Bahrain Confidential - November 2022

P UBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Nicholas C. Cooksey

E DITORIAL Deepika Rao

E DITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Elyzabeth Ramirez

Vinita V

SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Charlie Cooksey

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Noor Albasri

D ESIGN

James Dhanraj S

P HOTOGRAPHY

Angelo Acosta

A DMIN & FINANCE

Nikesh Pola

D ISTRIBUTION

Mohammed Yousif

Aramex

Al Ayam

For Advertising Opportunities Call

Charlie Cooksey

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

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Printed at Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej, Bahrain.

The Best in Bahrain

Bahrain-Confidential.com Online edition at 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.

First of all...

Festivities are in the air all around the island! As we brace for a month of celebrations and fun, we bring you yet another edition filled with gastronomical delights, happening events to check out, and the best in Bahrain’s lifestyle and luxury in this November edition of Bahrain Confidential.

Happy reading!

Visit: Bahrain-Confidential.com

Bahrain’s 51st National Day Events and Activities

The festive season is around the corner in Bahrain! December is coming with a whole lot of holiday cheer on the island – from events and activities to fireworks, music festivals, and more.

A lineup of events and activities has been planned by BTEA from the 1st to the 31st of December. Here’s a quick guide to some fun things to do this December on the island!

Bahrain Festival City

Bahrain Festival City will feature a lot of fun and exciting activities for everyone to enjoy! Over 45 live performances, an outdoor ice rink, daily live shows, and more will take place at the venue.

When: 14th December to 18th January from 4 pm to 11 pm on weekdays and 4 pm to 12 am on weekends

Where: Bahrain International Circuit

Muharraq Nights

The Pearling Path and the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture & Research are organizing Muharraq Nights from the Siyadi Majlis in the north to Qal’at Bu Mahir at the southern tip of the island. The celebration will feature design, fashion, food, and music across the historic neighborhoods of the city.

When: 1st to 3rd and 8th to 10th December

Where: Shaikh Ebrahim Centre, Archaeologies of Green Pavilion, Amarat Fakhro, Suq Al Qaysariyyah, and Bu Mahir Seashore

National Day Celebrations at The Mall of Dilmunia

Mall of Dilmunia will be celebrating the Bahrain National Day with live performances, activities, and live cooking, as well as festive decorations throughout the mall.

When: 16th to the 18th of December

National Day Endurance Ride Championship

The National Day Endurance Ride Championship will take place at Bahrain Royal Equestrian And Endurance Federation coinciding with the celebrations of the Kingdom’s National Day. It is considered one of the most important endurance competitions in the region.

When: 9th and 10th of December

New Years Celebrations

Get ready for the biggest and most magnificent fireworks of the year in Bahrain! BTEA is organizing an event with a stunning drone show and live entertainment.

When: 31st December, 10 pm onwards Where: The Avenues Park

Heritage Village

The Ministry of Information Affairs is hosting a festival in celebration of the national holidays at the Heritage Village in Ras Hayan from the 9th to the 19th of December.

Farmer’s Market

The Farmers’ Market will make a comeback to promote Bahrain’s agricultural products and highlight the development taking place in Bahrain’s agricultural sector in addition to various family events and activities.

When: 10th December, 7 am to 1 pm

Where: Budaiya Garden

Bahrain Jazz Fest

This year, “Jazz Unmasked’ is bringing together community and music. The muchawaited Jazz Fest will feature international and local jazz bands on multiple stages, F&B areas, family-friendly zones, and more.

When? 2nd December

Where? Bahrain Rugby Football Club

Early bird tickets (7-14 years): BHD 9.500

Early bird tickets (15 years and above): BHD 18.500

7-14 years: BHD 11

15 years and above: BHD 22

IRONMAN 70.3

IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship, returns this December to the Kingdom of Bahrain. The race includes cycling, swimming, and running over one weekend. IRONMAN 70.3 Bahrain will offer fast and unique courses, including a bike course at the Bahrain International Circuit race track. The IRONMAN® and IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series consist of over 150 qualifying races in 50+ countries, regions, and territories across the world.

When: Friday, 9th December

Social Media is changing business

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.

Caffeine Fix! 8 Great Coffee Spots to Check Out in Bahrain!

Looking for a good ol' cup of Joe? Keep this list handy if you're looking for a caffeine fix in Bahrain. Check out the top picks from our followers!

Arabica

W ith minimalist design and branding, Arabica sparked the curious minds of those who are in Bahrain, not so long ago. The café originated in Kyoto, Japan, and is dedicated to providing tasty coffee, light bites, and more.

Locations: The Avenues Bahrain and Seef

CAF

CAF is a socially driven company that captivates the art of social interaction through its community. Established in 2016, CAF views itself as more than just a coffee shop for regulars as it is designed to make a change in our society through movements of expression.

Location: Seef

Costa Coffee

Costa Coffee has been the go-to for workaholics around the island. One can visit four branches of Costa Coffee operating around the clock with specialty beverages created frequently.

Locations: Zayani House (Diplomatic), Al Raya (Riffa), The Park (Janabiya), and The Palm Drive (Sakhir)

Dose Cafe

For the coffee-lovers, Dose Cafe has a plethora of choices. Sourced from coffee capitals like Columbia, Guatemala, Peru, and Ethiopia, among others, the cafe serves cappuccino, latte, and espresso along with cold beverages and eats.

Locations: Juffair & Salmabad

[es’pr sso]

[es’pr sso] is a third-wave coffee bar serving specialty coffee in Saar. The café sources its beans responsibly while also participating in social programs that give back to the communities – especially in countries where they source their beans. We love a brand with a heart!

Location: Saar

Roast Coffee Roastery

This local cafe creates excellent coffee made by their in-house roast beans. They have a great selection of hot and cold drinks as well as delicious sides. Even Lindsay Lohan recommends them!

Locations: Saar and Riffa

Green Bar

Green Bar is a café serving fresh, seasonal food made from scratch.

Locations: A’ali and Qal’at.

Grind

Grind is a micro-roastery serving artisanal coffee since 2015. It is inside Hopscotch, a rustic kitchen, and bakery. At Grind, you can get great drinks made by their talented baristas

Location: Saar

Great Outdoor Dining Spots in Bahrain 10

If you want to enjoy the breezy weather while dining out, here’s a list of some great outdoor restaurants in Bahrain!

Attic

Rustic, warm, and wholesome – you can experience authentic Greek flavours in this retro-chic ambiance in Adliya! The attic has a spacious outdoor dining area where you can lounge at.

Locations: Adliya

Bay View Lounge

Locations:

Cantina Kahlo

Have a taste of some of the best Mexican specialties at this restaurant! The vibrant outdoor area and delicious cuisine will keep you coming back for more.

Locations: The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain

Cico’s

Sometimes, Italian food is best-shared al fresco! This beloved trattoria has been on the island since the 70s and they’ve just recently added an al fresco area which is super cool!

Locations: Adliya

Coco’s

Coco’s small villa-style restaurant features ethnic Parisian interiors and modern spins on classic American fare. It’s a local fave and one of ours, too!

Locations: Adliya

Fiamma

Rediscover al fresco dining at Fiamma, located at the Sofitel! Tuck into your favourite gastronomic indulgences once again with the return of their themed nights starting September 3rd!

Locations: Sofitel Bahrain

Monsoon

Monsoon can satisfy your cravings if you’re looking for Thai, Japanese, or even Vietnamese dishes. Apart from some lipsmacking delights, the restaurant has a beautiful al fresco area!

Locations: Adliya

My Café

My Cafe is a boutique cafe in Block 338, Adliya, serving gourmet meals and beverages made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant has a beautiful garden area too!

Locations: Block 338

The Orangery

The Orangery is an elegant tea room and patisserie that transports visitors to an English garden on a summer’s day. This place is perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or some sunset snacks with friends and family.

Locations: Palace Boutique Hotel

Oaky

This exciting restaurant in Riffa has an outdoor terrace perfect for the season. Call your friends and invite them for a night of juicy burgers and cool beats on September 3!

Locations: Riffa

Review: An Upscale Business Lunch at Primavera

Bahrain Confidential experiences a refined Italian Business Lunch at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s Primavera.

Overlooking the lush green gardens and sandy beaches, Primavera is an ideal location to catch up with clients or colleagues over a quick lunch. As ever, the restaurant’s atmosphere is inspired by Osteria Contemporanea. Its modern interiors highlight some of the best of The Ritz-Carlton’s repertoire of features.

We began our three-course meal with an Italian cuisine classic, Vitello Tonnato. This Piemonte dish features thinly-sliced succulent veal served with some greens, tuna ice cream, and capers. Who would have thought that tuna and veal would make such

For our main course, we had the Risotto ai Fungi which was outstanding – we couldn’t have enough! It is rich and creamy, with a burst of delicious flavors of wild mushroom, truffle oil, and parmesan cheese.

Risotto generally is very filling, but the lunch portion is just enough to give you that same satisfaction without feeling stuffed. We also had the Filetto di Branzino Alla Mediterranea using local seabass, which is tender and full of flavor. There is a unique tang to it, enhanced by the cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers.

When it comes to dessert, the velvety and decadent Tiramisu at Primavera never disappoints. This iconic world-famous delight is boldly flavored with espresso and cocoa and is light, creamy, and irresistible.

We also tried the Torta di Mandorle e Cioccolato Bianco, which at first glance would give the impression of an overly sweet dessert. But we were pleasantly surprised by its balance of texture, taste, and sweetness, which makes it a perfect pair for coffee.

a perfect combination? Topped with capers, this appetizer is delicious, bright, and savory.

We also had the Insalata di Rucola – a refreshing, simple rocket salad served with pecorino cheese, raspberry, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this salad, you can really taste the quality of the ingredients with each bite.

Overall, Primavera sets the bar high for business lunches on the island, offering a true Italian taste, excellent service, and a beautiful view. Lunch out on the terrace once the weather cools down would make for a lovely experience. n

The Business Lunch is available from WednesdayThursday and Sunday-Monday between 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM at BD 25 net. To make a reservation, call +973 17586499

Primavera sets the bar high for business lunches on the island, offering a true Italian taste, excellent service, and a beautiful view.

Origin Kitchen & Culture satisfied us with its warm atmosphere, friendly service, exciting live entertainment, and of course, a sea of mouthwatering food.

The themed night was recently launched by the hotel and is hosted on Thursday evenings at the Origin Kitchen & Culture restaurant.

Hilton Bahrain’s Seafood Night had an exceptional selection of fresh local catch ranging from lobsters and crabs to succulent prawns and more. Guests can choose from the display and have them grilled to their liking. Everything that we picked was perfectly grilled, succulent, and tender.

On another note, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the restaurant’s sushi and sashimi station! This was definitely one of the highlights of the evening.

Moving on to the desserts, the restaurant had an array of sweet delights where we feasted to our heart’s content!

Overall, we had a great time relishing the scrumptious options from a variety of food stations. Once again, Origin Kitchen & Culture satisfied us with its warm atmosphere, friendly service, exciting live entertainment, and of course, a sea of mouthwatering food.

Whether you’re celebrating an almost-weekend meal with your friends or just looking for a way to bring your loved ones together, Hilton Bahrain’s Seafood Night is set to redefine your dining experience!

Where: Origin Kitchen & Culture, Hilton Hotel, Juffair When: Every Thursday from 7 PM – 10 PM Cost: 32 BD NET w/ 3 selected house pour drinks | 25 BD NET w/ soft beverages n

To book your reservation, call +973 33692013 or email bahhh.dining@hilton.com.

A Tale of Three Cities

Bahrain Confidential Visits Northern Germany

By Nick Cooksey

Last month I discovered that Germany is a wonderful place for visitors from the Middle East to relax, breathe fresh air, and connect with nature, history, and culture.

W ith Germany being a choice of travel destination for travelers in this region, the growth of medical tourism is increasingly playing a significant role in attracting Middle Eastern travelers. While many tourists think of Berlin or Munich as cities to visit, the country is also home to many smaller towns that are packed with attractions worth visiting. With so many charming little towns, all filled with history and culture, Germany has much to explore.

On Bahrain Confidential’s visit to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (yes, it’s very hard if you don’t know how to pronounce it) in September, we got to check out three such towns.

The first stop was Schwerin, “the city of seven lakes”. Shy of 100,000 residents, Schwerin is an old, scenic town with a fascinating history and served by many restaurants catering to different tastes. The beautiful lakes can be explored simply by walking along them or thanks to regular and inexpensive ferry trips.

I stayed at the lakeside Hotel Speicher am Ziegelsee, which is a renovated granary, (a storehouse for grains) dating back to 1939. The landmark can be easily spotted from across the lake. Converted into a ‘climate neutral’ hotel in 1998, it offers friendly hospitality and comfortable rooms with scenic views.

The lake by the hotel is open to swimmers, with a diving platform and sun lounges. As far as I know, I was the only guest at the

time to swim in the lake. It was cold but refreshing and I found my daily morning swim before breakfast made me feel energized the whole day.

I explored Schwerin with Jürgen Hingst, an official city guide. Among all the guides I met during my travels, I spent the most time with Jürgen and learned much about the interesting history of the town from him. His love for this city and ability to express what made it unique definitely made a mark on me.

Substantial efforts have been made to preserve and restore important monuments that boast neo-renaissance architecture and painting. The most spectacular piece of heritage in Schwerin is the Castle. The site, which is on its own island so historically more easily defendable, has been home to the various rulers of the city for many hundreds of years. Today, the castle is open to the public, and in addition to being a fascinating monument of the past, a section that was destroyed by fire years ago has been rebuilt to house the state parliament.

With Germany being a choice of travel destination for travelers in this region, the growth of medical tourism is increasingly playing a significant role in attracting Middle Eastern travelers.

After spending two days in Schwerin, it was time to move to the next city. I took the one-hour train ride to the Hanseatic City of Rostock on the north coast of Germany along the Baltic Sea. What’s really impressive about Germany is its extremely efficient and dependable intercity transportation systems. The cities are well-connected through the railways and trains are always on time – at least that’s what I found to be the case. An added benefit, if you decide to take the train, which is a sustainable way to travel, is the scenic views you get to enjoy en route.

In Rostock, I stayed at the Radisson Blue Hotel where from my spacious room I had a great view of the port and estuary. Rostock attractions include the Sea Promenade, a 100-year-old waterfront built by the Baltic Sea. You can spend your time by the water, go shopping, or visit some of Rostock’s landmarks like the Cultural History Museum and St. Peter’s Church (I visited both). I also visited the oldest University in Rostock, built-in 1419 with Renaissance-style decoration.

The next day I took the 15-minute train ride from Rostock to the charming little seaside town of Warnemünde, a resort that’s famous for its long and beautiful beaches of soft yellow sand and fresh sea air. Of course, there are also lots of shops and restaurants catering to all budgets.

The Teepott is a popular sight in the resort town,

mostly owing to its unusual architecture. There are a number of old houses and attractions worth looking at, not least Edvard Munch’s House (the impressionist who created the famous painting, The Scream, who lived in this seaside town for 18 months between 1907 and 1908) which can be visited and which hosts events and exhibits.

Whether you’re in Germany to access its healthcare or just looking to explore somewhere different and enjoy a very pleasant change in the weather, there’s plenty for you to see.

If you are planning a visit or wish to know more about the region, get all the information on the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Tourist Board. n

I was invited by the German National Tourist Office to be a part of this Press trip. It was themed around the GNTB campaign “German.Local.Culture“ #FindYourCityBreak (themes: Craft, Taste, Flair, Green) and the focus on sustainable travel and sustainable tourism offerings.

Image credits: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Tourist Board

Elite Seef Residence and Hotel will be the FIFA World Cup 2022 broadcast from 20th November to 18th December.

Elite Seef Residence & Hotel

Avail the winter special offers at the Elite Seef Residence & Hotel in Seef in the heart of the Kingdom’s main shopping area. The hotel boasts one and two-bedroom family suites elegantly furnished in modern leather interiors with a fully equipped modular kitchen, lavish bathrooms, a home theatre system with in-house TV channels, a digital satellite television system, and a 24-hour personalized room service with special menus offering lavish choices with great value.

The one-bedroom suite starts at BD36 net per night including taxes and service charge, inclusive of WIFI internet, and a breakfast buffet or meal for two persons with hot beverages and selected fresh juices.

The highlight at Elite Seef Residence and Hotel will be the FIFA World Cup 2022 broadcast from 20th November to 18th December accompanied by international salads with a live grill counter at Captain Jack’s Poolside at a special rate of BD10 net per person and BD5 net per child (6-12 years old).

Aside from that, the indoor lounge bar is designed for you to have a good time with a variety of signature drinks and delectable tapas. All the offers promise a perfect fun time with Elite’s crafted beverages and exquisitely prepared bites.

Take your team for a business lunch buffet at Julio’s Specialty Restaurant from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM at BD 6.5 net per person including bottled water, canned juice, or soft beverages. All in-house guests will be offered a 15% discount on every room service order every day for 24hrs. For inquiries, call 1758 3388 / 3602 0600.

Elite Resort & Spa

Overlooking the vast blue sea, Elite Resort & Spa welcomes all its guests with a promising, exciting, and relaxing experience. The spacious one-bedroom suite is priced at BD39 net per night inclusive of taxes and service charges, WIFI internet, and a breakfast buffet for two persons.

The spacious two-bedroom suite which accommodates four people with a special rate of BD65 net is a perfect choice for a family to unwind with a lavish breakfast buffet from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the La Brasserie Specialty Restaurant.

During winter, families including kids can enjoy the activities and meals at the Al Naseem Poolside.

Evenings by the Poolside will be lit with Tarab Night that allows you to indulge in authentic Live Grills and Live Entertainment every Thursday and Friday from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM with a special rate of BD6 per child, and BD12 per adult, while the Burger Combo meal (BD3.900) served with french fries & soft drinks is available every day at Al Naseem Poolside & La Brasserie Specialty Restaurant.

Elevation Gym and Pool at Elite Resort & Spa is offering a special rate for day-use access, monthly, and yearly memberships. For inquiries, call 1731 3333 / 3888 4451.

Elite Grande Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Seef, close to the largest shopping complex on the island – Bahrain City Centre, Elite Grande Hotel’s two-bedroom family suite is a perfect place to unwind in a relaxing atmosphere with personalized service. The rates start at BD 60 net including taxes and service charges, wi-fi internet, and a breakfast buffet for four persons.

H2O Lounge offers a wraps promotion, with a choice of beef, chicken, and vegetarian wrap with french fries and soft beverages at BD 3.500 net available from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Meanwhile, the Barbeque Poolside is the real taste of the best barbeque in town every Thursday & Friday from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

The hotel will broadcast live matches of the FIFA Football Fever from 20th November 2022 till 18th December 2022 at the H2O Poolside located on the 11th Floor with a magnificent view of the Seef district. Avail offers on food & beverages too. Call 1756 5888 / 3619 3444 to know more.

Elite Hospitality Catering, now delivers to your doorstep! The catering service supplies to different locations in Bahrain and to a wide range of clients like Banks, Factories, and Ministries. They also cater for all events such as receptions, cocktail parties, BBQs, birthdays, anniversaries, and graduation celebrations. n

All the special offers and packages this winter are valid till 28th February 2023 at Elite Hospitality’s properties. For bookings and more details, call +97317558200 or visit: www.elitegrouphotels.com

#BahrainBios

The Music Comes First

An Interview with Bahraini DJ, Producer, and Live Act: Ahmed Zainal

ABahraini Techno, House, and Electronica Producer, DJ, and Live Act, Ahmed Zainal has been a known face in the underbelly of the Bahraini music scene for over 20 years. Bahrain Confidential recently had the opportunity to interview the electronic maestro to know all about his journey, music, collaborations, and future.

Tell us about yourself and your Bahrain story. Like most musicians in Bahrain, I live a double life. During the day, I am a corporate communications professional and leader. Outside of working hours, I am a Bahraini House, Techno, and Electronica Producer, DJ, and Live Act. I have been juggling these two lives for over 20 years. It started with a CD full of pirated music-making software given to me by my friend Talal Mahmood when I was 15 years old. That same friend and I learned how to DJ using an old mixer hooked up to a desktop computer (which we lugged around to parties, including one of those old heavy monitors), playing tracks through an old media player called Winamp, and a Sony Walkman CD player.

I honed my DJ skills at university where I lived with 3 musicians (including a DJ), by learning to mix Drum ‘n’ Bass and UK Hardhouse vinyl. After I graduated, I

continued to play small local parties and various gigs for fashion brands, started an online radio show, and released music on various labels in Dubai, Europe, and the US under the monikers QWRK and Ed Buzzerk.

Today, I am grateful to have gained enough trust in my abilities to play big shows such as MDL Beast Soundstorm 2021 in Riyadh, Boiler Room Bahrain in 2021, and in December 2022, I will be playing MDL Beast’s first Balad Beast festival in Jeddah.

What inspired you to become a music producer?

Music has been a part of my identity ever since I can remember. My parents tell me about how I would stop whatever I was doing and give my entire attention to songs when they are played. I started producing electronic music with version 2 of a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software called Fruity Loops (now FL Studio), using trial and error to learn as I go. Since my father is a Disco record collector, it was natural for me to gravitate towards House and Techno, which is most of what I was listening to at the time, so that is what I produced and continue to primarily produce to this day. As a teenager, I wanted to use music for self-

fun. This mantra also applies to my DJing, which is why you always see me smiling and dancing in the booth.

Speaking of DJing, I always over-prepare for my gigs; I would prepare a 6-hour playlist for a 2-hour set (in case I need to play at different times or for longer durations). I spend hours collecting the tracks I want to play and placing them in an order that makes sense harmonically and energy-wise. Having a big playlist helps me shift the energy when required depending on the crowd, as they also play a part in the direction the party goes.

What have been your biggest learnings in music as an artist and a listener?

One of the hardest lessons for me to learn as an artist was never to wait for inspiration. I became a productive artist when I understood that 90% of what is required is to just show up and start working. Instead of being afraid of making mistakes, I now fear not learning from them or not learning how to recover from them. We are not perfect, so why set that expectation on ourselves?

Another lesson I learned can be summed up perfectly by the late Frankie Knuckles, the Chicagoan DJ who played a pivotal role in the development and popularization of House music in the 1980s: “The minute you think you’re greater than the music, you’re finished.” As a person who struggled with imposter syndrome for a very long time, I always worried about whether my music and therefore myself as a person, was good enough in the opinion of other people. Self-doubt would eat at me as I was working on my music or DJing in empty clubs. What I did not understand at the time is that it is not about me at all. I play a small part in what makes a party a success. I learned to let go of my ego and just put in the work and have fun while I am doing it, for the love of music.

expression, and to be understood and seen. Today, my purpose in production is to contribute a piece of myself and what I enjoy to the recipe of a magical nightlife experience.

Tell us about your creative process and your approach to music.

Sometimes, it begins with an idea in my head; other times, I start with a clean slate, testing out oneshot and loop samples until I combine them into a foundation I can build on. My goal is to produce a piece that moves physically and/or emotionally, mainly through rhythm and groove. I insist on pushing myself to try new things because no matter how much experience I have, I will always remain a student of music. I use the same approach when I play live. I mostly improvise the sequencing and patterns, because sticking to a pre-planned set or a formula for a certain sound would bore me and the audience; I cannot expect them to have fun if I am not having

Lastly, I learned that it is never too late. Start that project, have that conversation, make that apology, learn that skill… You are never too old to start and never too invested to end. This old proverb always stuck with me, even though it sounds very cheesy and cliché, but I cannot think of a better one to explain it: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

What are some of the best locations you’ve played at locally and globally? What locations do you want to play at in the future?

The first New Year’s Eve party my friend and I DJed at on the eve of Y2K did not have more than 15 people at one time. What I remember from that party was a friend handing us a CD single of the Artful Dodger's Re-rewind. We played it and had the biggest smiles on our faces because before then we had never heard of 2-Step or Garage, and it opened our eyes to a new

Today, my purpose in production is to contribute a piece of myself and what I enjoy to the recipe of a magical nightlife experience.

world of sound. Today, the Garage plays a big part in what I play and produce.

One of my proudest moments was taking the stage at MDL Beast Soundstorm in 2021. I had family and friends behind me and a crowd of almost 2400 people in front of me. It was my chance to prove to myself that I was good enough to do something like that. Baloo, the Creative Director at MDL Beast, whom I had met years ago DJing here in Bahrain, decided to let me have my shot, and I will forever be grateful to him for it. My proudest moment was when I looked into the crowd towards 3 random guys waving to get

my attention, and when I did they lifted a Bahraini flag. I had tears in my eyes.

Boiler Room Bahrain in 2021 was the first big event where I played a live set with my fellow musician Rashed Al Dhaen. We had been practicing and playing live together alongside other artists since 2019, and this was our chance to see if the practice paid off. We had a blast and we were very happy with the results. With a sick lineup of DJs and artists, and an amazing crowd, that day went on to be a party that people will be talking about for years, and I am very happy to have played my part in it.

Ultimately, I am excited to play anywhere no matter the size of the crowd, as long as all the elements of the party come together. I hope venues in Bahrain focus on the quality of the sound system and sound treatment, as they play a huge part in the experience of the music. I definitely want to do Boiler Room outside of Bahrain, as performances from their parties are what started my passion for playing live and not just DJing. I want to take my live collaboration project named XO to places and events such as The Lab (London) and to play the major hubs of electronic music, Chicago, New York City, London, Paris, and of course Berlin.

Tell us about your collaborations with other artists – which ones have been the most memorable?

I always prided myself as a collaborator and I feel my best work is done with others, whether through joint projects or remixes. Uniz Kazz was a fellow schoolmate of mine who played a big part in my humble beginnings as we both started producing around the same time, and would always push each other’s boundaries. I would send a track that he would find good, get jealous, and work hard to create better music. He would in turn send me his track and that would have the same effect on me. One of my favorite productions was my remix of his original track called “Bad Behaviour.” We remain friends to this day, as he is now running sound systems through his business Phantom Audio.

Later on in my career, I worked with one of the best Prog-Metal producers in the region, Hamad Ebrahim A.K.A. 7MND. He wanted to venture into electronic music so we started a band called Slim Fit Tea, where we went on to create a 6 track EP. I learned a lot from this experience and I am proud to say that the student has surpassed the master, as Hamad is currently on the rise to become one of the most important artists in his scene.

Today, I am proud to be a member of a group of live electronic musicians called XO alongside Rashed Al Dhaen, Na Der (Nader Ameeruddin), and HSE (Hasan Ebrahim). We started practicing together in 2019 and have had a few public performances at various events since. We had our debut party performance

One of my proudest moments was taking the stage at MDL Beast Soundstorm in 2021. I had family and friends behind me and a crowd of almost 2400 people in front of me.

at the Art Hotel in November 2022. We took the audience into the sunset with our improvised grooves for almost two hours. The response was better than we expected, and we owe it to our friends and fans on the dance floor for making the experience magical.

Describe the sound people should expect when they attend one of your shows.

My DJ sets vary depending on the event I play at, as they have different audiences, but the common denominator in all my music is the groove. I love music with rhythms that make it impossible for you not to, at the very least, nod your head to the beat. Basslines are funky and beats are groovy no matter the genre or energy level. My sets range from deep, ethereal, and minimal tracks at low tempos to banging, jacking, and peak-hour tracks with various transits around genres such as House, Techno, Garage, Breakbeat, and classic Trance.

As for XO, since we are a live group, we cater our sound to the place and time we play, from Ambient to Hard Techno. The energy is always appropriate to the event itself, however, since we improvise our sets, we do not have a clear picture of how the set will play out exactly, and we make up most of it as we go, aside from prepared samples and synth presets. We like the fact that it is as much a surprise to us as it is to the audience, so we make sure to record as many of them as possible!

How do you like to spend your time outside of music in Bahrain?

The pandemic gave me a lot of time at home, and being in corporate communications, our workload was reduced due to event cancellations. I spent time reading about psychology, learned how to make the best cup of coffee I can make, honed my cooking skills (which my wife is very happy about), and grew a beard that has become synonymous with my identity in the last year (making it more and more difficult for me to remove it). I am a bit of a Sci-Fi nerd and love all things Star Wars and Star Trek. I co-own a CrossFit box called CrossFit Blacksmith in Hamala. But music is still the most I spend my time on, whether making it, listening to it, researching it, or talking about it. n