FACT Bahrain July 2015

JULY 2015 VOL 8. ISSUE 11 BD 1. SR10

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CONTENTS

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FACT FINDS

AROUND THE GCC

If you live fore chocolate, then visit Delice. Sweeten your tastebuds with delicious confectionary items.

From malls to spas, and cultural activities, FACT brings you the best of all that you should explore and visit in the Gulf.

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ARTS: INTERVIEW

Ella Prakash is a renowned artist with a talent that has no bounds.

FACT chatted with Ella to learn more about her passion for arts.

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ARTS: EXHIBITION

GLOBETROTTER

Photography takes a front seat in the brand new exhibition by Gaye Bentham, titled Journeys, on display at InTouch gallery.

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ISLAND RIDES

PLUGGED-IN

This month our resident motoring man got behind the wheels of the ‘moparized’ jeep wrangler. Read all about his thrilling drive here...

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What’s trending in the tech world this month? FACT experienced the new Airwheel X3, which is the first generation of the electric unicycle.

FACT visited the beautiful city of Madrid, and in a nutshell – it was amazing. We share our experience through 24 hours.

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FASHION FOCUS

Have you checked your denim stash lately? Pick up new denims with a host of fresh trends from Salsa’s SS15 collection.

CHEF’S TABLE

This month, we meet the leading lady in the kitcjen at Marash restaurant, Oasis Centre, serving delicious and authentic Arabic cuisine.

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FOODIE CORNER

We reviewed the brunch at Lemon Tree, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa to bring you a fingerlicking option for Eid brunch.

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THE EDITOR

The Gulf Life “Life in the Middle East is quite different from other places.” – Zaha Hadid

I

’m going to have to agree with Zaha Hadid on this one. Life in this region is, indeed, very different from anywhere else. There are so

many positives to living in the GCC. You can shop ‘til you drop, eat to your heart’s content, have barbecues all year round, spend a day

out on the water, and there will always be a cultural hotspot to check out

or cool event to attend. We really do have the best of all worlds! In the July

issue, we celebrate the Gulf countries and some of the best in food, fun and

Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes Editor-in-Chief Shabana Adam (shabana@factlive.com) Group Regional Editor Tony Sidgwick Editor Pallavi Ramesh (editorial@factlive.com) Creative Director Paula Leal Graphic Designers Jyoti Rawat Rashed Bin Daina Photography Rashed Bin Daina Shobin Joseph Production & Distribution Neil Mahmood Ajit Kumar Regional Sales Director Chelsea Copenhaver

Bahrain is buzzing with artistic talent and we’re bringing you two of these

Regional Business Development Director Rami Khalil

this month. FACT caught up with Ella Prakash who has been living in the country for over 50 years, and sharing her work with the local and international arts community. Read all about her colourful pieces on

p33. Next up is a brand new exhibition titled Journeys, which showcases

the stunning photographs taken by Gaye Bentham (one of the beautiful

pictures made our cover as well!). We caught up with Gaye to learn more

about the fabulous display, which you can all visit at InTouch gallery (p42).

Want somewhere awesome to spend the long Eid weekend? I took a

trip to the amazing city of Madrid, where it’s parks, plazas, and beautiful architecture galore! Turn to p47 for the ideal itinerary for your stay.

Looking for the perfect Eid gift? Check out our picks on p82. As Ramadan comes to a close mid-month, all the food outlets will be up and running

once more and there’s plenty to look forward to. We meet the lady behind the delicious menu at Marash for July’s Chef ’s Table (p89) and the team

reviews the upcoming Eid brunch at Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa (p93).

I hope that Ramadan has been a joyous month for you all – we’ve

certainly had a lot of fun experiencing all the Iftars and ghabgas in town.

There’s much to look forward to in August with the annual Bahrain

Summer Festival… stay tuned into FACT for all the info! Happy reading…

Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@factlive.com

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Director Omar Shaheen

awesome experiences that they have to offer. Turn to p21 for a round up of the best malls, spas, leisure activities and more from this beautiful region.

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FACT Magazine Bahrain Edition July 2015 Volume 8, Issue 11

Country Director Kirsty Edwards-Harris Contributors Saud Aldoseri Cover Image Gaye Bentham ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +973 3632 0826 E-mail: kirsty@factlive.com PRINTED BY United Printing Press 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. Off ice 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef.

Ministry of Information. Subject Registration Number: CFB779

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SOCIAL MEDIA

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Find FACT’s dapper designer chilling somewhere in this issue and you could Win a three-course meal for two at Bayti Restaurant. There will be three winners selected! Email editorial@factlive. com with the page number you think he’s on, and your contact details! Good Luck!

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CHECK IT OUT

Delice – The Jewel of Confectionary Discover more of Bahrain with FACT Finds. Every month we’ll bring you a new hotspot, our favourite happening, eatery, activity, or interesting find from around the country.

Delice confectionery offers a selection of the finest chocolates and handcrafted sweet treats in Bahrain. Founded by Jaled Ghayaza, Delice is a family business with a passion for excellence with boutiques located in only the finest destinations across the globe, including Harrods of London, Dubai and right here at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa. Delice sources ingredients from the finest suppliers and showcases it’s creations in the most prestigious displays. The chocolates are made with silky Valrhona, a luxury French chocolate mastered by awardwinning chocolatiers. Each cocoa bean is grown on land that has been carefully selected in the ideal tropical climates of Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.

To master the creamy and silky texture of the chocolate without any trace of bitterness, only the natural fat derived from cocoa butter is used; no vegetable fat is added to the recipe. The same care is applied to the selection of all the ingredients used; Tunisian almonds, pistachios from Afghanistan, American walnuts and pine nuts from Turkey. With such attention to detail, Delice delivers quality with natural flavours and colours.

The creations are decorated in natural colouring, extracted from ingredients including beetroot, chlorophyll and turmeric.

They are also naturally flavoured with unsweetened fruit puree, sourced from a combination of fresh oranges, strawberries and juicy apples (it’s as indulgent and yummy as it sounds!).

When you visit the store, you will be impressed with the display. From miniature trays and towers, to dramatic, grand formations, Delice has it all. On its first anniversary, FACT visited Delice to taste some of these delicious creations. After a warm welcome by lovely Ibtissem Haddou, General Manager of Delice, we were ready for some tasting. Ibtissem recommended starting with the signature pure milk 10

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pistachio, which was simply exquisite with a taste that pleasantly lingered afterwards.

If you’re a dark chocolate lover, try the pure dark ganache – this one you’ll really want to take home! The dulcey caramelia is a melt in the mouth option, and the coffee cardamom is packed with beautiful flavours of Arabic coffee and tasty cardamom – this is a winner for its terrific blend.

The beautiful Delice boxes caught our eye. Boxes are available in a variety of collections and sizes to suit your occasion.

From the Prestige collection to the Diamond Ring collection, each box is a beauty that can be treasured forever. We shared a teaser of Delice with you, for a fulfilling experience of your own, we highly recommend you to visit the store and taste its delights for yourself.

GO: Delice is located at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa. Call 1721 5853 for more information.

BD 4,999*

BD 6,999*

BD 7,699*

BD 9,999*

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LISTEN UP

Find & Park

One of the biggest (and best!) things to happen recently was the launch of Uber Manama in Bahrain. That’s right, the popular app, which connects users with licensed drivers has now arrived to make travelling around the country easy, safe and simple. Uber Manama has partnered with the existing supply of transportation providers in the city and, in doing so, the company not only helps to provide more choice for consumers, but also aims to help transportation providers grow their business by making drivers’ time more efficient – cool, right? It takes a matter of minutes to book an Uber service; passengers can request a car after downloading the free Uber app onto their smartphone or signing up at uber.com/go. The driver’s name and license plate number will then show up on the screen, in addition to the driver’s location, too. The company currently offers two different services: UberBLACK and UberX - both with different fleets. All payments are done via the riders’ credit cards. This is the ultimate in pick-up/drop-off services – Uber Manama, welcome!

GO: Dowload the Uber app and visit www.uber.com for more information.

We all know how frustrating it can be to find a free parking spot at City Centre Bahrain on the weekends? We’ve, at times, wondered the floors for no less than an hour to locate an available space to park up. Fear not, Majid Al Futtaim has introduced a pioneering car park guidance system to make shoppers’ experience a smooth and pleasant one. With enhanced guidance and lighting technologies, the brand new system enables shoppers to identify free parking spaces and easily locate their vehicles. A first of its kind in Bahrain, the new LED lighting system allows visitors to identify available parking spaces. Located on the ceiling of the carpark lanes, a green light indicates an available parking space; a blue light indicates a space for the disabled only and a red light means the space is occupied. Additionally, the new car park guidance system kiosks, located at mall gates, will enable shoppers to find their vehicles, easily, after shopping, dining, or a cinema visit. All you have to do is enter your car’s plate number on the touchscreen kiosks; click ‘Find’ to identify where their vehicle is, and voila!

GO: Visit www.citycentrebahrain.com for more information.

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Millions of batteries of all types and sizes are disposed of each year. As they contain various hazardous materials, they can pose serious environmental risks if not discarded properly. If you’re having difficulty finding out what to do with used batteries and where to take them to be recycled or safely treated and disposed, Jawad Business Group has a solution. JBG has introduced a number of environmentally friendly C-Thru Nexus Battery bins at many of the group’s outlets all over the Kingdom. The small capacity unit with a clear body is specially designed to allow you to safely dispose of your used batteries. Now, the growing number of environmentally conscious people in Bahrain can walk away knowing their used batteries will be recycled in an environmentally responsible way. Thanks, JBG! GO: To find your nearest battery recycling bin, visit www.jawad.com.

Gastro Club Membership The Ideal Time to Join Up!

Become a Royal Golf Club Gastro Member today and enjoy access to exclusive Members only dining areas throughout the year as well as a range of dining vouchers for use in the Club’s award-winning restaurants, generous discounts every time you

For further information about Gastro Club Membership, please

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oongolf.com oongolf.com

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LISTEN UP

Hospitality

Summer is well and truly here, and one of the best ways to spend time with family and friends is at one of Bahrain’s popular indoor theme parks; Magic Island. This season the excitement and entertainment continues with some awesome birthday party packages and gift cards. Adding to all the excitement, Families now can enjoy new birthday packages at all Magic Islands across the Kingdom – Seef Mall, Seef Mall Muharraq and Seef Mall Isa Town. The three birthday party packages - BD6, BD8 and BD9 help kids have more fun on their special day with their nearest and dearest.

The birthday party packages include decorations, party hosts, face painting, meal of your choice, invitation cards and karaoke sound systems to name but a few of the fun options. That’s not all, Magic Island fans can also give their loved ones the gift of fun and adventure at the theme park with allnew gift cards that can be seamlessly used to experience world-class attractions and rides. Magic Island’s non-stop fun offers an exhilarating experience to all its visitors; young and old. The thrilling rides appeal to little ones and the big kid inside us all! From bumper car rides to mountain climbing and an adventure play area for youngsters – there is something for everyone. It’s time to let loose and enjoy being a kid for the day!

GO: Visit www.seef.net or follow magicislandbh on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for opening times, gift card choices, and more information.

A huge congratulation is in order for the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa hotel after it was crowned the Best Middle East Hotel 2015 at the prestigious Middle East Hotel Awards, last month. The 5-star property, located overlooking the Arabian Gulf on Bahrain’s west coast, fought off tough competition from the likes of InterContinental Dubai Festival City, and brought home the award, which was received by the famous Burj Al Arab last year. Basel Quabouq, Director of Marketing and Guest Experiences at Accor’s Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, says: “We are very proud to win the coveted Best Hotel award at the 2015 Middle East Hotel Awards. We have excellent ambassadors, our staff, and a unique facility with our seawater spa which is the only of its kind in the GCC, and we hope that our hotel and the other unique attractions of the lovely island of Bahrain will be further put on the map with this new honour.” The win will mark a positive start to the new Bahrain Tourism Strategy 2015-2018, rebranding the country as a “boutique destination”. Perched on the pristine beaches of Zallaq, the seawater spa hotel and resort blends French art de vivre with traditional Bahraini style, boasting 262 luxurious rooms and 28 suites all with balconies and sea views. Go on, extend that Friday Brunch to an overnight stay and experience true Arabian hospitality for yourself!

GO: Visit www.sofitel.com or call 1763 6363 for more information.

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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 stil find more throughout the rest of the mag!)

0515 17 20 30

SUNDAY

WEDNESDAY

FRIDAY

MONDAY

THURSDAY

RAMADAN AT HOUSEBOAT RESTAURANT

EID CELEBRATION AT CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN

EID BRUNCH AT THE WESTIN BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE

EIDEYA AT CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN

BAHRAIN SUMMER FESTIVAL 2015 VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Houseboat Restaurant offers guests an exclusive Sohour Set Menu throughout Ramadan.

The menu has a selection of Ramadan inspired dishes and drinks exclusively for the Holy Month. Offered at both branches in Amwaj and Adliya for BD8++ per person. Call 1601 0321 for

Start making your plans for Eid today! Enjoy a special lunch buffet in La Mosaique restaurant, which will include an all you can eat buffet and a host of soft drinks, as well as entertainment for the whole family!

Also, Waves and Spices re-open over the Eid weekend too. Call 1753

Indulge in a delicious Eid Brunch with your family and friends on the second day of Eid at Saveur. The brunch includes traditional Arabic cuisine including mains, appetisers and desserts. Kids can enjoy face painting and pizza making. Priced at BD15++. Call 1717 1000 for

As part of the 20th Anniversary celebrations, City Centre Bahrain, offers selected visitors Eideya on July 20, allowing them to celebrate Eid Al Fitr and treat themselves.

Twenty lucky shoppers will be randomly selected and receive Eideya in the form of a BD20 gift card.

Bahrain Summer Festival 2015 starts today until August 31 under the theme of ‘Our Year of Heritage.’

The festival will rejoice all the continents around the world with workshops, activities and performances. As every year, Nakhool will join in too! Visit www.culture.

more information.

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1122 for more information.

more information.

gov.bh for more information.

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DIARY DATES

GCC GETAWAYS Thinking about jetting off around the region this month? We’ve rounded up some of the best hotels for you to stay in whilst exploring our neighbouring nations…

QaTar

abu DhabI

DubaI

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl - Doha is located on its own secluded island. From the palatial corridors and public spaces, to the luxuriously appointed 281 rooms and 69 suites, to a selection of the finest restaurants and lounges, this hotel is set to become a benchmark for bespoke luxury in Doha. Additionally, the hotel also features a secluded beach located in a private bay along with outdoor swimming pools, water sports facilities, yachts jetty, tennis courts and plush gardens. Visitors can select from six different types of restaurants, two cafés, al fresco pool-side dining, a sophisticated bar and an unprecedented rooftop nightclub. Call +974 4035 5555 for bookings and more information.

Emirates Palace offers a magical place to enjoy the riches of the Arabian Gulf.

Going beyond 5-star luxury, you’ll be treated to an experience that is tailored to your needs. From luxurious rooms and suites, to award-winning culinary cuisine, Emirates Palace provides an unrivalled personal experience.

From a private beach, to the marina overlooking a private natural bay, the hotel is the ultimate destination for guests. Each of the 302 luxury rooms and 92 suites offer the latest technology, along with service from a private butler. Call +971 2690 9000 or email reservations@emiratespalace.ae for bookings and more information.

Media One is one of Dubai’s most stylish hotels catering to the savvy business traveller and local corporations as the spacious hotel rooms’ dynamic sense of style and striking design appeals to the region’s multicultural customers with a total of 260 hotel rooms. Media One’s collection of culinary and nightlife choices are a vibrant and eclectic mix.

Café M is for a casual get together, the Z:ONE is a lounge bar and terrace for lunches, light snacks and evening drinks, The Med is a signature Mediterranean restaurant and terrace. Groups of friends, young couples will love this sociable hotel, located in Media City. Call +971 4427 1000 for more information.

Marsa Malaz Kempinski

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Emirates Palace

Media One Hotel

OISHI SUSHI. TRULY DELICIOUS MOMENTS.

ALL OUR CREATIONS ARE HANDMADE ON-SITE BY OUR EXPERT, AUTHENTIC SUSHI & TEPPANYAKI CHEFS.

take out & delivery

17 554 554 www.oishibh.com

oishibh

oishibh

oishibh

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SOCIETY

#JJ’s #IrIsh #restaurant #16th #annIversary JJ’s celebrated its 16th anniversary with irish legend Paddyman live. JJ’s resident dJ triPz warmed uP the after brunch Party with his infectious live energy, keePing the crowd well entertained, singing and dancing till late. guests were seen having a good time with lively music, delicious food and Plenty of drinks.

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many more cool things to see

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CULTURE

no one knows how to Do Big shopping Centres anD CoMplexes quite like the gCC. here, we rounD up soMe of the Must-visit Malls in the region…

City Centre, Bahrain Living up to the famous brand name, City Centre Bahrain is a shopping paradise on this charming island. With over 340 stores to choose from, the retail mix includes something to suit all tastes and pockets, from toys for kids, to the best in high street fashion, and cool gadgets and gifts. City Centre Bahrain is also the destination for Centrepoint that houses Babyshop, Splash, Lifestyle, Shoe Mart and Beauty bay under one roof. Additionally there is an extensive selection of electronics stores which includes Sharaf DG, household appliances, home furnishing, children’s fashion, plus the massive hypermarket; Carrefour. You will be spoilt for choice!

The mall has major attractions such as the indoor Wahoo water park; the Magic Planet arcade filed with games and rides for the whole family, and a bowling alley right by the massive food court – what’s not to love?

GO: Visit www.citycentrebahrain.com for more information.

yas Mall, aBu DhaBi Yas Mall is Abu Dhabi’s ultimate destination for shopping, dining and entertainment located in the 22

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heart of Yas Island. It’s big with plenty of space to roam around, but organised enough to know exactly where everything is! It offers three floors of muchloved international and regional retail and restaurant brands, alongside a 20-screen state-of-the-art cinema operated by VOX Cinemas, and a family entertainment zone by Funworks. Visit Candylicious for some sweet treats; stop by The Cheescake Factory for a bite to eat, and pick up the latest items from your favourite store. Located 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall is an all-round, onestop shop for a fun day out with family and friends.

GO: Visit www.yasmall.ae for more information.

villagio Mall, Doha A unique shopping experience – that’s how we’d describe Villaggio Mall. This is an experience – a place of shopping, entertainment and unlimited fun, where the architecture and décor transports you straight to a different world. Running through the centre of the mall is the now famous Venetian Canal that takes visitors on a journey to the shores of Venice. Villaggio offers a unique mix of brands, from the boutique to the most exclusive. Entertainment takes a front seat here at Villaggio. There’s a 13

screen luxury cinema as well as the only IMAX screen, and Gondolania; an indoor theme park with a classic Ferris Wheel, carousel, bumper cars, horror street ride, state-of-the-art Go Kart racing, 12-lane bowling, pool tables, a 4D theatre, and an arcade. Let the good times roll at Villaggio Mall!

GO: Visit www.villaggioqatar.com for more information.

DuBai Mall, uae Wondering where to shop in Dubai? How about the giant of all malls? In a city where shopping is a serious pastime, there’s no shortage of options, but we suggest you hit up the biggest and the best - Dubai Mall. This mall is a shopper’s den; if you may call it so. With 1,200 retail stores and over 200 food and beverage outlets, Dubai Mall offers an unparalleled retail mix combined with worldclass dining, entertainment and leisure attractions, all under one massive roof. It’s also home to worldclass and Guinness record-winning entertainment attractions such as the massive Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, KidZania, SEGA Republic, Reel Cinemas Megaplex and an Olympic-sized ice rink. What more can you ask for in one mall?

GO: Visit www.thedubaimall.com for more information.

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CULTURE

t h e a rt s C e n e i n t h e a r a B wo r l D i s fa s t- g r ow i n g t o BeCoMe one of the Most exCiting with exhiBitions, workshops anD events galore. here are just soMe to CheCk out in the gCC…

aBu DhaBi When it comes to museums and arts galleries, Abu Dhabi is certainly more up and coming, however, there are some fantastic places to check out when visiting. Head to Etihad Antique Gallery made up of two villas, in Al Bateen, to marvel a huge collection of artefacts including paintings, furniture, statues and other items like swords and carpets, as well as contemporary pieces. There’s N2N Gallery, at the Nation Galleria, which houses and hosts beautiful exhibitions; and Salwa Zeidan Gallery at The Collection, Saadiyat Island, renowned for its conceptual and innovative showcases. For the ultimate artistic escape head to Manarat Al Saadiyat for a whole host of exhibitions displaying international art collections from around the world.

GO: Visit www.saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae for more information.

Bahrain Probably the most underrated but one of the most active art communities in the region, Bahrain has a huge variety of exhibitions and events taking place all year round. Head to the National Museum where there’s always an interesting exhibit to check out but, more importantly, you’ll want to stop for a coffee or a quick bite at the waterfront Darseen Café – one of the best in the country. For culture vultures and creative minds we’d highly recommend a visit 24

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to Malja Bahrain, Amwaj Islands. A brand new space

by Red Bull where the island’s most expressive and innovative crowds flock to hang out and perform.

Galleries are also a big deal here and some of the best include La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Al Riwaq Art Gallery, Albareh Art Gallery and many more that you can learn more about on the Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities website.

GO: Visit www.culture.gov.bh for more information.

qatar Doha is another place in the GCC where art is truly alive. Here, local and regional artists take centre stage as well as famous international names. For a quickpro intro into the art scene here, visit the Museum of Islamic Art which is home to one of the world’s most impressive collections of pieces crafted using traditional styles and techniques from the Middle East and central Asia. For a more current approach,

head to Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art where the focus is, mainly, contemporary Arab art, with permanent collections as well as solo exhibits to view.

For something a little more community-based and quirky, Anima Gallery will deliver with its aim of taking contemporary Arab art to the international scene. Other galleries worth a trip to include QM Gallery Al Riwaq, Katara Art Centre, and VCUQatar’s university gallery.

GO: Visit www.qm.org.qa for more information.

oMan In Muscat, head to Al Madina Art Gallery which showcases Omani and expatriate amateur artists, as well as many established photographer, painters, and artists for many different disciplines. Pick up a keepsake from the impressive gift shop that sells Omani artefacts and little treasure troves. At Bait Muzna Gallery you’ll find exhibits of multimedia work by a range of both local and international artists, whereas MuscArt Gallery takes Oman’s burgeoning art scene to new heights, creating a space for the country’s visual arts community. Then there’s Stal Gallery, focusing on Muscat’s residents and local artists; and two other smaller artistic venues with big ambitions – Fatma’s Gallery and Ghalya’s Museum of Modern Art. GO: Visit www.omantourism.gov.om for more information.

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CULTURE

relaxing Breaks in the gCC are MaDe all the More inviting By the nuMBer of e xC e l l e n t s pa s . h e r e a r e j ust s o M e o f t h e p l a C e s t o ta k e r e t r e at…

reMeDe spa,

the st. regis Doha Remède Spa at The St. Regis Doha is committed to creating an exceptional and unique experience for each guest. From fruits and truffles, to luxurious throws and customised treatments, the goal here is to surpass all expectations and to help you escape to a sanctuary of indulgence and relaxation. Create your own private retreat in a Remède couples suite or experience the rejuvenating hydro-massage pool developed exclusively for the Remède Spa. All packages include pre-treatment consultation to assess guests’ needs, as well as post treatment relaxation time accompanied by a selection of healthy infused waters, dried fruits and chocolate truffles. Relax, sit-back and experience this tranquil escape, specially-designed to meet your individual needs and deliver the benefits you seek.

GO: Call +974 4446 0300 or email remedespa. doha@stregis.com for more information.

reBorn spa,

raMee granD hotel & spa Begin your journey to wellbeing and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul at the exquisite 26

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Reborn Spa. It has all the luxuries you need for a refreshing experience. Expect a royal treatment by the staff, made up of international professionals and experts in this field. The carefully crafted rituals on the spa menu are inspired by the ancient renewing traditions of Indian, Thai and Moroccan therapies and complemented by Elemis skincare spa products.

Each of the 13 treatment rooms provides an atmosphere of serenity, allowing you to relax and escape into another world, far from the stress of everyday life. There are separate treatment rooms for men and women and two couple rooms as well.

GO: Call +973 1711 1980 or email spa@ rameegrandbahrain.com for more information.

sense spa,

rosewooD aBu DhaBi In an exquisite environment of luxury and tranquillity, Sense, A Rosewood Spa offers an extensive range of indulgent therapies, treatments and services. The pampering services are enhanced with biotechnology and state-of-theart equipment - this spa helps guests achieve

a greater state of well-being. There are nine full-service treatment room boasting soft neutral tones to soothe the senses and invite the mind to unwind. In addition, two signature rooms are dedicated to traditional hammam cleansing rituals.

Relaxation areas feature cold mist showers, a large whirlpool and, a sauna with fibre optic lighting and a steam room with chromo therapy features.

GO: Call +971 (0) 2813 5537 or Email abudhabi. sensespa@rosewoodhotels.com for more information.

one & only spa, one & only royal Mirage DuBai One & Only partnered with ESPA to create a centre of pampering excellence and wellbeing for the best treatments and massages in Dubai.

A serene sanctuary with 12 private treatment suites, the spa offers a range of holistic and tailored experiences to help aid the relaxation of mind, body and soul. The Signature treatments feature authentic, powerful techniques using highly natural products, which are tailored to return your natural equilibrium. The holistic body wraps include lymphatic skin brushing, body exfoliation or a wrap of Algae. Classic full body massage is essential, professional and specific. Select from the various themes to find the perfect solution for you. The Oriental Hammam located separately, offers the traditional Hammam rituals for guests to enjoy a rejuvenating setting.

GO: Call +971 4315 2140 or email spa@ oneandonlyroyalmirage.ae for more information.

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CULTURE

l e t ’ s ta l k l e i s u r e anD aCtivities – the region is full to the BriM with soMe of the Most e xC i t i n g pa st i M e s , anD we’ve piCkeD just soMe of the s ta n D o u t s …

lost paraDise of DilMun waterpark, Bahrain You’re likely to be splashing around in the water for most of your time here which will, no doubt, keep you cool, so a summer vacay to Bahrain should be on the cards! The absolute best place for a great family day out, Lost Paradise of Dilmun even has wonderful cabanas that you can rent for a more enjoyable experience. There are three tiers of air-conditioned cabanas; Royal, VIP and Beach.

Depending on what you go for, you can benefit from a waiter service, a safety deposit box, water and juice, and access for the kids to the rodeo bull and bungee trampoline. We love the Water Temple and the Wave Pool and don’t forget to check out the different slides, the lazy river and the fantastic beach-like area too.

GO: Visit www.lpodwaterpark.com or call +973 1784 5100 for more information.

ferrari worlD, aBu DhaBi It’s the world’s largest Ferrari-themed park with a sprawling area packed with fun family attractions, thrilling rides and the fascinating story of Ferrari.

Discover everything about Ferrari with behind the scenes experiences in makeshift settings. Check out Viaggio in Italia, inspired by the legendary Mille Miglia race, where you’ll soar into the heart of Ferrari’s homeland. Other exciting encounters, to try, include the 4D Speed of Magic; the Galleria Ferrari (especially if you’re a car enthusiast!) with the ultimate display of Ferrari models; Made in Maranello – an insight into the historic Ferrari factories; Bell’Italia with a miniature Italy on show; and Tyre Twist, a spin on the traditional teacups ride, amongst many others. If they think karting is fun, the kids will love a whole little word set up especially for them. Little ones have the chance 28

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to become junior pilotas behind the wheel and learn to drive and cruise through mini streets, in small Ferrari cars. There’s a junior training camp, junior grand prix, and a junior GT driving school for children to hone their racing skills! Shopping and dining options are plentiful too.

GO: Visit www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com or call +971 2496 8000 for more information.

souq waqif, Doha In comparison to waterparks and rollercoasters, this is a way more laid back option, but nonetheless an interesting one. Souq Waqif is one part of Doha that will export you back to the bustling markets of the old days. Small alleyways are lined with fabric and jewellery shops, gift and souvenir stores, and plenty of opportunities for window-shopping or picking up a rare find. Enjoy an authentic Middle Eastern meal or sit down for shisha with friends and family at one of the many great restaurants. Al Rawnaq is one of our favourite shops for a treasure trove of amazing craft supplies, costume jewellery and random bits and bobs, perfect for bringing that design you had in mind come to life! There

are even stables for horses and camels here! A leisurely stroll or some serious bargain hunting can be done at Souq Waqif, either way, this traditional bazaar is perfect for spending a few hours away from the city’s skyscrapers.

GO: Visit www.qatartourism.gov.qa for more information.

Dolphin Bay, DuBai As far as leisure goes, there’s no chance that you’re going to run out of things to do in Dubai.

But, when the shiny malls and buildings just don’t cut it, head to Atlantis, The Palm for a more once in a lifetime experience and swim with Dolphins! Get up close with these beautiful creatures and choose from a range of dolphin experiences, speciallycreated to suit all ages and swimming abilities. You can have memorable interaction in shallow waters or scuba dive alongside the charming marine mammals – the choice is yours. The dolphin experiences include complimentary same day access to Aquaventure Water park – bonus!

GO: Visit www.atlantisthepalm.com or call +971 4 426 2000 for more information.

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who Doesn’t love to e at i n t h e g u l f ?

B r u n C h e s h av e B e C o M e a s ta p l e pa rt o f s o C i e t y a n D we’ve got soMe of the Best to CheCk out in the region…

friDay BrunCh at nusantao,

four seasons hotel Doha Start the weekend on a leisurely note with the Four Seasons Hotel Doha’s Friday Brunch, featuring an authentic selection of offerings – from fresh seafood to sushi, Asian street food favourites, Western fare and sumptuous desserts – matched by an all new setting of action stations that serve up an unforgettable backdrop for flavourful cuisine. For dessert, guests may indulge in sinfully delicious treats ranging from sweet and fruity tarts to a luscious chocolate fountain. This brunch is irresistible and extremely delicious. Our advice is to skip breakfast and enjoy this lavish brunch to the fullest. Indulge in this exquisite Friday Brunch from 12.30pm to 4.30pm.

Price: Regular brunch at QR340 and Sparkling brunch at QR425 GO: Call +974 4494 8600 or email dining.doh@ fourseasons.com for more information.

steak & jazz BrunCh at the founDry,

southern sun aBu DhaBi The perfect partners of steak and jazz come together for a brunch that celebrates the lavish atmosphere of the Roaring Twenties. Jazzy riffs will add the musical pizazz to a Great Gatsby-esque feast of a dining experience at The Foundry; the evening steakhouse and all day dining restaurant.

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Guests can look forward to selecting from the hotel’s bountiful selection of meat cuts, watching talented chefs cook each steak to perfection while soulful performances are orchestrated by a live band. Delivering a unique blend of buffet and sitdown dining, The Foundry will serve a delicious assortment of starters and desserts directly to tables as well as offering guests the freedom to move around the restaurant to explore the other tantalising selections from the buffet, including an Oyster Bar, Thermidor Station and Cocktail Bar. Price: The Brunch is priced at AED275 with soft beverages, AED 350 with house beverages and AED 475 with bubbly.

GO: Call +971 2818 4888 for more information.

saturDay BrunCh at la vinoteCa & Café aMsterDaM, Bahrain Indulge in a delicious Saturday Brunch for a change, amidst a delightful ambience and excellent food options. La Vinoteca and Café Amsterdam host a brunch that includes breakfast and lunch options; some dishes are served piping hot on your table, come are buffet style. With live cooking stations situated around the venues, a huge fresh salad display, live mixed seafood and chicken paella, live fired homemade sausages, a magnificent desserts display and children’s entertainment available all day that includes face painting, marzipan modelling and games. Enjoy live acoustic guitar performance from

between 3pm to 6pm.

Price: Saturday Brunch at BD26++ including alcohol and BD22++ including soft drinks.

GO: Call +973 3200 0177 for more information.

BuBBaliCious BrunCh, the westin DuBai Mina seyahi BeaCh resort & Marina

Bubbalicious is the exciting Friday brunch at The Westin Dubai. With more than 10 live cooking stations in three of Dubai’s hottest restaurants, Bubbalicious is the trendiest, liveliest, and among the most interactive brunches in Dubai. Guests will be able to move freely through each of The Westin’s fabulous eateries of Blue Orange, Hunters Room & Grill and Spice Emporium, seeing their delicious meals prepared by the chefs as they enjoy the amazing entertainment.

Blue Orange is a lively buffet restaurant with expert chefs preparing everything from seafood, Arabic mezzeh, and salad to dessert, with a pasta section and sushi station taking you on a culinary trip. At both Hunters Room & Grill and Spice Emporium, there are different buffet sections and food displays offering up a wide variety of culinary treats.

Price: Bubbalicious spread and soft drinks at AED450 and Bubbalicious spread with free flow Bubbly at AED680.

GO: Call +971 4399 4141 for more information.

Royal Bahrain Hospital

@RoyalBahrainHospital

www.royalbahrainhospital.com

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t h e g u l f C o u n t r i e s a r e awa s h w i t h fa s C i nat i n g s t o r i e s , h i sto ry a n D t r a D i t i o n s . a n y v i s i t to t h e t h i s pa rt o f t h e worlD woulD Be inCoMplete without a litlle one-on-one w i t h lo Ca l C u lt u r e …

qatar If you want a flavour of what life may have been like before the big buildings and the Corniche sprung up, one of the best things to do is go desert camping in the winter months. Many find that tour companies offer the best options, with special packages custom designed to the visitor’s timeframe, needs and budget. Desert safaris are the most popular, whisking people away on thrilling 4X4 rides over massive sand dunes all the way to the beautiful inland lagoon, for a day of swimming and a night in a luxurious yet traditional tent. Locals on the other hand do it completely different, setting up semi-permanent winter camps all along the coast. The camps, which are fenced, are licensed by the government and have all the modern day amenities and comforts of home; water tanks, generators, electric lighting, televisions, and even air conditioning! This pimped out version of Bedouin living is quite far-fetched from what desert life will have been like some 50 years ago, but it’s as cultural as you’ll get and a real treat for all. GO: Visit www.qatartourism.gov.qa for more information.

aBu DhaBi, uae

Bahrain

Arabian horses, ayallah dancing, falconry, camel racing and so much more makes up the traditional activities in the UAE. Take a guided tour of the amazing Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital – the world’s largest of its kind – and marvel the falcon museum or step into the luxurious wards where the falcons are kept, and try your hand at the pursuit of this age-old desert sport. Learn more about Salukis – a distinctive breed of dog found in desert regions and famed for their hunting prowess – at the Saluki Centre which honours the Bedouin traditions of hunting, training and breeding the domesticated dog species. Another stop to make would be the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club where you can come face-to-face with the beautiful Arabian horse. Aside from their love of animals, Abu Dhabi has many more charming cultural activities and sites to be experienced!

GO: Check out www.visitabudhabi.ae for more information.

As well as having a host of annual events that celebrate local culture, Bahrain is one of the places in the GCC where mixing with locals is pretty easy to do. We’d recommend planning a whole day of traditional exploration, beginning with a real Bahraini breakfast at Chai Café and then hitting the heritage trail which will take you past some of the country’s cultural treasures and tell the story of a wonderful past such as that of Muharraq’s pearl trade. Visit Al Khamis mosque – one of the oldest in the region and don’t forget to do a tour of the many forts in the country including Arad, Bahrain, Riffa and Bu Maher forts – each has an intriguing tale to tell. No trip to this little gem of an island is complete without seeing the Tree of Life – though it’s become somewhat of a joke, it represents resilience and longevity, and with a few snacks in hand, watching the sun go down here could just about make the experience a cooler one.

GO: Visit www.culture.gov.bh for more information.

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MusCat, oMan Muscat is far from a metropolis; there are very few high-rise blocks, and even the most functional buildings are required to reflect tradition through architecture, with a dome or an arabesque window feature – culture and tradition is literally seeped in the walls of the city’s buildings and stunning landscape. Here, we’d recommend visiting Souq Mutrah; from Omani daggers, rustic silverwork, gold, spices, fashion, jewellery items, and all sorts of treasure troves, this labyrinth of alleyways under a barasti (palm leaf) roof, is where you’ll want to seek out the most unique finds. Advice: haggle hard! The sea plays a major part in the city; fishermen in small motorboats are up at the break of dawn for the catch of the day; and cruise ships brings visitors, while goods arrive in containers, to the historic ports of Mutrah and Old Muscat. Find out where the morning markets are and go and watch how the friendly Omanis do business!

GO: Visit www.omantourism.gov.om for more information.

#Cake #BoutIque #afternoon #tea cake boutique hosted an afternoon tea Party with a lavish sPread of sweet and savoury oPtions. members of the media and viP guests were seen having a good time indulging in a leisurely afternoon snack at the beautiful venue. fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#uBer #LaunCh #at #Cafe #amsterdam uber officially launched its services in manama. the launch, which took Place at cafe amsterdam featured a live dJ and activation booth, and was attended by some of the country’s most notable media and business PeoPle. the uber aPP connects riders with licensed drivers by Partnering with the existing suPPly of transPortation Providers in the city.

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AN INSPIRING CELEBRATION OF ART SELF-TAUGHT INDIAN ARTIST ELLA PRAKASH HAS A REAL GIFT OF ART, WHICH SHE USES TO CREATE IMPRESSIVE PIECES HIGHLIGHTING STROKES, COMPLEMENTING COLOURS, AND BEING CREATIVE.ELLA SHARES HER EXCITING JOURNEY OF UPS AND DOWNS WITH FACT’S PALLAVI RAMESH.

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here is art that can truly render you speechless and Ella’s art is of such a kind. After visiting one of her shows, I was in awe of this artist and was curious to learn more about where she began and how she nurtures her talent. As expected, she had an inspirational story to share.

“I was born and brought up in Bahrain, it ’s been 52 years now ” she says, proudly. Ella’s appetite for art stems back to her childhood, when she was just 10 years old. But, her father saw it more as a hobby than a career. “I had a goal of becoming a well-known artist, and the passion to reach it was sky high,” she recalls.

“At the age of 16, I joined the Bahrain Arts Society, where I put up group shows.” Here, Ella sold her first water colour painting to the Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain. “It was a proud moment, where I felt people appreciate my art and, yes, I can create great pieces of art,” Ella shares. After this boost, she had a downslide for the next three years – a break she didn’t want to take. After this, Ella got married and painting took a backseat. “It was a huge pull up for me in terms of art; my family became my priority,” she admits.

In 2002, Ella started to feel the pinch of the absence of art in her life: “It was a jolt, a realisation, that this can’t be happening – I had a dream and I need to pursue it,” she tells us. “So, I started taking classes and teaching art to all age groups in Chinmaya society.

Teaching was not easy, and Ella had her fair share of struggles with it. After two years of teaching she discussed with her family about opening her own art gallery, and in 2004 this conversation became a reality with the launch of Ella’s Art Gallery, Adliya.

A few years later, as Bahrain to a step forward onto the international stage so did Ella’s art.

One call from Bahrain International Circuit got her excitement levels high, a memory she treasures until this day. It was in 2006, the first year of Formula One in Bahrain when Ella was asked do live shows at various locations. “The task was to create 10 paintings in 10 days,” she smiles. “I had to paint in front of a live audience, and it was a wonderful opportunity. I was excited to take up this big challenge,” she adds.

The talented lady very clearly remembers her

“My dream and passion is to become a successful international artist,have the world to understand my message through my paintingand also be listed among the best contemporary artists” fact magazine

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first show too. “It was themed around Bahraini Heritage, done in water colours and acrylics,” Ella says. This show was a huge success, people loved Ella’s art and this in turn boosted her confidence in the field further.

If you take the time to observe Ella’s art carefully, you’ll see shades, silhouettes and figures of women represented in the pieces.

This is something that Ella feels very strongly about. “I always want to portray women as strong and powerful individuals,” she says.

“I try to incorporate this in most of my paintings.” In 2010, Ella created a complete collection titled Journey of a Woman, which portrayed various dimensions of women and included bright orange and yellow colours, keeping an Indian theme.

Ella displays her art around the world, and one of the destinations close to her heart is the UK. “I came to London for a group show in 2013, and on my visit I met Samir Ceric,the Founder and CEO of Debut Contemporary,” Ella recalls. “He explained to me how Debut works, and since then Samir has been my mentor and motivator.” Debut Contemporary opens an opportunity to understand the art market of London with a broad lens on the human experience. Ella says: “Debut has given me tremendous support. It has been a turning point in my career and I can see my work has become stronger.”

Ella recently had her solo exhibition with Debut Contemporary titled Alleviation in London. With collaborations between Bo concept and Debut Contemporary, one of Ella’s works – Energy – is currently displayed at the Bo Concept store.

Ella is preparing for her upcoming solo show in Nehru Centre, London and then in India Habitat Centre, Delhi, which will happen in early 2016. She is one busy woman who has really found her calling in life: “My dream and passion is to become a successful international artist, have the world to understand my message through my paintings, and also be listed among the best contemporary artists,” she adds. From what we know of Ella Prakash so far, I’m sure she’s on her way to even greater things.

GO: Ella’s Art Gallery is located in Adliya. Visit www.ellaartgallery. com to browse through Ella’s beautiful paintings and learn more about her artistic journey.

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www.bahrainsummer.bh

HOTLINE: 80008089 facebook.com/BahrainSummer twitter@BahrainSummer instagram.com/moc_bh

Bahrain Culture App

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Picture Taking place at Intouch gallery, journeys is the brandnew photography exhibition by Gaye Bentham, showcasing a selection of photographs taken by the artist all around the world‌

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“

My post-editing techniques are time being I stick

F

rom Bahrain to India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, to Morocco, Cambodia, the UK and America, Gaye Bentham’s photography has taken her to many different corners of the globe. She strives to capture emotive images that communicate the beauty, wonder, mystery, and occasional quirkiness she finds in the world. FACT caught up with the talented artist to learn more about her photography exhibition, Journeys…

Hi Gaye! Tell us more about how you got started and your photography tools and techniques?

I got started in photography when I retired from Arcapita a number of years ago. I was always interested in photography but until then did not have the time to seriously pursue it.

My first DSLR camera was a Canon and I absolutely loved it. It opened up a whole new world to me, and taught me to look at the world differently. I am still loyal to Canon but have upgraded models a few times, and acquired a big collection of lenses over the years. When I first started, I took an online Open University course to learn the basics of photography. Then I signed up for a Creative Escapes photography holiday in Cambodia, which changed my life. I met some wonderful people on that holiday, who remain good friends to this day, and we regularly meet up on photography holidays worldwide. I just returned from another Creative Escapes photography holiday in Kerala, India. Creative Escapes is a UK-based company who offer

the occasional tweak using Photoshop

“

As a photographer, what makes the perfect image for you?

The perfect photograph for me is one that resonates emotionally. It might be a beautiful landscape, the expression on a face, or something quirky that makes you look twice.

Describe your photography style…

My photography style has changed since I started out. At that time, I mainly concentrated on landscapes. I was never comfortable with portraits or street photography, but now I really love it since my Creative Escapes tutors have helped me to overcome my initial trepidation at approaching people. Nowadays, I love to capture the raw emotion on someone’s face. But I still like landscapes and wildlife. It all depends on the moment!

What is the theme of this exhibition?

There really isn’t a particular theme running through this exhibition, other than the “Journeys” of the title - which signifies to me not only the physical journeys but also my own journey in photography, and on a deeper level the life journeys of the subjects portrayed.

one that resonates

or something quirky that makes you look

photography holidays around the world.

They are very professional and I would highly recommend them to any budding photographer, whatever the level. My post-editing techniques are pretty basic.

For the time being I stick with Camera Raw adjustments, and the occasional tweak using Photoshop Elements or Topaz Labs software. The best thing about photography is that you never stop learning. fact magazine

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I remember as a “wow” moment was many years back on a misty pre-dawn Do you remember the first photo you took, and what continues to inspire you with photography?

The first photo that I remember as a “wow” moment was many years back on a misty pre-dawn morning in a national park in southeast Sri Lanka. I only had a very basic point-and-shoot camera, but I loved that photo. Everything inspires me once I have a camera in my hand! I can get totally lost in it and it is wonderful how you see things on so What message do you hope to convey with this exhibition?

I hope that people who visit the exhibition will take away some inspiration - perhaps to travel to those places, or to think about the way people live in other parts of the world. It is an amazing world we live in - with all its beauty, wonder, pain and sadness - and the basic human condition is the same the world over.

We all share the same emotions; face the same challenges in our daily lives, albeit under vastly different physical conditions.

But at the end of the day, we all share this planet and I believe we should share it in peace, with love in our hearts, and with understanding and acceptance of our differences.

GO: Journeys exhibition will run throughout summer at InTouch Gallery, InTouch Integrated Chiropractic Spine Centre, Janabiya. View more of Gaye Bentham’s work online at www.gayebentham.com.

GO: Journeys was curated by Stafford & Sharabi Art Consultants. Instagram: @staffordandsharabi fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#CIty #Centre #make #a #dIfferenCe #CampaIgn city centre bahrain marked the holy month raising awareness on comPassion, generosity and solidarity with the suPPort of renowned actress and camPaign ambassador haifa hussain. maJid al futtaim’s regional ‘make a difference this ramadan’ camPaign encourages visitors to donate everyday essentials to the less fortunate. all collected items will then be donated to suPPort the islamic association.

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24 Hours in

MADRID

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On a recent long-weekend jaunt to Spain’s capital, FACT ’s Shabana Adam took on the challenge of hitting the streets in Madrid to discover what the city has to offer in the form of parks, plazas, royal buildings, and artsy attractions. Here’s how she got on…

7:00 am

Wake up in the heart of Plaza De Santa Ana at ME Madrid hotel in the Personality Suite, where its outdoor terrace will offer spectacular views of the city, before a delightfully Spanish breakfast at Ana La Santa restaurant and setting off to explore on foot.

Bershka, H&M, Salsa and many more. Stop off for a snack at one of the many quaint cafes serving delicious churros (crispy sticks of fried batter) with chocolate sauce, before continuing up Calle Fuencarral or Calle Hortaleza, dotted with cute vintage shops.

2:00 pm

Take a wander west of the hotel, visiting monuments like Palacio de Santa Cruz, walking through Plaza de La Villa and towards Catedral de La Almudena and Palacio Real de Madrid or the Royal Palace of Madrid. It’s the largest in Europe and open to the public most of the year.

Continue on foot towards one of the coolest parts of the city, Alonso Martinez. Spanish lunchtimes usually run from around 2pm to 4pm. Soak up the vibrant culture whilst tucking into a lunch of traditional paella or tapas at one of the many local hole-in-the-wall eateries, or people watch from a spot in Plaza de Alonso Martinez.

10:00 am

4:00 pm

8:30 am

After your architectural fix, it’s time to walk up to the hustle and bustle of the city. Follow Calle Mayor from the cathedral towards Puerta Del Sol – the official centre of the country. There’s a photo opp with the famous El Oso y el Madroño (bear and the tree) statue and the Tio Pepe neon sign as well as street performers to marvel.

12:00 noon

Continue up Calle Montera towards Gran Via, the ‘Broadway’ of Madrid where you’ll find popular brands like Zara,

Burn off the fuel with a walk southeast down Calle Genova, or catch the metro a few stops, to Retiro. Parque de El Retiro is a stunning, grand park filled with lovely water features, magnificent sculptures and monuments, galleries and palaces and plenty of open space to walk or cycle.

5:00 pm

When you’ve strolled to your heart’s content, head south making a pit stop at Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, housing a huge collection of 20th century contemporary

and modern art. Make sure you take a ride in the panoramic glass lifts for the full artistic experience.

6:00 pm

Take Calle Argumosa to the city’s oldest district and Madrid’s multicultural heart, Lavapies where African, Indian and Asian influences come to life with charming restaurants and street-market-style shops.

Keep heading northwest through the narrow streets to La Latina, in Madrid’s Old Town. A hidden gem with a centuries-old garden, juxtaposed with modern hotels and chic shops.

8:00 pm

After a change for dinner, head to ll pezzo di Giuseppe, right on ME Madrid’s doorstep in Plaza de Santa Ana. Treat yourself to authentic Italian food in a lively Spanish square. I recommend the Melanzane parmigiana for starters and a delicious pizza or pasta dish to follow.

10:00 pm

Madrid has plenty of options when it comes to nightlife.

Theatre, tapas bars, flamenco shows and clubs galore. Check out Café Central, a sophisticated jazz club in Plaza Del Angel, hosting some of the best performers from across the world. Booking is recommended.

Getting Around On Foot A true culture fix means setting off on foot around Madrid. All you need is a city map (available at the airport and hotels) with some basic Spanish phrases and a sense of adventure to get going.

Metro There’s a station located in all major parts of the city – inner and outer – and as long as you can navigate the map, this is a relatively fast and cheap way of getting around.

How to get there?

Qatar Airways operates daily flights via Doha to Madrid. Visit www. qatarairways.com to book. fact magazine

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#Bushra #at #BushIdo #ramadan #Iftar #LaunCh bushra at bushido was launched and guests had the oPPortunity to exPerience the trendy ramadan traditions at bushido. a selection of modern arabic-fusion dishes, served alongside a range of delicious international dishes. there were live cooking stations that included tePPanyaki kitchen, carvery and fresh Pasta dishes. the sPecial bushra buffet will be served daily during the holy month of ramadan.

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ME

Madrid

The saying ‘in the heart of the city’ comes to mind when you talk about the beautiful ME Madrid Reina Victoria hotel. FACT stayed here to find out why you should make this your property of choice when visiting the Spanish capital…

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W

e’ve been to many resorts and hotels in Europe, but none got the reaction that ME Madrid did. Out of Sol metro station and a few minutes walk away (400

will catch your eye is the stunning façade at the top of the square. ME Madrid ‘s architecture is one of character, class and charm. The hotel building was revamped from the historic Gran Hotel Reina Victoria into the elegant property it is today. The outside is a traditional structure, which pays homage to its rich past. It was named in honour of the beautiful wife of King Alfonso XIII, and was considered a symbol of elegance and luxury in the Spanish capital. The inside of ME Madrid is just as pleasing. Thanks to the work of renowned architect Keith Hobbs, the hotel design conserves the splendid beauty of the building’s historic architecture and blends this with the trendy spirit of ME by Meliá, through the use of cutting-edge interiors, eclectic accessories and its creative art works.

We were in hospitality heaven!

ThE PErsonaliTy suiTE ME Madrid’s accommodation options are plenty (180 rooms and 12 suites), and there’s a room to suit every guests’ needs.

On this occasion, we were there on a leisurely trip to soak up the vibrant city life, and there was no better room to experience this than the Personality Suite. From the second we entered 610 it exceeded all our expectations. We walked into a beautiful sitting/lounge room with comfy leather sofas and an armchair, a home cinema, welcome amenities, and there was even a Nintendo 52

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Wii. Walk through a small corridor area and you’re in the bedroom, which is pure perfection. There’s a king-sized bed with dreamax pillows and mattress (we had the best night’s sleep here), a large work space, and, more importantly, you have access to your own private terrace, decked out with sun loungers and an outdoor dining table – ideal for in-room breakfast and dining – but the terrace is even more impressive for its farreaching views over Madrid. We also fell in love with the spacious bathroom, which was a whole room within the suite. It housed a huge tub and walk-in shower with hydro-massage, twin dressing areas and a separate lavatory.

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TRIED & TESTED that there was no door on the toilet and the didn’t have locks on them. For travellers comfortable with each other, this shouldn’t pose a problem, and, to be fair, the excellent services and extras that come with the room will make you forget about not having a door on the toilet. What was one of the standouts in this suite? It has to be the maxibars (not minibar – this is stepping up a notch) – it’s suite conveys a sensation of complete bliss for guests who wish to experience pure luxury

ana la sanTa Yes, ME Madrid has one of the coolest nightspots in town – The Roof – with panoramic views and a crowd made up of the city’s most stylish. However, it was the out over Plaza de Santa Ana that really had our inner foodie jumping with joy. Every morning you can enjoy a delicious breakfast of eggs, pastries, cereals, varied cheese and meats, breads and hot and cold drinks, in the comfort of this lovely venue, reminiscent of a lounge at home. In the evenings, dinner is a must here. The menu consists of traditional tapas prepared to order and also new-style world. We’d highly recommend from the tapas menu the Spanish omelette, the tuna, and the anchovies, and for the mains, if will do the trick. For dessert, the chocolate brownie and ice cream is exquisite.

ME Madrid is the type of place you stay for complete escapism from everyday life. Its friendly and helpful, and inside you’ll be greeted by modern facilities that will make your stay an unforgettable one. The attention to detail at the hotel is impeccable – you can even get a portable Wi-Fi device from the hotel reception to carry around the city and make sure all those cool pics make it onto instagram in real time. There’s even a SkinC – everything that the contemporary traveller needs. We’d recommend, at least, a 4-day trip!

GO: VISIT WWW.MELIA.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ME MADRID. CALL (34) 91 7016000 FOR RESERVATIONS. 54

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ABU DHABI AED20

Follow us Facebook: OhlalaQatar | Twitter: @ohlalaqatar | www.issuu.com/ohlalaqatar fact magazine

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REVIEWS

bIG SCreen

The Look of Silence What’s it about:

The Look of Silence is the bold and confrontational companion to the Oscar-nominated The Act of Killing.

Joshua Oppenheimer revisits Indonesia’s communist purge of the 1960s, but this time the focus shifts to the victims of the mass murders with documentary storytelling through the eyes of a family that survives the genocide and confronts the men who killed one of their brothers.

Highlights “The Look of Silence takes us back to a more traditional style of documentary storytelling, but with extraordinary goals.”

The Look of Silence

Minions What’s it about: The lack of a master is driving the minions into depression, so minions Kevin and rebellious teens Stuart and Kid Bob take a trip to the villain convention, where they are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a stylish and ambitious villain determined to dominate the world. Alongside her inventor husband, super-villain Scarlet devises a plan to take the Queen of England’s crown, when, along the way, the minions learn of a threat to the existence of their kind.

DIRECTOR: Joshua Oppenheimer WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING? It’s even more poignant and shocking as Oppenheimer’s The Act of Killing – the powerful documentary about the men responsible for the cruel and ruthless murder of some million Indonesians, during the country’s communist purge in the 1960s – The Look of Silence takes us back to a more traditional style of documentary storytelling, but with extraordinary goals. Where The Act of Killing took a stab at laying bare the insincerity and hypocrisy of the perpetrators of the brutal Indonesian genocide, this film offers a more riveting approach by focusing on a family of survivors who discover how their son was murdered. The documentary follows optometrist Adi, the youngest son, and his personal search for answers as he decides to break free of social suffocation by bravely confronting his brother’s killers – the men who still remain in power – and asking them to take responsibility for their actions. This is groundbreaking filmmaking at its best.

“ …this 3D computeranimated comedy flick is packed full of cute and quotable Minion moments and enough belly laughs for 104 minutes of pure escapism. ” Minions

DIRECTOR: Kyle Balda & Pierre Coffin CAST: Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin, Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING? Minion fans get ready to fall in love with the small, nasal-sounding yellow creatures all over again. Following in the footsteps of animated hits Despicable Me and Despicable Me 2, this 3D computeranimated comedy flick is packed full of cute and quotable Minion moments and enough belly laughs for 104 minutes of pure escapism. It’s no surprise that these breakout Despicable characters have been given their own film – they can certainly carry it (straight to the top of the box office, we think!).

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REVIEWS

on The reCorD

FuLLy bookeD

SUSPENSE FICTION

14th Deadly Sin

By James Patterson

POP/ROCK

The Original High

SOUL/POP-FUNK

Time For Love

By Adam Lambert

By The Winachi Tribe

THE PSYCHEDELIC FUNK OF GEORGE CLINTON, the brooding menace of Massive

Attack, the rolling hypnotic beats of Happy Mondays and the vision and flow of Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five are all essential ingredients to the sound and style of The Winachi Tribe, a sonic soul, electro funk collective who are unconstrained by boundaries or formulas, musically or culturally. Lyrically explosive and musically diverse, the band was born from the belly of Northern D.Funk collective China White. The Winachi Tribe is made up of exceptional musicians and producers who have collaborated and toured with a range of artists from Ian Brown to Alabama 3, Keith Allen to The Furious Five. The band’s influences are as diverse as their own musical output, something that is evident on the band’s debut release, Time For Love – a record that blends eclectic beats to create a truly individual sound.

Parliament/Funkadelic and Sly & The Family Stone sit alongside The Happy Mondays, Primal Scream, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, creating a melting pot of references that produce a truly individual sound.

Detective Lindsay boxer is more than happy with her beautiful baby daughter and a devoted husband. In fact, things seem to be going well as all the members of the Women’s Murder Club gather to celebrate San Francisco Medical Examiner Claire Washburn’s birthday. The party is cut short when Lindsay is called to a shocking crime scene, where a woman was murdered in broad daylight. Lindsay begins her investigation and finds video footage of the cold blooded criminals, covered with masks.

It could be anyone, and Lindsay’s co-workers are suspects. With shocking twists and riveting suspense, 14th Deadly Sin, proves yet again that when it comes to suspense fiction, James Patterson nails it again!

We just had to review this album, because, let’s be honest, Adam Lambert has become somewhat of a revelation and pioneer in modern-day music. He has some of the most hardcore fans on the planet and a powerhouse voice that has him singing all the way to the bank! We’ve already heard Ghost Town off this 14-track album, and fans everywhere loved the haunting rhythms and heartfelt, emotional sound of this memorable tune. The song has many layers: it’s simple and complicated, it’s light and dark, it’s happy and sad. Plus, the heavy bass beat is infectious. The rest of the album follows suit with powerful vocals and provocative lyrics. Looks like the world of music will be whistling to the sound of Adam Lambert this summer!

“...and fans everywhere loved the haunting rhythms and heartfelt, emotional sound of this memorable tune. ”

FICTION

The Heir (The Selection)

By Kiera Cass

In this fourth romantic novel, follow Illéa’s royal family into a whole new Selection - and find out what happens after happily ever after. A new generation of swoon worthy characters and captivating romance awaits in the fourth book of the Selection series, as Princess Eadlyn realises happily ever after isn’t as impossible as she’s always thought. Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon’s heart. But, Eadlyn doesn’t expect her Selection to be anything like her parents’ fairy tale love story, but her mind changes as the competition begins. Kiera ‘Selection’ series has enchanted readers from the very first page; get ready for another magical ride.

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SOCIETY

#yka #InfInItI #ramadan #offers #LaunCh y.k. almoayyed organised an exclusive lunch for guests and members of the media at cafĂŠ amsterdam. the yka team hosted this lunch to announce their sPecial ramadan offers and Prices for infiniti. yka are the exclusive distributors of infiniti in the kingdom of bahrain.

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“MOPARIZED” JEEP WRANGLER

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ISLAND RIDES

THERE ARE A THOUSAND AND ONE WAYS YOU CAN CUSTOMISE A JEEP (AND THEN SOME), BUT THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD BE DONE ACCORDING TO CHRYSLER MIDDLE EAST…

T

his is the Jeep Wrangler as custom-built by Jeep’s performance division, Mopar, especially for display and demo purposes for the Gulf. We first laid eyes on it at the Dubai motorshow in 2013, where it was displayed for the first time in the region. One look at those Rubicon 10th anniversary alloys and huge Cooper off-road tyres, the 60

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lift kit, and that Rubicon hood, and we knew we wanted a go!

It took a while to get round to it, but here it is – our experience of the ‘Moparized’ Jeep Wrangler.

First impressions, as you might have guessed, are good. We loved the look of it – beefy without going overboard into ostentatious, which so many Wranglers are prone to do! The lift kit is one of the more minimal on the market, but

still adds two inches to an already good ground clearance.

The steel bumpers look great too, but they do add some weight, especially with the addition of the winch. In a one-off exercise, Mopar even managed to drill through the extremely hard rear bumper to install a rear-parking camera, something that you won’t see on any other Jeep in the region.

The platform for this custom beast was the already high-spec Sahara edition, so once you climb in you’ll find all the features that it entails – cruise control, CD/MP3/radio with a six-speaker audio system, leather seats and so on.

ISLAND RIDES

Unfortunately, quite a bit of on-road refinement is sacrificed to the kings of dune-bashing. Even the small 2-inch lift makes for a rather bouncy and wallowing ride when combined with those big Cooper off-roaders, and they cause a serious amount of road noise inside.

Those adding these features for offroad performance know what they’re getting themselves into, and accept the consequences. However, unless you actually plan on taking the Jeep for some serious off-roading, there’s little point in ruining the ride comfort for ‘big-wheels-that-look-cool’.

It is on the rocky paths and rolling dunes, though, where this beast is

“It is on the rocky paths and rolling dunes, though, where this beast is truly at home. This Jeep absolutely dominated anything we threw at it.” truly at home. This Jeep absolutely dominated anything we threw at it. Being relatively lightweight compared to the bigger luxury SUVs, the 3.6l Pentastar engine, with its 285hp and 353Nm of torque, provides more than enough power to

tackle anything in its path. Once we’d let a little air out of those massive Cooper radials they glided over soft sand without a care in the world.

Even when things got a bit sticky, we simply threw the Jeep into 4-lo, and slowly churned our way out with minimal fuss.

It was huge amounts of fun tearing across the dunes in this Jeep, as you can probably tell from the images.

If you only venture into the desert occasionally for your average camping trip, a standard Jeep Wrangler is more than adequate for your needs.

For anything more serious, we highly recommend a rig like this.

It will go anywhere! fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#tron #at #maI-taI #Lounge taking insPiration from the distinctively memorable aesthetics of the 1980s sci-fi blockbuster, the tron dancers delivered a sPectacular led disPlay in their amazing Performance connecting light, movement and music, as mai-tai bids farewell for summer. british dJ erin camPbell will accomPany the visual show with a mixed selection of lively house tracks to dance to throughout the night.

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MOTORING NEWS

GREAT R AMADAN DEALS ON AUDI The Audi Centre Bahrain are running their Audi Extra promotion throughout Ramadan right up until the July 24. Anyone buying a new Audi model during this time can enjoy extra features, extra luxury and extra peace of mind.

You can enjoy 0% finance for up to five years, as well as a five-year service plan, five-year unlimited mileage warranty, and five-years roadside assist.

You can also benefit from free comprehensive insurance for one year, and affordable monthly payments of just BD199. You can also enjoy extra savings on a wide range of Audi Genuine Accessories.

Call 1745 9933 for more information.

EK KANOO AND MOTORCITY RAMADAN BONANZA! Ebrahim K Kanoo, the exclusive dealership for Lexus and Toyota, and their affiliate Motorcity, are hosting a huge range of Ramadan promotional offers during the Holy Month.

For Toyota, in addition to discounted prices, they’re offering all customers a package of value-added benefits including a free service contract for one year or 20,000 kilometres, the best finance rates plus special offers on all Toyota models.

Any customer who purchases a Lexus will instantly receive a complimentary service contract for one year or 20,000 kilometres. Both Toyota and Lexus

customers can enjoy a 20% discount on Llumar and Ziebart services.

With every purchase of a new vehicle from Motorcity, customers will receive electronic giveaways in collaboration with Sharaf DG which include televisions, laptops, tablets and smart phones.

Customers will also get a range of value-added services and extra benefits which include, free insurance and registration, a complimentary service package for three years or 60,000km, in addition to five years of warranty, five years of roadside assistance, with free rust proofing and window tinting.

Call 1773 0730 for Toyota, 1773 7773 for Lexus, and 1773 6222 for Motorcity.

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SOCIETY

#ashrafs #new #tower #InauguratIon the ashraf grouP inaugurated their new tower in hoora among distinguished guests and members of the media. the tower is an extension of the existing ashrafs shoPPing centre. the six storied tower has an integrated design with the state-of-the art showrooms, office blocks and a fully-fledged multiPurPose hall at the toP which can accommodate business meetings, seminars and Product launches.

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MOTORING NEWS

E U R O M O T O R S C E L E B R AT E S R A M A D A N Euro Motors, the official BMW Group importer, has launched an exclusive Ramadan offer that enables customers to enjoy worry-free ownership when purchasing selected BMW and MINI vehicles.

Customers will be able to take advantage of a five-year free service, five-year free warranty and free insurance for a year. Those looking to purchase the world’s most progressive sports car, the BMW i8, as well as any of the BMW

M range, will also have access to 0% interest on financing. The importer brings extra excitement this Ramadan, with a free holiday to a number of destinations including, Beirut, Muscat, Larnaca, Istanbul or Athens.

The Euro Motors sales team will be available during special Ramadan working hours, operating from 9am to 2pm and 8.15pm to 11.15pm from Saturday to Thursday. Call 1775 0750 for more information.

BENTLEY BAHRAIN WINS AFTER SALES CHALLENGE Ahmed Zayani & Sons, Bentley Bahrain dealership announced that Bentley’s After Sales department successfully completed all the mandatory and optional targets set in the 2014 After Sales Challenge to earn its place at the Elite Club as the League Winners for 2014. This prestigious Award celebrates the brand’s excellent standards of quality and luxury automobiles, as well as the high level of attention to individualized requirements of the company-valued clients.

Bentley Bahrain makes use of the vast stocks of original parts and extensive Microfiche Systems offering a large collection of aftercare accessories.

The company offers new and pre-owned Bentleys, and is well known for its vast range in Bahrain comprising the Bentley Mulsanne, Flying Spur and Continental GT models. fact magazine

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PLUGGED-IN

THE

OCULUS RIFT IS

T HE

F U TU RE

If you look at the incredible graphic detail of video games today, and you wonder what your kids could possibly be

playing in the future, we guarantee you that it will be some version of this technology‌

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PLUGGED-IN

Virtual reality (VR) has a chequered history. Those of you old enough to remember the virtual reality gaming machines that sprung up in arcades in the early nineties will also remember how incredibly crap the graphics and gameplay were!

At the time, gaming giant Sega attempted to develop a VR project for home use, but poor feedback and limited processing power of the console put paid to the idea. As a result, initial excitement over ‘the future of gaming’ gave way to apathy and it just sort of faded away.

And for many years it stayed that way, with development instead pouring into the 3D industry for cinemas, and then home entertainment systems. Some of these home entertainment systems even supported 3D for certain gaming platforms, as long as the game was compatible.

However, it’s not until recently, with the significant advances in processing power of the PCs available for personal use (for a cost, that is), that a VR headset like the Rift has become viable.

The units use an inertial measurement unit to detect the movement of the head, and dual displays positioned directly over the eyes to give a fully immersive experience. With most games these days offering a full interactive 3D world in which you can look all around you using the game controller, adapting that for a headset was simply the next step.

The Oculus Rift is by no means the first, or the only VR headset currently in development out there – there are similar headsets being developed

by HTC, Sony and other lesser-known developers.

For something truly unique, check out the Google Cardboard, a free-to-download design for a headset that you cut out of cardboard, and stick together, with two eyeholes, that works with an app to create a VR headset through your very own smartphone!

However, the Rift is most likely the only one you’ve heard of. This is because the developers have been extremely smart in their strategy, beginning the Oculus

Rift project by raising funds as a Kickstarter. Anyone who donated a certain amount would get a ‘Developer Kit’, which was basically a prototype of the headset. These prototypes were upgraded as development continued, but this meant that software developers, gamers and others could get their hands on the headset and participate in the development process.

As a result, this allowed them to get a head start in the field, and combine their development and marketing strategies successfully to make the Oculus Rift the device that everyone was talking about. The plan paid off, and Facebook acquired Oculus VR in early 2014 in a deal worth well over $2billion!

As a result of their successful strategy, it is the Oculus Rift that is the device being talked about, tested and used by people all over the world. We came across it recently ourselves at a Fiat event in London, where we viewed a specially developed visual presentation for the car through the Oculus Rift, and it was mind-blowing!

More recently, the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi had an Oculus Rift experience at its launch event for the 2015 Abu Dhabi F1 GP. We’re now also seeing more and more videos online of game hackers who are adapting the Rift to work with titles such as the hugely successful Grand Theft Auto V, with impressive results. It’s not perfect yet, but as new major gaming titles are released, you’ll see more and more that are compatible with the Rift, especially on PC. There is already a significant list.

The uptake of people willing to develop software that is compatible with the Rift, and the apparent ease of adapting it to existing software, is what will firmly establish it as the go-to choice for VR headsets, much as the iPhone did for smartphones all those years ago.

We promise you that this hardware heralds the arrival of Virtual Reality in a big way – it’s affordable, it’s adaptable, and it’s playable.

It’s the future!

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SOCIETY

#InterContInentaL #regenCy #aL #thurraya #tent intercontinental regency bahrain hosted a corPorate Party to celebrate the inauguration of its al thurayya ramadan tent, heralding an early celebration to the start of holy month of ramadan with the Presence of media rePresentatives and invited guests. invitees enJoyed delicious food along with sPecial ramadan drinks, making it an exPerience to remember.

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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 life...

HOSPITALITY FOUR SEASONS Four Seasons is now offering guests an opportunity to customise their stay on the go with a new, multi-functional, content-rich global app.

With just a few taps, travellers can access a wide array of services and personal options wherever and whenever they wish. Four Seasons guests arrive with the latest technology already in hand, and the Four Seasons App integrates the services and local expertise every hotel offers in a format they can customise and make their own. Functions and features of the new Four Seasons App include the ability to make and manage reservations in multiple locations at once; efficient, wait-free checkin and check-out, including the opportunity to book luggage pickup and airport transfers; options to customise one’s stay with special requests such as extra pillows, forgot-topack toiletries or baby gear; and turndown services when guests want them; readywhen-you-are room service orders, plus easy-to-book restaurant and spa reservations and more. There’s also a fabulous feature for local recommendations.

GETTING AROUND UBER The world-sensation taxi-style service has taken countries by storm. The Uber app presents a fast, affordable and convenient means of connecting riders with a reliable mode of transport.

Whether you want a ride from the airport to a hotel, from home to a restaurant, or anywhere to explore the city, Uber will provide professional and pleasant drivers ondemand (no reservations required!). You can request a ride using the Uber app and get picked up within minutes. You can even compare rates for different Uber options and get fare quotes in the app. Pay with Google Wallet or PayPal, or add a credit card to your secure Uber account so you never need cash on hand. Easily set your pickup location on the map, even if you don’t know the exact address. Get connected to your personal driver and check the progress of your Uber at any time. Sit back, relax, and go anywhere you want. You’ll get an email receipt when you arrive at your destination.

This is an entirely new and modern way to travel available right at your fingertips.

GAMES HANGKEYS Who remembers hangman? Who still puts pen to paper or marker to whiteboard sometimes to play this addictive classic game with friends? Well, HangKeys is bringing hangman into the 21st century. This app lets users play the age-old penand-paper game in any messaging service. HangKeys allows players to challenge their friends at the word-guessing game over SMS, Snapchat, Facebook Messenger, Twitter or WhatsApp. This is a really clever idea and tons of fun! As far as brain stimulation and a little break in the day goes, 10-20 minutes exercising your word game and hangman skills might just do the trick. This might just be the most straightforward and fun keyboard game on the App Store right now.

Gift happiness this Ramadan ‫ﺑ‬ ‫َْﺪ ٌر ﻳﻔ‬ ‫ﻮز ﺑﺎﻟ‬ ‫ ﻜﺄس‬the cup wins

Badr by

Written

ted by

Zbib

Daher

Rania Fadi Salame

‫ﺗ‬ ‫ﺄﻟﻴﻒ‬ ‫رﺳﻮم راﻧﻴﺎ زﺑﻴﺐ‬ ‫ﺿﺎﻫﺮ‬ ‫ﻓﺎدي‬ ‫ﺳﻼﻣﺔ‬

‫وﻓﺴﺘﺎن اﻟﻌﻴﺪ‬

Tala and the Written by Illustrated by

Rania Zbib Daher Fadi Salame

Eid dress

‫ﺗَﺎﻻ‬

‫راﻧﻴﺎ زﺑﻴﺐ ﺿﺎﻫﺮ‬ ‫ﺗﺄﻟﻴﻒ‬ ‫ﻓﺎدي ﺳﻼﻣﺔ‬ ‫رﺳﻮم‬

‫اﻟﺤﻲ‬ r the

Same n by

Writte

ted by

‫ﺑﻄﻞ‬

َ ٌ‫ﺳﺎﻣِ ﺮ‬

ro od he ‫ﺗﺄﻟﻴﻒ‬ ‫راﻧﻴﺎ‬ ‫ر‬ borho ‫زﺑﻴﺐ‬ ‫ﺳﻮم‬ ‫ﺿﺎﻫﺮ‬

neigh

Daher Zbib Rania e Salam Fadi

‫ﻓﺎدي ﺳ‬

‫ﻼﻣﺔ‬

Illustra

‫ﻌﺎﺋﻠﺔ‬

Khaled Written Illustrat

by

ed by

Illustra

‫ﻳﺠﻤﻊ اﻟ‬

gathe

Rania

Zbib Daher Fadi Salame

rs the

‫َﺧﺎﻟِﺪ‬

family

‫ﺿﺎﻫﺮ‬

‫راﻧﻴﺎ زﺑﻴﺐ‬ ‫ﺗﺄﻟﻴﻒ‬ ‫ﺳﻼﻣﺔ‬ ‫ﻓﺎدي‬ ‫رﺳﻮم‬

Choose from 4 wonderful books from any McDonald’s store and all proceeds go to charities across Bahrain

mcdelivery.com.bh 17221722

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SOCIETY

#fashIon #4 #autIsm bahrain society for children with behavioural and communications difficulties (bscbcd) hosted the first ever fashion 4 autism charity fashion show. the show was held to Promote awareness of autism and raise funds to suPPort the society’s nationwide efforts. students from alia for early intervention (individuals with autism), their Peers and siblings from alia national school modelled designs by local designers and saks fifth avenue.

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it’s all aBout

D e n i M fact magazine

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FASHION FOCUS

sa l sa spring suMMer 2015

h

ave you checked your denim stash lately? There’s a whole stock of fresh new trends to update your wardrobe.

Portuguese denim brand Salsa, presents its new Spring-Summer collection 2015. The collection is inspired by denim blue in perfect harmony with the colours of the ocean to give an Always on Vacation feel. That’s indeed very inspiring, considering we all are planning our vacay to beat the heat. The new collection was showcased by international models Alexandre Cunha, Gui Fedrizzi and Reka Ebergenyi.

The collection takes inspiration from the energy flow from am to pm. For women, the selection reflects an active, urban woman who knows everything about what is going on in terms of trends but still wants to feel comfortable. All the pieces are a mixed bag that includes some darker items; perfect for a confident, cosmopolitan woman, some blending patterns with different textures, and black leather jackets that pair well with darker washed jeans. But the brand also has vibrant orange, beige and white tones for a more casual look in its trench coats, patchwork jeans, flowing dresses, shorts and dungarees; perfect for an afternoon stroll or a walk on the beach.

Men are presented with a collection of

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geometric patterns, edgy items and a sporty look. The summer-themed colours highlight the oranges, olive green, navy blue and reds.

The darker shades are not forgotten and can also be used to create sophisticated looks.

Apart from the collection pieces, there are also more than 20 styles of jeans that represent the brand’s Denim Fit Guide, namely the technical and innovative Products; PushUp, Push-In, Hope Maternity, Shape-Up, Mystery or Er-Go, the 3D ergonomic model for men, and Mystery - the jeans that create feminine curves.

Salsa’s collection is ideal for day to evening wear so don’t be afraid to step up your summer look with a dash of denim.

GO: SHOP SALSA’S SS15 COLLECTION AT CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN.

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FASHION FOCUS

SHOP THE BRAND HERE IS OUR WISHLIST FROM SALSA’S SPRING/SUMMER 2015 COLLECTION.

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for her

for him

THE WOMEN’S COLLECTION TAKES INSPIRATION FROM THE ENERGY FLOW FROM AM TO PM.

MEN ARE PRESENTED WITH A COLLECTION OF GEOMETRIC PATTERNS, EDGY ITEMS AND A SPORTY LOOK.

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STYLE

stradivarius

miss selfridge

marks and spencer new Look

Call It spring miss selfridge

new Look

h&m monsoon

new Look h&m 76

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new Look

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SOCIETY

#CaLL #It #sprIng #re-openIng call it sPring re-oPened its store with a brand new store concePt. to celebrate this, the media and other imPortant guests were invited to exPerience the refurbished store. shoPPers were given an additional 10% off on the existing sale for that weekend. the store disPlayed their latest summer collection which included flats, heels, and shoes for men and women.

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STYLE

Bershka

Bershka marks and spencer

debenhams debenhams

mw summer marks and spencer

asos

river Island

matalan fact magazine

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ADVERTORIAL

Shop apparel AEROPOSTALE

CHARLES & KEITH

ANNE KLEIN

BIRKENSTOCK

CALL IT SPRING

ALDO

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ADVERTORIAL

DUNE LONDON

THE CHILDREN’S PLACE

INGLOT

KENNETH COLE

NATURALIZER

NINE WEST

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GIFT GUIDE

Eid Gift Guide For Women

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01. BUCCELATI 02. MULBERRY 03. DSQUARED 2 04. BUCCELATI 05. JO MALONE I06. DSQUARED 2 07. SWAROVSKI 08. MIULBERRY 09. MARC JACOBS 10. DSQUARED2 11. BUCCELATI 12. DSQUARED2 82

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GIFT GUIDE

Eid Gift Guide For Men

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01. TED BAKER 02. RIVER ISLAND 03. CALL IT SPRING 04. ALDO 05. CALL IT SPRING 06. MAURICE LACROIX 07. DAVIDOFF 08. RIVER ISLAND 09. OROS 10. MOUAWAD 11. ALDO 12. MOUAWAD fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#guLf #hoteL #medIa #Iftar the gulf hotel bahrain hosted their annual media iftar at the kaimat al khaleeJ tent. the iftar buffet included an array of mouth-watering dishes from international cuisine to traditional arabic cuisine. batelco, as Part of its commitment to local businesses has sPonsored the ramadan tent at the gulf hotel. the beautifully aPPointed tent offers a very warm welcome to all during the holy month, with a menu designed esPecially for the occasion.

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BEAUTY

✓

BEAUTY

CHECKLIST

HAVE YOU STOCKED UP ON THE BRAND NEW PRODUCTS FROM THE WORLD OF BEAUTY? FACT BRINGS YOU A NEW LIST OF BEAUTY ESSENTIALS EVERY MONTH. SO LADIES, WHAT IS ON YOUR CHECKLIST THIS MONTH? MAKE SURE TO TICK THEM ALL OFF…

GLAMGLOW DAIly CleARINg CleANseR

MéTéoRITes

REVLON RevloN ulTRA HD lIpsTICk

Glamglow comes out with a revolutionary cleanser for skin imperfections, pore refining and clarifying.

It’s the world’s first mud to foam daily cleanser that changes colour and transforms from the mud in your mask into a gentle and effective foaming lather to dissolve oil and makeup, rinse away pore-clogging debris, impurities and excess oil.

Apply two to three pumps and massage gently.

This cult constellation of multi-coloured powder pearls with an unforgettable violet fragrance has been created in 1987. Each pastel bead in the Météorites harmony has a quite specific function for beautifying the skin. In one swish of the brush, they work their magic to bathe the skin in light. This product transforms light invisible to the naked eye into a pure and endless glow.

Break free of dull, muted shades and broadcast your lips in high-definition. This game-changing lipstick formulated with Revlon’s wax-free high-definition gel technology that allows for true traditional wax-based lipsticks. Choose from the 14 terrific shades and add just one coat of the deliciously scented, silky formula and lips are instantly hugged in rich weightless colour.

RIMMEL

SALLY HANSEN

URBAN DECAY

CoMpleTe sAloN MANICuRe ColleCTIoN

AFTeRglow – 8 HouR powDeR BlusH

Sally Hansen presents the new Designer Collection. Accent your summer wardrobe with six stylish, irresistible new shades. Vibrant red/ orange, deep turquoise and tender grey and pink are the shades that are hot now, and they are going directly onto your nails thanks to this all-inone manicure revolution.

Urban Decay introduces Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Blush—the fool-proof way to create that effortless, radiant look. Just a few quick swipes of Afterglow gives you the kind of easy, sexy, lit-from-within glow. The extremely blendable, finely milled formula goes on sheer and provides eight long hours of wearable, buildable colour.

25 HouR NuDe FouNDATIoN

CUT HERE

GUERLAIN

Rimmel launches its first lightweight long-lasting, transfer-proof foundation that reveals naturally flawless skin, with a nude, barely there feel.

Blending smoothly and evenly, hiding fine lines and imperfections for a poreless, seamless nude complexion; this foundation has it all! Have natural looking, flawless kin for 25 hours, nonstop nude around the clock!

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SOCIETY

#red #BuLL #kIte #the #waJ kitesurfers from across the region came to amwaJ islands to ParticiPate in the only regional amateur kitesurf comPetition: red bull kite the waJ. ruben lenten, international red bull athlete and renowned free style kitesurfer who’s made a name for himself with his megalooP signature move, over saw and Judged the event. sixteen teams of two riders each comPeted head to head until the toP two reached the grand finale.

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BEAUTY MASHUP

SEPHORA

LET US INTRODUCE YOU TO CRAIG REDMAN AND KARL MAIER! THIS FRIEND AND ARTIST DUO IS SPECIALISED IN HUMOROUS GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION. WHEN THESE TRENDY, FUNKY MINDS JOIN FORCES, THE RESULTS ARE A MAKE-UP COLLECTION WITH JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF ECCENTRIC FLAIR AND ULTRA-POP, GRAPHIC STYLE...

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SOCIETY

#aLexandra’s #CookIng #CLass Jawad suPermaket organised a sPecial cooking class by chef alexandra. romina vecchi, wife of italian ambassador to bahrain was Present at the event and took active Part in the haPPenings. rePresentatives from Jawad business grouP and other media graced the event with their Presence. alexandra PrePared a variety of dishes and involved the guess in the Process.

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“I still do my research and ask other people about some ingredients and ways to cook to improve myself, all the time.”

The Traditional Touch With a contemporary design and authentic Arabian dining culture, Marash brings the flavours of Arabia with utmost simplicity and the freshest ingredients. FACT caught up with the woman behind the scenes, Head Chef, Fatema Hussain Mohammed, to learn more about Marash’s foodie offerings…

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CHEF’S TABLE

“I just want to tell every woman, follow your passion and dreams. I know that having a degree is very important, but what is more important is doing something you love. I fell in love with cooking and I have made it to becoming the Head Chef of a restaurant. Never stop believing in yourself!”

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rom the moment you set foot in Marash, it’s clear to see that the restaurant is a labour of love. Considering the fact that it’s a weekday, the restaurant is busy during the lunch hours that we visited.

The aroma of the food creates a unique ambience, leading you to want more. Chef Fatema greets us and we take a quick tour of the restaurant, finally coming to a halt at the buffet station. WOW! It not only smells delicious, it looks even more mouthwatering than we had thought.

How does Chef Fatema create this amazing delight? “Spices, the freshness of ingredients and the cooking method are very important aspects of Arabic cuisine,” she explains. “I make sure the freshest ingredients are used in my dishes, such as meats, spices, and vegetables. Otherwise, I do not prepare the dish if they are not available in the market.” And that is her food philosophy.

We start with appetisers, which include traditional stuffed vine leaves, crispy falafel – which we tried in a sandwich (so delicious), as well as flavourful hummus and fresh tabouleh – both outstanding.

Chef Fatema prepares the spices herself: “The Bahraini spices are different from the Kuwaiti or Saudi spices, and not a lot of people are aware of that,” she explains.

“To keep the quality and tastes of Marash unique, I make it a point to prepare the spices myself.”

When it was time for the mains, it was the tuna biryani that caught our attention. It’s subtly spiced and rich with taste – a definite must-try. Next up was chicken tikka – juicy and perfectly cooked! As we indulged in our mains, we asked Chef Fatema to describe a regular working day at Marash. She tells 90

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CHEF’S TABLE

“ I am excited for the Ramadan Buffet! I will present authentic Bahraini dishes to our guests, as well as the Arabian Ramadan delights.“ us: “My day starts early, dishes start getting prepared in the morning as we are a buffetoriented restaurant. I step out of the kitchen every now and then to organise the dining and setting up the buffet. When customers start arriving, I spend some time to welcome and converse with them. After the lunch period is over, I lead the kitchen team into the preparation of dinner dishes, and ensure that the dining area is cleaned up,” she adds.

That’s a pretty intense schedule, and we must appreciate Chef Fatema’s love for the restaurant – she treats it like home.

We tried sago, baklava and muhalabiya for dessert – all champions of authentic Arabian sweets and deliciously good. Everything served for lunch was exquisite – well presented and perfectly cooked with exotic flavours that celebrated Arabic cuisine.

Chef Fatema finally shares what additions she would like to bring into Marash: “I want to add a breakfast buffet, especially on customers’ demand. I would also like to do some workshops to teach the new generation about this cuisine and get their interest. I am excited for the Seef Mall branch, I will be in charge there as well,” she says, excitedly.

GO: VISIT MARASH AT OASIS CENTRE, MUHARRAQ FOR A TRADITIONAL ARABIC MEAL. CALL 1732 2277 FOR RESRVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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FOODIE CORNER

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s far as Friday Brunches go, Bahrain has a wide selection.

From the fine-dining style to cheap and cheerful, the lively and loud to the laid-back and lounging, you’ve got all the choice you could ask for. But what if you want the best of both? A setting that is upbeat but not over-the-top, where everyone from couples, families with small children, and groups of friends can all enjoy the atmosphere, and, most important of all, a place where variety and quality of food is the main focus. That’s right, we may have just found the brunch to call your new regular. That place is none other than the Lemon Tree at Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, of course! What’s great about this brunch is that it combines the cuisines of all the food outlets at the hotel, to bring 94

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you one massive spread that really caters to every palate and taste. Lemon Tree is the hotel’s international restaurant, offering up a dynamic (and delicious!) menu, with the best of Indian, Asian, Mediterranean, and Arabic cuisines, served, mainly, through an impressive buffet. Ruka is the hotel’s popular Japanese food venue, serving the freshest and most innovative fare, whilst Rialto is a throwback to authentic Italian recipes and Rasoi celebrates traditional Indian cooking.

Now, you can only imagine what a foodie affair the Friday Brunch is!

Our Recommendations From fresh, crunchy salads with an array of dressings and sauces, to traditional Arabic hot and cold starters like hummus and kibbeh, and more contemporary appetisers

such as salmon and prawn canapés, we’d recommend taking it slow and trying a little bit of everything to start off with. When it’s time to move onto mains, decide what you’re in the mood for and go for it! The grills are especially mouthwatering with the choice of lamb chops, chicken, beef and a massive seafood station with everything from lobster, shrimps and more to choose from. Let the chef know your desired cooking preference and sauce, and voila, the food will be brought to your table as soon as it’s ready. One of our absolute favourites is the sushi station with a wide selection of rolls, as well as the hot food station with delectable carvery options, and more international options like mashed potato, hash browns, sausages, beans, rice, curry, soups, and more. Two popular cooking stations include the biryani and pasta stops.

FOODIE CORNER

“WHEN IT’S TIME TO MOVE ONTO MAINS, DECIDE WHAT YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR AND GO FOR IT! THE GRILLS ARE ESPECIALLY MOUTHWATERING WITH THE CHOICE OF LAMB CHOPS, CHICKEN, BEEF AND A MASSIVE SEAFOOD STATION WITH EVERYTHING FROM LOBSTER, SHRIMPS AND MORE TO CHOOSE FROM.”

Both produce exquisite and made-toorder dishes, done exactly how you like them. Dessert is a whole different ball game, with a stunningly impressive display of sweets, fruits and there’s even a popcorn machine! Dip marshmallow, cake or fruit pieces in the chocolate fountain or try the selection of sweet treats covering all flavours from pistachio, caramel, chocolate, citrus, cream and others – dessert heaven! Entertainment for children is available in the form of a kids’ corner with arts and crafts, as well as a life-sized Barney. The hotel’s band will be playing all the latest hits and some classics too – their sound complements the Friday Brunch atmosphere very well.

From start to finish, this is the type of Friday Brunch that will have you coming back week after week.

GO: Eid Brunch will take place at Lemon Tree. Call 1711 1999 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

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BAHRAIN BITES

A Ramadan

Summertime

Sheraton

Ritz Glow

Menu at Bushido

Surprises

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Visit the The Glow, a Ramadan Lounge

by Jaguar, Land Rover at The RitzCarlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa, bringing you a new era for Ramadan celebrations.

Be mesmerised by this 13-meter high, dome-shaped pavilion, with large seethrough verandas towards the night’s sky.

The luminous décor, fusion cuisine, and state-of-the-art architecture of The Glow is designed to make you indulge in a Ramadan experience re-imagined by The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa. Indulge in Iftar or Ghabga for BD32++ per person. Order a Shisha for BD7++ or a Special Shisha for BD8++. The Glow will be open to guests daily during the Holy month of Ramadan from sunset to 8pm and 9pm to 2am.

GO: Call 1758 6499 or email rc.bahrz.restaurant. reservations@ritzcarlton.com for reservations and more information.

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As the weather heats up, Bushido’s new Summertime Menu will leave you feeling refreshingly cool as the venue offers a selection of tasty delights served chilled. Dishes featured on the menu include the Japanese summer tradition of cool soba noodles, served in a bamboo basket with a selection of tempura.

Other creations also include vegetable gazpacho served with lemon shrimp, and surf and turf tartar comprising of sweet yuzu jelly carefully stacked atop individual layers of succulent tuna, fresh avocado and a beef tartar base.

Sounds like an absolute treat! The summertime menu will be available after the Holy Month of Ramadan, until the end of July.

GO: Call 1758 3555 for reservations and more information.

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‘Traditions are Better when Shared’ Sheraton is where families and friends gather.

Meet at the table for a lavish Iftar buffet with traditional and international dishes including live cooking stations at Awali Ballroom. In partnership with VIVA, guests will get a chance to win the latest devices and many more exciting prizes. The more you dine the more chances of winning. Iftar buffet for adults is priced at BD15.9++ on weekdays and BD16.9++ on weekends. And when Ramadan comes to an end, there are more dining delights in store. Soie, the hotel’s beautiful Chinese restaurant will introduce a fantastic new menu, revamped for every foodie’s cravings.

This menu will have exciting new Chinese flavours added to the existing fare, but with a delicious twist – read more about it in our next issue!

GO: Call 1753 5353 for reservations and more information.

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Ali Amralla

Director of Business Development and Strategy, The Gulf Hotel

WHAT SETS GULF HOTEL APART FROM ITS COMPETITORS? Ideally one of the major pillars of success, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain has lived up to its reputation as the epitome of Bahraini Hospitality since 1969, and is the continued vision of growth by our owners. The Gulf Hotel Bahrain started with just 130 rooms, 1 lounge, 2 restaurants and a banquet hall with 250 seating. Today it has evolved to 361 rooms, with 97 luxurious one to three bed-roomed serviced and fully furnished apartments with over 10 restaurants, 4 lounges and a conference and banqueting facility for over 3000 guests. This is all complimented by our team’s effort to constantly provide, improve and enhance our guest experience.

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island insider

RECOMMEND YOUR FAVOURITE CULTURAL ACTIVITY IN BAHRAIN… Bahrain has a lot of history to offer, and what’s best is that you can visit these places all in a day or two. If you are in Bahrain at the time of the annual Heritage Festival, I highly recommend for you to visit! The festival offers a chance to see some of Bahrain’s finest craftsmen at work. Basketweaving, pottery, handicrafts... you’ll see it all here. You will also get to hear traditional Bahraini music.

WHAT’S COMING UP FOR GULF HOTEL OVER THE NEXT YEAR?

The Gulf Hotel continuously looks into various opportunities in developing and enhancing the needs of our guests. In progress is the two-storey 3100m2 Spa, this will have a separate male and female floor and will feature hydro pools, Hammam, sauna, steam room, experience showers, treatment rooms and relaxation areas on both floors. Additionally the ladies floor will include a fully equipped gym, a beauty, hairdressing and nail salon and spa boutique. The spa will also feature a roof top terrace with outdoor relaxation areas and healthy refreshment service.

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