Tom Peters Seminar | BSPCA Fashion Show | What The Dickens? www.bahrainthismonth.com
Your Guide To A Great Way Of Life
June 2014 ~ Vol. 18 ~ Issue 6
Kicking Around Ideas
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Culture
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Clubs
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Sports
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Interviews
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Lifestyle
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Dining
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Nightlife
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Issue 202
Contents June 2014 87
COVER STORY Kicking Around Ideas
This month will be about a little round ball, with as many opinions as passes by the players on the field. Tom Peters is not averse to kicking around ideas, either.
HAPPENINGS
87
Bahrain This Month reviews events happening around town during the month of June 2014:
Fashion Spectacle:
23
The annual charity drive from the BSPCA returns! 24
A Big Blast:
Expect nothing but heavy metal from this rock event 26
World Cup Speak:
Three ex-professional footballs offer their opinions 28
What The Dickens?:
All of Shakespeare’s plays in less than 100 minutes
23
57
30
Young Minds:
32
Shuttle Time:
The younger generation’s idea of a digital entrepreneur The West Asian Badminton Tournament 34
Redefining Excellence:
Tom Peters holds a master class in management 23-54
Calendars:
Events during June
INTERVIEWS 57 Power Player
58
60
Akram Miknas has a new accolade — one of the world’s ‘100 Most Powerful Arabs’.
58
Rekindling a Connection
Expanding links between Bahrain and Switzerland is the goal of the new Swiss Consul.
60
The Heart of Arabia
62
Dressing Up in Style
Would quantitative easing boost the local tourism industry? Yes, says Puneet Singh.
68
97 Bystander This month our Bystander pages are a veritable potpourri of events around the Kingdom; from the hugely successful gulfBID exhibition to the Big Smoke Burger launch, our photographers had a good workout. We celebrated with the Dutch, had a day out with Aeropostale and spent an afternoon with Shantaram Shetty on his birthday.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Panos Panagis talks us through the renovation of the grand ballroom at the Diplomat.
68
JLR Backseat Chat
Local comedian Imran Al Aradi holds court on the back seat of a Jaguar XJ.
This three-step graphic explains what you need to do to Blipp any page in this issue with this symbol.
June 2014 3
Issue 202
Contents June 2014 LIFESTYLE
87 Who will be the star of the World Cup in Brazil?
Blipp This Month:
FC Connect with Bahrain This Month online
88
68
JLR Backseat Chat:
Backseat Chat with Imran Al Aradi
Fashion: 88
Sacoor Brothers:
Experience personal service at the brand’s new store 90 Showcase: Lulu Hypermarket
Motoring: 92
New Arrival:
The latest MINI Hatch is set to cause a stir 93 Showcase: Infiniti Q50
Shopping:
92
117
97 What’s happening at malls over the summer months
Downtime:
Music: A tribute to America’s finest musicians 112 Computer Games: It’s all action and adventure 113 Websites: How to be both cool and odd 114 Apps: Can you hear what’s being said? 115 Movies: Legends that never stop 110
Dining:
New in Town: A raft of venues are now open 118 Happenings: Where to find a deal this month 121 Showcase: Gulf Hotel has a spread for the season 117
After Dark:
129
142
129
Acoustic Alley: The name says it all. Head to Ibrida! 132 Happenings: Where to watch the World Cup
Showcase:
What’s New: Nourish your wardrobe! 136 Marketplace: Latest products and services 135
Regulars: WIN WIN Tarotscope 151 AD Index 152 Last Word 149
150
110
112
114
115
www.bahrainthismonth.com
June 2014 5
introducing
IRINA SHAYK & PATRICK DEMPSEY Now Open at Bahrain City Centre
THE TEAM
Bahrain This Month June 2014
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 Elma Bartholomew, Ankita Mamgain, Zilia Monteiro Features Editor Maryam Toorani
Dear Readers,
Contributors James Claire (dining), Simi Kamboj
I am taking an educated guess here, but I’m pretty sure the main topic of conversation during the course of June will centre around a little round ball. After years of waiting, the World Cup kicks off in Brazil. Normally I would like to see the home nation walk away with the big prize — if England were not the winners. However, with a couple of Brazilian members of staff working at Red House Marketing, the prospect of a win for the team in yellow and green fills me with apprehension. Of course, this year’s event reminds me of the near miss for the Kingdom of Bahrain, who missed out at the final hurdle in 2010 — and with it the opportunity to beat England! In this month’s edition we look at the promotions running alongside a month of soccer fever. There’s a review of where to watch all the live action in sports bars across the Kingdom as well. Our interviews cover a potpourri of individuals from diverse backgrounds. We speak to the new honorary consul for Switzerland, Humbert Buemi. An Italian by birth, Humbert aims to re-engerise links between the two countries. A well-known figure within the local and regional media industry, we talk to Akram Miknas following his appearance on a list of the world’s ‘100 Most Powerful Arabs’. Panos Panagis updates us on the major renovation taking place at the The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa’s grand ballroom. Due to open after the summer, the old lady of the banquet and meetings scene is receiving a complete make-over. Over at the Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel, Puneet Singh tells us about the work of the Bahrain Destination Forum and measures to boost the local hospitality industry. Playing on the younger generation’s desire to click when online, Ali Mohsen lets us in on his latest venture, PaperV, and how we can tag other people’s websites to our heart’s content within a closed user group. A highlight of the year, though, is the visit to Bahrain by Tom Peters. The ‘first’ management guru will expound on the search for excellence in everything that we do. Like the visit of Eric Clapton a couple of month’s ago, his seminar on June 10 is a must-attend event. As we enter the heat of summer, our pages reflect the many activities in which we can engage to take advantage of the great way of life that 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., Asif Khan Staff Photographer Subeesh Kumar N S Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa, Katherine Lao Personnel Manager Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Media Sales Marise Prata Dos Santos, Hilary James Sales Manager Sanhita Kar Marya 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 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 2005-2014 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.
•
COVER Cover Picture:
World Cup 2014: Brazil
Views expressed in this magazine by journalists and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month. Tom Peters Seminar | BSPCA Fashion Show | What The Dickens?
Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001 ISBN 1 899 348 09 3
www.bahrainthismonth.com
George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman
Your Guide To A Great Way Of Life
1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24
Kicking Around Ideas
Gulf and international subscriptions available on request. Bahrain This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide
June 2014 ~ Vol. 18 ~ Issue 6
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Nightlife
June 2014 7
bystander
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar & HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa & Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Visit Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living, visited Bahrain for three days during which, he held talks with the leadership and conducted two workshops. The spiritual leader also attended the ‘Civilisations in Service to Humanity’ conference, on the sidelines of which he was received by His Majesty King Hamad, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar with His Majesty King Hamad
HE Dr Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar & Mala Kumar
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Dr Mustafa & Maj Gen Dr Najem
Nabeel Ajoor & Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Pankaj & Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Jawad Y. Al Hawaj, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar & Lalchand Gajria
Roya Baqer, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar & Fareed Bader
Nasser Alarrayed, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar & Nasreen Dawani
Lisa, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar & Yanni
Ghaleb & Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
8 June 2014
Vinod & Rithin
Ronnie Middleton & Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Vijay Boloor & Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Adel Fakhro & Mona Almoayyed
Hatim Dadabhai & Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Fatima & May
Swami Agnivesh
Mansoor & Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Fadi, Mohammed, Abdulla & Sulaiman
gulfBID 2014 Opening Three leading trade shows - the eighth gulfBID Exhibition, the third GulfInteriors Exhibition and the second Gulf Property Show – were officially opened by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister, at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa opens the three exhibitions in the presence of ministers, officials and VIPs
Abdulla, Adel Kareem, Ahmed Bubshait & Shaikh Hamad
Bharat, Manoj & Hemant
Dr Hala & Sama
Mallayya, Nader, Hassan & Hussain
Naveed, Meraj & Adnan
10 June 2014
Zainab
Sadiq Dawani, George Middleton, HE Christian Testot, French Ambassador, HE Abdulla Juma & Ronnie Middleton
Mohammed Rashdan, Khalid Al Amer, Shaikh Abdulla & Sami Buhzaa
Badie & Kim
Sameer Saleh
Angel & Mahmood
Ahmed, Amr, Linda & Katherine
Hussain
Ahmed, Sayed, Hussain & Andy
Mubarak Ahmed
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Scan for watch details
Moda Mall: 17534444 Al-Aali Mall: 17581444 Seef Mall: 17587888 Ritz- Carlton Hotel: 17580123 City Centre: 17179009 www.asiajewellers.com
bystander
HE Kamal Ahmed, Minister of Transportation
Visionaries of Bahrain 2014 La Bonn V Events presented the felicitation of the ‘Visionaries of Bahrain’ supported by Forbes Middle East. The event held at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa attracted the ‘Creme de la Creme’ of the business community and other dignitaries. Under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the recipients were Khalid Kanoo, Dr Esam Fakhro, Sameer Nass and Dr Bahyia Al Jeshi His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Asad, Sameer Nass, Dr Essam Fakhro, Khalid Kanoo & Dr Bahyia Al Jeshi
His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Irwin, Sharon & His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa
Renuka, His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Asad, Dr Mustafa Al Sayed & Irwin
Madhav, Mala Kumar, Shaikha Hind, HE Dr Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador, HE Christian Testot, French Ambassador & Zeina Testot
Mohamed & Ms Nass
Asad, Irwin & Ryan
12 June 2014
Irwin Rego from La Bonn V
Dr Mustafa Al Sayed & Abdulrahman Jawahery
Ali, Abdulrahman & Lynne Alwazzan
Shaikha Hind & Lisa Wahbe with guests
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa & Alison
The Joz family
Esther, Irwin & Renuka
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bystander
HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa & HE Iain Lindsay
HRH Queen Elizabeth II Birthday Celebrations HE Iain Lindsay, British Ambassador & Bridget Lindsay hosted a garden reception to mark the birthday of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. The event held at the British Embassy gardens, was attended by His Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty King Hamad’s Personal Representative, HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Advisor to His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the British community and VIP guests His Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa & HE Iain Lindsay cut the celebratory cake, watched by members of the Diplomatic Corps
HE Iain Lindsay & HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa
Ahmed Jawahery, Adel Fakhro, Bridget Lindsay, HE Iain Lindsay, HE Dr Dhafer Al Umran, HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa & Khalid Al Zayani
Khalid Kanoo & Jalil Al Ansari
Ron, Garfield, Julia, Jill, Stuart & Daniel
Heather, Keely & Steve
14 June 2014
David & Bless
Geg & Svetlana
Khalifa Al Rumaihi
Nancy, John, Maha Bahamdoun & Nabeel Ajoor
Betsy & Nonie with Abdulhussain Dawani
David & Martin
Bridget & HE Iain Lindsay
Paul & Erica
Panos & Doris
Judith & Faisal Jawad
www.bahrainthismonth.com
The All new 7- seAT
The All-new 2015 Toyota Avanza is a stylish, powerful and versatile Multi Purpose Vehicle. It is equipped with a 1.5L, 102HP engine that gives a smooth and enjoyable ride. It has a modern and spacious interior that can fit 7 passengers comfortably. Visit our Toyota Showroom today and explore the real new Toyota MPV.
17 730 730
www.toyota.com.bh
ToyotaBahrain
toyota_bh
bystander
At the ribbon cutting are Noel Alfred, HE Thomas MacDonald, Canadian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohamed Kayed, CEO Sevens Holdings, Musafa Yusuf, Big Smoke’s founder and chief executive & Freddy Thomas
Big Smoke Burger Launch A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to mark the opening of the Big Smoke Burger outlet at The Walk in Riffa last month
The Big Smoke Burger outlet Mohammed
Noel, Mark, Jean, Fuad Taqi & Armi
Masheal, Jordan & Nabeel
Anne, HE Thomas MacDonald & Musafa Yusuf at the cake cutting
Mohammed & Hassan
Noel & Freddy
Ibrahim
Mohammed
Social Media For SME’s As part of Servcorp’s Business Shorts event, Ali Sabkar made a presentation to a number of guests on Social Media for SME’s. The event was held at the Servcorp offices in Bahrain Financial Harbour
Heather & Patrick
Sarah, Tanya & Lyn
Salah, Ali Sabkar, Zeyad, Mohamed & Emad
Darren & Danni
16 June 2014
Filip
Abdulla & Ahmed
Jalal, Alee & Kaneel
Danni & Susan
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Dheeptha, Ashalatha, Shantharam & Ashish Shetty
Shantharam Shetty’s Birthday Party The management of the Ramee Group of Hotels hosted a party to celebrate the birthday of Shantharam Shetty, Group General Manager, at the Warblers, Ramee Baisan Hotel Shantharam cuts his cake alongwith Dheeptha, Ashalatha & Ashish Shetty
A staff member with Shantharam, Ashalatha & Dheeptha
Shantharam, Ashalatha & Dheeptha with Metropolition Hotel staff
Shantharam, Ashalatha & Dheeptha with Ramee Palace staff
Shantharam, Ashalatha & Dheeptha & Ramee sales team
Shantharam, Ashalatha & Dheeptha with Ramee Monroe staff
Shantharam, Ashalatha & Dheeptha with Ramee Baisan staff
18 June 2014
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Dive into an underwater world of fun! 23 May – 23 June
The cool underwater world of Deep Blue Seef is ready to dive in! Shop at Seef Mall for a unique experience of walking at the bottom of the sea while kids have a fantastic time exploring the aqua themed games and activities. Summer at Seef Mall promises a whale of a time!
Bubble Racers • Aqua Olympics • Paddler’s Pond • Pirate’s Den
bystander
Ali, Khalid, Omran & Shaikha
Seema
Mahmoud Abdel Kareem Khadimi & Habiba Omran AlMusawi Reception Omran & Rowena AlMusawi hosted a reception to celebrate the wedding of Habiba Omran AlMusawi with Mahmoud Abdel Kareem Khadimi. The reception was held at the AlMusawi residence in Saar Habiba, Mahmoud, Omran & Rowena
Shaker, Mahmood & Dr Aqeel
Bayan, Omran & Ghazi
Essam, Marwa & friends
Waseela, Kameela & Esmat
20 June 2014
Habiba & Mahmoud
Osama & Omran
Omran, George & Abbas
Nada & Hussein
Hussain with Mohammed AlMusawi
Shaikha, Sahar, Salman, RJ & Deema
Noor, Mohammed, Rula & Jalilah
Dr Naser, Seema & Dr Jameela
Abdul Ali & Mohammed
Aida & Zuhair
Ali
A. Ellah & Fadeela
Hamood & Safa
A. Ellah, Sahar, Fadeela & Waseela
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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bystander
Mahmoud Khadimi & Habiba AlMusawi Reception
Omran, A, Ellah, Zuhair & Dr Aqeel
Dr Tariq & Rowena
Rowena & Shaikha
Anil, Priya, Mahmoud, Rowena, Farah & Dr Ali
Farroz, Sarah, Ghazi, Mohammed & Essam
Hussain, Omran & Dr Aqeel
Yasser & Salman
Habiba & Mahmoud with well wishers
Nael & Nasreen
Rowena, Reem & Omran
Ramla, Matt, Tom & Manfred
APM Terminals 5th Anniversary Reception APM Terminals Bahrain hosted an exclusive reception to mark the company’s 5th anniversary in the Kingdom. The event held at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa was attended by HE Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, APM Terminals management & guests Fawzi Kanoo, HE Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Marco Neelsen & Hassan
Hatim, Abdalla, Hussain, Hassan, Fawzi, Simon & Soren
22 June 2014
Khalid, Mohamed, Yousif & Hatim
Ebrahim, Essam & Shukri
www.bahrainthismonth.com
HAPPENINGS
this month
Charity Catwalk
What the Dickens?, p28
June 6 | Charity show | The British Club It’s going to be ‘raining cats and dogs’ this month. Well, not literally, but at least you get the idea behind this society’s upcoming fundraiser. People often ask how they can support charities. Here’s a way you can do it for the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) in their latest fundraising event, a fashion show themed ‘Raining Cats and Dogs’. Following the departure of Stephen Herschel, BSPCA’s former choreographer and performer, it has been a while since the society has held a show. The good news is that Liz Reid has stepped forward to take on the task of organising the show. The society’s first fashion show in two years takes place albeit in a very different and fun-filled style. “The society holds events such as the dog walk and the fashion show to raise additional money to fund special projects or to pay for very large bills,” says Joyce Hughes, the shelter’s in-charge. “All the proceeds raised from such events go towards running the Animal Welfare Centre at Askar, helping to feed and care for the animals residing there.” The show starts at 8.30pm with a team of volunteers modelling a selection of casual and smart casual clothing. After that there is a round of entertainment by the students of Nadeen School, who have also helped to decorate the venue with framed pictures of the animals, followed by a performance from some of the male members of Manama Singers. The second half showcases day and evening wear. The grand finale hosts a surprise appearance by two special ex-BSPCA canine guests. Prepare to be entertained throughout www.bahrainthismonth.com
by Bahrain’s legendary radio show host, Ian Fisher as the master of ceremonies. For those ladies who can’t resist accessories, there is a stall selling costume jewellery and a raffle draw giving away lots of prizes. If you’re looking to take some of the fashion show outfits home, they are on sale to the public at the Designer Day event held at the Dilmun Club in Saar, from 2pm until 5pm. The shelter’s history The BSPCA is a non-profit NGO founded and registered in 1979 by a group of committed animal lovers dedicated to the welfare of animals in Bahrain. In 1983, the beginnings of the old sanctuary were set up on a piece of land in Shakoora, leased from the government. The rescued animals housed at various founder members’ homes were moved to the premises. “Originally it was just a few pens and a small portacabin but, over the following 25 years, the place expanded as new pens and more leantos and shacks were cobbled together to house more animals. The sanctuary also relies greatly on public generosity,” says Joyce. The thrift shop was established to raise money to fund the running costs of the shelter. In 2012 the society finally moved to its newly constructed Animal Welfare Centre, which is the culmination of 10 years of hard work, which raised enough funds to construct a purposebuilt shelter.
Redefining Excellence, p34
The Dazzling Duo, p40
JUICE UP YOUR WORKOUT
Even better than guzzling water post-exercise; watermelon! It has high levels of L-citrulline, an amino acid that aids in muscle soreness & heart rate recovery.
Doors open at 7pm and tickets are available at The British Club and the BSPCA thrift shop. Call 17 728-245.
H.97.581mm X 61.167mm (3col)
June 2014 23
happenings
Metals at Play
When? Throughout June Event? Charity Venue? Various A Ramadan food drive organised by the Palm Association. E Email thepalmassociationbah@ gmail.com.
June 20 | Rock concert | Alumni club The stage is set for the fifth episode of Sanitarium, Bahrain’s biggest annual rock concert, which plays host to some of the island’s most talented musicians. Are you an amateur musician waiting to emerge as part of the rock scene in Bahrain? Sanitarium awaits you. The organisers of this musical feast are keen to give up-andcoming musicians the chance to play in front of hundreds. Ever since its inception in 2010, the event has managed to introduce a host of talent to Bahrain’s music scene. “That first year was a roaring success after which Sanitarium kept happening annually and featured bands from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE as well as most of the big names in Bahrain,” says Omar Abdulaziz, the event organiser. “Sanitarium started when a group of musicians felt a lack of events that support the rock music scene in Bahrain. So they decided to take it upon themselves to organise an annual concert in order to provide a platform for both old and new bands to play their music for a live audience.” This year’s performing bands include Local Metal Giants, Motor Militia, Bloodshel, The Machine Gun and The Experiment. The concert is held at the Shaikh Isa Cultural Hall at the Alumni Club in Adliya.
When? June 1 Event? Movie screening Venue? Qal’at al Bahrain site museum Ministry of Culture screens Bassam Al-Thawadi’s film, A Bahraini Tale. E Call 17 298-777.
Motor Militia formed in 2001 as one of Bahrain’s premier heavy metal bands to record and release an album of original material on an independent record label, earning them a feature in England’s leading heavy metal magazine, Terrorizer. Bloodshel formed in early 2012 as an original band, bringing a heavy thrashy sound to the nation. Alternative, indie groove band, The Machine Gun, had their early beginnings in 1999 when a group of friends began jamming together. Sanitarium’s The Experiment is a Bahraini rock and metal band that emerged in 2010 with the awakening of the first rock concert. Entry fees are BD3 for regular tickets and BD5 for VIP passes. Tickets can be bought at Room 2 Rock in Adliya or Hamala. Call 39 775-095.
Helping Hands Throughout June | Food drives | Various
The Holy Month of Ramadan brings with it a sense of cleansing, spiritualism and, above all, the charitable act of giving. Celebrate the month’s spirit by taking part in two separate food drives organised by the Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS) and the Palm Association which will run prior to Ramadan. The BRCS distributes Ramadan aid for needy families during Ramadan every year. This year the society aims to support 4,800 families in the form of food parcels and cash. Their campaign takes place on June 14. Every year, the Palm Association runs their main charity project, ‘Feed a Family’, which receives tremendous 24 June 2014
organisational support from staff and students from schools and companies during the month leading up to Ramadan. The aim is to collect additional food items which will be distributed to needy families in Bahrain. The plan is to provide food parcels to 155 families on a monthly basis. These are delivered to needy Bahraini women and their children who have fallen on hard times. “However, as we are all aware, during Ramadan families need supplementary food items as more members of the household gather for the iftar meal,” says Maria Sorger, the association’s corporate communications officer. As part of their corporate social responsibility, students and staff from the Nadeen School and The British School of Bahrain as well as staff from companies such as Gulf Agency Company and Charles Russell will buy, gather and sort a selection of food items which will be donated to the association for distribution. Additional companies have requested to take part in this time’s food drive and more supporters and volunteers are always welcome. Companies, business establishments and individuals are invited to contact both the associations for contributions and donations. Call Bahrain Red Crescent Society on 17 293-171 or email Palm Association on thepalmassociationbah@gmail.com.
When? June 2 Event? Movie night Venue? Alliance Francaise Francophonie’s can enjoy a screening of a French comedy film called Name. E Call 17 683-295 or email culture@afbahrain.com. When? June 2-4 Event? Exhibition Venue? Al Riwaq art space A jewellery exhibition featuring three Beirut-based designers. E Call 17 717-441. When? June 4-6 Event? Comedy show Venue? Various Chuckle club’s three new comedy acts come to town. E Call 36 663-509 or email info@ punchlineme.com. When? June 5 Event? Seminar Venue? The Diplomat Radisson Hotel Join a seminar with three international footballers including, dinner, comedy and a live band. E Call 34 516-455 or email tickets@sportsspeakermena.com. When? June 6 Event? Fashion show Venue? The British Club Support the BSPCA charity show to raise funds for the shelter. E Call 17 728-245. When? June 6 Event? Gala Dinner Venue? InterContinental Regency The French Association hosts a gala dinner dance. E Call 39 441-909. When? June 7 Event? Book club Venue? Words bookstore Cooking show host Suzanne Husseini, shares her latest book. E Call 17 690-790.
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Bahrain Culture App
31 July-30 August 2014 www.bahrainsummer.bh
happenings
Football Fever June 5 | Seminar | The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Counting down the days to the 2014 FIFA World Cup kick-off in Brazil finds die-hard fans eager for more, as three football legends bring the fever to Bahrain. Chris Waddle, Gary McAllister and Didi Hamann, from age-old adversaries England, Scotland and Germany, are set to enthral their fans at a seminar this month. Organised by Sports Speaker MENA, the World Cup International Special gives audiences a chance to interact with the footballers and whet their appetite for the sport as they hear of the footballers’ tales and careers.
Chris Waddle
Gary McAllister
Chris Waddle English footballer, Chris, was capped 62 times for his country and had a glittering club career at Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Marseille, Sheffield Wednesday, Bradford and Burnley. He was voted as Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year and is a European Cup finalist and three times, winner of the French Division One. Gary McAllister Gary enjoyed a flourishing career with Liverpool, Leeds, Coventry, Leicester and Motherwell and was capped 57 times for Scotland. As a winner of the Football Association Cup, League Cup, Union of European Football Associations Cup (UEFA), UEFA Super Cup and English Premier League (Div 1), McAllister tells it like he played!
Didi Hamann
Didi Hamann Renowned in Ireland as a soccer pundit, Didi Hamann was capped 59 times for Germany and sports an outstanding club career with Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Manchester City. He has won the European Champions League, UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup, League Cup, German Bundesliga and German Cup. Tickets are priced at BD30 and include a gourmet dinner, comedy show, live band, a raffle and memorabilia auction. Call 34 516-455 or email sportsspeaker@ outlook.com.
Devoted to Words June 14 | Workshop | 338 Garden Restaurant A newly formed writers group embarks on its first workshop this month for amateur and budding authors. Since many people like posting the stories of their lives online through social media platforms, why not try voicing your thoughts through this monthly workshop and earn the chance to publish a book? Award-winning author, speaker and publisher, Peter Zindler initiated The Bahrain Christian Writers Guild as a writers’ critique group last month. “The purpose of the guild is to encourage writers to a higher level of writing by teaching creative writing and critiquing each other’s work, so they can further their craft. All writers that join the group will be published if they are willing to put the time into their books,” says Peter. Peter is a youth pastor from the US, who has been holding motivational conferences and workshops around the world. He has led three critique 26 June 2014
groups in California; one of which, the adult group has produced 12 new published authors and 30 books between them in a span of five years. Peter’s mission is to spread the word. “It is my passion to see other writers published with excellence,” he says. Meetings will be held monthly at 338 Garden Restaurant in Adliya from 4pm-6pm on the second Saturday of every month. Visit www.facebook.com/bahrainchristianwriters. www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
What the Dickens?
June 10-13 | Theatre performance | The British Club Fans of the legendary English playwright, poet and actor, William Shakespeare, will be blown away in a 97-minute whirlwind performance of all his 37 plays. Contrary to popular belief, the phrase “What the Dickens?” is first credited to playwright William Shakespeare in his comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor. But if you are an ardent fan of the Bard, you probably already know that and are excited to hear about this upcoming event. To celebrate his 450th birthday this year, the Manama Theatre Club will enact an omnibus of Shakespeare’s works. An irreverent, fast-paced romp of all his plays, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), was London’s longest-running comedy, having clocked a very palpable nine years in London’s West End at the Criterion Theatre. Join these madcap men in tights as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s comedies, histories and tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter. Written by The Reduced Shakespeare Company, the show is a three-man comedy troupe that takes long, serious subjects and reduces them to short, sharp
When? June 8-10 Event? Fair Venue? West Riffa Sports club Find something different at the third Riffa shopping spree. E Call 33 858-843.
comedies. The cast consists of outstanding actors brought to The British Club: Martyn Wharrie, Jacob Rusling and Rory Adamson. The show is directed by Marina Tadayon and Jenny Falcus. The evening comes with several warnings. The highspeed roller-coaster show is not recommended for people with heart ailments, bladder problems, inner-ear disorders, outer-ear disorders, Shakespearean scholars, degrees in Elizabethan history and/or people inclined to motion sickness. Manama Theatre Club also claims it cannot be held responsible for expectant mothers! Tickets are available from The British Club reception. Call 17 728-245.
Get Your Game On June 19-21 | Gaming competition | Bahrain Polytechnic
The island’s first game jam, organised by Bahrain Polytechnic, is set to highlight new talents, promote public awareness and spread a culture of fun. As the heat virtually brings all outdoor fun to a standstill, a bunch of gaming enthusiasts takes the action indoors with the launch of the island’s first Bahraini Game Jam. The event is being organised by Bahrain Polytechnic and is to be held at their premises. “The idea is for people to network and generate a gaming culture. For us as a university, this event is held to identify potential students and create links between academia and 28 June 2014
When? June 8-9 Event? Charity art exhibition Venue? Bahrain Art Society Support an art exhibition by the children of Sneha Centre for special needs. E Call 33 777-236.
the working industry,” says Christos Gatzoulis, the programme manager for the Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology course. “A simultaneous global game jam will run across multiple countries. The occasion is expected to attract 17,000 participants.” One thing is for certain — the Bahrain event sounds like a gamer’s paradise and comes with a fun quotient. The purpose is essentially a test of craftsmanship, motivation, determination and teamwork, drawing from individuals’ interest and experience in game production. While contestants are expected to develop a game based around a theme disclosed on the day, there is the challenge of needing to complete the task in just three days. That’s not a lot of time for something which seems very complex. That is why the competition is inclined to attracting web programmers, graphic artists, people from relevant technical backgrounds and those who have attempted game development before. Participants must work in teams of two to four members, or register as individuals and be assigned to a group. Individual work spaces are allocated for the teams to work in. Registered individuals need to be residents of Bahrain, above 15 years of age and of any nationality.
When? June 9 Event? Exhibition Venue? Al Riwaq art space Visit a photography exhibition called Memories Recreated by Bahrain-based artists. E Call 17 717-441. When? June 10 Event? Seminar Venue? Gulf Hotel Bahrain Reinvent yourself at Tom Peter’s seminar for personal and business excellence. E Call 17 552-878. When? June 10-13 Event? Theatrical play Venue? The British Club Enjoy a tribute to William Shakespeare, which features all of his 37 plays. E Call 17 728-245. When? June 12 Event? Workshop Venue? Movenpick Hotel Leadership guru, Arthur Carmazzi gives a day-long workshop on strategic culture evolution. E Call 17 744-898. When? June 14 Event? Workshop Venue? Block 338 Learn to write and publish your own books at the Bahrain Christian Writers Guild workshop. E Visit www.facebook.com/ bahrainchristianwriters. When? June 14 Event? Charity Venue? Various Join the Bahrain Red Crescent Society’s Ramadan food drive. E Call 17 293-171. When? Until June 15 Event? Competition Venue? Bahrain Internet Society Here’s a chance to win recognition for your work at the World Summit Youth Awards. E Visit www.youthaward.org.
Visit www.gamejambahrain.org. www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
Relief through Technology Until June 15 | Youth awards | Bahrain Internet Society
Look beyond the present island of dreams and help alleviate a world of issues by working your digital talents. Are you a creative digital entrepreneur waiting to be recognised at an international platform? Would you like to do good for humanity? This is your last month to register your project with the World Summit Youth Award (WSYA), a unique award for young developers who employ IT, mobile technology and Internet projects to achieve UN Millennium Development Goals and make a global difference. The annual award is a global contest merging the talents of young individuals, between the ages of 18 to 30
years, and best practice in e-content in an effort to put the UN’s goals into action. The Millennium Development Goals were set in 2000 to prompt UN member states and civil society to fight global issues such as poverty, hunger and disease, inequalities, lack of education and environmental degradation. The six categories for the contest under which projects can be registered are: fight poverty, hunger and disease, education for all, power to women, create your culture, go green, and pursue the truth. Bahrain’s participation in the competition is spearheaded by the president of the Bahrain Internet Society, Nawaf Abdulrahman, who has been re-elected for a third year as a WSYA board member. “We are very pleased and proud of the winning of one of our local projects, Diabetes.bh, in the WSYA 2013 under the category of Fight Poverty, Hunger and Disease, which confirms that Bahraini projects are able to compete and win on a global level,” he says. “The winner of any of the local projects in this year’s event will represent the Bahraini community internationally at the distinguished winners’ event in Brazil, where they will have a chance to present their projects and be honoured.” The deadline to register is June 15. Visit www.youthaward.org.
Objects of Attraction Throughout June | Exhibitions | Al Riwaq Art Space The arrival of summer is always a good excuse to have your living space filled with some new creations. A good place to start looking for something eye-catching to place above the mantelpiece or as a decorative room display is the Al Riwaq Art Space, which has exhibitions of experimental paintings, jewellery and photography taking place this month. Written fascinations Abbas Yousif’s project, which is presently running at the gallery until June 7, titled Postponed Projects — This is Your Name, displays gigantic paintings exploring graphical texts that employ a silk screen-printing technique. Abbas preserves a balance, without rushing but rather experimenting. This is reflected in what is seen and felt in this exhibition that combines memory, thinking experimentation and technique. Beautifully carved intricacies Running from June 2 to 4, in collaboration with Dukkan-3, is the Dehab exhibition, featuring three Beirut-based contemporary jewellery designers: Raissa Traboulsi, Simone Kosremelli, an architect, and Syria’s foremost sculptor, Mustafa Ali. 30 June 2014
When? June 15,16 &20 Event? Film screening Venue? Seef Cineplex II Bahrain-based film producer Esky Dubois screens her film, Tikur Engda. E Call 39 288-315. When? June 17-21 Event? Tournament Venue? Shaikh Khalifa Sports City Bahrain Badminton & Squash Federation hosts its annual international tournament. E Call 36 500-103. When? June 19-21 Event? Gaming competition Venue? Bahrain Polytechnic Participate in the country’s first independent game developing competition. E Visit www.gamejambahrain.org. When? June 20 Event? Concert Venue? Alumni Club Annual rock concert Sanitarium returns for a fifth edition. E Call 39 775-095. When? June 21 Event? Designer day event Venue? Dilmun club Buy the hottest fashions at this sale, held in support of BSPCA. E Call 17 690-926. When? June 21 Event? Music night Venue? Ramee Ibrida Acoustic Alley brings you performances from five best local music artists. E Email imran@imranonline.net. When? June 22-24 Event? Workshop Venue? Bahrain Society of Engineers Attend this workshop for engineers, maintenance and safety personnel. E Call 17 810-725. When? June 25 Event? Exhibition Venue? Al Riwaq art space Art meets charity at local project ‘Our Bahrain’. E Call 17 717-441.
Preserving moments Memories Recreated is a photography exhibition by local collective Canvas BH, featuring four Bahrain-based artists: Isa Swain, Rasha Yousif, Gaye Bentham and Haya Al Khalifa. The exhibition explores the depths of memories recreated through some of Bahrain’s distinguished photographers so that they no longer represent passing moments but, instead, lasting images. Call 17 717-441.
When? June 27 Event? Concert Venue? Gulf Convention Centre Enjoy a music and comedy night by neo-soul artist Darrius Willrich, and Celebrity the Comedian. E Visit www. quietstormentertainment.com.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Tel. : 17 564444 - Fax : 17 564466 - email: phodecor@batelco.com.bh Seef district, facing Ritz Carlton Entrance - Palace Palms Bldg
Find out about the new Tenore collection at www.natuzzi.com
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happenings
Shuttling New Heights June 17-21 | Tournament | Khalifa Sports City Top badminton players compete for prizes in an international badminton series tournament that is once again hosted by Bahrain. Among the country’s once hidden sporting talents, badminton is a game that is rapidly growing and marketing itself widely. The group associated with the development and promotion of this sport on the island and in the West Asian region is the Bahrain Badminton and Squash Federation (BBSF). “The BBSF is embarking on a new path with grand plans in place to take the sport to a higher level and the federation is quite excited about future prospects,” says Ashley George, organiser with the BBSF. Following the Bahrain International Series (BIS) tournament initiative seven years
ago, the BBSF reunites top players yet again to compete in the tournament at the Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town. Sanctioned by the Badminton Asia Confederation and Badminton World Federation, the BIS 2014 has become a world ranking event. Around 150 players from 15 countries are scheming to win prize money of USD5,000 and prestigious world ranking points. The tournament will be conducted in five categories: men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles. “The tournament’s popularity is reflected in the fact that it has been highly appreciated by the players and the spectators for the quality of the matches and the organisational capability,” Ashley adds.
Over the years, the federation has managed to attract several ranking players locally and from across the Asian region. Among them are champions such as Sho Sasaki of Japan, Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia, and Gurusaidutt, Sai Praneeth, Sourabh Verma and Sameer Verma of India. BBSF is one of the few national badminton associations in Asia to have conducted three internationals last year; these were the BIS followed by the Bahrain International Challenge
and the Bahrain Junior International Series. Badminton Asia has appointed Gyaneswor Singh of India as the tournament’s referee and Ashley as the deputy referee. The event’s organising committee is led by Hisham Alabbasi, BBSF secretary general and Jaffer Ebrahim, BBSF development manager. The event is under the patronage of Shaikh Hussam Bin Essa Al Khalifa, BBSF president. Call 36 500-103.
Riffa’s Shopping Jewel June 8-10 | Shopping exhibition | West Riffa Sports Club Looking for a different shopping experience besides the mall? An unusual and interesting destination is Riffa’s upcoming shopping spree, with goodies to be displayed by local entrepreneurs. The third Riffa shopping spree promises to be a resounding success, with its focus on a Ramadan theme. Items from 27 exhibitors will be displayed at the West Riffa Sports Club where the event is has been previously held. “The idea is to not just make this a commercial affair selling Bahraini produce. It is to advocate a social purpose,” says the organiser, Shaikha Mariam Hamad Al Khalifa. “There are no shopping sprees in Riffa. So this event is a way to introduce a fresh perspective to the area while bringing to the fore our best productive home businesses or, in other words, the productive families.” This event promises to have some of the best local displays, selling traditional 32 June 2014
wares such as clothing, food and silverware and other locally made creations. With Ramadan on its way, the fair is a great way to find what you need to prepare for the Holy Month. Entrance to the fair is free for all. Call 33 858-843 or follow @m_events_ bh on Instagram.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
Redefining Excellence
Tom Peters
June 10 | Tom Peters workshop | Gulf Hotel Convention Centre Bahrain will play host to the world’s most influential management guru this month as he promotes the pursuit of personal and business excellence. It’s been over three decades since Tom Peters’ first book In Search of Excellence rocked the business world as an overnight publishing sensation. In its wake, the business book market exploded into a multi-million dollar industry and Peters recast himself as the first of a new breed — the management guru. In recent times, as the world has been engulfed by the economic crisis of 2008, Peters has shifted gears, renewing his dedication to what he calls the eternal basics of implementation — execution. “We create and then get caught up in, me included, an endless parade of fads,” he has remarked. “While the world is indeed changing, the basics of ‘getting things done through people’ — my great passion — remain the same as they were a hundred, or hundreds, of years ago.” 34 June 2014
Peters says it is failures in implementation that trip us up in nine cases out of 10, from a primary school in Nashville or Nigeria to ‘nation building’ in Basra and Baghdad. In business, for example, developing a brilliant ‘blue ocean strategy’, today’s hot buzz-phrase, is all well and good. But make no mistake, engaged and enthusiastic people executing like maniacs in that ocean is the only thing that will keep it blue and keep you sailing with spinnaker full! “Excellence in Execution was, is, wherever and forever, will be Sustainable Competitive Advantage Number 1,” Peters notes. This recent emphasis or rather re-emphasis was marked by the 2010 publication of Peters’ latest bestseller, The Little BIG Things: 163 Ways to Pursue Excellence. “Bahrain will have the chance to benefit from Tom Peters’ latest studies that represent a combination of years of expertise and accumulated research. Having this guru here will allow us to experience a quantum leap in the way we think and run our businesses,”
said Ahmed Al Banna, CEO, Origin Group, event organisers. In his first session in Bahrain, Peters will shed light on the concept of excellence and will draw a comparison between local and international benchmarks of excellence. During the second round he will dwell on personal excellence through a focus on the individual as the most important resource. In doing so, he will specifically outline ingredients and skills that individuals should possess in order to create excellence within an organisation. In the third session, he will highlight business excellence and the important pillars and guidelines that enable a business to be a topquality brand and an organisation of excellence. The fourth session will consist of steps to be taken by management to achieve personal and business excellence. The last round will be discussion-based and the floor will be open for questions. Call 17 552-878. www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings MINISTRY OF CULTURE
Summer Sensation July 31-August 30 | Festival | Various locations Whoever thinks summers here are long and slow needs to look out for the Ministry of Culture’s events, aiming to facilitate cultural exchange and dialogue. Festivals are a much-anticipated facet of Bahrain, bringing with them an extravaganza of entertainment, colours and an overall sense of happiness. So here is some great news for us — the Bahrain Summer Festival 2014 is nearly upon us, returning for a sixth year as part of the Manama: Capital of Asian Tourism 2014 promotion. Working under the banner of ‘Summer of Colours’ to promote tourism as a source of national wealth and pride, the ministry kickstarts this festival at the end of July, running until the end of August.
Having become an anticipated annual fixture, the celebration never fails to return with a spectacular line-up of live shows that involve, from renowned local, regional and international artists, and activities which focus on multicultural and family-friendly entertainment. Featuring musical performances, theatrical plays and art exhibitions, the festival has it all covered. Nakhool and Nakhoola, the popular mascots, will be present at Nakhool City, which will host a variety of family-oriented activities. Children and parents will have a chance to enjoy a special showcase from different countries’ cultures and traditions for the duration of the festival. The mascots serve to educate visitors about Bahrain’s ancient history and emphasise the importance of the environment in local
A participant’s submission
In the Picture June 25 | Art exhibition | Al Riwaq Art Space This local charity initiative, combining photography and social media, aims to raise money for an educational programme that tackles social issues in Bahrain.
tradition. The shows will be staged at both the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre and the Cultural Hall, near the Bahrain National Museum. Visit Facebook.com/BahrainSummer, Twitter. com/BahrainSummer and Instagram.com/moc_bh.
have to go out of your way to give back,” says Maryam, creative director of Woman This Month magazine. “Al Riwaq Art Space were supportive of the idea from the get-go and our collaboration with them is what has gotten these talented photographers excited,” she adds. The Be Free Centre aims to help abused and neglected children. The duo chose the organisation because of a new educational programme that it has started. “We’re promoting their ‘Instilling Universal Knowledge’ programme. This tries to change the way we educate our children by implementing social issues into everyday classes,” says Elma, editor of Woman This Month magazine. “For instance, for the younger children, they use art classes. They hold up two drawings for the children, one with just one colour and the other with lots of colours, and ask which one they like more. The children usually say they like the colourful one. The teachers then link that to how Bahrain has a diverse culture, and that’s what makes it beautiful,” she explains. To donate to the campaign or to sponsor the event, contact the organisers via email. Email ourbahrain2014@gmail.com or follow @our_bahrain on Instagram.
Our Bahrain, founded by Elma Bartholomew and Maryam Toorani in partnership with Al Riwaq Art Space, is using a medium more known for selfies than charity — Instagram. Users who have a knack for taking artistic shots can now lend a helping hand to the community by posting their pictures of Bahrain on the social media platform and ‘hashtag’ OurBahrain. The campaign, held in support of the Be Free Centre, will run for four weeks. The top 50 photographs will then be chosen and held as an exhibition at the gallery in Adliya on June 25. “We are using Instagram as our platform because it is a medium that is shared by Bahrain’s youth. Essentially, that is what we want to do — integrate the youth into charity. It’s a great way to show that you don’t 36 June 2014
www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings THE CHUCKLE CLUB
A Lot to Laugh About June 4-6 | Comedy show | Various locations
Nish Kumar Having mastered the 2013 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and London with his critically acclaimed show Nish Kumar is a Comedian and sell-out show of 2012 Who Is Nish Kumar?, Nish is definitely a comedian who is storming venues. He has been performing stand-up solo since 2006 and as one half of double-act The Gentlemen of Leisure since 2009. Nish’s comedy triumphs began quickly with two acclaimed runs at the Durham Revue at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, followed by features with Coolfun on BBC Online, Fat Tuesday and PLEB Talks. In 2012 he took on the role of series warm-up for Dave’s One Night Stand, which saw him play to full, capacity theatres. Alongside his flourishing stand-up career, Nish has starred in a number of comic plays. He has firmly cemented his comedian status and is one to watch for in 2014.
There’s plenty of respite from the dreadful summer, especially when The Chuckle Club delivers an irresistible line-up of entertainment indoors. Catch three new comedy acts this month, all the way from the UK, performing live at the Royal Golf Club on May 4, The British Club on May 5 and the InterContinental Regency on May 6. Doors open at 7.30pm.
Email info@punchlineme.com or call 36 663-509.
Henry Paker
Liam Williams
Liam Williams Stand-up comedian, actor, writer and one-third of the sketch group Sheeps, Liam is one of the most talked about young comedians. He was a best newcomer nominee for the Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards in 2013, having been named as ‘one to watch’ by Time Out. Liam was also a finalist on Amused Moose Laugh-Off and So You Think You’re Funny? in 2010. His TV credits include BBC Three’s Russell Howard’s Good News and Sean Walsh’s Late Night Comedy Spectacular. His radio show credits include Radio Four’s Fresh from the Fringe and Sabotage. 38 June 2014
Henry Paker After a brief career in computer animation, Henry Paker decided to give comedy a go. He started out doing stand-up in rooms above pubs, then in rooms below pubs and then eventually in the main body of the pub itself. In 2008, Henry was the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year and realised he might be on to something. Since then his many comic talents have seen him carve out a career as a comic writer, stand-up comedian and cartoonist. Henry’s first solo act was at the Edinburgh Festival in 2010 followed by his acclaimed show Cabin Fever in 2011 and Classic Paker in 2013. His narrative comedy show, The Golden Lizard, won him and Mike Wozniak the best new show at the Leicester Comedy Festival in 2011, and he went on to sell out a run at London’s Soho Theatre. Henry has made several appearances on popular TV shows but, most importantly, he is a much-sought-after writer in the industry for TV and illustrated cartoon books.
Nish Kumar
www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings QUIET STORM ENTERTAINMENT
The Dazzling Duo
Darrius Willrich
June 27 | Music concert | Gulf Convention Centre Get ready to be served a heavy portion of humour and melodic relief in the same evening as these two artists perform for the first time in the Kingdom. After creating a stir across America, two exciting acts make their debut in Bahrain this month. Thrilled at the opportunity, stand-up artist Celebrity the Comedian and upcoming singer Darrius Willrich take the stage on June 27 at the Gulf Convention Centre. The event is organised by Quiet Storm Entertainment and Modern Age Events. The show’s opener and host, Celebrity the Comedian, hails from Dallas, Texas. One of USA’s up-and-coming funny men, he has gathered a large fan following and this is his first show abroad. One of his past performances was Tom Joyner’s Fantastic Voyage supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities in North America. He has made guest appearances on shows that have starred major artists, such as The O’Jays, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, and Bootsy Collins. The night’s headlining act is musical prodigy Darrius Willrich, who released his first album Darrius in 1999. His talent has made him popular across Europe and his music is available in Spain, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Love Will Visit, his second album, released in 2003 and Can’t Get Enough, Darrius’ third album, released in 2009, were widely accepted in Brazil. On June 12, 2010 Darrius performed at Rio de Janeiro to a sold-out crowd that sang along with all his songs at Viaduto de Madureira for the city’s Valentine’s Day celebration. Back in Seattle, he has opened for Macy Gray, Tyrese, Mavis Staples, Earth Wind & Fire and Frank McComb.
Celebrity the Comedian
Visit www.quietstormentertainment.com or email mr.quietstorm@yahoo.com.
The Unexpected Guest June 14, 15 and 20 | Film screening | Seef II
Esky Dubois
40 June 2014
Bahrain-based film producer, Esky Dubois, showcases her film titled Tikur Engda, at the Seef Cineplex this month.
this story, and in the life of any adopted child, the concept of ‘family’ plays an even greater role.”
Tikur Engda meaning ‘unexpected guest’ tells a tale about Sara, a successful journalist who was adopted at a very young age from Ethiopia. She was challenged to return to Ethiopia after 25 years to look for her biological parents, in a quest to find answers to all her questions. Sara’s story unfolds in a twist of love, betrayal, culture, family and the ongoing battle to find her identity. Based on a true story about adoption, the family drama is a 110-minute-long film, shot in Ethiopia. “The role of Sara personifies the lives of adopted children everywhere, from any ethnicity and background. Regardless of how successful a person is in life, there is always an affinity towards family,” says Esky Dubois, the films co-producer. “In
About the Producer Esky resides in Bahrain with her husband and two kids. It has taken her almost two years to produce the film. Among her many talents and varied interests, she is in to organising events, fashion shows and has also been a model herself. Esky keenly looks out for the welfare of the Ethiopian community, being one of its community leaders. She is also a member of the Migrant Workers Protection Society, as the assistant head of the action committee. Screening of the film takes place at Seef II, at 3pm on June 14 and 15 and at 7pm on June 20. Call 39 288-315 or 33 331-072. www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Ahmed, Jaap & Yusuf
Fayez & Rehana
Jaap & Wendy Garden Party Jaap & Wendy Vaandrager hosted a garden party for a number of their friends before the onset of summer Jaap, Charlotte, Wendy, Jacob, Celine & Willemijn
Wendy, Mala, Yara & Shandra
Shaikh Salman, Shaikha Marwa, Mala, HE Sabine Taufmann, German Ambassador, Rehana, HE Dr Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador & Gernot
Manfred
Tgreed, Irinh & Marco
Neale & Ina
Nasreen, Rawan & Muneera
Bashar & Simon
Sarah & Zaid
Uzma & Alia
Adel
Tahaman, Sameera & Suzy
Pascal & Viera
Osama & Bashar
Milan & Celine
Dana & Yaser
Sarah, John & Tuti
Jaffar & Mohammed
Sofyan & Lamis
Jessica & Zeyna
Arif
42 June 2014
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Grace, Ada & Precious
DJ Kiwi
Aeropostale Day Of Surprises Aeropostale held ‘A Day of Surprises’ at Bahrain City Centre at the weekend, which included a range of activities inside and out of the store. The in-store events featured a branded photo booth where shoppers snapped their happy smiles while a DJ played party tunes in the background. A scratch-off gift voucher was handed to shoppers, giving them a code to unlock the Aeropostale safe that held gifts for lucky winners Sunil, Leslie, Maria & Edralyn
Marwan, Talal & Ahmed
Josephine
One of the flash mobs that performed
Yazan, Amani, Kamal, Zad & Tala
Iya, Haana & Shy
Maria & Sunil
Anitalama & Mala
Wilmare, Dennies & Mae
Shaine, Mohammed & Queenie
Natalie, Vineetha, Thiyara & Jeramiah
Lanilyn & Sheng
Sameer, Roman, Sushi Kumar & Mala
Mai & Genmar
Jean & Kris
Nina & Mio
44 June 2014
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Shaikha Hind & HE Sabine Taufmann
Bernd & Claudia
German Ambassador’s Reception HE Sabine Taufmann, German Ambassador hosted a reception at her residence to celebrate 42 years of bilateral relations between Germany and Bahrain with a recital of old German lieder. At the event HE presented a donation cheque to Shaikha Hind, to support the kindergarden of the Children & Mothers Welfare Society HE Alberto Vecchi, Italian Ambassador, Mohammed Shaikh Ishaq, HE Sabine Taufmann & Gernot Taufmann
Dr Abul Qassim Shirazi, Dhaweya, HE Dr Dhafer Al Umran, Mohammed Khozai & Khalid Turk
Pianist Alena, HE Sabine Taufmann & singer Natalia
Mala, Gernot, Bridget Lindsay & Zeina Testot
Qays Zu’bi, HE Sabine Taufmann & HE Abdulla Juma
46 June 2014
Jaap Vaandrager & Khalid Kanoo
Kimmritz & Osewold
Tareq Wafa & Mazin Al Umran
Mala Kumar, Madhav, HE Dr Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador, Mohammed Shaikh Ishaq & HE Sabine Taufmann
Holger Tillmann & Ahmed Jawahery
Cai & Lunghei
Khulood Juma & Amal Almoayyed
Othman Sharif & Ahlam Janahi
Captain & Mrs Saeger
Mohammed
Sadiq Dawani
Fouzia & Dr Sumayya
Natalia & Haya
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Mahmood Al Kooheji & HE Christian Testot
Mahmood Al Kooheji Honoured HE Christian Testot, French Ambassador & Zeina Testot hosted a reception to honour Mahmood Al Kooheji with the Legion d’Honneur - the highest decoration of the French government, the French National Order of the Legion of Honour
HE Christian Testot, Mahmood Al Kooheji & Jamal Fakhro
Waleed Sharif, Mahmood Al Kooheji & Khalid Janahi
Abdul Hameed Kooheji & Jamal Fakhro
Mariam, Mahmood & Najat Al Kooheji with Zeina Testot
Hajer, Mariam & Ahmed Al Kooheji
Hanan & Hala
Nasser Watar & Fareed Almoayyed
Amal & Nouf Almoayyed
Paul Baker & Alok
Mona & Mohammed Almoayyed
Infinity Q50 Launch Y K Almoayyed, sole distributors for Infinity vehicles in the Kingdom held a launch ceremony for the all-new Infiniti Q50 at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel and Spa The all-new Infinity Q50
Sandeep Mathur, Rahat, Anas Abdulla, Faisal & Mrs Faisal
48 June 2014
Usif, Jawaher & Fareed Almoayyed
Sreekumar & Mirna
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Antionette & Han
Tabea, Karin & Puna
Herman & Anja
Susane, Tamara & Tamara
Dutch King’s Day Reception Members of the Dutch community in Bahrain celebrated King’s Day which honours Dutch King Willem-Alexander. The event was held at the residence of Anne and Robert Timmers in Jasra last month Jaap Vaandrager, Dutch Consul in Bahrain, Wendy Vaandrager, HE Nicolaas Beets, Dutch Ambassador to Kuwait, Anne & Robert Timmers
The organisers - Antoinette, Lieke, Galina, Vera, Anne, Gerlinde & Anja
Bushra, Mohammed, Anne, Mash & Gabriel
Ahmed Shirazi, Wassim, Mohammed Shirazi & Waleed
Tiffany & Co Opening One of the world's premier jewellers, Tiffany & Co opened its new boutique in Moda Mall last month. The store was opened by Laurent Cathala, Tiffany's emerging markets vice president & Mohammed Shirazi, director, Bahrain Jewellery Centre Mohammed Shirazi & Laurent Cathala open the new boutique
Asma, Laurent Cathala, Mohammed Shirazi, Nowshad, Abbas Shirazi, Iqbal, Ahmed Shirazi & Zeljka
50 June 2014
Laila Shirazi & Asma
Maria & Sadia
Laurent & Ghada
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
U.S. Navy Day At Mina Salman Components of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain provided more than 200 Bahraini middle school students with tours, equipment displays, and demonstrations during U.S. Navy Day aboard Naval Support Activity. The event was held at the Mina Salman Port as part of the American-Bahraini Friendship Week Programme
Modern Knowledge School kids
Vargas, Laird, Loeblein, Timothy Pounds, Olson & Causee
Katz
APG School girls at the event
Brad & Jen
Tyler & Micah
Amanda & Brandon
Jeffery
Rodriguez & Harkins
Sandesh, Sumedh & Mohammed
Johnny Rockets Launch Johnny Rockets held an opening for its new outlet in American Alley, Juffair last month The new Johnny Rockets outlet
Isa, Rashed Al Noaimi & Amit
52 June 2014
Dufort & family
Brandon & Cody
Kavita
Giorgio, James & Adam
Shiann & Amanda
Arijit
www.bahrainthismonth.com
At Saar Mall you will find an incredible array of stores supplying a diverse selection of goods and services under one roof, fashion, furniture, electronics, accessories, jewelry, Kids entertainment, ... anything you could possibly wish for! The opening hours for now: Geant open At: 8:00am to 10:00 pm and other outlets from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm email: szaamane@darabh.com contact: 17790203/ Mobile 39913513
bystander
Christopher, Mohammed & Ravza
Bahrain Development Bank Press Conference The Bahrain Development Bank held a press conference to unveil the bank's investment plans for the year and to highlight the bank's achievements in the last five years. The press conference was held at the Gulf Hotel Khalid Yousif Meshkhas, Deputy General Manager, Support Services Division, Shaikh Hesham bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Deputy General Manager, Non-Financial Services Division, Nedhal Saleh Al Aujan, CEO & Adnan Mahmood Al Balooshi, Deputy General Manager, Banking Services Division, address the media Khalid, Mohamed & Adnan
Members of the media at the event
Simi
Laura, Abdullah, Hisham & Dawn
Tony
Peter
Badie, Laura & Abdullah
Laura & Abdullah Retirement Party Laura & Abdullah Al Dossary hosted a lunch for a number of friends to say goodbye prior to their retirement after 32 years. The lunch was held at Bushido Laura & Abdullah with friends Laura, Tom, Sophie, June & Abdullah
Sophie, June, Tenly, Claire, Laura & Debbie
54 June 2014
Laura, Claire & Abdullah
Laura, Debbie, Abdullah & Jaffar
Kim & Clive
Abdullah & Mazen
www.bahrainthismonth.com
INTERVIEWS
this month
Akram Miknas
Rekindling a Connection, p58
Power Player SIMI KAMBOJ Being counted among the world’s 100 ‘Most Powerful Arabs’ has little to do with personal fortune, believes Akram Miknas. Advertising magnate Akram Miknas is a name well known beyond Bahrain. The Lebanon-born founder of Promoseven Holdings Group is one of the two Bahrainis voted to the regional power list. “Humble beginnings are not a bad thing. On the contrary, they generate a lot of energy and the hunger to succeed. Many people on that list are self-made men,” says the 69-year-old. Akram had to work to put himself through university. He sold encyclopedias and insurance, ran exhibitions and promoted events among students, eventually graduating to advertising. The civil war in Lebanon forced Akram to move his business to Bahrain in 1976, at a time when Cathay Pacific was launching its first flight from the Kingdom. “I’d tried Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, Jordan but it was more suitable to relocate here. Even in those days, you could find qualified professionals in Bahrain,” says Akram. In the absence of television and outdoor hoardings, advertising in those days was more about publicity. His work involved running advertisements on videos and disseminating the tapes. Within five years, he had won clients such as Coca-Cola, BMW and Nivea. Middle East Communication Network (MCN), the mother company of Promoseven, is one of the largest media companies in the region, employing around 3,000 people. www.bahrainthismonth.com
With the advent of Internet and technology in the new millennium, Akram was ready to hand over the business to a younger mind. He surprised many by choosing his successor from outside the family. He elevated one of his vice presidents and gave him full authority. His son works for the company president. “I don’t believe in the inheritance of a position. My VPs were talented and I had to nurture them, and it worked. The person I picked took the business to a next level,” he says. It helped that the time was right. Dubai was turning into the regional media hub and his business doubled after moving operations there. This year, the company’s turnover will exceed US$1 billion. Akram has subsequently diversified into hospitality and real estate businesses. He owns and rents many hotels in Bahrain and was a major partner in Abraaj Lulu. Thanks to timely investments in real estate, his net worth tripled between 2000 and 2010. Having received Bahraini citizenship in 1999, he has chosen to weigh anchor here despite having homes in London, Brisbane, Lebanon and Dubai. In recent times, Akram has forayed into the affordable housing segment, where he completed and sold 60 units in Muharraq. He plans to remain active in this segment over the coming years. His factories in Askar and Ras Zuwayed produce building materials and carpentry to support the construction business. At 69, it’s only the thought of being counted that inspires him. “I wouldn’t want to wake up one morning without any plans, purpose or schedule for the day. I want to actualise myself by working where I’m needed most,” he says.
The Heart of Arabia, p60 Dressing Up in Style, p62
Sharing Stories, p64
Creating Opportunities, p66
Backseat Chat, p68
June 2014 57
interview
Humbert Vincent Buemi
Rekindling A Connection SIMI KAMBOJ Trade and investment are on the cards as banker and Swiss honorary consul general Humbert Vincent Buemi reboots bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Bahrain.
58 June 2014
Now that his appointment as the Swiss government representative in Bahrain is formalised, Humbert Vincent Buemi is not in wasting any time. The Swiss honorary consul general is eager to re-establish contact between government agencies on both sides. “My priority is to restore our relationship, convince Swiss companies about the possibilities here and ensure that Bahrain’s image is presented correctly back home,” he says. The senior banker at the UBS Wealth Management office in Bahrain has lived in the Middle East for 12 years and calls Bahrain his second home. However, his roots are Italian and even though he was born in Switzerland, he recalls receiving his Swiss passport only after he had turned 19. Given the kindness Switzerland had shown his family, Humbert is now eager to pay back his adopted country. As the Swiss representative here, his priority lies in turning Switzerland into one of the major players. He’d like companies to be active in speciality areas such as medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, machinery, watches and jewellery, agricultural produce and food items in Bahrain. Last year, these sectors contributed over 50 per cent of bilateral trade, which is skewed in favour of the Swiss. Since taking charge Humbert has been holding meetings with various ministries in Bahrain, but concedes that the process will take energy and time. “I want to ensure that the Swiss government and companies are aware of the advantages and opportunities that exist in Bahrain, the proximity to markets in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. Already, a few companies have asked us about the business climate in Bahrain,” he says.
The Swiss community here is small, with around 100 members who are businessmen, bankers and professionals. Humbert believes the community could be re-energised if it’s organised under the banner of a Bahrain Swiss Business Society. Sulzer, a Swiss industrial engineering and manufacturing firm, has a base in Bahrain, as has the ABB Group, which operates in the power and automation technology sectors. Humbert is in talks with a Swiss medical equipment manufacturer for exploring opportunities in Bahrain. Switzerland, through the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) has signed a free-trade agreement with the GCC that will be effective from July this year. “The political leadership in Bahrain is very business-oriented. I remain optimistic about the future economic exchange between the two countries,” he notes. On the cultural front, the honorary consul plans to bring the communities closer with events and performances by Swiss artists and singers. He is designing a Swiss Week, a fully fledged event to showcase Swiss heritage, culture and cuisine. Environment pledge An environmental evangelist, Humbert has a keen interest in clean, sustainable technology and one of his top priorities in Bahrain is a push for technical collaboration with Swiss companies to clean up Bahrain’s air and seawater. “I believe clean technology is the way of the future and Swiss companies will work closely with Bahrain to develop that capacity here,” he says. www.bahrainthismonth.com
feature
The Heart of Arabia DAVID M ROBERTSON A dose of quantitative easing is one of many initiatives put forward by the Bahrain Destination Forum to boost the local hospitality sector. Puneet Singh
There are few subjects that are as likely to stir up a controversy as a discussion on how the Tourism Affairs Directorate should set about marketing the Kingdom. It’s a highly emotive issue and everyone has their own view. Speak about the Ministry of Culture and people are instantly appreciative of the work of Sheikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa and her team to promote Bahrain. However, mention Tourism Affairs and sentiments evaporate faster than a drop of water in the heat of an Arabian summer’s day. The irony of this situation is that there is genuine goodwill within the hospitality industry for this ministry to be successful in its endeavours. In a list of government entities that the local business community would like to be the best performers, the Tourism Affairs Directorate would be in the top three alongside 60 June 2014
the Economic Development Board and the Central Bank of Bahrain. A recent initiative, sparked by 16 like-minded individuals and spearheaded by Puneet Singh, the general manager at the Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre, led to the creation of the Bahrain Destination Forum (BDF). Pooling resources from a wide range of individuals with an interest in the hospitality industry, a comprehensive document has been presented to Sh Khalid bin Hmood Al Khalifa, acting assistant undersecretary for tourism. Having spoken to Sh Khalid, at a recent event to open the Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, it is not difficult to understand why those within the industry speak highly of him. The directorate has developed a five-year strategy outlining plans for the growth of the sector, and is reviewing the hotel rating system.
“The BDF has offered a range of approaches, for the short-, medium- and long-term development of the tourism sector,” Puneet says. “There is no shortage of people within the hospitality industry who are prepared to help and assist the ministry achieve its objectives.” The calls for a more proactive and inclusive approach to marketing Bahrain as a tourism destination are not new. A veteran of the tourism sector in the Kingdom, Jamil Wafa, has spoken endlessly on this subject over much of the past 30 years. Crunching the numbers There is, though, an increasing sense of urgency to recognise that, to use a phrase we have used in a different circumstance in the past at Bahrain This Month, the future is predicated in the present and not the past. www.bahrainthismonth.com
In the past couple of years, as investors reassessed their property portfolios, an almost continuous stream of hospitality inventory, mainly in the four-star and serviced residence markets, has been added to the Kingdom. Some new hotels started life on the drawing board as high-end residential properties. VKL Tourism has recently opened the Royal Phoenicia Hotel in Umm Al Hassam and the cranes are busy at work on the Banadar Rotana Hotel in Manama. What’s really starting to exercise the minds of hoteliers is the imminent addition of new fivestar properties, such as the Wyndham and Four Seasons. The prospect of a significant increase in the number of rooms in this segment, in a market where average occupancy rates are put at 50 per cent, has led to an inevitable question. Who is going to stay in these properties? Without a major jump in arrivals, on business or leisure, some industry insiders see occupancy rates sliding towards the 35 per cent mark. While an over-supply of rooms is not in itself a reason for investors not to commit to a market, a lack of visibility as to how that any excess inventory will be absorbed has the capacity to act as a deal breaker. A two-pronged pin An old Chinese proverb talks about being wary of a pin with two pointed ends. For years people have called for the formation of a tourism board to take responsibility for the marketing of the Kingdom, leaving Tourism Affairs to focus on regulatory matters. Sh Khalid, quite rightly, has sought to alter the perception of his ministry, away from being the policeman for the industry. Instead he speaks about raising quality and introducing appropriate standards for those operating with hospitality licences. Regulation and compliance The advantages of strong regulation can be seen in the financial services sector. Almost without exception, bankers within Bahrain, such as Navneet Kampani at Citibank, laud the role of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) for the robust approach its takes with regard to regulation. The CBB creates an environment where financial services companies can operate with confidence. Much of the thrust of this regulation has been to place responsibility for compliance with the regulatory framework on the banks themselves. The result is an abundance of self-regulation. Banks understand, for instance, that it is their responsibility to know the reason why money flows through the bank account over which they are custodians. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Quantitative easing If there is one technical term from the financial services industry that has entered the vernacular in recent years it is quantitative easing (QE). It’s an unconventional approach, within a controlled environment, to loosen the purse strings and is aimed at boosting economic activity and, thus, growth. The hospitality industry could do with its own dose of QE; the BDF report is packed full of ideas as to how this might be implemented. “There are a wide range of initiatives that could be introduced, in the short-term, to boost the industry,” says Puneet. “Many of these can be seen in other markets around the world.” Two such measures stand out as candidates for consideration; both relate to an easing of visa regulations. The first is to leverage the assets, and work, of others. The BDF recommends offering visas on arrival for anyone, from any country, who has a current, valid visa in their passport from the USA, the United Kingdom or Europe (a Schengen visa). These countries go to great lengths to check the background of those seeking visas to enter their territories. Why reinvent the wheel, particularly given the small size of the Kingdom and limited local resources to conduct such checks? A second proposal, and perhaps a little more controversial, is to award visas for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) events on a group basis. In effect, just like bankers and the funds they manage, the responsibility would be placed on MICE organisers to know who is attending their event and to be held accountable for attendees. If you organise, for instance, a pharmaceutical conference in the Middle East, it is almost certain that there would be delegates from the likes of Iran, Lebanon and Syria. All it needs is for one person to have a visa rejected for the whole event to be shifted to another location. The team at the Bahrain Exhibition & Conference Authority estimates that a mediumsized exhibition, occupying 12,000 square metres, is capable of generating BD600,000 in revenues, primarily in the hospitality sector. One of these exhibitions held every month of the year would yield close to US$20 million for the Kingdom. The Kingdom should not just be the ‘Home of Motorsports’ in the Middle East, it is also the ‘Home of Arabian Hospitality’. The Kingdom’s welcoming warmth is a unique asset of the Land of Two Seas; it is a competitive advantage for the tourism sector.
Jamil Wafa
A Tourism Dialogue Jamil Wafa, now retired, has been a key figure in the Kingdom’s tourism industry over much of the last three decades. Bahrain This Month (BTM) asked him what he believed had worked well over the years. BTM: Tell us about the Council for Tourism? Jamil: In 1986 I convinced the late Tareq Almoayyed, then Minister of Information, to establish a Council for Tourism, included all interested parties in the hospitality industry and relevant government agencies. The idea was to ensure coordinated and collective actions were taken in a prompt manner and without delay; this council was quite active. BTM: What developed from this initiative? Jamil: By way of example, on November 13, 1989, the first Tourism Seminar was held in Bahrain to which I invited officials from Dubai and Oman. I explained how we had promoted tourism when we combined Lebanon, Syria and Jordan into a tour package. The idea appealed to all participants and this idea proved successful in the GCC as well. BTM: How do you believe the Ministry of Tourism should be positioned? Jamil: A Ministry of Tourism should be completely independent, reporting to the cabinet, with its own budget, and should have sole responsibility for the efficient promotion of tourism. The Ministry of Culture, for instance, has full responsibility for culture and heritage, and is doing a marvellous job promoting Bahrain in a very exemplary way. BTM: What do you see as a way forward? Jamil: Everyone seems to be playing their own music and the sound is very harsh and not very successful. There should be a real effort to collectively coordinate the promotion of Bahrain and its tourism attractions. Without such coordination, I am afraid the country will be left behind and the deterioration of the tourism industry will continue. I will be glad to meet anyone to express my views. June 2014 61
interview
Panos Panagis and Salim Thakur
Dressing Up in Style We go behind the scenes of an ambitious renovation exercise that is now unfolding at this five-star hotel, to see what is taking shape.
62 June 2014
Bahrain This Month caught up with Panos Panagis, the general manager at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa, as he was reviewing the big changes at the hotel along with his director of engineering, Salim Thakur. Panos believes the BD2.5 million revamp and refurbishment exercise, which began in January, will turn the hotel ballroom into the premier meetings and events facility in the Kingdom. “One of our objectives was to raise the ballroom ceiling for a more spacious and airy setting for events. We’re giving a contemporary setting while at the same time keeping the classical feel intact. We’ll bring back the chandeliers as they are now in fashion,” says Panos. The ballroom, which encompasses 1,200 squaremetres of space for meetings which will be able to seat up to 1,000 people for dinner, is one of the largest five-star venues in Bahrain. Overall, the hotel’s 3,450-square-metre conference capacity can accommodate up to 2,000 delegates. This includes 14 meeting rooms and two ballrooms, including the rooftop Al Fanar that reopened in 2012 after renovation. Panos notes that the events market has grown by around five per cent annually over the last three years, and the hotel has many return customers in this segment. “For business events, our main objective is to attract companies from Dubai and elsewhere in the GCC to hold regional conferences in Bahrain. In the weddings segment, we hosted over 100 weddings every year
before we closed and we’d like to see these numbers being achieved again, but in a more enjoyable and comfortable ambience,” he says. The ballroom will be ready by mid-August and bookings have already started to come in for September this year. The hotel owners haven’t spared any expense in the refurbishment exercise. All audio-visual equipment is being replaced with the latest technology to compete with the bigger venues in the GCC. “Food is a crucial component of our banquets. Whether it’s business events or weddings, we’re not afraid to take our cooking skills to the next level, and try and learn. No matter where people come from and what their requirements are, we try and give it a homely feel, make it interesting and impress the guests,” notes Panos. Next in the pipeline for the hotel is the refurbishment of bedrooms and some public areas, which should start sometime next year. A complete product Panos has been impressed by the commitment of the National Hotels Company to constantly invest in and improve their product. “Having built the office tower earlier, the owners are now investing in meetings and events facilities and have further committed to renovating the rooms. This will conclude our expansion as a complete location in the centre of Manama. We look forward to being the business and leisure centre on the island,” he says. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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interview
Sharing Stories
Ali Mohsen
SIMI KAMBOJ Ali Mohsen’s home-grown social media platform bagged four awards last year. He tells us why he’s yet to find an investor.
64 June 2014
Bahrain-based tech entrepreneur Ali Mohsen is dreaming big. Last year, the 26-year-old quit his job at Microsoft to launch PaperV, one of the region’s first crowd-sharing platform. “All the new trends in social media are geared to simplify how people communicate and share things. Companies such as Twitter and Instagram didn’t reinvent the wheel. Rather, they either simplified the process of communication or made the content richer,” notes Ali.
However, existing social media channels are not effective storytellers since they enable sharing in bits and pieces, rather than multilateral contributions, he feels. “At PaperV, we’ve solved this problem by allowing people to share stories by tagging others, who will, in turn, add more content to this story, enriching it through multiple contributions. You can glide stories with multiple video, audio, photos and texts imported from your Facebook, Instagram, Picasa and Flicker platforms, and use these to re-glide your stories. Users’ privacy is protected so that content is exclusive to people who are invited to be part of the story,” he says. PaperV is Ali’s fourth venture and the only one where he hasn’t made any money yet. Ali built his personal website at the age of 12. Two years later, he launched an online business providing web-hosting services to clients across the GCC. He soon had over 500 clients in what was essentially a one-man show and the first such service in Bahrain. His second venture, while still a teenager, was a website which sent free text messages. Within two months, the mini portal had sent three million text messages on behalf of clients. In 2006, he founded a remote backup solutions company called Data Shell, but believes the market wasn’t ready for such a service then. Based on open source software, PaperV is also available on a mobile application. The platform has 20,000 registered members and about 5,000 active users, half of whom are from outside the Arab region. However, in order to take the site to the next level and turn it into a world-class product, Ali needs a capital infusion in his company. He estimates that he can then reach a million users in eight months as well as introduce a monetisation model. However, Ali has not been able to find an investor for the project. “Investors here don’t appreciate online ventures even though the fastest growing companies worldwide are tech businesses. Despite winning four awards last year, there hasn’t been any appreciation from the so-called angel investors. They’re supposed to be risk-takers, but we don’t see any risk-takers in Bahrain,” he says. Ali is now in talks with venture capitalists in the region for seed capital. Even as he looks for investors who will share his passion, excitement, the risk and eventually the returns of this new idea, he concedes that there’s always the option of incorporating in the Silicon Valley. However, he wants the venture to be based in Bahrain. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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interview BAHRAIN DEVELOPMENT BANK
Creating Opportunities
Nedhal Al Aujan
With a slew of projects lined up this year, the Bahrain Development Bank intends to ramp up financing in order to build a culture of entrepreneurship in the Kingdom.
66 June 2014
Building on substantial growth over the past five years, the Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) intends to increase lending to businesses to more than BD60 million this year. BDB chief executive Nedhal Al Aujan announced that the bank will launch new finance facilities which will focus on supporting the industry, education, medical care and food production sectors in Bahrain to create around 4,000 jobs.
The bank’s financing programmes over the past five years amount to around BD212,881 million, which have created more than 17,876 job opportunities in the process. “Projects financed by the bank have contributed in increasing the Kingdom’s exports to international markets. These projects helped bring in around BD104,030 million in foreign currencies into Bahrain between 2009 and 2013,” noted Al Aujan. Going forward, the BDB aims to improve its export support programme in order to further encourage small and medium enterprises to export their merchandise. For the remaining part of this year, Bahrain’s leading development finance institution has lined up a roster of programmes to expand its financial and non-financial services. The bank widened its presence by opening its eighth branch in Riffa this year. It will add two more branches, at the Manama Souq and Seef Mall Muharraq, over the coming months. Women and youth in Bahrain stand to benefit on the financing front, with over 60 per cent of the bank’s projected BD60 million allotment earmarked for startups in this segment. On the non-financial front, over 3,000 people will benefit from the bank’s consultancy and training services this year, added Al Aujan. More importantly, the bank will continue to expand its incubator services for start-up companies operating in various sectors. Following the success of the Riyadat Centre in A’ali, the BDB will launch another incubator for members of the Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society. In addition, the first branch of its Rukn incubator for ICT start-ups will open at Bab Al Bahrain this summer. The bank has plans to set up multiple multimedia incubators during the second half of the year. BDB’s strategic partnership with Tamkeen has improved its financing profile, with around BD111.5 million being spent jointly in financing during the past five years. The cooperation with Tamkeen involves the launch a number of specialised programmes such as schemes to support feasibility studies, pre-seed capital, innovative ideas and ICT finance. “The government has entrusted the bank with a crucial task of promoting investments in Bahrain, aimed at diversifying the economic base, creating new employment opportunities for Bahrainis and contributing to the overall socio-economic development. We will continue to play that role,” said the BDB. Call 17 511-111. www.bahrainthismonth.com
spotlightthismonth JAGUAR LAND ROVER
Backseat Chat
If laughter is the best medicine, then our guest has a heavy dose of it. Imran Al Aradi joins us for a backseat chat as we meet the man behind the funny persona.
68 June 2014
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Often called the “funniest man in Bahrain”, our guest this month is a multifaceted entertainer. From being a radio presenter to a disc jockey, an MC to a stand-up comedian, Imran Al Aradi attributes his versatility to being comfortable in his skin and thriving on the pressure of “no retakes” in his line of work. Seated in the backseat of a gleaming Jaguar XJ, he joins George Middleton for a conversation about how he got started in this field, his own inspirations and the family in Pakistan who, more often than not, make their way into his jokes. George: When did you realise that you were not cut out for a nine-to-five kind of job? Imran: I think I figured that out the day I got a nine-to-five job, which was years ago in my early twenties. The confirmation kicked in, in 2006, when I made my first appearance as a comedian and I realised that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. One of my favourite sayings is lucky is the man who has his hobby as his job for he’ll never have to work another day in his life. George: What’s the best thing about speaking to strangers on the radio? Imran: The fact that when you turn the mic on, you’ve got tens of thousands of people listening to you and one of the greatest feelings is when you start getting positive feedback from total strangers. George: Making people laugh isn’t the easiest of tasks; what’s the secret of your success? Imran: I have no secret. I guess I always wanted to be a comedian, even from my early teenage years. I was crowned the class clown in high school and, when I started doing stand-up comedy, a lot of people told me that they kind of figured I was going get there one day. I guess its the fact that I don’t have a problem in being myself in front of strangers and acting silly sometimes and that’s actually pretty much it… there is no secret.
Imran Al Aradi with George F Middleton
George: Imran, you’re a Bahraini but you also have an extended family in Pakistan, who normally bare the brunt of your jokes. How do they feel about it? Imran: They actually take it very well. It was interesting for them to find out that there was an entertainer in the family because all my cousins on my mother’s side are doctors, engineers or bankers, so they love the fact that I am into entertainment. They are always asking me for videos and YouTube links of my sessions. So they are very interested in my work, which I thought was pretty cool. And, of course, it’s easier to make fun of them when they are not in front of you. George: Do they get your jokes? Imran: (Laughs) I don’t know…I actually don’t know. George: We’re now going to throw some quick questions at you and we want immediate responses. If you were to play a two-hour set, would it be DJ or stand-up comedy? Imran: Given it’s a two-hour set, then DJ. Do you really want to hear me talk to two hours? George: Russell Peters or Gabriel Iglesias? Imran: Russell Peters. I relate to his jokes a lot more. I am half-Pakistani and he has Indian roots so, yeah, I get him. George: If you were to play Game of Thrones what character would you be? Imran: Definitely the dragon lady. You cannot be cooler than a lady who owns a bunch of dragons. George: You have to tell us a joke? Imran: Now that’s never happened before, sitting in the backseat of a car, a Jaguar XJ. Well what do you call a guy at the floor of a car, right next to your feet? — Mat!
The Jaguar XJ is available at Euro Motors, the official distributor for Jaguar Land Rover in Bahrain
www.bahrainthismonth.com
George: Well that was rip-roaringly funny! Imran: (Laughs) No it wasn’t!
BLIPP THIS PAGE TO: WATCH BACKSEAT CHAT INTERVIEW WITH IMRAN AL ARADI WATCH THE JAGUAR XJ INNOVATIONS VIDEO EXPLORE THE JAGUAR XJ VIEW JAGUAR XJ IMAGE GALLERY CONTACT EURO MOTORS
June 2014 69
bystander
Zain, Zouheir, Phoebe & Gregor
Charlotte & Florence
Nevine, Saliwe & Hameed
James & Rayan
James’s Birthday Party James celebrated his birthday with parents David & Bless, brother Henry and a number of his friends at Magic Planet, Bahrain City Centre Bless, Henry, James & David
Kit
Ruiri & Cathal
Fely, Cai, Mai & Jayden
Mohammed with Majid Al Zayani
Layla & Zasha
Mariana & Hussain
Mini Hatch Launch Euro Motors, sole distributors for Mini vehicles in the Kingdom & Mini Middle East held a launch for the all new Mini Hatch. The launch was held at the Royal Golf Club last month Paul Yates, Euro Motors general Manager & Sarah Junghardt, Mini ME head with the Mini Hatch
Maher & Aya
70 June 2014
David & Paul
Noel, Jemma & Paul
Hasan & Ala’a
Neeraj & Arsalan
Lars, Sarah & Kevin
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
SNSE Exhibition 2014 Opening
Mohammed & Khalid
Majd & Amna
Hala & Shaikh Hisham
Mona & Sari
Tamara, Hanya & Latifa
Eman & Rebhi
Under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Supreme Council for Youth and Sport first deputy chairman and Bahrain Athletic Association president, The Special Needs Support Exhibition (SNSE) Bahrain 2014 was opened at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf Convention Centre. It featured more than 40 booths and 17 speakers, with dozens of experts, cutting-edge technologies and workshops Mohammed Al Qaed, Dr Abdulla Yusuf Al Mutawa & Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulaziz Al Khalifa open the exhibition watched by officials
Rabab, Zainab, Yara & Saba
Katharina
Ibrahim, HE Vichai Varisirikul & Jawad Al Hawaj
Hatnaichanok & Shukree
Songkran Festival At Sofitel The Royal Thai Embassy & The Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa held a reception to mark the opening of Songkran - a unique celebration of the Thai Traditional New Year Sami Boukhaled, Salintip, Phantiyap, Prowravee & HE Vichai Varisirikul, Thai Ambassador
Sita, Sarah, Hatnaichanok, Ann, Aon & Cherrp
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Ratnawati & HE Chilman Arisman, Indonesian Ambassador
Meeji & HE Yu Joonha, South Korean Ambassador
Gernot & Julian Taufmann
Wendy & Jaap
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Osim, Seef Mall, first floor shop # 1200, Telfax:00973-17581331, Email: osim@batelco.com.bh Web: http://www.osim.com
bystander
Ingrid & Patric
Sarah & Bengt
Lamees & Mohammed
Maya & Majid
The Domain Hotel Membership Launch The Domain Hotel officially launched the Domain Membership program which was attended by our Domain Ambassadors and members in at the hotel’s exclusive members lounge Domain Prive
Kim, Ahmed & Amit
Megan & Marianne
Ali & Ali
Patric & Steven
Leila & Fifi
Nabil & Bob
Tony
Dennis & Joanie
Candee Beach Party At Coral Bay Coral Bay played host to the Candee Beach Party, summer's opening party last month Moe, Joe, Naj & Momo
Louise, Bob, Jaime & Jasmin
74 June 2014
Emmy & Noha
Kyle & Kevin
Jani, Jack & Jasindi
DJ Laura, Dj Miled & Xavier
Steph & Emma
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Platinum Sponsor
Strategic Partners
Event Manager
OriginBahrain OriginConsultingCo Origin-Consulting-Group
www.origin.com.bh @OriginBahrain @Originconsulting
bystander
Fawaz & Christina
Ali & Hameed
Al Haddad Hosts SUV Event A SUV event was hosted by Al Haddad Motors to allow its customers the chance to view and drive the MercedesBenz SUV range. Customers were invited to the showroom in Tubli to check out the GLK, ML and the GL500 Ali, Alia & Mark Ibrahim & Ameera
Fawaz & Neville
Sanjeev & Shruti
Sayed, Hussain, Sayed Mohammed & Alaa
Rose & Flossy
Batelco's Made in Bahrain Event
Tamim
Sajeda & Sara
Batelco’s Youth Marketing Team will be hosting the annual Made in Bahrain Event at Al Aali Mall Shopping Complex – Boulevard (Walking Area Outdoors) to support talented youth. Many signed up to participate to display their unique work in areas such as artwork, handicrafts, design, clothing, sweets, food and more Batelco Consumer Division General Manager Muna Al Hashimi & Al A’Ali Complex Manager Shafiqa Faqeer open the event Ameera & Rokhaya
Dana, Lenka, Katarina & Monika
76 June 2014
Sara & Fatima
Safeya & Mohammed
Mariam
Fahad
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Bruno & Maria
David & Jim
Dr Jalal
Maria's Vintage Themed Birthday Party Maria hosted a vintage themed party to celebrate her birthday with family & friends at her residence Janaka, Maeve, Maria, Bless, Ces, Jennie C., Myla, Tess, Acel & Jennie P.
John, Maeve & Bruno
Nick, Claire, Maria, Bruno & Julien
Maria & Jihad
Claire, Dzanis & Mira
Maria & Nick
Janaka & Ishira
supporting ideas achieving success
Bahrain Development Bank offers a wide range of distinctive financial and advisory services specifically designed to meet SME’s special needs. Whether your plan is to launch a new entrepreneurial venture, expand or diversify business in the Kingdom, BDB provides you with advice and support in developing the financial resources for your project since BDB’s core mission is to develop SME’s. Over the years, BDB has expanded in delivering an innovative mix of financial products tailored to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and extended to reach out a broader spectrum of economical sectors. For more details visit: www.bdb-bh.com
78 June 2014
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Rotary Clubs Charity Golf Dinner All three Rotary Clubs of Bahrain jointly held a charity Golf Tournament at the Royal Golf Club, which was followed by dinner. All proceeds will go to support disabled tennis players, a group of the Bahrain Federation for Disabled Sports Seema
Kalin, Ernst, Sherif & Mirna
Yunus & Sebahat
Dr Bijan, Michele & Pauline
Geraldine & Martin
Dr Shawqi & Dr Nada
Riyad, Ebrahim & Babea
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Ken & Betsy
Graeme
June 2014 79
bystander
Mohammed & Ahmed
Yasmin & Mariana
Zahra & Ameera
Hamad & Abdulla
UCB Graphic Design Exhibition The University College of Bahrain (UCB) held a Graphic Design Exhibition at the college last month Dr Adel Hamad Rahman, Shaikh Khalid Al Khalifa, HE Li Chen, Chinese Ambassador & Shaikh Bader
Raja, Layali, Isam, Ahmed, Sameer & Shawaluddin
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Farah, Bayan & Lujin
Liliam & Janan
www.bahrainthismonth.com
RIC'S AMERICAN SOUTHERN STYLE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE HOMEMADE AMERICAN FOOD!
Mövenpick Hotel Reception
Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 5:30AM-2PM
The Mövenpick Hotel hosted a reception to welcome new general manager Daniel Kaan and bid farewell to outgoing general manager Heinz Krähenbühl Heinz Krähenbühl & Salman Al Mahmeed with Eman & Anna
Nizar with Mr & Mrs Cruz
Daniel, Salman & Heinz
Daniel Kaan & Heinz Krähenbühl
Alfred
STEAKS BBQ BABY BACK RIBS PRIME RIB BURGERS SEAFOOD BUFFETS- All You Can Eat BRICK OVEN PIZZA
Ernest
UNLIMITED SELECTED BEVERAGES! US Military (ID Required) 14.9BD
Silvia, Steve, Humbert & Frederic
Gary & Nicola
STEAKS & MEXICAN CUISINE AL JAZIRA RIC’S KOUNTRY KITCHEN
FREE DELIVERY!
Silvia, Madeleine, Henry & Daniel
www.bahrainthismonth.com
:2nd LIGHT
NAVY BASE
Jan
June 2014 81
bystander
Akif & Mehmet
Turkish Ambassador Visits Madre & Padre HE Hatun Demirer, Turkish Ambassador visited the Madre & Padre store in Ramli Mall. The store stocks clothes, accessories and furniture for babies and children Akif, Praveen, HE Hatun Demirer, Zeynep, Mehmet, Vurul, Renas & Canan Junaid & Mohammed
Zeynap, Renas & Vurul
Mary, Mhel, Adnan & Elma
Sabu & Abhilash
BABY * KIDS
176 402 62 madreandpadre
82 June 2014
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Dr Bijan, Fuad Kanoo & HE Li Chen
Waleed Kanoo & Abdul Hameed
Motorcity New Showroom Launch Motorcity launched a new showroom for Volvo, Subaru and Citroen in Sitra last month. The event was attended by HE Li Chen, Chinese Ambassador, Motorcity management, members of the media and guests
Mike Brightmore, HE Li Chen & Waleed Kanoo
George & Zaid
George, Mike, Waleed Kanoo, Dr Bijan & Zaid
1722 1722 www.bahrainthismonth.com
Nina & Brett
Jaffer, Dr Bijan & Hani
www.mcdelivery.com.bh June 2014 83
bystander
Imran & Sridhar
Leisel, Joan & Karen
Vijay Bhatia & Arun Kumar
Godwin D'Cruz & Dinesh Arora
Gajria Showroom Opening Gajria Electronics held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opneing of their new showroom in Golden Sands, Hoora last month Anil Bhagwan cut the ribbon to open the outlet
Sunil Sinha, Anil Bhagwan, K.V. Puranik, Vijay Bhatia, Imtiaz & Dinesh
84 June 2014
Zia, Farzan, Majid & Naushad
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Ganesh & Asim
Shalu & Immanuel
Change To Bridgestone Campaign Launch Bridgestone and AJM Kooheji Group launched a Change to Bridgestone promotion campaign, with a range of prizes for customers to win. The launch press conference was held at the Bridgestone Truck Tyre Centre, in Ma’ameer AJM Kooheji Group’s operations manager Dilip Raj, vice chairman Mahmood Kooheji and chief executive Rohit Raina address the media Umer, Dinesh & Murali
Zainab, Renzo & Kaizad
Thanveer & Mahesh
Prasanna & Danish
Joel & Isa
Dilip
Milan
Fine Contemporary Fusion Japanese Cuisine
Revel in Nour Maki™, one of several local celebrity namesake dishes Bahrain World Trade Center, West Tower, Adjacent to Moda Mall, King Faisal Highway, Manama + 973 17522733 / + 973 36999102 Kuwait - Bahrain
www.bahrainthismonth.com
@makirestaurant
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oliver maki
June 2014 85
bystander
Suresh & Hari
Irin & Brian
Faces This Month From exciting skating boarding events and breakdancing competitions to live shows to album launches our photographers were in the midst of it all capturing the smiles on faces in and around the Kingdom Ash, Laura, Kelly & Deena Natalie, Lisa & Rahul
Christine & 2:2G
86 June 2014
Fatema & Kameela
Zainab, Imran, DJ Outlaw & Eman
Mohammed
Max
Mohammed
www.bahrainthismonth.com
lifestyle
this month
A Cup of Samba, Please! Let’s face it, the only real noise coming out of the World Cup in 2010 was the sound of the ear-shattering vuvuzela. The tournament on the pitch was somewhat flat; although their first win at this four-yearly event, no one was really surprised that Spain collected the trophy. The idea that a major tournament in Brazil should be equally as flat is a little difficult to digest. The home of ‘samba’ football will surely translate into a more dynamic month of soccer — on the pitch. As with previous tournaments, there is considerable hype surrounding star names. In 2014 that boils down to the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. While we’d all like the stars to shine on the biggest stage, we have to go back to Pele in 1970 or Maradona in 1986 for a World Cup where a ‘star’ really stamped their mark. Perhaps one reason for this is the increased number of participating nations, now at 32 teams and twice the number from the days when Pele and Maradona mesmerised the world. A round of robins The group stage of the World Cup has almost dwindled into an exercise in watching grass grow. The only real surprise is when, well, there is a surprise. There’s usually a group of death to add some spice to the early encounters. www.bahrainthismonth.com
This year there are two groups which stand out from the crowd. The popular conclusion is that group G is this tournament’s ‘group of death’; comprised of Germany, Ghana, Portugal and the United States, there is certainly no room for complacency. A slow start will almost certainly result in an early ticket home. The teams in Group D — Uruguay, Italy, England and Costa Rica — might not possess the same aura as those in group G. The intensity of matches between the big three is likely to be no less enthralling, and result in one former World Cup winner taking an early bath. The English squad selection has raised a few eyebrows and represents a departure from prior World Cups. One third of the squad is made up of ‘young Turks’; those with careers to make rather than to sign off. This strategy has worked for the likes of Germany in the past; but will it work for England? The round of 16 looks equally placid; the only real edge would seem to be the match between the runner-up in group D and the winner of group C (probably the Ivory Coast). The real start The round of eight, the quarter finals, starts on July 4; that’s when the real action begins and the tournament comes alive. You can check the schedule and follow all the action at numerous places in the digital world. Visiting the official FIFA website (www.fifa.com), or download the organiser’s app, will tell you everything you need to know. The final is on July 13, just in case you didn’t already know!
Fashion, p88 Motoring, p92
Shopping Malls, p97
The wait is finally over. The world’s biggest football extravaganza kicks off this month — the FIFA World Cup is here.
Dining, p117
After Dark, p129
June 2014 87
fashion
SACOOR BROTHERS
Cosmopolitan Chic A premium international fashion and lifestyle brand continues their Middle East expansion with the opening of a first store in Bahrain.
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Sacoor Brothers’ unique shopping experience is defined by the elegance of refinement, attention to detail and the comfort of personal service. Keeping with the brand’s commitment to exceptional service, customers benefit from a personal tailoring service. Inside the boutique you can experience the Sacoor Caffé while listening to live music by the in-store pianist and relaxing in the lounge on plush armchairs and sofas. This touch is one of the brand’s many distinguishing features while it maintains a sense of classic elegance and style. Sacoor Brothers, located on the first floor at Bahrain City Centre houses the summer 2014 collections for men, woman and kids, as well as a gorgeous range of accessories. Elegance is a primary design inspiration and runs alongside a timeless notion which defines the Sacoor man and woman. “Our customers have an urban profile, they are well travelled, informed and affluent, passionate, updated and
on trend. The Sacoor man and woman like to be distinctive and personal,” says Hugo Carriço, the brand’s head of marketing and communications. The new collection exudes sophistication and class and is based on a Rio de Janeiro theme. The rhythm and colours of Brazil are woven into the fabrics and textures that form the collection. “Sacoor believes in high-quality products, excellence in comfort and elegance, with stylists always pursuing innovation to match the latest trends. This season we were inspired by themes such as urban gardens, artisans’ art, sublime nature,” adds Hugo. The charismatic faces of this campaign are Patrick Dempsey, from the hit show Grey’s Anatomy, and the Sports Illustrated model Irina Shayk. Sacoor Brothers was founded by four brothers, hence the name, in Portugal with the aim of offering a unique refinement, elegance, quality and design to the world of fashion. www.bahrainthismonth.com
fashion
LULU HYPERMARKET
Frugally Chic This year, summer is all about rocking colours and prints. This retail outlet has upped its game in the fashion world, helping women get that luxe look for less.
We all know Lulu Hypermarket as a one-stop retail destination for all your basic needs. Additionally, this season, they’re getting busy in the fashion department. From tropical prints to bright hues, the outlet has amazing pieces that will make you do double-takes. The new collection boasts pretty pastels and plenty of prints. You’ll find laser-cut blouses, t-shirts with cool graphics, dresses in geometric patterns and maxi dresses with floral prints. Mesh is a wardrobe must-have this year. Wear it over a neutral camisole for a casual day out or over a neon tube top for a more daring style. A highlight of the Lulu fashion segment is its accessories. Colour-blocking is big this season and they’ve adopted it in their range of sandals — another big summer trend. Wedges make most of the shoe range, alongside flats and flip-flops. A visit to the store will have you looking beach-ready in no time. The sailor trend is translated in the line of handbags — a must-try look. If nautical prints aren’t your style, opt for the cute crossover bags, which secure the brand on the fashion map. They’ve got a great collection of hats, whether it’s for a beach break or to look street chic. i Call 17 553-555.
90 June 2014
www.bahrainthismonth.com
motoring
euro motors
Evolution of a Classic Distinctively familiar, yet enhanced from the ground up, the second generation of this famed model has upped its function, performance and style.
92 June 2014
Now available at Euro Motors, the all-new MINI Hatch sets out to continue the global success story of the firstever premium automobile in the small car segment. It takes road presence to a new level while retaining many of the historic design cues that are trademark features of the iconic brand. If you take a closer look, you’ll find an entirely new car. The premium small car (with a big personality) boasts a new design, new-generation engines, improved driving comfort and a vast range of new quality materials and colours. It comes with driver assistance systems, such as head-up display, parking assistant, rear view camera, collision and pedestrian warning, and high beam assist. The exterior design has been refined to include newly designed round LED headlights, hexagonal front grille and upright rear lights with wide chrome surround. The selection of exterior colours has been extended to include five new variants. The new model offers many changes, including highend materials. One of the most important new features is the instrument panel that has been completely redesigned, with the speedometer now positioned behind the steering wheel. Key insertion as previously required is no longer necessary in the cockpit. As soon as the key is inside the car, the engine can be started by pressing the new toggle-type start/stop button located in the middle of the centre console, which lights up. You are never alone inside the Hatch thanks to MINI Connected, a connectivity feature that enhances the
driving experience by keeping the driver connected with the outside world through smartphone platforms. Once the MINI Connected App is downloaded, other cool features become available, including worldwide radio at the touch of a button and access to Facebook, Twitter and RSS news feeds while driving — all of which are displayed on an innovative central display. The automotive company makes the all-new model’s go-kart handling drive experience more exciting with a new generation of engines. For the first time, both threecylinder and four-cylinder engines are used with sixspeed automatic gearbox and MINI TwinPower Turbo technology in Cooper and Cooper S variants. This makes them more powerful and more efficient than those of the predecessor model. You will find three driving options: Sport, Mid and Green. These options allow owners to pick from sporty, comfort or economical driving modes to maximise fuel efficiency and/or enhance MINI’s driving fun. And the driving experience doesn’t stop there. The new Dynamic Damper Control (DDC) option lets the driver control the stiffness of the suspension. Cutting-edge active and passive safety measures ensure you can enjoy every corner without worrying about a thing. With super high-strength multiphase steel, intelligent warning and protection systems and increased luggage space, all-new MINI Hatch guarantees you and your passengers will sit comfortably and stay safe. i Call 17 750-609. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Y.K. ALMOAYYED & SONS
Driven by Desire Encapsulating the vision of future premiumperformance sedans, this car has a distinctive design, world-first technology, an engaging performance and in-car connectivity.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
The new Infiniti Q50 is ready to turn heads around the Kingdom with its signature sport fascia and unique air dam. Nineteen-inch split-spoke aluminium-alloy wheels, each endowed with sport pistons and rotors for pure stopping power, are precisely contained within their arched wells. From the moment its sport leather-appointed seats embrace you, you’re just a magnesium paddle-shift away from seven visionary dimensions of performance. Among a long list of highlights, Infiniti Q50 introduces direct adaptive steering. This completely digital system used in the aviation industry is not only the fastestresponding kind, but also gives the driver a range of steering response settings to suit his or her mood and the driving conditions. With InTouch, you are introduced to a new level of connectivity. The system integrates your digital life, including apps, in a system that responds naturally to your touch. Touch, tap and swipe to navigate, read emails, stream music and catch up on social media. “2013 was a record growth year for us and now, with the launch of the Q50 with its beautifully new sporty and muscular design, ground-breaking technology and outstanding performance, we are confident to surpass last year’s achievements,” says Paul Baker, general manager at Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons, the exclusive dealer for Infiniti in the Kingdom. The brand’s leading safety features continues with predictive forward collision warning, which alerts the driver to risks that lie beyond their field of view. The
visionary technology extends your awareness and confidence. It scans the area behind your car, and — as you back up — can warn you if it detects something. It can even brake for you to help you avoid a collision. The breathtaking performance of Infiniti’s 3.7-litre 24-valve V6 engine is crafted out of aluminium alloy to help reduce weight and increase responsiveness, giving you soulful power and a thrilling drive. And with 326 hp, luxury has never felt so liberating. “As we welcome Infiniti Q50 to the range, with its new levels of driver personalisation, safety and connectivity, Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons has never had more to offer the Infiniti customer,” Paul adds. The starting price for Infiniti Q50 is BD15,995; to test drive the new car, visit the Infiniti showroom in Sitra. i Call 17 732-732. June 2014 93
motoring
FIRST MOTORS
Setting a New Standard This car demands attention with its elegant looks and combines that to perfection with its take on modern technological advancement.
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First Motors, the exclusive dealer of Hyundai in the Kingdom, launch the Genesis 2015. Under the bonnet is a 3.8 Lambda GDI V6 engine, with a three-stage variable intake that delivers power with optimal overall driveability. The Genesis pushes Hyundai’s fluidic design to the next level, with its stylish projector headlights with LED headlight accents along with sleek LED fog lamps and tail lights. The Genesis is very spacious, offering generous levels of headroom and legroom, with plush leather seats and glossy hydrographic interior trim. Owners can also remote start their car, on hot or cold days. One aspect that makes the Genesis stand out from other sedans is its sunroof, which delivers panoramic views of the skyline by opening up completely from front to back seat. Parking is made much easier with its rear view camera as well as front and rear parking assistance system with rear cross-traffic alert. This feature detects when a vehicle is in the driver’s blind spot or in the rear crosspath while backing up. Hyundai always puts safety on top of its priority list. The automatic emergency braking system alerts the driver of danger in fog, rain or extreme weather conditions. The four-wheel anti-lock braking system comes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. Another safety feature is the lane keep assist, which
automatically detects when a driver has difficulty staying in the lane. Nine airbags are fitted into the vehicle to provide utmost protection for its passengers. Staying with passenger safety, the model has introduced the world’s first carbon dioxide sensor. A new automotive system is designed to sense carbon dioxide levels in the cabin of the Genesis and automatically activates the ventilation system, adding fresh air to the cabin if the level exceeds standard limits. As part of the brand’s luxury segment, the Genesis sedan comes with significant benefits from the Hyundai premium assurance plus program 2014. Customers are ensured of utmost peace of mind with the lifetime warranty that is offered irrespective of mileage limit, and is completely transferable and three years roadside assistance, hence ensuring an attractive re-sale value. First Motors, part of Al Zayani Investments group, is fully committed to demonstrating to the Bahrain market that Hyundai is the brand that represents unique value for money without compromise. The group’s confidence in Hyundai is demonstrated through their sensational lifetime warranty that is offered on the entire range of Hyundai passenger and commercial vehicles. i Call 17 121-121. www.bahrainthismonth.com
EBRAHIM K KANOO
All on Board Offering versatile seating arrangements, this vehicle combines space, power and design for the perfect family ride.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Toyota’s line-up of cars keeps growing with innovative additions and this year is no different. Ebrahim K Kanoo, the sole distributor of Toyota in the Kingdom, has unveiled the brand’s new multipurpose vehicle — the 2015 Toyota Avanza. Living up to Toyota’s reputation of providing world-class quality vehicles, the car offers a stylish, powerful and versatile ride. “Following the worldwide success story of the Avanza, we are now introducing this model in Bahrain. The practical seven-seater reaches new heights in terms of its elegant shape, quality, performance and excellent fuel economy. This delivers a comfortable, dynamic and efficient driving experience, making it an iconic vehicle on the road,” says Ayman Shehadeh, marketing manager of Ebrahim K Kanoo. Whether you’re cruising in the city or embarking on a road trip with your loved ones, the engine provides more than sufficient power and excellent fuel efficiency to take you to your destination. The Avanza is equipped with 1.5 litre VVT-i engine that offers 102 horsepower, and a fourspeed automatic transmission that provides a very comfortable and smooth drive. Incorporating a V-shaped aerodynamic design, the model presents a leading-edge look that takes into account the changing needs of the customers. Eminently noticeable, the front grille and engine bonnet have been built with a three-dimensional design to project a sense of forward thrust that expresses a stronger attitude. The overall exterior design provides a bold presence matched with enhanced quality. This car has a magnificent exterior, as the rear combination lamps and
roof spoiler heighten its sophisticated look. Fog lights are fitted on the bumper, which delivers supreme illumination. The car provides sedan-like comfort to both driver and passenger. Despite its compact size, the Avanza has a spacious cabin that can comfortably seat an entire family — and then some. Featuring an interior design that is distinct, the vehicle seating capacity makes room for up to seven adults. It offers customers versatile seating arrangements that allow the interior layout to be optimised to suit both passengers and cargo. You can enjoy a world-class sixspeaker audio system with MP3, AUX and iPod connectivity. The interior design is fitted with many storage facilities for added convenience. Safety being a major focus in the new model, the car features air bags for the driver and passenger, an antilock brake system and electronic brake-force distribution with brake assist. The new Toyota Avanza is available in six colours with a competitive price of BD5,700. i Call 17 730-730 or www.toyota.com.bh. June 2014 95
bystander
Raeda, Khulood & Adnan
Sovereign Art Foundation IKNS Gala Dinner A gala dinner was held at InterContinental Regency to mark the end of an art exhibition aimed at helping Bahraini orphans. More than 1,200 students from Ibn Khuldoon National School, aged five to 18, contributed pieces for the event, which also featured an auction organised by the Sovereign Art Foundation that raised money for orphans under the care of the Royal Charity Organisation One of the artworks being auctioned
Hanza, Hassan, Nabil, Nader, Majid & Ahmed
Dr Mustafa Al Sayed, Shaikh Hisham & Abdulrahman Jawahery
Wassim & Linda
Mohammed Bucheeri
Anwar Abdulrahman presents a momento to V.V. Dakshinamoorthi, watched by Mammootty
Mammootty addresses his fans
Rushaiba, Rizvi & Rizama
Anwar Abdulrahman
Indo-Bahrain Heritage Fest Thousands of fans turned out to see veteran Indian film actor Mammootty and award-winning singer Hariharan at the Indo-Bahrain Heritage Fest (IBHF 2014) held at the Indian School. The event was organised by Al Hilal Corporation along with AARS Arts Centre and Deshabhimani Gulf Hariharan on stage
M.T. Mathews, Manoj & V.V. Dakshinamoorthi
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Harodasan, Sheena, Ameya & Ankita
Saniya
www.bahrainthismonth.com
shopping malls
Looking for Deals The idea of ‘shopping’ often suggests an imminent blow to the wallet; but this doesn’t always have to be, especially if you know where to look for those exclusive deals.
The Kingdom offers several irresistible shopping destinations, whether it’s a state-of-the-art mall or a local flea market. Bahrain’s retailers have created ‘international’ shoppers who are looking for their choicest goods and latest trends and only need an incentive to spend some more. Bahrain Mall Ample parking and easy access from the roadways are a big bonus to Bahrain Mall, which makes it a popular destination for grocery shoppers to the large hypermarket, Géant. The Homestore, Red Tag and the newly opened Twenty4 are the brands which bring in the crowds. Payless Shoes and various smaller kiosks are the latest additions to this mall. i Call 17 558-100. City Centre Bahrain City Centre Bahrain offers a world-class retail experience
www.bahrainthismonth.com
to shoppers, with 350 retailers to choose from. Attractions include a 15,000-square-metre indoor-outdoor water park and over 60 food and beverage outlets. Recent additions to the mall include IHOP, Vans, Sun & Sand Kids, Sacoor Brothers, Adidas Performance, Ipekyol, Hunkemoller and Stride Rite. i Call 17 177-771. Enma Mall Enma Mall is based around a concept of ease of accessibility and the provision of an urban centre for shopping, dining and entertainment. The choice of outlets has been carefully planned to ensure the mall enjoys the best quality retailers and most attractive tenant mix. Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options, too, as the mall has a designated food court featuring a diverse range of eateries as well as standalone restaurants and cafés. June 2014 97
shopping malls Ramli Mall Ramli Mall is home to top international brands and several social activities. Shopping is an easy affair as it is located in A’ali, just off the highway. While many pay a visit to Lulu Hypermarket for their groceries, they are also irresistibly drawn to Sharaf DG, Red Tag, Smart Fox, McDonalds, KFC, Hardees, Pasta Express and various other fast food outlets. i Call 17 646-400.
Ramadan promotions Customers will have a great mix of special offers on soccer and summer collections and contests at Oasis mall. At the Yateem Centre, June is a month for children, with Princess Elsa visiting on Friday evenings and bringing her helpers to paint pottery, give away balloons, paint faces, perform magic and make people smile. There will also be special deals and give-aways and free raffle entry for customers. Seef Mall celebrates summer with extraordinary underwater activities in their ‘Deep Blue Sea’ campaign followed by a month-long of themed activities for Ramadan in July. Various promotions with international artists and shop-and-win competitions will take place at Bahrain Mall. You can also ‘Make a Difference this Ramadan’ with the City Centre Bahrain campaign. Do not miss the Moda Mall’s ‘Shop and Win’ Ramadan promotion and Ramli Mall’s raffle draw, ‘Shop More Win More’, which runs until July 31. The Yellow Submarine kids play area at Saar Mall will remain open all day for play during Ramadan and the summer months. The mall will also hold a morning summer camp for ages 3 to 10 during the summer holidays.
Moda Mall Moda Mall is home to exclusive boutiques showcasing haute couture, ready-to-wear and accessories previously unattainable in Bahrain. The mall houses one of the most desirable portfolios of international luxury brands, such as Emporio Armani, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Tod’s. The jewellery court hosts some of the world’s leading manufacturers. Casual and fine dining options include Abd El Wahab, BiCE Ristorante and Maki. i Call 13 323-332.
Seef Mall Seef Mall takes pride in being a family-destination mall in Bahrain. It is the place to shop but also to relax in vibrant dining areas, while kids enjoy the play areas. There are 300 local and international brands, a 16-screen multiplex cinema and 48 restaurants and coffee shops in its two food courts. Fun activities engaging customers ensure every shopping trip is a truly delightful experience for the entire family. A new play area for children and dining concepts will open after the summer. i Call 17 582-111. Saar Mall Something delicious is cooking soon at Ready, Get Set, Cook, which is Bahrain’s first kids cooking studio opening up in Saar Mall this July. The studio is just one of the attractions enticing children and their families to this family mall. The recipe for Great Super Confident Kids is a must-try at this soon-to-be-opened venue. Intellex is the latest shop to open doors at Saar mall. i Call 17 790-203. Yateem Centre For Bahrain’s first and original air-conditioned commercial centre in the souq, it’s all about location! Driven by competitive pricing and a wide range of unique shops from the recently opened Al Adil supermarket, selling Indian flours and spices, to Mohammed Saleh for Zary, selling wedding jalabiyas to royalty around the Gulf, this centre makes you want to explore further. i Call 17 215-615.
Oasis and Marina Mall Oasis Centre in Muharraq and Riffa are synonymous with convenient shopping in the city. Both malls offer outstanding value for money in fashion and footwear, interiors, electronics and leisure, beauty, health and wellness, food and beverages, entertainment, fitness and arts. Max and Centrepoint offer a wide selection of global brands in a compact, shopping-focused format. Home Box, a one-stop shop for smart contemporary furniture and home furnishings. i Call 17 495-080 or 17 277-800. 98 June 2014
www.bahrainthismonth.com
CITY CENTRE Bahrain
Shop like a Champion No sporting event captures the world like the FIFA World Cup. Be a part of the action right here in Bahrain with this month-long mesmerising campaign.
City Centre Bahrain will become Bahrain’s World Cup portal, a place where two passions — fashion and football — meet. “Our approach in this campaign is to take a bird’s eye view of our channels and create a synchronised experience for shoppers, from the moment they enter our car park until the moment they leave,” says Duaij Al Rumaihi, senior mall manager. “The campaign includes winning grand prizes, receiving gifts with purchase, interactive activations, an exclusive art show, social media competitions, and creating memorable moments for our customers.” Shop and win Redeem receipts worth BD35 to receive a football-related trivia card at the customer service desk. The e-coupon will be sent to your respective mobile device for a chance to win one of two Subaru BRZ sports cars. The act of redeeming receipts of BD50 or more entitles customers to a gift with their purchase from a variety of World Cup merchandise including, watches and athletics bags. World Cup ambience On entering the mall you will immediately feel the football fever with crowds roaring and anthems playing through speakers. The atmosphere is completed with football jerseys and flags hung around the mall. Brazilian Samba Parade Of course, your trip to the mall cannot be complete without dancing along with the samba parade by a Brazilian dance troupe taking place on June 19-20 at 5pm, 7pm and 9pm.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Interactive fun A multifunctional interactive screen placed over the fountain in the centre of the mall will have a digital display of match scores and schedules during the campaign together with an interactive e-football game controlled via an iPad joystick. Visitors can experience a bit of augmented reality and receive campaign messages and animations by scanning a big three-dimensional ‘C’ that will be displayed on the Central Galleria display. Paint your nails in the theme colours of the season at a football-inspired beauty station, which offers services such as nail art and make-up. Then walk over to the ‘City Stadium’ football-themed photo booth and flaunt yourself with flags, humorous captions and other related props to be entered into a social media competition. Shoppers will walk away with a framed, branded photo as a souvenir. Get as many friends and family into one group selfie shot, taken at the mall and post it on Instagram mentioning @CityCentreBahrain and #CitySelfieBH. Three photos with the highest number of people will enter to win gift cards and complimentary City Cart service. As you walk around the mall, don’t forget to spot the ‘Referee’ flashing football cards with instant prizes at randomly selected shopping outlets. i Call 17 177-771. June 2014 99
shopping malls
SAAR MALL
Retail Therapy A trip to this neighbourhood mall reveals why it has taken the burden out of shopping and has quickly become a fun retail destination.
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Weekend grocery shopping is sometimes a nightmare. Parents just want to glide through their ‘things to buy’ list without having to endure their children’s tantrums. Keeping this in mind, the developers of Saar Mall, which is located on a residential road between Saar and Janabiya, have made an effort to ensure the venue is family friendly. Besides having plenty of hands-on activities to keep the kids busy at play, the mall offers simple joyful moments, such as award-winning gelatos and a crazy 9-D cinema (on an empty stomach of course). “Saar Mall is the mall of the new generation,” says Samira Zaamane, the retail site manager. “The idea is to make it a kids-friendly mall, so the parents can be more at ease to shop, browse or explore what’s on offer. We are also trying to encourage young entrepreneurs to open up their brands at our mall.” A walk through its buzzing food court and shopping and entertainment areas reaffirms Samira’s ongoing vision for the 7,500-square-metre complex, owned by Bokhowa Group and managed by Dara Real Innovations. The sweeping staircase to the mall’s first floor leads to several irresistible eateries and 17 food concepts with different cuisine styles, which are a must-try. “The location is well received by school-going children who often meet with their friends or sit around to do some reading, or work on their gadgets,” says Samira. The food court boasts a large aquarium, a ceiling-height fixture which dominates the centre and makes it an
attraction for children. Play areas for kids include the Yellow Submarine and The Party Hall. Coming up soon is a cooking studio called Ready Get Set Cook, which introduces an interactive experience for kids and parents. Young ones can also enjoy rides at the Kids’ Palace Toys. The impressive two-storey drive-thru offers a relaxing ambience designed to give visitors a feeling of truly being at home away from home. A community success Saar has been home to many of Bahrain’s affluent locals and expatriate residents, including several countries’ ambassadors and many businessmen. Besides proving extremely convenient for the locals, the mall offers easy access for residents from Maqabah, Budaiya and Saraya and because of its central location, also captures travellers to Saudi. The state-of-the-art architecture and design employs energy-efficient techniques and waste management systems that keep the environment clean. “We are extremely proud of the success we have achieved so far. This highlights the governorate’s potential for commercial development and the convergence of a neighbourhood where people can come out and shop, interact, and be part of social events,” says Samira. i Call 17 790-203 or 39 913-513 or email szaamane@darabh.com www.bahrainthismonth.com
SEEF MALL
Surf’s Up! Dive into an underwater world at Seef Mall and experience the thrill of a beach adventure and a chance to win prizes while having fun.
Wondering what to do for the summer? If you love scuba diving and the idea of being at a beach, Seef Mall will be transforming a part of its venue to accommodate an underwater-themed family event called Deep Blue Seef. The event takes place at the mall’s west wing from 10am to 10pm, giving shoppers, visitors and summer fans something exciting to look forward to from May 23 until June 22. “Seef Mall always looks for opportunities to interact with our customers in a unique way. With summer just starting, this is a great way for our customers to spend time under water and enjoy a world of fantastic colours, spectacular animals and fun,” says Robert Addison, Seef Properties general manager. Air swimmers Adding to the event’s attractions, Seef Mall introduces air swimmers for the first time; they swim through the air operated by a radio-controlled handset. These giant-sized flying fish are easy to control in the tightest of spaces as you test your flying skills in the air. Four people will compete against each other, guiding the controlled air swimmers across hurdles. The contestant to get through all the hoops in the fastest time wins.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Exploring bubbles Did you know that apart from blowing bubbles you could also walk inside one? Seef Mall is giving you the chance to experience the Bubble Race, which allows you to walk, run, roll and just have fun. Four people compete against each other and the one with the fastest track time will be declared the winner. Creating memories A paddler’s pond caters to young kids, where they can play in a huge sea of balls. In addition to these activities, you can create fun-filled memories with family and friends by taking pictures at the pirate-themed photo booth. i Call 17 582-111. June 2014 101
shopping malls YATEEM CENTRE
Young at Heart For as long as one can remember, this centre has been a buzzing shopping place for many, especially for parents and school-going children.
June is here and with it some good news — the end of the school year! Kids are most likely spending their time preparing for exams, but also eagerly anticipating the holidays to follow and welcoming the Holy Month of Ramadan. The best place to start planning for both these occasions is in the heart of Manama Souq — at the Yateem Centre. Having been around for more than 25 years and known as the “place to go to” for a variety of things, there is certainly something for everyone at Yateem Centre, in both their new and old shops. If you are travelling, the newly renovated Awal Stores is a must visit. One of Bahrain’s original luggage retailers, this shop has a range of briefcases for the busy executive, backpacks for the adventurous tourist, and matched ensembles for the fashionistas who simply have to have a bit of everything. The end of the school year suggests rewards for your high-performing, hard-working offspring. There’s a variety of games for kids to keep themselves occupied. Game Station has hours of entertainment in-store, whilst Gajria and Al Bin Humda Electronics stock all kinds of electronic goodies. Achievements can be rewarded with personally designed certificates from the newly expanded Immediate Printing services showroom, or by printing a graduation photo at Al Hassanen Digital Studio. For the more sportive, a visit to the Adidas Clearance Store or Olympia Sports is always an adventure, leaving you with tempting buys for your next activity. Once you are done with your shopping spree, do not forget to feed your inner child with the tasty treats of Jasmi’s, the spices of Saffron Suq and Al Osra, and the smoothies at Costa Coffee. If all fails, simply give a gift voucher to your special person, so they can choose for themselves. These are available in denominations of BD5, BD10 and BD25 from the Yateem Centre management office. i Call 17 215-615.
bystander
Matt Forde
Joe & Vivienne
Gail & Paul
Andy & Bernie
The Chuckle Club The monthly international stand-up Comedy Chuckle Club organised by Punchline Media was held at the InterContinental Regency featuring stand-up comedians, Damian Clarke, JoJo Sutherland & Matt Forde JoJo Sutherland
Phil, Laura, Shanar, Darren, Alinta & Soo
102 June 2014
Derek & Lorraine Dorman with George
Cynne & Andrew
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Mango Mania At LuLu Hypermarket
Mohammed Kaleem, Khalid Almoayed & Juzer Rupawala
Sami
Lulu Hypermarket’s annual Mango Mania promotion was inaugurated by Khalid Almoayed, chairman of Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, at a special ceremony at its Riffa outlet Khalid Almoayed opens the Mango Mania promotion Yasmine, Hazim & Shaaban
Khalid Almoayed cuts the celebratory cake
Dinesh & Shukkour
Razik, Shiju, Rahman & Vinil
Kadheer & Pradeep
Menon
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bystander
Rocky's Anniversary
Joe, Hodge, Sabeth, Mel & Niel
Tori & Rachel
Lin, Asma, Dalia & Luru
Jozef & Muad
Rachel with Tim, Mike & Jim
Asma & Susan
Rocky's at the Ramee International Hotel, Juffair hosted a party to celebrate the outlet's 12th anniversary last month
Naveen & Sujith cut the cake watched by staff
Ashish Shetty, Naveen & Sujith with the band
104 June 2014
www.bahrainthismonth.com
VIVA Machester United Soccer Schools (MUSS) 2014
Pooja, Zaid & Lathiefa
Ala & Haitham
Abdulla, Mohammed & Adel
Sayed & Murtadha
Hussain, Hassan & Mohammed
Mohammed & Nawaf
The second leg of the successful VIVA Manchester United Soccer Schools 2014 kicked-off with a football tournament with 24 registered teams on under-15 male and female players. The event was held at the training grounds of the Bahrain Football Association in Isa Town Action between Naseem School & Indian School
Abdulrahman, Nabeel, Mohammed, Jamal & Abeer
www.bahrainthismonth.com
June 2014 105
bystander
Brenda & Gazale
Subbu
Ali
Canon Intercol Showroom Opening Intercol, Cano'n's authorized partner in The Kingdom held an opening ceremony of the Canon Intercol Showroom in Zinj last month Ali Alwazzan, director Intercol, Sadiq Al Baharna, director, Intercol & Noashi Yamada, Canon Middle East deputy managing director cut the ribbon watched by officials Sunita, Savio & Mitch
Dinesh, Ali Alwazzan, Sadiq Al Baharna, Dinesh, Noashi Yamada & Ahmed
106 June 2014
Azhar & Biju
Sameer
Krishna & Shihab
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Gordon Boyle, Ammar Al Hassan & Hameed Rahman
Saif
Al Osra Juffair Official Opening Under the patronage of HE Dr Hassan Fakhro, Industry and Commerce Minister, BMMI held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the Al Osra Supermarket in Juffair
Abdulla Bu Hindi, HE Dr Hassan Fakhro & Mona Almoayyed at the ribbon cutting with BMMI officials
Mahmood, Shaikh Mohammed, Jaffar, Abdulla Bu Hindi & Abdulrahman
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Jaffar Al Asfoor & Abdulla Bu Hindi
Shaikh Hamad & Shaikh Mohammed
Ali & Ali
Khalid & Yusif
June 2014 107
bystander
Rasila & Suryakant Lunch
Vanita, Rasila, Sunita, Manijeh & Shubha
Rasila & Suryakant Savani hosted a lunch for a number of their friends at the Yellow Chilli Restaurant in Seef Mall Shilpen, Asia, Rasila, Milan, Nimit, Suryakant & Maya Savani Shilpen, Nimit & Suryakant
Adel Fakhro, Mona Almoayyed, Mohammed Fakhro & Amal Almoayyed
Rasila & Suryakant Savani
Rasila, Bhavna & Sajni
Vijay & Percy
Rasila & Anne
Come in. Sit down. Have a nice meal.
t +973 17311280 f +973 17311281 bldg.175 rd. 2608 adliya 326
108 June 2014
Shoo Fee Ma Fee Restaurant
shoofeemafeerestaurant
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Fadi & Leslie
Walton & Anna
Emporio Armani Pink Fridays Emporio Armani was the sponsor of the Pink Fridays event held at Bushido Lounge last month Khalid, Walton, Mariam, Fadi, Leslie, Retche & Katz Makram
Asli, Sarah, Sam, Weena & Vincent
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Youjania
Motaz
Lia, Diana & Neslihan
Sarah & Weena
Michelle
June 2014 109
music
America’s Finest This month, we listen to an eclectic collection of albums from some of America’s greatest bands and artists.
Johnny Cash Out Among the Stars
M T BU ON ALTHE M
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What’s the story?
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Another posthumous release, this album is a collection of songs from lost ‘80s sessions found by his son in 2012. The songs are amongst Cash’s more light-hearted, but they still retain his strong bass-baritone voice and meaningful lyrics. The whole album is in his most-suited country style and for the most part is upbeat with a fairly quick tempo. It was recorded while he was battling drug addiction, though his singing was sober, powerful and emotional.
Worth a listen?
The majority of the album is (by Cash standards) lively and fun with clear, catchy lyrics. There are some tracks with a more ‘bluesy’ feel to them. They are great in their own way, but the upbeat country tracks will have you foot-tapping before you’re even aware of it! The bouncy style of tracks like If I Told You Who It Was and I’m Movin’ On give the album an easy-listening happy feel. The duets have a certain country charm that is rarely heard these days. The album is made better due to it being a collection of a variety of Cash’s different styles. There's a bravely delightful exercise in black humour, I Drove Her Out of My Mind, and the religious song, I Came to Believe, which he wrote in rehab. Best of all, there are two versions of the pained and superbly sung She Used to Love Me A Lot.
VERDICT: It’s a genuinely enjoyable album from one of the true music greats. Top Track: If I Told You Who It Was and I’m Movin’ On
Green Day Demolicious Green Day have released their fourth compilation album. It is made up of 18 demo tracks taken from their album trilogy ¡Uno! ¡Dos! ¡Tré! The songs are in Green Day’s best upbeat, heavy-on-the-guitar style, reminiscent of Dookie and Warning. An alternative version of "Stay the Night" is perhaps the most entertaining song in the collection, as it features a solo Billie Joe Armstrong performing alongside the delicate backing of melodic acoustic guitar. 110 June 2014
Mobb Deep The Infamous Mobb Deep This two-part album from hiphop duo Mobb Deep is a real hit. The first disc is all-new music, whereas the second consists of unreleased tracks from recording sessions in 1995. This is old-school hiphop as raw as it comes and is a must-buy for existing Mobb Deep fans.
Skrillex Recess Recess is a surprising album from Skrillex. It is more diverse, with some tracks being quite playful and sounding like dance music — something unusual for Skrillex, but also welcome. It makes for a more fun and easylistening album than previous efforts. www.bahrainthismonth.com
INSTAGRAM FOR A CAUSE
Have your photographs sold at Al Riwaq Art Space to support the Be Free Program. Follow @our_bahrain for more details. For donations and sponsorships email ourbahrain2014@gmail.com MEDIA SPONSORS:
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SUPPORTING:
games
Action and Adventure H
Dead Rising 3
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These games grab your attention right from the start with detailed storylines, great graphics and addictive gameplay.
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DR3 has a much larger playing environment and a new protagonist, Nick Ramos. Initially you have to start searching for weapons which is wise, considering that the new game can render up to three times the number of zombies at a given moment than its predecessor.
Infamous Second Son
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist What Is It?
The latest in a long line of Splinter Cell games, Blacklist has much to live up to. This time, protagonist Sam Fisher faces a terrorist organisation called ‘The Engineers’, who are planning attacks against a number of US assets. Fisher is put in charge of a new counter-terrorism black ops unit called Fourth Echelon to track down and stop the organisation.
Second Son takes place seven years after the previous game and has a new protagonist. Delsin Rowe is a graffiti artist with the ability to absorb the special powers of others. Parkour also features in the game, with Rowe able to use his skills in it to climb and jump from buildings around the playing area.
Graphics
Visually, Blacklist is crisp and sharp with even the minor visuals being detailed. The surrounding scenery is deeply impressive. The explosions and injuries have a sense of realism to them, something that so many games are lacking. Another noteworthy aspect of the graphics is the video speed. Many of the attack sequences have a slow-mo function that allows you to see in detail what is happening at each stage.
Gameplay:
The pace and ferocity with which Sam Fisher can wipe out his enemies is deeply impressive and keeps you hooked throughout. The sneak tactics are more challenging and fun than the traditional ‘shoot everything’ style games as they involve more skill and planning. The variety of kill methods is something to be applauded as it gives the player many options. The mission variety and map design is easily the best thing about the game. Aside from the main story mission, you also have five different missions, one for each of your crew.
VERDICT: Blacklist can take some getting used to because there is so much to master. 112 June 2014
Thief You control Garrett, a master thief who has spent a long time away from his hometown ‘The City’. He returns to find it in ruins and led by a tyrant named ‘The Baron’. The rich control the city and the poor, having suffered enough, are forming a revolt against them, which Garrett intends to use to his advantage. www.bahrainthismonth.com
websites
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Innerbody.com What Is It?
For those of us who are interested or concerned about the human body, this website provides an in-detail look at the various systems around our bodies. By choosing one of the 11 different systems, you will be taken to another page with all the body parts in that particular system. Detailed information is provided as you scroll over each one.
The Good:
It is an informative site about a very important subject — your body! There are other areas of the site dedicated to nutrition and careers, among other things. These are useful tools, which are available for free. The site is extremely easy to navigate and accompanying each description is an image of a man or woman that points out the exact parts you are reading about to help with your understanding.
The Bad:
Though more information is mostly a good thing, the depth of detail on this site may not fascinate everyone. Some of the descriptions will definitely put you off your food. They are graphic to say the least. The knowledge about what is happening inside your body is not something that everyone wants.
VERDICT: If you’re curious about your anatomy or are simply an aspiring doctor, check this site out now.
Oddee.com This is a website is dedicated to strange and bizarre things. It is updated daily with stories and photos of unbelievable, and sometimes, downright shocking things. These include everything from pictures of unusual architecture to stories of real-life superheroes.
Wherecoolthingshappen.com A website dedicated to a range of topics that include travel, art, gadgets, lifestyle and many others, this site is an incredibly interesting site full of creativity and clever ideas. Some of the photography on this site is simply stunning. www.bahrainthismonth.com
June 2014 113
apps
Audiophile’s Apps This month, we have some apps for the music lovers amongst you. Here are the latest and greatest apps for finding, identifying and downloading music.
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Free Music Download Pro Trying to get the music you want can sometimes be a chore. If you want a specific band, album or song, that’s where FMD Pro comes in. It is a platform for you to download music from any of the free repositories online.
Shazam What Is It?
Listening to a song but don’t know the title or artist? If so, Shazam is the app for you. It’s a free music-identifier service that works by analysing a small portion of a song and crossreferencing it with an online database. It may not be the first of its kind, but thanks to its link with Spotify, it’s definitely one of the best.
The Good
It not only provides you with the title and artist, but also a link to download or purchase the song and the option to play it through Spotify. This is particularly useful as there are so many remixes and covers of songs these days. One of the great things about Shazam is its range of uses. You can use it when a song is on the radio or is just a short clip of a song in a film you’re watching. More often than not, it will at least point you in the right direction.
The Bad
Shazam will sometimes be unable to provide a match (though not very often) and exterior noise such as any sound effects in a film or car noise can affect its ability to recognise a song. Unlike some of its rivals, Shazam can’t identify songs that are hummed or sung. Overall, though, there are fewer issues with Shazam when compared to rivals.
VERDICT: Shazam is excellent for those moments when you need to know a song or artist by name.
114 June 2014
Discovr Discovr is actually a series of apps: one for video, one for music, one for people and another for apps. Discovr will help you find new things; it makes recommendations based on your favourites to prevent you from wasting time searching through record stores, Twitter accounts or websites. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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movies
Non-Stop DIRECTED BY: Jaume Collet-Serra STARRING: Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore
The Plot: During a transatlantic flight, US air marshal, Bill Marks
(Neeson) receives text messages on his secure network phone explaining that a passenger will die every 20 minutes unless 150 million dollars is paid into an account. Though it is against protocol, Marks consults with another air marshal, Hammond, who is found to be smuggling cocaine and subsequently attacks Marks. The incident sees Marks kill Hammond exactly 20 minutes after receiving the text, making him the first victim. Some of the passengers and even the pilots believe that Marks is hijacking the plane, which provides a major obstacle for him to overcome in his quest to prevent any more murders.
Worth Watching? Neeson’s heroes are always likeable and
Bill Marks is no exception. As an alcoholic ex-policeman suffering from the loss of his young daughter to cancer, Marks is somewhat withdrawn; but in typical Liam Neeson style — as tough as they come. The film has great suspense and some wonderfully unforeseen twists that grip your attention throughout.
VERDICT: The storyline is impressive; the villain — not so much.
Anchorman 2 The highly anticipated sequel to the ‘70s news broadcasting comedy, Anchorman 2 does not disappoint. The opening scenes will be familiar to fans of the first film. Stay with it and you’ll be rewarded with some hilariously awkward character interactions and highly inappropriate jokes.
Snowpiercer A failed experiment to try and combat global warming results in an ice age. The only survivors are those who boarded a train. The theft of their children and the class system on the train leads to the poor rebelling and trying to take over. www.bahrainthismonth.com
June 2014 115
bystander
Faieq & Naylah Al Zayani
Dinly & Tina
Rasheeda & Nayla
Franky & VJ Mp3
Khalid, Nasser & Sameer
May, Sophia & Waddah
Naylah Al Zayani Birthday Party Naylah Al Zayani celebrated her birthday with family & friends at the Upstairs Downstairs Restaurant in Adliya last month Lynne, Naylah Al Zayani, Sinead & Carmel
Ahmed, Anca, Rasheeda & Casey
Hamad & Asia
InterNations Reception InterNations hosted a get together for members and guests at the Block 338 Restaurant, Lounge & Garden last month Manuel, Hanan, Berna, Alberto & Madhavi
Sandeep, Sharmila & May
116 June 2014
Sheetal & Asfia
www.bahrainthismonth.com
dining
this month Gulf Hotel, p121
Bluefield Burger
Nuasia, p123
Brand-new Eateries Bahrain might be a small island, but it is festooned with dining outlets. Every month, the Kingdom sees new venues open their doors. As a nation, our love for food is no secret. In fact, Bahrain is known to celebrate all kinds of cuisines with frequently held food festivals, weekend farmers’ markets, cooking classes and exciting weekly promotions. Whether it has to do with a fine-dining venue at a five-star property or a standalone burger venue, the Kingdom has a lot to offer its people, catering to diverse tastes and cultures. The Bahrain Hotel & Restaurant Guide 2014 gives you a detailed view of the dining scene on the island, including venues at new malls and serviced apartments. Two new retail destinations that double as diners’ paradise are Enma Mall and The Walk, both in Riffa. Enma Mall is home to new branches of Derby Café, The Coffee Bean Leaf & Tea and Le Chocolat. It also boasts Yum Yum Tree outlets like Subway and Vanelli’s, Jasmi’s, Tony Roma’s, Pappa Roti and Zeitouna. The Walk, known for Kim Kardashian’s visit, recently opened a new burger hotspot called The Big Smoke Burger. The Canadian brand instantly gained popularity owing to its gourmet patties. Joining the hamburger wagon is Bluefield Burger at Al Raya Mall in Juffair. The neighbourhood shopping destination, first known for Alosra, is home to two coffee shops, Starbucks and Esquire’s. Not far from this venue is American Alley, which is a popular food district in Bahrain. At the end of this strip, you’ll find new venues like www.bahrainthismonth.com
Kabuki Japanese Restaurant and Dine ‘O’ In 24-hour dining. At the entrance, you’ll find a brand-new retail destination playing host to a branch of Johnny Rockets. You can also spot Pasta Express and Mooyah along this alley. The Lagoon at Amwaj Islands is constantly evolving. Recent additions to its repertoire of dining options are My Kitchen, recommended by most food critics on the island for breakfast, and Tche Tche Café. The Avenue in Saar has seen new venues pop up next to Villa Mama’s. Read on to learn about the new menu at Eatery, an Indo-Italian fine-dining restaurant. L’Avenue offers a cosy setting with a fountain and garden area that make you feel at home. A pleasant surprise for Bahrain’s gourmands is the return of Oliveto and La Ventana, both in Adliya. People can look forward to discovering new venues in the busiest food district as the 338 district will see a number of restaurants spring up this year. Some of the eateries that have already opened include Akiko and Houseboat. On the other side of the country, Lanterns Restaurant & Lounge unveils another branch at Durrat Al Bahrain. Sheza Tower Hotel in the Diplomatic Area is now home to Fuji Teppanyaki, completing their Japanese food offerings. The dining options at Reef Island often go unnoticed. However, among them are worldclass venues like Chez Alain. Other hidden gems are Al Hayat Centre and Tala Plaza in Segaya, which host a number of international restaurant chains, including Nestle Toll House. For more updates, grab a copy of The Bahrain Hotel & Restaurant Guide 2014.
World Cup Experience the emotions and action of the World Cup in the comfort of Sofitel Bahrain’s newly built tent, which will feature several HD flat-screen TVs. Each guest gets his or her dream view of the match right from their table or couch. The tent will offer a feel of an Arabian night under the stars with a beautifully decorated ceiling. The largest tent the hotel has prepared to date is decorated and furnished in a luxurious fashion with plush couches and eyecatching decor. June 2014 117
dining
Satisfied Palates Enjoy every Sunday and Tuesday with Casa Mexicana when they celebrate Margarita Madness! Order a jug and get a half jug free. Wednesday is couples’ night. Have a sharing platter of appetisers, choices of main course, and dessert with a margarita of your choice for BD20++. InterContinental Regency has launched a new children’s menu filled with diverse tastes that children are going to love to try. Don’t fret; they offer the nutritional balance that parents look for in their child’s meal. This new menu is created by celebrity chef Theo Randall and Annabel Karmel, UK’s leading parenting author. Master the art of recreating your favourite dimsum, maki or pizza dish with the guidance of chef Michael Sang-Kyu Lee from 1pm to 3 pm at Meisei in Adliya. Priced at BD20, the cooking class will be held upon reservation of minimum six people per class; it is available until June 28.
It looks like chefs across the Kingdom are contesting to win your taste buds. We take a look at what’s happening at eateries around town.
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Paul Patisserie has launched its new collection of éclairs that add on to the traditional chocolate, vanilla and coffee flavours. Choose from a variety of fruity, colourful and slightly acidic options, created specially for summer. New flavours available this month are lemon, coconut, pistachio-raspberry, pecan nut and Paris-Brest, which is caramelised hazelnut with praline and almond. Executive chef Bengt Carlsson has cooked up another hot special at Le Sauvage at The Domain Bahrain — all you can eat BBQ beef ribs. Imagine the finest beef short ribs, seasoned with the chef’s special spices and slowcooked to perfection with the signature BBQ sauce. The only thing that could make this more tempting is the price of BD12++. This special dinner is available every Wednesday and Thursday. Stop by T-Spoon at Kempinski Grand Hotel for a range of mouth-watering cherry creations. Try a Cherrysier cake, homemade cherry ice cream with cherry compote or warm cherry and chocolate clafoutis. Pair it with a lovely cup of tea from T-Spoon’s extensive tea library, with varieties of the finest teas from around the world.
Sharing a meal From Sunday to Thursday, The Golden Tulip hosts a business lunch from noon until 3pm for the working crowd for BD7.500++. Every Wednesday, Bahrain’s gourmands can indulge in the finest and freshest seafood and shellfish, prepared exactly the way you like it. The Arabian night, held every Thursday from 7pm until 11pm, is popular with the locals and expats alike. A great way to kick off the weekend, this food festival is a great opportunity to try traditional favourites of the region — for BD8.500++. Start your weekend with a brunch on Thursday night at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain, the first of its kind. Go healthy and savour the treats at the salad bar, pass by the Mediterranean light-starters section, or stop at the fresh Bahraini shrimps station to get your taste buds working. Visit the butcher shop and South American churrasco oven, where you can enjoy a succulent variety of tender prime cuts. If you have some room left, move on to the European cheese corner and dessert station. Priced at BD 22++, the brunch includes unlimited exotic cocktails, beer and wine at Silk’s and the Gallery lobby.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
dining MCDONALD’S
A Good Summer’s Day McDonald’s, the official restaurant of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, gives customers opportunities to celebrate with the launch of five new limited-time items. The special line-up at McDonald’s offers customers exciting ways to spend their summer days, with menu items to cater to your taste buds throughout the World Cup season. Start your day bright and early with the all-new Mighty Muffin, now one of McDonald’s ultimate hot breakfast delights. This is a juicy sausage patty served with a slice of cheese and topped with a freshly cooked egg — all sandwiched between two slices of tasty chicken roll in a warm English muffin.
MAKI BAHRAIN
Out to Win When this restaurant launched in Bahrain, the founders knew that it would become a success. Today, they’ve been shortlisted for a regional award. The first Maki restaurant was conceived in 2002 on a side street in Kuwait with no more than 35 seats. This innovative Japanese fusion restaurant founded by Mohamad Zeitoun and his brother Amer became culinary history in the making. In 2010, after a few months of opening, Maki Bahrain was named Best Newcomer of the Year. Established with the idea of bringing Japanese cuisine to the Middle East in a palate-friendly manner, the venue has thrilled diners with the introduction of dishes like Amer Maki, Fusion Temaki and Tartufo Yaki Udon. Introducing ingredients unknown to Japanese cuisine, such as housegrown extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, foie gras and wild thyme, was something else that Maki single-handedly and exclusively pioneered in the market. This led the culinary haven to receive the best Japanese restaurant award less than two years later. Co-founder Amer Zeitoun says, “We believe in being part and parcel of the local fabric of this wonderful country, and that is why we strive to recognise the citizens that perfect their trade and put their positive marks on their community.” Maki went on with its philosophy of bonding with its community by collaborating with local celebrities. Hence, Bader Maki, Nour Maki, Alia Approved Maki, Amina Maki and Make Up Maki were introduced. Recently, Maki presented several healthful dishes that included ingredients that were introduced for the first time in Bahrain. The Red Tartufo Quinoa Salad and the exotic Kale Salad are the highlights. It’s no wonder that Maki Bahrain was recently shortlisted among a handful of regional venues to receive the best Japanese restaurant award by a reputable organisation.
Afternoon indulgence And if you begin to wonder what to indulge in throughout the day, McDonald’s takes everyone’s favourite Quarter Pounder sandwich and adds all-new toppings and a new football-shaped bun. The Quarter Pounder BLT is a celebration of colour with fresh toppings and two thick beef strips on a seared, seasoned quarter pound beef patty flavoured with creamy cheddar cheese. Next is The Ranchéro, a tender, juicy, seared and seasoned beef patty flavoured with the unique taste of Ranchéro sauce, fresh toppings and creamy cheddar cheese. Top it all off with the best way to cool down in the summer heat and satisfy your sweet tooth while you’re at it, with the all-new McFlurry flavours: Mars, Snickers, and Twix. This is a delightful caramel twist to the delicious McDonald’s ice cream favourite. When it comes to summer, McDonald’s will leave you saying, “I’m lovin’ it!” i Visit www.mcdonaldsarabia.com.
i Call 17 522-733 or email maki.bahrain@olivermaki.com. 120 June 2014
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THE GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN
Summer in Luxury If you’re not in the mood to step out, then as a guest of the hotel you can dine in the privacy of your room. The room service menu includes the new selection of children’s meals as well.
This five-star hotel will be busy all month as it hosts some exciting activities for everyone in the Kingdom, especially for kids, couples and football fans.
Summer kicks off in full swing at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain from June 8. Families staying at the hotel this month have a lot to look forward to. Consider this as the perfect ‘staycation’ as the five-star location plans to treat each guest to something special, beginning with complimentary delights upon arrival. Satisfied tummies The Gulf Hotel Bahrain is considered a gourmand’s paradise as it boasts 14 dining outlets under its roof. Whether it’s Mexican, Persian, Chinese or fusion cuisine that you are craving, this luxury hotel has it all. If you’re undecided, there’s always Al Waha restaurant that puts together elaborate breakfast and lunch buffet spreads daily. The highlight of the month is the special kids’ menu that the kitchen brigade has designed to satisfy younger palates. Guests, including those who aren’t staying at the hotel, can look forward to dining at the Italian restaurant, La Pergola. Bringing back the concept of family-style dining, this venue introduces its newest food promotion — Casa Mia! to be held every Tuesday. Reminiscent of the way mothers bring various dishes to the table, the chefs plate up a number of dishes for each table. Help yourself to whatever suits your fancy. It’s all about sharing a meal with your friends and family, so the conversations just keep on flowing. To experience the true essence of Arabian hospitality and cuisines, treat yourself to the Arabian Night Out at Zahle, the Lebanese restaurant, from 7pm daily. Live entertainment begins at 10.30pm from Monday to Friday. Fusions restaurant delivers that romantic vibe for couples. Dine in the intimate setting within tropical gardens with a view of the Manama skyline along with your significant other.
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Buckets of fun It’s summer, so you’ve no excuse to evade the pool. And with the exciting games that The Gulf Hotel Bahrain has introduced, it’ll be hard to keep the kids and yourself away from the water. BodyZone helps you rejuvenate this summer with special packages for men and women. In the kids’ pool, they let guests challenge each other to several water ball activities. Of course, the hotel has caught the World Cup fever as well. From June 12, Sherlock Holmes, the English pub at the hotel, is all set to host football fanatics by featuring the game on its seven large screens and three projectors. Special football-themed munchies will be on offer during match hours as well. The World Cup will continue to be screened on large screens at the Khaimat Al Khaleej tent during the Holy Month. i Call 17 713-000. La Pergola
Sherlock Holmes
Zahle
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dining THE K HOTEL
The Perfect Brunch This hotel is the new favourite place to spend the weekend for both locals and expatriates — and for good reason.
Many dining venues claim that you will be spoilt for choice. Having experienced it first-hand, we can guarantee that this holds true for Klouds Restaurant at The K Hotel. “It’s not about being better than others; it’s about offering something that is ‘K’ — something different, something unique,” says multipleaward-winning executive chef Sylvester Rozario. The lavish spread begins at the entrance, which eliminates the hassle of weaving through tables. At the entrance you will find an extensive sushi and cold cuts section along with a salad bar that also features canapés. On the right, you’ll find a concept unique to The K Hotel. The carving station features a variety of meat dishes, including shawarma and roast poultry. Watch a chef prepare various kinds of breads to order. Separating the two sections is the dessert station. If the endless options of cakes, Arabic sweets, tarts, chocolate fountain and pastries don’t take your fancy, then you can get pancakes or crepes made to your preference. Klouds is known for its lamb dishes, whether it is a rack or biryani. Start your brunch with the variety of soups and breads on offer. Pick your fish, shrimp, crab or lobster at the seafood market within the venue and have them prepare it to your liking. The casual ambience is complete with the live entertainment by the duo, Anett and Adam. With the happiness of your kids in mind, The K Hotel has arranged for an entertainer who plays card tricks and creates balloon animals. The Friday brunch is priced at BD14 (inclusive of soft drinks) and BD19.500 (inclusive of selected beverages). This automatically enrols you into a draw to win a complimentary dinner voucher for two. i Call 17 360-000.
LOLA’S CUPCAKES
Sugar Rush Everyone’s got a favourite cupcake flavour; this unique bakery has got it all and more. Discover what’s new in the dessert world and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Lola’s is a unique bakery concept, dedicated to achieving delicious cupcakes and celebration cakes, which began way back in 2006 when two friends in the UK, Victoria Jossel and Romy Lewis, started things the old-fashioned way. Originally they took orders at home and baked in their parents’ kitchens. The orders soon started flooding in and they had to move production to a commercial bakery at Primrose Hill. With their love for baking and passion for the finest, fresh ingredients, they grew the company from strength to strength. With concessions in Harrods, Selfridges and Topshop, a flagship store in Mayfair and a booming online store, the name Lola’s became synonymous with style and quality. In December 2011, the company was taken over by Asher Budwig, a fourth-generation baker, who was born into a family of sweet-toothed entrepreneurs. The cupcakes look fantastic, but it’s what lies inside that really counts. Lola’s Cupcakes use only the finest Belgian chocolate, pure vanilla and the freshest fruit, so you can really taste the difference. Most ingredients used are imported from the UK. Whether it’s for a special occasion, like birthdays or weddings, or it’s for a corporate party, these little delectable delights are a perfect offering. Choose from more than 16 varieties of classic flavours. Lola Cupcakes has a bakery/coffee shop in Umm Al Hassam, where people can walk in and place orders or pick up a freshly baked cupcake, and a cart in Najibi Centre in Saar. They also offer a variety of desserts, such as cheesecakes, layered cakes, brownies and muffins. They specialise in creating customised cupcakes and cakes. i Call 17 723-456, follow @lolascupcakesbahrain on Instagram or visit Facebook.com/lolascupcakesbahrain.
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www.bahrainthismonth.com
nuasia
Six Years and Going Strong This restaurant first brought in the concept of casual dining to the Kingdom, serving panAsian cuisine in easily reachable locations and at great value for money.
The quintessential dining spot for affordable and quality Asian food, Nuasia offers a variety of food from India, China, Japan and Thailand. The restaurant invites the country’s gourmands to try traditional and modern favourites in a vibrant and contemporary setting, which is inspired by the colours and patterns of the Asian countries. With each outlet having its own ambience, this restaurant chain has a high quality feel to their interiors with their appealing wall panels and striking inner architecture. Glass, wood and stone intertwine to deliver a rich ambience and reside seamlessly alongside one another, as do the cuisine styles on offer. Nuasia recently upgraded its menu with new offerings to tempt our palates and to ensure we keep returning. Additionally, in celebration of its sixth anniversary, the restaurant has introduced a new variety of dishes to the menu. Diners can enjoy tandoori delicacies, scrumptious stir-fry, exotic curries and freshly prepared sushi under the same roof. The menu has images of all the dishes so you can preview what you would like to order. Wrap it up Try the new roomali rolls at any of Nuasia’s outlets, in Budaiya, Al Aali Complex, Juffair or Isa Town. The authentic Indian wraps are made using thin roomali breads made from scratch in their kitchens. There are three options of classic fillings, like tandoori chicken. The wraps are served with masala fries, mint chutney and mango achar. New offerings can be found in every part of the menu, including side dishes and even drinks. But it is, perhaps, the desserts that will excite long-time Nuasia fans the
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most. Select from the likes of vanilla ice cream balls, scooped, batter-fried and served with chocolate sauce and berries. Dining indoors Add some flavour to any business or personal event with Nuasia’s catering options. The restaurant also delivers its exotic dishes to your doorstep, so you can enjoy your favourites in the comfort of your home. If you’d like to host a party at the venue, you could book a private room for a more exclusive dining experience. Choose from a variety of carefully designed rooms that offer a seating capacity of up to 100 guests. i Call 17 43 43 44 (for delivery). June 2014 123
dining CUCINA ITALIANA
Drink Up!
RIC’S KOUNTRY KITCHEN
Home Away From Home
This venue is a favourite of those who love Italian cuisine. This month, it invites you to taste its new range of signature cocktails. Cucina Italiana, one of the Kingdom’s favourite eat-out hotspots has redeveloped and launched its new beverage menu. Peter Lyons, general manager of Bahrain Family Leisure, the company that owns and operates the Cucina Italiana brand, was very keen to let us know about the exciting new offerings. “Our new beverage menu is a complete rework of the original, developed to complement our great food or delight as a standalone drinks’ offering. The team at Cucina Italiana has created a superb bespoke cocktail menu with 15 cocktails that you will not find anywhere else,” he says. The team is especially proud of the new signature cocktail, which has already become one of the venue’s top-10 sellers. Sicilian sangria is a punchy mix of red shiraz, rum, fruits with a hit of peppers and chilli. In addition, a fantastic selection of wines has been added to the menu to specifically pair with the food menu. “Our team has been hard at work to become sommeliers. They can now help each guest pair their wine perfectly to the food for a better dining experience. We are confident the new beverage menu will entice our guests and ensure we are at the top of our game,” Peter adds. Cucina Italiana offers a great-value two-course lunch menu for BD6, including a drink from noon until 3pm on weekdays. This offer is followed by a two-for-one cocktail promotion from 3pm through to 7pm, aptly named ‘after hours’ for the wind-down-after-work crowd. Cucina Italiana is located on the exterior of the Al Safir Hotel in Juffair. i Call 17 001-317.
If you are missing home and thinking about American cooking at its traditional best, then come on down to this restaurant for a taste of comfort food. For a true taste of American cuisine, head to Ric’s Kountry Kitchen that brings to you the authentic flavours from mum’s kitchen. Split into two levels, this venue is considered a second home by expatriates in the Kingdom. The upstairs venue features the new El Rancho Steakhouse and Cantina, which features an authentic Mexican menu with the entire fiesta flair. Indulge in sizzling fajitas, taquitos, quesadillas, tacos and mindblowing jalapeños. All steaks are Black Angus USDA-certified and imported from the USA. The steaks include fillet, prime rib, T-bone and rib-eye cuts. The steakhouse features a Chill’n and Grill’n section as well. Ric’s knows you miss your barbecue parties at home; so all barbecue specialists are invited to grill the premium cuts on their own. Put on your hat and apron; cook that steak any way you like it! Don’t forget a pitcher of margarita to go with it! The downstairs restaurant boasts country-style food in a relaxed atmosphere. Ric’s opens at 5.30am for breakfast, and stays open for lunch and dinner. The lounge starts to play live music from 8pm. Listen to your favourite country and Top 40 songs until 2am. Go for it! Indulge in a big meal with generous portions of American cuisine. Loosen your belt for the mouth-watering breakfast, burgers, ribs, steaks, sandwiches and buffets. Ric’s is known to have one of the best brick-oven pizzas in town. What’s more, they offer free delivery service for all items on the menu! i Call 17 725-550.
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dining Indo-Italian Risotto
Macho Prawns
Beety Walnutty
Dahi Melanzane
EATERY RESTAURANT
New on the Menu This newcomer in the dining scene has gained instant popularity amongst the gourmands of Bahrain. Find out what makes it a must-visit bistro.
Eatery is a contemporary dining venue that recently opened its doors at The Avenue in Saar. Tucked away in this residential neighbourhood, the restaurant offers a unique fusion of cuisines. Authentic Indian flavours are blended with the cooking styles of Italian cuisine. Large windows make up the walls of Eatery, creating a chic and modern setting for the diners. Engulfed in a pool of white, the ambience is defined by the stylish furnishings and carefully selected art and sculptures that divide the dining spaces. The garden area makes an interesting setting for those who would like to dine outdoors. This reflects the same homely feel that is offered indoors. You’re treated to a feeling of dining in your friend’s backyard amongst flowers and greenery. Eatery maintains a delicate balance between Italian and Indian elements in the design and the menu. This month, it introduces new dishes, which combines Indian and Italian cuisines. Two cultures; one cuisine For those who like to eat healthy, the chefs have put together two mouth-watering salads. Beety Walnutty is a combination of baby greens, beetroot, feta cheese and
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maple-roasted walnuts, all served with a homemade dressing of concentrated orange juice. Dahi Melanzane is an Indo-Italian eggplant salad, served with saffron yoghurt, pomegranate and karnal seeds dressing. Macho Prawns is a great choice to start your meal. Indulge in Italian grilled prawns wrapped in cabbage with a signature Indian sauce. Combining the talents and ingenuity of its two chefs, Indian and Italian, the fusion begins with the duo combining their talents. They have retained classic lines and the fundamentals of both cuisines to create a fusion of a new order. The chefs combine their skills and expertise, creating dishes like Freaky Pepperoni. From the hearts of Roma comes a special recipe. The Indo-Italian Risotto features Italian risotto rice cooked on a slow flame with clay-oven cooked-chicken. To launch a new cuisine style is no easy task. Eatery in Saar has done it the right way; their boldness will be rewarded, for they have carved themselves a niche by infusing two popular cuisines into pure culinary perfection. i Call 17 790-348. www.bahrainthismonth.com
dining American Bennigan’s Blaze Burger Burger Lounge Burger Wisconsin Chili House Chili’s Franks a Lot Fuddruckers Hard Rock Café Johnny Rockets Ric’s Kountry Kitchen Ponderosa T.G.I.Friday’s Tony Luke’s Tony Roma’s
Asian Chin Li Curry Country David’s Stir Fry Hot Wok House Boat Kontiki Meisei Memories Monsoon Noodle Factory Nu Asia Panasia Peppers
International (5 Star Hotel)
European 17 813-750 17 744-773 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 17 179-041 17 494-940 17 870-070 17 717-717 17 537-555 17 540-188 17 178-083 16 010-321 17 525-455 17 007-770 17 178-646 17 749-222 16 010-534 17 587-171 17 721-600 17 717-808
Block 338 Camelot Coco’s Cyprus Taverna Déjà Vu Paul Bakery & Restaurant Sizzlers Txoko Zytoun
17 710-338 17 717-745 17 716-512 17 716-316 13 657-770 17 172-321 17 716-999 16 000-000 17 298-471
Filipino Bahay Kubo Borakay Chuckay Fast Food Flamingo Kowloon Quick Stomach Swan Lake
17 231-996 17 514-400 17 532-250 17 231-106 17 224-357 17 295-540 17 291-655 17 237-768
Fusion Fusions
17 746-427
Indian Akbar Clay Oven Copper Chimney Curry Tree Hyderabad House It’s Mirchi
17 296-660 17 717-008 17 728-699 16 030-662 17 720-031 17 727-230
Al Safir Al Waha Al Wasmeyyah La Med La Mosaique Le Domain[34] Olivo’s Brasserie Rimal Saraya Saveur Selections Silk’s
17 524-538 17 746-425 17 535-000 17 580-000 17 531-122 16 000-000 17 525-214 17 845-000 17 636-410 17 171-000 17 227-777 17 460-055
International (4 Star Hotel) Al Nakheel Café California Café Marisol Café Sayah Chaq’s Grill Fusion Café Grand Café Il Giardino Julio’s Coffee Shop Klouds La Brasserie La Café Le Cascada Le Jardin Neyran Parsia Ramee Bistro Ramee Café Red Café Relax Inn Coffee Shop Rendezvous Tiffany’s
17 559-900 17 826-001 17 701-201 17 224-000 17 290-555 17 811-688 17 727-230 17 583-388 17 565-888 17 360-000 17 313-333 17 810-555 17 360-360 17 742-000 17 584-400 17 814-777 17 290-600 17 297-000 17 296-660 17 815-815 17 366-222 17 716-999
Iranian Golestan Isfahani Parsian Persian Garden Persian Room Takht Jamsheed Tehran Grill Rice Bowl The Noodle House Wok
17 179-600 17 666-353 17 636-415
Brazilian Brasa de Brasil Brazil Rodizio Grill
17 582-225 17 826-686
Chinese Beijing Chinese China Express China Garden Ching Foli Hong Kong Kowloon 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 17 725-015 17 506-070 17 292-988 17 533-533 17 713-603
Café Restaurants Cafe Delices Café T Delifrance Esquires Le Bateau Le Chocolat Lina’s Café Rosa Verge Skyw@lk Café World Beat Café
17 746-434 17 750-777 17 696-031 77 177-660 17 369-165 17 582-259 17 532-538 13 667-777 17 363-999 17 612-576
Kalpaka Lanterns Mantra Moti Mahal Mumbai Spices Nattinpuram Nirvana Papadom Shamiana Spices The Yellow Chilli
17 297-000 17 590-591 17 211-133 17 825-333 17 382-255 17 290-600 17 589-318 17 564-434 17 178-085 17 531-122 17 580-480
Indian/Pakistani B-B-Q Delights Chutney’s
17 564-282 17 591-259
International East West Cuisine Healthy Calorie Jim’s Restaurant La Fontaine Links Little Chef/Wholesale Mei n Yu Muju Nando’s Pomodorini Rendezvous Salad Boutique The Crepe Café Upstairs Downstairs Wafi Gourmet Zoe
17 210-012 17 369-399 17 710-654 17 230-123 17 751-262 17 595-950 16 010-160 16 039-800 17 825-100 17 000-121 17 178-712 36 664-427 17 820-722 17 713-093 17 179-999 17 176-400
17 524-579 17 369-269 17 811-511 17 580-600 16 010-166 17 746-431 17 555-989
Shawarma 17 131-111 17 725-414 17 224-000 17 280-111 17 100-069 17 697-687 17 360-000 17 566-556 17 506-070 17 744-144 17 312-700 17 311-280 17 229-979 16 033-800 17 746-417 17 312-222 17 365-055
Mexican Casa Mexicana Margarita Mexicana Senor Paco’s Al Zerda
17 715-521 17 746-462 17 725-873 16 662-123
Middle Eastern Al Abraaj Al-Bokhari Leewan Al Khor Melh Alzad Taza Yalla Yalla
17 178-090 17 311-186 16 010-666 17 311-170 17 784-997 17 827-999
Shawarma Express Zahlawiya
17 729-922 17 710-051
Steak Houses Klouds Le Sauvage Meat + Fire Legendz Plums The Butcher Shop & Grill The Meat Co
17 360-000 16 000-000 17 227-777 17 580-000 17 172-323 17 742-080
Thai Baan Saeng Thai Banana Leaf Lanna Thai I Am Thai Orchid Thai Royal Thai Shada Thai Express Thailand Wang Thai
17 715-775 17 744-171 17 593-940 77 040-454 17 296-660 17 746-421 17 721-155 17 506-070 17 717-040 17 710-771
Turkish Iskenderun Grill 17 292-950 Kosebasi 17 172-322 Turkish Mashawi Express 17 002-939
Quick Service Restaurants Burger King Burgerland
17 506-070 17 713-778
Chickey’s Chicking 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
17 257-778 17 200-040 17 506-070 17 587-828 17 241-111 17 131-414 17 178-084 17 243-115 17 727-887 17 711-111 17 717-542 17 178-436 17 221-722 17 161-716
Italian Bice Ristorante Café Italia Caffe Spasso Carino’s Italian Grill Cico’s Cucina Italiana Fiamma Gusto Italiano Justapasta La Pergola La Taverna Luigi’s Restaurant & Pizza Masso Medzo Mia Mia Mino’s Pizzeria Mondo Nino Oliveto Pasta Art Pastarito Ristoranti Prego Primavera Roma Romano’s Macaroni Grill Vapiano
17 533-666 17 744-774 17 822-274 17 587-878 17 713-710 17 001-317 17 636-363 17 695-556 17 581-919 17 506-070 17 746-419 17 229-979 17 693-533 17 721-061 17 227-777 17 564-414 17 744-777 17 525-484 17 566-555 17 716-747 17 001-750 17 179-300 17 751-263 17 580-000 17 725-885 17 723-818 17 491-391
Japanese Bushido Edo Frangipani Fuji Sushi Bar Hakisushi Kei Maki Mirai Sato Sugoi Sumo Sushi & Bento Sushi 101 Yo! Sushi
17 583-555 17 290-945 17 582-422 17 533-383 17 725-638 17 533-000 17 522-733 17 713-113 17 746-429 17 178-748 17 718-090 17 822-274 17 583-373
Korean Arirang Da Rae Jung
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Lebanese Abd El Wahab Al Areesha Al Hamra Palace Beyroute Café Blanc Carla’s Lebanese Bistro Kenza Leila Mashawi Lebanese Grill Qasr Al Sultan Grill Rayés Shoo Fee Ma Fee Tarbouche Express Yamin Jana Zahle Zayt Zaytoon Zeitouna
17 290-945 17 002-490
Moroccan Momo Le Marrakech
17 180-659 17 003-273
Pizza Domino’s 17 826-222 Little Caesars 17 179-400 Margherita Pizza and Pasta 17 723-133 Metro Pizza 17 794-000 Papa John’s 17 581-516 Pick a Pizza 17 720-929 Pizza Express 16 010-524 Pizza Hut 17 711-113 Pizza Inn 17 811-666 Pizzabella 17 827-133 The Pizza Company 17 811-830
Polynesian Trader Vic’s
17 586-555
Seafood Asia Sea Food Far East Seafood Market Fish Market La Marine La Mer La Perle Sea Chef Seafood Market Waves
17 224-466 17 727-230 17 701-201 17 595-775 17 636-411 17 298-008 17 292-911 17 533-336 17 531-122
Eating Out listings
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.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Hamani, Ali Alwazzan & Hamoodi
Intercol Family Fun Fair A Family Fun Fair event, under the theme Arabian Nights, was hosted by Intercol at its Training and Recreation Centre in Mina Salman. The event was attended by staff members and their families, and featured games, children's drawing competitions, traditional Arabic basket weaving and camel riding Mahin Alwazzan & Intercol staff
Mahin Alwazzan & Sudha
Lendup, Gyan & Kevin
Alex & Mohammed
Ali, Isra, Saeed & Hussain
Abbas
12:00 NOON TO 12:00 MIDNIGHT (Bahrain Art Society) Budaiya Road
Tel: 17590591 www.bahrainthismonth.com
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Pesus Rhymes
Mo Zowayed
Hani Malik
Abraham Mathew
after dark
this month
Generation, 133
An Acoustic Set Tired of seeing great talents go unnoticed, this radio personality decided to create a platform for the hidden gems of music to shine. When? June 21 Event? Live entertainment Venue? Ibrida, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa Acoustic Alley is Imran Al Aradi’s brainchild; it is a stage where local artists who deliver acoustic sets, soft rock, folk music or any alternative style can show Bahrain what they’re made of. “I came across an artist performing in front of an audience that wasn’t really there for him; I thought to myself ‘what a waste of talent’. So I decided to pick four good artists, put them on one line-up and work on attracting the right audience for them,” Imran explains. Abraham Mathew (aka Kevin) As a singer-songwriter, Kevin is inspired to write about emotions surrounding daily life. His songs are influenced by a variety of genres, such as rock, folk, alternative, indie, acoustic and experimental music. He started out playing the piano but soon fell in love with the guitar. He taught himself to play the Irish tin whistle, the harmonica and basics of the bass guitar. It comes as no surprise that he won a talent show in Bahrain last year. Hani Malik Doctor by day and musician by night, Hani Malik is not your typical singer-songwriter. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Legend Sports Lounge, 133
With an interest in music at a young age, Malik first picked up a guitar in 1998. Fastforward to current day, Malik’s debut album No Remorse has finally come to fruition. Self-produced and recorded in his apartment in Ireland, Malik provides the vocals, guitars, bass and drums for this alternative rock project. Pesus Rhymes Born in the United States and raised in the Gulf, emerging singer-songwriter Pesus Rhymes is a gifted travelling performer, wandering across continents and spreading his messages of peace and love with his soulful voice. His engaging lyrical style and pure, smooth vocals combine to move you with stories that embrace your soul. Mo Zowayed & The Accidentals Mo Zowayed is a singer-songwriter from Bahrain. With a marriage of mandolins, acoustic guitar, banjo, ukulele, harmonica and trumpet, he and his band, The Accidentals, have created a very folky sound, bordering on bluegrass. Mo grew up as part of a very musical family. Unlike his grandfather, his folk music is not native to Bahrain, but closer to what can be called American folk. The show is highly recommended to anyone who likes acoustic sets and folk music. Acoustic Alley kicks off at 7.30pm on June 21 at Ibrida at Ramee Grand Hotel. Entry fee is BD5, inclusive of a complimentary beverage.
Dance away!
Salsa, the iconic dance of Latin America, returns to Bizarre Lounge at Kempinski Ixir Hotel every Thursday of the month. Don’t fret if your dancing skills aren’t spectacular. Put on a sunny attitude and your pair of dancing shoes. Learn the steps with Jaff, who will teach you the right moves to swirl on the dance floor. Once you’ve mastered a few moves, dance the night away! Classes start at 9am and are priced at BD3.
i Email imran@imranonline.net. June 2014 129
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After-hour Madness
Gabriel Deb
Joshua Roberts
There’s more to look forward to for regulars at Ibrida at Ramee Grand Hotel this month. Before the much-awaited Acoustic Alley gig is held on June 21, the nightclub plays host to a top Brazilian DJ in the Middle East on June 5. Dance to Latino mixes by Gabriel Deb, while you show your moves on the dance floor. Ladies are promised a great night as the mojitos and Cuba libres keep pouring in for free all night long. Keep the carnival vibe going as Candee Beach
F i K rs i t n g A d p o p m e o ar f a B nc a e h r i a n i n
This is the last call for the partygoers of Bahrain. Ramadan is right around the corner; so party to your heart’s content this month at these exciting events.
celebrates its fourth anniversary on the next day at Coral Bay. Joshua Roberts delivers the music for the day out at the beach with friends from 3pm onwards on June 6. Don your beachwear and walk in for a fee of BD10 (pre-sale) or BD15 (on the day). For a change of scene, head over to Club Buffalo at Ramee California Hotel on June 6. From 9pm, this Wild West-themed nightclub turns into a gangster’s paradise (pun intended). Unleash your inner detective and come dressed to kill. Whether you see yourself as Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot, secret agents and femme fatales are welcome from across the globe. The unlimited drink package is priced at BD20 and ladies get unlimited selected cocktails for BD3.
QUIET STORM ENTERTAINMENT
P R E S E N T S
LAUGHTER & LOVE AFFAIR Hosted by celebrity the comedian FEATURING..
“URBAN SOUL SENSATION”
JUNE
27
TH
2014
Gulf convention center @ Gulf hotel Bahrain May 22nd, 2014
Doors open @ 5:00 pm Reception 6:00 pm | Dinner 7:00 pm | concert 9:00 pm Tickets available in the hotel Lobby of Gulf Hotel bahrain Phone: (+973) 1771 3000
Reserved table seating
For inquiries visit....www.quietstormentertainment.com
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Drinks for all! Try the new cocktail concoctions at Downtown Lounge at InterContinental Regency. Every Wednesday, ladies get free drinks from 9pm until midnight. Try the new Firestarter Vodka. Indulge in the finest cheese and wine at Noor Lounge at the five-star hotel every Tuesday from 7pm to 10pm, with live jazz performances. Prices range from BD10 to BD15. At Imari Lounge, there is a free flow of Kirin draughts and red or white grapes every Saturday from 5pm until 9pm when they host the Biru Garden theme night. Priced at BD23++ and BD17++ (soft drinks), the package includes chef Riichiro San’s favourite izakaya-style dishes.
Flamingo Terrace
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Mezzanine Lounge
Pub grub Are you a burger lover? Summer begins with the Trio of Burgers promotion at Mezzanine Lounge at Kempinski Grand Hotel. Available from June 1 until the end of the month, the mouth-watering selection of mini burgers includes a succulent beef burger, a seafood burger made of local crab and shrimp and a farm-fresh veggie burger. They are served with tempura truffle fries and a wasabi dip, all at BD6.500. Enjoy al fresco dining every evening from 6pm at the poolside terrace at MĂśvenpick Hotel Bahrain, where you can cook your favourite barbecue the way you like it. The barbecue table is set in front of you with tender meats and cuts, including shish taouk, sausages, lamb chops and steaks. Priced at BD9.900++, the package includes a glass of wine or beer.
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Cheering Crowds Bizarre Lounge
Sports lounges across Bahrain have prepped up their venues to welcome the biggest event of the year. Here’s our round-up of where you can support your team throughout the season.
One of the most anticipated sports events in the world kicks off on June 12 with the host country Brazil facing off Croatia. Watch the opening match in Bizarre Lounge at Kempinski Ixir Hotel, where all the games will be screened live until June 30. Special food and beverage offers ensure that your games will be truly enjoyable, whether your favourite team wins or not. Elements Pool and Lounge at InterContinental Regency revamps its venue with 90-inch screens, which will show the games live throughout the season. The poolside venue gives you the chance to win prizes while you cheer for your team. Read through our after dark and dining pages to find out what Legends at Ramee California, Match Point at Ramee Palace and Sherlock Holmes at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain have planned for this time of the year. Popular sports bars Corners is the first pub to open in Amwaj Islands, a place to socialise and unwind while enjoying the latest in live sports. This pub is just what you would expect from the Dragon Hotel & Resort — a classy upmarket pub with a funky interior. It offers a diverse selection of food, including traditional pub grub as well as international classics to treat the taste buds. Kicks Lounge
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The Warbler
Champs Sports Lounge
The Polo Lounge at The Palace Boutique Hotel offers a vibrant atmosphere. It’s the ideal place to go for delicious after-party food. The Polo Lounge combines great music with your favourite sports channels on seven big plasma screens, and has pool tables, a dedicated darts area, with an excellent variety of food and beverages. Champs Bahrain at The Juffair Grand Hotel is a favourite of both local and expatriate sports fans. It will come as no surprise if this venue is jam-packed all month long. Another venue in Juffair that will experience incredible footfall is Kicks at Hotel Diva. Known for its pub grub and electric vibe, this venue is a must-visit during the World Cup. Tracks Sports Bar at Crowne Plaza Bahrain is another favourite of Bahrain’s football enthusiasts. The Warbler at Ramee Baisan International is known for two things: its ambience and its food. Dedicated to sports and entertainment, this British-style pub boasts Old England decor, complete with cobblestone pathways leading to the various sections. The Exchange Restaurant & Pub at Ramada Bahrain is another great venue to catch the game with your friends. The decor perfectly reflects the FIFA spirit and you can enrol yourselves into a raffle for surprise giveaways. Champions Sports Lounge at The K Hotel is a great option for those who don’t want to be caught in a venue swamped with smoke. Relax in this great atmosphere, enjoy refreshing beverages and lights snacks, and play billiards or darts, while watching your favourite team on the big screen. It has an impressive collection of boxing belts showcased on the walls. Most sports pubs and lounges host raffles for each match, where you get prizes for predicting the result, the number of goals by each team and which player will strike the goal. They also give away football-themed goodies to guests. Venues will put together special menus to go with the theme as well. However, to experience the true essence of Bahrain’s football mania you’ll need to visit the shisha cafes around town. Some of the popular ones are Veranda, Med Café, Albindaira Café, Ammar’s Café and Don Vito, all within Adliya. Give that half of the season is during the Holy Month, these venues are a great place to follow the World Cup. www.bahrainthismonth.com
RAMEE PALACE HOTEL
The Last Party
Generation
Dublin
ramee california hotel
Legendary Games Catching the biggest football event at one of the most popular sports bars on the island is only natural. Find out what they’ve got in store for the fanatics.
With less than a month until the start of Ramadan, it is shaping up to be an action-packed time at this Irish-American pub in Juffair. Kicking off the party at Dublin Club at Ramee Palace Hotel is the World Cup Opening on June 12, with Brazil v Croatia contesting the curtain raiser. All games will be shown live and large on the big screen, with commentary available in the Pool Room. Games to look out for include Spain v Netherlands on June 13, England v Italy on June 14 and Germany v Portugal on June 16. Stay tuned for food and beverage offers throughout the tournament. The knockout stages, from the last 16 through to the final, will be shown live at Match Point Sports Bar, with food and non-alcoholic beverages on offer. On June 20, all eyes (and ears) will be on stage for the sixth edition of Dublin’s Got Talent. Hosted by resident band Generation, the event will bring together the best of the weekly ‘jammers’ to take part in the annual competition. Participants are chosen from the overflowing pool of talent that graces this small island. Prizes are on offer for the winner, with a full year of bragging rights as the icing on the cake. With one last event before a month of rest and recuperation, Generation’s swan song will be on June 26. This is your last chance to party it up with the fantastic in-house band at the club. DJ Angel supports the live entertainment by mixing the hottest tracks of the season, reeling you onto the dance floor. Don’t miss the opportunity to send them on their way in style. i Call 39 736-547 or visit Facebook.com/Dublin Club Bahrain.
Brazil is ready to host the biggest sports event in the world; so is Legends Sports Lounge at Ramee California Hotel. Catch each game live and large at the venue’s big screens. An event staged on a scale of spectacular proportions needs to be shown in equal grandeur. As the largest sports event to be telecast live, Legends Sports Lounge matches the hype by screening all the matches on a large projection screen and 20 high-definition plasma screens from June 12 until July 13. The most-watched competition on Earth, FIFA 2014 enjoys phenomenal interest from sports fans and the business world alike. This lounge aims to suit all customers. Legends also have numerous options for non-sports fans, such as four quality pool tables. The lounge is a great place to unwind and test your skills at the game of pool or to enjoy your choice of flavoured shisha. Legends’ menu goes beyond standard bar fare, with an extensive list of starters, burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, and steaks. Enjoy happy hours every day from 4pm until 8pm; get 25 per cent discount on your order. Promotions during match hours Buy four Budweisers to enter the draw and win the ‘FIFA World Cup’ or a soccer-related giveaway. There are many surprise prizes that guests can win through the raffle. Drink promotions include a pitcher of draught beer at BD9, a bucket of five beers at BD11, and a pitcher of Sudden Death, Sandstorm or Bullfrog at BD12. Order a full bottle of any spirit and get a complimentary starter from the kitchen. Speaking of which, Legends has put together a special menu for match hours.
Legendary Sports Lounge
www.bahrainthismonth.com
i Call 33 043-014 or 36 131-020. June 2014 133
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Renzo with his cake & cupcakes
Oceane, Laura, Renzo & Arianne
Renzo's Rockstar Themed Birthday Party Renzo Matthias celebrated his 7th birthday with parents Romel and Anne, sister Mikka,and some friends at the Hard Rock Cafe Renzo's friends dance as he plays the drums
Renzo with Zoe & Jojo Canlas (bassist of The Relocators band)
Sheillie, Trish, Rain, Yannah, Shawn & Renzo
Romel, Renzo, Anne & Mikka
Renzo prepares to blow the sparklers on his rockstar themed cake
Rockaya, Abdullah, James, Renzo, Cathal & Kevin
Renzo & his drum teacher Ryan John (drummer of The Machine Gun band)
Abdulla, Fareed, Thajba, Robert & Hussain
Kick For A Cause Fundraiser The Rotary Club of Manama held its annual competition entitled ‘Kick for a Cause’ to raise money to help fight the deadly sickle cell and other inherited diseases in the children of Bahrain. The event was held at the Rugby and Football Club in Saar Action from one of the matches
Ann & Rupert
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Nicola, Abbie & Sophia
Wael, Robert & Mahdi
Basil, Sirine & Hameed
Roya
Seb & Kieran
www.bahrainthismonth.com
What’s New Edited by Maryam Toorani
Turn Up the Bass Summer is all about the parties and get-togethers, and nothing brings people closer than music! Aesthetically designed, this portable speaker from F&D features a solid metal grill and springy bass to deliver outstanding sound. Available at Gajria Electronics.
Summer Wardrobe Gap launches its latest collection, which is a celebration of optimism, freedom and exploration and is embedded in the American summer experience. Denim is a central element throughout the collection; Gap offers pieces with faded colour blocking to bleached-out white and its iconic indigo. Available at Gap.
Technical Perfection Watches by Helveco combine different generations and cultures, suiting the tastes of many while maintaining the true Swiss spirit and precision time-making. Available at Al Hawaj outlets.
Elegance Personified A standout from Pierre Cardin is the new Bellegarde collection. A dramatic set of pendants, earrings and rings that updates the ancient decorative arabesque motif with a three-dimensional feel. Ideal for elegant lunches and opulent evenings, these pieces hark back to the splendours of old while remaining engagingly modern. Available at A La Mode.
Nourish and Condition This season, spice up your handbasin with new fragrances, new formulas and a new look from Bath & Body Works’ everpopular collection of deep-cleansing and gentle-foaming hand soaps. Available at Bath & Body Works.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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marketplace ASIA JEWELLERS
Performance and Precision The official timekeeper of spindrift racing launches new lightweight limited edition timepieces, marking the relaunch of the largest racing trimaran in the world.
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Zenith El Primero celebrates the relaunch of the maxi trimaran Spindrift 2, the largest racing trimaran in the world with a brand-new limited edition watch that captures the cutting-edge workmanship of the boat. Optimised for the demanding North Atlantic, Spridrift 2 has a shorter mast, new sails, a new centreboard and auto pilots. It is much lighter and features a modified deck plan and fittings. At the grand unveiling of this ambitious boatbuilding project, Zenith presented a modern, ultra-light watch engraved with Spindrift Racing in a strictly limited edition set of only 250 pieces. The watch is completely inspired by the redesigned Spindrift 2 trimaran. The engineers and watchmakers have certainly succeeded in creating a light watch with a sporty design, while preserving the inimitable El Primero qualities of precision, sturdiness and reliability. The weight of the watch has been reduced by removing any excessive elements. Movement bridges are now made of titanium, a feather-light material widely used in aeronautics. The case is made from carbon, which further contributes to the 25 per cent lighter weight. The openworked dial shows the legendary El Primero movement, making the watch appear even lighter and more airy. With its cut-out stencil-style numerals, the disc-type date display follows the same line of inspiration and so do the hollowedout facetted hour-markers that bear a luminescent coating. At 45mm in diameter and 13.2mm thick, the watch features a transparent sapphire case-back, hours and minutes in the centre, small seconds hand at 9 o’clock, and a date indicator at 6 o’clock. The chronograph www.bahrainthismonth.com
function includes a central seconds hand, 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, and a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock. The El Primero 400B automatic titanium movement is made from 328 components and 31 jewels. It beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour and provides around 50 hours of power reserve. The model, as well as bringing a fresh reinforcement to Zenith’s collection of luxury watches, deftly displays the innovative capacities and creative dare of the manufacturer. Mark of excellence Founded in Le Locle, Switzerland, in 1865 by a visionary watchmaker, Georges Favre-Jacot, the watches earned swift recognition for the precision of their chronometers. This design brought the manufacturers 2,333 chronometry prizes in a century and a half of existence — a record in terms of pocket watches, onboard timers and wristwatches. Another technological achievement was the legendary El Primerocalibre, an integrated automatic column-wheel chronograph with a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour that ensured short-time measurements accurate to the nearest one-tenth of a second. Zenith has since developed over 600 movement variations and currently stands at the exact spot where its founder built the first company workshop, thereby physically embodying a continuity that is a rarity in itself.
i Call 17 535-344. June 2014 137
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KEMPINSKI GRAND & IXIR HOTEL BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE
Grooming Bahraini Hospitality Talent This luxurious five-star hotel focuses on’giving back to the island’ by training the youth of Bahrain in hospitality and hotelier skills.
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Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre embarked on an innovative initiative for Bahrain’s hospitality sector in January, with the support of Tamkeen and Third Wave International (TWI). The Grooming Bahraini Hospitality Talent programme was established to empower young Bahrainis with world-class training in hospitality and provide them with employment at a globally reputed hotel group. The students were recruited at a two-day road show event in Bahrain City Centre. Following a robust interview process, which employed unique concepts including an ‘experiential interview’, chosen candidates were provided with international standard training. A total of 23 young Bahraini candidates participated in the programme. “We’re excited to be part of this pilot project to recruit and train Bahrainis into the growing field of hospitality in the Kingdom,” says Puneet Singh, general manager, Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre. “At Kempinski, we have been dedicated to attracting, guiding and supporting the professional growth of our Bahraini employees. As Europe’s oldest hospitality group, we have a wealth of knowledge to share, developed over the 117
years that we have been in operation.” Kempinski currently operates in 31 countries and has a total workforce of over 30,000 employees. For young Bahrainis interested in hospitality, there has been no better stepping stone than this programme to begin their career. “We’re thrilled to bring the training to a successful conclusion and provide Bahrain’s hospitality market with professional hoteliers ready to climb the career ladder,” he adds. In addition, William Angliss, an Australian institute ranked among the top five hotel management schools in the world, has provided training to the students. The apprentices received tutoring in both classroom and practical settings. On-the-job coaching was carried out with dedicated Kempinski mentors for each student. On June 12, the students will graduate and receive their certificates in a plush graduation ceremony at the Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre. Graduates will begin working in departments such as culinary, front office, food and beverage, and housekeeping. i Visit www.kempinski.com/Bahrain. www.bahrainthismonth.com
VIVA CINEMA PORTAL
Skip the Queue If you, like the rest of Bahrain, love movies but hate waiting in line, then don’t miss out on a unique service that can make your life a whole lot easier.
Your theatre experience can now be enhanced with VIVA’s recently launched online ticket service. To continue expanding its reach with the wider community of Bahrain, the telecommunications company has entered into an agreement with Awan Media as the exclusive partner of Bahrain Cinema Company (CineCo). Through this strategic partnership, VIVA has introduced online ticket buying for the community through its cinema. bh website. Customers are offered the comfort and convenience of accessing the website at any time, anywhere and from any mobile device. Movie enthusiasts can now take advantage of this convenient service, which enables them to select the CineCo theatre and movie of their choice, as well as the show timing and seating preference. Cinemagoers can book and purchase tickets online without the hassle of queuing up or missing out on their movie of choice due to tickets being sold out. How it’s done All you have to do is follow a few simple steps to enjoy the convenience and speed of this service — no long queues included. Visit the cinema.bh site, choose the movie, the cinema and the seat; make the payment via credit or debit card and scan your ticket at the cinema
www.bahrainthismonth.com
entrance — it’s that easy. The site also enables cinemagoers to connect to six CineCo multiplexes, including Bahrain City Centre mall, Seef one and two cinemas, Al Jazeera, Awal, Al Hamra and Saar cinemas. “We are delighted to partner with Bahrain’s most successful entertainment company to engage with a wider target audience. Cinema is a major recreation in the Kingdom, attracting over three million visitors every year. We aim to significantly elevate and enhance the movie-going experience for all these visitors by offering them the flexibility to buy tickets from wherever they are, even on the move,” says Andrew Hanna, VIVA’s chief commercial officer. In addition to buying advance tickets online, cinemagoers can get updates on all aspects of the movies they are interested in. If you want a sneak peek before you watch a certain film, you can catch its trailer on the website. What’s more is that movie schedules are also at your fingertips and if you are not sure about the movie you are about to watch, the portal features the trusted IMDB viewing ratings with each movie. i Call 124 or visit cinema.bh. June 2014 139
marketplace FRASER SUITES
Excellence Rewarded One of the leading names in luxury serviced apartments gets felicitated by the industry for excellence in service.
Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain was awarded Bahrain’s Leading Serviced Apartments 2014 at the 21st Annual World Travel Awards Middle East ceremony held in Dubai. The gold-standard luxury apartments won the title for the second consecutive year, further reinforcing their strong position in the industry. “Winning the 2014 award is recognition for our commitment to excellence, and our efforts and devotion to provide a unique experience to our guests,” says Olivier Briand, general manager, Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain. The company’s other two properties in the region, Fraser Suites Dubai and Fraser Suites Doha, received the award for Leading Serviced Apartment 2014 in Dubai and Qatar respectively. In addition to those, Frasers Hospitality received the Best Serviced Apartment Company 2014 award by Business Traveller Middle East. The awards ceremony was attended by more than 300 travel industry managers from the region. The team attributes these accolades to their intrinsic understanding of the importance of quality service and the unique needs of the business traveller. Style and comfort “Serviced apartments have grown in recent years to become one of the most exciting sectors in international hospitality, as both business and leisure travellers come to recognise their advantages,” says Olivier. Offering indoor access to the second-biggest mall in the Kingdom, Fraser Suites Bahrain is right in the centre of the city’s business and shopping district, a variety of restaurants and first-class entertainment. The 90 luxurious options for accommodation comprise smart studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses replete with state-of-the-art comforts. Frasers Hospitality’s portfolio currently stands at 92 properties in 49 key gateway cities, and more than 15,500 apartments worldwide. i Call 17 569-333.
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The Real Thing Live Performance
Paul & Caroline
Jennifer, Helen & Paul
Lewis & Vicky
Pauline, Debbie & Geraldine
Ruth & Cat
Michael, Mathew & Araceli
A number of people rolled back the years with The Real Thing - a 70s UK Band. The show was held at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa The Real Thing
Laura, Peter & Linda
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Andy & Eliana
www.bahrainthismonth.com
THE BRITISH CLUB
Kick-starting Summer
If the soaring mercury is the reason you are lying low, this social club invites you to join in the soccer mania and get rid of the sultry summer blues.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
This summer, The British Club Bahrain turns a new leaf and meets you in a revamped avatar. Look forward to a season of excitement, with lots of activities planned at the club, starting with the launch of its striking new logo. This new identity combines both British and Bahraini elements, along with stylish typography, to create a progressive new personality. “The old logo has stood the test of time for nearly 80 years, but it’s time to embrace change and move forward,” says David Endall, the club’s general manager. “The new logo more readily reflects our modern approach to the club, its multicultural members and multitude of facilities.” The new look comes at the peak of the World Cup fever and the club has introduced a number of promotions. One of them is a special 50-day passport membership that allows non-members to come and enjoy every moment of the World Cup action. Priced at just BD75 for singles and BD100 for families, the offer allows you to save over 25 per cent on the normal guest fee, and is valid from the first match all the way till Eid-al-Fitr (June 12 to July 31)! “The passport is a great way to experience our sports and social facilities as it’s valid during the full opening hours,” says David. In addition to this, The British Club will offer an incentive to passport holders who want to convert this temporary access into full-time membership, after the World Cup is over. Existing members continue to benefit by receiving a BD20 gift voucher for every new member they introduce.
The club houses a massive, cooled swimming pool, tennis, multipurpose and squash courts, indoor badminton courts and a health club. The food and beverage venues include Ascot restaurant, bars and outdoor dining by the pool or on the grass. The club serves as a hub for the entire family. There are activities for tots and toddlers in the mornings, swimming and taekwondo lessons for the kids and adults, social bridge for beginners and experienced players, golf, darts, netball, football and much more. “The coffee shop and lounge are currently undergoing a complete refurbishment, bringing a comfortable and contemporary vibe inside and doubling the dining area with a new outdoor terrace for everyone to enjoy, from the end of August,” adds David. i Call 17 728-245. June 2014 141
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MAJESTIC ARJAAN BY ROTANA
A Stylish Stopover Only minutes away from Bahrain International Airport and the island’s commercial hub stands this luxurious property that makes sure your stay in the Kingdom is nothing short of majestic.
Offering world-class services and 128 luxurious suites, Majestic Arjaan by Rotana is conveniently located in Busaiteen District, opposite King Hamad University Hospital. From stunning studios to one-, two- and three-bedroom suites built as duplexes, offering plush environment for you and your family, the hotel is a big draw for business travellers and families alike. The hotel provides state-of-the-art amenities, such as a temperature-controlled swimming pool, Kids’ Zone, free high-speed Wi-Fi Internet, dining and meeting spaces, along with personalised services that meet the requirements and expectations of guests on business travel, relocation or vacation. Enjoy the hospitality as you enjoy the contemporary architecture that places equal emphasis on design and functionality. With natural light filtering through the glass panels, the hotel contains a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The hotel has easy access to Shaikh Isa bin Salman Highway and the Saudi Causeway in addition to the major city shopping centre. Majestic Arjaan by Rotana is not just an excellent place to stay; it also offers an array of facilities that attract both short- and long-term residents. Dine-in and entertainment The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Ginger, offers trendy indoor and outdoor settings, serving international breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. An à la carte menu is available as well.
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The restaurant’s chic extension, Ginger Lounge, attracts guests with its contemporary design. The ambience makes it an ideal place to indulge in a selection of beverages along with its extensive food options. Keep yourself hydrated as you enjoy a splash in the hotel’s temperature-controlled swimming pool, and tan yourself alongside. The Aquarius Pool Café is where you ought to be if you love the summer sun. In addition, the hotel has a gym that lets you continue your workout regime without a break. Bodylines Health and Fitness Club offers a fully equipped gymnasium, replete with modern cardiovascular and weight training equipment as well as sauna and steam rooms. Special packages Majestic Arjaan by Rotana offers special packages targeting different customers. Couples can opt for ‘Your Romantic Escape’ package that includes a spacious duplex room and services that’ll make the stay memorable. The venue is a good option for those planning to stay on the island for a longer period. Its duplex suites are replete with state-of-the-art amenities, such as premium kitchenware, china, luxury bath fittings and linens. These suites are available at competitive rates and long-term residents receive discount on food and beverages, phone charges and laundry services. i Call 17 370-000. www.bahrainthismonth.com
KOOHEJI JEWELLERY
Celebrating a Milestone
Kooheji Jewellery presents a range of pieces that make a special graduation present. There’s a lot to choose from — charms, pendants, earrings, lockets and delicate sets. The jewellers are known for supreme VS quality diamonds and certified metals. In addition to diamonds, the pieces include coloured precious stones that add a playful touch, appealing to the younger customer. These contemporary designs will be fond possessions.
Whether it is a high school or college graduation, celebrate post ceremony with a gift that’s sure to delight the overachiever in your life.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Commemorating certain key milestones in life is not just another reason to have a party; it is also a reflection of what the moment means in the journey of life. Graduations are an occasion when students come of age and stand ready to face the future. It’s a time for them to feel proud of their life and look forward to a future full of possibilities. This is when they need encouragement from their loved ones. So as your kin prepares to enter a new phase of life, make sure you stand with him or her with a memento to remind them of their accomplishment.
Commitment to excellence The brand lays stress on the quality of materials and workmanship of their artists. Great attention is paid to the details and intricacy of the designs, resulting in pieces that are not just a pretty accessory, but are works of art. Understanding that each person has his own unique character, their designers thrive on this diversity to come up with a range that suits all tastes. Having been in the business for more than five decades, Kooheji Jewellery has made its mark in the industry. It has brought to the region a number of top-rated jewellery brands from all over the world. The jeweller houses some of the best international designers, such as Arzano, Tirisi Jewellery, Anna Maria Cammilli, Casato Roma, Giovanni Ferraris and Ponte Vecchio. Kooheji’s staff guides you throughout the shopping process, educating you about the various pieces, so you are confident about your purchase. i Call 17 530-411. June 2014 143
MULTINATIONAL SCHOOL — BAHRAIN
Growing Up Fast! The word around town is that a recent survey showed excellent results for this new school, signalling a rise in its student uptake.
When the Multinational School — Bahrain opened its doors in Adliya in September 2013, it had just 46 pupils. Less than a year later, the institution has seen a threefold increase to 136 and now has over 250 students waiting to join in September. So what exactly draws families to Bahrain’s newest international school? “Word of mouth is the biggest factor now,” says Judith Lyons, the school’s registrar. “People are getting good reports from our students’ parents and so they come to have a look around.” As part of its commitment to excellence, the school recently carried out an anonymous survey of its parents, designed by Ofsted. Results were 100 per cent positive in 12 of the 13 areas analysed in the study and every parent recommended Multinational School — Bahrain. “Comments left by parents on the school’s Facebook page are a tribute to the high standards that the staff sets and to the quality of relationships in the school,” says David Tansey, the principal. “We are also finding that educators from other schools in Bahrain and all over the world are keen to join us and that means we can be very selective,” he says. “I spend a lot of my time interviewing potential new teachers.” Plans are afoot to develop the school’s campus this summer with new science labs, an arts zone and a bigger kindergarten. “We know we have a lot to do to become the truly outstanding school we want to be, but we were confident that Bahrain was looking for an inclusive school, where children of all ability levels can reach their full potential and achieve their ambitions, as they do at the Multinational School in Riyadh. It is like watching a child grow up fast,” says Julia Jefferson, chairperson of governors. i Call Visit www.mns-b.com or call 17 711-444.
JUNAID PERFUMES
Summer Scent
Reminiscent of spring and the soft chirping of birds, the latest creation from this perfumery is here to entice you with its melodic aroma. Summer is all about floral and fruity fragrances. It’s the perfect time to get yourself a brand-new perfume that smells every bit of summer. Encompassing the perfect blend of aromas for the sun-lit season, Hadeel is a new perfume from Junaid Perfumes that incorporates a fruity and floral balance of violets, roses and jasmine. The summer fragrance is underlined with the calmness of white musk. Combining experience and innovation for over a century, the brand has distinguished itself through successful creations of oils, perfumes and incense. The lingering effect of Hadeel is felt in the fruity end note which blends with a hint of vanilla. Understanding the brand Junaid Perfumes has come a long way since its inception, building a reputation that has blossomed into a household and industry name. Combining experience and innovation for over a century, the perfumery has distinguished itself through successful creations of oils, perfumes and incense. Factors like seasons, fashion trends and after-effects are kept in mind before a scent is born. Over the years, innovative thinking and profound creativity have enabled the company to achieve a competitive advantage in the perfume industry. Each fragrance is placed in exclusively designed bottles that combine tradition, elegance and authentic shapes. Throughout its existence in the market, Junaid Perfumes has remained a pioneer in the perfume industry, carrying a family legacy of perfection. i Call 17 737-007.
144 June 2014
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OSIM
Relaxing at Home There are few better ways to treat a friend or loved one than to give his or her sore feet a wonderful foot massage. This little gadget is thus a musthave in any household.
After a long day of prolonged standing or sitting, or even after a good workout session, we all need a way to reduce the stress on our feet. Inspired by the distinctive soothing of pain as a result of an effective foot reflexology massage, OSIM uPhoria Waram offers the world’s first Tui-Na leg massager. This device targets vital meridian points on the legs to promote positive energy flow for better health and overall wellbeing. It is a comprehensive and advanced leg massager for your calves, ankles and feet. Human-3D massage chair Experience the patented OSIM Human 3D massage and be immersed in a world of complete relaxation. A higher level of delight is made possible with a strategically positioned system of airbags and kneading discs. Automatic body detection provides the most precise massage based on the human body contours. Back massager Transform your chair into a massage centre instantly with
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the OSIM uRelax. Light and portable, uRelax is a massage cushion that fits easily onto most chairs. Lose weight faster Staying trim and healthy just got easier with this newgeneration slim-belt massager. Following the phenomenal worldwide success of uZap, OSIM introduces the new uKimono. Combining the brand’s signature twin power Osimotion and double kneading in the patent-pending Duo+ technology, the uKimono breaks down fatty tissue in the tummy, butt and thighs. It even tightens muscles and creates a perfectly trimmed body when combined with an effective diet plan. Pure environment air purifiers The OSIM Uvenus Hepa Filter removes 99.97 per cent of harmful particles in the air, such as dust, pollen, moulds, dust mites and other allergens, which can be as small as 0.3 microns. i Call 17 581-331 (Seef Mall) or visit www.osim.com June 2014 145
marketplace BRITISH SCHOOL OF BAHRAIN
Excellence and Innovation With its sixth form now standing at over 115 students, this school offers excellent chances of attaining top places at leading universities around the world.
INTERCOL
Time to XL
Great features and design, available at an unbeatable price — the long wait for the Nokia XL is finally over. The newest and much-awaited instalment from the Nokia X family will now be available in Bahrain. Boasting a five-inch display, five megapixel rear-facing auto-focus camera with flash, and a two megapixel front-facing camera, Nokia XL captures your fancy with its low price and big screen. This is a great choice for those looking for entertainment and gaming on-the-go with a larger screen. These features are also an advantage while using other video platforms, such as Skype and Vine. The model has the much talked about Fastlane system that keeps a dynamic minute-by-minute record of how you use your phone. The feature aggregates notifications, open and frequently used apps; it personalises them according to the user’s preference. The other screen, accessible by swiping left or right, includes tiles that are similar to the Windows Phone start screen. Some of these tiles can be resized. The model looks like the enlarged version of the Nokia X. The phone features the same rectangular design and a polycarbonate colourful shell, weighing approximately 190 grams. It feels very solid to hold; a user will not observe any squeaks or wobbles despite the device sporting a removable back cover. The Nokia X Range is available at Nokia Intercol outlets and other key retailer outlets in Bahrain. Microsoft Devices and Intercol, its authorised partner in Bahrain, add this model to Nokia’s range of affordable smartphones. Priced at BD61, the phone offers an impressive experience, complete with a rich mix of apps and services, and a sturdy structure.
The British School of Bahrain (BSB) is a high-performing, international school for students aged three to 18 years. It has 1,730 students of 66 different nationalities. Based on the British National Curriculum, the school has an international outlook and fosters in its students a global perspective of respect, open-mindedness and acceptance of diversity. “The BSB spirit is what really makes it special. It flourishes because our dedicated, caring staff, talented and enthusiastic students, and extremely supportive parent community work together as one team in pursuit of learning,” says head of school, Dr Charles Wall. In April 2012, the BSB received ‘outstanding’ in all six categories from the Quality Assurance Authority for Education and Training. Its recent success with Oxbridge interviews and offers, along with 100 per cent pass rates at IGCSE and A levels, and superb results at key stages 1 and 2, further underlines its ever improving academic performance. In the tenth anniversary of the school’s sixth form, it celebrates and extends its success with a variety of extracurricular activities and trips. This year is extra special as one of its Year 13 students has had an offer to study at the prestigious Cambridge University in the UK. “The BSB is a great community in which I have developed socially and academically over the past few years. The spirit of tolerance and acceptance in the school adds a communal feel, which allows individuals to comfortably fit in, grow their personalities and learn,” says BSB head girl, Latifa Khayat. BSB chairman, Rashad Janahi, points to continued investment in the school’s infrastructure through the continuous expansion of facilities. He comments that the school is opening new classes in a number of year groups in response to the demand from parents and students and is committed to introducing the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme to run alongside the A-level programme. i Call 17 610-820.
i Call 17 727-177 or email nokia@intercol.com 146 June 2014
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bystander
Abdul Hameed & Waele
Mazen Al Umran & Wiebke
Bahrain German Friendship Society Dinner The Bahrain German Friendship Society (BGFS) held its speaker dinner at the Capital Club at Bahrain Financial Harbour.The guest speaker from the official representative office of the German Economy in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Yemen was Andreas Hergenroether Andreas Hergenroether, HE Sabine Taufmann, German Ambassador & HE Dr Dhafer Al Umran
Paola & Tareq Wafa with Yasmina
Michael & Ahmed
HE Hatun Demirer, Turkish Ambassador & HE Karim Al Shakar
Andreas with Holger Tillmann
Bilal & Neumaier
Torsten & Sven
Friya & Meherzad
Bharti & Vijay
Percy & Manijeh Dinner Percy & Manijeh hosted a dinner to celebrate the wedding of their daughter Friya to Meherzad Gotla. The dinner was at the Diva Hotel in Juffair K.N. Singh, Manijeh, Friya & Percy
Percy, Friya & Manijeh
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Friya, Marietta, Rose, Mehru & Zilia
Percy, K.N. Singh, Geeta, Vicky & Tanuja
June 2014 147
bystander
Asfia & Sheetal
Malik, Maiz & Gunjan
Edeil & Darshan
DJ Pearlyn Performance DJ Pearlyn, Bahrain's first Desi female DJ performed at The Hub Desi Lounge, Ramee Monroe Hotel & Suites DJs Pearlyn & Abid Mitesh & DJ Pearlyn
Antony, Roshan, Neha, Tajaz & Giri
Darshan, Amrita, Vaneja & Fayez
Payal & Kashyap
Jazz Night At 338
Chetan, Deepa & Aarti
Asfia & DJ Pearlyn
Will & Sue
Scott & Yeliz
James & Lise
Luke, Dion & John
Herve & Beatrice
Helen & Rachel
The French Embassy & the Alliance Francaise organised their first music festival in Bahrain. The first event of the festival was a Jazz performance by French Jazz band O.D.J., who performed at Block 338 Restaurant and Garden O.D.J. on stage
Gaultier, Valentin, Bastien & Walid
148 June 2014
Sylvie & Eduardo
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winwin Bahrain This Month gives readers an exclusive chance to win watches from Sharif Group.
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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!
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Last month’s solutions
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1. Bahrain International Exhibition & Conference Centre
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2. Hatun Demirer 3. Juffair 4. Exa.io 5. Le Domain [34], The Domain 6. Ford Fusion 7. The Mother and Child Welfare Society 8. VK Thomas 9. Sleep Time 10. Big Smoke Burger
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Ad Seek 1. The Urban Wellness Center 2. Big Smoke Burger 3. Lanterns Lounge & Restaurant 4. University College of Bahrain
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Address:
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Which hotel is renovating it’s grand ballroom? ___________________________ What is our app this month? ___________________________ Which venue is hosting Acoustic Alley? ___________________________
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Entry deadline is June 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.
4. June 2014 149
tarotscope
Gemini
May 21 – June 20
Money matters could weigh heavy on your mind this month as you prepare to feel the pinch of a workstream that suddenly and quite unexpectedly dries up before your very eyes. The best way to deal with this might be to consider diversifying your main business, but it isn’t going to be easy and things could be a little tight on the purse strings until the end of the year. On the positive side, a young child will give you good reason to smile and feel proud while a relationship still in its infancy could spring a surprise that you would never anticipated. In a strange way, the two incidents are connected, so look out for some telling signs and you might even be able to see it coming. Card of the Month — The Tower For a detailed, personalised Tarotscope reading, contact Raphael by email: raphael@tarotscope.org.uk
cancer June 21 – July 20 It seems that your loyalties towards a loved one are about to be keenly tested when an admirer from the past returns rather unexpectedly and offers you a tempting escape route from a life that has become rather routine and pedestrian over the last few months. However, you need to judge very carefully what it is you want long-term because any quick fix now might not be the solution it initially appears to be. You need to accept that very often the pressures of life can exert themselves upon circumstances and take the shine off things. Just consider this: if you polish up what you already have, you might discover more of a glow underneath than you realised. Card of the Month — The Wheel of Fortune
LEO July 21 – August 21 The cliché of life being very much a lottery could well apply this month [DASH] especially if any of you are planning home improvements or investments in new electrical appliances. There is every indication that any work to be done in the home should only be attempted by people you know you can trust. So, the warning is to watch who you hire! A young child with a long-term illness could cause you a measure of concern and a trip to the doctors may be necessary due to a worsening condition. However, if you are unsure or unhappy with the advice you are given then look for a second opinion rather than take what you are told as being your only choice. Card of the Month — The Queen of Wands 150 June 2014
virgo August 22 – September 21 As June eases itself into the picture, you may find that most of the problems you have had to bear recently will all have finally passed you by. The world will have a much different face to present to you as the year comes to a close and you will receive good news by post, bringing with it the opportunity for a great increase in financial fortunes. If a young child has any exams to take soon, they will pass them successfully and you should take the time to make a fuss of the child and their achievements. A partner’s back injury may need to be monitored but, by the month’s end, a solution will come to him or her from an unexpected source, soon making your troubled nights a thing of the past. Card of the Month — The Seven of Swords
libra September 22 – October 21 Plenty of hard work has got you to the position you stand in now and it would be unfair to suggest that you don’t deserve your time of success. However, complacency is a killer and you should not spend too much time resting on your laurels. After all, more opportunities await you and the chance to take that final step into the biggest arena of all is now so close you can almost touch it. If there is an ambition burning in you, grasp it rather than sitting back and watching the flame die to nothing. Card of the Month — The Two of Pentacles
Scorpio October 22 – November 21 Your sign implies consolidation. In monetary matters, the omens are good as a loan or investment provides you with capital to clear long-term debts and plan ahead for a more secure future. Emotionally, you may find yourself at your zenith and you will feel particularly pleased with the state of a relationship. Your partner may demonstrate an uncommon level of affection that, coupled with other positive events this month, could make June your most satisfying period of the year so far. The only note of caution relates to a long-running family feud that sees another chapter unfold in this unfortunate saga and puts you further away from finding a happy solution to the issue. Card of the Month — The Eight of Pentacles
Sagittarius N ovember 22 – December 21 A separation is on the cards as you suddenly discover a partner’s intentions were not all they first appeared to be and it’s going to make June a very difficult month to negotiate, from an emotional perspective. You could find a relative’s words coming true and your most terrible fear becoming a reality as a consequence. The aftermath of this situation will leave you analysing all the sacrifices you have made and see you coming to terms with the impact over the coming months. You may even find that having cut off so many people will leave you with very few shoulders to rest your head on. Card of the Month — The Four of Swords
Capricorn D ecember 22 – January 21 Foremost in your mind this month will be a health issue that has been bothering you for some time now and to which you have finally been given some positive news concerning a solution. However, it won’t be plain sailing as there are a couple of issues that need to be ironed out with your physician, one specifically that sees you having to make a choice over something important and potentially life-changing. Don’t try to shoulder the responsibility alone but seek the advice of a loved one. Card of the Month — The Emperor www.bahrainthismonth.com
advertisersindex aquarius January 21 – February 20 The King of Cups indicates that a strong male figure in your life is about to embark upon an ambitious journey to improve his standing in society. This is a card of strength and personal success and represents someone who is likely to have an impact on how your life pans out over the coming weeks. It shows a positive time ahead in the areas of business and finance and would suggest that all will progress well with anything you are both involved in. On matters of health, June also points towards a member of your family needing surgery. It may not be an immediate family member, but it will be someone who is fairly old and who has not been in the best of health for some time. Card of the Month — The King of Cups
pisces February 21 – March 20 If you want to get the best out of a current relationship that seems to be wobbling on the rails then you may have to look to yourself for the answers. Just recently you have slipped into a cycle of complacency and this is having a negative impact on both your life and the lives of those closest to you. You have to shake yourself free and spark yourself into action if you want what you hold most dear to survive. On the career front you could find yourself juggling with a series of difficult tasks. Card of the Month — The Four of Cups
aries March 21 – April 20 You’ve just come through a tough May and the chances are that you haven’t been looking forward to June with much enthusiasm as a consequence. The good news is that things are set to get a lot better, although the onus remains on you to be a little more optimistic in your outlook if you want things to really move in your favour. The way you look at the world says a lot to people about your personality and, since you are generally known for your positive demeanour, certain friends and family members may have been a little surprised by your recent behaviour. Card of the Month — The Ace of Wands
Taurus April 21 – May 20 If someone wanted to write about what is currently going on in your life people wouldn’t believe it, such is the drama and complicated nature of your present circumstances. From the start of this month you are going to find yourself thrown into a three-way tug of war for your affections that is going to have all parties concerned fluctuating from fantasy to frustration. You do know how to dig a hole for yourself! The best suggestion would be to take a break and spend some time getting your head together in an unfamiliar place. You have a lot of positive things coming your way in the autumn which are going to boost your career opportunities, so don’t allow relationship issues to get in the way. Card of the Month — The Ace of Pentacles
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Zoe Saldana
Mark Walberg
Angelina Jolie
FAMOUS Gemini THIS MONTH
Fashion & Footwear Sacoor Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Financial Institutions Bahrain Development Bank . . . . . . . . 78 Bahrain National Holding . . . . . . . . . . 23
Home & Furnishing Phoenicia Décor (Natuzzi) . . . . . . . . . 31 The Closets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Hotels & Luxury Apartments
Al Areen Resort & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain . . . . . . . . 47 Golden Tulip Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Gulf Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel . . . . . IBC Majestic Arjaan by Rotana . . . . . . . . . 2 Ramada Hotel Bahrain . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Ramee California Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Ramee Palace Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel . . . 51 The K Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Jewellery & Watches Asia Jewellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Cartier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC Kooheji Jewellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Sharif Group (Ferre Milano) . . . . . . . . 17
Motoring Al Haddad Motors (Mercedes-Benz) 39 Ebrahim K Kanoo (Toyota) . . . . . . . . . 15 Euro Motors (BMW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Euro Motors (Jaguar) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 First Motors (Hyundai) . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Others Y. K. Almoayyed & Sons . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Acoustic Alley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Alliance Française . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Chuckle Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
City Centre Bahrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Coral Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Gajria Electronics (Touchmate) . . . . . 84 Home Electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Junaid Perfumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Lulu Hypermarket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35,91 Madre & Padre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Multinational School of Bahrain . . . 107 National Photo Services . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Nokia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Pegasus Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Picture Arabia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Quiet Storm Entertainment . . . . . . . . 130 Saar Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Seef Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19,67 Summer Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 The British Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Tom Peters Seminar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Yateem Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Yusif bin Yisif Fakhro (La Germania) . 41 Yusif bin Yisif Fakhro (Osim) . . . . . . . . 73
Restaurants & Cafés Al Abraaj Restaurants . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Big Smoke Burger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Block 338 Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Brazil Rodizio Grill & Lounge . . . . . . 115 Casa Mexicana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Cucina Italiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Eatery Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Hard Rock Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Lanterns Restaurant & Lounge . . . . 127 Lola’s Cupcakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Maki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 McDonalds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Ric’s Kountry Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Shoo Fee Ma Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Telecommunications VIVA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC Zain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
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 ● Al Hilal Bookshops, all outlets ● Al Jazeera Supermarket, all outlets ● Alosra Supermarket, Saar ● Bab al Bahrain Souvenir Shop ● BooksPlus, all outlets ● Burhama Cold Store ● Classic Shop, Bab Al Bahrain ● Elite Supermarket, Hoora ● Supermarket, Awali ● Jawad Supermarket, all outlets ● Jim’s Restaurant ● Mega Mart, all outlets
● Miami Cold Store, Adliya ● Midway Supermarket, all outlets ● Park Supermarket, Mahooz ● Waitrose Supermarket, Amwai ● Other leading Cold Stores and
News Stands All Gulf Daily News home subscribers receive a complimentary copy of BTM. You can also subscribe directly by visiting www.bahrainthismonth.com For subscription enquiries and back issues of BTM, call 17 813-777.
Photos Copies of most pictures depicted in this publication (and some which aren’t) are available from National Photo Services, Gudaibiya 17 742-955. June 2014 151
lastword
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation: working towards a healthy lifestyle
Dirty Fuel, Clean Energy A long-awaited UN report on how to curb climate change says the world must rapidly move away from carbon-intensive fuels.
152 June 2014
It’s funny how we waste time and money coming up with the most obvious of answers about our future. Like none of us know this and none of us can do anything about it anyway! The requirements are all government-based or depend upon a handful of private enterprises funded by billionaires. According to the UN a “massive shift” to renewable energy is required — and fast. While fossil fuels have made this region extremely rich, they are fast running out and heavy on emissions when utilised. The same goes for coal. While cheaper and the world’s main source of power, providing a quarter of our primary energy and more than 40 per cent of our electricity, it remains dirty and dangerous to extract and dirty to burn. Turning coal into gas or coal gasification is a possibility as gas is easier, cheaper and cleaner to transport than the solid form, yet coal gasification actually produces more CO² than a traditional coal plant and the process is heavy on water use. Coal gasification is one of the more waterintensive forms of energy production, thus ruining our other most precious resource. Of course, there are the up-and-coming new entities. Some, such as solar power, have been with us for decades and have made major inroads. Wind turbines, too, are beginning to pave the way for a
cleaner future, as too are new oil sources from corn, hydrogen and water itself. What the world needs, though, for a cleaner more efficient future are billionaires and visionaries. The world’s wealthiest man, Bill Gates, has done amazing work with his money in curing diseases such as malaria. He’s also helping poor countries seek a stable future with the health of their next generation with resources for clean drinking water and cures for simple diseases. However, by curing their ills, will this mean one day these population-rich countries, too, will become the next economies with a growing middle class. This means more cars, more electricity and more fuel of any kind. What we really need are visionaries of the ilk of billionaire Elon Musk, who has a philosophy of which he can be proud. The man behind such entities as SpaceX, PayPal, and Tesla Motors believes the future of mankind will be brighter if our global consciousness can be expanded. Musk considers the Internet, renewable energy and space exploration as the methods which have the potential to have the most impact in this sense. The Internet can serve as a global nervous system, renewable energy can expand the timeframe within which mankind can try to ask the right questions before running into economical or ecological collapse, and space exploration can serve as a backup for life itself. Musk also considers that a move to a space-faring civilisation as an important step in evolution itself. Having already brought to fruition privatised space exploration and cars running on electricity he has now hypothesised the ‘Hyperloop’ travel system. Sadly, his philosophy may take decades or centuries to come into being thanks to the stupidity and small-mindedness of a few. Before space provides our future, we must cure the ills that wrong us on Earth; before the Internet can be our nervous system we have to overcome the senseless hackers and virus instigators deploying such venom to our laptops as the Heartbleed virus. This little monster sucks out our credit card information and bleeds us dry financially while ruining the infrastructure of business and corporations. With renewable energy, Musk suggested, we can extend our timeframe; but a timeframe in which we must learn to commit, change and understand the necessity of stopping what we are so used to doing. Until we stop fighting for the rights of the individual and begin to fight for our survival as a planet, our fate is sealed. The only thing that seems to be consistent at is our renewable stupidity, waste and forgetfulness — generation after generation. We must also learn that our most valuable resources today are people such as the visionaries, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and Elon Musk among others; sadly their timeframes are finite and they are not renewable. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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