Bahrain This Month - October 2015

FAMILY MOTORING | AUTUMN/WINTER FASHION | THINK PINK

YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Bin Faqeeh’s Waterbay: A Stellar Oasis of Luxury in Bahrain Bay

Special Report: Germany in Bahrain

Bahrain International Music Festival October 2015 ~ Vol. 19 ~ Issue 10

Arts

Culture

Clubs

Sports

Interviews

Lifestyle

Dining

Nightlife

I N C I N EMAS

JAMES BOND’S CHOICE

OMEGA Boutiques: Moda Mall (Sheraton Complex) Tel: 17537753 • Bahrain City Centre Tel: 17100135

Issue 218

Contents October 2015 HAPPENINGS

Bahrain This Month reviews events happening around town during the month of October 2015.

Think Big, Think Pink:

22

Events around the island for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

24

Game On:

The 2015 IGN Convention featuring cosplay, gaming and more.

22

26

Break a Leg:

News from the Autumn Latin Bootcamp.

28

Musical Extravaganza:

Bahrain International Music Festival programme.

30

Music Festival Returns:

20 tribute acts specially flown in for 16 hours of non-stop music.

32

Debut Art Festival:

The launch of ArtBahrain featuring works from across the Kingdom and international contributions.

30

37

33

Awesome Pawsome Auction:

Animal charity the BSPCA raising cash for furry friends.

34

Strike a Stroke:

2015 Swim Challenge at the Ritz-Carlton.

AFTER DARK HAPPENINGS 36

Back to the Beach:

Pool parties resume at Amwaj Marina with Neonflash.

37

Getting Fiddy With It:

50 Cent’s DJ Whoo Kid heads to Bahrain.

INTERVIEWS

42

44

42

Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay:

Leading property developer Faisal Faqeeh on his latest project which he believes will revolutionise five-star luxury residential accommodation in the Kingdom.

44

Sunset Story:

Presenting photographer Andrew Weaver’s latest book Glow showcasing Bahrain sunsets.

46

48

54 Bystander In this month’s bystander pages we joined the Chinese Ambassador in commemorating the Second World War and attended the US Navy’s Change-of-Command Ceremony on board USS Theodore Roosevelt. Our snappers also went to the Mexican and Malaysian National Day Celebrations and the 70th anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

You’re E-vited!:

Tech-savvy youngsters Ahmed Al Saba, Nazar Abu Baker and Marcel Al Mutawa on their new mobile app.

48

It’s a Biryani Party:

Big-hearted Muhammad Abbas Khan brings a smile to labourers’ faces with his Saturday Biryani Party initiative.

50

Making Sense of Banking:

Dr AbdelGadir Warsama Ghalib tells us about his latest book Banking & Corporate Business Laws.

51

Just Hanging Around:

Christopher Harrison introduces AntiGravity Yoga to the island.

October 2015 7

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Issue 218

Contents October 2015 54

FEATURES Autumn/Winter 2015 Fashion:

We round-up the latest trends and hottest looks for the coming season.

63-70

72

Germany in Bahrain:

A supplement spotlighting the relationship between Germany and the Kingdom.

77

Family Motoring:

A look at the brands and models that are perfect for transporting the whole family from A to B.

LIFESTYLE Motoring

A Gust of Greatness:

72

Charlie Holding takes a spin in the Maserati Ghibli an Italian stallion that appeals to the heart, head and soul.

73

Revamped for Success:

The latest BMW 3 Series.

74

64

96

Back With a Vengeance: 76

2016 JAC J5

Style Meets Safety:

The new Volvo XC90.

Downtime

Gadgets: The newest gizmos in town.

84 Music: Top Tunes.

85 Computer Games: The hot games of the month.

86 Websites: The coolest sites on the web.

87 Apps: Sophisticated new apps.

88 Movies: Fantastic Four 82

Travel

Wonderful Indonesia:

90

Golfing and more with Apple Sharma in Bali.

Italian Dining 93

Viva Italia:

A tour around the island’s finest Italian eateries.

95

102

106

A Delicious Rendezvous:

Nino now offers its selection of fine fare at a new location in Riffa.

96

Dining

Tango of Tastes:

Ankita Mamgain samples a slice of Spain at La Vinoteca Barcelona in Adliya.

98

Meet the Masters:

The men behind the menu at island favourite Little Chef.

102

An Exceptional Meal:

Ankita Mamgain is blown away by the My Café experience.

106

82

84

Aged to Perfection:

Upstairs Downstairs celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Showcase

What’s New: Must-have products 112-150 Marketplace: Latest products and services 152 Business Bites: News from the world of business.

111

Regulars

111

www.bahrainthismonth.com

115

153 WIN WIN 154 Tarotscope 155 AD Index 156 Last Word

October 2015 9

THE TEAM

Bahrain This Month October 2015

Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Email: george@bahrainthismonth.com Editorial Director Liz O’Reilly Editor Charlie Holding Commercial Editor Apple Sharma Assistant Editor Ankita Mamgain Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Romeo San Miguel

Photography Editor Zilia Monteiro Staff Photographers Subeesh Kumar N S, Ranjith Mohan Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa, Tara Vamadeven Pillai

The only Lifestyle Magazine distributed with the GDN

Personnel Manager Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Media Sales Marise Prata Dos Santos, Randa Ghazi Howais Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar 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.

•

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

COVER Cover Picture:

Waterbay

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

1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24

FAMILY MOTORING | AUTUMN/WINTER FASHION | THINK PINK

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Bin Faqeeh’s Waterbay:

Connect with Bahrain This Month:

A Stellar Oasis of Luxury in Bahrain Bay

Special Report: Germany in Bahrain

Bahrain International Music Festival October 2015 ~ Vol. 19 ~ Issue 10

Arts

www.bahrainthismonth.com

George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman

YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

Gulf and international subscriptions available on request.

Bahrain This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide

There is a palpable sense of excitement in the air as we bid farewell to the searing summer sun and make way for autumn, which brings with it new possibilities and a refreshing sense of optimism; until Halloween at least!

Our cover page this month depicts the optimism of local and foreign investors willing to embark on new ventures within the Kingdom’s real estate sector. This month, we talk with Faisal Faqeeh, chairman of Bin Faqeeh Real Estate Investment Company, about his luxurious Waterbay residential complex — a pillar in the multi-million-dinar Bahrain Bay project.

This month’s issue includes our annual review of ‘Germany in Bahrain’. We are proud to introduce the new German ambassador to readers of this special feature and take a closer look at the burgeoning relationship between the two countries, spanning from business to bilateral relations and, of course, with Oktoberfest around the corner, tourism and culture.

We also catch up with one of Bahrain’s most prolific photographers, Andrew Weaver, to talk about his latest publication project.

Our special motoring feature rounds up the latest and greatest familyfriendly models and deals from the Kingdom’s leading dealerships to help you find the perfect vehicle. We also have our regular motoring section, which highlights the new kids on the block.

Meanwhile, to help keep you fashionably informed, BTM takes a closer look at the latest autumn/winter collections from your favourite stores in the kingdom.

As one would expect for this time of the year, our happenings pages are packed full of events taking place around town. We can take in everything from gaming conventions to art exhibitions and the 24th edition of the Bahrain International Music Festival.

So, whatever you choose to do this month, take time to enjoy the great way of life that the Kingdom has to offer.

Culture

Clubs

Sports

Interviews

Lifestyle

Dining

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

Nightlife

October 2015 11

bystander

WWII Commemoration

Yanrong & Souhella

Su & Emilie

Lee & Quan

May & Doris

The Chinese Embassy in Bahrain hosted a solemn reception to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance. The event, which was held at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence & Spa, was attended by government officials, ambassadors, businessmen, embassy staff, VIPs and invited guests.

HE Qi Zhenhong & Jin Qian

Eman, Noor, Tahera & Aljazi

Panos, Eric & Chun

HE Qi Zhenhong, HE Karim Al Shaker & Jin Qian

Khalifa Rumaihi

HE Vagif Garaev

Nilanthini

HE Joonha Yu

HE Essam Awad

HE Dato Shahizan Ahmad, HE Taha Qadir, HE Qi Zhenhong, Jin Qian, Nor Hayati & Rehab

Wang, Minglu & Bo

Mani, Arjen, Lot & Ashley

Sameera Rajab

HE Mohammed Ali Siraj

HE Chilman Arisman

HE Muhammad Khan

HE Roua Al Hayki, HE Qi Zhenhong, Jin Qian & Ibrahim

Wang Jiankang, fourth from left, HE Qi Zhenhong & Jin Qian with students learning Chinese language from the Confucius Institution at University of Bahrain

12 October 2015

Panos

Charlie

Dilshad

Petr

Sandeep

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bystander

Ratnawati & HE Chilman Arisman

Bjarne, Abdulla & Armi

Indonesian Independence Day HE Chilman Arisman, Indonesian Ambassador, and Ratnawati Arisman, hosted a reception to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. The event, which was attended by ministers, VIPs, businessmen and invited guests, was held at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence & Spa. Dignitaries at the cake-cutting

Nault, Virginia & Stephanie

Henry, Ratnawati & Kareena

HE Hassan Qahtani, HE Mohammed Bin Yousif, HE Shaikh Jassem Saud Al Thani, HE Dr Dhafer Alumran & HE Karim Al Shaker

HE Joon ha Yu, Mrs Yu & Vice Adm Kevin Donegan

Raj, HE Alok Kumar & HE Alfonso Ver

Fitria, Anissa, Yeni, Anita, Fenny, Desy, Sisca, Iis, Dewi, Harti, Kristine & Julie

Jawad Al Hawaj, HE Mohammed Bin Yousif, Wajia Baqar & Ahmed Jawahery

Roua & Ibrahim

14 October 2015

Wolfgang & Scott

Sherin, Nasreen & Henrika

The Bahrain Police band

Ryuji & Rudy

HE Muhammed Saeed Khan & Dilshad

Jano & Ibrahim

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Nor Hayati & HE Dato Ahmad

Mexican National Day Members of the Mexican community, ministry officials, ambassadors, VIPs, businessmen and invited guests, gathered to celebrate Mexican National Day in Bahrain at the Art Rotana, Amwaj. The event was under the patronage of HE Arturo Trejo, Mexican Ambassador for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dignitaries cut the cake

Igor & Elena

Rocio, chef Margarita Carrillo & HE Arturo Trejo

Sercey & Youlia

Nahum, Fanny, Fabiola, Chloe & Larissa

Rudy & Misha

Matthew, Gabriella & Araceli

Humbert & Silvia

Daisuke, Yukiko & Canan

Lyn & Shandra

HE DR Dhafer Alumran, HE Arturo Trejo & HE Hassan Al Kabbani

Adrian & Lee

Philip, David, Diana & Andres

Liu & Zhou

Tariq & Mohammed

16 October 2015

Perwin & HE Alfred SimmsProtz

Emily & Isabel

Marco & Lamya

Philip

Leylan & Dogan

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Straight off the runway

Set your eyes on this Fall's hottest trends.

City Centre Bahrain welcomes Fall Fashion with yet another showstopper!

From live shows at the Bahrain Fashion Weekend runway to exclusive beauty inspirations from Maison de Joelle and a chance to drive away the glamorous Lexus RCF, we’ve got the whole month planned out for you.

October 1 - 31 *Terms and conditions apply.

BAHRAIN

UNITED

ARAB

EMIRATES

OMAN

LEBANON

EGYPT

bystander

Malaysian National Day HE Dato Ahmed Shahizan bin Abdul Samad, Malaysian ambassador, hosted a flag raising ceremony at the embassy premises to mark the 58th National Day of Malaysia. The event was attended by dignitaries, embassy staff and invited guests.

Cutting of the cake

Flag raising

HE Dato Ahmed Shahizan & Nor

Nurul & Hasli

Hussain & Mahmood

Khaizul & Suryono

Lee & Eddy

Nor & Sally

Adrian & Nazri

Sameer & Ebrahim

Buddi & Aderin

HE Dato Ahmad

Nurul, Khadeeja & Suria

Johnny & Fathul

Istar & Dato Syed

Shooja, Doris & Sunil

Embassy staff and guests at the event

18 October 2015

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Ita ly, P ug lia .

www. n a t u zzi.com

Natuzzi blends function and design to create spaces of perfect harmony.

Spaces conceived to make us feel good and surround us with beauty.

Puglia is what inspires us and always has: our land, our muse.

Come visit us and create a 3D model of your new living room. We look forward to seeing you.

Natuzzi Store. PHOENICIA DECOR - Seef district - Tel: 17 564444

bystander

HH Shaikh Khalifa bin Rashid Al Khalifa & HH Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa

US Naval Change-ofCommand Ceremony

Ian & Scott

Cutting of the cake

The US Naval Forces Central Command held a Change-of-Command Ceremony aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) at the Khalifa bin Salman Port. The ceremony honoured outgoing Vice Admiral John W. Miller, former commander, US Naval Forces Central Command; US fifth fleet; Combined Maritime Forces, and welcomed Vice Admiral Kevin M. Donegan to the region.

Gen Lloyd Austin & Vice Admiral John Miller

Mamta & HE Alok Kumar Sinha

Jo & Will

Balquees & Khalid Almoayed

Khalifa, Vice Adm Miller, HE Dr Dhafer Alumran & Maj Gen Tariq Al Hassan

Mrs & HE Joon Ha Yu

Helena & Bridget

20 October 2015

James, Debra, Vice Adm Kevin Donegan & Jeremiah

Courtney, Christian & Rebecca

Fatima, Mohammed & Mawahid

HE William Roebuck

Rob, Craig & Kai

Nabeel Ajoor

Mart Pat & Caitlin

Nasser, Vice Adm Miller & Nasreen

HE Bernard RĂŠgnauld-Fabre

HE Kiyoshi Asako & HE Mohammed Ali Siraj

Fahad

Panos & Doris

Carl, Jenny & Steve

HE Alberto Vecchi

Abdulla

HE Shaikh Jassem Al Thani & Jassim Zayani

www.bahrainthismonth.com

OCTOBER THINK BIG, THINK PINK

2015.

When? October 1 Event? Pink Beach Party Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa

HAPPENINGS October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and Bahrain is going all out to spread the word. Helping this cause since 2004 is Think Pink Bahrain, a non-profit organisation, founded

by Julie Sprakel. Over the years, Think Pink has been raising funds towards the national campaign for the early detection of breast disease, which screens residents over the age of 40.

The organisation is dedicated to increasing breast cancer awareness issues, especially early detection, thereby saving lives. Here’s how you can help – mark your diaries and participate in these Think Pink charity events.

Remove your shoes, feel the sand between your toes and relax at the first Pink Beach Party at the Overlook, from 8pm. Enjoy specially crafted pink drinks and a scrumptious buffet as you dance to the beats of the DJ’s latest tunes.

Guests will also have a chance to take away some creations and help raise funds for Think Pink. Tickets cost BD20 net for members and hotel guests and BD25 for nonmembers, inclusive of buffet and selected beverages.

Call 17 586-499 or email rc.bahrz.restaurant.reservation@ ritzcarlton.com

When? October 2 Event? Bike Ride Venue? Harley Davidson, Budaiya Put on your leathers, grab your helmets and ride away for charity. The Annual Harley Davidson Owners Group (HOG) will once again ride this month for breast cancer awareness. Bikers will leave the Budaiya shop/ team house by 8am. All are welcome to come and support the cause.

Visit www.hogbahrainchapter.com

When? November 6 Event? Pink Zumbathon Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa Let your steps make a lasting footprint on a charitable cause. The fourweek long Zumba extravaganza, designed by the Royal Sporting Club for Zumba enthusiasts from around the island, will lead up to the Pink Zumbathon on November 6, from 7pm until 10pm.

Zumbathon is open to members and guests and priced at BD5 net per person.

Call 17 585-512 or email rc.bahrz.events@ritzcarlton.com

When? October 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25 & 28 Event? Zumba Classes Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa Put on your dancing shoes and enrol for the Pink Party Zumba classes, which will be held at the ladies’ gym every Sunday and Wednesday throughout the month, from 7pm to 8pm, in the run up to the Pink

When? October 8 Event? Golf Venue? The Royal Golf Club Tee-off for a good cause and join in celebrating the 10th anniversary for the Think Pink Bahrain golfing events. Participate in either the Ladies Texas Scramble or the Gent’s 9-hole night golf event – open to all levels.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Call the Royal Golf Club on 17 150-777

When? October 21 Event? Abseiling Venue? GIB Building, Manama Push yourself to the limit, conquer some fears and face a real challenge with the GIB abseiling event in support of Think Pink Bahrain. Participants will abseil 170 feet down the Al Dowali (GIB) building. The 50 highest pledges will get the chance to abseil. The minimum age requirement is 21 years. Entrants must seek advice from their doctor in advance if they have any medical conditions or concerns.

Email GIB.thinkipink@gib.com with your pledge, to register.

Zumbathon. This event is for ladies only and open to the public. Royal Sporting Club members and outside guests will be required to make a minimum donation of BD1 per person and all proceeds will go to Think Pink Bahrain in support of breast cancer awareness. Classes are available only during the month of October.

Call 17 585-512 or email rc.bahrz.restaurant.reservation@ritzcarlton.com

Email info@thinkpinkbahrain.com or visit www.thinkpinkbahrain.com or facebook/thinkpinkbahrain for more information.

22 October 2015

www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings

LOCAL ARTISTS IN SPOTLIGHT

When? Ongoing – October 31 Event? Art Exhibition Venue? Malja, Amwaj Islands The local art scene is ablaze this month as 50 Bahrain-based artists’ works are on display all under one roof. The Malja Call Out exhibition is the first open-concept showcase, where an open-call was posted to invite all kinds of creative

GAME ON! When? October 2-3 Event? Gaming Convention Venue? Bahrain International Circuit Bahrain’s biggest and most successful gaming and popculture event, The 2015 IGN Convention, is coming back for the third time. The IGN Convention is Bahrain’s only international convention in the field of gaming, movies, comic books, TV series and pop-culture.

Organised by Tarteeb and IGN Middle East, this year’s convention will feature appearances by international celebrities such as WWE Hall of Famer Booker T; internationally recognised cosplayer and costume maker Riki LeCotey; American voice actor Dave Fennoy (best known for titles such as The Walking Dead, Prototype and The Wolf Among Us) and another American voice actor Adam Harrington, who was the voice for the main character Bigby Wolf in the The Wolf Among Us. Regional

artists to apply and have their work featured in Malja’s gallery space.

The massive exhibition, which was launched last month, is curated by Ramah Al Husseini and the Malja team. It’s showcasing 80 different pieces of artwork by 50 different artists in the Kingdom, including paintings, drawings, installations, photography, writing and short films. The participating artists include Lujayn Hasan, Elias Madan, TMD Junaid, Nariman Hanafi, Fatema Nizar, Patrick Benedictus, Talal Mahmood, MaramJaberi, Tejbir Singh, Nidhin Chandrasekhar, MuizzAlaradi, Fatima Abdulrahim, Weaam Sperinck, Shaima Murad, Jacqueline de Freitas, Safa Al-Sairafi, Ghassan AlHarbi, Ali Barqawi, Sara Sami, Noor Nooruddin and Ramah Alhusseini, to name but a few.

Malja is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 4pm to 10pm.

Visit www.facebook.com/maljabahrain or follow Twitter and Instagram @maljabahrain.

celebrities include Sheyaab, a Kuwaiti entertainment group who were finalists on Arabs Got Talent.

The new and exclusive “Japan Zone” area at the convention will feature companies from Tokyo presenting authentic Japanese products from different industries.

This year’s cosplay competition will see the winner crowned as Bahrain’s King or Queen of Cosplay and they will be flown to Abu Dhabi to compete for the regional title as the best cosplayer.

Apart from interactive activities, the convention will also host various local talent shows. Additionally, it will hold Bahrain’s biggest video games tournament, with exclusive games available for visitors to play and special previews of the hottest new games.

A Nintendo tournament will be introduced for the first time, which will see experienced players competing through the best-selling games featured on the Nintendo consoles with valuable prizes for the deserving winners.

Tickets cost BD7 for a one-day pass (BD8 on the gate) and BD12 for a two-day pass. VIP tickets cost BD50 which includes special fun activities and other exclusive benefits. www.ignconvention.com/bahrain or call 37 730-038.

GET SCHOOL READY!

When? Ongoing – October 3 Event? Education Expo Venue? Sheraton Bahrain Hotel 24 October 2015

This one is for all aspiring students who wish to study in the US – an American scholarship event comes to Bahrain. Take advantage of the best education possible by attending International Student Network’s American Education Expo and learn about the various educational institutes in the US. It offers a great opportunity to speak face-to-face with representatives from American colleges and universities.

The event is being held in

association with the US Embassy, US Department of Commerce and the American Center, and is free to all interested students and their parents. Bring your TOEFL scores, high school transcripts and other documents to get answers regarding admissions, scholarship possibilities (over USD100,000) and extracurricular activities.

The event will take place from 6pm to 9pm.

Visit www.studentlane.com

When? Ongoing – October 1 Event? Gulf Health Care Summit 2015 Venue? The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa E Call 17 365-044 or visit www.gulfhealthcaresummit.com.

When? Ongoing – October 31 Event? Malja Call Out Exhibition Venue? Malja, Amwaj Islands E Follow Facebook: www. facebook.com/malja, Twitter and Instagram: @maljabahrain #bahrainculture #maljabahrain.

When? Ongoing - December 17 Event? Pottery Sessions Venue? Karranah Gardens, Jid Al Haj E Call 32 221-972 or visit www.facebook.com/oarat.ART. When? Ongoing – Throughout the Year Event? Water Sports Activities Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa E Call the Sports Club on 17 586-612 or email rc.bahrz.events@ritzcarlton.com.

When? October 1 Event? Pink Beach Party* (*Part of Think Pink Events) Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa E Call 17 586-499 or email rc.bahrz.restaurant.reservation@ ritzcarlton.com.

When? October 2 Event? Annual Harley Davidson Owners Group (HOG’s) Charity Ride* Venue? Harley Davidson, Budaiya E www.hogbahrainchapter.com.

When? October 2 Event? Beach Volley Tournament Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa Teams of six players will be divided into two groups playing round robin, starting 8am. Top two teams will cross play the semi-final with the runner-ups and the two winners will play the finals.

E Call 17 586-612 or email rc.bahrz.events@ritzcarlton.com.

When? October 2–3 Event? Batelco Gaming League 15 Venue? Vortex Gaming Center, Budaiya Highway, Uptown Village Gamers have been competing in various genres – FIFA15 singles and doubles, Call of Duty Advanced Warfare, DOTA2 and League of Legends, leading up to the grand finale, to be held on October 2-3.

E Call 17 692-322 or visit www. gamingleague.me/registration.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Hatun Demirer, Turkish Ambassador, hosted a reception on Turkish Reception HE board the TCG Gemlik, at the Mina Salman Port.

HE William Roebuck, Vice-Admiral John Miller, HE Dr Dhafer Alumran, HE Abdul Redha Al Khoury, HE Hatun Demirer & Mohammed Kooheji

HE Mohammed Ali Siraj, Vicky & Jano

Khalifa Rumaihi, HE Hatun Demirer, Canan & Ozgur

www.bahrainthismonth.com

HE Alfonso Ver, Ito, HE Alok Kumar Sinha & HE Kiyoshi Asako

Rizer, Mohammed & Mohammed Kooheji

Tariq, Attique, Hatim, Jim & Nazao

Zeynep, Emre, Yunus & Ayhan

Nawaf & Sebahat

October 2015 25

happenings

HOUSING IN FOCUS When? October 6-8 Event? Housing Conference and Exhibition Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre

One of the leading free-to-attend exhibitions and conference shows for professionals involved in the provision of social housing will be held this month. Bahrain Housing Conference and Exhibition 2015 will bring together over 5,000 housing professionals and more than 100 exhibitors on one platform.

The expo not only hosts the top decision-makers in the field of design, construction, maintenance and housing management but also creates opportunities for visitors to witness and experience the latest equipment, machinery, construction innovations, interior designs and property developers. It showcases the latest products, technologies, innovations and services in the housing and regeneration sector with many dedicated features and expert seminars running throughout the show.

The exhibition and seminars deliver practical and applied information across three days, focusing on key issues for and by housing professionals. Each seminar is structured to provide key learning points, supported by case studies, analysis and examples of best practice by industry leading organisations.

Visit www.bahrainhousingexpo.com for more information.

SPORTY ART

When? October 7 - November 30 Event? Drawing Exhibition Venue? InTouch Gallery Sports will be the focus of an illustrated drawing exhibition to be held this month launching on October 7 at 7pm at the InTouch Gallery, located within the InTouch Integrated Chiropractic Spine Center.

The display, ‘Sporting Lines’, will showcase a selection of illustrated artworks by Tejbir Singh that depict lively sports action scenes. These are created with pen, ink and pastels and are all hand drawn. Being a sports lover, Tejbir could not resist the temptation of doing a series of drawings from sports practised and played in Bahrain as well as some international games. These drawings show specific action shots from activities such as football, basketball, volleyball, handball, tennis, cricket, hockey, ice hockey, Thai boxing, horse riding and more.

Tejbir, an architect by profession, has been drawing since a very young age and has focused mostly on depicting historical buildings/houses and cultural sites in Bahrain.

Lately he has decided to explore figural studies, specifically with sports action imagery. These images fit well with InTouch due to the nature of the Clinic and its focus on sports therapy and rehabilitation.

Call InTouch on 17 690-100 for more information.

BREAK A LEG

When? October 8-11 Event? Latin Dance Venue? Le Meridien City Centre Bahrain 26 October 2015

It’s time to dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to salsa. Learn hot new moves from superb skilled artists as they come to the Gulf region for the very first time. The first session of Autumn Latin Bootcamp, brought to you exclusively by Jaff Fit, will be held from October 8 to 11 and promises three fun-filled days of energetic classes, outstanding shows and sensational parties. The event will feature international and local artists from Italy, Romania, Morocco, UK, France, Russia, Kuwait, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Bahrain. The dance workshops will be held from October 9 to 11, 10am to 5pm including lunch

break, under the guidance of famous artists who will teach and perform on stage. The biggest stars are Johnny Vazquez with Ana Zidaru and Tarek with Debbie from African Jet. Tickets are priced at BD45 until October 7 and will be BD50 at the door on October 8. Prices include three days workshops, shows and parties.

One day tickets cost BD25. The prebootcamp party will be held on October 8 and closing party on Oct 11.

Tickets for the party only cost BD10 per person.

Visit Facebook page Autumn Latin Boot Camp 2015 - ALBC Bahrain or call 33 110-266 for more information.

When? October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Event? Kids Movie Under the Stars Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa Enjoy an evening with your children in the astonishing outdoor scenery as the hotel hosts Kids Movie Under the Stars, every Friday, at 6pm.

E Call 17 586-499 or email rc.bahrz.restaurant. reservation@ritzcarlton.com.

When? October 3 Event? American Education Expo Venue? Sheraton Bahrain Hotel E Visit www.studentlane.com.

When? October 3 Event? Italian Cooking Classes Venue? Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Learn how to make authentic Italian cuisine with chef Stefano Tansini at Fiamma Restaurant, 10am-noon. BD18 net per person inclusive of lunch and soft drinks.

E Call 17 636-363.

When? October 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25 & 28 Event? Pink Party Zumba Classes* Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa E Call 17 585-512 or email rc.bahrz.restaurant. reservation@ritzcarlton.com.

When? October 6 Event? BBBF “Business Networking” Lunch Meeting Venue? The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa The event will host HE Zayed AlZayani, Minister of Industry and Commerce as VIP guest of honour and keynote speaker.

Registration from 11.45am to 12.45pm.

E Email the BBBF office on bbbfevents@batelco.com.bh.

When? October 6-8 Event? Bahrain Housing Conference and Exhibition 2015 Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre (BIECC) E Visit www. bahrainhousingexpo.com.

When? October 7 - November 30 Event? Sporting Lines Exhibition Venue? InTouch Gallery E Call InTouch on 17 690-100.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings

MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA When? October 8–19 Music Festival Venue? Bahrain National Theatre, Cultural Hall

When? October 8 Event? Golfing Event* Venue? The Royal Golf Club E Call the Royal Golf Club on 17 150-777.

A hugely popular musical extravaganza will get underway this month as Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) presents the 24th edition of the Bahrain International Music Festival.

When? October 8-9 Event? Anna Karenina by Eifman Ballet**(Part of Bahrain International Music Festival) Venue? Bahrain National Theatre E Call 80 008-089, 17 569-104 or visit www.culture.gov.bh.

An annual landmark event that occurs every autumn, Bahrain International Music Festival will bring together acclaimed talents from around world, attracting music and art aficionados from Bahrain and abroad. The festival presents a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and genres from the Arab world and beyond, featuring a diverse musical showcase, including classic orchestral compositions, ballet and opera productions, Arabic tarab music, family-oriented theatrical shows and more.

When? October 8-11 Event? Autumn Latin Bootcamp Venue? Le Meridien City Centre Bahrain E Visit Facebook page Autumn Latin Boot Camp 2015 - ALBC Bahrain or call 33 110-266.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE When? October 8-9 Event? Anna Karenina by Eifman Ballet, 8pm.

Venue? Bahrain National Theatre Led by its artistic director, Boris Eifman, the acclaimed Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg, Russia, performs a masterful adaptation of Anna Karenina, one of the bestknown works of the great Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy.

Minimum age requirement is 12 years and tickets are available at Virgin Megastore in City Centre Bahrain.

When? October 11 Event? Mexico Sings to the World, 8pm.

Venue? Cultural Hall Get immersed in the splendour of Mexico’s culture and art, expressed through operatic arias and authentically Mexican songs beautifully performed by a trio of internationally-acclaimed artists: mezzo-soprano Encarnación Vazquez, tenor Jose Luis Ordóñez and pianist Rodolfo Ritter. Minimum age requirement is eight years and admission is free.

When? October 15 Event? Barbara and Fairuz by Dorsaf Hamdani, 8pm.

Venue? Cultural Hall A meeting of contrasting yet similar worlds; a conversation between enduring classics by two legends who never met, French singer Barbara and Lebanese diva Fairuz, stunningly rendered by renowned Tunisian singer Dorsaf Hamdani and French composer and musician Daniel Mille. Minimum age requirement is eight years and admission is free.

When? October 10 Event? Wasla by National Music Ensemble, 8pm.

Venue? Cultural Hall The National Music Ensemble of Tunis presents “Wasla” (link) - a delightful artistic journey of compositions and songs, showcasing the numerous eclectic styles and genres that collectively comprise the vast and rich heritage of traditional Tunisian music. Minimum age requirement is eight years and admission is free.

When? October 12 Event? Fantastic Creatures by Alasdair Malloy, 6pm.

Venue? Cultural Hall Bring your wizards robes and hat, hop onto your broomstick and attend this extraordinary family-friendly class in ‘Magizoology’ by Hogwarts Academy’s visiting professor Alasdair Malloy. He will be joined on the stage by the fantastical Sinfonia Viva, with the concert featuring magical beasts and music from the much-loved family favourites and an exciting Disney music quiz! Minimum age requirement is six years and admission is free.

When? October 19 Event? Arabic Music Heritage Concert by Bahrain Music Band, 8pm.

Venue? Cultural Hall Since its establishment in 1996, the Bahrain Music Band has been the Kingdom’s musical ambassador in celebrations and events locally and abroad. It also serves as a platform for Bahraini composers to perform their works. Minimum age requirement is eight years and admission is free.

Call 80 008-089, 17 569-104 or visit www.culture.gov.bh for more information.

28 October 2015

When? October 9 Event? Trib Fest - Music Festival Venue? The Bahrain Rugby Football Club E Call 39 429-935.

When? October 9 Event? ‘Create Beautiful Things’ Art Upcycling Exhibition Venue? Amwaj Marina E Email createbt@gmail.com.

When? October 9 Event? Aquathlon Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa E Call 17 586-612 or email rc. bahrz.events@ritzcarlton.com.

When? October 9-10 Event? ‘Ayurveda for Life’ Workshop Venue? Barbar E Visit the Facebook event page ‘Ayurveda for life - a weekend workshop’.

When? October 10 Event? Wasla by National Music Ensemble** Venue? Cultural Hall E Call 80 008-089, 17 569-104 or visit www.culture.gov.bh.

When? October 10 Event? Seafood Cooking Classes Venue? Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Get a first-hand experience in creating French cuisine, 10am-noon. BD18 net per person inclusive of lunch and soft drinks.

E Call 17 636-363.

When? October 11 Event? Mexico Sings to the World Venue? Cultural Hall E Call 80 008-089, 17 569-104 www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Alok Kumar Sinha, Indian Ambassador & commanding officers of the INS Deepak and Indian Ship Reception HE Tabar, hosted a reception onboard the Indian Naval Ship Tabar at Port Mina Salman.

Mohammed Dadabhai, Abdul Nabi Sho’ala, Ashuthosh Ridhorkar, Sujit Kumar Chhetri, HH Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa, HE Alok Kumar Sinha, HE Dr Dhafer Alumran, HE Ahmed Khattabi & HE Taha Qadir

Ranju, Anjali, Madhu & Mamta

Juzer & Mohammed

Nesan, Nilanthini & HE Dato Ahmad Shahizan

Raj & Mualim

HE Karim Al Shaker

NOW OPEN IN SAAR AVE. HAWAII OPP. SAAR CINEMA COSTA RICA INDONESIA www.bahrainthismonth.com

BRAZIL ETHIOPIA INDIA

Ahmed & Bob

COLOMBIA GUATEMALA KENYA

Mamta & HE Alok Kumar Sinha

Vijay, Rajneesh & Amitabh

Jehangir, Navaz & Clifford

17214155 October 2015 29

happenings

POPULAR MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS When? October 9

Event? Music Festival

Venue? The Bahrain Rugby Football Club Following the success of its first festival earlier this spring, the open-air, family-friendly music event, Trib Fest returns to the island. The festival will be held at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club and feature more than 20 tribute acts from the UK to perform the hits of The Rolling Stones, Pink, Rod Stewart, Oasis, Taylor Swift and many more. The event will offer three stages to provide 16 hours of live entertainment with a new and improved food court.

Don’t miss out on this fun-filled family day out, which runs from 10am to 2am.

Tickets are priced at BD15 for adults and BD7 for children 12 and under and can be purchased from the Bahrain Rugby Football Club or online at www.tribfestbh.com.

Call 39 429-935 for more information.

UPCYCLING ART When? October 9 Event? Art Exhibition Venue? Amwaj Marina Raise funds for a charitable cause and take home a beautiful piece of art as Coca-Cola embarks on an initiative ‘Create Beautiful Things’, an art upcycling exhibition. The company has collaborated with eight leading artists in Bahrain who have used their skills to create innovative objects d’art with items ranging from home décor to fashion accessories and stationery products.

Artists involved in the project include Bahraini upcycle designer Salah Bushehri; the renowned Ella Prakash, who has exhibited in London; eco-conscious Vrushali as well as Taiba Faraj Ebrahim and Ramah Al-Hussieni and passionate upcyclers Noof Alrefaei and Nawaf Al Malood.

Additionally, Leyla Jassim an ophthalmologist who enjoys making upcycled dresses out of unconventional materials is also participating by donating four upcycled dresses.

Verandah Cafe, well-known for its passion for recycling, is also contributing along with Hempel Paints which is providing environmentally-friendly paints.

This is a great opportunity for artists to showcase their skills and sell their upcycled items. Coca-Cola aims to

raise funds through this art initiative to help make dreams come true for children affected by terminal illnesses, with all sale proceeds donated to the Dreams Society.

The initiative celebrates the art of upcycling with many pieces created from second-hand or waste materials and eco-friendly paints. Some artists will also conduct live workshops on upcycling, helping visitors to create their own items for charity.

Coca-Cola is also calling out to all artists in Bahrain to create more upcycled art for display at the exhibition.

Artists are encouraged to donate paintings or creative work which will help raise funds through an auction. The exhibition is free to all artists across the Kingdom.

Email createbt@gmail.com for participation and more information.

SWIM AND RUN!

When? October 9 Event? Aquathlon Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa 30 October 2015

If you are passionate about swimming and running, then get ready to take part in the 8th Aquathlon race on October 9 at the hotel’s Croquet Lawn, from 8am onwards. You can compete as a single participant or with a partner as the hotel’s expert team guides you through a 1km swim and 6km run around the beautiful lagoon.

Early registration until October 8 is priced at BD12 net for members, BD6 net for members’ kids and BD15 net for nonmembers. Prices include T-shirts, healthy buffet, refreshments and prizes.

Call 17 586-612 or email rc.bahrz.events@ritzcarlton.com

When? October 12 Event? Fantastic Creatures by Alasdair Malloy**, 6pm.

Venue? Cultural Hall E Call 80 008-089, 17 569-104 or visit www.culture.gov.bh.

When? October 13 Event? Bahrain Writers› Circle Monthly Meeting Venue? Coral Bay Get together for a literary evening and meet like-minded people, monthly meetings at 7.30pm.

E Call 39 207-624.

When? October 14 Event? Bahrain Writers› Poetry Circle Meeting Venue? Coral Bay Enjoy an evening discussing poetry with fellow enthusiasts at Coral Bay, 7.30pm.

E Call 39 207-624.

When? October 15 Event? Barbara and Fairuz by Dorsaf Hamdani**, 8pm.

Venue? Cultural Hall E Call 80 008-089, 17 569-104 or visit www.culture.gov.bh.

When? October 15 Event? US Educational Group University Fair Venue? Sheraton Bahrain Hotel All international undergraduate and graduate students are invited to learn about the academic Bachelor and Master’s programmes at Woodbury University in Burbank - US. Timings: 6pm to 9pm.

E Email ashraf.zawaideh@ woodbury.edu When? October 15 Event? Dandiya Beats Venue? The Crowne Plaza Hotel A lively folk dance event organised by the Indian Ladies Association,featuring ehtnic cotumes and various competitions. Entry is BD4 per head. Profits go to charity.

E Call 39 227-567, 38872702, 33 311-964 or 3965-0314.

When? October 17 Event? Vietnamese Cooking Classes Venue? Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Create delicious Vietnamese cuisine, 10am-noon. BD18 net per person inclusive of lunch and soft drinks.

E Call 17 636-363. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Feel the change

email: ramada@ramadabahrain.com www.ramadabahrain.com

happenings

PRACTICE SELF-HEALING When? October 9-10

Event? Ayurvedic Workshop

Venue? Barbar

Gain a fascinating insight into the unique science of self healing with ‘Ayurveda for Life’ a weekend workshop hosted by Maria Kimsey and Tracey Burrows.

Ayurveda covers all aspects of health and well being – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual, it includes all methods of healing from diet, herbs, exercise and lifestyle regimens to yogic practices and meditation. Learn how to recognise the signs of imbalance in the mind and body and how to restore equilibrium using plants, herbs, treatments, nutrition, yoga and meditation. There will be live cookery demonstrations and recipes to take away and try at home. A light lunch will be provided on both days.

The workshop will be held from 11am to 2pm on both days and costs BD20 for Friday only and BD35 for both days.

Visit the Facebook event page ‘Ayurveda for life - a weekend workshop’ for more information.

DEBUT ART FESTIVAL

Local artists will take centre stage at the first edition of ArtBahrain 2015. The exhibition will be held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Shaikha Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King of Bahrain and President of the Supreme Council for Women, from October 13 to 16 in a specially constructed marquee at Bahrain Bay (close to the Four Seasons) from 11am to 7pm.

The event aims to further enhance the art scene in Bahrain and will feature works of acclaimed international artists and their Bahraini peers.

ArtBahrain aims to be a meeting place for artists, gallerists, cognoscenti and art lovers from around the world to share ideas and inspiration. The Bahrain Arts Society will be participating in the exhibition to showcase the works of some of the biggest names in the Kingdom’s art scene. Other top participating Bahraini art galleries include Al Riwaq, Hend Gallery, Busaad Art Gallery, Art Divano and Amina Gallery. The event will also feature local artists including Jamal Abdul Rahim, Fayeeka Al Hassan, Shaikha Marwa Bint Rashid Al Khalifa, Shaikha Lulwa Bint

OWN YOUR DREAM PROPERTY

32 October 2015

When? October 19 Event? Arabic Music Heritage Concert

by Bahrain Music Band**, 8pm.

Venue? Cultural Hall E Call 80 008-089, 17 569-104 or visit www.culture.gov.bh.

When? October 20 Event? Bahrain Writers Creative Workshop Venue? Coral Bay Hone your creative writing skills with a workshop at Coral Bay, 7.30pm.

E Call 39 207-624.

When? October 21 Event? Abseiling* Venue? GIB Building, Manama E Email GIB.thinkipink@gib.com with your pledge, to register.

When? October 13-16 Event? ArtBahrain 2015 Venue? Bahrain Bay

When? October 15-17 Event? Property Show Venue? The Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre (BIECC)

When? October 17 Event? BSPCA Charity Auction Venue? Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain E Call 33 121-769.

When? October 26, October 31 Event? Crystal Healing Workshops Venue? Grande Elite Hotel, Seef District E Call 17 594-575 or email info@conscious-connections. com.

Abdulaziz Al Khalifa, Uzma Dadabhai, Fuad Al Binfalah and Mariam Fakhro.

A series of interactive workshops and forums will be conducted by experts to encourage new collectors and the next generation of artists. Art investors of various backgrounds will share their first-hand experiences.

Visitors will also enjoy the first ever Art Lounge at an art fair – an interactive platform, both social and cultural, encompassing a bookshop, an art supplies store and an artists’ working arena.

As part of the ArtBahrain project a book will be launched especially for the event.

Visit www.art-bahrain.com for more information.

The Property Show returns for the second time to Bahrain. The event is the biggest Indian property show in the Kingdom and will be held under the patronage of HE Zayed R Alzayani, Minister of Industry and Commerce, at BIECC from October 15 to 17.

The show will not only feature 110+ leading exhibitors from across India, showcasing exclusive and affordable properties, but also networking

sessions with a number of highly active groups, high-net-worth individuals and financial institutions.

The objectives of the show are to project the vibrant Indian real estate world to expatriates and regional investors as well as to provide investment opportunities for Indians living in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

It opens from 9am to 9pm.

Call 35 932-175 or visit www. thepropertyshow.org

When? October 29 Event? Corporate Culture Change Leadership Workshop Venue? The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa E Call 17 744-898 or email info@expressionsbahrain.com.

When? October 30 Event? Intuition and Psychic Insight Workshop Venue? Grande Elite Hotel, Seef District E Call 17 594-575 or email info@conscious-connections. com.

When? October 30 Event? 2015 Swim Challenge Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa E Call 17 586-612 or email rc. bahrz.events@ritzcarlton.com.

When? November 6 Event? Poppy Ball Venue? Crowne Plaza Hotel, Bahrain E Call the BBBF office on 17 813-488 or email bbbfevents@batelco.com.bh.

When? November 6 Event? Pink Zumbathon* Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa E Call 17 585-512 or email rc. bahrz.events@ritzcarlton.com. www.bahrainthismonth.com

AWESOME PAWSOME AUCTION It’s time to dig into your pockets and give back to your furry friends. Enjoy an afternoon of fun and laughter as the BSPCA holds a repeat of last year’s very successful auction and brunch on October 17 at the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain. The event will feature a fantastic international brunch with live cooking stations, vino and hops as well as fabulous entertainment with an appearance by Anna Thompson-Hall plus famous ditties performed by “men from the BSPCA”. Kids’ entertainment includes face painting and a balloon man.

The live and silent auction will have lots of wonderful items to bid for and will also have a lucky dip, new this year, with brunches, meals and other exciting prizes to be won.

Entry is by ticket only and costs BD20 per person, including beverages, BD10 for kids under 12 and free for children under six.

Doors open at 11.30am and the auction starts at 1.30pm, with the event finishing at 3.30pm.

Tickets are available at the Thrift Shop, the Mövenpick Hotel and The British Club. All proceeds go to the cat house extension project.

Call 33 121-769 for more information.

When? October 17 Event? Charity Auction Venue? Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain

CRYSTAL HEALING When? October 26, 31 Event? Crystal Healing Workshops Venue? Elite Grande Hotel, Seef District Join two practical learning and deep healing workshops with Julie Lomas. The first workshop, ‘Cutting Through and Healing Emotional Pain with Malachite Crystal’ will be held on October 26 and involve how to use malachite to aid emotional healing and transition. The workshop will entail: discussing why we hold emotional pain; suggestions of how to move through and heal it; understanding why the body’s energy centres need to be balanced to do this; practical demonstration; meditation and more. It runs from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and costs BD45, inclusive of light refreshments.

Early bird discount is BD35, paid in full by October 10.

Reservations are essential.

The second workshop, ‘Clear Quartz the Master Crystal –

For Health, Wellbeing and Divination’, will be held on October 31 and involve learning and understanding of the master crystal, its various types, shapes and usage in healing and Feng Shui. Advocates claim that using a clear quartz can balance and heal the body and the chakra system, clear the aura. The course will cover techniques such as meditation and how to use and look into a crystal ball for divination.

The workshop runs from 10.30am to 4.30pm and costs BD105, inclusive of refreshments, lunch and handouts. Early bird discount is BD75, paid in full by October 15.

Reservations, registration and payment can be made at 8 Mansions, Country Mall, Budaiya. Open daily except Friday 11am to 7pm.

Call 17 594-575 or email info@conscious-connections. com for more information.

CHANGING CORPORATE CULTURE Arthur Carmazzi

When? October 29 Event? Leadership Workshop Venue? The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa www.bahrainthismonth.com

Learn how to be a good change leader from one of the Global Top 10 most influential leadership gurus, Arthur Carmazzi, who will be visiting Bahrain to conduct a workshop titled ‘Corporate Culture Change - Leading a High Performance Organisation’.

Arthur Carmazzi has 21 years of experience specialising in psychological approaches to leadership and corporate culture transformation and has authored many best-selling books on leadership and management.

Participants will learn skills and processes one needs to implement lasting organisational change. The workshop objectives are to learn the strategies to influence a sustainable high performance organisational culture; manage high performance meetings to implement your organisational goals; understand and apply

proven culture change processes; maintain high positive energy at work and home and mastering the psychology of time and how to utilise it.

This one-day interactive and intensive workshop aims to teach participants the process to lead and change their organisation towards higher performance in a fun-filled environment.

The workshop costs BD320 per participant which includes attending all sessions, copies of event material and handouts, coffee breaks and lunch as well as Certificate of Attendance from American Institute of Business Psychology. Special rates for groups of five and above are available. Settle fees before October 15 to confirm registration.

Call 17 744-898 or email info@ expressionsbahrain.com for more information.

October 2015 33

happenings

FOLLOW YOUR GUT When? October 30 Event? Psychic Power Workshop Venue? Elite Grande Hotel, Seef District

Learn how to develop your gut instincts with ‘Developing Intuition, Perception and Psychic Insight’ a workshop with Julie Lomas. This is a practical, hands-on and fun workshop that discusses intuition/perception/psychic abilities and differentiates between them as well as the

difference between clairaudience and clairvoyance. Learn practical ways to develop your intuition and perceptive psychic ability and start to trust it as well as how to use certain crystals to enhance your ability. This workshop will also include meditation to still the mind and listen in.

The event will be held from 2pm to 5.15pm and costs BD60, inclusive of light refreshments. Early bird discount is BD45, paid in full by October 15.

Reservations, registration and payment can be made at 8 Mansions, Country Mall, Budaiya.

Open daily except Friday 11am to 7pm.

Call 17 594-575 or email info@consciousconnections.com for more information.

MAKE A SPLASH AT SWIM CHALLENGE When? October 30 Event? Swim Challenge Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa Get ready for a special event that will test your swimming skills. The 2015 Swim Challenge will be held on October 30, at the hotel’s beach, from 8am and is open for swimming experts of all ages, testing their limits.

Early registration until October 29 is priced at BD12 net for members, BD6 net for members’ kids and BD15 net for non-members. Prices include T-shirts, barbecue buffet, refreshments and prizes.

Call 17 586-612 for more information.

LEST WE FORGET When? November 6 Event? Poppy Ball Venue? Crowne Plaza Hotel, Bahrain

34 October 2015

The Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF), in conjunction with the British Business Association (BBA), will be presenting its annual Poppy Ball early next month.

The event will be held on November 6 and will feature three Chelsea Pensioners from London as VIP guests. These special guests are in Bahrain to visit schools and businesses, attend the Armistice Day ceremony at the Christian cemetery in Manama and attend the Poppy Ball. The gala evening will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Bahrain and will start with a welcome reception from 7-8pm, followed by a dinner buffet and live entertainment by a DJ to dance the night away from 9.30pm until late. Dress code for ladies is evening/cocktail dress and for gents is black tie or national dress.

The Poppy Ball aims to raise funds for

charities, which this year include The Chelsea Pensioners & Poppy Scotland Appeal and The Mother and Child Welfare – Bahrain.

Tickets are priced at BD30 per person for members and non-members. They can be purchased from October 1 from The British Club reception (17 728-245), Sunday to Saturday, 9am to 9pm (cash or cheque made payable to Bahrain British Business Forum); The Bookcase in Budaiya (17 6905-66), weekdays from 9am to 8pm and weekends from 10am to 6pm (cash); and the Bahrain Rugby Football Club in Saar, main reception from 9am to 9pm.

Those interested in sponsoring the event or donating a raffle prize should contact the BBBF office.

Call the BBBF office on 17 813-488 or email bbbfevents@batelco.com.bh to reserve a table and for more information. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony of the third RCO Summer Camp for orphans under the care of the Royal Charity Organisation was held at the Lulu Hypermarket, HIdd. Participants with Lulu Hypermarket and RCO officials

Khalim, Sami & Dr Mustafa

Amani & Sawsan

Tel: 17727177/39451485 Email: canonsales@intercol.com

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Hassan, Shans & Hawra

Maria & Wafa

Follow us on

intercolcanon @canon_Intercol

October 2015 35

afterdark happenings

OOMPAH

SAXY SOUNDS When? October 1 Event? Festival Venue? The Gulf Hotel Annual German Oktoberfest.

E Call 17 713-000.

When? October 1 Event? Music Performance Venue? Elements Pool & Lounge David August and DJ Yoko O play.

E Call 17 227-777.

When? October 1 Event? Oktoberfest Venue? Gulf Hotel Inspired by the famous German hops festival of the same name, the annual knees-up returns to the Gulf Hotel with the much-loved Lasterbacher Musikanten Band. Doors open at 7.30pm and the performance gets underway at 8.30pm and the evening offers the chance to try a range of different German brews and foods in a party atmosphere.

Tickets cost BD24.500++.

Call 17 713-000.

BACK TO THE BEACH

When? October 8 Event? Music Performance Venue? Meisei Saxophonist Aneta Moran is able to improvise on a variety of tracks and has made a huge impact on the Irish house music scene in recent years. The high energy and soulful style Aneta brings to the table will be paired with the talents of DJ Salime who will be playing the very best in jazzy, deep, dirty and upfront house. Entry is free, performance starts 9.30pm, restaurant hours as normal.

Call 17 007-770.

MUSICAL TREAT

When? October 2 Event? Beach Party Venue? Amwaj Marina DJ Nakadia at Neonflash party night.

E Call 33 474-785.

When? October 8 Event? Music Performance Venue? Meisei Saxophonist Aneta Moran alongside house DJ. E Call 17 007-770.

When? October 8 Event? DJ Performances Venue? Café Amsterdam Various DJs hit the decks.

E Call 17 007-404.

When? October 16 Event? DJ Appearance Venue? Cavallo Club DJ Whoo Kid plays with resident spinners.

E Call 35 181-111.

When? October 2 Event? Neonflash Beach Party Venue? Amwaj Marina Bringing together the best in local DJ talent including Ali Bakhtiar, Sami Dee and VJMP3, this event welcomes international player DJ Nakadia, a veteran of clubs such as Watergate, Berlin, and The Egg, London. This young Thai girl has gone from a childhood in a rural village with no running water to being part of the ANTS colony, which is responsible for some of Ibiza’s foremost music events. With a huge portion of raw talent, fearless mixing but most of all her incredible energy, she turns every doubter into a Nakadia-lover. Her success is purely self-made, based on the results she delivers both in the DJ booth and in the studio. Expect her to set the beach on fire alongside an array of stunning special effects. Tickets are BD7 in advance on www.togetherinbahrain.com.

Call 33 474-785.

36 October 2015

When? October 1 Event? Music Performance Venue? Elements Pool & Lounge Presented by Soundscapes it’s a night not to miss when a world-class musician pulls an almost secret gig (it hadn’t been officially announced as we went to press).

Catch German electronic maestro David August live at the InterContinental Regency supported by French DJ Yoko O, one of the biggest names in Brisbane’s underground house scene.

David August is most likely the only artist to be invited to join Steinway & Sons Piano’s prestigious artist programme and to have delivered one of the most discussed and critically acclaimed sets for Berlin’s edgy underground party series, the Boiler Room. Gravitating towards both the classical and electronic side, August manages to navigate an unusually vast spectrum of music which means Bahrain music lovers are in for a night to remember. Admission: BD 15.

Call 17 227-777.

When? October 16 Event? Twilight Halloween Party Venue? Dublin Club First Halloween party.

E Call 39 610-405.

When? October 29 Event? Musical Performance Venue? Meisei Violinist Rosie Langley alongside resident DJ. E Call 17 007-770.

When? October 29 Event? Death Proof Halloween Venue? Club Buffalo Fancy dress fun and unlimited drinks for BD20.

E Call 39 508-403.

When? October 29-31 Event? Creepy Carnival Venue? Harvesters, Crowne Plaza Dig out your eeriest costume and celebrate a weekend of carnival creepiness, with circus sideshow-themed Halloween party. Entry is free.

E Call 17 531-122. www.bahrainthismonth.com

RETURN OF TRANCE

GETTING FIDDY WITH IT When? October 30 Event? DJ Appearance Venue? Cavallo Club Tunes from Chris Brown’s DJ. E Call 35 181-111.

When? October 8 Event? DJ Performances Venue? Café Amsterdam

When? October 16 Event? DJ Appearance Venue? Cavallo Club

After a break over the summer, Waveform is back and this time they’re going back to where trance started.. Amsterdam!

Lisa Rippin will be making her Waveform debut starting the night off with a warm-up set at 8pm. She’s followed by Andy Collins and Ramy with a B2B special set.

Moody & Zahran Baxxter will then pump it up, going off their usual style and playing the latest in progressive. Then Ramy will be taking over. Not only it is his Waveform debut, he will also be celebrating his birthday!

Finally, Andy Collins will be finishing the night off with a set of crowd-pleasing favourites.

The event will be streaming live on Periscope and entry is free for those on the guest list, save your place by clicking ‘going’ on the Facebook page.

Call 17 007-404.

Less than three months since it opened and Cavallo Club, at the Atiram Premier Hotel, is making a name for itself for featuring big acts. None more so than DJ Whoo Kid, one of the official spinners for megastar 50 Cent and one of the earliest members of G Unit. The hip hop DJ has made mix tapes with some huge names and some of the best in the business, he also hosts a radio show and performs regularly all around the world. He’ll be ably supported on the night by resident DJs Kartoon and Mr Plz Believe It. Entry is BD5.

Call 35 181-111.

BROWN’S MAN IN TOWN

When? October 30 Event? Halloween Party Venue? Klub 360 Expect special drinks promotions, spooky music and sophisticated fancy dress as one of Juffair’s favourite clubs celebrates the scariest night of the year.

E Call 17 360-300.

When? October 30 Event? Halloween Party Venue? Bushido Pirate-themed Halloween bash from the Japanese giant.

E call 17 583-555.

INSPIRATIONAL IMPROVISATION When? October 29 Event? Musical Performance Venue? Meisei Rosie Langley is a classically trained violinist with a reputation for invigorating performances around the world; with a great passion for improvisation, her musical styles span from folk and country all the way to contemporary and rock. Rosie will be improvising alongside the resident Meisei DJ, offering a unique and rich sound for your Halloween evening.

When? October 30 Event? Halloween Beach Party Venue? Sofitel Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Dress to impress, the scarier, the better as Sofitel hosts its third beach party for Halloween! Enjoy selected beverages as you dance to local favourites followed by international DJ Oliver Shine who electrifies the crowds with his thrilling beats. Tickets BD38 including five drinks and food from the grill.

E Call 17 636-363.

When? October 30 Event? DJ Appearance Venue? Cavallo Club Another big name for Cavallo Club in the shape of Andrew Bisnaught, better known by his stage name DJ Babey Drew, an American DJ, record producer, radio personality and actor who is personal DJ for hellraiser Chris Brown.

The night will have a Halloween feel with prizes for the best costume and entry is BD20 including unlimited selected beverages.

Call 35 181-111.

When? Mondays & Wednesdays Event? Drinks Promotion Venue? Tapas Check out Bartini Monday (and Wednesday) with creative martinis from the expert bar tenders at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. E Call 17 636-363.

When? Thursday-Saturday Event? Mega Nights Venue? Tapas Sofitel has launched the second of its new promotions with 15 per cent off mega cocktails from Thursday to Saturday.

E Call 17 636-363.

HALLOWEEN HORROR When? October 30 Event? Halloween Party Venue? Bushido

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Ahoy, me hearties! This Halloween, the haunted pirate ship, the Black Pearl sets sail from Bushido Lounge, creaking through the waves of the deep moonlit ocean.

Join the motley crew as they voyage across the seven seas for a night of ghostly pirate shenanigans.

Resident DJ Albert-L will be playing a selection of popular shanties to get those sea legs dancing and there’ll also be a fireshow. Entrance is free and fancy dress in strongly encouraged.

Call 17 583-555.

October 2015 37

bystander

Jafaar & Nizar

Faisal Faqeeh, Gagan Suri & Mrs Suri

WaterBay Launch Bin Faqeeh Real Estate Investment Company launched the WaterBay residential complex project at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Hisham Al Raee, Dr Fuad, Dr Ahmed Jawahery, Faisal Faqeeh & Waleed Safi

Abdul Ghaffar Kooheji, Elias & Hisham Alrayes

Adel Bukhowa & Aaref Hejres

38 October 2015

Ziad Janahi & Dawn

Mohammed Araiqat, Mahmood Faqeeh & Mazen Araiqat

Faten Faqeeh, Mariam Al Kooheji & Dr Samah Al Barghouthi

Moaz, Cyrine, Nadia Bouslama, Mounir & Sameh

Osama Al Raie, Faisal Faqeeh & Abdulrahman Al Kooheji

Nader Al Sharif & Abdulla Talib

Imran & Khalid

Mohammed Al Awadhi & Mohammed Kooheji

Hisham & Dr Fuad Taqi

Azharubail

Osama Abdul Ghaffar, Faisal Faqeeh & Dr Ahmed Jawahery

Waleed Safi & Saleem Elias

Vivek

Mr Yacoub

Fahad Faqeeh

Nooh

Mohammed, Ramesh & Huda

Hassan

Ahmed Al Qaed

Yasser Faqeeh

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

HE Dr Dhafer Alumran, HE Isa Kooheji, HE Abdulla Abdullatif & HE Hassan Qahtani

International Peace Conference The International Peace Institute, Middle East & North Africa (IPI, MENA), held a press conference for HE Abdullah Gül, 11th President of the Republic of Turkey on ‘The Prospects for Peace in the Region and Ways to achieve it’. The conference panel was also presided over by Terje Roed-Karsen, President of the International Peace Institute and HE Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Foreign Affairs Minister.

Terje Roed-Karsen, HE Abdulla Gül & Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa

HE Mohammed bin Yousif, Terje Roed-Karsen & HE Shaikh Azzam bin Mubarak Al Sabah

Delegates at the conference

HE Abdulla bin Rashid Al Medailwi, Nejib Friji & HE Dr Dhafer Alumran

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afterdark happenings

THE DARK NIGHT RISES The Kingdom’s leading clubs are gearing up for one of the most anticipated parties of the year.

RAMEE GROUP

One of the most eagerly anticipated events on the party calendar is Halloween and this year is no exception. Club Buffalo invites you to “Death Proof” its Halloween bash on October 29. Dress to kill and don’t hold back your imagination; this is one night when it pays to be out of the ordinary, the more outlandish the better, especially with prizes on offer for the best costumes.

Sylvio, April, Max-Andy, Terena, Julien, Gabriel and William form the

Catch live music at Dublin in Ramee Palace Hotel, Monday-Saturday from 9pm. In-house band Stereo Revolution will play all the hits from a wide range of genres and the exciting set list is guaranteed to get everyone in the party mood. The band is made up of bassist Ryan, guitarist Alex and Will on drums. Lead singers Alex, Claire and 40 October 2015

in-house band Overnite and DJ Trixta brings the tunes that will have you dancing till the wee hours. The fiends are all up for a feast with some lipsmacking fare and heady concoctions from the bar. For BD20, you enjoy an unlimited supply of selected beverages from 9pm till 1am. Spooky cocktails served by the “Demon Barman” are guaranteed to bring the devil out in you.

Call 39 508-403.

Joanna encourage audience participation every Saturday when the band hosts a fun jam-night.

You certainly don’t want to miss this night out for there’s also a free drink for any performers.

Giving the band a break is DJ Johnny who plays all the latest hits, remixes and your requests. In addition to great music, Dublin’s is

a fun and welcoming venue, which shows all the big sports games and has a number of food and drinks promotions.

The club is also the first to start the Halloween celebrations this year, with a party on Friday, October 16, and the theme is Twilight.

Call 39 610-405. www.bahrainthismonth.com

INTERVIEWS

SITTIN’ ON THE DOCK OF THE BAY CHARLIE HOLDING One of the Kingdom’s leading property developers believes his latest project will revolutionise five-star luxury residential accommodation in Bahrain.

ALSO THIS MONTH: 44 SUNSET STORY 50 MAKING SENSE OF BANKING

Faisal Faqeeh

F

aisal Faqeeh, chairman of Bin Faqeeh Real Estate Investment Company, is a man with a vision and he believes his luxury Waterbay residential complex will be the feather in the cap of the multimillion-dinar Bahrain Bay project.

Upon completion, Bahrain Bay will be a vibrant metropolis serving to boost retail trade and tourism, create direct and indirect employment and provide new leisure and entertainment options.

Waterbay will feature three distinct 10-storey residences with around 600 luxury apartments, a retail floor and a common basement car park extending below the buildings.

“Waterbay is unique in terms of its design and location,” explains Mr Faqeeh. “It will set new standards when it comes to luxury residential accommodation.

“It is being designed to feel like a five-star hotel with state-of-the-art facilities and services to match. One of the services is the complimentary luxury car, which will take residents to any destination within 3km for free.

“We wanted to do something different from anyone else. We pride ourselves on being 42 October 2015

unique; we don’t follow trends, we set them.”

Since 2010 Bin Faqeeh Real Estate Investment Company has spearheaded 30 projects worth almost a quarter of a billion dollars, firmly securing its reputation for innovation and quality.

Clearly, large numbers don’t faze Mr Faqeeh, who says that, so far, the investment in Waterbay has reached a staggering BD90 million. “Bahrain Bay is not an area you can invest a small amount in,” he says. “You get what you pay for and I believe this is money well spent, especially when you look at the potential for the development.”

Located on the north shore of the bay and separated only by promenade, the apartments in Waterbay will have spectacular views of the Four Seasons resort, the new Avenues mall development and the Bahrain World Trade Centre.

In fact, the Avenues played a part in Mr Faqeeh’s decision to undertake the project.

“Not only will it provide a boost to the economy, specifically the tourism sector, it will serve as a leisure and entertainment destination, making Waterbay a landmark

location,” he says.

Landmark properties are something Faqeeh knows plenty about, having been behind projects including 360° in Durrat Marina, The Grand and The Breaker in Seef, and Dar Al Salam Port in Reef Island.

Mr Faqeeh believes that there is a renewed confidence in Bahrain’s economy and it is set to steadily grow thanks to upcoming developments such as the second causeway with neighbouring Saudi Arabia.

“I have faith in the market here and I don’t invest outside of Bahrain,” he says. “It may be small but it’s transparent; you know all the players and what people have in mind.

“I think that 2016 will see a jump in the real estate and tourism sectors because of elements like the new causeway and the Dragon City development. As far as I know, there are a lot of other projects set to start in the first quarter of 2016.”

The first of the three residences at Waterbay is set for completion in 2017 and the development will boast a host of amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, saunas and a rooftop jogging track. www.bahrainthismonth.com

interview

SUNSET STORY LIZ O’REILLY Photographer Andrew Weaver tells BTM about his new book Glow.

T

he latest offering from the restaurateur turned snapper is in the shops now and, at almost 300 pages, it is his biggest work yet and the first in which he has collaborated with other photographers.

But Glow, which features sunsets from across the island, was initially supposed to be a small personal project until it gained its own momentum. Andrew explains: “It came about because of the winters here, essentially we have six months of the year during which you’re

44 October 2015

going to have some sort of photographable sunset, many of them absolutely stunning.

“I was initially taking shots with the intention of selling them, then from Facebook I saw that other people were also taking beautiful sunset shots. I decided to put together a small book of sunsets but it took off and has actually taken more time to produce than either of my two earlier books.

“I think a lot of people are stuck in the office so they may miss it, but when the sun is going

down it can be quite spectacular.”

Because of the heat of the day, sunset is often the time when Bahrain comes outdoors and the book includes scenes of fishermen at work and families at play or just relaxing .

“It’s not just a book of pretty pictures, though, of course, there are plenty of those,” says Andrew.

“It actually documents a lifestyle. The images come from all over the island, Bapco to Durrat and Amwaj, and show people going about their everyday lives against the sunset backdrop.”

www.bahrainthismonth.com

And putting together 300 pages of sunsets presented its own challenge. Andrew chose to categorise them by colour beginning with the familiar golden hue as the sun sinks over the horizon leading into the brilliant crimson of twilight and finishing with the deep blue glow as day finally fades away.

Coming next is a new coffee table book, Muharraq - Foundations of a Kingdom, which should be printed by November and a new website for Bahrain images called Two Seas Images which will offer all the images in Andrew’s books and more.

Glow is available at book stores across the island priced BD20.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

October 2015 45

interview

Ahmed and Nazar

YOU’RE E-VITED! CHARLIE HOLDING Tech-savvy youngsters Ahmed Al Saba, Nazar Abu Baker and Marcel Al Mutawa are hoping their new mobile app will help make going to and promoting events in Bahrain easier.

L

ast year, the talented trio began developing Vitee — an events social network that lets users know about upcoming events from their favourite promoters — and have launched the beta version on Android and iOS platforms.

Nazar says the idea came about following his own bad experiences attending events in the Kingdom. From not being informed of major updates, such as change of time or venue, to having issues with printed tickets, he believed there was room for improvement.

“Ahmed and I did event promoting for about a year at different nightclubs a few years ago,” he explains. “Although we mostly did it for fun, we learnt first-hand what it’s like to promote events in Bahrain. By combining our two views together, we saw the bigger picture — there must be a way to make going to and promoting events easier.”

Ahmed shares the sentiment and says 46 October 2015

meeting Marcel was the missing piece of the puzzle. “In the beginning, Nazar and I really struggled with building a strong team,” he says.

“We were in desperate need of someone with experience in backend development so we began advertising the position on our personal networks and that’s how we were introduced to our co-founder, Marcel.”

Marcel in turn, recruited two more developers and the team utilised AIESEC Bahrain’s exchange programmes to recruit international trainees from Morocco and Tunisia. After that, Vitee was born and has grown from strength to strength.

Interestingly, the name Vitee is an anagram of ‘e-vite’, a term used to digitally invite people to parties or events. The app gathers all events under one umbrella, classified into categories, which its makers say is easier than having to use specific keywords on Facebook to search for an event.

The team says that event organisers can also benefit from using the platform as the app allows them to gather certain statistical data of attendees in order to better focus their targets for future events.

Nazar says the app is aimed at event goers between the ages 18 to 30. “We cover categories such as sports, nightlife, music and much more,” he explains. “We will be expanding our categories to cater to more events as we receive customer feedback over time.”

In a fitting tone, Nazar is keen to share not only event happenings, but also the knowledge he has accumulated since beginning the project. “My advice to other young Bahrainis who want to start their own business is do it for the passion of building something for the long term. You’ll have an abundance of ideas towards your business to help it grow.” www.bahrainthismonth.com

interview

Muhammad Abbas Khan

SATURDAY BIRYANI PARTY CHARLIE HOLDING Big-hearted Muhammad Abbas Khan is hoping to bring a smile to the faces of the Kingdom’s labourers with his Saturday Biryani Party initiative.

W

hat started off as a family affair to help feed workers on his compound has quickly become the weekly highlight for scores people living on a modest budget.

After being inspired by his wife Mahrukh’s charitable act of delivering hot meals, Muhammad decided to use his passion for street photography as a way to highlight the plight of many expats in Bahrain.

“While I was taking their pictures I got to know these workers and the hardships they faced. Most of them live in shocking conditions that aren’t fit for an animal.

“I used to post their photos on Facebook with a small story they shared and people used to ‘like’ the photos. However, a Facebook ‘like’ means nothing, it doesn’t help anyone. That’s when I started helping my wife to distribute meals and it just grew from there.”

After their successful first outing in May to a construction site near their compound in Saar, the Khans soon began delivering meals every Saturday.

“We arrived with 40 biryani packets to distribute near Saar Cinema and within 10 minutes they ran out,” says Muhammad. I went to Saar village with a friend who bought 50 48 October 2015

more meals – those vanished as well in no time.

“It feels awful when you see people running towards you expecting a meal only to tell them that the food is finished. So, from there we started our Facebook campaign to create awareness about this initiative and started collecting funds from our friends so we could help more people.”

As word of the Saturday Biryani Party spread, people began contacting Muhammad through social media, asking how they could donate their time and money to the noble cause.

Currently, the team of volunteers hands out around 800-1,000 meals a month, which consist of biryani packets and cold drinks. Even Coca Cola has joined the party, distributing water bottles and a soft drink to each worker.

The team travels to different parts of Bahrain with the aim of helping as many people as possible. This help certainly seems to be appreciated if the reaction of one particular worker is anything to go by. “During one weekend, a guy walked up to me and threw his arms around me and gave me a hug,” Muhammad says. “It was overwhelming, it’s very humbling to get that kind of reaction from someone.”

The Saturday Biryani Party is not just about feeding the less fortunate, it’s about bringing the community together for a good cause. “I

don’t like it when people call this a charity because it’s not,” Muhammad explains. “It’s a party because we play music to set the mood so people can chat and laugh.”

Coming from Pakistan, Muhammad learned early in life the value of money and this is a lesson he is passing on to his son, Bassam, 10, and daughter Behesht, five. They regularly join him distributing food alongside their mum and several other families and individuals who volunteer their time.

Muhammad’s children are hands-on each week, distributing packages to the workers. “I want them to be aware of how lucky they are and the conditions other people have to live with,” he says.

“Around 95 per cent of the people we meet are earning between BD75-90 a month, they spend BD30 on accommodation, BD15-20 on food and send the rest back home to their families.”

Muhammad says that creating awareness and getting people to come and donate their time is vitally important. As an added incentive, he has printed Saturday Biryani Party T-shirts and any volunteer who joins for four consecutive Saturdays gets one free.

Call 38 389-854 or visit the Saturday Biryani Party with Workers on Facebook page. www.bahrainthismonth.com

interview

MAKING SENSE OF BANKING LIZ O’REILLY BTM talks to Dr AbdelGadir Warsama Ghalib, a financial legal expert, about his latest book Banking & Corporate Business Laws.

T

he new book is currently on sale across Bahrain, giving both bankers and lay people an insider’s guide to a world that can be extremely confusing, even sometimes for those involved.

Dr AbdelGadir explains his motivation: “While pursuing my legal profession in banking I noticed there is a need to write such legal literature to educate bankers, lawyers, the business community and the public at large.

Such legal information is of great importance to all parties to enable them to understand banking and the related business issues from a legal perspective.”

And the doctor is well qualified to offer such advice, having been in the field for more than 30 years. He says: “I have been working in legal banking since 1984. I was the legal advisor of the Central Bank of Oman. After that, I was the legal advisor at the Central Bank of UAE. Then, I joined BBK in Bahrain as the legal advisor of BBK and its affiliated group. During this time, 50 October 2015

Dr AbdelGadir Warsama Ghalib

working in central banks and commercial banks gave me the background and qualification to write this book.

“I have also published many articles in banking and professional magazines and I have taught banking and corporate law at many universities and banking institutes.”

The book gives a comprehensive breakdown of several complicated legal issues but, according to Dr AbdelGadir, there are some areas in which colleagues have shown particular interest. He says: “There is particular interest in legal issues related to electronic banking, syndicated loans, term loan agreements, customer-bank relationships, opening accounts, letters of credit, securities and mortgage procedures, legal issues related to cheques, bills of exchange and other commercial papers, litigation and ADRs [alternative dispute resolutions].

“There is also a great deal of interest in issues related to Islamic banking and different types of Islamic banking products, bonds and sukuk as well as some international banking issues such as money laundering.”

The book has a specific section on green finance which is an area many people want to learn more about. “Green finance and care for the environment are very crucial nowadays,” says Dr AbdelGadir.

“It is part of the social responsibility of banks to cater for environment protection and

preservation. Based on this, financial institutions are required to refrain from financing projects\materials that may cause any harm to the environment.

“In Bahrain and the GCC countries, there is awareness among banks and financial institutions about green finance initiatives, and they support the community in this respect by not financing certain projects unless approved by related environment competent authorities.

For example, finance of big construction contracts requires certain approvals to confirm that they are environment-friendly by minimising, for example, power costs.”

As well as a wealth of information for those in the banking industry, Dr AbdelGadir feels the book will be of interest to those who just want to know more about banking and business. He says: “The book gives very useful information for all, including those who are not from the financial industry. They will find advice with reference to their banking and or business activities. I used to get emails from different sources, and lay people, asking about certain issues which I have raised in my writings.”

The doctor has published two other new books in Arabic covering corporate legal issues and arbitration and mediation as a means of dispute resolution.

A new book in English titled Securities Markets Laws will be released shortly. www.bahrainthismonth.com

JUST HANGING AROUND LIZ O’REILLY As The Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay introduces AntiGravity Yoga to the island, Christopher Harrison, who established the technique, tells BTM what it’s all about.

P

opular in the US and with an increasingly strong A-list following, AntiGravity Yoga sees practitioners perform their moves while hanging upside down in a specially adapted hammock.

Its founder, Christopher Harrison, is a Broadway aerial choreographer with a background in elite sports and a yoga practice since the mid-1990s.

But, why would anyone want to do yoga poses in mid-air? Christopher explains: “I first invented the Harrison AntiGravity Hammock in the late 1990s for my team of elite performance athletes in order to take our AntiGravity shows up into the air. Before becoming aerial, we were a floor-and trampoline-based acrobatic dance troupe most famous for our AntiGravity boots team. Evolving our movement vocabulary upward spawned an entirely new genre as the aerial arts became popular in America.

“We discovered along the way that by hanging upside down from the hips in an inversion, we could eliminate chiropractic adjustments. I lowered the hammock and redesigned it for a studio and/or home environment and developed the methodology by combining movement from my physical background in gymnastics, dance, pilates, fitness and yoga.”

Christopher started out using the hammock on himself to treat his own back pain. He moved on to members of his company and then, when his mother suffered back problems, he put a sling in her home and, with some decompression www.bahrainthismonth.com

Christopher Harrison

exercises, she was healed.

He says: “I then realised this was for everyone, and that I must share it with the public. I launched AntiGravity Entertainment in 1991 and AntiGravity Fitness in 2008.

AntiGravity Yoga was the first of what is now seven techniques taught through the AntiGravity Academy. I get to lead people to better health and wellness, healing tens of thousands of people from their pain every day, in over 50 countries.”

And, though the position might not look very

comfortable, Christopher says: “I’ve never associated the word ‘comfortable’ with fitness; I think the point is to get out of our comfort zone.

Yes, the first time one feels a bit of discomfort, no different than a new pair of shoes. It dissipates quickly. I’ve built programmes for all ages and body types. Any body can do it, but not every mind. One must be willing to suspend their disbelief for at least 60 seconds in order to be successful. There are a few contraindications: if one is pregnant, has heart disease or glaucoma, they may choose to skip the inversions.”

He says the benefits, which can be felt from the first class, are worth it. “When you utilise the Harrison AntiGravity Hammock it allows you to decompress and mobilise all your joints through traction. It also allows for zerocompression inversions, which get rid of the kinks in your back while hydrating the vertebral disks, freeing up space in both your body and your mind.

“AntiGravity techniques develop strength and flexibility, enhance agility and create greater mobility of the joints while refreshing all your physiological systems, including increasing your metabolism.”

On his recent visit to the island Christopher trained five instructors from Ukraine, Serbia and India. One is a former champion athlete, another an accomplished yogi and two are fitness experts and bodybuilders. They are all now conducting classes and he plans to expand throughout the Middle East in the future.

October 2015 51

bystander

Katarina, Lenka & Deej

Zoara, Sajan, Shelna & Azra

Aéropostale Opening Apparel Group inaugurated a new Aéropostale store at City Centre Bahrain.

Bharti, Amaar. Farheen, Sarva & Edralyn

Maryann, Tuntun, Tawhid, Jaber & Kidist

Loutfi & Joell

10 April Opening

Chaine Des Rotisseurs

Ramli Mall A Ali

The Chaine Des Rotisseurs, Bahrain Chapter held its first Diner Amical of the new season, themed ‘Tour de France” at Waves Restaurant.

Kolak, Khalid & Sylvester

Antoinette & Han

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52 October 2015

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The long awaited cooler days are just round the corner and we can’t wait to update our wardrobes. We might not experience a proper Autumn/Winter season in this part of the world, but it has never stopped the runway styles from creeping into our closets. BTM brings you the latest trends for the upcoming season and gives you a glimpse into what you can expect from Autumn Winter 2015-2016 fashion.

Gucci Kenzo

50 Shades of Fall Autumn is always reminiscent of the changing colours in nature but this season’s palette has gone beyond taking cues from nature, with earthy tones of olive green and browns, to practically every shade possible that conjures up a feeling of warmth. The runway saw a spectrum of shades, from the Stormy Weather greys of Stella Mccartney’s collection to Biscay Bay (dark turquoise) in Ellie Saab’s pieces. Punta Roma’s fall collection saw deep tones of night blue and plum. Cashmere Rose (soft pink) fit perfectly with Chanel and deep reds made a big splash at Roland Mouret. Burgundy was a strong hue on the Givenchy catwalk and Hermes nailed it perfectly with the Marsala tint.

Gucci

Knits Galore Our all-time favourite knits are back with a bang and this time bigger and better. Oversized knits covered the runways of most top fashion houses, from Calvin Klein to Salvatore Ferragamo, Chloe, DKNY and more. Whether you’re going for comfort or style — cosy, comfy sweaters to dresses and ponchos (yes, they’re back) — a modern knit piece is a must-have in your wardrobe this season.

High-street shops like Mango and Accessorize have some very wearable pieces that not only look good but also suit the budget.

Gucci

fashionfeature

Salvatore Ferragamo

H&M

Michael Kors

Gucci

54 October 2015

Longchamp Lanvin

Geometric Madness Whoever said geometry was just for school obviously didn’t have an eye for fashion.

Introduce geeky fun to your wardrobe this season with various geometric shapes, graphic designs as well as sharp cuts and lines. Gucci introduced dresses and skirts in various graphic and geometric patterns as did H&M with its trousers and tops. This versatile trend can be adapted to accessories as well with geometric-shaped earrings, bracelets and funky hangbags, evident in Anya Hindmarch’s chain-strapped pieces and the Hermes clutch.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Gucci

DKNY

Boy-sterous Fun Women are taking the lead this season and giving men a run for their money with sharp, tailored looks.

Making the men in menswear obsolete, the DKNY girls wore the garments like a second skin. Gucci also saw women carrying off the trend with great ease in chic tailored cuts. Go formal by pairing a classic white shirt with capri trousers and suspenders as Saint Laurent did with its tuxedo inspired cuts, or go casual with comfortable flaired trousers and a jacket — a look easily put together and readily available in high-street shops such as Marks & Spencer. Add a fedora hat to this look and you’re laughing all the way home!

Coast

H&M

Brunello Cucinelli

Saint Laurent

Ruffles and Bows Who doesn’t like a bit of fun and frolic? Say it loud and clear with ruffles, lace, feathers and bows this season. This soft, dreamy and oh-so-feminine trend took the runways by storm with fashion houses from Gucci to Valentino all giving the look their own twist.

Inspired by the 1980s, pussy-bow tops have made a big comeback this season and pairing them with ruffled collars makes this trend all the more romantic.

Even the boys gave a nod to the trend on the runways and swapped their regular ties for the humble bow.

Whether you go all out with bells and whistles (or ruffles and bows in this case) or keep it simple with one statement piece — just have fun with it!

Delpozo

Gucci

H&M

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Gucci

Tumi

Michael Kors

Michael Kors

Lanvin

Gucci

Rumble in the Jungle Unleash the animal within with the safari trend. Animal prints growled on the runways in various shapes and forms.

Michael Kors showed off the trend with simple and chic pieces. Exotic python prints enhanced everything from dresses to trousers. Gucci hit the trend bang on with its safari-inspired trench coats and reefer jackets. If you’re not daring enough to sport the look from head to toe, then instantly spruce up your look by adding just a dash of animal print in your accessories such as shoes, handbags or rings. The trend also travelled across to Tumi in its collection of luggage and travel accessories.

Gucci

October 2015 55

fashionfeature

CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN

Sensational Seasonal Selection The annual ‘Fall For Fashion’ event takes place this month, unveiling this season’s fashion and retail trends.

56 October 2015

The month-long programme of events, which takes place at City Centre Bahrain, will feature fashion shows, brands and make-up demonstrations, and visitors stand a chance to win the Grand Prize, a chic Lexus RCF. Receipts of purchase in the mall during Fall for Fashion are to be redeemed at the customer service desk to enter the draw. Customers also stand a chance of winning a limited edition high-end fashion artistic and mesmeric silk scarf. Terms and conditions apply.

Bahrain Fashion Weekend 2015 will take place until October 3, with up to four unique fashion shows taking place each day between 5 and 9pm. It will feature the latest designs for women and — for the first time — men and children too. The weekend’s roster will present more than 60 fashion brands available at the mall, with instant competitions providing visitors chances to win prizes supplied by participating retailers.

The programme also sees the introduction of celebrated beauty house, Maison de Joelle. A team of experts — featuring renowned, UK-qualified make-up artist and beauty expert Joelle Mardinian — will

conduct an exclusive two-day make-up workshop at the Westin Hotel, City Centre Bahrain, between October 9 and 10. The workshops will include a variety of products, techniques and behind- the-scene secrets that bring out the best in each woman.

Customers who purchase a minimum of BD100 in GiftCards at the mall’s customer service desk will be able to register for the workshop, with limited seating available. Participants will receive complimentary gifts and vouchers presented by participating retailers at the mall and a certificate of participation.

Throughout the month, an exclusive fall edition catalogue will be compiled and distributed, featuring highlights of the latest trendsetters, retail offers, in-store events and prizes to be won.

Meanwhile, City Centre Bahrain’s social media platforms will take on a fashion-focused theme for the month, posting the latest fall season trends, concepts on what to wear, fashion deals of the week, and details on a series of competitions with many prizes to be won.

Visit www.Facebook.com/CityCentreBahrain or www.citycentrebahrain.com. www.bahrainthismonth.com

HUSH PUPPIES

Share the Warmth For over 50 years, Hush Puppies has been making casual, comfortable shoes that look and feel good for all day wear, in any setting.

The company’s designers and engineers have created specific elements for Hush Puppies shoes to make them as comfortable and functional as possible. They call these elements Comfort Stories. A Comfort Story is a unique process, patented design or specific material combinations that bring Hush Puppies comfort alive in every shoe.

Every shoe from Hush Puppies has a story, a Comfort Story.

This season, Hush Puppies is all about sharing and connecting, about showcasing the many authentic qualities that make the company’s shoes such favourites offering the versatility you desire and the easy-to-love casual style you deserve.

Coziness? Comfort? They’re sharing those, and then some.

The Hush Puppies Signature collection is all about kick-back-and-relax comfort, standout colours and the incomparable, casual styles that make each a pleasure to wear.

Expertly tailored, The Select Collection is the answer to your quest for exquisite sophisticated style with a casual spirit. The latest selection, is three comfort-driven collections that embody the best of Hush Puppies.

The Body Shoe gives you all-day comfort and modern style that’s unbelievably versatile and functional. The Body Shoe has always been all about comfort, combining the best of Hush Puppies’ exclusive technologies to create a one-of-a-kind comfort system. The Body Shoe combines fit, balance and climate control to create the ultimate comfort shoe designed with movement in mind. The balance features make your stride smooth and natural and keep proper alignment as you walk. The anatomical shape provides a superior fit with every curve of the foot carefully considered in the design. The control linings keep you cool and confident knowing that your feet are well taken care of. The Body Shoe is tested by experts in biomechanics to ensure comfort and performance.

Great modern casual style, true comfort.

Move in Comfort. Move in the Body Shoe. Hush Puppies made it uncommonly comfortable, you make it uniquely yours.

Visit Hush Puppies in Bahrain City Centre, 17 179-676, Seef Mall, Bahrain Mall, Ramli Mall, Isa Town Mall and The Jawad Dome, Barbar. Hush Puppies shoes are also available in Shoe City across Bahrain in all major malls.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

October 2015 57

bystander

Mohammed & Chrystelle

French Scholarship The French Embassy and Alliance Francaise hosted a cocktail party under the patronage of Jean Paul Ghoneim, Charge d’Affaires, to honour the French Embassy Linguistic and Cultural Scholarship students.

The students with officials at the event

French Cocktail Dinner

Roselyne

Yasmina, Camille & Gabriella

Patrick, Claude & Bruno

Artie

HE Bernard Régnauld-Fabre, Keith & Hubert

Christina, Michel & Sylvie

Nino

Thomas, Zarn & Babu

Christophe, Charles & Chris

The Alliance Francaise Bahrain held an Apero, fine French cuisine cocktail dinner with live French music by the Nino band at the Al Bander Resort.

Prem

Mohammed, Sayeda, Chrystelle, Christophe & Dominique

Nadia, Hafida, Florence, Ada & Milan

Annabel & Eleonore

Laurice & Giselle

French Electronica The French Embassy and Alliance Francaise organised a French Electronica series, ‘Moonlight Gig’ featuring DJ Mo, in partnership with Novotel Al Dana Resort.

Lucas, Nicolas & Siegfreid

58 October 2015

DJ Mo

Didier, Marie, Claude, Ophelie, Christophe & Jean

www.bahrainthismonth.com

(973) 39300279

label.mbahrain@gmail.com

facebook.com/label.mbah

bystander

Doris & Oreste

Christ & Laurent

Fantasia & x Rosalind

Bader & Siegfried

Andrea & Yvett

Cecily & Jay

Nawaf, Ahmed & MJ

Hussain & Charlie

Beach Party Novotel Al Dana Resort hosted an Afro Caribbean beach party featuring DJ Swing from the US Navy base and DJ Ommy, an award winning DJ in Tanzania.

DJ Ommy, Jane, Jeobelle & Loreta

Sameer, Martino, Ross & Isaac

Joz & Zoe

Motorcity Tivoli Motorcity revealed the SsangYong Tivoli during a launch event held at its showroom in Sanad.

Trevor, Mike, Khalid Kanoo, Waleed Kanoo, Wasna Kanoo, Isa Kanoo & Bijan

Bisan, Lourdes & Randa

60 October 2015

Agnelo, Nestle & Kumar

Brett & Jamie

Mark & Ammar

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Herve, Randa & Yazan

Mahmood

Kerstin, Siggi & Anastasia

Emad

Anniversary Celebration Swiss-Belhotel Seef Bahrain celebrated its first anniversary and the opening of B28 bar lounge.

Salah Abu Zaid, Herve Peyre, Shaikh Hisham Al Khalifa & Fawaz Bokhowa

Noor, Mo, Yousif & Sara

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Prakash & Surbita

Charlene & Theresa

Sara & Fatima

October 2015 61

germanyinbahrain

Germany in

October 2015

A Special Supplement by Bahrain This Month

63 Jazzing Up The Embassy HE Alfred Simms-Protz, German Ambassador, on improving regional security and playing jazz guitar.

66 Logistical Leanings DHL delivering for the Rugby World Cup.

68 Traditions of Quality Spotlight on German brand Miele.

70 Travel Germany Showcasing tourism hotspots.

Commercial Index Al Haddad Motors (Mercedes)................................. 55 DHL................................................................................. 67 German Skin Care Clinic............................................ 70 Yusif bin Yusif Fakhro.................................................. 69

www.bahrainthismonth.com

October 2015 63

germanyinbahrain

Jazzing-up the Embassy HE Alfred Simms-Protz

Bahrain might be new German Ambassador HE Alfred SimmsProtz’s first ambassadorial posting but, as a veteran of Middle Eastern hotspot Erbil, he is certainly well-qualified for the position.

64 October 2015

His Excellency first came to Bahrain in 1983 as part of a ministerial visit but only spent one day on the island. He was also here briefly in 2013 in his previous incarnation as head of diplomatic security inspecting embassies and residences around the Arab world.

This is his first ambassadorial posting, but he has been consul general in Geneva, Switzerland, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Erbil, the restive area in the Kurdistan region of Iraq – he met his wife on that posting.

He says: “Given the far-reaching autonomy of the Kurdistan region, that was more of an ambassadorial role and it was an exciting time, it was the period when the Da’ish [another name for ISIS] invaded Mosul and the time when Germany started providing military assistance.

“Bahrain is peaceful in comparison. It was exciting but also very stressful due to the enormous workload and non-stop political visitors. You can only live under such circumstances for so much time. It actually took a toll on my health and I had to cut my posting short, much to my regret.

“After that experience and six months of brushing up on my Arabic back in Berlin, I’m very happy to be here, it’s my first ambassadorial posting and, sadly, also my last as, after this term, I will be retiring. But people shouldn’t have the impression from that that I’m a lame duck, on the contrary, it’s my last posting so I want to

make it a memorable one.”

On plans for his term on the island His Excellency says there is always room to improve on the already excellent Bahraini/German relations.

But he adds: “We also have a strong interest in maintaining stability in the region. Yemen, particularly, is a cause for concern. Both as Germany and as part of the EU we want to promote peace and stability in the region.

“There seems to be a lot of tension between Bahrain and Iran, I would like to think that we can use the momentum of the Iran nuclear deal to promote better relations between Iran and its neighbours.”

And he is very much aware of the Kingdom’s efforts to implement reforms. “We stand ready to offer Bahrain assistance in the field of human rights, that’s an issue but it’s an area in which we recognise huge progress has been made,” says His Excellency. “We in Germany had to establish a new state after World War II and a new democracy, so it’s an area in which we have a lot of experience.

“We got a lot of help from the USA and other victors and I would hope to be able to work closely with my Bahraini counterparts to share our experience with them.”

On the cultural side His Excellency says he is looking to shift the focus a little from classical music to jazz of which he is a great fan even playing jazz guitar. He adds: “I also want to push youth relations. Modern music and dance as well as art are ideal ways to achieve this. They speak directly to the hearts of people, and there is no language barrier to contend with.”

In terms of commerce, His Excellency says there’s definitely room for growth. Currently Bahrain imports €372 million worth of goods annually from Germany whereas Germany only imports €32 million from Bahrain, that’s about a tenth!

He says: “You would expect that given the size and structure of the economy. We have about 50 German companies operating in Bahrain for example DHL, which has its Middle East centre here, BASF, Siemens and a number of mediumsized businesses also. I do see areas of growth such as environmental technology, construction, solar energy, oil and gas, metals and transport.

These are all areas with potential for German companies to become involved so I shall be keeping abreast of developments, providing information and opening doors where needed.”

And, in a chance for local musicians to find a VIP collaborator, he concludes: “I haven’t had much chance to get out and about as yet as we’ve been busy unpacking and there are always events you have to attend but, as I mentioned, I’m a keen jazz guitarist and in my spare time I’d love to find a band to jam with.” www.bahrainthismonth.com

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germanyinbahrain DHL

One-stop for Logistics

A German company with truly global reach.

66 October 2015

With a presence in more than 220 countries and territories across the globe and a workforce exceeding 325,000 employees, DHL is the world’s most international company taking care of an almost infinite number of logistics needs.

The company is part of the world’s leading postal and logistics group, Deutsche Post DHL Group, and encompasses three divisions: DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, Freight and DHL Supply Chain.

Its stated vision is to be “the logistics company for the world” being people’s first choice not only for all

their shipping needs, but also as an employee or investor. Backing this up, the company’s mission statement has four elements: to simplify customers’ lives; to make customers, employees and investors more successful; to make a positive contribution to the world and to always demonstrate respect when achieving results.

The company’s Middle Eastern hub is based in Bahrain, from where it serves the whole region. And its staff are well-known for their participation in charity events raising money for local good causes such as Tony the Dogfather’s Animal Rescue Centre.

In fact corporate responsibility is an integral part of DHL’s corporate strategy. A spokesman says: “With ‘Living Responsibility’ as our motto, we focus on environmental protection (GoGreen), disaster management (GoHelp) and education (GoTeach) and support employee volunteerism (Global Volunteer Day, Living Responsibility Fund).”

DHL is a one-stop logistics shop offering international express deliveries; global freight forwarding by air, sea, road and rail; warehousing solutions from packaging, to repairs, to storage; mail deliveries worldwide and other customised services.

It is undertaking one of its biggest challenges ever in the UK to help deliver the year’s biggest international sporting event, the Rugby World Cup, to millions of fans around the world.

Working with England Rugby 2015 to handle all freight and logistics for the 19 teams travelling to the UK to take part, throughout the tournament DHL will transport more than 48 tonnes of equipment for all 20 participating nations - from match kit and scrum machines to tackle bags and ice baths - across 89 team base locations and 13 match venues. The operation will use 26 18-tonne vehicles covering about 88,700km by road over the event’s duration DHL will be relocating team equipment 192 times and will deliver 300 official match balls and 20 sets of uprights, to the 13 match venues. Training equipment is being delivered to teams across 38 training venues throughout the tournament, to include 2,140 drinks bottles, 1,750 bibs, 1,200 cones, 560 tackle suits, 307 hit shields, 196 tackle bags and 20 scrum machines The company’s support also includes stadium infrastructure and fit-out, fulfillment of international ticket distribution and delivery of doping samples to testing laboratories, among many other requirements such as searching the globe to find 48 children to deliver the official match ball to games during Rugby World Cup 2015.

Call 17 364-100. www.bahrainthismonth.com

October 23rd 2011 Rugby World Cup Final Eden Park, Auckland Crowd 61,079 Stadium air temperature 14°C Ball, Gilbert ‘Virtuo World Cup’ Weight 460g, Pressure 0.70kg/cm2 Turf, Centurion Rye Winning penalty kick 21:46 (Stephen ‘Beaver’ Donald) French tears shed 500,000 (estimated) These are the details that make up one great moment of thousands

www.dhl.com/InMotion

TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 2008–2015. All rights reserved.

Great is in the detail

germanyinbahrain YUSIF BIN YUSIF FAKHRO

A Tradition of Quality

After being in business for more than a century, this company continues to win the trust of consumers, while seeking ways to improve their way of life.

Miele has been a family-owned and family-run company since its inception in 1899. Managed today by the fourth generation, the company has been a pioneer in the field of premium home appliances ever since a butter churn inspired the design of its firstever washing machine in 1901.

The butter churn has become Miele’s icon, the epitome of the company’s ongoing effort to make home living better. Today, its research and development teams continue to pioneer the way in technological advancements to develop firsts in durability and design.

The testing procedures are stringent, ensuring every individual part is inspected. Nothing but the highestquality appliance reaches the homes of its customers.

Miele’s dedication to quality has won the hearts of consumers the world over. It has grown over the years; today Miele has a workforce of 16,000 employees around the world.

Miele products and appliances are available exclusively at Yusif Bin Yusif Fakhro.

Call 17 408-150.

68 October 2015

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Designed for excellent compositions PureLine, the new generation of built-in cooking appliances by Miele embodies the purest principles of design.

Stunning symmetry and sleek aesthetics ensure endless combinations for a visually harmonious ensemble of appliances. Together, they promise unprecedented ease of preparation, culinary precision and unsurpassed gourmet results. A new design for your life and the way you live your life.

yby@yyfakhro.com Showroom Tel. 17 408 150 www.yyfakhro.com

germanyinbahrain

Travel

Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor), long the city’s most defining monument and its answer to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. This 26-metrehigh sandstone monument in the Mitte district’s Pariser Platz was Berlin’s first neoclassical structure.

• The Berlin Wall Memorial — The history of the Berlin Wall began in 1961 when East Germany sealed off the eastern part of the city to stem the flood of departing refugees. By the time it was torn down in 1989, the four-metre-high wall extended 155 kilometres, dissected 55 streets, and possessed 293 observation towers and 57 bunkers. Today, only small stretches of this graffiti-covered travesty remain.

GERMANY Berlin

BTM brings you the low-down on the top tourism destinations in Germany.

Known for its rich culture and history, Germany is home to influential artists, musicians, inventors and philosophers. Unsurprisingly, then, it is also a tourism hotspot thanks to its impressive range of attractions and annual events.

Berlin Germany’s capital and cultural centre, dates back to the 13th century.

Divided during the Cold War, today it’s known for its art scene, nightlife and modern architecture.

Attractions • The Brandenburg Gate — Nothing says “Berlin” quite like the

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Frankfurt This old imperial city on the River Main is the most important commercial and economic centre of mainland Europe. The city’s skyline, dominated by the great cluster of high-rise buildings in the banking quarter, has earned it the nickname “Mainhattan”.

Attractions • The Römerberg - Frankfurt’s Old Town Center — In the heart of Frankfurt’s Old Town (Altstadt), the Römerberg is an irregularly shaped square with the Justice Fountain at its centre. Not only is it Frankfurt’s most picturesque public square, it’s the city’s busiest pedestrian zone, home to numerous tourist attractions including its many open-fronted shops.

• Senckenberg Natural History Museum — Located in Frankfurt’s Senckenberg Gardens, the Senckenberg Natural History Museum is one of the most modern museums of natural history in Europe. It houses Europe’s biggest exhibition of large dinosaurs, making it particularly popular with families.

Munich The capital of Bavaria is home to centuries-old buildings and numerous museums. The city is known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration and cavernous beer halls, including the famed Hofbräuhaus, founded in 1589.

Attractions • Marienplatz — It has been Munich’s central square since the city’s foundation, and until 1807 was where markets were held, along with the occasional medieval jousting tournament. In addition to the massive New Town Hall, it’s here you’ll find the majestic Old Town Hall with its reconstructed tower.

• The English Garden — Being the largest city park in Germany, it covers an area of 910 acres and boasts more than 100 bridges. Its naturally arranged groups of trees and plants offer ever-changing vistas, while its winding streams and artificial lake combine to create the impression of a mature natural landscape.

Cologne This 2,000-year-old city spans the Rhine River in western Germany and is the region’s cultural hub. A landmark of High Gothic architecture, the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral is also known for its gilded medieval reliquary and sweeping river views.

Attractions • Take a trip on the Rhine — The river cuts through Cologne city centre and you can take all kinds of trips on the water to enjoy some amazing views of castles and vineyard landscapes.

• The ‘Schokolade’ Museum — The best place to find out about everything to do with cocoa and chocolate. You can enjoy tasting freshly made chocolate in the factory while taking in views of the Rhine. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Confident and Youthful

As our needs in life change and adapt, we expect the same from our car. The all new SsangYong Tivoli encompasses everything you expect today and need tomorrow, no matter what life demands of you. Space, practicality, seating configurations, comfort and utility are all signature hallmarks of this versatile and adaptable crossover vehicle.

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MOTORING

A GUST OF GREATNESS CHARLIE HOLDING This Italian stallion is a sporty executive sedan that appeals to the heart, head and soul.

W

hen you think about Italy, it’s likely you envision fantastic food, stunning scenery and marvellous motors … and you’d be right in

doing so.

The Italians have an effortless yet refined sense of style that is perhaps exemplified best by their sports cars. When you combine that style with sophistication and performance you not only have a recipe for success, you have the pillars of Maserati.

I’ve been lucky enough to drive several of the iconic marque’s models, but that privilege put me in a precarious situation when I learned I’d be taking the 2015 Ghibli for a spin. Make no bones about it, this is a phenomenal car but, once you’ve driven the Maserati GranTurismo, the bar is set pretty high.

The GranTurismo is not only a sportierlooking model, it also boasts a 4.2-litre V8 engine which develops more than 400 ponies.

On paper, when you compare that with the Ghibli’s 3-litre Twin Turbo V6 (with 330bhp), it’s easy to cast aspersions.

However, I was wrong … I admit it, you hear 72 October 2015

me, I was wrong! Comparing the two models is like comparing siblings; each has their own strengths and weaknesses but the DNA is intrinsically the same.

The Ghibli not only looks incredibly sharp, it handles beautifully and has more than enough horsepower to satiate most drivers. And, as an added bonus, there is an S version that knocks the horsepower up to 410 and races to 100kmph in 5.0 seconds.

This model also shares parts of its core architecture; namely its chassis, suspension, V6 engine and ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, with the flagship limousine Quattroporte.

The outline of the body reflects a coupé-like philosophy for the four-door sedan, while there are noticeable feline hints around the Ghibli’s grille and headlights. The pronounced grille draws a line back to the iconic A6 GCS of the 1950s.

Inside is a sight to behold. The cockpitinspired cabin boasts the highest level of refinement and sophistication. Key elements such as the 8.4-inch Maserati Touch Control and the Poltrona Frau leather finish underline

ALSO THIS MONTH: 73 REVAMPED FOR SUCCESS 74 BACK WITH A VENGEANCE

the cabin’s sporting character. Optional features include the 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, WLAN based Wi-Fi and a wide range of customisation options that cater for the most demanding individuals.

The drive is everything you’d expect from a car of this calibre; tap the push button ignition and the quintessential roar of the engine lets you know this model means business. There is also a sport mode, which holds the revs higher for longer and sharpens the throttle to produce an even beastlier sound.

Off the mark, it makes the dash from 0-100kmph in a respectable 5.6 seconds and leaves a trail of jealous motorists in its wake.

And, trust me, there were plenty of jealous looks in my direction while I was cruising in this mean machine.

In my humble opinion, the Ghibli is the perfect model for anyone looking to buy their first Maserati. Not only is it a brilliant way to get to know the brand before you dive into the deep end, it is an introduction to a world of performance you never knew existed.

Call 17 750-750. www.bahrainthismonth.com

motoring EURO MOTORS

Revamped for Success

The latest BMW 3 Series has arrived in the Kingdom and is quickly garnering attention thanks to its revamped look and new engine variants.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

With almost 14 million units sold worldwide, the BMW 3 Series is the company’s best-seller and the world’s most successful model series in its segment. With the latest upgrades to the design, technology innovations and more efficient drivetrains, the new model is expected to build on its success story.

It’s still unmistakably BMW, but boasts a sharper, sportier design than the outgoing model. At the front end, new aprons with revised air intakes accentuate the car’s width, while the sensor for the optional Active Cruise Control is integrated into the central air intake.

Newly designed headlights and striking LED daytime driving lights underline the car’s sporty and powerful visual appeal, its makers say. In addition, new paint finishes are available: Mediterranean Blue metallic, Platinum Silver metallic and Jatoba metallic.

Meanwhile, the interior has also benefited from new materials and additional chrome highlights for the controls, air vents and central control panel. The newly crafted centre console – with a sliding cover for the cupholders – enables better use of the storage surfaces in front of the gearstick. To round off the specification choices for the new model, a wide range of personalisation options are made available for upholstery and interior trim elements, as well as new wheels, exterior colours and equipment options The new four-cylinder petrol engine in the 330i (to replace the 328i) delivers 252bhp while the the 3 Series range-topper, the new six-cylinder in-line petrol engine in the BMW 340i delivers 326bhp.

These two new engines join the 318i (136bhp) and the 320i (184bhp).

The eight-speed Steptronic transmission provides a smoother feel and improved acoustics, while the coasting function increases efficiency by another notch. Further developed dampers, stiffer suspension and precise steering all ensure the same impressive ride quality as its predecessor.

The range of products and services available offers a unique selection of driver assistance systems designed to enhance comfort and improve safety. For example, the full-colour BMW Head-Up Display enables all relevant information to be displayed directly in the driver’s field of vision, leaving the motorist to concentrate fully on the road ahead.

The navigation maps are automatically updated free of charge for a period of three years. In the owner’s home region, the embedded SIM card allows these updates to take place automatically using the mobile phone network.

Adding to the overall appeal, the BMW 3 Series is the first model in the premium mid-sized sports segment, depending on the equipment specified, to support the fastest current mobile technology standard (LTE).

As if that wasn’t enough, the Parking Assistant enables automatic parallel parking, while Auto PDC automatically activates the front parking sensors when manoeuvring.

Call 17 750-750.

October 2015 73

motoring

JAC J5

JAC MOTORS

Back with a Vengeance CHARLIE HOLDING The Kingdom’s leading Chinese car dealer has unveiled the new model year of its flagship sedan.

74 October 2015

Building on the resounding success of the 2015 J5, JAC Motors Bahrain has launched the new 2016 model and, as an added bonus, the seductive sedan comes with a free Samsung S6 phone.

The 1.8-litre J5 not only combines luxury and practicality at a competitive price, it also delivers a comfortable and capable drive. Its exterior was created at the famous Pininfarina design centre in Italy, giving this model a refreshing European feel and character.

Safety is an important factor and this model has several features worth noting. It boasts great active and passive safety systems and it has received 5 stars in the C-NCAP crash test rating. Among its other features it also includes ABS brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, integrated side panels, dual airbags and an advanced mechanical power steering system.

The new J5 boasts leather seats, alloy wheels, parking sensors, a rear air-conditioner, full power windows, airbags and tyre pressure detection systems. It also comes with a Mitsubishi four-speed automatic transmission with a flat-type torque converter and solid transfer case.

The Bosch 8.1 ABS enhances driver steering control by reducing wheel lockup under hard braking.

Electronic Brake-force Distribution with Brake Assist balances brake pressure distribution based on vehicle load and braking conditions. It automatically adjusts the brake force applied to each wheel and can transfer braking pressure front-to-rear or side-to-side to help optimise the available traction.

JAC also has other models including the Refine Minibus which comes in three variants – 12-seater passenger bus, six-seater half panel van and threeseater full panel van. The 12-seater comes with bucket seats for extra comfort and parking sensors while the six-seater version is ideal for commercial establishments. Meanwhile, the three-seater is competitively-priced and ideal for transporting cargo.

The 2016 JAC J5 is priced at just BD4,990 and is also available with attractive finance schemes starting from BD99 per month and leasing options from BD120 per month.

Call 17 270-270 to book a test drive or visit the showroom at Segaya Plaza, Zinj. www.bahrainthismonth.com

motoring

MOTOR CITY

Style Meets Safety CHARLIE HOLDING This new SUV bridges the gap between performance and functionality to produce an unmistakable driving experience.

76 October 2015

Safety-conscious Scandinavian automotive giants Volvo launched the new XC90 at a ceremony at the Royal Golf Club.

The launch by Motor City, the distributor of Volvo in the Kingdom, took place in the presence of company officials and spectators who flocked to get a glimpse of the new model.

Volvo is a brand renowned for its impressive list of safety credentials but it is also establishing itself as a formidable contender in the luxury SUV segment.

The new XC90 is a combination of design, luxury, performance, comfort, connectivity and safety that sets the benchmark for automotive excellence, its makers say. This contemporary SUV is available as five or seven-seater.

In the cabin, luxurious materials and craftsmanship meet elegance and several customisation options are available. Customers can pick between real wood, carbon fibre, aluminium or charcoal décor panels, leather or Nappa leather, with a choice between one or two-tone design steering wheels.

The traditional selection of buttons and controls has been replaced with a smooth, intuitive interaction between a large touch-screen, controls on the steering wheel and a capable voice-control system.

Two sound systems by Bowers and Wilkins turn any drive into a momentous experience, where the driver can enjoy the rich sound of music.

The T6 engine, equipped with a supercharger and turbocharger, delivers 320bhp and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Of course, it is packed with intuitive safety technologies as standard. Volvo continues to pioneer

the safety segment with two world-first safety technologies: a run-off road protection package and an auto brake-at-intersection capability.

Two payment schemes give buyers flexibility to select the solution that most suits their budget, enabling them to drive this trendsetting SUV at an incredible affordable rate.

The Full Lease Option boasts zero down payment, full insurance and no extra costs through partner Kanoo Vehicle Leasing (KVL) with monthly instalments starting from only BD445. Meanwhile, the Bank Loan Option offers the XC90 for as little as BD275 per month.

Customers purchasing the new model can look forward to a five-year unlimited, kilometre warranty, five years of road assistance across the GCC, as well as a free service and maintenance package for five years or 100,000km. The future value has also been considered by providing a guaranteed buy-back agreement. The package also includes free window tinting and registration as standard. ● Two new dedicated services for all Volvo clients have been introduced in Bahrain. The Volvo Premier Club provides a dedicated concierge service for appointments, information, discounts on service and spare parts, referral benefits, trade-in evaluation bonus, in addition to access to the partners’ network that will provide additional discounts.

All Volvo car owners, regardless of age or condition of their current car, can register for free and receive their complimentary club membership card at the Volvo showroom in Sitra.

Call 17 879-222 or email Volvo@motorcity.com.bh. www.bahrainthismonth.com

familymotoring

A Ride for the Whole Family It may surprise you to learn that the family car segment is one of the most competitive in the world and, with such a huge range of models available, making the right choice can seem like a daunting task.

Gone are the days of boring station wagons or estate versions being the only option — SUVs, MPVs and crossovers are now the vehicles of choice for many.

Ask around and you’ll find the ideal vehicle is one that is solidly built, practical and fun to drive … that’s not asking too much, is it? Of course not.

Bahrain This Month has scoured the Kingdom’s automotive sector to help you decide on the perfect ride for your family.

Motor City offers a wide range of competitively-priced vehicles including: Subaru XV, Forester, Legecy, Chery Tiggo 3, Tiggo 5, Citroen C-Elysee, Ssangyong Tivoli and Rexton.

These models are all renowned for their practicality, affordability and durability. There are showrooms in Sitra and Sanad.

EK Kanoo is a one-stop-shop for all your Toyota and Lexus needs with vehicles spanning across every category. Toyota’s best-selling family models are the Prado and Land Cruiser, impressively-sized SUVs that pack a load of features.

Meanwhile, the Lexus ES and LS models are also firm favourites thanks to their relaxing comfort, userfocused advanced technologies and refined detailing.

The ES is the first production model to introduce the Lexus Safety System +, which combines key innovative safety technologies into a single networked package.

Among them are the Pre-Crash Safety System, and the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, the Lane Departure Alert, as well as the Automatic High Beam.

A company spokesperson says: “Our well-trained sales staff can meet the expectations of today’s demanding customers. They can answer questions on the features and advantages of owning a Toyota, which www.bahrainthismonth.com

not only gives customer’s peace of mind, it also reassures them that their vehicle has cutting-edge technology and, in many cases, world-first features.”

Al Haddad Motors has a special promotion on some of its most popular SUVs including the ML, GL and GLK. These attractively-priced vehicles are some of the best in the world and are ideal for families. Stop by the showroom for a test drive today.

Other popular models Kia Carens The Kia Carens is an affordable seven-seater mpv, which makes it an extremely sensible choice. The impressive array of standard features are also worth bragging about.

Audi A3 The Audi A3 is based on the same underpinnings as the Golf and it shares many of its qualities. It costs more, but the interior is great quality and it will hold its value.

Nissan Qashqai The Nissan Qashqai is an impressive alternative to the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. It’s very practical benefits from an excellent reliability record.

BMW X3 The BMW X3 puts paid to the notion that you can’t have a roomy off-roader that’s also enjoyable to drive.

It comes with a huge boot and plenty of space for five.

Skoda Octavia The Skoda Octavia shares its platform with the golf and A3, but it’s more spacious than either, and cheaper to buy too. Or, if you need even more room, you can choose the Octavia estate.

October 2015 77

familymotoring AL HADDAD MOTORS

Fantastic Family Ride

Mercedes-Benz GL500

CHARLIE HOLDING Having a family of your own will undoubtedly change your life. The chances are it will probably change your choice of ride too, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

78 October 2015

Sports cars fitted with a child seat lose their lustre faster than they make the 0-100kmph dash; so, upgrading your vehicle is pretty much a necessity when you become a parent. While sedans and coupes are fine choices, many people feel safer in a full-sized SUV and they don’t come much better than the Mercedes-Benz GL500.

If you still find yourself waning for your old roadster, don’t fret because the model I drove was fitted with the AMG body-kit, which gives this family-friendly vehicle a sporty profile that effortlessly compliments the staggering performance.

This beast on wheels proves that a family car needn’t be a boring one. It’s kitted out with all the bells and whistles you could ever want, and then some. As a seven-seater off-roader, it is ideally equipped for all conceivable situations — yet at the same time offers everything that goes to make a comfortable contemporary vehicle: comfortable seats, automatic climate control and ambient lighting.

The COMAND system brings all of the entertainment, navigation and internet options together via a central controller and colour screen. Controls on the steering wheel make it easy to adjust the audio, use the Bluetooth interface and thumb through the many informative screens and graphical menus.

Under the bonnet is a 4.7-litre V8 that hurls this sophisticated SUV along with conviction, and, with more than 400bhp at your disposal, petrol-head parents are sure to be satisfied. As an added

bonus, there is a sport mode too, which gives a more dynamic drive that will appease your need for raw power.

Despite its intimidating size and substantial weight, it handles like a much smaller model and, as a result, it corners magnificently. During my drive I took a couple of corners that were tighter than my mother’s purse strings and the GL stuck to the road like white on rice.

Obviously, as a family car, safety is paramount and the GL delivers an abundance of impressive features.

The Driving Assistance package Plus includes Distronic Plus, Brake Assist, Pre-Safe Brake, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and automatic child seat recognition.

However, my favourite feature was the massage seats, which offer a variety of modes from soft and gentle to fast and vigorous. I went with the latter because, well, that’s how I roll! This nifty feature is perfect for when you’re stuck in traffic and sore from chasing your little ones around. And, by the way, they’ll be quiet as a mouse while they watch DVDs on the screens in the back.

Versatility is the name of the game with this SUV and, depending on your requirements, the back row of seats can be folded down to offer more than enough room to fit the weekly shopping.

I could go on all day about how much I enjoyed this SUV but don’t just take my word for it, test drive it yourself and thank me later.

Call 17 785-454. www.bahrainthismonth.com

BAHRAIN BREAST CANCER SOCIETY

www.thinkpinkbahrain.com

Together. we save lives.

Hers.

Men can play a big part in the fight against breast cancer. It all comes down to showing support and joining hands with loved ones to encourage women to undergo monthly checkups and self examinations – these simple steps will go a long way to helping women feel supported, ensuring that together they aren't alone in the fight against breast cancer.

Early detection saves lives. Hers.

So please remind your partner, wife or mother to undergo regular checkups. Say icheck.

bystander

The All-new Volvo Motorcity launched the Volvo XC90 at the Royal Golf Club.

Vivek, Arun & Hani

Cristina & Felipe

Emre, Bijan, Mike & Trevor

Hans, Maryam & Pomtus

Anabelle & Kamal

Fawaz Kanoo, Ibrahim Kanoo & Khalifa

Jaffar & Salman

Deirdre & Bart

Harazi & Heinz

Jad

Victoria & Bisan

Badriay & Maryam

Yulia

VJMP3 & Sam

DJ Festival Bahrain’s first DJ festival took place at the Royal Hall, Adliya, featuring 16 local DJs and eight hours of non-stop music.

One of the DJs performing

Karen, Abbas, Mohammed & DJ Swis

80 October 2015

Preeti & Vineetha

Caitlin & Kristabel

www.bahrainthismonth.com

familymotoring INTERNATIONAL MOTOR TRADING AGENCY W.L.L

Safety First!

One of China’s top automakers is hoping to woo customers in the Kingdom with its latest offering.

The Geely Emgrand 8 is a sleek, family-sized saloon that has a well-earned reputation for its safety credentials.

The Chinese New Car Assessment Programme (C-NCAP) released its latest safety collision test results and the Emgrand 8 scored a five-star rating, outperforming many other world-famous auto brands.

Not only is the Emgrand 8 Geely’s first model to target the middle to high-end market, it is also the first to feature the marque’s Blow-out Monitoring and Brake System (BMBS), a firstof-its-kind safety technology.

The model is designed and manufactured in accordance with European five-star safety

Geely Emgrand 8

standards and its Total Safety Management (GTSM) is also drawing praise.

The Emgrand 8 is built with Bosch 8.1 ABS+EBD systems as well as six radar detectors (two in the front and four in the back), which effectively lower risks of car scratches when driving on congested and narrow streets.

The exceptional performance of Geely vehicles in safety assessments reflects the automaker’s goal to provide quality, stylish and

reliable cars. Meanwhile, the brand’s successful acquisition of Volvo Cars exemplifies the development and success of Chinese proprietary auto brands, the company says.

For More information, download the Geely mobile app (available for Android and Apple phones), visit the showroom in Tubli or visit www.kekanoo.com.

Call 17 875-777.

Unbeatable Geely Offer CHOOSE FROM MULTIPLE MODEL OPTIONS UNBEATABLE PRICE WITH 5 STAR SAFETY RATING

Per Month*

43/-* BD. 1.5L Engine

Per Month*

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Per Month*

2L & 2.4L Engine

1.8L MT & AT Engine

1.5L Engine

BD. 75/-*

BD. 72/-*

BD.45/-*

*Terms and conditions apply

2.4L Engine

BD. 50/-*

• Best Services from International Motor Trading Agency • Bank Installments Available • Safe and Best Value for Money • 3 Years or 100,000Kms. Warranty

www.bahrainthismonth.com

geelybahrain

geelybahrain

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For more information call on 36288004, 36288247 October 2015 81

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

Hidden Fake Wall Outlet This is a safe masquerading as an electrical outlet that provides a good place to hide your precious objects. Made of highimpact plastic and metal, once installed, it pivots out to reveal the secret hiding place. It comes with a cut-out saw and template for easy installation in just minutes.

Fruit Juice Extractor Skip the process of picking out annoying seeds from your fruit and get straight into the good stuff with this extractor.

Simple to use, just screw it in and you’re ready to go.

Tug Preventing Dog Trainer This device uses an ultrasonic signal that’s inaudible to the human ear. It can be used for anti-leash-pulling training by simply redirecting dogs without harm. It comes with two leash adapters.

82 October 2015

Portable iPhone Amp You can double your iPhone’s volume with this gadget.

The Portable iPhone Amp amplifies the volume by 13 decibels without needing any external power. It comes in a variety of colours so you can match it with your iPhone.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

LED Plant Pot You can give some light to your garden with this dazzling device. These colour-changing pots come in various shades and look amazing day or night. The LED compartment is protected by a sealed waterproof casing to prevent damage.

Spy Cam Pen This gadget will make you feel like James Bond while you are wearing it. It records sound, video and can even take photos. Connecting it by USB, you can upload the footage to your computer.

Skateboard USB Drive Store your data away with this brilliant USB drive.

When you aren’t plugging it into your computer to transfer files, you can perform a variety of tricks and stunts with it on your desk. It’s available in a variety of different styles and colours.

Rainbow Shower Head This gadget will brighten up your daily routine. It’s very easy to use; simply screw it on in place of your current shower head and the internal lights will change the water jets into a spectrum of colour. No batteries are required either so it is completely safe.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

iCrayon Stylus Pen Made to look like every child’s favourite drawing utensil, this stylus is made of a soft, smooth material and comes in seven different colours. It allows for easier drawing on a tablet compared to a normal stylus, so it’s perfect for the artistically inclined.

October 2015 83

music

The Book of Souls – Iron Maiden Verdict: Staggering release

from the band that keeps on giving.

What’s the story?

This is the 16th album from the legendary British heavy metal icons. It is the band’s first studio double album and its longest to date, with a total length of 92 minutes. The album’s launch and its supporting tour were delayed to allow vocalist Bruce Dickinson time to recover from treatment for cancerous tumours in his throat and tongue.

Worth a listen?

With a band of this stature, there’s no need to beat around the bush.The Book of Souls is an incredible album and the best music release so far this year. In their 40th year of existence, in an age where fellow bands of their era trot out sub-par albums or go on tour once every few years to play the same old classics, Maiden push themselves to their limits and sound more inspired and enthusiastic than ever before.

This enthusiasm is apparent in the epic album closer Empire of the Clouds, an 18-minute,

piano-driven magnum opus that scorches along in a cacophony of Dickinson’s operatic air siren vocals, Steve Harris’ chugging bass, Nicko McBrain’s pounding drums and Murray, Smith and Gers’ triple guitar assault.

As the band has drifted from their heavy metal roots into a more progressive style, so has their sense of timekeeping. You might

need to book a day off work to listen to this one in full. Three songs stretch over the 10-minute mark but the musicianship is tighter and more purposeful than ever, meaning that the songs seem to go by in half the time.

This is proof, if needed, that Maiden is, at least where longetivity is concerned, the greatest band of all time.

Shorts

The Libertines – Anthems For Doomed Youth

Miley Cyrus – Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz

The Libertines are back for their first album in 11 years. The band has had a storied history, from their huge breakout success to hiatus while frontman Pete Doherty’s personal antics took to the fore. Now they’re back, full to the brim with sharp mixtures of garage and glam anthems. The band seem self-aware on this record, with most lyrics directed at their breakup and subsequent maturing, but as is usually the great irony in rock music, losing their wild side has also led to the blunting of their edge.

The lunatic pop princess dropped this surprise album with no fanfare and surprisingly, it’s actually listenable. It’s a psychedelic trip through the mind of this bonkers woman, so don’t expect Shakespearean lyrics or any clarity on the first, or even 10th listen. The album is very self-indulgent and has a number of missteps, but there’s a method to the madness with some solid musicianship.

84 October 2015

Foals – What Went Down This British art rock band returns with easily their best album yet thanks to a heavier and more aggressive sound. The group excels in creating arena-sized ballads with detailed guitar work, energetic electronics and powerful percussion. These traits have been dialled up to create a musical tour-de-force. The band’s dark, soulful urgency, especially on the explosive title track, demonstrates a groove that could prove to be a launch pad to superstardom. www.bahrainthismonth.com

games

Games review Verdict: The series bows out in serious style.

Game: Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain Rating:***** What is it?

This is an open world action-adventure stealth game, the 11th canonical and final instalment in the Metal Gear series. Set in 1984, the game follows a mercenary leader as he ventures into Afghanistan and the AngolaZaire border region to exact revenge on those who destroyed his forces and came close to killing him during the climax of previous game, Ground Zeroes.

Gameplay

The stealth elements in the game are more refined than ever before thanks to the ability to call in a variety of allies, the missions can be tackled in a huge number of ways without restriction on equipment or weaponry. The player can also build a huge base of operations, capture and convince enemies to join your cause, and then use them in missions later on.

FIFA 16

The world’s favourite football game returns for the new season. New features include increased control in midfield, improved defensive moves, more stars and a new way to play. Build your dream team in FIFA ultimate team, or compete as one of 12 new women’s national teams for the first time ever, including Germany, USA, France, Sweden, England and Brazil. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Graphics

The switch to open world as opposed to a linear setting is inspired, as a wide variety of landscapes greet the player, all painted in

Fallout 4

As the sole survivor of Vault 111, you enter a world destroyed by nuclear war. Every second is a fight for survival, and every choice is yours. Only you can rebuild and determine the fate of the Wasteland. Play in first- or third-person and take advantage of new features such as a split-piece armour system, base-building, dynamic dialogue and in-depth crafting.

vibrant and detailed colour. Facial animations are perfect in cutscenes and this gritty game is filled with blood, explosions and tears aplenty, rendered with stunning definition.

Star Wars Battlefront

Galactic forces clash in this reboot of this hugely popular gaming franchise. Fight in recreations of the epic Star Wars battles on iconic planets and rise through the ranks playing as the heroic Rebellion or the evil Galactic Empire. Whether fighting through blaster-wielding Stormtroopers or piloting your favourite combat vehicles like Snowspeeders, Speeder Bikes and AT–STs, Star Wars Battlefront puts you at the centre of the galactic conflict.

October 2015 85

websites

bystander

DJ Junior J Dubai-based DJ Junior J performed live at the Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa’s nightclub venue, Ibrida, for a second time.

www.fan.tv Rating:*****

DJ Junior J & DJ Andy

VERDICT:

Must-have website for media streamers.

What is it?

Fan TV monitors content across various streaming services and tells you exactly which one is offering the show you want. No more searching Netflix in vain looking for that long-forgotten movie; type its name into Fan TV and it’ll tell you exactly where it is on another service. Later, when you’re ready to watch that recommended show or movie, you can simply launch the Fan TV website and it will tell you where you can stream or buy it on third-party services. You can also optionally watch the video right there on your phone.

The Good:

Fan TV doesn’t just focus on the ‘big’ services like Netflix, Amazon or Hulu, and the top download providers like Amazon and iTunes, but the lesserknown ones too. It offers 44 services and it continues to add new ones as they come out, with it currently boasting 2.6 million entertainment programmes.

Resident band ‘Energy’

The Bad:

The website has an app, but it is iOS only and no Android version is planned, which significantly affects its user base if you want to watch on phone or tablet.

Jerry, Coty, Peter & Mac ‘D’

Marriam

Jennifer

Abdulla & Waleed

Abdulrahman

Alexis & DJ Andy

www.burner.bonanza.com For those without serious Photoshop skills, Background Burner does a surprisingly good job of removing background images from photos. You just pick the image you want, and the site automatically figures out what’s in the foreground, presenting a few different levels of background removal to choose from. It’s great for joining the latest Photoshop battle even if you can’t wield a lasso tool.

www.camelcamelcamel.com

Emilie & friend

86 October 2015

Jermaine & Floyd

Josh & Devin

Online retailers like Amazon are a one-stop shop for many people, but its prices tend to fluctuate on a fairly regular basis. CamelCamelCamel can set you up with email andTwitter-based price alerts that let you know when a particular item goes on sale. You can also see an item’s 18-month price history to decide whether you should buy it now or wait until it gets cheaper. www.bahrainthismonth.com

apps

Essential Apps BTM brings you the low-down on the latest and greatest apps on the market

What is it?

Duet Display uses the Apple iPad or iPhone you’re already carrying as an additional screen for your laptop on the road. Desk dwellers know the joys of using dual displays, especially while monitoring social media feedsor any sort of status indicators. This app works well in a pinch, or even full-time if your laptop is beefy enough.

The Good:

It automatically adds touch functionality to the second screen, something which is unavailable on a normal laptop. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac laptops, while the second screen processes and loads almost instantly with no lag.

App: Duet Display for iPad Rating:**** Verdict: A simple way to add a second screen to your laptop.

App: Pear Personal Coach

The Pear Personal Coach app is among the best fitness apps you’ll find for Android and iOS. It has a wealth of workout routines; everything from outdoor runs to at-home resistance training, and each has an audio track of a real coach who talks you through the motions. You can add your own music too, which dials down automatically whenever the coach is speaking. The app works best when you wear a heart rate monitor, though it’s not required. www.bahrainthismonth.com

The Bad:

The screen resolution is too low on an iPhone. It’s usable, but it’s distracting enough to be off-putting. Duet Display also doesn’t work with the original iPad model, which is annoying for those still using it.

App: ToDoList

To Do List is both a mobile and a web app with a browser plug-in that allows you to keep your to-dos in sync across multiple devices. It has a clean and simple interface that is easy to grasp and organise accordingly.There is also an array of task-management features that means you should never miss an appointment. It also works offline based on your most recent schedule.

October 2015 87

movies

bystander

VERDICT:

Film: Fantastic Four Rating:**

The Noise Returns JJ’s Irish Restaurant’s resident band The Noise entertained a full house audience after a year long hiatus.

The Noise performs

Colleen, Janetta & Stephanie

Dreadful attempt that feels as hollow as it does incomplete.

Directed by: Josh Trank Starring: Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell

The Plot:

Asma, Mona, DJ & Mike

The film tells the story of the foursome’s origins. It starts off with best friends and science geeks Reed Richards (Teller) and Ben Grimm (Bell) developing a prototype teleporter named the ‘Quantum Gate’. A major research institute hears about the project and agrees to fund it.

Perfecting the device with one final invention offered by ambitious protégé Victor von Doom (Toby Kebbell), the group use the machine to visit Planet Zero, which they learn is a world filled with otherworldly substances. Doom’s curiosity ends up causing a major earthquake and the destruction of the Quantum Gate, which alters the team’s genetics and inadvertently affords them super-human abilities. Victor gets lost in the chaos, but it isn’t long before he emerges to threaten Earth, meaning the titular quartet has to stop him before he can enact his evil plan.

Worth Watching?

Tash & Suzanne

Koffi, Sherifa, Susie & Joe

The Girls

Chris & Steph

Kathy, Scott, Kenny & Cay

88 October 2015

Kristi & David

The film reeks of missed opportunity at every turn. It is devoid of humour, substance, style or chemistry between the team. After the almost ‘buddy comedy’ elements and camaraderie of the Avengers or X-Men teams, these four barely interact or have a word to say to each other. By the time they band together to defeat the baddie and save the planet, we have very little cause to root for them.

What’s worse is that the film feels unfinished thanks to studio meddling.

Goosebumps

Ahmed & Mohammed

Dinky, Jasmine & Tina

The famous children’s horror book franchise comes to the big screen for the first time. After moving into a small town, a teenage boy named Zach Cooper meets Hannah, his new neighbour.

Hannah’s father, R.L. Stine (Jack Black), writes the Goosebumps stories and keeps all the ghosts and monsters in the series locked up in his manuscripts. When Zach and his friend unintentionally release the ghosts and monsters, the trio team up in order to put them back before they overrun the town and harm people.

Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension

The (supposedly) final chapter in this horror series will follow supernatural occurrences that take place in a home in Palo Alto, California. The four family members are Ryan, a game developer, Ryan’s wife Emily, a stay-at-home mum, their six-year old daughter Leila and Ryan’s younger brother. The brothers find tapes of young Katie and Kristi (recurring characters from the previous movies) being taught supernatural abilities by their grandmother.

They also find a camera which can see paranormal phenomena that the human eye can’t. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Car Launch Euro Motors and Ferrari held a press conference to launch the Ferrari 488GTB followed by an exclusive preview for clients, at the Four Seasons Hotel, Al Bahrain Ballroom.

Lubna, Jawaher & Mohammed

Hisham & Claudia

Girogio Turri & Nawaf Al Zayani with the new car

Faisal & Hani

Majid Zayani & Khalid

Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa & Mohammed

Rifat & HE Alberto Vecchi

Greg, George & Paul

Maya & Safiya

Navin

Erica

Kaitlin & Jackie

Maher, Moath & Magdi

Jose & Jessica

Prvallis, Sultan & Wael

Tivoli Pool Party Coral Bay hosted a pool party to launch Motorcity’s SsangYong Tivoli and feature the return of DJ Jojo. DJ Miled also entertained the audience.

Haitham, DJ Jojo & Ramzy

Matthew & Cris

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Salvannia, Steven & Darnell

Elias, Rami & Michael

Diana & Veronica

Alex & Prvallis

October 2015 89

travelfeature

Wonderful

Indonesia

The largest archipelago in the world, The Republic of Indonesia is as diverse in topography as it is in culture. Bahrain This Month’s Apple Sharma travelled to this enchanting destination to explore its many wonders.

One of the hidden gems of the Far East, Indonesia had always piqued my curiosity as it was one of the countries in that region I had visited the least. So, when I was asked to go on a Familiarisation Trip organised by the Indonesian Embassy in Bahrain, I was ecstatic and keen to explore the country in its full glory.

The biggest archipelagic country in the world with more than 17,000 large and small islands, Indonesia offers a plethora of attractions from white sandy beaches to the underwater beauty of coral reefs and marine biota, the scenic beauty of mountainous areas and tropical forests with an astounding collection of flora and fauna. Its landscape is as diverse

Damai Indah Golf — Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) Designed by two of the world’s leading golf architects, Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones Jr, PIK course captures the “Spirit of the Sea”.

Located along the coast for views of Jakarta’s famed sunsets, this 72-par course with its graceful and scenic fairways skilfully combines the natural beauty of the coastal wetlands, offering players unique challenges on every hole.

90 October 2015

Royale Jakarta Golf Club Located in the heart of the city, Royale Jakarta Golf Club is one of the five great new golf courses in Asia. Designed by Bob Moore Jr and JMP Group, this 27-hole course provides a landscape of exotic plants and lake waters, making it a challenging course and a visual beauty. It’s the first club in Asia to use the latest grass type — Sea Isle Supreme Paspalum, which helps generate a consistent speed in accordance with international standards. It was voted the ‘Best Course in Indonesia’ three years in a row.

as its culture — more than 700 ethnic groups, each with their own distinct customs and cultures.

Indonesia is renowned for its amazing scenic beauty, but what many people aren’t aware of is its reputation for golfing! Yes, it’s true — Indonesia is home to some of the most stunning golf courses in the region. And that’s how our journey started — seeing the splendours of this beautiful country, encompassed within picturesque golf courses, one hole at a time. Jakarta, with its vast array of golfing venues seemed like the perfect place to familiarise ourselves with the sport. Once we were ready to tee off the tour properly; we jetted to Bali to check out its fabulous courses and clubs.

Nirwana Bali Golf Club A jewel of the Indian Ocean, Nirwana Bali Golf Club at Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort is an award-winning championship course, set along the dramatic coastline amongst manicured gardens and traditional Balinese rice paddies. Designed by legendary golfer Greg Norman, the course boasts five ocean-side holes, three cliffto-cliff tee shots and eight holes sculpted into the terraced rice fields. Its signature Par 3 seventh hole overlooks the famous Tanah Lot temple and is by far the most photographed hole on the course.

To complement a round of golf, a stay at the magnificent Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort is an absolute must!

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Handara Golf & Resort Bali Located in the central highlands, nestled inside the crater of a dormant volcano, it is the highest (about 1,400 metres) club in Bali. The resort, surrounded by lush green mountains, crater lakes and an equatorial rainforest, creates dramatic backdrops for approach shots into the well maintained creeping bentgrass greens. Ranked in the “Top 50 Greatest Golf Courses in the World” (GOLF Magazine), this 18-hole course is designed by five-times British Open Champion Peter Thomson and attracts players from across the globe.

New Kuta Golf This is a championship standard course and the first links-style (oldest style of course) layout in Indonesia, ranking amongst Asia’s best and most challenging courses. With five sets of tees, it has enough variety to ensure a satisfying experience for all skill levels — the low handicapper and the novice. Edged between the brilliant white limestone cliffs and the endless blue horizon of the Indian Ocean, New Kuta Golf is more than just a golf course. The magnificent clubhouse boasts a restaurant, bar, spa and function rooms with panoramic views of the

lush rolling fairways and sea.

Admiring the beauty of these picturesque golf courses has definitely inspired me to take up golf as a hobby! But what’s really unique is that every course we visited had fully trained women caddies who brought an element of charm to the already graceful game. Apart from a slightly hilarious and embarrassing incident with one of our fellow travellers, which saw a golf cart landing up in a bunker, the whole golfing experience in Indonesia was exceptional — Terima kasih, Indonesia!

Bali Attractions Bali is one of the world’s most favourite travel destinations. It has been said that it is one of the few places that you must see before you die and rightly so! With magnificent beaches, coral reefs, astounding temples and a rich arts and culture scene, Bali attracts both locals and tourists alike.

• Peak season: July to August / Christmas and New Year.

• Kuta beach — surfers’ haven, close to some great dining and shopping options.

• Sukawati Market — Bali’s long-standing art market, selling typically Balinese items such as paintings, sculptures, traditional handicrafts and more.

Kecak Fire and Trance Dance Just like its profoundly religious people, Indonesian art forms are greatly influenced by religion. The famous dance dramas of Java and Bali are derived from Hindu mythology, often featuring fragments from the Hindu epics, such as Ramayana and Mahabharata. The speciality of Kecak is that the accompanying music is provided by the human voice - the gamelan suara - a choir of a hundred or more men sitting in concentric circles, swaying, standing up and lying down as the story develops.

Kopi Luwak The world’s most expensive coffee, Kopi Luwak, is produced from coffee cherry beans which have been digested by the Indonesian Civet Cat (the coffee beans inside the cherries are not digested by the animal). Hence, it is also called cat poop coffee or civet cat coffee. If you can overlook the ‘cat poop’ bit, Kopi Luwak is truly one of the smoothest coffees I have ever tasted and an absolute delight to drink. l Emirates Airlines flies from Bahrain to Jakarta via Dubai, three times a week (subject to change). www.bahrainthismonth.com

October 2015 91

G low S u n S e t S

o f

B a h r a i n

“An inspirational photographic book which reveals the spectacular sunsets within the Kingdom of Bahrain. Containing over 250 images, this unique book not only demonstrates the immense beauty of the country’s sunsets, but also the diverse leisure lifestyle that accompanies them, and the spirit of its people”.

On sale now in all major bookstores

A spectacular new photographic book

by Andrew Weaver

italiandining

Viva Italia Italy is revered for its rich culture and stylish sophistication but, for many, its most enticing offering is a scintillating selection of flavourful fare. BTM rounds up the best Italian restaurants on the island.

From pizza to ravioli and rarities like Caciocavallo Podolico, Italian cuisine enjoys a special spot in global gastronomy, transitioning from comfort food to haute cuisine in the blink of an eye.

The heart of any Italian household is the kitchen; it’s where families and friends get together and bond over a delicious meal. Fresh green herbs, tomatoes and cheese are essential ingredients that combine to create the recipe for success.

Whether you’re in the mood for something light and satisfying or hearty and healthy, the Italians have it covered. Italian cuisine is also popular with vegetarians as there are number of meat-free options to choose from.

Bahrain is a melting pot of cultures and has a plethora of restaurants dishing up different cuisines and, among the most popular, yup, it’s Italian!

In addition to a number of local and international pizza chains, Romano’s Macaroni Grill is a casual dining venue in Juffair’s American Alley that offers islanders a true taste of casual trattoria-style food. It’s bustling open kitchen and food that lingers on the palate, have resulted in a large and loyal fan-base.

Nino — located in Seef and Riffa — offers its own brand of Italian fusion in a tasteful environment. Cucina Italiana in Juffair is also a mustvisit venue, popular for its creative culinary twists on classic dishes.

Bahrain’s five-star brigade has some of the most sophisticated Italian restaurants on the island. Mondo in Diplomat Radisson Blu, La Pergola in Gulf Hotel, Rialto in Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, Primavera at The Ritz Carlton and Rosso in ART Rotana, all offer exceptional gastronomy that promises to have you saying, Mama Mia! www.bahrainthismonth.com

October 2015 93

bystander

Art Exhibition

Maryam

Artists across Bahrain and the region showcased their work at the Malja Call-Out exhibition curated by Ramah Al Husseini.

Ramah, Taliya & Sideeqa

Abdulrahman & Leena

Culinary Introduction The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa held a culinary evening for members of the press with dishes prepared by newly appointed executive chef Richard Glaze, at Primavera-Trattoria Moderna.

Sneha

Culinary delights being prepared

Gustavo & Carlos

Marwan & Faizal

Devo & Sunny

Wadiya & Nariman

A “Pawsome” Auction!

The BSPCA auction, A joy to attend!

All for a charity the animals we tend ...

We throw quite a bash, with music and fun, a bar and buffet, Great things to be won!

¨ Brunch at the Movenpick Hotel 17th October 11:30am-3:30pm children under 12 BD20 per person BD10 children under 6 FREE Tickets at the Thrift Shop, Movenpick Hotel & the British Club ¨ For info tel 3312 1769

Hina & Georgina

Maryam & Valentina

Roberto

Maryam & Florence

Lorena & Raffaella

Andrea

Designed by Peg Altemueller

All proceeds go towards the Cat House Extension Project

Charlie

94 October 2015

Gregory & Cedric

Beatrice & Richard

www.bahrainthismonth.com

italiandining NINO

A Delicious Rendezvous One of the most popular foodie destinations now delivers a contemporary international menu, inspired by its Italian roots, at its newly opened branch at Riffa.

A well renowned Italian diner with more than 11 branches across the GCC in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and soon to be Qatar, Nino has opened its latest flagship restaurant in Riffa.

With outdoor seating and the interiors enhanced with new materials and lighting methods the venue successfully manages to preserve Nino’s original brand identity. A mixture of glossy materials, wood and soft pastel tones help in creating an urban vibe to this casual yet chic dining experience.

Gentle hues of whites and greys with high ceilings give the venue a spacious feel. Large French windows allow plenty of natural light and plants – distributed across its two dining halls – add exuberance to the décor.

However, the backbone of the restaurant is the menu, featuring some of the best Italian

www.bahrainthismonth.com

fusion you can get on the island. It pampers you with its soups, exquisite salads, s crumptious appetisers, all the way to indulging main courses, brick-oven pizzas, burgers, pasta and the irresistible desserts.

Must-triesinclude shrimp dish gamberoni de buffalo, buffalo chicken wrappers, Harissa chicken, grilled to perfection served with quinoa salad and pomegranate infused sauce,

lemon and chicken risotto and tortellini.

The desserts are equally impressive and we recommend the red velvet cake and the flourless chocolate cake.

Nino Riffa serves up a special kind of global Italian cuisine in a sensational new setting, perfect for great food, minus the crowd.

Call 13 613-666.

October 2015 95

DINING

A GRAND FIESTA ANKITA MAMGAIN A kaleidoscope of bright colours, heady flavours and an uninhibited spirit, we escape to our own slice of Spain in the heart of Adliya.

I

don’t know much about Spain, besides its Flamenco music and dance, bullfights, insane party scene and sunny beaches.

And this ignorance reaches embarrassing levels when it comes to the country’s food.

So, what better way to get acquainted than to visit La Vinoteca Barcelona, one of Adliya Block 338’s hippest eateries? Its contemporary red and white façade welcomes you in style and communicates good taste, which I soon realised is not just confined to the plate. The ambience is casual chic with soft lighting creating patterns and contouring the space into intimate nooks.

Newly appointed restaurant manager Leo welcomed my friend and I as soon as we settled in the main dining hall overlooking the bar. After spending just a few weeks on the island, he is eager to please and brought us two flutes of refreshing cava — our initiation into what soon turned out to be an extraordinary evening dedicated to great gastronomy.

The restaurant’s operations manager, Joan 96 October 2015

Gomez, is the main man in the kitchen and his zesty personality translates well into the vibe of the venue and the food he presents. A good example of this is the Manchego cheese lollypops that combine taste, technique and fun!

Tapas, is what the restaurant is most famous for (and of course it’s most exquisite selection of Torres) and we sampled a good variety of those. These dishes are presented like art and taste just as good as they look. The two quinoa salad is an absolute must have and so is Escalivada — charcoal red peppers, aubergines and onions, wrapped in courgette gelatine and topped with black olive powder, olive oil caviar and pistachio.

Tuna in brine — a house speciality — was a delicate preparation of fish, vegetables, rosemary, cloves and organic Spanish tomato.

Cooked in a hermetic pot, the flavour of this dish is absolutely incredible.

The patatas bravas, fried potatoes stuffed with chilli sauce and homemade mayonnaise were delightfully comforting and peppers

ALSO THIS MONTH: 100 YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBOUR 102 AN EXCEPTIONAL MEAL

coated with rock salt spiced things up a bit.

Meanwhile, the suggested Torres certainly elevated the whole experience and worked extremely well with the food.

The restaurant can even compose a large menu of tapas as per your specific diet needs such as gluten free or vegetarian.

Really stuffed by now, we still made room for wild mushrooms paella. My first and only paella experience until now was a few years ago and was an absolute disaster. I have newfound respect for this rice dish after having it at La Vinoteca.

We rounded off a stellar meal with Joan’s decadently arranged Tasting Plate; a combination of four mini desserts.

A grand indulgence of flavours, textures, painstakingly rich and complex recipes, La Vinoteca Barcelona exhibits unmatched culinary flair. This Spanish Inquisition believes in the absolute power of great cuisine, bountiful beverage and savouring each moment. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Timothy & Panos

Business Reception AmCham held a Back to Business networking reception at Kontiki, Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence & Spa. Georg, Pascale & Qays

Dawn & John

October 25-31, 2015

Simone, Bob & Petr

Diana & Debbie

Panos, Christophe & Matthias Bassem & Michael

Join us for a week of Spooky Nights • Special halloween dishes • Halloween beverage specials

Curt, Myles & Mary

Tracy & Sheena

St. Paddy’s Day! Every 17th of the month from Sep. 2015 to Feb. 2016 Bennigan’s Bahrain Majid & Ravi

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Mohammed, Linda & Sarah

BennigansBh

bennigans bennigans

.com.bh .com.bh

17 813 750 October 2015 97

dining LITTLE CHEF

Meet the Masters

Where Food Talks

Asian Kitchen and Turkish Grill

This restaurant continues to expand its customer base at an impressive rate, thanks to the men behind its famous meat dishes.

Sun-Wed: 12pm-12am Thurs-Sat: 12pm-1am

TURKISH I JAPANESE I SUSHI I THAI I INDIAN I CHINESE JOIN US EVERY THURSDAY AND FRIDAY FOR OUR LUNCH AND DINNER BUFFET

Budaiya Road

Tel: 17595950 / 17595980 LittleChefinBahrain

98 October 2015

littlechefbahrain

Little Chef restaurant in Budaiya — part of Lanterns Group — is not only a great place to dine in, it also offers take away, delivery and catering services.

It serves a wide selection of fare spanning many different cuisines. Its Turkish preparations are a huge hit and the credit goes to chefs Murat Altunoz and Umit Altunoz, who are experts in Anatolian cuisine.

They craft the restaurant’s tantalising Turkish grills, charcoal shawarmas and bake fresh mezze and pide breads in the clay oven. For them, sourcing the best quality ingredients is vital to achieving such distinct flavours. “I prepare delicious food using fresh farm chicken, local mutton and lamb,” says chef Murat. “I prepare my food as if I am preparing for my family — just how my mother used to make it.

“I am not happy until my guests are happy!”

Always eager to please customers, the chefs are also ready to take special requests. “We are more than happy to accommodate any requests, whether it is on the menu or not,” says chef Murat.

“We use the best quality meat, chicken and spices and are very careful about the grilling and preparation of our food to ensure the most authentic flavour is achieved.”

Ever wondered what makes their shawarma so different and better from other places? The secret lies in its special marinade but the chefs remain tight-lipped about the secret ingredient.

The restaurant’s casual and flexible nature and extensive menu makes it a hit for private parties as well.

Call 17 595 950. www.bahrainthismonth.com

SMASHBURGER

An Instant Hit Owing to its unique cooking technique, this new burger joint, although only a month old, is attracting foodies from all over the island.

There’s no greater pleasure than tucking into a great burger with fries and washing it all down with delicious milkshake. That’s a recipe for success and the Kingdom’s newest burger joint knows it!

Despite only opening a month ago, Smashburger, located in Seef Mall, has already developed a loyal fan base thanks to its premium quality ingredients that make up some of the tastiest sandwiches on the country’s fast-casual dining scene.

What gives these burgers their signature texture and taste is a unique smashing technique that perfectly sears each burger to create a juicy ‘Smashburger’ that is full of flavour in every bite.

A US-based brand, it uses 100 per cent certified Angus Beef for the patties. Enjoy

this as one of Smashburger’s signature recipes or make it your own, with your favourite toppings.

Add to this a portion of hand-tossed rosemary and garlic smashfries, sweet potato smashfries or crispy haystack onions and veggie frites and a HäagenDazs milkshake and drift away to your happy place.

“We are delighted to have brought Smashburger to Bahrain,”says Nawaf Alshawwa, CEO and MD of Mesk Holdings, the company that brought Smash Burger to the Kingdom.

“We believe that the consumers here crave the best quality and most delicious burgers they can have, without waiting for their next vacation abroad for a real burger experience.

“Now whenever they crave a really good burger, they can head straight to Smashburger.”

Call 17 554-400.

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smashburgerbah www.bahrainthismonth.com

October 2015 99

dining

AL ABRAAJ GROUP

Your Friendly Neighbour Offering a variety of international flavours and regional delicacies, this chain of family-friendly franchises is a firm favourite in the Kingdom.

100 October 2015

Established in 1987, Al Abraaj quickly evolved from a simple ‘family’ restaurant serving popular Middle Eastern food to a brand that is now synonymous with quality and great value.

The menu is as varied as the clientele, featuring Arabic, Indian, Chinese and European dishes, making it an ideal location to enjoy a special celebration with family or your weekly supper. Choose from a wide array of hot and cold mezze, soups, salads and delectable charcoal grills, kebabs, steaming-hot sizzlers, mouth-watering curries, rice dishes and fresh bread.

Open from noon till midnight, the restaurant offers dine-in, take away and delivery options. The first Al Abraaj outlet opened in Sehla, and, since then, it has successfully expanded throughout the Kingdom. It now boasts 14 outlets, which span from large restaurants to casual dining eateries and food courts.

The company’s portfolio includes some of the mostvisited restaurants in Bahrain.

Al Bindaira Cafe is an upscale cafe serving Arabic mezzas, international dishes, fresh juices, coffee, tea and sheesha.

NUasia offers a variety of cuisine from India, China, Japan and Thailand, with an array of Tandoori delicacies, colourful stir-fries, exotic curries, fresh sushi and much more.

YaSalam is a special shawarma joint where everything is prepared fresh. Diners can customise their meal, making each dish truly unique. Inspired by the street cafes of the region, Lumee Street Café offers traditional fare in a contemporary environment.

Italiano is a food court concept that focuses on serving pasta and pizzas, all freshly cooked, live in front of the customer. The company also brings you TCBY, an American frozen yogurt concept and innovator of frozen treats since 1981.

Al Abraaj Restaurants Group earlier this year launched an attractive rewards programme for customers. The Ahlan programme pays back diners with points every time they order or dine at any of the company’s eateries. The next time you visit, remember to sign up to redeem a number of benefits. There’s no joining fee and once you get your Ahlan card, the points will immediately be added to your account.

Call 17 434-343. www.bahrainthismonth.com

JUFFAIR 17826999 ISA TOWN 17689333

BUDAIYA ROAD 17691881 AL A’ALI COMPLEX 17587171

dining

MY CAFÉ

An Exceptional Meal ANKITA MAMGAIN Get ready to be blown away by preparations that push the envelope of creativity and the promise of an unmatched dining experience.

Catering to the discerning taste of a “Bon Vivant”, My Café in Adliya, brings you fine cuisine in a plush environment. Since its launch earlier this year, the restaurant has garnered a large and loyal customer base that swears by chef Adel’s extraordinary creations. He has put together a stellar menu that exhibits an imaginative combination of flavours, textures and tastes, brought together by meticulous cooking techniques.

We were treated to a taste of the new additions to the menu and started with the crunchy salad. It was a delightful medley of romaine lettuce, green apple and feta, both soft and as fritters, served with a delicious tomato sauce. It was accompanied by artichoke, served with balsamic dressing, hazelnut and parmesan — chef’s mother’s recipe — and the absolutely exquisite Seabream Ceviche.

We continued to indulge with the mains. Chef Adel presents scallops in the most astonishing way; with celeriac puree, pink peppercorn and ginger jus, infused with vanilla. It was a delightful surprise for the palate and the dish is testament to the chef’s ingenuity and perseverance — labouring away to perfect the flavours. Even a simple dish like Rigatoni Carbonara has been revamped to please even the most discerning gourmand.

The restaurant strikes a home-run with its desserts such as the milk chocolate peanut bar, decadently fluffy raspberry soufflé and an absolute must-try, toasted fennel pannacotta, served with mango sorbet and a light dusting of curry powder. A refreshing combination of fresh and warm flavours, this dish (like many others on the menu) is bound to leave you in a state of bewilderment and bliss. Do remember to try the detox smoothy and drinkable tiramisu.

Call 77 344-444.

102 October 2015

www.bahrainthismonth.com

BRAZIL GRILL

A Succulent Selection!

Tucked away in a corner of Adliya is Brazil Rodizio Grill & Lounge, one of the Kingdom’s most loved restaurants.

If you’ve not yet experienced the succulent selection offered at a Brazilian steakhouse, this is the perfect place to start. This stylish venue has legions of loyal customers who travel from across the island to indulge in the freshly prepared fare.

The minute you walk through the door, a remarkable dining experience begins as the friendly and courteous staff lead you to your table. To begin, potato wedges are served and there is a huge salad bar to start with while you enjoy unlimited selected beverages.

The venue’s welcoming ambiance is highlighted by the soft orange décor and, on selected days, soft Samba rhythms that ripple through the air.

It’s not just music in the air, inviting aromas from chef Henry’s kitchen waft majestically, providing diners an idea of what’s to come.

Henry puts considerable care into the recipes. He may have lightened some of

Living Breathing Asia

13.8

+

the richer dishes, but he keeps the flavours true. Brazil Grill is the first licensed Rodizio steakhouse in the country and is head and shoulders above all pretenders.

When you’re ready for the main event, the waiters arrive at your table with a range of

grilled meats, shrimp, chicken and sausages.

The moment you taste these delicious dishes it becomes clear why this venue has such a dedicated and loyal following.

It’s terrific stuff. Book now!

Call 17 826-686.

Ladies Night

Hotpot Night

Eat & Drink as much as you like!

Only @ BD10

Unlimited Beverage Only @ BD10

Start @ BD2.800 per head

Every Wednesday

Every Monday

Every Saturday, Sunday, Monday

ADLIYA • KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN T +973 1726 2555 • www.bambubahrain.com www.bahrainthismonth.com

October 2015 103

dining CRUST & CREMA

A Steaming Cup of Comfort If you love a good cup of coffee, the Kingdom has a lot to offer. The newest café in town is already brewing up a loyal following thanks to its exquisite blend of beans.

Ever since the first cup of coffee was enjoyed 600 years ago, the beverage has become a part of social culture worldwide and enjoys a particularly strong presence here in the Middle East. Aiming to make its mark in Bahrain is Crust & Crema, located opposite Saar Cinema.

This third-wave roastery café and bakery offers locally-roasted speciality coffees, artisan breads and artistic desserts. The third wave refers to a current movement to produce highquality coffee, and consider it as an artisanal foodstuff. This involves improvements at all stages of production, from improving growing, harvesting and processing, to forming stronger relationships between coffee growers, traders and roasters.

The café uses 100 per cent speciality Arabica beans grown in ideal climates around the world

to give the coffee its unique, full taste. A feature unique to Crust & Crema is a brew bar offering coffees brewed by various methods in beakers and decanters. The café highly recommends trying the brew bar for a new experience.

There’s more to look forward to, as the café

is also a rustic bakery offering artisanal baked goodies, desserts and custom fondant cakes for all occasions. In addition, it will soon offer savoury sandwiches, soups and salads too.

Call 17 214-155.

Abdul Hamed & Mohammed

ISO Certification The K Hotel held an International Standard Operation (ISO) certification award ceremony as well as the launch of its new website.

The ISO team TUV Nord Cert from the UAE, the management and board of directors of The K hotel and Gulf Hotel Group attended the event. HE Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, Assistant Undersecretary for Tourism was the chief guest on the occasion.

Volker Mandlowsky, Faisal Kanoo, Khalid Kanoo, HH Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, Aqeel Raees, Garfield Jones & Shivanand Balan

Randa & Bilal

Hussain, Volker, Rama & Shivanand with the ISO certificates

104 October 2015

Rama Kumar

Chef Rozario

Mohammed

Suresh

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

La Vinoteca Barcelona’s new menu takes our signature tapas, starters, main courses & desserts to another level, with indulgent options to entice & delight every palate. Our team has been working non-stop to make our unique offering even better – and wait until you try what they’ve come up with.

Vibes German DJ Sabrina Terence headlined the ‘Sparkling and Bubbly Vibes’ event at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain’s lounge venue, Typhoon.

DJ Sabrina

Rene & Julie

DJ Ramy

John & Christine

Andreas & Ellie

Helen, Anca & Kate

Mo

Kamilla, Mohammed, Darja & Hamad

Ashley

Opposite the Gulf Hotel, Adliya Tel: +973 1700 7808, Fax: +973 1700 7909 ccerro@vinotecabcn.com | www.vinotecabcn.com Sally, Ahmed, Kristianna & Tina

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Jojo

October 2015 105

dining UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS

Aged to Perfection

As one of the Kingdom’s longest running and most-loved venues, this restaurant dishes up an unmistakable combination of quality and fun.

Many things have changed in the Kingdom over the years; new roads, buildings, hotels and entertainment hotspots, but if there’s one venue that has survived the test of time, its Upstairs Downstairs in Adliya.

It first opened its doors four decades ago and has grown from strength to strength over the years. From humble beginnings it has evolved as the capital of Bahrain’s culinary scene.

“Over the years many restaurants came and went but Upstairs Downstairs Restaurant has remained an institution and a pillar,” says

George Cherian, the venue’s general manager.

The first independent restaurant in the Kingdom, it welcomes you with a terrific buzz as you make your way through the bar. Decorated like an English country house, it gives visitors the sense of being at a private dinner party hosted by a friend. Adding to the inviting and upbeat ambiance, local musicians perform on stage, providing the ultimate accompaniment to your meal.

Known for serving ‘comfort food’ the restaurant still serves up many of the original dishes but has also introduced many new and healthy additions over the years. A house specialty, the smoked hammour paté was conceived here and is a crowd favourite often gracing various home dinners as a starter.

The international menu boasts a selection of local choices as well with ‘machboos’ — another house specialty — being one of them.

For the last 40 years, this iconic venue has been the epicentre of countless first dates, engagement parties, wedding receptions, anniversaries, baby showers, graduation parties and birthday celebrations. The restaurant received a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor this year and is highly recommended by the website.

Upstairs Downstairs is celebrating its 40th anniversary in style over the next few months with great food, music, events and entertainment.

Call It Spring Launch

Call 17 713-093.

Sunil & Divya

Maria, Evna & Christine

Elmer & Mark

Rahul, Bilal & Hari

Kriti & Sumit

Smita, Senuki & Champika

Call It Spring launched its Fall 2015 collection at its store at City Centre Bahrain.

Leslie, Edralyn, Nandita, Divya, Bharti & Dinesh

Viana & Jay

Mark, Anne & Nilo

Carlyn & Kasey

Deepa & Bharti

Liza, Steve & Pratistha

Ric & Ian

106 October 2015

www.bahrainthismonth.com

dining

RIC'S KOUNTRY KITCHEN -------------------------------------

BUFFET 6-10PM

RIC’S KOUNTRY KITCHEN

Home Style American Grub

- FRIDAY BRUNCH -

11-3PM

- 17.4 - BD

------------------------------

108 October 2015

Those living away from home know the true importance of a homecooked meal. With its authentic dishes, this venue has a loyal following from the country’s expat community.

Ric’s Kountry Kitchen in Juffair is where expats converge for a taste of home. Equally popular among the locals, the restaurant’s lip-smacking fare has a dedicated fan base in the Kingdom.

Mark Rowe, the executive chef, attributes Ric’s popularity to its consistently good food, friendly staff, great ambience and excellent value for money. A resident of Bahrain for 13 years, Mark started working at Ric’s Kountry Kitchen in January 2015.

He is proud of everything that he serves at Rics, but is always excited about breakfast which, according to him, is a big winner with hungry patrons. “The Prime rib and baby back ribs along with our pizzas are also extremely popular,” he says.

“Ric’s is an institution on the island; we’re all about the customer, keeping them happy and, of course, serving great food.”

In addition to its usual menu, the restaurant’s theme nights are also a big hit. On Mondays, enjoy their signature pizzas and chicken dishes with a selected beverage for BD10.500. On Wednesdays savour some perfectly-cooked prime ribs with an option of unlimited beverages for BD20.370 and on Thursdays it’s a barbecue bash with BBQ brisket, BBQ pork spareribs, Cajun deep-fried turkey among other popular dishes. The buffet is priced at BD12.495. The restaurant’s famous Friday Brunch, with unlimited selected beverages, is priced at BD18.270 and with a special military discount for BD15.330.

Drop in for a spook-tacular time at the Halloween party on October 30.

Call 17 725-550. www.bahrainthismonth.com

THE K HOTEL

Bigger & Better This popular hotel turns your weekends into a grand celebration, where you can indulge in an endless spread of delicacies, catch a buzz and enjoy a great day with your loved ones.

At The K Hotel in Juffair, a delightful feast awaits you every Friday at its Bigger Brunch.

“Every Friday we have a great line up of dishes, freshly created at live cooking stations,” says Jose Ledo, the hotel’s F&B director. “Start off with eggs of your choice, then move on to tempura, pasta and grill stations as the day progresses.”

Beautifully displayed hors d’oeuvres greet you in the lobby as you proceed towards Klouds restaurant. The spread is truly international with an enormous sushi bar and a variety of salads and mezze. Hand-crafted by executive chef Sylvester Rozario; the overwhelming diversity of the buffet caters to a wide range of tastes.

Diners can look forward to the freshest, premium seafood imported from abroad including live oysters from Canada, the US and France; Boston lobster and Alaskan king crabs. Guests can also enjoy five carving stations every week.

The mains section consists of the best of Arabic, Indian, Chinese and Italian preparations.

Do not miss the opportunity to choose from a range of fresh fish, crabs, prawns and mussels — prepared to your liking.

Finish off the afternoon with the ultimate sugar rush, an assortment of chocolate créme brulee, hazelnut royaltine, luscious Black Forest cake; fresh crêpes and a fantastic chocolate fountain.

Throughout your time at the brunch, live music by Sparkling Duo fills the air with local and international sounds. The Bigger Brunch is held at Klouds restaurant from noon till 4 pm and is priced at BD14.500++ without drinks and BD19.500++ with selected beverages.

Call 17 360-000. www.bahrainthismonth.com

October 2015 109

dininghappenings

A Taste of Fun From food festivals to entertaining brunches, here’s the low down on the hottest dining promotions this month.

Halloween madness is not just limited to the party haunts.

Enjoy a ‘trick or treat’ time at Crowne Plaza Bahrain’s Creepy Carnival Halloween Brunch on October 30.

Harvester’s Pub, Cappuccino’s Cafe and La Mosaique Restaurant are pulling out all the stops for a day of scary laughs, frightful fun and eerie delights with a massive range of dishes, drinks, and entertainment. Guests who come dressed up will receive a free Halloween cocktail and a chance to win a prize for best costume. In-house band Groove Thing will be performing too.

Those who want to sample sub-continental flavours can head to Mirchi Indian Restaurant at Ramee International Hotel as it hosts a kebab and biryani festival this month.

The experience gets even better as you get to team succulent kebabs with some aromatic biryanis. The restaurant now also features a three-piece ghazal band that adds to the experience.

Gulf Hotel has an exiting month ahead with a host of promotions at its world-class restaurants. Explore the authentic flavours of Asia-Pacific at the Al Waha restaurant with an array of Asian seafood delights and live cooking and seafood sizzlers every Friday from 7pm 110 October 2015

When? October 15- 30 Event? Oro Nero festival Venue? La Pergola, Gulf Hotel Indulge in exclusive homemade pastas crafted by Chef Enrico Morselli.

E Call 17 713-000.

When? October 30 Event? Halloween brunch Venue? La Mosaique, Crowne Plaza Bahrain Enjoy a day of eerie delights with great food and entertainment.

E Call 17 531-122.

onwards. The buffet is priced at BD21++ with and BD16++ without selected beverages.

From October 15, La Pergola will host “Oro Nero”, celebrating the change in season with an exclusive homemade pasta menu featuring the rare black truffle, crafted by chef Enrico Morselli. In addition to this there is the Mussels Feast, on offer throughout October at Fusions restaurant, where you can savour a fine selection of fresh mussels and chilled beverage served in Oriental or European style. Advance booking is highly recommended.

Bushido Restaurant, the stylish oriental eatery in Seef, launches a new Wagyu menu for October. Enjoy its special brand of premium Japanese fusion cuisine with perhaps the very best quality beef available.

When? Throughout October Event? Food festival Venue? Mirchi, Ramee International Hotel Savour some of the richest flavours of kebabs and biryanis.

E Call 17 727-230.

When? Throughout October Event? Food promotion Venue? Al Waha, Gulf Hotel Sample authentic dishes of AsiaPacific with live cooking stations.

E Call 17 713-000.

When? Throughout October Event? Food promotion Venue? Bushido Enjoy premium Japanese fusion cuisine prepared with Wagyu beef.

E Call 17 583-555. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Uber Feminine

What’s New Edited by Apple Sharma

Opulence meets lightness and Oriental meets urban attitude in the Slim Line collection by Lola and Grace. With eye-catching cut out patterns, the shapes refer to the rich ornamentation of oriental buildings and the vibrant colours shine a spotlight on femininity.

Available at all A La Mode outlets.

Inspired by Poetry Oysho’s new Autumn/Winter 2015 campaign “La Beauté” showcases the sophisticated lingerie collection that gives your figure a sensual and subtle silhouette. Natural cotton and lace textures are combined with black, the main colour of this new collection.

Available at Oysho store in City Centre Bahrain.

A Story of Seduction CH Men Privé, the new masculine fragrance in the CH Carolina Herrera family, is warm and luxurious with notes of whiskey and leather - provocative, modern and rich. The female fragrance, feminine and elegant, blends citrus fruits and notes of rose, jasmine, sandalwood and transparent musk.

Available at all leading perfume outlets.

Dive In!

Ulysse Nardin’s latest addition to the Marine Diver collection, the brand new Blue Ocean, is designed to tackle extreme conditions. It perfectly combines its dual function as a diving instrument and a beautiful timepiece.

This edition is limited to 1,846 pieces.

Available at all Asia Jewellers outlets. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Kiss-worthy…

Revlon’s new Ultra HD Lipstick has a higher definition of clarity and colour and its clear gel base gives a weightless feel with a smoother application than traditional waxbased lipsticks. Available in 14 trend-setting shades Available at all leading cosmetic stores.

October 2015 111

marketplace

AMBASSADOR STORES

Pursuit of Perfection Thanks to a continuous stream of industry-leading innovations, this brand has established and maintained its position as a world leader in the technology of time.

On December 25, 1969, Seiko marketed the world’s first quartz watch, the Seiko Quartz Astron, and subsequently opened the patents to the world. With the delivery of this powerful statement, Seiko set the global standard, and, today, most quartz watches use the system it developed.

For Seiko, the story of quartz is only just beginning. Thanks to a relentless drive for innovation, new possibilities in watch technology continue to open up as the new Seiko Astron, the world’s first GPS solar watch, demonstrates.

The brand has, once again, pushed back the boundaries of what a watch can deliver and has set a new standard in electronic watchmaking with its GPS solar watch.

By connecting to the GPS network, the new Astron adjusts at the touch of a button to your time zone and, by taking all the energy it needs from light alone, never needs a battery change. If there are changes in the region/time zone, manual time zone selection may be required.

When GPS signals are received, the second hand starts moving, indicates the number of satellites, and then displays the current time. It is an emotional moment, feeling an identification with GPS satellites 20,000km away.

Whenever the dial is exposed to bright light, the watch automatically receives GPS signals. When the watch is concealed under a sleeve and the dial cannot receive enough light, it stores the time of the previous successful manual time adjustment or time zone adjustment, and automatically starts time adjustment at the same time.

An exclusive Seiko ring antenna placed under the dial ring is suitable for automatic reception as it can easily receive signals regardless of posture.

Call 17 225-513.

112 October 2015

www.bahrainthismonth.com

sharing the goal of perfection.

novak djokovic

Perpetual Solar Chronograph

bystander

Anne & Kevin

Abdulaziz & Dr Abdul

Suzan & Isa

Welcome Reception HE William Roebuck, US Ambassador, and Ann Roebuck hosted a reception at their residence to welcome newly arrived public affairs officer, Tom Tanner, and deputy public affairs officer, Joslyn MackWilson. Government officials, business leaders, academics, artists, civil society representatives and journalists attended the reception.

HE William Roebuck, Joslyn Mack-Wilson & Tom Tanner

Abdul Rahim & Jalal

114 October 2015

Ammar & Fatin

Hassan & Rasha

Irina

Stephanie, Ann & Christian

Aysha & Diana

Dr Sumaya & Fouzia

Suad, Joslyn, Waleed & Janan

www.bahrainthismonth.com

marketplace JUNAID PERFUMES

Ghaina Enchanted This traditional perfumer has gone back to its Arabian roots with its latest offering.

Inspired by Arabian ingredients, Ghaina is the perfect choice for both men and women who adore Middle Eastern culture. Its three main ingredients are reminiscent of the aromas that linger in Arabian traditions; namely oud, rose and sandalwood.

The first sniff envelopes you in a delicate but balanced mélange lending an aura of modern sophistication with a hint of ancient elegance.

It is a heady mix that adds a touch of allure to the wearer. The oud’s musky aroma evokes a fresh feeling while the rose and sandalwood add enticing floral accents.

“Ghaina is for men and women who want to envelope themselves in a touch of Arabian mystique. The fragrant ingredients work together to compliment the wearer.

While a lot of thought and effort has gone into the creation of Ghaina, I would also like to point out that an equal amount of thought and effort was given to the creation of its bottle. A perfume like Ghaina deserved its own unique bottle, one which looks and feels as elegant as the contents it holds,” says Fahad Junaid, marketing executive, Junaid Perfumes.

The mystical and enchanting fragrances extracted from oud, rose and sandalwood that combine to form Ghaina are captured and encased in an elegant bottle topped with artistic designs and an equally captivating cover.

The bottle on its own is a visual delight and will add a touch of glamour to its surroundings. Priced at BD25, the new Ghaina is available across all Junaid Perfumes outlets.

Call 17 737-007.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

October 2015 115

marketplace AXA

Change for the Better

Jad Ariss

This insurance giant has appointed a new regional CEO as well as launching a new partnership scheme.

116 October 2015

In a major initiative to offer value added risk solutions to individuals, SMEs and corporations, AXA announced the launch of AXA Partners, a dedicated unit to develop partnership business globally.

At the same time the company also announced the appointment of Jad Ariss as CEO for its activities in the Middle East, the Gulf region and Africa. He replaces Jerome Droesch, who becomes CEO of the newly introduced AXA Partners.

The new entity will be involved in distribution agreements in which AXA will insure or deliver a service to private individuals and SMEs, through a partner. AXA Partners will design, implement and manage partnerships with selected global partners and support AXA entities to develop successful local partnerships.

The main partnerships will be developed in sectors: automotive; banks and credit cards; retailers, utilities and telecoms; digital players and public sector and non-governmental organisations.

Nicolas Moreau, chairman and CEO of AXA France, says: “We are convinced that many companies and organisations — from car manufacturers to the

leaders of the fast-growing sharing economy — could enrich their offering with insurance products and services, to enhance the experience and the protection of their clients. AXA Partners aims at becoming the partner of choice for these companies, by building a specific expertise and providing dedicated resources to develop innovative and tailored insurance solutions, being the easiest to do business with and delivering a great service to the end-customer.

“AXA Partners is uniquely positioned to promote partnerships with both global and local players leveraging the worldwide presence of the AXA Group, its know-how across insurance business lines and the strength of local AXA entities.”

Prior to being appointed as the CEO for AXA in the Middle East, the Gulf region and Africa, Jad Ariss was the CEO of AXA Enterprises and deputy CEO of AXA France. He has been with the AXA Group for almost 25 years, having joined in 1991 as chief financial officer of AXA Global Risks. In his new role, Jad will report to Jean-Laurent Granier, member of the Management Committee of the AXA Group and CEO of the Mediterranean and Latin America region.

Jad Ariss started his career as a consultant at McKinsey, before joining the AXA Group in 1991. In 1999 he became head of AXA Group Investor Relations, before joining AXA France in 2001 to hold the successive positions of secretary general, head of P&C of AXA Entreprises, head of human ressources and CEO of AXA Entreprises and deputy CEO of AXA France. Jad is a graduate of the business school HEC and holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (USA).

Call 80 001-060.

Jerome Droesch

www.bahrainthismonth.com

WINNER WINNER Bahrain Insurer

WINNER WINNER Bahrain Insurer

WINNER WINNER

bystander

Kids Academy Opening Kids Academy inaugurated its first branch in Bahrain with the presence of Sue Jones, the academy’s UK-based founder, Abeer Rasti, Bahrain-based owner and staff.

Sue, second from left, and Abeer, third from left, cut the opening ribbon

EXPERIENCE MEETINGS COFFEE BREAK Kids at play

AT BLU

Ebru

Kids Academy owners with Sue

HOTELS DESIGN TO SAY YES! +973 17 531666 sales.diplomat@radissonblu.com Imelda

118 October 2015

Karen

www.bahrainthismonth.com

marketplace BAHRAIN DEVELOPMENT BANK

Encouraging Small Business The country’s leading development bank has expanded its services with a new branch.

Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) has announced the launch of its Seef MallMuharraq Branch, which will serve SMEs in the district of Muharraq and surrounding areas.

The branch will also provide a variety of services for current and new entrepreneurs.

Nedhal Al Aujan, CEO of Bahrain Development Bank, says: ”The launch of the new branch comes within the bank’s vision for the current year, which includes a number of initiatives and programmes that will enhance Bahrain Development Bank’s network of branches and service stations to better serve the needs of SMEs. “It will also encourage the entrepreneurial culture and performance within the district by providing a number of development and financial services in addition to possibly linking the SMEs with other service providers such as Tamkeen, which is a leader in its field, by

www.bahrainthismonth.com

providing a special station within the newly opened branch as part of a joint initiative to support and develop the entrepreneurial sector in the Kingdom.”

BDB commenced its operations in 1992 as the country’s leading development financial institution. The government has entrusted the

bank with the crucial task of promoting investments in Bahrain, with the aim of diversifying the economic base, creating new employment opportunities for Bahrainis and contributing significantly to the overall socioeconomic development of the Kingdom.

Call 17 511-111.

October 2015 119

marketplace Nepal Earthquake Relief event

Bahrain Karaleeya Samajam Club Onam

VIVA

Reaching Out One of the leading telecom operators in the Kingdom has been consistently making an effort to reach out to its customers and the wider community.

In line with its corporate social responsibility and expanding its reach, VIVA Bahrain has been partnering with the diverse communities on the island through various sponsorships and active participation in cultural and ethnical mainstream activities.

In view of this, and for the second consecutive year, VIVA has partnered with the Indian Ladies Association (ILA) on its fund raising campaign for Sneha Recreation Centre for children with special needs. The initiative successfully raised funds to provide assistance for autistic children.

Recently, the operator announced its sponsorship for the Bahrain Karaleeya Samajam Club (BKS). BKS represents the Indian Kerala community and organises ongoing events throughout the year for the

Labour camp food distribution with RIB2

120 October 2015

largest expatriate community in the Kingdom.

One of the many initiatives that have been supported

by VIVA includes BKS’s celebration of the popular harvest festival of Onam, which hosted over 4,000 Keralites for an authentic and elaborate gastronomic experience of ‘Onam Sadhya’.

The company has also extended its support to the BKS-VIVA GCC Junior Badminton Tournament, where players from various GCC countries, aged between nine and 19, competed in a three-day event organised

by BKS in association with the Bahrain Badminton and Squash Federation.

Early this year, VIVA and Shri Gujarati Samaj of Bahrain gave a touch of colour to the desert skies over the island by hosting the Mega Kite Festival on the occasion of Makar Sakranti (Indian festival) and also brought the spirit of Holi to the Kingdom with a colourful celebration.

In support of sporting events, VIVA sponsored one of the major and highly-anticipated cricket events in the Kingdom, the SLC Super Max 8’s cricket tournament 2015, organised by the Sri Lanka Club. This event attracted participation from the expatriate communities of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the UK, and saw 24 teams vying for the title at the tournament, which was held during Eid Al Adha.

During the Holy Month of Ramadan, VIVA, along with the Rajasthani Club, deployed a social initiative involving the distribution of food parcels in labour camps also offering workers the opportunity to make free calls and stay connected with their families and loved ones back home.

Working together to mobilise resources for relief and rehabilitation, VIVA contributed to the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund, set up by the Nepalese community, following the disaster that struck the Himalayan country earlier this year.

VIVA continues its commitment towards building longlasting bonds with the wider community of Bahrain.

Visit www.viva.com.bh. www.bahrainthismonth.com

marketplace

THE One

Let There Be Light Whether for the bedroom, living room or dining area, this ethereal new collection will inject light and style into your home.

With the new season comes the urge to revamp our living spaces. Lighten up with THE One’s fabulously feminine Barely There home fashion style from the newly-launched Autumn/Winter 2015 collection.

The chic tone-on-tone colour palette of this gorgeously soft and sophisticated look creates a refreshingly light and airy feel for fall, with silver and antique mirror details adding touches of elegance.

The subtle floral wallpaper provides a lovely layered backdrop for indulgently tactile fabrics, glossy white wood pieces, clear glass and snowy ceramics, while a graceful crystal chandelier adds the finishing flourish to a haven of understated opulence.

Get the Look: Living Room Team neutral furnishings with an array of different 122 October 2015

plush fabrics for an ultra-luxurious feel. Garnish your walls with light reflective paper for added interest and finish with a glittering chandelier for a distinctive style statement.

KINGSTON 3.5-seater sofa GLADE wing chair MEYHO coffee table with tray MEYHO display cabinet ZOWIE pair of side tables MIYU table lamp CRYST floor lamp CHRISTE chandelier FASHION Sketchbook V print AILEN mirror TSARAI cushion cover LONA cushion cover MARCEL tray www.bahrainthismonth.com

Dining Room Give your dining space a touch of vintage class with glistening glassware reflected in a stylish mirror. Keep the palette neutral and let the stylish accessories and statement lighting do the talking.

TANNI dining table LARIS dining chair MEYHO display cabinet KRISTEN pendant lamp BLOSSOM tree FLOW mirror CAVIAR dinner plate LUSTRE charger plate AZRA placemat

Bedroom Neutral and restful don’t have to be boring in a bedroom scene that’s super-feminine without being overwhelming. Adopt mirrored surfaces and sumptuous fabrics to complete the look.

LIRA bed LIRA bedside table LIRA stool TANNI console BENZI table lamp SUN mirror ROYAL wall deco YUN throw SHINE rug ANGEL statue AMIA table lamp

www.bahrainthismonth.com

October 2015 123

marketplace

A Pop of Colour Brighten up your kitchen and dining space with a hint of citrus.

If you don’t want to overdo the lemon hue, choose shelving and alternate doors matched with bright white work surfaces and contrasting accessories for a scheme that’s bang up to date and super welcoming.

THE CLOSETS

Contemporary Kitchens The kitchen is often called the heart of the home and with intelligent storage, there’s more space for the things that really matter.

Super Storage No cook can ever have too much storage and a double drawer unit slipped in under your hob is the ideal place to stash all those essential kitchen tools from your chef’s knives to your wooden spoon. The scheme is streamlined and easy on the eye and you’ll never again have to hunt for your whisk.

Call 17 555-066.

Island Life Include an island unit in your kitchen to give added storage and work space. The unit can house your hob or sink or simply form a free-standing storage space. Choose raw looking wooden doors to bring the outside in and give the scheme a slightly industrial contemporary feel.

124 October 2015

www.bahrainthismonth.com

FITTINGS HOUSE

Urban Chic Bring your washroom into the 21st century with sharp fittings and stylish storage.

Monochrome Magic Go for clean lines in black and white to create a stunning hotel-style bathroom. Add under-shelf drawers for sleek storage and personalise with your own, colour-co-ordinated accessories.

Space Savers A mini-sink will make the best use of space in a guest washroom.

Team it with deep storage units to make the most of a small space and add metallic accessories to keep the look modern and styish.

Functional Fun Personalise your vanity space with a row of fun wall tiles for a look that says humour and individuality. Colour co-ordinate the tiles with your units and linens for a luxury look.

Call 17 555-066.

Space Savers

Functional Fun

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Monochrome Magic

October 2015 125

bystander

Rich & Nate

Burjor & DJ Maude

Chris & Sara

Jessie, Sabeth & Jono

Metallica at Buffalo’s US-based Metallica Tribute band, One, performed live at Buffalo’s, Ramee California Hotel.

One on stage

Biju, Asha, Shantharam & Andrew

Chris, Sara, Mahmood & Mohammed

Dion, Hisham, Illeis & Beck

Ko & Alex

Reza & Atto

Abdulla, Burjor & Theresa

Nancy & Corey

Metallica at Rocky’s US-based Metallica Tribute band, One, performed live at Rocky’s café, Ramee International Hotel.

The band performing

Brijesh, Suj, Saikat, Maniza, Sahiba, Purnita & Gautam

126 October 2015

Ali, Khalid & Crash

Danan, Atto, Rob & Charlie

www.bahrainthismonth.com

P R E M I U M E V E R Y DAY

Alosra, now open in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Please scan QR code for Alosra KSA location

Nakheel (+973) 17 591181 Saar (+973) 17 739739 Amwaj (+973) 16 033773 Durrat (+973) 77 770001 Riffa (+973) 17 750006 Juffair (+973) 17 718161 KSA (+966) (0) 13 8599915

Follow us on

@Alosra_Bahrain

Alosra Supermarket

Insta

Alosrasupermarket

www.alosraonline.com

marketplace RAMADA HOTEL BAHRAIN

Season of Change

Following an impressive revamp, this iconic hotel in the heart of Adliya is set to deliver first-class hospitality and exceed guests’ expectations.

128 October 2015

Ramada Hotel, located in the heart of the city, has enjoyed a loyal customer base of overseas travellers and locals alike for decades.

Once general manager Matthias Hellweg came on board last year, his first order of business was to start a refurbishment project. An industry veteran for 26 years, his prime concern was to have a worldclass property that provides state-of-the-art facilities and comfort.

It’s been a long and fruitful year for him as the project inches towards completion. “The idea was basically to have a contemporary, yet timeless design, keeping in mind that we cater mainly to international business travellers,” says Matthias.

“With this in mind, the new colour scheme is soothing to the eyes, not shocking or overpowering.

Our objective is to create a tranquil atmosphere where you can feel relaxed.”

The hotel now has a fresh looking façade and has improved its and rooms and suites. “Although the last complete guest room renovation was done at the end of 2008, we felt that it was time to let the guests feel that Ramada Bahrain is a fresh product and moves with the trends,” Matthias adds.

“As we have a strong base of repeat guests and loyal customers, the feedback was very positive.

Everyone has appreciated our efforts to make them feel even more comfortable. They understand that we have launched all these initiatives to make their stay more easy and enjoyable.”

Matthias is proud of how he has turned around the image of the hotel, saying it’s always great to see good ideas being implemented and finally coming to life. He feels that it was important to convey that the hotel always puts its guests first and is relentlessly working to maximise their comfort while moving ahead with the times.

“We strive to provide a flawless experience to our guests. We carried out the entire refurbishment process with minimal disturbance for our guests, and now we have a new hotel!” he says.

The property is in the process of upgrading its gym and renovating the pool deck. Guests will soon be able to enjoy a comfortable outdoor area around the swimming pool, with stunning view of the Gudaibiya Palace.

But it is not all about hardware; the hotel is also initiating a training programme for its employees to ensure the high standards are maintained.

Those who are not staying in the hotel have much to look forward to as well. Its English Pub, The Exchange, will have a new musical trio to entertain guests and visitors. For more updates, follow Ramada Hotel Bahrain on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Call 17 296-660.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY

Wellness Retreat Bringing you the best in luxury and comfort, this landmark property offers an ideal environment for you to rejuvenate your senses.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay is a sanctuary of peace and tranquillity that fosters holistic wellbeing. The area encompasses four interconnected buildings woven together with pathways and gardens filled with natural light; a unique take on contemporary architecture which also reflects modern Moroccan and Turkish influences.

The state-of-the-art centre offers treatments that are inspired by traditional healing therapies from Asia, India and the Middle East, using only ethnically sourced ingredients.

One of the products used is an all-natural skincare line called Sodashi.

Sodashi is a Sanskrit word meaning wholeness, purity and radiance. With a unique background in aromatherapy, biochemistry and Ayurveda, its founder, Megan Larsen, created products that reduce toxins in the body caused by chemical-laden products.

A pioneer of clean beauty, she created safe transformative skincare for people who want their skin to look and feel great while making health-centric choices. “With Sodashi we know there are no gimmicks, tricks or exaggerations,” explains the spa’s director, Chandarella Luzon. “They have harnessed Mother Nature’s healing powers to regenerate and balance the skin rather than merely masking the problem temporarily.”

The latest offering in its health and wellbeing menu is AntiGravity Aerial Yoga. This makes Four Seasons Bahrain the first urban resort in the Middle East to offer this ground-breaking yoga technique.

Suitable for anyone aged 16 and above, AntiGravity Yoga techniques utilise a silk hammock, enabling participants to take yoga into a three-dimensional

realm. But it is not just for the athletic and adventurous — all abilities and body types can benefit from the highly therapeutic technique.

Slightly suspended above the ground, AntiGravity Yoga provides relief to the physical body and facilitates the practice of zero-compression inverted postures.

One of the reasons AntiGravity Aerial Yoga stands out is the additional emotional benefits it has. Advocates say it relieves stress, is spiritually uplifting and provides a new and exciting alternative to exercising.

“I am elated to be able to give people in the Middle East, who either live in or travel to Bahrain, the ability to feel the freedom of flight,” says the founder, Christopher Harrison, who travelled to the hotel to certify his instructors in the Kingdom.

“This is a great addition to our spa and fitness offerings, allowing our guests to experience a whole new level of yoga, strength and flexibility training at their own pace,” adds Chandarella.

AntiGravity Yoga is just one more way in which Four Seasons stands out for its up-to-date services and truly incomparable dedication to providing each guest with the very best service.

Call 17 115-000.

October 2015 129

marketplace The inviting lobby

RAMEE ROSE HOTEL

Style & Comfort The newest addition to Juffair’s bustling hotel scene promises to be the perfect host for your business and leisure activities.

130 October 2015

Juffair has no shortage of entertainment, dining venues and hotels. So, if a reputed hospitality chain decides to open another property in the neighbourhood, expectations run high.

Ramee Rose Hotel, the new kid on the block, is located a few minutes from attractions such as Bahrain National Museum, Gold Souk, shopping malls, Marina beach and the business district.

“We are really excited to present a world-class hotel that checks all boxes when it comes to delivering complete comfort for the business traveller and families alike,” says Ankush Sharma, general manager, Ramee Rose Hotel.

The hotel has 108 well-appointed rooms and suites with large windows offering panoramic views of the sea and the city skyline. The state-of-the-art rooms come fitted with modern comforts including a tea and coffee maker, a mini bar, an electronic safe, 46-inch LED TV, 24-hour room service and free Wi-Fi access.

All in-house guests can enjoy complimentary use of the gym and the swimming pool. The health club is replete with the latest equipment such as a sauna, steam room and a Jacuzzi. You can also pamper your senses at Reborn Spa, a tranquil space devoted to your wellness needs.

Once settled in, head out to grab a bite or a drink at any of its world-class dining and entertainment venues. Enjoy high tea with friends at La Patisserie tea lounge, which offers a wide selection of single-origin and flavoured teas, fresh savouries and desserts.

Rauchi, the hotel’s all-day-dining venue serves contemporary interpretations of time-honoured South East Asian recipes. Boasting an Asian fusion menu that caters to the most evolved palate, its chefs deliver an impressive dining experience each time.

Ankush Sharma

Staff are ready to welcome guests

Take a delicious fun-filled journey across the Philippines at Kabayanz, a venue that serves traditional Filipino fare and foot-tapping tunes from the in-house band and resident DJ. Taksim, a speciality restaurant aims to please the most discerning diners that enjoy regional cuisine. The venue boasts live performances and fine beverages, making it an ideal venue to enjoy an evening.

Make sure to catch all the sporting action on the big screen at the soon to open Time Café, the hotel’s sports bar on the seventh floor. One of the biggest venues of its kind in Juffair, it will provide a stadiumlike atmosphere for sports fans to enjoy their favourite events and tournaments.

Club XS promises to be the newest nightlife destination for partygoers with a posh and electric atmosphere, great music and an extensive beverage menu guaranteed to lift your spirits.

The hotel also boasts a large banquet area, which can accommodate up to 250 people for parties and private functions. The space can also be divided into three different meeting rooms for smaller gatherings.

Call 17 616-167. www.bahrainthismonth.com

marketplace INTERCOL

Innovative New Series A powerful and versatile colour light production press, the imagePRESS printers deliver new levels of quality and productivity across a wide range of media and a wide choice of finishers.

The printer is primarily for use by printing and publishing houses, copy centres and graphic companies around the Kingdom. It is focused specifically on optimising business, using the Canon Digital imagePRESS for print-on-demand and short-run jobs.

Canon is a world leader in imaging solutions and has shipped more than 1,400 units of the imagePRESS C800 series to customers across Europe and the Middle East in the last 10 months.

Thanks to the demand, Canon secured the leading share of the cut sheet colour production press market in Europe in the last quarter of 2014.

Comprising three models — the 60ppm imagePRESS C600, 70ppm imagePRESS C700 and the 80ppm imagePRESS C800 — the series incorporates a combination of proven technology from the flagship Canon imagePRESS C7011VP(S) with innovations, such as consistently vivid toner, compact registration technology, auto correct colour tone and a vertical cavity surface emitting laser. This has enabled the presses to deliver advanced levels of print quality, productivity and versatility in both commercial and in-house print environments.

Feedback from satisfied customers indicates that the success of the devices is due to a number of factors — the quality of colour

BAPCO Signing Ceremony

reproduction, flexibility and the high levels of productivity achievable.

The imagePRESS series confidently and repeatedly produces output of the highest quality, colour accuracy and consistency.

Intercol, Canon’s partner in the Kingdom, provides a range of laser and ink jet printers, multi-functions, large format printers, production printing solutions, DSLRs and digital cameras.

Call 17 727-177 or 39451485 or email canonsales@intercol.com.

Under the patronage of HE Dr Abdulhussain bin Ali Mirza, Energy Minister, the Bahrain Petroleum Company held a signing ceremony with NEC Payments for the expansion of Bapco’s Sadeem Card services.

HE Dr Abdulhussain bin Ali Mirza with Bapco & NEC Payment officials at the event

Andrew Sims, CEO, NEC Payments & Dr Peter Bartlett, CEO, BAPCO, at the signing

132 October 2015

Dawood, Ahmed & Abdul Majeed

Ali & Ahlam

Ahmed

Ali, Ali & Andrew

Fuad & Michael

Fahad

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Upstairs Downstairs restaurant hosted a British

in celebration of the longest reigning British Brunch brunch monarch in British history.

Dani, Isaac, Ken, Linda, Pauline & Costas

Dave & Gareth

Caroline, Marian & Tracey

Martin, Catherine & Ed

Rose & Steve

Laura, Natalie & Tania

Roby & Alex

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Lousie & Molly

Dione, Alex & Sarah

Karl & Linda

Caroline

Guests enjoying the brunch

October 2015 133

bystander

SKAL Dinner

SKAL Bahrain hosted a dinner for its members at Rasoi by Vineet at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain. Keith Bulfin, the author of the book Under Cover delivered a talk on movie-making.

SKAL members

Panos, Zeinab & Stephen

Seham & Hamid

Matthias & Keither

Mel

Mohammed

Sadiq, Khalil, Khamis, Faisal & Mirza

Rajesh

Jano

Volker

Mohammed

JFC Bahrain Amwaj is located

Programs

in Amwaj business park.

Personal Training - Insanity - Crossfit - Triathlon

Abdulla

Beach workout - Group Workout

Facilities Crossfit Box – Gym For more info 33002592 - 7707220 @jfcbahrain www.jfcbahrain.com

134 October 2015

Open from Saturday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm www.bahrainthismonth.com

marketplace ALOSRA

Easy Ways to Eat Well

By making the smallest of changes to your eating habits, you could be making a huge impact on your health, as well as your family’s!

Alosra, the fresh and friendly supermarket, has introduced a new range of healthy food options, made using only the freshest of ingredients.

With obesity figures on the rise, it is no surprise that more people are moving towards a more healthconscious lifestyle. Usually, people find it difficult to stick to a balanced diet because they are overwhelmed with unhealthy, fatty alternatives. We all know the five-a-day mantra, but it’s not always easy or convenient to follow it.

However, with this new range from Alosra, customers can pick between light lunches, as well as snack options, that not only provide them with the necessary nutrition, but also the energy they need throughout the day!

Amongst the new options are: Crudité cups: slices of cucumber, carrot, bell peppers and celery, accompanied either with hummous, beetroot hummous or a herbed labneh for dipping.

Salads: Mediterranean chicken, vegan quinoa, beetroot feta, strawberry rocket and tabouleh spicy chicken are amongst the salads that are accompanied with light, refreshing dressings, such as balsamic honey, to help keep you full and refreshed throughout the day.

You could also enjoy all-natural, freshly squeezed juices (zero preservatives and no added sugars) and fruit cups on the go.

The new product range aims to provide customers with the perfect pick-me-ups, while ensuring they receive all the necessary nutrients. Next time you happen to be in Alosra, lookout for the To-Go chiller for healthier lunch and snack options.

Being healthy and “clean” does not have to be a tedious chore anymore!

Call 17 739-739 or visit www.alosraonline.com

These cups are excellent high protein, low fat snacks – simple, yet filling and absolutely delicious.

Sandwiches/wraps: grilled chicken and avocado, grilled chicken and pesto, turkey, cheddar and green apple, beetroot hummous and raw veggie wrap, grilled vegetable and hummous wrap.

These are appropriate work lunch sandwiches and a good choice if you are looking for lighter sandwich condiments that will not leave you feeling heavy. www.bahrainthismonth.com

October 2015 135

marketplace The Compliments One of the best reasons to dye your hair an unusual colour is for the compliments. People notice when you do something out of the ordinary and, most of the time, they like and appreciate it.

It’s Fun To say blondes have more fun would be a lie — it’s girls with crazy coloured hair that have the most fun!

Who knows if we feel we have a zany persona to live up to when we go for an unusual hue, but something changes when you colour your hair pink, yellow, purple, etc. that makes everything more fun. So if you need a pick-me-up in life, consider dyeing your hair a wild colour.

It’s Edgy One of the easiest ways to give yourself an edgy look is to colour your hair. If you’re getting bored with your style, simply add some colour to your locks. It can be just a pop here and there or an all over colour for a really loud statement.

JOZ SALON & SPA

Colour Crazy Let your hair down, express yourself or simply show off your fun side with vibrant hair colours — everyone should try it, at least once!

Natural hair colours are, of course, always appropriate, but sometimes it’s fun to step out of the box. If you’ve been looking for reasons to dye your hair a crazy colour, then Joz Salon & Spa has seven of them for you. So work up that confidence and check these out.

For Self-Expression Clothes are a great way to express yourself. Perhaps an even better way is through your hair. You can say a lot about who you are just by the way you colour, style and cut your hair. If you are feeling stifled creatively or emotionally, a little hair therapy may be just what you need. So go ahead, grab that purple dye and let your cares fade away.

It’s Fashionable It seems as if practically every celebrity has dyed their hair a crazy colour at least once. Fashion magazines and runways love to take advantage of wild tints on their models’ hair. The right shade can make you look stylish and trendy.

It’s Temporary There’s no harm in dyeing your hair a wild colour because the results aren’t permanent. Most colours fade within six weeks so the commitment time is minimal. Hair colour is a fun and harmless way to try something new without a permanent change, which means there is no reason not to try it!

You’ll Love It Perhaps the most important reason of all to colour your hair a crazy color is that you’ll love it. It doesn’t matter if your friends think it’s cute, chances are you will be more in love with your looks than ever before.

If colouring your hair orange or indigo is something you’ve always dreamt of, then go for it. You’ll be glad you did!

Call 17 369-133, 16 031-120, 16 031-126 or 17 756-449 for appointments.

136 October 2015

www.bahrainthismonth.com

CERAM DENTAL

Another Reason to Smile Your smile is a beautiful thing and keeping your teeth in top condition is a key factor to a winning grin.

Ceram Dental is leading the charge in the Kingdom when it comes to orthodontic treatment — a way of moving or straightening teeth to fit inside the jaw to create a healthy dentition and an attractive smile.

Orthodontist Alaeddin Abu Khalaf believes having a better and more attractive smile will improve self-confidence and quality of life.

“Orthodontic practice is a rapidly developing field,” he explains. “Many new techniques have been developed to help achieve results in a shorter time.”

Studies recommend that the first visit to the orthodontist should be at the age of eight. In some cases early intervention may be required at this age, but in most cases it’s better to start the orthodontic treatment between the ages of 12-14.

However, this does not mean that adult patients can’t have orthodontic treatment. It can be done at any age, after a good evaluation of the teeth and jaw and is suitable for people in good general health.

“At Ceram Dental Centre, we offer attractive packages tailored to patients’ needs,” says Dr Khalaf. “Instalments and special offers are presented to some creditcard holders with the banks we are affiliated with.”

Scaling and airway polishing is given free for first-time orthodontic patients at the clinic as well as an oral health kit to help them maintain good oral hygiene.

Call 17 131-123.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Orthodontist Alaeddin Abu Khalaf

October 2015 137

marketplace FRASER SUITES SEEF

Suites Brand Expands This property offers guests all that’s needed for a comfortable stay and the group just got bigger.

Adjacent to Seef Mall, Fraser Suites Seef occupies 19 levels and features spacious light-filled studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites and topfloor penthouses all with open-plan living and dining spaces, parquet floors, fully-fitted kitchen and laundry facilities, well-appointed bathrooms and designer amenities. The all-suites hotel is ideally suited for both short-term and extended stays.

The lifestyle facilities include an outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pool, children’s wading pool, Kids’ Club, gymnasium with personal trainer at guests’ disposal and ladies’ and gents’ sauna and steam rooms.

The Gallery Café serves an extensive buffet breakfast and offers an allday a la carte menu featuring a range of international and regional cuisines. A new juice bar adjacent to the pool will offer freshly squeezed juices and delicious healthy smoothies to boost guests’ energy and mood.

Guests and residents of Fraser Suites Seef enjoy 24-hour guest services, in-room/suite dining, personalised housekeeping and a complimentary shuttle connection to Seef business district.

In June, Frasers Hospitality UK Holdings Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Frasers Centrepoint Limited, successfully completed the acquisition of Malmaison Hotel du Vin group of boutique lifestyle hotels.

The group owns two upscale boutique lifestyle brands — Malmaison and

THE One Press Launch

Hotel du Vin — comprising 29 boutique lifestyle hotels and 2,082 keys across 25 cities in the UK. With the two new brands, Fraser’s platform comprises: Gold-standard serviced residences — Fraser Suites, Fraser Place and Fraser Residence; Modern lifestyle serviced residences through Modena by Fraser; Design-led hotel residences Capri by Fraser and Boutique lifestyle hotels Malmaison and Hotel du Vin. The inclusion of Malmaison and Hotel du Vin brings Frasers Hospitality’s portfolio to 129 properties, across 77 cities and over 21,100 keys.

Call 17 171-626.

Home fashion brand THE One, launched THE One Basics store in Bahrain at Enma Mall during a press conference.

Management, staff, invited guests and members of the press at the launch

Preema & Harold

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Sarah & Zainab

Abdulla & Ahmed

Hassan & Dominic

Ghada

Karen

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

ChrisMUN Conference St Christopher’s Senior School in Isa Town held its fourth ChrisMUN Conference.

Attendees at the conference

Wilson & Zakaria

Batool & Emma

Mrs Woolf & Yasmeen

Swaraj & Nikhil

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Kripa & Hamed

Yasmeena & Layla

Fatema & Hanoof

Dhanusha & Kripa

Lulwa

Raza

October 2015 139

marketplace

DESSANGE

New-age Nails One of the leading centres for beauty and wellness introduces a cutting-edge way to adorn your nails.

140 October 2015

Dessange Paris in Adliya brings you the latest services and products for your beauty and well being needs. Be it skin or hair care, make-up, exercise, nutrition or spa rituals, its specialised services are designed to relax and rejuvenate you, using state-ofthe-art technology.

Its latest offering is a fascinating new machine that’s on its way to becoming a roaring hit among the island’s ladies – the ArtPro Digital Nail Art Printer. After making waves across the UK and Europe, this unique printer, that adds intricate designs directly on to your nails, has come to Bahrain at Dessange.

The salon has the impressive ArtPro V7+ SMART, a portable version of the machine that can print any image whatsoever – be it a photo, a phone, a pattern to match an outfit or a favourite cartoon character. You can even have your own picture clicked by its in-built camera and have it printed on to both natural nails and artificial tips.

The device offers

over 700 unique pre-programmed designs, the capability to instantly accept new patterns uploaded via USB and a camera for real-time photo shots.

Next time when you are getting your nails done, after an indulgent session of cleaning, filing, scrubbing and massage, give it a try.

Meanwhile, Dessange also offers premium products for skin and hair care. One of the salon’s most popular ranges is called PHYTODESS Paris, which provides intensive care for the scalp and hair. At the heart of the unique formula, are natural ingredients such as coloured clays, essential oils, trace elements as well as precious stones and metals. These are infused with subtle fragrances that combine to deeply nourish your hair and please your senses. A definite must try is the white tea shampoo which provides radiance and protection for highlighted and coloured hair, the company says.

In addition, other products used and sold at the spa include Dessange Beauté, Elemis, Pevonia and Charme D’orient.

Offering top-quality treatments and services in a luxurious setting, Dessange endeavours to deliver the best in health, wellness and beauty. Also on the menu are a wide array of exclusive treatments including Moroccan baths, aromatic and energy massages as well as effective facials, hydrotherpahy and a number of assorted body and beauty treatments.

Call 17 713-999. www.bahrainthismonth.com

S E E F - B A H R A I N

marketplace BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL

Underactive Thyroid, Know the Signs Are you feeling tired? Puffy in the face or eyes?

Have you gained a few kilos recently? Then you may have a borderline underactive thyroid.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck and produces a hormone, thyroxin, which regulates many functions related to cellular metabolism. Under production of thyroxin is called hypothyroidism, explains Dr Sunil J Rao, internal medicine specialist at Bahrain Specialist Hospital.

Your physician will investigate for symptoms suggestive of hypothyroidism including fatigue, dry skin, hairfall, puffy eyes, mood changes, aches and pains, period problems and weight gain. The condition may also cause elevations in your cholesterol profile.

Initial investigation will be a blood test, the thyroid stimulating hormone or TSH test which

monitors a hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, which triggers production of thyroxin.

An elevated TSH level is an initial indication that the thyroid gland is producing less thyroxin. This is later confirmed by the free thyroxin or FT4 test which measures the free thyroxin levels in the blood, which will usually be on the lower side of the normal range. This finding on laboratory analysis suggests a slight underproduction of thyroxin which is known as subclinical hypothyroidism.

The condition affects up to eight per cent of adults, it is more common in women and the elderly and frequently goes unrecognised by physicians.

Subclinical hypothyroidism is usually caused by an antibody produced in the blood which attacks the thyroid gland causing mild thyroid failure. Your physician may order blood tests to

Tom, Bruce & Kyle

Dr Sunil J Rao

measure levels of this antibody and an ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland may also be considered.

A decision on whether to treat with thyroxin or not is made on a personalised basis depending on a combination of symptoms, the thyroid function results and the levels of thyroid antibodies.

Call 13 381-338.

Kareena & Thiago

Travis & JP

Chuckle Club The last leg of the September tour of Chuckle Club saw Kyle Grooms, Bruce Devlin & Tom Toal perform at various venues across Bahrain.

Bruce

Helen, Justina & Grace

142 October 2015

Saleh & Hassan

Andrea, Casper & Alain

Rodney & Michelle

Ramy & Julie

Jo, Kristina & Garett

Jad & Dana

Ahmed

www.bahrainthismonth.com

One of Bahrain’s leading electrical & lighting solution providers.

State of the art showroom featuring a huge selection of innovative light fittings and electrical accessories.

A front-runner in the LED revolution with a ready stock of LED fixtures & fittings - helping you to drive down the cost of lighting your home.

Lighting powerhouses such as Trilux, OMS, Illuma, Pulsar, SG & Ventilux all under one roof, along with unique lighting fixtures – each one carefully selected to appeal to your senses and inspire creativity.

You can also find the latest technology – such as our remote lighting lifters – which bring convenience to your home/workplace.

bystander

MEPEC Inauguration

Eman, Dr Maha & Dr Maram

The third Middle East Process Engineering Conference & Exhibition for the oil and gas industry took place at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre. The event, under the patronage of His Royal Highness the Premier, Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa was inaugurated by HE Dr Abdul Hussain Bin Ali Mirza, Energy Minister.

HE Shaikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chief Executive, Nogaholding, also delivered a speech.

Dignitaries at the event

Luc

Samreen & Aqsa

Waddah & Thomas

Pranay, Karthik & Chery

Mark

Helen

Najib & Tobias

Vanessa & Sarah

Ali

Monnah & Sarah

Romain, Marie & Gerard

SteppingStone Workshop SteppingStone Global held a workshop on ‘Revitalizing Your Business’ at the Domain Hotel & Spa. The workshop in progress

David, Sheryl & Mary

Boyet & Mohammed

144 October 2015

Bernard & William

Fadhel, Majeed & Jean

William, Lalaine & Jan

Tommy & Angus

Chery, Joyce & Melissa

Ramdas & Bassim

Chetan, Sudhir & Stephen

www.bahrainthismonth.com

marketplace AMERICAN BEDS

The Importance of a Good Mattress When you consider that you spend a third of your life asleep, a good mattress might be one of the most important purchases you can make.

Continual lack of sleep has been associated with chronic illnesses such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart disease and even stroke.

Before making that all-important purchase, you need to ask yourself a few questions that can effectively address a number of concerning issues. Firstly, will the mattress keep me cool while I’m asleep? As the night goes on, we notice our bodies feeling warmer as we continue to sink into the mattress. If your mattress doesn’t help dissipate the heat, you will wake up in the middle of the night and find it hard to get back to sleep.

Secondly, will the mattress be able to support the curves of my body without putting a lot of pressure on different areas? Mattresses that fail to do this effectively can eventually lead to back problems and muscle and neck aches.

This is particularly true of softer mattresses that fail to provide the support necessary to

Birthday Celebration

keep the body’s joints in a natural posture.

Visit American Beds showroom and try out the different mattress models. The company guarantees there’s a bed just waiting for you.

Plus you can enter a free prize draw to win a fabulous Restonic bed!

From the dedicated sales staff, right through to the friendly delivery team, American Beds will provide you with the best advice, service, value and prices.

Call 17 213-995 or email info@americanbeds.com.

InterNations Manama celebrated its eighth birthday at Txoko Basque Lounge, The Domain Bahrain Hotel & Spa.

Shireen & Amal

John & Quinn

Alice & Gerald

Azouz & Ashraf

Susan & Pari

Girish & Jools

Sudhir, Stephen, Burak, Aziza, Amal, Ozge & Ahmed

Shabana, Areej, Aziza & Zaina

Sana, Salman & Kawthar

Regina, Helmut, Novel & Jack

Matt, Kyr & Jonas

www.bahrainthismonth.com

October 2015 145

marketplace

SEVEN LEISURE

Making A Splash!

One of the Kingdom’s leading hospitality groups is aiming to make waves in the industry with its latest concept.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Seven Leisure Group, the name behind some of the island’s iconic dining and entertainment venues such as Coral Bay, Camelot Restaurant & Lounge and JJ’s Irish Restaurant & Pub, now presents Bahrain’s first floating hotel — Hotel De Charme or C Hotel.

The five-star facility will be docked at Coral Bay and is the brainchild of Seven Leisure Group chairman, Akram Miknas. “A few months ago I bought a large boat and got the right team together to transform it into a house of supreme luxury,” he explains.

For diners worried about seasickness, fear not, the boat’s engines have been removed and it will remain stationary. Inside is a sophisticated affair as a marine architect designed the new layout. All fixtures, furnishing and even the carpets have been custom designed in Italy for the project.

The hotel boasts 14 unique rooms that exude luxury and comfort; 12 of these are standard rooms and two are suites with a chic and spacious design. Standard rooms have a dining area, a big screen television, writing desk and integrated smart technologies among other amenities.

Since C hotel is docked at Coral Bay, guests have access to the beach club’s outstanding services, which include a state-of-the-art fitness club, an infinity pool and a white-sand beach where you can tan yourself and enjoy watersport activities.

The hotel shares a number of F&B outlets including, Rayes Restaurant and Lounge, a Lebanese venue offering absolutely authentic fare. If you are looking to

just laze under the sun and enjoy the water, Karma Lounge serves up a wide range of drinks and light bites. And if you do not wish to get off your floating abode, the two outlets also provide room service.

This unique venture might be small with only 14 rooms, but it promises a grand experience.

Call 17 312-700.

October 2015 147

marketplace RADO

Watch Out! This Swiss company with its pioneering materials introduces a new watch that could completely change the way you look at time.

Rado is renowned for introducing revolutionary new materials for its timepieces and the new Rado HyperChrome Si3N4 has strengthened its leading position.

Described as the ceramic watch of the future, the HyperChrome with its case and bracelet made of ultra-light silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramic and a new movement with aluminium bridges, is now lighter than ever.

The chemical formula — silicon nitride, which gives this ultra-light urban timepiece its name, is naturally dark grey in colour. The addition of a matt finish gives the watch a superhero feel. Although it follows the HyperChrome’s streamlined design with stainless steel side inserts, this new model breaks out into a field of its own, with a black dial sporting a supercar vent-like design. The red-tipped second hand stands out against the dark matt background as it flies round the dial like a car on a track.

The ultra-light high-tech ceramic (Si3N4) was first introduced by Rado in 2012 for the limited edition True Thinline watchcase. Since then Rado has dreamed of making a full watch out of this distinctive ceramic, and this year the dream has become a reality.

Known for its exceptional properties, silicon nitride is an extremely light-weight, hard, man-made, high-performance material usually used in the production of mechanical and thermal applications such as automotive engine parts. While its hardness of 1,450 Vickers makes it super scratch-resistant, its density of 3.4g/cm³, less than half that of standard high-tech ceramic, makes the material ultra-light and adds an extra dimension of comfort to this new HyperChrome.

Created with the motto “Design, Lightness and Performance” in mind, the new ETA calibre A31 ALU is the perfect movement for this new ultralight Rado watch. By using an ébauche (watch movement) made of aluminium, the weight of the movement is significantly reduced compared to those that traditionally use brass. The power reserve has also been increased by 22 hours — offering a minimum of 64 hours; your watch will still be ready to go on Sunday morning after a whole weekend of rest.

Anodised aluminium offers an innovative design, increased corrosion resistance and wear resistance compared to untreated aluminium.

The high-tech movement, materials and know-how combine to make this the ultra-light watch of the future.

The new HyperChrome Si3N4 is the ideal watch for the man who likes a bit of mystery. Its stand-out style will make heads turn, while its unparalleled ceramic lightness gives it an enigmatic feel. Unmatched in comfort and lightness, the watch is ideal for everyday wear, while the silicon nitride ceramic ensures that it stands the test of time.

Rado is available across all Rivoli outlets in Bahrain.

Rado HyperChrome Si3N4

Visit www.rado.com.

148 October 2015

www.bahrainthismonth.com

ENDLESS SPA

Endless Indulgence ANKITA MAMGAIN This new, state-of-the-art spa offers new mums a bespoke post-natal package and a day of complete pampering.

Childbirth – the miracle of life – maternity magazines sell this idea in cute pastel shades, cottony-soft fonts and pictures of angelic babies, making it all seem beautiful, painless and something to be enjoyed.

However, ask any woman who has gone through an arduous pregnancy, labour pains and delivery; she’ll most likely have a different story to tell. Don’t get me wrong, babies are great, but the whole process takes a toll on the mother, both physically and emotionally and calls for concentrated post-natal care.

Newly opened Endless Spa in

Our Services

Tubli, offers a signature rechargable package for new mums. Spa and salon director, Suphavidree Nasomchai-Eit, asserts this is a unique treatment offered only at Endless Spa in the Kingdom. “After giving birth, the mother feels really low about her appearance and has a tired body and skin. Our post-natal package includes specific treatments that help her regain the lost energy,” she says.

I got a chance to experience this first hand. A quick disclaimer — I do not need it, but the process sounded so indulgent, I just couldn’t say no to a review. The session started with a gentle massage with mildly fragrant cleansing milk. After this, the therapist left me in a room with herb-infused steam.

After soaking in the herbal goodness for about 20 minutes, I took a plunge in the mineral bath.

Suphavidree Nasomchai-Eit

This was followed by deep exfoliation using a special coffee scrub and a recharging massage which essentially concentrates on the abdomen and thighs and ended with stretches that left me feeling thoroughly refreshed.

The spa has a number of ongoing promotions and can even be an excellent venue for a birthday party, full of pampering with your girlfriends.

Call 17 001-211 or 39 275-171.

Hair Treatment | Massage | Facial | Moroccan Bath Scrub

BOOK NOW & GET

| Hydro Bath | Herbal Steam | Pre & Post Natal Treatment |

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P.O Box 5690 | Villa 180 | Road 1103 | Block 711 | Tubli - Kingdom of Bahrain Endless Salon & Spa Bahrain

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Tel. 1700 1211 - 39275171 www.endlessspabahrain.com

Endless.Salon.and.Spa

October 2015 149

marketplace IMP (MIDDLE EAST)

Commercial Kitchen Care This company keeps your commercial kitchen running smoothly.

IMP (Middle East) has the solution for all your commercial kitchen equipment maintenance and repair needs. It provides service and parts for kitchen equipment and other speciality food service equipment.

IMP (Middle East) specialises in the design, supply, installation, maintenance and repair of commercial kitchen equipment and appliances such as electric/gas cookers/fryers, hot/cold holding cabinets, heating/refrigeration units and other kitchen equipment used for largescale food preparation/production.

150 October 2015

The company provides the necessary preventive maintenance tailored for your needs and a reliable repair service to ensure continued smooth operation of your kitchen when breakdown occurs. It helps maintain your equipment to operate efficiently and prevent unexpected maintenance issues thereby reducing costly emergency repairs and extending equipment life.

IMP (Middle East) takes care of its customers by providing innovative solutions and superior service delivered by a team of technically qualified and experienced service professionals.

Call 17 291-515 or 33 621-144.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

OTHER EVENTS

Ausamah Al Absi, chief executive officer of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority delivered a talk at the Capital Club.

Alliance Francaise Bahrain launched a high-speed multimedia lab in the presence of HE Bernard Régnauld-Fabre, French Ambassador and Kalaam Telecom executives.

Azadea Group held a charity donation at the Bahrain Red Crescent in the presence of Abdul Wahab Al Hawaj and operations manager, Ralph Hayek and financial controller Ramya Prabhu.

Alba Labour Union and Alba’s executive management held the first honouring ceremony for employees’ children with outstanding performance at the Alba Club, Riffa.

Amal, Lathifa & Batool

As part of its GCC Roadshow, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority held a press conference at the InterContinental Regency Bahrain.

Lamee & Zahera

Abdulla

Youth Festival Opening Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities inaugurated the seventh Ta’a Al Shabab youth festival at the Qal’at Al Bahrain.

Shaikha Mai at the opening

Aysha & Fatema

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Samir & HE Qi Zhenhong

Maryam & Fatema

Dalal & Shaima

Mohammed & Abdulla

Ahmed & Ranwa

Fatema & Reem

Rose & Walaa

September 2015 151

marketplace business bites

MECOS Gets New GM

New Branch for KHCB Khaleeji Commercial Bank (KHCB), one of Bahrain’s leading Islamic retail banks, officially inaugurated its brand new commercial branch in Isa Town bringing the number of branches in the Kingdom to 10.

KHCB Chairman, Dr Ahmed Al Mutawa says: “We are delighted to have yet again expanded our locations across the Kingdom. Having more branches in different areas is in line with our strategy to become logistically closer to our existing and future clients, thus maximising our market share in this domain.”

CEO Khalil Al Meer adds that there is a continuing expansion plan in place to meet strong business growth.

The new branch offers the bank’s entire Shari’a-compliant retail banking services which include opening and operating the various types of accounts such as current and savings accounts, as well as an Al Waffer account. Customers can also apply for credit cards and for financing products for personal, auto and real estate purposes. In addition to other retail and corporate banking services offered through the branch, there is an ATM with comprehensive functions to complement the services provided.

Outstanding Performance Recognised Mamdouh El Gohary, deputy general manager at Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, has been awarded the prestigious President’s Award

by Starwood Hotels & Resorts for his outstanding performance during 2014, the second time he has received this recognition.

The award ceremony was held at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel where GM Thomas Flindt handed over the plaque.

Eligibility for this award is based on certain criteria and selection are based on employees’ achievement and remarkable contribution to the hotel. Mamdouh was said to have delivered good results both on generated revenue and overall guest experience.

152 October 2015

Naser and Ahmed Khalfan, CEO of parent company the Al Safar Group.

Middle East Computer Services (MECOS) has appointed Naser Shahrour as its new general manager as it puts into practice plans to expand the business and attract expertise by investing in human resources.

MECOS is a systems integrator which mainly provides global home and office automation systems and security solutions. It also provides network video solutions and expertise in digital, IP and analogue CCTV. Naser has extensive experience in the fields of marketing and business development and has acquired notable management skills.

Prior to this appointment he was business development manager at Property Finder Group, where he led corporate business development and client systems in Bahrain.

Bahrain in Top 10 According to a study by banking giant HSBC, Bahrain is in the top 10 best places in the world for expats to live and the best in the region.

In the HSBC 2014 Expat Explorer survey, Bahrain ranks fifth overall in the world for expat satisfaction.

It is also second in the world for expat experience, ninth in suitability for raising children and 11th in expat economics.

According to the report 53 per cent of expats in Bahrain say they moved to improve their job prospects and the majority, 62 per cent compared with a global average of 40 per cent, have found that their work/life balance has improved since they arrived.

In addition, 47 per cent said they experienced a better working culture and environment compared with the regional average of 43 per cent and the global average of 39 per cent.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

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

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Who got it right?

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Last month’s solutions

Our Services 2. September 9

Which WWE Hall of Fame celebrity will be visiting Bahrain for the 2015 IGN Convention? ___________________________

1. Ibrahim Al-Koni

Which Leo Tolstoy adaptation will the Russian Eifman Ballet perform at the 24th Bahrain International Music Festival? ___________________________

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Hair Treatment | Massage | Facial | Moroccan Bath Scrub

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| Hydro Bath | Herbal Steam | Pre & Post Natal Treatment |

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Tel. 1700 1211 - 39275171 www.endlessspabahrain.com

Endless.Salon.and.Spa

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Natuzzi blends function and design to create spaces of perfect harmony.

Spaces conceived to make us feel good and surround us with beauty.

Puglia is what inspires us and always has: our land, our muse.

Address:

3.

Come visit us and create a 3D model of your new living room. We look forward to seeing you.

Natuzzi Store. PHOENICIA DECOR - Seef district - Tel: 17 564444

Telephone:

Email:

CPR:

9

Name the new five-star hotel docked at Coral Bay? ___________________________

10

Where can you practice Antigravity Yoga in Bahrain?

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Entry deadline is every 15th of the month. 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.

October 2015 153

tarotscope

LIBRA

Sept 22 – Oct 21

CAPRICORN December 22 – January 21 Many of you will be celebrating a property purchase this month after what has proven to be a difficult few months of negotiations. There were times when you didn’t think it

Very often it is the little things in life that can

would happen so the relief will be palpable. Now the fun work begins

cause us the most stress, especially when

own. On the work front you may be thinking about moving with a new

there are a few of them, all chipping away at your resolve simultaneously. October is going to see you frustrated by issues that may have appeared insignificant but have risen in

and you’ll be able to really throw yourself into making this space your business initiative and now you have your investment sorted this should be the next thing on your mind.

AQUARIUS January 21 – February 20 Your sign goes into October off the back of celebrations and a fairly positive September and you will have good reason to be cheerful and optimistic about the future. Relationships

importance to such a degree that they are now

may also feature heavily in your life and those of you who are single

deserving of your attention. The really

of you already involved in a partnership will be grateful for a little more

annoying fact is that if you had dealt with them when you had the chance you wouldn’t be in the position you are now. Still, deal with them now and you can put this down to a lesson learned and move on.

could look forward to a new romance some time close to the 9th. Those time with a loved one and the chance to step up the commitment you share to the next level.

PISCES February 21 – March 20 Much of your time and energy is going to be taken up by thoughts of a loved one who is struggling at the moment and “up against a wall” in relation to a family dispute. You are going to have to be there for them and perhaps even end up getting more involved than you would have wanted but you will really have no alternative in the end. On the work front, a change of management

For a detailed, personalised Tarotscope reading, contact Raphael by email: raphael@tarotscope.org.uk

structure could play in your favour and there is every indication that if you keep your wits about you and prove your desire for a new role that you will be in the running for something special before the month is out.

SCORPIO October 22 – November 21 It’s all about conflict for many of you this month unfortunately, as you find yourselves coming to blows in matters domestic and it is unlikely to be very pretty! You could find the strains in a relationship are forcing cracks to show and there is every indication that you will be driven to an unfortunate but necessary decision about a marriage or long-term partnership before the month is out. Work could also provide you with a number of concerns as changes are afoot and some of them could impact upon you directly.

SAGITTARIUS November 22 – December 21 You might not like to hear it but the truth is that many of you are running around and getting yourself into a complicated tangle, simply because you are allowing things to get on top of you this month. Some of those closest to you have already noticed the change in your personality and in extreme cases your brash nature has hurt a few people’s feelings. Much of this is in the work place and you need to remember that you are dependant on the team around you and need to demonstrate your appreciation of them a little more.

154 October 2015

ARIES March 21 – April 20 Energy and vitality will drive you forward in October and you are going to enjoy some wonderful periods of optimism and success after what had been a fairly non-productive time throughout September. People close to you are also going to see you in a different light and this will influence the way they react around you over the coming months. All in all, life will work in your favour and you can look forward to the approach of a new era of growth and satisfaction. It will bring many unforeseen rewards.

TAURUS Apr 21 – May 20 You are often one to wear your heart on your sleeve and this month that might not be such a bad thing, especially for those of you who want to make some progress in your careers. It might sound like a strange thing to suggest but for those of you who have more creative endeavours, it could be just the right time for you to consider dipping into that well of emotions for a little inspiration. We are moving towards the time of Scorpio and as your opposite sign, it can also give you much inspiration and a better opportunity to connect to your inner self. www.bahrainthismonth.com

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GEMINI May 21 – June 20 It’s been a turbulent few weeks for your sign with positives as well as negatives leaving your life feeling like it has been balanced on a see-saw. Fortunately, as we progress through the latter stages of October the energy you take from the closing days of Libra will give you the confidence to “steady the ship” and move forward with a little more purpose and more importantly, success. On the work front, you will have something to feel very proud of around the 13th whilst at home a child’s unruly nature will need to be tempered.

CANCER June 21 – July 20 You are about to enjoy a period of sustained growth and development when it comes to anything career or study related and all the hard work and investment you put in of late will begin to reap huge rewards. Your meticulous nature is set to provide you with major opportunities and you need to continue your deliberate focus at least until the end of the year. On the family front, a close relative is feeling somewhat detached from you and he or she is concerned that distance could be causing long-term damage to what you once shared.

Your sign is always quick-witted and agile of thought and that’s just as well because you will need to be “on your toes” this month as a challenge is put before you that will test your resolve and push your abilities to the maximum. Not all of you may get through this unscathed but either way there will be lessons learned once the dust has settled and for those of you who do make it to the other side intact it will be the dawning of a new era in your lives.

Just be sure to stick to the program to succeed.

If you want to make progress this month then take the opportunities that are presented to you and move with them, even if you are not completely certain of how things should operate. There is no question that you are capable to deal with anything put your way you just need to have the confidence to believe it.

If you can manage to keep your cool then it could end up being a very productive month. Health may be a concern for you and if there is a long-standing issue then perhaps you should go and see a specialist to get it resolved.

Sting

FAMOUS LIBRA THIS MONTH Ryan Reynolds

Arab Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Bahrain Development Bank . . . . . . . 119

Home & Furnishing

American Beds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Fittings House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Phoenicia Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 The Closets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 The One . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC, 1, 4,5

Hotels & Serviced Residences

Fraser Suites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Premier Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Ramada Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Ramee California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Ramee Palace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 Ramee Rose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Seven Leisure (Chotel) . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Swiss Belhotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel . . 118 The Four Seasons Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The K Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Ambassador Stores (Seiko) . . . . . . . 113 Asia Jewellers (Cartier) . . . . . . . . . . . BC Asia Jewellers (Panerai) . . . . . . . . . . 13 Omega . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,3 Sharif Group (Jaguar) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Medical & Dental Services

Bahrain Specialist Hospital . . . . . . . . 25 Ceram Dental Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Farrell International Co. (German Skin Care Centre) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Motoring

VIRGO August 22 – September 21

Michelle Trachtenberg

Financial Institutions

Jewellery & Watches

LEO July 21 – August 21

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Hush Puppies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC Madre & Padre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Al Haddad Motors (Mercedes-Benz) . . . 65 Ebrahim K. Kanoo (Motor City:Ssangyong) . 71 Ebrahim K. Kanoo (Motor City:Volvo) . . . 49

Euro Motors (BMW) . . . . . . . . . . . Gatefold International Motor Trading Agency (Mazda) . 81 JAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Mohd Jalal & Sons (Suzuki) . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Others

Al Ghalia Co. (Dessange) . . . . . . . . . . 47 Alosra Supermarket . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 AXA Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Bahrain City Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Jawad Business Group . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Bin Faqeeh (Waterbay) . . . . . . . . . Cover BSPCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Calisthenics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121 DHL International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Endless Salon & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 Genprise Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 IMP (Middle East) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 Intercol:IAA (Canon) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Joz Salon & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Juffair Fitness Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 LG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Lulu Hypermarket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Picture Arabia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Primedia International . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Syed Junaid Alam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Think Pink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Yusif Bin Yusif Fakhro (Mielle) . . . . . . 69

Restaurants & Cafés

Al-Abraaj Restaurants Co. . . . . . . . . 101 Bennigan’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Brazil Grill Co. Ltd (Bambu!) . . . . . . . 103 Crust & Crema . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 La Vinoteca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Lanterns Lounge & Restaurant (Little Chef) . 98 My Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Nino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 RIC’s Kountry Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Smash Burger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Upstairs Downstairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Telecommunications

Viva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

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.

October 2015 155

Last word

The Old Man’s Rant GEG HOPKINS Constant trivia and inanity is perpetrated to take our minds off reality and is controlled by a very scary socialist gang in Europe, who are quite possibly lizards.

Life as we know it is going through some very dark conspiracy times while manipulating the youth of nations. How inane?

Well, by incessantly promulgating Illuminatus! and no-talent Jay-Z’s mythical ability to sing as a rapper for a start. Of course, he definitely had a leg-up if not over selfexposed Illuminati icon Beyonce, who sees herself on the next design of the dollar bill.

Yet nobody takes notice, or it could be that everyone has their oblivious head down looking at their mobile phones. Big Brother et al.

Endless condescending drivel, the only other choice being yet another programme presented by Richard Hammond all designed to keep us docile. To prevent us showing signs of individuality, this ruling cult has created such a frightening stigma making it illegal to challenge in plain language or we are deemed ‘racist’.

Dangerously oppressing us all today, in these so-called liberal societies, clueless politicians aberrantly speak for us all, oblivious to their folly and continue to take the most astonishing actions, which are completely against the will of the silent majority. This is done with impunity because they have infiltrated the assumed ‘intellectual sect’ and just about all media (except BTM)!

Remarkably, the word ‘brainfart’ (one word) has now been added to the Oxford Dictionary and, as the real 1984 approaches with the Illuminati still dripping down the walls of Oxford University, it brings us to the migrant crisis. Self156 October 2015

inflicted disaster or not, most of us are fairly compassionate, some generous and, unless you are a sociopath, psychopath or just called Tony, by default we all have an ingrained element of concern for others. However, Europe has an epidemic of brainfarting at the moment as the clash of civilisations materialises unheeded. As sad as the situation is, human nature dictates an extremely violent ride. Karl Marx will surely be jumping in his grave waving a blunt sickle desperately trying to get out, shouting, “I said hammer and a chisel not…”

Empowered pseudo socialism is an order and a fairy-tale rather than compassion. This agendaswamped ideology gradually became extreme during the 70s, but now it has become positively fascist, with generations indoctrinated and oblivious to its totalitarian aspect. Even our closest lovable relative, the chimpanzee, is known to kill

another for territory or clanship.

Whatever, brainfarting as an adjective will become diverse and severely political but for now remains in the derogatory such as blonde jokes or similar: “Atlanta Emergency which service?”

“There’s a man in my garden, he’s been shot.” “Mamm, do you have an address?” “No! I’m wearing jeans and sweater, duh!” In the developing world brainfarting has always been a prolific pastime and everyday occurrence. In fact, in many incidences a couple of English idioms might be well placed alongside it; a brainfart ‘follow through’ comes to mind as it describes much of the pile of derision we so often have to endure – all in the name of perceived ‘social welfare’. Of course, journalistically the word will not be appearing for several years yet and in Europe it will be banned completely, with the BBC leading.

Fabianism is an inherent medical

condition, determined to be an airborne virus mainly radiated by the BBC and absorbed through unprotected ears. The virus can enter via the eyes if one reads The Guardian or The Huffington Post.

Originally cultivated in the London School of Economics and quickly spreading to the London School of Journalism, the virus mutated into colonies, such as the one in Falmouth – South West England.

The disease boosts the ego system, affecting one’s dialectic red cerebral empathy neurons (called Republicans) and tends to make us all gay with the ability to spout clichés. The cloning syndrome mechanism contains several adhesive and sickly white corpuscles – and over generations the ‘fuzzy logic’ of these cells becomes corrupt. The only treatment is war and genocide, after which there is a calming period, but there is no complete cure, for history will repeat.

To be continued ... www.bahrainthismonth.com

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‫‪1847 MC‬‬

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‫ٍ‬ ‫ساعات استثنائية تجمع ما بين التصميم الجريء والبراعة والخبرة‬ ‫كارتييه التي تأسست في العام ‪ ،1847‬تقوم بابتكار‬ ‫اسمها من تاجها الفريد‪ ،‬فقد تطلب إبداع خطوطها‬ ‫»‬ ‫‪CLÉ‬‬ ‫‪DE‬‬ ‫‪CARTIER‬‬ ‫‬‫في تصنيع الساعات‪ .‬استمدت ساعة «كلي دو كارتييه‬ ‫َ‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫تصميم جديد‪.‬‬ ‫والدة‬ ‫المتناغم درجة عالية من االتقان‪ ،‬إنها شهادة ح ّية على الدقة و التوازن‪ .‬إنها‬ ‫ٍ‬ ‫االنسيابة وتشكيلها ُ‬