Fact Bahrain July 2014 by Fact ME

fact magazine

JUly 2014. VOL 7 ISSUE 11 . BD 1 | SR10

fact magazine

Ramadan Reverie “

The Holy Month of Ramadan is upon us and we’re looking forward to a relaxed July of quiet contemplation. FACT brings all the Ramadan goodness that this month promises…

One of the most important aspects

of Ramadan, of course, is to be charitable. pirituality is meant to take us

beyond our tribal identity into a domain of awareness that is more universal.” (Deepak Chopra)

I would like to start by wishing all our

lovely readers Ramadan Kareem! Yes, the

Holy Month is here and we are getting ready

See how you can make a difference this

Ramadan (p38). We’ll also be celebrating Eid at the end of the Holy Month. So, if you’re planning to travel this Eid, there are some quick getaways (p40) that you can escape

to. Talking about travelling, we went on an amazing trip last month to Hong Kong – read all about it on p43.

Also, see what our motoring editor got

to make the most of it. All the major hotels

up to last month as he brings you his expert

out and pulled the stops for guests to enjoy

and fantastic Ramadan car deals (p 66).

on the island (like every year) have gone all

daily Iftars and Ghabgas. We tell you where

opinion on the two cars he reviewed (p61) Check out our collection focus for

the best tents (p26) are to visit this Ramadan,

this month (p76) and rediscover the

get in on the World Cup action (yes, the

We also went and checked out Mondo

not just for breaking your fast, but to also excitement is heating up!).

As much as Ramadan is about

abstinence, there are also certain food and

drinks that are consumed especially during

charm of Al Areen Palace & Spa (p86). Italian restaurant at The Diplomat and

chatted with Chef Preetam (p88) and his passion for Italian food.

Last, but not the least, we met with the

this time. We bring you some amazing

talented Ramah AlHusseini to talk about her

try at home. You’re spoilt for choice when

with Ramah that we even asked her to take

Ramadan inspired recipes (p33) for you to it comes to shisha cafés on the island (and

yes, they will be swamped in the evenings).

art and aspirations. We were so impressed over the cover this month!

On that note, I wish you all a spiritual

We didn’t know where to start, but we’ve

Ramadan and Happy Eid in advance!

popular ones (p36).

Apple Sharma Editor apple@factlive.com

managed to round up five of the most

FACT Magazine Bahrain Edition July 2014 Volume 7, Issue 11

JULY 2014. VOL 7 ISSUE 11 . BD 1 | SR10

Director Omar Shaheen

Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes Editor Apple Sharma (apple@factlive.com)

Group Motoring Editor Tony Sidgwick Editorial Assistant Pallavi Ramesh Creative Director Paula Leal

Senior Graphic Designer Raquel Henriques

Designer & Photographer Rashed Bin Daina Cover Image Ramah AlHusseini Photographer Shobin Joseph

Production & Distribution Manager Neil Mahmood Business Development Manager Selma Carolina Jemouai Sales Manager Mariam Sallam

Contributors Shabana Adam Dina Kabbani Christal Dennis Yvonne Cole Georgina Jennsen Ali Fareed

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +973 3958 5681 E-mail: carolina@nansgroup.com PRINTED BY Awal Press, Bahrain.

All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. Bahrain cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Office 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef. Ministry of Information. Subject Registration Number: CFB779

www.fact-magazine.com

fact magazine

Fact Finds Haute Cupcakes tasty treats Discover more of Bahrain with FACT finds – every month we’ll bring you our favourite eatery, activity or interesting find from around the island. If you have never stepped into the wonderful world of Haute Cupcakes, then you don’t know what you’re missing! A stone’s throw away from the Ritz-Carlton, Haute Cupcakes is a little haven of sugary delights. Haute Cupcakes has been dishing out cupcakes and other delicious desserts since it opened its doors last year in Seef, so the opening of another branch in Bahrain City Centre came as no surprise. An enticing display of cupcakes and other delicious treats will surely have you salivating even before you’ve tasted them. The entire place is a beautiful pattern of pastels from the cupcake icings to the interior of the shop. Renowned for their cupcakes, the eatery has 19 different flavours of cupcakes (drool worthy), five different types of macaroons, five types of cookies, three varieties of madeleines as well as praline pops, just to get you started. If that doesn’t impress you, the shop Go: Visit Haute Cupcakes at Seef and Bahrain City Centre. Tel : Seef 1758 2246 BCC 1721 4591

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also has a cupcake belt that puts the sushi belt to shame (doubt you’ll be able to eat them quick enough!). The man responsible is Chef Siva, who has 11 years of experience as a pastry chef. Ingredients like flour and sugar are sourced locally, while others like chocolate, flavour pastes and food colours are imported from Italy, France and Belgium. Of the various flavours we tried, the red velvet was definitely our favourite. The cake was really moist and the icing smooth and creamy – a perfect combination of texture and flavour. If this isn’t enough, the outlet also has a Retail Shop that sells all sorts of Sugar Factory franchised products (the only ones in Bahrain) like sweets, pick and mix and various other accessories including T-shirts, mugs, bags, caps and more. It truly feels like being a child in a candy shop! Haute Cupcakes offer specially designed cakes (name a shape and they’ll make it for you), made to order for any special occasions, and are probably one of the few places on the island to offer gluten free cupcakes, and sugar free

cupcakes and cookies on request. Serving coffee and other beverages with an outdoor seating area is an added bonus. Go on pamper your sweet tooth and check out what decadent indulgence really feels like...you won’t be disappointed!

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Society The first edition of Red Bull Kite The Waj, the first regional amateur kitesurf competition took place at the Amwaj Islands. The kitesurfers were extremely enthusiastic and the visitors were seen enjoying a sunny day out with family and friends.

#REDBUll#Kite#theWAJ

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MASH UP

twitter

3,402 @FACTBahrain

@Khaliji_Woes

Papa Metallic

ShrubRa

UberFacts

@UberFacts

@Namibefeliz

Anam Naz

Khaleesi

Dear #Saudi I know it’s Thursday tomorrow but please respect our island’s road rules, cause we hate it when you don’t. Yours, #BahrainiGuy

How to cope w/ married friends having babies & ignoring you: Kidnap their kids so you have your very own miniature versions of your friends.

By the time you finish saying “I Love You,” about 20,000 cells in your body will have died and been replaced with new ones.

Someone new in the family found out I don’t like mangoes. I can feel it coming. It’s very near, the ‘HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE MANGO’ speech

Let’s all take a minute and be thankful that bugs aren’t the same size as us.

Khaliji_Woes

Here are the tweets that caught our attention this month. Follow us on twitter and check back next issue to see if your tweet made the page!

@MKZayani

Even Cinderella has a later curfew than me. #khaliji_Woes #arabproblems #firstworldproblems

@Arshub_J

9GAG

@9GAG

Sorry I wasn’t ignoring you I was just watching 7 seasons and 54 episodes of this new show I found.

Where’s Rashed? He’s hidden somewhere in the issue, exclusively on the FACT App!

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Ali Al Saeed

@alialsaeed Why do they keep making these horrendous #worldcup songs? They’re painful and embarrassing and got nothing to do with football.

@FatenFraidoon

WIN Find FACT’s dapper designer chilling somewhere in our online issue for a chance to win Iftar for four at InterContinental Regency Bahrain. The rules have changed and you can only find Rashed now on FACT’s online app (turn to pg96 for more information). The winner will be announced on July 14. Email editorial@factlive.com with the page number you think he’s on! Good Luck!

Ebrahim K. Kanoo & Toyota bring you exceptional Ramadan Offers! Free 1 Year/20,000 Kms Service Contract

special oFFers on all Toyota Models

25% discounts

on Llumar & Ziebart Services

• Best Interest Rate • Zero Down Payment • 90 Days Deferred Payment • Up to 7 Years Instalments • Approval on the Same Day

Now! You can also buy your car from Toyota Plaza in Tubli. Ramadan working hours: Saturday - Thursday, 8:30 am to 1:15 pm & 8:30 pm onwards. Toyota Showroom - Sitra 17 730 730 Toyota Plaza - Tubli 17 787 888 www.toyota.com.bh

TesT Drive & TraDe-in available

Toyotabahrain

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SCOOP

Around the world ...Doing Bahrain Proud

Bringing you the latest news of fellow Bahrainis around the world... tell us your news, or share your finds with us on twitter @FACTbahrain!

Brazil

With the FIFA World Cup fever heating up, over 2,000 Bahrainiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s have flown down to Brazil to enjoy this spirited game, live in action! Bahrain is football crazy so this came as no surprise! Football fans have made use of the seven to 10 day packages offered by travel agents, which includes accommodation and flight tickets. The numbers are increasing, as the finale gets closer. People in Bahrain need to approach the Brazilian Embassy in Kuwait for visas.

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Bahrain Buzz Cairo

His Majesty King Hamad visited Cairo to attend the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah Al Sisi. The king discussed possible ties and relationships between the two countries. Accompanied by Major General Fouda, His Majesty toured Na’ama Bay and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Highway. Egyptian Ambassador Issam Awad was happy with the king’s second visit to Egypt and confirmed Bahrain’s immense support to Egypt following the recent disorder in the country.

Love it

Bahrain safest country in the Middle East

An international survey carried out by Numbeo states that Bahrain achieved 79.48 points on the safety indicators in accordance with 2014 crime indicators, making it the safest country in the Arab world and sixth internationally (Malta ranks first). In a separate survey, Bahrain was ranked globally, the 38th position in domestic purchasing power and 48th for the best workplace environment. Whoop whoop!

Hate It

Woman brutally assaults housemaid

Istanbul

Delegation led by parliament chairman Dr. Khalifa Al Dhahrani visited Ankara and Istanbul at the invitation of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. They returned on a positive note with successful meetings with the dignitaries of the country. The delegation was there to reinforce bilateral ties; they had talks with the Assembly Speaker Jameel Checkek, members of Bahraini-Turkish Friendship Committee and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

It’s despicable to see how some people treat the less fortunate. A Bahraini woman was put behind bars for assaulting her Asian maid. The maid was asked to strip and her hair was shaved off after being tied to a chair. After this inhumane behaviour, the Bahraini woman took the maid back to the recruitment agency claiming she was not fit for work. The assaulter was put behind bars for 10 days.

Can’t Believe it

Man escaped prison twice

This is unheard of on our little island. Two prisoners of Bahrain’s Jaw Prison escaped while they were being taken to court. Redha Al Ghasra, who escaped the second time (he escaped in 2011, dressed as a woman), was jailed for a combined total of 80 years. He is convicted in several terror cases, which includes smuggling firearms and selling and making weapons. This is straight out of Hollywood – real life prison break!

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Society

DJs from Mars, the Italian DJ and production team made the crowd go crazy! Known for their mashups of popular songs turned into electro dance music, the music duo Luca and Massimiliano took to the decks and enthralled the audiences with their tunes.

#DJs #from #Mars

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HAPPENINGS

Getting Out & About This Month in Bahrain

Say goodbye to boredom this month and mark your diaries with these all-important dates. We’ve put together a calendar packed with happenings just for you! This is what FACT recommends (and you can still find more throughout the rest of the mag!).

17. Thursday

FIFA Quarter finals at Coral Bay Watch live FIFA World Cup matches on two large screens and seven big plasma TVs at Coral Bay, a waterfront venue with its very own beach. Enjoy a drink and delicious Ramadan delights with breathtaking views. Call 1731 2700 for more information.

04. Friday

Rejuvenate at the Royal Spa, Ritz-Carlton Relax with a customised treatment tailored to your needs at the Royal Spa. Pick and choose the ‘La’ series of treatments such as La Massage, La Cocoon or La Facial and receive a complimentary pink scalp treatment. The massages range from 45 to 90 minutes. Call 1758 6808 for more information.

05. Saturday

20. Sunday

Football and Shisha at Bushido Go trendy with traditions - Bushra at Bushido includes the FIFA World Cup 2014 telecast as well. The entire upstairs lounge will be transformed into a relaxed atmosphere, designed for football fans. You can dine a la carte and enjoy shisha! Call 1758 3555 for more information.

08. Tuesday

Feel the Heat of Brazil at Intercontinental Regency Enjoy the semi-finals at the Elements Pool & Lounge on a 90-inch screen with surround sound. Chill during half time or celebrate after the match at the branded fan zone and goal post. Entrance fee is BD5++ per person with consumable food and beverage. Call 1720 8308 for more information.

09. Wednesday

Watch FIFA in style at the Royal Golf Club Watch live football match at the Royal Golf Club. Taste Head Chef Paul Gindra’s series of delicious World Cup platters for sharing with friends or enjoy an a la carte meal. Call 1775 0777 for more information. 20. fact magazine

13. Sunday

Finals at the Sofitel World Cup tent Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa hosts its guests with the World Cup tent, which will feature a range of HD flat screen TVs. With plush décor, enjoy the nail-biting finale of the FIFA 2014 under the Arabian night sky with food, beverages and shisha. Call 1763 6363 for more information.

15. Tuesday

Zumba With Jane at Profile Fitness Centre Have fun and lose weight at the same time with Zumba classes with Jane at Profile Fitness Centre, every Tuesday and Thursday for the month of Ramadan, from 9pm to 10pm. Call 1772 7766 or email profilefitcentre@ gmail.com for more information.

Food delights at Houseboat Restaurant Houseboat Restaurant offers various Iftar and Ghabga options this Ramadan. The menu includes four cuisines, which include Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Indian. Houseboat Adliya will be hosting a daily Futoor buffet as well. Call 1601 0321 for more information.

24. Thursday

Iftar Buffet at Crowne Plaza Celebrate the spirit of giving this Ramadan by making a difference with Crowne Plaza. For every Iftar dinner, a donation of 500 fils will be made to charity. Enjoy the Iftar buffet with authentic cuisine at La Mosaique Restaurant for BD11.950++ from 6pm to 8pm. Call 1753 1122 for more information.

27. Sunday

Ramadan evening at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Enjoy the Iftar Buffet at the Al Fanar rooftop venue with a combination of the freshest local ingredients and delicious traditional recipes prepared by Bahraini Chef Younis. Call 3994 5208 for more information.

#Boggi#Milano

Boggi Milano hosted a stylish jazz night at the Skyline Lounge, Capital Club. The spectacular night saw a live jazz performance by â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Two Bluesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and took an exciting turn as a raffle draw enabled one lucky guest, Tony Jashanmal, to win a full suit from the fashionable brand.

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LISTEN UP

Newssh Fla

Starwood Expands in Bahrain

Two new and distinctive hotel brands are opening their doors in Bahrain. Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Majid AL Futtaim Properties have signed an agreement to launch its Westin and Le Méridien brands in Bahrain. The Westin Bahrain City Centre and Le Méridien Bahrain City Centre will debut early this month and both hotels are directly linked to Bahrain City Centre, one of the island’s biggest and most popular shopping and entertainment destinations, owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim Properties. The two hotels combined will add 460 rooms to Starwood’s portfolio in Bahrain. Welcome to Bahrain Starwood’s new comers!

Bahrain Summer Festival

Seef Mall Ramadan Cultural Festival

Seef Mall is offering its visitors a cultural experience with an array of traditional activities and festivities to celebrate Ramadan. Exhibiting a different theme each week, the cultural festival in a traditional Arabic setting opens with an Art and Music showcase offering visitors a close and personal experience of Arabic calligraphy and instrumental music. Enjoy live Oud music echoing across the West Wing; music enthusiasts will also have the chance to learn the instrument. There will be traditional fashion shows of festive wear showcased with a live Arabic band. During the last week of Ramadan, revel in delectable traditional treats to complete the experience. GO: Experience Seef Mall’s Ramadan Cultural festival from July 2 to 23 with activities starting from 7pm onwards. Call 1758 2111 for more information.

GO: The Bahrain Salsa festival takes place from August 27 to 30. Visit www. bahrainsalsafestival. com for more information.

Keep up with Bahrain Summer Festival on twitter: @BahrainSummer instagram: moc_bh Facebook: /BahrainSummer

GO: The Bahrain Summer Festival will run from July 31 to August 31. Tickets will be sold at Virgin Megastore. Visit www.bahrainsummer.bh for more information. Nakhool City will be open to the public and is free.

Summer’s here and what better way to enjoy it than with your entire family. Nakhool and Nakhoola welcome the Bahrain Summer Festival at Nakhool City. Held under the slogan “Summer of Colours”, this year’s festival is filled with artistic activities and creative workshops. Nakhool City brings multi-cultural entertainment to residents and tourists with activities such as dance and music programmes, Lego workshops, puppetry, arts and crafts as well as educational programmes and daily games such as wall climbing. The Bahrain Summer Festival offers a wide variety of exciting performances by international artists, featuring a dazzling lineup of cultural, artistic, and musical shows. The shows will be staged at both the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, and the Cultural Hall near the Bahrain National Museum. If you’re looking for fun filled days to spend with your little ones, then this one’s for you! 22. fact magazine

Bahrain Salsa Festival

Bahrain Salsa Festival is a one-of-a-kind event, where the Salsa de Bahrain group brings 40 acclaimed international and regional artists to Bahrain. Attendees from around the world will enjoy entertainment and learning at the same time. One of the artists to feature in the festival is the young and energetic World Cup Salsa 2014 Finalist Gabriele Maccioni, from Italy. Experience a romantic Cuban ambiance in your workshop with Osbanis and Anneta from the UK and the bombastic dance couple, Juan Matos and Amneris. The three day workshop will be held at the Al Bander Resort. So, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to Salsa!

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RAMADAN TENTS

¶ The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa

Enter the world of Arabic luxury at its best with the Al Khayma Tent this Ramadan and indulge in the hotel’s traditional Iftar and Ghabga buffets. Savour delicious Arabic cuisine with live cooking stations, where you can relish freshly baked Arabic breads, traditional mezzeh and a wide varity of decadent Arabic sweets. Keeping with the Bahraini tradition, an Arabic singer will be entertaining guests daily. For a more private setting, the Ramadan tent also provides pergolas with a silver service of selected hot buffet items and three complimentary shisha. Discover the 1001 nights of Al Khayma. Price: Iftar: Weekends (Thurs – Sat) BD22, Weekdays (Sun – Wed) BD20 | Ghabga: Weekends (Thurs – Sat) BD25, Weekdays (Sun – Wed) BD23 Pergolas (maximum of six guests) BD250 | Telephone: 1758 0000

¶ Sofitel Bahrain

Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Celebrate a magnifique Ramadan at none other than Sofitel’s exotic Ramadan tent. This magnifique venue will transport you to another world as you spend an Arabian night under the stars with a stunning decorated ceiling of a night sky. The tent offers Iftar and Ghabga buffets with delicious famous recipes being given a modern twist as they are recreated by the hotel’s Arabic chefs. Enjoy the World Cup in luxury as the tent features HD flat screen TVs, plush couches and French style decor. What’s more, enter the exclusive Jaguar Ramadan Raffle draw for a chance to win a 2014 Jaguar XF Luxury. Hotel guests and visitors will be granted giveaway prizes from Kooheji Jewllery. Price: BD19++ | Telephone: 1763 6363

¶ Bushido Bahrain

Enjoy a trendy and unique Ramadan experience with Bushra, a modern Arabic concept that will transform Bushido into an Arabic tent for guests to gather in a traditional yet modern setting for Iftar and Ghabga, offering a mix of Arabic-fusion, traditional and international cuisines. There will be mix of buffet, live cooking stations and a-la-carte options. Some of Bushra’s signature dishes include Madrooba Balls and Quinoa Tabbouleh. New innovative dishes like Shawarma (new for Ghabga), and Spiced Date Bites will also be introduced. Oriental artwork will also be on display along with a special playlist of traditional music mixed with modern beats. Don’t miss out on World Cup action in Bushra’s upstairs gallery. Price: Iftar buffet: weekdays BD15++, weekend BD17++ | Ghabga buffet: weekdays BD13++, weekend BD15++ | Telephone: 1758 3555

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Bahrain Culture App

31 July - 30 August 2014 www.bahrainsummer.bh

facebook.com/BahrainSummer twitter@BahrainSummer fact magazine .27 instagram.com/moc_bh

RAMADAN TENTS

¶ Mövenpick

Hotel Bahrain Get into the true spirit of Ramadan and feel the warm hospitality at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain. Break your fast with Iftar at Silk’s Restaurant with a wide variety of traditional Middle Eastern cuisine including hot and cold starters and Ramadan delicacies like Quzi and Madhrouba, refreshing juices and the traditional Kamaredin. All guests who enjoy the daily Iftar will also be entitled to enter a draw to be held on the last night of Ramadan, for a chance to win a two-night holy trip to Mövenpick Hotel and Residence Hajar Tower Makkah and two nights at Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick Hotel. Enjoy a Ghabga banquet, available for groups of 50 or more, or unwind with a flavoured shisha and watch the World Cup at the outdoor poolside Flamingo terrace. Price: Iftar: BD12.5++ | Telephone: 1746 0000

¶ The Domain Bahrain

¶ InterContinental Regency Bahrain

Enjoy a traditional yet modern Ramadan at none other than InterContinental Regency Bahrain. The Al Thurayya tent not only offers Iftar and Ghabga buffets, but an unforgettable experience with amazing entertainment programmes. Relish Ramadan delicacies prepared by a team of highly talented chefs, along with traditional Ramadan drinks and flavoured shishas. Iftar buffet is served from Maghreb time to 8pm and Ghabga from 9pm to 2am, featuring El Moulid performances all the way from Egypt, including the fabulous El Tanoura dancers. Moulid refers to a religious festival celebrating the life and legacy of a holy person, and this is one cultural experience you do not want to miss. Price: Iftar: BD 14++ | Ghabga: BD 16++ Telephone: 1720 8308

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Celebrate The Holy Month of Ramadan in style at The Domain’s Figs & Olives restaurant. The restaurant serves elegant and delicious ItaloLebanese comfort foods offering a perfect mix of pastas, risottos, mezze, antipasti, soups, salads, sandwiches and pastries. Through out Ramadan, the restaurant will be serving traditional Iftar buffet dishing out favourite Ramadan dishes, drinks and desserts. Guests can also enjoy nightly Ghabgas with an a la carte menu. Iftar buffet will be served daily from sunset to 8pm and nightly Ghabgas from 8pm until 2am. Price: Iftar: BD14++ | Ghabga: BD7-BD15 Telephone: 1600 0222

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RAMADAN TENTS

¶ Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa

Ramadan nights will never be the same as you step into Al Khayma for the Iftar and Ghabga buffets to experience Arabic flavours like no other. Cherish an amazing evening with your loved ones with a wide array of authentic Middle Eastern specialties, including a great selection of beverages. Get into the spirit of Ramadan as renowned Lebanese singer Diana Eid and her band perform live. For all you football fans out there, live World Cup matches will also be shown on the giant TV screens in the Ramadan tent. Iftar buffet is served daily from sunset to 9pm and Ghabga from 9pm until 2am. Price: Iftar/Ghabga: Weekdays BD12++, Weekends (Thurs – Fri) BD14++ | Telephone: 1711 1999

¶ Crowne Plaza Bahrain

Share the Ramadan hospitality and enjoy the gift of giving this Holy Month of Ramadan at Crowne Plaza Hotel’s La Mosaique Restaurant by simply enjoying the Iftar buffet from 6pm to 8pm. For every Iftar dinner, a donation of 500 fils will be made to charity. Host a corporate or private Ghabga at Spices Indian Restaurant for the perfect atmosphere with a special menu. A lavish Ghabga menu with four price options is available, with price from BD11++ and above. World Cup fans can watch live matches, predict the score and win prizes at Tracks Sports bar. Guests can also enjoy a special Eid lunch buffet on the first, second and third day of Eid. Price: Iftar: BD11.950++ (adults), BD5.950++ (kids), Eid Buffet: BD13++ (adults), BD6.500++ (kids) Telephone: 1753 1122 30. fact magazine

¶ Coral Bay Bahrain

There is something for everyone to celebrate as Coral Bay hosts its Ramadan By The Sea. Enjoy the Ramadan tent at the Karma Lounge terrace with stunning views of the marina deck over the sea whilst relishing Iftar and Ghabga. Iftar will feature all Ramadan favourites, special dishes and traditional drinks. There will also be a wide array of traditional homemade Lebanese Ramadan sweets. Guests can also relax with the soothing sounds of live acoustic oud and be entertained by the one man show and singer. Football enthusiasts are in for a treat as Rayes the authentic Lebanese restaurant will show daily live World Cup matches on seven big plasma TVs and two large screens. Price: Iftar/Ghabga: Weekend BD13++, Weekends BD15++ | Telephone: 1731 2700

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Ramadan Recipes

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RAMADAN RECIPES

Abdullah Salameh Radwan, Arabic Chef at Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa

Kamal Ahmed Mansoor, Arabic Chef at Mรถvenpick Hotel

Salmon Sayadieh 200gm Fresh Salmon Steak 80gm Jasmine Rice 10ml Fish Sauce 1gm Black Pepper 1gm Sweet Pepper 1gm Cinnamon Powder 1gm Cumin Powder 10ml Lemon Juice 10gm Red Onion 10ml Olive Oil Salt to Taste 2gm Garlic 2gm Fresh Coriander

For Garnish 1 no Lemon Star 1 spring English Parsley 2gm Fried Onion

For Sayadieh Sauce 10ml Fish Sauce 1tbsp Cooking Cream 5ml Lemon Juice

Kousa Bil Laban (Stuffed Baby Marrow with Yogurt) 1kg Baby Marrow (small)1kg 1ltr Laban 3 Cloves Chopped Garlic Salt (a pinch) 1Tbsp Corn Flour 300gm Mince Lamb 1 Psc Onion Chopped 1/4 Tbsp Black Pepper 1/4Tbsp Cinnamon Powder 2Tbsp Olive Oil 1Tbsp Pine Seeds 2 Cups Water 100grms Fresh Coriander 200gms Ghee

Method

The first process is to make a stock of fish bones, lemon, cinnamon, cardamom, onion, and seven spices for the rice.

Wash the Baby Marrow, then hollow and keep aside for stuffing. Mix the lamb with salt, pepper, cinnamon powder, onion, pine seeds and fresh coriander.

Then cook the rice until done using the absorption method and using the fish flavoured stock.

Stuff the mixture into the baby marrow.

Marinate the salmon fillet with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, white pepper, cinnamon powder, fresh coriander and salt. Grill on a chargrill until cooked.

In a pot, put the water along with some salt. Add the stuffed baby marrow and bring to a boil. Cook on a low flame for about 30 minutes or until the marrow is cooked.

Then, make the sauce using butter and flour. Add the fish stock, fish sauce, and season to taste. Finish with cream and lemon juice.

Once the baby marrow is cooked remove from the water.

To plate, mold the rice in to the centre of the plate. Place the grilled fresh salmon on top of the rice. Top up with fried red onion and drizzle the sayadieh sauce around in dots. Finally garnish with a lemon star and a sprig of English parsley. Enjoy!

Mix the yogurt with the corn flour, garlic and salt, bring to a boil and then simmer for 5-10 minutes. Add the baby marrow to the yogurt, add the dry mint. Cook for an additional 10 minutes. Serve into a shallow bowl with the yogurt sauce. Heat ghee, add garlic and fresh coriander. Cook for a minute and garnish the dish with it.

Abdul Latif Hamzabi, Bread Baker at Sheraton Bahrain Hotel

Noor murad, development chef at Bushido

Pink Hummus

3kg Flour 1ltr Water 1ltr Milk 200ml Oil 1.5 Tbsp Salt 1 Tbsp Yeast

1.5 cups Roasted Beetroot (peeled and roughly chopped) 2 Cups Chickpeas (cooked) ¼ Cup Tahini Paste Juice of 1 Lemon 2 Cloves Garlic (crushed) 1 tbsp (heaped) Full Fat Yogurt 1 tbsp (plus extra for garnish) Crumbled Feta ½ tbsp (plus extra for garnish) Za’atar Salt and Pepper to Taste Olive Oil as needed

Method

Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes. Place flour and salt in a large bowl, making a depression in the centre. Combine milk, remaining water and dissolved yeast; pour into depression.

Put the beetroot, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, yogurt, feta and za’atar in a food processor. Add to this 1 ice cube and a good drizzle of olive oil. Add a pinch each of salt and pepper.

Taftoon

Begin mixing flour with liquid, making sure all batter on sides of bowl is worked into dough. Knead until a smooth dough results and the sides of bowl are clean (hands are occasionally dipped in more water while kneading to give a smooth, elastic finish). Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (2 to 4 hours). Take a portion (size of an orange) from edge of dough and form into smooth balls. Roll into 1/4 inch thick circles. Place directly on the oven using a cloth material. Wait for 2 to 5 minutes and remove it from the oven. Best served when it’s hot.

Process until smooth, add more liquid as needed. Taste to adjust seasonings. The final product should be a smooth paste and not runny at all. Garnish with crumbled feta and a sprinkle of za’atar.

SHISHA CAFéS

TOP 5 SHISHA cafés

Rayes

Coral Bay

Situated on the waterfront overlooking the marina, Rayés is the ultimate location for a chilled outing. With live Arabic music, dine al fresco with the finest Lebanese cuisine and enjoy the most amazing shishas in a serene surrounding. We recommend the Fresh Double Apple shisha! Call: 1731 2700

Shisha Cafés are one of the hottest haunts during Ramadan. We bring you a round up of some of the island’s top shisha cafés to visit this Ramadan.

Maggie’s Adliya

Don Vito

Adliya

Famous for its Arabic cuisine with a hint of Indian variety, Don Vito’s shishas are to-die-for! Relax after work with a Mango shisha that has mango juice at the bottom our favourite! This place is packed all through the week, courtesy of the lovely ambience and service. Call: 1771 4464

Aroma Seef

With a vibrant atmosphere and a casual dining experience, Aroma is one of the coolest shisha cafés with delicious food. We loved the Aroma special shisha (secret mix), a favourite among the regulars. Walk in with your friends for an enjoyable evening! Call: 1758 2711

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Staying true to its tagline ‘Feel at home’, Maggie’s terrace and indoor seating offers just that. It boasts good, fast and affordable shishas along with delicious food and wide parking space. Our personal choice is the Grape Mint shisha; but the other flavours are just as good! Call: 1771 2228

Veranda Adliya

This unique lifestyle café offers a variety of fusion dishes in a stylish ambience, with indoor and outdoor seating. Try any flavour and you’ll love it. The Fresh Mint shisha, with an appetiser and a watermelon juice, is the perfect combo for the summer! Call: 1771 5868

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RAMADAN CHARITIES

Lend a Helping Hand One of the most important aspects of Ramadan is to give alms to the less fortunate. Make a difference this Ramadan (and in the future) by supporting the various charities on the island, and experience the joy of giving…. The Palm Association

The Palm association was created with the soul aim of helping those with the most basics of needs. The association’s Feed-a-Family programme is one such initiative that provides and distributes around 155 food parcels worth BD20 to impoverished Bahraini families every month. Each of these families, identified by trusted community contacts, face difficult financial situations and are living hand to mouth on the absolute bare minimum. Get involved by either donating money or goods, or by volunteering with the association. Visit thepalmassociation.com for more information.

Royal Charity Organization

The Royal Charity Organization (RCO) is one of the biggest charity organisations in Bahrain, established by His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al

Khalifa in 2001 for the purpose of caring for the Bahraini orphans coming from eligible families. RCO also sponsors widows and the elderly as well as people with special needs. The organisation provides social, health and educational care for families in need. This is a great charity to support as RCO contributes in also setting up and developing nonprofit making social and charity projects. Visit www.royalcharity.org.bh for more information.

New Dawn Society

The Bahrain New Dawn Ladies Society is a non-profit organisation that aims at supporting families in need within the community. The society organises unique and creative events by engaging women efficiently and effectively in Bahrain’s community. It has organised various events from food festivals to book drives, and cooking classes to painting competitions. You can also support by donating clothing, nonperishable food items, books and glasses to the

Bahrain City Centre’s ‘Make A Difference this Ramadan’ programme, where all collected items will be donated to the humanitarian initiatives taken by the New Dawn Society. Visit www.newdawnbahrain.org for more information.

The choices are many; all you need to do is make your’s the right one! For a list of charity organisations in Bahrain visit www. charitytree.me 38. fact magazine

Jarek Akhook

Jarek Akhook is a fantastic social project that aims at linking the Bahraini community with low-income Bahraini families. It’s a great way of giving back to the community and helping your neighbours who are less fortunate than you are. The donation process is done through a transparent website in a few simple steps. All you do is choose a family you wish to help, select the items you’d like to contribute (from household items to furniture), add them to your shopping cart and check out using your preferred method of payment (cash or credit card). Make a difference with just a click of the mouse…it couldn’t be simpler! Visit www.jarekakhook.com for more information.

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EID HAULS

EI D HAULS Eid is the perfect time for a quick and relaxing getaway. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve rounded up some of the most amazing Eid escapes for that much needed break.

Larnaca, Cyprus Flight time: 3 hours 30 minutes Fly Direct: Gulf Air

Overflowing with temptation, the bold and beautiful Cyprus is a trendy and modern getaway. Laze on the beautiful Cyprus beaches during the day and experience the exciting nightlife at Ayia Napa after. Explore the capital, Nicosia, with its archaeological museums, mosques and Venetian walls. In addition to that, enjoy water-skiing, wind surfing, canoeing, scuba diving and boating in the waters of Blue Flag Nissi Beach. Water babies of all ages must visit Water World. Vino lovers will love the vino museum. All in all itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a perfect destination for a relaxed holiday!

Colombo, Sri Lanka Flight time: 5 hours 30 minutes Fly Direct: Sri Lankan Airlines

Explore an exotic destination with a tranquil setting, perfect for a family holiday. Sri Lanka is endowed with beautiful beaches, dotted with swaying palm trees lapped by blue waves and coral reefs. Some of the popular beaches are Bentota, Beruwala and Hikkaduwa, to name but a few. Sri Lanka has many wildlife attractions such as big game parks, rain and scenic forests and mountainous reserves. Visit the Yala National Park, popular for its leopard density and Udawalawe National Park that has a large elephant population. Walk, trek, explore and relax in this beautiful island! 01 40. fact magazine

I 01 Sri Lanka 02 Athens 03 Azerbaijan 04 Cyprus

Athens, Greece Flight time: 4 hours 40 minutes Fly Direct: Gulf Air

One of the oldest and most famous cities in the world, Athens is filled with interesting tourist attractions, which makes for a perfect holiday. Visit the famous Acropolis, (fortress in the ancient Greek city), which has an area of three hectares, located at an altitude of 150 metres on the hill. The main attraction of the Acropolis is the Parthenon Temple exactly in the middle of this hill. Make sure to visit Mount Lycabettus, which is the city’s highest vantage point, capped by a tiny, church, a restaurant and café. Also don’t miss a visit to The Ancient Agora and Plaka.

Baku, Azerbaijan Flight time: 5 hours 20 minutes 1stop: Qatar Airways via Doha

A paradise to holiday in, that’s what Azerbaijan is all about! This beautiful country offers ancient cities, fortresses, palaces, museums, mud volcanoes, the eternal flame in Surakhani and attractive natural landscapes, making it a stunning getaway. Indulge in the numerous health resorts and mineral spas for a relaxed and rejuvenated feel. Soak in the sandy

“The only Christian country in the world that recognises Eid as a national holiday is the Philippines. It is known to most as Wakas ng Ramadan.” beaches along the Caspian Sea and go hiking in the beautiful Caucasus Mountains. The scenic beauty of Azerbaijan will make you fall in love with this upcoming destination!

Beirut, Lebanon Flight time: 3 hours 20 minutes Fly Direct: Gulf Air

Lebanon is the gem of a destination to visit for a short holiday. Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, popularly known as the ‘Paris of the Middle East’, has loads of attractions. Some of the must-visit places are Nicolas Sursock Museum (museum of modern art), Corniche Beirut with the best seaside promenades in the world, Garden of Forgiveness, Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, and the ruins of the Roman Baths Garden. Explore Lebanon’s rich cultural and historic heritage and discover all that this amazing country has to offer.

Amman, Jordan Flight time: 2 hours 35 minutes Fly Direct: Royal Jordanian

With the most unique ancient treasures, discover Jordan at its best. Plan a fun vacation and visit Petra, which is without doubt Jordan’s most valuable treasure. Popular for its pristine sandy beaches and clear water, Aqaba is Jordan’s only gateway to the sea. Indulge in diving, snorkeling and swimming at this beautiful resort. The Wadi Rum Desert is a must-go, camp at the desert and enjoy the 4 X 4 desert jeep ride and savour a traditional Jordanian grilled dinner. It’s a complete holiday experience offering some of the most amazing activities!

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‫رمضان كريم وكل عام وانتم بخير‬ Wishing you a great ramadan

A new quarterly publication from Nans Group, the company that brings you a portfolio of leading magazines from across the GCC.

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Hong kong

Hong Kong is one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the world. Factâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chelsea Copenhaver visited this vibrant city and shows us all that it has to offer. fact magazine .43

Getting there Cathay Pacific runs daily flights to Hong Kong via Dubai, which will get you there under 11 hours with no transfers. We had the pleasure of flying Cathay’s Business Class, which is certainly well worth the experience. Within minutes of boarding, all of the flight attendants had your name memorised and we were given a variety of useful amenities, from socks to a travel hygiene kit. The three-course meal was fresh and delectable. However, the real highlight of the journey was when the lights went out after dinner and you could snuggle into your flatbed seat and take a nap. Given that the flight to Hong Kong is an overnight flight, having a seat that reclined into a very comfortable flatbed allowed us to sleep soundly, and wake up in Hong Kong fresh as a daisy, and ready to start exploring. This definitely was a priceless advantage, if there ever was one.

Travel Tips

Octopus card

Get an Octopus Card, the reloadable smart card that you can use for everything, from shops to public transportation.

Where to Stay We would highly recommend staying at the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, not only because of the convenient location in Victoria Harbour, which put us at the centre of shopping, dining, and nightlife, but also for the captivating views of the Hong Kong skyline from the room. The room came equipped with free Wi-Fi and an impressive buffet breakfast. Not that we spent much time in the room (what with our hectic social diary), but the efficient service provided by the hotel was more than adequate and made for the perfect stay during our entire time there. 44. fact magazine

Subway

Take the subway, it’s extremely easy to navigate, everything is translated in English, and far cheaper than taking taxis around the city.

Travel Pack App

Download the Discover Hong Kong Travel Pack app, provided free by the Hong Kong tourism board to plan your trip. See what’s nearby and even use the Augmented reality feature for directions within Hong Kong.

What to see 1. Victoria Peak Victoria Peak is definitely a must-see in Hong Kong. Overlooking the harbour with a bird’s eye view of the expanse of skyscrapers below, this truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

2. Pmq After years of vacancy, the former Police Married Quarters in Central has relaunched as a creative hub to provide a base to nurture local designers and provide a stage for ‘creative happenings’.

3. Lan Kwai Fong LKF is synonymous with nightlife. The few narrow lanes, from the intersection of Queen’s Road Central and Pedder Street, come to life at sunset as partygoers fill up the bars and clubs on this popular street.

4. Temple Street

Where to eat Art Deco Café A stylish restaurant perched atop Victoria Peak; Art Deco provides a stunning view of the entire city of Hong Kong below. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy the sunset and the city’s 8pm laser show. The menu features a mix of Asian and Western dishes and is as good as the view.

Al Molo If you enjoy a good steak, then Al Molo in Harbour Mall is a must-visit. It boasts a variety of fine

Italian dishes and a few interesting delicacies, but the beef is truly to die for. The harbour view and smart interior creates a perfect ambience.

Lok Cha Teahouse If you’re looking to experience a more traditional side of Hong Kong, we recommend the Lok Cha Teahouse, a traditional Canton style teahouse set in an elegant and refined environment. The Teahouse serves vegetarian dim sum and traditional tea, and offers a true cultural experience.

Home to Hong Kong’s biggest night market, you’ll find everything from quirky kitsch memorabilia to fortune tellers ready to predict your future. Avenue of the Stars: Pay tribute to your favourite Asian celebrity here.

5. Disneyland Disneyland Hong Kong is certainly not just for kids; there are a wide variety of rides and attractions that cater to everyone in a timeless and mystical environment.

6. The Big Buddha Once merely a remote monastery, the Po Lin Monastery made it to the world map when the extraordinary Tian Tan Buddha statue (informally known as the Big Buddha) was erected in 1993. fact magazine .45

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A creative soul,

who knew that art would be her calling, Anna Leanda Thackray is a South African-born leading-edge British artist, and the first graphic novelist in Bahrain. She embraces her passion and spends countless hours drawing, redrawing and doodling until she is satisfied. FACTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pallavi Ramesh had the pleasure of chatting with the artist, giving a glimpse into her journey, sharing her story, little secrets and future plans.

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Culture

“

“Dr Lorna Carse is probably my favorite character as I’m using my own face as a reference to draw her. But I’m also attached to the protagonist, Shamal, for he is growing and evolving as the story is developing.”

y father bought me my first tube of oil paint when I was 11; I can still smell the raw linseed oil,” shares Anna. That’s where her arty journey kicked-off. Sitting in a corner reading books about Monet, Seurat, Klimt, Lichtenstein, Van Gogh and Picasso and how-to books, Anna was her own teacher. “Louis Bourgeois and Kiki Smith particularly interested me,” she says. Anna involves herself into a variety of art, which includes illustrations, oil paintings, and abstract art. She studies people and with that converts a plain canvas into an object latent with metaphors and symbolism. “I describe myself as a social anthropologist; I study people, relationships and I perceive to be standing outside looking in, which turns into my artwork,” adds Anna. Her art is conceptual in nature and borders around the surreal. We dived into her latest success, the first installment of her graphic novel. The ‘Awakening of Shamal, No time to waste!’ is a fictional tale of good overcoming evil and how when we stray from the path of honesty, nature will guide us back to it.

Like any other artist, Anna goes through a flow of emotions when she paints. The painting closest to Anna’s heart is one of her beloved ones. She found an old photo of her mother and older brother, which she used as a reference point and painted them.

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Explaining how this happened, she says, “post painting, graphic novel ought to be my next step. When my husband and I moved to Bahrain, the island’s contrast and its people immediately inspired me, I started scribbling some drawings and these grew, and a story was born.” Anna revealed her creative process while creating this epic and first-of-its-kind novel on the island. “I completed the story in my head and began to draw every single day,” she says. “I created rough sketches before I started the inking and colouring. Sometimes I got so engrossed in the storytelling that my rough sketch became the final drawing.”

The first book took Anna 523 days to draw. She is midway through the second book of her trilogy, and it has been almost two and a half years. Anna will launch the second part of her graphic novel trilogy in September and also plans to transfer her Children’s book she made years ago into a graphic novel. GO: Contact Anna on info@desert-comic.com or follow her on Twitter @althackray and Instagram althackray.

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Culture

Arabian Aromas Noora Al-Mutawa, founder of

Nara Apothecary chats to FACT about her venture into luxury fragranced candles inspired by the scents of Arabia.

ith an educational background of Politics and Media, Noora stepped into the world of business by producing candle fragrances. “I love candles and I know exactly what goes into making it; what sort of wax, percentage of perfume and containers used,” she says. Her candles are produced in France. “They are the best, they replicate my fragrances and I personally instruct them on the wax and percentage of fragrance to be used,” she reveals. Noora has launched three fragrances, which tell the story of an Arabic home. “The luxuries of our Arab way of life are undervalued in today’s fast-paced and globalised world,” she explains. “The scent of Qahwa is like a cup of Arabic coffee, which is comforting and welcoming. “Make sure to light this when you catch up with friends, it creates a lovely atmosphere. Oud is exotic and luxurious; it is the scent for brides and grooms, specially made for celebratory moments. The Arabian Rose is sweet and floral, instantly lifts and brightens your home.” With her extensive knowledge on candles, Noora shares a quick tip. “When you put off a candle after use, make sure to trim the candle wick (remove the black part); this will create less smoke and the candle burns evenly,” she says. You can find these perfumed candles at LEAVES Chocolatier and Wedding Planners. Call 7744 4488 for orders and more information. 50. fact magazine

“I carry travel candles whenever I am on a trip. Hotel rooms can be so foreign and lighting my candles makes me feel at home; it is home away from home.”

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ARTS

Aspiring Artist

Ramah AlHusseini is a talented young, up and coming artist, entrepreneur and an ambitious young lady who is completely passionate about her art. Apple Sharma had a tête-à-tête with this aspiring artist at her art gallery, Anamil, to find out more about her art works and dreams of her future.

Ramah has been interested in arts since her childhood. “I’ve been doing arts since I can remember,” she says. “Since I was a kid, after school I would do art classes and I was big fan from a young age. “I was drawing since I was 10 years old and I knew what I wanted to be since I was a kid and it’s great that I have the support of my family.” Ramah, who is originally Saudi, but has spent a lot of time in Bahrain, graduated from high school with an IB Arts Certificate and then majored in Fine Arts from University of Concordia in Canada. “As soon as I got back I tried to look for a desk job because I wanted a stable income, but nothing worked 52. fact magazine

“I recommend any artist to do what they feel like. Of course, don’t completely reject people’s opinions, but try and work with both and get the best of both worlds.”

out for me, plus I got bored easily,” she says. “My father had this house and I really needed studio space to work. Both my parents were really supportive and they said yes and that I could do whatever I wanted with the space.” This led to the inception of Anamil, Ramah’s own art gallery. She started working on her art and had her first solo exhibition in September 2012. “It was like a test run as I wanted to see how people would respond to it,” she says. “It was really successful, and was sold out. Granted that the first exhibition I did was for charity and 20 per cent of each sold painting went to this organisation in Palestine. It was for a good cause and pushed people’s interest in my work.”

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ARTS

hen asked about describing her art, she says, “I do a lot of different things because I majored in studio arts, which basically lets you experience and dabble in every area in the art field, from screen printing, printing in general, painting, drawing and photography.” “Right now, my style is modern figurative, inspired by Arabic culture,” she elaborates. “It’s very cultural with Arabic traditions because that’s me and it’s some of the things I want to say.” “I was trying to think out of the box and trying to grab people’s attention, so I started thinking what can I do that’s different and that would stand out and attract people to my work. “Even though we’re in the Middle East, the Middle Eastern people like

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Middle Eastern work. Although, they are modern, they still prefer a traditional touch to their paintings, especially artwork, so I tried to take the best of both worlds and combined them.” This is clearly evident in her series of paintings titled ‘Ghutra Agal’, which has been working out quite well for Ramah. “That’s why I’ve been doing similar ones, some are colourful and some are clean cut. It’s what people are looking for,” she explains. We asked her about where she gets her inspirations from to which she says,

Ramah’s work also includes designing phone cover stickers, wrapping paper, coasters, shawls, shoe and furniture designs.

R Ramah’s piece of advice for young local artists is “Don’t think of the money, don’t under value yourself, work hard, don’t wait for the opportunity to come to you and take matters in your own hand and do it yourself.”

“My surrounding and experiences, but most of my inspiration comes from the Middle Eastern and Arabic culture.” It can take Ramah anything from a couple of days, to weeks and sometimes even months to complete a painting. When faced with an artist block, she likes to go for a run or just leave everything and go out. “Sometimes you need to just stop working and have some fun,” she says. Ramah works a lot with Bahraini artists and also gives workshops on drawing and painting and usually teaches beginners. She has also given a screen-printing workshop at the art centre organised by the Ministry. She’s an avid supporter of the local art scene and rents out studio space for artists who need room for themselves, so they can come, chill and work together. When asked about where she sees herself in the future as an artist, she says, “I definitely want to expand.” “I live in Bahrain; my family is here, so I will invest in Bahrain and in the art scene

Freelance Work: Ramah also collaborates with other businesses...

– that’s what I believe in. But I also want to invest in myself as an artist. I want to expand into Dubai, Kuwait and Qatar and maybe even expand to London, US, keep expanding, get my name out there and develop as an artist. That’s my number one goal.” The sky is the limit for this young artist, curator and gallery owner and we wish her the very best and a special thank you for putting the stamp on our cover this month! Go: For more information on the artist visit www.ramahalhusseini.blogspot.com www.instagram.com/alhusseiniramah www.facebook.com/anamil296

...like ‘So Original’ in UAE where she has designed bags, notebooks and t-shirts. She has also designed for charity initiatives and events and card companies. She has done story boards and visual aids and given screen printing

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Society

#RitZ#out&About In presence of General Manager, Mark Neukomm, and Director of Sales and Marketing, Soufiane El Allam, the hotel had their successful annual event â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Out and Aboutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, where theY presented different world cuisines from their award-winning restaurants to around 250 guests, with a chance to win great raffle prizes.

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REVIEWS

On the Record Pop/Rock 1000 Forms of Fear By SIA

This talented lady has been putting her pop aspirations on hold to write hooks for stars like Katy Perry, Rihanna (Sia wrote Diamonds), Britney Spears, and Beyonce too. But, by now, we’ve all heard her stunning new solo single Chandelier, and it seems that Sia has been saving her best material for herself, material that is being packaged into the 11-track 1000 Forms of Fear, which we predict could be her most rewarding and innovative listen yet.

Dance/House/Garage

New Eyes

By Clean Bandit

Not your stereotypical popstars, Clean Bandit are changing the guidelines of music. The Cambridge quartet currently holds the top spot for the UK’s fastest selling single of 2014 so far, with their chart–topping hit Rather Be (we’ve had it on loop in the office!), so you can only imagine how excited we are for their 13-track debut album New Eyes. A mix of garage beats and modern electronics, this album is packed with the group’s Mozartmeets-deep house sound. Listen out for Extraordinary with its glowing mix of claps; and the steel drums on Come Over; as well as the 90s garage sounding Heart On Fire. We love that Clean Bandit aren’t your traditional band; they’re incorporating different textures and influences of the old and the new, proving that their sound does have a place in the future of chart music.

POP

A.K.A By JLO

The diva from the bronx is back with an album she says is dedicated to her first love; music. But, we’re more interested and eager to hear what her confirmed collabos are offering up on this 14-track record. There’s T.I., Iggy Azalea, Rick Ross, Pitbull, Nas, Chris Brown and French Montana, it’s almost like a takeover album with r’nb and hip hop’s finest passing through on the mic! Some of the standout tunes include Emotions, No Worries, Acting Like That, and Same Girl.

Fully Booked fiction

The Bridges Constantine By AHLEM MOSTEGHANEMI

If poetic language, complex situations and world cultures are what peaks your interest when looking for a good read, this is a book that will tick all those boxes. What started off as a prize-winning early 90s novel and was later adapted into a television series, has now been translated onto the pages of The Bridges Of Constantine. Khaled, now an artist, once a revolutionary in the Algerian war of liberation, grieves the loss of his love, Hayat, a love affair that is, much like the politics of the country, complex and unrealistic. This novel gives a remarkable insight into Algeria’s corrupt leadership as well as a window into the true meaning of undying love, proving that Ahlem Mosteghanemi has carved a place for herself as one of the most important writers of the Arab world. In Association with Virgin Megastore

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CONTEMPORARY FICTION

Gold

By CHRIS CLEAVE

Gold is so much more than a story about sport, it’s that too, but the underlying focus is on love. It addresses a dilemma that many people may face; if your dreams pull you in one direction and your heart in another, which should you follow? In Gold, this is the question that haunts Kate Meadows, a world champion athlete whose eight-yearold daughter Sophie is battling a recurrence of childhood leukaemia, just as her mother is about to take her final shot at an Olympic gold medal. This is an emotional rollercoaster of strength, willpower, the unmatched love of a mother for her child, and the intense desire to achieve one’s dreams.

Big Screen

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Director: Matt Reeves Cast: Andy Serkis, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Jason Clarke What’s it about: The tables are turned as a growing nation of evolved apes, led by Caesar, is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. The two sides negotiate and reach a fragile peace that proves short-lived. Both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who emerges as Earth’s dominant species. Oooh intense! Why it’s worth watching? It’s been sci-fi galore this summer with some huge-name franchises releasing their new big screen offerings, from Captain America and Spiderman, to X-Men and Transformers. So, it’s no surprise that we were a little hesitant about Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (especially as the last one was pretty darn good!). However, we were pleasantly amazed! Not only is this a story about survival and trying to find a way to master one’s nature and impulse, it’s clear that here there is no villain. In Dawn we’re seeing a story of two families; the apes, and the humans, and how each has its own struggle for survival. Then, of course, the two discover each other, yet nobody is the victim here. And though there’s conflict coming, the story is less about bad guys and more about the drama of whether the apes and humans can coexist. The star performance here goes straight to Andy Serkis (Caesar), and though we miss James Franco bringing the eye candy, the great visuals and impressive plot is definitely enough to go and watch.

Tammy

Director: Ben Falcone Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Susan Sarandon, Dan Aykroyd

What’s it about: Tammy loses her job and learns that her husband has been unfaithful, and in true denial fashion, she hits the road with her profane, harddrinking grandmother. There’s no denying that Melissa McCarthy is one of Hollywood’s most hilarious actresses, and we love that this is also her husband Ben Falcone’s directorial debut. Surprisingly, it’s Susan Sarandon as the loud grandmomma that caught our attention here. We couldn’t be more excited for this film to hit the big screen – we’re due a good laugh!

Hercules

Win 2 Free Cinema Tickets Redeemable for any film at any Cineco cinema Answer the following question:

For FACT, who is the star perfomance in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes? E-mail answers to: editorial@factlive.com

Director: Brett Ratner Cast: Dwayne Johnson, John Hurt, Ian McShane What’s it about: Hercules, the Greek demigod, has endured his legendary 12 labours and is now living his life as a sword-for-hire. Hercules is tested when the King of Thrace and his daughter seek his aid in defeating a tyrannical warlord. We don’t know about you but we were huge fans of the Hercules TV show, so the film can only mean more epic warrior scenes, right? Let’s hope so. All we want to see is Dwayne Johnson leading an army that looks similar to Daenerys Targaryen’s. Done! fact magazine .59

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THE cadillac CTS

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ISLAND RIDES

As each new model comes out, cadillac further muscles its way firmly into place amongst the premium badges of Europe. This latest CTS really anchors them in placeâ&#x20AC;Ś

he CTS sedan was first launched back in 2002, but only really began making waves back in 2008, when the second-generation CTS-V sedan set the world record for a production sedan on factory tyres around the infamous Nurburgring at just under eight minutes. This was an important step for the US manufacturer to leave behind the old clichĂŠ that American cars were only fast in a straight line. Cadillac was here, and it could perform! However, despite its performance, the CTS Sedan was still let down in small ways when compared to its German rivals, most significantly BMW. The GM of Cadillac made no secret that he was using the BMWs as a benchmark for his Cadillacs. However, the CTS was awkwardly 62. fact magazine

placed between the 3 Series and the 5 Series, and it was therefore compared to both, and ended up falling short on both ends. So, smartly, Cadillac decided to clarify things by creating the ATS to specifically compete with the 3 Series, freeing up the CTS to bring the fight to the 5 Series. And bring the fight it has. Free to focus on exactly what it should be the CTS has become a longer, leaner, meaner and a more businesslike machine. It is also significantly lighter than its German rivals, and this really tells in terms of handling and performance. We drove the 2.0l turbocharged Performance spec model, with its four cylinder engine putting out 272hp and 400Nm of torque. After only fractional turbo lag, this CTS was impressively quick off the mark, especially in sport mode,

The new CTS has taken a quantum leap forward in terms of style, luxury and performance.

although as expected it does run out of steam a little at high speeds. If you really want the muscle rather than the fuel economy, you should opt for the 321hp 3.6l V6, or hold out just a little longer for the eagerly anticipated (by us, anyway) CTS-V. Cadillac have really come leaps and bounds in terms of combining ride comfort and performance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the CTS is an extremely nice place to be in touring mode, and even in sport, it manages high levels of agility with a ride that never becomes bumpy or jarring, which was something the previous generation just fell shy of. And the interior follows suit, with a truly premium and yet extremely modern

feel created by touch-sensitive climate and stereo controls, and a really cool customisable digital instrument cluster. In the most recent three-year, J.D. Power and Associates US customer survey, the Cadillac brand ranked third over all, behind Lexus and Porsche, and ahead of Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Infiniti and Jaguar, and we can see why. It is entirely thanks to cars like the CTS. It has the looks, it has the comfort, it has the luxury, and it has the performance. For the first time, the CTS is now a truly viable alternative and serious competitor to the 5 Series, the E Class at the A6.

Free to focus on exactly what it should be the CTS has become a longer, leaner, meaner and a more businesslike machine.

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ISLAND RIDES

2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport

We were pretty sure what to expect from the Jeep Wrangler, but it still managed to surprise us! When it comes to pure off-road enjoyment, nothing comes close to this iconic 4x4.

he Jeep Wrangler has one purpose: off-roading. Everything else is peripheral. From the relatively inexpensive bumpers and wheel arches that are easy to replace when scratched or dented by rugged terrain, to the standard roll bar that comes with all Wranglers, and the big travel suspension with heavy duty axles providing high ground clearance and unrivalled axle articulation, it all means business. It even has underbody armour that protects the fuel tank, transfer case and oil pan. The upshot of all this is that the

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Wrangler will go places that no other standard everyday production SUV will go! Oh, and you can take the doors and roof off. Not just on this model – on ALL of them. It’s a standard feature of Wranglers. This isn’t some gimmick so that people can drive around town looking like they just stepped out of a Beach Boys music video. When ‘crawling’ (driving over extremely rocky and tricky terrain), having no doors gives the driver much better visibility regarding where his wheels are going. Taking the roof off, however, is just for fun! The model we drove was the Wrangler

The Wrangler proving that even as a longwheelbase option, it’ll still go almost anywhere!

Unlimited, which is the four-door long wheelbase option. This model shocked and outraged Wrangler enthusiasts the world over when it was first launched, who complained that it wasn’t a true Wrangler (despite the fact that Jeep had been making four-door versions of the Wrangler for various militaries for over a decade by that point). These objections were quickly quashed by the massively increased practicality of the Unlimited, namely, seats for five as well as storage space, something which the two-door sorely lacks. This was also offered with very little reduction in off-road capability, the only one being a slightly reduced breakover angle due to the longer wheelbase. The Wrangler’s standard on-road mode is rear-wheel drive, and there’s no girly user-friendly dial to switch to the off-road settings, simply a lever that you have to manhandle into four-high or four-low. And to be honest, I like it! Makes me feel manly… The 3.6l V6 Pentastar engine puts out a very adequate 285 horsepower and 352Nm torque through Jeep’s excellent Command-Trac transfer case, which distributes the power to the four different wheels as needed. It’s massively effective, and combined with the Wrangler’s low weight in relation to behemoths like the Nissan Patrol or Toyota Land Cruiser, this makes it significantly more nimble on very rugged terrain. The Wrangler made extremely light work of steep gravelly climbs that other

What’s so great about the Wrangler is the singularity of purpose - it’s an offroader first and foremost, which is why it’s so good! SUVs scrabbled and lurched up with much less finesse. And on soft sand, the Wrangler’s V6 proved easily powerful enough to surge through churned up dunes with ease. All this off-road performance does, however, come at the expense of on-road refinement. The high suspension and highwalled off-road tyres do make for a bit of a wallowing ride, and it has the aerodynamics of a brick. Having said that, the Electronic Stability Control and Roll Mitigation do a good job of keeping the Wrangler in check on sharp turns. The interior is spacious and comfortable, if not exactly luxurious, but

the sound system, with the rear speakers mounted overhead on the roll bar, is excellent, and boasts an auxiliary jack for your MP3 player, and so on. The whole point is function over form. The passenger cabin can be hosed down after a particularly muddy session, with drain holes in the floor to let the water out. The conclusion is thus: if you’re looking for luxury, this isn’t your baby. If you’re looking for absolute off-road capability and huge amounts of fun, then the Wrangler’s an excellent and very affordable choice.

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Ramadan Deals

Once again, the Holy Month is upon us, and once again, it brings with it fantastic deals at the car showrooms across the Kingdom. Here are six that caught our eye… Audi Centre

The Audi Centre Bahrain is offering up their stunning 2015 model range with some very attractive incentives this year. Any 2015 model you buy during Ramadan will give you five years of hassle-free motoring, thanks to a five-year service package, five-year warranty and five-year roadside assistance! They’re also giving fantastic cash offers and unbeatable finance rates to entice customers through their doors. And if you already own a car, they offer some of the best trade-in facilities in the Kingdom! Is it about time you upgrade to an Audi? Call 1745 9933 for more information.

Volkswagen This Ramadan Behbehani Brothers is offering unforgettable deals on a range of Volkswagen models. Customers will also benefit from the all-inclusive value package offered with each new car. The all-inclusive package features three years’ free service with up to 45,000km, three years’ roadside assist, five years’ warranty with unlimited mileage and 12 years’ warranty against rust perforation. Customers can also benefit from a very low interest rate of just 2.25% on finance packages. So go grab yourself that Golf GTI you always wanted! Call 1745 9977 for more information.

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Euro Motors Have you always wanted to upgrade to a premium European badge, but never thought that your finances could handle it? Well, there’s never been a better time to do so, as Euro Motors offer up their stunning range of MINI, BMW, Ferrari and Maserati models with fantastic Ramadan promotions. Not only are they offering unprecedented prices across the range, but you can also enjoy five-years’ free warranty, one year’s insurance, one year’s registration, free window tinting and, the cherry on the cake, a free Apple iPad! Just the thing for your brand-new 4 Series… Call 1775 0750 to find out more.

Ramadan Deals

YK Almoayyed

The dealership for Nissan and Infiniti are offering up some of their models for incredible prices this year. During Ramadan, the Nissan Altima S model comes with a starting price of BD6,995 and the stylishly innovative Nissan Tiida or the new Sentra S is available from BD5,995. The stylish Qashqai is starting from BD7,595, the elegant Juke from BD6,995 and the refined Murano at an incredible price of BD11,995. For those looking for a premium badge, Infiniti is offering unbeatable starting prices across its line-up. The prices start from BD10,995 for the Infiniti G25, BD14,495 for the M37, BD15,995 for the Q50, BD17,495 for the QX60 and QX70, and the top end Infiniti QX80 starts from BD26,495. To find out more, call 1773 2732.

Ebrahim K Kanoo Toyotas are well known for their value for money, but this Ramadan the value goes through the roof, as the promotions for Toyota models make things sweeter than ever. On purchase of any Toyota model you get oneyear’s free service contract, as well as unbeatable finance package, for low interest, no down payment, 90 days deferred payment, with repayments up to seven years. Further sweetening the deal is a 25% discount on Llumar window tinting and Ziebart car care services to really make your motor shine! For information, call 1773 0730.

Hyundai Hyundai dealership First Motors are bringing back their much-loved Spin & Win campaign once again this year, where everyone gets to spin the wheel of prizes, and is guaranteed either savings on their purchase or a prize. Immediately upon purchase of a brand new Hyundai vehicle, a customer can choose to claim an instant discount of up to BD2,000, or they can try their luck on the Ramadan ‘Spin & Win’ wheel and bring home one of the many exciting prizes, which include free registration or insurance, free petrol for six months and for twelve months, window film installation, rust proofing, tyre or battery change or a service package. Call 1712 1121 to find out more.

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#Jeep#Roadshow

The Jeep Roadshow Middle East arrived at the Amwaj Marina in Bahrain. Guests met the Jeep family and experienced their legendary capabilities over a special off-road track. Participants won free Jeep T-shirts and other giveaways.

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RAMADAN KAREEM

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MOTORING NEWS

Euro Motors Bags JLR MENA Marketing Award

Euro Motors was recently granted the Jaguar Land Rover Experience Marketing Award during the 3rd Annual Jaguar Land Rover ( JLR) MENA Awards. Euro Motors was recognised as the most proactive and successful marketing department in the MENA region. Hannah Naji, Marketing Director of Jaguar Land Rover MENA presented the JLR Experience Award to Ms. Hannane Laidouni, Jaguar Land Rover Marketing Manager at Euro Motors, who expressed her delight to have received the award. Euro Motors also received a Certificate of Appreciation for breaking their own Land Rover Sales record last year, selling 334 vehicles in 2013, exceeding all expectations.

The All New 2015 Hyundai Genesis First Motors has launched the 2015 Hyundai Genesis sedan, representing the premium offering from the Korean badge. Boasting the 3.8l Lambda GDI V6 engine, the Genesis is known for offering one of the best ranges of standard features in its price bracket. Spacious and comfortable inside, the Genesis also offers plush leather seats and a glossy hydrographic interior trim, as well as remote start, panoramic sunroof, rear-view parking camera and front-and-rear parking assist with rear-cross traffic alert. It also boasts the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first carbon dioxide sensor, a totally new automotive system designed to sense car dioxide levels in the cabin of the Genesis and automatically activates the ventilation.

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Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept

Sometimes manufacturers like to tease us with awesome concepts to ‘demonstrate technologies’, that won’t ever go into production. This Clubsport Quattro Concept is one example. Audi presented the A3 Clubsport Quattro Concept at the Wörthersee Meeting in Reifnitz last month. The concept study is based on the S3 Sedan and has a five-cylinder TFSI engine under the hood producing 525hp, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 310 km/h. One cool feature of the concept is the air brake. When the driver applies the brakes at high speed, the air brake is activated. The rear segment of the trunk goes to nearly vertical in the blink of an eye. At 250 km/h, the air brake reduces the stopping distance by around 12 metres, in part because the ESC can allocate more braking power to the rear axle thanks to the increased downforce. Nifty!

2015 Yaris Hatchback launched

One of the region’s most popular compact economy cars was launched in Bahrain last month by Ebrahim K Kanoo. Speaking at the event, Marketing Manager Mr. Ayman Shehadeh said, “The Toyota Yaris Hatchback is a reliable, sporty and impressive car that is so popular on the roads of Bahrain, it has proven its undoubted quality over the years.” The new Yaris Hatchback boasts many standard options, including halogen headlights and fog lamps, power steering, and 4-speaker audio system with LCD display, CD and MP3 player with USB and AUX ports. It’s powered by two engine variants, a 1.5l, 107hp and 1.3l, 84 HP option, to combine high fuel efficiency with excellent standing-start acceleration.

Bahrain welcomes BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé The third model to join the new BMW 4 Series product range at Euro Motors and the company’s first compact executive Coupé with four-doors, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe “makes an immediate impression and combines the sleek look of a two-door coupé with the functionality provided by four-doors which gives passengers easy access when entering or leaving the vehicle.” Ok, but wait… wasn’t a four-door 4 Series a 3 Series? We’re confused… It’s available with three engine variants: 435i, 428i and 420i with BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology. The high-end 435i 3-litre six-cylinder engine delivers 306hp while the 428i and 420i both come with a 2-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 245hp and 184hp respectively.

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Sony Cyber-Shot DSC QX100

Digital photography has one more innovative player in the market as Sony introduces the Cyber-Shot DSC QX100, with camera meets smartphone design and functionality. We find out if this unconventional point-and-shoot has what it takes to revolutionise the instant photo-sharing world…

Let’s talk conventions; compact cameras and smartphones are not, traditionally, two tech gadgets that double as natural companions. The first takes higher quality pictures but lacks the capability to share images instantly. The latter, though not always capturing the most inspiring photos, serves a fast-paced purpose where you can share your snaps immediately (we’re talking to you, selfie fans). Sony is making quite the bold attempt to give the market what is, essentially, a cross between the quality of a compact camera and the capabilities of a smartphone. The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-QX100 (the longer zoom version of the QX10) is a sensor/lens unit, designed exclusively for use with smartphones. The unit contains a lens, 72.

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sensor and processor, with your smartphone providing the user interface. Sounds intriguing, right? It’s simple; the QX100 is a high-end model based around a 20MP 1-inch sensor and fast Zeiss-branded zoom lens, meaning you’ll get excellent image quality. The added benefit is that, even though the QX-100 is able to operate as a standalone camera, it’s actually designed to

work hand-in-hand with a smartphone by way of Sony’s PlayMemories Mobile app. All you have to do is establish a connection between the devices, open the app, and

voila! Your mobile acts as the camera’s LCD (each unit includes a mount that clamps to the backside of a smartphone). Warning! If you want the QX100 to work for you, then you really have to be the type of user who cares enough about achieving the best image quality possible. The nice photos it guarantees come at the expense of having to deal with a slow and clunky system. However, if you’re sufficiently patient to deal with speed issues, the images captured are terrifically rich in colour and offer a shallow depth of field. The QX100 is a portable solution for frequent photo snappers and sharers; it was built to produce better pics and simplify sharing, all from one device. In that case, it gets a tick in the box from us. price: BD175.5

Buy: Available in all major electronic stores.

PLUGGED-IN

App-licious Today’s tech-savvy generation of smartphones and tablets means the world is at your fingertips, literally! FACT has three great apps to download for your device, keeping you plugged-in to all the best techie help for every area of your life...

TECHNOLOGY Versus (Android, iOS)

Being a techy has never been this easy. Versus is a cool app that helps you select any gadget you’re looking to buy, be it phones, cameras, tablets, headphones, watches and more. Enter your top choices and compare the pros and cons including features and prices, choose your best purchase option – et voilà!

RAMADAN Muslim Pro: Azan, Quran, Qibla (Android, iOS)

Get tech-ready this Ramadan with a fantastic new app - Muslim Pro, featuring the full Quran with Arabic scripts, phonetics, translations and audio recitations. The app also has accurate prayer time calculator based on your location, animated Qibla compass showing the direction to Mecca, and halal restaurants and mosque locations around you. Send Islamic e-cards to your friends and family. Ramadan has never been this easy!

PRODUCTIVITY Notegraphy (Android, iOS)

Get creative with amazing design and typography. Notegraphy lets you create notes in three simple ways - write, style and share. Be it a single word, a para or an entire novel, this marvellous app designs your writing into beautifully formatted layouts. Share it instantly on Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp and email, or save them in your gallery. Let your creativity flow.

Ramadan Kareem

Daily Open Iftar Buffet

Ramadan Successful TV Series Screened Buffet & Ghabga Outdoor Catering 17 403 405 Adliya Branch : 17 715 868 Adhari Branch : 17 403 405 Amwaj Branch : 16 010 099

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The brand launch of HOSS Intropia was held last month at Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel, Bahrain City Centre. The international brand was presented by Brand Manager Christine Zanon and the audience were treated to a spectacular preview of the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Autumn/Winter 14 collection.

#HOSS#INTROPIA

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COLLECTION FOCUS

When it comes to jeans there is nothing like a pair that fits you perfectly. Strut your stuff in Salsa’s Spring/Summer 14 collection for women and be right on trend this summer.

salsa Spring/ Summer 2014 for her 76. fact magazine

The new Spring/Summer 2014 collection for women can only be best described as impulsive, dreamy and imaginative. The Salsa woman is romantic at heart with a strong personality and a dreamer’s spirit. And this same vibe flows throughout the collection with bright hues and vibrant prints. For a contemporary and cosmopolitan look, match flowing tops in neutral tones or bolder colours with a pair of jeans. This season Salsa has something for everyone. If you’re going after a casual look, nothing says it better than a pair of cute shorts, denim on denim or even an oversized tee paired with fitting jeans. For a more feminine feel, put on a simple denim or a printed dress. For those summer days, pair a light flowing top tucked into a short

skirt combined with a jacket and take your look from day to night in no time. Dress it up or down with the perfect belt or a statement necklace. Whether brightly coloured, lightly washed-out or patterned, jeans have never looked this flattering and feminine. Bring out your inner beauty, don perfectly fitting jeans and be ready to take on the world with a quiet confidence of the Salsa woman!

salsa Spring/ Summer 2014 for him

Salsa Spring/Summer 2014 collection for men is urban, casual, futuristic, yet minimalistic. The collection has a cosmopolitan feel to it, with a combination of natural materials with metallic detail holograms. Nautical prints and colours are big this season and can be seen throughout the collection, leaning towards the ‘worn and torn’ look. For a casual look, go for comfortable, yet stylish, rolled up shorts in various colours and pair them with plain, striped or printed tees. If you’re after a smart casual look, nothing beats a pair of smart jeans combined with a checkered shirt or a full-sleeved t-shirt. Tone it down with an open shirt over a classic t-shirt or dress it up with a jacket and you’re ready to hit the town. Whether you’re into minimalistic or futuristic, mix and match

colours and textures and make it your own. The denim comes in subtle washes and is enhanced with appliqué. Diversely inspired accessories applied to t-shirts or jackets give the entire collection a lift and brings it all together. Whether you’re going for a street safari or an ultra modern look, this is the future of the denim world!

A pair of comfy jeans is a must-have for every closet. Salsa’s Spring/Summer 14 collection for men will take you from comfortable to stylish in no time and sure to make heads turn.

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style

Tribal Twist As ethnic and aztec prints take over this season, with big accessories and bold prints, here are some of the hottest tribal-inspired pieces for your wardrobe.

New look

BD4 Wear these beautiful earrings, with an up do to stand out in the crowd.

ALDO

BD6.5 Keep cool with these oversized shades.

PARFOIS

POR Clutch your party musts in this stylish tribal bag.

BERSHKA

POR Make a bold statement in this over-the-top tribal necklace.

NEW LOOK

PULL & BEAR

BD4 Bring the wrist action with this super cool ethnic bracelet.

BD16.9 Glam up your outfit with this eye-catchy top.

River island

POR Step up your poolside look in a colourful print bikini.

Salsa

PULL & BEAR

BD3.9 Printed skirts are great for day to evening looks.

Bershka

ALDO

BD30 Add some aztec cool to your footwear with these pretty sandals.

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Pull & bear

BERSHKA

BD15.9 Pack up and travel using this uber trendy aztecstyle backpack.

BD14.9 Lift your casual daily outfit with all-over printed shoes.

BD5.9 Sparkle with a pop of colour in your choice of accessories.

POR Add a tribal touch to casual jeans to lift your every day look.

Tropical Touch Street style gets a whole new makeover as urban cool meets tropical prints with summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coolest gear. Here are some jungle-inspired pieces for your wardrobe.

NEW LOOK

POR Hide behind this pair of uber funky sunnies this summer.

PULL & BEAR

BERSHKA

BD8.9 Stroll through summer in this cool sleevless tee.

POR Colourful printed caps add spark to your summer look.

NEW LOOK

BD2.5 Get a touch of trendy jungle with these animal print shades.

RIVER ISLAND

POR Fuse beach casual and everyday chic with these printed shorts.

BERSHKA

POR Great to go with an allwhite or pastel-themed outfit for a pop of colour.

pull & bear

BD11.9 Wear holiday hues this summer for a complete sunny look.

BERSHKA

BD11.9 Zip up in this uber trendy paradise palm tree print jacket.

Bershka

BD8.5 Tropical print shorts are the popular choice for beachside fashion this season.

CALL IT SPRING

NEW LOOK

BD8.9 Cuff up in this chunky, layered bracelet.

BERSHKA

POR Fasten up in this rustic printed belt to brighten your every day look.

BD4.5 Add summer charm to your outfit with this tropical beach print tee. fact magazine .79

beauty

beauty trends

Keep abreast with the latest beauty and grooming trends as FACT brings you the hottest beauty products and news every month!

L’OREAL

For a smooth shave, use this non-foaming shaving gel. It hydrates the skin and reduces that burning sensation.

BOBBI BROWN

Swirl your brush across the shades and dust onto your cheeks or use individual bars in the shimmer brick as eye shadow.

CLINIQUE

L’Oréal ELVIVE

Massage this moistursing lotion onto your body, for smooth and nourished skin.

Revitalising the dullest and driest hair into fantastic fluid texture, this nourishing oil replacement contains precious Argan oil that nurtures the hair from root to tip.

LUSH

MAKE UP FOR EVER

Kill two birds with one stone – use as shampoo, and lather up as shower gel for a fresh and scented feeling all day long.

Reshape and emphasise your lip contours, with this lip liner for the perfect pout

CAROLINA HERRERA

This explosive masculine fragrance is a cocktail of vodka with frozen mint, lime caviar and vibrant spices, representing style and attitude.

LACOSTE

With a woody aromatic fragrance, this after shave is perfect for casual wear. Soothe against the harshness of a razor blade, by dabbing a small amount.

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ScentSory & 20th Century Fox

Consumer Products announces the launch of two new scents that will be added to the ‘24’ fragrance range in honour of the return of Jack Bauer in 24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY.

O.P.I

Get party-ready by styling your nails with a swipe of vibrant nail colours from O.P.I.

PHILOSOPHY

Apply to smoothen and brighten your skin. It also reduces dark spots and tightens your pores.

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LPODwaterpark

/LPODwaterpark

@LPODTweet

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BB PIN: 276045D7

EID GIFT GUIDE

For THE LADIES

1. Anfass Arabic perfume (por) 2. esswara dopodomani petunia pequeno earrings in green (bd65.2) 3. maison du maillot alicia kaftan (bd258) 4. hoss intropia dress (bd198.5) 5. maison du maillot jade tribe elizabeth fold clutch (bd62) 6. hoss intropia necklace (bd45.5)

For THE GENTS

1. gucci oud menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fragrance (por) 2. zenith Limited edition rolling stones watch el primero chronomaster 1969 (por) 3. todâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gommino - ss14 collection (por) 82. fact magazine

This Ramadan, indulge in a delicious buffet featuring traditional Arabic specialties.

The legendary Khaimat Al Khaleej is a place to visit during Ramadan and experience the authentic Bahraini Ghabqa, Arabian luxury, oriental music along with an assortment of Ramadan beverages. Live broadcast of Brazil 2014 World Cup. Join us and win great prizes! Weekdays: BD 15++ Weekends: BD 17++

From 9pm to 2am From 9pm to 3am

Extensive Iftar Buffet at Al Waha Restaurant and Al Andalus Lobby Lounge including BD 16++ dishes from all hotel restaurants, mainly Zahle and Takht Jamsheed.

• • •

The tent is divided into separate non-smoking and smoking sections. Children (up to 5 years) free of charge, and Children (6 to 12 years) 50% off. Special rates are available for corporate groups and Prestige Club members.

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Society

The official press launch of the Sacoor Brothers store in Bahrain took place at the Bahrain City Centre. The opening showcased the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer collection with live musical performance. The highlights of the brand were discussed with the guests.

#Sacoor#Brothers

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VEnue review

Al Areen

Palace & Spa

An oasis of tranquillity and peace, Al Areen Palace & Spa is one of the most exotic venues on the island. FACT went to check out the hotel’s Layali Al Areen Tent and see all that it has to offer this Ramadan.

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Bordering the Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary stands one of the most stunning hotels on the island – Al Areen Palace & Spa. It’s charm and elegance spans 131,000 square metres (yes, it is huge) and features 78 luxury villas, including 22 two-bedroom Royal Villas and 56 one-bedroom Desert Pool Villas, each with their own private courtyard, swimming pool and jet-pool (now we’re talking!). The hotel is going all out and has much to offer in terms of not just relaxation, but also

World Cup madness as well as traditional Ramadan fayres. The Layali Al Areen Tent is built as an extension to one of the hotel’s six restaurants, Saffron, overlooking the vast pool area. Walking into Saffron, you instantly feel like you’ve entered an Arabian world with its deep maroon hues, Arabesque motifs and décor, giving it a warm ambiance. The Layali Al Areen Tent (which seats 80 guests) for the first half of Ramadan is fully equipped to cater to the World Cup fever, with a huge projector

The World Cup madness extends into the food as well with a Brazilian inspired World Cup menu, offering everything from soups to salads, appetisers, sandwiches and burgers.

screen to show all the matches and get you in the spirit of the game. There are also two separate rooms inside Saffron, with a plasma TV for private viewing of the matches. Some of the specially created dishes for the World Cup menu include Coxinha (Chicken Croquettes), Bolinhos de Arriz (Fried Rice Balls), Salada de Macarrao (Macaroni Salad), Brazilian Banana Tart and more. The Macaroni Salad was our favourite and we couldn’t get enough of it! The Layali Al Areen Tent will also be serving Iftar buffets serving traditional dishes such as cold and hot mezzeh (Fattoush, Hummus, Moutabel, Baba Ganoush, Cheese Spring roll, Vegetable Samboosa and Beef Fattayer), traditional main courses such as Arabic Vegetable Curry served with Rice and delicious desserts like Umm Ali with raspberry ice

cream and Chocolate Banana Bamboo on Sesame Basket, as well as exotic Ramdan juices. Entertainment of Arabic music (performed by an Oud player) is bound to get you in the Ramadan spirit. Ghabga, and Suhoor for in-villa dining will both be served as a la carte. With fantastic views and Arabic hospitality at its best, Al Areen Palace & Spa is a sure winner and makes for a perfect retreat this Ramadan. Go: Iftar (sunset to 9pm): Weekdays BD 13++ and Weekends BD 15++. Call 1784 5000 for more information.

The hotel’s recently launched mobile app is now available in Arabic version, both for iTunes and Android, to view and avail all promotions and best bookings rates. fact magazine .87

Chef’s Table

Chef Preetam Singh Tucked away in The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa, Mondo Italian restaurant is a hidden gem waiting to be rediscovered. FACT sat down with Chef Preetam Singh to find out more about the restaurant, taste its gastronomic delights, and talk to him about his culinary journey.

ndian Chef Preetam Singh is a passionate self-made chef who lives and breathes Italian food. He developed his culinary skills working in professional kitchens and gained ample experience shadowing professional chefs before moving to Bahrain in 2006. He has been honing his skills since then, having worked around Bahrain, and finally moving to Mondo in 2010. “When I first joined the industry, I started with Indian cuisine, but I wasn’t that interested in it and I would always go to the Italian kitchen during my spare time,” says Chef Preetam. “The Italian chef took me 88. fact magazine

under his wing and that’s how I really got interested in Italian cuisine.” We started the tasting with freshly baked Italian Grissini (breadstick) and assorted bread rolls along with four types of seasoned butters, all prepared in-house (garlic, thyme, olives and sundried tomatoes). The appetisers included Carpaccio Di Manzo (thinly sliced meltin-your-mouth Beef Tenderloin, one of Mondo’s best selling dishes), served with marinated beetroot, rocket and Mondo’s famous truffle dressing. “Our Angus Beef is imported from the US, like many other ingredients from different

GO: Call 3994 5208 for reservations and more information.

parts of the world,” says Chef Preetam. The second starter was Baby Calamari Salad (slightly grilled calamari and steamed, marinated baby octopus) served with traditional southern Italian dressing (anchovies, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh thyme and oregano) and potatoes (which went really well with the octopus) with balsamic and red grape reduction. Next up was Seared Tuna Steak, one of Mondo’s signature dishes (fresh yellow fin tuna seared slightly and perfectly pink), accompanied with grilled vegetables and the same delish Italian dressing. The homemade Vegetarian Ravioli was a real treat. “It’s one of the best pasta recipes that we follow in our restaurant,” says Chef Preetam. This was served in a parsley butter sauce topped with beetroot coulis. The Gamberoni (grilled tiger prawns) served with handmade black ink spaghetti, and a spicy prawn emulsion was near perfection. We ended on a sweet note with

Mondo’s renowned lip-smackingly good Tiramisu. “We have fine quality ingredients, with most of the vegetables sourced from overseas like purple carrots, heirloom tomatoes and truffle,” says Chef Preetam. “The olive oil and mozzarella (Burrata) comes from Italy. Fish like Hammour are sourced locally, while Sea Bream and Salmon are imported from Scotland.” Talking about the essence of Italian cuisine he says, “The main thing is the ingredients and the ease of preparing the cuisine, but you have to have an organised work place. The appearance also makes a big difference.” Mondo’s Ramadan menu includes a couple of salads and soups, two to three main courses and a big live pasta station. With Chef Preetam dishing up authentic Italian food, we only have two words to describe Mondo...Mamma Mia!

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Now Open

Nakheel 17 591181 Saar 17 697558 Amwaj 16 033773 Durrat 77 770001 Riffa 17 750006 Juffair 17 718161 Alosrasupermarket www.alosraselect.com Follow us on @Alosra_Bahrain Alosra Supermarket fact magazine Insta

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Bahrain Bites

Editor’s choice

ramadan bites Mediterranean Medley

Lavish Iftar

at Royal Golf Club

at Sheraton Bahrain

Try the Mediterranean style Iftar buffet at Prego restaurant this Ramadan, with a variety of mouthwatering dishes. The delicious daily buffet features yummy appetisers like herb-crumbed stuffed roasted peppers, fresh salads and hearty soups. The sumptuous main course includes Pumpkin and Feta Cannelloni, Lamb Kleftico and Moussaka, as well as a selection of tantalising desserts like Moroccan pastries, Baklava and Tiramisu.

Enjoy a lip-smacking iftar buffet with your friends and family at the Awali Ballroom. With traditional and international dishes and live cooking stations, relish a scrumptious meal. The buffet includes a pasta station, crepe station and a shawarma corner. The main course includes shrimps, chicken and beef dishes. Indulge in traditional Arabic sweets like Kunafa, Baklava and lots more. Quench your thirst with Ramadan juices like Kamardine and Jallab. Guests will also get a chance to win the latest mobile devices!

GO: The Iftar buffet is BD12 net and will be available from sunset to 9pm throughout Ramadan. Call 1775 1263 for more information.

GO: The Iftar buffet is BD15.5++ on weekdays and BD16.5++ on weekends. Call 1753 3533 ext.259 for bookings and more information.

Kool new menu

Ethnic Ramadan

Indulge in a wide variety of dishes at Kosebasi, which serves you authentic Turkish cuisine. The new menu includes cold and hot appetisers, salads, grills, oven selections and sweets. Guests can savour delicacies, such as Pilaki, Mercimek koftesi, Hellimli Salata, Pistachio Kebap and Suguk Guvec. They also have their Ramadan offer which includes a set menu at Iftar time and take away before Iftar.

Ranin 2014 at Trader Vic’s Restaurant showcases the finest Ramadan concepts, and is completely transformed into an ethnic Ramadan space. There will be Iftar (sunset to 8pm) and Ghabga (9pm to 11pm) buffets, where guests can feast on Shawarma, Quzi and a selection of delicious mixed grills. Enjoy the live cooking stations, revel in the dessert section, with a selection of Arabic coffee, infusions and juices. Sit back with a shisha and enjoy the live Arabic band that performs every night.

at Kosebasi

GO: The Iftar set menu is BD12.9++ and BD5.9++ for kids under 10. Call 1717 2322 for more information.

at Trader Vic’s

GO: Iftar buffet is BD13.5++ and the Ghabga buffet is BD 12.5++. Call 1758 6555 for more information.

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PEP TALK

Ramadan Health Tips

Avoid Fried Foods A lot of Ramadan food can be very rich. Try and avoid fried and spicy food as they may lead to heartburn and indigestion.

Do Not Overeat Drink Plenty of Water A whole day of fasting can lead to dehydration. Drink water throughout the evening, aiming for at least eight glasses by bedtime.

Break your fast with dates or small amount of nuts along with either milk, water or fruit juice. After an extended period of fasting you need to bring the fluids and blood sugar levels up slowly without overdoing it.

Eat Suhoor Although, it might be difficult to wake up early, try and eat Suhoor just prior to dawn. It’s the most important meal of the day and will keep you energised throughout the day. Keep it light and take in complex carbohydrates, protein, fruit or vegetables and water.

Do Light Exercise It’s good to do some light exercise like walking for 15-20 minutes, and best done in the evenings.

Stay Cool Eat Healthy Desserts As tempting as it may be to devour sugary desserts, go for a healthy option of fresh fruit and nuts, to help you stop putting on the pounds.

Quit Smoking

Rest Up Ramadan throws you off your regular schedule. Organise yourself and day in such a way that gets you plenty of rest and sleep.

Avoid Caffeine As much as possible try and resist drinking tea, coffee or aerated drinks as they dehydrate you further. Opt for a glass of water instead.

Ramadan is the best time to give up smoking. Change your habits by avoiding situations where you are used to smoking. Drink plenty of water and distract yourself by keeping busy with other activities or taking up a new hobby.

It is especially hot this Ramadan, so during the hottest part of the day, try and remain indoors or in shaded areas.

The Holy Month of Ramadan is exceptionally difficult this year, what with the scorching heat upon us. So, it’s vital that everyone fasting this Ramadan take extra care of his or her health. Here are some tips for a healthy and practical Ramadan! 92. fact magazine

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68. fact magazine FACT SEPTEMBER 96

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Blog Spot

Making the Most of Ramadan

Ali Fareed Ali Fareed is a blogger (Ask Ali Fareed) with a passion for food, movies and local happenings around Bahrain.

If you’re wondering what’s the word out there in Bahrain’s Blogosphere, FACT’s two favourite bloggers have their fingers on the pulse. Check out what they’re discussing this month…

If you choose to go shopping during Iftar you’ll probably get an excellent parking spot, and be the first (and only) person in the queue. Walking during Iftar is great too.

It’s that time of the year again, where we take a step back, reflect on our past and set out targets that we aim to achieve towards the end of the period. No it’s not New Year...It’s The Holy month of Ramadan! Ramadan is one of the favorite and closest months to my heart and I’m sure many would share this sentiment with me. First, it’s a great opportunity to reconnect with one’s self on a spiritual level whether by giving back to the less fortunate or simply spending a few extra hours practicing. Having to cut down on food and drinks while fasting opens up my schedule to get back into shape. The afternoon hours pre-Iftar are the best since most people are at home resting or asleep waiting to break their fast.

Georgina Jennsen Georgina Jennsen is the blogger behind the popular lifestyle blog, Blonde in Bahrain. Georgina loves all things beautiful and luxurious. As a non-fasting non-muslim, Ramadan is a very different experience for me. I always have this feeling that there is something I shouldn’t be doing in public, but sometimes can’t quite remember what it is. Is it talking? Or maybe using my phone? Most expats I know find Ramadan quite difficult, and travel abroad for the month. However it can be a really good time to stay on the island. It’s all about timing (and a little forward planning). Wake up late, ensure you have a really well-stocked fridge and avoid driving in the late afternoon. If you choose to go shopping during Iftar you’ll probably get an excellent parking spot, and be the first (and only) person in the queue. Walking during Iftar is great too. The streets are quiet and there aren’t any curb-crawlers to bother you! Oh and the kaftans. Ramadan is the best time of the year to swan around in your gorgeously glam, flowy kaftans.

Having to cut down on food and drinks while fasting opens up my schedule to get back into shape. The afternoon hours preIftar are the best since most people are at home resting.

Another thing I love about Ramadan is that everyone from all aspects come together. I get to reconnect with old friends, distant relatives and work colleagues in casual gatherings and share some laughs. I would be lying if I said I don’t look forward to the food fiesta that takes place every Ramadan. It’s like an adventure going around trying the different yummy creations places have to offer. I wish you a blessed month and Eid Mubarak in advance! fact magazine .95

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Mad Dogs and Englishmen Yvonne Cole, Personal Trainer, believes that when you eat clean, train hard and trust the process, your consistency and patience pays off…

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The saying goes “only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun”. But, from driving around Bahrain I see it’s not just mad dogs; it’s crazy hot at the moment, so going out in the middle of the day for a run is not the best thing to do right now. There are a host of risks to working out in that midday sun - these include heat cramps, muscle spasms, dehydration, dizziness,

nausea, sunburn, and not forgetting falling into a coma and death. But enough of the doom and gloom, there are a few things you can do to be safe; stay hydrated, exercise early in the morning or late at night, dress comfortably, wear sunglasses and sunscreen, and don’t forget to listen to your body. Use common sense, and don’t jump into something new when it’s really hot - your body won’t know what to expect and you won’t know how it will react to this new activity. Just wait for cooler days, as hot weather is not the time to take risks. So, drink plenty of fluids before you feel the need to throughout the day. Eat regularly as the heat can decrease your appetite - five to six small meals per day with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Wear sunscreen, and if you start feeling unwell, get inside and cool your body down, otherwise the desert dogs will get you as you lie by the side of the road! GO: Email ymcfitness@gmail. com or call 3935 9105 for more information.

PEP TALK

Sleep - Are you getting enough? Christal Dennis

is a Personal Performance Coach and Hypnotherapist with a Masters in Psychology, Leadership Development and Coaching. She is dedicated to helping people overcome life’s hurdles and tapping into their deepest potential...

Latest research has found that a large percentage of people are not getting enough sleep, which is seven to eight hours of sleep on a regular basis. What they have found is that lack of sleep can lead to a myriad of problems, some of which are limited cognitive function, memory impairment, below optimal performance and not to mention compromised immune function. Getting a good night’s rest is not only limited to

the number of hours you sleep, but also the quality of sleep you get. Having any distractions in your bedroom can affect your quality of sleep, so make sure that all distractions like TV and computer games are not in your room. Ensure your room is dark and cool and at a comfortable temperature. Having your room as dark as possible is especially important as the brain produces melatonin when no light is present. Melatonin is responsible for lowering blood pressure, glucose levels and body temperature. Sleeping with the light on has shown to contribute to depression and weight gain. To keep your internal clock regulated, go to sleep at the same time every night and wake up the same time every morning. This way your body will get used to a routine, and will come to expect to fall asleep at a certain time. Allow the morning light to wake you up. This will also help regulate your internal clock. If you want to get a little bit happier and healthier, make sure that you are getting enough zzzzzzzzzzs! GO: For a personal consultation call 3669 6666.

Beauty Spotlight

Toni &Guy

How To Not Fry Your Hair This Summer

Already starting to stress about summer hair? Along with the humidity comes sweat, frizzy (or worse, flat) hair, and just plain frustration. Luckily, there are simple tips followed by our stylists at Toni&Guy that can help you avoid the hair frustrations of summer. Trust us it’s not as complicated as you’d think. While women with thicker hair seem like they’re forever battling frizz, those with thin hair know that humidity can bring your mane down, and fast. The first product Toni&Guy stylists reach for before you head out the door is dry shampoo, like the one from LABEL.M. They spray your scalp area generously right after your blow-dry; this will combat the sweat the moment it starts. Another benefit of dry shampoo is volume, which can be hard to come by when it’s humid out there. When your strands are still wet, spray some into wet hair and use a round brush or diffuser to blow-dry your hair. The excess powder will help build volume sans frizz. A healthy hair shaft and a sealed cuticle will go a long, long way on a hot and sweltering summer day, and using a magnesium barrel brush, one being used from LABEL.M can change your life. The magnesium will heat up to the temperature of your blow dryer in about five seconds, and it will stay hot for three minutes. You’ll get a continuous, even heat that will close and smooth stubborn cuticles without burning them. When your cuticle is closed flat, humidity has a harder time changing the beautiful blowout you just achieved. To ensure an even better result, stylists spray your hair with a LABEL.M heat protect spray and seal the deal with flat iron. Once your stylist has flat-ironed your hair, used a dry shampoo, a magnesium brush, a heat protectant, and a ceramic iron. You might ask what’s left to do? Only one thing - seal the hair from any drop of moisture that could come and wreak havoc. Extreme hold hairspray, from LABEL.M, gives you three different holding strengths. Just turn the dial and adjust your protection for the humidity you’re about to battle. To meet your stylist, call Toni&Guy on 1700 1700. fact magazine .97

Rawia Beyhum

Communication Consultant and Talent Agent, Director of TalentFreeFlow Ltd. (TFF) and Arts Enterprise (AE). She has lived in Bahrain with her family since 1979.

island insider Tell us three things you enjoy the most about living in Bahrain? I enjoy the proximity of casual and trendy places to hang out in, the closeness of the people and the pace of life that provides room for establishing a good balance between family, friends, hobbies and travel.

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What is your favourite thing to do during Ramadan? I love meeting up with friends and family to break fast. Watching everyone take that first drink of water after a long day of fasting, and then either going out for some socialising and card games or watching the Ramadan TV shows, which help me to brush up on my Arabic skills. I guess I would love to start being more active in community work such as with City Centre Bahrain’s ‘Make a Difference this Ramadan’ campaign.

What are your three favourite places for Iftar on the island? My mom’s Iftars are by far my favorite place to fill up and rest up, with everything at my fingertips. Truthfully I wasn’t really out last Ramadan since my son was just under four months old, but I’d most likely check out Saffron café in traditional old style at Souq AlQaisareya in Muharraq and Trader Vic’s – Ranin Ramadan Live Cooking with FIFA World Cup 2014 broadcasting!

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