widely considered to be among the hottest talents that the VDJ industry has to offer. Bren has played in super clubs and bars across the south of England, and also has performed in sun-soaked gigs In places such as Croatia, Miami and Ibiza. With over 10 years of experience, his music is a fusion of international hits as well as

edgy remixes. You could also be introduced to one of his deeper sets where he plays the best in underground dance music visiting genres like electro, progressive house, funk, tribal and ‘all that’s hot’ mixed to perfection. So, if you are after awesome music, exotic drinks, elegant design and a genuinely fabulous atmosphere, Klub360 is the place to be as it holds the secret to turning an ordinary night out into an unforgettable experience. Mark your calendars, party-goers. You can now follow them on Facebook for all updates on their latest events. Simply search for the group ‘Klub360’ and you’ll be among the first to know what’s happening at this sizzling venue. More than a club Elite Hospitality offers a wide range of lifestyle accommodation options to its guests; the latest to its repertoire is Elite Crystal Hotel in Juffair. Its all-day dining facility, Le Cascada, takes its name from the soothing waters of the cascade it overlooks, offering a variety of creative and exquisite international fare. If you miss hitting the beach, visit Bora Bora here. This poolside getaway takes you straight to the middle of the Pacific Ocean. You can enjoy your favourite beverage served from the sunken bar. It is also the ideal locale for poolside parties, complete with a DJ studio and BBQ station. E Call 33 360-300 or visit www.klub360.com.

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afterdarkthemenights Theme? Hoteliers’ Night Venue? Barcode, City Center Hotel This is a night dedicated to the hotel and services industry. E Call 33 477-088. Theme? Microphone Madness Venue? JJ’s Irish Get in the spotlight and relish in your four minutes of fame. E Call 17 717-370. Theme? Shooters and Shots Venue? Club Buffalo, Ramee California Down jagerbombs and Sambucas at BD2 all night long. E Call 17 826-001.

sunday Theme? FBI Night Venue? Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza It’s half the price for all in the food and beverage industry. E Call 17 531-122. Theme? The Generation Game Venue? Kicks, Hotel Diva Spin the wheel; hear tracks from the decade it lands on. E Call 17 810-555. Theme? Guitar Hero Venue? Davy Crockett’s, Hotel Diva Your chance to be a rock star; get on stage, prove yourself E Call 17 810-555. Theme? Lucky Night Venue? Casa Bar, Mercure Grand Choose a colour; win free drinks all night. E Call 17 584-400. Theme? Bullfrog Night Venue? Rocky’s Café, Ramee International Hotel It’s the drink of the day; get pitchers of the white spirited demon. E Call 34 014-860. Theme? Fizzy Sunday Venue? Club Buffalo, Ramee California Get international beer for just BD2 from 9pm until midnight. E Call 17 826-001.

monday

tuesday Theme? Karaoke night Venue? Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza It’s all about music and cocktails; buy one, get one free. E Call 17 531-122. Theme? Couples’ Night Venue? Latin Quarter, Pars International The lady is welcomed with a drink. Buy two, get one free. E Call 17 814-777. Theme? Double-up Tuesdays Venue? JJ’s Irish Make your drink, spirit or mixer, a double for only BD1 extra. E Call 17 717-370. Theme? Wine tasting Venue? Vintage Wine Bar, Gulf Hotel Introducing table-side wine tastings accompanied by canapés. E Call 17 746-461.

wednesday

Theme? Dollar Giveaway Venue? Davy Crockett’s, Hotel Diva Present five DC dollars to get five selected drinks from 8pm-1am. E Call 17 810-555.

Theme? Beer fest Venue? Karma lounge, Coral Bay Poolside parties don’t get better than with DJ Sami. E Call 39 777-701. Theme? The Friday Affair Venue? Club Buffalo, Ramee California DJ Johnny and resident band Deluxe keep you dancing all night. E Call 17 826-001.

Theme? FBI Wednesday Venue? Club Buffalo, Ramee California Hit their Facebook page for details on this new theme night. E Call 17 826-001. Theme? Vinotherapy Venue? Vintage Wine Bar, Gulf Hotel A new approach to wine-tasting; it is partly a spa experience. E Call 17 746-461. Theme? Mad Wall Street Night Venue? Downtown, InterContinental Regency Unbelievable prices for drinks during the band’s intermissions. E Call 17 227-777.

thursday Theme? Unlimited Drinks Venue? Rocky’s Café, Ramee International Drink till you drop at BD15. Be part of a night of sheer fun. E Call 34 014-860. Theme? R&B Night Venue? Cocoon Ladies raise your glasses for free bubbly all night long. E Call 17 827-600. Theme? Double Trouble Venue? Kicks, Hotel Diva Enjoy doubles for the price of singles. E Call 17 810-555.

Theme? Pitcher Night Venue? Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza At their price, there’s no stopping at one pitcher tonight. E Call 17 531-122.

Theme? Cocktail night Venue? Davy Crockett’s, Hotel Diva Begin the weekend with freshly made cocktails from 5pm-10pm. E Call 17 810-555.

Theme? Quiz Night Venue? Kicks, Hotel Diva Ladies receive five Kicks pounds at the door to redeem five drinks. E Call 17 810-555.

Theme? Party fever Venue? Wrangler Pay BD11 and drink the night away. Gulf Air girls get free entrance. E Call 17 827-600.

saturday Theme? Thirsty Weekend Venue? Bedrock, Ramee California Get unlimited sprits with mixers, beer or wine at BD15. E Call 17 826-001. Theme? Hawaiian Night Venue? Boomers, Pars International Dance to the live performance by Simple Notes. E Call 17 814-777. Theme? Cuban Night Venue? Latin Quarter, Pars International Ladies get unlimited mojitos on the house till midnight. E Call 17 814-777. Theme? Wine Compound Venue? Vintage Wine Bar, Gulf Hotel Meet other wine lovers for a truly interactive experience. E Call 17 746-461.

friday Theme? Karaoke Night Venue? Kicks, Hotel Diva We hear they’re serving a brunch to die for. The singing begins at 5pm. E Call 17 810-555. Theme? Pink Fridays Venue? Bushido Lounge Ladies, enjoy a night out; win a pair of Louboutin shoes. E Call 17 583-555. Theme? Jammers Night Venue? Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza Guests get the chance to jam with the live band. E Call 17 531-122.

Theme? Mid-week madness Venue? Wrangler Buy one get another free from 7pm-12am. E Call 17 827-600.

Theme? Fabulous Fridays Venue? Davy Crockett’s, Hotel Diva Wait for the sound of the klaxon when prices dive to just BD1. E Call 17 810-555.

Theme? The K-Factor Venue? Kicks, Hotel Diva Join them for Karaoke night; ladies get free drinks. E Call 17 810-555.

Theme? Mexican Night Venue? Latin Quarter, Pars International Get tequilas and margaritas at low prices. You’ll be asking for more. E Call 17 814-777.

Theme? Beat the Barman Venue? Davy Crockett’s, Hotel Diva Roll the dice higher than the barman to get free beverages. E Call 17 810-555.

Theme? Karaoke night Venue? Champs, Best Western Sure it’s a sports bars; but singing isn’t an evil. Or is it? E Call 17 827-600.

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Theme? Bullfrog madness Venue? Wrangler The blue levy is on the loose; buy one and get one free. E Call 17 827-600. Theme? Gastro brunch Venue? Polo Lounge Gastro Café, The Palace Pub-grub never tasted better. Explore their tricky cocktails. E Call 34 003-754. Theme? Karaoke Night Venue? Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza Buy one cocktail of your choice; get a second absolutely free. E Call 17 531-122. Theme? Spiritual Saturdays Venue? Davy Crockett’s, Hotel Diva Ladies receive complimentary house spirits from 8pm-2am. E Call 17 810-555. Theme? Salsa Night Venue? Casa Bar, Mercure Grand Put your dancing shoes on for their Latino dance classes. E Call 17 584-400. Theme? Crazy Crew Night Venue? Downtown, InterContinental Regency Flash your crew ID; get 50 per cent off your drinks from 9pm. E Call 17 227-777.

happenings

PARS INTERNATIONAL HOTEL

Get the Party Started From great service to never-ending entertainment, Pars International Hotel has everything to make your stay in the Kingdom something to remember.

One step into the Pars International Hotel and you can already feel yourself being spirited away into a world of hospitality and gracious living. Recognised as a four-star venue this offers you well-equipped rooms all of which are decorated in warm, contemporary tones and offering a haven of comfort and modernity. Along with a choice of spacious deluxe and standard rooms, the hotel also offers a range of executive suites for those who wish to indulge in the best of comfort, service and style. What makes Pars International a hotspot is its choice of nightlife venues that offer the best of live entertainment, great food and unique beverages.

Latin Quarter, on the other hand, is a truly luxurious dine-in venue featuring a mosaic of tastes through a healthy selection of authentic Latin-American delicacies and luscious cocktails. To make your evening memorable, the resident Columbian band, Sabor Latino, will entertain you with the fantastic rhythms of their irresistible dance music. Mondays means one thing to this happening venue — Martini madness. Ladies get free flavoured martinis from 8-11pm. It’s couples’ night on Tuesday; buy two drinks and a third is on the house. Ladies get complimentary mojitos on Wednesdays as its Cuban night and free margaritas on Fridays for Mexican night.

Good times are here Boomers, located just off the main lobby, has a traditional pub atmosphere with great food, beverage and entertainment to match. Their popular drinks are available at unbelievable prices followed by lip-smacking snacks which include signature dishes like the extraordinary three-cheese nachos, chicken enchiladas, beer-fried prawns and lamb chops with chimichuri sauce. Enjoy while watching your favourite live sports on specially installed giant screens. Move up front, rock to the sound of the resident band, Simple Notes, which will entertain you from 9pm through the night. They boast a wide musical repertoire ranging from the music of the past decades up to the most popular beats of today. Ladies receive a free drink on arrival on Saturdays. It’s Hawaiian night on Thursdays.

Chill in style Recently refurbished and known to be one of the island’s most favourite nightlife hangouts, Z-Club and Lounge is perfect for those looking to dive into a world of fun. Chill out on Saturdays as all standard beverages come at BD1.500 all night long. Complimentary martinis make their way to the ladies’ tables on Sundays because on this night, they are keeping it retro. Mondays aren’t called peppermint nights for nothing; ladies, clink your mojitos till midnight as they keep pouring in for free. There’s no better day for a girls’ night out than Tuesdays as the bar gives away free shakes and shooters. Airline crew are welcome on Wednesdays with free entrance and 50 per cent off on all beverages till their doors shut. Bring on the weekend with a buzz from all the drinks you can have at half the price. E Call 17 814-777.

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venuelisting Bar Boomers Champs Diggers Enigma Fiddlers Green Maguire’s Moodz Club

17 814-777 17 827-600 17 224-000 17 297-000 17 525-263 17 716-999 17 849-111

Disco Bedrock Club Euphoria Tabasco Charlie’s Twister

17 826-001 17 727-230 17 224-242 17 296-660

bystanderthismonth

Raj & Shubha Damani Wedding Anniversary Raj & Shubha Damani hosted a party for a number of their friends to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary. The party was held at the La Fontain Centre of Contemporary Art last month

Raj & Shubha

Yajur, Shubha, Raj & Yagna Damani

Lounge Bar Amber Bar An Nada Barcode Boudoir Lounge Brazil Lounge Burlington Club Bushido Casa Bar Champions Lounge Cocoon Lounge Déjà Vu Downtown Flamingo Bar It’s Trendy L’Bar Latin Quarter Le Bellevue Muju Shift7 The Boatyard Bar Trader Vic’s Typhoon Vertigo Vintage Wine Bar Zodiac Lounge

17 636-419 17 533-533 33 477-088 17 171-000 17 826-686 17 580-000 17 583-555 17 584-400 17 360-000 17 827-600 13 657-770 17 227-777 17 460-056 17 727-230 17 567-222 17 814-777 17 298-008 16 039-800 17 313-333 17 701-201 17 586-555 17 746-395 17 845-000 17 746-461 17 565-888

Sushil, Neha, Anita, Mala Kumar, HE Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador & Yajur

Mahmood, Falguni & Savani

Sunita, Agam, Shobha, George & Dr Dilip

Raj & Shubha with Shandra & Marco

Night Club Glamour Lounge Klub 360 Tempo Wrangler Z Club

17 827-999 33 360-300 17 296-699 17 827-600 17 814-777

Pub Restaurant Club Buffalo Club F1 Davy Crockett’s Dublin Harvesters Henry’s Café JJ’s Irish Kicks Rocky's Café Sherlock Holmes The Exchange The K Lounge The Warbler

Martha, Peter, Maria & Bruno 17 826-001 17 296-464 17 810-555 17 811-688 17 531-122 17 716-999 17 717-370 17 810-555 17 727-230 17 742-450 17 742-000 17 360-000 17 290-600

Raj, Shubha, Anne, Lianne & Robert

Liz & Peter

Anil & Karina

Johanne, Shabrian, Annie & Andi

Sports Bar Chillers C. Club Corners Cosmo Lounge Good Fellas Legends Olympic Sports Bar Polo Lounge Shooters Tracks Sports Bar

17 296-660 17 535-000 16 031-111 17 727-230 17 811-688 17 826-001 17 290-600 17 725-000 17 296-699 17 531-122 Mona Almoayyed, Adel Fakhro, Anne & Falguni

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Hamid, Ahad & Ameena

Hanar & Nabeel

What’s New Edited by Alison Coldridge

Fresh Faced

Hide blemishes and tired eyes with Lancôme’s two newest products, the Teint Miracle Compact and the Effet Miracle. Aura-inside technology is used to create the appearance of flawless and bare skin. Available at leading outets.

Elegant Finish This season has fixated on statement and ladylike jewellery, and Carolina Herrera’s pearl-adorned necklace cleverly combines the two. Plus its neutral colours mean it will smoothly sit alongside any outfit of your choice. Available at Carolina Herrera.

Urban Chic Rejoice in the season where you actually wear a jacket, and rock this men’s leather jacket from Massimo Dutti. It has a worn and crumpled look which gives it a vintage charm and is sure to complement any man! Available at Massimo Dutti.

Captivating Grace The Mini Twist enchants with the paradox of its perfect roundness together with the voluptuous movements of its case. In steel or goldplated, it comes with a sober spirit, further highlighting its forms, or dressed with light or full gem-setting. Available at A La Mode.

Pour homme If you are after a new scent for the New Year, David Beckham’s new fragrance for men is a great option. Homme delivers a distinguished blend of woody tones enhanced by a vibrant citrus top note. Available at leading outlets.

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marketplace ASIA JEWELLERS

Timeless Designs A modern man needs a modern watch, yet one that retains all of the traditional watch stylisations. This is something that luxury watch brand Graham adheres to.

A watch is a man’s most complementing, and functional, accessory. It is a symbol of style, modernity and organisation, all three of which are accomplished through the Graham of London expansive range. Since the brand’s conception in 1695, Graham has produced age-old classic timepieces to suit the modern gentleman, and the renowned Chronofighter collection is no different. Graham has made its Chronofighter Oversize model an iconic milestone piece for the brand and the watches carry an aim to impress with a sophisticated and seemingly complex design. Elaborate technical processes have been combined with a gutsy design and an automatic Swiss-made chronograph. The black steel face features a double disc at 12 o’clock and an easy-to-read second time zone device. The model also comes

equipped with a GMT function that offers two time zones’ simultaneous reading to provide a timely awareness for those who are constantly on the move and juggling time zones. Magnetic and faithful, the stainless steel case is enhanced by an elaborate black and silver sapphire bezel and a large diameter smoked sapphire case back which give the watch its confidence and charisma. To complete the design and technology, the renowned fast-action Chronofighter start/stop lever is reinforced by an ergonomic black PVD coating. The typical assertive ‘Graham-London’ signature enables a fastaction use of the chronograph function control device and will find its place on the wrists of men of action, men of good taste. Additional features include a 47-mm steel case; a caliber of G1733, 28 encrusted jewels and 48 hours’ power reserve. Moreover the design is extremely elegant, with a smoked sapphire back case and an integrated black crocodile strap. A very British history Graham is an unrepentantly English name that has connotations of an exquisite English watch. The brand traces its origins to London clockmaker George Graham (1673-1751) who is responsible for many innovations in timekeeping. He invented the chronograph, the dead-beat cylinder escapement and the mercury pendulum to compensate for temperature differences. He also built the master clock for Greenwich Royal Observatory which defined time for most of the 18th century. Graham the company was resurrected in 1995 and is today a privately owned Anglo-Swiss watch company which designs and builds its own watches in its La Chaux-de-Fonds production facilities in Switzerland. E Call 17 581-444.

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BOCONCEPT

Reinterpreting Design Classics The founders of BoConcept had a goal. It was to make great quality furniture that looked good and was functional, offering great value for their customers’ money.

For the new collection, designers revisited 1952, when BoConcept was founded. They found inspiration for a dining look that captures the spirit of that era using new production methods, materials and colours to make designs that fit modern living. With this line, the furnishing house celebrates its heritage. Inspired by the past The new London chair with its refined and expressive design has its roots in the Scandinavian design style and is available in both an upholstered version and a pure shell version. The idea was to produce the ultimate dining chair using the extensive knowledge of modern production methods and combining it with the best materials. The core of the chair is the seat which is produced in high-quality FSC-approved wood. It adds softness as well as great comfort. This chair offers many variations as both the legs and the seat can be mixed and matched to suit the individual dining room. Choose the slim steel legs for a light minimalist look or the solid oak for a more natural Nordic look. Its soft lines match the new Occa round extension table perfectly.

Designer Henrik Pedersen found inspiration in the integrated extension leaf dining tables from the ‘50s and adapted it for contemporary living by adding new materials, colours and a leg design with a modern twist. The form and the flexibility with supplementary tabletops are perfect for everyday use by a family of four or for a gathering of up to 10 people. Complete your dining experience with a modern highboard whose origin also dates back to the founding of BoConcept. A formal dining cabinet with space for fine china, silverware and crystal glasses were standard in many homes back then. Designer Morten Georgsen’s rendition gives us a beautiful highboard with a modest, clean look. Designed for multiple uses, it can take the role of a classic sideboard for storing your dinnerware, or as a small home office with space for your laptop, or even as a spacious cabinet in your living room. Be inspired by the many options offered at this heaven of home furnishings, nestled in the Seef district, and revamp your home with their modern pieces that boast a vintage touch. E Call 17 564-211 or visit www.boconcept.com.

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marketplace

ROCHE BOBOIS

Live Like Royalty A single glance at the unique collection available at Roche Bobois and all other furnishing brands will step aside. What’s your favourite piece?

Master of bedrooms The Echoes bed from the brand’s original range gives your room a unique identity like never before. Boasting a solid poplar structure, it comes with Alpi veneer in a smoked walnut or grey oak finish. It has been given a simple yet bold design; it is available in both leather and fabric. Calling your bedroom ‘modish’ would now be an understatement.

The king’s table Nothing says luxury like the grand Syntaxe dining table they have to offer. It screams of vintage magnificence through its elegant yet classy design. With aged iron legs and a top in solid oak and oak veneer in slatted wood, this is enough to add a rich touch to your humble abode. E Call 17 582-901 or visit www.roche-bobois.com.

Centre of attraction Clearly, Philippe Bouix was thinking of the perfect piece that will define your living space the second it settles in when he designed the Solstice sofa. Upholstered in bosphore, this couch of the elite is pigmented with full grain leather. It sports a wenge finish on wood legs. Add an ottoman from the same line, and you have a winner.

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YUSIF BIN YUSIF FAKHRO

Exemplary Appliances

Leading the way in electrical home appliance systems, Severin will change the way your household works with easy-to-use products and delicious results!

German brand Severin has manufactured electrical household appliances for over 60 years with a simple objective: to make daily tasks as seamless as possible for all homeowners. Each of their designs are sleek and streamlined giving a modern touch to any kitchen and are remarkably easy to use, wash and store. A new electric barbeque collection from the brand ensures this aim is continued wherever you are cooking. The range is perfect for bringing people together to enjoy fantastic grilled meals in the garden, when camping or even by the beach. Healthy food is easy to create on a barbeque — and who doesn’t love a burger or two on a sunny day. Better still, each of the barbeques have built-in innovative features for safer use. The appliances emit a very low generation of odours and smoke, due to the use of water-filled grill-tray technology, and all of the different parts are dishwasher safe, freeing you from tedious washing-up!

The barbeque collection includes numerous styles of standalone grills, racquette grills and party pans which are perfect for cooking for large parties and a table-top device that can be placed on top of any outdoor surface. Aside from being chic and smart in design, Severin’s barbeques are as compact as possible to ensure minimum outdoor space is taken up and the same is achieved when stored away. Owning a leading position in the barbeque and breakfast sectors of the home appliance market, the brand also specialises in an expansive range of coffee-making systems. Severin has, for years, been providing coffee addicts with only the purest of coffee — direct from bean to cup! Whether it’s a latte macchiato, cappuccino or espresso, any coffee speciality is just the press of a button away, making your mornings that little bit easier. E Call 17 408-150.

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marketplace Dr Qusai Soloiman Alhaddad

BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL

Chemical Turbulence

The human brain is the world’s most complex organ; it is where your personality, memories, motions and emotions lie. It’s also a chemistry set in motion!

118 January 2012 BTM

The brain is not always dominated by spring time; as Dr Qusai Solaiman Alhaddad, specialist neurologist at Bahrain Specialist Hospital (BSH) explains. “Neuro storms can disrupt a person’s life; headaches, dizziness, episodes of abnormal paralysis as well as epilepsy are abnormal events commonly referred to as brain storms or hurricanes,” says the doctor. “These brain storms can drastically interrupt the rhythm of the life of a patient, making them unable to continue their work and social relation,” Within the brain, a smooth communication network that transmits information to different parts of the body ¬is created through chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. These chemicals are vital for the brain to function in a carefully orchestrated manner; when there is a disturbance in their transport system, ‘bad weather’ is flagged and the brain responds accordingly to signal there is a problem. “A lot of tools are available to avoid this situation. Our primary step is to find out the place and cause of the disturbance in the brain and its chemicals,” adds Dr Qusai, who is the latest addition to the BSH team. He completed his medical degree in Syria and has worked in Syria and Saudi Arabia for many years before moving to Bahrain to work. The BSH’s neurological department offers a number of medications to help stabilise the disturbance of the brain weather by repairing the brain’s neurotransmitters or neurons.

Know your brain! It is known that the brain is basically made of four parts (lobes). The frontal lobe has been associated with reasoning, planning, parts of speech, movement, emotions and problem solving. The parietal lobe is associated with movement, orientation, recognition, perception of stimuli while the occipital lobe is associated with visual processing and the temporal lobe with perception and recognition of auditory stimuli, memory, and speech.

E Call 17 812-000.

Healthy Brain Tips To make sure your brain runs in tip-top condition, BSH recommends these actions: • Exercise your mind by challenging it with reading or following current affairs • Physical exercise will help keep your heart and blood vessels healthy and increase blood flow to the brain • Eat a healthy diet to provide your brain with plenty of fuel • Get your six to eight hours of sleep to help you retain information • Stay active and be open to new ventures of hobbies to engage your imagination

THE HOME STORE

Seasonal Replenishment

It’s a New Year and a new collection of home essentials and adornments are available from The Home Store at enticingly affordable prices. The Home Store invites you to bring a sense of renewal into your home with a touch of the season’s simplest trends. Breathe new life into your living space with fresh items and trends, synonymous with quality and elegance. The mélange of exciting designs, textures and colours available at The Home Store are sure to reflect your taste, from classic to contemporary; the furniture brand carries it all. The range is not only huge, but also contemporary and aesthetic. “We have over 10,000 products to tempt you into the store,” says senior operations manager Chander Shivnani. “You can pick up everything you need to transform your home into a reflection of the newness of the year. Plus, we have huge discounts across the entire festive and New Year range which will surely ensure you leave the store with bags full!” You can serve in style with stunning dinner sets and serving trays in addition to coloured glassware, bright place mats and matching napkins to entice guests in. Or, choose to make a statement with refreshing cool accessories inspired by nature. “Bring the outdoors in with casually arranged flowers, softlyscented potpourri and indoor plants,” suggests Chander. By adding a few seasonal accents to your décor, it is easy to create a calming and luxurious ambience to enjoy whenever you’re home. E Call 17 556-001.

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marketplace ROYAL BAHRAIN HOSPITAL

A Year of Success Last year, on January 15th, Royal Bahrain Hospital opened its doors to patients with a soft opening, with the operation of a few departments.

One year later, the Royal Bahrain Hospital (RBH) is in full operation, with 23 medical disciplines, 65 beds, and a state-ofthe-art facility. The hospital has racked up 26,000 patient visits in its first year, with people coming for consultations, investigations, treatments and check-ups. “We’re also proud that over 400 surgeries have been successfully performed, many of them major surgeries such as knee and hip replacements, and bariatric surgeries. We strive to get the best medical talent from all over the world,” states Dr Abdul Gaffar, renowned surgeon and medical director at Royal Bahrain Hospital. “Additionally, we’re extremely happy about our patient profile, which comes from all walks of life and more than 90 nationalities!” Last December also saw an additional milestone for the hospital, the birth of the 50th baby in their maternity complex. Dr Ravi Preet, chief operating officer at the hospital added, “We’re very pleased with reaching this milestone. To have arrived at this point shows the fruit of our hard work.” The hospital hopes to enjoy another year of success and great achievements. RBH is the only custom-built hospital in the private sector in Bahrain; its infrastructure consists of state-ofthe-art equipment, with integrated software and using the latest technologies procured from all over the world. It has the only operational sleep lab in the Kingdom and performs advanced laser technology for cosmetic surgery. It also boasts a16-slice CT scanner, a 4D ultrasound machine and offers fetal medicine treatment. E Call 17 246-800.

JAPAN KARATE ASSOCIATION

Mind, Body and Soul We’ve heard it over and over again; introducing children to the world of martial arts can do wonders for them! But how can this activity both develop a person physically and mentally?

Well the fact is, martial arts, specifically karate, is not only fun, but opens up doors in a child’s life that they never knew existed. It enhances children’s knowledge of discipline and respect, as well as how to be part of a competing team. This physical art can even help improve cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, balance, strength and overall energy levels. The training routine results in your children having enhanced self-esteem, improved overall psychological well-being, increased self confidence and therefore decreased depression rates. By exercising and mastering difficult techniques beyond expectations, they learn how to conquer limitations and realise that they exist only in one’s mind. All of these benefits are achieved through the mastering and execution of techniques of a fighting art. By developing a stronger, fit child with a high level of concentration and quick reflexes, in addition to the knowledge of self-defence skills, karate helps change the odds favourably when a child is confronted with a threatening situation. The Japan Karate Association (JKA) has presence in over 166 countries around the world; JKA Bahrain is the largest Martial Artscentre on the island and the only official body from JKA Japan offering accredited classes by licensed instructors. JKA Bahrain offers classes four days a week and is located at the Habitat Business Centre in Budaiya. E Call 38 886-930 or visit www.jka-bahrain.com.

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CREDIMAX

Reap Your Rewards! Test your New Year’s chance by taking part in the most generous rewards campaign ever by CrediMax that will run through the whole of 2012.

Mohammed Malik

Spend any amount on your CrediMax card to win as much as US$1,000 in the company’s daily raffle in 2012. Bahrain’s leading card issuer is kicking off 2012 in style, rolling out a very generous rewards campaign that seeks to reward all of its loyal cardholders. Any amount, no matter how small, spent on the CrediMax card will make the cardholder eligible to enter the daily raffle once. All the 366 daily winners will walk away richer by US$1,000. Spending BD100 during the month will give the cardholder one chance to enter the monthly raffle, where 12 winners will take home US$10,000 through the course of next year. For those who wish to test their chance further, spending BD1,000 throughout the year will make them eligible to enter the grand raffle, where the lucky winner will drive away a brand new Mercedes-Benz CLS- 350 (2013 model). The daily promotion will run from January 1 until December 31, 2012. There will be weekly draws as well as a monthly draw on the first week of each month; the grand draw will be held in January 2013. “This campaign is specifically designed to rewards all our loyal cardholders. This is in line with our objective to offer our customers maximum benefits of card membership and loyalty,” says Mohammed Malik, chief executive, CrediMax.

All CrediMax Black Platinum, Platinum, Gold, and Classic, Visa, MasterCard and JCB cards are included in the raffle, subject to terms and conditions. Each raffle draw is independent of the previous draw, which means that a winning cardholder in one draw will be eligible for a subsequent draw, provided a good payment record with no arrears in dues at the time of draw. The cash prizes will be credited to the winners’ card accounts. As the first credit card issuer in the Kingdom, CrediMax has evolved to become a pioneering market leader in credit issuing and acquiring since its early years as a card centre within the Retail Division of Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait. In April 1999, the card centre was spun off into a separate and independent fully-owned subsidiary of the bank, to focus on the credit card business line and enable it to expand further, both locally and regionally. Through its strategic alliances with renowned institutions such as Visa, MasterCard and JCB, CrediMax has been successfully able to further position itself as a leading cardissuing and acquiring company with an intensive portfolio of worldwide acceptance. The rewards campaign is subject to terms and conditions. E Call 17 117-117.

BTM January 2012 121

marketplace MARAFIE SKIN CLINIC

No Sweat!

Sweating helps the body stay cool. In most cases, this is natural, but for those with overactive sweat glands, Marafie Clinic explains the causes and offers the treatments. Known as axillary hyperhidrosis in medical terms, excessive underarm sweating is almost totally resistant to all the types of deodorants and other odour-controlling medication. “Sweating is necessary as it controls our body temperature and also helps to keep our salt levels in balance,” says Dr Hanann Marafie. “Hyperhidrosis, though, is a medical problem that involves more sweating than is required by our body.” The condition is caused by the over-stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, although the etiology of axillary hyperhidrosis is still not a wholesome theory. The condition has direct relation to a person’s mental state and is equally impacted by the environment. “Anxiety, stress or any kind of emotional stimuli and similar psychological factors can greatly impact the occurrence of axillary hyperhidrosis,” explains the doctor. Over the years, antiperspirants and medications, as well as surgical procedures, have been used as a cure. However, these often do not work well and may also result in adverse side effects. Doctor Marafie uses the FDA-approved Botulinum toxin to treat this condition. This treatment, popularly known as a cosmetic treatment for wrinkles, has actually been used in many areas of medicine for some time especially in the treatment of muscle spasms and certain types of headaches. “Its latest medical use is for treating excessive underarm sweating; forty units of Botulinum toxin are injected into roughly 10-15 spots in each armpit. This may produce approximately six months of relief from sweating. While the injections might be uncomfortable, our use of a very small injection needle minimises this discomfort,” adds Dr Hanann. E Call 17 585-373.

bystanderthismonth Bahrain (KFH-Bahrain) announced its sponsorship of the celebration of Bahraini Women’s Day 2011 and the "Bahraini Women’s Role in Economical Development" forum which was held last month, under the patronage of HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women. Abdul Razak Jawahery, Executive Manager at KFH-Bahrain, received a token of appreciation from HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa at the opening ceremony

Ali Sabkar, Zain's eMarketing Project Manager and President of the Social Media Club, Bahrain, won recognition for helping the company to use social media to its best advantage as winner of the Best Use of Social Media Award. The award came to Ali Sabkar as part of Middle East Internet Awards, the region’s prestigious recognition for individuals and organisations on the Internet in the Middle East. Sabkar received the award last month at Jabel Hafeet Grand Mercure Oasis Resort in Al-Ain, UAE Eight school teams participated in the inJAz Bahrain Banks in Action (BIA) Competition which was held at Citibank’s headquarters in the Seef District last month. Citibank, a long time partner of inJAz Bahrain, hosted the “Banks in Action” competition for the third consecutive year. InJAz Bahrain Executive Director Her Highness Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, seated, 3rd from left, Citibank Chief Executive Officer, Mazin Manna, seated 3rd from right, and inJAz Bahrain board members and management staff attended the competition, seen here with the winning team from Isa Town Secondary School for Boys, following a stringent grading process

First Motors, the sole distributors for Hyundai and a subsidiary of Al Zayani investments (AZI) recently handed over more than 300 Hyundai’s to two of Bahrain’s leading car rental companies Oscar and Gulf Rent a Car following a fleet deal that was signed last month. Seen here are, Elie Sarkis, Riyadh Al Rashdan, Raed Mu’ti, general manager, First Motors & Shkri Al Sabah

122 January 2012 BTM

Jawad Supermarkets launched its Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness campaign in the month of October to raise funds and awareness about the disease in association with the Think Pink Bahrain Breast Cancer Charity. The supermarkets donated a part of every transaction conducted during the month at both its outlets at The Jawad Dome and at Nwaidrat. Seen here, Julie Sprakel, Founder of Think Pink Bahrain, Kareem Jawad, deputy Group general manager, Jawad Business Group & Abbas Hussain, deputy chairman, Jawad Business Group

BAHRAIN NATIONAL LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY

Ensuring Long-term Security Robert Grey

With its suite of life assurance and investment products, Bahrain National Life Assurance Company helps you attain peace of mind for both your finances and health.

Bahrain National Life Assurance Company (bnl), a subsidiary of Bahrain National Holding (BNH) has come up with a full range of life and medical insurance plans to take care of any eventuality that may affect you or your family members. In addition to the group life and group savings plans for workplace employees, the insurer has introduced long-term savings plans that are available on an endowment or unitlinked basis covering life insurance, critical illness and disability options.

The unit-linked plans are extremely flexible in addressing specific individual needs of a modern product and allow a choice of funds and choice of investment mix with low transaction charges. “We’re now collaborating with Fidelity Worldwide Investments to provide access to a choice of international funds. A customer can choose his own specific mix of investment funds, proportioning the mix of his investment type and thus determine an appropriate level of diversity according to his individual needs,” says Robert Grey, general manager, bnl. The customer can top-up the funds at a later date or switch from one fund to another depending on his view of risk adversity. The premiums paid towards the plan will purchase units, after deduction of some charges, into these funds and the value at any particular time will depend on performance of the underlying global bond and equity markets. Those fearing the volatility of the global markets need not worry about the erosion of their investment. “At present, our portfolio is much diversified as we avoid relying on any one sector,” Robert maintains. Around 57 per cent of bnl’s portfolio is invested in bonds and 22 per cent in cash and no single investment exceed three per cent of the portfolio. “We avoid complicated instruments and have zero exposure to Europe. Cash investments give us the flexibility of making profitable investments as the opportunity arises,” he says. “bnl’s term assurance sales have posted a good recovery from the sharp slump recorded earlier this year. Overall, the company has improved its term assurance rates during the course of the year and the overall life business as well as the medical business has performed better compared to 2010,” A public connection Robert believes that building long-term and productive relationships with clients is the key to mutual success. “The more we understand our clients’ business, the better we are able to help them achieve peace of mind for their finances and health,” he observes. Following the findings of A customer survey, where policyholders overwhelmingly sought more communication and updates from the insurer on its new products, bnl is planning to ramp-up its customer service operation. Over the coming months, the company will develop all lines of communication that include a revamped website equipped with the latest social media tools. bnl is also concerned about the health of Bahrain’s population, especially the high incidence of obesity and diabetes. “We are already working with the Bahrain Round Table on their project for detecting diabetes in children and will support other measures as part of our contribution to the community,” Robert affirms. E Call 17 587-333 or log onto www.bnidirect.com.

BTM January 2012 123

listingsthismonth Arts Culture Art Galleries Al Riwaq Art Gallery Albareh Art Gallery Arabesque Art Gallery Art Lounge Ella Art Gallery

17 717-441 17 717-707 17 722-916 17 580-522 17 292-815

Art Galleries & Framing Bahrain Art Framing Centre 17 717165 Lamarkiz Framing & Gallery 17 596-284

Arts & Cultural Groups Alliance Française 17 683-295 Bahrain Arts Society 17 590-562 Contemporary Art Society 3 9224-002 Historical & Archaeological Society 17 727-895 La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art 17 230-123

Crafts Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre Crafts Centre Gallery Celebrations L’Atelier Art Lounge Things-To-Do

17 611-900 17 254-688 17 595-791 17 599-030 17 590-409

Dance

Ballet Centre Ballare School Futureshape Studio Salsa Bahrain Sampaguita Club Victoria Dance Centre

17 693-232 17 300-021 17 590-088 3 9676-349 3 9106-589 3 987-6215

Drama, Film and Theatre

Bahrain Cinema Club 17 725-959 Dilmun Amateur Dramatics 17 690-926 Folk Poetry Society 17 761-000

Indian arts & culture

Institute for Performing Arts 17 231-717 Kalabhavan Bahrain Institute 17 717-271 Konkan Singers Club 17 243-511

Islamic Culture Al Bayan Society Beit Al Quran Discover Islam

17 645-156 17 261-555 17 531-400

Literature

Folk Poetry Society Pakistan Urdu Literary

17 761-000 17 776-629

Museums

Al Hayat Museum Al Oraifi Museum Currency Museum National Museum Oil Museum

Other Societies

Awali Caledonian Society Bahrain Irish Society Bahrain Welsh Society Royal Society of St. George

3 6366-458 3 9800-511 3 9467-310 3 9726-329

Business Associations American Chamber Comm. Australian Association Bar Society Bankers’ Society of Bahrain British Business Forum Businessmen’s Association French Business Club

17 580-516 3 9206-432 17 725-665 17 728-003 3 9651-755 17 229-009 17 748-999

Language Courses Alliance Française Berlitz The British Council

17 683-295 17 827-847 17 261-555

Other Associations Baloch Club Garden Club Pakistan Association Skal International Bahrain

17 292-231 17 727-625 3 9415-200 17 22-4050

Sports Recreation Aerobics

Coral Beach Club 17 312-777 Curves Fitness Clinic for Women 17 691-496 Ez Fit SportPlex 17 692-378 World Beat Fitness Centre 17 612-576

Athletics/Running

17 721-999 17 728-791 17 642-119 17 794-898

Netball Club

3 9911-848

17 786-969 17 599-026

Public Speaking

Manama Toastmasters Club 3 9451-182

American Women’s Assoc. 17 685-882 Australasian Women (AWG) 3 8395-803 Awali Ladies Association 17 678-947 Business Women’s Society 17 721-188 Discover Islam Ladies 17 531-400 Hamad Town Women’s Association 17 422-005 International Ladies Group 17 729-128 Pakistani Women’s Assoc. 17 710-944 Young Ladies Society 17 262-237 Young Ladies Toastmasters 17 626-237 Women’s Society 17 826-777

124 Januart 2012 BTM

3 9601-789 17 271-257 17 254-257 17 251-878 17 255-517 3 9019-462 3 9603-564

3 8357-181 3 9911-848 17 262-143

Pottery

Social Clubs

Bhatia Mitra Mandal Kannada Sangha Karnataka Social Club Keraleeya Samajam Shree Nayrana Cultural Shri Gujarati Samaj Tamil Social Association

British Club Netball Dilmun Netball Club Filipino Club Basketball

Awali Photo Society 17 764-468 Bahrain Photography Club 17 590-551

Clubs Societies Ladies Clubs

Other Indian clubs

Hash House Harriers Bahrain Road Runners

Photography

Bahrain Pottery Society Studio Ceramics

17 753-666 17 690-926 17 262-143 17 291-527 17 258-520 17 278-245 17 593-593 17 253-157 17 231-354 3 9455-207

17 290-101 17 535-112 17 547-700 17 298-777 17 753-475

Music

Bahrain Music Institute Classic Institute of Music Manama Singers Sar Music Centre

Bapco Club Dilmun Club Filipino Club Marina Club Pakistan Club The British Club The Country Club The Indian Club The Sri Lanka Club The Young Goans Club

17 862-620 3 6992-288

Ball Games

Bowling

Awali Bowling Centre

17 753-666

Cricket

Awali Cricket Club

17 756-959

Equestrian

Awali Riding Club Riding School Shakhoora Riding Centre The Country Club

17 756-525 17 690-448 17 591-103 17 593-593

Football & Rugby

Ez-Fit SportPlex Rugby Football

17 692-378 17 695-809

Golf

Awali Golf Club Royal Golf Club

3 9444-885 17 450-000 17 780-011

Marine Sports Sailing Club Yacht Club

Martial Arts

Mind Games

Bridge Club Bahrain Scrabble League

17 713-080 17 242-641

Dessange Health Club La Fontaine World Beat Fitness Center

17 713-999 17 230-123 17 612-576

Filipino Club Tennis Group Table Tennis Club Tennis Club The Country Club

3 9527-587 17 729-756 17 729-561 17 593-593

Pilates

Racket games

Snooker

Jimmy’s Snooker/Billiards 17 71 6-147

17 836-078 17 700-667

Aces Taekwondo Academy 3 9658-741 Al Ahli Karate School 3 9659-510 Bahrain Karate Center 17 612-576

Ghassans Gym Fitness Plus Physique Fitness Centre World Beat Fitness Centre 24-hour Fitness

17 695-911 17 593-593 17 694-646 17 612-576 17 716-999

Bahrain Wellness Centre Bayoga Centre Meditation Centre Physiotherapy Centre World Beat Fitness Centre

17 795-961 39 460-996 17 712-545 17 722-012 17 612-576

Bodyline Spa Coral Beach Club La Fontaine Spa Massage Centre

17 793-932 17 312-777 17 230-123 17 264-064

Ann Beauty Center and Spa Bellacura Beauty Lounge Dessange Spa Futoon Beauty & Fitness Pineapple Spa Profile Fitness Centre Wellness Resort Zoya Beauty Centre

17 623-704 17 697-950 17 713-999 17 777-994 17 712-000 17 727-766 17 795-961 17 740-800

Banyan Tree Resort & Spa Crowne Plaza Health Club Golden Tulip Health Club Gulf Hotel Health Club Le Mirage, Diplomat Hotel Regency Fitness Centre RJ’s, Ramee Int'l Hotel Sheraton Fitness Sporting Club, Ritz-Carlton The Gym, Mövenpick Hotel

17 845-000 17 531-122 17 535-000 17 713-000 17 531-666 17 227-777 36 270-302 17 524-570 17 580-000 17 460-000

Art of Living Foundation

39 653-007

Fitness Gyms

Health Spas (Women only)

Meditation Centres

Health Clubs (Hotels)

Kids Fitness Centres

Children’s Health Academy of Specialised Sports (CHAOSS) 17 592-096 17 566-566 My Gym Bahrain

QR Codes: On-The-Go Reading

National Associations

Amateur Athletic Association 17 684-905 Badminton & Squash Fed. 17 292-662 Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation 17 836-199 Basketball Association 17 741-010 Bowling Association 17 822-077 Chess Federation 17 252-133 Cycling Association 17 650-079 Disabled Sports Federation 17 789-191 Endurance Federation 17 836-199 Football Association 17 729-563 Handball Association 17 720-321 Hockey Association 17 253-209 Maritime Sports Association 17 836-078 Martial Arts Association 17 650-676 Mind Sports Association 17 340-016 Shooting & Fencing Assoc. 17 750-006 Snooker Association 17 825-301 Swimming Association 17 680-867 Table Tennis Association 17 729-393 Volleyball Association 17 271-139

Teens Kids Athletics Road Runners

Dance

Cricket

Ez-Fit SportPlex SLC grounds, Riffa

17 692-378 17 276-134

Ez-Fit SportPlex Rugby Football The Country Club

17 692-378 17 695-809 17 593-593

Football & Rugby Horse Riding

You can now read Bahrain This Month while you are out and about, from the comfort of your own phone — just simply download a free app which allows you direct access to the online magazine. Both iPhone, iPad2 and BlackBerry users can enjoy this simple convenience by following these simple steps;

iPhone/iPad2 users 3 6992-288

Ballet Centre 3 9676-349 Victoria Dance Centre 3 9876-215 World Beat Fitness Centre 17 612-576

Step 1: Search for i-nigma on the Apple app store Step 2: Download i-nigma on your iPhone or Pad, free of charge Step 3: After downloading is complete, click on the i-nigma icon Step 4: Finally, simply scan the QR code to be directed to a page on the designated page on the web

Awali Riding Club 17 756-525 Dilmun Club 17 692-986 Riding School 17 690-448 Shakhoora Riding School 17 591-103 The Country Club 17 593-593

Marine & Sailing Sailing Club Yacht Club

Martial Arts 17 756-770 17 750-777

Karting

Gulf Speed 1 Kart Zone Silver Go Kart

Bin Jamal Taekwondo Center 3 6222-892 Delmon Taekwondo School 3 9689-659 Futureshape Studio 17 592-019 Ghassan’s Style Kickboxing 3 9458-293 Karate Centre 3 9247-769 Taichi & Wushu Center 17 813-856 Japan Karate Association 17 591-237 Marina Club 3 9690-008 Reza Martial Arts Centre 17 694-646 Shotokan Karate 3 9626-211 Yong Quan Tha Chi 3 9667-624 Zen-Do Bahrain 17 611-909

17 700-677 17 700-677

Aces Taekwondo Academy 3 9658-741 Al Ahli Karate School 3 9659-510 Al Hala Sports Club 3 9966-139 Balouch Club 17 292-231 British Club 17 728-245 Delmon Tae Kwon Do School 3 9689-659 Taichi & Wushu Centre 3 6437-931

Health Fitness Fitness Gyms

Al Gosaibi Gym Coral Beach Club Dessange Health Club Ez-Fit Sportsplex

17 293-221 17 312-777 17 713-999 17 692-379

BlackBerry users Step 1: Search for ‘QR Code Scanner Pro’ in the Blackberry app world, either online or directly from your phone Step 2: Download the app, free of charge Step 3: Click on the application and scan the code Step 4: On scanning, you will be directed to site referenced in the QR code There are two QR codes used this issue; on the front cover, on First Word (page 11).

winwin

Bahrain This Month gives readers an exclusive chance to win watches from Sharif Group.

AD SEEK

To win, all you have to do is correctly answer the questions below.

What event is being held at an airbase? ___________________________ When is the Garden Show being held? ___________________________ Who can you find at Albareh Art Gallery? ___________________________ Who distributes the Severin brand? ___________________________

Hint: You can find the answers in this issue of BAHRAIN THIS MONTH.

Who got it right?

This is a fun game for all readers. Each of these pictures is taken from advertisements in this issue of BAHRAIN THIS MONTH. All you have to do is identify the ad and mark your answer below each ad clipping. So test your observation skills, and you may be a winner!

Bahrain This Month received 58 entries last month, 49 of which answered all the questions correctly. Congratulations to everyone, particularly our three winners: Winner : Karina Manuel Second Place : Marichu Ferrer Third Place : Ganga Parvathi

Last month’s solutions

1. Nasreen Sururi 2. April 17-19, 2012 3. December 3 4. H. E. Vichai Varasirikul 5. Mahdi Jawad 6. JJ’s Irish Restaurant 7. Chris Daughtry 8. MINI Coupé

Who runs Autovee? ___________________________

9. Cucina Italiana

Who turns three this month? ___________________________

1. Ashazi Services Co.

10. Prince Khalifa Public Park

Ad Seek 2. Diet Delight 3. The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel 4. Golden Tulip Bahrain

8 9

Where can you find a Full Monty burger? ___________________________ What car did we test drive? ___________________________ Which new Indian restaurant has opened? ___________________________ Where did we visit this month? ___________________________

Name:

Address:

Telephone:

Email:

cpr:

Entry deadline is January 15. The winner will be selected at random. Please include your full name, CPR number, address and telephone number, and mail to: Win Win, Bahrain This Month, PO Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.

BTM January 2012 125

tarotscopethismonth

Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 18

January sees you facing some powerful challenges which have a profound impact on how your month unfolds. Circumstances beyond your control will see you breaking out of your self-imposed shell and taking a new grip on your life, when you are presented with a career promotion following the unforeseen departure of a former colleague. If you’ve been feeling down or depressed, it all stops now! Life will become more of an enjoyable challenge and you will relish the chance to involve yourself in it. Work will bring about positive change and a new arena from which you will learn a great deal. You may also employ the more ruthless side of your character and finally detach yourself from anyone you feel might be holding you back. On the romance front, you will decide to put your best foot forward. Card of the Month —The Chariot For a detailed, personalised Tarotscope reading, contact Raphael by email: raphael@tarotscope.org.uk

Aquarius January 20 — February 18 If money has been a problem of late, then the problem will be significantly reduced this month as matters improve for you, thanks to several pieces of good fortune that you enjoyed late in December. Additionally, a friend or family member may come forward with a proposal or loan that will help and it may start you on the road to a more secure financial future in the New Year. Towards the end of the month your thoughts may be directed to memories of the past that leave you pining for better days. Where a previous romance is concerned, you need to try and work through those recollections because no good can come from dwelling on this area. Work may be stressful and a particular colleague could be aggravating you more than usual, but you should try to ignore this person and just attend to your own duties. Card of the Month — The Fool

Pisces February 21 – March 20 For a great number of Pisceans, emotions will be high throughout January and this may be connected to a young-hearted relative who is in need of your support. You may have been feeling neglected by your family members and perhaps become jealous of a parent’s affection towards a brother or sister. Judge the situation calmly and don’t allow your emotions to speak out; you could end up causing friction for no reason. A woman in green may bring a positive message concerning travel and the numbers 11 and 13 will carry significance if you intend to make a purchase of some considerable size. However, in the early stages of 2012 you need to be careful when it comes to financial matters in general so be sure to exercise caution and restraint. Card of the Month — The Four of Coins

126 January 2012 BTM

Aries March 21 – April 20 Plans that took seed in December concerning financial matters will develop favourably into the New Year, and see you travelling abroad to cement a profitable long-term partnership. You may also need to recruit a working associate to assist in an operation that might move too quickly for one person alone to deal with. You should safeguard your health by ensuring you do not take on more responsibility than you can manage, otherwise stress could easily get the better of you. The passing of a loved one might leave you more hurt than you first imagined and family feuds could arise from such regrettable events. On the home front, 2012 is likely to be the year you get to travel to a few places you’ve not been to before. Card of the Month — The Knight of Wands

Taurus April 21 – May 20 The fire of competition spurs you to great success this month and a welcome message through the mail sees you take confidence in an ongoing legal battle. You may also find yourself being drawn in to assist a partner in matters of work where two heads are most definitely better than one. Matters of finance are improving and you will find the outlook for the New Year a bright one. There may also be an investment opportunity which you will become involved with and the omens are positive if investigated thoroughly. Watch a young girl who may not seem herself this month as she may be trying to cope with a problem she cannot handle alone. Card of the Month — The Ace of Coins

GEMINI May 21 – June 22 Don’t allow yourself to be pushed into purchasing something outside of your means this month as you might find yourself regretting the situation in the weeks to come. If an over anxious friend or companion tries to persuade you towards extravagance be sure to respond in the negative. It will not be a good time of the year for you to contemplate any type of purchase that leaves you with a long-term debt to settle. Be sure to double-check any accounts in your daily working life as you may find that an error escapes your attention first time around and might lead to more serious problems if not spotted. Card of the Month —The Hanged Man

Cancer June 21 – July 20 Matters of health weigh heavily on the mind this month and if you have been delaying a visit to the doctor you are well aware is overdue, then do not put it back any longer. There is the possibility of a minor operation ahead and you will need as much notice as you can get. A friend may turn out to be spreading gossip about you behind your back and this could lead to bitter conflict due to rumours that reach the wrong ears. If you have been contemplating any type of breakaway — perhaps even alone — then follow your instincts and spend some time in your own company. Card of the Month —The Three of Cups

leo July 23 — August 22 Have you been feeling lately that everyone around you relies upon you for everything? Do you sometimes think that a little help from those closest to you would make a lot of difference in your life? Well if you have some affinity with these two questions then perhaps it is time for you to put your foot down and exercise a little of that fiery temperament you are so famed for. For too long now you have been taken advantage of and the situation has to change. Make those who take you for granted work a little harder for your attention and spend more time on yourself. You’re worth it — as long as you believe it that fact! Card of the Month — The Page of Swords

advertisersindex Virgo August 21 – September 22 Tears of joy and sadness will be shed by many of you this month as separate events in your life draw you through both ends of the emotional scale. A painful separation could force you to re-evaluate your home life while a piece of good news concerning work may see you land a tidy sum just when you need it. On the health side, try and stay clear of any physical exertions, as your body might not be quite as fit as you imagine. There is also the chance that a visit to the doctor around the 17th could provide more than one surprise, so be prepared. It’s nothing serious or negative but could prove to be life changing. Card of the Month —The Devil Libra September 21 – October 21 After the difficult times you experienced in November, you can expect things to be a little quieter for you in the run-up to Christmas and you should try to take advantage of the opportunity to relax because it is something your sign doesn’t often do. Everyone needs to recharge their batteries and with several new projects on the horizon for 2012, you should get yourself into the best shape possible for the New Year. Card of the Month — The Ace of Wands

Scorpio October 22 – Noveember 21 January will be a good month for you to begin saving towards a future investment. You may come into a small amount of money and you are advised to use this as the foundation to finance any proposed scheme. However, you should not rush into anything because of impatience and when the time arrives to use your money be sure to seek the correct advice. A female may come to you for your opinion concerning a delicate matter and you should be careful not to judge her or deliver a hasty response. Think things through because further conversations between you are likely to reveal deeper problems that will not be quickly fixed. Your charity and wisdom will not be in vain and other things will develop from this association that will have more meaning later in the year. Card of the Month —The Pope

Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 How close can two people get? Interesting question, but one that applies to your current state significantly since you could find yourself feeling at the very peak of happiness as far as a relationship is concerned. More than anything, you should not look for a reason but just appreciate the moment since one can never tell when change could encroach on a situation. On a different note, rumours will reach your ears in relation to a friend who may be feeling aggrieved by a statement attributed to you concerning your friendship. Act quickly! Devious tongues are at work to disrupt your bond. You are not one usually comfortable with conflict but you are more than capable of defending a position, especially when you are in the right so exercise that option and put this matter to bed before it has the opportunity to get out of hand. Card of the Month — The Eight of Cups

Zooey Deschanel

Denzel Washington

Nina Dobrev

FAMOUS Capricorn THIS MONTH

Fashion & Footwear Peacocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

Financial Institutions

Motoring Ahmed Zayani & Sons (Jeep) . . . . . . . . . 19 Almoayyed Motoring (Ford) . . . . . . . . . . 31 E. K. Kanoo (Toyota) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

bni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 CrediMax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IFC Standard Chartered Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Zayani Motors (Peugeot). . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Home and Furnishings

Other Advertisers

Euro Motors (Land Rover) . . . . . . . . . . . . BC First Motors (Hyundai) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Bo Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Nest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Roche Bobois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 The Home Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Yusif bin Yusif Fakhro (Severin) . . . . . . . 35

Gulf Industry Fair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Hotels & Luxury Apartments

Japan Karate Association. . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Elite Crystal Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Gulf Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Pars International Hotel . . . . . . . . . .63,107 Ramee Baisan Hotel (The Warbler) . . . . 66 Residence Inn Marriott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 The Dragon Hotel & Resort . . . . . . . . . . 53 Windsor Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Al Ain Mineral Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Amwaj Marina Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Bahrain Air Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Gajria Electronics (JVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Health & Wellness Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC Juffair Fitness Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Little Picassos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Picture Arabia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Primedia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Shakespeare 4 Kidz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Restaurants and Cafés

Jewellery & Watches

Burger Lounge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Asia Jewellers (Raymond Weil) . . . . . . . . 4 Sharif Group (Swiss Military) . . . . . . . . . 51

Casa Mexicana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Bushido . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Chili’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Medical & Dental Services

Fuddruckers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Bahrain Specialist Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Marafie Skin Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Royal Bahrain Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Johnny Rockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Gloria Jean’s Coffee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Panasia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Papa John’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

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

● 24 Hours Market, all outlets

● Miami Cold Store, Adliya

● Al Hilal Bookshops, all outlets

● Midway Supermarket, all outlets

● Al Jazeera Supermarket, all outlets

● Park Supermarket, Mahooz

● Alosra Supermarket, Saar

● Waitrose Supermarket, Amwai

● Bab al Bahrain Souvenir Shop

● Other leading Cold Stores and

● BooksPlus, all outlets

News Stands

● Burhama Cold Store

All Gulf Daily News home

● Classic Shop, Bab Al Bahrain

subscribers receive a

● Elite Supermarket, Hoora

complimentary copy of BTM.

● Supermarket, Awali

You can also subscribe directly by

● Jawad Supermarket, all outlets

visiting www.bahrainthismonth.com

● Jim’s Restaurant

For subscription enquiries and back

● Mega Mart, all outlets

issues of BTM, call 17 813-777.

Photos Copies of most pictures depicted in this publication (and some which aren’t) are available from National Photo Services, Gudaibiya 17 742-955.

BTM January 2012 127

lastword Mayan prediction: 2012, over and out!

Lucky Number Seven! JAMES CLAIRE There is nothing more beautiful, no event more joyous than the birth of a child. But, has our luck ended as we hit number seven?

128 January 2012 BTM

I remember when I used to go to the bingo hall with my parents, many decades ago. The voice of the caller still rings in my memory bank —legs 11; two lucky ladies, 88! All the fours, 44, and, of course, lucky number seven. It was the joy in his voice that made it seem luckier than other numbers. Of luck, there is also the joy of childbirth. I know, totally different subject but stay with me here. Tiny little human beings, wrinkled, soft-skinned, needing of all our love and assistance and trusting us from the moment their little hands grip our finger. This has been the way for millennia; and this is where the two subjects meet. Danica May Camacho, little bundle of joy and whom ‘I call lucky number seven’. You see, Danica was born in the Philippines on October 30 last year and, according to the United Nations, will always have the honour of being known as ‘the seven billionth human being’ on Earth. But will Danica thank us? Will all the children born after this day, ever thank us? Is seven a blessed number of fortune? Casinos have been saying so for generations, but when it comes to us, for survival, the future of Danica, is this still a charmed numeral? Or is this a barrier that we should never have allowed to pass? The figures are quite frightening. According to the United Nations it took until 1804 for the world to reach its first billion people. That is one thousand, eight hundred and four years, yet only a century later and it hit two billion in 1927. In the 20th century, the figures came much quicker: three billion in the next 32 years by 1959, four billion in the next 15 years to 1974. Just 13 years later, five billion in 1987, six billion in 1998, after just 11 years, and now seven billion. Eight billion will come somewhere before 2023; nine and 10 billion soon after. How are we ever going to feed, house, water and survive this many people on an already congested planet? At what stage do we finally chop down the last tree and the whole planet becomes Easter Island?

Where do we go from here? Whether you believe strongly in any religion or not, one has to ask, should there be limitations to the one basic human right that two people have, giving birth to offspring? Every couple has the right to procreate, but at what stage are we actually going to start to consider the life into which we are bringing newborns? Arrogantly, we can state that we have enough money and we have the resources within a particular family, but then if every family thinks this way we never reach an answer. It is a question far too big to answer, but simply I want to be one who asks this, “If we do not ease the population growth, then by 2050 the planet will be on its way to 10 billion. What quality of life will any child have from there — food, clothing, shelter, education, freedom?” To raise any child without the faintest glimmer of hope for a future in which its predecessors have enjoyed should be a crime. To raise many children in this manner, one is only asking for a future of intolerance, violence and rioting by a generation of people born without hope. You could state that it would be a catastrophe. Defined as a large scale horrible event; the overpopulation of a tiny planet certainly abides by such definition. And so I return to the question of the good fortune surrounding number seven? While gambling terms may suggest luck, perhaps it’s a gamble we are all about to lose. There were after all, seven main islands of Atlantis; they were not so lucky! There are also seven deadly sins of which pride and greed are among them. But it is the thought of catastrophe that brings this all together. In the 1960s a French mathematician, René Thom, devised what is known as the ‘Catastrophe Theory’, of which there are ‘seven’ basic types. It is fundamentally a mathematical theorem showing that ‘small changes in certain parameters can cause equilibrium to change leading to large and sudden changes of the behaviour of a given system’. Perhaps reaching seven billion people is one of seven catastrophes; the catalyst to tip the scales toward a change of the system we call Earth? Now, what was it that the Mayans said about 21 December 2012?

Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre

17-19 April 2012

Food & Beverage Technology • Food Processing Technology • Ready to Eat Products • Beverages and Soft Drinks • Health and Organic Foods • Frozen Foods • Fine Dining • Bakery

Showcasing Bahrain’s Food and Hospitality sectors and hosting exhibitors from all over the GCC.

Organised by

Supported by