FACT Bahrain November 2021 by Fact ME

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08 17 30 Music Festival Returns

Stepping Out

Island Rides

CONTENTS

48 52 78 5 Over 5

Culinary Spotlight

Travel

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• THE EDITOR

The Great Outdoors

“

“The antidote to exhaustion isn’t rest. It’s nature.” – Shikoba

t long last the weather is cooling down and we’re embracing all the opportunities for outdoor activities that our island offers. There are music festivals to attend, a return to outdoor dining

FACT Magazine Bahrain Edition • NOVEMBER 2021 VOLUME 15, ISSUE 02

DIRECTOR OMAR SHAHEEN PUBLISHER RAMI KHALIL (rami@fact-magazine.com) EDITOR LIZ O’REILLY (editorial@fact-magazine.com) DIGITAL EDITOR SARA WADDAH SALES MANAGER RACHEL NAFEH

and all manner of sports and fun things to get involved in. Our cover story this month is all about making the most of the

great outdoors. From Fly Boarding and diving to cycling, running and even volunteer dog walking, we’ve got something for everyone. We’ve spoken to some of those involved in these open-air activities and even a Naturopathic Doctor gets in on the act, telling us why it’s important to get out in the fresh air – though I reckon the opportunities for forest bathing in the Kingdom are

ART DIRECTOR SYED MUHAMMED RAIHAN GRAPHIC DESIGNER OMNIA ELAMIR PHOTOGRAPHY SACHAN CHANDRAN

somewhat limited. For Island Rides, we road tested the latest BMW 8 Series Grand Coupé. What a car! And, in the Plugged In section, you’ll find a review of Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay H95 headphones. I’ll let you in on a secret, we were very impressed. Our food reviews include two al fresco options as well as the much-anticipated return of a firm favourite – to say I enjoyed my ‘work’ outings would be an understatement. For travel this month, my lucky colleagues headed to the UAE’s Yas Island and I was even more jealous of their adventures at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and its counterparts – I’m not sure I’d have been brave enough for the world’s biggest roller coaster. As usual, we’ve rounded up our favourite book, music and TV releases for you to try as well as new products to keep you looking and feeling great. Enjoy the read and have a marvellous month everyone.

Liz O’Reilly Editor editorial@fact-magazine.com

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All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. Bahrain cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Office 24 Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef. Ministry of Information. Subject Registration Number: CFB779

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• FACT FINDS

SHAPING THE SOUNDS OF THE FUTURE The much-loved annual Sound + Fiction Festival is back for its third year with live performances and much more.

he music initiative, the brainchild of Museland Records founder Ali Al Saeed, continues to push musical boundaries in Bahrain and the region and is packed with another stellar lineup and exciting programming. Sound + Fiction - supported by the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain - will be held between November 24 and December 4 and consist of a series of live performances, concerts, workshops, panel discussions, talks, and other community-focused activities. The initiative, conceived and developed by Ali Al Saeed, is aimed to push the musical boundaries of both artists and audiences alike, with its unique approach to music. This year the programme will lean even more towards experimentation, live electronic music and the exploration of sounds. Al Saeed, the founder of the music platform Museland Records as well as Bahrain’s sole independent record store Tasjeelat, explained that the purpose of Sound + Fiction has been evolving with each edition. “It’s not music for the sake of entertainment, it goes beyond that. This is about creating a scene, a movement and a grassroots community that is not constrained by what’s popular 8

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or commercial. It is for audiences and artists who genuinely appreciate music.” The event is aimed at revitalising the local independent music scene after a tumultuous two years due to the pandemic. This, according to Al Saeed, is an opportunity to remind both artists and audiences of the importance of sustaining an engaged music community. “There’s no need to remain static or return to our old ways of doing music,” he added. “Sound + Fiction has always been about moving forward, pushing our ideas of music and sound, and creating a more challenging perspective of it.” The full lineup and programme will be announced very soon. All events will be open to the public and free to enter. To learn more about the programming and latest updates, visit soundandfiction.me or follow @muselandrec on Instagram. ✤

GO: EMAIL INFO@MUSELAND.ME FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

MAGNIFIQUE NOVEMBER Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa is a wonderland of relaxation that allows its guests to escape to an idyllic place. Enjoy special room and dining offers throughout the coming month. Located on the pristine Zallaq Beach, Sofitel Bahrain boasts the only Thalassotherapy institute in the Middle East with its unique forms of treatments using natural ointments and seawater. The majestically furnished hotel and resort offers 28 suites, 21 prestige suites, six captivating rooftop opera suites and one breathtakingly unique Royal Suite. Known as a world-class luxurious establishment that is distinguished by its prestigious state-of-the-art facilities and award-winning restaurants, the property provides you and your loved ones a unique experience full of fun, all conducted in a Covid-19 safe environment following both Ministry of Health and Accor’s own guidelines. Discover a symphonic blend of discreet luxury and French joie de vivre with the Escapade de Luxe Offers, exclusive for all Bahrain residents. They start from BD65 net for a Luxury Room, offering ‘magnifique’ views of the Arabian Gulf and inclusive of breakfast for two and direct access to the glittering, private beach Sofitel is recognised for its exuberant, fun events and the month of November is no exception beginning with the Grand Friday Brunch, themed around the World Endurance Championship (WEC), on November 5. Expect a wide selection of gourmet delights as you dance off with the Latin band, brunch is priced at BD36 net inclusive of selected beverages. Embrace the tradition of togetherness with a dash 10

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of ‘élégance’ this year with Sofitel Bahrain’s Bountiful Thanksgiving Brunch on November 26, priced BD36 net inclusive of selected beverages. Enjoy a memorable gastronomic affair in luxurious settings at the award winning five-star restaurant, Saraya, with an extensive range of international live cooking stations and concoctions of deliciously refreshing beverages, complemented by topclass musical acts, sure to indulge all the senses. Grab some leisurely afternoon downtime and savour handcrafted, traditional French Pâtisserie from the vibrant Lobby Lounge. Or plan your Mondays ahead with a magnifique 40% off on Sofitel’s signature Thalasso experiences or 50% off food and beverages at Tapas for all ladies. Craving Sushi? Eat all you want while enjoying magnificent sea views with Sunset Sushi, hosted daily (except Mondays), from 4pm to 6pm at Sofitel’s new Japanese outlet, Maison Sushi. The fresh and colourful gastronomy is sure to satiate both sushi lovers and novices. Savour unlimited sashimi, maki, and much more for an experience that will take you on a journey to the Land of the Rising Sun for BD25 net. ✤

GO: CALL 1763 6363 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.

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• LISTEN UP

FESTIVE FOREST VIBES Nespresso and fashion designer Johanna Ortiz have collaborated as the coffee brand showcases its devotion to nature with the launch of the Gifts of the Forest limited-edition collection. Inspired by the beauty and depth of nature’s forests, the collection features a range of limited-edition coffees for both the Original and Vertuo systems, along with festiveinfused accessories, making for delightful and inspiring gifts for family and friends. Coffee lovers can also indulge this festive season knowing Nespresso is giving back to the forest, as the brand goes beyond its agroforestry commitments, by helping to protect 10 million trees in the Amazon. To bring the design of their limited-edition collection to life, Nespresso has partnered with Colombian luxury fashion designer Johanna Ortiz, whose innovative designs and interplay between nature and sustainability truly transport coffee aficionados into the brand’s festive universe. Original Forest Black Uncover the hidden flavours of Forest Black. A canopy of trees shelters Forest Black’s coffees to protect the flavour hidden in each bean. Discover this blend of shade-grown coffees from Colombia and beyond. A spicy espresso, its exotic woody notes will transport taste buds to the depths of the forest. Forest Fruit Flavour Like gems that light up the forest floor, forest fruits are the gifts trees give us. Juicy berry aromas run through this season’s flavoured espresso as the South American Arabicas’ lingering cereal character takes on a festive, sweet pastry note. Forest Almond Flavour This is the forager’s delight of the season. With the sweet, nutty flavour tucked into this espresso’s South American Arabicas, get ready to uncover almond notes marked by vanilla and a light fruitiness in the smooth cereal character. 12

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Limited-edition Accessories Nespresso is also offering a range of limited-edition accessories and gifts this Festive season to surprise loved ones. To kick off and add excitement to this year’s festivities, Nespresso brings back its much-coveted Advent Calendar. The stunning packaging has been designed by Johanna Ortiz as part of her festive collaboration. Available for both Vertuo and Original coffee lovers, the calendar will take Nespresso lovers through a different coffee each day from December 1 to 23, with a special gift on December 24. Nespresso x Johanna Ortiz NOMAD travel mug For those who perhaps want to experience Nespresso’s ‘Gifts of the Forest’ coffee range in the great outdoors, friends and family can gift coffee lovers with Nespresso’s latest NOMAD travel mug which comes in a deep cherry shade, emulating forest berries. Exclusive Gifts The brand is also offering a range of exclusively designed items for the festive season including a reversible organic-cotton tote bag made from sustainable materials, decorated with the signature Nespresso x Johanna Ortiz pattern. Sparkle On The Go For a limited time only, Nespresso is also revamping its iconic Touch travel mug, which will be available in a golden color, for those looking for a touch of sparkle while on the go. ✤

GO: CALL 8000 1999 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

BOILER ROOM IS BAHRAIN BOUND

Arapu

Cassy

Be the first to enjoy a clubbing experience like no other as London-based Boiler Room makes its Bahrain debut at Solymar Beach.

So, what is Boiler Room? According to Wikipediea, it’s an online music broadcasting platform based in London, commissioning and streaming live music sessions around the world. According to Boiler Room: “Variety is the spice of life. A peephole into pretty much anything and everything you'll hear on dancefloors around the world. Connecting club culture to the wider world, on screen and through parties, film and video.” Either way, it sounds like a whole lot of fun! The lineup includes big international and regional names as well as a host of local favourites, who will get the chance to have their sets broadcast on Boiler Room TV’s international YouTube channel which has 1.7 million subscribers and 11 million monthly views.

LINEUP International Arapu – Described as “… a certified treasure. Based in Bucharest, he has been putting out records since 2011, although he cultivated his passion for music when he was just 15. A real master of the decks, the electronic spaces Arapu creates are characterised by a straightforward style and their own seductive playfulness.” Cassy – A lifelong love affair with music makes her one of the most respected selectors of her generation. A dynamic, passionate DJ with an encyclopaedic knowledge of electronic music history 14

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and a record bag to match it, she can dig deep in any given situation, bringing good vibes and contagious energy to the dance floor. With past residencies at Panorama Bar, Trouw, DC10 and Rex Club, as well as an exhaustive list of the world’s most influential club spaces on her resume, Cassy is an unrelenting ball of positivity behind the decks, delivering high quality to every dance floor she plays. Ferro – This guy sounds really interesting. His performance page says: “Ferro’s sound comes caked in vintage dust, sounding as though his beats have been maturing in a drawer before being unleashed on the world. They are percussive but also organic, warm and inviting. It is Ferro’s lasting goal to make all of his music using genuine hardware and fully analogue tools.” Nastia – In need of no introduction, Nastia is the most successful Ukrainian DJ in the world and her country’s most-toured artist. The founder of [label] NECHTO and co-founder of Strichka festival in Kyiv, in collaboration with Closer, she is one of the key figures on the Ukrainian scene. She has travelled all around the globe and is now focused on her label and event brand aiming to bring something revolutionary to modern dance music culture. Regional Cosmicat – The crazy Saudi cat lady who’s taken to the decks to become Saudi Arabia’s first female DJ.

LISTEN UP •

Baloo – He lists himself on IG as “Music culture obsessed house DJ/producer and Chief Creative @mdlbeast

Baloo

Our much-loved local dance-floor fillers are Activate, Daylomar, Elliot, Hameed, Zainal/Dhaen, Sami Dee, Sandra Night and Zone+. Why Boiler Room Mindset Media, which is bringing the event to the Kingdom, has been a significant force in shaping Bahrain's music industry over the past 16 years. Booking known international artists and creating small and large-scale events. Spokesman Petar Mladenovic said: “We wanted to be a part of the Boiler Room movement and join other artists in putting our music scene on the world map, like many countries and cities, and be showcased by Boiler Room TV. “Our primary objective is to create awareness for electronic music in our culture, become a prominent part of this worldwide phenomenon, and let our music reach different people worldwide by expressing ourselves and our craft. “We have artists playing and producing house, techno, techhouse and many other forms of electronic music. But, we also want to let other artists worldwide know that there is a mature music scene in Bahrain.” The event takes place from 12pm to 2am on November 12 at Solymar Beach and tickets are priced BD35. ✤

Ferro

Nastia

Cosmicat

GO: TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FROM HTTPS://TICKETS. SOLYMARBAHRAIN.COM/EVENTS/BOILER-ROOM/

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STEPPING OUT As the weather cools, we’ve got a whole bunch of ideas to get you exploring and enjoying the great outdoors.

fter one of the hottest summers on record, we’re more than ready to welcome the balmy November days that make Bahrain such a great place to live, specially if you’re an expat whose home country is entering a grey, wet and miserable winter. And, with cooler weather inbound, there’s never been a better time to get outside and take in some of the great activities available across the island. We’ve come up with our top 20 things to do that will get you out of the house, away from your screens and taking in some precious fresh air at the same time as having fun and maybe even getting a bit fitter. We’ve even spoken to a few proponents who told us what they love about their particular sports and Naturopathic Doctor (ND) Taal Bastien writes for us on why getting outside is good for the mind, body and soul. fact magazine

• COVER STORY

Best Foot Forward Walking is an activity the vast majority of us do daily, without even thinking about it. But here we’re talking about more than just the short stroll from car park to office or shop to shop in the mall. It’s time to do some mindful walking and that means distance. Laceup your trainers, grab a water bottle, slather on the sunscreen (yes, you do still need it, even on our coolest days) and hit the pavements. Formal, organised walking groups seem to be few but there’s nothing to stop you getting together with friends and heading to one of the designated walking parks such as the Tubli Walkway, City Walk Riffa, Dohat Arad Park or even the Pearling Path, where you’ll have the chance to take in some culture too. Our four-legged friends also really appreciate walks and will add some fun to a, usually, solitary stroll. Don’t have a dog? No problem. Head to the BSPCA or BARC (Bahrain Animal Rescue Centre) to borrow a willing canine or two and get those legs moving – who knows, you might even discover your new best friend while you’re at it. Speaking of pet pooches, Wagalag, the social doggy community that organises group walks and get togethers, is planning to resume its activities this month. Make sure to keep your eye on their social media pages for information. Not keen on dog walking but still want to do your bit for the community? Then how about getting involved with a beach clean. Bahrain Beachcombers meet regularly at Nurana Island and never fail to come up with bag loads of trash, helping to keep the area pleasant for other beach users. Their winter season meets are about to start up and you can find details on both Facebook and Instagram. Feel the need for speed? Step that walking up a level and break into a run. Bahrain Road Runners at brr.bh has a full calendar of events throughout the year from short races to half and full marathons. There are also walking meets and an aquathlon. Bahrain Social Runners is a group of enthusiastic athletes which 18

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DARREN SCHNEIDER OF BAHRAIN BEACHCOMBERS So, the reason I started the group was that during my morning runs on Nurana island, I noticed there was an incredible amount of rubbish washed up on the beach and trapped in certain areas… some days more than others, some of the plastic would get washed out on the high tide and come back in on the low tide. Something had to be done, hence the birth of Bahrain Beachcombers back in 2014. To date we have picked up tonnes of plastic with the help of local businesses, the military base, clubs and schools as well as some amazing locals and expats donating a few hours on a weekend to help keep the island beaches clean.

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• COVER STORY punctures and they make a habit of stopping off at funky new eateries and coffee houses for snacks along the way. If you’re concerned about cycling on the roads, Shaikh Nasser has created a 10km cycling loop down near Zallaq and it’s bikes only, so no traffic to contend with. Also Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) has reintroduced Batelco Fitness on Track which offers both cyclists and runners the chance to exercise in a safe and controlled environment. The sessions are in the mornings and evenings, advanced booking is necessary at bahrainghp.com and the dates run around the BIC’s racing schedule. Fancy getting in the swing? Then, golf’s your thing and there is a variety of spots to get a round in. Bahrain Golf Club is apparently the cheapest place on the island to hit a bucket of balls down the range and Awali Golf Club and the Royal Golf Club will also welcome you. The latter even has a Thursday evening golfing event which takes in a round on the Wee Monty course with food and drink stations along the way. And, if none of these float your boat, you could have a day at the races as the new season has just started at Rashid Equestrian & Horse Racing Club; pick up one of the electric scooters that are available to rent at venues across the island; check out social media for news of car boot sales and fairs; put the pedal to the metal and take part in a go kart race; or check out the latest sport sweeping the Kingdom – padel, a cross between squash and tennis which can be played both indoors and out on specially enclosed courts.

arranges running, swimming and cycling programmes for its members. They meet weekly and also take part in races. You can find them on both Facebook and Instagram. Check out triathlon. bh for various race levels from sprint (short-distance) triathlons to a full Olympic-distance event. We’re also hoping for the return of the famed Spartan race in the coming months but nothing has been announced as yet. Between the enthusiasm of Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the achievements of Team Bahrain Victorious, it’s no surprise that cycling is becoming ever more popular. If you feel the urge to get on your bike, the island presents plenty of opportunities. The Cyclones Cycling Club is a group of likeminded people who get together to explore the Kingdom’s highways and byways and members also regularly take part in competitions. Find them @ cyclones.bh to learn more. Girls can also sign up to @cyclingbees which is a group of female cyclists who meet very early Friday mornings (and sometimes on other days), their rides are escorted by a car to keep everyone safe and deal with glitches such as 20

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• COVER STORY

All At Sea As an island nation, it would be surprising indeed if we didn’t have a great range of watersports to offer. Bahrain has great traditions of both sailing and diving and these pastimes are still popular today. Though, unlike the pearl divers of old, we, thankfully, no longer have to hold our breath! RYA (Royal Yachting Association UK) sailing lessons, which will start you off in a small dinghy to get you used to being on the water, are available through Scubalife at both the Yacht Club and Amwaj Marina. Trust us, once you get the hang of it, this is an activity which will work every muscle in your body, leaving you happily exhausted. It’s also fun and sociable and an excellent way to see some of Bahrain’s impressive coastal areas. If you don’t fancy sailing a wind-powered craft, Dragon Boating is great fun and firmly under the control of the rowers and their steersperson. Think the opening scenes of the original Hawaii Five-0 (we’re showing our age here) and you’ll know what we mean. Bahrain has its own Dragon Boating Association and training takes place at Bahrain Rowing & Canoe Centre in Bahrain Bay. Head down early morning and you’ll see teams out on the water paddling furiously to the beat of a drummer. There are several training sessions each week and teams compete among themselves and also across the region. Live out every kid’s dream and take to the skies, if only briefly, with Fly Boarding, which is offered by Extreme Sportz Bahrain. Fly Boarding lets you experience the thrill of flying using jet propulsion powered by a Jet Ski. It is an amazing sport which has become very popular and instructors promise they will get you up in the air whether you are completely new or an experienced rider.

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LOUISE O’LOAN OF THE BLACK DRAGONS I initially started out rowing and when that dissolved, I looked to their neighbours [at Bahrain Bay] – dragon boating. I started out in the social team taking my time to learn some techniques and getting in some paddle practice. When the race season began, I was already hooked and wanted to participate. We competed in the social category and came in second. I love how the sport brings people together from different areas, backgrounds and ages. At 50, I’m the oldest member and our youngest is 14. Being outdoors in the sun and on the sea is so cathartic especially Friday early morning training. It’s quite invigorating to go for a paddle and have time with friends and teammates early in the day.

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• COVER STORY Head to the coast any weekend and you will spot wakeboarders and water skiers taking to the waves, some more successfully than others – you will always spot those who’ve had lessons and those who are just flying by the seat of their pants. Wakeboarding is probably the coolest of the towing watersports and we think everyone should give it a go. Scubalife offers lessons in both sports and says water skiing requires little actual strength, being more about technique, and can safely be enjoy by those aged eight and above. Stand Up Paddle Boarding and kitesurfing have garnered increasing popularity in the Kingdom over recent years and it’s easy to see why. Paddle boarding can be a relaxing way to get out on the water while working your core muscles and kitesurfing is a hugely exciting caper that allows you to fly over the waves, a bit like surfing but with the addition of a kite to pull you up into the air! Both, along with kayaking, wind surfing and loads of water

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• COVER STORY activities, are available through Beach Culture Bahrain and are certainly on our list of things to try this winter. Of course, we couldn’t mention watersports without talking about SCUBA diving – yes it has capitals and stands for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Bahrain waters have wrecks, coral reefs and a rich assortment of marine life to get acquainted with – all you need is a few lessons and off you go. There are various places around the island to learn to dive including Scubamaster and Scubalife as well as social diving groups which organise trips and even holidays and can be joined once you have your dive licence. Whether you’re a sporting veteran or a newcomer, there’s no excuse to stay on the couch this winter season with all this and more on offer.

BSAC DIVER JODIE MARTYNDALEHOWARD I started diving in 2007 as I grew up going to pool sessions with my dad, who is a diver. Since then, I have become a BSAC assistant instructor and a PADI Open Water instructor. I love the escapism of diving. When you go out on the boat you get away from everything going on in life, you switch off and enjoy the day. You get to meet new people from all walks of life and it’s a supportive community. I’m really passionate about helping women learn to dive as it can be daunting given that it’s a very maledominated sport. It’s also incredible to start learning to appreciate the little things in life. From a distance it may not look like there is anything to see. But, when you focus and look closely, there is life everywhere. Wreck diving is my favourite kind of diving and my favourite site in Bahrain is a wreck which is out towards Abu Thelma reef. However, we are so lucky in Bahrain to have huge reefs close to shore and you can go diving almost anywhere and see something amazing.

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• COVER STORY

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Dr Taal Bastien ND on what puts the great in ‘The Great Outdoors’. I walk through the trees and marvel at their grandeur. The wind moves the branches above me and the rustling of the leaves ebbs and flows with its passing. As I inhale the cool, crisp, autumn air my nose tingles with the mingled scents of the trees around me, mulch underfoot and the damp musk of the gathered leaves and foliage that blanket the forest floor. Subtly, I can feel my mood shift and my spirit lighten as my shoulders descend down my back away from my ears and the knot in my stomach, which I didn’t know was there, slowly starts to unravel. This is forest bathing at its finest.

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The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture coined the term ShinrinYoku in 1982 as the act of making contact with and taking in the atmosphere of the forest. Their antidote to the skyrocketing rates of stress and burnout that accompanied the 1980s’ tech boom was simple: encourage people to spend more time in nature and reconnect to their surroundings. Nature therapy is the umbrella term for practices, techniques and therapies that use nature to improve mental, physical, and emotional health. It goes by different names, so you may know it as ecotherapy, forest therapy, forest bathing, grounding or earthing, but the unifying premise is that spending time in nature is good for you. Since the 1980s, thousands of studies have been conducted to explore the benefits of nature therapy. What they found is that spending time in nature lowers concentrations of cortisol, lowers pulse rates, lowers blood pressure, increases parasympathetic nerve activity and lowers sympathetic nerve activity compared with city settings. Essentially, science agrees, spending time in nature really IS good for you. Every culture across the globe has traditions, some dating back thousands of years, that honour nature and the healing it can provide. And studies now support those claims. So, the question then becomes, how do we incorporate this safe, effective and accessible practice into our lives? I was born in the Pacific North West of Canada so I’m familiar with the landscape and what is available, but I’m new to Bahrain and the Middle East. As someone who loves to be outside, I am excited to discover my new home. Where do you feel the most connected to the Earth and your natural surroundings? Taal is a Naturopathic Doctor at InTouch Integrated Rehabilitation Centre.

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• ISLAND RIDES

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THE

BMW 8 SERIES GRAND COUPÉ

The new 8 Series Grand Coupé is a testament to BMW’s superior car manufacturing capabilities. fact magazine

• ISLAND RIDES

he BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of motorcars and motorcycles. This esteemed company has been producing top-quality vehicles for well over a century now and shows no signs of slowing down. This month, Fact magazine received the opportunity to test drive the latest BMW 8 Series Grand Coupé 840i, compliments of the outstanding team at Euro Motors. Having test driven a variety of BMW vehicles in the past, we had high expectations for this new coupé, expectations that were ultimately exceeded. First up, the exterior. This vehicle has been built from top-of-theline materials to ensure superior functionality and performance. The doors, the bonnet, the front shear panel, engine subframe, front bulkhead, rear bumper and outer skin of the roof are all constructed from aluminium, ensuring the strongest and lightest design possible. BMW have also combined expansive surfaces with precisely drawn lines for their new coupé, resulting in a unique balance between dynamism and elegance. The four-door coupé concept has been evolved to highlight the progressive nature of the vehicle. The wide, low set front end radiates the car’s sporting intent, complemented by the adaptive LED headlights that are fitted as standard. The windscreen frame sits in a more upright position, giving the vehicle a higher roofline than its predecessors, whilst the rear window follows a slightly steeper line, allowing for a larger boot. At the sides, character lines accentuate the sweeping elegance of the vehicle’s design, flowing effortlessly from front to rear. Powerfully flared wheel arches house 18-inch, light alloy wheels and, along with the wide track, emphasise the robust form of the backend. The twin exhaust tailpipes, positioned on either side of the rear apron’s lower section, along with the slim All-LED rear lights finish off the exterior design in style. As we entered the Grand Coupé, we were greeted by the remarkably comfortable, electrically operated, multifunctional sports seats. These seats, along with ambient lighting, are fitted as standard in this new 8 Series. Thanks to certain design elements of this vehicle, including the raised roof and extended wheelbase, ample head, shoulder and leg room are on offer. The optional panoramic sunroof with its 1.5sq/m surface area, ensures the vehicle is always well-lit and adds to the sense of space on offer. A four-zone automatic climate control system along with electric blinds for the rear side windows are exclusively available for this four-door variant. The generous luggage area has a capacity of 440-litres, big enough to fit three large golf bags. This capacity can be greatly increased with the rear seating folded flat. We found the BMW Operating System 7.0 along with BMW Intelligent Personal Assist to be quite remarkable. This highly functional and user-friendly configuration comprises a navigation and multimedia system as well as a fully digital, high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. Add a 12.3-inch (diagonal) screen along with a 10.25-inch (across) control display into the mix and you have one impressive setup. This system’s modern, digital functions have been precisely crafted to the needs of the driver. Intuitive operations wise, the driver can choose from the Control Display’s touchscreen functionality, the iDrive Controller, the steering wheel buttons, voice control and gesture control, all of which function perfectly. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assist 32

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can be activated with the spoken prompt “Hey BMW” and assists the driver in using vehicle functions. This superb system continues to learn and improve thanks to updates transmitted by Remote Software Upgrade. Performance wise, the new 8 Series Grand Coupé 840i has been designed for superior on-road performance. Housing a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, twin-turbocharged petrol engine that produces 340hp and 500Nm of torque, this model can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in around 5.0 seconds and offers an electronically capped top speed of 250km/h. This engine alone is impressive enough, but when combined with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission along with outstanding suspension and breaking capabilities, you have something rather special. We found this vehicle to be exceptionally responsive in all areas of performance and we always felt in complete control of the driving experience. Additionally, a wide range of state-of-the-art driver assistance systems and safety features have been included in the new 8 Series Gran Coupé. These include a Head-Up Display, Driving Assistant, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, Lane Departure and Lane Changing Warning, Rear Collision Warning, multiple airbags and a whole lot more. With so many fantastic features, we highly recommend anyone in the market for a premium four-door coupé gives this exceptional vehicle a try.✤

ISLAND RIDES •

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“BMW has combined expansive surfaces with precisely drawn lines for their new coupé, resulting in a unique balance between dynamism and elegance.”

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• ISLAND RIDES

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK A TEST DRIVE OF YOUR OWN, CALL EURO MOTORS ON 1775 0750 . 34

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STARTING FROM

BD 5,434* 173 HP / 250Nm

*Also available in 1.5L iCVT engine *T&C APPLY

• 360 Parking View Assist • 0-100kmph in 8.5 sec

• Lane Departure Warning System • 10.1” HD Screen

17 703 703 MG-BAHRAIN.COM fact magazine

• MOTORING NEWS

NEW HOME FOR THE PRANCING HORSE Euro Motors, the official Ferrari dealer in Bahrain, celebrated the inauguration of its newly renovated showroom.

The showroom, which has had a comprehensive makeover, aims to provide customers with an immersive experience. The Prancing Horse brand’s discerning clientele and prospective owners will have the opportunity to experience the famous marque in an immersive state-of-the-art facility. The inauguration of the renovated showroom was enhanced with an impressive display of classic and special edition Ferraris including a Ferrari Enzo, 488 Aperta, and a Ferrari Monza SP2. Commenting on the new opening, Euro Motors GM Mathew Morgan said: “We are excited to start a new chapter with our newly renovated showroom, designed to make our clients feel at home and provide an immersive brand experience. We have always been committed to providing our customers with the highest standards of service and maximum ownership value, and we look forward to continuing to fulfil this vision of excellence at the brand’s new home in Bahrain.” The new Ferrari showroom, located in Al Hamriya, Sitra, features a luxurious new customer lounge, complete with interactive screens, surround sound and beautiful Ferrari Poltrana Frau leather furniture, where clients can relax and enjoy an Italianinspired coffee bar with a selection of refreshments. This spacious area is the ideal meeting place for Ferraristi in Bahrain to experience a warm community feel and share their passion for the Prancing Horse. Guests can take inspiration from the new heritage wall running throughout the showroom which features an array of classic Ferraris, while connecting to the present with a full TV wall 36

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projecting the latest Ferrari material, models and events including the Formula 1 races. Customers can also create a Ferrari as unique as they are in the reimagined atelier where their dream Ferrari can be configured and they can select from a broad array of modification options, including colours, steering wheels and carbon fibre trims, on display. The opening of Euro Motors’ fully renovated Ferrari showroom underlines the dedication to the Prancing Horse in the Kingdom. The new showroom is the ultimate space for aficionados to discover the entire Ferrari range in a spacious main display area, while enjoying the state-of-the-art facility. ✤ GO: CALL 1773 4734 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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• MOTORING NEWS

A REBELLIOUS DEBUT The All-New 2022 MG GT – ‘a rebellious sports sedan’ has launched in the Kingdom.

MG Motor unveiled the all-new MG GT, reflecting the Britishborn brand’s commitment to diversify its line-up with a sporty new model. The new model offers a fresh new alternative in the sedan sector, with its aggressive sporty looks and 1.5L and 1.5T powertrains for optimum power and performance. Inspired by the classic two-door MGB sports car, the all-new MG GT is the third sedan to join MG’s growing line-up of cost-efficient and high-value-for-money cars. The new 1.5T MG GT is equipped with a highly-efficient fourcylinder turbocharged engine and a DCT gearbox, which delivers maximum horsepower of 173PS and 250Nm maximum torque to accelerate the car from 0 to 100km/h in eight seconds. The 1.5L model is equipped with a fourth-generation, fuel efficient, 118 PS 1.5L engine and an iCVT gearbox. Both models boast an XDS curve dynamic control system, which adds to the driving experience. The dynamic performance is further assisted by the sports chassis, which is of aerospace-grade aluminum and has a compact structure, resulting in high driving comfort and stronger handling stability. The model is the brand’s first sports sedan to feature the third generation of its family design language. A large ‘Digital Flaming Grille’ is separated from the narrow LED headlights, enhancing the powerful and dynamic presence. Complementing the strong downward-pressing bonnet, the rear features a slightly upturned ducktail, which reinforces the sporty look. An end-to-end chrome line along with the wide shoulder of the car and optional tomahawk alloy wheels 38

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(Michelin Tyres), add to the premium look and feel. The dynamic look and feel are reflected in the interior, which is available in contrasting red or black. The seats’ structure adopts a design layout that considers the principles of ergonomics, providing optimal comfort for the driver and better support for the body. A large 10-inch touch screen is fitted as standard, with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, enabling drivers to seamlessly use their smartphones with the car. Befitting MG’s reputation for offering great value, the new MG GT is equipped with a range of technologies that reflect the company’s forward-thinking approach. The model comes with a body electronic stability control system, and a PDC rear reversing radar, as well as MG Pilot intelligent driving assistance system, a 360° view monitoring system, cruise control and forward collision warning, among other features. Tom Lee, Managing Director of MG Motor Middle East, commented: “The all-new MG GT serves as testimony to our challenger brand status as we continually seek to exceed expectations, while also introducing a new direction in regard to our design language. The model is a well-equipped car that will further enhance the diverse nature of our exceptional line-up in the Middle East. It is also the ideal model for younger buyers who are looking for a cost-efficient, sporty car that delivers strong performance and provides drivers with an exciting driving experience, while simultaneously reflecting their rebellious spirit.” ✤ GO: CALL 1770 3703 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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• MOTORING NEWS

FACELIFT FOR AN ICON Middle East Debut for the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L which breaks new ground in the region’s full-size SUV segment.

With the reveal of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee L in the Middle East region, the Jeep brand marks 80 years of 4x4 leadership with the rebirth of an American SUV icon – blending off-road capability with a premium on-road driving experience, which, for the first time in the vehicle’s history, includes a third row of seating. Legendary off-road capability begins courtesy of three 4x4 systems – Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II with rear electronic limited slip-differential (eLSD). Additional to the three 4x4 systems, for the first time in the history of the model, the Grand Cherokee L offers a class-exclusive Quadra-Lift Air Suspension, featuring electronic adaptive damping. This delivers a best-in-class ground clearance, at 277mm, while also adjusting height automatically based on road conditions and speed to reduce drag and for better fuel economy. Award-winning powertrains The new model offers a choice of two powerful, fuelefficient and refined engines with proven performance for any driving situation. Standard is the all-aluminum 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, rated at 293hp and 353Nm torque. Those who seek more power can opt for the award-winning 5.7-litre V8, rated at 357hp and 529Nm torque. The V8 delivers performance and efficiency with VVT and Fuel Saver Technology (cylinder deactivation), which closes the valves to four of the engine’s cylinders during light-load operation. Depending on the driving scenario, cylinder shutoff can increase fuel economy from five to 20%. Design The proportion of the new vehicle was inspired by the original Wagoneer, Jeep’s first full-size luxury SUV. The lean profile features a longer hood and cab, which shifts the vehicle rearward. A forward-tipped grille further enhances the length of the hood. A lowered, tapered roof improves aerodynamic performance and efficiency without sacrificing cargo spaciousness and utility. 40

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For the first time, a premium, full suite of LED lighting is standard on all Jeep Grand Cherokee trim levels. Ultra slim headlamps with unique signature lighting set into Gloss Black bezels, along with slim horizontal fog lamps, express the serious nature of the front end. In the rear, ultra slim taillamps with unique lit signatures complete the lighting story. The next-generation interior has evolved to create a more refined expression, featuring handcrafted materials with an attention to detail and modern amenities that pair seamlessly. The centre stack has a bright structural element framing a 10.1-inch display for the new Uconnect 5 system. Also new is a 10.25-inch frameless digital gauge cluster with nearly two dozen different menus, including driver-assist technologies. Safety First Among the safety features available across the Grand Cherokee L lineup are: • Full-Speed Collision Warning with Active Braking and Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection • Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist with 360-degree surround view camera system with built-in washers on both front and rear camera lenses • Night Vision Camera with pedestrian and animal detection • Rear Cross Path detection • Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go • Active Lane Management • LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist • Advanced Brake Assist • Blind-spot Monitoring • ParkView rear back-up camera • ParkSense rear park assist sensors with stop • Switch-activated electric park brake • Tire-pressure monitoring • Drowsy Driver Detection system and Traffic Sign Recognition. ✤ GO: CALL 1745 9955 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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• PLUGGED IN

HEADPHONES OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY Bang & Olufsen have used their 95 years of innovation in sound, design and craftsmanship to create a contender for the very best headphones in the market today.

t FACT we understand how time-consuming searching for the right product can be, especially when there are hundreds of options to select from. When it comes to headphones however, there are only a few manufacturers that offer a truly premium standard. Designing and producing exceptional electronic equipment since 1925, Bang & Olufsen are amongst these outstanding brands. This Danish high-end consumer company has recently released their new flagship headphones in the form of the Beoplay H95 and we were fortunate enough to experience everything they have to offer. First, the highlights. We found the superior signature sound delivered by the set of customised titanium drivers with neodymium magnets to be crisp and clear. This combined with the advanced digital Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) ensured we were completely immersed in the experience from the moment the headphones were slipped on. Despite the sophisticated nature of this product, it boasts a highly innovative touch user interface that allowed us to quickly develop a full understanding of all operations. Importantly, we found the four-voice microphone ensured great call clarity each and every time. Available in five different colour schemes and sporting a brushed aluminium framework with highly detailed finishes, we think these Bang & Olufsen H95 headphones are a beauty to behold. The outer headband has been covered in high-quality leather and the inner with soft fabric. This and the magnetically detachable lamb skin cushions, ensure maximum comfort. Aluminium has been selected for the housing, sliders, mono arms, volume wheel 42

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and the transparency wheel, all of which look and feel first-class. The right wheel controls the volume whilst the left controls the adaptive noise cancelling. In truth, there are too many great elements and features of the design to mention in this article. The headphones fold flat and inwards to a very small size, fitting neatly into a compact aluminium-shelled carrying case featuring a built-in magnetic closing mechanism. The interior houses a spring-loaded hinge, a fabric covered lid and a textile covered headphone cradle and cable compartment. Connector wise, the H95 set comes complete with 1.2-metre USB-C and USB-A cables constructed with aluminium housing and fabric cords. A flight adapter and a 3.5 Jack are also included in the package. All-in-all we found the case to have been neatly put together in a visually pleasing and practical manner. Other notable features include a battery with 1.100 mAH allowing for up to 50 hours of music listening or around 38 hours with the noise cancellation engaged; the best battery performance of any Bluetooth headphones out there. This battery takes around two hours to fully recharge. Bang & Olufsen have also created an app for administrative tasks and settings that we found easy to navigate. The app offers support contact, FAQs, general user help as well as a sound matrix with no less than seven storable pre-sets. Bang and Olufsen have achieved excellence with this latest offering and we can only recommend you take the time to experience them for yourselves. ✤ GO: VISIT WWW.BANG-OLUFSEN.COM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

Established in 1965 as a small artisan butcher shop in Istanbul’s historic Bostanci neighborhood. Larger-than-life Günaydın’s Co-Founder, Cüneyt Asan believes: “To do the best job you can, you have to understand the meat from the beginning, from the farmers, to the meat preparation and importantly the butchery.” With 40 restaurants in Turkey alone, Günaydın has become Turkey’s leading Steak and Kebab House, with a reputation for high-quality meats, craftsmanship and innovation. The preferred place to dine by the Turkish, ranging from everyday folk to the elite, Günaydın brings its delectable cuisine to Bahrain. Open everyday from 12 midday till late

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The World’s Fastest Butcher

The Professor of Meat

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ONE-STOP TECH SHOP The first authorised Xiaomi showroom in Bahrain has opened in partnership with Ashrafs.

he Chinese global technology leader’s MI Home store offers a slew of exciting products and can be found near gate four at Seef Mall where it was inaugurated by Farouk Yousif Almoayyed, Chairman of Y.K Almoayyed & Sons, in the presence of Amal Yousif Almoayyed, Executive Director of Ashrafs, and Eric Wong, Xiaomi’s Country Manager for Bahrain and Oman. Highlighting its stunning flagship Mi 11 T Pro packed with worldclass technology innovations, Xiaomi unveiled an amazing digital world with smart home products from the Mi Ecosystem. Mi Home will play host to a number of new products including the Mi 11T Pro 5G, Mi 11T 5G and the Mi 11 Lite 5G that was unveiled recently. Xiaomi, over the years, has progressed from being a phone manufacturer to producing all manner of products. What they have done effectively is take everyday objects and add a touch of technology to enhance efficiency while maintaining value pricing. Besides the latest range of phones from Xiaomi, Pocco and Redmi ranges, the new MI Home offers a wide range of digital devices that include Mi TVs, projectors, gaming monitors, audio devices, power banks and an array of smart devices that include watches, routers, portable air compressors, Mi electric scooters and more.

A large assortment of lifestyle products is also available including hairdryers, vacuum cleaners, wireless drills, security cameras, smart scales, air purifiers and the list goes on. ✤ GO: CALL 1758 1252 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

HOME CINEMA GOES ULTRA HI-TECH Samsung launches all-in-one home cinema 'The Premiere' for the ultimate next level in home entertainment.

amsung has launched ‘The Premiere’ 4K projector, the first-of-its-kind innovation that delivers an all-in-one home cinema right out of the box. The Premiere, an ultra-short throw (UST) projector that transforms the home into a theatre, is the industry’s first triple laser projector with 4K resolution and Smart TV UI. The Premiere LSP9T is the world’s first HDR10+ certified, ultrashort throw (UST) projector. Instead of being set up at a distance or mounted to the ceiling, The Premiere can be positioned inches from the wall and project a massive 130” image. With triple laser technology, 4K picture quality, and vivid brightness, The Premiere delivers an immersive viewing experience. Meanwhile, its built-in, multi-channel speakers provide cinema-quality sound with Acoustic Beam technology. In addition, it features Samsung’s smart TV Tizen platform, complete with built-in streaming apps and content casting functionality. The Premiere delivers outstanding picture quality and brightness, thanks to cutting-edge Triple Laser technology. In terms of colour, The Premiere’s RGB Triple Laser uses the foundational elements red, green and blue to deliver true, vibrant tones, while a ground-breaking contrast range ensures you can experience vivid light and dark scenes on a screen of 44

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up to 130-inches. The Premiere features 4.2 channel sound with speakers and woofers built right into the projector. What’s more, the surround sound offered is empowered with Acoustic Beam technology, which maximises left and right-side sound delivery for a truly immersive audio experience. ✤ GO: VISIT WWW.SAMSUNG.COM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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APP-LICIOUS What’s on the smartphone agenda for November?

Soundworks For many people across the globe meditation has taken an important role in their lives to destress and find tranquility in the real sense. Sound meditation plays an important role in finding that calmness while aligning the chakras. Soundworks provides a variety of modern sounds, all uniquely composed by professional artists electronically, without the traditional use of bells, gongs and whistles. The honed sound palette of Soundworks aims to enhance the quality of daily meditation whilst combining electronic sound design and psychoacoustic research. The app features a new sound daily along with courses, extended sessions and conversations. Courses are woven around artistic, scientific and philosophical topics and conversations, they include discussions on meditation, science, health and music with artists and scientists. There’s a feature to add time at the end of the meditative sound to continue meditation in silence. There are also extended sounds for longer meditative sessions with an option to introduce interval sounds and breaks.

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Toonita: Comics & Cartoon Photo Editor w Face Tune Using the same sorts of photographs on your social media platform can be a little boring at times. So, to aesthetically uplift your feed, Toonita can be a good app to add elements of pop art and comics. It can animate your pictures with various photo and filter overlays. The app offers exciting photo retouch tools and meme creating options with an array of stickers and photo filters. It’s a cartoon maker app with options like face tuning, photo retouch, and speech bubble selections. You can create your photos in five easy stages: prepare, stylise, adjust, add stickers and filter. In prepare you can crop, rotate, clone and enhance. The stylise stage includes 20+ cartoon filters while the fun part is adding stickers: from animals to travel and space after adjusting the brightness, saturation, hue and highlights. In each stage, you have the option to adjust the strength of the applied transformation — opacity adjustment is a key here!

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• 5 OVER 5

In Conversation with… Tamer Farouk FACT got some insider info from the General Manager of the soon-to-open Hilton Bahrain.

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5 OVER 5 •

You are a hospitality veteran. Have you spent your whole career with Hilton? What first attracted you to the brand? I have spent 26 years of my career with Hilton and that tells you a lot about the company. I started my hospitality career as an intern in a local hotel. That was my first taste of hospitality but I developed the passion when I joined my first Hilton property. I have always been interested in culture and people and that’s what made me pursue hospitality. I thought it was my ticket to see and experience everything the world has to offer. However, when I joined Hilton, I discovered that apart from the perks of meeting people, experiencing different cultures, travelling… this job can also reward me with a sense of purpose. The gratification it gives is exhilarating and the challenges it presents just continue to hone my skills and personality. The company has nurtured me, developed my talents and established principles that I live by ‘til this day. Can you please give us some highlights of what the new hotel will offer and when it will open? Hilton Bahrain is an upscale hotel and residences, featuring studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments with a magnificent view of the city skyline, scheduled to open by the first quarter of 2022. Our connecting two-bedroom apartments are one of a kind and perfect for big families. We offer spacious and fully furnished accommodations to high-end facilities and distinct food and beverage outlets. Guests can enjoy the feel and comfort of home with all the perks of staying in a full-service hotel and we will have an Executive Lounge by the second phase of our opening. Six distinct restaurants and lounges will position us as the latest culinary hub in the country, while our Wellness Centre and recreational facilities aim to provide a blissful escape with relaxing treatments and amenities that promote vitality and health. We have nine bespoke and naturally lit meeting rooms suitable for corporate meetings, celebrations and even intimate weddings. Hilton Bahrain is also part of the award-winning guest loyalty programme for Hilton’s 18 brands. These are all amazing and unique qualities of our hotel but far more than that, for me, the heart of our hospitality still lies

in the quality of our service. Our guests can expect a joyous atmosphere, smiles from every single member of our team and the feeling of celebration at every part of the hotel. As part of the pre-opening team, what, for you, is the most important aspect to a successful opening, leading to future success? My team, definitely. A leader is nothing without the pillars that support him and the entire organisation. I am very proud of my pre-opening team. They were handpicked and carefully selected to drive this property to success. I am excited and very much honoured to lead this team. I also believe having the right product at the right time in the right place is crucial to success. Hilton Bahrain is the perfect combination of what you need in a home and everything you crave for in a sophisticated hotel. Is there one aspect of the new hotel that can’t be found anywhere else on the island? The fact that we are both a full-service hotel and upscale residences makes us unique. We have captured the essence of ‘home away from home’ in our apartments with fully equipped kitchens, spacious living spaces and an amazing view from the balcony. The distinct themes and cuisines of our restaurants and lounges will also set us apart from the already fantastic dining hubs in the area. How do you spend your time when you are not at the hotel any hobbies or hidden talents? Hilton believes in a work-life balance. Thrive@Hilton is a framework focused on enabling our team members to grow and flourish in body, mind and spirit. The company is committed to supporting their well-being, so we thrive in everything we do. I, personally, spend most of my time outside of work with my family. I’m also very fond of sports. Football is a passion, although I also enjoy playing tennis and squash. Hidden talent? I’m a rockstar with my Oud guitar. I’m a hotelier through and through but music has a special place in my heart too.✤ fact magazine

TOP-NOTCH INSPIRATION Downtown Rotana’s Executive Sous Chef Froosh Nur talks of humble beginnings, impressive mentors and working with the ‘best in the business’. 50

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VOICE FROM THE KITCHEN •

What are your earliest kitchen memories? I was exposed to the magical world of creating culinary bliss from the humble kitchen of my grandmother, from appreciation of her simple combination of ingredients, wherein she produced lip-smacking delicacies, helping her with trivial tasks so that I was the first to taste her food, gradually turning my love of good food into a profession. Who were your inspirations and mentors? I am lucky to have many mentors along my culinary journey, notably working in the kitchens of Iron chef Morimoto, Chef Patrick Martin, Le Cordon Bleu, and many more culinary wizards from whom I picked up skills and tricks of the trade. How long have you been with Rotana and what makes it a good group for culinary creators?

My journey with Rotana hotels started in 2015. Now, I am the culinary head in Downtown Rotana. Rotana prides itself on having developed some of the most talked-about, wholly-owned food and beverage (F&B) venues in the region, backed by an exclusive F&B corporate team. Together with the best in the business, we develop tailor-made dining options that offer endless culinary adventures to our guests. And the proof of our innovative recipe for success is in the awards we have received. What is your signature dish and what makes it special? I’ve always been in awe of clay-oven-cooked food, especially tandoor. Let it be succulent cuts of tender charred meat, tandoori vegetables, cheese or a simple naan bread. One of my ‘go to’ dishes is Murgh Tikka. ✤ fact magazine

A WELCOME RETURN With the news that re/ASIAN Cuisine had re-opened after 18 months (thanks Covid), Liz O’Reilly could barely contain her excitement to discover what’s new and what has, hopefully, not changed.

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

et’s get this out of the way right at the start. I love re/ASIAN. Having sat with celeb Chef Wolfgang Puck in Dubai as he described his plans for this new concept, which was to debut in Bahrain, then attending the opening night, followed by many visits since, I would be remiss if I didn’t confess more than a little bias. But, you know, 18 months is a long time and things can change. The ride up to the 50th floor in the lift still made my ears pop, and nobody had moved the stunning view of the city skyline far below, so that was a good start. But, on entering, you will now encounter a glass-surrounded sushi bar with high stools, which were pretty much full the whole night. Once shown to our table and trying hard not to be mesmerised by that view, I ordered my all-time favourite of Spicy Tuna Tartare in Sesame Miso Cones. I have said before and will say again now, if I had to go to re/ASIAN and eat one thing all night, these would be it. Super-fresh raw tuna with chilli aioli topped with shaved bonito and encased in crispy cones. This dish, for me, is the food of the gods, the amazing bursts of complementary flavours coupled with the crunchy, salty sesame seeds is absolute perfection. My dining companion is vegan and, on this score too, re/ASIAN didn’t disappoint. For every course there was a tasty alternative for her. No fuss whatsoever as our knowledgeable server Vanessa brought forth a selection of sushi rolls set on crispy rice, which was crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside and well seasoned, and boasting toppings of asparagus, avocado, mushroom, baby carrot and, the star of this particular show,

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• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

eggplant liberally flavoured with soy sauce. We had not asked in advance for vegan dishes, so this was particularly impressive – as was the silence from the other side of the table! Along with my cones, I had been ‘ordered’ to try the scallop ceviche. Well, my friend didn’t steer me wrong. He said I would love this, and I truly did. The thinly sliced seafood with miso, chillis and edible flowers was superb in both texture and flavour. More power to that new sushi bar – thus far we were loving it. Being a little greedy, we both ordered extra dishes before the mains. My companion went for the Steamed Bao with braised jackfruit and toasted chilli soy. The buns were so soft and deeply satisfying. I, meanwhile, had gone for the XO Shrimp Dumplings with crispy garlic, Chinese chives and fermented black beans. The sauce on these is slightly sweet made from fermented scallop and shrimp paste and it is truly the crowning glory, perfectly offset by the kick of the chives. Boasting plenty of chunky shrimp this would be a satisfying lunch dish with just a dessert. Then came the mains. Oh, the mains! I had gone for the signature Braised Beef Short Ribs Peanut ‘Rendang’ and, right away, I could see I’d made the perfect choice. Big chunks of four-hour-braised beef, redolent with the flavours and aromas of coconut milk, chilli, ginger, galangal, turmeric, garlic and more. My taste buds were in seventh heaven, the rich veins of fat running through the meat giving that extra succulence that allowed the flesh to literally melt in the mouth. My companion’s plate looked very similar to mine but, instead of the meat, bore large chunks of exceptionally well-presented tofu. Seared to perfection, it had absorbed the myriad of flavours from the seasoning and actually caused a little squeal of delight to escape her lips. She coupled it with rice noodles with a liberal 54

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serving of Shemedji mushrooms. We ended our feast with Mango Millefeuille with Kolak ice cream for me. This looked and tasted amazing, but the unexpected star was the Re/Pavlova – a vegan meringue, made with aqua faba, served with coconut mousse, citrus cremeux and pineapple sorbet. If ever there was a reason to go vegan, this might well be it. A surprisingly tasty and satisfying dessert that looks great. You’d never know it was vegan if they didn’t tell you. So, did the revamped re/ASIAN Cuisine pass muster after all these months. Well, suffice to say, I’m going back next week, and the week after that… ✤

GO: CALL 1711 5046 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.

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A REGIONAL TREAT Liz O’Reilly headed to Ammuri, the latest pop-up to hit the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s Nikmati venue, and sampled an intriguing Arabic-themed menu featuring dishes from across the region.

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NEW IN TOWN •

he much-loved pop-up is found at the far end of the Ritz-Carlton’s extensive grounds, close to the marina. Cuisines and interiors change regularly, showcasing dishes and décor from around world in a space that demonstrates the vision of General Manager Bernard de Villèle, who spotted the potential of a wooden storage building and, in 10 days, transformed it into a restaurant complete with its own kitchen. The current iteration, Ammuri, features gorgeous hanging lanterns, chairs clad in majlis-style material and a central arrangement housing dried flowers, large earthenware pots and shisha pipes. A DJ playing upbeat Arabic music ensures a lively atmosphere while clear plexiglass walls give the illusion of actually sitting on the beach while keeping diners protected from the wind (and sand). There’s also outdoor seating for those who want to enjoy the balmy cooler evenings we’re now enjoying. Happily seated with a gentle breeze blowing through, we enjoyed bread and dips while we waited for our starters to arrive. First to come were Hummus Beiruti and Avocado Fattoush, both served in pretty mini tagines with crispy baked pitta. For me, the hummus was a bit light on the customary garlic, though there are some who’d say I’m slightly obsessed with this vegetable (yes, that’s right, garlic is considered a vegetable). But the great creamy texture and the hints of hot peppers, cumin, paprika and chopped parsley more than made up for it. I loved the Avocado Fattoush which was not only pleasing on the eye but also on the taste buds. It does not look like a large fact magazine

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serving but both myself and my dining companion had more than enough and there was plenty left over. Really fresh crunchy peppers, juicy tomatoes, radish, for a little extra kick of heat, and avocadoes at that exactly perfect level of ripeness that I can never quite achieve at home – how do they do that? – mixed with crisp cucumber, mint and pomegranate seeds and topped with crunchy squares of fried pitta bread. The dressing was zesty, the olive oil taking on the hint of sumac and pomegranate molasses that sets apart a really good fattoush. As a starter, this is perfect, bursting with an array of fresh flavours yet light enough not to spoil the main courses to follow. Arayis came next – the ever-popular lamb stuffed pitta bread. But somewhat different to any I’ve tasted before. Rather than standard pitta, this featured a crispy well-cooked slightly fluffy bread liberally packed with minced lamb, onion, parsley, mint, mixed spices, tahini and a thin sprinkling of toasty mozzarella. Such a great combination of flavours and in a generous enough serving to make a main course if you wished. Appearance-wise the Lamb Tagine was the star of the show. The traditional Moroccan dish looks stunning and doesn’t disappoint. Richly presented with a whole raft of vegetables – potatoes, courgettes, cabbage, tomatoes, carrots plus big red and green chillies – cooked with black limes and resting on a bed of saffron cous cous littered with almond slivers and chickpeas. The lamb was literally melting and the liberal addition of the gravy from the cooking and some harissa sauce made this a truly comforting mix of flavours and textures. But the Chicken Musakhan was the stand out dish for me. This dish is usually served in saj bread but Egyptian Chef Hanan Osman has put her own twist on it by using filo and it really makes a difference. The herby moist chicken was tender and with a delicate flavour. The filo casing was perfectly crispy and satisfying and the dual toppings of pomegranate molasses and a sauce made from the chicken reduction blended perfectly with complementary spices, really made this a dish I would go back for. For our final main course, we chose Mixed Grill consisting of chicken shish tawook, lamb kofta, lamb chops and beef kebab served with a bed of thinly sliced onions. While all the meats were tasty and impressive, I was particularly taken with the lamb chops; slightly charred on the outside and delicately pink in the middle with not a hint of chewiness. 58

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Finishing off with desserts, I was particularly keen to try the interesting range of homemade ice creams that came with them. Khoshaf compote was an interesting mix of dried dates, figs and apricots and nuts soaked in what tasted like vanilla for a very subtle flavour which allowed the fruits to shine. The Saffron ice cream was super smooth with a very faint floral hint. Kunafa, admittedly one of my all-time favourites, was amazing with softly melting cheese topped by super-crunchy vermicelli doused liberally in sugar syrup, served with slightly earthy mastic ice cream – a perfect salve to the sweetness of the syrup. An enormous portion Pistachio Baklava looked almost like a slice of pie and, despite our best intentions, it managed to defeat my dining companion and myself. Flaky pastry topped with a generous amount of finely chopped pistachios, the butter and honey in the mix added a superior richness that made this dish feel luxurious. Add in the strong rose flavour of the accompanying ice cream and we had a perfect combination of unmistakably Middle Eastern flavours. My only regret was that we couldn’t finish it all. ✤

GO: CALL 1758 3299 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.

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FALLING FOR FISH With exquisite taste, comes exquisite meals, join FACT's Sara Waddah as she dives into the seafood world with both her hands.

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DINING DELIGHT •

aving established its name over many years and earning the reputation of one of the best seafood restaurants on the island, The Fish Market at Al Bander Hotel & Resort is beyond phenomenal, with enough factors actively backing up this statement. Having resided in Bahrain for a mere two years, I've definitely become acquainted with the culture and relationship the Island has with seafood. That being said, not every venue has been able to get it right, but when they do, the experience is one of a kind. After a long drive from Manama to Sitra, we entered the resort and headed towards the restaurant, which is located right opposite the private beach. As we were welcomed by the friendly staff, they escorted us to our table and told us a little about the underwater journey that we were about to embark on. Showing off their freshest catches of the day and living up to the name, a wonderful ice-cold display sat at the front of the restaurant, featuring a wide variety of creatures from the sea, including magnificently large lobsters, all ready to be served to guests. Of course, once you pick the delicacies that you desire, the staff go on to prepare them the way you prefer – grilled, fried, baked, steamed or even boiled. Excited to dive headfirst into this seafood extraordinaire experience, we started with the Bayshore Salad, which was beautifully prepared with shrimp and crab meat, avocados and tomatoes making it quite the colourful affair. The salad

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• DINING DELIGHT was served in a deep ceramic seashell bowl that, without a doubt, added to the entire experience – I felt like I was the Little Mermaid eating out of it! The servers set our table with all the hot starters – with portions that had me thinking these were our mains – we were served the Mussels Persillade first. Doused in lemon juice broth, the meat of the mussels was tender and chewy, with a soft scent of saltwater giving it a light aroma. Having been sauteed with herbs, shallots, garlic and chopped parsley, all the ingredients were added to the subtle taste of the mussels making this dish definitely a crowd favourite. Also diving into the Crab Skndrani (literally), I was urged by my host to use my hands for this one – cracking the shell right down the middle, the delicate grilled meat tasted quite different to the rest of the dishes, but at the same time, felt very much like a cool-breezy day by the ocean. The great thing about seafood being one of the most nutritious things for your body, not a single shred of guilt swept over me as I indulged in all the bounties of the ocean one by one. With each dish literally taking my breath away, I made sure that I kept space for more. Looking almost too perfect to touch, our main courses thrillingly arrived at our table – not only was excitement and curiosity washing over all of us, I was particularly excited to see that the Lobster Thermidor was topped off and then baked with parmesan cheese! What an addition! Competing as another show stopper, the Grilled Hammour was sliced down the middle, laid flat, and then topped with Turkish style chilli paste, olives, peppers, and tons of other surprises that made this dish absolutely spectacular. With a spread like ours, it was only right that the table was also decorated with an assortment of freshly squeezed juices. Giving us the chance to try all the bright colours, I was particularly excited with the carrots with orange and beetroot with ginger drinks! An absolutely refreshing taste, beyond hydrating, as well as a slight kick at the end of it to make it all the more interesting. As we began to near the end of our feast, our crime scene table was cleared almost immediately, the dishes then replaced with an interesting performance including dry ice. At first, I was quite confused as to why the frozen carbon dioxide was brought out, especially since we had finished eating – usually, venues use this as a dramatic addition to meals to make it look aesthetically pleasing – but as the staff carefully allowed the smoke to plummet all over our table, we were informed that this was actually their special way of refreshing the air and getting rid of that fishy smell that we all knew too much of. All in all, the Fish Market really allowed us to delve deep into the world of seafood. From the start of the journey to when their produce was caught to the preparation and thoughtfulness that have gone into their dishes, it is hard not to say that this might have been one of the best seafood experiences I've had so far. ✤

GO: VISIT @ALBANDERHOTELANDRESORT ON INSTAGRAM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. 62

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A HAPPILY EVER AFTER

With more than 200 branches around the world, Sara Waddah finds that Vapiano continues to prove an easy-going and relaxed approach to life is the greatest attitude to live with. 64

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FOODIE CORNER •

ne of my favourite things about Bahrain City Centre is that, no matter what you’re running around doing, you know there’s always going to be that perfect little restaurant that hits the spot waiting for you afterwards. For me, Vapiano has always been one of those. An innovative European concept that has had my heart since its early days, seeing Vapiano stand out amid the firstfloor chaos always warms my heart. Legendary and wellknown for fresh homemade pasta, fire-roasted pizzas and gourmet salads, eating at Vapiano has never let me down. Keep reading and you’ll understand why. As you enter Vapiano (and this is standard at branches all over the world), guests are directed to a vacant table and given a chip card. If it’s your first time visiting, you might be a little intimidated but rest assured – all you need to do is carry it with you when picking your meals and tap it in order to register your choices. Taking a moment and just soaking in my surroundings, Vapiano is conveniently located in the corner of the mall, so once you're inside the restaurant, the outside hustle and bustle conveniently seems far away. Immediately adjusting to the new environment – I’m talking wooden tables, giggles and laughter, the smell of yummy pasta – I grabbed my chip card and headed over to the open-style kitchen to see what was cooking. I made sure to visit all the different stations available to make sure I was getting all the best Italian delicacies this afternoon – after lightly speaking to the designated chefs,

tapping my card on the reader to officially place my order, I trotted back to my seat. The excitement is always real when it comes to having a feel-good meal. For starters, I opted for the Bruschetta Gamberetti as well as one of their latest Autumn Specials, the Zuppe Di Cavolifiore. A perfect pairing that was both refreshing and warming – the grilled shrimps on marinated tomatoes topping the bread were a beautiful kick to my taste buds, but that was quickly balanced out by the cauliflower soup which, I note, included pumpkin seeds, perfect for the season! Now you’re probably thinking… Autumn Specials? What is that? WELL, Vapiano annually introduces new additions and dishes in honour of the festive weeks to come. The Autumn Specials will be available throughout winter and trust me when I say that this definitely feels right for the temperature-dropping days. Back to the culinary journey that my senses were on, I was beyond ready for my mains at this point, anticipating nothing less than yummy goodness. Having been a loyal Vapiano fan for years, I opted to try the Macaroni Cheese & Pancetta as well as the Calabria pizza, both from the new special menu. Grabbing my fork and diving headfirst into this mac and cheese was something close to an out-of-body experience. In front of me laid this beautiful macaroni dish that combined three different kinds of cheese, bacon, béchamel and mushrooms all topped off with ciabatta breadcrumbs. I might not be an expert on love, but I’m sure it feels a whole lot like this.

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• FOODIE CORNER I’m a heavy believer in equality, so I made sure I turned my attention to the pizza as well. The Calabria pizza was definitely the first of its kind that I’ve ever had. Pit-fired to just the right amount of crisp, based with tomato sauce, and then generously topped with potato slices, ‘nduja (a fatty ground meat sausage with Calabrian chillies), and rosemary that gave the entire combination just a little bit more sass. Both these dishes were, hats off, everything I expected from Vapiano and more. Not only were the portions incredibly satisfying (even if it was to be shared with another person), but you can also immediately realise the freshness of the ingredients being used, as well as that absolute delight that you feel after enjoying a great home-cooked meal. Ending with a beautifully put together dolci, the Brownie Caramello was the ultimate finish to today's meal. With brownie pieces layered with mascarpone cream, cacao powder and topped with salted caramel sauce – an absolutely delightful surprise for my sweet tooth. Thoroughly satisfying me from start to finish, Vapiano did an incredible job in exceeding my expectations and making me a very happy woman as always. Alla prossima volta amore mio! (See you next time, my love!) Vapiano is located on the first floor of City Centre Bahrain. ✤

GO: CALL 1749 1391 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.

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THE 12TH EDITION OF THE POPULAR FACT DINING AWARDS IS FAST APPROACHING AND, UNLIKE LAST YEAR, WITH THE HOSPITALITY SCENE FINALLY RE-OPENING, WE ARE ON TRACK TO HONOUR THE CRÈME DE LA CRÈME OF THE ISLAND’S RESTAURANT SCENE. THE RESILIENCE OF THE FOOD SECTOR HAS ABSOLUTELY ASTOUNDED US OVER THE PAST MONTHS AND WE’RE DELIGHTED TO PAY TRIBUTE TO BOTH THE STALWART ISLAND FAVOURITES AS WELL AS THE NEW VENUES WHO’VE DEFIED THE CHALLENGING BUSINESS CLIMATE OF THE PANDEMIC AND DIPPED THEIR TOES IN THE WATERS TO BRING US AN EVER MORE FANTASTIC AND WELL-ROUNDED SELECTION OF EATERIES ACROSS THE KINGDOM. WE ALSO HAVE SEVERAL NEW CATEGORIES TO REFLECT THE VERY DIVERSITY OF THAT DINING SCENE.

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ARE YOU READY TO CAST YOUR VOTE?

HOW IT WORKS:

l FAVOURITE is decided through online public voting which was

l This year’s edition features several hundred nominees across

l In addition to the regional and cuisine-specific awards, we

launched in mid-September. Check QR code. almost 50 categories.

will also celebrate the overall BEST and overall FAVOURITE

l There are two winners in each category: BEST and FAVOURITE. l BEST is decided by an anonymous panel of judges made up of industry experts, reputed bloggers and the editorial team.

restaurants in Bahrain. l FACT Dining Awards is part of a wider initiative by FACT M.E. with annual ceremonies in Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE NOMINEES! VOTE SOON ON WWW.FACT-MAGAZINE.COM. fact magazine

• DINING DEALS

TUCK IN TO SOMETHING TASTY There’s something yummy to suit everyone in this month’s offers.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY Bay View A Taste of the French Riviera is on offer as guest pastry specialist Chef Florent Margaillan visits from The Grand-Hotel du CapFerrat to showcase his special delights, inspired by the scenic Côte d'Azur. Chef Margaillan is in town from November 23 to December 6 and guests can experience his creations at Afternoon Tea from 12pm to 9pm for BD26.5 for two, or BD31 including a specially crafted mocktail. GO: Call 1711 5500 for more information or to make a reservation.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY

CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN Harvesters & The Backyard Why limit yourself to a brunch when you can enjoy an all-day meat feast with the Fat Butcher Fabulous Friday (vegetarian platters are also available) consisting of a range of delectable dishes served right to your table. Paired with five selected beverages per meal. Offer runs every Friday from 12pm to 12am and costs BD25 to BD25 net. GO: Call 1753 1122 or 3992 0163 for more information or to make a reservation.

CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN Harvesters Pub & Terrace Party like its 1985 in Harvesters with Throwback Thursdays every week where they celebrate the1980s by slashing food and beverage prices to what guests were charged in the 80s. The in-house band will keep the party going with rock classics straight from the era, and there will be instant prizes for best dressed on the evening. The offer runs from 12pm to 12am GO: Call 1753 1122 or 3992 0163 for more information or to make a reservation.

CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN La Mosaique Restaurant Take a Seafood Journey of flavour to exotic and far away destinations every Thursday as Chef Magesh and his team prepare a delectable five-course seafood menu emphasising the unique flavour and cooking styles of each continent. Offer runs from 7pm to 11pm and is priced at BD18 net. GO: Call 1753 1122 or 3924 2391 for more information or to make a reservation. 70

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Bay View A blend of innovation and a love for the Mediterranean sets the stage for a blissful culinary experience with the launch of Bay View’s revamped menu. Crafted by Executive Chef Leonardo Di Clemente straight from the picturesque Mediterranean with an Asian twist. GO: Call 1711 5500 for more information or to make a reservation.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY CUT By Wolfgang Puck Savour a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with a contemporary Wolfgang Puck touch where Executive Chef Brian Becher and his culinary team create a flavour infused take on this American hallmark. Enjoy DJ tunes and Thanksgiving favourites such as deep-fried turkey with cranberry apple compote, brioche stuffing and Kabocha pumpkin pie. Refreshing drinks created exclusively for the celebration will be served throughout the night. The event runs from 7pm on November 25 and costs BD65 net, inclusive of beverages. GO: Call 1711 5044 for more information or to make a reservation.

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MOVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN Palms Terrace Enjoy a barbecue on the poolside terrace. As you take in the refreshing outdoors, enjoy ﬂavoursome sheesha and taste your favourite bites while watching live football matches on the large screen. Have your meats grilled the way you like them, served at your table. Available daily from 6pm to 11pm, priced at BD12 net per person. GO: Call 1746 0017 or WhatsApp 3364 0032 for more information or to make a reservation.

MOVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN Silk’s Restaurant Celebrate an enjoyable Thanksgiving without the stress of preparation. They’ll serve dinner for you and your loved ones and you’ll have more time to focus on relaxing and savouring the memorable moments. There’s a special Thanksgiving Dinner on November 25 showcasing a selection of roast turkey and salads, buttermilk cornbread stuffing with sausage, mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts with bacon and roasted chestnuts, gravy and cranberry sauce and many more traditional favourites. Dinner runs from 7pm to 11pm and is priced at BD34 net per person, including selected beverages. Seats are limited, so booking early is encouraged. GO: Call 1746 0017 or WhatsApp 3364 0032 for more information or to make a reservation.

MOVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN Silk’s Restaurant Taste the freshest catch of the day and indulge in a vast range of aquatic delicacies, from sushi, sashimi, seafood dim sum dumplings and tempura to oysters, slipper lobsters and tiger prawns. Every Monday is Seafood Night from 7pm to 11pm. Priced at BD25 net with soft drinks and water or BD30 net with unlimited selected grapes, hops and soft drinks. GO: Call 1746 0017 or WhatsApp 3364 0032 for more information or to make a reservation.

ROYAL GOLF CLUB Wee Monty Play a round as the sun goes down. Join in for an evening on the Wee Monty – enjoy nine holes of golf on the par three course with on-course food and drinks stations. Takes place every Thursday from 5pm to 7.30pm and costs BD18 per person. GO: Call 1775 0777 for more information or to make a reservation.

ROYAL GOLF CLUB Slice and Links Head down to the Royal Golf Club for a Thanksgiving Barbecue – a family-friendly day out at Slice Lawn (pool side) with an à la carte menu featuring all the thanksgiving favourites. A special kids’ menu is also available. This is taking place on November 25. From November 24 to 26 there is a special Thanksgiving lunch and dinner menu at both restaurants priced at BD15 per person. And from November 23 until December 25, you can order your festive meal to eat at home in style. Bookings must be made two days in advance. GO: Call 1775 1262 for more information or to make a reservation.

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA Saraya Restaurant There are several themed brunches to enjoy at Sofitel this month beginning with the World Endurance Championship (WEC) Grand Friday Brunch on November 5 which celebrates the WEC taking place at the nearby horseracing venue, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. On November 12 and 19, from 12.30pm to 4pm, the Fashion Grand Friday Brunch returns, so make sure to dig out your Friday best and dress up the little ones too. And on November 26, it’s the turn of the Thanksgiving Brunch, also running from 12.30pm to 4pm. Each will offer a great atmosphere, selections of specially themed foods, live music and more. So, make sure you head to Sofitel for some brunching fun with family and friends. Ministry of Health and Accor’s #ALLSafe procedures are in place across the venue and each brunch is priced at BD36 net including selected beverages. Kids’ discounts are available. GO: Call or WhatsApp 3888 5789 for more information or to make a reservation.

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA Maison Sushi Enjoy the Seafood & Sushi Night Brunch featuring a grand seafood feast with a delicious buffet including fresh oysters, prawns, crabs, mussels, clams, fish dishes, sushi and more. Every Thursday from 7pm to 11pm, priced at BD25 net for the set menu with soft drinks and BD30 with selected beverages, GO: Call or WhatsApp 3888 5789 for more information or to make a reservation. 72

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• DINING DEALS

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN Plums Celebrate Thanksgiving in style as your palate is tantalised with a lavish three-course set menu including a turkey ballotine with dry fruits and autumn garniture, parsnip veloute with brioche, and pecan pie with vanilla ice cream. Make this occasion something to be grateful for. Takes place on November 25 from 7pm to 11pm, priced BD25 per person. GO: Call 1758 6499 or email rc.bahrz.restaurant.reservations@ ritzcarlton.com for more information or to make a reservation.

THE WESTIN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA Tapas Bar & Restaurant Make sure you get in character for the Celebracion del Dia De Muertos (Day Of the Dead), one of Mexico’s most iconic festivals. Enjoy unique festive vibes with your family and loved ones. Savour the tastiest flavour-packed delights and thirst-quenching mixed beverages to the tune of the finest Latin music. There is a special à la carte menu during the week and live stations at the weekend. Runs from November 8 to 12 from 7pm to 11pm. Priced at BD25 net per person with set menu and soft drinks and BD30 net with set menu and grape. GO: Call 3888 5789 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE ART HOTEL & RESORT AMWAJ ISLANDS Choices Restaurant Setting the scene for joyous moments of togetherness, Choices Restaurant & Terrace will transform into a festive celebration of Thanksgiving delights. Gather with your loved ones and experience a festive afternoon along with live music entertainment with plenty of kids’ activities available. Taking place on November 26 from 12.30pm to 4pm. Priced at BD25 net per person or BD33 inclusive of selected beverages. GO: Call 1600 0111 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN Nirvana Immerse your senses with the Great Indian Thali at Nirvana where a culinary journey awaits and the authentic Indian cuisine transports your palate to new heavens. Available Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 12pm to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. Priced BD18 per person, including one beverage. GO: Call 1758 6499 or email rc.bahrz.restaurant.reservations@ ritzcarlton.com for further information or to make a reservation.

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN Plums Indulge in Surf and Turf at the recently re-opened Plums with a sumptuous combination of prime steak and seafood served with roasted vegetables and fries with parmesan and truffle oil. A glass of grape is included to complete the experience. Available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 7pm to 11pm, priced BD32 per person. GO: Call 1758 6499 or email rc.bahrz.restaurant.reservations@ ritzcarlton.com for further information or to make a reservation. 74

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Furn Bistro Take in some shopping then head to Furn Bistro for a special Thanksgiving dinner on November 25 with a special set menu priced at BD18 net per person inclusive of soft drinks. You can also pass by Furn Bistro for a delicious breakfast from 6.30am to 11am (11.30am on weekends) priced at BD7.5 net per person. The venue is open daily for à la carte lunch and dinner too. GO: Call 1717 1000 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE WESTIN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN Furn Bakery Enjoy a selection of delicious cakes crafted by skilled culinary hands all day at Furn Bakery. Enjoy the unique ambience of the Rotunda and the specials on the Furn Bakery display. Celebrate Espresso Day November 23 with a single shot for just 800 fils. And join in French Toast Day on November 28. If you love this toasty treat grab a portion for only BD3 net. GO: Call 1717 1000 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE WESTIN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN Salero This is the place to enjoy Spanish dishes such as paellas and tapas and a new Happy Hour will be launched on November 18 where you’ll get tapas for just BD1.5 and beverages from BD2. Head down and see what everyone’s talking about. Offer runs Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 7pm. GO: Call 1717 1300 for more information or to make a reservation. Check out the menu on Instagram @salerobahrain

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• HOTEL SPOTLIGHT

HOTEL GROUP’S BAHRAIN DEBUT Designed for the inspired, Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain will be a hub for the next generation of entrepreneurial minds to stay, play and connect when it opens its doors in December.

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HOTEL SPOTLIGHT •

ida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain is set to launch next month bringing with it a cool new hospitality concept like no other in the Kingdom. Offering a hub for the next generation of entrepreneurial minds to stay, play and connect, the new beach resort takes its inspiration from art, design, entrepreneurship and fashion. The sixth Vida property, and its second beach resort, will offer chic meeting rooms, funky dining outlets and comfortably designed contemporary rooms for the young and on the move, making Vida Bahrain the go-to destination this season. A metropolitan space for those who are tech savvy, enjoy modern art or those who simply want to kick back and relax; whatever your needs Vida Bahrain will take care of them. Situated on the southern island shores of Marassi, with immediate beach access and in close proximity to the soon-to-open Marassi Galleria Shopping Mall, the 157-room and 141-servicedresidences resort will be home to your next great escape. Foodies will love the dining concepts, which include Origins, a quirky easy-going restaurant for guests to work from or spend the day relaxing in. For al fresco lovers, there is a trendy seafacing pool bar with a temperature-controlled rooftop infinity pool boasting Instagramable views of the sea. The Bistro by Origins will offer a more upscale dining experience with amazing sea views and unique gastronomic offerings that are sure to leave you impressed. As the property is perfectly positioned adjacent to the waterfront most rooms, the gym and dining outlets have a contemporary aesthetic appeal with a beachside atmosphere. Whether strolling along the sandy beach, chilling by the pool, enjoying the finest gastronomy or soaking up the endless sea views from your private balcony, Vida Bahrain is destined to become the most exciting destination designed to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect. Part of the Emar Hospitality Group, Vida Hotels and Resorts is a refreshingly different, upscale, lifestyle hotel and residences brand

for the new generation of business executives, entrepreneurs and leisure travellers. Vida, meaning ‘life’ in Spanish, embraces warmth, simplicity and creativity in design-led spaces. Positioned as a lively and vibrant hub where inspiring minds can create, connect and come alive, Vida hotels offer a stimulating environment where style meets convenience and interactivity. Vida Hotels and Resorts has four properties in Dubai – Vida Downtown, Manzil Downtown, Vida Emirates Hills and Vida Creek Harbour – and extends its service competencies to Vida Residences. The company recently opened its first beach resort in the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain in 2021 and operates hotels and serviced residences in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and now Bahrain. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.VIDAHOTELS.COM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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LUXURY THRILLS

TRAVEL •

The child in you will never grow old you know! FACT’s Layal El-Mahmoud takes a dive back in time for a chance to re-live every child’s perfect adventure, only better, courtesy of a most generous invitation from Yas Island Abu Dhabi.

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• TRAVEL

eople gasp in awe when I tell them that in my 17 years in the region, I have never visited the United Arab Emirates. In October of this year, despite the unpleasant travel restrictions that continue to tail us, Yas Island made it happen and it was awesome! The flight was a piece of cake, even the unexpected PCR that we needed to do at Abu Dhabi International Airport was super quick and free of charge; we were out in no time to receive the warmest welcome from our accompanying driver. The arrival at W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island was eye catching to say the least. A shiny extraterrestrial structure calls on you from afar. Large glass doors slide open to reveal a modern lobby with a unique style. After a swift check-in, we headed to the elevator and glided up to the eighth floor. Two connected bedrooms, equipped with five-star amenities to deliver top quality comfort, would be our home for the next three days. The welcoming messages that we read on the mirrors suggested a casual and friendly approach and instantly formed a memory imprinted in our hearts. Three nights spent in luxury, three breakfasts served to perfection, and three dinners that translated premium culinary talent into pure gastronomic joy. Thumbs up! The three days, on the other hand, were packed with adventure and adrenalin overload. On day one, the outside world ceased to exist at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. From Scooby Doo to Tom & Jerry and The Flintstones to Gotham City and The Hall of Justice in the company of amazing DC superheroes. An impressive entertainment world full of thrilling rides, amazing characters, and great visual aesthetics. I will never forget the cheesy rollercoaster at Tom & Jerry’s house. A truly miraculous space that is extremely organised and welcoming. Before you leave, grab a token from one of the many WBW souvenir shops to keep the memories alive. The fun on day two was wet and loud at one of the world’s biggest water parks. The Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi experience was a great pleasure indeed! A huge space that will entertain your family for a full day, at the end of which you will not want to leave. A rush of happiness hormones takes over your body with the first slide and, like an addiction, you find yourself repeatedly climbing the same staircase asking for more. The service inside is five-star, we booked a cabana by the beach-like pool offering four long chairs with four towels, a mini fridge with complimentary water bottles and, most importantly, a digital safe. Anything and everything beach-related is right there in case you forget an item or have an emergency. On day three, we made sure the packing was done and nothing was left behind. After breakfast, we visited the front office for a quick check-out before heading to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and taking advantage of every minute to harvest the maximum roller-coaster excitement before dashing to the airport. At Ferrari World Abu Dhabi no one holds back a scream of pure joy. Don’t you dare walk away from the Flying Aces or the Formula Rossa, AKA the fastest roller coaster in the world. You’ll find a wild array of rides for all ages and safety is the number one priority. If you are a Formula One fan, try changing the tire 80

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of an F1 car and beat my 14.6 seconds. With a direct connection to Yas Mall, Ferrari World is the utmost family destination any day of the week. What a long weekend! Yas Island hats off to you. You have created the absolute wholesome family luxury entertainment destination. I know for a FACT that my family will never forget this trip. Offer your loved ones the best gift a family can ever enjoy together or plan a thrilling get away with friends at Yas Island Abu Dhabi. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.YASISLAND.AE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

TRAVEL •

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• ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SCREEN Squid Game Need to Know:

Squid Game is a Korean drama show that follows the main character Seong Gi-Hun, a divorced and jobless middle-aged man, who is neck deep in copious amounts of debt. He gains the opportunity to take part in a mysterious game and win large amounts of money. However, the seemingly innocent game quickly turns deadly as it becomes a race to survive.

Creators: Hwang Dong-hyuk Cast: Lee Jung-Jae, Park Hae-Soo, Oh Young-Soo, Jung Ho-Yeon, Tripathi Anupam

Why Is It Worth Watching?

This series has to be one of the best shows that has been released recently. It’s thrilling and exciting with excellent cinematography and well-thought-out characters and scenes. Everything about this show is captivating and you can’t help but feeling attached to the characters and their situations. The first episode starts with us being introduced to Seong Gi-Hun (Lee Jung-Jae) who is struggling with debt, which is a common problem amongst South Koreans. He learns of the opportunity to join a game and at the end comes the promise of billions of wones (Korean currency). In the game he meets fellow competitors Kang Sae-Byeok (Jung Ho-Yeon), Ali Abdu (Tripathi Anupam), Cho Sang-Woo (Park Hae-Soo) and many others, all looking for a way out of their debts. The simple Korean children's games they are made to play come at a high price when failure means death. Most definitely a must-watch!

“

The simple Korean children's games they are made to play come at a high price when failure means death.

Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father Need to Know:

Travels with My Father is a comedy series, with the fifth and final season having been recently released. In it we follow the comedian Jack Whitehall as he drags his elderly father Michael along on his adventures around the world. Taking him to Thailand, Cambodia, Germany, Ukraine, the US, Australia and a few others along the way. In this final season we see them explore the United Kingdom as they embark on their last adventure together.

Creators: Jack Whitehall Cast: Jack Whitehall, Michael Whitehall, Hilary Whitehall

Why Is It Worth Watching?

The show is lighthearted and fun and, let us not forget, absolutely hilarious. We as the audience get to learn about the different places they visit as they meet local people and emerge themselves in their culture. From the funny and caring dynamic between the father and son duo to the comical situations they put each other in, it’s exactly how all family trips should be, fun, exciting and absolutely chaotic. However, at the end of each adventure the bond between father and son grows exponentially, also just as it should be. In this last adventure, they explore the UK and re-cap some of the best/worst moments they experienced on this journey. The perfect show to watch to get in a couple of good laughs after a long day. 82

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• ENTERTAINMENT

ON THE RECORD

FULLY BOOKED

FICTION

A Calling for Charlie Barnes By Joshua Ferris

JAZZ

INDIE/ALTERNATIVE/ROCK

Love For Sale By Lady Gaga & Tony Bennet

Let Me Do One More By Illuminati Hotties

We really wanted to love this, it’s such a brave album for Tony Bennet who’s managed to far outlive many of his contemporaries and, with this album, took the Guinness World Record for the oldest person to release an album of new material. Admittedly, the richness of his voice is dimmed and there is a gentle rasp that audiences of the 1950s and ‘60s would not recognise but consumers of this album will surely be listening kindly. Meanwhile Lady Gaga, she of the meat dresses and early hits such as Poker Face and Bad Romance, has very definitely come of age, her voice attaining a superb depth and character that is showcased fabulously on this collection of standards. To be honest, the whole album is infinitely listenable. It’s the kind of music that just puts a smile on your face. Standouts include title track Love For Sale with its slightly dubious subject matter; I Concentrate on You a classic love story that brings a joining of these two amazing voices; and So In Love in which Tony Bennett, singing solo, harks back to the crooner of old. Dear God, the man’s 95 years old and, earlier this year, revealed that he is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease but, boy, he can still hold a tune. And, with the indomitable Lady Gaga joining him, we wanted to love it and we did.

So, if you’ve never heard of Illuminati Hotties, you’re in good company. We hadn’t either until we started looking for new music to bring you this month and stumbled across this. According to Wikipedia, they are “an American indie rock band from Los Angeles, California, created and fronted by producer, mixer and audio engineer Sarah Tudzin.” As you can tell, Ms Tudzin is a woman of many talents whose creative force led to issues with a previous record label. She formed Illuminati Hotties to showcase her varied production capabilities and this is the project’s third album. The opening track, Pool Hopping, is a bit misleading in its upbeat poppiness and, if you only listen to this, you’ll be missing out because the rest of the album is a journey through the vaguely trippy Protector to the outright beauty of Threatening Each Other Re: Capitalism and UVVP (feat Buck Meek) which seems to have an almost sixties sound. To be honest, we couldn’t, on initial listening, choose a favourite. This album is an amalgamation of so many different sounds and styles that hearing it is almost an education that we’ll be going back to time and again. If you’re looking for something a bit (read a lot) different, very new and fresh, give this a whirl. You won’t be sorry you did.

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A Calling for Charlie Barnes is like a departure from Joshua Ferris’ debut Then We Came to the End in terms of the return of the comicexistential themes. Why do we work is the question that is raised throughout the narration but instead of an office setting, like his previous novel, here the story takes place in Charlie Barnes’ basement: a place where he has been for the previous few years trying to get his business to take off. The narrator, who is Charlie’s son Jake Barnes, explains him as a ‘big fraud’ as he manages funds of retirees and plays deviously on their trust before getting the news that he has cancer.

FICTION

Crossroads

by Jonathan Franzen Jonathan Frazen characters are small but the stories are of substance. His characters aren’t usually from metropolises like LA or New York but from marginal cities, more countryside, closer to nature. Set in 1971, Franzen takes us back in time and explores the history of generations with humour and warmth. The intensely absorbing novel focuses on the characters’ emotions, experiences and desires. The first installment of a planned trilogy, it follows the story of the Hildebrandt family, headed by Russ, in the backdrop of the Vietnam war. Morality, integrity and purpose take the spotlight as Franzen questions if we can ever escape our selfishness. Each character is a main, whilst parallel stories are intertwined together with complexity.

fact magazine

RETURN OF THE CLASSICS Defined silhouettes take on an avant-garde style for a sophisticated new collection. 86

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FASHION FOCUS •

assimo Dutti AW21 Limited Edition collection for men and women presents values typical of the brand’s creations with a modern and avant-garde point of view. Flashbacks that recall moments we instantly link to a period of change through many of its greatest hits. At a time when the polarization of aesthetics is evident, minimalism and romanticism coexist in the women’s collection. Femininity returns to the forefront with delicate and exclusive fabrics, accentuated with defined silhouettes in a colour palette that draws inspiration from nature. Urban style is on trend as Massimo Dutti presents sophisticated looks with a focus on structured materials, nods to craftsmanship and large doses of colour. Coats are a must this season, while flowing blouses with ties, dresses, high boots and high sandals add a cosmopolitan twist. The men’s collection introduces subtle allusions to reinterpretations that go beyond formal pieces. The result is a collection of looks that goes beyond the search for individuality or comfort, with the idea of being different becoming a declaration of intent, almost an act of rebellion. An exercise in simplicity and subtlety: fashion and architecture meet again in a series of minimal designs, perfectly flowing silhouettes and neutral colours. A cosmopolitan man whose style is the perfect blend of casual minimalism and updated sophistication, a man who knows how to take simple aesthetics to sophisticated contexts, through the combination of garments and accessories with an urban feel that will result in unique styles. ✤ fact magazine

• FASHION FOCUS

GO: SHOP THE STORY AT MASSIMODUTTI.COM

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• FOR HER

NEW &

Catrice Cosmetics

Liquid Liner Sensitive The festive season is quickly approaching and what better way to celebrate than playing around and recreating a sultry 60s’ look to channel some of your favourite icons. Use the Liquid Liner Sensitive with a precision felt tip and deep black, smudge-proof texture to create a thick line on the lid, add a wing if you’re going for an ultra-sultry look. If you want to go the extra mile, add a line in the crease and a few small diagonal lines on your lower lashes to channel your inner Twiggy!

HASK Curl Defining Cream Curls, coils, spirals…it’s no secret to those who have them that their hair sometimes has a mind of its own. Nevertheless, whatever the curl pattern, it only makes sense to use products that are designed with these special hair textures in mind. To look their best, curls should be handled with care. Keep them in shape with the Curl Defining Cream. The lightweight, humidity-proof formula works to enhance your curl pattern, leaving hair touchably-soft and defined.

NUDESTIX Dark Romantics This six-piece magnetic eye pencil kit features four new, bold shades that are designed to be your backstage pass to creating moody, minimalistic eyes with an edge. Made in Korea, the innovative formulas are long-wearing, lightweight, and luxurious. Vegan, hypoallergenic, gluten-, cruelty-, and fragrance-free, NUDESITX's multi-tasking and waterproof magnetic eye pencils are must haves for every make-up arsenal.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Neutrogena has upgraded its well-known lightweight and hydrating gel moisturiser with SPF 50 to help you stay protected from sun exposure and environmental aggressors daily. Keep your skin looking supple and hydrated every day. The unique water gel-cream formula absorbs quickly, like a gel, but has the long-lasting moisturising power of a cream to quench your extra-dry skin’s thirst. It contains hyaluronic acid, a hydrator found naturally in the skin, that attracts moisture and locks it in. And it’s wearable under make-up!

M.A.C Aute Couture x Rosalía The M·A·C Aute Couture Collection, made with Rosalía, features a full range of products for the face, eyes lips and, of course, nails. This range is for those who love to live boldly. With four different shades, the Extra Dimension Skinfinish palette adds the perfect glow to skin. The liquid-powder highlighter, with prismatic reflections, is designed to sculpt and highlight your face, leaving a luminous, well-defined finish. The creamy powder formula lasts up to 10 hours.

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FOR HIM •

NOW Scents, skincare, grooming musthaves – check. Youth To The People

Superclay Purify + Clear Power Mask This mask purges pores of excess oil and dirt

Paco Rabanne

to help keep your complexion clear, calm and happy. Supercharged with 2% niacinamide,

Phantom

this triple-clay mask deep cleans and actively

A bold scent with notes of addictive creamy

clears pores for skin that functions at its fullest

lavender, fusing energising lemon and woody

potential. Boosted with exfoliating salicylic acid

vanilla, a cutting-edge creative process has been

and balancing kombucha, it is completely natural

used to select the ingredients of this scent to make

and works to bolster your appearance.

you feel energised and confident. The essence of self-confidence fueled by feel-good energies. Radically different, the bottle of Phantom is an exhilarating, retro futuristic piece of design. The aroma is born from the clash between luxury craftsmanship and new-tech.

Dollar Shave Club

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Face Gym

OUD Satin Mood

Active Blast

Designed for the shaver who longs for an easier

Featuring a combination of natural oud from Laos

Fourteen years in the making, Active Blast by

glide, Shave Butter is a transparent shaving cream

with rose essence from Bulgaria and accords of

Face Gym is a first-to-market, vegan collagen

alternative that helps soften whiskers and enables

benzoin from Siam, violet and vanilla, OUD Satin

skin booster to transform your skin one tiny but

precise navigation.

Mood extrait de parfum leaves an enchantingly

mighty sphere at a time. Developed with a super-

There are a lot of shaving products out there, but

opulent sillage. In this creation by Francis Kurkdjian,

concentrated, high-performance formula, Active

we appreciate how Dollar Shave Club’s Shave

an abundance of roses from Turkey and Bulgaria

Blast penetrates the skin with better performance

Butter goes on with a smooth, practically invisible

round out the oud wood’s dark, animalistic tones

to stimulate the metabolic process and increase the

layer. Its transparency also makes it easy to trim

with their sensuality, before enveloping the violet

skin brightness and evenness while visibly reducing

around the edges of a mustache or other facial

blossoms in softness. The extrait de parfum

the appearance of wrinkles, expression lines and

hair. If you have sensitive skin, this belongs in your

interpretation remains the perfumer’s ultimate

hyperpigmentation. It is available as a seven-day

shaving kit. Shave Butter is made with ingredients

olfactory signature.

hit for a quick blast of brightness.

such as golden barley, and vitamins A, C and E.

Shave Butter

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• SOCIETY

#REOPENING #PLUMS #RITZCARLTONBAHRAIN 92

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#QUEENSNIGHT #WULOUNGE #THEARTHOTEL #AMWAJISLANDS

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• SOCIETY

#SPANISHNATIONALDAY #CELEBRATION #THEWESTINHOTEL #CITYCENTREBAHRAIN 94

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#SPONSORSHIPSIGNING #MUHARRAQCLUB #BASKETBALL #MGMOTOR

SOCIETY •

#GRANDOPENING #CHILIS #JUFFAIRSQUARE

#OFFICIALLAUNCH #BOSABI #MONDO #TASTEOFITALY #DIPLOMATRADISSONBLU #BAHRAIN fact magazine

• MATTER OF FACT

What We’re (Still) Talking About About A Boy

The Gun Question

Humanity Wins

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is over – though, of course, it’s important all year round. Now it’s the turn of the boys with Movember. Men around the world will be growing the types of facial hair not popular since the 1970s in a bid to draw attention to men’s health issues such as testicular and prostate cancers and men’s suicide. Admittedly since the advent of the trend for hipster facial fuzz and the rise of working from home during the pandemic, there seem to be far fewer clean-shaven chaps about than in previous years. But this month their numbers will decline even further

There’s been outrage, upset and sorrow following the tragic film set accident in which actor Alec Baldwin was accidentally handed a gun containing live ammunition and fatally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Production on the film has been halted, some say permanently, and the actor himself is said to be devastated and has retreated to his home to ‘realign himself’. Meanwhile there have been many questions about how the gun came to be loaded with live ammo – apparently crew members had been using it to shoot tin cans! And considerable concerns about the general attitude to

Many people have followed the story of the dogs of La Palma in the Canary Islands trapped on a roof surrounded by boiling hot lava from the recent continuing volcanic eruption. Humanity at its best stepped in to make sure the hapless canines were fed and watered by drone, while plans were made for a dramatic and risky rescue potentially using a drone to net and transport the animals across 400m of lava. Even the tiniest mistake or struggle could have meant almost certain death for the dogs. Then, at the last minute, it seems a mysterious bunch of animal activists stepped in and took matters into their

as men grow (or, at least, attempt to grow) above-the-lip whiskers, some of which will be worn in thoroughly outlandish styles. We’re all for a bit of brotherly love and the boys in the office might well chuck out their razors in support of this very worthy cause. But, a word to the wise gentlemen, unless you’re from a region where the tickling tache is de rigeuer, the girls in the office are singular in their opinion that, once Movember’s done, what they refer to as ‘upper-lip slugs’ must also bid farewell.

safety on this set where crew members had allegedly walked out earlier over safety concerns. There is already talk of a new set of guidelines pertaining to weapons on film sets. Probably rightly so. There may even be a ban on weapons that are capable of firing live ammunition. All good stuff. But as one Facebook poster pointed out – there is an awful lot of outrage about someone being shot on a movie set with what was supposed to be a prop gun, yet kids are regularly killed in schools by people carrying real guns and nothing seems to be happening to stop it.

own hands. As the drone team routinely scanned the rooftop for their potential charges they were met with an empty space, with no dogs in sight and merely a human footprint and a note bearing the legend “Stay strong La Palma! The dogs are fine.” It was signed The A Team, in homage to the 1980s’ TV show team who attained the seemingly impossible. The local paper has since reported that the dogs are indeed safe and well, but dramatic details of the rescue cannot be shared as it involved the team entering an exclusion zone illegally. We love this.

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SHOP, SHOP, HOORAY! Wish = granted. Now you can shop your fave store (that’s us!) on the

ALL NEW APP. EXTRA10%

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bathandbodyworksarabia www.bathandbodyworks.com.bh Customer Service: 800-1320

ISLAND INSIDER

Rama Khadraa WU Restaurant and Lounge Outlet Manager

How has your previous experience brought you to WU? I excel in multitasking, people skills and fast-paced work. While this is my first restaurant post, my past experience in retail, sales and marketing has helped me understand that I am well-suited for similar roles where I can ensure that guests have great experiences at any establishment. I learned that my personality lends itself extremely well to collaborative and guest-focused industries. 98

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What’s the one dish you would recommend guests to try and why? Ever since I was a child, I’ve had a keen interest in cooking. I understand the importance of flavours and food scents and the warmth they can bring to others. The taste of simple recipes can remind people of their childhood or multicultural dishes can make others think of their favourite country to visit. So, I prefer and enjoy explaining the menu for our guests so that they can choose what makes them happy.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work? Sports is my greatest passion. When I have some free time, I hit the swimming pool and spend an hour in the water. I also take dancing lessons. I love to read books on human psychology and real stories; I enjoy reading them, but I also believe that they help me broaden my horizons and learn a lot of things that are useful in my work. Moreover, I am a social person who enjoys spending time with my friends.

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CAN YOU BREAK THE CODE?

OPENING THIS DECEMBER

@VIDABAHRAIN 100 fact magazine