Bahrain Confidential - January 2019

Online edition at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com

193 The Best in Bahrain

Issue

Revolution for the Precrafted Houses Interview with Mr. Robbie Antonio The Founder and CEO, Revolution Precrafted BAHRAIN BD2 KSA SR20 KUWAIT KD2 OMAN RO2 QATAR QR20 UAE DHS20 Complimentary Copy

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Nicholas C. Cooksey Editorial

Angela Acosta Miguel Antonio Kate Jelley Dr Lana Peters Dhanyasree M SALES & Business Development

Charlie Cooksey Design

Dhanraj S Photography

Aneesh Mathew Rafnaj KP Admin & Finance

Nikesh Pola Distribution

Mohammed Yousif For Advertising Opportunities Call

Charlie Cooksey M. +973 3652 0004 charlie@gulf-insider.com

Published by:

y p p Ha

r a e Y

w e N

First of all...

As we settle into 2019, we focus on fresh resolutions and new adventures.

As you get ready for the new year, let us help you prepare – from fashion choices to dining options, we’ve got you covered. As always, Bahrain Confidential’s new issue is packed with exciting reads to keep you entertained this holiday season.

A new year is the best time to make fresh beginnings – write a good one!

Cheers to the good times ahead!

Best wishes from the Bahrain Confidential Team!

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Printed at Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej, Bahrain.

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Visit: Bahrain-Confidential.com

The Best in Bahrain Bahrain-Confidential.com Online edition at ArabianMagazines.com Established since 2001, Bahrain Confidential is a Bahrainbased 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.

Online edition at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com

193 The Best in Bahrain

Issue

Revolution foR the PRecRafted houses interview with Mr. Robbie antonio, the founder and ceo, Revolution Precrafted BAHRAIN BD2 KSA SR20 KUWAIT KD2 OMAN RO2 QATAR QR20 UAE DHS20 Complimentary Copy

Online edition at Bahrain-Confidential.com

January 2019 Issue 193

20

28

BC Fashion Trends

Revolution for the Precrafted Houses

10 82

54

28 30Â 32 38 18 70 74 78

77

Juicy Pickings Not to be Missed Beautiful Women of Bahrain

Features and Interviews Revolution for the Precrafted Houses Setting Standards Celebrating Milestones Careem NOW

k c i P s ' Editor

Fashion Fashion Trends

Going Out The Foodie Edit Magnifique Memories FRUNCH!

18

OPEN NOW !

A brand new IDdesign store opened in Seef district

2019 CATALOGUE INSTORE Mandarin Tower, Seef District Phone: ( +973 ) 1773 7919 www.iddesign-bahrain.com

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Follow @Bahrain Confidential Here’s our top social media posts from last month. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page!

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Events

Not to be

For more entertainment, dining & nightlife, turn to Bahrain 101 listings on the back pages.

January

Missed

January

January

January

1 -5 1 -10 1 -31 17 25th Al Ayam Cultural Fair

5,000 Years of Pearls from Bahrain

Where: Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre

Where: Bahrain National Museum

A successful book sale with the participation of publishing houses from both Arab & International countries and accompanied by several distinct cultural activities.

The 5,000 Years of Pearls from Bahrain exhibition celebrates the opening of the second visitors’ centre of the ‘Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy’ in the heart of Muharraq. The exhibition showcases an exceptional selection of pearl jewellery from the collections of the National Museum of Bahrain, Mattar Jewelers and the Cartier Collection.

For more information: alayamfestival.com

miss Dont rite favou r u o y s Day

10 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

For more information: culture.gov.bh

Design Crossroads: The Jewellery of Saudi Arabia Where: Bahrain National Museum The exhibition showcases an exquisite selection of jewellery from the collections of the ‘Art of Heritage’ in Riyadh. The displays reveal the diversity of colours, patterns and forms and the myriad influences that animate local designs in Saudi Arabia.

For more information: culture.gov.bh

MEVS - Middle East Vape Show Where: Bahrain International Circuit Middle East Vape Show 1st and largest Vape Event in the Middle-Eastern Region, right in the heart of Bahrain the fastestgrowing country in GCC, easy to access with a lot of offers from World-Class Vape Industry Player.

For more information: 3413 3443

YOUR HOME IS EVERY SHADE OF YOU INTRODUCING IDENTITY. THE 2019 JOTUN COLOUR COLLECTION. Designed exclusively for your home by Jotun, this collection is your starting point to create your very own personal space.

Enjoy the ideas and inspirations for a home that reflects your personality and tells your unique story.

Discover our 2019 colour collection by visiting www.jotun.com or a Jotun store near you.

Events

Missed For more entertainment, dining & nightlife, turn to Bahrain 101 listings on the back pages.

January

January

Not to be

January

January

17 17-19 20-24 23-31 Little Archaeologist Where: Bahrain Fort Site Museum Join the Enkiru Kids Club in the “Little Archaeologist” workshop to learn more about archaeology and the restoration of artefacts. Open for kids 7 to 12 years old.

For more information: culture.gov.bh

Bahrain Schools Expo Where: Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre The Bahrain Schools Expo features education system, curriculum, facilities, costs and advantages, education system, development, from the Education & Training industries.

For more information: bcci.bh

miss Dont e ourit v a f your s Day

12 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Food is Culture IV

Autumn Fair

Where: Bahrain National Museum Foyer

Where: Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre

Every year five artists and five chefs get together and work to produce a creative product; be it a painting, installation, video, cake, drink, all or something completely different. The result of their two months’ work, which is documented in a short film and a publication, will be presented during the course of the week, where they share and display their collective creations.

For more information: culture.gov.bh

Now in its 30th edition, the Autumn Fair is Bahrain’s largest and most popular consumer products show.

Discover and explore the huge variety of products on sale during this 9-day extravaganza.

For more information: theautmnfair.com

Halla Bahrain, we’re here Book your ride in minutes

From Adliya to Amwaj, Saar to Juffair and more, we’ve got it covered.

Book a Careem anywhere in Bahrain and we’ll be there in minutes.

Yalla, let’s go ;)

Events

Best in Dubai

What's On - What's New

Mughal-e-Azam at Dubai Opera Where: Dubai Opera

Momoland Live in Concert Where: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium Among the first string of concerts marking the start of 2019, K-Pop girl group Momoland is touching down in Dubai for their first concert in the Middle East, ‘Momoland Live Concert’. Catch the viral sensations behind ‘Bhoom Bhoom', a platinum-certified single with over 250 million views on its YouTube music video at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on 4th January for one night only.

For more information: +971 4 457 3212

The award-winning classic Indian play Mughale-Azam is making its way to Dubai Opera from 10-12 January. Khan’s Mughal-e-Azam is an extravagant display of Bollywood glamour and classic grandeur. With over 300 cast and crew members, costumes by celebrity designer Manish Malhotra, and lavish set displays, the live-singing stage production is guaranteed to take spectators on an emotional roller coaster.

For more information: +971 4 440 8888

Arnaud at The Junction

2nd International Kite Fest

Where: The Junction, Alserkal Avenue

Where: Al Mamzar Park, Beach Area 1

Returning to the familiar stage in 2019 on 5th January, Arnaud is bringing the newest edition of his show, building upon the legacy of his previous performances.

Audiences can expect his all-time classic moves with added autobiographic elements and new awe-inspiring effects. Arnaud is an award-winning illusionist who has baffled audiences as esteemed as the Dutch Royalty. He’s distinguished by his unique productions that blend captivating storytelling and stand-up comedy with mind-blowing illusions that take viewers on a mesmerising journey.

The International Kite Fest is back for another year on 18th January at the popular beachside venue Al Mamzar Park. Watch a colourful array of kites as they take to the skies or fly your own with pride and get a chance to win prizes and awards. Along with all the kiteflying fun there will be kite-making workshops for little ones and various activities, music from DJ’s, and food stall set-ups at the event.

For more information: +971 4 3388 525

For more information: +971 50 658 1940

14 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

YOUR JOY KNOWS NO BOUNDS… Exotic holidays in God’s Own Country from The Raviz ◘ Refreshing natural beauty ◘ Charming destinations ◘ Exciting activities & entertainments

It is unforgettable holiday!

Reserve your stay now.

The Leela Raviz Kovalam

The Raviz Ashtamudi

The Raviz Calicut

The Raviz Kadavu

Keraleeyam Restaurant

Favourite Kerala Ayurveda & Spa

‫ﻋﻄﻠﺘﻚ ﻣﻊ ذا راﻓﻴﺰ‬

The Raviz Resort & Spa Ashtamudi, Thevally PO, Kollam, Kerala, India promotions@theraviz.com | Toll Free : 1800 4252 2220 www.theraviz.com

Events

Arijit Singh Live in Dubai Where: Dubai World Trade Centre One of India’s most in-demand artists is taking a break from recording the latest Bollywood hits for a live concert in Dubai on 11th January. Arijit Singh is known for his dreamy, soulful tunes and moving poetry that explode into megahits soon after their release. The 31-year-old singer behind emotive melodies like “Tum Hi Ho” and “Channa Mereya” and catchy tracks like “Dilliwaali Girlfriend" is coming back after a two-year hiatus to perform his versatile discography at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

For more information: +971 50 734 2004

George Ezra Live at DWTC Where: Dubai World Trade Centre On 22nd January, ‘Shotgun’ sensation George Ezra is bringing his deep bass-baritone and infectious dynamism to the halls of Dubai World Trade Centre for his official Dubai debut this January. The 25-year-old English singer-songwriter rapidly rose to stardom with two defining hit albums that explore a range of genres from folk-pop and rock to blues. George Ezra’s debut performance in the region is a must-see event.

For more information: +971 800 86823

Music in the Studio Presents The Ayoub Sisters Where: Dubai Opera Discover a universe of world-class musicians and multi-instrumentalities in the latest series of Dubai Opera’s Music in the Studio on 30th January. After an incredibly successful season last year, the experience is returning with an opening show by The Ayoub Sisters. An inspired family duo, Scottish-Egyptian sisters Sarah and Laura Ayoub will play an arrangement of classical and new age melodies on the violin, cello and piano. The notable works of composers Saint-Saens and Monti will share an unlikely stage with pop artists like Jennifer Lopez and Ed Shereen in an evening to touch all generations of concertgoers.

For more information: +971 4 440 8888

Junoon Reunion Concert in Dubai Where: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium After a 13-year hiatus Pakistan’s most iconic rock trio Junoon is reuniting for a highly anticipated concert in Dubai for the first time in the band’s history on 18th January. Hailed as the U2 of South Asia by New York Times, Junoon is one of the largest rock bands to emerge from the country’s young music history.

For more information: +971 4 457 3212

16 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Fa ll/ B W C in 's te rG ui de

Dolce & Gabbana

F

ashion

The Sicilian Lace

Dolce&Gabbana Beauty introduces The Sicilian Lace: an easy-to-use, go-anywhere palette of Make Up essentials for eyes, lips and face included in an elegant case adorned with a unique and iconic motif inspired by the lace fabric. A beauty must have that fits in everyone’s bag and the perfect gift to celebrate the end-of-year festivities.

Trends Dolce & Gabbana

Spring 2019 For Spring 2019, the duo dove deep into their brand DNA, presenting a whopping 151 looks that touched upon several D&G signatures: romantic black lace, rich floral prints, baroque fabrics, Sicilian and religious inspiration and sexy, curve-hugging silhouettes.

Available soon at Moda Mall.

18 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Fashion

Kenzo

Kenzo’s SS19 Collection celebrates summer ceremonies, gatherings of all sorts and the jubilation of rituals. occasions where new-romantic hedonists meet British wedding goers and all the in-betweens. The men’s collection focuses on the blending of tailoring with sportswear and the admiring of proportions. For women’s, Kenzo goes high summer with aplomb.

Available soon at City Centre.

Bottega Veneta

Pre-fall Collection Creative director Daniel Lee presented his first collection for the Italian brand, grounded in its tradition yet infused with new techniques and interesting contrasts of materials. For Pre-Fall 2019, young designer Daniel Lee has tapped the house codes while cautiously introducing new designs and tweaks to a solid repertoire of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, shoes, and accessories.

Available soon at Moda Mall.

Bahrain Confidential January 2019 19

Fashion

Lacoste

Women’s Carnaby Evo Carnaby Evo is one of the brand’s most emblematic models. Reflecting a timeless style, it evokes the elegance of René Lacoste on the courts. This winter, LACOSTE presents two new versions which adopt two strong style codes: colour blocking and piping. The first is a two-tone, two-material version comprising a white leather and pearl grey suede upper embossed with the word LACOSTE. Available at City Centre.

Longchamp

SS19

Vibrant silhouettes of ‘70s glamour, the Californian spirit and an audacious sense of Parisian elegance are at the core of Longchamp’s inspiration this season. For her first runway show, Creative Director Sophie Delafontaine makes a tribute to life-long admired aesthetics of inimitable tastemakers Anita Pallenberg and Veruschka seamlessly blended with the style of the universal Longchamp woman.

Available soon at Saks Fifth Avenue.

20 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Dana Mall 17553555 - East Riffa 17773355 - Ramli Mall, A’ali 17646455 - Hidd 17465599 - Juffair Mall 17555588 - Galleria 17172727- Atrium Mall - 17799888 info@bh.lulumea.com

Fashion

Look 2

Look 1

Michael Kors

Transeason 2019

Look 1: Vanilla Faux Mongolian Coat, Nude/ Rosewood Stemmed Floral Crushed Crepe De Chine Dress, Chrissie Hobo Look 2: Suntan/Black Plaid Stretch Wool Vest, Suntan/Ivory Floral Crushed Silk Georgette Blouse, Suntan/Black Plaid Stretch Wool Cuffed Trouser, Crawford Shoulder Bag Available soon at City Centre.

Roberto Cavalli

Pre-fall 2019

The Roberto Cavalli Pre-Fall 2019 collection featured a look book shot on the cobbled streets outside the newly opened pop-up shop on Front Street in New York’s Seaport district. Creative Director, Paul Surridge’’s motivation was about celebrating the codes but with a more sensitive vibe adding a more modern touch.

Available soon at Moda Mall.

22 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Fashion

Tory Burch Paule Ka

30th Anniversary The 2019 spring-summer collection, designed by its founder and artistic director, Serge Cajfinger, for the 30th anniversary of the fashion house Paule Ka, is an ode to this woman: “inspired by the years when I myself was 30. A hymn to love, sensuality, freedom, and the joy of living. I had a wonderfully good time recreating the festive spirit that reigned at Studio 54 in New York, at the Palace, or at the Bains-Douches in Paris. I added the graphic style I love from Greece, without forgetting the masculinefeminine theme or the little black dress, a must-have for every wardrobe.”

Available soon at City Centre.

Resort 2019

“For Resort 2019, I was inspired by all the things I love. Stripes, done in different styles, including a 3-D version in pleats with contrast-color edging. Longer hemlines, some asymmetrical.

Relaxed silhouettes. The natural beauty of combining a simple knit and a skirt, a clean tunic and a pant. There’s a nod to my favorite book, The Little Prince, by Antoine de SaintExupéry, in a watercolor print we have named Daydream.

We updated the classics with special details — like the perfect white cotton shirt, now with a scalloped or elongated collar, or an easy denim dress, with a ruffled placket. Accessories continue the less-is-more mood: easy totes, flat sandals and lemon- and clementine-shaped pendants.” — Tory Burch Available soon at City Centre.

24 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

REGISTER NOW The British School of Bahrain provides a variety of after school activities for BSB students as well as students from other schools. Whether your child is interested in sports, creative subjects or performing arts, or if you need to improve your child’s social, analytical and problem solving skills, you can always find a suitable programme at the BSB Academies.

Contact the Academies team on +973 1761 0973/43 or send your enquiry to academies@thebsbh.com The British School of Bahrain Building 1080 Road 1425 Block 1014 Hamala, Bahrain

ACADEMIES:

• Swimming Academy • Gymnastics • Basketball • Tennis academy • Spears Football Academy • Taekwondo Academy • Performing arts • Music Academy • Art Academy

NEW ACADEMIES:

• Arabic Academy • Creative Minds • S.T.E.M Lab

Feature

Explore | Learn | Grow

BSB Academies - where children discover their passions

B

SB Academies provide a variety of after school activities for BSB students as well as students from other schools. Over ten programmes are carefully selected to provide a varied offering on the school premises in Hamala. Each one of the BSB Academies is developed by experienced and talented coaches in many fields. Whether it is sports, creative and performing arts or even language support, the BSB Academies have everything under one roof. Parents now have the opportunity to improve their child’s social, analytical and problem solving skills in a safe and supported environment.

Creative Minds Creative Minds is a Robotics Academy that provides the perfect environment for students to experiment and learn about robots.

Students have a lot of fun learning the basics of programming and eventually become able to programme robots to carry out a set of given tasks!

The BSB Academies were established in 2011, with the aim to develop students’ skills and knowledge in numerous activities and endeavours so as to be able to pursue their passions in life. The Academies reinforce the benefits of team work, self-discipline and a healthy lifestyle. BSB coaches strive to improve the students’ confidence and skills in a fun and friendly environment.

Swimming The BSB Swimming Academy is run by several highly qualified and experienced coaching teams. With many programmes available, the academy caters to students from different age groups (starting from 3 months) and swimming levels. The coaching takes place in the school’s indoor, temperature controlled and 25m Squad Pools. It is a fantastic opportunity for parents and their children to bond whilst learning water safety and awareness through games, songs, motion and verbal communication.

Arabic Academy Recently opened for Arabic and non Arabic students, BSB Arabic Academy is run by “Skills Center” and aims to establish the skills, language and attitude required to promote and facilitate the further study of Arabic. The students learn to effectively read, write and speak in Arabic.

26 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Gymnastics BSB Gymnastics Academy (Gymfinity) delivers high quality training for all gymnasts from the youngest beginners to the experienced squad level. In fast-paced active sessions, the coaches use a variety of apparatus which includes floor, beam, bars, vault and trampette. The gymnasts eventually manage to develop a set of

Feature Football Academy Football Academy develops children confidence, alertness and improves students’ skills in a fun and friendly environment. The training takes place on BSB’s world-class playing surface at the school. The groups start from 3 years old and run separate courses for girls. The academy aims to improve the technique, overall performance and understanding of this beautiful game.

Taekwondo Students can explore the traditional art of self-defense, Taekwondo. All classes are supervised by Chief Instructor, Fadi Humaidan, who holds a 5th degree black belt from the World Taekwondo Federation and has an impressive 20 years of experience.

skills that any professional gymnast would aspire to: strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and coordination.

S.T.E.M Lab Focused on functional physics, S.T.E.M Lab enables students to enjoy flying objects and a lot more! It nurtures aspiring pilots, aero design engineers or any other budding scientists and engineers. This academy introduces students to structural engineering, aerofoil design, theory and history of flight. The activities are geared towards teaching the students about work bench ethics and Engineering Design Models (EDM). The academy also teaches students how to perform 3D printing/ rapid prototyping and use computer aided design (CAD).

Tennis Academy Run by tennis professionals “Athletics Kings”, students are coached to reach their potential in the game. The European qualified tennis coaches apply unique teaching techniques and use the latest methods to help students develop the right skills for this popular sport, all while having fun and staying fit.

Basketball Academy The Basketball Academy helps students to improve the necessary skills to go on to become Basketball professionals. The coaches help students understand the principals of the game and improve their skills. The Academy emphasises the benefits of team work, discipline and a healthy lifestyle, and is facilitated by local basketball players and coaches and headed by seasoned top basketball players.

Performing Arts: Music | Dance | Art | Drama The Academy of Performing Arts offers students the chance to explore and develop their talents through a wide range of activities. Whether they dream of being a great actor or a graceful performer, want to develop their singing skills, or even learn a new instrument, the talented coaches of the BSB are ready to support their endeavors. n Tel: +973 1761 0943 or +973 1761 0973 Email: academies@thebsbh.com www.britishschoolbahrain.com

Bahrain Confidential January 2019 27

Feature

Revolution for the

Precrafted Houses

Mr. Robbie Antonio

Mr. Robbie Antonio, The founder and CEO, Revolution Precrafted, will soon introduce limited edition prefabricated homes, in Bahrain with Property One Investment Co.

T

ell us about Revolution Precrafted and achieving the status of first “unicorn” or billion startup.

Revolution Precrafted is a global supplier of prefabricated homes, and other structures. The company is present in 27 countries and it is one of he fastest growing unicorn companies. Achieving this for the company is truly important to us because it validates how formidable our business proposition is. At the same time, it is a strong indicator on the level of trust and confidence of both the public and the investment community. At the same time, this status opens up more opportunities for us and it puts us in a great position financially to explore other avenues of the business, because we would naturally want to expand and avoid being stagnant. It strengthens our prospect of raising more funds in the future in case we need it.

28 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

You are one of Asia’s most successful entrepreneurs and in the Forbes Philippines 50 Richest List in 2017 and 2018. What’s your recipe for success?

It’s important to look at it in the right perspective. I was included in the list in part because of the successful ventures I’ve entered into, such as putting up Antonio Development in New York, and leading the branded residential campaign for the family company, Century Properties. But I think, the biggest contributor to my success is Revolution Precrafted. It is a landmark concept that no one has done before and I pursued it with enough preparation and determination.

Feature I studied the real estate landscape thoroughly and I explored every niche, to see what we can do. In the process, I was able to understand the pain points of the public and I was able to identify what I can ultimately bring to the table. In a nutshell, my recipe for success was finding a creative business model, preparing thoroughly for it, and being flexible and determined about it.

Islands” project with Seven Tides in Dubai. We also have a partnership with Property 1 of Bahrain to build 500 units of residential units measuring at least 200 square meters each. We are finalizing talks with companies with Lebanon, Morocco and Ghana. We are also talking to a potential fabrication partnership with a Dubai-based company.

What are your high profile real estate projects?

Globally, we hope to expand to 55 countries by the end of 2019 and to be present in 85 to 100 countries by the year 2020. We are expanding our product portfolio to include accessories. We are also preparing to offer prefab schools, clinics, offices and other facilities that can be fashioned out of prefab structures.

As I mentioned, I put up Antonio Development in New York right after business school. Though I came from a real estate background, it was important for me to bring something new and different to the sector. I also wanted to prove that I can compete in a very competitive environment, using my own wits, network and experiences.

I collaborated with Pei Partners and I.M.Pei to develop a branded luxury residential tower. After that, I went back to the Philippines and spearheaded branded condominium projects for Century Properties. I partnered with Versace Home, Missoni, Armani Casa, yoo by Philippe Starck, and Trump Organization to name a few, to create design-driven residential space that offers premium amenities and experience.

In December 2015, I launched Revolution Precrafted, the first company that supplies branded prefabricated homes, pavilions and other verticals around the world. Since our launch, we have partnered with 81 of the world’s best architects, designers and artists. We have expanded our footprint to about 28 countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, Middle East, North and South America and Australia. In the next 3-5 years, we are slated to deliver 44,000 units around the world.

What are your plans for international expansion in the MENA region?

We are determined to make a significant mark in the MENA region. One of our biggest projects in the $3.2 Billion “World

I studied the real estate landscape thoroughly and I explored every niche.

We are positioning ourselves to be a global marketplace that can link developers, fabricators and customers, towards achieving cost-efficient structures whether by singular or bulk purchases.

Revolution Precrafted is also exploring additional services and revenue streams that would expand our footprint globally. At the moment, we are in talks with a global company to explore hydroponics, which would be beneficial for communities. We are also in the early stages of exploring possible fintech services.

We want to be able to support our key product of homes, with support services and industries that would give further convenience to our customers.

We are currently in the process of preparing for our series C fund raising to finance our expansion.

How did the passion for the collection of international modern and post-war contemporary art begin?

I developed my passion for modern and post-war contemporary art during my late 20’s. I am reflecting this passion for art in the business. For example, one of our products are museums designed by Pritzker-winning architects such as Jean Nouvel, Christian de Portzamparc, Tange Associates and Philip Johnson Alan Ritchie architects). These museums are located in our $1.1 billion Batulao Artscapes project in the Philippines. This art venture community is envisioned to be the ‘World’s First Livable Art Park” n

Bahrain Confidential January 2019 29

Feature

Setting Standards

Bahrain Confidential interviews Wyndham Grand Manama’s Executive Assistant Manager, Mr. Anwar Hajjar.

W

hat makes Wyndham Grand stand out from the other hotels in the island?

Every hotel is unique but what makes the Wyndham Grand different from the rest, is that we try to provide the best without comparing ourselves to other establishments. Aside from the architecture being one of the landmarks in our Kingdom, we maintain a different belief when it comes to running our hotel. Our greatest competition is ourselves – with this principle, we manage to give remarkable service without sacrificing creativity. We always educate our team to be different, flexible and creative, thus setting standards in the hospitality industry.

Additionally, we are the first “dry hotel” out of all the 5-star hotels in the island.

How does being a “dry hotel” make a difference to your clientele?

To be honest with you, we find more advantages than disadvantages with us being a dry hotel. We satisfy our niche market on weekdays with our corporate clients. During the weekends, Wyndham Grand makes for the perfect hotel for families. At our hotel, guests feel safe because of our family-friendly accommodation with extremely good facilities.

30 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Feature How do you relax?

With the limited time I have, I spend it with my family.

What are the plans for 2019?

The plan is to position our hotel among the top hotels in Bahrain.

By doing that, we ensure that we continually work on developing the property. As you can see, we already have the standards for that and it is also mirrored with the occupancy our hotel has.

To ensure that we position the hotel right, we make sure that we have more facilities to offer. Recently, we have launched our kids’ club, ‘Play Zone’ that caters to young guests. This is free-ofcharge for Wyndham Grand’s guests, giving them the flexibility to relax and enjoy their alone time. The club is managed by our brilliant crew who are specially trained to make the parents and kids’ day fantastic.

Our greatest competition is ourselves – with this principle, we manage to give remarkable service without sacrificing creativity.

Additionally, we are now on the stage of bridging Wyndham Grand and The Avenues Mall; where a huge link between the two establishments will be constructed. In order to enhance this concept, we have launched a VIP shuttle to and from the hotel or a more scenic route riding the taxi boats. We always try to enhance the guests’ experience in any way we can.

On top of this, we will be opening a new restaurant with a concept unique to Bahrain. Our Durrah Lounge will have a new look soon. Additionally, our Himalayan Therapy Room is the first Himalayan therapy hotel room in Bahrain! n

There’s a lot of new hotels opening yet no sign of an increase in demand. Do you have a view on this?

Actually, the demand really is declining. However, my motto is and has always been, to disregard the number of hotels opening; if you are offering the right property with the right product, people will come to you. Our hotel can attest to that – we have been doing great and we are aiming to do better.

Times have changed and people think differently about how they travel, what are you doing to meet the needs of today’s travelers?

We try to satisfy all kinds of travelers. For example, we focus on MICE/business travelers on weekdays and leisure travelers on weekends. Wyndham Grand offers exceptional accommodation that caters to a variety of travelers. At the same time, our exciting F&B offerings like themed nights and such, are also available.

Personally, what do you like and dislike about your job?

I chose to pursue a career in the hospitality sector because I enjoy interacting with people from all walks of life. I’m in awe of how every single person I come across with adds value to my experience. In my job, every day is different, every day is new.

I only dislike how time consuming my role is. However, I don’t complain about it because I know that great things require a lot of time and effort.

Coming Soon Bistro Lounge located on the 25th floor offering Lunch & Dinner with exclusive smoking & nonsmoking areas Lobby Lounge serving light snacks and beverages Our Spa Suite offering a unique experience where you can relax and benefit from the Himalayan Salt Wall or enjoying your private steam room New concept restaurant coming up for Meet & Dine more information will be shared in the future.

Bahrain Confidential January 2019 31

Feature

Celebrating Milestones City Centre Bahrain continues its 10th year anniversary excitement with exciting promotions and campaigns!

S

ince its inception 10 years ago, City Centre Bahrain has changed the landscape of shopping in Bahrain. At the same time, the establishment has strived to deliver great moments and create even greater memories for the people of the Kingdom. The excitement continues with the new year upon us.

West Station Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, continues to celebrate City Centre Bahrain’s 10th anniversary with a stunning and exclusive festive experience at the West Station which opened on December 16. Located on the ground floor, next to gate 1, the West Station features a whole host of exciting activities and special moments for the whole family to enjoy.

Shoppers redeeming receipts for BD50 will receive an exclusive Golden Ticket, which entitles them to an instant collectible from the Central Station and grants them access to the whimsical West Station. Golden Ticket holders will be taken on an experiential immersive journey to the North Pole, through beautiful scenery, with an exciting 4D experience onboard the train, and take home great memories with an instantly printed photo with polar bears. Mall visitors who do not hold a golden ticket won’t be left disappointed! They can take home beautiful memories with a photo taken by the stunning winter display inside the West Station and in the Central Galleria.

Be sure to redeem all your receipts for the chance to enter a draw and win a luxurious Lexus LX570s – Sports Line 2019 model and receive a golden ticket to enjoy the full experience at City Centre Bahrain!

For more information, visit citycentrebahrain or www.citycentrebahrain.com

32 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

City Centre Bahrain Milestones

2009 2008 Bahrain City Centre, the 158,000 square metres retail and leisure destination in Manama, celebrated its official grand opening.

Wahoo!

Waterpark opened at City Centre Bahrain – Wahoo!, the Middle East’s first indoor/outdoor high rise, high thrill waterpark opened to the public in Bahrain.

Feature  Fall Fashion Campaign - Bahrain City Centre’s ‘Fall for Fashion’ campaign featured ‘The Most Creative Shoe Box’ gallery, by pupils of Bahrain Bayan School showing off their artistic talents.

 The Launch of City Walkers Fitness Program - the Kingdom’s first indoor mall walking program, City Walkers, with over 50 residents taking part.

 Roaming Circus Parade – Eid Al Adha 2012, City Centre Bahrain brought for the first time to Bahrain a vibrant roaming Circus Parade all the way from Europe with three daily shows which ran for 5 days.  1st Summer Camp for Kids – City Centre Bahrain introduced a unique Summer Camp experience just for kids.

 City Centre Bahrain launches Shuttle Bus service in Bahrain  Apple Campaign – An Apple A Day! Campaign a ‘shop and win’ promotion targeted at the tech savvy generation.

2011

2012

2010  Park Right awareness initiative – a campaign aiming to raise awareness on responsible parking, therefore enhancing drivers’ overall experience.  LEGO City campaign – a family entertainment-packed summer program of interactive amusements - featuring a fantastic LEGO® City Building Event.

 2 adjoining luxury hotels open – Kempinski Grand and Kempinski Ixir Tower, now The Westin Bahrain City Centre and Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre.

2016

2015

 Winter Wonderland, light show display

 Ben 10 Stage Show & Workshop  1st Winter Wonderland Campaign – Bahrain City Centre provided the perfect setting for an authentic winter experience for the mall’s winterthemed campaign.

 1st Art of C initiative – City Centre Bahrain hosted the inspirational community-driven Art of C for the second year.

2014

 Angry Birds – City Centre Bahrain offered visitors the chance to win tickets to the movie premiere.  Bahrain’s largest Snakes and ladders - bringing to life the largest version of the world-famous ‘Snakes and Ladders’ board game.

2013

 VOX Cinemas join Cineco at City Centre Bahrain - Middle East's most innovative cinema exhibitors' join forces to operate entertainment Megaplex in City Centre Bahrain  Emoji Drop - City Centre Bahrain hosted children from the Bahrain Cancer Society to enjoy ‘great moments’ with its ‘emoji drop’ summer campaign.

 Balqees Concert - City Centre Bahrain is rolled out the red carpet as it launched a glamourous three-day Fashion Weekend with no less than 13 catwalk shows featuring the hottest international and regional brands.  Winter Wonderland, The Nutcracker display – For the first time, City Centre Bahrain brought the enchanting world of The Nutcracker to its loyal shoppers.

 City Centre Bahrain Turns 10 - Throughout the two-month long celebrations City Centre Bahrain offered shoppers the chance to win exciting prizes.  PAW Patrol performing for the first time in Bahrain

2018 2017

Bahrain Confidential January 2019 33

Feature

A Delightful Decade

City Centre Bahrain celebrated its 10th anniversary with a line-up of exciting events.

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ajid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, will celebrate City Centre Bahrain’s 10th Anniversary with a fun-filled packed schedule of thrilling family events and incredible rewards for shoppers to mark the milestone.

“We are delighted to celebrate City Centre Bahrain’s 10th anniversary with our customers and reward shoppers with incredible winning opportunities. Over the past decade we have hosted many great moments that have contributed towards the mall’s position as the leading shopping, entertainment and lifestyle destination in the Kingdom. It is an exciting time for City Centre Bahrain and we look forward to marking the milestone with unique experiences, world-class family events and compelling winning opportunities,” said Duaij Al Rumaihi, Senior Mall Manager at City Centre Bahrain.

As part of the mall’s 10th anniversary celebrations visitors are invited on a unique celebratory and festive winter journey as City Centre Bahrain’s Central Galleria is transformed into a stunning winter display and train station, taking customers on a thrilling journey filled with instant rewards and exciting entertainment.

Visitors are invited to tap along with the ‘Glitz & Glam’ dance troupe, performing for the first time in Bahrain from January 10 – 12, with their classical top hats and tails.

Since opening its doors in September 2008, City Centre Bahrain has maintained its position as the largest shopping, leisure and entertainment destination in the Kingdom. The mall is home to

34 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

a mix of leisure and retail destinations with more than 340 outlets for fashion, dining, health and wellness and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. These include entertainment and leisure offerings Wahoo! Waterpark, the Middle East’s first and largest indoor-outdoor waterpark, a 20 screen VOX | Cineco Cinema and Magic Planet, one of the most popular family entertainment centres for children and young adults. Furthermore, the mall is adjoined by the 5-star Westin Hotel City Centre and Le Méridien Bahrain City Centre, giving hotel guests easy access to its array of shops.

Visit City Centre Bahrain and be part of this year’s line-up of events, promotions, prizes and activations, in celebration of the mall’s 10th anniversary, marking a decade of creating great moments for everyone, everyday. n

For more information visit /citycentrebahrain or www.citycentrebahrain.com

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Influencers

New Year Resolutions: Cheat Meals Ahhh so it’s January and New Year Resolution time.

That means it’s highly likely you’re thinking about going on a diet.

This is not diet advice (I discuss my weight loss approach in my new book available January 7, 2018), but I want to share my philosophy on cheat meals when embarking on a new diet.

I can safely share my thinking on this, as I personally have lost over 20kgs in 2 years without wanting to kill anyone in the process, live at the gym or swear off dessert.

If you’ve been on a diet before, you’ve likely heard of the term cheat meal, or cheat day. Cheat meals are usually a planned and temporary departure from a typically stricter diet strategy, which allows you to break your diet rules and have free food choices for a meal or a day.

Using the term ‘cheat’ sounds like you are scamming yourself or your current eating habits and I don’t feel that’s a healthy mindset to breed, if you desire a long-term lifestyle improvement.

Enjoy fun foods occasionally as part of your ongoing lifestyle. It’s not in your best interest to restrict yourself from your favourite foods, because the longer you do that, the more chance of you overindulging.

Also, when you deprive yourself all week or month for that elusive cheat meal, you’re likely to have little to no self-control.

Sometimes just the very fact you’re calling it a cheat meal is harmful and can tend to demonise the food when all it is, is energy. Humans just aren’t designed to wilfully resist food.

Making foods forbidden can create an unhealthy relationship with food which is likely where your problem with your weight began in the first place.

Robyn’s recommendations Don’t: put your favourite indulgent, fun foods on a pedestal by building up to enjoying them infrequently. We don’t want to encourage a restrictive mindset surrounding food so you start defining foods as either good or bad.

Do: allocate room in your daily or weekly eating to enjoy (not cheat on) some of your favourite foods. n

Robyn Law

Robyn Law is an Australian living in the Middle East, raising her family abroad. Passionate about selftransformation and living “her best life!”

Find her at robynjlaw.com www.robynjlaw.com

36 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Art Rotana hosted a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony to kick off the celebrations of the festive season

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Feature

Careem NOW Careem launches online delivery service, starting with food delivery in Dubai and Jeddah - Careem NOW

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areem, the region’s leading technology platform, has launched an online delivery platform for goods and services. Careem NOW is Careem’s expansion into the food delivery market as the company expands its platform beyond ride hailing to payments, delivery and mass transportation.

Adeeb Warsi, MD of Careem NOW, said: “Careem NOW can do for food delivery what Careem has successfully done for ride hailing. Careem NOW will create awesome dining experiences, more employment opportunities and have a hugely-positive impact on the rapidly growing food delivery market as it’s rolled out in each country. It’s another new vertical from Careem as we expand beyond ride-hailing.”

38 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Feature Over $150 million will be invested in Careem NOW, reflecting Careem’s level of commitment in bringing a first-class delivery service to the region. The service will initially launch in Dubai and Jeddah. Careem NOW will operate via a separate app - available from today for Android and iOS. Careem’s 33 million existing customers can add food delivery through the Careem NOW tech and enjoy the convenience of a single identity across Careem and Careem NOW. Existing Careem

customers will be logged seamlessly onto the new app, and stored payment details and addresses will be automatically linked.

Careem NOW will be operated independently from the ride-hailing business, and delivery will work through both a marketplace and dedicated-fleet model. Operating seven days a week (and in line with restaurant operating hours), the service will also have a dedicated call centre. The pricing structure includes a customer fee for delivery. The zone-based launch will begin with Dubai and Jeddah, with Egypt and Pakistan to follow.

Warsi added, “Over 85 percent of the food delivery markets in our region still operates via traditional call-and-order methods.

Through our extensive infrastructure network and technology, we can immediately offer a vastly superior service.”

Careem NOW can do for food delivery what Careem has successfully done for ride hailing.

According to internal research, food delivery in Careem NOW's target countries is predicted to become a around $25 billion market by 2022.

Careem NOW follows on from the launch of Careem Bus in Cairo and peer-to-peer credit transfer as Careem expands into new verticals and building out its platform businesses. n www.careem.com

@careembah

Bahrain Confidential January 2019 39

Society

Latest Events Photos at Bahrain-Confidential.com

BBBF hosted their christamas lunch at The Gulf Hotel Conference Centre

40 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Bennigan's Amwaj celebrated their christmas tree lighting ceremony

45 1971 - 2016

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Le Cadeau Flowers & Chocolates www.lecadeaufc.com

Tel. +973 17 400 440 | Fax: +973 17 400 456 | P.O.Box 5599 | Manama | Kingdom of Bahrain E-mail: info@alfadhelbizgroup.com | www.alfadhelbizgroup.com

Feature

Take A Time Capsule Back to The Past Nespresso launches two Limited Edition coffees, inspired by the very first coffee houses in Istanbul and Venice.

T

his January, travel back in time with Nespresso and embark on a journey to the historical roots and the lively ambience of the very first coffee houses.

Nespresso is launching two new Limited Edition coffees, Café Istanbul and Caffè Venezia that are inspired by the world’s very first coffee houses and aim to bring the vibrant and bustling atmosphere directly to your homes.

Istanbul has always been the entry point from Asia to Europe.

A melting pot of colliding cultures, flavors, tastes and ideas.

With no printing press, Istanbul’s coffee house was seen as the mouthpiece of the city, where wild, and rich theories were challenged, with coffee as the natural elixir. Venice has always

42 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

been the creative gateway to Europe. Home for the arts, music and experimentation, which often made the coffee houses, the tastemakers. This fusion of cultures and expressions made the coffee houses wild, complex and elegance places.

Follow the footsteps of the past and enter the birthplace of the coffee houses in Istanbul with Café Istanbul. With its intense, black and oriental notes, Café Istanbul will inspire any black coffee lover taking them directly into the heart of the wild and bustling atmosphere of that time. Caffè Venezia, with its elegant and delicate profile, is the perfect muse and inspiration in a cup.

Journey to Venice and enjoy a short get away to the home for arts and music.

Feature To fully immerse yourself in a lively blend of history, the artist Young Rascal juxtaposed contemporary, stylish Nespresso drinkers with evocative illustrations of the first coffee houses and merged today’s drinkers in yesterday’s world.

Young Rascal explained: “I was really inspired by the idea of taking a typical coffee lover from today, complete with headphones, and placing them into a scene from the past. Being a lover of history this appealed to me immensely.

The coffee houses of Venice and Istanbul were the hubs of society and a real melting pot. Placing our modern day coffee drinkers with the citizens of that time, made me think - would they fit in? Of course they would! Their clothing would differ, but the age-old art of conversation and laughter would remain. Something I hope I’ve managed to convey in these pictures.”

Discover The Limited Edition Coffees There are two delicious coffees to try:

Café Istanbul – Arabian Mocha coffee from Yemen mixes with East Indies and Indian treasures to create this cup, reminiscent of the mystery of the oriental bazaar. Evocative of historical blends, it has an exotic character carrying intense roasted and black pepper spicy notes.

Intensity: 10 Serving size: [OL] 25ml or 40ml

Caffè Venezia – A taste of history as coffee from the ancient Ethiopian city of Harrar mixes with Indian Arabica to create a cup rich with the exotic perfume of the East. Wild and floral notes combine with a roasted character in this potent and complex coffee.

Intensity: 7 Serving size: [OL] 40ml or 110ml n

Café Istanbul will inspire any black coffee lover taking them directly into the heart of the wild and bustling atmosphere of that time.

Cafe Istanbul and Caffè Venezia will be available for a limited period from Nespresso boutiques worldwide, as well as through orders from the Nespresso Customer Care Centres and online at www.buynespresso.com Nespresso Boutique, Level 1, Bahrain City Center; Nespresso Booth, Gate 5, Seef Mall, Order by Tollfree 8000 1999 or www.buynespresso.com/bh

Bahrain Confidential January 2019 43

Society

Latest Events Photos at Bahrain-Confidential.com

Grand opening of The Bread Story at Galleria Mall

44 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Intercontinental Regency and Crowne Plaza co-hosted the welcome reception of the new area general manager

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Feature

One Stop Hub Let Saar Mall be a part of your joyful holiday celebration!

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ocate in central Saar, Saar Mall is a medium-sized shopping centre that provides a 7,500 sq/m retail haven. It is a three level development consisting of basement, ground and first floor with 70 commercial units catering to various needs of the general public. The establishment has contributed towards further urbanization of the area since its opening in 2013.

With its stylish and contemporary look, the arcade offers something for everyone including several renowned brands and various restaurants and cafĂŠs. Residents of the area and the neighboring vicinities have the added convenience of simple grocery shopping, thanks to the Carrefour, which situated within the precincts of the mall. It also caters to important public utilities like banks, offices of mobile service providers, a pharmacy, money exchange house and an insurance company, as well as lifestyle requirements such as beauty salons, car rental companies, professional car cleaners, laundries and travel agents. It is home to several international food and beverage outlets; from popular fast-food brands, to coffee shops and local cuisine venues.

On top of this, the mall has an indoor play area for little ones, the Big Game Zone for children across all ages, as well as mini-cinema to keep kids entertained.

46 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

The management of the shopping centre works hand in hand with all its stores to effectively reach out to customers. It not only undertakes advertising for its tenants through social media, but also holds significant large-scale events to involve the community in festivals like Eid and campaigns like breast cancer awareness.

Saar Mall has made a mark in Bahrain and carved a niche for itself as an up-market retail destination that fulfills all the daily needs of islanders, along with providing courteous services and a safe environment to both customers and tenants alike. n For more information: +973 1779 0203

Society

Latest Events Photos at Bahrain-Confidential.com

The Gulf Hotel hosts hosted a Christmas tree lighting ceremony to kick off the celebrations of the festive season

48 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

The Ritz-Carlton hosted a Christmas tree lighting event at their hotel garden

Feature

Coastal Clean-up Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Islands and Wyndham Garden Manama organized a beach clean-up drive.

A

s part of its Corporate Social Responsibility program, Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Islands and Wyndham Garden Manama organized a beach clean-up drive at the Juffair Beach on 23rd December, 2018.

The beach clean-up aimed to emphasize RHSA & WGM environmental awareness initiatives, promote volunteerism among its team members in cleaning the coastal shores and campaign for the protection of the Kingdom’s marine life.

A total of 45 team members and hotel management joined hands in collecting 30 bags of plastics and other non-biodegradable wastes that are harmful to the environment.

The beach clean-up drive comes in line with the efforts of the Wyndham Green to provide avenues for the team members to share their efforts in achieving environmental sustainability and empower their sense of stewardship in the community.

Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Islands and Wyndham Garden Manama encouraged its associates and guests to think and act green, to create small changes in our everyday activities that have a positive impact on our local society and future generation. n

A total of 45 team members and hotel management joined hands in collecting 30 bags of plastics and other non-biodegradable wastes.

For more information, visit www.ramada-manama-amwaj.com

www.wyndhamgardenmanama.com

Bahrain Confidential January 2019 49

Feature

A Joint Effort InterContinental Regency Bahrain Jointly with Crowne Plaza Bahrain, Celebrated Booker Bonus Event with the Partners of Success.

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nterContinental Regency Bahrain jointly with Crowne Plaza Bahrain, recently hosted an elegant corporate event. During the launch of the new IHG Business Rewards #BookerBonus campaign, InterContinental Regency’s new Area General Manager Phillipp J. Economou was introduced to the attendees during unforgettable night – in an effort to show appreciation to the hotel’s valued clients and partners of success.

The management of InterContinental Regency Bahrain and Crowne Plaza headed by the Area General Manager Phillipp J. Economou, Mohamed Sanad (InterContinental Regency Bahrain Hotel Manager) and Gilles Nicolas (Crowne Plaza Bahrain hotel general manager) were delighted to welcome more than 300 guests from media figures, CEOs, businessmen, bookers and loyal guests.

The event was held at Elements Pool & Lounge by the spectacular pool view where the invitees enjoyed a breathtaking ambiance. n

50 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Society

Latest Events Photos at Bahrain-Confidential.com

City Centre celebrated their 10th anniversary at Central Galleria

52 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Downtown Rotana held a Christmas Tree Lighting event in celebrations of the festive season

Feature

Distinctive Design

Scandinavian furniture and lifestyle brand, ID Design, opens a new branch in the Kingdom.

I

D Design, since the opening of the first ID Design (IDEmobler) store in 1969, the ID Design brand has become the most recognizable furniture & lifestyle brand. The group is now considered the largest retailer of furniture and home decoration in Denmark and holds a position as one of the largest furniture companies in Scandinavia.

The ID Design brand became a household name outside of Denmark in 1995, with the opening of the first ID Design franchise store in Dubai. It has since expanded to 24 locations throughout the Middle East with stores in UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Asia and Southern & Eastern Europe with further plans in development.

ID Design franchise offers high quality products in International design with a Scandinavian touch that has been adapted or custom-made to fit the needs of local markets.

ID Design Bahrain started its first showroom in December 2004 as the first dedicated contemporary furniture and home accessory showroom in the Kingdom. On Wednesday, 12th December 2018, ID Design Bahrain is opening a 1,800 sq. flagship showroom in the bustling Seef District which is home to some of the major commercial and shopping destinations in Bahrain.

ID Design franchise offers high quality products in International design with a Scandinavian touch that has been adapted or

custom-made to fit the needs of local markets.

ID Design’s inspiration stems from fervently believing that each individual has a unique style identity. Their mission is to help you find your individuality and personal interior tastes and provide you with eloquent furniture to create and express your unique style in your home. They carry a complete product range that covers all your interior home-based needs from living rooms, to dining rooms and to bedrooms, as well as providing an extensive assortment of accessories for you to accentuate your living space.

Shoppers will be able to easily access the new and well-situated showroom and continue enjoying the unique and exceptional European designs that have been enriching homes for over 40 years. n

Bahrain Confidential January 2019 53

Car Review

From the Race Track to The Road The new BMW M8 en route to series production.

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rom the race track to the road: the new BMW M8 Coupe (fuel consumption combined: 10.8 – 10.7 l/100 km [26.2 – 26.4 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 246 – 243 g/km*) is rounding the final corner en route to series production. BMW M GmbH is putting an early prototype of its upcoming flagship through its paces at the Estoril grand-prix racing circuit in Portugal.

54 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Car Review Key Features • New BMW M8 (Fuel consumption combined: 10.8 – 10.7 l/100 km [26.2 – 26.4 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 246 – 243 g/km) in the final phase of the series production development process.

• Customary BMW M dynamic prowess, agility and precision enter a new dimension.

• Performance-oriented vehicle concept with minimised weight, low centre of gravity, even weight distribution, optimum wheelbase and wide tracks.

• M-specific optimisations further increase already high levels of rigidity in the body structure, chassis components and chassis mounting.

• M-specific suspension delivers exceptional directional stability, steering precision and cornering dynamics.

• High-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology produces north of 440 kW/600 hp. Fully variable transfer of power via M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with rear-wheel bias and 2WD mode.

• Market launch of the BMW M8 Coupe in the course of 2019.

Further model variants: BMW M8 Convertible, BMW M8 Gran Coupe.

All figures relating to performance, fuel/electric power consumption and emissions are provisional.

The fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption figures were determined according to the European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 in the version applicable. The figures refer to a vehicle with basic configuration in Germany. The range shown considers the different sizes of the selected wheels/tyres and the selected items of optional equipment, and may vary during configuration.

The values are already based on the new WLTP test cycle and are translated back into NEDC-equivalent values in order to ensure comparability between the vehicles. With respect to these vehicles, for vehicle-related taxes or other duties based (at least inter alia) on CO2 emissions, the CO2 values may differ from the values stated here (depending on national legislation).

Further information on official fuel consumption figures and specific CO2 emission values of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: 'Leitfaden über den Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen' (Guide to the fuel economy, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained free of charge from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at www.dat.de/co2/

CO2 emissions and electric power consumption figures were determined according to the European Regulation Co2 Emissions & Consumption Fuel consumption combined: 10.8 – 10.7 l/100 km [26.2 – 26.4 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 246 – 243 g/km. n

Bahrain Confidential January 2019 55

Society

Latest Events Photos at Bahrain-Confidential.com

The New Millennium School hosted their 14th annual day celebration

56 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Opening of the new ID Design store in Seef

Health & Wellness

Ask HV Holistic Health…

6. Eat mindfully Ask yourself: What does my body need to be nourished? What am I craving? Will I enjoy eating this? How will my body feel after I eat it?

7. Try and save money Sometimes, your rainy day fund can be a lifesaver. Don’t assume life will always be rosy. Prepare yourself for bad times, and you’ll eliminate much of the stress.

Kate Answers...

Thinking that the start of a new calendar year is enough to motivate you to quit your bad habits, is a mistake. Once the excitement dies down, January is no different to December, so you’ll need some serious resolve to stick to your plan.

This New Year, I would like to make some positive changes but, I say this every year. What can I do differently for 2019?

For 2019, make resolutions that are not the result of self-criticism and selfjudgment. My advice, is to look at life from a different perspective.

Here’s my 12 ideas how to make 2019 different: 1. Stop apologising Never say sorry if you’re not. Be genuine. Replace “sorry I’m late” with “thank you for waiting”, and turn a negative situation into a positive one.

2. Be grateful for EVERYTHING you have Trust me, however little you think you have, you’ve got a tonne more than someone else. Be grateful, and don’t put value on material items.

3. Take 10 minutes for yourself, daily It’s easy to get caught up in work, emails, social media and other obligations. Spending 10-minutes of quality ‘you’ time, could mean anything, such as; meditating, playing with your pet or cooking.

4. Eliminate negativity Get rid of toxic friends. Surround yourself with positivity, and make sure you’re being positive for your friends, too.

5. Make FUN fitness goals Replace “I’m going to run 5km per day” with “I’m going to play squash with friends”. Chose resolutions that don’t require large commitments, such as, deciding to get out and go for a brisk walk when possible.

8. Stop the negative talk Studies show that even plants are adversely affected by negative talk, and flourish with verbal reassurance and expressions of love. If you can kill a flower with bad vibes, imagine what you’re doing to yourself if you constantly criticise your mirror image, or that of others.

9. Step out of your comfort zone Challenge yourself, even if you have setbacks.

10. Don’t procrastinate Change takes time. Get a head start on your personal journey, by grabbing every moment that comes.

11. Learn to breathe properly Shallow, or chest, breathing keeps your body in a high-stress, fight or flight mode. Slowing down and practicing deep, belly breathing can reduce stress and anxiety, and can actually help you lose weight!

12. Establish your health status Learn what you need to improve for your health, and what you’re only improving for aesthetic reasons.

Make your intentions for 2019 different, and you'll avoid falling into the same pitfalls as previous years. Don't wait to get help from an expert who can guide you to success. Good luck, and Happy New Year. n

Send your health and fitness related questions to HV on @hvholistic info@holistichealth.com or Kate Jelley Health and Wellness Practitioner HV Holistic Health & Corrective Training Tel: +973 1777 5544 info@hvholistichealth.com, @hvholistic

Bahrain Confidential January 2019 57

Society

Latest Events Photos at Bahrain-Confidential.com

Jumeirah Royal Saray held their Christmas tree lighting ceremony

58 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Lulu Hypermarket Atrium Mall Saar Opening Ceremony

Contributor

Building alliances for the Athletic community

conditioning, addressing muscle fatigue, weaknesses or strains.

“Functional asymmetry - where something is out of balance - reduces overall performance and creates a risk of injury”, Eyad adds. “Physiotherapy, integrated

Lana Peters and Eyad Fareed, founders of BeRehab, are set to provide something new in Bahrain.

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he recent opening of Be Rehab in Zallaq Springs introduces a new healthcare model; integrating Physiotherapy, Osteopathy and Therapeutic massage practices with bio kinetics, acupuncture, podiatry and more to deliver a truly holistic approach to health.

A partnership between Back on the Move and Physio Relief, Be Rehab is dedicated to both rehabilitation and to injury prevention through maintenance of the body. Its mission is to offer a sincere healthcare service towards the wellbeing of the community of Bahrain in an integrated, diverse environment.

With close ties to the cycling community in Bahrain, having been involved in the recent years’ Triathlon events, the Principals of Be Rehab, Lana Peters and Eyad Ahmed, have also formed an alliance to offer custom bike fitting and running analysis.

Whether you are a serious cyclist or just out for recreation, you and your bike should fit together seamlessly. This helps to minimise discomfort, increases efficiency of performance and prevents injury or pain. The custom fitting service brings together body and machine to work together in better harmony.

A fitting session measures both body and bike: An osteopathy-based functional movement screening and assessment of your body dynamics combines with adjustment of shoes to ensure correct angle to pedals, detailed adjustment of handlebars and seat and many other critical measurements – all to ensure the maximum possible harmony out on the road or track. “One of the advantages that I have observed after a fitting is that the rider has a heightened awareness of his/her body in relation to the bike – something they did not notice before”, explains Lana Peters.

Adjustments to your bike may need to go alongside efforts to improve body function. An Osteopath or Physiotherapist can be likened to a ‘body mechanic’, assessing and treating any problems within a person’s musculoskeletal system. Just like our bikes, our bodies sometimes need a service. Due to the demands of lifestyle, we can become unbalanced our ‘out of sync’.

Osteopathy can help to diagnose and treat areas of muscle tension or joint restriction that may compromise bike performance - and Physiotherapy can help in overall fitness Be Rehab - Unit 23,24 & 25, Zallaq Springs, Zallaq Avenue, Kingdom of Bahrain. Tel: +973 39164571 & 39197480

with Osteopathy, helps the body work as an integrated whole and mitigates risk.”

Treatment for cyclists is aimed at improving neck mobility but also extends to overall spine flexibility together with associated muscles, ligaments and tendons. Additionally, the major muscles of the legs – the power for your bike – are considered in a quest to help your body perform to its maximum potential.

With a custom dynamic bike fitting, together with a mix of osteopathy, physiotherapy and associated treatments, you will have a new knowledge of your body dynamics and be able to train to address weak areas.

The result? Better balance and better comfort on your bike, giving you better power and stamina for your next race!

Lana Peters

Osteopath, Back on the Move Osteopathy / Be Rehab

Eyad Fareed Ahmed

Physiotherapist, Physio-relief / Be Rehab Email: info@berehab.com

www.berehab.com Bahrain Confidential April 2018 76

Art

Get Your

Hands Dirty!

Bahrain Confidential explores the mind of the artists behind the ‘Dirty Hands Crew’.

D

id you study art formally? Tell us about your education and training.

Kojak: Some of us did but most of us didn’t. I, personally did not study art formally, I’m a self taught artist who grew up in an environment where hip hop, graffiti, and break dance were a big part of everyday life and I fell in love with it. I started practicing and sketching on paper until I developed my own style and then started painting on walls.

Tell us more about your collaboration, how did it come about?

Kojak: We all knew each other prior to becoming a crew, some of us were close friends even. I always wanted for us to team up and collaborate specially since we each have a unique style that matches perfectly with each others styles. I called them up and they all loved the idea and were so positive and excited of working together and its been a delight working as a crew since then.

Marylou: Our collaboration is about sharing, love and passion of art. We were initially friends and meet many times saying we

60 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Art Mustafa: It all depends on the project really. It’s different all the time. At times, it’s a very straight forward approach so I sketch, fill and detail. Other times, it’s all about improvising and letting the artwork evolve as it pleases.

Which part of Bahrain is your favourite and why?

Kojak: I would have to say that Bahrain’s charm is in its people.

I was so impressed with the amount of support and positive feedback we received from everyone here! People are so welcoming to new things and are very acceptant of other cultures, its amazes me.

Sarah: In my opinion, locations in Bahrain are not as important as its people. Honestly, it is the people you meet and have a connection with that is my favorite part of Bahrain. n have to work together because were lucky to share the same passion.

Mustafa: We were all friends to begin with and I have admired their work and dedication to their craft. I was waiting for the chance to collaborate on a project together and true enough, there came a project that gave us the freedom to paint together.

Sarah: I always wanted to work with Mustafa – he told me to push my travel tickets to do this awesome thing, and I met these awesome people. This is my all time favorite collaboration so far.

Arnaud: We saw each other doing a project in a different part of the island. From there, we really wanted to work together and the magic just happened!

Why ‘Dirty Hands Crew’? What’s the inspiration behind this?

Marylou: We initially joked about never having clean hands throughout the week! We always got splashes of paint on our hands, even when we thought it’s all gone! However, it came as a nice metaphor as each one of us being the five fingers of the hand, bound together!

Can you describe your artistic process? How do you know when an artwork is finished?

Arnaud: An artwork is never finished! It's like a song – you can always improve or modify it. One day you’ll do it jazzy and the next day you want it to sound more hardcore; it’s the same with cuisine. I believe that perfection doesn't exist!

Dirty Hands Crew is composed of five talented artists: Kojak, Marylou, Mustapha, Arnaud and Sarah. @dirty.hands.crew

Bahrain Confidential January 2019 61

Travel

Tea leaves picked by me at Xing Yuan Tea Farm

Tea picking at Xing Yuan tea farm

Taiwan

Part 2

An Undiscovered Bounty

Yulia Trubnikova shares her travel experience to the mythical land of Taiwan.

L

ast October, I visited Taiwan – a stunning island located between Japan and Philippines with absolutely pristine nature, ancient culture, authentic activities and great foods. Today, I would like to share my experience about the food and culture of this island.

Food & Tea As an ultimate seafood lover I’ve had a time of my life in Taiwan no kidding! I eat seafood everywhere I go and in Taiwan, every seafood dish was always very fresh, tender and tasty in every restaurant, food court and even in their amazing street food!

62 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Tasty fish served at Taroko Village Hotel Apart from the scrumptious seafood, Taiwan’s mouth-melting tofu cheese and mushroom is noteworthy! Mushrooms are especially tasty in this country and overall, the gifts of nature are very generous here.

And of course, tea! Tea is not just a drink – it’s an important element of culture.

Taiwanese people consume the tea in ways you’d never think of! This includes champagne-like tea soda, tea-flavored cookies, boiled eggs marinated in the tea, tea ice cream and endless variety of iced teas (a typical street grab and go drink)!

I’ve tried all the above!

Our fascination with tea led us to one of the most amazing experiences in Taiwan: visiting a tea farm. We explored the Xing Yuan Tea Farm where I picked up tea leaves straight from the plantation, dehydrated them and hand rolled each (only the fermentation was done by the machine!). I have to say it was such a therapeutic experience to observe long lines of tea fields up in the mountains, listen to birds and nothing else. Picking the leaves and being close to the nature after our normal life hustling daily routines were total bliss.

Culture Coming to Taiwan you can’t skip visiting the traditional temples. I recommend you

Travel visit the Wenwu Temple, as well as the beautiful 335-year-old temple of the goddess of sea in Lukang. Another cool thing not to be missed is the lighting of sky lanterns at Shifen Old Street in Pingxi area near Taipei.

City Life Taking a few days in Taipei would be a great idea for those who love the rhythm of the cities, great dining and shopping. We stayed in the gorgeous Grand Hyatt Hotel located in the city centre just opposite the hot spot Taipei 101. That was an exhilarating view to wake up to!

Taipei 101 is an observatory with shopping malls and restaurants around providing a lovely mountain view same time! It is a not to be missed place to see the entire 360 panorama of Taipei. The building itself is nice and modern and has a high end mall attached. I have to mention the food court there because I was just amazed by the quality and variety of the food at such an affordable price.

What to buy in Taipei? For those interested in jewelry, Taipei 101 offers unique jewelry made of Taiwanese corals. For those into a skin care its a sheet mask paradise, you can buy good ones even in the airport (the shop near gate B7 was washed out by me).

Tea would be a great gift for a family and friends. Huge variety of the shops offer stylish packaging designs and different types of tea. While you are in Taipei, I recommend you visit the National Museum which has 700, 000 important artifacts of Chinese history. The building is very modern and nicely planned making the experience very comfortable. Don't forget to have lunch in Silks restaurant next to the museum. I truly had the best dumplings of my life over there! Our group ordered loads of food sharing style and we finished absolutely everything: tender beef Chinese style, fried rice, noodles, and many more. That was the best restaurant we’ve been to throughout the journey.

Wrapping up, I want to mention how easy is this country for the visitors. Emirates Airlines offers direct flight from Dubai to a

Panoramic view from Taipei 101 nice and efficient airport in Taipei.

Bahrainis can get an advanced online visa and Europeans get a stamp upon arrival (but please check this for your nationality once again before you go).

The infrastructures are welldeveloped in the country. Taiwan also has an impressive road and railroad system so it’s easy to travel by train or bus anywhere. Another important aspect of a pleasant journey is safety. Local people are extremely friendly and we felt safe everywhere we went from the large malls to the night markets.

I am so happy I’ve got to experience such a beautiful country thanks to Taiwan Tourism Bureau. Looking through literally a thousand pictures I took in Taiwan, I’ve realized I left my heart there. What an unforgettable journey! n

- Yulia Trubnikova For more information, contact: Aaron Verdes (Taiwan Tourism Bureau Representation Office in UAE) +971 56441 8828 or taiwan.net.tw

Gate to Wenwu Temple overlooking the Sun Moon Lake Bahrain Confidential January 2019 63

Travel

Reconnect with Nature Explore Bahrain's Natural Mangrove Forest

By Dhanyasree M

A

n initiative by Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA), the Bahrain Mangroves Tour is one of the ‘Must To Do' things in Bahrain. Located at the east of Bahrain between Bahrain Island and Sitra Island, Tubli Bay is known for rich marine and bird life protected by the mangrove forests.

We had twice booked the tour before, but they were cancelled due to the low tide as the cruise solely depends on the water levels. Bahrain winter days set the ideal ambience for the mangrove tour as the cool breeze takes off the normalcy of the everyday life just as you enter the Sitra Park. The entrance to the tour is near the entrance of the walk. A few minutes of stroll along the sidewalk will prepare you to enter a totally different world in Bahrain away from the bustle and hustle.

The crystal blue water and flapping waves ensured a good day as we started across. We crossed under the Sitra Overbridge towards Tubli Bay with the splendid views of Bahrain skyline.

The outline of green mangroves became visible after 10 minutes

64 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Travel of sail and as we went near a moving line of red and white spots came into sight.

Our driver, Muneer asked us to steady the cameras and as the boat moved near the flaps began and a flock of flamingos streamed out on both sides of the boat in a circle. The moments had the natural mystic charm and I lowered the camera as I wanted to keep those moments in my mind.

"It was like red and white flowers floating together in the sky!"

Shreya exclaimed. As the narrow line before the mangroves waned, we entered into the mangroves.

There was silence all along the jade green waterways and breeze stood still. Now and then we heard wings flapping and some of the natural dwellers flew away in front of us with some angry shrieks.

He steered the boat back to the entrance of the mangroves and that’s when a Cormorant came before us. He flapped and ran in front of the boat with shrieks and flapped ahead us. It dived under the water on frequent intervals and appeared a little ahead on the way.

It didn’t even bother to scoop out from the shallot of fish or shrimps that floated abundance under the water. As we came near the entrance, it dived under the water again and as we looked back, it went back into the mangroves with relaxed strides.

"They don’t like visitors! We might be venturing into their peaceful existence with the motorboats, mobiles and flashing cameras." I said in a guilty tone. The green murky water with an oily surface and one or two floating plastic bottles deepened my feelings.

As I had briefed through the information before the visit, the study detailed the reduction of mangroves into half over the last five decades.

"Don’t worry about that. We won’t take these rides on an everyday basis. And we don’t have more than two rides in a day.

You also cannot go into the deepest part of the mangroves as there a chance for the boat to get stuck into the mud. The birds are peaceful there." Muneer tried to justify our actions.

"It really wanted to see us out!" I exclaimed. The outline of Bahrain gleamed at horizon across the twinkling waters and the clear blue sky. It was a dream short lived and we would love to go back there even if we upset some of the dwellers. n For mangrove tour booking visit, portal.btea.bh/Mangrove

Bahrain Confidential January 2019 65

Influencers

“It’s Your Time” 2019 Flash forward it’s the end of 2019. Write a detailed statement of what you would like to have had happened. Don’t think about the “how” aspect. : Influence the outcome of what you desire most for 2019 (manifesting) through clearing your Physical, Mental and Emotional world. “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so the necessary can speak. Translating to “Let go of truly unnecessary things in your physical, mental and emotional world. Things that aren’t a benefit energetically to your life.

Actionable Initiatives: 1. Physical: Get rid of any; articles of clothing, shoes, old phone chargers, kitchenware, bed linens, and toys etc. Donate to someone in need. Gather and remove immediately.

2. Mental: “As within so without”. Whatever you are experiencing in your outer world is reflective of your inner world.

Position your words into possibilities statements. Say how you wish things to be instead of focus on the resistance.

3. Emotional: Prioritize friendships and Assess the value they bring to your life. “Forgiveness” Make a list of people who you feel negativity about; seeing, hearing or thinking of. Try this ancient Hawaiian technique: Ho’Oponopono. It doesn’t mean what they did is ok or that you have to be friends again.

With intention: Visualize the person you wish to forgive and say the following: (Include some of your own wording).

“I’m sorry” (for whatever hurt I may have caused) “I love you” “Please forgive me” (For any of my contribution to the issue) “Thank you” for your time in my life, the messages have been received.

Begin letting of Negative thought processes/patterns, Anger/ Resentment about anyone/situation and your physical home and office clutter. UNBLOCK space for positive energy to flow. Build momentum through continually practicing the above repeatedly.

Make space for 2019 to be different than any other year. It’s time to CLEAR! If you are seeking permanent change the right support will enable you to go deeper and get the results you seek in 2019. Please email me at Luna@mastermindsalign.com for a complimentary 30 min session either by skype or in person. n

Lun li a Hagea

Luna Hageali is a certified Management Developer with 20+ years global experience of working with organizations and individuals to maximize their potential.

Email: luna@mastermindsalign.com Mobile: +973 3203 0129

66 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Armani Exchange hosted a 'Winter Styling Competition' at Bahrain City Centre

Feature

A First in the Island

Bahraini Anne Schumacher makes history as the first woman to ride a motorcycle across the Saudi Causeway.

O

n the 22nd of November 2018, approximately 400 motorcycles drove across the causeway between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to attend the 5th Bahrain HOG (Harley Owners Group) rally.

The causeway is not open to motorcycles except for special occasions and on this occasion Bahraini Anne Schumacher was amongst the group. Riding her 2013 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic, Anne made history by becoming the first woman to ride a motorcycle across the causeway.

Anne recalls, "We weren't sure if it was going to be allowed or not and the only time we would be notified would be at the immigration where we would already be halfway across. The causeway is open to women driving cars but there is no mention about motorcycles. So I nervously gave the man in the booth on the Saudi side my papers. He looked at me, asked me where my bike was and said, ‘Okay, yalla go’."

“It was an amazing experience and I'm thankful to Samer Al Arayedh the Bahrain HOG chapter Director for facilitating this trip”, Anne added.

The local chapter of Harley Owners Group in the Kingdom takes the bond of promoting responsible motorcycling activities for HOG members by conducting chapter activities and encouraging participation in other events. n

Bahrain Confidential January 2019 67

People & Culture

Wellbeing in the Gulf Aiste A Daubaras shares her eclectic musings in a light, yet warm-hearted fashion.

I

don’t know about you, but most of my new beginnings and New Year resolutions tend to be rather short lived. For instance, last year I swore off shoe shopping for six months... until few days later stumbled (quite accidentally) upon an irresistible sale in the Saks Fifth Avenue shoe department. Or each time I tried to cut sweets, but was offered a chocolate by a friend, I, inevitably, ended up breaking that rule (surely, it would have been rude to refuse). Anyway, similar examples are ample. And I have a sneaky suspicion that my transgressions might sound familiar to you too (wink, wink).

Yet, I kept wondering if there is a way to cheat the system, so to speak, of how not to cheat on one's resolve.

As I sipped my passion fruit iced-tea (shaken, not stirred), I was already making plans to come back.

And then, I was invited by Sparadise Spa to try their new wellbeing programme. Being a yoga virgin, I was somewhat apprehensive and not sure what to expect, but I shouldn’t have worried. A warm and friendly atmosphere enveloped me from the minute I entered a well established fitness studio. Ladies were chatting with friends or greeting acquaintances, an attentive and encouraging instructor was willing to accommodate everyone's needs according to their abilities. The session was fluid, relaxing and very enjoyable, and I my body felt instantly flexed and strengthened, yet the better was still to come. My next discovery was the Spatox bar serving most delicious health boosting concoctions, offering cleansing and cure for any ailing known to the humankind, served either as a scrumptious shot or an elegantly presented cocktail.

As I sipped my passion fruit iced-tea (shaken, not stirred), I was

68 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

already making plans to come back. So, I realised, that if you offer yourself an incentive or a reward afterwards and customise it to suit your own needs, it soon becomes so ingrained into your weekly routine, that you will start wondering how on earth did you survive without it before. Indeed, there is no universal recipe for an ideal health regime as each of us needs to discover our own formula.

You might be more of a Zumba girl or an inborn jogger. You might crave some company after days spent with only a gurgling toddler, or you might want to escape your noisy household of moody teenagers and immerse yourself into an indulgent solitude of “me-time”. You might choose tea over juice, but the key to success of sticking to your wellbeing routine, is to find a right balance between challenging and rewarding yourself, creating a ritual, and making it into a habit.

The goal should be not to loose X amount of pounds, but to feel good. Believe me, that invigorating feeling of contentment in your own body and soul is very addictive, and ever so much more enjoyable if done with a bit of class. Anyway, suffering for one's beauty is so 2018! In the New Year we want our wellbeing served in a nice elegant glass... shaken, not stirred. Happy new beginnings! n

Aisté is a Socialite, Writer, Language Tutor and Advisor for International School of Etiquette, living in Bahrain and London.

To share your feedback, email: aiste.anusaite@ gmail.com

Going Out

Elite Resort & Spa Enjoy different varieties of F&B promotions by the pool starting BD4.5++ as well a live oud performance every Wednesday at Al Naseem Poolside and La Brasserie.

Every Friday, indulge in a live grill buffet dinner for BD10++ per person from 7pm to 11pm. The Family Friday Brunch is also available with grills and pool access for BD10++.

For more information, call +973 1731 3333

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Enjoy a wide selection of Japanese sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls, all beautifully arranged to tempt and delight for BD20++/25++. As the sun sets the resident music sommelier DJ EVO plays favored tracks to instill a cool beachside vibe. The Thursday Sushi Night is available every Friday from 6pm to 10:30pm at The Beach.

For more information, call +973 1711 5500

ART Rotana Start the New Year with your family and friends at ART Rotana famous Choices Garden Brunch, complete with various live stations and a wonderful selection of international dishes plus live entertainment from our resident Cuban band ‘Soneando’.

The brunch is available every Tuesday from 7pm to 11pm for BD20.66++/29.75++.

For more information, call +973 1600 0111

Dowtown Rotana Explore diverse culinary cultures every Friday from 12:30pm until 4pm and tempt your senses with the best Friday Brunch buffet in town at Flavours on 2. A great ambience with live cooking stations and live performance to keep you entertained for only BD22 NET with soft drinks or BD32 NET with selected beverages.

For more information, call +973 1311 9999

70 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Going Out InterContinental Regency Bahrain

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq

Can’t wait for a long time? Medzo guarantees your lunch will be served in 7 minutes. Enjoy as Antipasti bar with your choice of pasta for only BD3.5 from Monday to Thursday from 12pm to 3pm. Make it legendary weekend at Legendz. Have your dinner while you’re enjoying the live music.

From 31st Jan to 2nd Feb, 3pm to 7pm, we are hosting a unique, flavor packed beach festival on the pristine shores of Zallaq featuring live cooking stations, stand-up comedy and magic shows, various live entertainments and much more. Experience the newly opened, Beach Bar, and look out for our top-secret La Plage Beach Booth with an exclusive 3-day massive sale on La Plage Beach Club memberships.

For more information, call +973 1722 7777

For more information, call +973 1763 6363

Wyndham Grand Manama Enjoy unique family moments with the recently introduced Family Brunch at Atmosphere Restaurant for BD15++, with a mesmerizing view of the Manama skyline, serving exquisite, flavourful buffets from across the world and the dedicated Asian, Indian, International and Arabic corners. Kids are welcome at the Play Zone to keep your little ones entertained.

For more information, call +973 1711 6116

Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Enjoy a lavish brunch spread at Ya Hala every Friday from 1pm to 5pm. Indulge in the brunch for a great value of BD8++/10++/18++ with live cooking stations, amazing view of Amwaj Marina and kids’ entertainment just perfect for your weekend.

For more information, call +973 1600 0099

Bahrain Confidential January 2019 71

Going Out

Bushido

by Buddha-Bar

Reef Resort hosted a Christmas tree lighting ceremony with carols, festives goodies and more

Mondays are made for Madness! introducing an exotic sushi menu that delivers the true taste of Japan to you!

R

eady. Set. Sushi! Mondays at Bushido by BuddhaBar just got rollin’ as the restaurant launches Sushi Madness every Monday evening from 7pm onwards for unlimited sushi all evening.

Introducing a selection that has been especially curated by Chef De Cuisine, Goh Boonwah, the menu boasts an eclectic selection of mouthwatering sushi that take you on a journey through Ja-pan, one sushi roll at a time!

Using fresh ingredients, Sushi Madness offers an authentic experience from the first bite. The rich flavors are brought to the surface as Chef Goh and his team carefully craft and presents his artistic rendition of traditional Japanese cuisine.

A dream come true for sushi lovers, Sushi Madness menu features Bushido favourites such as the Volcano Roll, Strawberry Avocado Roll, and California Roll, as well as the traditional Japanese Temaki (a hand-rolled sushi prepared in nori seaweed, in a cone-like shape), and diners are welcome to pick and choose their favorites all night long or try something completely different from the expansive and delectable selection.

For those who wish to explore the hearty Japanese cuisine further, Bushido’s a la carte menu is available upon request.

An experience like no other in Bahrain, Sushi Madness is your ultimate stop for a gastronomical journey to Japan and one you can enjoy all night long! n

www.bushido.com.bh @bushidobybuddhabar

72 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Latest Events Photos at Bahrain-Confidential.com

Society

Mercure Grand Hotel's newly launched Seafood Night every Thursday at 7pm

Bahrain Confidential January 2019 73

Going Out

Magnifique Memories Delve into a world of luxury, fun and relaxation at Sofitel Bahrain!

P

erched on the pristine beaches of Zallaq, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa offers world-class service blended with traditional Bahraini hospitality with French elegance. Fantastic views, luxurious rooms and magnificent experiences? This prestigious 5-star luxury hotel & resort has got you covered.

With its 262 luxurious rooms, including 6 uniquely themed opera suites that offer guests a terrace with private infinity pool and fantastic views of the Arabian Gulf, a magnificent experience definitely transcends. The one of a kind Royal Suite rests on the seventh floor and shelters an opulent decor in a spacious area of 500 square meters, making it the largest suite of its calibre in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Home to the only Thalassa Sea & Spa in the Middle East region, this unique facility offers guests a wide range of rejuvenating seawater based treatments.

The magnificence doesn’t stop there as the luxurious hotel offers its guests a variety of exclusive events all year long, with a very special line up of events available in the month of January.

Starting 31st of January to the 2nd of February, enjoy a free-forall families beach festival from 2:00pm – 7:00pm on the shores of Zallaq. Be the first to enjoy a drink from the newly opened, Beach Bar, and get a chance to avail exclusive discounts on La Plage Beach Club memberships at La Plage beach booth.

The hotel offerings don’t end there as the family favorite Pique Nique In The Park is back! Spend the weekend with your family surrounded by nature’s greenery and enjoy delicious bites from Saraya. Enjoy a blooming Pique-Nique experience at Sofitel Bahrain’s lush gardens with some thirst quenching beverages from the a la carte menu and complimentary pool & beach access!

74 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Craving for something sweet? Fret not and join on the 6th of January for an exclusive pastry affair at the Lobby Lounge!

Savor a wide range of gourmet homemade pastries and witness Bahrain’s biggest homemade Galette des Rois that will surely satisfy all your sweet cravings!

Finally, take a chance to enter a world of ultimate relaxation with the Thalassa Renewing Escape package. In this relaxing journey, delight in the Seawater Hydromassage Bath for 30 minutes, then experience tranquility with a detoxifying Marine Body Wrap treatment for 30 Minutes. Finally, the signature Anne Semonin “Made to Measure” facial treatment will leave you with the silky skin you always dreamt about. n For reservations and more details, please call us on +973 1763 6363.

Society

Latest Events Photos at Bahrain-Confidential.com

The Arch Hotel celebrated their Christmas tree lighting ceremony

76 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

The Grove Hotel held a christmas tree lighting ceremony to start off the christmas festivities

Going Out

Hot Topic The Bread Story at Galleria Mall satisfies everyone with delicacies straight from the oven!

B

read lovers are already addicted to The Bread Story’s innovative offerings as soon as it opened its doors in Galleria Mall, Zinj. The fresh bread aroma in town is here to set new standards in gourmet Arabian bakeries in Bahrain!

Passing by the restaurant row of the Mall; your eyes will not miss the beautiful Arabic calligraphy in gold; complemented with a soft poem of a bread story, carved on the upper entrance’s marble facade. A very artistic touch indeed!

Inspired interiors invite you to the glorious mystique of the Orient, in utmost bliss.

The bread’s story is scripted by skilled artisan bakers offering traditional but modernistic expressions in exquisite fruits of the hearth, an experience that can only can be experienced by savoring the offerings.

To know more, please visit: Thebreadstorybahrain or call: +973 17 333 505

3602 0700

Be amazed by a creative bread influenced menu with defining specialty meats and vegetables aromatized with exotic spice blends. Indulge in an array of hot and cold Levantine appetizers, traditional and new innovations in Arabian food. And of course, enjoy a plethora of Dough and Savory pastry products carefully selected to tantalize all sensory cravings.

Clever artistic adaptations, creative presentations both for in-house dining as well as take-away/deliveries are going to be a hallmark of "The Bread Story"! n

Bahrain Confidential January 2019 77

Going Out

FRUNCH! Gulf Suites Hotel Amwaj puts a bunch of fun with their Friday Brunch!

F

or those who are tired of seeing the same old style of brunches, Gulf Suites Hotel Amwaj offers ‘Frunch’, a fun-filled Friday Brunch at Rainforest Lounge.

As we entered Rainforest Lounge, an eclectic array of mouthwatering dishes welcomed us. The vibrant rainforest haven transforms into a chill place during the day, providing a casual setting for a relaxing weekend. Dubbed ‘Frunch’, the Friday Brunch runs from 12nn to 4pm.

The spread includes international offerings, Pan Asian cuisine as well as some traditional Arabic dishes. Fitness aficionados will rejoice with numerous healthy options for starters. Once you’re happy trying all the salads on display, you can also create your own version at the salad section. Burgers, sandwiches and wraps are also available for the little ones!

78 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Going Out Of course, the star of the Frunch were the main dishes. Diners will be pleased to witness the diversity of cuisines available at Rainforest Lounge. Our favorite was the juicy and tender Herb-crusted Lamb leg with Jacket Potatoes and Onion Gravy. Additionally, there’s plenty of fresh catch where you can select your favorite seafood and have it cooked right in front of you.

Decadent desserts will surely satisfy your sweet tooth! Tarts, cakes, parfaits – name it and Rainforest Lounge has it! If you think that the fun stops there, you’re wrong! The Frunch also included billiards, darts, beer pong as well as access to the swimming pool. We definitely had a funfilled Friday at the Gulf Suites Hotel!

The Friday brunch with an all you can drink package is available at BD21 net while the package with only soft beverages can be availed at BD15 net.

The Friday brunch with an all you can drink package is available at BD21 net while the package with only soft beverages can be availed at BD15 net.

Kids below 12 is priced at BD9 net and kids below 6 can eat for free. Special discounted prices are available for group and advanced reservation.

Rainforest Fun Filled Friday Brunch is an ideal place for all you can drink and eat at a reasonable price! The restaurant is already a popular destination during weekends thanks to its themed nights, and it’s easy to imagine people from the city and beyond drawn in on a Friday night too! n

For more information and bookings call 33180001/33159437

Bahrain Confidential January 2019 79

Society

Latest Events Photos at Bahrain-Confidential.com

Saar mall hosted a celebration event for Bahrain National Day

80 Bahrain Confidential January 2019

Sofitel Bahrain held a Christmas tree lighting ceremony to kick start the christmas festivities

Flavours of Delicacies The K Hotel has something in store for everyone!

K

OLORS, The K Hotel’s signature eatery, offers diners a sumptuous feast and our expert culinary team will prepare your dish just the way you like it.

The delightful buffet provides a selection that is value for money and guests are sure to return for more.

Experience the unique and popular Friday Brunch at the KOLORS Restaurant from 12:30pm to 4:00pm priced at BD 14.5++ per person, including soft drinks. The brunch also has a live band and a selected from Sunday to Thursday, 12noon until 2:00pm, priced at BD 5.5++ per person and includes soft drinks and mineral water.

Five days a week! Get ready for amazing ways to experience the taste of the most palatable flavours of the globe at The K Hotel. KOLORS restaurant hosts delicious themed dinner buffet nights, Sunday to Thursday, from 7:00pm – 11:00pm.

beverage package which can be included for an additional BD 7++ . The Friday brunch buffet offers a rich and plentiful variety of mouth-watering food. Our Executive Chef has selected an appetizing combination of traditional recipes paired with contemporary influences.

The breakfast buffet at the all-day dining venue KOLORS restaurant is served from 6:30am till 10:30am including juices and a wide selection of local and international dishes. A healthy Express Lunch is served For info and reservations, call Tel. +973 17 360 000 WhatsApp +973 3602 1840

First day of the week, Sunday start with the Filipino night dinner buffet BD 7.5++.

American dinner buffet nights, Monday to Wednesday, BD 6++. Monday nights come with a bonus, with succulent ribs guaranteed to make a perfect night out. Every Tuesday, take pleasure in our delicious ITALO AMERICAN gastronomy, antipasti, pasta, pizza, risotto, live cooking stations and much more as we take you to a culinary travel through Italy. Indulge in the brilliant American BBQ delights every Wednesday night, combined with delectable desserts and a lot more, cooked to perfection. New addition in the Themed dinner buffet night is Asian Night, every Thursday, BD 7.5++. The Asian specialties range from Japanese sushi, maki, sashimi, prawn tempura over to dim sums, followed by delicious grilled Indian tandoori chicken skewers and freshly made Naan (bread). After 11:00pm Asian night is extended till 3:00pm, price at BD 5 net only which make your weekend unforgettable.

You will be entertained by The K’s live band, playing American Country Classic songs and classic tunes from the 80’s and 90’s, while the clown will take care of the kids’ entertainment.

Toast to the weekend with a selection of beverages and continue after your brunch at the K lounge from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, (special discounts available). The K lounge is a perfect combination that you will surely enjoy with friends and watch LIVE high speed races and practices in the lounge, with an energetic and thrilling atmosphere. n

Bahrain Confidential January 2019 81

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Beautiful Women of Bahrain

Each month, Bahrain Confidential features a beautiful woman living in Bahrain!

Huda Mirza

What do you do in Bahrain?

Cluster Director of Talent & Culture at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa /MERCURE Grand Hotel Seef What is your personal aspiration?

As a professional in both human resources and hospitality field, a big part of me is passionate in being part of creating an environment that serves the community and the people. It is my personal aspiration to be able to reach and give a hand to our community, and as well bring my family to inherit this legacy of mine.

What are your inspirations?

My family is my biggest inspiration on both my professional and personal goals. My mother has been a great role model for me as being in the medical field and who’s been very passionate in helping people. And of course, my daughter who’s been my greatest strength in reaching my achievements in life.

What is a quote you live by?

“The future depends on what we do in the present.” – Mahatma Ghandi I believe that if we look into providing the next generation a future we wanted, it is what we do today that we should focus on.

Be the best of yourself today, and the rest of the world will be better tomorrow.

82 Bahrain Confidential January 2019