Bahrain This Month - April 2023

EDUCATION SPECIAL

CSB

President of the Belgian Senate, Stephanie D’Hose and Belgian Ambassador, HE Marc Trentesau

Wildlife Photographer, Nistar PS

Iftars, Ghabgas, and More

Head of Treasury at GIB, Maisa Al-Haddad

Turkish Violinist, Suay Doganay

In Her Shoes

Hanan Hasan

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THE TEAM

Publisher and Chairman

George F. Middleton

Editor

Farah Baig

Assistant Editor

Kristian Harrison

Online Editor

Farrah Saville

Contributors

Ouiam El Hassani, Pria Masson, Bill Grieve

Editorial Consultant

Ahdeya Ahmed

Print Production Manager

Sabu Sebastian

Art Director

Hatem Monem

Webmaster

Nishad Eapen

CRM & Database Coordinator

Muna Yousef

Staff Photographer

Subeesh Kumar N S

Administration and Finance

Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa

Distribution Team

CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar

Distributor

Al Hilal Group (Hilal Direct Services)

Media Sales Director

Anuradha Manhas anuradha@redhousemarketing.com

Digital Media Executive

Amina Syed amina@redhousemarketing.com

DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM

Digital Strategy Director

Lini Reghunath

Director of Film

Danny Sokov

Social Media Managers

Shilu Babu, Rohit Reghunath

APRIL 2023 Bahrain This Month

Welcome to another exciting edition of Bahrain This Month. We can expect a serene month ahead of us with Ramadan taking centre stage, but that’s not to say there won’t be much to do across the island. As always, we’ll let you know how to make the most of the monthly happenings. Education is undoubtedly a cornerstone and development indicator; not only for individuals but also for nations. This month, we are proud to present our education feature which highlights 11 of Bahrain’s finest private education institutions from kindergarten through to universities. Through this feature, our total audience, encompassing both digital and print, can have a deeper understanding of the ethos, function and objectives behind some of these leading establishments, their range of facilities and, most importantly, the curricula and programmes available to students. To mark World Health Day, which takes place on April 7 every year, we interviewed the leading health practitioner and President of the Bahrain Medical Society – Dr. Amer Alderazi. Being the General & Bariatric Surgery Consultant at Middle East Hospital, he talks to us about obesity and the latest technologies and medications employed to fight it.

This month, we also interviewed HE Marc Trentesau, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the State of Kuwait and the Non-Resident Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, who visited the island last month to receive the oath of Mrs. Martine Kindt, the new Honorary Consul of Belgium to the Kingdom of Bahrain. With the oath-taking ceremony coinciding with the 146th InterParliamentary Union Assembly which was hosted in the Kingdom for the first time, the President of the Belgian Senate, Stephanie D'Hose, was also in attendance for an exciting joint interview.

We also had a fantastic chat with Jaap Vaandrager, a prominent figure in the Middle East for the past 40 years, who recently received a Knighthood from the Netherlands making him a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau. Our final interviewee is the wildlife photographer Nistar PS who will be exhibiting his breath-taking imagery later this month.

The showstopping iftars and ghabgas presented by Bahrain’s finest hotels this month feature a range of delectable cuisines, traditional décor and relaxing entertainment. We present you with some of the best options in our dining section. You can also read our reviews of the fantastic Butcher Shop and Grill, and the Khaimat Al Khaleej Ramadan tent at Gulf Hotel.

There’s also quite literally something for everyone in our carefully-curated events section this month. Which will you attend? A two-day rock festival, massive shopping bazaar, a kids Easter party or a night farmer’s market?

Don’t miss our race report on the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in our Motoring section, or Bill Grieve’s article on personal data privacy!

In Woman This Month, you’ll find the inspiring interview with the Vice President of Treasury Investment at GIB, Maisa Al-Haddad – an exceptional leader with over 20 years of experience in the banking sector. We also had a chat with the phenomenal violinist, Suay Dogonay, who has been mesmerising listeners across Bahrain.

Our team also brings you up to speed with some phenomenal fashion, beauty essentials and more. Needless to say, there’s plenty to look forward to!

Remember to visit bahrainthismonth.com to explore ‘Your Guide to a Great Way of Life’ and to follow our official social media platforms for more!

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Formula 1 2023

There were fireworks both on and off the track during the 2023 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix as a sell-out crowd witnessed a stunning spectacle at the Bahrain International Circuit. A record-breaking figure of 36,000 saw Max Verstappen take the chequered flag on race day, with a stunning total of 99,500 spectators attending over the whole weekend. More than 10,000 attendees were international visitors, also a record high in the event’s 19-year history.

Arguably the biggest social event on Bahrain’s calendar, the Formula 1 weekend was hailed as a huge success, with fans revelling in a true festival atmosphere. Alongside epic, crowd-pleasing concerts from DJ Snake and Craig David, other thrilling experiences such as a giant Ferris Wheel, a haunted house, a plethora of street performers, race-related games and activities, and a variety of food and beverage outlets, kept fans entertained throughout the three days of action.

Representing Belgium

We speak to Belgian Senate President, Stephanie D’Hose, and Belgian Ambassador, HE Marc Trentesau.

A Knight of the Order Jaap Vandraager receives Dutch Honour.

Battling the Bulge President of the Bahrain Medical Society and Consultant General & Bariatric Surgery at MEH, Dr. Amer Alderazi on obesity.

Into the Wild Wildlife photographer, Nistar PS, on his upcoming exhibition.

An in-depth look into the facilities, curricula and team at leading educational establishments in Bahrain.

Magnificent Meat and More We dine at the Butcher Shop and Grill.

Ramadan Decadence

A feast at The Gulf Hotel’s Khaimat Al Khaleej.

Tablehopping Iftars, ghabgas, Eid dining and more.

FASHION

Accessories to Love

Bejewel your Ramadan and Eid attire.

BEAUTY

Your Eid Beauty Essentials

Highly recommended fragrances, skincare and more.

OPINION

Setting Boundaries

Ouiam El Hassani on how to set boundaries with your kids.

The Grey Matter

In this edition of ‘The Things We Don’t Say’, Farrah Saville talks about living with the uncertainties of life.

PEOPLE

Woman in the Lead

In conversation with the Head of Treasury at GIB, Maisa Al-Haddad.

Queen of the Violin

Turkish violinist, Suay Doganay on her journey as a musician.

In Her Shoes

Get to know the PR and Corporate Communication Manager at BENEFIT, Hanan Hasan.

American Jazz

In collaboration with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the US Embassy hosted a concert featuring American jazz band “Brassa-holics” at the Cultural Hall. The eight-membered brass band, which generally consists of brass instruments and a percussion section, played upbeat New Orleans styled music.

APRIL HAPPENINGS

MUSIC TO OUR EARS

APRIL 27 AND 28

BAHRAIN ROCKS MUSIC FESTIVAL DILMUN CLUB

AN EGGCITING DAY

APRIL 8 KIDS EASTER PARTY DILMUN CLUB

Live music seems to be a bit of a rarity these days, so it is with a massive grin that we tell you that Bahrain Rocks 2023 will be returning this month. News on the street? It’s going to be bigger than ever!

Bahrain Rocks aims to support the local music scene, especially the Rock and alternative music scenes and has grown year on year since its inception. So, you can expect a fun weekend of music that speaks to your soul with a fantastic line up of tribute bands and some of the Kingdom’s favourite bands too!

The two-day festival starts on Thursday from 5pm with Rod Blues, Roughhouse, Red Hot Chili Peppers (tribute), Bloodshel and AC/DC (UK’s premium tribute to AC/DC) taking the stage. Friday’s line-up starts at 12pm with the acoustic bands Bella Jade and Twocoustics. This will be followed by Past Masters, BG Harmony, Twisted Lemons, The Relocators, Rock United, Jukebox Junkies. Tributes to Guns N’ Roses and Bryan Adams.

Two-day and single-day tickets are available at the Dilmun Club reception. Adults’ tickets are priced at BD12 for the weekend, or BD7 for Thursday or Friday. Tickets for children under 18 are priced at BD5 while children under 6 enter for free. All Dilmun Club members enter for free.

For those about to rock, we salute you!.

Call 17 690-926.

Here’s an exciting event for kids this Easter! The Dilmun Club has quite a fun party planned for the young’uns with several activities including an egg and spoon race, bouncy castles, pony rides, water slides, kids disco, piñata, games and crafts. And, of course, the Easter Bunny!

The Kids Easter Party will take place from 12pm to 6pm. Entry for members’ kids is BD4 while guests’ kids can attend for BD8. Guest family passes are available for BD15.

Call 17 690-926.

A WHOLE LOT OF SHOPPING

APRIL 1 TO 3 MODA EXPO GULF HOTEL CONVENTION CENTRE

Shop till you drop at the Ramadan Edition of the Moda Expo. This year, the three-day shopping expo is even more exciting with over 100 unique exhibitors. There’s plenty to find including jewellery, accessories, fragrances, makeup, skincare and more. Fashion, as always, is a major highlight at the event with fantastic abayas, jalabiyas, lehengas and dresses too! It’s the perfect opportunity for you to shop before Eid.

The expo will take place from 1pm to 5pm and from 7pm to 1am. Entry is free for all.

Call 33 207-742.

HIGH OCTANE ACTIVITIES

APRIL 8 AND APRIL 15

RAMADAN BURNOUT NIGHTS BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT

Speed enthusiasts are in-store for sensational Saturdays courtesy of ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’. Ramadan Burnout Nights will see participants put on a fantastic show of rising white smoke at BIC’s Vehicle Dynamics Area.

The high-octane activities surrounding Ramadan Burnout Nights attract huge crowds every year, and so the BIC is ready to welcome fans with a capacity of nearly 3,000 seats in the Spectator Grandstand, Crew Grandstand and VIP Grandstand overlooking the Vehicle Dynamics Area. Participants can register on site from 4pm onwards on Saturday, with the action taking place from 8pm to 12midnight. The cost to take part is BD8 for each participant, with an additional BD5.5 for a passenger and a BD5.5 fee for a crew member. All entrants’ vehicles must meet specific eligibility criteria before being permitted to take part.

Tickets for spectators are BD2 per head and BD3 for VIP seating, while VIP parking is available at BD5.

Visit bahraingp.com or call 17 450-000.

IN TUNE WITH TRADITIONS

APRIL 5 TO APRIL 8 HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2023

SOUQ AL BARAHA, DIYAR AL MUHARRAQ

INSIGHTFUL ART

UNTIL THE END OF RAMADAN ‘RITE OF PASSAGE’ EXHIBITION AL RIWAQ –BANK HOUSE

The Bahrain Annual Heritage Festival returns in its 29th edition this year under the slogan ‘Ramadan Traditions’. This enlightening festival will highlight a number of customs related to the Holy Month of Ramadan which are considered components of the Bahraini identity to this day. The festival is being organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. Be sure to follow their official account for updates related to the festival.

Follow @culturebah on Instagram.

RAMADAN DAYS (AND NIGHTS TOO!)

APRIL

Al Riwaq will be open from Monday to Saturday from 11am to 3pm and from 8pm to 11.11pm, and on Sundays from 11am to 3pm. Entry is free for all.

Al Riwaq Art Space invites you to visit the insightful exhibition ‘Rite of Passage’ which presents the work of the Al Riwaq’s first cohort of Application 001. The exhibition explores four different points of view on ‘rites of passage’ and presents personal narratives that critically explore social practices.

The artists participating in this exhibition are Ali Hussain, Ishaq Madan, Shaikha Al Salman, and Hisham Sharif.

Call 17 041-192.

The Farmer’s Market is a much-loved family event on Bahrain’s social calendar. So, naturally, everyone is overjoyed at the fact that the market will continue this Ramadan at a slightly different timing than usual.

For the first three weeks of Ramadan, the Farmer’s Market continues every Saturday from 1pm to 6pm with some of the best local produce, plants and more market favourites available at an excellent price.

At night, you can enjoy a completely different market at the same venue with the Ramadan Night Market from 8.30pm to midnight. What makes this market unique is the bazaar feel with traditional food and Ramadan staples, clothing, traditional crafts, honey, art and more available. It’s sure to be a unique experience for you to enjoy with family and friends!

Follow @farmersbh on Instagram.

Japanese Reception

On the occasion of the 63rd birthday of HM the Emperor of Japan, the Japanese Ambassador, HE Miyamoto Masayuki, and the Japanese Embassy held a reception at the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain.

THE BEST RAMADAN EXPERIENCE AT THE ICONIC TENT

The iconic Ramadan Tent of Bahrain returns with buffets and live stations of oriental and worldwide cuisines for a culinary feast.

New for this year, the Premium Experience brings full table-waited service with elegant tableware, Chef’s recommended menu, and a dedicated Four Seasons Butler.

Live music during Ghabga, entertainment for kids, and special prices for groups of 30 and above are available.

Iftar: BHD 35 I Ghabga: BHD 38 I Premium Experience: BHD 55 (Given prices are net and per person.)

Details and Reservations: (973) 1711 5500 diningreservations.bahrain@fourseasons.com

THE SPONSORS

Ritz-Carlton Iftar

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain held an iftar in its reopened grand tent, Masaya Pavilion, in partnership with stc Bahrain and in collaboration with Bentley Bahrain.

REPRESENTING BELGIUM

HE Marc Trentesau is a seasoned diplomat, having previously served as the Belgian Ambassador to Indonesia, Turkey and Morocco before assuming his position in Kuwait whilst also remotely serving as Belgium’s chief diplomatic presence in Bahrain. His support in Bahrain has been heavily bolstered by the appointment of Mrs. Kindt, who now serves as the Honorary Consul. She

will assist Belgian nationals in Bahrain with consular duties and also promote Belgian interests and the community in the Kingdom.

“I am delighted to be here in Bahrain to open the Honorary Consulate of Belgium in Bahrain,” His Excellency said. “It’s been long overdue for us to have a presence like this here. We used to have one many years ago but the position was unfulfilled until Mrs. Kindt graciously

agreed to take the position. It’s a proud moment for the Belgian community in Bahrain to see her take her oath and I have no doubt that she will do a fantastic job.

“Honorary Consuls are volunteers who graciously support Belgian interests, especially in countries such as Bahrain without a permanent embassy. There is a relatively large community here with approximately 200

His Excellency Marc Trentesau, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the State of Kuwait and the Non-Resident Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, visited the island last month to receive the oath of Mrs. Martine Kindt, the new Honorary Consul of Belgium to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Furthermore, with the oath-taking ceremony coinciding with the 146th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly being hosted in the Kingdom for the first time, the President of the Belgian Senate, Stephanie D’Hose, was also in attendance.

Kristian Harrison sat down with both of them to discuss the importance of the Honorary Consul position, the current state of bilateral relations between the two countries and more.

Belgians, which is a sizeable figure compared to many countries. It’s vitally important that they have someone to liaise with them, to be a trustworthy figure who can help them on the spot should they need it.”

Belgium has had a special presence in the Middle East stretching back to the 1970s, being particularly active in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and, of course, Bahrain. One of the main industries that Belgian companies have interest in is dredging, and they have been vital in many aspects of construction in Bahrain, from land reclamation to modernising harbours and boosting logistical capacities.

There are also numerous firms active in the medical sector, with large contracts signed with various hospitals, whilst recently a delegation from the European nation visited Oman to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to promote and develop green hydrogen projects.

Belgium is a hub for producing and transporting gas, particularly hydrogen, in Europe and sees the Middle East as a platform for facilitating renewable energy as the world moves to more climate-friendly sources of power.

“Belgium’s relation with Bahrain is very strong,” argues His Excellency. “It is clear that the Kingdom has undergone significant changes in the last five to 10 years, in terms of opening its doors wider to international businesses. This has been the most significant step by far taken to boost ties between the two countries and I know many Belgian companies, investors and their employees who reside here are extremely happy.

“I’ve always felt warmly welcomed when I come to Bahrain and I appreciate how relaxed it is, so I can only imagine what it is like to live here. In fact, I am often told how nice it is!”

As an ambassador, His Excellency was not directly involved in the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly (IPU) since delegations are reserved for parliamentarians, but he warmly received the President of the Belgian Senate, Stephanie D’Hose, and engaged in talks during the oath-taking ceremony.

Ms. D’Hose has been the President of the Belgian Senate since October 2020 and is a representative of the Open Flemish Liberals and Democrats (Open VLD) party and at age 39 became the youngest person to ever hold the position.

She has become a popular figure in Belgian politics with her focus on promoting liberal causes, and has become a role model for

young, vibrant and forward-thinking women pursuing roles in industries that have been traditionally maledominated.

“This is my second time visiting the Arab world after previously visiting Dubai,” she explained. “Therefore, I already experienced the vibe of the region and I was so excited to see Bahrain as I’ve heard so many good things about it. I flew in at night and my first thought was how peaceful and relaxing the place was, with the welcoming lights and the friendly people to greet us, whether that was at the airport or the hotel.”

At the IPU, Ms. D’Hose gave an impassioned speech which was warmly received by nearly all patrons of the assembly, whether Bahraini nationals or international visitors. The overwhelming response, she says, emphasised the spirit of the Kingdom and encapsulated the warm, friendly atmosphere which it fosters.

“It really made me want to come back and learn more about the culture and people here, since I strongly admire the Arab way of life,” she said. “The IPU has been a wonderful experience in general; as a speaker I’m so used to seeing delegates and orators in my country (the Belgian capital Brussels is the headquarters of the European Union) that it’s nice to meet so many people elsewhere for a change!

“I’ve been impressed by how far women’s rights and opportunities have advanced in the region, with the recent parliamentary elections in Bahrain promoting more female representatives than ever before to parliament. It shows how progressive the region is becoming and I hope that my speech can inspire further change.

“Ultimately, in my home country I am the first civilian so I have to defend everybody’s rights,

even the ones of those who I don’t agree with. I have a tough balancing act to try and make ten political parties work together and find compromises. It is tough sometimes, but the whole purpose of politics is to be able to find solutions for the population and people in need, so if you can’t do that why enter it in the first place? My goal is always to help those who need it and get the ones who can make a difference to cooperate.

“On a personal note, I will definitely return to Bahrain soon because I want to explore more of the country. I believe in one vision which is to experience as much in life as possible because you never know when it will end.”

A KNIGHT OF THE ORDER

Jaap Vaandrager has been a prominent figure in the Middle East for the past 40 years, establishing a major hydraulics company and also previously serving as the Dutch Honorary Consul in Bahrain for almost a decade. For his services in the region and his contributions towards boosting trade relations, he received a Knighthood from the Netherlands last month which made him a Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau.

Kristian Harrison sat down with him to discuss his pride at being granted this royal honour, his history in the region and his thoughts on raising a family as an expat.

Can you tell us about your background and how you ended up in the Middle East?

Firstly, I want to apologise to my parents because I believe I was not the best student that they would have wished for! I didn’t like going to school much; I had many other interests. I had a shop where I was doing airbrush painting, I was fixing motorcycles and I had an advertising company. Then I worked as a garbageologist … a glamorous way of saying I was picking up garbage on the back of a truck. Basically, if there was anything other than school, I was doing it. Eventually, the garbage company decided I would be better served as a salesman than a garbage collector, so I became a sales executive as a better use of my skills than collecting on the back of the truck.

I then moved to another company, which wanted me to go to Saudi Arabia for a year. Now, I always thought this was my choice, but in the background, my father and the owner of the company in the Netherlands had formulated this plan to send me there, but made me think it was completely of my own free will!

When did you find out about this, and how did your career progress after that?

It wasn’t until 30 years later! I’m glad that it happened though, it was the best decision that I (never) made! In 1984, my father was manufacturing hydraulic cylinders in the Netherlands and he had some customers in Saudi. Since I was already working for a Dutch-Saudi joint venture, I thought it would be wise to help my father too. That’s really when I started to see the potential in Saudi Arabia.

I then started selling hydraulic cylinders for dump trucks, and by 1989, Dutch-made cylinders were the preferred choice for construction companies in the Middle East and I was starting to promote Dutch products and helping people who wanted access to the market. It was around this time that I realised it was just nice to connect people, which would eventually put me in good stead many years later to become Honorary Consul of the Netherlands in Bahrain.

As for MH Hydraulics Group BV, which is the umbrella company encompassing a number of brands, it continues to perform very strongly both regionally and internationally, with a presence in Germany, Italy, the UAE and Singapore. We’re extremely busy in the Netherlands too at the moment, with approximately 320 employees there. Thankfully I have a great management team which I can communicate with remotely from Bahrain, most of the time. Of course, I also want to ensure we continue to have a strong foundation in the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia in particular where we are starting to have a strong presence.

Can you explain a little about the Honorary Consul title and how it differs from an ambassadorship?

Essentially, there are two elements to an Honorary Consul’s work: assisting Dutch nationals abroad and representing Dutch trade interests. Since there is no Dutch embassy specifically for Bahrain (it is covered by the embassy in Kuwait), it’s a unique situation. The position is not political like an ambassadorship and is voluntary, but it is still by appointment from the King and consuls do have some diplomatic status. Some of the tasks I assisted with included passport renewal, repatriation, registering

Your family managed to surprise you at the ceremony; can you tell us about this? Indeed! They were incredibly sneaky. In fact, the whole ceremony was kept under wraps and I was led to believe it was simply a meeting with the Dutch Ambassador and the Bahrain Netherlands Business Network. When I turned up at the hotel where the ceremony was being held, I saw a few of my friends and thought it was a little odd, but thought nothing more of it. However, when I entered the room and saw my wife Wendy and my four children Celine, 25, Charlotte, 23, Jacob and Willemijn, both 21, I knew that it was something special!

They all managed to keep the secret too. My children had only been in Bahrain a few weeks prior, yet they called me from the Netherlands asking if they could come back for one of their friends’ graduation. I did wonder why they couldn’t have celebrated it when they were here, but they were adamant. It’s nice to have the kids around, especially now that they’re older, so I’m glad I agreed to fly them out! How did you meet your wife and what was your experience as expat parents raising children in the Middle East?

When I was 35, I started to get complaints from my friends that I was the only one not married, and then my father said I might start losing customers if I didn’t! I argued that Saudi Arabia is not the easiest place to find a wife, so what an incredible surprise that I found mine there! I was put in touch with Wendy, who was working with Gulf Air at the time, and we hit it off instantly. Three months later, on her birthday, I asked her to marry me. I thought it was a cheap birthday present as simply asking her was enough, but it turned out to be the most expensive present ever because she said yes and never regretted it.

babies and basically helping Dutch citizens with their troubles.

How proud were you to receive your Knighthood and how were you nominated for this honour?

I believe it was for my 40 years promoting Dutch and Middle East connections rather than my consular work, which I see as simply my duty. It was very emotional and one of the proudest days of my life. I didn’t do all of my work for recognition, but it’s nice to receive it and to be told that I’d gone above and beyond for my country.

As for our children, I think it’s a blessing that they were raised in a multicultural society and attended St Christopher’s School where they made friends with people from across the world, whereas if they were outside of that expat bubble and in a Dutch school, for example, they’d mainly just associate with Dutch people. They’re all back in the Netherlands studying, with three of them studying for their Master’s degrees and one wrapping up her Bachelor degree. I was adamant that they should complete at least part of their education in the Netherlands to remember their roots.

Last thoughts?

I want to reiterate how honoured and grateful I am to receive the Knighthood, and also to be able to work and live in Bahrain and the Middle East. My father was in hydraulics, now I am also in hydraulics and I want to leave a legacy behind in this region. Whether my kids follow me into the business or not is up to them, but whatever they do I’ll be proud of them as long as they’re happy.

Loading a container in 1984

Jaap taking a time out in his early days in Saudi Arabia

BATTLING THE BULGE

Obesity is one of the main health issues plaguing society today, with the World Health Organisation’s latest figures showing that there are more than a billion people worldwide afflicted with it. This month, we spoke to Dr. Amer Alderazi, President of the Bahrain Medical Society and Consultant General & Bariatric Surgery at Middle East Hospital, to find out more about his career and his expert advice on how to tackle obesity.

Dr. Alderazi has a distinguished career in medicine. After graduating high school from Ahmed Al Omran School, he was awarded a scholarship from the Ministry of Education to study medicine at Alexandria University, Egypt. After his six-year studies, he joined Salmaniya Medical Complex and completed its five-year general surgery residency programme.

He then undertook subspeciality training in advanced minimal invasive and bariatric surgery at McMaster University in Canada. He eventually returned to the Kingdom and was a member of the team which achieved the first weight loss surgery in Bahrain and also pioneered a number of laparoscopic surgeries.

To this effect, Dr. Alderazi’s influence on medicine on the island is immeasurable. Administratively, at Salmaniya he managed the training programme for the Department of Surgery and was the chairman of both the Operating Theatre Committee and the A&E department. He held positions in the National NonCommunicable Disease Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee at the Ministry of Health.

His work within the community can also not be understated. During his career, he has helped to guide and teach hundreds of colleagues throughout their time in medical school. Furthermore, he is the current president of the Bahrain Medical Society, the general secretary of the Gulf Obesity Surgery Society and formerly held positions of vice president of the Bahrain Cancer Society and as ex-president of the Bahrain Surgeons Association.

Now, after 25 years of service at Salmaniya Medical Complex, Dr. Alderazi joined the Middle East Hospital to help establish a centre of excellence for bariatric surgery due to the high demand for it in the region.

He says: “Obesity is the new epidemic worldwide, particularly considering the percentage of childhood obesity which predicts a dire situation to come in the next 20 years. Bahrain is usually ranked in the top 20 countries with the highest obesity rate per capita in its population, with a 2018 World Health Organisation survey estimating that almost 74 percent of the population is either overweight or obese.

“There’s no one individual factor for such a high rate, since obesity itself is a very complex and multifactorial disease. However, people in the GCC tend to eat more and have a higher consumption of carbohydrates such as rice or bread. Moreover, they do not partake in regular physical activities and tend to sleep late.”

Some of the consequences of obesity include a reduction of up to 10 years in average life expectancy, with fatal risks including 14 types of cancers, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides, heart diseases, strokes, sleep apnea and breathing problems, back and knee pain in addition to mental problems and low self-esteem. Ultimately, obesity has been associated with more than 200 health conditions and reducing weight improves the majority of them.

Luckily, thanks to Dr. Alderazi’s expertise, Middle East Hospital can offer a number of options to help those who want to combat obesity.

“We have a comprehensive and multidisciplinary team that addresses every aspect of weight management from the diet and exercise element through to the nonsurgical options and ending with the choice of surgical procedures if needed,” he explains.

“The first step to achieving a sustainable weight loss is always a

dietary plan and exercise regimen, which can be offered through our clinical dietician and requires frequent follow-ups. For those who have difficulty losing weight through this route, we may recommend augmenting their efforts with medications.

“Currently, there are two weight-loss injections which are approved for use in the Kingdom. The first is the daily injection of Saxenda and the second is the weekly injection of Ozempic or Weagovy. These medications work by suppressing appetite and reducing the amount a person can eat in each meal. Additionally, they increase the basal metabolic rate marginally which is the amount of calories your body burns each day. Weight is lost through these mechanisms and we generally advise patients to use these medications for periods that range between four-to-six months. The expected weight loss with these medications is around 12 to 15 percent of a patient’s total weight.

“Another nonsurgical treatment is the intragastric balloon, which is a balloon that we insert inside one’s stomach by either gastroscopy or by swallowing and we later inflate with varying amounts of fluid. They stay in the stomach for any time from three months to a year and occupy a large space inside the stomach, meaning the patient can only manage to eat very small meals. The daily caloric intake is therefore reduced drastically and the expected weight loss with these balloons is around 12-25 kilograms.

“Surgical options are variable and include laparoscopic gastric banding, laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve

gastrectomy. Gastric banding was a very common procedure in the early 2000s and probably the one most people have heard of. However, because of the large amount of weight regain many surgeons abandoned this procedure and currently it is infrequently used to treat obesity.”

Instead, it is the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy which is now the most common surgery worldwide and involves keyhole surgery of three-to-five cuts in the abdomen, whereby approximately 75 percent of the stomach is removed. Also removed is a specific part of the stomach, the fundus, which is in charge of secreting a specific hormone called ghrelin, which is responsible for inciting the feeling of being hungry and craving food. Therefore, the level of ghrelin is reduced in the body and cravings are suppressed.

Despite the storied successes of various obesity treatments, Dr. Alderazi stresses, there is no magic button to solve all of a patient’s problems. “One of the most common misconceptions is that surgery means an instant and permanent change. However, it is merely the catalyst for a push in the right direction towards a healthier lifestyle, including regular exercise and a more controlled diet while drinking plenty of water,” he says.

However, with the expertise provided by Dr. Alderazi and the Middle East Hospital, coupled with the obvious visual change after treatment, almost all patients show a marked improvement in self-esteem, confidence and also commitment to their medical instructions.

Nistar PS has amassed a following of over 247,000 on the social media platform Instagram thanks to his spell-binding imagery, some of which will be exhibited at the exhibition on April 26. “I will showcase wildlife photography from parts of Africa, India, Papua New Guinea and more. The pictures have been aesthetically-designed to be ideal showpieces in people’s homes,” he explains. Nistar first got into photography in the late 80s when he was a college student. “I would photograph landscapes and people with a film camera, which is when I realised I had it in me to pursue this hobby,” he reminisces.

“I started wildlife photography in the early 2000s and in 2005 my hobby took a big leap as I bought my first DSLR and lens. I started with bird photography by clicking pictures in the backyard of my hometown in Kerala and by 2010 I had transgressed from just birds to including a variety of mammals,” he adds. Soon enough, Nistar was travelling across oceans to photograph specific animals around the world. His hobby had grown to be an escape from the stress of corporate life. “I lived in Dubai at the time and so it became my play area. I would explore the flora and fauna in the desert in my customised Jeep till I knew the vast expanse like the back of my hand,” he says.

Art lovers and photography connoisseurs are in for a treat this month. Nistar PS, a photographer from India, will be showcasing his mesmerising wildlife photography at an exhibition at the British Club, Adliya. He tells Farrah Saville about his journey as a photographer.

“In doing so I specialised in capturing desert creatures and various species of owls. I even overcame my crippling fear of snakes as I developed an interest in herping,” he adds.

Over the years, the fauna-rich Masai Mara in Kenya has grown to be a favourite location for Nistar. “I have visited nearly 10 times by now as its wildlife scene is extensive beyond compare to any other place I have visited. In addition, the versatility of Indian forests makes them another favourite, especially when it comes to capturing tigers,” he says with enthusiasm.

The pursuit of the perfect shot has got him in a predicament on occasion with the first instance taking place in Dubai. “I was driving by myself through the dunes, following an owl, when I found myself hanging over a massive dune and nearly had my car flip over. It was extremely hot

spine-chilling. I had to eventually call my friends to rescue my Jeep from toppling over,” he narrates.

To conclude, he shares an incident which took place in Papua New Guinea while he was exploring the forest with friends and an indigenous guide. “We were trekking uphill in search of the birds of paradise when the tribal people stopped us and threatened to attack us with their axe. At that point, we had only heard of such stories and were terrified,” he says. “Fortunately, our guide communicated with them and it only took a sum of money being paid to turn them from foe to friend as they proceeded to help us find the birds of paradise.”

Creating FairytaleWeddings

It is said that falling in love is the “easy part”, planning the wedding on the other hand can be far more tasking. The wedding planning and decorating company, Ever After Events W.L.L., is a breath of fresh air for couples as it specialises in destination weddings and making its clients’ life as easy as possible.

Founded in October 2019, Ever After has grown to be a quintessential element of weddings, bespoke events and destination corporate events. The company offers a full-fledged package from planning, decorating, hospitality, technical production and managing. “Ever After officially started in October 2019 and, in a span of four months, bagged four destination weddings as a decoration and technical provider. All the events I have planned alongside my partner planners have been very memorable,” says Managing Director of Ever After Events W.L.L., Angelli ‘Dandy’ Salvino-Rodricks. “We do the overall process of management, from helping the client pick the right location to RSVPs, from hospitality to liaising with suppliers, and from entertainment booking to designing. Technical

production and more are also handled by our team,” she explains.

The company is currently planning weddings in Mexico and Thailand which are sure to be unique experiences. “I believe that every event planning company has its own unique approach which I fully respect and admire. I think our passion and drive is something that sets each one of us apart. Our love and dedication to this business is incomparable,” she says.

A person’s wedding is seen as one of the most significant events in their life. It is a celebration of love that marks people’s commitment to one another. The Bahrain-based business Ever After Events W.L.L. has specialised in planning destination weddings, creating truly special moments for all to remember.

CSB Annual Beach Clean-Up

Canadian School Bahrain (CSB) students promoted the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by conducting its annual beach clean-up. Over three days, students from nursery to Grade 8 worked together to clean up Karbabad beach, Amwaj beach, and Dry Dock beach Hidd. The initiative aimed to put into practice what the students learned in the classroom about taking care of the environment, in line with the school’s mission towards the UN SDGs. By seeing first-hand the effects that littering has on our environment and animals, the students were able to understand the importance of recycling and the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, which aligns with the SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

“We believe that taking care of our community and making the right choices to not litter or pollute the planet is a personal and social responsibility. Our students are pioneers of change for a better future, and we are proud to see them taking the lead on this important issue,”said Mariam Al Kooheji, Head of CSB Executive Committee.

The initiative received a great response from the community, with many appreciating the students’ efforts to make a positive impact on the environment. CSB plans to continue conducting such initiatives to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote a sustainable future for Bahrain, in alignment with the UN SDGs.

Education is undoubtedly a cornerstone and development indicator; not only for individuals but also for nations.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has always considered education to be of the highest importance and has the oldest public education system in the Arabian Peninsula. In fact, the first public school of Bahrain, Al-Hidaya Al-Khalifia Boys School, was established in Muharraq in 1919. A second public school for boys opened up in the capital city of Manama In 1926 followed by the first public school for girls two years later.

Nearly 100 years later, the Kingdom of Bahrain has a vibrant offering of public and private schools and universities, and several curricula to mould the minds of the youth and lead them on a prosperous path.

This month, we are proud to present our education feature which highlights 11 of Bahrain’s finest private education institutions from kindergarten through to universities. Here is an insight into the ethos, function and objectives behind some of these leading establishments, their range of facilities and, most importantly, the curricula and programmes available to students.

Al-Hidaya Al-Khalifia Boys School

Final exams at a girls school in Bahrain, July 1975.

Final exams at middle and high schools in Bahrain, July 1975.

CANADIAN SCHOOL BAHRAIN A PLACE FOR HOLISTIC EDUCATION

The Canadian School Bahrain (CSB) is a BC certified offshore school that provides a blended curriculum to meet the subject requirements of the Bahrain Ministry of Education.

The Canadian School Bahrain (CSB) provides a strong foundation in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts Education and Physical Education. In keeping with an ever-evolving world, Career Education, Applied Skills Design and Technology and Health are also included as mandatory subjects in the school’s curriculum. Further, the Arabic language studies, Islamic studies, Bahraini Social Studies, and Citizenship classes ensure that students have a well-rounded education that meets their academic needs and prepares them for their future endeavours.

CSB believes that communication is the key to success. Hence, the school has integrated an inquiry-based methodology, which helps students develop their competencies while simultaneously making connections to content. Students use their English and Arabic language skills in various subjects while teachers work diligently to ensure that students have the skills they need to communicate effectively, in both verbal and written English and Arabic languages.

In 2022-2023, CSB opened its new building with state-of-the-art facilities that provide its students with the best learning environment possible. The new building houses 45 classrooms, three science labs, a second library, a multipurpose hall, and a prayer room. The school also has a new outdoor arena that includes two Padel courts, and a second football field. CSB has expressed its commitment to continue to providing the best possible facilities for its students.

Much to the delight of students and parents alike, CSB provides a holistic education, and its after-school programmes play an integral part in its curriculum. The school offers a range of interesting clubs and activities including STEM, Arts and Crafts, French, Cooking, Animal Rescue, Padel, Basketball, and Football. These clubs nurture students' curiosity, critical and creative thinking, enable them to collaborate, and foster their understanding of personal and social responsibility. The goal is to ensure that graduates leave the school with strong moral values, confidence in themselves and in their culture, and respecting others, themselves, and their environment.

The BC Core Competencies are at the heart of all that is done at CSB. As educators, the school focuses on nurturing students' curiosity,

critical thinking, communication, creativity, and collaboration. Its students are encouraged to question, discuss and take ownership of their learning as the school intends for them to become pioneers of change, who will create a better future for themselves and the world around them. Canadian School Bahrain is committed to providing an excellent education to its students, preparing them to be successful in their future endeavours. The school’s teachers, administrators, and staff work hard to create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. If you are looking for a school that values holistic education and promotes critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, then Canadian School Bahrain is the right choice for you.

Here’s why this school is an excellent choice for students.

FOSTERING A LOVE OF LEARNING AT CSB

The Canadian School Bahrain (CSB), which opened its doors in 2019, has carved a unique space in the Kingdom’s highly-competitive education sector with its focus on fostering a lifelong love of learning through its British Columbia Canada curriculum.

Bahrain This Month visited CSB’s state-of-the-art campus in Diyar Al Muharraq and spoke with Principal, Abby Saadeh, about the school’s goals and approach to education.

TheCanadian School Bahrain offers a British Columbia Canada curriculum. This programme offers a balanced, inquiry-based approach, based on the Core Competencies which are Communication, Collaboration, Critical and Creative Thinking, and Personal and Social Responsibility.

“Whilst the world is advancing at a rapid rate, education is doing so at a much slower pace than other industries,” argues Ms. Saadeh. “Any child can use the Internet to find the information they need, and while content and knowledge are important, it’s not the sole focus. Our

objective is to improve competency so that our students graduate with skills, can problem solve, and think critically in any career they choose to pursue.

“It is also cross-curricular, which means we’re not just teaching by subject, because the world doesn’t work in subjects and we’re trying to move away from a categorised education. We’ve adapted so that any topic can be taught at any time.”

One of the school’s main founding goals was to ensure that it catered to the Bahraini community in the area whilst offering high-level education.

Approximately 70 percent of CSB’s students are Bahraini, with the rest being from neighbouring Middle Eastern countries mixed with some from North America, Europe and the Far East.

For this reason, it has a blended and integrated approach with both Arabic and English programmes. The school offers Arabic Language Studies, Islamic Studies, and Bahraini Citizenship and Social Studies to complement hands-on holistic learning.

This is the first academic year since CSB opened in 2019 that hasn’t been affected in some way by COVID-19, and Ms. Saadeh believes that the school is now flourishing at its intended capacity.

“We did adapt to the challenges of the

pandemic, but I must say it’s great to be running at full capacity and using our outstanding facilities which we couldn’t use before, such as the library, swimming pool, gymnasium, art room, music room and more.

“The school currently operates from PreSchool to Grade 8, and this September we’ll be opening up Grade 9. Within the next five years, we’ll be adding year-onyear up to a full high school capacity, right through to Grade 12.”

CSB’s graduation programme is currently under development and all students who graduate will receive their British Columbia Dogwood Diploma. This is the same as any pupil in Canada would receive upon finishing high school and it opens doors to any university in the world. Furthermore, assessment methods such as exams are treated differently at CSB than traditional approaches, whilst the use of technology is also managed circumstantially.

Ms. Saadeh explains: “We use assessment for learning and so instead of taking the result on the paper as the important factor, we take it as a whole and see areas where students can improve. We then adapt to each student based on their assessment and build their learning from that.

“Moreover, technology is only used in meaningful ways. For example, if it can enhance students’ abilities or skills then it will be used in the classroom, but if it’s simply replacing books with tablets, it isn’t a significant use.”

MEET St Christopher’s LEADERSHIP

St. Christopher’s School Bahrain is a vibrant educational institution that strives to provide a high-quality education that not only equips its students to achieve their academic goals, but also to comprehend and foster common humanitarian values that connect us all. Since

its foundation in 1961, the school has come a long way and currently serves over 2,300 children and young adults aged three to eighteen, representing a diverse 70 nations. The school has recently been recognized as one of the world’s best private schools by

Simon Watson Principal

Spear’s School Index and Carfax Education for two consecutive years. Furthermore, the school’s alumni have gone on to have tremendous success in their tertiary education, careers, and lives.

Here are some of the essential team members that make things happen at this spectacular school:

St Christopher’s is Simon Watson’s third leadership role, after Copenhagen International School and Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar (KTJ), one of Malaysia’s premier international schools. Mr. Watson joined St Christopher’s School as its Principal in August 2018. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics from the University of Warwick, a PGCE from the University of Keele and a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Bristol. He started his career in 1993 as a Teacher of Mathematics at Gravesend Grammar School for Boys and has worked in international education since 1999, with a brief spell back in the UK. His career has taken him from the UK to the Czech Republic, New Zealand, Denmark, Malaysia and now Bahrain.

Gavin Boyle Director of Learning

Gavin Boyle is responsible for the Future Ready Curriculum (FRC) and professional development to improve the quality of teaching and learning. He has 20 years of teaching and leadership experience in both UK and British international schools, as well as a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (NPQH).

Gavin’s work entails investigating modern cognitive science and cognitive psychology research to enhance classroom pedagogy and ensure that all students are wellequipped with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful, self-motivated learners who reach their full potential.

Yasmine Dannawy Head of Senior School

Growing up across four countries enabled Yasmine to become proficient in three languages. This laid a foundation for her to become a teacher in the late 90s with 1997 being her first year as a teacher. From there she embarked on two undergraduate degrees and two postgraduate degrees, including study at Cambridge University. Under John MacBeath, Professor Emeritus at the University of Cambridge, some of her findings were even used for research into school improvement.

She is currently pursuing the goal of completing a PhD at Queen’s University. She believes that working at St Christopher’s as the Head of the Senior School is a privilege as she is bringing her own contribution to shaping the role models of tomorrow.

With a team of nearly 400 teachers, faculty and staff committed to creating special moments in the lives of the students, St Christopher’s is truly an amazing school.

Ian Fellows Head of Junior School

Prior to being the Head of Junior School at St Christopher’s, Ian Fellows had been a headteacher for 18 years. He has been teaching for over 30 years and in school leadership roles for 24 years. Ian taught in the UK, Thailand and Germany before joining St Christopher’s in 2005. Notably, he is a member of the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS).

He leads a team of dedicated staff who strive for outstanding academic outcomes for students as well as providing extensive opportunities in sport, drama and music, taking great pride in the sense of community that is between students, staff and parents. He is currently midway through a certificate in School Management and Leadership through Harvard Graduate School of Education, as well as a Level 5 Award in Coaching.

Nat Dickinson Head of Infant School

Nat and her team have revolutionised the Infant School with research-supported playbased learning, schema play and an emphasis on the outdoor environment. She is not only the Head of Infant School at St Christopher’s School Bahrain, but a representative for the Kingdom at the British School of the Middle East representative for Bahrain. With eight years as an educational leader and qualifications in Secondary Education, Educational Leadership, and a Certificate in School Management & Leadership from Harvard, Nat is truly the right person for the role. She is also an avid lifelong learner who is currently qualified as a driving instructor.

Sonali Thadani Director of Marketing

Born and raised in Bahrain, Sonali is a proud graduate of St Christopher’s who studied at the school throughout her schooling years. She then left for her native Canada to pursue her Honours Degree at the prestigious University of Toronto. After graduating, she returned to Bahrain where her career in marketing and communications has spanned over 20 years across a multitude of industries including banking, retail, hospitality, and education.

As a mother of three, Sonali balances parenting and family life with a busy career and a successful retail business.

Leaana Baker Director of Operations

In her 12 years at St Christopher’s School, Leaana has found a passion for creating environments where people flourish and operations are slick and professional.

Leaana is a resultoriented, self-motivated, resilient individual who strives for continuous improvement and personal development while fostering a culture of trust and transparency in order to contribute to the growth and success of the organisation. She credits her success to the strong women she is surrounded by and hopes to inspire other women to follow their passion.

Stephen began his career with Ernst & Young in the UK before moving to Bahrain in 2018.

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. Outside of work, he enjoys sport and spending time with his family.

St Chris Future Learning Summit

St Christopher’s School organised and hosted the Bahrain Future Learning Summit. The two day event at the school’s Saar campus connects students, parents and teachers with global innovators and educators, to explore what it takes to be Future-Ready in the modern world.

PROUDLY MULTINATIONAL

In September, Multinational School Bahrain will be celebrating its 10th anniversary. Since its establishment, the school has grown tremendously due to its highly inclusive approach to education, and its nurturing environment. Here’s what makes the school a prime choice for students.

Multinational School Bahrain, located in Adliya, was founded in September 2013 and is an accredited British School Overseas. The school teaches the British Curriculum with accreditation from Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel. It is, notably, the only Ministry of Education-approved inclusive British school and is currently registered with BSME (British Schools of the Middle East).

MNS believes in, and promotes, academic excellence. Each student is regarded as an individual and their academic progress is appropriately managed so that they are able to achieve and work to the best of their abilities. In fact, the school has a specialised department dedicated to assisting students who require Learning Enrichment support, as well as a growing ‘Gifted and Talented’ programme.

The school offers high-quality teaching and learning so that students are adequately prepared to thrive in a global society. MNS staff enjoy ongoing professional development through a variety of courses, extensive ICT training and have learnt to adapt their teaching methodology to either online, in-person or hybrid learning models.

Nursery to Year 13

The school accepts students from the age of three. Its curriculum is creative, broad and driven by meaningful and rich experiences which ignite students’ inquisitiveness and inspires them to develop a lifelong desire to learn and discover. The school is passionate about collaborative working to ensure all its students transition seamlessly into their schooling journey, developing their fundamental cognitive abilities while being equipped with a holistic set of key life skills. MNS offers the IGCSE, A levels and BTEC qualifications at its Senior School as well as the Bahrain Senior School diploma inclusive of Arabic and Islamic studies. The Senior School reflects the maturing nature of its students and the necessity for them to engage responsibly and maturely in their approach towards their goals. At the senior level, the school engages its students in a variety of activities, which leads to meaningful personal growth where they represent the school’s shared values in real life situations and assume an active role in making the world a better place.

Learning Enrichment

Cognisant of the fact that each student is unique, the school provides an inclusive, holistic and aspirational education for all its students regardless of their abilities, prior knowledge or background. Its Learning Enrichment department supports what happens in the classroom by ensuring that all MNS students are equipped to be able to develop to the best of their abilities. The department works in three distinct areas: English Language support and development for those students for whom English is not their first language; Additional Group (or intensive) support for those students requiring specific interventions; and the growing ‘Gifted and Talented’ programme.

“At MNS, we pride ourselves on our warm, inclusive atmosphere and truly multinational environment. We currently have over 50 different nationalities represented amongst our staff and students.”

BSB International Family Fair

The British School of Bahrain held the International Family Fair which celebrates the multicultural community at BSB, with parent communities setting up stalls of their countries, giving away traditional food and knowledge about their culture and heritage, as well as lots of activities going on during the day including live performances and cultural dance, games, raffle prizes, food trucks and more! All proceeds were donated to the Royal Humanitarian Foundation.

REVOLUTIONARY LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

The British School of Bahrain invests over BD600,000 in its state-of-the-art Infant School development.

The British School of Bahrain’s Infant School is undergoing an exciting transformation, Project Tofl. The school is investing over BD600,000 in a complete renovation of its learning environments. The project is set to revolutionise the entire Infant School at BSB and create state-of-the-art learning environments for all students.

Project Tofl, named after the Arabic word for child and reflecting the school’s child-centric ethos, is the largest redevelopment of the school’s learning spaces in the last decade and reflects the school’s reputation as the leading educational establishment in the country. BSB has engaged a leading global school designer based in Milan, Italy, to create learning spaces that support outstanding teaching and learning for the future. The Italian designer has created inspirational bespoke designs for each classroom that reflect the Reggio Emilia approach. The design incorporates a

state-of-the-art, child-centred learning environments. The natural wooden cupboards, bespoke-designed fittings in the bathrooms, calming colours, and individually designed classrooms all work together to create an inspiring and engaging learning environment for the children.

The first phase of the project, which focused on transforming the outdoor learning spaces, was successfully completed in December 2022. The second phase, which involves the complete transformation of the Nursery and Reception classrooms, bathrooms, and corridors, is expected to be completed by the summer of August 2023. The third phase involves entire renovations of the Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms and corridors, including the BSB Arabic Hub and Sports Hall, and the completion date will be confirmed soon. Project Tofl is an ambitious project that reflects BSB’s ethos to put the child at the centre of everything it does. The new learning spaces are set to positively impact the learning outcomes of the students and create a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere for all. For more information about the British School of Bahrain, visit

FosteringChange

Nadeen School has been one of Bahrain’s most beloved schools since its opening in 1978, with an international, multicultural environment fostered on inclusivity and a passion for learning. With the school on the cusp of moving to a state-of-the-art campus in Dilmunia, Kristian Harrison sat down with Nadeen’s Principal, Paul Walton, to discuss this exciting moment in its history.

Dr. Paul Walton has a storied career in education. After starting out as a Computer Science teacher in the UK, he quickly moved into leadership in his second year of teaching and for the next ten years. During this time he became a qualified Headteacher. He then moved overseas to work for three educational groups in five different countries including Hungary, Malaysia (twice), United States, Slovenia and now Bahrain. In his third school as a Principal, his excellent leadership led to his previous school to be rated as ‘Outstanding’ in every category in the latest British School Overseas inspection report, which makes him the perfect fit to guide Nadeen School through arguably the biggest transition in its existence.

“Working in education is the best job in the world and I am grateful for this each day,” says Dr. Paul Walton. “I am very happy with our start here in Bahrain and see great opportunities ahead for all our students as we aim to help every individual flourish and achieve beyond their expectations. Bahrain is such a welcoming, friendly and positive community to move to, feel settled in and it’s a pleasure to be a part of a

wonderful, vibrant culture.”

Nadeen School’s move from its current location in Um Al Hassam to Dilmunia will open doors to a plethora of new opportunities for its students, although its ethos, approach, friendly staff and the way in which students learn will remain the same. The main changes include the option to stay at Nadeen School past primary school age all the way up to 18-years-old. The new campus will also positively impact the range of sports, sciences and creative subjects on offer, with facilities such as a football field, a multi-sport court, running track, two swimming pools and a performing arts and music centre.

“We are entering a very exciting time in the history of the school,” Dr. Paul Walton believes. “It is a real privilege to lead the school through this transition and a sense of responsibility to ensure that we preserve the outstanding quality of education that we have at Nadeen School.

“Our students, staff and parents have been waiting for this move and are very excited to see our school develop. We further aim to build relationships with our community in Dilmunia,

the families, organisations and businesses in the new area that will help us feel a part of this new area of Bahrain.

“Our first priority is safety, ensuring that through the challenges ahead we are all safe and healthy as a member of our family. The next primary area of focus for us is to look after the school ethos, which is an extremely important aspect of our school; how we treat, care for, and look after one another each and every day. Another area is the quality of education, maintaining our outstanding level of teaching and learning at Nadeen School which enables of our learners to grow and develop through holistic education.”

“I am very grateful to work with such amazing teachers at our school and seeing what they do each day is inspiring for me. Surrounded by the passion and care from these educators makes everything else come together with the students, parents, community and everyone else connected to the school. The unwavering support and encouragement from our parents is enormously valued and appreciated, especially as we take this huge step into the future.”

What makes our school unique

1. our holistic approach to education since 1978

Nadeen School has a holistic approach to education. This means that we focus on and develop all aspects of the child and treat each aspect with equal importance.

2. our caring and supportive community

We take pride in offering a caring and supportive community by the way we support, encourage and help one another.

3. our enriching international experience

With over 50 nationalities and a range of events, celebrations and key days making this a true international experience. Our students have many opportunities of a range of cultures, countries and languages from around the world.

4. our extensive English provision

We offer a high-quality provision for English across our entire school in class and through our EAL programme. Students make rapid progress in their acquisition and application of English.

5. our progressive and innovative learning opportunities for all

Our qualified, dedicated and committed staff members model our philosophy each day. Our students enjoy ‘hands on’ learning, collaboration and enquiry through an inclusive and positive learning environment.

6. our nurturing and personalised approach

Knowing every individual, what they enjoy, their passions and how they learn best.

Rated 'outstanding' by the Bahrain Quality Authority and British Schools Overseas

Respect - Unity - Compassion - Growth

Towards an Even Brighter Future

Nadeen School has been offering an outstanding education in the heart of Manama since 1978. This year, the school not only celebrates its 45th anniversary, but will be moving to a new state-of-the-art campus in the heart of Dilmunia where it shall continue offering an outstanding British education to students from Nursery to Year 13.

School-goers have an exciting journey ahead of them at Nadeen School with the new campus boasting a wide range of advanced facilities. The new school will have spacious classrooms and specialist curriculum spaces for science, art and design-technology, computing and technology, cooking and life skills, and more.

“At our core is the firm belief that education should be child-centred, holistic in its approach, and inclusive. Another key aspect of our approach has been a continued and determined desire to improve education services in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It is in this context that we are excited to be moving to new premises, where we can take the best of who we are and enhance this through access to fantastic, world-class facilities,” says the Director of Nadeen School, Shanee Puri. Due to the move to the expansive campus, the school is excited to be able to offer our unique brand of education to a wider agerange, eventually offering learning for students up to Year 13 (Grade 12). The new school will also have fantastic new sports and swimming facilities as well as an amazing performing arts and music centre.

“Our curriculum and outstanding teaching and learning opportunities will be enhanced through connection to nature and the outdoors as well as through an educating for sustainability mindset. Personal, social, and emotional growth – an area in which we truly excel – will be implicitly taught and specifically nurtured through areas such as our gardens, meditation and relaxation areas, and community spaces,” states Ms. Puri.

Parents and the rest of the schooling community will be able to come together at a high-quality cafe – a space to come and spend time in the school with friends and other community members.

“The space will also offer increased training and workshop opportunities. Not only are we taking care of our wonderful students and teaching and support teams, we are also going to be able to offer our parents and the wider community an enhanced partnership experience. We look forward to our school being at the heart of a vibrant, active community where we can extend our sporting, extracurricular, and activity opportunities to all families, not only those who are part of the school. The new school also has a play-school facility to provide younger children the opportunity to enjoy the Nadeen School experience,” she says.

Nadeen School has been rated ‘outstanding’ by the Bahrain Quality Authority (BQA), by the British Schools Overseas (BSO), and is an accredited member of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). In addition, the school is Bahrain’s first High Performance Learning (HPL) school, Cambridge accredited, and winner of the British International School Awards.

“Our new campus is not just a new building. It is an opportunity. An opportunity to welcome bold and brave thinkers into our growth years. An opportunity – a fresh canvas – to innovate, ignite passions, and to provide our students with a learning experience that celebrates and excites them. An opportunity to create a school community that is in service to others, beyond our campus walls,” she concludes.

THE VERY FIRST STEP TO EXCELLENCE

NewZing Kindergarten aims to develop children’s cognitive, social, emotional, physical, creative, artistic and other skills through play-oriented programmes. The kindergarten is currently accepting admissions for the April session of KG 1, 2 and 3, which caters to all students intending to join any of the various CBSE schools.

In KG 1, students engage in activities that develop hand muscles, hand-eye coordination, listening, speaking, and observations skills among other necessary skills. They also develop their pre-reading and pre-writing skills.

At the next level, they are introduced to writing through various patterns and strokes. By the end of the session children will have

mastered basic phonics, reading and writing of the letters and numbers, counting, sorting, classifying and more.

In KG 3, they will augment their English vocabulary by way of reading and writing spellings using phonics, from simple two-letter words to more difficult words, basic English grammar, advanced mathematical skills that include simple addition & subtraction; and environmental science.

Aside from academics, the kindergarten focuses on social and emotional development,

extra-curricular activities, and physical exercises and play in the well-equipped outdoor and indoor play area.

New Zing Kindergarten is licensed by the Ministry of Education. The management of the institution has 20 years of expertise in pre-school and kindergarten education. Further, all staff are qualified and undergo additional training to cater to the special needs of children in their care.

The kindergarten prides itself in providing children with an environment that is safe, secure, and maintains the highest standard of cleanliness.

Call 17 233-693 or 17 234-420 for more information.

One of the Kingdom’s popular early learning institutions, New Zing Kindergarten, believes that early childhood education is the cornerstone of a child’s future. Here’s what you need to know about this stellar kindergarten.

AUBH International Day

Under the Patronage of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of HM the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, and on behalf of the American University of Bahrain’s Boards, Leadership, Faculty, Staff, and Students, AUBH held its grand event, AUBH International Day 2023 on its state-of-the-art campus in Riffa.

LPOD 2023 Opening Season

Under the patronage of HE Dr Nasser Qaedi, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, the management of The Lost Paradise Of Dilmun Water Park invited VIPs and members of the Media to attend its Season 2023 Re-Opening Ceremony. The ceremony included FUNtastic entertainment and family-friendly shows.

UPHOLDING ACADEMIC STANDARDS

The American University of Bahrain (AUBH) recently received US accreditation through WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), one of the seven bestknown accrediting agencies in the USA. This makes AUBH among only a handful of other universities to be accredited by this world-renowned commission in the GCC and MENA region.

AUBHwas awarded accreditation for upholding the highest international academic standards for educational quality and effectiveness. Accreditation is a voluntary process and is unique to the United States, where higher education is not directly regulated by the government. Accreditation supports universities in improving existing processes and helps affirm a ‘culture of evidence’ at AUBH.

AUBH was launched in 2019 by Elm Education, a Bahrain-based education investment fund established by Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, with the goal of being the Kingdom’s first comprehensive, purpose-built, co-educational university based on the American model.

AUBH is licensed by the Higher Education Council of the Ministry of Education in Bahrain, the national regulator for the Kingdom’s Higher Education Institutions, and is a CIQG Member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in the US. AUBH has also recently achieved official recognition by the Ministry of Education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Bradley Cook, AUBH President, expressed his delight at achieving a significant milestone in the university’s history. “With quality assurance as a strategic priority, we are very proud to be accredited by WSCUC,” he said. “This accreditation will facilitate and promote scientific, cultural and student exchanges as well as attract international students to study in Bahrain.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share the same accreditor as some of the best universities in the US.”

Dr. Cook believes that this accreditation will strengthen the bonds of cooperation with international universities and provide direct benefit to students in credit and degree transfers to American institutions of higher education. This is within the framework of the university’s aim to open up to international universities, thus contributing to the development of the whole educational process and, ultimately, Bahrain.

HE Khalid Al Rumaihi, CEO of Mumtalakat, said:

“Education is one of our priority sectors at Mumtalakat and therefore we established Elm Education Fund to develop the education sector in Bahrain and the region. Elm’s first investment was in AUBH, and we are pleased to celebrate this new milestone that aligns with our goals of investing in Bahrain for Bahrain.”

The announcement was made at the university campus in the presence of dignitaries including HE Dr. Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Duaij Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the Higher Education Council (HEC), David Brownstein, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, members of AUBH’s Board of Governors, Dr. Jeff Zabudsky, AUBH Provost, William D. Hurt, AUBH Chief Operating Officer, and a number of government officials, educational leaders, faculty and staff.

This US regional accreditation holds the highest level of quality assurance at the institutional level for higher education. The process usually takes five years and is guided by 16 rigorous eligibility criteria. These included a ‘Seeking Accreditation Visit’, during which an evaluation team flew to Bahrain and visited the university to determine whether it had met the expected academic standards and inspected the state-of-the-art campus, which was built with US accreditation in mind by architect Ayers Saint Gross.

Apply for the fall semester today.

Apply for the

Apply for the fall semester today.

Admissions are open for the 2023 - 2024 academic year.

Deadline to apply: September 7, 2023

Admissions are open for the 2023 - 2024 academic year.

Admissions are open for the 2023 - 2024 academic year.

Deadline to apply: September 7, 2023

Deadline to apply: September 7, 2023

At the American University of Bahrain, it is a core part of our mission to provide quality education and prepare our students for an evolving and competitive job market. AUBH students have access to a wide array of opportunities to realize their professional and personal goals, in a student-centric, multicultural, and flexible, American-model co-educational University, on par with the best universities around the world. Beyond academia, they also have access to social, athletic and other extra- curricular activities making AUBH home.

At the American University of Bahrain, it is a core part of our mission to provide quality education and prepare our students for an evolving and competitive job market. AUBH students have access to a wide array of opportunities to realize their professional and personal goals, in a student-centric, multicultural, and flexible, American-model co-educational University, on par with the best universities around the world. Beyond academia, they also have access to social, athletic and other extra- curricular activities making AUBH home.

At the American University of Bahrain, it is a core part of our mission to provide quality education and prepare our students for an evolving and competitive job market. AUBH students have access to a wide array of opportunities to realize their professional and personal goals, in a student-centric, multicultural, and flexible, American-model co-educational University, on par with the best universities around the world. Beyond academia, they also have access to social, athletic and other extra- curricular activities making AUBH home.

For a lifetime of success. | aubh.edu.bh | #AUBH

a lifetime of success. |

For a lifetime of success. | aubh.edu.bh | #AUBH

FOSTERING DEVELOPMENT

One of the Kingdom’s leading educational institutions, Applied Science University (ASU), is under new stewardship with Ammar Kaka taking on the role of president. Kristian Harrison spoke with him about his career, his goals and aspirations for ASU.

Can you give us a summary of your career in education so far?

My academic career started at the University of Liverpool, where I was a faculty member in the School of Architecture & Building Engineering for nine years. I then moved to Herriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland where I became the Professor of Construction Economics and Management at the age of 35.

Whilst there, I assumed various leadership positions in learning, teaching and research, and when the university wanted to expand to the Middle East, I was part of the feasibility study that resulted in the establishment of the university campus in Dubai for which I was the University President for 12 years.

How did you feel that ASU was a fit for you personally?

I’m a strong believer and advocate of students’ skills and character development. Students, nowadays, pursue higher education not only for the purpose of acquiring knowledge, but more importantly for the skills they will develop to enable them to apply the knowledge in their workplace. Future ready graduates will also need to have the appropriate mindset to meet global challenges and grab new opportunities.

As part of its mission, ASU focuses on applied education and research; hence I was delighted to be part of this goal. Furthermore, as I originally came from this part of the world, it was a personal honour for me to be given the opportunity to contribute and lead one of the

top 20 ranked universities in the Arab region.

In the long term, ASU aims to become a leading university not only in Bahrain, but regionally and internationally. We aim to build and improve on our recent and very impressive successes in university rankings and international accreditations which will help us to attract more international students. Currently ASU is the top ranked university in the Kingdom (according to the global QS ranking system) and the only university to have obtained the UK QAA accreditation.

What are some of ASU’s most popular courses? We are the only university in Bahrain that delivers bachelor degrees in Political Sciences, whilst our Law programmes have a proud history of graduates who have successfully progressed to secure influential jobs. Our Engineering College hosts and awards degrees from London South Bank University, a partnership that we have recently expanded to include programmes in our Law and Administrative Science Colleges.

Next academic year we plan to admit students for the first time to a Masters in Political Science and a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering. I am also delighted to announce that we are currently developing three PhD programmes – an important milestone in our academic development.

ASU has a proud history of partnerships with other universities, particularly in the UK. Do you plan to build further relationships in the future?

Our partnership with London South Bank University is going from strength to strength. We are growing the scope of our partnership to include research and students’ mobility.

We work closely with Advance HE in the UK and are very proud of the fact that the majority of our academic staff have achieved fellowship recognition. We are currently seeking accreditation to become a regional Advanced HE centre which will enable us to offer academic training not only to our university staff but beyond.

We recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the University for Peace and are exploring other partnerships with other prestigious universities.

Anything more to add?

I strongly believe in widening access to education, and I am proud of the fact that 49 percent of ASU’s current student population are females. We are particularly keen to attract more female students to our Engineering programmes. Further, our hardship fund together with the range of scholarships that we offer are aimed at supporting and rewarding students with financial difficulty.

PREPARING YOU FOR THE BUSINESS WORLD

Founded in 1796, the University of Strathclyde is a leading public research university located in Glasgow, Scotland. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various faculties and is known for its strong links with industry and business.

In a competitive job market, it is essential for young graduates to stand out in the eyes of potential employers; graduates of the University of Strathclyde are naturally highly sought-after.

The Strathclyde Business School MBA

This postgraduate programme is designed for individuals who want to develop their managerial skills and advance their careers. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and leadership and is taught by experienced faculty members who bring real-world business experience to the classroom. The programme is designed to encourage collaboration and teamwork among students, which helps to develop important interpersonal skills including communication, collaboration and leadership which are essential in the business world.

Further, it includes a range of practical learning experiences, such as consulting projects, where students work with real businesses to solve real-world problems. This provides students with valuable experience that can be applied in their careers.

Why Choose the Strathclyde Business School MBA?

There are many reasons why the Strathclyde Business School MBA is a great choice for individuals looking to enhance their business skills. Here are just a few of the key benefits of the programme:

1. Strong Reputation: It is consistently ranked among the top business programmes in the world. The programme has received numerous

If you’re looking to enhance your business skills and advance your career, the Strathclyde Business School MBA could be the right choice for you. This prestigious programme has a reputation for producing high-quality graduates who are well-equipped to handle the challenges of the modern business world.

accolades, including being named the ‘Best MBA in Scotland’ by the Financial Times.

2. Global Perspective: The programme attracts students from around the world, which provides a diverse and global perspective on business. This is essential in today’s interconnected business world, where cross-cultural understanding is crucial.

3. Career Advancement: The MBA is designed to help students advance their careers by providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in leadership positions, and the school has a strong network of alumni who can provide valuable career connections.

4. Flexibility: It is designed to be flexible, with a range of study options available to students. This includes fulltime, part-time and online study options, which can be tailored to fit around work and other commitments.

5. Real-World Experience: The programme includes a range of practical learning experiences, including case studies, simulations and consulting projects. This provides students with valuable real-world experience that can be applied in their careers.

Why Choose the Strathclyde Business School MBA?

There are several reasons why the Strathclyde Business School MBA is a great choice for individuals looking to enhance their business skills. Among these is the university’s strong reputation, its global perspective, career advancement opportunities, flexibility and realworld experience. Having being names the ‘Best MBA in Scotland’, there’s no doubt that this MBA is a prime choice.

International Enterprising Impactful Leading Strathclyde

The final word in business education

As a well-established top 10 UK business school* within a leading international technological University, Strathclyde understands the business needs of organisations: from start-ups and SMEs to global players.

Our triple accredited and globally ranked Executive MBA is available at our international centres in Dubai, Oman and Bahrain. We also offer a dynamic, fully-rounded and innovative portfolio of specialist postgraduate programmes. In partnership with Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), we offer the MSc Financial Technology, fully delivered in Bahrain on a part time basis.

Make Strathclyde your destination

www.strath.ac.uk/business

Youth Peace & Conflict Prevention Forum

The Rotary Clubs of Adliya and Seef Bahrain, in cooperation with the Royal University for Women, held a Youth Peace & Conflict Prevention Forum aimed at providing a platform for discussion and learning. The forum included speeches, group discussions about social tolerance, conflict resolution training and tips on how to achieve mindfulness and peace.

Movenpick Iftar

Movenpick Hotel Bahrain held an Iftar and Ghabga at its Silk’s Restaurant and Pool Terrace. Guests enjoyed a lavish spread of all time favourites with live stations, grills, traditional and international dishes and more.

Belgian Dinner

The Honorary Consul of Belgium, Martina S. Kindt received HE Steven Bondy, US Ambassador and VADM Bradley Cooper, Chief of the Fifth fleet in Bahrain during a dinner event she hosted in Tala Island in the presence of prominent Bahraini Businessmen, authors, and other celebrities.

FOSTERING FEMALE LEADERS

RUW is dedicated to fostering and spreading the concept of entrepreneurship among its students in order to create a generation of responsible, creative and innovative women in a variety of fields. Aligned with the Bahrain Vision 2030, the initiatives RUW adopts are driven by its belief in the significance of entrepreneurship for the economic development of nations and the role of universities as key partners in creating an environment of entrepreneurship and innovation among young people.

RUW offers courses specialising in entrepreneurship, where students are taught each step of the business development cycle from idea formation to actual implementation with clear links to the realities of the market. The projects are evaluated by industry experts who offer practical advice for improvement. At the postgraduate level, the College of Business Administration and Law at RUW offers an MBA programme with a bespoke entrepreneurship and marketing track, which prepares students for excellence in the field.

The Royal University for Women (RUW) has forged a reputation as a leading private provider of quality education tailored to the learning styles of women. The establishment has a long history of empowering students to seamlessly join the world of work with its broad portfolio of programmes in highly sought after disciplines such as Law, Business, Engineering, Technology and Art and Design.

The RUW Entrepreneurship Club allows students from all colleges and levels to implement their entrepreneurial ideas supported by the academic expertise available within the university. Furthermore, RUW maintain close contact with more than 1,500 graduates through the Office for Alumni to ensure that graduates can keep up with the demands of global labour markets and to track the success stories of RUW Ambassadors in various sectors.

RUW students also compete internationally and have won several competitions at the INJAZ Young Entrepreneurship Company competition, organised by INJAZ Bahrain on the national level and INJAZ Arabs on the regional level, as well as being shortlisted in the Hope Fund Hackathon, Bidaya Initiative and Startup competitions.

RUW is committed to educational excellence and believes that a university degree is a transformational experience which will enable its students to be the “next generation of female leaders.”

READ WOMAN THIS MONTH IN ANY FORMAT CONVENIENT TO YOU: to keep you abreast of everything that’s happening in and about town.

Mommy’s Day Out

Middle East Hospital (MEH) organised a fun-filled and informative Mommy’s Day Out antenatal class, aimed at supporting and educating expectant mothers in their journey towards motherhood.

Women’s Day Celebrations

MEH celebrated International Women’s Day by organising special events that recognised the contributions of women in healthcare. The events featured workshops and activities focused on empowering women, such as yoga and meditation led by Fatima Almnansoori, Yoga therapist at Middle East Medical Centre Hidd and a workshop on work-life balance by Leslie Ledesma, Marketing Manager at MEH. Doctors, nurses, and admin staff participated in the event, and it ended with an inspiring message from Dr Paridhi Rawat, the hospital’s Chief of Operations Officer. The event was a great success and reflected the hospital’s commitment to supporting women in healthcare.

Awarded Diamond Status

A cake-cutting ceremony was held on the occasion of Middle East Medical Centres in Hidd and Salmabad receiving National Health and Regulatory Authority (NHRA) Diamond status - the highest level of accreditation bestowed by the NHRA that is awarded to healthcare providers that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to quality and safety.

Women’s Day

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Pakistan Embassy, in collabroation with MEH and Pakistan Women Association, celebrated the contributions and achievements of women with an event attended by a diverse group of women from all walks of life. HE Muhammad Ayub, Pakistani Ambassador, highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment and their role in society.

World Down Syndrome Day

Spider-Man’s Visit

Gulf International Bank in cooperation with Bahrain Down Syndrome Society and Bahrain Down Syndrome Care Centre held an event to raise awareness on World Down Syndrome Day at Manama Seef Mall. Fund were raised for the societies and awareness was raised about kids’ interactions with the world.

The Al Areen Lions Club, supported by Gulf Hotel, held an event for special needs children with Spider-Man paying a special visit.

country multiple sport competition in the Middle East. The purpose of the Games is to provide students with a variety of sport and competitive environment; to ensure equal opportunity and participation to both boys and girls; to expand students’ lear sportsmanship and in the value of healthy competition; to recognise the value of the benefits of training in preparation for specialisation in sports appropriate to their age group. Over 20 schools competed in the Under 13 and Under 15 Games and 12 in St Christopher’s students performed to an outstanding level, showed courage and superb teamwork and returned overloaded with medals and trophies!

Birthday Party

Syed Afandi held his birthday party at Chi Rooftop.

The Ultimate Getaway

The word ‘staycation’ seems to grown in popularity in recent years (for obvious reasons!), but it’s a wonder that the concept wasn’t as popular as it is now in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It’s the perfect opportunity to recharge your batteries and enjoy a luxurious hotel or resort without having to be too far from home!

Located in Zallaq, the picturesque Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa presents the perfect opportunity for a staycation. The prospect of staying at the hotel is even more exciting considering the fact that it is a brand-new addition to the hospitality sector in the Kingdom.

With everything well within reach in Bahrain, the drive to the resort can feel like quite a long one but it is well worth it. Our first impressions when we arrived at the hotel was that it is truly something phenomenal and a first for the Kingdom. It is absolutely palatial and feels as if you are at an allinclusive resort in a far away land. The resort has all the factors that promise a relaxing vacation: great hospitality, world-class facilities, comfortable rooms, delectable food, pools and a spectacular beach.

The hotel’s lobby décor in pristine white and calming shades create a true sense of tranquility. After a quick check-in, we were led to our room which was quite spacious,

comfortable and beautifully designed. The hotel boasts a total of 196 rooms with a wide range of amenities including coffee machines, luxurious linens and more, but the best part had to be the stunning sea views – absolutely breath-taking. After putting away our belongings, we made our way down to explore the property and take in the lush greenery.

Being a beautiful and bright sunny day, we decided to take a dip in the property’s expansive swimming pool which weaves around an island complete with a waterslide that other adults at the pool joined in on while we were there. We appreciated the perfect temperature control and the facilities

The Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa has proved to be one of the most exciting additions to the Kingdom’s hospitality sector. The Bahrain This Month team shares their thoughts on the magnificent property following a relaxing staycation.

were incredible. The day beds felt like being on a tropical island and were very comfortable. A great touch was the sun loungers in the pool which made for comfortable tanning and endless sun beds – so you never need to worry about getting up early to reserve a good seat.

Thanks to its location on the south-west coast, Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa offers spectacular views of the sunset –the right way to end an eventful morning at this magical resort. Later that evening we decided to dine at one of the many sophisticated restaurants at the resort. At the helm of the culinary team is Executive Chef, Olivier Catora – a French native who interestingly enough used to work in advertising for 10 years and followed his passion for food! We loved the fact that the resort uses only the freshest and high-quality ingredients across all its restaurants, but ultimately, we just could not resist the thought of savouring some delicious Lebanese food at Zahrat Al Fayrouz

Just like the rest of the property, the restaurants are opulent. Our host seated us as at a cosy table where we went through the menu at leisure. The restaurant offers set menus that are good for four and a la carte dining too which features Lebanese classics, Arabic dishes and some creative fusion dishes too. Soon our table was laid with a kaleidoscope of delicious dishes including irresistible hot and cold mezzas – kibbeh, felafel, fatayer, sambousek and more. They were all

perfectly made and the best start to our feast.

For our mains, we opted for delicious skewers of Shish Taouk and the Mansaf. How flavourful! The chicken was perfectly grilled and spiced while the Mansaf had generous servings of meat, a rich laban sauce and garnish of toasted almonds. It was a wonderful dining experience which exceeded all our expectations. The dinner and some much needed sleep was the perfect end to such an eventful day.

In the morning, we were looking forward to another marvellous pool day but Bahrain had other plans with quite the rainy day. With such an expansive resort, though, all this meant was that it was going to be a fun spa day! So, after a lovely continental breakfast we made our way to the wonderful ladies’ spa. Jumeirah’s Talise Spa is the ideal place to relax and charm your senses with its indoor pool, relaxation room, sauna and wide range of spa treatments. With 13 treatment rooms and skilled staff, a massage was definitely a welcome treat.

One of the many factors that sets Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa apart is the fact that it has a range of unique facilities. Aside from the gym, the resort boasts a 36-seater theatre - a first for hotels in Bahrain!

As much as we would’ve loved to explore more of the resort, our stay was coming to an end. That being said, that leaves us with more to explore for our next visit.

German Reception

German Ambassador, HE Clemens Hach, hosted a Bavarian style reception at his Residence, to conclude the successful visit of a business delegation from Germany’s economic powerhouse Bavaria. The delegation visited Bahrain to discuss opportunities for cooperation in various sectors including medical, energy, investments and trade. The reception brought together the Bavarian delegation, led by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, and around 30 private companies based in the State of Bavaria, and representatives from the Bahraini business community and high officials from relevant Ministries, the Economic Development Board and other institutions of the Kingdom.

Magnificent Meat and More!

From its roots in the heart of Nelson Mandela Square in Johannesburg to the second floor of Bahrain City Centre, The Butcher Shop & Grill continues to punctuate the culinary landscape as an institution in South African dining. Kristian Harrison checked out the restaurant, which also offers a separate butchery, and sampled some of its finest wares.

There are very few culinary delights which get me more excited than steak, so imagine how quickly I jumped at this opportunity to try some of the Kingdom’s finest fare. Coupled with the fact that I am fasting for the Holy Month, I was particularly ravenous and therefore delighted to be greeted by the friendly staff at the outlet. I felt right at home right from the beginning – a feeling helped by the pleasant ambience, with soft mood lighting punctuated by various cattle-themed designs and ornaments. Settling down at the table, I started off slowly with a Goat Cheese Salad, dubbed ‘The Fantasy’ on the menu. This mix of crumbled goat’s cheese, mesclun, walnuts and fresh berries was the perfect way to settle in. The crunchiness of the green leaves was complemented by the soft and creamy cheese, while the berries brought the zest and sweetness. Washed down with a minted lemonade, one of many juices, soft drinks and mocktails available on the menu, I was ready to move on to meatier things. They certainly did not disappoint with the

Brisket & Cheese starter. The braised brisket cooked in gravy, topped with melted cheese and peppered with herbs and spring onion was a pure delight. The brisket was as tender as you’d expect and the combination of flavours with the cheese meshed really well.

The Chicken Coxinha was something totally new to me. These fried delights, which are chicken, cream cheese and spring onion wrapped in dough, were just the perfect level of crumbliness and were packed full of flavour, particularly when dipped in the accompanying garlic aioli.

As great as these were, I was definitely ready for the main event by this point. And wow, did they deliver!

Of course, I have to talk about the steak first. All are 100 to 120 days grain-fed South African beef. I opted for the T-Bone (550g) and my preferred doneness: medium-rare!

The chef deserved my finest compliments because it was grilled flawlessly, with that satisfying first cut revealing the pinkishbrown colour of steak perfection. The meat was packed with juicy flavour. Dipped in

mushroom sauce, and paired with the added corn on the cob and onion rings, it was an absolute treat.

The beef ribs were also fantastic, with the meat falling off the bone effortlessly and thus passing the ultimate test of their quality. The tangy BBQ sauce and the beef was an excellent combination.

My favourite dish of the evening, which considering the quality of the competition is some feat, was the Chicken Espetada. This hanging skewer was simply incredible, with a lightly-spiced sauce dripping down the chicken onto a plate of rice below, with the end result being an explosion of flavour that blew me away.

Finally, I rounded off the evening with the Strawberry Cheesecake – the perfect balance of soft, mousse-like cheese and crumbly biscuit.

I left fully satisfied and impressed with The Butcher Shop & Grill’s offerings, and I will definitely be heading back at the nearest opportunity. I need more of their Espetada!

Energy in Transition Exhibition

Gulf Hotel Iftar The Gulf Hotel Bahrain held a dinner to reopen its tent, Khaimat Al Khaleej, to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan.

The German Embassy organised an exhibition about “Energy in Transition” in cooperation with the University of Bahrain and Nogaholding company. The German Ambassador, the University president, representatives from Nogaholding and VIP guests were in attendance. The Exhibition was followed by a panel discussion under the title: “Competitiveness in a transforming energy sector”.

Ramadan Decadence

Much to the delight of seasoned diners in the Kingdom, The Gulf Hotel’s spectacular Ramadan tent Khaimat Al Khaleej is back. Farah Baig dined at the magnificent venue and found out exactly why it’s considered to be so special.

Whetheryou’re a local or an expat, there’s an indescribable feeling brought on by Ramadan in Bahrain every year. There’s a pleasant sense of serenity during the day followed by a truly vibrant atmosphere after sundown with iftars and ghabgas encouraging people to connect with one another over a scrumptious meal. Strolling into Khaimat Al Khaleej, it was clear that the team had worked hard to amplify this feeling.

The warm tones of the opulent tent set the tone for the feast that was to follow. My guest and I were seated at a table that was beautifully decorated and laid out with familiar Ramadan essentials – an assortment of dried fruit and dallahs of qahwa and black tea.

After making ourselves comfortable and whetting our appetite, we took a tour of the lavish buffet and multitude of live cooking stations to get a feel for what was in store. The Khaimat Al Khaleej tent plays on the many strengths of the hotel, presenting a range of delectable cuisines from several of its restaurants.

I made a beeline for the sushi counter and plated up an assortment of maki, nigiri and gunkan sushi. I appreciated the fact that all the ingredients were incredibly fresh and that aside from soy and wasabi, some of my favourite condiments (hello, togaroshi!) were available so I could mix, match and dip to my heart’s content. Sticking to Japanese, I stopped by the teppanyaki station for some delicious beef before tucking into its luxurious prawn tempuras – five-star flavours for sure!

There are several hot and cold mezzas, fresh salads, and Ramadan dishes to choose from including lamb qhouzi , harees , thareed, prawn biriyani and fried safi too! The assortment of manakeesh and bread fresh

out the oven was a delight. Next, we ventured to ‘Bait El Mashweyat’ which quite literally translates to ‘House of Grills’. It sure lived up to its name with the chefs expertly grilling a range of local favourites including an assortment of kebabs and tikkas. I have to mention that the range of Argentinean grills including juicy lamb chops, steak, chicken and prawns were a carnivore’s dream. Coupled with the freshly made chimichurri, chipotle mayo and tomato salsa it was just phenomenal. Sauteed vegetables and garlic and herb mashed potatoes from the hot food counter were the perfect accompaniment. The appetisers and mains were sufficient to satiate our appetite, but visiting The Gulf Hotel and not eating dessert is almost… rude. The beautiful tent makes the time pass with ease so we enjoyed some banter over delicious Ramadan drinks including passion fruitflavoured laban, tamarind and Vimto – a staple! Ready to indulge our sweet tooth, we ventured to the many dessert stations –Arabic sweets, ice cream, pastries, cakes, fresh fruit, a chocolate fountain and crepes – we were spoiled for choice! Ultimately, we opted for a selection of light and flaky baklava and cheesy kunafa. The chocolate tarts, profiteroles and banoffee with date were absolutely decadent, but my favourite had to be the unique Mascarpone Chocolate Kunafa Bowl which had so many layers of flavour and texture too.

The food, service and luxurious décor made the Khaimat Al Khaleej experience one to remember. Perhaps that’s what it should be called henceforth, the Khaimat Al Khaleej experience, as there’s nothing else quite like it.

IFTAR N’ BEACH

Soak up the beautiful beachside sunset, break your fast gathered with loved ones and enjoy free beach access, every Tuesday for all iftar guests at the picturesque Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain. Spend quality time by the beach before a flavourful feast of iftar at Origins Restaurant, as you admire the deep blue hues of the sea. Beach access is free for all iftar guests. The ‘Iftar n’Beach’ experience will be from sunset to 8.30pm. Prior booking is advised. Call 77 488-100.

DIVINE DINING

AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NONE OTHER

The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa has gone the extra mile to bring diners a truly special Ramadan experience. The hotel has long been known for its spectacular restaurants and extensive range of cuisine, and their specialities come together phenomenally in the form of the Khaimat Al Khaleej Ramadan tent. The beautifully decorated venue offers an unparalleled dining experience, with a wide array of traditional and international cuisines for both iftar and ghabga.

In addition to the delicious food, the tent will also feature traditional Arabic entertainment, including live music and performances by a fourpiece band. Iftar is priced at BD22 per person, while the ghabga is priced at BD20 per person on weekdays and BD22 on weekends.

Prior booking for groups is advised. Call 17 713-000 or 36 551-333.

A MAGICAL IFTAR AT THE RESTAURANT

Welcome the holy month with an exquisite Ramadan experience and savour an elevated iftar to remember with your near and dear ones at Address Beach Resort Bahrain.

Indulge in world-class culinary delights at The Restaurant’s iftar buffet featuring an array of traditional and international cuisines in the perfect Ramadan setting, as you make unforgettable memories on the glittering shores of Marassi.

The buffet is priced at BD32net including Ramadan beverages and juices and takes place from sunset to 8.30pm. Call 77 998-888.

There’s no shortage of fantastic eateries across the island, but surely you want to experience nothing but the best. Our team has curated some of the very best dining opportunities at the finest hotels and restaurants in the Kingdom for Ramadan, Eid-Al-Fitr and the rest of April too!

Ramadan Dining

AN OPPULENT RAMADAN

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain as always has presented a Ramadan experience like no other with the Kingdom’s largest and most elegantly designed Ramadan tent. The truly magical tent bridges elements of traditional Islamic architecture with modern design; the extensive Masaya Pavilion by stc is a place of opulence and grandeur with guests embarking on a journey to the Land of a Million Palm Trees - Bahrain.

The new tent is inspired by the famous Tree of Life and Palm Dates of Bahrain. It’s no secret that The Ritz Carlton, Bahrain has some of the most phenomenal luxury cuisine on the island, so guests can expect a wondrous selection of authentic Middle Eastern and international specialties, highlighted by local ingredients specially from Bahraini farmers and artisans.

The epicurean journey over iftar and ghabga

features a diverse mix of Arabic and international dishes but amongst the musthave items are ghouzi, koshary, shawarma, tajine, majboos, Bahraini grills, bread and date ice cream. This year’s selection also includes Iranian dishes, paella, pizza, Bahraini kebab with pickles and sauce, tandoori meats, fresh pasta, za’atar and tahinaflavoured ice cream, and more.

Step into Masaya and be entertained by a three-piece band headed by talented singer, Ali Alrasheed, daily from 9.30pm onwards, while enjoying the legendary warmth of Arabian hospitality.

Guests are welcome to join the breaking of the fast at iftar, from sunset to 8pm, for BD34, and the ghabga dinner from 9pm to 2am, for BD37. A special rate is available for groups of 30 and above.

Call 17 586-499.

RAMADAN IN THE HEART OF JUFFAIR

Here’s your chance to experience Ramadan like never before in the heart of Juffair.

Ramadan Nights at The K Tent will be taking place daily at their splendid poolside terrace. Their iftars and ghabgas feature an extensive buffet of traditional and international delicacies, live cooking stations, Ramadan drinks and delicious desserts. Enjoy their delightful iftar from sundown to 8.30pm and their ghabga, which includes live

oud performances, from 9.30pm to 2am. Iftar is priced at BD11+++ per person while the ghabga is priced at BD13+++ per person with both experiences including special Ramadan beverages. Special discounts are available for groups of 10 or more, while K PLUS members receive a discount of 30 percent. Ladies can enjoy a 40 percent discount on the ghabga every Monday. Call 36 600-433 or 17 360-000.

EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF RAMADAN

The fairytale-like Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort & Spa is without a doubt the most exciting addition to Bahrain’s hospitality scene. The picturesque resort has curated an excellent iftar and ghabga experience for diners at their Saharat tent to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. Indulge in a scrumptious feast while enjoying the oriental live entertainment and an array of traditional and contemporary dishes prepared by their expert chefs.

Iftar is priced at BD25 net per person and will take place from sunset to 8.30pm. The ghabga is prices at BD20 per person and begins at 9.30pm. The experience is priced at BD12.5 net for children between six and 12 years of age. Children under six years old dine for free. Prior booking is advised. Call 33 663-464.

A FANTASTIC SPREAD

A delicious traditional Ramadan spread awaits you and your loved ones at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa, Manama this holy month. Their ‘Ramadan Evenings’ iftar at The Grand Ambassador Ballroom is truly special with daily raffle draw giveaways and special prizes during the weekend. Their iftar takes place from 5pm to 8pm and is priced at BD19 per head. Call 38 111-474.

TANTALISING TURKISH CUISINE!

Experience a unique Sultan-style Ramadan at the award-winning Turkish Kebab and Steakhouse, Günaydın. This stunning restaurant is located in the bustling block of Adliya’s Block 338 and elevates Turkish cuisine in the Kingdom to unsurpassable levels. Gastronomes are in for a treat with their delicious cuts of meat that are cooked to perfection.

Celebrate Ramadan with a ‘Big Sultan Iftar, Suhour or Ghabga’ at Günaydın’s opulent dining rooms and lush gardens. Traditional ‘Big Sultan’ menus include endless starters, four ‘Big Meat’ platters and an array of award-winning, signature plates, finishing with really Turkish Ramadan treats!

The Big Sultan iftar is priced at BD19 inclusive while the Big Sultan suhoor and ghabga is priced at BD17 inclusive. Call 17 000-099 or 32 309-999.

GHABGA UNDER THE STARS

Discover Ramadan Nights at Address Beach Resort Bahrain which honours the holy month, by presenting its first ever Ramadan experiences. Create an awe-inspiring ‘Ghabga Under the Stars’ night exclusively with your family and friends at the Address’ private beach cabana and enjoy a unique fusion of traditional Ramadan treats paired with an inviting array of international flavours by the beach. Embrace the true spirit of togetherness complemented with uninhibited views of the sea and haute cuisine.

This set menu experience is priced at BD70 net for two people and takes place from 9.30pm to 1am on weekdays and from 9.30pm to 2am on weekends. Reservations are recommended. Call 77 998-888.

A VISUAL AND GASTRONOMICAL TREAT

During the holy month of Ramadan, indulge in your favourite beverages along with hand crafted chocolates and delectable international and local pastries, while enjoying the sea view from the lounge terrace at Majilis Al Fijiri Lounge. The views are truly unmatched at this relaxing lounge located at the Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort & Spa. This unique Ramadan experience is available from sunset to 11pm.

Call 33 663-464.

LET’S MEET IN MUHARRAQ!

Celebrate the true spirit of togetherness this Ramadan with family and friends over a vibrant spread at Mövenpick Bahrain with an extravagant iftar at Silk’s restaurant and ghabga at the hotel’s pool terrace.

The culinary team has put together a veritable feast that will satisfy each of your tastebuds. Think succulent lambchops, delicious curries, creative salads and an array of spectacular desserts. The award-winning Mövenpick ice cream is also available for

those that would love a cool treat!

To make the experience even more special, diners spending BD40 during iftar have a chance to win a round trip ticket to Europe offered by Air France KLM. You can also relax to some calming oud entertainment during the ghabga.

The iftar is available daily from sunset and is priced at BD15+++ per person while the ghabga takes place from 10pm daily and is priced at BD 13+++ per person. Call 33 640-032.

British Reception

The British Embassy hosted a reception for the UK delegation who attended the IPU Assembly in Bahrain.

Available in Lanterns Adliya & Lanterns Budaiya only

Available for dine in, takeaway & delivery

Dining Timings:

Adliya & Budaiya - 8pm until midnight

& Riffa - 5pm until midnight

*Takeaway & Delivery starts from 12pm onwards for Adliya, Budaiya & Riffa. Amwaj Takeaway & Delivery 5pm onwards

*Terms & Conditions apply

BRINGING RAMADAN VIBES TO LIFE

Ramadan presents the perfect opportunity to connect with family and friends in beautiful locations where you can break your fast and connect over a lovely meal. Crowne Plaza has launched their beautiful tent where you do just that - Khaimat Al Crowne.

An authentic Ramadan experience awaits you, complete with traditional decor, indoor and outdoor seating, and live entertainment. Tuck into their grand buffet featuring more than 100 varieties of food, including traditional Arabic dishes and international cuisine.

You’ll be mesmerised by the live entertainment too which includes dance and live Arabic music – a great addition to the festive atmosphere.

The Khaimat Al Crowne tent will be open every evening during Ramadan for iftar and ghabga from sunset until 2am.

Call 37 223-366 or 17 531-122.

GHABGA UNDER THE MOONLIGHT

Indulge in a buffet of extravagant delicacies at Intercontinental Regency Bahrain. Choose from a wide range of traditional and international dishes presented by the masterful chefs. You can also enjoy some fantastic Arabic melodies – a wonderful addition to this ghabga.

The ghabga is priced at BD19 net and takes place from 9pm to 1am. Children from six to 12 years of age dine for BD10 net. Call 17 227-777.

THE FINEST ARABIC HOSPITALITY

This Ramadan, gather your loved ones to experience the finest Arabic hospitality with a delicious buffet of classical Arabian and Oriental dishes at the Mosaic Restaurant located at Wyndham Garden Manama. Enjoy stunning views and a peaceful ambience - the perfect setting to enjoy a fulfilling evening meal throughout the holy month. Iftar is priced at BD12 net per person including Ramadan beverages and takes place daily from sunset until 8.30pm. Special iftar rates and offers available for group bookings. Call 66 390-928.

FEAST IN THE CITY

One of the most unique factors about Downtown Rotana is the fact that is located quite literally in the heart of Manama right by Bab Al Bahrain. Its central location presents you with the perfect opportunity to get your friends and family together from every corner of the island for a fantastic feast.

The team at Downtown Rotana have two fantastic Ramadan experiences planned for you: the iftar buffet at Al Maha tent and the ghabga by the pool. Enjoy an array of salads, hot and cold starters, traditional and continental mains before scouring their table of delectable desserts. At the ghabga, you can take in the unique view of the Manama skyline too. Iftar is priced at BD20 while the ghabga is priced at BD15. Group discounts are available. Prior booking is recommended. Call 13 119 999.

TREAT YOURSELF TO A PERFECT STEAK

If you’re hoping for a change this Ramadan, transcend borders and try something new with daily steak at Intercontinental Regency Bahrain. The legendary signature menu presents you with truly unforgettable flavours and sensational cuts of meat. Available from 7pm onwards. Call 17 227-777.

AN ENTERTAINING EID-AL-FITR

Eid festivities will be in full swing at Baharat Restaurant located at Le Meridien City Centre Bahrain this year. On ‘Fasil Night’ – the first day of Eid - you can enjoy lively music courtesy of the Turkish band REVNAK from 7pm to 11pm. The event is priced at BD19 per person inclusive of soft beverages or BD29 inclusive of select beverages. On the second day of Eid you can enjoy their Eid brunch from 1pm to 4.30pm and savour some delectable Turkish cuisine and divine desserts. Brunch is priced at BD28 per person inclusive of soft beverages or BD38 per person inclusive of select beverages. Prior booking is advised.

Call 17 171-441.

CELEBRATE EID IN STYLE!

This Eid-Al-Fitr will be one to remember at the spectacular Al Waha Restaurant located at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa. Gather your loved ones and indulge in their Arabic-themed family buffet which features an array of delicious Middle Eastern dishes and live stations while enjoying the festive atmosphere including kids’ activities like face painting and balloon twisters. The family buffet is prices at BD25 net with unlimited soft beverages. NSA and Prestige Club members receive a discount of 20 percent. The experience is available on all three days of Eid. Prior booking is advised.

Call 17 713-000.

MESMERISING MILAN

Experience the flavours of Milan like never before with the special mesmerising Milan menu at La Pergola!

The Italian restaurant, located at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa, is known for its truly authentic cuisine and phenomenal service. Indulge in authentic Italian dishes inspired by the bustling city of Milan, all crafted with the freshest ingredients and served in our elegant setting at La Pergola.

Be sure to bring your friends and family together for a truly unforgettable culinary journey. The ‘Mesmerising Milan’ menu is available until April 29 and is priced at BD23 per head. NSA and Prestige Club members avail of a discounted price of BD21.

Call 17 713-000.

For reservations: +973 3811 1474

BOTTOMLESS MOULES ET FRITES

Looking for a chic hangout for after-work bevvies and the perfect mussels experience?

The Bistro by Origins at Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain will be serving you spectacular views overlooking Marassi Al Bahrain and its spectacular surroundings from your table. Enjoy bottomless simmering

mussels with signature sauces and crunchy fries for a fabulous culinary getaway every Thursday from 7pm to 11pm. The moules et frites is priced at BD15 net per person. Prior booking is advised. Call 77 488-100.

ATTENTION ALL HOTELIERS

After a long week of catering to the needs of others, hoteliers can kick back and relax at the Hotelier’s Night at Butcher and Buns Lounge. Tuck into some delicious burgers and enjoy 40 percent off on selected beverages every Sunday from 8pm to midnight.

Diners will have to present a hotel ID or business card.

Call 17 171-000.

A SPANISH FIESTA

If you’re in the mood for a Saturday fiesta, we’ve got just the thing for you. Vermut a Tu Salud is a unique Saturday brunch experience at the spectacular Spanish restaurant Salero located at The Westin City Centre Bahrain. Enjoy the lively atmosphere while you tuck into a selection of hot and cold tapas, the paella of the day and a dessert buffet.

The brunch takes place every Saturday after Ramadan from 1pm to 5pm and is prices at BD29.5 inclusive of selected beverages and BD22 inclusive of soft beverages.

Call 17 171-300.

THE VIDA FRIDAY BRUNCH IS BACK!

Did you miss Vida Bahrain’s breezy brunches? Well, they’re back from April 28 with a bang, guaranteed to scoop you again into the popular beachfront brunch experience.

Catch up on what you’ve missed and get ready for incredible flavours, cool sips and spectacular sea views. Kick back and dance to groovy live music, while you enjoy a delicious feast of international delights with the best company at Origins Restaurant. The Vida Friday Brunch will take place from 1pm to 4pm every Friday. Brunch is priced at BD28 net inclusive of soft beverages and BD35 inclusive of selected beverages. Children from six to 12 years of age dine for BD14 net. Book your table ahead to avoid disappointment!

Call 77 488-100.

Hotel Iftar

The K Hotel held a special iftar to celebrate Ramadan.

The Wars of Influence

The International Peace Institute, Middle East and North Africa (IPI MENA), Bahrain, held a conference on: “The Wars of Influence: A New Challenge to the World’s Order”, with Key-Speaker Prof. Frédéric Charillon, Professor of Political Science at the Université Paris Cite and former Director of the Institute of Strategic Research Ecole Militaire, French Ministry of Defense.

Diversity and Unity through Federalism

IPI MENA Bahrain held an Ambassadorial Series on: “Diversity and Unity through Federalism” with Key-Speaker HE Massimo Baggi, Ambassador of Switzerland to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. The dicussion was followed by an Art Workshop with Swiss Artist Marta Margnetti.

InterContinental Iftar

Crowne Plaza Iftar

Crowne Plaza Bahrain, a leading hotel brand in Bahrain, held a preRamadan iftar event at its Bahrain property to launch its new tent, Khaimat Al Crowne. The event was attended by members of the media and local influencers.

Wyndham Grand

Anwar Hajjar, General Manager of Wyndham Grand Manama, invited guests to enjoy an exclusive Ramadan dinner with a unique Ramadan Oasis theme at Bateel Ballroom.

InterContinental Bahrain held a pre-Ramadan Iftar at its Regency Tent allowing guests to live the spirit of Ramadan ahead of the start of the Holy Month.

PERSONAL INFORMATION DATA PRIVACY

Who has your personal information data and what are they doing with it?

Bahrain This Month’s Bill Grieve delves into Personal Data Privacy and looks at who safeguards personal data, what safeguards individuals can take and what to do if you suspect the law(s) regarding your personal data have been breached or broken in Bahrain. Speaking to Yaqoob K. Alrayes the Data Protection Guardian – Information Security Department – Governance, Risk, and Compliance Unit with a leading financial institution, BTM provides some additional guidance on this delicate and sensitive issue.

What is Personal Data?

Personal data refers to any information in any form concerning an identified individual, or an individual who can, directly or indirectly, be identified.

In Bahrain it has become all too common to share sensitive personal data across methods like Whatsapp, Messenger, Airdrop, Email and even just by allowing photographs or scans of confidential documents to be taken. This is seriously advised against, and people are

cautioned – do not share your information “willy nilly”. Sharing information recklessly and without safeguards or assurances puts the identity of an individual at high risk and places the individual in potential jeopardy. Always keep your personal data and documents safe and guarded. If storing information on a computer or PC, ensure that a secure digital vault or encrypted drive is used, on a phone use whatever software can be obtained and afforded to keep the phone

secure, and personal data and photographs/ documents stored securely.

When personal information or data needs to be shared always check that the company has an approved and up to date Data Privacy Policy, always check that the individual you are giving your information to has the authority and responsibility to receive and be in possession of your information. Remember a lie travels around the world before the truth can put its shoes on in the morning.

Be careful with your information – information you share may be used nefariously and your identity, bank accounts and assets may be put in danger and at risk if you are not careful.

The Bahrain Government formed the Personal Data Protection Authority (PDPA) and promulgated laws, specifically Law No. (30) of 2018 on 19 July 2018, with respect to personal data protection. The Law aims to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals and their personal data, by establishing a legal framework that defines the methods and means of processing data in a way that gives individuals

Yaqoob K. Alrayes, Data Protection Guardian says - “My passion lies in Cyber Security and Data Privacy - I strive to safeguard digital assets and prevent data breaches”.

In today’s digital age, sharing personal data with companies has become a widespread practice. Whether it’s signing up for a new service or making an online purchase, we often find ourselves sharing our personal data with companies. However, it’s crucial to take safeguards to protect personal data when sharing it with companies.

The first step to safeguarding personal data is to read the company’s privacy policy before sharing any data. It is essential to understand how the company will use your data, who they will share it with, and what safeguards they have in place to store and protect it. This information will help you make an informed decision about whether to share your personal data with the company or not.

When sharing personal data, only provide the necessary data required to receive the service or product you need. Avoid sharing sensitive data such as your CPR number, driver’s licence, or bank account details unless it is absolutely necessary.

Use a secure internet connection when sharing personal data online, and avoid

using public Wi-Fi networks, which may be unsecured and vulnerable to hacking. Look for the padlock icon or ‘https’ in the website address to ensure that the connection is secure.

Check whether the company has agreements with third-party service providers and how they handle personal data. Ensure that the third-party providers have adequate security measures in place.

If possible, opt-out of data sharing or marketing communications when sharing personal data with a company. It’s also essential to keep a record of the companies you have shared your personal data with and the data you have shared. Regularly review your privacy settings and delete any unnecessary data.

In conclusion, safeguarding personal data when sharing it with companies is crucial in today’s digital age. By following these safeguards, individuals can protect their personal data from misuse or compromise and minimise the risk of identity theft or other cyber threats.

confidence in all matters concerning their data handled by companies and organisations, and to be managed in an accurate, up-to-date, and secure manner.

The Law came into effect on 1 August 2019. The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf was designated, by Royal Decree No. (78) of 2019, to assume the duties of the Personal Data Protection Authority (PDPA).

Scan the QR Code to see more on the PDPA

If you feel your personal data or information may have been compromised, you can report it to the PDPA – see more about the Personal Data Protection Authority by scanning the QR code.

St Patrick’s Ball

St Patrick’s Day was marked with a Ball held at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa.

Reigning

Formula One world champion Max Verstappen made a dream start to the 2023 F1 season by leading Red Bull team mate Sergio Perez to a dominant one-two in the Bahrain Grand Prix after another dazzling spectacle at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Fernando Alonso rolled back the years and joined the podium party on his Aston Martin debut at the grand age of 41 as the track was showered with fireworks at the culmination of the three-day festival of fun and speed.

Mexican Perez took the chequered flag 11.9 seconds behind his team mate, whose win was the team’s 10th in 12 races stretching back to last July as the signs already look ominous for another one-sided season.

“Very lovely that, really good result. We had good race pace,” Verstappen, almost a dead-cert for a third successive title this season, told the team on his victory parade.

“That’s exactly the start to the season we wanted and needed. A perfect one-two”.

As Red Bull celebrated and the night sky filled with fireworks, Ferrari were left licking their wounds again with Charles Leclerc retiring from third place and Carlos Sainz then overtaken by Alonso.

It was the first time the Dutch driver had won in Bahrain, the first time he had triumphed in a Formula One opener and a marked turnaround from last year’s race where he retired and Leclerc won.

Leclerc seized second place at the start from third on the grid and looked good for the podium until he slowed and pulled over 17 laps from the end, shouting “No, no, no! No power.” over the team radio.

Ferrari blamed the breakdown, which triggered a virtual safety car period, on an electrical problem on the power unit.

Veteran double world champion Alonso, in his 356th race, then passed Sainz with a thrilling wheel-to-wheel move 12 laps from the end and was voted Driver of the Day by fans.

“To come here and finish on the podium in the first race of the year, it is amazing what Aston Martin did over the winter to have the second best car on race one. This is just unreal,” the Spaniard told the sell-out crowd after the finish.

Seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton was fifth for Mercedes, who were a long way off Red Bull’s pace and effectively the fourthbest team.

Canadian Lance Stroll, who broke both his wrists and a big toe in a cycling accident in Spain just two weeks ago, gave Aston Martin more points with sixth, lifting them to a giddy

second in the constructors’ standings. George Russell was seventh for Mercedes with Valtteri Bottas eighth for Alfa Romeo and Pierre Gasly ninth on his Alpine debut after joining from AlphaTauri and starting the race in last position.

Gasly’s team mate Esteban Ocon picked up three separate time penalties before retiring. Alex Albon took the final point for a markedly more competitive-looking Williams, with US rookie team mate Logan Sargeant a strong 12th.

Alfa Romeo’s Guanyu Zhou set the fastest lap but there was no bonus point as he finished outside the top 10. Australian Oscar Piastri retired 14 laps into his debut, with his stricken McLaren wheeled into the team garage after suffering an apparent electronics issue.

The 21-year-old had complained of gearbox problems and mechanics swapped the steering wheel when he pitted but he could not restart.

The Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix was truly a race to remember. Kristian Harrison shares highlights of the race.

The All-New 2023 Nissan X-TRAIL

Building on its strong regional SUV leadership, Nissan has launched the All-New 2023 Nissan X-TRAIL in the Middle East. Furthering a legacy spanning over 20 years, the fourth-generation model offers a premium yet accessible driving experience that expertly caters to evolving customer needs – balancing refined interiors with effortless versatility for daily drives.

The premium urban crossover is also the most technologically advanced X-TRAIL to date, equipped with the latest Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies to keep drivers and passengers safe and connected. The X-TRAIL’s new, powerful yet efficient

PR25 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, compared to its predecessor, lifts power output by 12hp to 181hp, with torque boosted by 11Nm to 244Nm, for more effortless acceleration and confident overtaking. Utilising the latest CMF-C platform, which showcases advanced engineering, innovation and technology, the latest model continues to raise the bar within the midsize SUV segment. Structurally more rigid and more aerodynamically efficient, the AllNew 2023 Nissan X-TRAIL introduces a host of Nissan Intelligent Mobility features, including the brand’s ProPILOT Assist to the X-TRAIL line-up for the very first time.

A BESPOKE MASTERPIECE: PHANTOM SYNTOPIA

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled Phantom Syntopia, an intricate, Haute Couture-inspired masterpiece created in collaboration with renowned Dutch fashion designer and Haute Couturière Iris van Herpen. Phantom Syntopia seeks to represent the elusive, ethereal beauty of fluid motion in solid materials through its ‘Weaving Water’ theme.

Based on Phantom Extended – the ultimate blank canvas for personalisation – it is the most technically complex commission ever undertaken by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective. Now, after four years of continuous development, this extraordinary and unique creation is complete.

Phantom Syntopia’s interior suite incorporates magnificent features which were co-created in a creative and technical meeting of minds by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective and Iris van Herpen. The

magnificent interiors feature the Weaving Water Starlight Headliner, which was crafted using a single sheet of flawless leather, selected from over 1,000 hides. Precise symmetrical cuts reveal a silver ‘liquid metal’ texture made from woven nylon fabric underneath, used in Iris van Herpen’s ‘Embossed Sounds’ collection, giving the Headliner a threedimensional appearance. It is finished with 162 delicate petals made of glass organza.

In addition, 187 of the 995 sparkling fiberoptic ‘stars’ were individually placed by hand to illuminate the artwork.

To create the shimmering exterior, the

Rolls-

Royce Bespoke Collective developed a oneoff Liquid Noir paint. Iridescent in sunlight, it reveals Purple, Blue, Magenta and Gold undertones when viewed at different angles.

BENTLEY MOTORS EMPOWERS

FUTURE FEMALE LEADERS

Bentley Motors has launched the second edition of its Extraordinary Women initiative, a global mentoring programme aimed at inspiring and nurturing the next generation of female leaders. The programme is specifically designed for female students pursuing careers in engineering, design, technology, and business.

The Extraordinary Women initiative supports Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy and goals to achieve 30 percent diverse management by 2025. In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the programme is expanding to Saudi Arabia for the first time, with the aim of encouraging women to consider careers in STEM and the automotive industry.

Bentley will work with Dar Al-Hekma University in Saudi Arabia to identify the students who will be selected to take part in the programme. Successful applicants will enjoy oneto-one mentoring with experienced Bentley staff and the extraordinary Pioneers, ahead of attending a one-week programme at Bentley headquarters in Crewe this June, where they will work with Bentley teams on live projects to put the learnings from their mentoring experience to good use.

BMW IX5 HYDROGEN ARRIVES IN THE MIDDLE EAST.

With a global fleet of around 100 vehicles employed internationally, five BMW iX5 Hydrogen vehicles arriving in the Middle East will demonstrate the reliability and suitability of alternative CO2-free drive systems for everyday use.

Based on the current BMW X5, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen was first unveiled as a concept at the IAA show in 2019. Its centrepiece is the highly efficient next-generation fuel-cell system, generating a high continuous output of 125 kW/170 hp. In combination with a highly integrated drive unit using fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, the powertrain channels maximum output of 295 kW/401 hp onto the road.

The hydrogen needed to supply the fuel-cell is stored in two 700-bar tanks made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Together these hold almost six kilograms of hydrogen, enough to give the BMW iX5 Hydrogen a range of 504 km (313 miles) in the WLTP cycle.

As one of the most efficient options for storing and transporting renewable energy, hydrogen has a clear potential in complementing electromobility. It will contribute to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and play a major role as a fuel in the Middle East.

THE LAUNCH OF THE ALL-NEW LEXUS RX

Lexus has reinvented the luxury crossover with the launch of the all-new RX. First launched in 1998, the Lexus RX has created the blueprint for luxury crossover utility vehicles and set the tone in the segment ever since.

The fifth-generation RX comes with a choice of three powertrains, two of which are electrified to contribute to the realisation of a carbon-neutral society. A newly developed inline 4-cylinder, 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that produces 275 hp and 430 nm of torque is mated to a new 8-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission (8AT). Meanwhile, the new hybrid-electric system combines a 2.5-liter petrol engine and electric motor to produce a total of 247 hp, which is mated to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT) to provide a fuel consumption value of 20.7 km/L.

The hybrid-electric system pairing a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, provides a combined power of 366 hp mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that offers fuel consumption of 15.5 km/L while delivering a new level of driving pleasure.

The 2023 RX’s boasts a spacious interior offers with ample luggage space and five newly designed luxury seats aside from the Lexus Safety System.

Indian Property Investment Festival

The Indian Property Investment Festival 2023 was held at The Westin, City Centre Bahrain.

INJAZ Bahrain Youth Festival

Under the patronage of INJAZ Bahrain Chairperson, HH Sh Hessa bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, INJAZ Bahrain held the INJAZ Bahrain Youth Festival at Water Garden City to celebrate the achievements of young entrepreneurs.

Golden Tulip Iftar

Zain Ghabga

Golden Tulip Bahrain held an iftar to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan.

LPOD Iftar The management of The Lost Paradise Of Dilmun Water Park hosted an iftar in the spirit of the Holy Month.

Zain Bahrain held its annual Ramadan Ghabga gathering at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq.

World Health Day is seen as a day to focus on healthcare, its challenges, and successes every year. Following the pandemic, there’s no denying that a well-developed healthcare infrastructure is essential – a realisation that has led to the monumental expansion of the health sector. This month, Pria Masson explores the top three factors that she believes will be a big part of this thriving industry.

Ihave been watching regional versions of Shark Tank lately. Recent episodes had a spate of health-based products. There were health technology, mental health and AI, wellness and even healthy snack options. It got me thinking about how the greater the problems there are in an industry, the larger the opportunity.

Data from 2021 shows that global spending on health innovation reached USD44 billion, double the amount in 2020. In 2021, the acquisition of health and health-tech companies rose by 50 percent. In the GCC, healthcare expenditure in 2020 ranged from 7.6 percent of GDP to 4.8 percent of GDP as against the global average of 10.3 percent of GDP.

Medical Devices – A Key Area of Focus

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) medical devices market is expected to reach USD 21.8 billion by 2027. The key countries contributing to this growth are expected to be the UAE, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. The healthcare sector in the region has been witnessing collaborations to shift manufacturing to the region. In 2022, the UAE government signed MoU’s worth over USD70 million between major pharmaceutical and medical devices companies in the UAE. As per Frost and Sullivan, the MedTech sector domestic manufacturing will gradually take over in the GCC region, driving the diagnostic and patient monitoring devices market growth to nine or ten percent.

Digital Transformations and AI

Annual investments in healthcare digital infrastructure in the GCC alone are expected to increase from USD500 million to USD1.2 billion in the next two years. The health-tech start-up ecosystem in the MENA region is now worth over USD1.5 billion, which is a 22-fold increase since 2016. Artificial intelligence (AI) in the radiology value chain is likely to be driven by hospital investments in GCC, further bolstering AI usage in precision imaging for diagnostics and therapeutics. Virtual care, remote patient monitoring, and artificial intelligence (AI) are likely to be a big part of the region’s healthcare journey.

Genome Testing and Personalised Medicine

Personalised Medicine (PM) tailors healthcare delivery to individual needs. It can help health systems improve outcomes and patient experiences, while controlling treatment costs. This is achieved with the help of data relating to a patient’s life and risk profile, medical records, health history, and genome. AI, big data, machine learning, and direct-to-consumer kits have made it easier to extract genomic information. Globally, genetic testing is projected to reach USD17.3 billion by 2026. The GCC region is also entering this space with Genome programmes now available across the region. The International Centre for Genetic Disease has been awarded USD10 million to design and implement the Bahrain National Genome Programme. Dubai’s Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and the King Faisal Specialist

Hospital and Research Centre in Saudi Arabia have established biomedical and genomics research centres. The Department of Health –Abu Dhabi (DoH) recently launched the first Personalised Precision Medicine Programme for oncology in the region and llumina, a firm specialising DNA sequencing and array-based technologies launched its new, state-of-the-art solutions centre in Dubai.

Health was previously a broad, technical domain. It is now being sliced into much smaller areas, with a deeper focus. This slicing is across the board – in traditional healthcare, in mental health and even in wellness. Undoubtedly, healthcare is probably a space with the most “problems” waiting to find solutions. And solutions are emerging quick and fast with the help of AI, analytics and digitisation. The age-old saying ‘Health is wealth’ is clearly taking on a whole new meaning.

Pria is the Founder of GMI Advisory WLL– a Management Consultancy that helps companies with their strategy, business plans, presentations and preparing for investors . You can visit her company website http://www.gmiadvisory.com/ to connect with her. You can follow Pria at her Instagram handle @guide_my_idea

GIB REPORTS RECORD GROWTH OF 108 PERCENT

In the fourth quarter of 2022, Gulf International Bank reported net income attributable to the Shareholders of the Bank of USD28.0 million, compared to a loss of USD1.0 million in the same period last year.

For the year ended 31st December 2022, GIB reported a net profit of USD78.7 million attributable to the Shareholders of the Bank, compared to USD 37.9 million being 108 percent up on last year. Growth across all business lines contributed to a 32 percent increase in revenues, and coupled with increased efficiencies and measured investment, the Group’s net income for the year amounted to USD96.1 million compared to USD52.7 million in 2021.

All revenue categories exceeded planned growth, with net interest income of USD110.1 million up 67 percent due to effective balance sheet management, increased spreads and the benefit of rising interest rates. Fee and commission income reflected growth of six percent, and foreign exchange income and other income showed similar growth trends as the Bank continues to diversify revenues by investing in and building on capital-lite business lines.

The financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2022 were audited by the external auditors, Ernst & Young (EY), and comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

NBB SIGNS PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH BATELCO AL DANA CLUB

The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has signed a partnership agreement with Batelco, part of the Beyon Group, to provide its Prestige Banking clients with exclusive offers. The signing ceremony was held at Batelco’s premises at the Beyon Campus and was attended by Chief Executive Retail Banking at NBB, Subah Abdullatif Al Zayani, and General Manager Consumer at Batelco, Aseel Mattar, in addition to other representatives. Through this partnership, Batelco Al Dana Club members and NBB Prestige Banking clients will benefit from a range of exclusive offers from both entities.

Batelco will offer NBB’s eligible customers a variety of benefits including a dedicated relationship manager who will manage their dayto-day requests, priority treatment at all Batelco retail stores, and access to exclusive partner offers and events. Meanwhile, NBB will offer Al Dana Club members various benefits including a dedicated relationship manager to handle their banking requirements along with priority services across NBB branches and Contact Centre. Members will also receive a special Platinum Prestige Debit Master Card with exclusive offers, access to international airport lounges and competitive interest rates.

MAJORITY OF BAHRAIN’S INVESTORS EXPECT ECONOMIC STABILITY

A Business Confidence survey conducted by the Economic Statistics Directorate at the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) has indicated that 94.01 percent of investors expect a stability of business and economic environments during the first quarter of 2023. The survey results have also shown that 49.35 percent of companies expect stability in their business performance while 44.66 percent expected an improvement in business performance.

The survey revealed that 87.81 percent of businesses experienced a range of economic stability to optimistic performance during Q1 of 2023, i.e 57.14 percent revealed a stability in their performance, while 30.6 percent experienced satisfactory performance. A significant 12.19 percent of the sample has shown dissatisfaction with their business performance during Q1 of 2023.

Business Confidence Indices are measured based on surveys carried out by iGA on a sample of the business community covering micro, small and medium enterprises as well as large enterprises. The range includes businesses that are classified as foreign and local investments with large capitals and those which include foreign shareholders (as registered in their records). The survey’s scope covers all active establishments registered at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce (MOIC), as well enterprises licensed by Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB).

The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) received a delegation from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) led by CEO of CII, Alan Vallance, to discuss providing more professional certifications and training opportunities for professionals in the fields of insurance and financial planning. The visiting delegation included Interim Membership and Engagement Director, Azlina Bulmer, and Regional Director for the Middle East, Gaenor Jones.

During the visit, the CII and the BIBF discussed ways to further develop their relationship and support the CII’s future strategies in the region, with a particular focus on providing more valuable support to the CII members in the region helping them in their career development.

The BIBF also arranged official meetings with CEOs and executives of insurance companies to gather market feedback. In addition, CII delegates also met with the Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, His Excellency Rasheed Mohammed AlMaraj, to discuss the Kingdom’s efforts in developing the insurance sector.

As part of the visit, BIBF received renewal of the CII’s accreditation for its professional insurance certificates, offering 13 different units accredited by the CII in both Arabic and English, ranging from introductory courses to specialised technical units in insurance.

28,000 EUROPEAN TOURISTS TO VISIT BAHRAIN

CEO of Visit Bahrain, Ali Amralla, has stated that the company has inked agreements with numerous travel and tourism organisations around the world with the aim of bringing 28,000 European visitors to the Kingdom of Bahrain between September 2023 and March 2024. “These agreements are the largest in the company’s history and that will primarily draw tourists from Germany, Russia, and Britain, apart from other European nationalities,” he says of the agreements which were signed concurrently with Visit Bahrain’s participation in ITB Berlin - the world’s largest travel trade fair.

Bahrain’s private tourism sector organisations have played a key role in reviving the industry and promoting Bahrain’s as a travel destination. The agreements are part of a larger strategy implemented by Visit Bahrain to attract tourists from all over the world. “The Ministry of Tourism and BTEA provided us with full support during our recent participation in ITB Berlin. The Minister of Tourism, HE Fatima bint Jaafar Al-Sairafi, attendance at this event had a significant impact on fostering cooperation with our partners.”

The company has expressed its commitment to advancing Bahrain’s tourism industry through similar initiatives to support the objectives of its Tourism Plan 2022–2026.

DEVELOPING BAHRAIN’S INSURANCE PROFESSIONALS

Releases

Transatlantic

Risking their lives to help more than 2,000 refugees escape occupied France, including many artists and writers on the Nazis’ most-wanted list, an international gang of young heroes and their famous charges occupy a villa at the edge of the city, where the threat of mortal danger gives way to unexpected collaborations and intense love affairs.

The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die

This movie sequel to the successful historical drama, The Last Kingdom, is intended as the conclusion of the series and caps off the Saxon story. Following the death of King Edward, invaders and rival heirs battle for the crown and Uthred must adventure once again with his comrades as they attempt to form a united England.

A Tourist’s Guide to Love

Steven Tsuchida is directing this new romantic comedy movie that stars Rachael Leigh Cook as Amanda and Scott Ly as Sinh. The movie revolves around a travel executive accepting an assignment to go undercover and learn more about the Vietnam tourist industry. While there, she finds that she not only falls in love with the country but an expat tour guide.

War Sailor

Alfred Garnes is a working-class sailor, who has recently become the father of a third child. He and his childhood friend Sigbjørn Kvalen are working on a merchant ship in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean when World War II breaks out. They are unarmed civilians on the front lines of a war they never asked to join. The two men struggle for survival in a spiral of violence and death, where at any moment German submarines may attack their valuable vessels. The war sailors have one goal: to survive – and to return home.

Hunger

Described as a culinary film, this movie is about a woman in her twenties called Aoy running her family’s local stir-fried noodles restaurant in the old quarter of Bangkok. One day, she is invited to leave the family business and join team Hunger, the number one luxury Chef’s table team in Thailand, led by Chef Paul.

Reggie

This documentary follows the life of one of sport’s most influential megastars and beloved baseball icon, Reggie Jackson, as he contemplates his legacy as a trailblazing Black athlete fighting for dignity, respect and a seat at the table.

The Power

Suddenly, and without warning, all teenage girls in the world develop the power to electrocute people at will. It’s hereditary, it’s inbuilt, and it can’t be taken away from them. Coming alive to the thrill of pure power: the ability to hurt or even kill by releasing electrical jolts from their fingertips, they rapidly learn they can awaken the Power in older women. Soon enough nearly every woman in the world can do it.

The Crossover

The Mandalorian (Season 3)

The journeys of the Mandalorian through the Star Wars galaxy continue. Once a lone bounty hunter, Din Djarin has reunited with Grogu. Meanwhile, the New Republic struggles to lead the galaxy away from its dark history. The Mandalorian will cross paths with old allies and make new enemies as he and Grogu continue their journey together.

Based on the critically-acclaimed best-selling novel by Kwame Alexander, The Crossover introduces teen brothers Josh and Jordan Bell, widely considered basketball phenoms. Through his lyrical poetry, an adult version of Josh narrates the story of he and his brother’s coming of age, on and off the court, as their former professional basketball player father adjusts to life after basketball, and their mother finally pursues lifelong dreams of her own.

Peter Pan and Wendy

Peter Pan and Wendy introduces Wendy Darling, a young girl afraid to leave her childhood home behind, who meets Peter Pan, a boy who refuses to grow up. Alongside her brothers and a tiny fairy, Tinker Bell, she travels with Peter to the magical world of Neverland. There, she encounters an evil pirate captain, Captain Hook, and embarks on a thrilling and dangerous adventure that will change her life forever.

P!nk Trustfall

Verdict:

A return to form for the pop icon.

What’s the story?

Trustfall is the ninth studio album by American singer P!nk. When asked about the tone of the album, she replied saying that it would be “very honest”. Trustfall incorporates elements of a wide variety of sub-genres, namely pop rock, Americana, country music and folk.

Worth a listen?

Bouncing back after the relative stumbles of her late-2010s efforts, P!nk recaptures her spirit and voice on the cathartic Trustfall. The set is a motivational therapy session that hinges on themes of change, self-acceptance, loss and love, reminding listeners (and herself) that everything will be OK if there’s faith in the face of fear and the unknown. Buoyed by this spiritually liberated energy, P!nk pushes her vocals to higher highs with shiver-inducing results, backed by some of the most thoughtful messages in her catalogue. As with past releases, she blends sentimental moments of introspection with grand pop highs, tugging the heartstrings one minute and inspiring physical release the next.

Paramore

This Is Why

Paramore’s sixth studio album, This Is Why, feels like the band is bending time, merging the emo-punk of their youth with the hardwon pop craftsmanship they’ve embraced as adults. Darkly serendipitous, the group’s six-year absence since their last effort also coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, a period of bleak reflection but one which also gave the band’s core trio of vocalist Hayley Williams, guitarist Taylor York, and drummer Zac Farro time to refocus. In Williams’ case, it also gave her the space to record two solo albums. Those albums found her pushing the creative envelope of her sound, embracing an arty, experimental style that still made room for poetic, confessional lyrics. It’s a balancing act she and Paramore also continue to perfect here, albeit with a much tougher, rock-oriented approach.

Shania Twain

Queen of Me

Queen of Me is a relentless pop album, bedecked in flashy baubles and slathered in shiny digital effects, all designed to bring Shania Twain firmly into the pop mainstream. The change is deliberate. Twain collaborates with producers and writers who have worked with such 21st century superstars as Justin Bieber, Pitbull and Halsey, all in an effort to give Queen of Me a fresh, sparkling sheen. Nevertheless, the end results feel curiously constrained, and despite the best efforts of Auto-Tune and modern technology, the music is over-produced and her voice over-processed. That don’t impress me much.

Gorillaz

Cracker Island

Cracker Island marks something of a retreat for Gorillaz, moving the virtual group away from the excess of The Song Machine, a multi-part series of collaborations that sometimes threatened to collapse upon its own weight. Guests are still featured on Cracker Island – collaboration is one of the chief reasons Damon Albarn launched the group at the dawn of the millennium – but he limits the numbers here, giving the record an appealingly streamlined feel. Balancing bright, colourful electro-pop with a slight air of melancholy is hardly a new trick for Albarn, yet there’s a clean, efficient energy propelling Cracker Island that gives the album a fresh pulse.

Buy One Get One Free

A BARGAIN ON ENTERTAINMENT!

With the holy month upon us, the ENTERTAINER app has some exciting news for you. Here’s everything you need to know about the application.

Dining out and experiencing all that Bahrain has to offer just got a lot more affordable! Enjoy ‘Buy One Get One Free’ offers and exclusive discounts seven days a week, all year round, at all your favourite places!

Restaurants, hotels, spas, beauty salons, fitness centres, attractions, retail and fashion stores, travel and much more come together in one app – the ENTERTAINER! Ramadan offers are there too with discounts and vouchers on iftars, ghabgas and suhoors. From traditional Bahraini delicacies to international cuisines, the app has something for everyone. The best part is that you can enjoy these mouth-watering meals with your friends and family for a lot less!

Indulge in thousands of offers at some of your favourite venues including Jasmi’s, Nando’s,

Fuddruckers, Nino, Healthy Calorie, Gravity, Lost Paradise and many more. Add family and friends to your account, ping offers, and discover new places all in one app!

You can now download the lite version of the app for free, or to make things even better, the Entertainer Bahrain app is offering a fantastic deal on its Premium version for all new members. Just use the promo code ‘BHTHISMONTH’ while purchasing the app, and you get a whopping 25 percent discount valid for 12 months! It’s a steal, and you definitely don’t want to miss it.

If you love travelling, check out the global version which is available with access to UAE, KSA, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Singapore and South Africa! Happy saving!

Ramadan Kareem

www.any.do

If keeping your thoughts organised is what’s hampering your productivity, a to-do list website will likely help a great deal. Any.do fits under this umbrella, letting users make lists galore. It also gives you the option to categorise certain lists and share lists with other people. It also gives people a daily snapshot of their tasks to help them prioritise and plan.

www.stickk.com

Get family and friends involved in your resolutions with StickK. Here, you can develop a Commitment Contract to ensure you follow through with your goal, put down markers to raise the stakes, get a personal referee and add people to your support network to keep motivated.

An Italian Journey

beeminder.com

Set goal reminders with a sting! With Beeminder, you set commitments for yourself and pledge a certain amount to pay if you go off track. If you lapse, the next time, you’ll be on the hook for an even higher pledge amount. Since it connects to a variety of devices, Beeminder is a good way to stay on the straight and narrow with your goals.

lifetick.com

Lifetick is designed for many kinds of goals, and it may be particularly effective if you have a lot of specific, long-term resolutions, like training for a marathon or writing the next great novel. The site offers a task list, charts and graphs showing your progress and goal development advice – just to name a few features.

In collaboration with the Italian Embassy, a performance was held that pays homage to the great Italian musical tradition with a succession of iconic music pieces, opera arias and duets bringing the public into a memorable journey through Classic Italian Opera with composers such as W.A. Mozart, Tosti, Verdi, Donizetti, Rossini, Puccini, Mascagni and Respighi.

It’s never too late to make positive changes in your life. Here are some fantastic websites to help you stay organised, meet your goals and remember tasks.

Embellish, elevate and bejewel your Ramadan and Eid attire with these stunning accessories from regional and international brands.

The Holy Month of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr are known for being a time for reflection. A part of the traditions that have truly stood the test of time are the iftars and ghabgas – a time when friends and family get together. There’s no denying that everyone will be in their finest traditional wear including luxurious kaftans, flowing jalabiyas and elegant abayas. To further elevate your Ramadan and Eid fit, we’ve curated a selection of some of the most divine and classy accessories that are sure to make a statement.

Tiger Marrón

Elevate your iftar look with these elegant clutches from the global leatherware label Tiger Marrón Tiger Marrón produces unique handcrafted leather accessories like totes, clutches, wallets, laptop bags and sleeves, belts, and other items for both men and women. The Holy Month of Ramadan calls for bespoke products to celebrate the cultural spirit with elegance, and here are some of the season’s must-haves from their collection of clutches: the Wild Begum, Bling Bling and Just Too Glam.

LA MARQUISE JEWELLERY

The renowned fine jewellery brand La Marquise Jewellery has several spectacular bejewelled collections that make the perfect accessory. Of the collections, we are drawn in by Precious and Imperia Petite© Shamsa.

A fitting tribute to royal colour stones, the colourful Precious collection offers a variety of classic cuts which are handpicked based on exceptional hue, saturation and colour tone. Imperia Petite© Shamsa, on the other hand, is a classic collection of heritage pieces inspired by the Islamic Architecture. It features intricate patterned jewellery made from hand selected diamonds.

BEA BONGIASCA

BYMYSTIQUE

The sustainable fine jewellery brand

By Mystique has launched a new magical constellation collection, available exclusively at Tryano, Abu Dhabi. Fusing geometric designs with timeless handcrafted designs, the collection features two necklaces using 18k gold, with the brand’s signature detailing.

Add a pop of colour and sparkle to your outfit with the Italian jewellery brand Bea Bongiasca’s Ramadan edit. Bea Bongiasca’s special curation features a range of rings, ear cuffs, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, all crafted from 18kt gold and enamel. Each piece is designed to be bold and eye-catching, yet versatile enough to be worn every day. They are bold, eye-catching, eccentric and playful – truly unique pieces.

Woman IN THE LEAD

The MENA region is quickly advancing to be a more inclusive and diversified society with women participating in and leading several sectors. Farah Baig speaks to the Head of Treasury at Gulf International Bank B.S.C., Maisa Al-Haddad – an exceptional leader with over 20 years of experience in the banking sector.

“I’ve learned that a leader is only as successful as the team they lead,” says Maisa Al-Haddad. “The main objective of any leader should be to look after their team members and support their personal and professional goals.”

Ms. Al-Haddad initially graduated and completed her training requirements to be a Chemical Engineer - a field that she is still very attached to. “However, entering the field was the first career challenge I had to face as a woman. Women might find it difficult being

in certain sectors; however, I am positive that it is only a matter of time for a transformation to take place as we now see women leading sectors which we did not expect to see them in just a decade ago,” she says.

Leveraging the analytical and mathematical skills that she had gained over the years, Ms. Al-Haddad pursued her Master’s degree in International Securities, Investment, and Banking, from the University of Reading, UK.

As a part of the banking sector for the past 20 years, she has attempted to contribute to the economic welfare of the Kingdom. “During my career, I have observed that it is imperative that a leader gets acquainted with many leadership styles. As you climb the corporate ladder your management style will focus more on strategic leadership of individuals and teams,” she says.

“I think the lead-by-example style can deliver the best outcome for the team and the shareholders. Having said that, I sincerely believe that adopting one leadership style might not prove practical as change is the only constant,” she adds.

To stay up-to-date with the best practices in the sector, Ms. Al-Haddad adopts a number of strategies rooted in personal development – a factor that she believes should be a priority in professionals’ lives. “Investing in yourself and developing your skills with further studies is essential for you to flourish in your field. I personally value education and continuous learning and pursued several post graduate programmes, including the ‘Oxford Executive Leadership programme’ from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and ‘Sustainable Finance’ from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, University of Cambridge,” she states.

“Besides personal development, you must build your network and connect with industry experts for new information and a fresh perspective,” she adds.

As for balancing personal and professional responsibilities, she has a very different approach. “Young women who are interested in entering the investment field often ask me this question. I don’t balance responsibilities, but rather prioritise them,” she says.

“For instance, if I’m working on a transaction during London hours, that will be my priority. Similarly, if one of my children is not feeling well, he will be my prime concern after delegating my work responsibilities,” she explains, adding that her colleagues and family have been vital for the success of this approach.

Being a leader, Maisa believes that effective communication is the most important factor in teamwork as it keeps team members informed, develops mutual trust, boosts morale, and helps employees stay engaged in the workplace.

“The reality is that those closest to the leader will determine the level of success of the leader. The leader should lead the team to maximise the shareholders’ interests and achieve corporate values and missions while boosting their team’s self-esteem. If they are successful in doing so, it’s amazing what they can accomplish,” she concludes.

Queen of the Violin

Picking up a violin at just five-years-old was the first step to an exciting life for the Turkish violinist, Suay Doganay. She tells Farah Baig about her globe-trotting life as a musician and what charmed her about our sunny Kingdom of Bahrain.

Bahrain has long been known for its creative artists and cosmopolitan community with expats from all over the world calling the island ‘home’. Suay Doganay is one such individual who has grown to be a favourite on the music scene. The eccentric violinist is known for her high-energy performance, mesmerising tunes and unique fusion-style. After living in the Kingdom for nearly five years, Suay and her electric violin are instantly recognisable, but her journey with music started many moons ago. “I was born into a musical family with my father being an opera singer,” she says, adding that she had performed at the Turkish National Day event held in Bahrain.

Suay was just five-years-old when she tried her hand at the violin, and had her first concert at just 15 with her father. While some children pick up instruments as an extra-curricular activity, she pursued it for the long-haul. The well-accomplished violinist graduated from not one but three different universities for music with one of them certifying her to be a music teacher too.

“I knew for the longest time that I would pursue it professionally. I was initially in an orchestra since my education was in classical music,” she states. “After graduating I would watch videos related to electronic music and always wanted to play it. In fact, the violinist Vanessa Mae was my idol.”

Fate had it that she eventually met a musician who wished to perform with her, on the condition that she play the electric violin. “I jumped at the opportunity and soon I was playing at weddings and private events for massive crowds in Turkey,” she says.

Being an expansive country, performing in Turkey wasn’t the easiest experience, especially since she was a music teacher too at the time. “It was hectic. I would

miss flights, not know where my gigs were, and have to perform before having to fly back to Istanbul to teach in the morning. But my career evolved to a whole new level when I started performing at Nikki Beach in Bodrum,” she says.

“That’s when I began connecting with tourists and other musicians who were open to collaboration not only in Turkey but around the world. It started with a contract in New Delhi, India where I performed at one of the most prestigious hotels visited by the popular Bollywood celebrities and eventually led to me performing in France, Greece, Belgium, Holland and several other places!” she adds enthusiastically. Her performance in France led to a series of events which brought her to Bahrain. “I have people around me in Bahrain that are practically family and support me in all that I do. I also love the vibrant community with people from all over the world. Conversations lead to so many ideas and it’s just beautiful,” she says.

“It’s also extremely safe, and then there’s the fact that after living in a big city like Istanbul, it’s nice to be able to drive to the other side of Bahrain in just 30 minutes!”

Aside from her performances, Suay also organises unique electronic music events as a promoter under the label RAUM Bahrain inspired by the extra-terrestrial.

“I’ve always done things in my own way, with a vision of creating something unique. Music and connecting with people are my passion, and I would love for people to come and dance with us,” she concludes.

SKIN SAVIOURS FROM GLIST

Developed exclusively for the Gulf region, GLIST is a premium skincare brand that combines the best of Japanese and Korean trends, technologies, and principles with centuries-old skincare rituals to advance a skincare staple – the sheet mask.

GLIST sheet masks revitalise, hydrate, and intensely nourish the skin while targeting skin concerns such as dehydration, signs of ageing, sensitivity, and irritation. The sheet masks feature semi-gel cellulose sheets drenched in serum formulas to encourage deep absorption of active ingredients for long-lasting results in just 20 minutes.

The GLIST range of products currently includes the GLIST Ultra Hydro Plumping Mask, GLIST Anti-Wrinkle Reviving Mask and GLIST Instant Rescue Purifying Mask, each available in boxes of five. The brand's Hair Slide, a great addition, also allows you to keep your hair out of your face while you wear your sheet mask.

All GLIST sheet masks are non-toxic, paraben-free, cruelty-free, gluten-free, vegan, halal and suitable for all skin types. Available at glistofficial.com.

YOUREID

LOCKS TO LOVE!

Treat yourself to a set of Youmi Beauty’s premium hair extensions or ponytails this Eid. Whether the extensions are for creating everyday volume or to achieve the signature Ariana Grande high ponytail look, these 100 percent REMY human hair extensions will impress everyone!

The renowned, Dubai-based, professional beauty and hair care brand, has three fantastic options to choose from: Tape-in Hair Couture Extensions, Clip-in Hair Couture Extensions and Youmi Beauty Ponytails.

The tape-in extensions consist of an ultra-flat application that ensures perfect hair distribution and comfort, instantly adding volume and length, and come in 12 beautiful shades. These last for six to 12 months, are pre-taped with UK-made salonquality tape, and must be applied at a salon. The clip-in extensions are great if you’d like to transform your hair in just five minutes. They’re available in three colours and come in packages consisting of five pieces totalling 300gms of human hair with 27 inches of length. The Youmi Beauty Ponytails comes packaged with a 70cm piece and a Youmi Beauty carrier and hanger, to increase the product’s lifespan. Available at youmibeauty.com.

Look your very best this Eid with our highly-recommended beauty essentials including a fantastic fragrance, skincare and more!

BROWS LIKE A BOSS

Siella Beauty introduces its first brow product: The Brow Boss Pencil. This fabulous collection consists of six eyebrow pencils that allow you to fill, define and shape your eyebrows to create the natural hair-like strokes that you desire. This pencil truly lives up to its name, giving you the power to express yourself in your own unique way. Its soft formula glides on easily allowing you to create the most beautiful, long-lasting (up to 16 hours), and waterproof strokes. The micro tip of the Brow Boss pencil makes it very easy and comfortable to draw a precise outline of your eyebrows or lightly fill and define for a natural look. This pencil is available in Blonde, Auburn, Neutral Brown, Rich Brown, Warm Brown and Deep Brown. Available at siellabeauty.com.

INTRODUCING EILISH

The feeling of stumbling on a truly alluring scent is like none other. This month, we’ve found a truly exciting new fragrance that you’re sure to love, brought to you by Grammy award-winning songstress Billie

Eilish.

Billie has been obsessed with scent her entire life, from a fascination with perfume bottles as a child to collecting hundreds of fragrances as she toured the world. To bring her first signature fragrance to life, she was intimately involved in every step of the process and had full creative control. “I wanted it to feel like a warm embrace. It’s a scent that I’ve been chasing for years and years and years. It’s my favourite smell in the world,” says Billie.

Eilish is a captivating Amber Gourmand that attracts you with a warm, cozy scent. The fragrance opens with sugared petals, accented by juicy mandarin and red berries. The heart of the fragrance unfolds with soft spices, rich cocoa, and creamy vanilla. The scent is anchored by base notes of warm musks, tonka bean, and sleek woods. It all comes together in a stunning bottle gilded in beautiful amber-bronze. Eilish is vegan, cruelty-free, and made with clean ingredients.

Available at Debenhams.

PLANT-BASED BEAUTY WITH INGREDIENTS®

Having healthy skin is the first step to achieving a flawless beauty look. As part of the journey to having better skin, investing in ethical products that are free from nasties is essential – don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

Ingredients® Wellness creates toxin-free, daily essentials formulated with organic, plantbased ingredients in high concentrations that deliver optimal benefits. Transparency is the brand’s cornerstone, and in a complete industry first, every ingredient, including its exact percentage formulation, is listed on the front of each product - no toxins, no watering down, and nothing to hide.

We love their organic Lightweight Body Oil which glides smoothly onto the skin, sinks in, works to restore the skin's elasticity and natural lipid barrier, and visibly improves its tone and texture. The unrefined Golden Jojoba and Baobab oils are rich in omega fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory Brazilian copaiba balsam oil, soothing Madagascar vanilla extract, and vitamin C-packed orange and lavender essential oils. All formulas are made with the fewest and most potent plant-based ingredients that deliver maximum efficacy making it safe for those six years and older.

Available at thesecretskin.com.

SETTING BOUNDARIES

As parents, we worry that if we’re too harsh, we’re going down the slippery slope of authoritarian parenting. You know… “My way or the highway”. We don’t want to do that. On the flip side, if we’re too permissive in our parenting boundaries, we know that doesn’t bode well for our children either.

We all understand the importance of healthy boundaries with kids, but what should those boundaries look like? How do we hold our kids accountable without damaging them? And, what does it look like if our child doesn’t seem to be respecting the boundaries we’ve set? When we set and follow through on healthy boundaries with kids, it helps them with their executive functioning skills. Further, it encourages emotional regulation, helps them develop problem-solving skills, and feel more connected to us because they know what we expect of them. These things are correlated with higher selfesteem and better long-term outcomes in their personal, academic, and professional lives. Part of setting healthy boundaries is being proactive. Children simply often  don’t know what’s expected of them since there’s so much to learn and they may have trouble remembering all the ‘rules’ sometimes. They simply don’t have the life experience we do to know what is considered

normal behaviour.

Tell them upfront what to expect before they encounter new situations. Then lovingly reinforce the boundary as many times as you need to, because to a young child, it’s a lot to process! The more you practice setting boundaries with kids when they’re young, the easier it is for them to self-regulate when they get older.

When you set boundaries for young children, think of the ‘big picture’. What’s the most important takeaway you want your child to know? Focus on that and let the rest go, so they focus on the core message. Help kids succeed when you set healthy boundaries by letting them have a say in the

details. Their buy-in is directly related to the amount of input they feel they’ve had in the process.

The words you choose in your approach matter greatly. It is better to present a problem statement and approach it as a collaborative problem- solving process. Once you’ve addressed the problem statement, you can turn it into a family agreement rather than a ‘rule’. Oftentimes, when a child has big feelings about boundaries, it’s either because they feel they didn’t have enough of a vote or if they didn’t truly understand why the boundary was important.

If they feel they didn’t have enough of a vote but it’s non-negotiable, do your best to hold space for their feelings without getting defensive. Trust that if they’re opening up to you about their displeasure, they’re still opening up to you — and you want to reinforce that you’re a safe place to do that. Let your tone, your words, and your heart be gentle with them.

When you’re an emotionally safe place for your child, they’ll learn that even when all of their behaviours might not be acceptable, all of their feelings are. The empathy you show your child while you’re navigating boundaries together will connect you both. Your relationship will be stronger for working alongside them.

Setting boundaries with kids can feel like one of the trickiest parts of gentle parenting, much like walking on an emotional tightrope. Ouiam El Hassani tells us how to set and follow them.

Car Show

The K Hotel held a car show on its premises. Car enthusiasts gathered to share their love for the vehicles.

Grand Finale

A grand finale was held for Tanatan Idol at Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa.

Afternoon Tea

Rashida hosted a Ladies Afternoon Tea and Garden Party.

THE GREY MATTER

In this month’s column, Farrah Saville wonders if living in the grey is the key to enjoying life’s uncertainties.

Isaw something recently that I have been struggling to get out of my head and find it entirely appropriate for the fast-paced life of on expat living in Bahrain. In fact, it is something I wish I knew earlier when living as an expat in Qatar.

And believe it or not, it came from a video I saw and keep seeing on Instagram reels. It’s of a little boy singing the song “Thank you for sunshine, thank you for rain, thank you for joy and thank you for pain.”

Throughout life we are taught the difference between right and wrong, black and white, good times and bad times... But in more recent times as I get on in age and experience, I realise that life is a lot greyer than we expect it to be. And no, I don’t mean it in terms of weather or in terms of negativity I just mean that life is not as black and white as we are conditioned to believe and I am starting to see that life is a lot more 'in-between' than so precise.

Over the last few years, I have faced many uncertainties about life, from personal dilemmas to health issues, a premature baby, uncertain times with COVID, living apart from my husband and sometimes all combined you begin to realise that uncertainty is the only certainty. And, when I look at friends and family nearby or across the globe people are generally going through uncertain times. I am learning to sit with that uncertainty and learning that life is certainly not linear, nor is it a continuum. There will be times when a more passive approach is required – “just flowing with it” - and then there will be times when a more direct approach is needed, each situation will require varied responses and more importantly that each situation does not define you, and each situation does not need to make or break you.

By taking this approach, I think it also allows you to be less focused on how people should act or react to situations but to rather focus

on yourself, and your own inward journey and goals. It also allows you to give people something very important for them and you… grace to be them so you can be you instead of hoping for a certain reaction.

In addition, uncertain times have taught me to be flexible in approaching certain situations because life is a question of context and not always about what is wrong or what is right. Meaning that by being fluid and flexible I can try to avoid my spiral into negative thoughts.

So, the main question then is “If things are grey, is there ever a right or wrong in any situation?” – the answer is a resounding “Yes!” You will know when the alarm bells are ringing inside about people, situations and events very quickly, especially where our fundamentals lie. But for the rest of it, I am choosing to enjoy living life in the grey and just sitting with the uncertainty.

Where are you from and what is it that you love most about your hometown?

Bahrain, the simplicity and kindness of people.

Are you a spender or a saver?

I consider myself moderate and a bit of both. It’s very important to save without forgetting to enjoy the present also.

InHerShoes

The PR & Corporate Communication Manager of BENEFIT, Hanan Hasan, is an ambitious person, yet content with what she has. The visionary young woman believes it is very important that people do not get caught up in the pursuit of wanting more and all. Let’s take a walk in her shoes!

What is a life-long passion of yours? Nature.

If you had to eat the same meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Local mullet fish (we call it Maid in Bahrain) and if I can have a clear soup as an appetiser please. Those always bring happiness and comfort to me.

Where would you like to be in five years?

I would like to reflect my experience in the board room. The current support for women in Bahrain for leadership and precisely board representation is very encouraging.

If you could see one person in concert (dead or alive), who would it be?

The late Bahraini singer Mohamed Ali Abdulla. Also, one can never get enough of Andres Bocelli concerts.

What’s your favourite movie?

50 First Dates.

SKAL Dinner SKAL held a dinner at The