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First of all... Summer is once again, in full swing! With the scorching heat comes the idea of escaping it… but who says you can’t beat the heat in Bahrain? This issue of Bahrain Confidential will keep you in company with tips and tricks to enjoy a summer staycation on the island.
Stay cool and stay safe!
Printed at Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej, Bahrain.
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ArabianMagazines.com Established since 2001, Bahrain Confidential is a Bahrain-based monthly publication available both in print and online editions. It is the definitive guide to high-end Arabian luxury and lifestyle. It covers the best in lifestyle, luxury, fashion and dining, as well as local events, art, society, fashion, beauty and travel. The monthly print edition of Bahrain Confidential is distributed to Bahrain’s highest spending consumers and decision makers.
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June-July 2020 Issue 210
06 Great Walks in Bahrain
Contents
Features and Interviews
06
Walks in Bahrain
10
Walking Essentials
14
HV Holistic: Why the kettlebell?
18
Museums around the World that Offer Online Tours
22
7 Cultural Destinations in Bahrain You can Visit Virtually
24
A Calm Amid the Crisis
28
Safer Spaces: The Middle East’s First VR Art Exhibit on Mental Health
30
Digital Marketing in Bahrain
32
A Cut Too Early?
36
One Way or Another
38
A Way Forward
Going Out
40
July Offers
44
Elite Summer Escape
18 Museums around the World that Offer Online Tours
24
40
Feature
10
Best Walks to Try in Bahrain
Bahrain crams a lot of variety into its tiny borders, and there is no better way to get to know this tiny country than to go for a walk.
Bahrain Bay Around Bahrain Bay are vast waterfront roads and paths. Enjoy the stunning view of the city either day or night. When the development isn’t rife with food festivals, live performances and all sorts of entertainment, it’s a great venue for a run or walk.
6 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
Feature
Bahrain Fort Bahrain Fort has mystery, drama, and possibly one of the best sunset views in the Kingdom. Easily one of the most popular sites in the Kingdom, it’s also a place where you can get a good walk. Make your way to the site museum; upon learning about the fort’s history, head to the grounds for a beautiful stroll.
Arad Walkway
Pearling Path Trail
In Arad, there is a very pleasant off-road run around the Dohat Arad Lagoon and the Arad Fort Beach Park. There are three sections to this run: This 3-km loop around the lagoon is famous for having scenic views of the bay and green spaces.
The Pearling Path is a 3.5km stretch in the old alleyways of Muharraq. Bask yourself in the historic trail and learn more about the ancient pearl industry firsthand. Traverse all the way from the famous Bin Matar House to the Kurar House.
Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020 7
Feature Sitra Walkway Sitra Walkway is a leisure zone featuring a two-kilometre walkway and green spaces. It is also the starting point for Bahrain’s famous mangroves tour. If the walk isn’t enough, you can make your way and explore this one of a kind destination.
Nurana Islands Nurana Islands is an area overlooking the sea located at the small village of Jid Al Haj. This somewhat off the beaten track is a haven for pet walkers and also horse riders. There are a couple of running options which includes starting on Highway 61 to Jid Al Haj village; which is a 4.5 km out and back to the island.
Budaiya Botanical Park It would be a shame to pass an opportunity to explore the charming Budaiya Botanical Park. The park is an ecologically sustainable place great for those who want to be close to nature. It’s also a great idea to walk with children because they will be kept occupied with the park’s photogenic features.
8 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
Feature
Manama Souk Soak up some of the souk’s rich culture and snap a few Instagram-worthy photos while you’re at it. This is not a place for a power walk with the road congestion, but exploring along gives you a chance to check out some of the shops and stalls.
Andalus Garden
Al Jazair Beach
Andalus Garden is a popular choice for walks since it’s accessible. With a vast parking space and even larger picnic spots, this place is a real find. The garden is filled with greenery and flowers as well as shops you can grab a quick snack at.
The beach surface at Al Jazair is fairly hard sand so it is perfect for walking and running. The beachfront goes on a few kilometers and is fairly quiet which makes it a great choice if you want to get away from the hustle bustle of the city.
Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020 9
Feature
Walking Essentials You're ready to start walking around Bahrain, but do you have everything you need? Ready for a walk? Here are the 8 essentials you’ll need!
Breathable Clothing The correct clothing at the very least will make your walk more comfortable, but it could also prevent much worse. Start with a breathable, sweat-wicking shirt as your base layer. You will also want a windproof, water-resistant jacket if the weather is a factor.
10 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
Feature Hat Protect your head from sunburn as well as insulate it in cold weather.
Pack It's convenient to use a fanny pack or backpack to balance the load on your hips rather than carrying anything in your hands.
Walking Shoes Invest in a good pair of athletic shoes. Even though you’re not running, you’ll need supportive sneakers that will work for different surfaces and conditions.
Jogging is an excellent aerobic exercise that boosts heart health. Increased physical activity can help improve the cholesterol levels of overweight men and women.
Water Walking is a physical activity and you will be losing water as you walk. You should start off well-hydrated with a big glass of water about an hour before your walk. Then, as you walk, you should drink whenever you feel thirsty according to sports medicine experts.
Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020 11
Feature
THE 5 BEST WALKING APPS TO TRACK YOUR STEPS AND GET IN SHAPE
Sunscreen Basking in the sun is a wonderful experience but it can also wreak havoc on your skin in the long run. Choose a high SPF to match your walking workout time and don't skimp on putting it on. Take special care with your ears and nose.
Fitbit App Mobile Tracker You don’t need to own a Fitbit to use the Fitbit app. The Fitbit app can be used to track your walking workouts with GPS as well as your daily steps using the motion sensor on your phone. The Fitbit app also includes virtual adventure races and challenges with friends.
ID, Money, Phone The art of being prepared isn't just in what you wear; it's what you take with you to be ready for every eventuality. Accidents happen. Emergencies happen. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Route Plan Do you wander around aimlessly or just stick with one route? Plan it out ahead of time with an online mapping app. There is little excuse for getting lost so long as you are in cell range!
Jogging can help hydrate your spine and exert less pressure on the spinal discs. One study showed that jogging for a longer time could help in better disc hydration.
12 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
Map My Walk MapMyWalk allows you to see the time spent walking, distance, pace, speed, elevation, and calories burned. The app gives you feedback after every mile. The social feature also lets you share routes and encouraging words to other users.
Walkmeter GPS Walkmeter has plenty of fun features to try. The app has features that are excellent for fitness walkers who want to improve their speed and distance. It has many free training features.
Footpath Route Planner Footpath allows you to easily map out routes. Simply trace a route with your finger, and Footpath will show all trails and roads that will allow you to complete your walk. It can measure the distance you’ll need to travel and the height you’ll be climbing.
Argus Argus can track your steps, heart rate, and sleep with just your phone – no other fancy gadgets required. You can also do step challenges with other users and easily log all your food using the barcode scanner. Plus, you can stream HD workout videos.
Health
HV Holistic Health -
Why the Kettlebell? Time to try something new and challenging.
W
hy do we choose to use kettlebells with our clients as part of their fitness development and selfawareness journey? What is this multiplanar momentum exercise pattern talk all about? Primarily Kettlebells are very movement targeted and allow us to challenge and strengthen daily movement patterns rather than focusing on a specific muscle/s. The movements are task orientated and look at the body working as an integrated system, rather than isolated muscles being the main focal point. Traditional training focuses on stimulating the recruitment of specific motor units of a said muscle, yet kettlebells emphasise the use of momentum and encourage it through the task orientated pattern your body is working through. Momentum has the focus on firing up the intelligent brain to capture, use and return the momentum produced. When moving the body uses energy. By utilising fibrous tissue as part of the movement we can reduce the amount of ATP (energy) that is being exerted throughout the task. This benefits us by encouraging movement efficiency, exerting minimal cost to the body. This movement intelligence and integrity is achieved with the use of skin, ligaments, tendons and fascia within our training, thereby taking the
14 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
importance away from simple muscular stimulation. There are many other benefits from training such a diverse range of tissues. We build up a resilience to the stress that is placed on the fascial lines, therefore increasing our defence against injury. We build up the protection required for our joints to maintain movement and stability, which in the end reduces he chances of tissue dysfunction which plays an important role in reducing injuries. It is important to ensure that you are carrying out kettlebell exercise effectively to assure the above is achieved. Recommendation is to utilise an experienced qualified trainer to take you through the key foundation swings and patterns of movement. Contrary to information that suggests Kettlebells are bad for your back, with effective technical training they are the ideal training tool to build up spinal strength to reduce chances of back injury with stimulation of the core, allowing for greater appendicular skeletal strength. So next time you are with your trainer why not ask to have a go and be expertly guided through a challenging new training experience.n For more information on how we can help contact Kate on 1777 5544, @hvholistic or info@hvholistichealth.com
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Health
Osteopathy
for Women’s Health Back on the Move shares everything you need to know about Osteopathy.
O
ftentimes, Osteopathy is overlooked as a treatment option for the many painful issues women endure. Adding to that, most people aren’t aware of the benefits of manual therapy for their overall wellbeing. Luckily, Back on the Move has always been dedicated to improving lives, especially women! Osteopathy can treat pain and dysfunction associated with conditions like endometriosis, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), polycystic ovarian syndrome (ovarian cysts), adhesions due to complications from ectopic pregnancies, and more! During pregnancy, your body undergoes tremendous change to accommodate a growing fetus. Osteopathy can also help women during their pregnancy by improving mobility, function, and decreasing pain and soreness during the 2nd and 3rd trimester. Did you know that an Osteopathic adjustment can also relieve the stress caused on the spine due to belly expansion? As your pregnancy progresses, the extra weight creates a shift in your body’s center of gravity. These factors can add stress to your body causing problems like back pain, sciatica, insomnia, shortness of breath, swelling, high blood pressure and fatigue.
First Floor, Sunlight Plaza, Seef District, Bahrain Tel: +973 77 300 600, Mob: +973 3919 7480
16 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
After birth, women can also choose to follow up in Osteopathy to deal with the aches and pains involved with caring for and carrying an infant, and the physical stresses associated with breastfeeding. On the other note, when conception is affected by spinal or cranial restrictions, osteopathy can help. If you want to get started with Osteopathy or have a few unanswered questions, book an appointment with Back on the Move! n
Dr. Lana Peters is the founder of Back on the Move and co-founder of Be Rehab. She has over 35 years experience in the field of osteopathy. She aims to improve the lives of Bahrain citizens and expats. backonthemove.com +973 7730 0600
Email: hello@backonthemove.com
www.backonthemove.com
Feature
Online Museums These 12 famous museums offer virtual tours you can take on your couch.
N
ow, you get “go to the museum” and never have to leave your couch. Google Arts & Culture’s collection includes the British Museum in London, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Guggenheim in New York City, and literally hundreds of more places where you can gain knowledge about art, history, and science. This collection is especially good for students who are looking for ways to stay on top of their studies while schools are closed. Take a look at just some of Google’s top museums that are offering online tours and exhibits.
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. This famous American art museum features two online exhibits through Google. The first is an exhibit of American fashion from 1740 to 1895, including many renderings of clothes from the colonial and Revolutionary eras. The second is a collection of works from Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer.
18 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
British Museum, London This iconic museum located in the heart of London allows virtual visitors to tour the Great Court and discover the ancient Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies. You can also find hundreds of artifacts on the museum’s virtual tour.
Feature
Musée d’Orsay, Paris You can virtually walk through this popular gallery that houses dozens of famous works from French artists who worked and lived between 1848 and 1914. Get a peek at artworks from Monet, Cézanne, and Gauguin, among others.
Pergamon Museum, Berlin As one of Germany’s largest museums, Pergamon has a lot to offer– even if you can’t physically be there. This historical museum is home to plenty of ancient artifacts including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and, of course, the Pergamon Altar.
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul One of Korea’s popular museums can be accessed from anywhere around the world. Google’s virtual tour takes you through six floors of Contemporary art from Korea and all over the globe.
Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020 19
Feature Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
Explore the masterworks from the Dutch Golden Age, including works from Vermeer and Rembrandt. Google offers a Street View tour of this iconic museum, so you can feel as if you’re actually wandering its halls.
Anyone who is a fan of this tragic, ingenious painter can see his works up close (or, almost up close) by virtually visiting this museum – the largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh, including over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and over 750 personal letters.
National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City Built in 1964, this museum is dedicated to the archaeology and history of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic heritage. There are 23 exhibit rooms filled with ancient artifacts, including some from the Mayan civilization. Sadly, not all popular art museums and galleries could be included on Google Arts & Culture’s collection, but some museums are taking it upon themselves to offer online visits. According to Fast Company, the Louvre also offers virtual tours on its website. To see more of Google Arts & Culture’s collection of museums, visit the collection’s website. There are thousands of museums Street Views on Google as well. Google Arts & Culture also has an online experience for exploring famous historic and cultural heritage sites. This story originally appeared on TravelAndLeisure.com by Andrea Romano.
20 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
Feature
Uffizi Gallery, Florence This less well-known gallery houses the art collection of one of Florence, Italy’s most famous families, the de’Medicis. The building was designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 specifically for Cosimo I de’Medici, but anyone can wander its halls from anywhere in the world.
The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
MASP, São Paulo
European artworks from as far back as the 8th Century can be found in this California art museum. Take a Street View tour to discover a huge collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, manuscripts, and photographs.
The Museu de Arte de São Paulo is a nonprofit and Brazil’s first modern museum. Artworks placed on clear perspex frames make it seem like the artwork is hovering in midair. Take a virtual tour to experience the wondrous display for yourself.
Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020 21
Art
The 45th Annual Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition
7
Cultural Destinations in Bahrain You Can Visit Virtually from Home Here’s a list of destinations you can visit virtually…
B
ored at home? There is a way to get a little culture and education while you’re confined to the four walls of your house. Bahrain’s Authority for Culture and Antiquities is offering a bunch of virtual tours to broaden your horizons during this uncertain time. “Walk” through the Kingdom’s most interesting places, like the National Museum, Al Khamees Centre and more!
Al Khamees Visitor’s Centre Al Khamees visitor’s centre provides a permanent exhibition at the site of the oldest Islamic archaeological site and mosque in Bahrain. The visitor’s centre displays all the archeological artifacts that have been discovered on this site and provides visitors with the necessary information to understand the richness and historical importance of the mosque.
Qal’at Al Bahrain Site Museum Qal’at Al Bahrain Site Museum is located on the northern coast of the Kingdom, and is surrounded by a picturesque seascape and lush greenery that escaped urban encroachment. The museum’s collection showcases five different historical periods which are arranged chronologically, each within its own separate gallery.
22 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
Al Khamees Visitor’s Centre
Art Bab Al Bahrain Bab Al Bahrain is located at the entrance to the Manama Souk in Manama. Built in 1949, it once housed the government’s administrative offices and overlooked the sea. The souk is a vibrant collection of shops offering a wide range of goods from textiles, spices, incense, perfumes, handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as more modern products from all over the world. There are also a number of traditional coffee shops. The souk offers a unique shopping experience that brings to mind the style of commerce from days long past. Bahrain National Museum
Bahrain National Museum Conceived and designed by Krohn and Hartvig Rasmussen, the Bahrain National Museum is characterized by its white travertine marble façade. It is the repository of 6000 years of Bahrain’s history. The story of Bahrain comes to life in the Halls of Graves, Dilmun, Tylos and Islam, Customs and Traditions, Traditional Trades and Crafts, and Documents and Manuscripts. The museum complex is composed of two connected buildings with approximately 20,000 square metres of floor space. The main building houses the permanent exhibition area, temporary exhibition halls, an art gallery, a lecture hall, gift shop and café.
Bahrain Fort The Bahrain Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site located atop a 17.5-hectare artificial hill that has been built over more than
4000 years of continuous occupation. It is the site of the former capital of Dilmun and one of the most archaeological sites in the Arabian Gulf.
Shaikh Salman Bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort Sheikh Salman bin Ahmed Al-Fateh Fort, commonly known as Riffa Fort due to its location in Riffa, is an historic landmark. The fort also houses the Saffron Café, which overlooks the picturesque Al-Haniniya Valley, offering visitors the perfect ambience created by the site’s history and environment.
Block 338 Located in the heart of Adliya, Block 338 is a charming pedestrian crammed with international restaurants, art galleries and small boutiques. As Bahrain’s hot dining district, Block 338 offers a wide range of restaurants appealing to all ages and tastes, be it for a fancy meal, traditional Bahraini dish or just a soothing drink. n http://culture.gov.bh/en/eservices/virtual_tours/
Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020 23
Feature
A Calm Amid the Crisis Bahrain Confidential talks to Shahla Alzayani, one of the visionaries behind Calma.
C
an you tell us a bit about yourselves? Who are the visionaries behind Calma? My name is Shahla Alzayani, I am a seventeen-year-old Bahraini student who attends Bahrain School. I started Calma, alongside my friend Layla Alsaad, with guidance from my elder sister, Reem. Now that the initial goal has been fulfilled, I would like to develop the concept further with Reem under guidance from the family. How did Calma start? What is the goal of this initiative? Calma’s initiative initially began as a CAS (creativity, activity, and service) project requirement for International Baccalaureate (IB) degree. Layla Alsaad, a friend who is also an IB student at Bahrain School, and I thought of creating a way to raise money for the COVID-19 crisis occurring in Bahrain. We came up with an idea to sell custom made beaded jewelry and donate the full sale proceeds. With that in mind we launched an Instagram account to showcase our ideas and designs with a business portal to receive payments. The account gained a large amount of traction which resulted in exceeding our goals giving us the chance to introduce a scale up our idea.
24 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
Feature
I am proud to say that Calma has inspired and resonated with many people, especially the younger generation. Furthermore, meeting up with the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF) and its Secretary General, Dr. Mustafa AlSayyed, we realized how much potential our project has with helping the community in multiple ways. Our new and improved goal is to help community as a whole, with pressing matters that occur all year long. The main goal of Calma is to spread positivity and give a helping hand to the population by reassuring them that in times of desperate needs there is a helping hand, this message is reflected in the name Calma; calm in Italian. These motivational images/words are a visual way to spread calmness while looking at our products. How do you come up with the designs for your pieces? We come up with our designs through following fashion trends, customer requests and creative design. We create these designs based on multiple factors, such as
the seasons and current trends. Our designs are both functional and durable. In addition, we also simultaneously pay attention to and consider items that can be helpful, and create a distinctive look to them. For example, we just launched masks holders; a versatile design that is similar to eyeglass holders, with a unique twist. We also give our customers the freedom and flexibility to custom-make their own bespoke pieces by choosing their preferred colors, styles, and sizes. Our main objectivity is achieving customer satisfaction through creativity and versatility so that we maintain growth of our products and client base. Where do you see Calma in the near future? Will you continue this venture long term? Since this initiative began as an IB CAS project, it was meant to last a couple of months. We noticed the support, success, and demand of these products among the population in Bahrain and GCC countries, and the good they are willing to spread, which motivated me and my sister Reem to think of transforming this initiative into a longer term business initiative.
Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020 25
Feature
Reem Alzayani (L) Shahla Alzayani (R)
The main goal of Calma is to spread positivity and give a helping hand to the population by reassuring them that in times of desperate needs there is a helping hand. We are exploring our options with an open mind, but are hopeful to have greater achievements within the community by collaborating with similar local initiatives. For example, after three days of launching the Instagram, we were given the opportunity to collaborate with a member of the 1% application in Bahrain. The main idea is to give back to a community we consider as family, in a place we are proud to call our home. Are there any tips/inspirational messages that you would advise the youth of Bahrain today? I am proud to say that Calma has inspired and resonated with many people, especially the younger generation. We have received a number of messages from parents and children highlighting the positive
26 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
influence we have had on them; one eleven-year-old girl even reached out to propose her business plan to me. I am astonished and grateful for the success that Calma experienced in such a short amount of time. Because of this, I advise everyone and anyone to take a risk and create an initiative they think of, especially if it is for the greater good. In closing, I would like to thank all those who have supported us in making this dream a reality. We are proud to be part of this huge initiative and to serve our community and humanity in general. We are grateful to be able to showcase our talent while spreading a strong lasting message as well as supporting a good cause. n @calma.bh
Art
Safer Spaces The first virtual reality mental health art exhibition launches in the Middle East.
S
afer Spaces is a collective consciousness art exhibition that aims to normalize and spark conversation around the topic of mental health in the Arab world. Comprised of an epic collection of 70 artworks, created by 19 emerging artists based in the GCC, the show aims to explore and portray one of the most vulnerable, intimate spaces to exist: the mind. Originally planned to be held at The Art Space gallery in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the team behind the show has adapted with the tides, and Safer Spaces has evolved into a regional phenomenon now being held in virtual reality. When the idea of Safer Spaces was originally conceived in February 2020, it was in response to the arid lack of acknowledgement for
28 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
Art the mental health conversation in the region. Fast forward to the present where it is no longer safe to leave the house, Safer Spaces is no longer a radical, contemporary project – it is necessary. Speaking of the technology behind Safer Spaces, curator and participating artist Zayn Al Qahtani said: “Safer spaces is not just a slideshow on a website – we have a remarkable web development team who have pushed the boundaries of what we thought was possible to experience through a screen: hyper-realistic 3D renderings, thoughtful museum design, interactive commenting tools, a one-click link to shop your favorite artworks - you can literally walk around and explore the work from all angles just as you would in real life – it truly is the first of its kind.” Scan QR code for the virtual exhibit
Fast forward to the present where it is no longer safe to leave the house, Safer Spaces is no longer a radical, contemporary project – it is necessary.
One of the most exciting features of this show is that it covers a
topic that has never been addressed at this large of a scale in the Gulf. On bringing the show from idea to conception, Founder and Managing Director of the Art Space, Esra Faraj, said: “One of the community objectives at The Art Space is to facilitate and represent creative young talents with transforming their artistic visions into reality. We help and guide them into promoting and displaying their Art in the best possible light to the international Art scene. Through our many discussions with emerging artists, a recurring topic close to everyone’s hearts surfaced: ‘How we can do our part to end the taboo around the conversation of Mental Health in the Middle East through Art?’. This gave me the drive to put together this exhibition. I believe the first step to overcoming such a complex issue is to acknowledge, discuss, and bring it to light. Only then can we see significant shifts in attitudes and creative solutions to such issues. ” n Safer Spaces shall launch to the global public on July 10th, 2020 at 5 p.m KSA. The exhibition will be accessed via The Art Space’s website www.artspacebh.com
Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020 29
Feature
Digital Marketing in Bahrain How important is digital marketing for businesses during the pandemic?
T
he current coronavirus pandemic has led to a major shift in consumer lifestyle and behavioral trends. As one would expect, shoppers are now becoming more concerned about the impacts of COVID-19. These apprehensions are driving some changes in purchasing behaviors. With the majority of people staying indoors and online, digital marketing will be every brand’s best defense against coronavirus. The internet is the only thing keeping the people and the markets connected.
30 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
Feature In Bahrain, many consumers have shifted their purchasing behavior from offline to online as a result of the pandemic. The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) announced that there is a growth of usage in social media and video streaming applications since January to mid-April of this year. During the past, most sectors took a leap into the digital world to varying degrees but, with it being the primary option for doing business during the pandemic, it's vital that companies now fully integrate it into their business models. Digital marketing is now more important than ever. In a fast changing global landscape, communicating with your target market is vital. If businesses want to maximize their visibility and make a significant impact, now is the time. Adopting a different approach is the key for generating demand during the COVID-19 crisis.
In Bahrain, many consumers have shifted their purchasing behavior from offline to online as a result of the pandemic.
Now that everyone in Bahrain is staying online for longer periods of time, the chances of seeing ads on social media or interacting with content are greater. Social media marketing, content creation, and website development are some of the vital services companies should be taking advantage of now. While everyone might be looking to scale back from social media from a business standpoint, now isn’t the time to do so. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. As we progress through this time, it is important to adapt, engage and connect. n If your business has been impacted by COVID-19, contact Fabianca at +973 3652 0004 or info@fabianca.com for a free consultation.
Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020 31
Feature
A Cut Too Early? Mixed reactions
Just recently, salons, beauty parlors and barbershops were allowed to reopen in Bahrain after months of closure due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). With it, comes the mixed reactions by residents and citizens alike.
However, the reopening was met with mixed feelings by residents. Some say it’s time to open business while others say closures should be extended; some are also fearful that this might cause more infections on the island. Salon owners and workers have voiced out their frustrations on social media over losing their years of hard work and life savings over the closure of non-essential businesses. For the past few months, they have stayed home and sacrificed their source of income as a result of the coronavirus. “We’re so frustrated because salon workers have no jobs, no pay but what can we do?”, said Marissa who is an employee at a beauty parlor. A number of people have also advocated for reopening for they believe that the measure has gone long enough. On 27th May, residents rejoiced as they are now able to get their much-awaited haircut – something that might have been ridiculous pre-coronavirus era. Salon owners also celebrated this “answered prayer” by posting how anxious they are to go back to work.
Not worth it? In line with the reopening, the country’s health ministry announced the measures to be observed by salons, barbershops
32 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
relax enjoy the moment in amwaj
Our private terrace is the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy our hospitality
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GULF SUITES HOTEL, AMWAJ 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroom hotel suites
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in Bahrain will become more dangerous. It’s better for everyone to stay home and stay safe”, she added. Meanwhile, others believe that salon reopening is okay as long as precautionary measures outlined by the Health Ministry are being implemented. “Concerned authorities should make sure that all equipment used by barbers are sterilized before and after each and every customer”, according to John.
Salon Changes The process of reopening hasn’t been as simple as going back to business like before. Under Bahrain’s safety guidelines, salons have implemented some changes for the reopening.
and beauty parlors to mitigate the spread of the virus. According to the announcement, customers can only go to the salon if they have a pre-booked appointment; no walk-ins will be allowed. Several treatments have also been banned including: facials, hair treatments that use a hair dryer (keratin, Brazilian blowout), threading, micro-blading, using needles, spa services, henna tattoos, makeup services, tanning, eyelash application and returnable hair extensions. Some have raised their apprehensions upon hearing this. “With the said guidelines, I hope salons will hesitate to open their businesses because it truly is not worth it.” Julie, a resident said. “If salons open, the situation
34 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
“Right now our goal is to service our clients while also keeping them safe”, Lina a salon owner stated. “There’s always mixed feelings but we’re all excited to be back to work and to serve our customers… although there’s always going to be apprehensions until we have the vaccine”, she added. “It's worth the wait. There’s no reason to take the risk of catching the virus for hair”, Amal said when asked about her views on the reopening of salons and beauty parlors. At the end of the day, people will most likely be clamoring to get back to the salon. Our advice is to not be lax in following the health and safety measures to avoid being exposed to the coronavirus. Let’s protect ourselves so we can protect others. *The names in this article have been changed for confidentiality purposes. n
Lana Peters, Osteopath N.D. (Dip. in Naturapathy). Grad Dip (Animal Chiropractice) A.A.O.A. (Registered Osteopath). M.A.V.C.A
Relief from back pain, joint or muscle pain, sports injuries
+973 7730 0600 about osteopathy and how we can help you, visit our website:
w ww.backonthemove.com Email: enquiries@backonthemove.com
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One Way or Another You know before writing my first article I worried that I won’t be able to write a word…
F
or a writer, it’s the last thing on her mind to ever actually announce her former reservations or vulnerabilities. Knowing how fast human brain cells are to grasp; surely, you’re now thinking, “Then why did she disclose her insecurities about writing at all?”. You’re right to wonder, and I too did ponder. I distilled the feelings of my heart, poured it out on a notepad and am here, sharing it with you, because I’d like to tell you what I told myself- That, YOU’RE ONLY HUMAN.
36 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
Feature Yup, those aren’t just the lyrics to the Jonas Brothers 2019 Billboard hit song, Only Human, but much rather imbibes a feeling, a fact. Living with this feeling or accepting this as a fact, is usually found to pan out one of two ways. For some of us it is the hopeless, low-pitched semi-irritated- sigh, “But, I’m only human!” and for some, the calm yet optimistic, “Its alright to not know. I’m only human. I’ll figure it out one way or another”. So, I chose the latter, unleashed my vulnerability and embraced it with genuine care; only to outdo it, but with a smile. That made no sense whatsoever, right? Not to worry, let me decode that Chinese for you. Being vulnerable means remembering when faced by a challenge, that it’s okay to be as petrified as any other creature that walks on two-legs (humans in this context). That we are just as allowed to flaw, fail, explore and experiment as was Newton, when he was trying to figure out, “How the hell did this apple fall down and not fly upward?”. That we are just as capable as Amelia Earhart who became the world’ first female pilot to fly across the Atlantic oceans in 1932, not to forget, solo. She might have screamed her intestines out, peed her vintage pants or even fainted post landing safely. But here’s what- SHE FLEW. She flew, knowing “something” about aviation and geography, “nothing” about the outcome and “everything” about courage.
attempting it as a toddler! Recollect your few-monthsold nephew for a moment and revisit the visual where he crawls, tries to stand up, grabs your leg as a substitute for a ladder, frantically balances himself against your tv cabinet to walk a few steps, smiling at his triumph only to tumble down with his face flat on the floor. Let me ask you this- Have you ever seen him, not give his first walk, his first go? Better even, have you ever seen him, not attempt it again, the very next nanosecond? The point is- If he didn’t fret, fume or flinch even once before his first try, why do we? If he didn’t even think, let alone stress about how it’ll turn out to be and went straight for it, why can’t we? If he didn’t turn into a nervous shade of blue before he tried, why should we? Ladies and gentlemen, age no bar, challenge is the second name of life. The trick just lies in three words (no, not the cliché “Do your Best”); but much rather, “How you dive in!”. (Sorry, that made four words!). Let your will be stronger than your worry, your faith deeper than your fear and your passion bigger than your paranoia. To wrap it up, I’d say: “Cruising through the roads of life, we sure can’t cherry-pick our journeys, or the challenges they bring along, but what we can pick is an attitude. I say, pick gutsy.” n
Let your will be stronger than your worry, your faith deeper than your fear and your passion bigger than your paranoia.
Remember the palpitation in your palms when you’re aiming your car to be reversed exactly between the two dotted lines to pass your first driving test? Or the rumbling sensation in your stomach when you’re shaking hands with your girlfriend’s father for the first time, hoping he can tolerate the mere sight of you (let alone like you)? Or, the nervous leap in your heartbeat when the MasterChef judge of your house (Lè Husband) is about to taste the first bite of that chocolate pudding you just served? Fun fact- all of the above are no less horrid than the hardships a baby faces every single day in “Baby World”! Don’t believe me? Take a look. Not that I come even close to certified psychiatrists, but in the face of any challenge, I’d recommend what I have come to call as, “The Toddler Theory”. This theory put simply, is defined as the practice of acknowledging a new challenge as an adult; but
Niha Shah is a Brand Manager, at Y. K. Almoayyed & Sons. Post her Masters from Melbourne, research is now her favorite chariot, on her quest to learn more each day. She values integrity in life, brevity in conversations and novelty in experiences. Niha Shah
@niha_shah
Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020 37
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A Way Forward As restaurants face down time being closed for dine in, now might be the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect and prepare for the new normal.
38 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
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T
he rapid evolution of the modern consumer is changing their relationship with food. The rise of delivery apps has transformed the definition of convenience, making it a constantly moving target. With the curtains being pulled back on supply chains and the proliferation of corporate misconduct via the means of social media, companies have to work harder than ever to appear frictionless.
nuanced movements but also abrupt curveballs like the current COVID crisis that is putting this to the test. As restaurants face down time being closed for dine in, now might be the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect and prepare for the new normal. Do we really want things to go back to normal; the unsustainable ways of our past, the effects of which are prominent now more than ever, or do we want to go forward? Addressing that might be the key to survival.n
This global awareness has paved the way for some historic movements that supersede trends by its continuous growth, one in particular, the growing vegan movement. It is becoming more evident that the traditional business playbook is no longer compatible with the new generation of diners. On a ground level, however, these effects might seem diluted but it will eventually catch up. The 1990’s witnessed the dramatic digital revolution, and anyone that was not willing to evolve with the times has been left behind. While vegans are still a tiny proportion of the population, understandably not worth diverting major resources to, plant based eating, on the other hand, is being adopted by a much larger proportion of the population, now more than ever, for various reasons including health concerns over antibiotics and hormones in meat, meat shortages due to COVID etc. The meteoric rise of plant based eating poses some difficult challenges to the hospitality, food and beverage industries as it steps over the physical product boundaries and into the emotional and ethical influences of consumer behaviour. Modularity and flexibility will have to be woven into a company’s DNA, to not only adapt to historic and
Shivani Sathasivam is an economist, marketer and an expert on plant based business and living. She is the founder of Plant Based Bahrain & New Normal Consultancy.
Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020 39
Going Out
Joyful
July
ART Rotana
Take advantage of these offers and promotions from different hotels.
ART Rotana Rosso Take Away Menu Enjoy a sumptuous selection of authentic Italian dishes made especially by Italian Chef Enrico by ordering to go from Rosso Restaurant. Chef Enrico has prepared a wide selection of all your favourite Italian dishes to take home and enjoy it with your family members from the comfort of your home.
ART Rotana Classic Bedroom
40 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
International Takeaway Menu Experience fine dining from the privacy of your home with ART Rotana’s Takeaway Menu. Their delectable takeaway menu will bring you culinary craftsmanship from all over the world to your home to relish with your loved ones. 2 course set menu: BD 12 Net. 4 course set menu: BD 19 Net.
Going Out Downtown Rotana All Day Takeout Menu Flavours on 2 Restaurant culinary team has prepared an exceptional takeaway menu for June 2020, created from the finest ingredients for you to enjoy with your loved ones at the comfort of your own home, available all day long. 50% off your stay Downtown Rotana is bringing you an exciting opportunity to pack your bags
Downtown Rotana Room July’s Summer FUN Soak up the warm sunrays and refreshing breeze while laying down on ART Rotana exquisite beach and enjoying your cold drinks and delectable courses. Now in July, BD15 Net per adult during weekdays and BD20 Net during weekends. Kids (3-17yrs.) are charged BD5 Net per kid during both weekdays and weekends and kids below 3 can enjoy a free entry. For more information: +973 1600 0111
Crowne Plaza The Heartiest Staycation Get the most out of your staycation with the hotel’s Dinner, Bed and Breakfast offer. Adding an evening meal to your staycation can definitely add convenience. For only BD 1 additional, you get half board package. *Terms and conditions apply Book Now, Pay Later The new “Book Now, Pay Later” rate offers flexibility and savings. With no deposit required and full cancellations up to one day before your stay, travel planning is commitment free. Check the website to learn more: crowneplaza.com/Manama IHG Dining Deals Order a takeaway from the participating outlets across Bahrain, and you’ll enjoy up to 30% off your bill, plus 250 IHG Rewards Club points for every US$25 you spend! Check the website to learn more: crowneplaza.com/Manama For more information: +973 1753 1122
for a local getaway. Book your stay for a minimum of 2 nights at our hotel and get 50% off your room rates and an incredible discount of 15% off dining and 20% off laundry services. Summer Staycation The unique staycation packages offer you the ideal break away during the summer of 2020, whether you are looking for a family getaway or a couples’ retreat, the summer packages have it all. Stay at a classic bedroom for BD39 Net with breakfast, or opt for a luxuries suite staycation with only BD49 Net with breakfast, or better yet, choose the 2 bedroom family suite for BD75 Net with breakfast. For information: +973 1311 9999
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Bay View – Takeaway and Home Delivery Indulge in Bay View’s brand new takeaway and home delivery menu offering signature dishes, traditional favorite
Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020 41
Going Out
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay other. Enjoy your very own private island experience with a 25% discount on room rates, discounted rates start from BHD 87++. Wake up to complimentary breakfast for two in bed, exclusive access to the Hotel’s private beach and a 15% discount on dining experiences. A private white-sand beach awaits on the island’s sun-drenched shore. Enjoy take-away food and beverages served throughout the day from your beach cabana or sun lounger. For information: +973 1711 5000
InterContinental Regency Bahrain mezze specialties, light bites, fresh salads, sandwiches, and unique sweet treats. Chef Kim and his team have perfected a diverse menu which includes Arabic specialities and international favourites. Bay View is a proud supporter of local Bahraini farmers, with most of its produced sourced from local farms. The menus are available for take-away from Four Seasons or delivered to your home for convenience. The menu is available to order through Talabat and EatApp (under Bay View). Delivery services: 12pm – 12am daily (note: Wolfgang Puck delivery and take-away services remain in operation) Staycation – Lead with Care Program Reconnect with loved ones with a beach staycation like no
42 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
A Bountiful Staycation Get the most out of your staycation with the Dinner, Bed and Breakfast offer. Adding an evening meal to your staycation can definitely add convenience. For only BD 1 additional, you get half board package. *Terms and conditions apply. Summer Staycation Live life local. Enjoy a summer break with the hotel’s bed and breakfast offer including access to pool. For Just BD 45 net.
Going Out *Minimum 2 guests required • Selected grapes & bubbles brunch package starting from BD29net • Add BD10net per person for beach access • Brunch day-use offer is available from 12:30pm–4:00pm • Available every Friday & Saturday ** Minimum 4 guests order required for home delivery. For more information: +973 1763 6363
InterContinental Regency Takeaway Enjoy InterContinental Regency’s curated menu that is delivery-focused with popular signature dishes from its restaurants and prices that are different for delivery. The hotel has also created an exclusive party platter menu perfect for business lunches, tailgate parties, the beach and more! All of these at the tip of your fingers through food apps such as Talabat, Carriage and Careem. Our menu includes a range of International, Arabic and Indian dishes. Availability: Daily When to order: 10:00 am – 10:00pm Receive order: Available as take away or we can deliver. Please note a 20% discount is applicable for takeaway. Price: A-la-carte pricing For more information: +9731722 7777
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa Magnifique Summer Escapade Offers Treat your family to an incomparable tropical getaway with Sofitel Bahrain’s Magnifique Summer Escapade Offers on Prestige Suites offering direct private beach access or grand sea views, starting from BD99net* including complimentary breakfast for two. Or discover French sophistication with Luxury Room offers starting from BD55net* inclusive of breakfast for two and endless sea views. Grand Friday Brunch; Revamped! Relive Sofitel Bahrain’s famous Grand Friday Brunch experience starting from BD25net* per person in privacy of the fully sanitised Luxury Room offering beautiful sea views, paired with the most impressive spread of appetising culinary wonders that will conquer the most discerning palates and satisfy all brunch aficionados. Or welcome the Grand Friday Brunch in your home this weekend as they deliver the full gastronomic experience all over Bahrain**!
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Welcome Back Offer Reserve your next stay and take advantage of a complimentary room upgrade. Bonvoy Rewards members enjoy more with BHD 20 hotel credit per night. Rate starts from BHD 99++. Daycation Package Escape to an oasis closer to home with a “Daycation” package designed to prolong your beach mood. Offer includes a Deluxe room from 9 am to 6 pm, as well as full access to our beach and resort facilities for two persons. Rate starts from BHD 75++. For more information: +973 1758 6868
La Plage Takeaway Indulge in a tasteful selection of comfort food and beverages from La Plage. From your favorite salad, pizza, pasta and more to mouthwatering desserts, you are surely in for a treat. For more information: +973 1758 6499
Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020 43
Going Out
Elite Summer Escape
Elite Summer Escape is a real treat for all. Enjoy these special offers and packages until 30th September 2020.
E
lite Hospitality Group has created Elite Salamatik program which is implemented at all the hotels in Bahrain in various locations. Elite Salamatik ensures that every guest will have a safe stay with their family and friends, in face of the covid pandemic. We have taken various steps to protect the guests and the employees, for this purpose.
Elite Seef Residence Hotel The one and two bed room family suite are elegantly furnished in modern leather interiors with a fully equipped modular kitchen, lavish bathrooms, a home theatre system with in-house TV channels, Digital Satellite television system and 24 hour personalized room service with special menus offering
44 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
Going Out lavish choices with great value. The One bed room suite starts at Bahrain Dinars 33 net per night including taxes and service charge, inclusive of Wifi internet and breakfast meal for two persons with hot beverages and selected fresh Juices.
Elite Resort & Spa Hotel The spacious one bed room suite offers this summer real value for money with only BD 39 Net per night inclusive of taxes and service charge, Wifi internet and packed breakfast for two persons in the suite. The elegant two bed room suite with a special rate of BD 60 net makes a perfect choice for a family of fthe people to unwind with a personalized packed breakfast service at the suite.
Elite Grande Hotel
Elite Salamatik ensures that every guest will have a safe stay with their family and friends, in face of the covid pandemic.
Each spacious suite is lavishly furnished with grand bathrooms, complete home theatre systems in each bedroom with DVD, and HDTV Satellite channels, hi-speed Internet access, Direct Dialing facility with voice mail and digital safe-deposit lockers. The two bed room suite starts at Bahrain Dinars 60 Net only including taxes and service charge, Wifi internet and breakfast meal for fthe persons with hot beverages and selected fresh Juices.
Elite Hospitality Catering The excellent food and service, we are known for is now delivered to your doorstep. Specializing in institutional catering in offices and factories, Elite Hospitality Catering is supplying to large corporates, Banks, Factories and Ministries. They also cater for all events such as: receptions, cocktail parties, BBQ's, birthdays, anniversaries and graduation celebrations. n For bookings and more details please call: +973 17 558 200 or visit the website: www.elitegrouphotels.com
Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020 45
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How to Start a Food Blog Here are some tips to help you avoid food-stagram fiascos.
E
ver thought about joining the quickly expanding foodie side of Instagram? Have no fear; it’s not as complicated or difficult as you think. Here are some essential tips that will help you start strategising your account and learning how to become a food
blogger.
Define your niche Find out what your profile and platform will look like. Pick a theme and style for all of your photos. This will help you to build up a congruent and professional looking profile as more photos are added.
46 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
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need to make sure that your posts and profile are unique and memorable.
Don’t be afraid to explore The foodie side of Instagram is huge, so don’t be afraid to discover and explore. Looking at popular hash tags can really help you connect with your fellow foodies.
Take photos all the time Don’t be afraid to whip out your camera and take a few quick pictures before you chow down, wherever you go and dine. Experiment with styling and lighting!
Experiment Not only that, decide what makes you different from every other food blogger. Will you only post about pancakes? Or will you post about healthy versions of your favourite comfort foods? Whatever, you choose just make sure it’s something you can grow with and that you love.
Follow others The next step is to begin following other popular food bloggers. This will give you an idea of the types of posts that people respond well to. From this, you’ll be able to learn how to become a food blogger that people actually want to see in their feed. However, don’t stop there! Get engaged! Follow the people that like, comment, and respond to these bloggers as well. Following other foodie accounts is a great way to explore and gain foodie friends online.
Be unique With millions of monthly users on Instagram, you
Enough of those overrated filter choices that Instagram already gives you — it’s time for you to edit your own photos to your liking. Download photo editing apps like Lightroom, Snapseed and Picsart to edit your food snaps.
Add your opinions Don’t know what to write in the captions? Writing a small description, especially if it’s your own opinion about the dish or the ingredients, is always a great idea. Make informative captions and not just emojis. And most importantly,
Take your time A successful profile takes time to grow. Be consistent with your posting and keep creating killer content. Good posts take time to create, so if you find yourself frequently forgetting it might be time to create a content calendar. This will help you stay on track and be prepared. n
Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020 47
Read our reviews online
(Scan the QR codes to read our online reviews)
Bahrain's Best...
NEW Bahrain's Best Shrimps according to our social media followers
Bahrain's Best Breakfasts according to our Facebook fans
Bahrain’s Best Coffee according to our Facebook Fans
Bahrain's Best Sushi
Bahrain's Best Burgers
The best sushi places according to our social media followers
according to our Facebook fans
Bahrain's Best Pasta according to our social media followers
Hotel Reviews
MĂśvenpick Hotel Tel. 1746 0000
Reef Clubhouse Tel. 7790 0700
The Jumeirah Royal Saray Tel. 7770 7070
NEW Wyndham Grand Manama Tel. 1771 6116
48 Bahrain Confidential May 2020
Al Areen Palace & Spa Tel. 1784 5000
Sofitel Bahrain Tel. 1763 6363
School search made easy...
Read our reviews online
Restaurant Reviews
My Café Tel. 7734 4444
Plums at The Ritz-Carlton
Gallery 21 Tel. 1771 1600
Tel. 1758 6499
Brasserie Royale at Jumeirah Royal Saray
La Table Krug by Y at The Ritz-Carlton
Play Restaurant & Lounge
Tel. 7770 7070
Tel. 1758 6699
Tel. 1710 0345
Mahonia
Tapas at Sofitel
Tel. 1700 0071
Tel. 3888 5789
Brasserie Royale at Jumeirah Royal Saray Tel. 6672 0028
Baharat at Le Meridien City Centre
Lagoon Moon at Reef Clubhouse
Xenia Bar at Mövenpick Hotel
Tel. 1717 1441
Tel. 7790 0700
Tel. 1746 0017
50 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
Your dental health is important. Dr Ali Hussain Al Juffairy Dental Services provides top-notch quality services from the most basic to the most complicated dental procedures you require.
implants orthodontics fillings extractions root canals bleaching etc.
For world-ClAss dentAl serviCes, there’s only one plACe to go.
Al Juffairy Clinic es! Now moved to new premis Al Juffairy Clinic 6th Floor, Mashtan Building next to Almoayyed Tower
Book an appointment today.
Call +973 1727 3700 EMAIL: juffairy@batelco.com.bh
OPEN Sunday thru Thursday from 9am up till 6pm
Read our reviews online
Spa Reviews
Jumeirah Royal Saray Tel. 7770 7070
Heavenly Spa at The Westin Bahrain City Centre
Spa InterContinental at InterContinental Regency
Tel. 1717 1000
Tel. 1722 7777
NEW Wyndham Grand Manama's Spa Suite
Cryotherapy at °CRYO @cryo_bahrain
Tel. 1771 6116
Couple's Massage at Movenpick Hotel Tel. 1746 0000
Miscellaneous
The Bride Guide A guide to planning your dream wedding in Bahrain
Activities Where to go and what to do in Bahrain
Studying Outside
Dragon Boating
Belly Dancing classes at Crowne Plaza
Health & Wellness Guide A guide to staying fit in Bahrain
Paddle through Bahrain Bay with this competitive sport
52 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
A list of places in Bahrain with wifi, common spaces, late hours, and coffee
Social Media is changing business
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING CORPORATE BRANDING GRAPHICS AND WEB DESIGN CONTRACT PUBLISHING ARABIC TRANSLATION PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
Most businesses in Bahrain lack advanced digital and social media marketing skills to expertly manage a successful digital strategy, so missing major opportunities they don’t even realize. The good news is we can inexpensively create an effective digital strategy for your business, and manage it for you, for less than the salary of an employee - freeing you to run your business. We also build beautiful websites optimized to generate income for businesses, and provide online services including SEO, design, e-commerce, photography and video production.
For a FREE evaluation of your businesses digital marketing needs. call +973 36 188 100 | 1700 4575
Profile
Name:
Dalia BuQais
Profession: Marketing and PR Manager at the British School of Bahrain
A short talk with interesting people living in Bahrain!
Nationality: Bahraini/Puerto Rican
Personality Profile How are you finding Bahrain? Bahrain is home. There truly is no place like it, it’s the perfect balance between traditional and modern living. This little island has the most humble, generous and friendly people and delicious food, which is why I found my way back to it after living abroad for 10 years. What’s your favourite place in Bahrain and why? The Bahrain fort during sunset. It’s a beautiful structure and a part of Bahraini history. I love old architecture where natural ingredients from the surrounding areas are used to make wonderful structures. So being at the fort and watching a sunset across the water and the Bahrain skyline is such a warming sight that gives me good feelings. What do you most like, and dislike, about your work? My work involves a lot of activities but I love what I do. We all share the same vision, to educate and shape the future leaders of the world. What I enjoy
54 Bahrain Confidential June-July 2020
most is when I help bring an event to life and see how the student’s faces light up with excitement. Biggest lesson in life: Live in the present. Stop dwelling on the past and don’t worry about the future, just enjoy every moment that is happening now. We will never get this moment again. If you can change anything in your life, what would it be? I try to live with no regrets and I believe everything happens for a reason. Also, it’s never too late to change something in your life. What makes you happy? Spending the day at the beach with my family, feeling the sand beneath my toes and listening to the waves. Favorite motto or saying: If you don’t take risks in life, you don’t live at all; and what’s the fun in that! n
ELITE
SUMMER
ESCAPE
Elite Seef Residence & Hotel Elite Grande Hotel
BD 33 Net
BD 60 Net
Single / Twin Bedroom Suite
2 Bedroom Suite
• Rates are in Bahrain Dinars and Inclusive of all taxes and service charge. • Inclusive of breakfast buffet • Inclusive of Wifi Internet connection • Above rates are applicable till end of Sept 2020 * Terms and conditions apply
Call: +973 17 558 200
cro@elitegrouphotels.com
www.elitegrouphotels.com
PURCHASE A NEW BMW 7 OR BMW X7 AND
BMW 7 Series BMW X7
from BD 36,495 from BD 31,995
Bring us your current luxury vehicle and we’ll trade it in for level of luxury unequalled on the road. You’ll also receive the following benefits: ■ 5 years or 200,000 km warranty ■ 5 years or 100,000 km service ■ Free insurance & registration
■ Free window tinting ■ Free paint protection
Terms & Conditions apply. Image shown for illustrative purposes only. Actual specs may vary. The trade-in offer applies to specific BMW compatible brands. The special sales offer applies to regular vehicle purchase.
Euro Motors 810 Sh. Jaber Al Ahmed Al Subah Highway, Al Hamriya 611, Sitra, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: 750750 17, Fax: 750850 17.