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First of all... With Bahrain slowly flattening the curve, the Kingdom is also slowly reopening its different sectors. Industries like hospitality and tourism are reinventing how they offer their services safely. The August issue of Bahrain Confidential is filled with the latest happenings in and around the island. This issue will keep you in company with tips and tricks to enjoy a safe summer on the island – indoors or outdoors. Stay cool and stay safe!
Stay cool and stay safe!
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ArabianMagazines.com Established since 2001, Bahrain Confidential is a Bahrain-based monthly publication available both in print and online editions. It is the definitive guide to high-end Arabian luxury and lifestyle. It covers the best in lifestyle, luxury, fashion and dining, as well as local events, art, society, fashion, beauty and travel. The monthly print edition of Bahrain Confidential is distributed to Bahrain’s highest spending consumers and decision makers.
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August 2020 Issue 211
20 Interview with Bahrain Raid Xtreme’s Team Director
Contents
37 CHANEL: Les Beiges Summer of Glow
Fashion
36
More Squish, More Squeeze, More Comfort
37
CHANEL: Les Beiges Summer of Glow
Features
08
Bahrain Summer Festival
20
Interview with Bahrain Raid Xtreme’s Team Director
24
History of Lamborghini Colors
30
Interview with Bahraini artist, Sarah Rajab
32
Phone Review: HUAWEI nova 7 5G
42
What’s New on Netflix?
50
Food as a Business Productivity Tool
Going Out
16
5 Best Free Beach Spots You Need to Try in Bahrain
46
Everything you need to know about restaurant reopening
48
#ALLSAFE at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq
49
Safety First at Movenpick Hotel Bahrain
52
Summer Escape at Elite
24
16
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Events
Bahrain
Summer Festival The annual Bahrain Summer Festival is back for its 12th edition and is unlike ever before!
“B
ringing us Together Virtually”, this year’s highly-anticipated festival proves the unbreakable bonds that culture and the arts foster. Known for its multicultural and family-friendly entertainment, the program is online-based while maintaining the sensationalism and vigor that prizes this festival as one of the most important local and regional events. Enjoy the exciting, month-long program of online educational and creative activities, workshops, performances, tours and more, all from the safety of your home, and be part of this movement of cultural resilience.
Performances
2
August
8 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
Ismaeel Dawas Band Live Performance Qal’at Al Bahrain Site Museum Established in 1935, this folk band continues to perform important tunes that are a significant part of Bahrain’s cultural heritage. A staple at the Kingdom’s cultural and national celebrations, this band exposes younger generations to their inherited musical heritage while preserving it from extinction.
Find all events on Bahrain Summer Festival’s YouTube channel:
Events
6
August
6
August
7
August
Mohammed bin Faris Band 7PM-9PM
Gen Rosso 8PM-9PM
Consisting of elite musicians from distinguished folk music groups, the band performs various traditional songs part of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s cultural heritage. What characterizes their performances from other folk groups is their focus on genres that recall the nation’s pearling past like Fan Al Sout.
The international performing arts group Gen Rosso communicates messages of peace and universal brotherhood, thus claiming the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education in 1996. They are known for the internationality of their members, as well as their support of cultural dialogue and solidarity.
Ningxia Performing Arts Group
Qalali Folk Band 7PM-9PM
7PM-9PM The group has a large number of outstanding works with national influence ranging from operas to dance poems to musicals. Established in 2011, the Ningxia Performing Arts Group is the largest state-owned Chinese art group with six subsidiaries.
9
The band has transferred their particular heritage, one born in Muharraq’s village of Qalali, to the world through their continuous participation in local and international events. The century-old band performs authentic songs, dances and rhythms that revolve around Bahrain’s rich history that is inseparable from marine life.
August
Bahrain Confidential August 2020 9
Events
14 August
13 August
13 August
10 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
Dar Shabab Al Riffa Band – Live Performance 7PM-8:30PM
Arad Fort
Founded in the 1970’s by Mohammed Oraik, the band performs ancient folkloric voice arts significant to Bahrain’s cultural heritage while executing the nuances that exist across the nation. They play an important role in preserving Bahrain’s intangible cultural heritage, ensuring its exposure to younger generations.
Youth Symphony Orchestra of Russia 8PM-9PM These orchestra members were chosen as a result of the National Russian Classical Music Competition. Unique in its scope and concept, a truly unprecedented feat in Russia, the orchestra was first established in 2012.
Cendrawasih Dance 7PM-9PM Named after the rare birds-of-paradise, Cendrawasih, this Balinese dance is relatively new despite its choreography drawing inspiration from classical dance routines. The dance tells the story of life while imitating the beautiful movements of the Cendrawasih. Although the birds originate from Papua, another island in Indonesia, this special bird holds a deep meaning in Balinese culture.
Al Takht Band 7PM-9PM
16
Held in collaboration with the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in the Kingdom of Bahrain, enjoy an evening of various Gulf folk arts with Firqa’t Takht such as Sout, Samri and Qadri, as well as vocal arts from Yemen and Aden.
August
Events
Vocal Trash 6PM-9PM
19
Vocal Trash’s performance promotes green sustainability, as well as social awareness of issues like anti-bullying, to students globally. This, in turn, inspires the youth to make good choices through Vocal Trash’s mixture of popular music and dance. The cast is made up of young, award-winning professional entertainers highlighting environmental awareness in a fun and meaningful way.
August
16 August
Palestinian Folk Arts Band 6PM-9PM Spotlighting the Palestinian folkloric art entitled Talat, this ensemble is a source of Palestinian cultural identity and pride in the face of systematic oppression. The ensemble is keen on mixing folk-inspired dance with contemporary moves, expressing the spirit of the nation from the past to present such as through reinterpretations of traditional dance patterns like Dabke, thus reflecting their special vision for a contemporary Palestinian dance.
White Crow 6PM-9PM
21
This play is a twist on the conceptual ideas crows embody, showing the beauty of doves while exposing their opposites as a representation of the forces of evil seeking to destroy love and peace. A crow poses as a dove to steal wheat and is soon discovered for its false color and abhorrent voice, thus is abandoned by the group that entrusted it with this task.
August
16 August
Bahrain Police Band 8PM-9PM Led by Dr. Mubarak Najem, one of the most prominent composers in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the greater Arab world alike, the band participates in royal ceremonies, military and popular celebrations. The music they perform is a blend of sounds, namely military and traditional Bahraini music.
Upin & Ipin Syawal is Here 6PM-9PM
23
Follow the antics of Upin, Ipin and their friends as they spend yet another Ramadan together, and their extra-special Eid celebration as they’re surrounded by all their relatives. Come across important cultural elements of Malaysia throughout this film such as dodol, a traditional delicacy, and more.
August
Bahrain Confidential August 2020 11
Events
17 August
Workshops
4
August
9-13 August
12 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
Face Masks 6PM-9PM Acquaint yourself with the traditional Indonesian fabric known as batik, which uses a mixture of wax and dye for decoration. The masks created through-out this workshop aim to raise social awareness on the importance of wearing masks in combating the current pandemic.
Missoula Theatre 6PM-9PM The Missoula Children’s Theatre presents the Robin Hood playdate! The Robin Hood playdate is a five-day program of innovative activities, from costume to set design using household items, culminating with children sharing their 20-minute recorded plays for the chance to win Best Performance.
Vocal Trash – Singing 6PM-9PM This workshop aims to spread social awareness on peace, love and environmental issues so that children may make a difference through the arts. The basic principle behind this singing activity is perform more and teach less — the best method to engage with young creative minds.
Paper Restoration 5PM-9PM
25
The Bahrain National Museum is offering the chance to learn paper restoration techniques, emphasizing the importance of preserving beautiful and/or valuable papers throughout this workshop.
August
Events
Cooking
First Aid for Artifacts 6PM-9PM
25
Discover how to aid artifacts from decay and protect them from their surrounding environmental conditions throughout this workshop, held in collaboration with the Enkiru Children’s Club.
August
Puzzle Making 5PM-9PM
25
Under the guidance of Noor Hasan, participants will learn how to make educational games that teach numbers and letters using ice-cream sticks and cans.
August
Healthy Popsicles, by Farah Abu Maizar 5PM-9PM
8
August
Led by the creator of Every Little Crumb, Farah Abu Maizar, learn her homemade, healthy popsicle recipe — the perfect summer treat. Every Little Crumb is a popular Bahrain-based food blog with an active Instagram and website.
Spain Meets Bahrain, By Bassam AlAlawi 5PM-9PM
15 August
Led by the Head Chef of Darseen Café, the Bahrain National Museum’s official café, Bassam AlAlawi will whip up recipes bridging the cultural divides between Spanish and Bahraini cuisines using readily available ingredients.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza, By Sara AlKoheji 5PM-9PM
22 August
The Cooking Studio, owned by Chef Sara Alkoheji, will demonstrate how to make a Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza topped with Nutella and hazelnuts. Children can follow this recipe independently or with the help of their parents.
Healthy Food, By Waddah Swar 5PM-9PM
29
Waddah Swar, founder of Badawi Lebanese Restaurant, will cook an array of healthy dishes inspired by flavors of the Levant. Perfect for the entire family, the dishes can be completed using the simplest of ingredients.
August
Bahrain Confidential August 2020 13
Events
Tours
9
August
16 August
14 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
Bahrain National Museum Tour 5PM-9PM Genre: Virtual Tour Starting at the entrance of the Bahrain National Museum, the tour will commence with an overview of the museum’s history and excavation missions in Bahrain. Bahrain’s entire history, starting from the prehistoric age to the modern day, will be covered as the tour covers the Bahrain National Museum’s various halls, including the temporary exhibition hall that oversees a number of local and international exhibitions.
Qala’at al-Bahrain Site Museum Tour 5PM-9PM Genre: Virtual Tour Learn about the importance of Qala’at alBahrain, one of the most important sites in Bahrain and the greater Arabian Gulf, as the site is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Accompanied by Nakhool and Nakhoola, this tour will discuss the various civilizations that have continuously inhabited the site.
Bu Maher Fort and Pearling Path Visitor Centre Tour 5PM-9PM
20 August
Genre: Virtual Tour Discover a part of the Pearling Path, the second site in the Kingdom of Bahrain inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, with a tour of Bu Maher Fort and the Pearling Path Visitor Centre! Research shows that the Bu Maher Fort traces back to 1840, and it is intertwined with the Kingdom’s long history of seafaring and the pearl trade as the fort is on a beach and functioned as a port for fishing boats.
Post Office Tour 5PM-9PM
30
Genre: Virtual Tour Tour the original post office of Manama, renovated as a museum documenting the history of postal services in the Kingdom of Bahrain throughout the years. With content from Ministry of Transport and the Philatelic Bureau, the museum is home to an archive of photographs, a complete catalogue of Bahraini stamps as well as stamps from all over the world, a collection of vintage cancellations and more...
August
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Going Out
Soak in the Sun Here are five public beaches you can visit this summer! If you’re looking for a beach to spend the weekend with your family or just a quick afternoon date with a loved one, here is a list for you. Bahrain has a lot of wonderful beaches and here are some that’s free for the public!
16 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
Going Out
Al Jazayer Beach Al Jazayer Beach is Bahrain’s biggest beach and draws a lot of people especially during the weekends. It is quite a drive from the Bahrain’s center but is near other tourist spots like Bahrain International Circuit and Al Areen Wildlife & Park reserve. Visiting it alongside the other spots would make the drive super worthwhile. The beach is wide and has shallow waters perfect for families. It also has a playground and a couple of food trucks. A portion of the beach is currently being renovated so expect more stalls and attractions to come in the future.
Abu Subh Beach
Arad Fort Beach
Located near Budaiya, Abu Subh Beach (also known as Diraz Beach) is a great spot for families and children. The beach has loads of different stalls and food trucks lining it and has a playground for kids. Runners and dog-walkers are also a common sight. Abu Subh Beach is a popular spot for locals and families so dressing appropriately is a must.
You can head to this small stretch of sand and blue waters when you visit or take a tour at Arad Fort. It’s not a popular spot for swimming but you can always have a lovely stroll or quick dip of your feet in the waters. It’s also near Bahrain’s center so malls and stores are only a short drive away.
Bahrain Confidential August 2020 17
Going Out
Budaiya Beach Park Budaiya Beach park is another family friendly destination that has a children’s park, a ball park, and lots of food stalls. The beach usually gets crowded during the weekends but you’ll always find a spot in its wide stretch of sand. The beach has clear clean waters and is the perfect spot for a sunset view.
5
Best free beach
spots you need to try in bahrain.
Karbabad Beach This beach near Seef isn’t visited for swimming, but it gets crowded nonetheless for the view and the regulars it has. Karbabad beach has a lot of entertainment at night, ranging from numerous food stalls to large bouncy castles. In the morning, quad bikes and horse riders are what you’ll see often. The spot often has lot of birds flying around and is perfect for a sunset view too.
18 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
Features
Confidential
Feature
An
‘Xtreme’ Adventure Bahrain Confidential interviews David Richards, Team Director of Bahrain Raid Xtreme.
David Richards
20 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
Feature
Kingdom of Bahrain which has paved the way for motorsports in the Middle East, under the guidance and leadership of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. We, at Prodrive, have had a long-held ambition to compete in the Dakar Rally as has the Kingdom of Bahrain and today, with a joint venture between Prodrive and Mumtalakat, and with Prodrive International’s foray into Dakar, this has led to the birth of BRX. It is worth noting that last year the Kingdom of Bahrain sponsored the winning car in the inaugural Dakar Rally in the Middle East. This year, they wanted to take things a step further and enter their own team and raise their own flag in the Dakar Rally 2021.
We are extraordinarily lucky here at Prodrive to have a clean sheet of paper to design what we believe is, in our opinion, the ultimate Dakar car.
T
ell us a bit about the Bahrain Raid Xtreme (BRX), when did the idea come about and how was it founded? The Dakar Rally is one of the great challenges within motorsport, and one that Prodrive has been wanting to undertake for a long time; waiting for the right opportunityWe have found great synergy with The
What are the team's aspirations in the upcoming Dakar Rally? The Dakar Rally is one of the most challenging competitions in motorsport with only 69% of participating cars making it across the finish line, but BRX have big ambitions for when we line up on the start line in January 2021. The course for the 43rd edition of the Dakar Rally will be brand new and the most unforgiving one to date. When you go to a new category of motor racing with regular competitors who have a lot of experience, you cannot be complacent, you have to accept that there is much to learn, but I’ll be disappointed if, when you are sitting on the start line, everybody doesn’t see us as a potential winner. We've learned that BRX will be using advanced cars specifically designed by Prodrive – can you share more about this? What makes it so special? We are extraordinarily lucky here at Prodrive to have
Bahrain Confidential August 2020 21
Feature
Xtreme
We will do several thousand kilometres of testing in the next six months and I have no doubt that we will be competitive come January 2021, but the Dakar Rally is a long event, and anything can happen, so you have to be realistic about your expectations.
a clean sheet of paper to design what we believe is, in our opinion, the ultimate Dakar car. The bespoke car, is set to compete in the T1 category. Based on the route for the upcoming race, our team have created a four-wheel drive car, powered by a 3.5-litre turbocharged petrol V6. The 4-wheel drive car has a high tensile steel structure, and a lightweight carbon fibre body, combined with a powerful V6 turbocharged engine to allow it to traverse the toughest terrain at high speed. To travel the vast distances across the longest stages of the Dakar Rally, the car carries up to 500 litres of fuel. The exterior is very distinctive, with its striking red livery, combined with styling evolved by Callum Designs, headed by Ian Callum, one of the world’s leading automotive designers of the past 30 years and former design director at Jaguar. This car was not only two years in the making it was probably another two years in the gestation period and thinking about it alone. How confident are you going into the race with this vehicle? With the wealth of motorsport experience within BRX team ranks, we feel well-positioned to be a forerunner when BRX sets out from Jeddah next year.
22 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
How do you prepare for an event where virtually everything is an unknown? There’s no doubt that the global pandemic and the current situation has imposed many challenges across different sports and events world-wide. Prodrive is very adaptable and if it means working 24/7 to complete everything in time that is what will happen. For the time being, everyone is working from home and the manufacturing side is well in hand to be completed on schedule. Looking beyond the BRX team, how important is this race for the country? When you think of Dakar you automatically think of adventure, you think of wide-open spaces, you think of crossing inhospitable landscapes and Saudi has all that in multitudes. We can go from the mountain region to the desert region to wonderful landscapes all around the country and what Dakar will do for Saudi is bring that wonderful adventure, that excitement and that wonderful landscape that is Saudi Arabia to the rest of the world. For Bahrain, it isthe kingdom’s latest foray into the motorsport world and represents the first Middle Eastern team to enter the race with its own completely new vehicle. n
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Feature
History of
Lamborghini Colors Bahrain Confidential interviews Giovanni Perosino, Chief Commercial Officer at Lamborghini.
A
re SUVs going to become the future of performance driving? Throughout the history of the automotive industry, manufacturers have developed new models in line with trends and customer’s needs, be it coupes or limousines. The same can be said about performance SUVs, which have seen a sharp incline in the last few years. Manufacturers are introducing vehicles that they would not have been able to make in the past and are proving quite profitable for brands. When we speak about the Urus for example, we have developed a car that encompasses the super sports car DNA of the Aventador or Huracan, in turn creating our best-selling model. It is a Lamborghini through and through and it is as at home on the road as it is on the track.
Super SUVs are indeed proving more dynamic than super sports cars; however the two are very different. While we may see an increase in more SUVs, the super sports car will still play a crucial role in the identity of a brand. For Lamborghini for instance, the future of performance driving means exploring new technologies, harnessing the power of electrification and developing super sports cars that encompass our legacy in order for our customers to expect the unexpected. Can you share a bit about the history of Lamborghini colors? How have the trends changed over the years? Lamborghini has always paid attention to color, and puts optimum customer satisfaction as a key consideration when choosing a color for our cars. It all started with production of the Miura in 1966,
Personam Aventador
24 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
Feature which was very progressive for its time. The stylistic elements of fine design, and the innovations in color that have traditionally characterized Lamborghini super sports cars, began with the Miura. 763 Miuras were delivered throughout the world, in three versions produced until 1972, and in some 60 different colors.
Countach
Lamborghini has always paid attention to color, and puts optimum customer satisfaction as a key consideration when choosing a color for our cars.
This trend continued again with the production of the Lamborghini Countach and Lamborghini Diablo, which wore iconic colors like Metallic Blue Tahiti and Thirty Metallic, continuing Lamborghini’s pioneering use of bold color. This has continued into modern times with the most recent Lamborghini Models and has become a staple of our identity. Producing cars that stand out with a wide variety of colors available for unique types of customers is something that is very much part of our DNA.
We solidified this even more in 2016 with the creation of the Ad Personam Studio department. This innovative complex of creativity and design located in Sant'Agata Bolognese provides our customers the opportunity, among other things, to live an exclusive experience where the cars are created for them with over 250 color options to choose from. How has customization shaped the identity of Lamborghini? Personalization is one of the biggest trends in the automotive industry today as more manufacturers look for ways to appeal to their customers. At Lamborghini, we have been doing this from our very inception. Ever since Lamborghini was founded, customers have been able to choose from a wide range of colors as well as the freedom to choose their own, ensuring a truly unique creation. This is a staple of our design philosophy. With our Ad Personam program, we now shifted the focus to allow customers the ultimate freedom and design the car of
Bahrain Confidential August 2020 25
Feature
Diablo
their dreams. Customers have an infinite number of possible combinations, from the colors to the materials: from the logo on the seat that may be hand stitched instead of branded, to the initials stitched inside the vehicle’s interior, or even a custom color, all meeting the company’s exacting standards of quality. Our customers in turn receive the full Lamborghini experience. Along with the Ad Personam program, customers will have a team of experts to support them through every step of the process inclusive with a guided tour of the factory where they can also preview some of the configuration possibilities for their Lamborghini. Lamborghini is always thinking dynamically about the best solutions to challenges, and our new virtual Ad Personam studio consultations have been carefully devised to support clients who, in times where we are all cautious about international travel, still want the special, one-to-one experience of creating an entirely personalized car. We still look forward to welcoming clients to Sant’ Agata Bolognese in the future but we expect more than 150 Ad Personam consultations to take place virtually within this year, and continuing as an option for the future. n
26 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
Huracán EVO Spyder Dr.Woo
Personalization is one of the biggest trends in the automotive industry today as more manufacturers look for ways to appeal to their customers.
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Feature
Raising the Bar for Hospitality Bahrain Confidential speaks to Rayan Kammoun, the new Cluster Director of Marketing & Communications of Rotana Bahrain.
T
ell us a bit about yourself. How are you finding your current position? I am a Lebanese holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication with almost seven years of experience in Marketing. I am currently the Cluster Director of Marketing and Communications for Rotana Bahrain. It’s a new experience for me since I am new to the hotel industry. Nevertheless, I find the current position to be challenging yet rewarding; it also helps broaden my expertise to different areas in hospitality.
Rayan Kammoun Cluster Director of Marketing & Communications, Rotana Bahrain
28 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
What can guests expect at Rotana hotels during the “new normal” and beyond? How do you plan to continuously raise the bar for hospitality? Considering the drastic changes on work and travel, Rotana was one of the first establishments to launch a full program called “Rotana Safe Space”. This program is designed to give peace of mind from check-in to check-out – offering a contactless experience throughout the entire stay with significantly
Feature
What kinds of guests do you have right now? Are international guests welcome? Guests from the GCC are our main clientele. With the current situation and the travel restrictions, we are focusing on the local market and designing packages and promotions to target the locals and expats in Bahrain. Once the travel restrictions are lifted, we will resume targeting our usual guests in GCC in additional to expanding to new regional and international markets.
Difficult times call for strict measures and we have put in place new safety measures by introducing our newly launched programme “Rotana Safe Space”. enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices and other precautionary measures and protocols in place. Rotana Hotels considers the health and safety of its employees and guests as the utmost priority. Furthermore, we are offering a variety of attractive promotions for the local market. We aim to provide Bahrain the best staycations while taking into consideration the safety measures.
In the middle of difficulty lies an opportunity – how true is this for the hospitality industry in your opinion? The current situation has in fact introduced us to a new definition for hospitality where it is mainly focusing on the safety of our guests, partners and colleagues. Difficult times call for strict measures and we have put in place new safety measures by introducing our newly launched programme “Rotana Safe Space”. This was an opportunity for us to implement further standards to our existing precautionary measures and protocols, which proved to be a silver lining in these unprecedented times. Is there a saying/motto that guides you? “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today” H. Jackson Brown What is your favorite place in Bahrain and why? Everything about Bahrain is nice and it has a lot to offer more than the eye can see so it’s quite difficult to pick favorites. Its beaches, culture and history and a diverse range of restaurants are some of the things I like about Bahrain. Bahrain has a friendly and welcoming society. I enjoy living in Bahrain because it feels like home! n
Bahrain Confidential August 2020 29
Art
Face to Face
Sarah Rajab
Bahrain Confidential speaks to Sarah Rajab, the Bahraini artist known for her vibrant and quirky digital portraits.
S
arah Rajab is a young Bahraini-Filipino artist who is taking Instagram by storm with her works of art. You might have seen several accounts using vibrant portraits drawn by her. Just recently, we had the chance to talk to Sarah to know more about her humble beginnings, art style and more. Tell us more about yourself. Who are you and what motivated you to get into art? I am Sarah, a Bahraini-Filipino student living in Bahrain. I have always been drawn to art since I was a little girl. In school, my teachers would always ask me to paint on the walls because I had “steady hands�. However, what really
30 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
Art motivated me during the past few years was the support I got from best friend, who saw the potential in me and pushed me to pursue my dream. What does art mean to you? For me, art is a form of escapism. When I work on my pieces, the experience takes me to another world. Art helps me cope with a lot of things like stress. When I paint, I am able to forget everything else and focus on what matters to me. Art changed my life. Can you describe your artistic process? Other than taking commissions, I usually go on Pinterest to find inspiration. When I see something that I feel like drawing, I save the picture and go on Procreate (an app in my iPad) to start
When I work on my pieces, the experience takes me to another world. Art helps me cope with a lot of things like stress.
drawing. I usually start with a sketch then polish some outlines. After that, I start adding colors, shadows and all the details I like to add. Finally, I add a background color that fits the artwork. How do you know when an artwork is finished? After I’m done with an artwork, I like to give it some time to “rest”. I look back at it after a few hours or so; once I’m satisfied with the outcome, I know that the art is ready. Otherwise, I’d add small details to finish it off. What advice would you say to aspiring artists? The best advice I would give is that, if you’re inspired by other artists don’t copy them. Instead, find your own style; play around with your mediums and materials until you create your own. Originality is really the key. Which part of Bahrain is your favourite and why? I like Amwaj because it is quiet, peaceful and is close to the sea. I enjoy the beach life! n
Bahrain Confidential August 2020 31
Feature
Here are the reasons why you should buy the
HUAWEI nova 7 5G! Get your hands on the first midrange 5G phone packed with a super high-resolution camera and a powerful performance!
H
uawei has made a mark with their remarkable lineups of powerful devices. This time, the brand is surprising everyone once more by launching a flagship device to a wider audience, the HUAWEI nova 7 5G. Want to know more? Scroll down to see the reasons why you should buy this new device!
Sleek design and elegant colors They say first impressions last – from the moment we unboxed the HUAWEI nova 7 5G, the elegant design of the phone left a lasting impression on us. Since the flagship device is focused on the younger users, the style reflects a youthful vibe on its appearance. At the back, the phone features a 3D curve glass for a compact and lightweight design; the front boasts a 6.53-inch full display. The phone is available in trendy colors: Space Silver, Midsummer Purple and Black.
Great overall performance The HUAWEI nova 7 5G runs on the Kirin 985 5G Soc (octacore CPU running a 2.58GHz core, three 2.4GHz cores and four 1.84GHz cores), which delivers a fast and efficient performance
32 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
Feature
– from playing multiple mobile games to doing your daily productivity tasks. It also comes with an 8GB RAM which makes for a smooth app performance in addition to its 25GB internal storage. During our hands on with the HUAWEI nova 7 5G, it was able to take care of even the most demanding responsibilities. The phone was a delight to use for gaming and multitasking as it was devoid of any frame dips and stuttering. Furthermore, the device’s built-in AppGallery (official app marketplace) and Petal Search (new search tool) give you the stability and accessibility to the apps that you will require.
5G connectivity What makes the HUAWEI nova 7 5G stand out from other mid-range phones? It is its 5G connectivity to support faster speeds. Its price range also makes it one of the most inexpensive 5G-enabled smartphones in Bahrain, aimed at the youth.
Huawei is known for their phones that have ‘supercamera’ features and the HUAWEI nova 7 5G has also proved to be a capable shooter.
Massive battery with fast charging Powering HUAWEI nova 7 5G’s immersive features is the massive massive 4000mAh battery, and 40W HUAWEI SuperCharge support. This lets you charge the phone back up to 70% in just 30 minutes!
Flexible cameras Huawei is known for their phones that have ‘supercamera’ features and the HUAWEI nova 7 5G has also proved to be a capable shooter. The phone impresses
Bahrain Confidential August 2020 33
Feature
SPECIFICATIONS NETWORK
Technology
GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
BODY & Model
Dimensions
160.6 x 74.3 x 8 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.31 in)
Model
JEF-AN00
Weight
180 g (6.35 oz)
SIM
Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Type
OLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size
6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~86.3% screento-body ratio)
Resolution
1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
OS
Android 10, EMUI 10.1, no Google Play Services
Chipset
Kirin 985 5G (7 nm)
CPU
Octa-core (1x2.58 GHz Cortex-A76)
GPU
Mali-G77 (8-core)
Card slot
No
Internal
128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Quad
64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
DISPLAY
PLATFORM
It is its 5G connectivity to support faster speeds. Its price range also makes it one of the most inexpensive 5G-enabled smartphones in Bahrain.
MEMORY MAIN CAMERA
8 MP, f/2.4, 80mm (telephoto), PDAF, 3x optical zoom 8 MP, f/2.4, 17mm (ultrawide) 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
with its 64MP Hi-res AI Quad Camera system comprising a 64MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide camera, 8MP telephoto camera and a 2MP Macro camera. These features are great for shooting photos in rich detail in unnatural and different lighting situations. Selfies, on the other hand, are managed by a 32MP front camera that takes advantage of the f/2.0 wide aperture lens. Users can also take advantage of the HUAWEI nova 7 5G for vlogging as it supports 4k 30fps capture with EIS to ensure steady videos. The 64MP quad-camera system also supports cool Huawei video features such as HUAWEI Dual-View Video Mode. This feature lets users produce creative videos featuring two different cameras at the same time. Like what you see? That is just the tip of the iceberg! The HUAWEI nova 7 5G is available to order from Huawei website https://bit.ly/329jPwA for Bhd 184.9. Purchase of the new phone comes with gifts that include the HUAWEI Watch GT and a 6-month screen insurance. n
34 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
SELFIE CAMERA
SOUND COMMS
FEATURES
Features
LED flash, Panorama, HDR
Video
4K, 1080p, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS
Single
32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Features
HDR
Video
4K
Loudspeaker
Yes
3.5mm jack
No
WLAN
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth
5.1, A2DP, LE
USB
2.0, Type-C 1.0 reversible connector, USB On-The-Go
Sensors
Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
BATTERY
Non-removable Li-Po 4000 mAh battery Charging
Fast charging 40W, 75% in 30 min (advertised) Reverse charging 5W
MISC
Colors
Black, Space Silver, Midsummer Purple, Red, Green
Feature
Quarantine Introspection Riya Bhansali shares some insights on self-reflection amidst the pandemic.
T
his will be the mark of a new era, where everything is wiped off and we all have a clean slate moving ahead. A rebirth where we can choose to rewrite with awareness what we want, find new patterns to innovate. From hustling to stillness; a standstill. The effects of Covid-19 have made a permanent impact – human patterns of spending and consumption have changed
Riya Bhansali is a life coach and corporate trainer who has trained more than 3000+ people both in the Gulf and India. Riya Bhansali @riyyog
The effects of Covid-19 have made a permanent impact – human patterns of spending and consumption have changed drastically.
drastically. From a time where every luxury was a need, we are now forced to stick to our needs. No amount of luxury gave any advantage to anyone. It is
a perfect time to let go off all redundant things. I personally enjoyed that people were learning new skills and reliving their hobbies. It also gave us time to connect with our loved ones, making us adapt to the new normal. I took it as a perfect time to dwell into the past, to pause and to reflect. As a life coach, I did this process of reflection by answering simple questions…Very useful… Try it out! • What new activities or old hobbies did you enjoy doing? • What’s one thing you would change about your lifestyle permanently? • What’s the one redundant activity you were forced to let go of that was previously impossible? • Identify your closest people. How can you manage to keep in touch on a regular basis? • What’s the one life lesson you remember moving ahead? This made me aware of the basics. I felt more centered prioritizing what mattered and will keep these lessons in mind moving ahead. n
Bahrain Confidential August 2020 35
Fashion
M
ore Squish, ore Squeeze, ore Comfort
adidas Originals Launches Two New ZX 2K BOOST Sneakers.
S
ever further into the future. Championing squishiness over everything while elevating comfort and satisfaction, the bold silhouette takes its lead from the more layered designs of later ZX models, such as the iconic ZX 00 Series.
Designed with satisfaction over logic, each ZX 2K BOOST model fuses elements of the ZX series with Boost™ technology to create a new expression that needs to be felt to be understood. The audacious, hyper-modern ZX style is front and center, bolstered by unexpected technical details that push the series
Getting into the details, the shoe’s upper is made from an engineered mesh, treated with welded overlays and a tongue-free ‘step-in’ construction which ensures a comfortable ankle fit. Then, the shoe’s jagged design combines with a more technical lacing system to create a true statement look. Meanwhile, the use of a full-length wrapped Boost™ midsole brings the ultimate squish. Finally, bringing the bold look to life, the ZX 2K BOOST sneaker releases in two distinct colorways: solar yellow/hi-res red and white/ violet pink. n
ince its original launch in 1984, adidas Originals’ ZX series has been at the cutting edge of running shoe design. Relentlessly combining a forward-thinking aesthetic with the very best tech, ZX has always stood out as the off-beat innovator of the Originals family. Now, adidas Originals continues in this vein, welding the distinctive language of the ZX series with two other groundbreaking chapters in 3-Stripes history to create the squishiest ZX yet.
36 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
Feature
Sail into summer with a naturallooking glow using CHANEL’s new makeup line!
CHANEL: Les Beiges Summer of Glow
u S
r e w o l G mm
I
nspired by the relaxed lifestyle of the French Riviera, LES BEIGES sets sail this season with an exclusive collection: SUMMER OF GLOW.
LES BEIGES SUMMER OF GLOW shakes up summer with a powerful breeze of freedom. Luminous, it is an infusion of beloved summer light. Delectable warmth on the skin. Lightweight, inspired by the aura and free spirit of Mademoiselle Chanel, this new collection has only one goal in mind: a sun-kissed healthy glow that seems revived by the great outdoors. Lips and eyes are illuminated by warm shades with coral shimmers and energy that shines down to the fingernails in summery colors. n
Bahrain Confidential August 2020 37
Health
HV Holistic Health -
The UNIQUE HV Holistic Way Thoroughly assessed to give you an individualised process.
O
ur Initial Consultation is an eye opening discovery of your own body. The first section actually takes place at home, we send you two questionnaires to complete. These questionnaires give us an in-depth look at your bodies physical, mental, and physiological stresses. After the questionnaires are complete, the next phase will be in HV Holistic Health, the portion of our Initial Consultation is our discussion with you. We go into the depths of your medical history, injuries and previous habits, discuss your needs and help you to set achievable goals. We go through your current diet,
38 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
Health
Prescription of exercises that really works for you.
so we are able to figure out what nutritional advice you need. Carrying out fundamental benchmark health screening to check suitability of exercise. We then analyse the curvature of your spine, forward head, and pelvic alignment to highlight any postural deviations that can be corrected through exercise. In addition to this, we also look at your everyday movement patterns, so we are aware how your body moves in comparison to how it should move. Prescription of exercises that really works for you. The next phase isn’t everybody’s favourite but, an enlightening tool that identifies your weight, fat mass, muscle mass, hydration level, and more. This gives us a clear starting point for your wellbeing journey. The Map1080 is a tool that helps reveal differences in movement symmetry, checking for hip, knee, ankle, shoulder and spinal mobility. A lack of mobility can be reflected in reduced ability to perform certain exercises. This test allows us to tailor volume of exercise appropriately to required areas.
We also take time to assess your ability to use your core and abdominal muscles appropriately without bringing in secondary muscles to aid with movements. One of the reasons for many cases of lower back pain is the overuse of secondary muscles, resulting in reduced protection of the lower back region. The final phase is our sensory test, this test highlights if you have any issues with balance or coordination, it can also confirm any imbalances with your current posture which may have previously been identified in postural observations. Assessing your body, and gaining the information from the Initial Consultation is vital for our work with you in the future. Visit us at HV Holistic Health to explore your body, and find out how we can help you. n At HV, we can give you nutritional guidelines that can help change your lifestyle and boost your immunity. Contact HV on 17775544 or e-mail us info@ hvholistichealth.com
Bahrain Confidential August 2020 39
Apps & Tech
OnePlus 8 Pro OnePlus 8 Pro features a 6.78 inches Fluid AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with Corning Gorilla Glass protection. The smartphone features a 48 MP (wide) omnidirectional + 48 MP (ultrawide) + 8MP telephoto lens + 5MP color filter (depth) cameras at the back. The front camera is a 16 MP (wide).
ech GADGETS
Beoplay E8 Sport
A rundown of the latest in apps and gadgets…
Bang & Olufsen takes its first venture into sports with the announcement of the true wireless earphones Beoplay E8 Sport. The earphones are housed in a compact wireless charging case that blends performance driven materials from the sports universe, such as rubber and textured silicone, with strong and corrosion resistant anodized aluminum that has been a Bang & Olufsen trademark for more than 50 years.
Samsung Odyssey G7 Samsung Odyssey G7 curved monitor is the ultimate combination of curvature, comfort, and competitive edge, giving gamers the advanced performance they need and demand.
40 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
Fitbit Charge 4
Asus Chromebook Flip C436
With Fitbit Charge 4, there’s no limit to how far you can go. This sleek, swimproof tracker is packed with features that help you know your workouts and your body better—like built-in GPS, Active Zone Minutes, new exercise modes and sleep tracking.
The ASUS Chromebook Flip C436 features a durable 360-degree hinge, quad-speakers, Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, fingerprint security, 14 inch display, 4-sided “frameless” NanoEdge Display, all metal finish, and USB Type-C made to fit a content creator, programmer and power seekers. Experience an ultrabook spec Chromebook that has the power and flexibility to get everything done.
Apps & Tech
Woven With Woven, you can sync your calendars across multiple accounts in one place so you can get a realtime look at not just your calendar, but your life – an insight you can share with the right people.
Wysa Wysa is an emotionally intelligent chatbot that uses AI to react to the emotions you express. Unlock techniques that help you cope with challenges in a fun, conversational way. For extra support, take guidance from a real human coach - a qualified mental health professional. Leveraging behavioral techniques, coaches help you identify, design and work towards goals that are aligned with your true values.
Apps
RescueTime RescueTime is an automatic productivity and time tracker that helps you understand and control the time spent on your Android device. Get rich insights into how you spend your day, build better habits, and beat distractions.
Procreate
Audible
Loved by creative professionals and aspiring artists alike, Procreate is the leading creative application made for iPad. Offering hundreds of handmade brushes, a suite of innovative artistic tools, an advanced layer system, and the lightning fast Valkyrie graphics engine, Procreate gives you everything you need to create expressive sketches, rich paintings, gorgeous illustrations and beautiful animations.
Start a new routine with Audible. Your place for listening to the world’s biggest selection of audiobooks, kids’ stories, and bitesized audio content, anytime, anywhere.
Bahrain Confidential August 2020 41
Feature
Playing for a Greater Good Bahrain Confidential interviews American Mission Hospital’s Corporate CEO, Dr. George Cheriyan.
42 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
Feature
The AMH Island Classic Charity Tournament is the hospital’s major fundraiser that was first instituted 23 years ago. The charity tournament primarily revolves around raising funds to modernize the hospital but every year, a portion of the proceeds are set aside for community outreach events. Several outreach programs for those in need have been made possible through the Island Classic; this includes elderly care homes, children with special needs and more. Last year, the tournament had raised BD26,500 in cash and BD39,000 in kind, according to Dr. George Cheriyan.
The AMH Island Classic Charity Tournament is the hospital’s major fundraiser that was first instituted 23 years ago.
F
or over a century, the American Mission Hospital has been providing care for the people in Bahrain. However, the hospital’s ideals still remain unchanged in over a hundred years of its service. The institution has proved to be an integral part of Bahrain’s healthcare industry especially amidst this pandemic. Just recently, we had the chance to speak to AMH’s Corporate CEO, Dr. George Cheriyan about the latest happenings as well as the much anticipated AMH Island Classic Charity Tournament.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, AMH has only managed to cover community outreach programs through online media this year. The programs were aimed to provide psychological support for adults and children coping with COVID-19 and isolating at home. Nevertheless, AMH will still continue its muchanticipated Island Classic this year with all precautionary measures and guidelines observed. Dr. George says that they do not expect a drop in teams this year but rather an increase in participating teams; since this will be the first tournament since the start of the pandemic. “The coronavirus crisis has made us more resolute and stronger, to remind ourselves that the human spirit is resilient and will overcome all challenges. The Island Classic embodies this spirit of playing the game for the greater good of quality healthcare for all, for which the American Mission Hospital exists”, Dr. George added. n
Bahrain Confidential August 2020 43
Feature
Are Schools in Bahrain Fully Prepared for
Remote Learning? Digital learning has become a critical resource for the current educational setup brought upon by the coronavirus pandemic.
F
or educators and parents at every level, one of the biggest worries has been the students’ access and ability to learn online.
In Bahrain, educational institutions have suspended classes on 28th February after the Ministry of Education announced that all public and private schools and universities, would be closed as Bahrain tightened measures to combat the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
44 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
Feature
In March, Bahrain’s Ministry of Education (MOE) joined forces with Amazon Web Services (AWS), to power the Learning Portal for students all over Bahrain. The Kingdom has later on revealed that more than 140,000 in the country are using the electronic education portal.
The Indian School’s online classes use prerecorded videos of teachers which children can view at any time. The teachers come to school in small batches to shoot these videos which are then uploaded on the parent portal. The school has now also facilitated live online classes.
Meanwhile, many schools in the Kingdom easily transitioned to online learning, continuing classes “like normal” through Google Classroom or Zoom.
The Asian School has gone online using Zoom for live classes. For students from grades 1 to 8 – an online report card is made available to parents based on past performance and internals.
Many schools in the Kingdom easily transitioned to online learning, continuing classes “like normal” through Google Classroom or Zoom.
Meanwhile, The New Indian School’s online classes use Google Classroom and Zoom. Teachers are currently receiving training in small batches to learn to efficiently use the online platforms. Despite the tools at the teachers’ disposal, many of their students aren’t able to connect due to the lack of equipment, stable internet connection and even support at home to keep them focused on school work.
The future of online learning
Are schools providing the right learning resources and technology for teachers? To maintain the quality of education, teachers should remain relevant and re-orient their practice toward designing learning tasks that challenge and motivate students. However, from preschool to college, technological gaps present overwhelming issues that hinder educators from giving their maximum capacity. We contacted a few of the top schools in Bahrain, to know more.
The pandemic presents a magnificent opportunity for educational institutions, ministries and telecommunications sector to help the school system into transitioning into a more resilient one – not only during the current outbreak but for the next pandemic as well. In the end, the real question still remains unanswered: How will the educational institutions and the local community in Bahrain help ensure that every one of the students has equal access to learning resources? One thing we know for sure is that remote learning must not allow students to become more remote. n
Bahrain Confidential August 2020 45
Going Out
Restaurant Reopening: What You Need to Know Here are the health measures restaurants and coffee shops will need to follow once they reopen in September.
A
s restaurants and coffee shops resume their operations on September, the health ministry released some guidelines in which these establishments can protect their employees, customers and the community. Here are some of the important safety measures you’ll need to know. These guidelines and measures may change, so please check the Ministry of Health’s website regularly for updates.
Temperature Checks Temperature checks are mandatory for the staff and customers before
46 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
Going Out entering the premises. Anyone who has a temperature of 37.5°C or higher will be denied entry. Those who exhibit any symptoms associated with COVID-19 will also be asked to leave the premises; authorities will be called.
Advance Reservations Restaurants and coffee shops must encourage advance reservations. Entry for guests without reservations may be allowed, provided that social distancing guidelines will still be met.
Contact Details
Staff and customers with face masks at all times (except when eating/drinking).
Contact information of all guests will be recorded and kept for 30 days from the date of reservation.
2-Meter Distance There must be a 2-meter distance between the edge of tables and in all four directions; permitting only 50% of the table’s capacity to be used, with a maximum of 5 customers per table. For private events, a maximum of 20 people per group are allowed. Furthermore, only one reservation may be hosted at any time.
Waiting Outside Guests must wait outside the premises until they can be seated.
Single Use Items Shared condiments must be removed from tables and served in single-use sachets and tins. Only pre-wrapped disposable cutlery, straws, stir sticks, chopsticks or toothpicks can be provided to customers.
Electronic Payments Customers are encouraged to used
electronic and contactless payments to lessen the risk of spreading the virus. Apart from the above, check if these items are available inside the restaurant: • At least 70% alcohol-based sanitizers • Paper napkins • Reusable table cloths, placemats and table napkins • Increased number of trash bins and frequency of trash pickup • Staff and customers with face masks at all times (except when eating/ drinking) n
Bahrain Confidential August 2020 47
Feature
#ALLSAFE Sofitel Becomes the First Hotel in Bahrain to Achieve #ALLSAFE Certification by Bureau Veritas.
A
s the world starts to open its doors again, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa stands well prepared to safely welcome its guests by implementing the ALL Safe Program, which was developed alongside hygiene solutions specialist Bureau Veritas, a world leader in testing, inspections and certification, that covers all touch points when it comes to providing hotel guests and team members with a safe and enjoyable experience.
The safety and wellbeing of our guests and team members has always been, and remains, our priority.
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa has successfully completed all requirements under this
48 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
innovative program resulting in it being officially certified, reassuring guests it has implemented the highest cleanliness and safety standards. The latest of these safety measures includes the introduction of the ‘ALL Safe Officer’ program. This unique initiative introduces a new role within the hotel, focusing on appointing one officer responsible for ensuring the implementation of all sanitary procedures and addressing any inquiries from hotel guests. “The safety and wellbeing of our guests and team members has always been, and remains, our priority. Receiving the ALL Safe certification while we have also been implementing local regulations is a statement to the efforts our teams are making every day to achieve this.” says Mr. Mehdi Hanayen, General Manager at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. Accor’s new ALL Safe program is dynamic in the sense that it evolves according to any shifts in consumer behaviors and expectation. This has paved the way for the introduction of new safety measures, focusing on protecting our guests and team members at Sofitel Bahrain.n
Feature
Safety First
Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain has received Accor #AllSafe label, certified and audited by World leader in testing and inspection “Bureau Veritas”.
A
s part of Accor Premium brands, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain has received Accor #AllSafe label and was audited and also certified by Bureau Veritas on the 19th July 2020, a world leader in testing, inspections and certification of global safety and highest hygiene standards.
According to the hotel, the safety and wellbeing of our guests is always their priority. The Accor All Safe Programme and Bureau Veritas SAFE GUARD labels ensure cleaning and hygiene protocols are implemented to the highest standards within the hotel while following the local government
regulations and guidelines to protect guest’s health and safety during the ongoing pandemic. According to the hotel, the safety and wellbeing of our guests is always their priority. As part of Accor Hotels, recognising that consumer priorities have drastically shifted following the global Covid-19 pandemic, programme highlights include tailormade operating protocols, cleaning products technology and team members training developed in partnership with hygiene solutions specialist Bureau Veritas. The initiative is bolstered by Accor’s strategic partnership with global insurance giant AXA which, as of July 2020, will be providing guests at its 5,000 properties worldwide with free medical support that includes consultations with medical professionals by phone or in the location where they are staying. n For more information about the All safe programme visit http://worldwide.accor.net
Bahrain Confidential August 2020 49
Feature
Food as a Business Productivity Tool When plant-based diets are discussed they are generally guided by personal consumption and our emotional attachment to food‌
50 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
Feature
I
ts health benefits are regularly touted in mainstream media as more significant research and evidence emerge on its positive effects in the short and long term concerning chronic illnesses and overall health. However, the benefits to our business and economic ecosystems are seldom discussed. According to Gallup polls, the cost of lost productivity due to obesity and other chronic health conditions results in about $153 billion in the US and an estimated $27 billion in the UK annually. If 10% of the total population commits to high adherence to a plant-forward diet containing soy, societal cost savings in the United Kingdom are estimated at $14 billion, however, more research is needed to verify how much societal cost savings can be achieved.
increases in productivity. Compared to employees at other GEICO locations, they also found out that eating a plant-based diet reduced anxiety, depression, fatigue, as well as improved overall health. While wellness programs are usually offered at executive levels of management, extending it to all employees with the inclusion of a plant-based diet will have amplified returns on investment to all stakeholders of the business.n
Obesity rates are steadily increasing in Bahrain, which puts our population at higher risk of noncommunicable diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes (which are also the 2 leading causes of death in Bahrain), and cancer. As of 2018, obesity in Bahrain is at 40% for adults. It’s clear we have a health epidemic in our midst. While white-collar jobs only make up an estimated 38% of Bahrain’s workforce, they are found in the most productive sectors of the economy, such as the financial sector, which is Bahrain’s second most productive sector. We have a lot to gain from cutting health-associated productivity losses. Businesses love an easy, cheap, low-tech, and scalable solution. A 4-month study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found just that in plant-based diets. Studying enlisted GEICO employees as research subjects at five locations, those who ate a guided plant-based diet at and outside work, managed to not only shed significant amounts of weight; but also reported
Shivani Sathasivam is an economist, marketer and an expert on plant based business and living. She is the founder of Plant Based Bahrain & New Normal Consultancy.
Bahrain Confidential August 2020 51
Feature
Elite Summer Escape Elite’s Summer Escape will be a real treat to everyone! Enjoy their special offers and packages this summer until September 30!
52 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
Feature
value for money with only BD39 Net per night inclusive of taxes and service charge, Wifi internet and packed breakfast for two persons in the suite. Meanwhile, the elegant two bed room suite with a special rate of BD60 net makes a perfect choice for a family of four people to unwind with a personalized packed breakfast service at the suite.
Elite Grande Hotel The hotel’s two bed room family suite is a perfect place to unwind in a relaxing atmosphere with the personalized service by a dedicated team.
E
lite Hospitality Group has created Elite Salamatik program which is implemented at all their hotels in Bahrain in various locations.
Elite Salamatik ensures that every guest will have a safe stay with their family and friends, in face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The group has taken various steps to protect their guests and employees, for this purpose.
Elite Seef Residence Hotel The hotel’s one and two bed room family suite are elegantly furnished in modern leather interiors with a fully equipped modular kitchen, lavish bathrooms, a home theatre system with in-house TV channels, Digital Satellite television system and 24 hour personalized room service with special menus offering lavish choices with great value. The one bed room suite starts at BD33 net per night including taxes and service charge, inclusive of Wifi internet and breakfast meal for two persons with hot beverages and selected fresh Juices.
Elite Resort & SPA Hotel
Each spacious suite is lavishly furnished with grand bathrooms, complete home theatre systems in each bedroom with DVD, and HDTV Satellite channels, hi-speed Internet access, Direct Dialing facility with voice mail and digital safe-deposit lockers. The two bed room suite starts at BD60 Net only including taxes and service charge, Wifi internet and breakfast meal for four persons with hot beverages and selected fresh Juices. The hotels gym and pool are offering a special rate for all the guests and day use access.
Elite Hospitality Catering The excellent food and service, we are known for is now delivered to your doorstep. Specializing in institutional catering in offices and factories, Elite Hospitality Catering is supplying to large corporates, Banks, Factories and Ministries. They also cater for all events such as: receptions, cocktail parties, BBQ's, birthdays, anniversaries and graduation celebrations. n For bookings and more details please call: +973 17 558 200 or visit their website: www.elitegrouphotels.com
The spacious one bed room suite offers this summer real
Bahrain Confidential August 2020 53
Feature
Innovative Dining The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Introduces PLEX’EAT for Safe and Luxurious Dining.
restaurants and lounges inside the resort. The bold introduction is in line with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s measures to begin easing the strict guidelines on restaurants and bars. With the use of PLEX’EAT, aesthetics is maintained while guests can dine safely with the transparent cone hanging from the ceiling. Like pendant lights, PLEX’EAT units surround each person’s upper body so that one can enjoy a meal with friends without having to worry about the spread of the pathogen. The protective shields are a unique combination of artistic form and function that can be positioned corresponding to the seats around the tables. An overture on the back allows guests to easily move, enter and exit from the transparent dome. Strikingly beautiful, and a pure piece of art, PLEX’EAT is created by Christophe Gernigon, a French designer and decorator who has been working in the fields of interior design and scenography for over 20 years. n
T
he Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain continues to elevate the guests’ experience by providing innovative solutions to provide a safe experience amidst the COVID-19 global pandemic with the new PLEX’EAT. True to its promise of elegance and luxury, the 5-star property introduces the well-designed Plexiglas visors guaranteed to make guests feel safe while dining in select award-winning
54 Bahrain Confidential August 2020
For additional information, or to reserve your stay, please call (800) 00995, the hotel directly at (+973) 1758 0000. ritzcarlton.com/bahrain @ritzcarltonbahrain
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relax enjoy the moment in amwaj
Our private terrace is the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy our hospitality
welcome home
GULF SUITES HOTEL, AMWAJ 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroom hotel suites
for family, business & pleasure
+973 16030001
amwajgulfsuiteshotel
www.gulfsuiteshotel.com