GADGETS GALORE | MOTORING | WHAT’S NEW
YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE
Wayne Houchin
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Magician and Daredevil
Adliya Dining
Best Dining Options in Block 338
Destination Juffair Discover Your Locale
Home Furnishings
Tips to Make you House Proud September 2016 ~ Vol. 20 ~ Issue 9
Arts
Culture
Clubs
Sports
Interviews
Lifestyle
Dining
Nightlife
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Issue 229
Contents September 2016 EID MUBARAK! HAPPENINGS
Bahrain This Month previews events happening around town during the month of September 2016: 16 Back
To School:
A fun event with activities for youngsters and adults.
16
18
Celebrating Art:
An exhibit by British photographer John Grummitt. 20 Habits
of Epic Entrepreneurship:
Join Kelly Armatage for a unique event. 22 Ladies
Afternoon Tea Party:
Give back with BSPCA’s charity event. 24 Family
Fun:
Enjoy poolside BBQ buffet and other attractions. 26 Film
Screening:
An Italian comedy-drama film, Life Is Beautiful. 28 Get
Ready To Rumble:
Brave One Mixed Martial Arts event.
After Dark:
26
32
30
Pyjama Party:
Groove to the finest selection of funk, boogie and disco. 32
Dance in the Sand:
Beat Beach returns with entertainment galore. 33
Latin Fever:
Sway to the rhythms of Latino music.
34
INTERVIEWS Enchanting Entertainment
Superstar magician Wayne Houchin chats with BTM about bringing his mystifying act to audiences in Bahrain.
Celebrating 40 Years of Iconic Buildings
36
34
36
Architect Felipe Yofre explains how a two-year trip turned into a four-decade-long love affair with Bahrain.
38
Driving Home Success
BTM caught up with Hannane Laidouni, marketing manager for two of the top automobile brands at Euro Motors.
40
Solveig Steps Up
BTM chats with Solveig Nicklos of BIBF about her role as the company’s first female director.
40
48 Bystander This month’s Bystander pages capture various celebrations including the Indian and Indonesian Independence Days as well as Moroccan National Day. Our snappers were also present at various other major events on the island – check if you made the cut!
www.bahrainthismonth.com
42-43
A Cut Above the Rest
Pegasus Real Estate’s managing director Aziz Mithaiwala on the company’s various achievements.
44
Leading with Grace
Esmahan Bokhowa talks about her role as general manager of Saar Mall and women’s entrepreneurship.
46
Ahsan Makes His Marque!
First Motors’ new general manager, Ahsan Chishty discusses the importance of customer service.
48
Wheels of Good Fortune
Haitham Assem explains his motivation behind taking up a gruelling cycle challenge through the French Alps.
50-51
Immersed in Culture
Mary Coons discovers the talents and passion of a multitalented Bahraini artist. September 2016 5
JOZ SALON&SPA
CONTACT FOR APPOINTMENT
AWALI JUFFAIR AMWAJ
- 1775 6449 - 1736 9133 - 1603 1120
Issue 229
Contents September 2016 FEATURES Home Furnishings: 59-61
A round-up of the best go-to places on the island for all your home decor needs.
59
65
Motoring:
A Drive to Remember:
Charlie Holding puts the new BMW 7-Series to the test. 66
An SUV For Every Taste:
Charlie Holding takes JAC’s new SUV, the S3, for a spin. 68 Sensational
SUV:
The Bentley Bentayga: a truly unique driving experience. 70 Unbeatable
Packages:
Al Haddad Motors gives huge incentives to customers. 72 Motoring
News and Launches:
BTM brings you the latest news from the motoring world on the island.
DOWNTIME:
74-75 Gadgets: The newest gizmos in town 76 Music: Top Tunes
68
84
78 Computer Games: The hot games of the month 80 Websites: The coolest sites on the web 81 Apps: Essential apps 82 Movies: New releases
Destination Juffair: 84-94
Discover Juffair, Bahrain’s very own version of New York, offering everything from swanky nightclubs to multi-star hotels and the infamous ‘American Alley’.
Adliya Dining: 95-99
A special report on the island’s gastronomic hub and all that it has to offer with its vast array of eateries, restobars and fast food joints. 101
DINING:
Revisiting Traditions:
Puja Tiwari’s Khaleeji fine-dining experience at Furn 102
Asian Flavour, European Experience:
Puja Tiwari tastes Indochinese cuisine at Hévéa Café.
German Festivities Galore:
104
78
105
Enjoy Diplomat Radisson’s first ever Oktoberfest. 105
A Regal Affair:
Break the day with a refreshing stop at Majestea. 106
A Brilliant Metamorphosis:
Maki Bahrain adds striking eye appeal to its dishes. 108
A Mighty Feast:
109
Sushi Mondays:
The new chef at Rasoi promises to cater to every palate. Beat the Monday blues with a sushi offer at Ruka. 110
Delights from the Ocean:
111
From Belgium to Bahrain:
Relish the best of the sea on your plate at Fish Mania. Enjoy the most decadent Belgian waffles in Bahrain. 112
115
74
Food From Around the Globe:
Kolors introduces a new culinary theme each night. 113-114
Table Hopping
Showcase:
What’s New: Must-have products 116-130 Marketplace: Latest products and services 131-132 Business Bites 115
Regulars:
74 www.bahrainthismonth.com
115
133 WIN WIN 134 Tarotscope 135 AD Index 136 Last Word
September 2016 7
THE TEAM
Bahrain This Month September 2016
Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Email: george@bahrainthismonth.com Editorial Director Liz O’Reilly Marketing & Electronic Media Director Deepa Siva Editor Apple Sharma Contributors Charlie Holding, Behnaz Sanjana, Puja Tiwari
As we head into September, the kids are going back to school and the island is awakening from the slumber of the long, hot summer. Early mornings and
Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian
evenings are starting to cool and event organisers and venues have been busy
Layout and Graphics Romeo San Miguel, Gopal Nambiar Photography Editor Mona Abdul Jabbar
coming up with lots of ways to enjoy the better weather.
Staff Photographers Subeesh Kumar N S, Ranjith Mohan
Happenings section for all the details.
Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa, Kadambari S
Houchin reveals his inspirations ahead of his visit to the Kingdom. Architect
From art exhibitions to sporting challenges there’s plenty to see and do. The nightlife scene too is abuzz with live bands and DJ appearances, check out the Our interviewees this month are an eclectic bunch. Star magician Wayne
The only Lifestyle Magazine distributed with the GDN
Corporate Affairs Director 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
Felipe Yofre tells us about his arrival on the island 40 years ago. Haitham Assem extols the virtues of extreme cycling and guest writer Mary Coons takes us into the world of traditional Bahraini artisan and musician Sami Al Malood. As we await the arrival of the cooler months, thoughts turn to winter fashions and, in our homes feature, we set out ways to bring the catwalk into your living space with lots of ideas and the best places to bag a bargain. Our destination spotlight this month falls on Juffair, an area that’s constantly
Photography Picture Arabia: andrew@picturearabia.com
evolving with new restaurants, hotels and businesses to serve the ever growing
Printing Press Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej W.L.L., Bahrain
dining options, from fast food to fine fare, and now a selection of shopping malls
residential community. From hospital services to healthy eating, a plethora of and a new cinema complex, this is an area that really deserves to be explored.
Published monthly by
We’ve also taken a look at the dining scene in Adliya, an area which caters to just about every taste and budget imaginable. From street food and street art to high-end restaurants and entertainment venues, this small area bats well above its weight and we’ve included a selection of the best bits for you to try.
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.
If you’re in the market for a new car, see what Charlie Holding has to say about the latest BMW 7 series and the new SUV from JAC Motors and, as always, the downtime section includes a selection of the nattiest gadgets around and suggestions for great films, games, apps and music. However you choose to enjoy what September has in store, take us with you for your guide to a great way of life.
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GADGETS GALORE | MOTORING | WHAT’S NEW
YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE
Wayne Houchin
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Magician and Daredevil
Adliya Dining
Connect with Bahrain This Month:
Best Dining Options in Block 338
Bahrain This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide
Destination Juffair Discover Your Locale
Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
Home Furnishings
Tips to Make you House Proud September 2016 ~ Vol. 20 ~ Issue 9
Arts
www.bahrainthismonth.com
George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman
Culture
Clubs
Sports
Interviews
Lifestyle
Dining
www.facebook.com/bahrainthismonth www.twitter.com/BHThisMonth www.instagram/bahrainthismonth www.YouTube.com/bahrainthismonth
Nightlife
September 2016 9
bystander
HE Simon Martin
Sophie
Mamta
Indian Independence Day HE Alok Kumar Sinha, Indian Ambassador, organised a cultural programme in celebration of India’s 70th Independence Day at Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam, Segaya. Dignitaries and guests at the celebration
HE Alfonso A Ver, Khalifa Rumaihi, HE Alok Kumar Sinha, HE Dhafer Al Umran & Soman Baby
Meera, Sihishodia & Nalan
HE Alfonso A Ver, Khalifa Rumaihi, HE Alok Kumar Sinha, Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, HE Dhafer Al Umran & Abdulla Al Ahmed
Shamima & Nivedita
Anand & Alok
HE Kiyoshi Asako
Shankar, Satiendran, Nasser, Sudheer, UK Menon, Sreeni, PVR & Shetty
Gopika & Kamelesh
Jagid, Shanbu, Parameswar & Shiva
Rakhi, Neha, Alaka, Nimisha & Niranjana
12 September 2016
Rahul & Vyshnav
Karnataka club
Dhara, Dipika, Khishbu & Hemangi
Ruth & Sundar
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Moroccan National Day
Benett, Abdulrahim Fakhro & Brown
HE Ahmed Rachid Khattabi, Moroccan Ambassador, hosted a reception commemorating the Moroccan National Day and the anniversary of Moroccan King Mohammed VI’s ascension to the throne at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. The cake-cutting ceremony
Riyad Saud, Aref Khamis & Mohammed Altamimi
Khalifa Rumaihi & Abdul Hamid Hatim
Khalifa & Mayka
HE Alberto Vecchi & HE Ahmed Rachid Khattabi
HE Chayapan Bamrungphon, HE Kiyoshi Asako & HE Dr A S U Mendis
Adel & Samira
Eman & Ekram
Sadiq Dawani & Janu
Ruslan, Hanna & Khalid Tahri, Farjia, HE Ahmed Rachid Khattabi & Yasser
HE Karim Al Shaker
Kamal, Khalid & Khaleel
HE Bernard Regnauld-Fabre & Bisonnette
Kaoutar & Mariam
Shaikh Fuaz bin Abdulla Al Khalifa & Jamal Al Azmi
Nesha & Butaina
14 September 2016
HE Simon Martin & Sophie
Suhair, Shaikh Mohammed & Ahlam Janahi
Rawad & Renad
HE Dr Dhafer Al Umran
Abdul Latif Al Sakran, HE Ahmed Rachid Khattabi & Hussain Al Sakran
www.bahrainthismonth.com
SEPTEMBER 2016. HAPPENINGS BACK TO SCHOOL When? Ongoing-September 3 Event? Children’s activities Venue? Seef Mall Seef Mall is hosting a back to school event. It takes place at the Seef District and Muharraq locations and runs from 10am to 10pm. Mall customers can take part in fun activities that include giant board games and a geography game. Youngsters can also personalise their own school bags by designing and colouring the plain backpacks provided. Additionally, visitors will also get to create their own selfie backdrops and meet dinosaur – The Headmaster. Call 77 911-111
IDENTITIES AND STANDARDS
KIDS FOR ALL SEASONS When? Ongoing-September 30 Event? Summer camp Venue? Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay
When? Ongoing-September 10 Event? Art Showcase Venue? Malja, Amwaj Islands A new art exhibition exploring culture and identity is taking place at the Red Bull art space Malja in Amwaj. The exhibition features a collection of photography, painting, installation and video projects by local and international artists in response to the questions, “What makes us who we are?” and “Why are some standards taboo in a number of cultures while others openly accept them?” The exhibition will feature Osborne Macharia – from Kenya – who will show his work and deliver a photography workshop. There will also be work from a number of other artists including Sheep On Jeep, Ramah Al Husseini, Perry Elashmawi, Aisha Almoayyed, Sergio Miranda – in collaboration with Fatema Alsabea – Khaled Almoayyed, Laila Yafi, Summer Ameen, Weaam Sperinck, Mahmood Mohamed, Jaan Al Balushi and Mai Al Moataz. The exhibition is open to the public free of charge. Call 33 889-544 or 39 002-525. 16 September 2016
This fun and interactive event is an ideal way to keep youngsters busy during the summer. It includes a number of activities such as face painting, swimming lessons, cooking classes, mocktail classes, baking, yoga, gypsum painting, water aerobics, Bollywood dance, karaoke, hair braiding, arts and crafts, T-shirt painting, henna, puppet making, watersports, football, other team games and swimming. Parents or a nanny must accompany kids under the age of four. It runs from 9am-6pm Sunday to Wednesday and from 9am-8.30pm Thursday to Saturday. Call 17 115-000.
SPEAK ENGLISH WITH CONFIDENCE When? Ongoing – September 30 Event? Language class Venue? British Council, Manama Registration is open for the upcoming semester of classes at the British Council. The institute provides a sophisticated language immersion programme to allow every student to speak English while brimming with confidence. The classes offered are segmented for kids, teens and adults and many of the segments are further divided into six levels including beginner, elementary, pre-intermediate, intermediate, upper-intermediate and advanced. Classes
start at BD280 and run for up to 12 weeks. Call 17 266-166. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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happenings
CELEBRATING ART When? Ongoing – October 31 Event? Photography Exhibit Venue? Al Wesam Centre, Janabiya The InTouch Integrated Chiropractic Spine Center regularly displays exhibitions of Bahrain-based artists’ work. InTouch is the only health care centre in Bahrain that promotes artists in a relaxed atmosphere different to that of a traditional gallery. This month features an exhibit entitled ‘John Grummitt – Vanishing Bahrain and Other Images’. John, a British photographer, says: “The exhibition focuses mostly on architectural photography capturing the fragile cultural heritage of Bahrain. There are other images from my travels around the world too. “I’ve got a BA in architecture and so this has naturally led me to focus more on buildings and I love traditional Arabian architecture. The efforts that have been made
CHOCO & COFFEE EXPO 2016 When? September 1-3 Event? Showcase Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre
When? Ongoing- September 4 Event? Art Expo Venue? British School of Bahrain The British School of Bahrain is hosting an exhibition by artist Meriel Cooper at the new BSB gallery. E Call 17 610-920.
to preserve the heritage, particularly in Muharraq, should, in my opinion, be celebrated and more widely known and appreciated.” The clinic space is open daily (except Fridays). Visit www.intouchclinic.com/gallery or call 38 872-057.
AN ENCHANTING EVENING When? September 2 Event? Gala Night Venue? Bahrain Cultural Hall The Seventh Wave – a new performing arts school – and the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities present Il Mare Custodice (The Sea Guards). The exciting gala night includes professional dance and theatre offerings. Italian dance troupe InnProgress Collective will perform special pieces that have been choreographed by Afshin Varjavandi. There will be a performance by La Mama Italy’s Valentina Renzulli and Bahrain’s Khalid Al Roawaie. There will also be a short film premiere, Ayam Zaman. Tickets are now available at Virgin Megastore or online with Ticketmaster. The show starts at 8pm. Call 17 172-300 for details.
When? Ongoing-September 10 Event? Art Showcase Venue? Malja, Amwaj Islands E Call 33 889-544 or 39 002-525. When? Ongoing-September 22 Event? Art Expo Venue? Bin Matar House. E Visit www. shaikhebrahimcenter.org or call 17 322-549. When? Ongoing-September 30 Event? Summer Camp Venue? Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay E Call 17 115-000. When? Ongoing-September 30 Event? Language Class Venue? British Council, Manama E Call 17 266-166. When? Ongoing-October 31 Event? Photography Exhibit Venue? Al Wesam Centre, Janabiya E Visit www.intouchclinic. com/gallery or call 38 872-057. When? Ongoing- December 1 Event? Intersections Art Exhibition Venue? Bahrain National Museum E Call 17 298-714. When? September 1-3 Event? Showcase Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre E Visit info@btea.bh. When? September 2 Event? Gala Night Venue? Bahrain Cultural Hall E Call 17 172-300 for details.
A three-day chocolate and coffee expo will open in Bahrain for the first time at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre. More than 100 exhibitors are expected to take part in the event, which will showcase renowned chocolate and coffee products. The exhibition aims to attract Gulf nationals, especially Saudi visitors. Saudi Arabia has become the fastest-growing coffee market in the world. Organisers, Events Starts, say that the exhibition will serve a platform to explore investment opportunities in this vital sector, which has grown threefold over the past decade. Visit info@btea.bh. 18 September 2016
When? September 3 Event? Entrepreneurial Training Venue? Kelly Armatage Inc – Mahooz E Call 17 002-320 / email info@kellyarmatage.com. When? September 3 Event? Blood Drive Venue? Salmaniya Medical Complex There will be a blood donation drive in Salmaniya Medical Complex from 8.30am-12.30 pm. Do take some time out of your busy schedule and help save a life. E Call 33 312-619. www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
HABITS OF EPIC ENTREPRENEURSHIP When? September 3 Event? Entrepreneurial training Venue? Kelly Armatage Inc – Mahooz
When? September 4-October 4 Event? Art Expo Venue? Art Centre Bahrain E Visit https://www.facebook. com/pages/Bahrain-ArtsCenter-CulturalHall/468948366464391.
Join coach and cognitive behavioural therapist, Kelly Armatage, along with a team of like-minded individuals, for this unique event. The workshop reveals the disciplines, insights, rituals, habits and techniques of the super successful. The workshop costs BD30, and, for, BD55, you can attend the event and receive a copy of the book A Serenity Kit.
When? September 5 Event? Management Talk Venue? BIBF Juffair E Call 17 827-678. When? September 7 Event? BSPCA fundraiser Venue? Sheraton Bahrain Hotel E Call 17 591- 231. When? September 8-12 Event? Eid Celebration Venue? Al Dar Islands E Call 17 704-600.
Call 17 002-320 / email info@ kellyarmatage.com.
ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL
When? September 8-16 Event? Onam Celebration Venue? Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam E Call 17 251-878.
When? September 4-October 4 Event? Art expo Venue? Art Centre Bahrain In her first solo exhibition, Hadeer Al Baqqali explores the relationship between man and buildings. Through colours, Hadeer challenges the argument that modern buildings disconnect humans from the land. The Art Centre houses a number of halls and hosts a number of cultural activities and functions in the Kingdom. It provides a range of local, regional and international fine arts experiences through its annual
programme, enabling Bahrainis and residents to discover artworks from the Arab world and beyond. The centre is open to the general public from 8am to 1pm and 4.30pm to 8pm from Saturday to Wednesday, except when there are official holidays. Visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bahrain-ArtsCenter-Cultural-Hall/468948366464391.
BAHRAIN MANAGEMENT SOCIETY EVENT When? September 5 Event? Management talk Venue? BIBF Juffair Dr Suzanne White will deliver a presentation on ways of changing people’s behaviour. Dr White has spent over 25 years in a variety of technical, managerial and leadership positions in insurance companies, chemical companies and universities. Her more recent positions have involved running insurance courses in a Bahraini training institute, founding an educational consultancy business, running the campus of an American university in Bahrain and setting up the leadership and professional development divisions at a Saudi start-up chemical company. Suzanne has a PhD in educational research and is the owner and founder of 20 September 2016
When? September 9-10 Event? Golf Lessons Venue? Royal Golf Club E Call 17 750-777. When? September 10 Event? Glamour ME Venue? The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa E Call 33 340-460 When? September 12 Event? Concert Venue? The Indian School E Call 17 684-166. When? September 16 Event? Art Showcase Venue? The Gulf Hotel E Visit www.theartcode.com. When? September 19 Event? Educational Advice Presentation Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club This free presentation is for students that wish to further their education in the UK. The session is organised by Oasis Training and will introduce parents and students to its partner universities as well as the career counselling and mentoring support service offers. E Call 17 330-823.
Oasis Training Center in Bahrain. This event starts at 7.30pm and is free to attend. However, in order to make the necessary arrangements,
interested parties are requested to confirm their attendance and register.
When? September 20 Event? Movie Night Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art E Call 17 230-123, email info@lafontaineartcentre.net or visit www. lafontaineartcentre.net.
Call 17 827-678. www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
LADIES AFTERNOON TEA PARTY When? September 7 Event? BSPCA fundraiser Venue? Sheraton Bahrain Hotel The BSPCA will be holding its successful Ladies’ Afternoon Tea Party. This year, the event will feature treats for the ladies, competitions, spot prizes and fun games and also a mini-auction and some fun demonstrations. The top auction item is a pair of 18-carat white gold and diamond earrings and there will also be a wide selection of gifts. There will be beauty experiences available for a spot of pampering and other treats, as well as a special demonstration from the team at the hotel on how to make two signature cocktails. As always, there will be a vintage corner featuring a selection of the very best items from the Thrift Shop and a fabulous array of cocktail and evening wear, accessorised with bags, shoes and jewellery – all available for sale prices. Each lady will be presented with a glass of sparkling upon arrival courtesy of Gulf Brands International, and the Sheraton Hotel will offer a delectable selection of
EID FUN When? September 8-12 Event? Eid Celebration Venue? Al Dar Islands
Escape the city for a fun-filled Eid carnival at Al Dar Islands. The five-day event features face-painting, henna, carnival games and music. Entry is BD8 for adults and free for children under 15 years. Call 17 704-600.
NEW JUNIOR PROGRAMME When? September 9-10 Event? Golf lessons Venue? Royal Golf Club The Royal Golf Club’s friendly team of PGA professionals run regular tuition programmes for children as young as five years. Children of all ages and abilities will enjoy a one-hour lesson, which includes the basics of golf and many other activities to improve hand-eye coordination skills and more. The course costs BD60 per child for six one-hour lessons. Call 17 750-777. 22 September 2016
When? September 21-23 Event? Business Networking Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre E Call 17 558-800. When? September 21-26 Event? Art Exhibition Venue? AKKAS Gallery and Artdivano Gallery E Visit www.akkasgallery.com or call 39 988-640. When? September 21-October 13 Event? Art Exhibition Venue? GIB Manama E Call 17 539-515.
finger food as well as an array of chocolate canapés. Tickets cost BD12 and are available from the BSPCA Thrift Shop in Budaiya or from the hotel reception desk. Call 17 591- 231.
AMAZING ONAM When? September 8-16 Event? Onam Celebration Venue? Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam The Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam is preparing to celebrate Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala, in style. The highlight will be musical performances by Usha Uthup, M.G. Sreekumar, Madhu Balakrishnan and Afsal. In addition to cultural programmes, there will be cookery competitions, fashion shows, games and an Onam feast. Call 17 251-878.
When? September 23 Event? Brave One Mixed Martial Arts Venue? Khalifa Sports City, Isa Town E Visit www.khkmma.com. When? September 23-24 Event? Breathing Workshop Venue? Tribal Fitness, Budaiya E www.kinetiksc.com/product/ steve-maxwell-integratedbreathing-seminar-23-24september-2016/. When? September 24 Event? Stepstool Workshop Venue? The Art House E Email sharoncolgraveholmes@gmail. com. When? September 27 Event? Workshop Venue? Bahrain Garden Club Learn to decorate cupcakes with fondant. Prepayment is required to confirm participation. Limited places are available. E Call 17 727-625. When? September 27 Event? Spitfire Exhibit Venue? Bahrain National Museum E Call 17 298-714. When? September 29 Event? Oktoberfest Venue? Gulf Hotel Bahrain E Call 17 713-000. When? September 30 Event? Aquathon Venue? Hamala Beach E Visit http://www. bahrainroadrunners.com/. When? September 30 Event? Open Track Venue? Bahrain International Circuit E Call 17 450-000. www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
FAMILY FUN When? September 10 Event? Glamour ME Venue? The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa This event features name brand clothing, accessories, as well as atrial salon and spa services for men and women. Kids will be provided with light snacks and entertainment for free. Bring the whole family and enjoy the poolside BBQ buffet. Tickets cost BD28 per adult and the event runs from 10am-4pm. Call 33 340-460.
ARTS AND FASHION
LEGENDS IN CONCERT When? September 12 Event? Concert Venue? The Indian School
When? September 16 Event? Art Showcase Venue? The Gulf Hotel Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik and Anuradha Paudhwal will be performing live in Bahrain. Recreate the magic of 1990s with the great melodies of these three legends. The organisers say the biggest hits and the nostalgic evergreen songs of this era will be performed. Tickets, which are available at Virgin Megastore, range from BD5 to BD75 and children under four enter for free. The show starts at 7.30pm. Call 17 684-166.
The Art Code Show 2016 is a youthful and artistic event held in Bahrain at the Gulf Hotel on the fourth and fifth day of Eid Al Adha. The event is a combination of different artistic fields locally and internationally; it will contain fashion shows, a music concert, celebrities and much more. It will bring various artistic and health businesses together, providing cultural and arts activities for guests. It is hoped that the event will be the start of a new way thinking, promoting creativity, fashion and arts from the heart of Bahrain and the Middle East. The event will feature British actor Christopher Drake and performances from Ammar Mjbeel and Hanan Redah. Visit www.theartcode.com.
GIRLY GET TOGETHER When? September 17 Event? WTM Social gathering Venue? Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa For the latest Woman This Month social event May Awadah of Art of Living will conduct a three-hour programme covering yoga, breathing techniques and meditation aimed at getting rid of accumulated stress.The event will be followed by complimentary healthy snacks at the Japanese eatery Ruka. So, whether you’re a complete novice who’s always wanted to give yoga a go or a seasoned veteran who’s interested in making new friends, make sure to put this event in your diary. Bring your own mat. The event starts at 3pm. Email wtm@womanthismonth.com. 24 September 2016
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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happenings
FILM SCREENING When? September 20 Event? Movie Night Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art Enjoy a comedy-drama with the Italian film, Life Is Beautiful. It stars Roberto Benigni, who plays Guido Orefice, a Jewish Italian book shop owner, who employs his fertile imagination to shield his son from the horrors of internment in a Nazi concentration camp. Part of the film came from Benigni’s own family history; before his birth, his father had survived three years of internment at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. The film was a critical and
financial success, winning Benigni Best Actor at the 71st Academy Awards. The film also won the Best Original Dramatic Score and the Best Foreign Language Film. The screening starts at 8pm and tickets are priced at BD10, which can be used as credit at the restaurant on the same evening. The restaurant starts serving from 6.30pm. Call 17 230-123, email info@ lafontaineartcentre.net or visit www.lafontaineartcentre.net.
MIDDLE EAST PETROTECH 2016 When? September 21-23 Event? Business networking Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre
ART ON DISPLAY When? September 21-26 Event? Art exhibition Venue? AKKAS Gallery and Artdivano Gallery
Discover the future of petrochemicals at the Petrotech 2016 conference. The event will include insights on the region’s mega projects, presentations on new technologies, successful case studies and panel discussions led by international industry leaders. The conference also features keynote and plenary sessions, which assemble high-profile executives and technical experts from refining and marketing organisations worldwide, as well as representatives from associated industries, who address current issues of widespread importance to the oil and gas industry. Call 17 558-800.
AYADI AL AMAL ART EXHIBITION When? September 21-October 13 Event? Art exhibition Venue? GIB Manama Following a volunteer day where GIB staff painted with the children at the Bahrain Down Syndrome Society Centre, an exhibition of the paintings titled Ayadi Al Amal (Hands of Hope) will take place in GIB’s lobby. All paintings will be on display and for sale as a silent auction. Money raised from the sale of the paintings will be donated to the Bahrain Down Syndrome Society. Call 17 539-515. 26 September 2016
Artdivano Gallery and AKKAS Gallery are cooperatively holding an exhibition of artworks by Amal Deyhle. She has experienced many aspects of life and her work reflects this. Carefully layered over each other, they always seem to hide a mystic secrecy deep between the texture and structures. The way she uses a painting knife gives her work a unique touch. The exhibition is being held under the patronage of HE the German Ambassador to Bahrain, Alfred Simms-Protz. The new location of Artdivano Gallery and Artdivano Studio at Al Andalus Garden in Gudaibiya aims to serve as a hub for local and regional art. The expo is open from 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 8pm. Visit www.akkasgallery.com or call 39 988-640. www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Indonesian Independence Day
HE Chilman Arisman, Indonesian Ambassador, held a flag hoisting ceremony commemorating the 71st Independence Day anniversary of of the Republic of Indonesia. Front row: Kenzie, Septian, Habibie, Pradanto, HE Chilman Arisman, Andre, Bobby, Rian, Hardi & Bambang Back row: Ade, Anton, Hafidz, Agus, Addi, Aceng, Hara, Ferdi, Usman & Jamil
Bambang, Agua, Addi & Aceng
Andre & HE Chilman Arisman
Front row: Lina, Ita, Fenny, Fitria, Dean, Evy, Ratnawati, Wita, Wanti, Najda, Intan & Della Back row: Dedek, Lastri, Noor & Endah
www.bahrainthismonth.com
HE Chilman Arisman & Ratnawati
Bobby, HE Chilman Arisman, Ratnawati & Fenny
Fitria, Kenzie & Ade
September 2016 27
happenings
GET READY TO RUMBLE
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR When? September 23-24 Event? Breathing workshop Venue? Tribal Fitness, Budaiya
When? September 23 Event? Brave One Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Venue? Khalifa Sports City, Isa Town The Kingdom’s first MMA event is set to take place. Brave One offers a global platform for high-calibre Middle Eastern fighters and prospects from all continents to showcase their talents on a fighter-centered MMA platform. It is to be an international promotion with events in Bahrain, India, Brazil and Ireland. Brave One will be headlined by Middle Eastern MMA superstar Mohamed Fakhreddine, who will face Brazil’s undefeated Thiago Vieira in a welterweight showdown. The bout promises to be a spectacular main event in Brave’s premier fight show, under the patronage of Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The co-main event will feature Eldar Eldarov vs Ireland’s
Peter Queally. Arguably one of the biggest fights of the night will see Filipino favourite Crisantos Pitpitung take on Mexico’s Ivan Lopez in a bantamweight bout. Tickets can be purchased at Bravefights.com and Virgin Megastore. The event will be aired live and free of charge on Bravefights.com. Gates will open at 7.30pm and the show will start at 8pm. Ticket prices range from BD5 to BD25. Visit www.khkmma.com.
GERMAN GASTRONOMY
STEP TO IT When? September 24 Event? Stepstool workshop Venue? The Art House This fun and interactive workshop gives budding art enthusiasts and DIY fans the chance to paint their own stepstool. Sharon Colgrave-Holmes will demonstrate the various techniques and there will be a choice of coloured paints and stencils. If you would like a different object to paint, she has some other designs. It costs BD30. Email sharoncolgraveholmes@gmail. com.
MAKE A SPLASH When? September 30 Event? Aquathon Venue? Hamala Beach Bahrain Road Runners will be holding an event on September 30 for fitness fans. The event, which takes place in Hamala starts at 7am for kids. They will swim 300 metres and run one kilometre. Adults start at 7.30am and face a 600-metre swim and a six-kilometre run. Visit http://www.bahrainroadrunners.com/. 28 September 2016
During this two-day event with Steve Maxwell, you will learn how to reduce pain with breath drills and how to recover faster from somatic and mental exhaustion. Come prepared to move and exert, as there will be general physical movement, plus specific exercise techniques. It costs BD200 and tickets can be purchased at www.kinetiksc.com/product/stevemaxwell-integrated-breathing-seminar-23-24september-2016/
When? September 29 Event? Oktoberfest Venue? Gulf Hotel Bahrain This celebration of all things Bavarian promises an authentic experience, from the décor to the traditional outfits. An Oktoberfest buffet will include authentic German sausages, better known as wursts, speciality sauerkraut and lots of hearty roast potatoes. Live entertainment will come from the Lasterbacher Musikanten band, who have been flown in from Germany for the celebrations. Tickets, which
include unlimited visits to the buffet, are priced at BD26++ per person. Call 17 713-000.
READY TO RACE When? September 30 Event? Open track Venue? Bahrain International Circuit If you have ever dreamed of being a racing driver, then this could be the event for you. It offers a thrilling trackside experience for all drivers. All cars need to be in road-worthy condition to take part, with no leaks or body damage. Your car’s suitability will be assessed by officials at the event. You will also need to have an internationally recognised driver’s licence. It costs BD105 for a full night, BD75 for half a night and BD40 per session. Call 17 450-000. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Lulu Centre Tel : 17 250 334 ♦ Juffair : 17 826 884 ♦ Muharraq : 17 343 266 Galali : 17 32 00 25 ♦ Segayya (Al Hayat Shopping Centre) : 17 00 30 61 MegaMart Express : 17 382 511 ♦ Hamad Town : 17 412 563 ♦ Salmaniya : 17 252 624
West Riffa Mall : 17 650 075 ♦ Saar : 17 225 818
afterdark happenings
PYJAMA PARTY When? September 1 Event? Disco Nap Venue? Camelot Restaurant & Lounge
Disco Nap is back but don’t expect to do much sleeping. Instead, get your Pjs on and head to Camelot for a boogie. Expect the finest selection of funk, boogie, house and disco you’ll find on the island from master selectas Sami Dee, the man behind art.haus Productions and Captain Tea, otherwise known as Tariq Omar, founder of Boho Baha, with special guest Just Guillaume.
There’ll be prizes on the night and the entry price of BD5 includes a helping of Disco Juice (otherwise known as Camelot’s infamously strong, tasty sangria). No shorts or flip-flops for the guys. PJs are encouraged but optional and you can get in for free if you’re wearing one of the Disco Nap T-shirts given out at the last event. Call 39 977-540.
When? September 1, 2 and 16 Event? Band performances Venue? Polo Gastropub
When? September 2 Event? BG Harmony Venue? Polo Gastropub E Call 17 725-000.
on September 16, don’t miss The Past Masters who have been entertaining on the island for years with their inimitable style and enthusiastic performances. Concentrating on the sounds of the 60s, 70s and 80s, they always deliver a toe-tapping mix of great rock classics. Entry to all performances is free. Call 17 725-000.
SPLASHINGS OF FUN When? September 2 Event? Lush Pool Party Venue? Atiram Premier Hotel Night Pro BH and The RFB are the hosts for the latest Lush Pool Party featuring DJ Lil L, who has a residency at Sugarcube in Glasgow, Scotland. She has been DJing for around eight years and is well known in her home city for her ability to spin the right record at the right time and really get the crowd to party! She knows how to engage an audience and that is why she remains Glasgow’s top hip hop DJ. She’ll be supported by local favourites DJs Shortman, Santi and Cossta. Pack your swimsuit, sun screen and friends, try out 30 September 2016
When? September 1 Event? Disco Nap Venue? Camelot Restaurant & Lounge E Call 39 977-540. When? September 1 Event? Ahmed Al Qasim’s Jazz Experience Venue? Polo Gastropub E Call 17 725-000.
LIVE ON STAGE
There’s a feast of live music throughout the month at this pub/restaurant, which has made it its mission to champion local performers. Ahmed Al Qasim’s Jazz Experience with Abdulla Haji on saxophone will take the stage on September 1 for a glamorous night of smooth jazzy tunes from 9pm till late. On September 2 it’s the turn of BG Harmony (pictured), featuring Sam on guitars and vocals, Fawaz on piano and vocals, Khalid on drums and Naji on bass. They play a great mix of vintage and modern pop from the Beatles to the Monkees via Pink Floyd and more, which are guaranteed to get the crowd dancing. And
When? September 1 Event? The Dab Venue? Club XS GroundRULEZ brings you another one-of-a-kind theme night featuring dance craze The Dab with DJs Swif and Santi. Invites are free, call to get yours. E Call 38 888-019/33 975-292.
the poolside menu and sip on drinks while you catch some rays and dance, to the best tunes around. Doors open at noon and girls, air crew and military get in free, guys entry BD10. Call 39 712-012.
OUT OF THIS WORLD When? September 5 Event? Ala Ghawas & The Martians Venue? Downtown, InterContinental Regency If you’re a fan of Bahraini singer/songwriter Ala Ghawas, this is an event you can’t afford to miss. The well-known independent musician has played numerous gigs across the island, most recently with band Likwid, and has released several acclaimed recordings, including 2013’s Armor. Now he’s taking to the stage with a new band and says: “I’ll be launching my new band formation ‘Ala Ghawas & The Martians’ in a warm and cozy atmosphere at Downtown – my favourite live music venue on the island, located at the InterContinental Regency. I’m finally going to perform my songs live the way I’ve always imagined, with a group of brilliant friends who I’ve always admired.” The band is made up of Abdulla Jamal, bass guitar and backing vocals; Abdulla Haji, alto/ tenor saxophone and clarinet; Maxeem Meraki bouzouki and electric guitar; Ali AlQaseer, drums and electronic percussion; Ash Albaiz, backing vocals; and Ala Ghawas, piano and lead vocals. Call 17 227-777.
When? September 2 Event? Mosaic Venue? Sky Lounge Hotel Diva Three DJs come together to form a mosaic of deep and groovy sounds. Three different origins, three different styles, featuring KreakX, from France, Ahmed Zainal from Bahrain and Dust Frequency from Pakistan. Girls go free all night, including drinks from 9pm-midnight. Guys, free till 10pm and BD10 thereafter. E Call 36 246-462. When? September 2 Event? Tribal House Trip Venue? Brazil Lounge DJs RZM and Bobby B spinning cool tribal beats and ‘funky, groovy, booty-shakin’ music’. Entry’s free and doors open 8pm. E Call 17 826-686. When? September 2 Event? Lush Pool Party Venue? Atiram Premier Hotel E Call 39 712-012. When? September 8 Event? Teknologic Venue? Brazil Lounge Tried, tested and true, Teknologik is a must see for any techno lover on the island. Now in its sixth instalment it promises a night of raw passion and boundless energy with FawazO and Ali Bakhtiar. Entry BD5, cash only. E Call 17 826-686. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Mediterranean Tuesdays
Unlimited Sushi Day – wednesdays
Fresh Seafood Night - thursdays * FREE GLASS OF WINE OR ANY SELECTED BEVERAGE
cdf CoralBayBH | (+973) 1731 2700 | www.coral-bay.net
afterdark happenings
DANCE IN THE SAND When? September 9 Event? Beat Beach Venue? Coral Bay One of the island’s favourite beach parties returns with another event to remember. This time the guys at Beat Beach are promising an international artist to headline the main stage – though details were still to be confirmed as we went to press. There will be two stages, each with its own dance floor. On the main stage you’ll find the best of hip hop, R&B and EDM while the underground room will have the hottest house and techno from some of the most talented DJs in the Kingdom. Add to the mix a futuristic set from V3 Designs, LED and fire dancers, a live percussionist and a few other surprises on the day, and you have a recipe for one of the hottest parties around – but don’t worry there’ll also be outdoor ACs and water
ROOTS ROCKIN’ When? September 10 Event? Natty Bwoy The Machine Killer Venue? Le Bellevue Bar, Novotel Al Dana Resort
When? September 9 Event? Beat Beach Venue? Coral Bay E Call 66 302-112/66 331-366. When? September 15 Event? Pacha World Tour Venue? Bushido E Call 17 583-555. When? September 16 Event? Past Masters Venue? Polo Gastropub E Call 17 725-000.
fans to bring the temperature down. Pre-sale tickets are priced BD10. Entry on the door is BD10 for girls and BD15 for men. Call 66 302-112/66 331-366.
When? September 29 Event? Barrio Latino Venue? Bushido E Call 17 583-555.
IBIZA RHYTHMS When? September 15 Event? Pacha World Tour Venue? Bushido Pacha resident Danny Wade comes to the island as part of the World Tour from one of Ibiza’s biggest clubbing brands. He’ll be bringing a taste of the White Isle to the dance floor at Bushido accompanied by the world famous Pacha Go Go dancers. Since 1973 Pacha has put the spark in Ibiza’s nightlife with an atmosphere of, above all, elegance, style and hedonistic glamour. The island disco and its allnight parties have become symbols of dance music culture which is exported around the globe with the world tour. Danny Wade will be supported by Bushido regular DJ Albert Mauri for a night that promises to be one of the summer’s best parties.
Entry is BD15 for gents, ladies go free. Call Call 17 583-555.
SEASON CLOSER Get ready for an evening of uptown reggae and dub station from Kenyan DJ Natty Bwoy The Machine Killer live In Bahrain for the first time. The spinner is best known for his appearances in Nairobi’s premier reggae venues and he also does work with Dub Station Intl, which is bringing him to the island alongside local promoter Wisip Entertainment. Support comes from DJ Sonconita and entry is BD5. Call 33 162-070. 32 September 2016
When? September 30 Event? Palm Beach Closing Party Venue? Palm Beach Amwaj
Palm Beach Amwaj plays host to DJ Sam Devine flying in from the UK with the Defected crew. She’ll be supported by local favourites DJ Swif of GroundRulez, DJ Cossta of Night Pro BH, DJ Albert of Bushido, DJ Derek John of Oliveto and DJ Jack Street from the UK. From winning a DJ competition in Bristol to now readying her highly anticipated Defected In The House mix compilation, the past 10 years have been both a hard-earned and well-deserved rise to the top for Sam Divine. The Bath-born DJ has gone from practising in a shed at the bottom of her mum’s garden to main stage festival headliner, while also becoming a label owner and the presenter of Defected’s In The House radio show, the number one house music podcast on iTunes. This promises to be a real fun way to end the summer season. The dress code is beachware and tickets are BD10, aircrew go free. Call 33 282-727/32 223-323. www.bahrainthismonth.com
BUSHIDO
Latin Fever Sway to the irresistible rhythms of Latino music at this swanky lounge and restaurant. Spinning the grooviest Latin beats for partygoers, Barrio Latino Paris resident DJ Carlos Campos will grace the decks of Bushido Lounge once again, on September 29. Enjoy a selection of delicious cocktails and a special menu while dancing into the wee hours. Chilean-born Carlos moved to Paris at the age of 14, where he found fame after co-interpreting Lorca’s track Ritmo de la Noche. He became the first resident DJ of Barrio Latino Paris in 1999, which led on to collaborations with Claude Challe, Ravin and artists as diverse as Natacha Atlas, Tarkan and Laurent Wolf. As a producer, Carlos released tracks on the compilations Buddha Bar, Nirvana Lounge, Opium Miami, Reggaeton on Fire, Latino Club and the Barrio Latino albums. The musical genius has also mixed Tribal Works Vol.1, which inflames the dance floor
www.bahrainthismonth.com
DJ Carlos Campos
with the sounds of African and Latin percussion. A frequent visitor to Bahrain’s party scene, Campos exudes good vibes on and off the stage. Having travelled a lot in his career, he draws inspiration to create music by fusing
melodies from different cultures, making his genre rightfully world music. Barrio Latino starts at 8pm, offering free entry for all. Call 17 583-555.
September 2016 33
INTERVIEWS
ENCHANTING ENTERTAINMENT CHARLIE HOLDING Superstar magician Wayne Houchin’s work as a performance artist and daredevil has made him one of the most popular and exciting entertainers in the world. He chats about bringing his mystifying act to audiences in Bahrain.
ALSO THIS MONTH: 38 DRIVING HOME SUCCESS 42 A CUT ABOVE THE REST
Wayne Houchin
W
ayne has been described as equal parts con-man, street magician and daredevil. Regardless of how he’s labelled, one thing is for sure – he delivers a show you won’t soon forget! With a career that has seen him set on fire, electrocuted, making physic predictions and escaping from precarious situations, Wayne is the epitome of a showman. His love of magic started from a young age when his father showed him a trick. Little did he know this would be the spark that inspired Wayne to take up magic as a profession. He says: “The first time you see a good trick and it fools you, that’s a special moment. Magicians spend their lives chasing that feeling, that moment of astonishment. We want to experience it more and more, so we start learning magic, but when you know how it’s done it becomes harder to feel that astonishment.” Fortunately, Wayne says he now gets that feeling by seeing the look on the faces of his spectators. He explains: “Eventually I came to realise that feeling was reflected back to me in my audiences. Now, I can’t get enough of performing and creating magic and seeing them experience that mix of emotions.” Sadly, not everyone understands that what Wayne does is a performance, as he has found 34 September 2016
out on multiple occasions during his career. He says: “People have different attitudes to magic because there’s a lot of beliefs and superstition out there. When I was very young I was performing magic at a restaurant. I did a trick and this couple just freaked out. “They explained they had a ranch where they brought psychics to help to cure people with cancer. They offered to bring me in so I could use my ‘powers’ to help cure people. Obviously I don’t have any powers. I’m performing tricks, but these people really believed I was magic – it was surreal.” In a frightening and bizarre incident, Wayne was attacked and set on fire while appearing on a TV show in the Dominican Republic. The host of the show threw burning liquid into his face, setting him on fire and leaving him with first-and second-degree burns. The host was arrested and stated that he attacked Wayne in an attempt to ‘cleanse evil spirits’. Fortunately, Wayne recovered with only minor scars on his right hand. However, these experiences have not dimmed his passion for his art or his tender human nature. He says: “To people who think magic is evil, I wouldn’t say anything. I’d just wanna give them a hug and show them a magic trick if they wanted to see it. “It all comes down to something the Beatles
said – all you need is love. The whole ride in life is so unpredictable, and the only thing we can hang on to is who we love and what we love and, when you do that, everything works out.” Over the years, Wayne has been inspired by various magicians with perhaps the most prominent being David Copperfield. “I grew up watching his shows on TV and he made me believe that anything is possible,” he explains. “I always wondered how he did his tricks and that’s part of the joy of magic. But when you see a good show, it’s not just about being left wondering how, it’s about asking yourself what is possible.” Following a successful stint on a Discovery Channel TV show about magic, Wayne has been working on a number of new illusions, which he’s excited to try in Bahrain. “I’ve been writing new material recently and I’ve only done a few performances so we’re bringing elements of the new show to Bahrain,” he explains. “The show will feature moments of mystery, joy, wonder and love combined with real experiences. I’m so excited!” The stage show will be on October 6 at Bahrain Rugby Football Club and October 7 at the British Club. Tickets cost BD10 for members and BD15 for non-members. There will also be a magic workshop for beginners on October 8 at Words Bookstore Café, tickets cost BD15. www.bahrainthismonth.com
interview
H
aving graduated in architecture in Cordoba in his native Argentina, Felipe moved to the country’s capital to begin working in his chosen profession while at the same time teaching at the University of Buenos Aires. Newly married, in 1972 he travelled to Europe on his honeymoon and, through his Argentinian contacts, was invited to lead the design team at Intec Italy in preparing for an important project in Marseille, France. An initial term of one month stretched into six years, during which he worked under the direction of design star Tomas Maldonado. In 1976, along with a group of colleagues, he travelled to the Middle East seeking new projects and contacts and, from that visit, Intec was appointed to design the Yateem Centre – the Kingdom’s first shopping centre. He says: “We were appointed by Mr Husain Yateem, who would become my first client and a loved friend. I was supposed to stay for two years, supervising the construction of Phase I of the project, but soon we were appointed to design other projects. By the time the Yateem family decided to start the second phase, I was already happily installed in Bahrain with my family. The feeling of belonging I had experienced when I first arrived was confirmed.” Felipe set up an independent branch of Intec here in Bahrain, and 2016 marks the 40th anniversary of his first arrival on the island. Since then, the company has gone on to design numerous residential villas and buildings, from Amwaj to A’Ali and Saar to Dilmunia, as well as many major commercial projects including the Al Bander Resort in Sitra (the Kingdom’s first resort hotel), the much-talked-about Lexus showroom in Sitra, The Walk at Riffa, Coral Bay and Vinoteca Barcelona in Adliya, to name just a few. There have also been several interior design projects, from restaurants and coffee shops to commercial corporate spaces such as the EDB executive offices in Seef Tower, and the company has just been appointed to design a preschool and staff accommodation buildings, of which Felipe says: “This is very exciting; we will do something absolutely new and creative.” Felipe and his wife have recently become Bahraini citizens and he says: “The interesting thing is, that in so many years working, I have dealt with different generations of the same families. This happened, for example, with EK Kanoo, for whom we have done many projects, both commercial and residential. My long-time friendship with Mohamed and Fuad Kanoo extends now to the new generation, with all of 36 September 2016
Felipe Yofre
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF ICONIC BUILDINGS LIZ O’REILLY Architect Felipe Yofre explains how a two-year trip to design the island’s first shopping centre turned into a four-decade-long love affair with Bahrain that continues to this day. whom we are working. The same happened with the Yateem family; my friendship and professional relations extended to the new generations, to Mohammed, Ali and their sisters and now to their children. There are so many of these cases; we designed a house for Mohamed Alhasan, and then we designed the houses for two of his sons and started the design of a third one. We designed the house for my friend Jamal Fakhro and also designed the refurbishment of his son’s house.” So, as his company prepares to mark this important anniversary with its first showing at Bahrain International Property Exhibition (BIPEX) in November, what’s next for Felipe and Intec?
“You will be surprised, although I am not getting any younger, I have strong motivation to go on. I have a lot of plans for my office. I want my staff to be always proud of belonging to an international team that is not big but is very professional and efficient.” The company has expanded into Oman, with Felipe’s son at the helm, and has set up a joint venture with acclaimed South American interior design studio Caparra Entelman & Asociados. Felipe is also setting up a joint venture with an Italian engineering company to work on his and other projects around the island. He concludes: “All this doesn’t give me much time to think about the future. I live a very intensive and gratifying present.” www.bahrainthismonth.com
interview Hannane Laidouni receiving her award
DRIVING HOME SUCCESS BEHNAZ SANJANA Hannane Laidouni, marketing manager for two of top automobile brands explains her passion.
I
f her strong handshake is anything to go by, Hannane Laidouni is a confident go-getter, with her head firmly on her shoulders and her eye on the prize. A French national and a graduate of international relations and communication, with a major in marketing and business from the prestigious Sorbonne University, Hannane has been riding the wave of success with a recent slew of marketing awards in the Euro Motors kitty. The GCC, North Africa, the Levant and countries like Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Georgia all vie for the annual MENA Jaguar Land Rover marketing honours. Pointing to a constellation of awards in her office, she says, “There are only 10 categories of awards, from which we bagged three last year. This year we got the Best Land Rover Discovery Sport Launch, Best Jaguar XF Launch and the Best Social Media Award.” She states that being worthy of these awards is an uphill task, but she is very grateful for them. “We are in competition with the best markets in the world, which are huge in terms of population, volume of cars and budgets and to be picked amongst them and appreciated on this platform makes us extremely proud,” she adds. The hands-on professional gives great importance to social media and digital marketing, using it as a two-way street, and not only to build brand awareness and tell people about her products. “I believe that social media is a great platform to interact, engage and listen to our followers, whether they are 38 September 2016
existing or potential customers,” she says. “Handling this aspect of marketing in-house keeps me updated about our market’s expectations, likes and dislikes, so we can anticipate clients’ needs better and exceed their expectations.” It’s clear how Hannane has managed to swing the spotlight on Euro Motors amongst other Jaguar Land Rover dealers in the region, and one can safely put it down to pure passion and commitment for her brands and her work. “As soon as you enter our dealership, you step into luxury and a professional, yet warm environment,” she explains. “Our technicians are trained directly by the manufacturer and we have a very efficient sales and after-sales team each for both brands. “Purchasing a Jaguar or Land Rover is a oneof-a-kind experience; we aim to satisfy the client by all means. We forge lifelong ties with them; from the time they think of our brands to the time they trade their car in for another one from us.”
But with other high-end vehicles vying for a buyer’s attention, what makes Jaguar and Land Rover favourites with the discerning set? “Our showroom has a dedicated lounge where buyers can virtually configure their vehicle; from the colour to every minute detail to suit their needs best,” she says. “Besides this, we offer complete price transparency as per the options chosen, something that not all luxury brands do. Add to that an extravagant driving experience and assured peace of mind.” Hannane loves being challenged and is at the top of her game at all times. In spite of the pace that she goes at, she never feels the drudgery of work life. “They say if you do what you love, you never have to work a day in your life. I am driven by passion for what I do. I love my work; it is my lifestyle.” she adds. “Everything about my job excites me. Also, being led by a fantastic management that gives me great autonomy in making decisions, and from whom I continue to learn so much, makes me feel very lucky.” www.bahrainthismonth.com
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interview
SOLVEIG STEPS UP CHARLIE HOLDING The head of the Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance (BIBF) talks about her role as the company’s first female director.
B
ahrain is home to some of the most successful and dynamic women in the region. They shatter stereotypes and prove beyond a doubt that females are strong role models. Having moved to the Kingdom three years ago, Solveig Nicklos became the first female director of the BIBF, and, in doing so, joined the ranks of the island’s leading ladies. “I’m very proud and lucky to be the first woman in this role at the BIBF and many women have come to me to tell me how excited that makes them,” she explains. “If other women look at me as a role model, obviously it’s humbling.” Although she has never been consciously aware of gender being an issue in her career, she hopes to demonstrate to other women they have the opportunity to secure leadership roles. She says: “I take my role as a leader very seriously; people count on me to make the right decisions. Leadership is not unique to being a woman. I’m sure my philosophy is unique to me, as a woman, but I think leadership is driven by doing what’s right.” Born in New Jersey US, she boasts 17 years of experience of turning visions into practical operations through planning and delivering major projects worldwide. Prior to taking up her position in Bahrain, Solveig was in Hong Kong, running an executive education division of a business school for greater Asia. “When I got the call for BIBF, it was an offer I just couldn’t refuse both professionally and personally because my husband and I both love the region,” she says. “I think there is a tremendous energy in Bahrain – there is a lot of opportunity for both 40 September 2016
Solveig Nicklos
personal and professional development. I find it very rewarding. The culture has a hunger for learning and knowledge, people really commit to it in a very powerful way.” BIBF plays a vital part in the training and development of human capital in the Kingdom and is the top provider of quality education across all major business disciplines. It serves as a partner to numerous world-class institutions; delivering thought leadership, research and advisory, assessment and training in the areas of accounting and finance, academics, executive development, banking, leadership and management, insurance, Islamic finance and information technology. Solveig believes it is this wide spectrum of disciplines that makes the company such a success. “Financial services institutions not only need technical training and discipline but also need a broader scope of services,” she explains. “Because there are departments within a bank that are not specific to banking, we’ve expanded to include Islamic finance, leadership and management, IT and project
management – all of those have been in response to market demand.” When it comes to the Bahrain market, Solveig is keen to shower praise. “I find it an incredibly invigorating and a very fun market to work in. When I arrived three years ago the biggest complaint was that we didn’t have enough courses. Trust me, in education, if that’s the biggest complaint you have you’re doing well.” The next few months look to be busy for BIBF as Solveig reveals plans for a month-long project management convention in November. She says: “It offers a number of courses and programmes because project management isn’t only for engineers anymore, it’s applicable to almost all industries. Next year we want to do a similar concept but this time focusing on IT.” When it comes to her unique name, she reveals her grandmother was Norwegian and that’s where it comes from. She says: “It’s pretty archaic and obscure, even in Norway. In fact, the first time I went there, I was excited that people would recognise my name and I wouldn’t have to explain it. But, sadly they didn’t!” www.bahrainthismonth.com
OKTOBERFEST NIGHT THURSDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2016 Come & celebrate German food and Bavarian tradition at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa The Grand Ambassador Ballroom Thursday 22nd September 2016 8:00pm onwards BD35 net per person inclusive of one drink Traditonal Oktoberfest band Die Oberbayern
BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW! For more information please call +973 39945208 info.diplomat@radissonblu.com The.Diplomat.Radisson.Blu
RBlu_Bahrain
diplomatradissonblu
interview
Aziz Mithaiwala
A CUT ABOVE THE REST BEHNAZ SANJANA
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This real estate agency has put Bahrain’s skyline in the limelight with world-class properties. Managing director Aziz Mithaiwala talks at length about the projects.
t the brink of the festive season, Pegasus Real Estate and its clientele have a lot to celebrate. Not only has the agency’s acclaimed Juffair Heights project been completed on time, but it has also bagged three prestigious awards this year for the work-in-progress Seef Terraces. “The International Property Awards is a syndicate in the UK that has been giving recognition to top property developments around the world for the last 25 years,” says Aziz. “We in Bahrain come under the scope of their Arabia and Africa demarcation and have been lucky to have won awards for the last two years consecutively for our Juffair Heights project.” This year, Seef Terraces has won the Africa and Arabia Property Awards 2016 for the ‘residential development’ and the ‘residential high-rise development’ categories for Bahrain. Besides this, Pegasus Real Estate has been honoured with the Property Consultancy Marketing award in the region. The property nominations are put through 42 September 2016
rigourous examinations by the award syndicate to pick the best from the rest. “They have a very distinguished panel of judges from all over the world, from various real estate disciplines, evaluating each detail of the property extremely closely,” says Aziz. “While individual apartments are checked for their layouts, their size and other relevant parameters, the high-rise development award is more to do with the building and its structure in general – its elevation, location, buyers, the amenities provided and the quality of the construction in total.” With the level of hard work and commitment shown towards each project it has undertaken, Pegasus Real Estate has pulled off a hat trick when it comes to being acknowledged as the best in property consultancy marketing. “We feel very lucky to have won this award again this year,” he says. “We are proud to say that we exclusively represent the projects we undertake, which differentiates us from the rest.” At the glitzy award ceremony that will be held
Juffair Heights
in Dubai this month, awardees will be notified whether they qualify to go on and compete for the overall International Awards in December, www.bahrainthismonth.com
which finally determine the crème de la crème of the world’s property experts. “Having come so far, we are hopeful for this global accolade, fingers crossed,” adds Aziz. When asked about the company’s secret to success, he points out that it consciously chooses to concentrate on one project at a time, instead of putting its fingers in many pies at once. “There are many other developers who do that, but then projects start running behind schedule,” says Aziz. “We are extremely proud that Juffair Heights has been completed right on time and the apartments will be handed over to their owners by the end of September 2016.” All apartments of the skyscrapers have been sold out to a wide diaspora of buyers, and Pegasus now turns its sights to the upcoming Seef Terraces. It has received a tremendous response and is steadily being built into a 29-storey tangible mammoth embodying luxury and convenience.
“Local and international investors have faith in our country’s economy and a sense of security when it comes to investing in Bahrain,” he reveals. “The slabs for the parking floors have been done and the first floor is close to completion; and Seef Terraces is already sold out by 40 per cent.” Besides an ideal, upmarket location, Seef Terraces offers 21 facilities to residents including, full-sized tennis, squash and basketball courts, kids’ play areas, lush landscaping, rooftop Jacuzzi and gymnasium, an infinity pool – the list goes on. Aziz says: “The idea of Seef Terraces was conceived after extensive market research. We were not keen to have smaller apartments, thinking from the long-term perspective. Most of our buyers are our end users and we wanted to give them the luxury of space. Investors can also get better returns on their investment by way of attracting higher rentals on their properties. When we explained to them this concept, potential clients
immediately saw the enormous value that this property would give for a slightly higher buying price. This gives us an edge over other developers who squeeze in more small-sized units in a single project.” For clients to see what living a life at Seef Terraces will be like, show apartments have been created. Aziz vouches that, as with Juffair Heights, the actual apartments at Seef Terraces will be exactly like the mock-up ones that customers see before they buy. The property pioneer has also introduced a fun, new technology in Bahrain in the form of the 3D augmented reality animation app, which can be viewed on smart devices to get a 360-degree look and feel of the residential units. “Progress on Seef Terraces is very much on schedule and we aim to hand over the apartments by mid 2018,” says Aziz. “We understand that property is a very dear investment, and we will take all steps to assure our clients that they are in safe hands with us.”
Seef Terraces
www.bahrainthismonth.com
September 2016 43
interview
Esmahan Bokhowa
LEADING WITH GRACE BEHNAZ SANJANA Bahrain is quickly seeing the rise of able women entrepreneurs who juggle many tasks and make it look effortless. Esmahan Bokhowa is one of the leaders of this dynamic group.
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oft-spoken and genteel, yet a thorough professional, Esmahan Bokhowa is determined to do all it takes to realise her goals. Belonging to the Bokhowa family, who are pioneers in the field of construction and contracting in Bahrain, Esmahan got bitten by the entrepreneurial bug early on. Armed with a Master’s degree in business administration from an eminent university in Australia, she started at the grassroots. “I started my career working as an accounts executive in Bokhowa Group WLL in 1994,” she says. Not being given the silver-spoon treatment seems to have made her the seasoned tycoon that she is today. “I acquired a lot of skills and valuable experience along the way and I now hold dual positions in my business; I am the finance director at Bokhowa Group WLL and general manager of Saar Mall,” she says. Like most successful multitaskers around the world, Esmahan is a morning person and starts 44 September 2016
her day very early. She reveals her secret, “I believe that in the morning, one’s energy levels are at their peak. So I prefer all my meetings and tasks to be completed within the first half of the day.” But as in any other trade, there were several challenges on the way to success. “We needed to identify the best business location for opening the mall; that was the biggest challenge,” she adds. “A market survey concluded that Saar was the area in need of a service-oriented mall to provide all solutions to our customers under one roof.” Esmahan also recognised the need for a diverse range of products and services, which is vital to grow the business. “Geant Easy is our anchor shop, and we also have other big clients to add value to Saar Mall,” she explains. “Likewise, we also had to be selective about the brands we house to ensure the balance between growth and quality.” Having come so far, Esmahan is proud of her professional achievements. Not only has she
worked as a financial director for 21 years, but has also gained all round experience. “When staff go on leave, I take over their job in addition to my regular responsibilities,” she says. “So in effect, I have worked in various departments like real estate, procurement and engineering. This has contributed to my ability to multitask and successfully manage the mall while still directing the finance department of our construction company.” She believes that women in Bahrain are blessed to have opportunities on a par with their male counterparts in the private and public sectors. If she had anything to say to budding women professionals and entrepreneurs, it would be to possess perseverance in the face of setbacks. “Selfdiscipline, an undying passion for what you do and self confidence to sell your idea through relentless marketing will take you to where you want to be,” she adds. “Lastly, have that competitive streak in you to beat your opponents and win the game!” www.bahrainthismonth.com
interview
AHSAN MAKES HIS MARQUE! CHARLIE HOLDING Ahsan Chishty – the new general manager at First Motors – is a firm believer in the importance of customer service and says it is the key to building on the company’s already great reputation.
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his Birmingham born Brit is no stranger to hard graft and his 25 years’ experience in the motoring industry has seen him rise from humble beginnings to soaring heights. Now, at the helm of Hyundai in Bahrain, Ahsan is keen to do what he does best – take his marque to the next level. Although Ahsan has only been in Bahrain for three months, he is no stranger to the region, having already visited most GCC countries on holiday. However, he says, living here is a new experience altogether. “It’s been surprisingly easy to adjust to,” he explains. “The Bahraini community has been so incredibly warm and welcoming. I had a choice between several destinations in the Middle East but I picked Bahrain because the country has good Islamic values and a great balance between modernisation and culture.” And it’s not just the people’s warmth he enjoys. “Everyone keeps asking me how I feel about the weather here; honestly, I like it!” he says. “When you live in the UK, you yearn for sunshine because you’ve lived with grey skies and rain most of your life. The sun here is great and, each morning, when I open the blinds and see a beautiful blue sky, it puts a smile on my face.” As a young man, Ahsan got his start as a sales executive for a dealership in his native Birmingham. Eventually, he moved up the ranks to sales manager and then, at the age of 28, became the general manager of a small business. “I ran that dealership for 11 years and took it from a small operation to the fifth largest volume site in the UK,” he says proudly. “After that, I did five years with another company then I took on a divisional role running nine sites before I took my current position.” 46 September 2016
Ahsan Chishty
Having worked for a number of leading European and Japanese brands, this is Ahsan’s first experience with a Korean brand, and he couldn’t be happier about it. “I have been overwhelmed, not only with the way our cars drive and the build quality, but also with Hyundai’s plans for growth and vision for development,” he explains. Development is at the top of Ahsan’s agenda and he shares the company’s passion for it. He says: “I have big plans for growth and expansion, and it all starts with the customer. I want Hyundai and First Motors to be able to deliver a five-star experience akin to visiting a top-notch hotel or restaurant. I want customers to have valet parking and to be received on a personal basis.” Ahsan believes that if the company focuses on elevating the customer experience, it will help take market share from competitors. “We want people to migrate and the way we do that is by having a great product, great facilities and delivering exceptional customer service,” he says. Testament to his appetite for expansion and growth, he is spearheading the opening of a new Hyundai showroom for trucks, buses and used cars this month. But it doesn’t stop there; he plans to create new outlets around the Kingdom to make accessing servicing and parts much easier.
With fiery enthusiasm, Ashan boasts about Hyundai’s wide and competitively priced range of vehicles and also reveals his plan for developing the marque’s luxury arm – Genesis. “Its been in Bahrain for a while but we plan on taking it to another level,” he gleams. “Within the next three years we plan to introduce between five and seven new cars, including sports cars and a large SUV.” Of course, the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step and, for Genesis, that step takes place this month when the company unveils the G90 luxury saloon on September 19. Currently, Genesis has a modest set-up at the First Motors showroom in Ma’ameer, but Ahsan has already come up with plans to create a bespoke area for the brand – to create a boutique-type environment that reflects the marque’s ideology. Ahsan’s family are due to arrive soon and he has been busy setting up the home, organising schooling for his nine-year-old daughter, Sarah, and keeping himself busy with new hobbies. “There are many activities here in Bahrain that aren’t as accessible in the UK,” he says. “The idea is to try something new and I’m currently looking at horse riding lessons for my daughter and me.” Call 17 121-121. www.bahrainthismonth.com
interview
WHEELS OF GOOD FORTUNE LIZ O’REILLY Haitham Assem has just returned from a gruelling cycle challenge through the French Alps. He explains what motivates him.
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eing told his health was suffering due to his sedentary lifestyle was the push Haitham needed to get on his bike. Two years later and he took on the challenge of riding 450km in three days as part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ Road to Awareness Campaign to raise awareness and funds for UNICEF’s water, sanitation and hygiene programme (WASH) to provide children with drinking water and proper sanitation facilities in Africa and the Middle East. He explains: “I only began cycling in 2014. I used to live in Dubai and I went to my GP to get vitamin shots because I was feeling some weakness. The doctor asked my age and what sort of exercise I was doing. I had to confess, I didn’t do anything! “I lived in Emirates Hills and there’s a massive lake in the middle and people cycle and run there. I spoke to my wife one day and told her I was too old for cycling, but now the bicycle makes me feel unleashed; it’s the only time I can completely let go. I get a lot of focus and concentration on my riding and it’s the only time I fully disconnect. “I started at beginner level – you find you need this, that and the other and you end up having a bike that costs as much as a car!” After moving to Bahrain as complex director of marketing at The Westin and Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre, he decided a challenge was needed and applied to join the Starwood 48 September 2016
Haitham Assem
Road To Awareness challenge – in which a group of cyclists consisting of Starwood hotel representatives and senior officials from across Europe, Africa and the Middle East embark on a fundraising bike ride through the French Southern Alps, starting in Carpentras and finishing in Monaco. They covered a distance of 450km and climbed six ‘cols’ in just three days, including Mount Ventoux, the Col d’Allos and the Col de la Bonette. Haitham says: “I was already cycling but the big challenge in training was doing it before work. I try to do an hour in the morning – it pushes you to wake up early. I used to think that if you exercise in the morning, you would be tired for the rest of the day, but it’s the complete opposite. “When I got the confirmation from Starwood that I could be part of the challenge, I was also coming into the gym. I would do exercise at home on my bike with a smart trainer but of course it’s not the same as the reality of riding in the mountains with the direct sun, wind, heat rain and snow.”
In June, along with a team of around 20 colleagues from across the region, he travelled to France to take on the tough challenge. He continues: “It’s the first time I’ve done something like this – just days of cycling. Each day your luggage is moved with you and each night you sleep somewhere different. “On the first day I had IV fluids because my body was stressed. You ride 8am to 8pm with a break for lunch and a bit of a massage, but it is hard going. And it’s just as hard riding down the mountains as it is climbing. You have to be very careful because of the speed going downhill. “That being said, it was a brilliant experience. The scenery is amazing and I would love to do something like this again. “Mission accomplished!” In 2015, the campaign raised more than USD1.1 million, enough to provide 2,700 water pumps to bring clean water to whole communities. Since the launch of the campaign in 2008, it has raised more than USD5 million for UNICEF. www.bahrainthismonth.com
interview
Sami Al Malood playing oud
Sami playing reed instrument
IMMERSED IN CULTURE
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As an expat learning firsthand about musical culture from a Bedouin, Mary Coons discovers the talents and passion of a multitalented Bahraini artist
ami Al Malood, a retired, multitalented Bahraini musician, is a guardian of cultural traditions – a painter, weaver, potter and all-around craftsman – Bedouin traditions that define a people. His people. Sami greets my husband and I with an accommodating smile as he ushers us into an open-air space crammed with works of his trade. He made the mat from the palm fronds forming a side wall, wove the food baskets that sit upon the triangular-shaped piece of wood bound together with rope, fashioned the clay water container with its rustic wooden cover and cured the goat skin that is used as the traditional method of making laban. Sami has a stall at the Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre in Bahrain where he demonstrates his unique talents to tourists and visitors. While visiting him, he presented each of us with an oyster-shell key chain he makes and then painted our respective names in Arabic on them. Of pearls, he explained that sand naturally seeps into the oyster shell causing it to ooze fluid to coat the sand and protect the oyster. The fluid hardens and forms the pearl (lulu). Different oysters seep different fluids, which gives colours to the pearls: near pure white, 50 September 2016
yellow, gold or black. In Bahrain it is illegal to sell cultured pearls, so as to preserve the authentic heritage of the real pearl. Making Laban the Old-Fashioned Way Laban was once exclusively made from goat’s milk. As the story goes, the process involves pouring the milk into a softened goatskin that is then suspended on a wooden tripod. The skin is rocked back and forth for about 30 minutes before being poured into a large pot, according to Sami. When the yogurt has separated, butter floats to the top. What is left at the bottom is laban – similar to buttermilk.
First, however, the dried goatskin must be softened. Sami soaked the skin in a bowl of water for a minute or so before removing it. He then began to steadily blow air into the skin from his mouth. Once filled, it was ready for the goat’s milk. The skin is closed at the bottom with a thick leather strip stitched shut. The top is left open and a handle of braided leather attached to it. Also attached is a long length of waxed cord that is used to suspend the bag from the tripod or tree branch, to rock the bag back and forth during the churning process. The bag can also be used to store and carry water or camel or goat milk.
Sami Al Malood band
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Arab version of clarinet
Air-filled skin
Sami’s homemade drums
• Clarinet – high-quality workmanship is obvious in this instrument. Sami likened it to a screechy horn, explaining that each one is different. He produced a chunk of wood that was beginning to take form as the horn’s end piece. • Drums – the three-piece drum set is commonly seen and used in concerts. There are various sizes, each with its own tenor. The goblet- or chalice-shaped drum, known as a darabukah, is used mostly in the Middle East and North Africa. Sami stretches cow skin over the top of his drums. The instruments he makes and plays with his band are ‘struck’ drums; the sound is produced by hitting the skin with the hand. The stretched skin vibrates and produces the sound which he gladly demonstrated.
Today most Arabs purchase laban readymade from the grocery store; however, those wishing to make it, most often do so with a laban-maker, an aluminum container that mimics the Bedouin process. Sami the Musician Having formed the Sami Al Malood Traditional Band more than 35 years ago, he is constantly in demand to perform for cultural events, as well as at Manama Souq. Sami skilfully plays a clarinet-type wood instrument, drums, the oud, bagpipes and a type of recorder that looks like a flute but is held differently. He demonstrated all of them for us. And, yes, this craftsman extraordinaire makes all of his instruments. www.bahrainthismonth.com
• Bagpipes – known in Arabic as jirba, which means droneless, single-reed, doublechartered (two pipes) bagpipe. Drone refers to the harmonic effect where a note or chord is repetitiously played throughout most or all of a piece. The chanter is the part of the bagpipe upon which the musician creates the melody. Sami picked up the softened bagpipe, which is literally the skin of a goat, and blew air in via one of the forelegs as it began to take on the form of a bagpipe. The horn mouthpiece is inserted into another foreleg. Both rear legs sealed off with skin. The bagpipes are personalised with Arabic writing. Sami wrote Bahrain in henna ink on his along with a red painted heart. • Open-ended flute – the small reed instrument Sami carves is made of wood with a bamboo mouthpiece and known by its Arabic name of Salamiyyah. He explained that he works a little at a time on these instruments, as it is a lengthy process. He makes variously sized
Sami’s painting
flutes, each with different holes that produce different sounds. “I learned from the older people how to play the flute,” he says. “When I play a particular song with my band, it is always a different tune. I never play it the exact same way the next time.” He has taught his son to make the instruments, thus ensuring that the skill will not die out with him. Sami also has taught the flute to schoolchildren and is currently teaching six or seven Gulf Arabs to play the instrument. “It is an art form that is going by the wayside unless the young learn to make and play it,” he cautions. It was an amazing cultural experience, which is what I relish: cultural immersion personally explained by a humble and gracious Bahraini Bedouin who truly wants to share his knowledge of the old ways. My intercultural learning experience is one I’ll never forget. I credit Sami with connecting this open-minded traveller to his timehonoured traditions.
Sami and Mary
September 2016 51
bystander
Firas & Neil
Zayani & Sons launched the Bentley Bentayga and a new pre-owned programme at its Bentley Launch Ahmed showroom in Khamis. Management at the launch
Said, Abdulla & Amoodi
Eli & Abdul Majid
Marise, Hassan & Shady
Khadija, Hana & Mariam
High Tea Menu Hévéa Café held an afternoon get-together for members of the press to introduce its High Tea Menu at its premises in Al Aali Shopping Complex. Anna, Guy & Khalid
Marise, Maryam & Deepa
Guy, Nada & Khalid
Zaid & Najwa
Buqais-Rivera and Ramah Al Husseini launched their Spring/Summer 2016 Collaborative Fashion and Art Show Reem Collection at Akkas Gallery, Saar. Reem Buqais-Rivera
Mai & Danah
52 September 2016
Ramah Al Husseini
Dalia, Ramah & Sarah
Maryam & Hana
Nada, Reem & Nehal
Nawaf & Jihad
Dana & Lama
Mohammed & Sara
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Porsche Launch Behbehani Bros launched the new Porsche 718 Boxster at Porsche Centre Bahrain, Sitra. Management and staff at the launch
Zainab, Neil, Tahir, Colin Sattar, Fawaz & Omar
Tahir & Charlie
Sherif & John
Randa, Tahir & Pearlyn
Sana & Kath
Mustafa & Fawas
Colin Sattar
Natalie, Nicole & Rev Hani
International Peace Institute Middle East and North Africa (IPI Peace Readers Forum The MENA) held a Peace Readers Forum festival at City Centre Bahrain. Representatives at the event
Samira Rajab & Nejib Friji
54 September 2016
Amna & Ahmed Khalfan
Reem, Mariam & Laila
Ahmed Khalfan, Abdul Hamid & Sultan Buti
Tasneem & Khulood
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Wedding Ceremony Vidya and Venkatesh Puranik’s son, Vignesh, married Priya in a wedding ceremony held in India. Vignesh & Priya
Vidya, Asha, Shyam, Ratinder, Bharti, Vijay Boloor, Vignesh, Ialchand Gajria, Priya, Poonam, Vijay Bhatia, Venkatesh, Chirag, Kartik
Vignesh & Priya
Vidya, Mangala, Vignesh, Priya, Ashok & Venkatesh
Priti, Vignesh, Priya, Sneha & Satish
Fahad Bin Hindi, Khalid Bin Hindi & Nayef Bin Hindi
Hindi Motors launched the all-new KIA Cadenza 2017 KIA Launch Bin at its showroom in Arad. Management at the launch
Jhan, Ali, Santosh, Mohammed Bin Hindi & Sha
Store Reopening
Azadea reopened its Oysho store at City Centre Bahrain. Jamal & Abdul Wahab Al Hawaj
Tolu, Ralph & Ramya
56 September 2016
Noor, Farheen, Noor & Marise
Leena & Rawan
Amna & May
Nishel, Allam, Ramya & Ralph
Noora, Yasmin & Jenan
Jenny
www.bahrainthismonth.com
homefurnishings
is Where the Heart is
Mobilia Uno
APPLE SHARMA After the summer holidays, much like yourself, it’s time to refresh your home too. Whether you’re a newbie to the island looking to furnish your rented accommodation or a resident revamping your existing space, Bahrain has plenty of options to suit every style and budget. Living Room One of the most important parts of your home, the living room is a place where everyone gathers, be it sitting down with the family to catch up on each other’s day, relaxing in front of the TV to unwind or having friends over to socialise. You can find great value options for your interior decor at Home Centre in City Centre Bahrain and The One, at Al Aali Shopping Complex. For a budget option, The One’s basics store at Emna Mall in Riffa has a selection of good quality, unusual pieces at prices reduced from the main store. Spirit For Antiques & Handicrafts, also at Enma Mall, has a range of premium quality and exclusively selected artifacts to decorate your home. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Your living room speaks volumes about who you are, so why not customise it to make it an extension of your personality? For a bespoke look, K-interiors in Sehla customises furniture to suit every need and taste. They also provide design services as well as fabrication and installation of joinery and custom fit outs. If you’re after a quick makeover, changing your curtains and accessories or giving the walls a lick of paint can drastically change your
setting. Bahrain has a plethora of tailoring shops that can stitch up curtains, throws and cushion covers fairly cheaply. The Souq or Palace Avenue are great sources of materials, whether you want something bright and colourful or soft and sombre. Bring some warmth to your room by adding a rug, especially in the cooler months. Go for a reversible one from Zara Home for a contemporary look or try Mobilia Uno in Tubli for exotic carpets from India. For a more traditional feel, scour Adliya’s Shawarma Alley for Persian and Afghani rugs. The popular Oasis Handmade Carpet Centre in Manama also comes highly recommended. If you want to make a significant style statement, new furniture is definitely the way to go. Seef has some great options if you’re willing to splash out, such as Bo Concept, Roche Bobois and Phoenicia Decor, who are the dealers in Bahrain for international brands such as Natuzzi and Gautier. If you don’t have the urge to splurge, then just add a couple of pieces like a statement chair or a concept coffee table to lift the look of your K-Interiors
September 2016 59
homefurnishings
Marina Home
Premia-Crystal Palace Lobby
living room. Marina Home has some exotic products including antique items. Also, check out Details off the Budaiya Highway for designer pieces. Kitchen The kitchen is often called the heart of the home. Personalise it with a small breakfast table and chairs, so you can keep an eye on your kids’ homework while cooking or invite your friends over for a cuppa. Flowers, a quirky clock and some funky wall art always add a bit of cheerfulness. Fakrawi in Zinj has a selection of wall plaques from famous folk with fun sayings. Home Box at Marina Mall has a good range of tables and chairs at affordable prices. If you live in a villa with a large patio or garden, you can dine al fresco, especially when the weather cools down and the barbeque season starts. Jassim’s on the Budaiya Highway has affordable outdoor furniture along with pots and plants for those with green fingers. You could even get creative and go for a wooden bistro set from The Home Store at Bahrain Mall and paint it for a personalised touch. If you’re short on cupboard space in your kitchen, as is the case in a lot of rental properties, add shelves on the walls or a spice cabinet next to your cooker for easy reach. Manazel in A’ali is a great place to start; it has everything from barbeques to tool box essentials for all your DIY needs. New doors on your units will also add an instant uplift. The Closets has a huge range which will work for kitchens or any other area of the home. 60 September 2016
Bedroom Your bedroom should be a sanctuary where you can retire and be at peace at the end of a long day. Keep the space clutter-free and use large plastic boxes to store your extra sheets and bedcovers. These can be tucked neatly under your bed to save space. Tati in City Centre Bahrain has a good selection in different sizes, along with other bedroom accessories such as bedside lamps and clocks at great value prices. When it comes to sheets, nothing says tranquility quite like crisp white Egyptian cotton. The White Company at City Centre Bahrain has an excellent choice of bed linens. Although a tad on the expensive side, it’s a great investment as the sheets will last for ages. Add a spa-like feel to your bedroom with scented candles and incense but make sure that candles are never left unattended or close to any combustible material. Bath & Body Works stocks a range of fragrances, from sweet to fruity, fresh and luxe. Artikel has a good selection of candle holders and incense, along with a range of other knick-knacks such as vanity cases and jewellery and watch boxes for your dressing table.
ID Design
If it’s convenience you’re after, there are places that have everything you need for your house under one roof. Premia Enterprises on Shaikh Salman Highway, Zinj, offers an A-Z fof home items. The store has its own furniture brand called Poise, with a mammoth variety of products at very affordable prices, including dining tables, bedroom sets, kitchen units, patios, outdoor barbeque sets, TVs, home theatre systems etc. Premia has something to suit every style, from modern to antique, glass, steel and oak. Offering everything from leather to wooden beds, sliding to open door wardrobes, whites to browns and tans, and unique wall décor items, Premia is a one-stop shop for your every need. www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Queen’s Birthday HE Chayapan Bamrungphong, Thai Ambassador, celebrated the birthday anniversary of the Queen of Thailand at the Royal Thai Embassy.
Nattawut, Narong, Bomb & Charuk
Juwana, Dana & Fawzia
Namrin, HE Chayapan Bamrungphong & Wararoj
Kob, Nut, HE Chayapan Bamrungphong & Khalifa Rumaihi
Kao, Ko, Chob & Go
Kasorn, Cherry, Sara, Ploy & Namrin
Shukri, Reem & Farida
Fahim, Shameer & Faiha
Omruthai, Kob, Kasorn & Phukan
Shameer, Cherry & King
For Hotels: Furniture | Guest Amenities | Bed & Bath Linen |Housekeeping items | Crockery, Cutlery, Glassware T: 17400112 F: 17910772 M: 66742950 DORNICK Hammam Hospitality PersoniďŹ ed E: info@premiaenterprises.com follow us on: www.premiaenterprises.com
II
Enhancing Care.. Naturally
Scullery
Enhancing kitchens....
Poise
Enhancing Luxury...
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Bed & Bath Linen
Premia
September 2016 61
bystander
Sumeet & Luis
GM Lunch
The Capital Club held a general managers’ lunch at its premises at the Bahrain Financial Harbour. Members at the lunch
Muhammad & Ahmed
Dance with Duffey Atiram Premier Hotel held a celebrity party featuring DJ Duffey at Cavallo Club.
Prakash & Naveen
Anil, DJ Cossta & Vijay
Eric & Lina
Alexander & Will
Alexis, Subi & DJ Duffey
TG & Hadi
DJ Duffey
Dre & Devin
Peggy, Granterio & John
Nicholas, Carlos, Avery & AJ
Lascar & Linet
Quranna & Roselina
DJ Appearance Atiram Premier Hotel held a celebrity party featuring Chris Brown’s official DJ, DJ Babey Drew, at Cavallo Club.
Mary & Nicky
Dany & Mo
Kayla & Des
Keanu & Michelle
DJ Peekaboo, DJ Babey Drew & DJ Shortman
Ashlee, Tiffany & Jessica
62 August 2016
Mo, Vijay, Anil, Annu & Naveen
Anthony & Rae
Que
www.bahrainthismonth.com
MOTORING
A DRIVE TO REMEMBER
ALSO THIS MONTH:
CHARLIE HOLDING The flagship model of this luxury marque exudes confidence and class.
T
here’s no denying the appeal of the new BMW 7-Series. It’s an attractive car with some impressive features and it certainly leaves a lasting impression. The athletically arched bonnet accentuates the front end, emphasising the car’s on-road presence and the wide, aggressive-looking front grille lets you know this model means business. The new generation 7-Series is up to 130kg lighter than its predecessor, thanks to the use of carbon fibre reinforced polymer with steel and aluminium. This weight reduction means improvements across the board in terms of fuel consumption and speed; however, the structural rigidity feels a little delicate as a result. The interior is high-end, dominated by swathes of hand-stitched leather and the chrome accents give it a luxurious feel. In typical BMW fashion, there is an abundance of technology and plenty of additional options available. One of the most impressive new additions is that the iDrive operating system’s monitor comes in touch display form for the first time. www.bahrainthismonth.com
This means customers will be able to operate the system in the same way as modern electronic devices. Standout innovations in driver assistance technology include Touch Command, head-up display, crossing traffic warning, the steering and lane control assistant, active side collision protection and surround 3D view. Like its predecessor, the new model is offered in two body variants. The wheelbase of the extended version of the luxury sedan is 14 centimetres longer, at 3,210mm, and offers extra rear space as a result. At 5,098mm in length, 1,902mm in width and 1,478mm in height, the new model is the largest series-produced car the brand has built. Both body variants display familiar BMW proportions, headlined by a long bonnet, short front overhang, long wheelbase and set-back passenger compartment. And, helped by their smoothly downward-sloping roofline, they both exude sporting elegance and a powerful sense of dynamism, the company says.
66 AN SUV FOR EVERY TASTE 68 SENSATIONAL SUV
Under the bonnet of the model I drove was a six-cylinder TwinPower engine that delivered 326bhp. Needless to say, this ensured a quick tap on the accelerator was sufficient to send me on my merry way. Although the 7-Series is a relatively large car, it handles well and takes corners with minimal fuss. It feels at home on the highway and the cruise control is ideal for leisurely drives without worrying about your speed. It also gives the option of switching between driving modes to ensure you get the drive you desire. I find a lot of modern cars have eco options, which are very handy if you’re running low on petrol, or if you really care about the environment. However, for me, it was Sport Mode for the majority of my drive because, let’s face it, what’s the point of driving a BMW if you’re not going to utilise its power? Trust me when I say, this car delivers a ride you won’t ever forget. Call 17 750-750. September 2016 65
motoring
JAC MOTORS
An SUV For Every Taste! CHARLIE HOLDING This stylish new SUV sets the standard when it comes to value for money and technological prowess.
66 September 2016
Bahrain Commercial Services, the Kingdom’s JAC Motors dealer, recently launched the S3, a compact SUV that has been built with urban young customers in mind. My first car was a real piece of junk; it was covered with rust and dripped oil everywhere I went (hence it’s nickname – drippy). It didn’t have power-steering, electric windows and you could only enter via the passenger side due to a faulty door lock – still it was cheap and it was mine. Oh how things have changed for this new generation of drivers, spoiled for choice with an abundance of options available – and I’m jealous. Your car should not only get you from A to B, it should also reflect your personality and, with JAC, you don’t have to break the bank to afford such a motor. The S3 is a sleek looking model that packs a technological punch that I could only ever dream of with drippy. Its stylish design with chrome accents gives a subtle yet substantial nod to its sensational selection of available features. Safety is a prime concern for both new drivers and their parents. Luckily you’re in safe hands with this model thanks to a rigid body that has been made with high-intensity steel. The S3 is also equipped with Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Power Advanced Steering and Hill-start Assist Control – making it ideal for most terrains. Inside is just as impressive. The centre console ensures everything is clearly laid out and easy to use and the leather-wrapped steering wheel is equipped with multi-function button to adjust the multimedia
and cruise control system. Keyless entry, Bluetooth, MP3 player, air conditioning, power windows and steering, rear camera, LED headlights, navigation and tyre pressure monitoring systems were all at my disposal during my day in the S3. On the highway, it delivers more than enough power to keep you cruising along confidently and smoothly. Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre 112bhp CVT engine that improves fuel economy and reduces emissions without compromising on performance. For a compact SUV the S3 definitely has an on-road presence, and that’s without the electric blue paint job! It’s long and wide but doesn’t handle like a large car – it’s pleasantly nimble and took to the backstreets and alleyways of Adliya like a duck to water. Parking is an absolute doddle, even on Hoora’s notorious Exhibitions Avenue, thanks to the rear camera and parking sensors. Finding a space to slot into was easy thanks to the car’s compact dimensions. I was also impressed with the amount of storage space this model has to offer. You can easily fit a couple of large suitcases in the boot and still have room for your weekly shopping. Leg room for rear passengers was also a pleasant surprise – I’m 5”10 and could sit pretty comfortably. Make no mistake about it; this car is a chameleon of sorts. It could easily be used by executives, young drivers or as a family vehicle and still satisfy everyone’s needs. The S3 is attractively priced at BD4,995 all inclusive and on-road. www.bahrainthismonth.com
motoring Bentley Bentayga
AHMED ZAYANI & SONS
Sensational SUV This recently launched model combines elegance and performance to create a truly unique driving experience. The Bentley Bentayga might just be the most luxurious and capable SUV on the market thanks to its impressive list of credentials and everyday usability. Designed, engineered and handcrafted in Crewe, UK, the Bentayga’s styling is pure Bentley. From the four round LED headlamps and large matrix grille, to the distinctive power line and muscular haunches, the marque’s DNA is apparent throughout. The Bentayga boasts spectacular detailing in metal, wood and leather – including meticulous balance between elements of trim. With a new powertrain, this is the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world, its makers say. The twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre 12-cylinder unit generates 600bhp and 900Nm. It makes the dash from 0-100kmph in just 4.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 301kmph. Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, says: “The Bentayga redefines luxury in the SUV sector and offers a genuine Bentley experience in any 68 September 2016
environment, thanks to a combination of unparalleled attention to detail, go-anywhere ability and cutting-edge technology. With this extraordinary car we are looking forward to an exciting period of strong growth and sales success for Bentley. The Bentayga is the next step in our brand’s bold future.” A suite of state-of-the-art driver assistance systems and infotainment features designed to enhance safety, comfort and convenience make the Bentayga an innovative, advanced and connected luxury SUV. It offers the widest range of on- and off-road drive settings of any vehicle via Bentley’s Drive Dynamics mode and optional Responsive OffRoad setting. Up to eight modes are available, allowing drivers, at the simple turn of a dial, to select the ideal set-up for any surface or road condition. This versatility is complemented by Bentley Dynamic Ride (electrically activated 48V active roll control) and Electric PowerAssisted Steering. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) including Stop and Go, Predictive ACC and Traffic Assist enables the driver to maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. Predictive ACC uses the navigation data, sensors and cameras to predict upcoming corners, city boundaries and
speed-limit changes and can then modify the vehicle speed accordingly, improving both comfort and fuel economy. In urban environments, there are a number of driver aids available on the Bentayga. These systems – such as Traffic Sign Recognition, which detects a wide variety of traffic signs and displays information to the driver; Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, which uses radar technology to detect crossing traffic when reversing out of a parking space; and Top View, a system which uses four cameras to display an overall picture of the vehicle’s surroundings – combine to enhance everyday usability. The Bentayga is also available with Park Assist – a system that detects suitable parking spaces (both parallel and perpendicular) before autonomous steering takes over to support parking manoeuvres, even in narrow and tricky spaces. Other innovative systems available include Electronic Night Vision, which uses infra-red technology to identify potential obstacles ahead, and a Head-Up Display, which reduces driver distraction and increases safety. Call 17 238-822. www.bahrainthismonth.com
motoring AL HADDAD MOTORS
Unbeatable Packages
This leading dealership is offering customers more than just luxury vehicles, it’s providing comfort and peace of mind. Al Haddad Motors, Bahrain’s Mercedes-Benz dealer, is giving back to customers with a number of incentives. From cash back to registration, the company has its customers covered in any car-related service they require, a testament to its slogan, ‘the best or nothing’. The local distributor presents luxury at its best, without the hefty price tag. Customers can receive cash back on their purchase of new or preowned vehicles along with a holistic package that includes service, insurance and registration. Al Haddad Motors is a one-stop shop for all luxury vehicle needs. Among the cars offering these exclusive packages are the four-cylinder and V6 E-class and the latest S-class model. The E-class is sophisticated, stylish and sporty and its design displays ideal proportions for a comfortable ride. The interior embodies the synthesis of emotion and intelligence while the outside represents pure elegance, the company says. The appearance coupled with the superb technology and performance makes this vehicle a showstopper. The S-class combines three engineering priorities – intelligent drive, efficient technology, and an essence of luxury, which ensures the vehicle exceeds the competition. Meanwhile, its class-leading efficiency in every output category seals its position as the leader in its segment.
“We tirelessly work to ensure that our valued customers are well taken care of,” says Graeme Newport, general manager of Al Haddad Motors. “This is a way to show our customers that we aren’t just selling cars. We’re also selling ease, comfort and peace of mind.” For more information about the latest offers or to book a test drive, call 17 759-999.
Karim Al Shakar, HE Chayapan Bamrungphong & Khalifa Al Rumaihi
Embassy Celebration HE Chayapan Bamrungphong, Thai Ambassador, the Thai community and friends celebrated the birthday anniversary of Thai Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn at the Royal Thai Embassy. Thai community and friends
Amnuaysilp S, Khalifa Al Rumaihi, HE Chayapan Bamrungphong & Namrin
70 September 2016
Warin & Rattiros Hobauqh
Thanandon & Wanida
Khatorn
Phukan, Peal, Sara, Namrin & Ploy
www.bahrainthismonth.com
The all-new E-Class. Masterpiece of Intelligence. The car of the future is coming a little sooner. Look forward to one of the world’s most intelligent cars. Mercedes - Benz Bahrain alhaddadmotors
Al Haddad Motors, Kingdom of Bahrain, Tel: (+973) 17785454 marketing@alhaddad-mercedesbenz.com, www.bahrain.mercedesbenzme.com
motoringnews&launches
Innovative Vehicle Technology This luxury manufacturer plans to create a fleet of more than 100 research vehicles over the next four years, to develop and test a wide range of connected and autonomous vehicle technologies.
Cost Transparency Potential customers now have the opportunity to tailor-make the vehicle of their dreams through the recently launched online vehicle configurators, to enrich their experience to the fullest. Euro Motors, the distributor for Jaguar Land Rover in Bahrain, has given yet another reason to choose the luxury marque. Boasting built-in Bahrain-specific manufacturer-suggested retail pricing, the new online configurators, now live on www.jaguar-me.com and www. landrover-me.com, give customers the chance to tailor-make the vehicle of their choice while ensuring full pricing transparency, which will then be verified
and validated by Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover. Those who wish to purchase either a Jaguar or Land Rover can now choose from a broad range of specification combinations offered by both brands. Pricing is fully transparent, starting from the model, engine and the trim, down to the separate option packs and standalone features, which are priced individually and can be added according to customer preferences. All Jaguar vehicles, the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Range Rover, Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport are available on the online configurators so far, with the other models soon to be launched. Call 17 750-750.
Jaguar Land Rover’s initial tests will involve vehicle-tovehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications technologies that will allow cars to talk to each other and roadside signs, overhead gantries and traffic lights. Ultimately, data sharing between vehicles would allow future connected cars to cooperate and work together to assist the driver and make lane changing and crossing junctions easier and safer. Tony Harper, head of research, Jaguar Land Rover, says: “Our connected and automated technology could help improve traffic flow, cut congestion and reduce the potential for accidents. We will also improve the driving experience, with drivers able to choose how much support and assistance they need. In traffic, for example, the driver could choose autonomy assist during tedious or stressful parts of the journey. Call 17 460-460.
New Branch Opens Ebrahim K. Kanoo, the distributor of Ziebart in the Kingdom, has added a workshop to complement its Ziebart Express branch in Seef Mall Muharraq, expanding the comprehensive range of automotive services. The new workshop offers window tinting, paint protection, waxing and polishing, interior and exterior cleaning, as well as signature Ziebart treatments such as Inner Guard, Gold Care, Diamond Gloss and Germ Defender. Customers can also purchase a wide range of made-inEngland polishes and advanced do-ityourself care products for automotive and household applications. Ebrahim K. Kanoo Ziebart business development manager, Katie Peterkova, says: “We are pleased to now be able to offer a more comprehensive range of Ziebart car care services to our 72 September 2016
Handover Milestone customers in the northern part of the country. Most of these services were previously only available through our Sanad branch, but with the creation of a dust-free environment in the new workshop, we are now able to make them more conveniently accessible to people in Muharraq and Manama. Having a Ziebart workshop located in a popular shopping destination also allows customers to get their vehicles’ needs attended to while shopping or relaxing at the mall.” Call 17 323-235 or email ziebart@ ekkanoo.com.bh.
This leading dealership has sold the first unit of this revamped popular model. Abhimanyu Bali, KIA Motors sales executive, handed over the first 2017 Cadenza to Ali Abdulrahman. Call 17 408-800.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
gadgets BTM brings you the latest gadgets to push your technological buttons.
Velocitrax Fast, furious and fun, the Velocitrax is a gateway to some awesome radio controlled action. Complete with futuristic looks and fitted with industrial rubber tracks, this cool remote control all-terrain vehicle is a high-performance gadget with a 40-metre range and full-function omni-directional control. Available from www.red5.co.uk
270 Degree Camera Stand This portable device is the lightweight answer to your photography woes. Simply place your smartphone in the camera stand, wind up the built-in mechanism and let the gadget do the rest. The hands-free operation sweeps around 270 degrees to capture all the sights at one speed. And even if you want to take still photos or videos, this stand will hold your smartphone in place while you get the perfect angle. Available from www.red5.co.uk.
Bluetooth Hat If you’re battling with the elements, the last thing you need is to be battling with your earphones too. Enjoy tangle-free wireless happiness while keeping snug as a bug in this soft and cosy unisex hat. Play your favourite songs, audio books and podcasts through the built-in speakers inside this gadget. Controlling the audio is easy; simply use the built-in control panel with LED indicators to skip, play and pause your tunes and even take and receive handsfree phone calls. Available from www.amazon.com.
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3Doodler Create 3D Printing Pen Plug in your 3Doodler Create and give it about a minute to warm up. Then insert a strand of plastic into the back. There are two buttons and two speeds. Press the speed of your choice, and watch the plastic flow out of the pen. Then, just draw and connect to fill in and make magic happen. You’ll never want to draw in 2D again after using this gadget. Available from www.thinkgeek.com.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
VEX Robotic Arm Halo Light Belt The perfect accessory for your pooch, especially in the dark, this gadget is a series of long-lasting bright LEDs, visible up to 1,500 feet away. The LEDs are embedded in high-quality silicon, so it’s waterproof even if/when your dog heads off for a paddle. It’s USB-rechargeable with an included micro-USB cable, and lasts up to six hours on a single charge. Available from www.thinkgeek.com.
Based on real industrial robotic arms – the kind that build cars, aeroplanes and spacecraft – this VEX kit can be built by hand without the use of any tools, with components that simply snap together. It can lift any number of small household objects up to 35cm in the air and 25cm outwards with its precision-opening-claw attachment, as well as rotating through a full 360 degrees. Available from www.red5.co.uk.
Digital Microscope Camera
Speech Bubble Light Box If you need a little prompting now and again as a reminder for doctors’ appointments, important anniversaries or party invites, then let the Speech Bubble Light Box give you a helping hand. Shaped like a comic strip speech bubble, this luminous battery-powered light comes with its own stencil and pen kit, so you’ll be ready to write your words of wisdom as soon as your light arrives. Available from www.thegadgetflow.com.
Providing up to 400x magnification, this piece of tech will have you feeling like an ingenious scientist in a matter of minutes. The Digital Microscope Camera illuminates your objects with powerful LEDs, letting you shoot videos and take images with the 2.0 megapixel lens. Then adjust the brightness, hue, saturation and sharpness as well as change the black and white display to adjust to your personal needs. Available from www.amazon.com.
Laser Diffraction Plate Science Kit This is an optical device that carries several different microstructural elements, so you can play with multiple examples of laser illusions. The polycarbonate plastic plate contains several different microstructural patterns, including two star fields, the moon, and even a globe that rotates as the laser beam is moved along the surface. All it needs is the attached laser pointer. Available from www.thinkgeek.com.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
September 2016 75
music
Ellipsis – Biffy Clyro What’s the story?
Scotland’s biggest rock export are back with their seventh album. This comes after a year or so off touring, which, according to the band, was because “we were not attracted to the idea of fans becoming bored of seeing us everywhere”. Many of the songs focus on mental health, as frontman Simon Neil went through a series of tragedies during the writing process, where he described himself as being “in a serious funk”.
Worth a listen?
Fans of the band seem to be split between the first trilogy of albums, which were progressive and quirky guitar rock tracks with punk elements, and the second trilogy, which featured a turn towards more radio-friendly, less-complex sound. This beginning of the third cycle attempts to tap into the style of old, but a lot has changed since then. Being catapulted into the mainstream and headlining festivals worldwide has taken its toll, both in songwriting and execution. The ideas are wacky, but often they sound tired. The trio’s knack for crafting muscular numbers with choruses that beg for stadium-
Verdict: Sharp and concise, but lacking in depth. sized crowd singalongs are still present, but cut less deep than they used to. Still, the album’s concise nature, at just over half an hour, means that the tracks will grow quickly and become just as infectious as ever.
Shorts
Unleashed – Skillet
Youth Authority – Good Charlotte
Skillet’s 10th album continues the journey of the Nashville-based Christian band, which has always set itself apart by its relentless touring and drawing of huge festival crowds – all while sustaining an undying message of positivity and hope. Unleashed is aptly titled. Two decades into their existence, Skillet have made their biggest album yet; an explosion of bombast and scope that draws on mainstream influences without wavering from their wholesome values. Whether in a giant mosh pit or a congregation of the faithful, Skillet know how to play a crowd and Unleashed succeeds on both fronts.
Reuniting after a four-year hiatus, Good Charlotte find themselves in a curious position with Youth Authority. Despite the adolescent connotations of the title, it’s no guarantee that Good Charlotte are anything like authorities on youth: the members are staring down middle age, realising that their connection to teens, which made them popular in the first place, may be slipping away. Such self-consciousness leads them towards mawkishness and nostalgia, although they do not eschew modern sounds. A good chunk of the album pulsates to synthesised sequences and even the surging rockers contain a digital sheen.
76 September 2016
Killer Elite – DragonForce The English video game/speed/power metal enthusiasts’ first-ever ‘best of’album manages to cram 22 of the band’s mightiest moments into a single collection. Hearing the group’s vast catalogue parsed into choice bits actually makes for the most compelling DragonForce outing to date, as Killer Elite not only features the most delicious cuts, but it spans two different eras of the band through their frontman changes and shows their musical evolution. www.bahrainthismonth.com
games
Games review Game: Batman: The Telltale Series Rating: OOOO Verdict: An intriguing, original story featuring the Caped
Crusader.
What is it?
An episodic point-and-click graphic adventure developed and published by Telltale Games. The game is based on the Batman comic book series, though not tied to any previous adaption in film or other media, allowing the writers to blaze their own narrative trail.
Gameplay:
The player takes the role of Batman, both as the superhero and as his alter ego Bruce Wayne. Playtime will be split evenly between them, though, at times, the game offers you a choice to approach situations as either Wayne or Batman. Gameplay mainly involves making dialogue choices that alter the course of the game and characters’ actions and responses towards you. You can also explore Gotham and solve puzzles as the World’s Greatest Detective.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is the nextgeneration evolution of the futuristic stealth action-RPG series. It is presented from the first- and third-person perspectives and combines elements of first-person shooters, with a role-playing upgrade system and dialogue trees. The game allows the player to tackle situations using combat, hacking, stealth and social interactions.
78 September 2016
Graphics:
There is a stark visual upgrade in comparison to previous Telltale Games. They’ve finally updated their game engine after years of complaints that the lag, glitches and awkward pauses during key scenes were ruining immersion. The game looks ripped straight out of a comic, and the voice acting is superb, which helps you get invested in the story and assortment of characters.
FIFA 17
Powered by the Frostbite engine for the first time, FIFA 17 transforms the way you play, compete and emotionally connect with the game. It immerses you in authentic football experiences while introducing you to players full of depth and emotion. Complete innovation in the way players think and move, physically interact with opponents, and execute in attack lets you own every moment on the pitch.
The Last Guardian
The Last Guardian is the third game by the acclaimed development staff behind ICO and Shadow of the Colossus. In a strange and mystical land, a young boy discovers a mysterious creature with which he forms a deep, unbreakable bond. The unlikely pair must rely on each other to journey through towering, treacherous ruins filled with unknown dangers. Experience the journey of a lifetime in this touching, emotional story of friendship and trust.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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websites VERDICT: A fascinating look at those unaffected by modern civilisation.
Méridien Hotel relaunched the brunch at its Baharat Brunch Lerestaurant, Baharat. Sanjeewa, Andreas, Hanny & Haitham
www.uncontactedtribes.org/ Rating: OOOO What is it? Noor Saffy & Amal Kooheji
Chrstyne, Carolyne & Howard
This website is a beautiful collection of videos, pictures and even stories of ‘uncontacted tribes’ which still exist, scattered all over the world. It gives an interesting insight into the way of life of humans who have been untouched by technology, electronics and other modern facets of life. It also gives you an opportunity to donate to their cause.
The Good: Craig & Glenn
Bhadra
The pictures and videos are pristine quality and really give a close look at the lives of these most fascinating of humans. The stories and backgrounds of each tribe are also interesting, and show the damage that human expansion has caused to their livelihoods.
The Bad:
Looking through the close-up photos of these communities, you can’t help but feel a bit voyeuristic. These tribes are isolated and uncontacted for a reason, and it feels a bit wrong to invade their privacy. There is also a donate option, but details are scarce and it’s not entirely convincing that the donations go to the causes they should. Lora & Nader
www.gnoosic.com/
Biba
Gnoosic is your go-to spot for new music recommendations if you need some fresh artists to listen to. It asks for three of your favourite bands and, based on your interests, spits out an artist that you might like. You then have the option to ‘like’, ‘dislike’, or mark it as something you aren’t familiar with – which further refines the results. This will be enjoyable for music enthusiasts who are looking for a musical adventure.
Jan, David & Noah
Lee & Jacqueline
80 September 2016
Mira, Khalil & Rayan
Camryne & Christyne
Jood & Waleed
www.coolthings.com/
CoolThings is a collection of…exactly what it says on the tin. From entertainment, to gadgets, to even toys and inventions, there is bound to be something here that will interest you. There is even a section for really cool gifts, split into categories for men and women. It updates every day, so dropping by regularly will show you new results. www.bahrainthismonth.com
apps
Apps Review BTM brings you the low-down on the latest and greatest apps on the market.
What is it? Dragon Dictation recognises and transcribes your words at a fast speed, and gives you the flexibility to dictate for any situation. If you’re on-the-go or have your hands busy, the app allows true handsfree text input.
The Good: By far the most accurate voice-transcribing app on the market, with very few mistakes after proper calibration. It’s also fast and keeps up with your spoken word, meaning you can talk normally rather than slowly and consciously.
The Bad:
App: Dragon Dictation Rating: OOOO Verdict: Convenient and efficient for when you have your hands full. App: Flipboard
Flipboard curates content from your social networks and the web based on your interests and turns them into stunning magazine-like digital pages. It’s compelling to touch and features a great selection of content, integrating well with social platforms. One of the coolest features is titled Cover Stories, which is a personalised selection of articles, news and videos from the top publishers, blogs and social media sites.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
The most prominent negative is that the app requires an Internet connection. For what reason is unclear, but it is annoying when you want to compose something but your lack of phone data or Wi-Fi won’t allow it.
App: Instapaper
The Instapaper bills itself as a simple tool to save web pages for reading later. It lets anyone with an iPhone or iPad, and a serious browsing habit, save Internet articles and read them offline, or at a more convenient time. It has fast content syncing and allows you to instantly share an article you like to social media. You can fire off links to others via email, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter and more, and also sign into any of those services to find friends who’ve liked articles on Instapaper. September 2016 81
movies
VERDICT:
Izakaya Sundays
Bushido launched its weekly Izakaya Sundays at its premises in Seef.
Igne, Giedne, Ignacio & Valentina
Marise & Pearlyn
Passable retelling of an old classic.
Film: The Legend of Tarzan Rating: OOO Directed by: David Yates Starring: Alexander Skarsgard, Samuel L Jackson, Margot Robbie
The Plot:
Roni & Keevan
TY, Jerry & Britney
In this retelling of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic Tarzan story, it has been years since the man once known as Tarzan left the jungles of Africa behind for a gentrified life as John Clayton III, Viscount Greystoke, with his beloved wife, Jane, at his side. Now, he has been invited back to the Congo to serve as a trade emissary of Parliament, unaware that he is a pawn in a deadly convergence of greed and revenge, masterminded by the Belgian, Captain Leon Rom.
Worth Watching?
Fashni & Munching
Syres & Kiran
In an era stuffed with remakes and reboots, there have recently been better attempts, but this one is passable if you’re looking for summertime popcorn fare. Skarsgard plays the king of the jungle perfectly, with his sinewy and well-honed physique giving an authenticity to the vineswinging and branch-surfing antics. The other characters feel out of place though, with Robbie too contemporary to play a Victorian woman and Jackson spouting anachronistic dialogue. The action scenes are well choreographed and adrenaline-packed, but the visuals are lacking, with the CGI apes particularly poor and outdated.
Suicide Squad
Harisson, Ravi & Kimberley
Keanu & Dita
82 September 2016
Jan Louis, Odette, Martha, Jean & Neil
Bobby, Michelle & Hector
Figuring they’re all expendable, a US intelligence officer decides to assemble a team of dangerous, incarcerated supervillains for a top-secret mission. Now armed with government weapons, Deadshot (Will Smith), Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Captain Boomerang, Killer Croc and other despicable inmates must learn to work together. Dubbed Task Force X, the criminals unite to battle a mysterious and powerful entity while the diabolical Joker (Jared Leto) launches an evil agenda of his own.
Jason Bourne
It’s been 10 years since Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) walked away from the agency that trained him to become a deadly weapon. Hoping to draw him out of the shadows, CIA director Robert Dewey assigns hacker and counterinsurgency expert Heather Lee to find him. Lee suspects that former operative Nicky Parsons is also looking for him. As she begins tracking the duo, Bourne finds himself back in action battling a sinister network that utilises terror and technology to maintain unchecked power. www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Ali Dawood
Ahmed & Rawia
Imran
Sara
Snakes & Ladders City Centre Bahrain held a life-sized Snakes & Ladders board game event at its premises in Seef. Deepti, Duaij Al Rumaihi, Khalid & Ahmed
Passant & Reema
Zaina & Tuhar
Layal & Deepti
Lira, Liz, Behnaz & Puja
Duaij Al Rumaihi and participants at the event
Delicious & Delightful Tea Party 17th September
2pm - 5:30pm at the Sheraton Hotel Spoil yourself with an afternoon of fun, frippery & frivolity! Treats galore! For more information call Claire 3960 9714
www.bahrainthismonth.com
BD12
per person (includes afternoon tea & a glass of sparkly)
Pre-purchased Tickets Only
Available from Cristalyn at the Sheraton (Tel 3902 6011) & the BSPCA Thrift Shop or call Claire on 3960 9714
September 2016 83
destinationjuffair
The All Round Locality No matter what your idea of fun; this suburban neighbourhood has it all. With towering skyscrapers and a bustling cosmopolitan urban culture, Juffair is Bahrain’s very own version of New York. Once known only for its swanky nightclubs and multi-star hotels, the development around the vicinity has expanded to now provide every possible amenity. Some of the recent additions to the hospitality sector include Atiram Premier Hotel, and Ramee Rose Hotel, with both focusing on luxury accommodation and the finest food and beverage outlets. A few blocks away lies the K Hotel, known for its lively Friday brunches. The most frequented spot within the area is ‘American Alley’, dubbed so because of its popularity with and proximity to the US Naval Base residents. It is a vibrant lane chock-ablock with interesting culinary abodes serving food that’s sure to please even the most discerning palate. For Japanese fare, head to Sumo Sushi and Bento, Hakisushi or Kabuki. A plethora of fast food franchises like Mooyah Burgers, McDonald’s, Hardee’s, Fuddruckers, Nando’s and several others promise to serve the best burgers and milkshakes to tame big appetites. Isfahani and Al Abraaj offer authetic Middle Eastern preparations. Romano’s 84 September 2016
Macaroni Grill serves traditional Italian trattoria-style food, and Yum Yum Tree provides an array of cuisines under one roof, at the end of the street. Conveniently sitting at the end of American Alley, Mega Mart is a one-stop store for all your provisions. If you want to shed those excess pounds you’ve gained sampling all the eateries in Juffair, head to Juffair Fitness Centre to work out and get back in shape. However, if you are struggling to eat smart and want to find out about how to eat healthily, then enroll with Health Watchers. The centre provides tasty, customised meals that are low in calories, fat and sodium, to put you on the fitness track. For a head-to-toe beauty fix, head to Joz Salon and Spa or Sherry Spa to pamper yourself. Juffair also features the newly-opened Juffair Mall, with a food court, shopping outlets, Fitness First, and Mukta A2 Cinema complex, set to be launched soon. The relatively smaller Al Raya Mall features grocery store Al Osra, premium chocolaterie and café Troufa and Bluefield Burger, among many others. American-favourite TGIF can be found at Al Murjan Centre, which also has Krispy Kreme and Al Jazeera supermarket. The Bahrain Specialist Hospital provides
world-class health facilities and qualified doctors to take care of any maladies or emergencies. Juffair is also home to schools like The Bahrain School, Modern Knowledge School as well as the recently opened New Generation International School. The Bahrain Tennis Club is also famous with children and adults for a quick round of the game as well as coaching sessions. Juffair also has the renowned Bayoga Centre for the practice of yoga and Kottakkal Ayurvedic Centre that offers rejuvenating massages and therapies. It’s little wonder then that the area has sprung up as a residential hub for locals and expats alike. Juffair has been and will continue to be a paradise for the food, entertainment and recreational needs of islanders. www.bahrainthismonth.com
HEALTH WATCHERS
Weight Loss Secret Explained This specialised centre provides a complete nutritional plan preparing dieters to set clear goals for weight loss and attain lasting health. Like most people trying to get in shape, if you’re struggling with what, when and how much to eat, then don’t let these baffling numbers keep you from achieving your fitness goals. All you need to do is enroll with Health Watchers to learn how to make smart choices about the food that fuels your body. The centre provides tasty, customised meals that are low in calories, fat and sodium, to put you on the fitness track. You’ll be surprised to discover how satisfying food can be while still losing weight. Envisaging the demands of your social life, the qualified and certified dieticians at Health Watchers advise you on how to create a healthy, low-fat meal plan and make smart choices when dining out. You also learn to replace certain food types with healthier substitutes. Your dietician helps you recognise and change unhealthy behaviour, develop motivation and build self-confidence. You’ll explore the reasons it has been difficult to gain control of your health in the past and find new ways of staying on the road to success by avoiding cravings. Take advantage of the centre’s membership programme for a complete body analysis, to plan your meals for the week or month ahead with your dietician and receive free follow-ups every two weeks. Whether you intend to get fit or maintain your optimum weight, Health Watchers can help you learn how to choose food and plan meals wisely to live a smart and healthy life. Call 17 811-449.
5 HEALTHY MEALS DELIVERED TO YOUR DAILY
17 811 449 www.bahrainthismonth.com
September 2016 85
destinationjuffair BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL
Dr Piyush Ostwal
Be Stroke Aware Neurology specialist, Dr Piyush Ostwal, explains the warning signs of this serious condition. A stroke is a sudden event affecting the brain’s blood supply. In an ischemic stroke, a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked. In a hemorrhagic stroke, a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Although stroke is most common in older people, it can occur in individuals of any age, including young adults and children. Stroke is fatal in about 10 to 20 per cent of cases and, among survivors, it can cause a host of disabilities, including loss of mobility, impaired speech, and cognitive problems. The symptoms of a stroke depend on where in the brain the blood vessels have been blocked or have ruptured. The five most common symptoms are: • Sudden weakness or numbness of the face or limbs, especially on one side of the body. • Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding speech. • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination. • Sudden severe headache with no obvious known cause. The symptoms appear suddenly and often there is more than one. They may indicate that a stroke has occurred and medical attention is needed immediately. Brain cells die when they no longer receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood or when they are damaged by sudden bleeding into or around the brain. Some of these cells may be saved with prompt appropriate treatment. Call hospital straight away if you suspect you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms of a stroke. Do not wait. There are now effective therapies for stroke that must be administered at a hospital, but they lose their effectiveness if not given within the first few hours. Every minute counts! Time lost is brain lost! Call 17 812-222 or email piyush.ostwal@bsh. com.bh
Mohammed Almoayyed
Infiniti Launch Y K Almoayyed & Sons launched the all-new Infiniti Q30 at its showroom in Sitra Ahmed, Peter, Raed, Mona Almoayyed, Mohammed Almoayyed, Alok, Essam & Hassan
Fahad
Evingenia
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Samar & Sarika
Mona Almoayyed
Faisal, Sreekumar & Sandeep
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destinationjuffair ATIRAM PREMIER HOTEL
Food Meets Sports Whether a top league football match or a game of rugby, this sports bar is your go-to destination for such events. Some sporting events are meant to be experienced on a grander scale than your living room. Put on your favourite jersey and catch the next nail-biting match with your mates at Wembley located at the Atiram Premier Hotel in Juffair. Chow down on delectable burgers and spicy buffalo wings while revelling in the charged atmosphere. The restaurant has a contemporary decor accompanied by a spacious outdoor terrace with a projector and various TV screens. Keep cool while enjoying the refreshing beverages from the bar. The menu offers pub bites, soups, sandwiches and steaks cooked to your preference, with the attentive
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staff tending to your every need. Entertainment is provided with lively music, monthly events and weekly specials. Wembley makes for an ideal place to spend your leisure time. Occasions, such as birthdays and bachelor parties can also be hosted at the venue. It is open from noon to 2am. Joining the emerging Juffair skyline, Atiram Premier Hotel is a smart choice for travellers, boasting 105 luxurious accommodations. It has a variety of food and beverage outlets including an all-day-dining restaurant and an Italian eatery. With its convenient location, the hotel has easy access to the city’s must-see destinations and offers guests unparalleled facilities and services. Call 33 640-009.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
ROMANO’S MACARONI GRILL
An Unforgettable Italian Experience Enjoy the finest delicacies from Italy at any time of the day at this chic eatery. Inspired by the Italian trattoria, Romano’s Macaroni Grill serves delicious, innovative fare to culinary connoisseurs. Ever since Italian cuisine migrated outside the region, people all over the world have embraced the wonderful gastronomic masterpieces like spaghetti Bolognese, pizza and tiramisu. These dishes are now a part of the global culinary culture, and amongst the most appreciated and frequently replicated. Simplicity and respect for good produce is what the Italians believe in, so some of the most beloved dishes comprise of carefully selected ingredients, artfully cooked and served at their prime. Traditional-style pasta
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dishes, pizzas, grilled platters, salads and classic dishes are presented with a twist. Timehonoured desserts such as the tiramisu, creamy cheesecake and many such delights tease and tantalise the taste buds. You can expect great flavours when eating at Romano’s Macaroni Grill, where you can be sure of welcoming hospitality, freshly produced fare and a memorable experience. From the music to the decor, everything is authentically recreated. Warm distinctive touches, a bustling open kitchen and food that lingers on the palate will already make you dream of the next visit. Romano’s Macaroni Grill is located in Juffair and at Bahrain International Airport, open from 11am to 12.30am daily. Call 17 506-070 or 17 321-299.
Florentine steak
Grilled salmon
Lasagna
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destinationjuffair MOOYAH
The Better Burger Why should going out for burgers be a mundane experience? Head to this new outlet for some extraordinary tastes and flavours. Mooyah is a family-friendly restaurant with a mission to deliver its customers the best burger, fries and milkshake experience ever, and have fun doing it. This brand has had happy clientele in Texas since its inception in 2007, and has been operational in Juffair since 2013. Everyone is welcome to Mooyah to enjoy a fully-customised burger or one of the outlet’s signature favourites, such as the spicy Caliente, Mushroom Swiss or the ultimate crowd pleaser – the famous Mooyah Style. However, this joint has more than just burgers, fries and shakes. They also offer great grilled and fried chicken sandwiches, salads, a vegetarian patty option and a variety of kids’ meals. Get together with your besties to enjoy shareable starters like Mooyah Wings, Buffalo Tenders and sliders. The establishment places great emphasis on quality and aims to exceed guests’ expectations. It uses certified Angus beef for burgers, Idaho potatoes to make fries and real ice cream to whip up shakes. Buns are baked in-house daily and fresh vegetable toppings, a variety of cheeses and sauces and different protein options means there is something for everyone at Mooyah.
Considered one of the best in the burger business, the brand has just opened its 100th location worldwide. Mooyah is now open in 10 countries with more new restaurants planned for later this year. Visit www.mooyah.com.
㠀
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SUMO SUSHI & BENTO
A Healthy Feast
This restaurant places emphasis on wholesome ingredients to provide its customers with delectable, guilt-free meals. Japanese fare is a popular choice when trying to follow a nutritious diet. The menu usually
www.bahrainthismonth.com
consists of fresh vegetables and lean protein, instead of carbs and fried items. Sumo Sushi & Bento prides itself on serving customers with nourishing and delicious meals. Inspired by tastes from around the world, the executive chefs introduce an exciting creation
to tantalise your taste buds every month. Each new dish is carefully crafted after taking into consideration customer recommendations and an overall flavour experience. The ingredients used at the restaurant are chockfull with beneficial antioxidants, vitamins and beneficial fatty acids. Seaweed, also known as nori, used in a majority of Sumo’s rolls, may reduce the risk of cancer by providing anti-carcinogen properties that could decrease abnormal cell growth. Avocados, known to be abundantly nutritious, contain 20 different vitamins and minerals; including vitamins K, C and E as well as folate, potassium, B5 and B6. Salmon is rich in B12, vitamin D and selenium, niacin, omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Tuna, with its high level of omega-3 fatty acids, is known to have a significant impact on one’s physical wellness as it is attributed to reducing coronary heart disease and cholesterol in the arteries and blood vessels. Sumo knows how to take care of your wellbeing and your palate, and has branches in Juffair and Amwaj Islands. Call 17 718-091/ 13 355-051.
September 2016 91
destinationjuffair MUKTA A2 CINEMA
Prepare to be Entertained! There’s a new cinema coming to town and it guarantees to change the way you think of movie nights. We all associate going to the movies with a comfortable seat, a bucket of popcorn and a cool drink thrown in for good measure. But with Bahrain gearing up to welcoming Mukta A2 Cinema, watching films will take on a whole new dimension. The company is the exhibition arm of Mukta Arts Ltd, one of India’s leading production houses with business interests across the entertainment spectrum from exhibitions to education. Founded by Subhash Ghai, one of India’s renowned film directors, Mukta Arts Limited has been giving its audiences the best of on-screen entertainment for decades. This brand of multiplexes has already taken India by storm and is getting ready to open its doors to movie buffs at the prominent Juffair Mall. Fans of the silver screen can now enjoy an unparalleled movie theatre experience with state-of-the-art technology, modern projection systems, comfortable seating, a pleasant ambiance and the best of cinema from Hollywood, Bollywood and the Middle East. As the first of its kind in the buzzing locality of Juffair, Mukta A2 Cinema will have a seating capacity of 960 people across six screens, each equipped with luxurious options such as VIP recliners, sofas and rockers for ultimate comfort.
92 September 2016
There will be a wide variety of snacks available with the convenient introduction of personalised order tracking and ‘service on seat’ facilities. The complex will also have special offers for various marketing activities, birthday parties as well as corporate and group bookings. With the latest technology, customers will be given a new and thrilling dimension of realism while watching a big screen, thereby providing an impactful audio-visual experience never before seen on the island. Setting a new trend for movie-going audiences, Mukta A2 Cinema is ready to raise the bar in Bahrain’s film exhibition industry. Call 17 813-666 or email enquiry@muktaa2cinemas.com.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Lounge Opening
Anette, Zee, Princes & Juni Lyric, Ace, Ash & Star
The K Hotel held a grand opening ceremony for Kenza Lounge, at its premises in Juffair. The ribbon-cutting ceremony
May, Paulo & Gee Gel & Elmer
Love, Rhea & Nilda
Rick Aragon & Cynthia
Bing & Arlene
Mai
Gerry & Edwin
Star & Matt
Meo & Marvin
www.jfcbahrain.com
94 September 2016
www.bahrainthismonth.com
adliyadining
Gastronomic Hub
Casa Mexicana
Adliya street art
Good restaurants can be found in various locations around Bahrain, but with its array of eateries, restobars and fast food joints, Adliya takes the cake as a haven for food lovers.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Bahrain is dotted with great eateries but some of the best jewels of the island’s gastronomic apex undoubtedly nestle in Adliya. Besides brimming with wonderful restaurants, it is rife with artistic street culture, making it a focal point for various events throughout the year. Although upscale dining is the predominant theme, Adliya has restaurants which cater to all budgets and palates. When in Bahrain, sampling local cuisine is a must. Osama Bin Zaid Avenue or ‘Shawarma Alley’ is an entire street dotted with Arabic grill joints, where you get to witness meat being shaved off a vertical spit and swiftly wrapped in Arabic bread swathed with tahina and other condiments. Popular items include shawarma, malghoum and falafel, along with grills of all kinds. These open from as early as 7am and continue serving into the wee hours of the night. A few streets further into the area, you can find an
eclectic mix of restaurants and cafes. Hardee’s, Habara Snacks and Fish, KFC, Kudu and Le Chocolat dish out quick bites and fast food. A stone’s throw away is Indian favourite The Urban Dhaba, with Chin Li and Wang Thai serving Oriental preparations. Not too far from here is a lane speckled with casual dining restaurants. For Mexican food with a vivacious atmosphere, head to Casa Mexicana or Senor Paco’s; get your fix of Asian fare from Bambu and David’s Stir Fry Crazy; Cico’s for Italian; Clay Oven for Indian and Brazil Rodizio and Grill for authentic Brazilian cuisine. There are also a couple of low-key shisha cafes Solidare and Caruoca. Quieter watering holes such as Mansouri Mansions and Old Beams have a cult following. The crème de la crème of the dining district is concentrated in Block 338, a relatively small neighbourhood with an impressive array of worldclass restaurants and bars, where you can sample premium cuisine in the chicest eateries. Part of the area is a charming pedestrian quarter, where you will spot quirky murals and unique art sculptures. It is home to Lanterns Restaurant and Lounge, Café Italia, Oliveto, the castle-themed Camelot, Salad Boutique, La Ventana and the time-honoured Upstairs Downstairs. Stroll to Meisei and Akiko for contemporary Japanese, My Café for a continental menu, or the newly opened Torino and The Foundry for delectable meat dishes. Café Amsterdam and La Vinoteca Barcelona serve European and Spanish cuisine respectively. Authentic Mediterranean food can also be had at the Santorinithemed Nicole’s Restaurant and Lounge and the newbie Florence La Maison Méditerranéenne. September 2016 95
adliyadining
Lanterns Restaurant and Lounge
Umami, Houseboat and Masaya sit confidently across the enclave of favourites. Additionally, you will find turn-of the-century-reminiscent Parisian brasserie Café Lilou, the always buzzing Coco’s, and Thailand or Monsoon for Oriental flavours. With its art exhibits and a cool little café, Al Riwaq Gallery is a trendy attraction for millennials. Restaurants with rooftop seating are fairly popular, especially during the cooler months, and some notable establishments with terraces are The Meat Company, Passion Restaurant and Zoë’s, a hip lounge with a rooftop bar and a bistro menu. For whopping burger meals, Blaze Burgers and More, Motorox Café and Jan Burger deserve a mention because of the sheer volume of fans that flock through their doors each day. If you exit Osama Bin Zaid Avenue, you come across another locality packed with restaurants and plenty of shisha cafes including Maggie’s, Al Bindaira Café, Arizona, Extrovert, Veranda and the renowned Don Vito’s Café. The most popular watering hole has to be JJ’s Irish Restaurant, packed with fun-loving crowds every evening. Opposite Maggie’s is the tiny Burger Town, which serves a specialty burger with camel meat. Within the area is the multi-outlet Gulf Hotel, with 18 dining venues, including one by a Michellin-starred chef. With various theme nights at all-day-dining restaurant Le Jardin and The Exchange English Pub, Ramada Bahrain has a loyal clientele who swear by its fare. Adliya continues to thrill locals and tourists, witnessing more additions to its already booming scene each year. 96 September 2016
Brazil
Adliya art
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bystander
HE Alok Kumar Sinha, & Pierre
Shamima, Kamlesh, Gopika & Nalan
Restaurant Opening Al Areen Palace & Spa held an opening ceremony for its new restaurant, Roti Boti, at its premises in Zallaq. HE Alok Kumar Sinha, Indian Ambassador, inaugurated the event in the presence of management, staff and guests. The ribbon-cutting ceremony
Elaine, Aileen & Francine
Mohammed, Rayan, Suad & Shaikh Ebrahim
Varsha, May & Fadel
Chef Das
Simon, Kirk & Sumon
Rose Hotel held a celebrity concert featuring Celebrity Night Ramee Morissette Amon from the Philippines at Kabayanz. Morissette Amon
Eden & Joseph
Lynda, Kim & Anne
Monique & Zeny
Johnny & Tony
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Shintaro, Carol & Cathy
August 2016 97
adliyadining LANTERNS LOUNGE & RESTAURANT
A Hearty Culinary Feast From the quirky quotes adorning the walls to the colourful assortment of relics, this restaurant brings you the quintessential Indian dhaba dining experience. If you are looking for a place that provides the ultimate combination of good food, hospitable staff and a pleasing atmosphere, Lanterns has got you covered. Revel in the ultimate Indian dhaba experience with the ‘Dhaba Da’ lunch concept, transporting you to the popular truck stops of India. The buffet features live cooking stations that allow you to create your own individualised dishes, including stir fry with meat, chicken and seafood options. You can also choose from an array of pasta, sauces and toppings. Not forgetting the greens, there is also a salad bar with plenty of fresh vegetables. Apart from the live cooking, you are offered a delectable assortment of soup and appetisers. But the essence of the dhaba experience lies in traditional favourites such as the classic Rajma Chawal and the fiery Laal Maans. You can also tuck into signature delights including Daal Makhani, biryani as well as Mutton Rogan Josh, to name a few. To satiate your sweet tooth is a dessert station that offers ice cream and Gulab Jamun, among others. The regular rotation of dishes keeps your palate excited, giving you bang for your buck. The lunch promotion is available at the Adliya branch for BD5.9++ and the Riffa branch serves lunch and dinner for BD5.9. Call 17 250-999 or 77 366-333.
Rohan, Rajeev & Ashkay
Charlie
& Sons launched the all-new 2017 Nissan Altima Nissan Launch YatKitsAlmoayyed showroom in Arad. Mona Almoayyed, Mohammed Almoayyed & Cameron
Kristin, Sandeep, Sreekumar & Munawar
Peter, Mona Almoayyed & Cameron
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Mohammed Almoayyed
Jenan, Eman & Jessica
Ranjit
www.bahrainthismonth.com
DINING
REVISITING TRADITIONS PUJA TIWARI A truly authentic Khaleeji dining experience awaits you in the restaurant of this five-star property.
T
he region’s traditional repast has been gaining swift eminence in the recent past. Typical dishes including savoury flatbreads, bright, beautiful mezze platters, grilled meats and sugar-drenched pastries are some of the Khaleeji items that are being embraced by culinary enthusiasts. The newly launched Furn Bistro and Bakery at the Westin Bahrain City Centre offers a finedining experience of timeless fare with a contemporary twist. Predominantly furnished with earthy tones and marble fittings, the décor is modern, spacious and comfortable. Bahraini chef Manaf Al Ghanim and his culinary team skillfully prepare the food. After a chat with chef Manaf, we ordered our meal based on his suggestions. I noticed bottles of preserves and olive oil adorning the wall and inquired about them with the waiter, who explained that the preserves are made especially for Furn, and sold in-house. I think it makes for a nice memento to take back home after a good meal. Classic Arabic staple moutabel is the first to arrive, smoked with applewood and enclosed www.bahrainthismonth.com
beneath a glass cone to capture the mist. As the waiter removes the covering, a robust aroma wafts around our table and we see the dip is garnished with pomegranate seeds and ribbons of carrot and cucumber. The presentation of this dish is simply dazzling. The tabouleh salad arrived in a clear glass bowl, with finely chopped kale, parsley, quinoa and tomatoes resting on a bed of lemon slices. Accompanying it was coffee-infused vine leaves stuffed with rice and drizzled in pomegranate syrup. Having never been a fan of vine leaves, I wasn’t sure of this dish. But all it took was a single bite to banish my reservations. The tart flavour of the leaves is balanced by the sweetness of the syrup. The main course consisted of Fie Qataath, a Bahraini dish of baked chicken in mutabbaq bread and rice, meant to be turned over and served upside down. Chef Manaf explained that the dish is a speciality in Bahraini homes when guests visit. To taste, it is similar to biryani but has a more pronounced flavour. The chicken is tender and the portion is generous enough to share between two. As my dining companion is vegetarian, we opted for quinoa
ALSO THIS MONTH: 102 ASIAN FLAVOUR, EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE 109 SUSHI MONDAYS
madrooba, a guilt-free take on the traditional puréed chicken and lentil recipe. Roasted pumpkin, sautéed veggies, dried onions and almonds are blended to a velvety texture, with the pumpkin lending it a sweet tinge. Chef Manaf brought two gorgeous desserts to our table, Egyptian bread pudding Umm Ali and a sundae consisting of local halwa, cardamom panna cotta and rosewater sorbet. He went on to explain the riveting history behind the dishes adding in some other interesting facts along the way. The sweetness of the Umm Ali was balanced by the unsweetened pistachio paste that lined the plate while the sundae offered a kaleidoscope of flavours and textures, marking a delicious end to a hearty meal. A bakery extends from the restaurant, where you can watch artisans working with dough to create authentic Arabic and Western baked items. Furn offers a rewarding culinary experience at any time of the day and, being attached to City Centre Bahrain, is also perfect for a quick meal during a jaunt to the mall. Call 17 171-441. September 2016 101
dining HÉVÉA
Asian Flavour, European Experience
Chef Guy Gateau
Experience Indochinese cuisine served with a French touch, creating a utopia where the vibrant contrasts between the two cultures merge effortlessly. Drawing culinary influences from the French colonisation of Southeast Asian countries, Hévéa is a high-end bistro located on the ground floor of Al A’ali Shopping Complex. The decor is an eclectic combination of elegant and floral, with dramatic tropical elements reminiscent of balmy regions of Asia enveloping the walls, paired with chic seating. We sat near the massive bouquet of fragrant purple orchids and were immediately tended to by a waiter. Just looking at Hévéa’s menu is a tease for the taste buds. Visually stunning images dot every page, with an array of starters, pasta, chicken and meat main courses, and desserts. Some I was familiar with, and some not, so I sought the help of head chef and general manager Guy Gateau. Hailing from France, chef Guy shares a passion for gastronomy that transcends traditional notions, and views his profession as an art. He is constantly innovating and evolving the food according to his experience in the industry and what guests like. The staff are friendly and heed to preferences or food intolerances of customers. While sipping on my lychee mocktail, I noticed the ice floating on the top was crystal clear. It’s the intricacy in the little details that differentiate between regular and fine-dining. The extravaganza began with a goat’s cheese salad, some sautéed greens and potatoes on the side. Crisp on the outside and soft on the 102 September 2016
inside, this satisfies the soul. The main course consisted of creamy chicken penne, served with juicy breast meat and Parmesan cheese. It was followed by Petits Pates Imperiaux or crispy chicken spring rolls with lettuce and mint leaves, along with En Or et Rubis, a healthy salad with quinoa, pomegranate, glazed tomatoes and grilled eggplant with herbs in an Asian vinaigrette. Flavours intermingle between savoury and tangy, balanced by the sweetness of the pomegranate. The generosity of the portions makes it ideal for sharing between two or more, and the presentation of each rivals the finest gourmet restaurants on the island. The crowning glory of the meal was the Yellow Akoya Pearl Lamb Shank – lamb crusted with cheese corn puff, Asian rice and cured tomato chili sauce. Despite being full, I had to ask for seconds. Instead of the regular breadcrumb crust, the cheese puff shell is a fun take on the dish. Chef Guy explained a little more about the food, and then insisted we sample the dessert, particularly the fried vanilla Toblerone ice cream. Hands down, the best I’ve ever had. A tart passion fruit sauce harmonised the delightfully rich dessert. This decadence continued with the Floating Island, characterised by soft poached meringue with caramel and roasted nuts floating on vanilla cream sauce. The ambrosially creamy textures take you higher into sugar rush heaven. “Exceeding your expectations” is a phrase that I hear often in the service industry, but Hévéa truly takes this policy to heart. Call 17 004-588. www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Kareem Jawad, Mohammed Al Musawi, Ali Al Aali & Abbas
JAC SUV Launch Jawad Business Group launched the new JAC SUV at the Jac Motors showroom in Segaya. Management and staff at the launch
Parry
Brand management with JAC representatives
Subhash & Sreedhar
Peter, Abdulla & Naveen
Haseen & Gautam
Flavours that will awaken your senses @Heveacafe Tel: 17004588
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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dining DIPLOMAT RADISSON BLU HOTEL, RESIDENCE & SPA
German Festivities Galore
Executive chef Vito Fornelli
Enjoy an authentic celebration of German food and beverages at this five-star hotel. It’s time to dust off those ‘lederhosen’ and ‘dirndl’ and celebrate Bavarian style at the first ever full Oktoberfest at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa.
The hotel’s executive chef Vito Fornelli is leading the culinary team for the event which will recreate the experience in all its authenticity with live cooking stations serving authentic German delicacies. “We decided to have a full-fledged celebration this year after the massive success
of our Oktoberfest brunch last year,” explains chef Fornelli. Some food items which are difficult to obtain in Bahrain are imported from Germany, others are being sourced locally. On the menu are popular dishes such as bratwurst (sausages) and sauerkraut among many others. A band with a great repertoire of German folk classics is being flown in from Munich. Chef Fornelli has been with the Diplomat Radisson Blu for over three years, and oversees the operations of all the food outlets, with a team of 35 chefs. Located in the heart of the business district, the hotel is known for its chic accommodations and central location and contemporary Grand Ballroom that has hosted many great events in the last three decades. Oktoberfest will be held in the Grand Ambassador Ballroom of the hotel on September 22 and is priced at BD35 including one beverage per person. Call 39 945-208.
Flamenco Vivo Flamenco dancer, choreographer and singer Luis de la Carrasca held a performance at the Cultural Hall.
Andy & Marvin
Luis de la Carrasca
Performers on stage
Viviane, Anna & Steve Sophie & Cedric
Jraia, Elena, Ana & Julia
104 September 2016
Alice, Hassan & Alpha
Ramy & Leila
Nina, Colin & Tracey
www.bahrainthismonth.com
dining
English breakfast
MAJESTEA TEA ROOM & SHOP
A Regal Affair Break the humdrum of the day with a refreshing halt at this café. If you are looking to savour some fine, flavoured tea in an elegant English ambiance, head to Majestea Tea Room & Shop, located on the ground floor of Seef Mall’s new extension. This quaint English boutique tea shop takes pride in being one of the very few places in Bahrain that offers TWG, the luxury Singaporean tea brand, touted to be Majestea blends one of the world’s finest. Besides favourites like karak, the tea connoisseurs behind this concept have blended interesting flavours like custard and saffron into the ubiquitous beverage. Majestea offers an excellent breakfast menu for early birds to fuel up for the day. Choose from French toast, eggs and its signature chocolate, red velvet or Biscoff pancakes. If you are going down the healthy road, there is a selection of fresh salads like date rocca, chicken and pumpkin. Grab a grilled chicken, roast beef or turkey sandwich between meetings or for a quick lunch to refuel at midday. Or better yet, relax in the outlet’s sophisticated interiors to catch up with family and friends for high tea. Majestea is also known to serve some creatively delicious desserts that are perfect pick-me-ups, no matter what the time of day. The delectable fare available here, coupled with friendly and attentive service makes this conveniently located café one of the best venues in the commercial centre of Bahrain. Call 77 377-770. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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dining MAKI
A Brilliant Metamorphosis The chain of restaurants that uses authentic ingredients to gratify guests with the best contemporary Japanese dishes has upped the ante by adding some striking eye appeal. Terrarium Matcha Tiramisu – anyone uttering these lilting syllables on the streets of London will most likely get pointed in the direction of Oliver Maki Restaurant in Soho, Maki Bahrain’s cousin in the UK. The UK outlet opened early this year to tremendous acclaim from the media as well as gourmands looking for an extraordinary contemporary Japanese meal. And once the curtains were raised, the star was the unusual Terrarium Matcha Tiramisu, which garnered two million ‘likes’ on a single culinary website! This dish is born out of pure creative genius – matcha (Japanese green tea) tiramisu, which is presented in a terrarium glass container, makes this dessert look like a plant to the uninitiated eye. But once you lift the top off and dig your spoon into the soft layers of green tea powder, mascarpone cheese, Savoiardi lady finger
Restaurant Opening
Mount Fuji Maki
cookies, and more coffee-infused mascarpone, you’ll quickly be transported to cloud nine of culinary heaven. The chocolate ‘stone’ and the mint leaf on the surface add to the aesthetics and flavour of this exceptional dessert. The ingenious heads that originally conceptualised dishes in Maki Kuwait and Bahrain have given a twist to their presentation styles at the restaurant in Soho. The eight-piece Oliver Maki, the Wagyu Burger Maki, Mount Fuji Maki, Caviaroli Maki, and Dr Samer Maki are the other crowdpleasers that have also been given a new look.
Sudheesh & Wawaroj
Terrarium Matcha Tiramisu
These gourmet delights have now received their makeover which is applauded at the restaurants in the Gulf as well. Call 17 522-733.
Tookta, Sod, Sudheesh, Act & Moddang
Crystal Palace Hotel opened its new Thai restaurant and Thai disco at its premises in Juffair. The ribbon-cutting ceremony
Peace, Sarah, Ploy, Cherry & Phukan
Udam, Wararoj, Sudheesh & Tiko
Deepak, Nil & Babu
Suriwan, Phamas, Chatihim & Orasa
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Tiko, Kob & Moo
Boban & Mohamed
Ebrahim & Apel
www.bahrainthismonth.com
dining RAMEE GRAND HOTEL & SPA
A Mighty Feast The new chef at this five-star hotel’s Indian restaurant promises to cater to every palate. For the most authentic and mesmerisng Indian repast, head to Rasoi at the Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa. This award-winning restaurant serves mouthwatering dishes that showcase timehonoured and unique recipes whipped up by chef Kul Deep. Rasoi’s extensive menu features regional North and South Indian cuisines, with bountiful vegetarian and meat options. The exciting array of food coupled with elegant ambiance and
exceptional service will ensure a truly fulfilling dining experience for guests. Chef Kul Deep realised his passion for cooking at an early age, and eventually decided to turn it into a career. “Every meal in Rasoi is a feast. Indians love to cook, they love to eat – and this is where my love for cooking comes from,” he explains. He implements traditional Indian methods of cooking, which he learnt when growing up. “When I’m looking for inspiration, I think of the time I spent watching my neighbours, my mother and my grandmother cook – the techniques they used, and decide to try those
in the kitchen,” he adds. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch, planning a romantic evening out, or looking to celebrate an important occasion, Rasoi ensures to make your meal an unforgettable one. Call 17 111-999.
Chef Kul Deep
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www.bahrainthismonth.com
RAMEE GRAND HOTEL & SPA
Sushi Mondays Beat the Monday blues with an unmissable offer for sushi lovers at this elegant restaurant and lounge.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Brighten up your Mondays by taking advantage of Ruka’s unlimited sushi offer this month. Located at the Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, the Japanese lounge makes for a luscious break during the week with an array of exotic sushi. When it comes to contemporary dining, hungry customers bring huge appetites and expectations. That’s where Ruka comes onto the scene with promotions such as the business lunch and cocktail hours. A versatile menu offering fresh, delicious food coupled with a glamorous atmosphere is what gives the place an edge over other restaurants. The a la carte menu features modern Japanese fusion cuisine with classics such as robata, teppanyaki and ramen on all other nights. Elegant design with impeccable lighting showcases the opulent decor, making a striking statement. The restaurant is fitted with an ice-carving station, replaced daily with a different sculpture. The general atmosphere is alluring and inspiring. Infamous cocktails created by skilled mixologists bring theatrics to the bar. Pair these with a divine dessert for a blissfully sweet end to a delicious meal. Located on the 24th floor, Ruka offers breathtaking views of Manama and the Arabian Gulf. Unlimited Sushi Mondays start from 7pm onwards, priced at BD15++ inclusive of a beverage carafe. Call 17 111-999.
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dining CORAL BAY
Delights from the Ocean With splendid views of the sea, this resort’s restaurant is a treat for seafood lovers. Enjoy the best of the sea on your plate at Coral Bay’s latest culinary venue, Fish Mania. Fish Mania serves the marine world’s most delicious offerings with a majestic view of the sea through the restaurant’s clear glass façades. The dropped ceiling is reminiscent of the calming waves of the sea. The eatery’s superb ambience guarantees to impress even the most discerning guests. The menu has a wide variety of delectable appetisers and a range of freshly-grilled fish, as well as an array of sushi and sashimi, making it a seafood haven with plenty on offer throughout the week. Mediterranean Tuesdays let you enjoy appetisers, fried baby sardines, fried sultan Ibrahim, calamari, oven-baked fish and a glass of beverage for BD12.5. Wednesday is the Unlimited Sushi day, with all-you-can-eat sushi and a select beverage,
Staff Party
priced at BD10 for ladies and BD15 for men. A limitless choice of fresh seafood awaits you every Thursday night at BD20 per person. Home to the first ever floating hotel, Coral Bay is the ultimate resort destination for relaxation, adventure, entertainment and a
gourmet experience par excellence. Within the complex is authentic Lebanese restaurant Rayès, Italian restaurant La Taverna, and C Salon and Coral Spa. Call 17 31-2700.
The Domain Hotel and Spa held its annual staff party at its premises in the Diplomatic Area.
Management and staff celebrate
Drew & Tanvi Amy & Emma
Frank
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Vindana, Rukmal, Nishanth & Sajith
Mohammed & Riichiro
Joseph & Rajab
Omar & Sanood
www.bahrainthismonth.com
WANILLY WAFFLE
From Belgium to Bahrain The most decadent Belgian waffles are now available in Bahrain to satisfy your palate. In order to diversify its brand, Wanilly Waffle has teamed up with the Belgiumbased waffle company to bring it to the GCC and Bahrain as its first market. The signature shop is located in the Juffair Mall, serving the most delectable array of Liège and savoury Brussels waffles, along with crepes, pancakes and delicious beverages. Legend goes that the waffle of Liège was invented by the chef of one of the princes of the city. The prince requested a new pastry, and the chef tried a kind of brioche cooked in an iron gaufrier (now called a waffle-maker) and added vanilla to the dough. The prince was so charmed by the recipe that he made it a staple dessert, and it soon went down in the culinary tradition of the area.
Crepe with Turkey
Liège and Brussels waffles, named after the cities, are different in taste and flavour when compared to other varieties that are served across the world. They are smaller than traditional Belgian waffles, being crunchy on the outside and buttery smooth on the inside. This makes it possible to eat them right out of your hand, warm or cold, just as they do in Belgium, where they are a popular street food. They are available in savoury as well as the pearl sugar varieties. For the perfect sweet treat in a relaxed setting with friendly service, head to this eatery with family and friends. Wanilly Waffle is open from 9am to midnight at the Juffair Mall food court. A second and third outlet will soon be launched in Dinning Street Dragon Mall and Food Street Hoora.
Stuffed waffle
Call 17 292-686.
Buy One COmBO meal and enjOy One mOre Same meal FREE (dine-in Only)
nOw Open in juffair mall Opening SOOn: exhiBitiOn rOad & dragan mall tel. 17292686 info@wanillywaffle.com www.wanillywaffle.com
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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dining K HOTEL
Food from Around the Globe Spice up your week with a new culinary theme each night at this renowned restaurant. Get a taste of the most palatable flavours of the globe at Kolors, located at the K Hotel in Juffair. Having revamped its decor to a more contemporary style, complete with an art gallery and live cooking stations, the restaurant offers a feast for the senses. Start your morning with a hearty breakfast buffet for BD5++ per person, available from 6.30am to 10.30am daily. Have your business meetings while enjoying a healthy lunch, priced at BD5.5 per person, Sunday to Thursday from noon to 3pm, Enjoy a different all-you-can-eat theme night every evening of the week, starting with burgers on Friday for BD6++, crabs and prawns on Saturday for BD10++, pizza on Sunday for BD6++, ribs on Monday for BD11++, pasta on Tuesday for BD7.5++, dim sum on Wednesday for BD7++, and flavours of the Gulf on Thursday for BD9.5++. The famous Friday brunch features a delectable buffet spread with culinary delights from every cuisine imaginable. It is priced at BD16.5++ and an additional BD6++ with selected beverages. Call 17 360-000.
Manoj, Abdulla & Rahim
Laurens & Mohammed
EWA Campaign Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority in partnership with the Electricity and Water Authority launched the conservation of electricity and water campaign for the hospitality sector at a press conference at the Bahrain Exhibition Centre. Shaikh Khalid bin Hamood, Adnan Fakhroo & Rana Salloom
Rosha & Thomas
Salim & Panos
Andrea & Daniel
Chinese Folk Arts Dragon City held a Chinese folk arts exhibition at its premises in Diyar Al Muharraq. Suixin, Patrick & Carson
112 September 2016
Suixin
Zeid & Osama
Long Wen Hui
Song Ying Xim
www.bahrainthismonth.com
tablehopping
BAGUETTES AND BEYOND Located at the end of American Alley in Juffair, the newly opened BAM or ‘Baguettes and More’ isn’t just a sandwich shop. Choose from freshly-baked white or brown baguettes, delicious tortilla wraps, healthy salads or melt-in-your-mouth jacket potatoes. The baguettes come in three sizes: small, medium and mega, and you can load them up with a choice of delicious fillings all for the same price! The finest coffees, speciality teas, decadent frappes and healthy smoothies also dot the menu. Call 17 666-366.
LET YOUR MORNINGS SPARKLE
When? Every Monday Event? Seafood Night Venue? Silk’s, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain Enjoy aquatic delicacies including sushi, sashimi, slipper lobster and tiger prawns for BD29 with beverages. E Call 17 460-017.
Enjoy a bubbly breakfast every last Saturday of the month at Domain Prive, located on the 36th floor of the Domain Hotel and Spa. It is a light breakfast as opposed to a heavy meal, meant for people to continue the Friday brunch festivities in a relaxed setting. A four-course breakfast consisting of fruits, seafood, a cheese plate and dessert will be on offer, each with a sparkling beverage. It is priced at BD25 per person and BD35 per couple. Call 17 360-000.
BAKED GOODNESS
When? Three Days of Eid Event? Eid Celebration Venue? Al Safir Restaurant, Sheraton Bahrain Share a delicious lunch for BD18.5++ or dinner for BD14.9++ with family and friends. E Call 17 533-533. When? Every Tuesday Event? All-you-can-eat Ribs Venue? Links, Royal Golf Club Enjoy unlimited barbeque ribs by chef Paul Gindra for BD12. E Call 17 751-262. When? Wednesday-Friday Event? Journey Through Italy Venue? IL Giardino, Elite Seef Residence & Hotel Sample delectable Italian cuisine for BD12++. E Call 17 583-388.
TRUE TASTE OF INDIA Tandori is an authentic Indian cuisine restaurant by Yum Yum Tree. It offers a wide array of different flavours and spices to transport you on a gastronomic journey to the Indian subcontinent, including kebabs, seafood and vegetarian delights. Yum Yum Tree offers a variety of different cuisines catering to a diverse customer base, including Chinese, Japanese and Middle Eastern dishes in addition to seafood specialities and juices. Call 17 711-711.
When? Every Tuesday Event? Sushi Art Venue? Wu, ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands Indulge your sushi cravings with this unlimited promotion for BD21++. E Call 16 000-111.
Dairy Queen has launched a new DQ Bakes menu, with nine innovative products across three categories: hot desserts à la mode, artisan-style sandwiches and snack melts. It is the biggest menu introduction in the history of the brand’s 75 years. Choose between a turkey BLT sandwich, a chicken quesadilla snack melt or a triple chocolate baked brownie. In Bahrain, Dairy Queen Grill and Chill locations in Salmaniya, Seef Mall and Isa Town are now serving these latest additions. Call Call 17 506-070. www.bahrainthismonth.com
When? Every Sunday Event? Izakaya Sundays Venue? Bushido Restaurant and Lounge Sample Bushido’s signature dishes, such as the volcano roll, rock shrimp tempura and beef tenderloin for BD14.5++. E Call 17 583-555.
When? Every Thursday Event? Steak Club Venue? Elite Seef Resort and Spa Enjoy a succulent selection of steaks for BD12++. E Call 17 313-333. When? Three Days of Eid Event? Eid Family Lunch Venue? La Med, Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Celebrate the occasion with an extravagant buffet and live cooking stations for BD21++. E Call 17 586-499.
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tablehopping
A SAVOURY SATURDAY
When? Three Days of Eid Event? Eid Brunch Venue? Bahrain Bay Kitchen, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Enjoy an exciting atmosphere and live entertainment for BD27++ with soft beverages from 12.30pm-3.30pm. E Call 17 115-000.
The Dim Sum Brunch is making a comeback at re/Asian Cuisine every Saturday, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. A delectable array more than 20 items of dim sum, dumplings and wontons are served as part of the finest gastronomical fare. Start your brunch with a wonton soup with fresh prawn dumplings, then continue with wok-fried shrimp dumplings, Peking duck rolls, wild mushroom-filled vegetable dumplings, Korean fried bao buns or the short rib and brisket wontons. It is priced at BD19++, from12.30pm-3.30pm. Call 17 115-000.
TASTES OF THE ORIENT
MEATY REPAST
In conjunction with the Royal Thai Embassy, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa is hosting a Thai festival from September 5-11 at Saraya. Immerse your senses in truly authentic Thai food coupled with cultural performances. Cooking classes will also be offered by chef Watchara Teerakaveekul in Wok on September 10 at 10am. The promotion is priced at BD18 per person with two selected beverages, running from 7pm-11pm. Call 17 636-363.
Lamb lovers rejoice! Bushido Restaurant and Lounge has introduced a special Kohitsuji a la carte menu, with ambrosial lamb starters and main courses cooked to perfection. Tantalise your taste buds with a spicy lamb roll or seared lamb loin Ukusuri with ponzu sauce, Iranian lamb shank stew, grilled lamb rack or Xin Jiang Chili Lamb. Prices for the first course start at BD3.5 and from BD8.9 for main courses. Call 17 583-555.
A NEW CELEBRITY IN TOWN!
A celebrity chef will grace the kitchens of Capital Club every month, starting with chef Jaime Pesaque from Lima. Jaime is the global ambassador for Peruvian food, known for his innovative style of cooking, using unique ingredients and cutting-edge techniques. The chef will also be visiting Bahrain Institute for Hospitality and Retail, where local talent will have the opportunity to be trained under his wing. The series will also host K Pitaya, the founder of one Michelin star Mango Tree restaurant in London and Thailand, in October, followed by chef Rasheed Quraishi, maestro of Indian cuisine, in November. The events will welcome VIPs, club members and their guests. Call 17 100-100. 114 September 2016
When? Every Friday Event? The Ideal Friday Brunch Venue? Flavours on 2, Downtown Rotana Explore diverse culinary delights from noon to 4pm, for BD24 inclusive of beverages. E Call 13 119-999. When? Daily Event? High Tea Venue? Hévéa Café, A’ali Shopping Complex Savour freshly baked scones, croissants, homemade berry jam and more from 3pm-6pm, priced at BD12 for two people. E Call 17 004-588. When? Daily until September 30 Event? New Summer Drinks Venue? Paul Bakery and Restaurant Quench your thirst with exotic mojitos and flavoured water. E Call 17 172-321. When? Daily throughout September Event? Buy 2 get 1 free on Chocoholic Brunch Venue? Al Safir, Sheraton Bahrain Take advantage of this offer and celebrate good food with good friends. E Call 17 533-533. When? Every Monday Event? Tapas Night Venue? Cellar 59, ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands Treat yourself to Spanish delights paired with great beverages for BD8. E Call 16 000-111. When? September 22-October 22 Event? Curry and Kebabs Venue? Nirvana, Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Relish a platter of mouthwatering kebabs and curries cooked to perfection for BD20++. E Call 17 586-499. When? Thursday Event? Thursday Night Out Venue? Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain Kick off the weekend with a delicious buffet and live DJ performance for BD32. E Call 17 460-017. www.bahrainthismonth.com
What’s New Sport Elegance
Edited by Apple Sharma
A signature of Rochas Paris, the men’s chronograph watch is a statement of masculinity and elegance. Providing a sportive look with a stylish dial, it’s available in multiple colours and sub-dials, with Roman index and date indicator. It comes in a stainless steel case with leather or a softly brushed bracelet. Available at A La Mode outlets.
A Harmonious Design Glamorous and Indulgent Compliment your Eid outfit with a spritz of Marc Jacobs Decadence, the perfect blend of liquid amber, golden saffron, jasmine and warm papyrus wood. The decadently feminine bottle is inspired by Marc’s classic handbag shape. Available at leading outlets.
The new Duke bag from Carolina Herrera’s Duchess Collection is made from refined and agile Greco leather, it can be customised with a variety of metallic initials and charms. Available in more than 12 colours and patterns with contrasting trims. Available at leading outlets.
Shades of Enchantment
A Perfect Day! Celebrate memorable moments with Bath & Body Works’ Perfect collection of five new fragrances: Sweet Escape Strawberry Picnic, Sunshine Days Bright Sunflowers, Get Happy White Peach Sangria, Live Fresh Seaside Breeze and Beach Nights Summer Marshmallow. Available at Bath & Body Works in Seef Mall, City Centre Bahrain and Seef Mall Muharraq. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Pandora’s Rose Autumn 2016 collection is a mix of coppery, silvery, rosy and golden hues that flatter all skins tones. The signature blush pink shade is lavished on radiant motifs of glittering geometric shapes, delicate hearts and swirling ribbons and bows. Available at City centre Bahrain and Seef Mall Muharraq.
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marketplace
Imari
Frank Normann Eikeland
THE DOMAIN HOTEL AND SPA
From Local to Global Having recently turned three, this acclaimed hotel is diving headlong into further success in its fourth year by forging international ties.
In its three years of dominating Manama’s skyline, The Domain Hotel and Spa has become a glitzy playground for the high-profile. Inarguably one of the most stylish structures towering amid the Diplomatic Area’s commercial establishments, the hotel has earned an iconic status with locals and tourists alike. To celebrate the grand third anniversary of this simplistic yet contemporary hotel, we have charted its timeline, starting from its building’s brick and mortar to the essence of style and sophistication that it has always effused. 2013-14 The 36-storey hotel held a soft launch on the auspicious occasion of Eid Al Fitr on August 8, 2013. A total of 131 spanking new keys lay ready to open the doors to tastefully appointed rooms and suites. The hotel boasted three interesting social spaces – Le Domain; serving Cuisine Nicoise from southern France, Le Sauvage; the steakhouse with a masculine air to it; and Txoko, the crowning glory of the hotel which sees the swish set queuing up for enticing molecular concoctions. In October 2013, Imari, the Japanese eatery inspired by the shared maritime heritage of Bahrain and Japan welcomed guests for sumptuous Oriental fare. 2014 – 2015 This period was one of honours and accolades for the relatively new hotel, sealing its status as one to
116 September 2016
reckon with on the island. The Domain received the Award of Excellence for the year 2014 from the notable travel website Booking.com, with an overall review score of 8.5, and subsequently for the year 2015 again, with a rating of 8.4. In November 2014, Le Sauvage was announced the winner of the Best Steak House in Bahrain and the Highly Commended Steakhouse in 2015 by a local publication. This was just an affirmation of the superior fare available at this restaurant, from succulent Argentinian tenderloin to supreme Wagyu cuts. The restaurants at the Domain were bestowed with several awards from local publications on the island. Imari took the prize for Favourite Newcomer Restaurant in 2014. In 2015, Le Domain won the Highly Commended European Restaurant award and Figs and Olives was acclaimed to have the Best High Tea. Txoko was touted to be the Best Lounge in Bahrain in 2015. In June of 2015, Agoda.com, Asia’s leading hotel booking website, gave the 2015 Gold Circle Award to www.bahrainthismonth.com
Le Domain private dining
The Domain Hotel and Spa. The hotel also got the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, for which only 10 per cent of the accommodations, restaurants and vacation rentals listed on the site qualify. 2016 It was a bright beginning to January 2016, with the appointment of Frank Normann Eikeland as general manager, who brought with him 20 years of hospitality experience. Since April, Domain Privé has been holding movie nights every Tuesday, where old-world cinema buffs can enjoy the classics accompanied with stunning views of the Bahrain skyline. It is touted to be the perfect place to be entertained by well-loved films under the stars, with a personalised butler service to boot. The Domain Hotel and Spa staged an art exhibition in May 2016. VIP guests, eminent personalities, regional ambassadors and diplomatic staff gathered for a preopening on May 5. The exhibition welcomed the public the next day, and the paintings and sculptures of talented European and Bahraini artists were appreciated by one and all. Some of the artworks displayed had been exhibited in prestigious museums such as the Louvre in Paris and Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Txoko
The Preferential Pass: The year 2016 is especially significant for this hotel, as it is on the brink of a momentous association with Preferred Hotels and Resorts (PHR), a first in Bahrain. PHR represents the finest and most diverse global portfolio of independent hotels and world-class hospitality experiences. Its global network spans from San Francisco to Tokyo affording guests a wide variety of accommodation and fantastic memories. The organisation requires that each of its member hotels conform to stringent criteria of excellence and high quality standards that are annually inspected by professional third-party experts. Frank is upbeat about the synergy that this will bring about through other partner hotels in the Gulf. He says: “Our hotel will fall under the LVX (pronounced Lux) category of PHR. This category includes refined and globally sophisticated hotels in bustling city centres; like The Domain in Manama!” The tie-up with PHR gives the hotel access to global accounts, which is not possible for an individual hotel, as well as world wide presence through PHR marketing, sales and distribution systems and networks. “Guests at the Domain will be at a great advantage with the ‘I Prefer’ loyalty programme, that gives them benefits that can be redeemed locally at the hotel for rooms, outlets or the spa, and also throughout approximately 800 PHR affiliated hotels around the world,” adds Frank. The Domain Hotel and Spa looks forward to a fruitful connection with PHR and anticipates upholding its standards, thereby delighting guests in every possible way. September 2016 117
marketplace ASIA JEWELLERS
An Enchanting Collection
This maison’s new creations in hard stones and diamonds celebrate the joyful spirit of the Perlée collection. In keeping with the Perlée collection’s inventiveness, Van Cleef & Arpels presents new designs that reassert its rounded aesthetic. Three between-the-finger rings give pride of place to hard stones, while a diamond-set pendant and matching ear studs display varying tones of gold. Faithful to the tradition of the beaded contour so dear to the maison, they suggest bold or delicate associations that can be composed to suit every occasion. Reinvent Encapsulating ancestral savoir-faire, the Perlée collection’s border of gentle and sparkling golden beads is now associated with one of Van Cleef & Arpels’ emblematic signatures: the between-thefinger ring. With their twin motifs linked by an open ring, these pieces adorn the hand featuring a curvaceous duet of cabochons – one in hard stone, the other in gold set with diamonds.
Each ring showcases its own charm: yellow gold accentuates the singular beauty of malachite, white gold reveals the luminosity of turquoise, while gentle pink gold echoes the radiant colour of carnelian. These precious combinations are magnified by a border of golden beads, which unfurls around each cabochon in two or three rows. Matching these creations, a pendant and ear studs reinterpret the diamond-set cabochon in yellow, white and pink gold. These jewellery pieces are feminine and timeless. Combine Ever since the Perlée collection was created, its pieces have lent themselves to varied associations and complemented other collections by Van Cleef & Arpels. There is a combination to suit every taste: sparkling pieces, such as the Perlée diamonds pendant or earrings, are a perfect match for set or engraved creations such as the Perlée clovers ring or signature bracelet or the Frivole diamond ring.
White, pink and yellow gold form a delicate harmony, notably in the shape of three Perlée pearls of gold bracelets. The collection’s couleurs pieces compose infinite combinations with an Alhambra long necklace, pendant and ring or – in a more floral version – with Cosmos earrings. Reveal From the selection of diamonds and hard stones to setting and polishing the gold, the Perlée collection reflects all Van Cleef & Arpels’ jewellery-making savoir-faire. The gold beads are reworked individually by hand, then patiently polished until they acquire their characteristic sparkle while maintaining a rounded profile. Every detail is carefully studied, as seen in the Perlée clovers rings, whose surfaces have been subtly softened to make them even more comfortable to wear. On the set pieces, openwork on the gold allows the light to pass through and accentuates the beauty of the diamonds. The latter have been chosen according to the same stringent criteria as any Van Cleef & Arpels creation: D, E or F for colour and IF, VVS1 or VVS2 for clarity. The hard stones also meet particularly high standards. The deep green malachite derives its beauty from straight, regular striations that run through its surface; the blue of the turquoise stands out for its intense, opaque and uniform colour; the carnelian has been chosen for the consistency of its deep and warm orangey-red hue, enhanced by careful polishing. Perpetuate The Perlée collection dates from 2008, yet golden beads have been part of Van Cleef & Arpels’ history since the 1920s. The maison used a thin thread of metal grains to outline the motifs of certain jewels, such as the Egyptianstyle pieces in vogue following the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1922. From 1948 onwards, gold beads became a style in their own right and blossomed on numerous Van Cleef & Arpels collections. The 1960s’ taste for soft, fluid shapes gave rise to the Twist collection, which combines gold and coral beads and cultured pearls in a delicate spiral, and the Alhambra motif, fringed with an elegant beaded contour. In 2008, the gold bead aesthetic inspired the Perlée collection. Since then, the maison has continually reinvented it with evocatively named creations: Perlée pearls of gold, Perlée couleurs, Perlée diamonds, Perlée clovers and Perlée signature. The Perlée collection is available in Bahrain at Asia Jewellers. Call 17 131-122 or visit www.asiajewellers.com.
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www.bahrainthismonth.com
ASIA JEWELLERS
Sailing with the Best
This Swiss watch brand is the official timekeeper of the challenging New York-Vendée Transatlantic Race, probably the toughest and loneliest 10 days a person can experience. Offshore sailing is adventurous and a true test for both man and material, an undertaking where great skill, precision and robustness are the essentials for success. From the moment the Statue of Liberty disappears on the horizon each of the skippers has to rely on himself and his equipment. External aids and stopovers are not allowed, except in emergencies or for repairs. Sailing single-handed, sleeping is only possible when weather conditions are stable and the rudder can be left on autopilot. At night, the only light sources are the stars, the glow of electronic instruments and the luminous hands of a reliable watch. Swiss watch brand Delma, founded in 1924, is the official timekeeper of the race, one of the five regattas constituting the IMOCA Ocean Masters World Championship. The sailor with most points in all these races is considered the world’s best skipper. More than 1,000 people have climbed Everest, over 500 have been into space, but less than 100 have ever sailed single-handed, non-stop around the world. The first New York-Vendée Transatlantic solo www.bahrainthismonth.com
race, held this spring, took skippers from the Big Apple to the French harbour of Sables d’Olonne on the Atlantic coast. This demanding feat can be considered a test run for the Vendée Globe – a round-the-world solo voyage lasting 80-100 days. The Delma Shell Star Automatic is an iconic model from the Swiss brand. First introduced in 1975, it is a true divers’ watch with a unidirectional turning bezel to determine the length of decompression phases. The new edition is an ideal companion for a long journey across the Atlantic. Its automatic movement guarantees function in the harshest conditions as its only energy-source is the activity of its wearer. Being on the move almost 24 hours a day, there is no danger of the skipper’s watch stopping. Its 42-hour power reserve ensures the timepiece will continue working even if put aside during rest. Its unidirectional turning bezel, with a clearly legible colour-coded minute-indexation in anodised aluminum, is a great aid for timing short actions such as following a course for a certain time. The watch’s imposing size of 44mm gives it the character of an instrument and makes it highly legible in adverse conditions. Why a divers’ watch for sailing? Divers’ watches are the most rugged constructions in
the horological world. Not only are they water-resistant, but they are also built to withstand the harshest conditions. The new Delma Shell Star has been engineered to be waterresistant to a depth of 500 metres. Even if you’re never going to dive that deep, it means this watch has a huge reserve of stability. Jumping into cold water with a sun-heated watch, for example, means much more stress than letting it quietly sink to 100 metres. Thus a divers’ watch is the ideal companion for almost any sport, but especially water sports. On a sailboat a wristwatch is constantly exposed to the elements, to heat, cold and to shocks from hitting objects. Despite the high technical requirements, Delma’s engineers were able to equip the watch with a seethrough back to give free sight of the beautifully decorated automatic movement. The new Delma Shell Star Automatic is equipped with a, so-called, helium valve. When divers spend time aboard an underwater station or submarine, the atmosphere they are breathing contains helium, which penetrates any watch. When they surface, their watches still contain the gas which now wants to leave the small space as quickly as possible. The helium valve is the quickest passage to escape, protecting the watch from excessive inner pressure. The Frenchman Jérémie Beyou was the first of the 15 contenders who entered the harbour of Sables d’Olonne in the French Vendée region. He had been on the open sea for nine days, 16 hours and 52 minutes, covering 3,460 nautical miles (6408 km) with an average speed of 14.85 knots (27.5 km/h). He was presented a special limited edition Delma Shell Star as a personal trophy that will be an incentive to go face his next adventure: the Vendée Globe. Delma Shell Star timepieces are available in Bahrain at Asia Jewellers. Call 17 535-344 or visit www.asiajewellers.com. September 2016 119
marketplace AMA SPORTS – PUMA
Work Hard. Look Fierce
The gym meets the runway with this global sports brand’s new Autumn-Winter 16 women’s collection. PUMA recognises the high demands of today’s active woman – wanting to work hard and look fierce. With that in mind, it introduces the Women’s Gold Pack Collection for AutumnWinter 16. The line consists of running, training and sportstyle apparel and footwear designed for the brave, confident and unapologetic woman to wear from the gym to the street. The collection pushes both sport performance and fashion boundaries, boasting a wideranging selection fit for today’s style conscious women who lead active lifestyles. With a predominant colour palette of gold, black and white, the performance range exudes chic street sophistication. 120 September 2016
Headlining the winning pack is PUMA’s nextlevel fitness silhouette training shoe, the Fierce, which is a mix between style and performance. First released in April and worn by young and stylish tastemaker Kylie Jenner, the PUMA Fierce’s bootie upper, constructed with stretchable mesh overlays and elevated heel, has a unique look. Featuring two colourways, the Fierce has been updated with metallic gold accents on the formstrip and tongue to add a stern style to any workout. PUMA’s lightweight and dynamic trainer, the Pulse XT, has also been hit with a golden makeover. Now you can look bolder during highintensity workouts both indoors and outside. On the running side, the IGNITE Dual Gold is sure to deliver high calibre performance. Designed for agility training, it offers maximum flexibility and cushioning features for mid- and long-distance runners, and also stuns with new gold highlights. Rounding up the footwear silhouettes is the sport-inspired style icon, the PUMA Suede Platform Gold, a chic update on the brand’s court classic with a stacked sole and golddipped toecap. The gilt-accented collection carries over to training and lifestyle apparel with the PWRSHAPE Forever PUMA bra in white and black with gold foil branding, perfect for everyday usage and all types of high- to lowimpact workouts. Throw over the Essentials Tank as a modest addition to the bra. From street to gym, the Archive Hoody and Tee pair stylishly with the Evo Grid and Clash Tights. The Women’s Gold Pack Collection is now available at the PUMA Store in City Centre Bahrain. Call 17 178-046. www.bahrainthismonth.com
CITI BAHRAIN
A Winning Streak This global bank is paving the way at the forefront of digital development, having recently won prestigious awards both locally and regionally. Citi Bahrain has been named winner of the Best Corporate/Institutional Digital Bank award in the first round of Global Finance magazine’s 2016 World’s Best Digital Banks Awards in the Middle East and Africa. This is the fourth year in a row that Citi Bahrain has won this accolade. “We are proud to receive the award that is a testament of our drive to deliver world-class digital solutions to our customers,” says Usman Ahmed, chief executive officer of Citi Bahrain.“The team exerts efforts and dedicated attention towards our online banking service and website functionality. This award tells us that we are on the right track and is a strong recognition of our capabilities and the service we provide to our clients in Bahrain.” Winning banks were selected based on the
following criteria: strength of strategy for attracting and servicing digital customers; success in getting clients to use digital services; growth of digital customer numbers; breadth of product offerings; evidence of tangible benefits gained from digital initiatives; and web/mobile site design and functionality. In country and regional subcategories, Citi has gained a total of 24 awards. Country winners for the bank include branches in Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda and Kenya – which won Best Corporate/Institutional Digital Bank awards in their respective markets. Citi also triumphed in the regional subcategories for Best Web Site Design, Best Information Security Initiatives, Best Online Treasury Services and Best in Mobile Banking. With 29 years of experience in international financial markets, Global Finance regularly
Usman Ahmed
selects the top performers among banks and other providers of financial services. These awards have become a trusted standard of excellence for the global financial community. Citi has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. It provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services and wealth management. Visit www.citibank.com/bahrain
MOSTLY BUSINESS Stepping Stone Global conducted a performance evaluation workshop for businesspeople at The Domain Hotel and Spa. Khaleeji Commercial Bank signed an MoU with Burooj Properties Development Company. Middle East Hospital chairman, Varghese Kurian signed an MoU with Philip Augustine Associates Private Limited to set up a gastroenterology and liver disease centre in Bahrain.
First Motors sent employees, Mohammed Al Khuzaei and Muna Abdularahim to Frankfurt, Germany, for a data driven marketing training.
Y K Almoayyed & Sons held its annual Extended Warranty Refresher programme at the Nissan Showroom in Sitra.
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marketplace JOZ SALON & SPA
Modern Problems, Traditional Treatment
Said to help treat pain and various ailments, here’s what you need to know about an ancient therapy that’s gaining popularity in the modern world.
Offered at Joz Salon & Spa, cupping therapy is an ancient Chinese form of alternative medicine in which localised suction is created on the skin. Practitioners believe this mobilises blood flow to promote healing. Suction is created using heat or mechanical devices and the skin is gently drawn upwards by creating a vacuum in a cup over the target area. The cup stays in place for five to 15 minutes. It is believed by some to help treat pain, deep scar tissues in the muscles and connective tissue, muscle knots and swelling. Broadly speaking, there are two types of cupping: dry cupping and bleeding or wet cupping (controlled bleeding) with wet cupping being more common. The British Cupping Society (BCS), an organisation promoting the practice, teaches both. As a general rule, wet cupping provides a more ‘curativetreatment approach’ to patient management whereas dry cupping appeals more to a ‘therapeutic and relaxing approach’. Preference varies with 122 September 2016
practitioners and cultures. The cupping procedure commonly involves creating a small area of low air pressure next to the skin. However, there is variety in the tools used. The method of creating the low pressure and the procedures followed during the treatment may also vary. The cups can be various shapes, including balls or bells, and may range in size from 25mm to 76mm across the opening. Plastic and glass are the most common materials used today, replacing the horn, pottery, bronze and bamboo cups used in earlier times. The low air pressure required may be created by heating the cup or the air inside it with an open flame or in a bath of hot scented oils, then placing it against the skin. As the air inside the cup cools, it contracts and draws the skin slightly inside. More recently, avacuum can be created with a mechanical suction pump acting through a valve located at the top of the cup. Rubber cups are also available that squeeze the air out and adapt to uneven or bony surfaces. In practice, cups are normally used only on softer tissue that can form a good seal with the edge and they can be used singly or with several to cover a larger area. They may also be placed over an acupuncture needle and skin may be lubricated, allowing the cup to move. Cupping is claimed to treat a broad range of medical conditions such as blood disorders (anaemia, haemophilia), rheumatic diseases (arthritic joint and muscular conditions), fertility and gynaecological disorders, and skin problems (eczema, acne) and is claimed by proponents to help general physical and psychological well-being Depending on the specific treatment, skin marking is common after the cups are removed. This may be a simple red ring that disappears quickly. However, the discolouration left is normally from bruising especially if they are dragged across the skin while suctioned to break down muscle fibre. Usually treatments are not painful. “We at Joz Salon & Spa introduce all the new techniques of cupping and therefore recommended cupping for both (sub) acute and chronic lower back pain. It may be that cupping is more a traditional act of ‘faith healing’ rather than an act of medicine,” says a salon spokesperson. Call 17 369-133, 16 031-120, 16 031-126 and 17 756-449. www.bahrainthismonth.com
CHARLES & KEITH
and Mix MATCH The autumn/winter collection from this high-street favourite channels youth and maturity with a range of bags, accessories and footwear that will take you from boardroom to bar in comfort and style.
Urban Youth
From pom pom heels and slingback flats to square-toe loafers, ankle strap pumps and a wide variety of boots, including combats, Chelseas and thigh-highs, this season’s footwear is very much a free-for-all with no one style singled out on the catwalks. For a youthful vibe, mix styles and colours teaming a pretty, pastel flat with a chunky 70s-style satchel; metallic studs with a baby-pink purse or clutch; or fierce ankle-strap heels with a utilitarian backpack.
Grown-up Gorgeous
To project a more grown-up style layer two-tone heels alongside a classic tote (with just a hint of reptile for added edge); look for interesting shapes, such as block-heel lace-ups or strappy kitten heels with sharply pointed toes and marry these with a briefcase-style bag, complete with chunky metal fastenings, or a bucket bag with urban accents.
Sunshine Superstar
Our climate means open-toed shoes are always in vogue and Charles & Keith’s latest collection doesn’t disappoint with a great range from chunky platforms to simple sliders and from jewelled flats to reptile patterned heels with oversized buckles. From beach to mall, there’s something to suit every mood. Call City Centre Bahrain 16 686-206, Isa Town Mall 16 686-230, Seef Mall 16 686-226. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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marketplace Dr Akbar M Al-Mohamed (D, FAAP), consultant in paediatrics and medical ethics and chairman of the Paediatric Department, Middle East Hospital
MIDDLE EAST HOSPITAL
Fit For School Consultant paediatrician Dr Akbar Mohsin Al-Mohamed explains the problems little ones can face when they return from vacation.
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Summer will soon be leaving us and it’s goodbye to August as September rolls around and travellers return to the island from their holidays in cooler climes. Though some may feel they need a rest after their vacation, it’s time to get back to everyday life and that means taking care of our health – which is particularly important for children who need all their energy as they go back to school. It’s often a good idea for kids to have their regular health check-up before they return to the classroom, which is where the doctors at the Department of Paediatrics at Middle East Hospital (MEH) come in. With vast experience and training, they are well prepared to contribute to keeping your kids healthy as they get on with the important business of learning. Summer, as enjoyable as it seems, can bring with it some problems in the shape of infectious diseases,
particularly if families have travelled to areas where these issues are common. Dr Akbar says: “We usually see patients with diarrhoeal diseases or with typhoid for example. Our doctors are well aware of these diseases and handle them promptly and with skill.” He adds: “Health problems for returning travellers can also occur due to the transition in the weather. Once the hot month of August is over, we move into autumn and soon winter knocks on the door. These weather changes are full of health problems, particularly ones that affect children.” Allergies and upper respiratory tract infections are very common and, if not handled well and promptly, will progress to complicated conditions. “We are well prepared to handle these illnesses before they progress. Some chronic diseases may be triggered by changes in the weather. Early intervention by pediatricians prevents these flare-ups and their complications with acute attacks, for example asthma,” says Dr Akbar. “We in the Department of Paediatrics at MEH are working as a team to provide care to our patients. We do that with enthusiasm and compassion. We like to see kids healthy, happy and always smiling.” Asked the common diseases a paediatrician would expect to see in children returning from vacation, he explains: “Infectious diseases top the list. These may include diarrhoeas caused by organisms such as Salmonella, E coli and shigella. All these organisms are from the bacteria category. Viruses may also cause diarrhoea particularly Rota virus, which is more common during the winter season. With diarrhea can come electrolyte (minerals) imbalance. When a child loses water through diarrhoea and/or vomiting, disturbance in body salts (electrolytes) and in the PH (acidity or alkalinity) of the blood can occurs. These have to be dealt with along with correction of the dehydration. “Most of the time this correction reverses the electrolyte imbalance, if the latter is mild to moderate, you don’t need sodium bicarbonate for correction of acidosis, except when the PH is very low. While dealing with water and electrolyte disturbance the pediatrician doesn’t forget the patient’s nutrition. So as soon as the vomiting slows down, the patient is offered food and, in infants on breast milk, breast feeding is resumed without any delay.” Pediatricians, consultants and specialists at MEH offer years of experience to be utilised in the care of sick children, who return from vacation. They are also ready to prepare healthy children through check-ups prior to starting school in September. Children need healthy bodies and minds to be able to excel in their schooling. Call 17 362-233. www.bahrainthismonth.com
BRITISH CLUB BAHRAIN
Hot Deal for Teachers whose members regularly play outside club grounds on the Kingdom’s courses. By October, all members looking to tone up, train or adopt a healthier lifestyle will have access to the fully equipped gym and the club’s team of trainers. Entry will no longer require a separate payment but will instead be included in the membership fee. Open from 7am until 9pm six days a week and from 7am to 7pm on Fridays, this venue offers a schedule that accommodates most people. The British Club Bahrain is, with the assistance of its long-serving staff, a member-run club. Founded in 1935, it is managed by an executive committee of volunteers who are voted in each year by the membership at the Annual General Meeting. Thanks to its fantastic facilities, entertaining events and friendly ambience, the British Club Bahrain truly is a home away from home. Applications for membership are welcome and are subject to approval by the executive committee. Tours are available every day. Call 17 728-245.
One of the Kingdom’s leading social clubs is offering a special membership package to entice the island’s educators.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
As of September, teachers who are successful in their application for membership to the British Club Bahrain will be offered a special 10-month package, allowing time off for the holidays. Groups of 10 or more applying at the same time will be awarded vouchers redeemable at club venues, including lounges and bars, the coffee shop and the restaurant. As the club – located in Mahooz – steps into the final quarter of 2016, members will reap new benefits too. One such development is the custom-built children’s splash park, which will offer a modern alternative for outdoor play to the existing heat-proof jungle gym and the shaded paddling pool for toddlers. For those able to handle deeper waters, the refurbished 25-metre swimming pool – with a dedicated lap lane and an in-built bench – is chilled in the summer and heated in winter to suit any time of year. Thanks to a number of revamps and renovations there are numerous opportunities to take part in fitness and social sports. Whether inside or outdoors, the club boasts dedicated facilities and member-run sections, such as the golf section,
Members of the club enjoy a wealth of social and sporting opportunities at dedicated venues facilitated by member-run sections, including: • A restaurant • A coffee shop • A selection of lounges including a sports lounge • 25-metre climate controlled swimming pool • Children’s paddling pool • Playground • Two tennis courts • Two squash courts • Indoor badminton court • Fully equipped health club • Numerous sports sections and activities • Numerous social sections and events September 2016 125
marketplace JEEVES
Working Towards a Greener Earth
An official from GreenEarth demonstrating the cleaning process to the staff at Jeeves
Using an environmentally-friendly dry cleaning process to conserve the environment, this garment care company does a fine job with laundering your clothes.
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London-based Jeeves of Belgravia is using GreenEarth, an exclusive dry cleaning process which incorporates liquid silicone, rendering it safe for the planet. The method does not contaminate the air or pollute soil or water, making it the safest way to sanitise clothes. GreenEarth cleaning utilises an environmentally non-toxic agent and non-ionic detergent chemistry that is the gentlest way to clean any fine garment. Its components can be disposed of safely and they
simply return to their natural elements of sand, trace amounts of water and carbon dioxide, unlike harsh petrochemical solvents. For tailored jackets, trousers, dresses and other speciality fabrics, dry cleaning is a favourable option as it will not cause the fibre to distort, often seen as shrinkage during wet washing. The traditional process relies on the use of petrochemicals as the medium to carry detergents and specific additives for the breaking up and suspension of stains. These include perchloroethylene or hydrocarbon, which are petroleum-based solvents. They are classified as contaminants and likely carcinogens, and are carefully regulated, both in how they are used and also disposed of. Being less abrasive and gentler on clothes, GreenEarth is proven to help protect against wear and colour fade. It’s perfect for cashmere, embellishments, suede and leather garments. It is also very light in weight and has a very low surface tension, allowing it to gently penetrate the fabric and rinse away dirt in a way that water cannot. Many garment technologists employed by the major retail clothing brands recommend GreenEarth versus traditional dry cleaning for the care of their products. Furthermore, Jeeves is committed to minimising the production of waste through recovery, recycling and reducing the amount of waste that is sent to landfill. Liquid silicone is made from the sand the earth has been creating for over six billion years, and is also used as a base in various shampoos and lotions. Its unique, chemically inert properties remove stains from fabric without touching the material. The Dry Cleaning and Laundry Institute confirms that GreenEarth cleans as well as the industry standard detergents with no environmental concerns. In addition, the same tests show that with GreenEarth, you can clean a wider variety of speciality fabrics and trims. Jeeves is ensuring that there is no air, ground or water contamination, which is often a by-product of the other dry cleaning systems available. Jeeves has outlets in Hamala and Riffa views and will soon open a new branch in El Mercado mall, Janabiyah and Zinj, near Akbari tailoring house. New customers can take advantage of a 20 per cent discount on the services. Call 17 465-575. www.bahrainthismonth.com
INTERCOL
Capture the Best of Eid This Eid, Canon reveals three of its latest, top-of-the-line cameras, ideal for capturing special moments.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
This Eid, Canon reveals three of its latest, top-of-theline cameras, ideal for capturing special moments. Eid Al Adha is a special occasion for everyone in the Kingdom where the historical and religious aspects are revered and families come together, spend time outdoors or just simply hang out and make memories. The Canon EOS 1300D is an entry-level camera that is the successor to the Canon EOS 1200D. The new model is the first entry-level camera that comes with both Wi-Fi and new field communications connectivity, enabling you to share pictures onto a smart device or the Canon Connect Station CS100 – a hub where you can store and share your photos wirelessly. The EOS 1300D comes with an 18MP sensor, a three frame per second (FPS) continuous shooting rate and 1080p video recording. The 1300D also has an ISO range of 100-6,400, which can be expanded to 12,800 to help in low-light photography and reduce the need for a flash. The Canon EOS 1300D is ideal for beginners. The Canon EOS 80D is a mid-range camera and a successor to the Canon EOS 70D. Unlike its predecessor, the 80D comes with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC to share photos onto a smart device or Canon Connect Station CS100 wirelessly. The 24.2MP camera has a 45 all cross-type auto focus (AF) system, which lets you freely choose an AF point to give your image a sharp look. The cross-type AF system
is highly responsive and accurate and it operates in tough lighting conditions. The Canon 80D has seven-FPS continuous shooting speed. The camera is ideal for those who enjoy sports or wildlife photography. The top-of-the-range Canon EOS-1D X Mark II succeeds the Canon EOS-1D X. It comes with builtin GPS to keep track of the location where the photo was taken. It comes with a 20.2MP Full Frame CMOS sensor and also has 61 AF points with 21 cross-type, all individually selectable. What makes this camera good for its class is its high continuous shooting speed. At 14 FPS, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II can capture high-speed moments during sports photography. Distributed by International Agencies Co. Ltd (Intercol), a special 10 per cent discount on the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II, Canon EOS 80D and the Canon EOS 1300D is available during the special season of Eid. This offer is valid from September 10 to 17 at the Canon-Intercol showroom in Zinj. So, capture your memories and moments during Eid Al Adha with Canon. For more information about Canon EOS 1300D, Canon EOS 80D and Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and other products from Canon, visit Intercol- Canon Showroom in Zinj. Call 17 214-715 or 38 342-321. September 2016 127
marketplace NOMINATION
Make a Statement Tasteful jewellery from this pioneering brand is a must-have if you want to turn heads. In the Italian city of Sesto Fiorentino, Tuscany, the creative mind of Paolo Gensini conceived a unique concept for jewellery that not only reflected the wearer’s persona, but was also affordable for all. This idea, executed in the 1980s, gave birth to the Nomination brand; which means ‘to give name’ in Latin. The Composable bracelet was the first success of the jewellery line and brought about a revolution in the way precious pieces are made and worn. The wristlet consists of links that are united with a spring mechanism, enriched with gold letters that can be combined to spell out your name or anything that you wish to express. Thanks to this innovative trinket, the iconographic language of the brand came into being to create messages, convey personalities and reveal passions using customised jewellery. Nomination’s eye-catching baubles became a powerful language that fast crossed Italian borders to conquer the world and become a generational cult. This world leader in the stainless steel and gold jewellery sector continues to invent new collections that echo superior Italian quality and design. Since the first Composable bracelets became all the rage, more than 2,000 symbols and materials have been added to the letters, including enamel, stones, precious and semi-precious gems, as well as 18 karat gold and diamonds; all ofwhich are immediately enhanced paired with the alluring shine of stainless steel. The metal that characterises many of Nomination’s stylish accessories is rust-proof and hypoallergenic. So go ahead and write your own story with something that’s exclusive to you. Call 17 530-919 or visit www.nomination.com
OTHER EVENTS
Sofitel Bahrain and the Royal Thai Embassy held a press conference for the Amazing Taste of Thailand event.
The Domain Hotel and Spa launched its Bubbly Breakfast brunch at Domain Privé.
Khaleeji Commercial Bank (KHCB) awarded Redha Abdulla Al Markhias a brand new Porsche Cayenne as part of its Al Waffer raffle draw.
Jawad Group launched the all-new DQ Bakes during a media lunch at Dairy Queen, Salmaniya.
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First Motors gifted an iPhone 6 to Ahmed Abdulmoneem Salim, winner of its Hyundai B1G Ramadan Instagram competition.
Invita Company launched the new Invita Training Center (ITC) during an inauguration ceremony at its premises in Manama.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
MEGA MART
Mega Shopping Fun This retailer offers all the essentials for islanders to welcome the new school term and usher in the festive season. The Mega Mart chain of stores, which also includes Macro Mart and Babasons, is buzzing with activity, and for good reason. The month of September not only sees the return of children to school but also the auspicious occasion of Eid Al Adha. At a time when convenience and affordability are key for busy families, these shopping outlets offer all school staples under one roof. From classroom requirements to uniform basics, school bags to lunch boxes as well as delicious snacks to fill them with, the supermarkets have it all. With Eid also round the corner, it’s the time for purchasing thoughtful gifts for family and friends. The island’s preferred retailer has a range of garments, home utility products, food ingredients and tasty treats for everyone to celebrate the festivities. What’s more is that all these items can be found at extremely competitive prices. This retail giant, which has gained the trust of islanders for the past 23 years, now brings added convenience to residents of Amwaj Islands with the opening of its 11th outlet. As with all other branches, this modern, European-style supermarket offers customers a mix of trusted brands, including Tesco products from the UK, known for high quality and costeffective pricing.
The friendly sales staff and managers are happy to assist shoppers find products or even order ones that are not available in-store. Mega Mart, Macro Mart and Babasons always have discounts, promotions and deals on items to give their customers the best shopping experience. Call 17 341-070.
OTHER EVENTS
Rhonda Daoud held a dinner party at her residence in Amwaj. KCA president K P Jose and acting general secretary Leo Pulppally held a flag raising ceremony in celebration of Indian Independence Day.
Mercury MENA celebrated Pakistan and Indian Independence Days at its headquarters in Seef.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Zain Bahrain won the Samsung Galaxy Cup regional football tournament.
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marketplace BAHRAIN DEVELOPMENT BANK
Leading Growth Bahrain’s economy is on a steady incline thanks in part to the initiatives and foresight of this eminent financial institution. Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) supports indigenous businesses that contribute to Bahrain’s economic progress. BDB started operations in 1992 with a vision to accelerate the country’s socio-economic development and encourage the growth of the private sector. The bank’s mission is to promote entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as develop the small and medium enterprises (SME) in Bahrain. It encourages Bahrainis to be self-employed and do their bit for the nation’s advancement. In keeping with the Economic Vision of the Kingdom, BDB makes it possible for youth to take advantage of the best quality financial and advisory services in order to achieve their careeroriented education goals. This vital institution aims to broaden the Kingdom’s entrepreneurial foundation and promote private investment in industrial and servicebased sectors. This further enriches the national pool of human resources and provides additional employment opportunities.
The bank also supports innovative investment to allow for the expansion and diversification of the island’s trading base. It offers unique financial and technical assistance to SMEs and focuses on mentoring start-up companies, business expansion, providing financial and technical assistance, advice on internal structure, organisational management and entrepreneurial training. Letters of Credit, Letters of Guarantee, BDB and Tamkeen Finance as well as loans for agriculture and fisheries are also provided. Additionally BDB extends financial assistance to specific employment-oriented enterprises promoted by Bahraini youth and women with the main objective of adding value to the Kingdom’s economy. Call 17 511-111 or visit www.bdb-bh.com.
OTHER EVENTS
Al Haddad Motors held a GLS roadshow to drive the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLS at Seef Mall Muharraq.
Capital Club Bahrain announced a monthly series of celebrity chef visits at a media roundtable held at the Bahrain Financial Harbour.
Khaleeji Commercial Bank announced its sponsorship of the Injaz Al Arab competition for young entrepreneurs.
Dragon City launched its Monday Wholesale Offer and Order campaign at shop numbers 42 and 44 at its premises in Diyar Al Muharraq.
Rami Productions held a press conference for its musical event Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik and Anuradha Paudwal Live in Concert Bahrain 2016.
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A A Bin Hindi held a private farewell ceremony for its longserving employee, Abdulkareem Mohammed Kunju.
Lebanon Trade Centre supermarket (LTC) awarded Abdulla Hamad Abdulla Saeed, winner of its second raffle draw of Win 4 Cars and 100 LTC free shopping vouchers, at its outlet in Isa Town.
Bin Hindi Motors handed over the first KIA Cadenza 2017 to Ali Abdulrahman at its showroom in Arad.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
marketplace business bites
Hotel Group Goes East Gulf Hotels Group (GHG) has opened its first marketing office in China. Located in Shanghai, the facility aims to attract more Chinese tourists by co-operating with China travel agencies and conference organisers and launching joint marketing initiatives which will highlight the diverse attractions of the Kingdom. The group plans several promotions and initiatives in China over the coming months with a series of workshops highlighting what the island has to offer, focusing on cultural tourism and the history of Bahrain, but also promoting modern-day events such as Formula 1. Group CEO, Aqeel Raees, says: “Chinese tourism is rapidly expanding and will have a major impact in the global tourism market. We are aiming to tap into this market and attract more visitors from the world’s most populated nation.” Stella Zho (above with GHG management) has been appointed sales manager at the new office and recently visited Bahrain to familiarise herself with the destination and the group’s properties.
Work Begins on Deerat Al Oyoun
Developer Diyar Al Muharraq joined key management from the Ministry of Housing, to witness the start of construction on Phase 1 of Deerat Al Oyoun, a ministry-led project aimed at helping to address the Kingdom’s housing shortage. Diyar is responsible for undertaking the financing and construction works on 3,100 units as well as infrastructure and community centres. Located in the heart of Diyar Al Muharraq, the Deerat Al Oyoun project will span 1.2 million sq/m and will comprise a residential area with integrated community service centres and green park spaces close to schools, transport links and public facilities. The residences will include thermal insulation, large living areas to allow the flow of natural light, car parking and provision for future expansion. The overall design of the project has been inspired by the Bahraini neighbourhood and aims to establish a close-knit community. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Skills Certification Revamp Tamkeen has updated its successful Basic Skills Certifications Scheme, designed to equip Bahrainis with crucial abilities for future employment. The new edition of the scheme, which is open to Bahrainis aged 16 and above, sees the project open to all licensed training providers and introduces a wider selection of certificates giving participants the option of learning a greater range of skills. The scheme has also become fully automated, allowing users convenient ease of online access. Dr Ebrahim Mohammed Janahi, Tamkeen’s chief executive, says: “Tamkeen is proud to bring back the successful Basic Skills Certification Scheme which is tailored to support Bahrainis seeking to increase their employability by learning integral skills. The new edition will ensure a more efficient user experience and will offer participants an even wider variety of skill sets to select, based on their needs, to position them to become Bahrain’s future difference makers.”
Campus-wide Connectivity University of Bahrain has implemented a state-ofthe-art wireless network infrastructure from Aruba, providing high performance connectivity for over 26,000 students and 1,800 staff. Implementation of the project was carried out by Kanoo IT (a division of E K Kanoo Group), Aruba’s integration partner in Bahrain. Eng. Attiya, director of the university’s IT centre, says: “We wanted our staff and students to take advantage of the mobility revolution as our goal is to transform into a digital university. A high performance Wi-Fi network would be fundamental to this vision.” With a campus that sprawls over five square kilometres in area and up to 10,000 simultaneous users on the Wi-Fi network, high-density, security, ease of installation and configuration and rapid troubleshooting were key requirements. One of the biggest challenges during deployment was the sheer scale of the project. Over 80 buildings had to be included for coverage and access to these could be hampered by security policies, university operational hours and other such factors. To overcome this, Kanoo IT, led by Noufal Nannambra, used Aruba’s 7200 series mobility controllers, allowing the university’s engineering teams to simply install the equipment at their convenience. The IT team could then remotely manage the setup and configuration. Sohaib Mohamed Alabdi (pictured), the university’s head of information networks division, says: “The recent upgrade using the latest Aruba technology has taken us one step closer to our digital transformation ambition.” September 2016 131
marketplace business bites
Hotel Group Goes East Gulf Hotels Group (GHG) has opened its first marketing office in China. Located in Shanghai, the facility aims to attract more Chinese tourists by co-operating with China travel agencies and conference organisers and launching joint marketing initiatives which will highlight the diverse attractions of the Kingdom. The group plans several promotions and initiatives in China over the coming months with a series of workshops highlighting what the island has to offer, focusing on cultural tourism and the history of Bahrain, but also promoting modern-day events such as Formula 1. Group CEO, Aqeel Raees, says: “Chinese tourism is rapidly expanding and will have a major impact in the global tourism market. We are aiming to tap into this market and attract more visitors from the world’s most populated nation.” Stella Zho (above with GHG management) has been appointed sales manager at the new office and recently visited Bahrain to familiarise herself with the destination and the group’s properties.
Work Begins on Deerat Al Oyoun
Developer Diyar Al Muharraq joined key management from the Ministry of Housing, to witness the start of construction on Phase 1 of Deerat Al Oyoun, a ministry-led project aimed at helping to address the Kingdom’s housing shortage. Diyar is responsible for undertaking the financing and construction works on 3,100 units as well as infrastructure and community centres. Located in the heart of Diyar Al Muharraq, the Deerat Al Oyoun project will span 1.2 million sq/m and will comprise a residential area with integrated community service centres and green park spaces close to schools, transport links and public facilities. The residences will include thermal insulation, large living areas to allow the flow of natural light, car parking and provision for future expansion. The overall design of the project has been inspired by the Bahraini neighbourhood and aims to establish a close-knit community. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Skills Certification Revamp Tamkeen has updated its successful Basic Skills Certifications Scheme, designed to equip Bahrainis with crucial abilities for future employment. The new edition of the scheme, which is open to Bahrainis aged 16 and above, sees the project open to all licensed training providers and introduces a wider selection of certificates giving participants the option of learning a greater range of skills. The scheme has also become fully automated, allowing users convenient ease of online access. Dr Ebrahim Mohammed Janahi, Tamkeen’s chief executive, says: “Tamkeen is proud to bring back the successful Basic Skills Certification Scheme which is tailored to support Bahrainis seeking to increase their employability by learning integral skills. The new edition will ensure a more efficient user experience and will offer participants an even wider variety of skill sets to select, based on their needs, to position them to become Bahrain’s future difference makers.”
Campus-wide Connectivity University of Bahrain has implemented a state-ofthe-art wireless network infrastructure from Aruba, providing high performance connectivity for over 26,000 students and 1,800 staff. Implementation of the project was carried out by Kanoo IT (a division of E K Kanoo Group), Aruba’s integration partner in Bahrain. Eng. Attiya, director of the university’s IT centre, says: “We wanted our staff and students to take advantage of the mobility revolution as our goal is to transform into a digital university. A high performance Wi-Fi network would be fundamental to this vision.” With a campus that sprawls over five square kilometres in area and up to 10,000 simultaneous users on the Wi-Fi network, high-density, security, ease of installation and configuration and rapid troubleshooting were key requirements. One of the biggest challenges during deployment was the sheer scale of the project. Over 80 buildings had to be included for coverage and access to these could be hampered by security policies, university operational hours and other such factors. To overcome this, Kanoo IT, led by Noufal Nannambra, used Aruba’s 7200 series mobility controllers, allowing the university’s engineering teams to simply install the equipment at their convenience. The IT team could then remotely manage the setup and configuration. Sohaib Mohamed Alabdi (pictured), the university’s head of information networks division, says: “The recent upgrade using the latest Aruba technology has taken us one step closer to our digital transformation ambition.” September 2016 131
winwin Bahrain This Month gives readers an exclusive chance to win watches from A La Mode. To win, all you have to do is correctly answer the questions. Hint: You can find the answers in this issue of Bahrain This Month.
Who got it right?
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Bahrain This Month received 92 entries last month, 87 of which answered all the questions correctly. Congratulations to everyone, particularly our three winners:
Which mall is hosting a back to school event? ______________________________________________
Winner : Aniceta Biadnes Second Place : Nimfa Jatico Third Place : Joeboy Tulabing
A new art exhibition exploring culture and identity is taking place at the Red Bull Art Space – Malja in Amwaj featuring which Kenyan artist? ______________________________________________ Which African DJ will appear at Novotel Al Dana Resort this month? ______________________________________________
Last month’s solutions:
Ad Seek:
2. La Bohème
2. Dodge Challenger & Charger
1. Cultural Hall
1. Alba
3. QBA Inside
3. Jeeves
4. Varghese Kurian
What is the name of Ala Ghawas’s new band? ______________________________________________
4. Mukta A2 Cinemas
5. Mukta A2 Cinemas 6. Chef Riichiro
Which Bentley was recently launched? ______________________________________________
7. Murg Malai Kebab
Al Haddad Motors sells which brand of car? ______________________________________________
10. August 11-13
8. Le Perle
9. ‘The power to surprise’
JAC Motors recently launched which model? ______________________________________________
Name:
Address:
What is being served every Monday at Ruka? ______________________________________________
Telephone: Email:
What is the name of the celebrity chef visiting Capital Club this month? ______________________________________________
CPR: 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.
Name two Mexican restaurants situated in Adliya.
Buy One COmBO meal and enjO AD Seek One mOre Same meal FREE (dine-in Only)
This is a fun game for all readers. Each of these pictures is taken from advertisements in this issue of Bahrain This Month. All you have to do is identify the ad and mark your answer below each ad clipping. So test your observation skills, and you may be a winner!
nO ju 1. www.bahrainthismonth.com
2.
3.
Op exh d tel
4. September 2016 133
info@ www.w
tarotscope
VIRGO August 22 – September 21 For your sign The World really does have its
SAGITTARIUS November 22 – December 21 If you’re feeling flirty then think again because it could end up being a bad move. You are advised to seriously decline any opportunity to indulge yourself in an impulsive fling because your ‘catch’ might not turn out to be all they seem. The grass may seem greener on the other side but there’s often a reason for that and when you take the plunge it often leaves you with more
hat on and the main area of light concerns a
regrets if you do it for the wrong reasons. Big choices here,
current relationship. If things have not been
Card of the Month — The King of Wands
going too smoothly lately then positive effort is
Sagittarius. Big choices!
CAPRICORN December 22 – January 21
going to bring about positive change. You will
September is the month that kicks off a very successful
find that a little time directed towards the one
also find that several problems that have been dwelling on
you love would go a long way to healing any
venture and sees your finances prosper greatly. You may your mind of late will be resolved and you will spend the month in generally good spirits, with the promise of even better things to come for
rifts that have been developing. Beware of
the remainder of the year. Keep positive – your sign can get low quite
ignoring this advice as you may suddenly wake
Card of the Month — The Seven of Swords
one day and discover that it is too late to save what you have! Card of the Month — The World
easily – and enjoy what you have right now.
AQUARIUS January 22 – February 20 This month sees your confidence stall as a work decision or action goes against you and leaves you questioning your future in a company. You may even find that a relationship is unhinged due to the resulting trauma and long-
For a detailed, personalised Tarotscope reading, contact Raphael by email: raphael@tarotscope.org.uk
harboured regrets will surface to haunt you. If possible, you should close the door on the matter to prevent further turmoil and difficulty. In fact this could be the time you finally decide to take the plunge and
LIBRA September 22 – October 21 You will find yourself quickly embroiled in a battle of words between friends and forced to take sides over an issue, which threatens to split a long-term relationship for good. If you are called upon to voice your opinion then think carefully about what you say. Idle or spontaneous talk will lead to a difficult
move on, which isn’t a bad thing. Card of the Month — The Four of Wands
PISCES February 21 – March 20 You may be planning a trip away this month, perhaps to spend time with relatives abroad, so caution is advised if taking along small children. A rocky period at work may lie
road ahead. On the career front, a new job may not be everything you
ahead and you are best to keep your head down and continue with your
had hoped it would be and leave you wishing you had not left the last
duties without paying too much attention to what is going on around you.
one in such haste.
As long as you perform all that is required of you, you will ride the storm
Card of the Month — The Page of Cups
without too much bother.
SCORPIO October 22 – November 21
Card of the Month — The Knight of Pentacles
If money has been a problem of late then the problem will
ARIES March 21 – April 20
not completely remove itself this month, although the
September sees you wrapped up in matters of work and
strain will get easier. A friend or family member may come
you could also be linked to the launch of a successful
forward with a proposal or loan that will help you and it may start you
project or business venture. Related to this, a friend will
on the road to an improved financial situation next year. Towards the
come to you searching for an answer they feel you can provide.
end of the month your thoughts may be directed to memories of the
However, be careful not to shatter too many of their illusions –
past that leave you pining for a lost love – but make sure you don’t
especially if they are not genuinely looking for the truth. If there is a
complicate matters.
chance to take a last-minute trip overseas then you should not refuse it.
Card of the Month — Justice
Card of the Month — The Six of Cups
134 September 2016
www.bahrainthismonth.com
advertisers index TAURUS April 21 – May 20
Fashion & Footwear
September sees you finally putting the ghost of an enemy or
PUMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,3 The Children’s Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
rival to rest as said person moves out of your life forever. A romance that has been developing well may stumble temporarily due to a secret coming out in the open that causes friction. You’re going to have to manage that as best you can. Just beware of the words you speak idly in a crowded room; they may fall upon devious ears and return to haunt you.
Financial Institutions
Medical & Dental Services Bahrain Specialist Hospital . . . . . . . . 87 Middle East Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Restaurants & Cafés
Home Furnishing Hotels & Serviced Residences
GEMINI May 21 – June 20 This month is about having to live with decisions you made earlier in the year. So if you have been unsure about the road you have taken, it’s too late to dwell on what might be an error and you will have to deal with the bed you have decided to make! Any doubts over a current relationship will continue to bother you and may be linked to your overall regrets in life at present. If matters concerning health have been worrying you then it might be a good idea to see a doctor.
Atiram Hotels (Premier Hotel) . . . . . . 88 Euro Motors (Jaguar) . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC International Hotels (Bushido) . . . . . .33 Ramee Grand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108,109 Regency Inter-Continental . . . . . . . . . 53 Starwood Hotels (Le Meridien) . . . . . 15 The Diplomat Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 The Domain Bahrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 The K Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Jewellery & Watches
Card of the Month — The Tower
Asia Jewellers (Cartier) . . . . . . . . . . . BC Asia Jewellers (Van Cleef & Arpels) . 4 Sharif Group (Polo) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
CANCER June 21 – July 20 The recent loss of a close friend is really starting to hit you emotionally and has triggered off a change in your thinking. You may find yourself reflecting on life and thinking about the purpose you have in it – maybe even sparking a career change. Any role in volunteer or social work might prove temporarily satisfying but the
Motoring
real need you have is for emotional fulfilment. It’s not quite the meaning
Ahmed Zayani & Sons (Jeep) . . . . . . . . . 69 Ahmed Zayani & Sons (RAM) . . . . . . . . . 77 Al Haddad Motors (Mercedes) . . . . . . . . 71 Behbehani Brothers (Porsche) . . . . . . . . 63 EK. Kanoo (Motor City:Subaru) . . . . . . . . 79 EK. Kanoo (Toyota) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Euro Motors (BMW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC,1
of the universe but it’s your meaning so get to understand it. Card of the Month — The Emperor
LEO July 21 – August 21 There is going to be a good financial reward heading your way this month as a new business venture really starts to find its feet. This is set to be an exciting time for you and your partners and the only real challenge is going to be how effectively you manage to keep pace with the demand. You may also be playing host to a last-minute visit from friends where some interesting secrets are finally let out of the bag. Card of the Month — The Eight of Pentacles
Prince Harry
Beyonce Knowles
Hugh Grant
FAMOUS VIRGO THIS MONTH
Others Al Ghalia Co. (Dessange) . . . . . . . . . . 13 BSPCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Dream Makers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FC Entertainment Plus (Horrible Histories) 100 Health Watchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Health Watchers (Majestea) . . . . . . 105 Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions (Gulf Property Show) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions (My Wedding Party) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Intercol:IAA (Canon) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Joz Salon & Spa:Toni&Guy Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Juffair Fitness Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Juffair Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Mega Mart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Mukta A2 Multiplex S.P.C. . . . . . . . . . 92 Nomination Italy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Pegasus Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,11 Premia Hospitality Personified . . . . . 61 Primedia International . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Saar Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Seven Leisure (Coral Bay) . . . . . . . . . 31 The British Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Bahrain Development Bank . . . . . . . . 49 Citibank N.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Phoenicia Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Card of the Month — The Four of Cups
First Motors (Hyundai) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 JAC Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Abd El Wahab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Casa Mexicana Restaurant . . . . . . . . 97 Havea Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Maki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Mooyah Burgers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Romano’s Macaroni Grill . . . . . . . . . . 89 Sumo Sushi & Bento . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 The Lanterns Restaurant & Lounge . 99 Wanilly Waffle & Crepes . . . . . . . . . 111
BTM retail sales outlets BAHRAIN THIS MONTH, your guide to a great way of life, is available at the following selected outlets:
● 24-Seven Minimart, all outlets ● 24 Hours Market, all outlets ● Al Hilal Bookshops, all outlets ● Al Jazira Supermarket, all outlets ● Alosra Supermarket, all outlets ● Amwaj Islands Market, Amwaj ● Aseel Supermarket, all outlets ● Babasons Market, all outlets ● Jawad Supermarket, all outlets ● Lulu Hypermarket, all outlets ● Mega Mart, all outlets ● Metro Markets, all outlets
● Midway Supermarket, all outlets ● Muntaza Supermarket, all outlets ● 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 Red House Marketing, 17 813-777 or email: bystander@redhousemarketing.com.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
September 2016 135
lastword
Old Man’s Rant GEG HOPKINS There is nothing more inaccurate than the notion that ‘English is the international language’. It is NOT English, it is a concoction of ‘pidgin’ droppings and bad grammar, which is fine and dandy in conversation or buying something in a shop, but it should be kept well away from influential broadcast/media, schools or nannies for that matter.
136 September 2016
Why is gold so precious? Well, it takes a large population of millions to produce just one artistic genius, or any vocation for that matter, but when there is no perceived qualification required for the intangible arts or product, then standards disintegrate to dust eventually. Advertising (an art) and broadcasting (an art) in all its forms in Bahrain and across the region so often produces hideous embarrassment. ‘Feeling Station Now Open’ – sounds like an interesting place. Sing song news readers and old but gold; ‘A navy jet crashed in the North Sea this afternoon but the pilot ejaculated to safety’, well lucky him. We have presenters, spieling nonsensical garbage and zero content respectively about the time and frequency aimed at five year olds. Welcome to Bahrain. It wasn’t like this 25 years ago. Sadly, awareness is near zero too. Huge banners on every lamp post proclaiming; ‘Newer Aircrafts’, shop signs with ‘Welcom English Sporken Here’ – ‘Know Barking On Baymunt’ and newspaper classifieds; ‘Sofa And Bed Shit For Selling’. Familiar? We even have ‘MILF Tailoring’? Now the mind boggles. It is not just Bahrain; but we should be rising above this with so much more pride. That is difficult when a huge chunk of the population are expatriates many of which can’t write their own language let alone speak a modicum of Arabic or English. There is not a mother tongue English speaker who understands what ‘brosted’ means, but whatever it is they do it to chickens. The British or American DO NOT ‘avail’ themselves of anything except in a massage parlour perhaps – and please don’t call us ‘pumpkins’ with your endless pishy, same script radio commercials. This bastardised English is all over the world, on every street and in all households now, with the Indian accent the most dominant. How quick was that? It was just a short decade ago, that only the dexterous Dutch spoke English fluently enough for commerce, without the aid of American movies. The
British were so grateful, especially if they just shouted louder to be understood in foreign countries. The rest of world were still singing Frère Jacques and struggling with ‘Dick and Dora’. Fortunately, most Bahrainis speak an amount of English and the Arabic flavour compared to some country accents is quiet pleasing to hear ‘in conversation’, especially soft spoken female. At great risk of shattering the egos and delusions of some of the nicest guys one could meet – having this heavy accented farrago broadcast pumped into one’s ears by the likes of the BBC or our own local radio and TV, generally and tediously tires one out as quaint as it sometimes sounds. The ‘Ifold Towwer’ and ‘Ion Fisher’ sort of have a ring to them. The appalling IVR systems (Interactive Voice Response) are just atrocious, but nobody cares or perceives it as bad and culprits innocently can’t hear themselves. Conversely, a foreign presenter speaking broken Arabic has more chance of stealing Mozart’s Yamaha synthesiser from the back seat of his Lamborghini in a shopping mall, than being accepted to broadcast on an Arabic channel. So,why torture the English? We now have Radio Bahrain amateurishly advertising on its own airwaves for DJs and presenters, knowing full well they mean only Bahrainis need apply. This will not improve quality, professionalism or bring the art to any perceived standard ‘to aspire to’ whatsoever. In fact, having to advertise for talent on your own airwaves is totally unheard of and unethical anywhere else and really does depict the level of absent professionalism. All major countries have ‘professional’ English channels with native language speakers anchoring. It is all for international ‘POLITICAL CREDIBILITY’, not just because a few expats are resident. If there is to be an English language station, then hire proficient, professional, “talented” English speakers (of any nationality) and stop all the inept jingoism. Bottom line; slick professionalism and boodles of content is what they need to create something to aspire to, not more mumbo jumbo, which so few listen to, especially with the might of the Internet crushing radio and TV to insignificance if it doesn’t compete at extraordinary levels of competence. Sadly, there is about as much chance of attaining such a desired mature platform here as seeing a transgender toilet installed in the City Centre. Radio Bahrain was a tower in its heyday (not a towwer), until that fell down one day – and loved to death with an air of freedom and wellbeing and fabulous for tourism. But wannabe amateurs and wholly incompetents, flying the national flag, given gauche positions in authority reigned. Naturally intimidated by the few sitting competent, they gradually committed a sort of genocide, cleaning out any potential threats. It is now an oblivious embarrassment, so just close it down if you can’t provide the goods. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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