Bahrain This Month - May 2023

UK IN BAHRAIN

Coronation of HM

King Charles III

MOTORING

A Look at HM King Charles III’s Love for Cars

PEOPLE

British Ambassador

HE Roderick Drummond

Chairperson of The Bahrain Society, Heather Harper

Bo.Sabi’s New Menu

Kenyan Ambassador

HE Halima Mohamud

Bahraini Artist

Mariam Dashti

Beauty Essentials

Spring Fashion

In Her Shoes

Sara Abdin Abdulla

1616 3023

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, Eman Deabil

Editorial Consultant

Ahdeya Ahmed

Print Production Manager

Sabu Sebastian

Art Director

Hatem Monem

Webmaster

Nishad Eapen

Production Manager

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

Media Executive

Dheeptha Shetty

DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM

Digital Strategy Director

Lini Reghunath

Director of Film

Danny Sokov

Social Media Managers

Shilu Babu, Rohit Reghunath

Union Press, Bahrain

Published monthly by RED HOUSE MARKETING

P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

Tel: (+973) 17 813-777

Email: info@redhousemarketing.com www.bahrainthismonth.com

© Copyright Reserved 2005-2023

The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. and must not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Red House Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission.

• Views expressed in this magazine by journalists and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month

Licensed by the Ministry of Information

Publication Code: TA001

1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION

Bahrain: BD24

MAY 2023 Bahrain This Month

Thismonth, history is being made in the United Kingdom with the coronation of HM King Charles III taking place on May 6. So, as a Bahraini citizen of British origin, it is with a great sense of pride that I present the latest edition of Bahrain This Month which features a very special UK in Bahrain supplement to celebrate the historic occasion.

The special relationship that exists between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom is now over two centuries old. As we celebrate the dawn of a new era of friendship, we are positive that it shall lead to even stronger ties and associations from a socio-economic and cultural perspective.

In this supplement, we speak to prominent individuals who have contributed to the development of this long-standing relationship. In our conversation with British ambassador, HE Roderick Drummond, he discusses the historic event and his ambassadorial tenure which will end later this year. The Chairman of the Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF), Khalid Al Zayani, speaks about the organisation’s move to become an official Chamber of Commerce. We also speak to several of Bahrain’s leading businessmen about the role of UK products and services in various sectors including construction, motoring, education and more.

While the festivities hold a very special place in our heart this month, be sure to flip through the pages of Bahrain This Month for more exciting content. In our Happenings section, you’ll find the very best of events to attend this month, while our Tablehopping section presents you with some of the most phenomenal dining opportunities at leading hotels across the Kingdom. In our dining feature, you’ll also find our review of our experience at BO.SABI – a fantastic restaurant offering Far East Asian cuisine at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel.

In our motoring feature, we take a look at HM King Charles III’s love for cars and extensive collection. In fact, did you know that the British monarch has a vintage Aston Martin that runs on cheese? Now you do!

In the Woman This Month segment, we speak to Kenyan Ambassador, HE Halima Mohamud, about the current state of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Kenya. We also speak to the Bahraini artist, Mariam Dashti, about her unique art and her journey to being an artist.

In our Opinion section, Eman Deabil examines the need for all employees (single or otherwise) to receive benefits while Farrah Saville speaks about the lack of positivity surrounding women’s body image and learning to accept ourselves. Ouiam, on the other hand, explores the importance of letting our teenagers make mistakes the right way. You’ll also find the very best of fashion, beauty and more.

It’s an issue with plenty for you to look forward to, so needless to say, Bahrain This Month as ever continues to be your guide to a great way of life!

George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman

ISBN 1 899 348 09 3

Gulf and international subscriptions available on request.

MAY HAPPENINGS

The best of events and entertainment this month.

UK IN BAHRAIN

The Coronation of HM King Charles III

Celebrating the dawn of a new era of friendship between the UK and Kingdom of Bahrain. This special feature includes interviews with British ambassador, HE Roderick Drummond, and prominent members of Bahrain’s society.

DINING MOTORING COMMERCE

A Far East Asian Treat!

We check out Bo.Sabi’s delectable offerings which includes delicious sushi, curries and more.

May’s Culinary Happenings

Brunch, afternoon tea, a steak buffet, a Mexican feast and more awaits you.

Motoring with the Monarchy

Kristian Harrison takes a look at the storied history of HM King Charles III’s love for cars and takes a peek into the many garages of the new sovereign.

Motoring News

How to Evaluate Your Business Idea

Building a business is no easy task with several factors needing to be taken into consideration. Pria Masson shares her “cheat sheet” for evaluating your business and making it worthwhile.

Business Bites

Malaysian Eid Celebration

Malaysian Ambassador, HE Shazryll Zahiran and his wife Zuraina Abd Ghani, hosted an Eid Celebration titled ”Malaysia Open House” on the First Day of Eid at their residence in Riffa.

FASHION

82

Just in Time for Spring

We explore the beautiful SS23 collection by Johanna Ortiz that checks a lot of the right boxes for your spring wardrobe.

Developing a Greater Liaison

We speak to the Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya, Her Excellency Halima A. Mohamud, about the country’s culture and the current state of diplomatic relations.

In Vivid Colour

Bright colours, abstract shapes and visual storytelling make the unique works of Bahraini artist Mariam Dashti unmistakable.

Let’s Talk About Single Employees

Eman Deabil highlights the need to offer personalised benefits to all employees regardless of their marital status.

Rejuvenating Beauty Essentials

Making use of beauty products is all about accentuating our features and showing ourselves a little TLC. Here are our highlyrecommended essentials to do just that!

Exploring the North

If you plan on visiting the North ofUK, you won’t want to miss out on exploring these

PARENTING

90

Making Mistakes is Fine

Gergaoun

The Rotary Clubs of Salmaniya, Manama, Adliya, Seef, Rotaract and the Rotary Satellite Club of Manama Youth, jointly organised a Gergaoun event at Nakheel Centre in Saar on the 14th night of Ramadan. The Rotary clubs invited the Bahrain Paralympic Committee, Dreams Society, Al Kawther Society for Social Care, Janusan Charity Society and Tree of Life Society to participate in the activities.

Iftar

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain held an iftar with Dar Uco Parents Centre.

MAY HAPPENINGS

BASK IN HISTORY

MAY 6

KING CHARLES III’S CORONATION LIVE BRITISH CLUB BAHRAIN

TIME TO CELEBRATE

MAY 6

KING CHARLES III’S CORONATION BRUNCH DILMUN CLUB

Here’s your opportunity to watch King Charles III’s Coronation and celebrate this moment in history!

Live coverage of the coronation will be shown throughout the British Club, one of the world’s oldest expat clubs and a cornerstone social venue in the Kingdom, from 9am to 10pm. You can expect a festive atmosphere and plenty of fantastic food including a big breakfast buffet and coronation menu too. Entry to the event is paid. Follow @britishclubofbahrain.

EXPRESS YOURSELF

History is being made this year with the coronation of King Charles III taking place at Westminster Abbey in London. The King and the Queen Consort will arrive at Westminster Abbey in procession from Buckingham Palace, known as ‘The King’s Procession’. During the ceremony, the King will be crowned alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort. You can enjoy all the proceedings and events live at the Dilmun Club! Guests can enjoy a British Roast Brunch in the Marquee with all events live on the big screen. Spaces are expected to be limited, but tables can be booked in advance for BD40.

Be sure to follow the club’s social media for updates on timings and costs. Call 17 690-926.

Painting is a form of expression that is a catalyst for the imagination, one that elicits passion and purpose. Painting for the process, the experience and the perspective it offers.

The ‘Thinking, Doing, Being’ course organised by Al Riwaq Art Space will be conducted by Wedad Al Bakr, and invites you to read, analyse, and question. You will engage in conversations surrounding the topics of artistic experiences and processes.

In this course, you will be working within a small group, questioning the purpose of your production, widening your creative horizons and looking at various approaches to painting.

The course will take place on May 6, May 13, May 20 and May 27 from 11am to 1pm. The course is priced at BD60 with an additional BD20 charge for materials. Follow @alriwaq.

GET YOUR GROOVE ON ALL THROUGH MAY INTRODUCING MANIA

There’s nothing quite as exciting as some good live music. This month, The K Hotel is introducing its new resident band MANIA, all the way from the UK.

MANIA consists of the trio Sophie, Joe and Nathan. Not only has Sophie got stunning vocals but she has a beautiful stage presence that captures your attention. She has a lot of experience in performing in her native Ireland. On the piano is the phenomenal Joe, who not only plays the keys but also plays bass and sings lead vocals. His musical talent has taken him all around the world including Dubai, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi to name a few. On the guitar, we’ve got Nathan who plays bass and keys, and can sing too! The fantastic Nathan is talented, charming and truly engaging. The band performs from Monday to Thursday and on Saturday from 9.30pm onwards at The K Tracks Lounge and on Friday during brunch from noon at KOLORS Restaurant.

Call 17 360-000.

HAVE A LAUGH

MAY 19 RAFI BASTOS COMEDY SHOW THE DIPLOMAT RADISSON BLU HOTEL

Are you ready to laugh until your sides hurt?

Well Rafi Bastos is ready to do just that with his stand-up comedy show which will be taking place right here in Manama.

Rafi Bastos is a 6’7” tall Brazilian comedian with an accent like Dracula and a rapidly growing social media presence of stand-up clips in English. Many of Rafi’s super-viral stand-up clips come from nightly performances at the prestigious Comedy Cellar.

Rafi’s videos with stage performances, music videos, interviews and sketches have now more than 370 million views on his Youtube channel alone. Rafi’s quick-witted observational humour, intelligence, and worldly view have made him a hit online and the first Brazilian comedian to become a regular at the most renowned comedy clubs globally, including COMEDY CELLAR in New York, LAUGH FACTORY, and THE HOLLYWOOD IMPROV in California.

Among his many credits, Rafi has three comedy specials on Netflix, so there’s no doubt – he’s funny.

Doors open at 7.30pm. Follow @hollywoodpopupcomedy for tickets and more information.

Call 17 531-666.

SWEET BEATS

World Class DJ Da Candy will be spinning some sick beats at Juffair’s Retro Lounge for a night you don’t want to miss. Get ready for a lively night filled with good music, bright lights and non-stop dancing. Ladies enter for free before 11pm. Call 66 699-272.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

JUNE 2 SELEKTED SOUND RODRIGUEZ JR. LIVE CHOICES, THE ART HOTEL

Award winning music producer and live performer Rodriguez Jr. also known as Olivier Mateu will be performing right here in Bahrain on June 2!

Whilst some follow trends, others set them. Rodriguez Jr. has spent 20 years in the industry, with his vast experience of all genres of electronic music making him the visionary of melodic house and techno he is today.

In April 2020, Olivier followed up the globally supported 2017 album ‘Boabab’ with ‘Blisss’. Inspired by his deep-rooted and wide-ranging influences, it rewards both old and new alike and has received press from DJ Mag, Magnetic Mag and Mixmag, as well as playlisting by Spotify, Apple Music, Berlin’s Radio Eins and Fluz FM and plays on the world’s key tastemaker stations. The album hit#14 in the Beatport Top 100 Releases, and had massive support from DJs including John Digweed, Sasha, Solomun and Jamie Jones.

Rodriguez Jr. will be supported by none other than Zone+ and Mesut Kutbay. Early bird tickets are available at BD15, pre-sale tickets at BD20 and general tickets at BD30. Doors open at 7pm.

Call 35 091-542.

BBBF Lunch

BBBF held its Annual General Meeting and Business Networking Lunch at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence &

Music Festival

Spa.

St Christopher’s School held its St Chris Music Festival 2023.

AZUL BEACH BAHRAIN Escape to Paradise

The Ultimate Beach Bar and Restaurant in Bahrain for Fine Dining, Beach Views, and Unmatched Hospitality.

zul, the newest addition to Bahrain's dining scene, is excited to announce the opening of its new beach bar and restaurant, where guests can indulge in world-class dining while taking in stunning beach views. As one of the top beach bars and restaurants in Bahrain, Azul promises an unparalleled experience of fine dining, breath-taking beach views, and exceptional service. Whether you are looking to relax on the beach or indulge in delectable cuisines from all over. We got you covered! everything you need for the ultimate beach day.

Plus, for those who enjoy fine dining, Azul offers a mouthwatering selection of gourmet cuisine, carefully crafted by our experienced chef. Azul also features a beach bar that serves refreshing cocktails, vines, and spirits. Our expert bartenders create unique and innovative drinks that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. With a team of experienced servers and bartenders, we're committed to providing our guests with an experience that is both enjoyable and memorable.

Nestled on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, Azul is an idyllic destination that boasts stunning beach views that provide a stunning backdrop for the ultimate dining experience. Our beach bar and restaurant are designed to offer guests an ambiance that is both sophisticated and relaxed, making it the perfect place for a romantic dinner, family gathering, or corporate event.

Azul Beach can accommodate more than 400 people. including 200 people in shaded seats, terrace, and beds, with 75 sunbeds and 7 private cabins available on the beach. And fully equipped bar area with 30 tables. Azul draws inspiration from Spain ’ s rich history and culture, and it adds a unique element to the restaurant ’ s overall aesthetic. With its intricate details and warm, inviting atmosphere.

We are excited to offer our guests a luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, where they can relax and rejuvenate in our stunning surroundings. So, if you ’ re looking for the ultimate summer spot, look no further than Azul Restaurant & Beach in Bahrain. We invite you to join us for an unforgettable experience of relaxation, extravagance and world-class dining.

For more information or reservations, contact us directly.

Email: azulbeachbahrain@gmail.com

Contact Number: +973-3336-6659

Address: Azul beach Bahrain, Manama www.instagram.com/azulbeachbahrain

Almoayyed Ghabga

In honour of Jean-François Lesage, who was visiting Bahrain from Paris, Mohamed Almoayyed held a ghabga.

ACME Ghabga

ACME hosted a ghabga to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan at Crowne Plaza Bahrain.

DIPLOMATIC EXCELLENCE

As part of Bahrain This Month’s special ‘UK in Bahrain’ feature to celebrate the coronation of HM King Charles III, we sat down with the British Ambassador to Bahrain, His Excellency Roderick Drummond, to discuss this historic event and the state of his current ambassadorial term which will end later this year.

What are your priorities as the British Ambassador to Bahrain?

I believe that I have three significant baskets in which I gather my goals. The first is prosperity; working together on shared relations between Britain and Bahrain. The others are shared security between the two nations and looking after British nationals and the community here. We have a very diverse collaboration with Bahrain and things really are in a very positive space at the moment.

How do you see the current state of relations between the United Kingdom and Bahrain, and what steps are being taken to enhance these relations further?

We have had some very good high level visits recently, such as the visit of the UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, for the Manama Dialogue, with more planned in the next couple of months. Chief of these is His Majesty King Hamad attending the coronation of HM King Charles III in early May, for which we’ll also be holding a big celebration here in Bahrain. So, it's going to be a really positive last few months for me in the Kingdom.

King Charles III has visited Bahrain on a number of occasions and has a strong personal relationship with the Kingdom’s top leadership. How do you think this familiarity can contribute to the relationship between the two Kingdoms, which stretches back 209 years?

It's absolutely at the heart of it. I'm very privileged to be part of some of the exchanges between the royal families. There’s a real deep friendship between both sides and shared interests in so many different fields, whether that's sporting or charitable work or environmental consciousness. There's a lot of private discussion and collaboration, which I think is very positive and forward-looking. It is interwoven with our 209-year relationship, and it helps make it warmer and stronger.

Do you have a message for our readers on the occasion of the historic coronation of King Charles III?

The transfer of office has happened already, automatically upon the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. However, the symbolism of a coronation is important in the life of any nation because it then enables the monarch to show the values and the causes that are

important to them. Many of the events which will unfold over the weekend of the coronation will highlight areas that His Majesty is engaged in, such as the environment, small island developing states and the Commonwealth. I think it may surprise people with how modern and 21st Century-focused it is rather than just pageantry.

How many British nationals are currently residing in Bahrain? What are some of the key industries that they are involved in?

There are approximately four to five thousand, which is a mixture of those who are here permanently and those who are semi-permanent working across the Eastern Province. They are employed in most professional fields you can imagine, whether that’s education, accountancy, law, medicine, engineering, architecture and more.

What are the current trade figures between Bahrain and the UK? How do you believe these figures can further be enhanced?

We’re in a really positive trajectory. In my time here alone, trade in terms of goods and services in both directions has doubled to a value of GBP2.6 billion. That exemplifies the shared prosperity goals that we have with Bahrain. Britain has interest in the huge infrastructure projects that are due to happen soon, such as the Bahrain Metro and the future Causeway, whilst education links are expanding rapidly with new schools and university associations. Furthermore, science and technology is going to be a major area of growth as Bahrain embraces its net zero goals and starts work on decarbonisation and transitioning to greener energy use in Bahrain over the coming decades, an area in which British firms have strong expertise.

How has Brexit impacted the UK's relationship with Bahrain and the wider Gulf region?

It has actually been a net benefit here in Bahrain. It has enabled us to just push on with our bilateral collaboration and we are pressing ahead with a free trade agreement. Bahrain is playing a very positive role in that and recently facilitated three rounds of negotiations with the GCC over the last six months, which are making real progress. A progressive deal will open up even more avenues for trade and investment in both directions, particularly

opportunities for Bahraini businesses in the UK and vice-versa.

What initiatives have been undertaken to promote cultural exchange between the two countries?

I have witnessed numerous British orchestras, jazz bands and theatre groups coming here, whilst Bahrainis have performed in the UK too. One of the real joys for me here is that Bahrain is a very cultural place. It's somewhere that really appreciates other cultures whilst maintaining a very rich culture itself.

How do you view the UK’s role in regional security and stability?

We have a very strong security partnership with Bahrain, most obviously in areas including the Royal Navy support facility here, which is fantastic and enables us to work with partners and covert operations across this whole region. Of course, we do this in partnership with all of the Gulf navies and our American cousins. Every time you see a shipment of narcotics seized on the high seas, or a merchant ship is supported, that is part of the working together that comes through Bahrain. We also work very closely on cybersecurity and helping improve the resilience of the IT infrastructure in Bahrain, which is constantly under threat. Both countries trust each other, and with this security partnership we are able to then move forward in areas such as Visa arrangements.

Your tenure in Bahrain will end later this year. Could you summarise your experience in Bahrain for us?

Both my wife, Yasmin, and I have really enjoyed our time here, which was blighted only by the wretched COVID-19 virus, which curtailed things for a period. Nonetheless, it has been an absolute joy to be here as ambassador. It's a place that really takes you to its heart very quickly and we felt at home almost instantly. We have made a lot of friends who I hope will be friends for life and have never felt any barriers. People have been so kind and helped us through any difficulties and answered all questions we may have had. I commend the lucky man who is going to take over from me because I am sure he will have a lot of fun and contribute a lot to this important role. It is truly one of the best jobs I can imagine, so thank you Bahrain for having us!

CROWNING GLORY

The history between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom has intertwined diplomatically and culturally since the two kingdoms formally began relations more than 200 years ago. With the coronation of HM King Charles III, the two Kingdoms are sure to enjoy a new era of friendship.

In 1816, Bahrain and the United Kingdom reached a preliminary agreement to strengthen their alliance and protect their joint interests. The agreement became official in 1820, when the two sides signed the General Maritime Treaty. Since then, bilateral relations have gone from strength to strength.

The special status of the long-standing Bahraini-British ties is reflected in the depth of distinguished relations of friendship and respect between the two Royal Families. In fact, HM King Hamad is set to attend HM King Charles III’s coronation this month, continuing a strong relationship which began when the late Queen Elizabeth II paid her first official visit to Bahrain in 1979 during the era of HRH the late Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

In 2016, the then Prince Charles along with the Duchess of Cornwall, now Camilla, Queen Consort, visited Bahrain to

celebrate the 200th anniversary of its relations with the UK. Meanwhile, King Hamad frequently visits Britain, as recently as 2022, where he attended the international Royal Windsor Horse Show and meetings to strengthen bilateral relations.

The kindred spirit between the two nations is not just shared diplomatically, but in many other ways. From education and healthcare to culture and business, it is a partnership that will continue to nurture and grow for many years to follow.

Bahrain This Month is proud to present its UK in Bahrain supplement, featuring numerous photographs detailing the history between the two kingdoms, interviews from important figures with a presence in both countries, and a look ahead to the historic coronation this month. Cheers!

Fostering Trade Relations

As the Chairman of the Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF), Khalid Al Zayani is one of the most important figures in relations between the Kingdom and the UK. With the organisation set to become an official Chamber of Commerce as well as the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III this month, he shares his thoughts about these momentous occasions.

Alongside accumulating more than 50 years of international business acumen in fields such as banking, motoring, manufacturing and more, one of Mr. Zayani’s crowning achievements is growing the BBBF from its beginnings as a social club of 16 members in 1995 to a fully-recognised Chamber of Commerce encompassing around 500 members.

“Previously, the BBBF was regulated by the rules of the Ministry of Social Affairs as a social club,” he explains. “In reality, it was so much more than that, conducting high-level meetings with people in government, both in Bahrain and the UK. Becoming an official branch of The British Chamber will give us access to all its activities in the UK, introduce us to its members, partners and associates, while opening its business database to us. This, in turn, will benefit business in both Bahrain and the UK.”

“The UK’s recent exit from the European Commission has substantially boosted trade relations between Britain and Bahrain, by removing EC levies on Bahraini aluminium and petrochemical exports to the UK. We can now cash in freely on an existing goodwill between our two kingdoms.”

It is a timely reminder of the excellent relations between the two countries just as His

Majesty King Hamad prepares to attend the coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey this month.

Mr. Zayani has met the new monarch on numerous occasions, both socially and on business, in the UK and in Bahrain when he was the Prince of Wales.

“It is an absolute honour to have made acquaintances with HM King Charles III. I regularly reminisce having dinners with him at St. James’s Palace, Windsor Castle and other locations and hold such events as my most cherished memories.”

“I found him a very knowledgeable and wellread person, in business, Arab culture and Islam. I was amazed!

“My favourite anecdote with him was over an intimate dinner in London, just four of us, at the private residence of Nemir Kirdar, CEO of Investcorp Bank. He queried me on why Arab architecture and calligraphy has not developed in centuries since Andalusian Arab rule in Spain. He believed that it needed revising. He

asked us if we would be willing to co-invest with his Prince’s Foundation into a college, teaching postgraduate studies in these fields and promising to match every pound we deliver. We did and that was how the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts started and very successfully runs to this day, generating numerous graduates from the UK, the Arab world and far beyond, amongst whom is my niece, who finished her Master’s there!

“I wish to congratulate His Majesty King Charles III on this truly momentous occasion. I strongly believe that he will be a great successor to Queen Elizabeth II, especially as he has had so long to learn!”

CHANNELING HER LOVE FOR BAHRAIN

Mrs. Harper first came to Bahrain in 1980 with her husband, an innovator in the early days of solar power, to attend an energy exhibition. Two years later, she saw an article in a local newspaper mentioning that Bahrain Television was going to open an Englishspeaking station, called Channel 55. “I contacted them because my background was in advertising, producing television commercials,” she remembers. “They welcomed me with open arms and it was an amazing beginning. Then I started writing, producing and presenting a magazine programme whereby I interviewed hundreds of people on the island.

“When I left Bahrain in the early 1990s, I had heard about The Bahrain Society, which was set up as a friendship society to promote relations between the UK and Bahrain for British expats who had lived or worked here.

“It’s a purely social society, with no political aims or ambitions, and has a particularly close relationship with the Bahrain Embassy in London. Membership currently stands at approximately 250 members and my aim is to grow this higher, boost ties between former Bahrain residents, and enable opportunities to reconnect as much as I can. Furthermore, we have supported a number of cultural and charitable events that have taken place in London supporting Bahraini students studying at British academic institutions.”

Mrs. Harper holds many fond memories of her time in Bahrain. With such a significant career, it was difficult to pick her favourite, but she did settle on one factor immediately, the weather!

“Being back in the UK, you do miss it. Waking up in the morning to those blue skies, it’s easy to take it for granted when it’s every day! In all seriousness, it’s the way of life and the friendships that I really miss. I don›t think it›s so easy to make friendships and keep them over a long period, but Bahrain makes it so much easier. It›s a very open society, a very cosmopolitan mix of cultures, and everybody knows everybody. In the UK, unlike Bahrain, you could live on a street and never interact with any of your neighbours.

“When I worked for Channel 55 it was really interesting because I was open to all sorts of

In the early nineties Heather Harper was one of the most prominent members of Bahrain’s media. As one of the pioneers of English-language television programming in the country; writing, producing and presenting for Channel 55 television, she recently became Chairman of The Bahrain Society based in the UK. We caught up with her this month on her recent visit with 36 members of The Bahrain Society to discuss her decades old connection with Bahrain.

different nationalities and cultures. We celebrated everybody›s national days, bouncing between receptions and meeting totally different types of people, often on the same day. It really broadened my horizons.”

The Bahrain Society prides itself on providing Bahraini hospitality to members, with a number of different functions throughout the year. There is a gala dinner and summer party and many Speaker events every year, with the main aim of spreading the word of Bahrain and its way of life.

“It’s a way of networking, but more like social networking rather than business,” Ms. Harper explains. “Of course, we do emphasise how easy it is to run businesses in the Kingdom, and occasionally deconstructing misconceptions and answering questions about what it’s like to live and work in the Middle East.

“One of the main goals I›d like to achieve in my role is to branch out a little bit further from London as our members come from all over. For instance, there are a lot of ‘Bahraini’ British expats who live in Spain and retired to other parts of Europe. Ultimately, we are all what I like to call ‘global citizens’, with one shared of love of this beautiful island and its people,” she concludes.

To find out more about the Bahrain Society visit bahrainsociety.uk.

GENERATIONAL TIES

The Kingdom of Bahrain is home to several families that are engaged in various business sectors. Among them is the Al Arayedh family, which is known for their enterprising efforts across generations that have made a lasting impact. Over time, the family has grown and diversified their activities with investments in countries across borders, including the UK.

“Our history with the UK goes a long way with members of our family not only investing and trading with businesses based in the UK, but pursuing their education in the Kingdom too. In fact, it started with my grandfather, the honourable Mansoor Al Arayedh, who used to deal with jewellers in the UK. He would be entrusted with providing them with pearls and dealt with them for diamonds and other precious stones settings for high-end jewellery,” narrates Chairman of Al Arayedh Group Holding, Nasser Al Arayedh.

His father, Mohamed Jameel Al Arayedh, pursued his education at Millfield School in the UK in 1948. “Given his pioneering nature and business roots, he then imported materials from the UK and established in Bahrain what would be the first fresh dairy factory in the Arabian Gulf region,” he says.

As for Mr. Nasser Al Arayedh, who also did his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the UK, his business started with the import of cleaning chemicals for commercial and industrial use, followed by the establishment of a training centre with UK-certified courses. “Currently our connection with the UK is through investments for which we have representatives in London who are responsible for long-term strategies,” he says.

The family’s various businesses have now been merged under the banner of Al Arayedh Group Holding (AAGH), which was officially formed in 2008. “We operate in several sectors including trade and investments, real estate and travel and tourism. Hence, it took us five years to structure all these family assets under this wing which manages them collectively,” he explains. “By doing so, we have been able to examine our assets in order to diversify and increase our investments.”

The company’s board consists of Mr. Al Arayedh, Deputy Chairman Maryam Al Arayedh and Director Jehan Al Arayedh, in addition to three other executives who are selected on a periodical basis. “Our primary areas of business are now real estate and investment, both local and international,” he states.

Sharing his thoughts on the UK’s business sector, he concludes: “The United Kingdom has long been known for their products, which may have changed over time but are known for

their exceptional quality – a key reason for which they have maintained their global position. Furthermore, there’s no denying that the country is also a leader in the education sector. It is a rule of law for us to invest in countries where there is not only investment protection, but unique and sought-after brands. As our business continues to grow in the years to come, I look forward to continuing our dealings with the Kingdom and wish them the very best under the rule of King Charles III.”

On the occasion of the coronation of King Charles III, Nasser Al Arayedh, the Chairman of Al Arayedh Group Holding reflects on the renowned business family’s close ties with the UK.

Al Ansari Group has had a storied history of over 100 years having been established in the year 1904 when the late Abdul Karim Ahmed Al-Ansari established his family business with a small shop in the old town of Muharraq in Bahrain.

At the time, the business sold products ranging from groceries to hardware, laying a sound foundation for a business that was to grow and diversify. Al-Ansari Industries, formerly known as The Bahrain Bedding Factory, was set up with the know-how shared by the famous Silentnight Mattresses, UK – a company that was owned by Tom and Joan Clarke which started in 1946 as Clarke’s Mattresses Ltd. The group now trades in lighting fittings, accessories, switches, sockets, branded fashion goods (partner of Gucci in Bahrain), and has a significant presence in the real estate sector.

In 1970, Al-Ansari Lighting Company was established in Bahrain. “We consider ourselves the pioneer in the lighting field, having served the local market, GCC and beyond for over 50 years. It has always been our objective to not only be the undisputed leader in the field of lighting, but also to establish an unmatched reputation for reliability and friendly service,” explains Al-Ansari Group Chairman, Abduljalil A.K. Ahmed Al-Ansari.

Today, Al-Ansari Lighting Company offers several outstanding products with innovative designs from renowned brands. This includes German brands - Bega, Glashutte Limburg and Staff Zumtobel, Italian brands - Targetti Spa, Duralamp and Surya Srl, and UK brands - R.Hamilton Ltd., IBL, ACDC, Orbik and Chelsom Lighting.

BEING AN INDUSTRY LEADER

With palatial chandeliers, contemporary lamps and everything in between, Al Ansari Lighting has been the prime choice in Bahrain’s lighting industry for over 50 years. Farah Baig speaks to Al-Ansari Group Chairman, Abduljalil A.K. Ahmed Al-Ansari, about the company’s success, its portfolio of UK brands and more.

Al Ansari Group is a long-time member of the Bahrain British Business Forum and also partakes in activities at the British Club. “We first established an agreement to distribute British products in Bahrain in 1964 following the signing of an agreement in Cardiff, Wales. British products are known for their durability and reliability, and meet required safety standards. Furthermore, these products are interesting to our customers in terms of latest designs and colours, and are always upgraded to suit market requirements,” he says.

“McIntosh Furniture located in Kirkcaldy, Scotland was another collaborative company which was famous for its teak dining and living room furniture designed by Tom Robertson in 1970. The company always used the best Scottish craftsmanship to create beautiful designs,” he adds.

This was in addition to Stanley Wire Ltd., a Yorkshire-based company specialising in the manufacture of all forms of bright and black annealed wire. “They used the highest quality steel, which was manufactured into a flawless, high-quality wire product which

we then used at our local mattress factory in Bahrain,” he explains. “Last but not the least, we collaborated with Mikel Carpet Factory in Edinburgh, Scotland.”

Notably, Al-Ansari Lighting Company has signed agreements to handle major projects for the Royal Court, palaces, mosques, hotels and private villas too. The company has undeniably grown to be renowned for importing top-quality products that are capable of bringing clients’ designs to life.

“The quality of our products, aftersales support and service, and representation of brands as their local agent has led Al-Ansari Lighting Company to be a leader in the industry. We have a fully dedicated team which is committed to serve our clientele, and will always ensure to go the extra mile to make our customers happy,” he concludes.

Al-Ansari Group Chairman, Abduljalil A.K. Ahmed Al-Ansari (centre), with Richard Bird (left) and Keith Evans (right) of Evans Contract Furnishers Ltd., in Wales, UK.

LUXURY AT ITS FINEST

Founded by Laurence Graff OBE in 1960, Graff remains a family business with Francois Graff (son of Laurence) as CEO and two further family members directing design, merchandising and production. With over 60 stores worldwide, Graff has ambitiously grown from its foundation in the UK to achieve a global presence.

Throughout its rich history, Graff has become the world leader for diamonds of rarity, magnitude and distinction. Their unique high jewels are designed and manufactured at their London atelier, where their master craftsmen employ stone-led design techniques to emphasise the beauty of each individual stone.

Bold and Vibrant Bands

LAURENCE GRAFF SIGNATURE COLLECTION

This collection features a striking array of everyday jewels that celebrate the hypnotic beauty of a diamond’s facets and Laurence Graff’s legacy for cutting and polishing the world’s most beautiful stones.

Named after the founder of the House, the collection is inspired by Mr. Graff’s dedication to seeking out the rarest and finest diamonds over the last 60 years, by showcasing the sculptural silhouette of the diamond itself.

Featuring a range of scintillating band-style rings, delicate necklaces and bracelets, stud earrings and contemporary bangles, each design showcases a graphic and modern faceted edge.

Stylish rings crafted in two widths are available in white, yellow or rose gold, designed to be worn together in graphic combinations of contrasting tones. Sleek, all-metal versions are complemented by pavé diamond-set designs, adorning each facet with exceptional brilliance.

The bands are also available in versions set with vibrant pink and yellow diamonds – rarified jewels celebrated for their precious scarcity. Each band is engraved with the GRAFF logo upon the interior of the shank, a discreet reminder of the rings’ exceptional provenance and a signature touch.

For over half a century, the British brand Graff has operated at the very pinnacle of the high jewellery industry. At Bahrain Jewellery Centre, we discover what makes Graff special, and its latest collections.

Contemporary Classics

These signature motifs are suspended on delicate white gold chains for necklace and bracelet designs, and make for bold and eye-catching stud earrings. A semiflexible bangle set with two scintillating solitaires showcases Graff’s diamond setting expertise, as a delicate stream of diamonds leads the eye towards the hero stones, each embraced by their faceted halo.

GRAFF MASTERS THE ART OF JEWELLERY LAYERING

Graff’s new yellow and rose gold jewels offer more ways to wear two of their much-loved motifs. In this new age of layering and stacking, where mixing and matching styles and combining metals is encouraged, Graff is expanding two of its collections with designs in yellow and rose gold.

Previously available in diamonds and white gold only, the new pendants and earrings present new ways to wear two iconic design motifs for the house.

An enduring influence on Graff, the butterfly has inspired a whole universe of jewels, including the Butterfly Silhouette collection. Capturing the perfect symmetry of a butterfly as it flits elegantly through the air upon

fluttering wings, the collection is infused with an uplifting energy and delicate beauty.

New additions to the collection trace the butterfly’s iconic spread-wing silhouette in 18 carat yellow and rose gold. True to nature, each wing is delicately angled for a beautiful sense of three-dimensionality. Upon the largest of the two gold pendants, the wings are outlined in pavé diamonds, breathing fresh life into this signature.

Graff motif Floral silhouettes, too, have long inspired Graff’s designers, who closely study the petals and forms of different blooms to create elegant interpretations of nature. A joyful tribute to the English Garden, the Wild Flower collection revisits this theme with

Sculptural Allure

Each piece showcases a sculptural bezel setting, handcrafted with angular, architectural facets, and elegantly encases a scintillating solitaire diamond. Stones range up to 1.5 carats and are each framed by the Laurence Graff Signature setting – a modern companion to the timeless and classic round diamond.

carefree charm and contemporary spirit. Distinct yet complementary, new Wild Flower pendants and earrings in 18 carat yellow and rose gold bloom along the collarbone and upon the ears. Each golden petal is uniquely handcrafted to burst with life, with the petals edged in diamonds on the larger pendant. Floral silhouettes, too, have long inspired Graff’s designers, who closely study the petals and forms of different blooms to create elegant interpretations of nature. A joyful tribute to the English Garden, the Wild Flower collection revisits this theme with carefree charm and a contemporary spirit.

Founded in 1935 in the heart of Um Al Hassam, the club comprises more than 1,500 members and 60 nationalities. Founded by Sir Charles Belgrave, one of the pioneers of Bahraini-British relations, it has a long and distinguished history in the Kingdom. The club delivers on its motto: ‘Your home away from home,’ with its variety of dining outlets, tennis and squash courts, a gym, swimming pool, snooker room, library and more. The club’s garden area with a giant screen and twice-weekly live music fosters a friendly atmosphere which caters for all ages. Mr. Woodrow has been in Bahrain for 17 years and is the COO of a large development company based in Amwaj Islands, managing a portfolio of luxury residential properties, hotels, hospitals and mixed-use developments.

He has been part of the British Club Executive Committee for 13 years, initially as a House Member before moving on to the

SERVING THE BRITISH COMMUNITY

The British Club of Bahrain is one of the world’s oldest expat clubs and boasts a multicultural membership and family-friendly atmosphere. Kristian Harrison spoke to the club’s Chairman, Chris Woodrow, ahead of King Charles III’s coronation and discussed the club’s plans for the historic occasion and his own personal honour bestowed upon him by the new monarch.

position of Deputy Chairman in his third year. He is now in his ninth year as Chairman, the longest-serving in history.

For his meritorious service to the British community in Bahrain during his historic voluntary tenure, he was awarded the British Empire Medal on King Charles III’s International New Year’s Honours list.

“I feel extremely humbled and proud to have been awarded the British Empire Medal,” he says. “When the British Ambassador called me to tell me, I was stuck for words, which is pretty unusual for me!

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the great team at the British Club, the staff really go above and beyond to make everybody feel welcome and part of the family.

“The British Club is a very special place, very dear to me, being a member for so long and having the privilege of chairing a club in such a fantastic country has been an absolute pleasure. I’ve met many life-long friends at the British Club and no doubt will meet more in the coming years.

“Whilst the British Club is a non-profit organisation, we still need to generate profits for the upkeep of the club and to continually strive to improve the facilities for our members and guests, so it’s a big responsibility for the Executive Committee and our staff.

“I’ve been here as Chairman through the most financially successful years at the club, but also through the very worst times with COVID-19, where with careful management, the club successfully navigated some pretty challenging times. Many will not be aware, but the British Club and its many sections have donated generously to Bahrain-based charities over the years, which has been a great privilege for me to have been involved in.

To celebrate the historic coronation on May 6, the club will be hosting a Coronation Street Party on May 5, which is open to all and will feature inflatables in the pool, a bake-off challenge, family games, a photo booth, British food menu and live entertainment. The following day, there will be full coverage of the coronation from 9am, with a British breakfast buffet and themed afternoon menu.

“From the feedback the club is getting, there is a real buzz in the air about the coronation,” Mr Woodrow believes. “This is an event that very, very few people have experienced before and the club will be fully branded and sure to generate an amazing atmosphere!”

With an outstanding global reputation and a 62-year history of being the stepping stone to the world’s top universities, we take a look at why St Christopher’s School Bahrain is the best choice for a successful future.

A WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION

Led by a team of nearly 400 world-class teachers, faculty and staff, the school is a vibrant educational institution that strives to provide a highquality education that not only equips its students to achieve their academic goals, but also to comprehend and foster outstanding humanitarian values that connect us all.

Since its foundation in 1961, St Christopher’s School has come a long way and currently serves more than 2,300 children and young adults aged three to 18, representing a diverse 70 nations, making it one of the most multinational schools in the country. St Chris has placed an immense emphasis on the school’s family community and is thriving through the PTO as well as the large-scale community and cultural events it hosts.

The school has a rich history in the Kingdom of Bahrain and is synonymous with world-class education – a beacon for innovation and excellence in the region.

St Christopher’s School has been recognised as one of the World’s Top 100 Private Schools by Spear’s School Index and Carfax Education for two consecutive years. Its students have consistently earned top marks in exams and are attending some of the top universities worldwide, including Oxford, Cambridge, University of London, Harvard, Yale, Stanford and MIT.

The school has also achieved the coveted ‘Gold Standard’ – the highest possible ratings in all their school inspections. With a commitment to the positive mental health and wellbeing of the school community, St Christopher’s was delighted to have recently been awarded the highest entry award in the School Mental Health Awards from the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health. Furthermore, St Christopher’s School is recognised as being one of the top international schools in the region.

Multinational organisations are able to attract their best executives to Bahrain because St Christopher’s is able to provide a first-class education for their children. Furthermore, the school’s outreach to the community has benefited both local and expatriate communities over the last 62 years.

Service to others is a key part of life for St Christopher’s students and staff, following the

realisation of the mission for ‘An Education for a Shared Humanity’; all students are engaged in service activities and fundraising for local and global charities. In the past few years, St Christopher’s has built schools in Thailand, Nepal and Cambodia and is committed to funding the yearly running costs of these facilities as well as funding the education for several needy students, both locally and abroad.

The school has developed a bespoke curriculum, the Future Ready Curriculum (FRC) – a one-of-a-kind holistic framework that goes beyond just academic preparation. The FRC prepares and equips students with contemporary skills, knowledge, and understanding to ensure success in further education and future careers.

In addition to providing pupils with a worldclass education, the school has a rich extracurricular programme giving students the opportunity to engage in a diverse curriculum of sports, music and drama. The successful development of the school’s extensive extracurricular programme led to the formation of the St Chris SPARTA Academy, providing the highest quality sports coaching to children of all ages, not just for St Chris children.

It is certainly exciting times for St Christopher’s as its Senior School’s new state-of-the-art campus is currently under construction, which is sure to allow the school to reach even greater heights.

A HISTORIC MOVE

From humble beginnings in 1978 with 29 students and four teachers, Nadeen School is about to make the biggest move in the school’s history. Director Pauline Puri and her daughter, Shanee, share their thoughts about the school’s historic transition.

Pauline joined Nadeen School as a teacher in 1982 and, when the original owner left Bahrain in 1984, was entrusted with keeping the school’s holistic, childcentred and family-focused ethos going. Shanee joined Nadeen School in 1998 due to her passion for the school’s vision and a desire to help create an inspiring place for children to thrive.

Under Pauline’s guidance and Shanee’s care over the years, Nadeen School has remained dedicated to fostering and nurturing each child’s individuality, unique passions, abilities, gifts and interests.

“As the school celebrates its 45th anniversary, I think of all of the people who have walked through our doors,” Pauline reminisces. “I have seen numerous changes, both at the school and in Bahrain, and marvel at how many dear children, parents and families we have had on our journey.

“Throughout the years, one thing has remained constant – our dedication to maintaining a safe, happy, inspiring and exciting environment where all children can learn, develop and achieve with confidence and personality.”

Both Pauline and Shanee have also ensured a sincere dedication towards personal development, social responsibility and service learning, and care for the environment.

“We consider these to be our three guiding principles which continue to be embedded in everything we do,” Pauline explains. “None of this would be achievable without the caring and dedicated teaching and support teams; our supportive parents who are our partners in education; our community who have always believed in what we do; and mostly our students. They continue to inspire us each day.”

They both keenly remember stories and anecdotes about the children and families who have passed through the school.

“It is such an honour and delight to reconnect with our former students and their families” Shanee said delightedly. “Just last week we welcomed back a family who was with us over 19 years ago and it felt like no time had passed. I love to hear about what our former students are doing and am so proud and amazed by the wonderful things they are doing now: from award-winning designers and journalists, to doctors, musicians, social justice campaigners, pilots, engineers, entrepreneurs and so much more. We are so humbled to be a part of our students’ stories and we also have alumni who have children of their own at Nadeen, and it is so wonderful to see generations of the same family come through our doors. It really is a special connection.”

In 2017, the school was informed that it had to leave its current campus in Um Al Hassam and relocate to a purpose-built facility. A project of the heart six years in the making, Nadeen School is about to move into a new state-of the-art campus in Dilmunia.

Shanee explained: “We are delighted that Principal, Dr Paul Walton, will be leading the school into its exciting future. Our new location in Dilmunia is perfect in so many ways; we are truly in the centre of a community and our students will be able to experience so much both inside and beyond our campus walls. Our students will have wonderful facilities to pursue different interests and passions, and we look forward to welcoming the next generation into our collective family!”

“To move from converted villas to a purpose-built campus, which will allow us to expand all the way up to Year 13, is a dream come true,” Shanee posits. “All the while, we will be keeping our dear students, our core principles and our ethos at the heart of what we do.”

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.

4. our extensive English provision

2. our caring and supportive community

2. our caring and supportive community

develop all aspects of the child and treat each aspect with equal importance.

2. our caring and supportive community

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.

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.

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

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

5. our progressive and innovative learning opportunities for all

5. our progressive and innovative learning opportunities for all

3. our enriching international experience

3. our enriching international experience

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

an inclusive and positive learning environment.

6. our nurturing and personalised approach

6. our nurturing and personalised approach

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.

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

6. our nurturing and personalised approach

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

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

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

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

Respect - Unity - Compassion - Growth

Join us as we move to our new state of the art campus in the heart of Dilmunia in 2023, where we will continue to offer an outstanding British education to students from Nursery to Year 13.

Respect - Unity - Compassion - Growth

Join us as we move to our new state of the art campus in the heart of Dilmunia in 2023, where we will continue to offer an outstanding British education to students from Nursery to Year 13.

Rated 'outstanding' by the Bahrain Quality Authority and British Schools Overseas info@nadeenschool.com

info@nadeenschool.com @nadeenschool

+973 17728886

If you are a parent looking for a high-quality education for your child in Bahrain, the British Preparatory School (BPS) in Saar is an exceptional option. Not only does BPS offer a top-tier British curriculum, it also has a special connection with the British Embassy.

Since its establishment in 2008, BPS has nurtured a special bond with the British Embassy, becoming a hub for cultural celebrations and charity fundraisers. The school was inaugurated by the then British Ambassador to Bahrain, HE Jamie Bowden, and has since marked important milestones with the presence of British Ambassadors. This year, as BPS celebrated its 15th anniversary, the British Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, HE Roddy Drummond, joined Principal Jasmine Smith. “15 years of the British Preparatory School Bahrain. Amazing children, gifted staff and smart facilities. A small school with a big heart,” HE said on the occasion. BPS places great emphasis on developing young children’s awareness of the world beyond their immediate surroundings, providing a unique opportunity for its young students to broaden their horizons and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

The school’s strategic partnerships have enabled it to leverage the expertise of the British education systems and professionals, allowing BPS to deliver a highquality education that meets international standards. At the core of BPS’s educational philosophy is a commitment to providing the best possible foundation for its children. The school’s curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and British National Curriculum, and its teachers are highly qualified and experienced professionals who are dedicated to helping each child reach their full potential.

What sets BPS apart from other schools is its focus on making learning fun. From the moment children set foot in the school, they are greeted with bright, colourful yet calming classrooms that are designed to inspire creativity and curiosity. The school’s dedicated team of teachers are passionate about making learning enjoyable, and they use a range of teaching methods to engage children and keep them interested.

“Allowing children to think creatively and critically from a young age is the key to

nurturing future leaders. BPS is an early learning centre where children, from 18 months to six years old, can learn through exploration and discovery,” says Mrs. Smith. ”BPS is a place the children can feel safe and happy, only then can true learning happen.” Through their partnership with Royal Life Saving Bahrain, BPS helps raise awareness about life saving skills and water safety. In addition, all the teachers are First Aid practitioners. BPS offers a range of opportunities to help build core muscle strength and develop good motor skills as physical activity is considered to be just as important as academic development. Children can also enjoy a wonderful indoor soft play area.

Through a focus on character development, children also learn the importance of respect, responsibility, and resilience. They are encouraged to think critically, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with others. On the occasion of the coronation of King Charles III, BPS reflects on its commitment to building strong relationships between the UK and Bahrain over the years. The school remembers, with fondness, the letter received from the late Queen Elizabeth II thanking the children for their Jubilee wishes.

BPS is the perfect choice for parents who want their children to thrive both academically and personally. Who knows? Maybe one day, one of BPS’s children will become a diplomat or ambassador themselves!

BRITISH PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Strathclyde Ghabga University of Strathclyde Business School hosted a ghabga at Grove Resort, Amwaj.

Dinner A dinner was held at Joseph’s home and garden in Saar.

NURTURING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

The British School of Bahrain (BSB) offers an exceptional education for children from Nursery (age three) to Upper 6th (age 18). We take a look at what makes BSB one of the most renowned schools in the Kingdom.

BSB is committed to providing a holistic UK-based education that nurtures students’ academic, sporting and artistic talents. The school has achieved the highest A level results in Bahrain for two years in a row, with several students achieving the highest mark in the world for subjects including Advanced Level Economics and Fine Arts. BSB is globally recognised for providing world-class education, with students gaining acceptance into some of the world’s top universities, including Cambridge University, London School of Economics, and the University of California Berkeley.

Located on one campus for all students in Hamala, the school boasts a beautiful state-of-the-art campus with excellent facilities, including swimming pools, outdoor basketball courts, a football field, indoor sports halls, and science and technology laboratories. The curriculum focuses on seven areas of learning, with a particular emphasis on Personal, Social, and Emotional Development, Communication and Language, and Physical Development.

BSB was shortlisted for five international awards this year, and was delighted to win three of these,

in the world for well-being this year.

The British School of Bahrain offers a world-class education that is recognised globally. The school’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities and a holistic education that nurtures the development and growth of each student makes it a top choice for parents in Bahrain. For more information, visit britishschoolbahrain.com

EMPOWERING LEADERS

The UK has been a prime choice for further education among the citizens of Bahrain for several decades. This month, we spoke to the Director of Executive Development at Strathclyde Business School, Dr. Phil Considine, who highlighted its strategic relationship with Bahrain and the factors that set Strathclyde apart from other universities in the UK.

Dr. Phil Considine has been teaching and running MBA programmes for 25 years and was working in England when the opportunity to come to Strathclyde arose. “I am originally from Glasgow and the chance to work at one of the world’s leading business schools meant that I did not have to think twice about accepting the position,” says Dr. Considine.

The University of Strathclyde was founded over 225 years ago as a ‘place of useful learning’ – a founding philosophy that has been retained to this day. Bahrain is one of the most important strategic relationships maintained by the university with the Strathclyde Business School MBA being one of the best in the country. “We have been in the region for many years and have an amazing alumni community. Our relationship with the Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance (BIBF) goes from strength to strength, and we will be launching a number of new programmes to enhance our portfolio,” he states.

“Our programmes are all applied, experiential and personalised and I think it is this that gives us a real competitive advantage. Our research is world class and we then help business leaders to apply this to their own context to help improve performance and results. We know that the programmes help leaders to think and act strategically,” he adds.

Strathclyde graduates from Bahrain have gone on to some of the most senior corporate roles within organisations of all sizes and in all sectors. This includes C-suite leaders in technology, financial services, construction, oil and gas and manufacturing in addition to

senior leaders in public service aside from some in innovative SMEs.

“The MBA and Strategic Fintech programmes are both very successful but one of the great benefits of partnering with BIBF is that we have market insights that would otherwise be impossible. Therefore, we plan to launch a number of new programmes in the coming academic year which reflects our commitment to both Bahrain and our partnership,” he says.

When in Bahrain, Dr. Considine leads one of the core MBA modules called Grand

Challenges of Corporate Governance – an applied module that examines the impact of ESG factors to organisations of all sectors and sizes. “Having two days of intensive teaching with groups of motivated and experienced professionals is a privilege. We also run master classes for alumni, so I get to meet them and find out how their careers have benefited from the MBA and now the MSc Strategic Fintech,” he says of his visits to the Kingdom.

Reflecting on Strathclyde’s activities in Bahrain, Dr. Considine believes there is a growing demand for highquality programmes in the field of leadership, business and management. “Strathclyde Business School has a reputation for excellence in these areas. By partnering with BIBF and businesses, Strathclyde is able to tailor its programmes to meet the specific needs of the Bahraini market, while also drawing on its own expertise and experience in the field of business leadership and management,” he says.

Strathclyde Business School also fosters collaboration between Scotland and Bahrain by working together on leadership programmes. “Students, faculty and professionals from both countries can learn from each other and gain a better understanding of each other’s cultures and business practices. This can help to promote economic and social development in both countries, while strengthening diplomatic and commercial ties between Scotland and Bahrain,” he concludes.

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

Jumana Husain Ali

Level 4 (2nd year)

B.Eng. (Hons) Civil Engineering

I chose to study Civil Engineering at ASU because I get to graduate with a British degree without studying abroad and being around my family in Bahrain. It also gives me an advantage when finding a career or to be prepared for graduate school. My favourite part of this programme is how it encourages us to go out and get the physical experience that we need, with multiple site visits where we can meet like-minded students who share the same passion and challenge each other.

ASU has a very strong connection with LSBU and engineering firms in the UK. That was seen during the Covid-19 pandemic as we had online meetings with LSBU global representatives and interactive sessions.

The stereotype of STEM not being a women’s field, and being predominantly run by men, is changing. I can see the awareness in the Bahraini community and how women are becoming leaders. ASU provides all the needed support to train us and let us face real life challenges. As a woman, I know I am capable to compete in the market and stand out.

Sayed Ayman Mahfoodh

Level 6 (4th year) – Graduate

B.Eng. (Hons) Civil and Construction Engineering

ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE

Applied Science University (ASU) is one of Bahrain’s leading universities, forging a glowing reputation across the region. Of particular renown is its College of Engineering, which offers distinct programmes allowing students to study an internationally-recognised UK degree course through its partnership with London South Bank University (LSBU).

Amna Salman AlNashaba

Level 6 (4th year) – Graduate

B.Eng. (Hons) Architectural Design Engineering

ASU’s engineering college follows a British curriculum, which is a great opportunity to gain a high-quality education in Bahrain. My favourite part of the Architectural Engineering programme is the diverse range of subjects we have studied, which includes not only architectural design but also structural design, geotechnics, innovation and more.

With the assistance of my professors, I had the opportunity to choose where I wanted to gain work experience and I completed four months with Cebarco even after completing my module assignments.

At ASU, more than 60 percent of the engineering students are women. As a woman in this field, I am very proud to see that so many capable women are pursuing their education and careers in engineering in Bahrain, which enables them to access high-quality education and training that can help them succeed in their careers. These opportunities can help break down barriers for women in male-dominated fields such as engineering and can inspire and motivate other women to pursue similar paths.

Ahmed Ebrahim Zuhair

Level 5 (3rd year)

B.Eng. (Hons) Architectural Engineering

My favourite modules are design-based, such as structural design and analysis of concrete, steel, foundation and geotechnical engineering which cover international and local codes and calculations, and also the modules that have BIM applications such as AutoDesk REVIT. We as students are considered as if we were studying in the UK; and I think it is a beneficial point for us if we want to continue our studies there.

During the summer semester we had an internship module, which I did at NASS Contracting, and this gave me a lot of experience in the engineering field, especially in site inspection. I interacted with skilled and experienced engineers for one month in various large-scale projects.

ASU is in a great location with professional staff, and the programme just appealed to me since it offers the mix of study between theory and reallife practical applications, which covers the major I am interested in.

The programme offers internship experience in the engineering field from various government and private companies which are involved heavily in the engineering field in Bahrain, which again is another reason why ASU is the best place in Bahrain to study engineering.

Smile Like You Mean It!

British Dental Center (BDC), located in Saar, first opened its doors to patients in June 2020 with the aspiration to offer bespoke dental treatment to all its patients. Here’s how BDC puts a smile on people’s faces!

British Dental Center is owned and directed by Dr. Ruby Hassan – a British Dentist who graduated from Kings College London (2007). Dental care at BDC is always patient-centred and there is no pressure as treatment plans are always guided by the

patient’s preferences. Just a few years on, BDC has grown to be one of the most popular and highly rated centres in Bahrain, particularly in Saar. The BDC team offers multi-specialty dentistry catered to the specific needs of all patients. Dedicated dentists, dental assistants, receptionists and support staff are ready to take care of your dental needs. Dr. Ruby and her team are committed to providing a pain-free and hassle-free journey for all. They strive to ensure everyone feels relaxed in their friendly environment as they understand that, often times, the dental chair is nobody’s favourite place. They encourage parents to bring their children for a dental check-up at an early age, so they can maintain excellent dental health for life. In fact, the BDC KIDS initiative helps make a child’s early dental

positive encouragement for dental treatment. When it comes to dental technology, BDC is committed to be at the forefront of latest advancements in equipment and procedures. it uses Digital Scanning with iTero, 3D X-ray imaging, Digital Dental X-rays, Dental Lazers, AirFlow Pain Free Cleaning, and many other modern procedures. BDC is also a certified Invisalign Platinum Provider.

Opening times are from Saturday to Thursday, 7.30am to 5.30pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm. BDC also provides out of hour care on Fridays when booked in advance.

2nd Floor, Nakheel Centre, Saar

SKAL Lunch

SKAL held its Annual General Meeting and Layman’s Lunch at Gulf Hotel Bahrain.

BIS Press Conference

Bahrain India Society held a press conference following the successful visit of HE Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Bahrain accompanied by a BIS delegation. The conference was held at Crowne Plaza Bahrain with HE

Srivastava, Indian Ambassador in attendance.

Piyush

College of Art and Design ( UNDERGRADUATE )

• Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design

• Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design

• Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design

College of Art and Design ( GRADUATE )

• Master of Fine Arts in Drawing & Painting

• Master of Design Management

College of Business & Law ( UNDERGRADUATE )

• Bachelor of Business in Banking & Finance

• Bachelor of Business in Human Resources

• Bachelor of Business in International Business

• Bachelor of Business in Marketing

• Bachelor of Law

College of Business & Law ( GRADUATE )

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)

www.ruw.edu.bh/apply

College of Engineering and Technology ( UNDERGRADUATE

• Bachelor of Science in Digital Media and Interactive Technology

• Bachelor of Science in Architecture

DECADES OF EXCELLENCE

Since it began trading in Bahrain 44 years ago, Verminex has grown to be the leading pest management company in the Kingdom. Prime locations including the Bahrain International Airport, high-end hospitality venues and food manufacturing companies make use of its services. We learn about its UK ties and the reasons for its success over the years.

Since establishing a UK presence in Bahrain, Verminex has grown to be the largest and preferred pest control company in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The company prides itself in its fair and honest approach to trading, and places utmost importance on valuing and rewarding its staff – key elements which make the UK brand stand out from others in the country.

Verminex was established in the UK in 1937. It grew to be an established UK servicing company when biology graduate David Nubel joined in 1968 after a 10-year career in pest control with a company called Rentokil. In 1979, Verminex was approached to set up pest control in Bahrain and Mr. Nubel was dispatched by the Chairman (the grandfather of the company’s UK Director Julie Ouston) to appraise the potential.

A meeting with the purchasing manager responsible for the labour camps for the King Fahad causeway project sealed the deal. In October 1979, Derek Hidden joined the company from Ciba-Geigy in Saudi Arabia and the company started trading under the sponsorship of its current Bahraini partner,

Abbas Mahmood Alireza. Mr. Hidden was joined briefly by Brian ‘Budget Brian’ Davis from Verminex UK, but Derek tragically died in a car accident in 1980. Following his demise, Simon Barton joined from Rentokil UK to run the company from offices in Sitra. Verminex employee, Mario Rodrigues, was promoted to the position of General Manager and ran the operations from the company’s showroom and office in Alawadiya until his tragic fatal heart attack.

Mr. Davis then rejoined the company briefly and recruited Anthony Manabat as his assistant. It soon became clear that Mr. Manabat was a man of many talents. Hence, he went to the UK and attended the British Pest Control Association training course and successfully qualified.

When the COVID-19 pandemic was negatively affecting the world, he made his impact in the company and Kingdom as he pioneered its disinfection division. Under his guidance and leadership, Verminex has grown to be the leading pest management company in Bahrain.

The success of Verminex over the years has been largely due to their innovation through the introduction of new products and techniques sourced from the UK, EU and USA. Bower, the leading fly killer machine brand in the UK, is among the British brand names that Verminex represents in the Kingdom. Furthermore, the company’s service staff attend weekly training sessions as the company’s General Manager, Anthony Manabat, has a passion for getting it right first time.

Due to its reliability and reputation built over the years, Verminex now provides its services to major clients including the Bahrain International Airport, Gulf Air, four- and fivestar hotels, and major food processing and manufacturing companies such as Arla and Mondelez. The company now has a team of 40 service staff and 20 support staff, many of whom are young enthusiastic Bahrainis. The company also proudly engages in community support activities including the sponsorship of the Philippine Basketball League and various church activities in the Kingdom.

BUILT TO LAST

Gulf Equipment & Technology W.L.L. (GET) is one of the divisions of Al Alawi Factories Group of Companies which was established in 1967. Being the exclusive dealer of JCB – a British heavy equipment manufacturer – in the Kingdom of Bahrain, GET has had a very significant impact on the development of fields including construction and road works.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is known across the region for its rapid and consistent progress, which is evident through the widespread construction of property, infrastructure development and more. Reliable heavy equipment has, quite naturally, been necessary for this growth and development.

Over the years, Gulf Equipment & Technology W.L.L. (GET), which is one of the divisions of Al Alawi Factories Group of Companies, firmly set its place as the market leader in the retail and service sector as a heavy equipment supplier to contractors, industry, government institutions, private sector and other various fields.

Notably, GET is the exclusive dealer of JCB –the British multinational heavy equipment manufacturer – in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Interestingly enough, the company was

founded in 1945, when Joseph Cyril Bamford began the business using surplus World War II parts and scrap metals. JCB has now grown to be one of the top three manufacturers of construction equipment in the world. The company is based in Staffordshire, England and produces heavyduty equipment which is used for construction, agriculture, waste handling and demolition. The company’s key products include excavators, loaders, forklifts, tractors and more.

GET has been an apt distributor for the brand in the Kingdom with its fully equipped workshop which is manned by highlyexperienced and well-trained personnel. The GET team has been essential and committed to providing adept after sales support for complete customer satisfaction.

With a firm foundation and extensive expertise, GET is now expanding across the region with offices and branches established recently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as in the United Arab Emirates.

GET had proven its quality consciousness by receiving an ISO 9001:2015 accreditation and maintaining such essential legal recognitions. To achieve its goals, GET sees its high-quality products and fully qualified employees as its most valuable assets.

In keeping with the 2030 agenda for the sustainable development of the Kingdom of Bahrain, GET intends to transform into a completely green environment and selfsustained company.

CREATING CONNECTIONS

The Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) is widely recognised in the United Kingdom and in the Kingdom of Bahrain for being a leading, impartial business sector group. On the occasion of the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, we explore the history of this essential organisation and significant developments that will be coming into place.

Bahrain’s oldest and most active business networking organisation, the Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF), was formed in 1995 to promote trade and investment between Bahrain and Britain in a non-discriminatory, non-political and non-profit making manner.

The forum works to create and sustain a favourable business environment and strives to assist and introduce new trade and investments, to both Bahrain and UK, that can benefit and enhance the common economic interests of the member companies. The BBBF also aims to promote Bahrain as the regional centre to conduct business throughout the Middle East. Moreover, the forum has driven forward cross-regional initiatives with other British business groups in the region. From these connections the forum members build both regional and global connections.

The BBBF plays an integral part in promoting British businesses to Bahrain and Bahraini

businesses to Britain. The forum’s monthly meetings and special interest group events serve as excellent tools in building strong business relationships, networking and information sharing. Royal family members, ministerial level speakers and business leaders from both Bahrain and Britain share their knowledge and present the latest opportunities, news and developments as keynote speakers at BBBF events.

“The BBBF has many members with over 20 years of membership, a testament to our formula of networking initiatives. This year, exciting plans are in the pipeline for the BBBF. We are in the process of converting the forum to an official British Chamber of Commerce Bahrain, which we expect to bring even more benefits to our members and both countries,” says BBBF Vice Chair, Paula Boast MBE.

The BBBF also works in close cooperation with the British Embassy in Bahrain to

organise business related events and provide information regarding the latest business functions and trade exhibitions. For enhanced collaboration the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed an MOU with the BBBF in 2010.

Apart from business networking, the BBBF engages in community support activities. To commemorate the Armistice Day, every November the BBBF organises a charity ball, the Poppy Ball, one of the annual highlights on Bahrain’s social calendar. The funds collected are donated to Bahraini and British charities.

The forum also supports the Crown Prince International Scholarship (CPISP) alumni who have graduated from UK universities and are currently working in Bahrain. The BBBF offers free membership to the alumni for a period of three years to help the promising Bahraini graduates to incorporate into the Bahraini business community.

Motoring with the Monarchy

It won’t surprise you to know that the UK has an entire fleet of royal cars, which are usually housed at the Royal Mews in Buckingham Palace unless stationed at other royal residences when required.

However, did you know that King Charles III owns a vintage Aston Martin which runs on cheese? Now you do!

Before we go into that, it’s important to understand that there are various categories which all vehicles encompassed by the Crown’s umbrella are separated into.

The most important of these is State Cars, which are used for public engagements and on ceremonial occasions by the monarch or visiting heads of state. There are currently five of these: two Bentleys and three Rolls-Royces. Almost as important are the Royal Review Vehicles, which are modified cars designed for use at official parades and ceremonies, currently consisting of two Range Rovers. The prestige of these cars are noticeable by

two important distinctions.

Firstly, by their dual-toned exterior: the lower sections

are painted in Royal Claret (a deep maroon), while the upper sections are painted Masons Black. Secondly, they don’t require registration plates, the only vehicles in the UK granted this exception alongside the State Hearse, first used last year for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The third and final class is the Semi-State Cars, which do have plates and are used for less formal situations and general support. These currently consist of a pair of 2012 Jaguar XJ Limousines and three 1992 Daimler DS420 Limousines. Of course, there is a whole array of other vehicles, used for security convoys, logistics, transporting larger numbers and a plethora of other reasons, which are used as and when needed.

Of course, whilst these cars are used for public events and pageantry, it’s the royal family’s private collection which turns most heads. No

nation with the UK’s historical background and global diplomatic reach could fail to have built up quite the showcase, especially considering its figureheads have long been petrolheads themselves!

Indeed, the first royal motorist was King Edward VII, who in June 1900 (whilst still Prince of Wales), took delivery of his first car, a 6bhp Daimler Mail Phaeton. The future king continued to be an enthusiastic promoter of ‘horseless carriages’, and following his accession to the throne in 1901 he awarded Daimler, Britain’s first automotive manufacturer, his royal warrant.

The Royal Mews, previously used explicitly for horses and carriages, was converted into a garage for the motor cars and Edward ordered another new Daimler: a 22bhp ‘touring carriage’ to be used for travelling in both in the UK and mainland Europe.

The first time a motor car was used by the King for an official engagement was on October 19, 1904, when he was driven to and from Woolwich Garrison in a 36bhp Daimler with a limousine body.

With the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III taking place this month, Kristian Harrison takes a look at the storied history of the British monarchy’s love affair with cars and takes a peek into the many garages of the new sovereign.

This passion continues until this day. Whilst it was no secret that Queen Elizabeth II’s greatest love was horses, she shared almost as much affection for electrical transport too. She was an enthusiastic motorist, particularly when ferrying visiting dignitaries across the moors of Balmoral in her Land Rover. She was an army ambulance driver in WWII and was also more than familiar with what goes on under the bonnet, having trained as a mechanic aged 18. Right up until her death and throughout her 70-year reign, the Queen was seen behind the wheel almost as much as she was in the back seat.

Shortly after her accession in 1952, the royal warrant was stripped from Daimler and given to Rolls-Royce. No one knows the exact reasons why, but the most likely reason is a Rolls-Royce factory visit undertaken by the Queen and Prince Philip, where the latter became particularly enamoured with a new experimental vehicle that was being created. It was duly delivered to the couple a year later and instantly became their preferred vehicle for royal obligations.

Despite the wealth of choice available to Her Majesty throughout her reign, it’s often said her favourite car was a 1961 Vauxhall Cresta PA Friary Estate. It had particular quirks to

suit her outdoorsy lifestyle, with bespoke modifications including fishing rod holders built into the roof, a dog guard for her corgis and a gun rack, as well as custom Imperial Green paintwork. It remains in the royal garage at Sandringham today, the same estate where she could often be seen driving a young Prince Charles around.

This same Charles is the biggest petrolhead in the family… or should that be biofuelhead?

The climate-conscious king has retrofitted many of the Royal Family’s cars to run on environmentally-friendly fuels almost as a passion project.

With more than 100 cars said to be in his private collection, it’s impossible to list them all and indeed half of them undoubtedly remain top secret. However, he does have some absolute crackers tucked away.

Take for example his 1970 Aston Martin DB6 MkII Volante, given to him as a gift by his mother for his 21st birthday. In 2008, as much as he loved driving this vintage sports car, he wanted to do so guilt-free. Fortunately, he was approached by engineers at Aston Martin who claimed they could make it run on white wine and a cheese by-product called whey thrown into the mix, named E85. Despite concerns it would ruin the car, Charles

discovered it ran better than ever and once exclaimed that his car “smells delicious as you’re driving along.”

That’s not the only epic snippet of trivia about this beautiful beast. HRH hired Thruxton circuit and the services of two-time Formula One world champion Graham Hill to help him get to grips with the 148mph machine and the monarch also stuck a fake red ‘eject’ button on the dashboard, a la James Bond, designed to make his passengers nervous. Another of King Charles’ favourites is a 1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante, actually given as a gift from Bahrain’s late Emir, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, to which he added a manual gearbox and Balmoral Green paintwork, making it much the same as the one James Bond drove in 1987’s The Living Daylights.

Of course, you’re unlikely to see the King driving around London in these. In fact, these days he almost exclusively uses an all-electric Jaguar I-Pace bought in 2019, thanks to its emission-free running helping to reduce air pollution in the capital.

Electric vehicles will no doubt be the way forward for the green-thinking monarchy, especially with Charles at the helm, but let’s hope he brings out some of the rare vintage for truly special occasions.

In 1900, Rolls-Royce co-founder, Charles Rolls, prophesied an electric future for the motor car. His words were: “The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration. They should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged.” Now, more than 120 years later, the prophecy of its founding father has been fulfilled, spearheaded by Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten MüllerÖtvös’ promise to bring a fully-electric RollsRoyce to market within the current decade. Spectre is the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever. The next generation of the iconic brand sets a new precedent with the creation of an entirely original class of motor car, the Ultra-Luxury Electric Super Coupé. A spiritual successor to the Phantom Coupé, Spectre is an emblem of artisanship in perfect harmony with electric technology, its visionary design reinvents timeless iconography.

Taking design inspiration from many sources including contemporary luxury yacht concepts, as the streamlined Spirit of Ecstasy leads Spectre forward with command and poise, this electric masterpiece acknowledges its forebear with its generous proportions and split headlight treatment – a contemporary RollsRoyce design tenet. Spectre’s uncompromising character is articulated through lines of sculptural purity. The fender line evokes dynamism, while the waft line sharply tapers

at the front creating the illusion of motion even when the car is still.

Stepping into Spectre also evokes feelings of wonder. Engulfed in supple and inviting leather, the interior draws inspiration from the timeless mystique of the night sky. With an intricate show of shooting stars, the Starlight Headliner is spellbinding whilst the Illuminated Fascia mesmerises with over 5,500 stars. Additionally, for the first time on a series production Rolls-Royce, Starlight Doors incorporating 4,796 softly illuminated ‘stars’ are available. Each ‘star’ is positioned by hand, creating a subtle sense of motion within Spectre’s cabin.

Furthermore, Spectre is equipped with a completely redesigned digital architecture of luxury named SPIRIT, presented in quintessential Rolls-Royce style. SPIRIT sets a new precedent for how technology and luxury are married with automotive excellence, not only managing the motor car’s functions, but also seamlessly integrating into the Whispers application, allowing clients to interact with their car remotely, and receive live information curated by the marque’s luxury intelligence specialists.

The proportional demands of Spectre’s scale required Rolls-Royce to embolden its wheel strategy. Spectre is the first production twodoor coupé to be equipped with 23-inch wheels in almost one hundred years.

Built on Rolls-Royce’s Architecture of Luxury, which was conceived from the very start with electric drive in mind, Spectre is the most powerful and most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever created, with every line of its body sculpted for ultimate grace and performance.

The Architecture of Luxury has been perfectly tailored to integrate Rolls-Royce’s electric powertrain into Spectre, enabling ideal battery placement within the floor plan. The mechanical setup and planar suspension has been honed over countless hours of specialised testing and ensures a truly optimal ride quality. Furthermore, Spectre is the most connected Rolls-Royce the marque has ever conceived. With 141,200 ender-receiver functions, 7km of cabling and over 25,000 sub-functions, Spectre is able to process complex data and exchange information with unparalleled levels of detail, refinement and effortlessness, whilst ensuring continuity of the Rolls-Royce experience. This ensures Spectre is without any doubt a RollsRoyce first and an electric car second. Spectre offers over 10 driver assistance systems – each a manifestation of this advanced intelligence –that accommodate the driver for a smooth and safe journey.

For inquiries, contact Rolls-Royce Bahrain Brand Manager Fawzi Osta on 33 610-111.

Taking centre stage in the epicentre of luxury, the Spectre marks the beginning of a new era for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in the region. Described as a prophecy fulfilled and a spirit electrified, it heralds the beginning of the start of a bold new chapter for the marque as it prepares to build only electric cars by the end of 2030.

AUBH Ghabga

American University of Bahrain (AUBH) hosted a Ghabga, during which Dr Bradley J. Cook, AUBH President, announced that the University received the official US accreditation through the WASC Senior College and University Commission, making AUBH among only a handful of other universities accredited by this world-renowned commission in the GCC and MENA region. The announcement was made in the presence of HE Dr Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Duaij Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the Higher Education Council, 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 COO, and a number of government officials, educational leaders, faculty and staff.

Four Seasons Iftar

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay celebrated the Holy Month with an iftar.

MAJESTIC MARQUES

No company in the world ties Bahrain and the UK closer together than McLaren Automotive, with a famous history linking the two, on and off the track. Working closely with its exclusive dealership in the kingdom, Kanoo Motors, the iconic marque continues to deliver excellence.

The British creator of luxury sportscars and supercars was founded by Bruce McLaren in 1963, and since then has established itself as one of the world’s premier luxury automotive manufacturers. It is now part-owned by the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat, which is the majority shareholder.

The McLaren Bahrain Tower, which stands proudly next to the Bahrain International Circuit as the regional headquarters of the brand, has a floor area of approximately 8,000sqm across eight floors. From here, the company runs its business operations across its combined Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, one of four McLaren divisions and one which comprises 20 markets, 36 retailers and constitutes approximately a third of the brand’s global sales.

The company’s racing heritage has thrilled fans of Formula 1 since the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix in 2004, and no race on the island would be complete without a

sea of supporters flying the flag of the team’s traditional orange colours.

Mumtalakat recently invested BD47m into the McLaren group and secured vintage racing cars and supercars from the company’s prized heritage collection. The kingdom is the driving force behind McLaren’s all-new in-house designed and developed innovative lightweight vehicle architecture that will underpin the next generation of McLaren’s electrified model line-up.

This comes hot on the heels of the exciting McLaren Artura, of which Kanoo Motors recently took the first regional deliveries to the delight of customers. Furthermore, the Artura continues to receive glowing reviews from both the global and local motoring community after successful test drives. The next-generation high-performance hybrid supercar is aimed at driving future growth for the company and is expected to contribute to circa 50 percent of the brand’s regional sales in 2023.

Gulf Hotels Group AGM

Ramadan Ghabga

Gulf Hotels Group held its 53rd Annual General Meeting at Awal Ballroom.

Palestinian Ambassador, HE Taha Abdel Qadir, hosted a Ramadan Ghabga at Gulf Hotel Bahrain.

BIC Media Ghabga

Bahrain International Circuit,

“The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East”, held its annual media ghabga at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.

THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ GLA

Mercedes-Benz is significantly upgrading the compact GLA SUV with numerous innovations and more extensive standard equipment, much to the delight of motoring enthusiasts.

The new radiator grille with vertical louvres and horizontal fin enhances the powerful character. In addition, the bonnet with discreetly suggested power domes underlines the self-confident appearance. The redesigned front bumper with visual underride protection points to the GLA’s off-road genes. Added to this is the modernised light signature in the standard LED High Performance front headlights and the LED rear lights.

Mercedes-Benz is also expanding the range of options with the new Spectral Blue paint colour and four additional wheel designs. In the basic trim, the new GLA stands on 17-inch five-twin-spoke alloy wheels in highgloss black with high-gloss turned surfaces. Optional 18- to 20-inch wheels are also available.

The interior is also receiving significant upgrades with the free-standing double screen being one of the highlights. It now includes a 7-inch and a 10.25-inch display as standard for the instrument cluster and multimedia screen respectively. Furthermore, two 10.25-inch wide-screen displays are optionally available. For the first time, a heated steering wheel rim is also

MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE HOSTS ICONIC AUDI

Audi Middle East has announced the first-ever arrival of the brand’s unique and iconic S1 e-tron quattro Hoonitron to the Middle East, at the Museum of the Future. The S1 Hoonitron has been making waves globally since its debut in the Elektrikhana film, where it was seen drifting through the streets of Las Vegas with the late legendary drifter, Ken Block, at the wheel. The S1 Hoonitron is just one of several exciting Audi show cars to be displayed for visitors this year as part of the successful ongoing collaboration between Audi

available for the AMG Line.

The new GLA is equipped with comfort seats upholstered in ARTICO man-made leather as standard. The Progressive equipment variant offers three interior colours: black, macchiato beige and sagegrey.

Middle East and the museum. The revolutionary Hoonitron’s all-wheel drivetrain is fully electric, with the front and rear axles each powered by a motor-generator unit (MGU). Four high-voltage batteries from a standard Audi PHEV model supply the drivetrain system and operate at 800 volts. Each MGU develops 250 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque, resulting in a total output of 500 kW and 640 Nm of torque.

Inspired by the iconic 1987 Audi Sport quattro S1 Pikes Peak car, the S1 Hoonitron combines Audi’s electric drivetrains from large-scale production and motorsport.

THE GENESIS GV80 COUPE CONCEPT

Genesis recently unveiled the GV80 Coupe Concept at an exclusive event at Genesis House New York. Inspired by the X Speedium Coupe Concept unveiled in New York last year, the GV80 Coupe Concept combines the practicality of a lifestyle-oriented SUV with the dynamism of a sports car.

The GV80 Coupe Concept’s front fascia sports the Double G-Matrix Patterned Crest Grille surrounded by the quad lights, which have evolved from multi-lens array technology to seamless light performance. Cooling is optimised by four slots within the bumper that reduce shadowed thermal flow.

Genesis’ rear-wheel-drive platform provides the basis for the GV80 Coupe Concept’s long bonnet and

generous dash-to-axle proportions. The front fender wears the ‘Designed by Genesis’ plaque that highlights the exclusive character of Genesis models while the five-spoke forged aluminum wheels and the carbon fiber roof – which contributes to the GV80 Coupe Concept’s dynamic driving qualities by lowering the center of gravity and reducing weight – emphasise the vehicle’s sporty character.

The vehicle’s optimised aerodynamic fluidity is complemented by an upper rear spoiler and spoiler lip on the elliptical concave ducktail, which provides increased downforce at speed. The model’s Magma exterior colour, on the other hand, was inspired by the brand’s Distinctly Korean ethos.

HYUNDAI SHOWS EV AUTOMATIC CHARGING ROBOT

Hyundai Motor Group has developed an automatic charging robot (ACR) for electric vehicles (EV) which was recently highlighted through a video shared on their official Youtube channel.

The ACR for EVs is a one-arm robot capable of plugging a cable into an EV’s charging port and removing it again once charging is complete. The new video of the real robot in action follows up on a CGI version released by the Group in July last year.

Once a vehicle is stationary in an EV-charging bay, the ACR communicates with the vehicle to open the charging port, calculating the exact location and angle through a camera mounted inside.

The robot then picks up the charger and fastens it to the vehicle’s charging port, thus starting the charging session. Once charging is complete, the robot removes the charger, returns it to its rightful place, and closes the cover of the vehicle’s charging port.

The ACR is an example of the Group’s advanced robot technology. The Group’s Robotics Lab has considered diverse variables in developing the ACR including weather, potential obstacles and weight of the charging cable.

JEEP® BRAND RELEASES COLLECTION OF NEW CONCEPTS

An entirely new collection of eye-catching, efficient and mission-capable concept vehicles was unveiled and driven off-road during the 57th annual Easter Jeep Safari™ in Moab, Utah, the Jeep® brand’s home away from home. Electrified power and commanding performance were prominent during this year’s Safari. The Jeep brand and Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) by Mopar design teams created several one-of-a-kind rock-crawling and terraintraversing vehicles that take four-wheeling to the next level.

Seven distinctive Jeep brand and JPP concept vehicles were equipped with an array of advanced powertrains for this year’s event. Back by popular demand was Jeep Wrangler Magneto, the first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) concept from the Jeep brand. Furthermore, the third iteration of the powerful and capable Jeep Wrangler SUV concept, Magneto 3.0, and three additional Jeep 4xe concept vehicles were testament to the Jeep brand’s commitment to Zero Emission Freedom and 4x4 leadership. Each concept also features the latest production and prototype JPP from Mopar, developed with rigorous specifications and legendary 4x4 capability in mind.

Benefit Ghabga

To celebrate the special occasion of Ramadan, Benefit hosted a delightful Media Ghabga at Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa.

Majlis Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society held a Ramadan Majlis at the society’s premises in Mahooz.

Heritage Festival

Under the auspices of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the annual Heritage Festival, in its 29th edition, was held at Souq Al Baraha in Diyar Al-Muharraq. The festival celebrated the Bahraini Ramadan customs, which allowed visitors to learn about the authentic traditions formed by the local community and related to the Holy Month, through a varied lineup of entertainment activities.

This is Bahrain Ghabga

Under the royal patronage of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, This is Bahrain held a ‘Peace for Humankind’ Annual Ramadan Ghabga at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain.

An AsianTreat!

The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa’s popular Bo.Sabi outlet has revitalised its menu, making the popular Asian cuisine concept restaurant an even more tantalising treat for our tastebuds. Kristian Harrison checked it out this month and discovered exactly why it will remain a favourite on Bahrain’s dining scene.

Bo.Sabi is synonymous with a vibrant, atmospheric ambience and great food to match. As we walked through the restaurant doors to be greeted by the friendly staff, we soon realised how it earned that reputation. The outlet is tastefully decorated and has a laid-back, contemporary vibe which is perfect for a night out with friends. Despite pulsating music and a lovely view overlooking the garden and pool, we chose to sit inside with the outlet’s high-ceiling offering perfect mood lighting and on-point cultural art decorations.

After being seated at a large table, we were soon served our starters. Bo.Sabi created a wonderful first impression with its Scallop and Pomelo Salad, with the scallops tasting so fresh I’d believe they were still in the ocean if I didn’t know better – something seafood connoisseurs are sure to appreciate. It was served with a fresh chirizu dressing and perfectly balanced with grated coconut and pine nuts. The Caterpillar Maki Roll was an excellent choice for those who appreciate the flavour of spicy salmon with its firm texture. We enjoyed the light flavours of the cucumber, avocado and sweet chili sauce which perfectly complemented the fish.

After washing down our starters with one of Bo.Sabi’s funky mocktails, of which there is a plethora of fruity flavours, we moved on to colourful platters of Rainbow Rolls and Volcano Maki Rolls. The platters make for an excellent choice when you’d like to sit back, enjoy some banter and savour quintessential Japanese food. While we enjoyed each and every element of the platters, what stood out to us the most was the Volcano Maki which is topped with red tobiko and teriyaki, which adds an interesting tang.

Next up was the Taiwanese Roasted Lamb Shank. It was beautifully cooked and had a (quite literal) sweet touch with its honey, ginger and smoked anise. It was perfectly complemented by the Chinese BBQ Beef Buns, which were even better when dipped in the tangy gravy from the lamb. One of our favourite mains was the Panang Char Kuey Toew which offered a perfect punch of familiar Asian flavours to reinvigorate our palate. The flat noodles were soft and silky and generously coated in a thick XO sauce and choy sum. This was followed by a light Indonesia Prawn Curry which was ladled with jumbo prawns, coconut milk, garden pea and diced potato. It was light and went perfectly with the Khao Phad Phrik, which was basil and chili fried rice with a punch.

Dining at Bo.Sabi in good company easily evokes images of being in a tropical Asian paradise. After our experience, we’re convinced that Bo. Sabi is here to stay as one of Bahrain’s iconic culinary temples.

DINING OUT

A FOODIE’S FIESTA!

What better way to spend your weekend than with a culinary journey through Mexico, alongside your familia and amigos? There’s no denying that Cantino Kahlo at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain has some of the very best Mexican food you can get your hands on. Enjoy a selection of creative dishes and beverages specially curated by the team, headed by Mexican Chef de Cuisine, Cesar de Jesus Gil. at Cantina Kahlo, you can indulge in a weekend brunch celebration featuring traditional Mexican favourites and entertainment, all within a vibrant and colourful setting.

You can enjoy this phenomenal brunch on Friday and Saturday from 1pm to 4pm. This entertaining brunch is priced at BD35 inclusive of soft beverages or BD45 inclusive of select beverages.

Call 17 586-499.

AN AWARD-WINNING BRUNCH

It’s no secret that Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay does nothing by half measures. Its award-winning Friday Brunch at Bahrain Bay Kitchen features favourite delights from the wok, tandoori, carving station, and more. A feast for the eyes and the palate, the brunch accompanied by live entertainment is the best way to celebrate the weekend with loved ones.

This Friday Brunch takes place from 12.30pm to 4pm and is priced at BD35 including soft beverages or BD48 inclusive of select beverages. Children under six years dine with the hotel’s compliments; children aged six to 12 enjoy 50 percent savings.

Call 17 115-500.

DINE WITH CELEBRITY CHEF THAIMEE

The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa will be welcoming back the renowned celebrity chef, Hong Thaimee, to its Royal Thai Restaurant. With her exceptional culinary expertise and knowledge of Thai cuisine, Chef Thaimee is all set to tantalise the taste buds of Bahrain with her delectable creations.

As a celebrated chef, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Chef Thaimee has been a global ambassador for Thai cuisine and culture for almost a decade. Her passion and dedication to promoting the essence of Thai cooking have made her one of the most prominent Thai chefs in the world. She

elevated Thai cuisine through her own homestyle dining concept, Thaimee Love, where she has set a new standard for serving authentic and accessible Thai food.

Chef Thaimee will showcase her spectacular culinary creations exclusively at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain from May 30 to June 3. In addition, she will be hosting a cooking class on Saturday, June 3, giving guests a chance to learn her cooking techniques and secrets.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to savour Chef Thaimee’s exquisite cuisine.

Call 36 551-333.

Lavish dinners, afternoon teas, extravagant brunches and more await you at some of Bahrain’s finest hotels this May. We narrowed down the very best for you to choose from.

A NIGHT IN ITALY

Looking for a late-night meal that’s sure to satisfy? Try Harvesters’ Mezzanotte Pasta and Beverage Pairings. Inspired by the Italian tradition of midnight spaghetti, The Crowne Plaza Bahrain has expertly paired options including classic spaghetti, rich fettuccine alfredo, and hearty penne arrabiata, each served with a house beverage.

Indulge in this delicious Italian-inspired tradition from 8pm to midnight.

Call 17 531-122 or 37 223-366.

THE HOTTEST BRUNCH

Gather your brunch buds and head over to the hottest beachside dining spot in Bahrain –Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain. Enjoy a delicious spread expertly crafted by the crew at Origins Restaurant with freshly sourced local ingredients. Take in the beautiful sea views and quench your thirst by the beach while you enjoy live music and entertainment with your friends and family.

Vida’s Friday Brunch takes place from 1pm to 4pm and is priced at BD28 inclusive of soft beverages or BD35 inclusive of selected beverages. Kids from six to 12 years old dine for BD14. Prior booking is advised.

Call 77 488-100.

A MAGICAL TEA PARTY!

Enjoy an afternoon tea experience inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland at Bay View Lounge located at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Executive Pastry Chef Imad Boukli has created a menu with handcrafted pastries and unique sandwiches complemented with a selection of tea, coffee or mocktails from the newly launched Beverage Zero menu.

This unique experience will be available from May 15 from noon to 11pm, and is priced at BD18 net per person and BD20 net per person for the royal option with selected mocktails from the Beverage Zero selection.

Call 17 115-500.

DELIGHTFUL CURRY AND KEBABS!

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s phenomenal Indian restaurant Nirvana brings back its delectable food promotion ‘Curry and Kebab’ which gives its food lovers a chance to immerse themselves in authentic Indian cuisine.

The ‘Curry and Kebab’ promotion is available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 3pm and from 7pm to 11pm. Prices start from BD16 per person.

Call 17 586-499.

STEAK IT EASY

There are few things as satisfying as a perfectly cooked steak. The K Hotel, located in the heart of Juffair, has an offer that will make every carnivore’s mouth water – The Texas Steak Buffet at KOLORS Restaurant! Might we have just heard an audible “yum”? It’s just as the name says – an all you can eat steak night – coupled with some fantastic live entertainment.

The Texas Steak Buffet is priced at BD15 inclusive as a glass of house beverage and is every Thursday from 7pm to 11pm.

Call 17 360-000.

BRING OUT THE CHOPSTICKS!

Did somebody say unlimited sushi? La Mosaique at The Crowne Plaza Bahrain has a real treat in store for sushi lovers with this phenomenal buffet featuring a wide range of favourites from Japanese cuisine that are sure to satisfy your cravings.

The sushi buffet is priced at BD14 net and takes place every Tuesday from 7pm to 11pm.

Call 17 531-122 or 37 223-366.

LEGENDARY STEAKS

If you’re in the mood for a Sunday Ribeye, you’ll love the spectacular New Zealand grass fed Ribeye steak (280g) at Legendz Steakhouse located at Intercontinental Bahrain. This phenomenal cut is cooked to your liking and served with country-style grilled tomatoes and roasted garlic with your choice of sauce. You can savour your Sunday Ribeye from 6.30pm to 10.30pm for just BD14.2 net.

Call 17 227-777.

TALKING BUSINESS

You’ll look forward to business meetings with this phenomenal business lunch at Medzo, Intercontinental Bahrain. Choose from a wide variety of antipasti for your starter, a choice of your favourite pasta or a main course from our menu and a coffee with biscotti to finish your meal.

This business lunch is priced at just BD4.9 net per person and is available from Monday to Sunday from noon to 3pm.

Call 17 227-777.

Dafer Ghabga

HE Ambassador Dr Dafer Alumran and Dr Jihan Alumran, hosted a ghabga at Gulf Hotel Bahrain.

A PERFECT AFTERNOON TEA

Enjoy a selection of delicious cakes crafted by skilled culinary hands all day at Furn Bakery and Rotunda located at The Westin & Le Meridien City Centre Bahrain. The unique ambience of the Rotunda and their specials in the bakery display are sure to enchant you from the moment you walk in.

If a relaxing afternoon tea is preferable, you can tuck into a spread of finger sandwiches, homemade scones with jam, and a colourful array of pastries.

The afternoon tea experience is priced at BD15 inclusive of unlimited tea and coffee or BD20 with a glass of bubbly.

Call 17 171-000.

SENSATIONAL SEAFOOD

Dive in and taste the freshest catch of the day, including a selection of popular and traditional seafood dishes, making it a perfect night out for seafood lovers at Movenpick. Enjoy Silks Restaurant’s Seafood Night with a vast range of aquatic delicacies, from sushi, sashimi, seafood dim sum dumplings and tempura, oysters, slipper lobster, and tiger prawns to popular fish like hammour or red snapper.

The hotel’s talented team of chefs will prepare your favourite catch just the way you like it. The Seafood Night is priced at BD26+++ inclusive of unlimited select beverages or BD22+++ inclusive of soft beverages and a plate of oysters. The Seafood Night is every Monday from 7pm to 10pm.

Call 33 640-032.

TURKISH DELIGHTS!

Turkish cuisine is undoubtedly one of the most extensive cuisines in the world. Delectable salads, kebabs, manti, baklava and more make it truly irresistible.

Now you can enjoy a true Turkish feast at Baharat Restaurant located at the ground floor of Le Meridien City Centre Bahrain. With the Turkish Night buffet, you can have a true celebration of Turkish cuisine every Friday from 7pm to 11pm.

The buffet is priced at BD19 net per person with soft beverages and BD29 per person with selected beverages.

Call 17 171-441.

WHAT A CATCH!

You’re in for a treat at Origin Kitchen and Culture’s ‘What’s the Catch: Seafood Night’. The restaurant is located on the sixth floor of Hilton Bahrain and offers beautiful views of the city aside from fresh seafood cooked in a variety of styles.

Savour a wide range of cuisines from one of the many live cooking stations, tuck into some hand-rolled sushi.

With a choice of safi, sheri, mackerel, seabream, prawns and more you’re sure to be spoiled for choice.

Hilton’s Seafood Night takes place from 7pm to 10pm, and is priced at BD32 net inclusive of three selected house pour drinks, or BD25 inclusive of soft beverages.

Call 77 010-100.

Verminex Ghabga

Verminex hosted a ghabga to celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Gergaoun

The K Hotel hosted some children from Special Olympics Bahrain for Gergaoun in association with the Bahrain Paralympic Committee. The Special Olympics team enjoyed activities followed by a ghabga. The gathering is part of The K Hotel’s commitment to give back to the society.

HOW TO EVALUATE YOUR BUSINESS IDEA

Over the last couple of weeks I have had some very interesting conversations around business ideas and what sort of businesses opportunities exist. While, it often seems like the best ideas come out of ‘aha’ moments, in reality, the best execution comes out of detailed research and painstaking work.

This month, I thought I would give you a sort of ‘cheat sheet’ into identifying an area of opportunity. Just follow the steps below!

Find a core aim

A business idea has to either solve a problem, make a process easier, eliminate a process or create a need no one knew they had. To explain, Google solves a problem of not having instant answers; Netflix makes the process of entertainment simpler, a cloud kitchen eliminates real estate needs and cryptocurrency created a new need altogether. If you have an idea, it must have a core aim.

Understand the economics of the country

Every country has its core economic sectors. For instance, Bahrain has oil and gas as its core sector. The other prominent sectors are banking, real estate, hospitality and trade. In addition to these, the core sectors that feed every economy are education and healthcare. Why is this relevant? Because the size of the economic sector explains the market available. Any product or service that feeds into a core sector has the potential to grow. The exception is very high margin products – these can make money even if sales volume is not high.

Study the boring stuff –demographics and market size

Demographics is the profile of a population – when you read that, it suddenly becomes clear why it is so critical. Learn the process of breaking down demographics. So, if you have a product that is catering to learning technologies, you need to know how many school-going children are there, how many of those learn in the language of your tool, and, how many of those have an income level that allows them to pay for your product. Blend that knowledge into your pricing strategy to find out a minimum sales level needed to break even.

Find out who you are speaking to

“If you speak to everyone, you speak to no one”. I read this somewhere and it has stuck with me. Every product and every service has a specific audience – know who that audience is. Then, do the maths and see if the demographics and market size balance out the investment you would need to make. Because not all investments make enough money in the correct span of time. Time also has value, and, in the case of money, the longer the time, the lesser its value.

Business strategy is all about numbers. How much you spend has to be balanced by how much you earn in a reasonable amount of time. For many, that’s not a pleasant experience. However, if your idea cannot earn you the required income in a reasonable time frame, it’s not a business –it’s likely a charity where your suppliers are the beneficiaries. The idea or business will give you a sense of purpose for sure, but, eventually, when the pockets that fund it dry up, picking up the pieces is messy.

Do the messy work before you invest, that’s probably the biggest ‘cheat code’ of them all.

Building a business is no easy task with several factors needing to be taken into consideration. Pria Masson shares her ‘cheat sheet’ for evaluating your business and making it worthwhile.

READ WOMAN THIS MONTH IN ANY FORMAT CONVENIENT TO YOU:

Print | Online | Digital

to keep you abreast of everything that’s happening in and about town.

Diplomat Iftar The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa held a Media Iftar with a new concept.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts leader Jason Rodgers, who has been the Hotel Manager of the landmark property for five years, has been promoted to General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. With an impressive 25-year tenure with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Mr. Rodgers brings a wealth of international experience.

“I am honoured and excited for my new role as General Manager,” he says. “Our iconic hotel is one the best and most significant properties of our company. In an expanding tourism destination known for its amazing hospitality and warm people, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay is one of the landmarks of the Kingdom, on its private island.”

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY NAMES NEW GM

After graduating with a Bachelor of Hotel Management from Canberra, Australia, he pursued his strong desire to travel and discover new cultures and destinations. He began his career with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in 1998 as a management trainee in Kuala Lumpur and has since worked in various capacities at properties in the United Kingdom, Mauritius and Qatar.

In 2018, he moved to Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, where he was endorsed as the Hotel Manager.  During his time as Hotel Manager, he led crucial projects in Bahrain including the opening of the Hotel’s private beach, water park, and Beach Club. His motivational leadership resulted in remarkable operational success, including

prestigious international accolades and recognitions for the hotel.

His guest-oriented approach played a key role in increasing guest satisfaction and repeat business, which also had a significant impact in the tremendous commercial success of the Hotel in 2022, which was a record-breaking year. “Guests desire personalised experiences, and the brand supports tailoring their time spent with us. That is why our guests are loyal to the Hotel and the brand,” he says.

Mr. Rodgers will lead new projects with his team, prioritising authentic culinary and leisure experiences and product enhancements at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.

FUELING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

The Chairman of the Bahrain Society of Training Institutes Nawaf Al-Jishi, has emphasised the importance of training citizens to take on leadership positions in companies and institutions.

“As the primary resource of Bahrain, human resources must be considered the most valuable asset. Therefore, their development through rigorous training programmes and increased presence in the labour market must be made a priority. This can be achieved both quantitatively, by raising the percentage of Bahrainisation, and qualitatively, by ensuring that a greater number of Bahrainis hold leadership positions,” explains Mr. Al-Jishi.

He believes that Bahrain stands out in the region due to its long-standing tradition of cultivating highly-skilled professionals who play a crucial role in the Kingdom’s economic development and diversification efforts. Bahrain’s banking sector, which has thrived since the 1970s, and major industrial companies like Alba and GPIC are examples of this.

“Bahraini training institutes effectively enhance the qualifications and capabilities of the national workforce. This entails facilitating their efforts to further elevate the quality of their training programmes, while fostering greater collaboration among relevant authorities including the Ministry of Labour, the Quality Assurance Authority, and Tamkeen,” he concludes.

ANNUAL ISLAMIC FINANCE INNOVATION DAY TO BE HELD

Over 300 regional and international leaders in Islamic banking, finance and insurance, sustainability, ESG and technology are expected to attend the Annual Islamic Finance Innovation Day (IFID) which will take place on May 30 at the Gulf Hotel in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The fourth edition of the event, which was founded and organised by FinMark Communications, will be held under the patronage of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB).

The Forum, which will focus on ‘Embedding ESG into Islamic Finance – Opportunities for Innovation and Growth’, is being held with the support of Lead Partner Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB). Interactive sessions, that have been designed by the Forum’s Advisory Committee of industry experts, will encourage knowledge sharing and exchange on how institutions and businesses in the industry can leverage the

principles of ESG and the power of financial technology to accelerate further industry advancement, drive innovation and achieve longterm sustainable growth.

The Advisory committee is headed by CEO of BisB, Yaser Alsharifi, along with participation from senior representatives from the Central Bank of Bahrain, RFI Foundation, Bahrain

Institute of Banking and Finance, Al Baraka Group, Aion Digital and Bahrain Chamber. The Forum will comprise of a keynote address and fireside chat with industry leaders as well as two panel sessions, ‘Going Beyond Compliance – ESG as a Driver for Innovation and Sustainable Growth’ and ‘The Essential Role of Fintechs in Accelerating ESG Adoption’.

BAHRAIN’S ICT SPENDING TO EXCEED USD2 BILLION CYBERATTACKS ON THE RISE

ICT spending in Bahrain is set to reach USD2.03 billion in 2023 and USD2.23 billion by 2026, according to the latest predictions by International Data Corporation (IDC).

Announcing its regional forecasts for the year ahead, IDC revealed that it expects telecommunications services spending in Bahrain to increase, with IT spending set to grow from USD0.87 billion in 2023 to USD1 billion in 2026.

The findings are in line with ICT and digital economy being major pillars in Bahrain’s Economic Recovery Plan and will contribute towards achieving the Kingdom’s comprehensive economic growth and development. “To navigate storms of disruption, organisations in Bahrain will need to invest in strengthening their digital resiliency so they are better positioned to succeed in new market environments as conditions continue to change,” says Jyoti Lalchandani, IDC’s Group Vice president and Regional Managing Director for the META region.

“Regardless of what the economy throws at us over the coming 12 months, the implementation of further digitalisation in critical areas such as customer experience, operations, and financial management — together with a more rapid shift to a ‘digital business’ approach — will be key to separating the thrivers from the survivors,” he added.

In a digital-first economy, where an enterprise’s competitiveness is tied to its digital business model, leaders will avoid wholesale cutbacks in tech. Further, new tactics will be employed as tech leaders seek to realize maximum business value from their tech investments. In Bahrain, spending on Enterprise IT will reach USD0.44 billion and consumer spending will reach USD0.41 billion in 2023.

Chief Financial Officer at The Benefit Company, Layla Alqassab, has emphasised that security threats within banks and financial services companies were progressively expanding due to technological advancements. Hence, enterprises that are at risk are urged to deploy necessary cybersecurity measures.

This was stated during Ms. Alqassab’s participation as a key speaker in a seminar organised by NGN International, a Bahraini IT systems integrator and security services provider, to promote cybersecurity awareness among public and private sector entities.

“An organisations teams which are responsible for technology, information security and finance must have a thorough grasp of one another’s roles and responsibilities. As a result, there will be a certain level of integration between the two departments, which will enable them to work together on problems and challenges that demand simultaneous financial and technological involvement,” she says.

According to Ms. Alqassab, research by the International Monetary Fund indicates that by 2025, cyberattacks will cost the world’s banks nine percent of their total global revenue, or USD100 billion. “When it comes to cybersecurity, we are talking about enormous potential risks that could completely devastate the organisation. As a result, every organisation or startup needs to allocate a suitable budget for cybersecurity,” she concludes.

Murder Mystery 2

Full-time detectives Nick (Adam Sandler) and Audrey (Jennifer Aniston) are struggling to get their private eye agency off the ground. They find themselves at the centre of international abduction when their friend the Maharaja, is kidnapped at his own lavish wedding.

Releases

Kristian Harrison previews the latest and greatest offerings available this month on streaming services.

The American

When an assignment in Sweden ends badly, master assassin Jack (George Clooney) retreats to the Italian countryside with the intention of remaining anonymous. In an uncharacteristic move, he becomes friends with a local priest and pursues a torrid romance with a beautiful woman (Violante Placido). But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be making a fatal mistake.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

India Amarteifio plays Young Queen Charlotte in this spinoff that rewinds the clock and tells the story of how the young Queen’s marriage to King George sparked both a great love story and a societal shift.

Black Knight

This South Korean sci-fi action series from writer/director Cho Ui-seok is set in a dystopian future where the world has been devastated by air pollution and people rely on the Black Knights for deliveries. However, they’re far from your average deliverymen.

Blood and Gold

In the final days of WWII, a German deserter (Alexander Scheer) desperate to return home gets caught up in a battle against SS troops on a mission to uncover hidden gold.

Judy Blume Forever

This documentary film celebrates the life and writing career of the amazing Judy Blume. Witness the author candidly and intimately share her own coming-of-age story and share personal details about her life and work, with the accompaniment of sweet, playful animations and words from other acclaimed authors and artists that all exemplify Blume’s incredible work ethic and impact.

Dead Ringers

Based on the Jeremy Irons-led 1988 film of the same name, Dead Ringers is a psychological thriller drama miniseries about twin gynaecologists Elliot and Beverly Mantle (Rachel Weisz) who share everything. But what the two are most passionate about is doing whatever it takes to challenge outdated gynaecology practices and improve women’s healthcare, even if it means pushing the boundaries on medical ethics to do so.

Citadel

This sci-fi action thriller series follows Mason Kane (Richard Madden) and Nadia Sinh (Priyanka Chopra Jonas), who were elite agents of the independent global spy agency, Citadel, until its fall at the hands of powerful, deadly crime syndicate Manticore. Eight years later, they are suddenly threatened when former Citadel colleague, Bernard Orlick (Stanley Tucci) tracks them down and pulls them back into the fight against Manticore.

A Small Light

This limited series tells the remarkable story of secretary Miep Gies (Bel Powley), who didn’t hesitate when her boss Otto Frank (Liev Schreiber) asked her to hide him and his family from the Nazis during World War II. For the next two years, Miep, her husband Jan (Joe Cole) and several other everyday heroes watched over the eight souls hiding in the secret annex. It was Miep who found Anne’s diary and preserved it so that she and Otto could later share it with the world.

Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All

For the first time, global superstar Ed Sheeran opens the doors to a definitive and searingly honest view into his private life as he explores the universal themes that inspire his music. This series follows Ed after he learns of life-changing news and reveals his hardships and triumphs during the most challenging period of his life.

Star Wars: Visions (Volume 2)

Following on the Emmy Award-nominated success of the first batch of episodes, the newest volume of Star Wars: Visions will continue to push the boundaries of storytelling, with nine new shorts from nine studios around the globe. Employing the most captivating animation styles from a variety of countries and cultures, the second volume offers a dynamic new perspective on the storied mythos of Star Wars.

Fall Out Boy So Much

(For) Stardust

What’s the story?

So Much (For) Stardust is the eighth studio album by American rock band Fall Out Boy and marks the band’s return to their original record label Fueled By Ramen. Vocalist Patrick Stump discussed the album’s creation: “Technology has made it really easy to make records much more quickly these days. There’s nothing wrong with that, and that spontaneity can be exciting... But we wanted to get back to the way we used to work. We wanted to make a record that was really lovingly crafted and deliberate and patiently guided – like someone cooked you a delicate meal.”

Worth a listen?

Fall Out Boy fully re-embrace the emo and punk-pop dynamism of their classic work. Without ever sounding too much like a throwback, So Much (For) Stardust has a homecoming feeling, as if Fall Out Boy are getting back to their rock roots. From the start, there’s a balance of measured craftsmanship and big melodic hooks, all effusively delivered by Stump. It’s an infectious combination the band perfect on the opening ‘Love from the Other Side,’ a song ostensibly about dealing with (and perhaps being the cause of) a bad breakup. The rest of the record rarely lets up from there.

THE WHO Live At Wembley

Live at Wembley captures The Who’s return to England’s iconic stadium on July 6, 2019. It was their first time playing the venue in 40 years and they employed a full orchestra to celebrate the occasion. The Who integrate the orchestra quite seamlessly throughout the performances, especially during an extended segment focused on Quadrophenia material; the ensemble helps Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey summon a bit of the old Who’s flair for bombast. Even so, the moments on the record that cut the deepest are when the band plays without the orchestra. ‘Substitute’ and ‘The Seeker’ sound vigorous delivered by a straight rock combo, while Townshend and Daltrey’s acoustic renditions of ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ and ‘Behind Blue Eyes’ help make these old warhorses sound relatively fresh.

DEPECHE MODE

Memento Mori

Death and loss loom large over the mournful Memento Mori, Depeche Mode’s 15th album and first without founding member Andy Fletcher. The sombre set takes on even more gravity and significance after his death. Understandably subdued and emotionally heavy, this is the sound of two old friends reeling from tragedy while keeping an eye on the days that remain. Memento Mori is the band’s most solid effort in decades, as tragedy is transformed into something profound, leaving heartfelt, thoughtful and moving statements.

BOYGENIUS The Record

What’s remarkable about The Record is how three idiosyncratic songwriters consciously decide to subsume their quirks within a group voice. Individual traits haven’t been erased so much as they’ve been sanded so they can fit neatly together. The unified front gives The Record shape and heft, qualities apparent from its twin openers: ‘Without You Without Them’ highlights their spectral harmonies, while ‘$20’ drives home an offset riff that’s quintessentially 1990s.

BETTER HEALTH AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Here’s a useful government app that helps you stay informed about all things health-related.

Sehati is a mobile app which is revolutionising the health industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain! Provided by the Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Supreme Council of Health, National Health Regulatory Authority, Government Hospitals and Primary Health Care Centres, it consists of a bundle of health eServices to assist the public. Services which aim to improve ease of access to medical services include:

• Find a Doctor: Displays all authorised physicians in Bahrain with their specialties and working place.

• Ask a Doctor: Ask a medical question and get the reply from the physician concerned.

• Medicines: Information about the authorised medicines in Bahrain, the pharmacies which sell them and related details such as price and supplier name.

• Appointments: Book an appointment at your Health Centre or Salmaniya Medical Complex pharmacy and view the appointments either at Salmaniya Medical Complex or King Hamad University Hospital.

• Pharmacies and Shops: Information about the authorised pharmacies and health product retailers in Bahrain.

• Health Care Facilities: Information about all available healthcare facilities in Bahrain, such as hospitals, clinics, health centres and more.

• Medical Results: Check the readiness status of your medical results (such as Lab and X-ray) in Salmaniya Medical Complex and King Hamad University Hospital. In addition, you can also check the result of any recent COVID-19 tests.

• Birth Certificate Services: Requests for birth certificates for new births and replacements of existing birth certificates.

BKS Iftar Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam hosted an iftar at its Diamond Jubilee Hall with Chief Guest, Indian Ambassador, HE Piyush Srivastava and Guest of Honour, Chairman of the Bahrain India Society, Abdul Rahman Juma.

Temple Visit

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri. Om Birla visited the 200-year-old Shreenathji (Shri Krishna) Temple in Manama during his trip to Bahrain for the 146th Assembly of Inter Parliamentary Union.

JUST IN TIME FOR Spring

Flowy dresses, frills, an adventurous colour palette and flora-inspired patterns make dressing up for spring a treat. We explore the beautiful SS23 collection by Johanna Ortiz that checks a lot of the right boxes.

The Johanna Ortiz SS23 collection is designed to make you feel energetic and bold with its vibrant colour palette that merges a sublime orange sunrise and hypnotic malachite green. The ideal colour palette for spring.

The collection’s exploration of textures adds a celebratory feeling this spring. The SS23 Collection features unique eyelet details inspired by Guance ancestors’ pottery, highlighting the ancient artisanal techniques celebrating the culture and skills and preserving the traditions of the past.

The collection showcases mantones that transform into dresses through the intricate art of draping. Silky tassel details and exaggerated Raffia trim make for a playful and modest look. Iridescent and sensorial, the prints come to life with 3D sequins and raffia embroideries, hand crafted with heart.

Certain whimsical pieces in the collection have been brought to life with more than 16 hours of detailed hand work, making the collection an exceptional work of art. The long flowy dresses from Johanna Ortiz’s SS23 collection are kaftan life and are ideal for those looking for a more modest look too.

Johanna Ortiz’s phenomenal selection of oversized city totes, statement necklaces and earrings are ideal for accessorising your outfit. In fact, the mini mochila has become one of JO’s most iconic pieces. For SS23 it has been reinterpreted as intricately hand woven with glass beads for the day and hand embroidered with golden palm trees and dancing silk tassels for the evening.

DEVELOPING A GREATER LIAISON

Amongst the plethora of displays at the Bahrain International Garden Show, held at Exhibition World Bahrain recently, one in particular caught our eye. The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in the State of Kuwait, which also holds accreditation to the Kingdom of Bahrain, showcased Kenya’s famous heritage, art, tourism and of course, its wonderful tea and coffee!

Woman This Month was invited to speak to the Ambassador, Her Excellency Halima A. Mohamud, to find out more about the country’s wonderful African culture, the current state of diplomatic relations between Kenya and Bahrain, and how the Embassy helps the blossoming Kenyan community in the Kingdom.

Your Excellency, could you give our readers a brief on your political career?

My journey in public life started from my early years at university when I was a student leader. The 2010 Kenyan Constitution ushered in new opportunities for Kenyan women, youth and other marginalised communities, ensuring equal opportunities through the application of the 2/3rd Gender Rule and Affirmative Action in leadership positions.

I began working for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) on issues of good governance and educating citizens on the

constitution. It is during this period that I developed a passion for politics and was nominated to the Senate in 2013. I actively took part in parliamentary debates and participated in drafting various pieces of legislation that improved the governance in the country.

Subsequently, in 2019, I was appointed Kenya’s Ambassador to the State of Kuwait with multiple accreditation to the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Lebanon. It has been a most fulfilling duty thus far.

How many Kenyans are currently residing in Bahrain and the wider region, and has this number grown in recent years?

We estimate that there are approximately 6,000 Kenyans in Bahrain and 250,000 Kenyans in the wider Gulf region. The number had gradually increased over the last few years, however, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted labour markets all over the world. Despite this, there are positive indications that the numbers may begin to rise again, especially if a structured engagement of managing employment and labour export between the two countries is put into place.

What sectors are they mostly engaged in?

There are many Kenyans in the semi-skilled sector including domestic house managers. Others are mainly in the security and the hospitality sector. The governments of Kenya and Bahrain are working on a framework agreement on employment of workers, and we expect that the agreement will gradually open more opportunities for Kenyan workers in Bahrain including professional cadres. Kenya has a well-educated, hardworking, young and vibrant workforce, with a very positive work ethic which makes it competitive all over the world.

What are the current trade figures between Kenya and Bahrain?

Between 2012 and 2021, Kenya’s exports to Bahrain averaged at USD5.5 million while imports from Bahrain averaged at USD150.2 million. The balance of trade is in favour of Bahrain, but as you can see, the trade volumes between the two countries remain relatively low. The fact is these figures are not representative of the immense potential that exists between the two countries for growing bilateral trade. It remains largely untapped, and Kenya is therefore keen on expanding trade and economic cooperation with Bahrain especially by encouraging our business sector to explore the available opportunities in Bahrain.

What are the most sought-after products traded between the two countries?

Kenya’s principal export product to Bahrain in 2021 was sheep and goat meat, either fresh, chilled or frozen, which accounted for 71.4 percent of Kenya’s total exports. Other key export products include cut flowers, dates, figs, pineapples, avocados, guavas, mangoes, nuts, tea and coffee.

On the other hand, Kenya’s leading and main import products from Bahrain in 2021 included iron parts or non-alloy steel, petroleum oil products, unwrought aluminium, chemical products and textile materials.

What has your experience been like in Bahrain and how have you found the response to your Kenyan products like the

tea, coffee and art?

Participating at the Bahrain International Garden Show has been a valuable and eye-opening experience for us. From the interactions we have had at our stand and the follow-up discussions with potential importers, I can say without doubt that there is a huge interest in Kenyan products especially coffee and tea, beyond the meat which is already established in the market here. For example, one of the patrons at the stand told us how they have to travel to Saudi Arabia to buy a Kenyan tea brand that they love! Therefore, we intend to closely follow up on the contacts we have developed in the market to link them up with suppliers in Kenya. Tourism has a big potential also, and we intend to open discussions with tourism players in Bahrain on how to develop the potential in this area.

In what ways do you promote the relationship between Bahrain and Kenya?

Kenya and Bahrain enjoys very warm and cordial relations. In fact, the dialogue and interactions between officials of our two governments has been very positive. But there’s an acknowledgment now on the need to develop our bilateral ties to emphasise areas that deliver concrete mutual benefits to the people of our two countries. Forging closer trade and economic cooperation is therefore a key pillar for our bilateral relations. Therefore participating in exhibitions is a deliberate effort to actualise and move the focus towards this priority. We intend to tap into the historical ties between our peoples and the now growing people-to people connections to open further opportunities and pave the way for a more robust engagement between our two friendly countries.

Are there any high-level visits planned between the two countries, and do you yourself have any future visits to Bahrain planned?

Kenya has participated in the IISS Manama Dialogue numerous times, which is the preeminent peace and security forum in the region and beyond. Kenya has been sending

high level representatives in policy-making positions and the interactions and insights gleaned from the forum have been very illuminating and valuable. We look forward to attending the next edition.

Our countries are also discussing ways of strengthening bilateral relations through revitalisation of the existing bilateral cooperation frameworks and exploring new areas of partnership. Therefore, in the near future, the two countries will hold bilateral consultations in Nairobi aimed at setting out priority areas of cooperation within the context of the Joint Commission for Cooperation. Personally, I have a brief from my government to help to bring the relationship between our two countries to its full potential. That task requires me to work closely with Bahrain authorities including the Foreign Ministry and the private sector. Therefore, I am always planning for my next trip here. Furthermore, we also have quite a significant Kenyan diaspora community that is constantly in need of consular services.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like to recognise the keen interest that our two governments have taken in seeking to develop closer cooperative relations. I am committed to doing everything I can to achieve progress on that front including by promoting greater liaison between our counterpart government departments and assisting to promote and intensify interactions between our business and private

In Vivid Colour

Bright colours, abstract shapes and visual storytelling make the unique works of Bahraini artist Mariam Dashti unmistakable. She tells Farah Baig about how a dream and revisiting her passion for art led her down a colourful path to artistic fulfilment.

“Bahrain’s art scene is a growing community full of talented Bahrainis unleashing their creativity in various ways. People are finding their passion and pursuing it; it’s wonderful to witness that.” These are the words of Mariam Dashti, a talented Bahraini herself, who is making waves on the art scene.

Having graduated from Leeds University with a Master’s Degree in Economics, Mariam initially ventured out into the corporate world, pursuing a career in banking. “It didn't take long for me to realise that banking was not for me. So, a couple of years later I decided to quit my job and figure out what truly ignites my soul,” she says.

In 2018, Mariam dreamt that she was painting on a large wall – a dream that would lead to a blossoming career in art. “When I woke up, I thought ‘Why don’t I start painting again?’ but it had been 10 years since I’d stopped when I left Bahrain to study abroad,” she reminisces. “It felt new to me so I was struggling to achieve the results I wanted, but I am a keen learner… so I did some research and found Artology, and that's where I rediscovered the artist within me.”

Mariam’s preferred medium is acrylics and her art is identified by its bold, vibrant colours

and unique abstract figures. “Colour and shape play a major part in my work. When all the elements are eventually brought together in a painting, it becomes a journey of communication between the viewer and myself,” she explains.

Most artists typically have a plan before starting a painting, but that isn’t Mariam’s approach. “I like to pour my heart out first and then make sense of what I see. That’s something I love about art – it has no rules. My inner thoughts, feelings and experiences inspire each of my paintings. So, they each tell a story or, oftentimes, more than one story,” she says.

“Each canvas is a journey of its own. Each painting has its struggles and triumphs, and each painting represents a unique time in my life. When you buy a painting from an artist, you are buying more than just a painting. You are buying a part of someone's soul,” she adds.

She now aspires to hold her first solo art exhibition, with a long-term goal being to penetrate the international art market while being recognised as an artist internationally.

“My paintings are displayed at Fakhrawi Gallery from time to time, and I have participated in a few exhibitions in the past. This year I have been selected as a participant in the 49th Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition - a great honour for me!” she says enthusiastically.

“Art at its core should make you feel something. People often measure art solely by its beauty, but art is so much more. It is in the portrayal of the artist’s profound emotions. It’s in the conveyance of a concept or idea between the artist and the perceiver. It’s in seeing things from another’s viewpoint. It’s a door for conversations and sharing the way we experience the world. Art connects us with something bigger than ourselves,” she concludes.

To keep up with Mariam and her stunning art, follow @mariamdashti_art on Instagram or email mariamdashtiart@gmail.com.

Turkish Iftar

Turkish Ambassador, Esen Çakıl, hosted iftars on the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan at Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain.

Say Hi! to Hydrated Hair

Your hair and humidity are not friends. Amp up your hydration routine to keep your hair tangle-free and healthy throughout the summer months. The Hair Addict, the natural hair platform that empowers people to embrace their naturally textured hair, is here to help with its Frizz-Off range.

The all-inclusive, sustainable products help tame humidity-induced frizz with a low-chemical, damage-free formula. It also necessary moisture and nourishment to keep the hair hydrated, frizz-free, and healthy. From the range, one of our absolute favourite products to achieve ultimate hair hydration is The Hair Addict’s Frizz-Off Deep Conditioner. Just as the use of a normal, daily conditioner is great for your hair, humidity requires some deep nourishment. Use it a maximum of three times a week to give your hair that healthy, frizz-free volume.

Available at thehairaddict.net

Rejuvenating

It’s no secret that we’re all beautiful in our own way. Making use of beauty products is all about accentuating our features and showing ourselves a little TLC. Here are some of our highly-recommended essentials to do just that!

DEMYSTIFYING RETINOL

Retinol is almost always the answer to pretty much any skin issue you can think of — acne, fine lines, dark spots, drooping, dullness, dark circles, enlarged pores and more. The right retinol products can help address all these concerns and improve the skin's appearance upon consistent use. Simply put, retinol is a form of Vitamin A – an ingredient that is used in skincare products because of its superpower ability to speed up skin cell renewal and enhance collagen production.

While retinol may seem like it ticks every one of your boxes, it is important to use it carefully. As the ingredient is heavily potent in nature, when overused it could cause dryness and irritation. And with the Middle East’s sun usually at its peak, the use of it at regular intervals will help reduce the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Hence, it’s important to complete your routine with a trusted sunscreen.

The best way to introduce retinol into your skincare regime is to start with a low concentration until you build up your tolerance bit by bit. If you’d like to give retinol a try, check out Superdrug’s Optimum Firming Anti-Ageing Face Serum Retinol, Skin Proud’s Recharge 1% Retinol Serum Night Cream, RoC’s Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Daily Serum or Hada Labo Tokyo’s AntiAgeing Super Hydrator Lotion Face Cream.

Available on watsons.ae

Flaunt Flawless Beauty with KAMIRA

Koreans have truly perfected skincare with their routines being a worldwide sensation. KAMIRA cosmetics, a newly launched luxurious skincare brand from Korea, is just what you need to reinvigorate your skincare routine. Derived and inspired from the beauty of the moon, KAMIRA’s beauty range is light and illuminates your glow. KAMIRA’s 24 Carat Gold & Royal Caviar range is suitable for all skin types, tones, and texture.

We love the luxe KAMIRA Serum - a refreshing blend, containing highlyconcentrated naturally-derived ingredients to restore skin texture and complexion. The lightweight formula gives the skin a detox with gold extract, caviar and hyaluronic acid which rejuvenates the skin and acts as a booster for glow.

Available at kamiracosmetics.com

Mood-Boosting Flormar

It’s comforting to know that internationally acclaimed makeup brand Flormar’s new Mood Booster collection is inspired by the positive impact makeup can have. Featuring a range of blushes and illuminators, the moodenhancing collection allows one to perfect that rosy glow, boosting serotonin levels as one indulges in the joy and creativity of colour cosmetics.

Choose from four gorgeous liquid blushers from the Flormar Mood Booster Blush collection which provides a naturally flushed and lively appearance with its weightless silky formula. The buildable formula is enriched with green tea extract, which has moisturising and refreshing effects, it can be used as little and as much as you desire. Alternatively, you can accentuate your natural glow with this light, creamy Flormar Mood Booster Illuminator which can be applied as a highlighter or mixed in with your foundation for a natural glow. The illuminator is available in three shades: Moon Glow, Sun Goddess and Bronze Glow.

Available at Flormar stores.

HYDRATE WITH N°1 DE CHANEL

Planning on vacationing in a cooler location this month? We’ve got just the product for you. CHANEL has harnessed the goodness of the red camellia – a fleshy, dense and radiant flower – and applied it to a new skincare product: N°1 DE CHANEL Rich Revitalising Cream.

The camellia is always a step ahead, working permanently to produce new stems, branches, leaves, and when winter comes, flowers meaning it can withstand cool conditions and regenerate itself perpetually.

CHANEL Research has developed an anti-aging skincare product enriched with camellia ceramides, produced through a process that is entirely natural. Ceramides are lipids naturally found in our skin that play a vital role in keeping it healthy by creating a barrier to lock in moisture so wrinkles are minimised.

The Rich Revitalising Cream is the new ally for combating signs of aging. The red camellia extract acts on the N°1 stage of skin aging by boosting the vitality of skin cells and keeping skin hydrated.

Available at leading beauty stockists.

MAKING MISTAKES IS FINE.

We put padding on the sharp corners of the coffee table. We put dangerous chemicals in locked cabinets and make children hold our hand in car parks. In the first few years of their life, we see them as incapable of 'good' judgment and keeping themselves safe. They need constant supervision by a responsible adult.

But in just a few short years, our babies become toddlers, our toddlers become school-age children and our school-age children become teenagers. As they get older, they need us less and less for their physical safety—but our parental protective instincts are still there. Consequently, for many of us, our focus shifts to protecting them from disappointment, sadness, frustration and struggle—their emotional safety.

But, this is where I am going to invite you to consider another perspective. Could a little disappointment, sadness, frustration and struggle be a good thing? Think of it this way: it is kind of like physical exercise. The benefits are only gained as you work through the pain and discomfort.

So, what are the benefits of your teenager making a mistake and then working through the emotional pain to find a solution? Resiliency and resourcefulness.

Now I know what you are probably thinking: "That sounds awesome, but I can’t just leave them hanging." The key is to make the shift from your instinctive desire to protect or rescue your teenager, to the long term goal of their personal development.

As parents, we are instinctively inclined to protect our children. We wouldn’t want them to experience negative emotions or make mistakes, right?

Ouiam El Hassani tells us otherwise and shares her tips on how to let our teenagers make mistakes, with emotional growth in mind.

Here are three key steps you can take to let your teenager make mistakes:

1. Move from a 'rescue' to an 'empowerment' mindset.

The reality is that your teenager is going to make mistakes. Our role as parents is to empower them so that they learn as much as possible as they work to overcome the circumstances of their choices. Any'bad' choice made by your teenager is a tremendous opportunity for personal growth, but in order for them to benefit from these lessons, parents would have to resist the urge to rescue their kids and shift to an empowerment mindset.

This first step, a shift in your perspective, is letting go of the belief that your teenager can’t handle the struggle or find a solution to their problems. Focus your attention on their strengths and potential. Trust their ability to do the right thing, or at least what they see right.

2. Provide a safe space for their negative emotions to dissipate.

A teenager is not in a position to grow and learn when they are overwhelmed with negative emotions. Consequently, the second step in your efforts to empower your teenager is to provide a safe place for any negative emotions to dissipate.

The key here is to stay grounded in compassion and forgiveness. If you find yourself getting pulled into the negative emotions your teenager is experiencing, take a few deep breaths and say something like this to yourself, “I can best serve my child right now by providing a safe space for them to regain their composure. My job is to listen and engage with a compassionate and forgiving heart.”

Teenagers make mistakes. The question is how do the mistakes se rve them in their journey to becoming an adult? If your goal is to empower them to be their absolute best, try the three steps I have outlined the next tim e your teenager gets into a tough spot. A change in perspective can change everything.

Rolls Royce Ghabga

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bahrain held a Media Ghabga at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.

3. Give the problem back to them. Step three is to give the problem back to your teenager and use open-ended questions to help them come up with a plan of action. Here is what this would sound like: “This is a difficult situation you have gotten yourself into, but you are a smart kid, so I am sure you can handle it. What do you need to do first?”

Ghabga Delight

A ghabga was hosted by the platform The Lounge at Ramee Grand, Seef, aimed at bridging communities. It included dignitaries, community leaders, business personnel, members of the media and invited guests.

EXPLORING THE NORTH

When compiling a list of the major sightseeing hotspots in England, it wouldn’t be a surprise to find it heavily London-centric. However, England’s Northern heartland is home to a trove of tourist treasures all in itself. Natives will tell you that, at least culturally, it’s almost a different country; full of charms, gorgeous countryside and quirky accents. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit, which show that the wondrous nature of the country doesn’t completely lie on the banks of the Thames and there’s far more to the North than wind and rain.

York is one of the oldest cities in England, with a history stretching back two millennia. Full of charming and historical gems, its masterpiece is undoubtedly York Minster, one of the largest cathedrals Europe. Completed in the 15th century, it is Gothic and atmospheric, full of gargoyles, stained glass windows (including the Great East Window– the largest in Europe) and imposing lofty architecture.While in town, stop by The Perky Peacock located in an old watchtower along the River Ouse, now owned and ran by former Bahrain This Month motoring correspondent Dick Potter!

YORK

If you plan on visiting the UK, you won’t want to miss out on exploring the North. Kristian Harrison shares his suggestions for the best attractions and districts up north.

ANGEL OF THE NORTH

Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North is the UK’s most famous piece of public art. It first spread its wings in February 1998 and at 54m wide and 20m high, it is believed to be the largest angel sculpture in the world. Located in Gateshead, close to Newcastle, it’s a perfect spot for one of those famous Instagram ‘angel wings’ photos.

MANCHESTER

Being one of the larger cities in England, there’s a whole heap of amazing things to see and do whilst in Manchester. It has a long, industrial history and you can explore it in both the Science and Industry Museum and the Manchester Art Gallery. If you’re a football fan, there’s the National Football Museum, and of course, the iconic home of Manchester United, Old Trafford. It’s also a vibrant, modern city with fantastic nightlife, particularly in the Northern Quarter. Fans of Indian food should also check out the iconic Curry Mile, which needs little further explanation!

BLACKPOOL

Blackpool is an archetypal English seaside experience. It has the iconic Blackpool Tower, a landmark built in 1894 as the Eiffel Tower’s replica. The tower houses some of the town’s best attractions, including a circus, glass walkway and an ornate Victorian ballroom. If you visit between September and January, you can see the Blackpool Illuminations which are made up of around one million light bulbs. Fish and chips are optional.

LIVERPOOL

HADRIAN’S WALL

Built to guard the Roman Empire’s wild northern frontier from barbarians in AD122, Hadrian’s Wall is much more than a barricade. It is a World Heritage Site where you can discover the remains of the towers, forts, towns and turrets that once kept a watch over the 120km-long wall. In fact, Hadrian’s Wall is considered to be the inspiration for The Wall in Game of Thrones. There is also a beautiful museum at the site that showcases the rich history of the Romans.

BAMBURGH CASTLE

Of course, most people know Liverpool as the hometown of the Beatles. It’s paradise on Earth if you’re a fan of the band, and the city hardly hides its connections with memorabilia and statues dotted everywhere, particularly on Mathew Street, home of the iconic Cavern Club. That being said, there’s so much more to experience. Explore the waterfront (marked by a trio of buildings adorned by Liver Birds known as the Three Graces), one or both of Liverpool’s two cathedrals, a number of art galleries and the Royal Albert Dock to find out more about the famous port’s past, or go on a stadium tour at Anfield.

THE LAKE DISTRICT

With beautiful villages, historic locations and ancient castles scattered throughout the area, the beauty of The Lake District will certainly enchant you. Whether you fancy swimming, sailing or simply heading out onto Lake Windermere for kayaking, you’ll surely find something you love here. There are also tons of places to drink and eat in the Lakes, from Michelin-star restaurants to historic pubs where you can enjoy hearty meals. It is also known for its fantastic mountains and trails, such as England’s highest peak – Scafell Pike –you can hike.

Fringed by miles of sandy beach, Bamburgh is a magnificent coastal town in the heart of Northumberland renowned for its famous castle, walking and coastline trails. This quaint small town is home to Grace Darling, Victorian England’s heroine who rescued the SS Forfarshire wreck survivors in 1838. Bamburgh Castle, one of the best-preserved castles in Europe, is an immensely popular tourist attraction renowned for its stately rooms, ghostly history, action-packed events calendar and stunning setting.

Let’s Talk About

SINGLE EMPLOYEES EMPLOYEES

It’s no secret that organisations provide married employees with certain benefits. Eman Deabil believes that single employees, too, can create a better world and highlights the need to offer personalised benefits to all employees regardless of their marital status.

Acouple of weeks ago, I watched a video that I found provocative and quite frankly… pathetic. This wasn’t because it was true, but rather because the community is not doing anything to mitigate the impact of the risk highlighted. In the video, the speaker quoted a report which

Exploring the Benefits of Married Employees

All organisations (without exceptions) offer more benefits to employees who are married. Single employees, on the other hand, are out of the scene and no personalised benefits are given to them even though they are great cost savers, and great sources to serve the community as a whole – points that I shall elaborate on within the article.

When it comes to benefits provided to married employees, the list is significant:

- Guess who’s getting schooling fees for children? Married employees!

- Guess who’s getting maternity and paternity leave? Married employees!

- Guess who’s getting medical insurance for dependents? Married employees!

- Guess who’s getting mortgage loans? Married employees!

And the list goes on and on.

showed that by 2030, 45 percent of working women ages 25-45, will be unmarried, with no kids and single. He then concluded by highlighting that despite making money, those women will not be genuinely fulfilled in life! Regardless of whether or not what he said makes sense, it is not applicable

to all women as there are many exceptions. Furthermore, there is one fact that we must admit: organisations are not doing anything to mitigate this risk or reduce its impact. This is despite the fact that they can turn it into an opportunity and contribute to creating a better world.

When it comes to single employees, there are no personalised benefits whatsoever. Instead, they are scrutinised by their colleagues if they stay extra hours at work or work from home or on weekends as they believe this may negatively impact the image of their married colleagues who may

not be able to do the same due to family commitments. They are also often told that they do not have a work-life balance because many of them tend to prioritise work over life, with the lives of many singles revolving around work as is!

Understanding the Needs of Single Employees

Given that singles have a different set of priorities in comparison to their colleagues, we need to look at things from their perspective and never neglect that they might be different:

- They don’t need medical insurance for their children, but they might need it for their aging parents.

- They don’t need schooling fees for their children, but they might need it for their younger siblings or their nieces and nephews.

Are Companies Taking Advantage?

It’s unfortunate that these days there are organisations that tend to hire singles just because they are big cost-savers since no benefits of this sort will be granted to them! Yet if such benefits are to be substituted, both singles and married people would be standing on equal footing during the hiring process, no preferences will be given, and marital status will be of no importance, instead, the quality of the candidate will prevail. After all, marriage is not a privilege, it’s a choice. While we’re asking for equality and fairness to people with disabilities, people with special needs, people belonging to different ethnicity groups or different religions, and inclusion of both genders at all levels, let’s not forget that there are people who choose to stay single, or are yet to find the right partner.

If organisations need to set a control –although that could be contradictory to equality, then they can simply state (as examples) medical insurance for singles is up to one dependent, schooling is applicable only to one child. Or they simply substitute it with other benefits: encashment for instance, one fully sponsored vacation, sponsorship for higher studies etc. Alternatively, to make it generic for all employees regardless of any consideration they could have stipulations for benefits such as medical insurance where it is limited to three selected dependents.

Thinking Outside the Box

But guess what, there is a bright side to this; there is a huge social impact if we apply some of the ideas and link it to the Sustainable Development Goals and then report it proudly. For instance, there are many orphans in our world today who are unprivileged, and many single employees who are privileged, how do you feel as an organisation connecting these two together and offering the single a full sponsorship to a child. This could possibly transform the lives of both and contribute to creating a better world. This is a simple idea; innovative ideas have no ceilings!

The bottom line is organisations need to be inclusive to all and offer personalised benefits to ensure fair treatment is extended to all employees. For each benefit offered to married employees, there must be a counter benefit offered to single employees.

The Things We Don’t Say

SUMMERTIME SADNESS

With mixed messaging on social media, and the narrative surrounding bodies over the years, summer can be a tough month for a lot of us. Farrah Saville talks about the lack of optimism around bodies and the need to accept ourselves.

As we enter the month of May I am reminded by the shops around me that summer is indeed here. And, when you’re an expat in the Middle East, summer really screams summer. Over the years, I have often felt shamed by this season. Bikini bods, fresh summer salads, and enjoying long dips in the pool or sea have made me and this body feel a little left out. I would often go to beaches and not fully be present or enjoy myself because I wondered how I looked to others.

Over the years, the feelings worsened and I think the mixed messaging from social platforms and media definitely contributed to it. So, there was definite messaging around the gym bunny culture for extended periods of time during the 80s when I grew up (Hello, Jane Fonda!) and then this trend continued in beauty and fashion magazines in the 90s. Enter the era of Instagram and the perfect body foundations were sealed into my twenties.

Over the last few years, the messaging from platforms like Tiktok has been somewhat mixed, adding to the feelings of confusion and lack of optimism around my own body positivity. So, messaging like ‘love your body’ on one feed may be misinterpreted as accepting that being unhealthy is okay and that taking steps toward being healthy often doesn’t fit the agenda of 'loving yourself'.

Diet culture is also another factor which has played out over the years, “Here’s a recipe to bake a cake”, “Eat healthy!” or “Salads don’t keep you full”. Within the scroll of a button, you can be left spiraling about what exactly equates to a healthy body, what to eat and of course wondering about all the mistakes you have made with your own health journey. It can all be a little confusing feeling like there is an information overload which can so easily be internalised!

As I look at my daughter, I hope that social media will be a thing of the past when she

grows up for these mixed if not negative and incorrect messaging.

If it does continue, then I would love the focus to be on health and living healthy from a scientific perspective. For example, more and more research says that exercise alone is more beneficial for your mental health then it is for losing weight, that the body mass index measurement may not be accurate (according to an article published on Medical News Today) and that certain fats may be good for you.

I hope that the source of information evolves so that it is science-based and easily accessible and understandable. I hope the focus is on a healthy body and mind instead of what your body looks like.

More importantly, I hope she gets to see and have a healthy mama, who is happy in her body so that she may do the same for herself and accept who she is while maintaining being healthy without it being such an effort but instead a way of life.

How would you describe yourself?

I’m living life to its fullest and I’m always positive! I always want to fulfil the highest, truest expression of myself as a human being.

Tell us three things that are currently on your bucket list? Continue my PhD studies, and develop my work and progress in my career while travelling to new countries.

What’s your idea of a perfect weekend?

What is one of the most memorable books you have read?

'Becoming' by Michelle Obama.

InHerShoes

This month, we take a peek into the life of a hardworking individual with strong ethics – Vice President (Technical) at the Bahrain Society for Training and Development (BSTD), Sara Abdin Abdulla. She is a shining example of ambition and is passionate about learning new things and challenging herself to do better. Let’s take a walk in her shoes!

A weekend with balance between relaxation and happy productivity. It's a time to catch up on rest, spend quality time with family and friends, and also take on new projects or hobbies. It's a time to kick back and enjoy the simple things in life that bring me joy, while taking advantage of opportunities to learn and grow.

Any hidden talents?

Writing poetry from time to time.

What would you say is your ultimate dream?

To be able to make an impact on the world through my work and help others in any way I can. I want to use my skills and knowledge to make a difference and create positive change in the lives of those around me, especially my daughter Joan and my family members.

Your favourite movie is: Erin Brockovich.

Do you have any phobias?

I have a phobia of heights.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

It would be the ability to read people's minds. It could be extremely useful because it will allow me to better understand the motivations and intentions of others, anticipate their reactions, and respond accordingly in order achieve the desired results.

What’s the best gift you have ever received?

There are many gifts, especially when they are unexpected.

Ataa ISR Society’s Ghabga

Lord Anthony Bamford, Chairman of JCB

Lord Anthony Bamford, Chairman of JCB during his visit to GET , Kingdom of during his visit to GET , Kingdom of Bahrain Bahrain