FACT Bahrain July 2013

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JULY 2013 | VOL 6 | ISSUE 11 | BD1 | SR10

RAMADAN

eat, pray, give YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE HOLY MONTH

FACT JULY

THE SMART MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE IN BAHRAIN

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THIS RAMADAN, WE ARE DIFFERENT. At Al Thurayya Tent, your Ramadan experience takes a whole new perspective.

The Egyptian Folklore artists are back in Bahrain after their successful world tours. Live and feel the moments of Ramadan in the heart of Manama with daily folklore performances and our authentic local flavors.

A special Ramadan deserves a special place.

For reservations and more information, please call +973 17 208 308

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Corporate Sponsors

Media Partners

CONTENT

NOTEWORTHY CULTURE 21. The Best of Ramadan

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Discover the top places to spend your evenings during the Holy Month as we round up the island’s most fabulous Iftar and Ghabga offerings.

ART 32. The Relocators We interview Bahrain’s hottest new band.

36. And The Mountains Echoed Inside Khaled Hosseini’s latest novel...

TECHNOLOGY 42. Showroom Round Up Bringing you some of the best car deals from around the Kingdom.

52. Jeep Grand Cherokee Ali Driver takes the new Jeep for a spin off-road.

10th Anniversary of Geocaching FACT explores the popular island hobby of geocaching as it celebrates a decade of adventure.

16. The Gift of Giving

FASHION 58. Collection GAP

We round up a number of great ways you can help in the community during Ramadan.

Here’s a peek into GAP’s summer collection.

18. Framing the Experience

70. Mimosa Arabia We talk to Louisa Lamine Alahmed about her chic hijab designs.

Marvel the works of two photographers who bring the Indian state of Kerala to life.

FACT Magazine M.E.

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Director 2PDU 6KDKHHQ &KLHI 2SHUDWLQJ 2IĂ€FHU 5DPL .KDOLO Editor 6KDEDQD $GDP HGLWRU#IDFWOLYH FRP

Deputy Editor Zara de Haldevang Contributors Christal Dennis Craig Heslop

Bahrain Edition

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JULY 2013

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Volume 6, Issue 11

Creative Director Paula Leal Designer & Photography Rashed Bindaina Regional Head of Sales Laura Alvarez Sales Manager Adam Lees ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES 7HO ( PDLO ODXUD#IDFWOLYH FRP PRINTED BY

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. 2IĂ€FH %XLOGLQJ 5RDG %ORFN 6HHI Ministry of Information 6XEMHFW 5HJLVWUDWLRQ 1XPEHU &)%

www.fact-magazine.com 6FDQ WKH 45 &RGH ZLWK \RXU VPDUWSKRQH to log on to our new website, where you can get all the latest updates on Bahrain, the magazine and the team...

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THE EDITOR

A  Warm  Welcome  and  Ramadan  Kareem Shabana Adam Editor shabana@factlive.com

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eaders of FACT, welcome to the Ramadan issue, which DOVR KDSSHQV WR EH P\ ÀUVW DV editor of the magazine! I’ve been in Bahrain a month now and have already seen and done so much, but what I love most of all (apart from being in the sun) is how much everyone here shares my passion for food.

That’s right. I’m a foodie through and through and when I was told about the fabulous Iftar and Ghabga tents that go up around the country, during 5DPDGDQ , NQHZ , ZDV JRLQJ WR ÀW right in. What’s great is that anyone and everyone can come and join in the celebration of the Holy Month, so we’ve highlighted some of the biggest and best of the bunch in our Ramadan round up on p24. We hope to see some of you there!

One thing that really surprised me is the number of malls here in Bahrain. Don’t get me wrong; it’s not a complaint! I love to shop and having lots of choice is, simply, a shopper’s paradise. If, like me, you’re on the search for the season’s hottest trends, turn to p56 and take a

ORRN DW WKLV PRQWK¡V IDVKLRQ ÀQGV WR inspire your summer wardrobe – we have something for everyone.

I must admit, when it comes to health, Bahrain seems to have a broad VSHFWUXP ,Q WKH )$&7 RIĂ€FH ZH UDQJH IURP Ă€WQHVV IDQDWLFV WR WKH RFFDVLRQDO jogger and those who happily confess ‘exercise is not for me’. With Ramadan so close, and especially if you’re fasting, now is the right time to start preparing your body for the coming month. Find useful advice and tips from our health experts (p88), as well as some great home remedies to try!

I’m very much looking forward to exploring the Kingdom, making friends and, of course, working to put together a quality magazine for our readers! If you want to recommend something to try in Bahrain, or even just to say hello, feel free to tweet me @Shabs_A and keep in touch with the team @FACTbahrain – Ramadan Kareem everyone...

...make  it  count!

News  from  the  FACT  Penthouse This month we say goodbye to deputy editor Zara de Haldevang who is off on new adventures after two years at FACT‌ good luck Zara, we’ll miss you‌ remember us when you’re relaxing poolside in Thailand!... With Ramadan fast approaching the FACT team has been out and about in Bahrain, checking out the best places for Iftar and Ghabga, everyone’s happily full and working hard‌ Courtesy of the new editor, WKH )$&7 RIÀFH KDV EHHQ VXEMHFW WR D WULS down music memory lane as Backstreet Boys and Samantha Mumba have been blasted out of our speakers. Come on, who doesn’t love a bit of 90s pop?

Image  of  the  Month

We posted this image on our Instagram DQG LW ZDV WDNHQ WKH ÀUVW WLPH )$&7ҋV QHZ Editor visited Bahrain Fort. We think it really shows the best of the great historical site!

My  favourite  story  this  issue RUGGED BEAUTY We love hearing about completely unique and especially original ventures on the island, so when we discovered Urban Homes – a trio of friends taking carpentry to a whole 8

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new level – we had to see what it ZDV DOO DERXW 7XUQ WR S DQG ÀQG out more on this creative business and how it can add a real touch of Bahrain to your home!

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NOTEWORTHY

HOW DO YOU GET STARTED?

WHO CAN GET INVOLVED?

You’ll find all you need to know on geocaching.com. Sign up, pick the GPS coordinates of a cache you like, enter the digits into a GPS-enabled device and voila! you’re on your way.

Once you’ve found the hidden cache you record your find into a logbook on the site. Caches can include anything from toys, gift cards and weird and wonderful souvenirs.

Anyone, everyone and people of all ages!

In fact, Lynn assures us that geocaching is as much an individual sport as it is a group activity, and it can make for a great family day out. “All ages can enjoy this. Of course it is tough to keep the attention of the little ones. They are usually good for 6-8 caches in a day before they get restless, but they always seem to want to go do it again!�

Celebrating  Bahrain’s  Hidden  Treasure  Troves

Looking  for  a  new  hobby  in  Bahrain?  Fancy  getting  your  hands  on  some  secret  treats?  Look  no  further,  geocaching  may  just  be  the  thing  you’re  after.  FACT  learns  more  about  this  popular  island  pastime  as  it  celebrates  its  10-­year  anniversary.

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RX FDQ ÀQG treasure in the most unusual of places and you’ll be surprised to know that there’s a lot to be unearthed in Bahrain. Intrigued yet? Then keep reading!

All over the island, expats and locals are embarking on a scavenger hunt like no other. Dubbed the global game of hide and seek; geocaching is a hi-tech pursuit all about getting outdoors and using WHFKQRORJ\ WR ÀQG KLGGHQ REMHFWV in a container, known as a cache.

Those participating are aptly called geocachers, and, in Bahrain, this intrepid hobby has a growing number of dedicated fans, who DUH SDUW RI RYHU ÀYH PLOOLRQ DFWLYH geocachers around the world!

This month is especially VLJQLÀFDQW IRU %DKUDLQ JHRFDFKHUV as it marks the 10-year anniversary of this modern-day game. It began with Saudi geocacher, Mohammed Al-Faris, who, a decade ago, hid the ÀUVW FDFKH QHDU 5LIID )RUW $QG LW¡V safe to say that geocaching really has caught on since then.

Getting started is simple. You’ll ÀQG DOO WKH LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ ZZZ FACT JULY

Lynn has discovered much of Bahrain whilst geocaching

geocaching.com. You’ll need a GPSenabled device and a sense of adventure (and maybe a camera to capture the moment) to become a geocacher!

Take note, in this game you don’t get something for nothing; if you take a piece of the ‘treasure’ from the cache then it must be replaced with another object of equal value. This way, a geocache always offers a goodie worth searching for - sounds fair to us!

So, why do people get involved?

Lynn Storton, from the States, has been living in the Kingdom for seven months now and geocaching has given him a new sense of life. He tells us, “I feel I have had more of a ‘life’ since geocaching. My health is better, my knowledge and understanding of my surroundings is much more broad, and I know more about myself as well.�

In Bahrain, caches are hidden everywhere; from the Burial Mounds in Hamad Town to the desolate desert past Durrat Al Bahrain, in nooks and crannies of the walls at Bahrain fort, and other mysterious locations.

Though he’s been on the island only a short while, geocaching has enabled Lynn to deeply explore %DKUDLQ DQG KH¡V FRQĂ€GHQW KH knows it better than most (even we hadn’t heard of some of the places Lynn has discovered on the island!) “All my coworkers have heard of Tree of Life and many have been there. However, few have ever heard of the Island Shrine Sheikh Ibrahim or Dinosaur Rocks.â€?

Geocaching reminds us of how pirates paraded the seas, with their maps, seeking gold and jewels on their quests. The only difference is that geocachers navigate on land using modern-day technology as a tool to locate their prize.

However, in geocaching, it’s the search that is more worthwhile WKDQ WKH Ă€QG DV /\QQ DGGV “Nothing inside the cache container compares to the friends I have made while looking for it.â€? Q

NOTEWORTHY

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

WHERE ARE CACHES FOUND? It’s common for caches to be hidden in locations of great natural beauty or personal importance. Geocache locations can be quite diverse – from beaches to mountaintops to urban areas. Before heading out, geocachers should read the cache descriptions carefully, especially the difficulty and terrain ratings, as some cache finds can be technical and physically challenging.

“They should be paid overtime for working late hours during Ramadan as they help families prepare meals in the kitchen” Society Secretary-General Faisal Fulad being somewhat optimistic about how maids should be treated in Bahrain

THIS MONTH... DON’T FORGET

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WORLD UFO DAY Even if you don’t believe in aliens, this is the day when you should. Keep an eye RXW IRU Á\LQJ VDXFHUV ZKL]]LQJ SDVW \RXU windows in the dead of the night. Even if LW LV WKH QH[W *XOI $LU ÁLJKW WR 'XEDL

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WORLD POPULATION DAY Did you know the world population is growing at 1.10% per year?! Spread the love on this special day with your neighbours and the other seven billion people who share your planet.

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WORLD HEPATITIS DAY Just a little reminder to share a thought for those who have lost their lives to Hepatitis. Also, this is a time to learn more about the disease and to encourage you to get your injections done!

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INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FRIENDSHIP Because friends really are forever (well the good ones anyway)… send \RXU EHVWLH D ELJ VTXHH]H DQG UHPLQG yourself that you couldn’t do anything without them.

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NOTEWORTHY

ZARA’S RANT OF THE MONTH

‘How  do  you  make  goodbyes  easier?’ The  question  everyone  wishes  they  could  answer I have never been very good at goodbyes. My sister left the island just over a year ago, my best friend followed closely after, my old Editor Tony left last month, as did my Qatar Editor Katy and now it is my turn to take my leave from FACT.

next few years to come, in a way my GHSDUWXUH IURP WKH PDJD]LQH LV ZKHUH , will leave a big chunk of my time on the island behind.

Saying that, perhaps what I have learnt the most from being here is: never turn up to a meeting on time – guaranteed they won’t turn up on time; always bring back enough Haribo after a trip abroad – desperate times call for a shed load of foamy hearts and eggs; throw all your driving habits out of the window – my Saudi swerve really is spot on; and ÀQDOO\ WKHUH UHDOO\ LV 62 PXFK WR GR KHUH in Bahrain, despite everyone complaining there isn’t!

What a complete whirlwind the last 18 months have been. I have cried, laughed (mainly thanks to our designer Rashed), screamed, almost jumped out of the window‌ Everything you can think of, I have done it.

I have met some extraordinary people, some interesting people, some very strange people and some people I would now consider as friends for life. I have interviewed some of Bahrain’s most LQà XHQWLDO LFRQV XS DQG FRPLQJ DUWLVWV and musicians, sportsmen and women, chefs and so many more. FACT has taught me more than I could have ever imagined. And for that I am thankful.

So this is me, saying goodbye to you.

This is me saying thank you for your endless support, thank you for reading and thank you for being a loyal FACT fan.

In the words of Peter Pan, “never say goodbye. Because goodbye means going away, and going away means GPSHFUUJOH.�

Although I am planning on staying around Bahrain and the GCC for the

Love  It A Future For the Fish

THE SCOPE

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We were pretty happy to hear that there is a new project taking place which is designed UP DSFBUF BSUJmDJBM SFFGT JO Bahrain.

Over BD1 million has been spent planting 2,500 structures PO UIF TFB CFE BT QBSU PG B GPVS ZFBS QSPKFDU UP CPPTU UIF DPVOUSZ T EFQMFUJOH mTI TUPDLT (SFBU OFXT GPS NBSJOF MPWFST .BZCF XF MM OPX mOE /FNPĂž

Hate  It 400 Tonnes of Wasted Food in the Kingdom!

Bahrain is throwing away more UIBO UPOOFT PG GPPE &7&3: %": o B RVBSUFS PG XIJDI JT BQQBSFOUMZ DPNJOH GSPN schools.

It was also revealed that an average home throws away LH PG MFGUPWFS GPPE FBDI ZFBS 8F UIJOL JU T UJNF GPS B change... Come on people, XBTUF OPU XBOU OPUĂž

Can’t  Believe  It New Saudi Weekend We thought we had started a Twitter rumour when XF IJU SF UXFFU #65 JU JT PGmDJBM 4BVEJ OPX TIBSFT PVS XFFLFOE 4BZ HPPECZF to quick taxi rides into town and speedy restaurant service, and wave an unhappy hello to constant USBGmD KBNT DSPXET PG peeps and nightmare 'SJEBZT BOE 4BUVSEBZT

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Social Media.

FACT ROUNDS UP THE BEST OF OUR SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS, FROM TWEETS TO FUNNY FINDS... THIS IS DEDICATED TO OUR FOLLOWERS, FRIENDS, INSTAGRAMMERS & FELLOW ONLINE GEEKS...

THIS MONTH IN BAHRAIN

5,500

YOUSIF AL GHAWAS

The amount of people who read our June issue online! #Factrecord #weloveourreaders

4UZMF #BUUFS @FACTBahrain I tried your new app on iPhone, and I love it! great job :)

Farrukh Bashir @FACTBahrain damnit. Once again I failed in making my tweet appear in FACT magazine grrrr!

4BVE "MEPTFSJ Its been 2 months since I joined the gym and I came to the conclusion that going once every week for half an hour isn’t a good idea :)

3B[J Dear Weekend… next time please don’t rush… take ur time

/PPS /PPSVEEJO @FACTbahrain Your magazine covers have improved, good job!

PedroBruh #mygirlfriendnot allowed to laugh at other guys jokes while I’m not around. You better call me and we’ll decide if its really funny

Tony P. My Girlfriend wanted to watch The Notebook. I didn’t want to watch The Notebook. So we compromised and we watched The Notebook.

Ammaro The “too handsome for #Saudi” guy says since the incident, he’s gotten over 1 million #FB likes, marriage proposals, & offered a movie role.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND MAYBE YOU’LL BE HERE NEXT MONTH! @FACTBahrain

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FIND OF THE MONTH WE ARE HUGE FANS OF ENTERTAINING TEXT MESSAGES

I_HAVE_THE_A

Where’s Rashed?

Find FACT’s dapper designer somewhere in this issue and win a free subscription! Email your answers to editor@ factlive.com by July 16.

Look carefully, he could be anywhere!

RELIABILITY REDEFINED THE NEW 2014 CITROËN C-ELYSÉE TESTED ON

C-ELYSÉE 1.6L / 115 HP Attraction

BD 4,850

CITROËN C-ELYSÉE, READY FOR YOU. With its smooth and statuesque lines, the Citroën C-Elysée invites you on a journey. Under each angle, this sedan reveals a tough but elegant nature. However, the most important thing is not immediately apparent. To make sure Citroën C-Elysée brings you comfort and safety we tested it on 4.000.000 km, on all surfaces, in all weather conditions. Now you and your family can enjoy the spacious elegant cabin with more luggage space.

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For inquiries & test drive, call Citroen showroom Sanad: Tel: 17 62 11 62 www.motorcity.com.bh

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NOTEWORTHY

THE GIFT OF GIVING

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NOTEWORTHY

With  the  Holy  Month  upon  us,  being  charitable  becomes  evermore  important.  But  whether  you’re  fasting  or  not,  there  are  some  fantastic  people  doing  great  things  in  Bahrain  and  you  can  quite  easily  be  one  of  them.  Why  not  try  volunteering?

BAHRAIN CANCER SOCIETY The Bahrain Cancer Society (BCS) is an organisation that really gets things GRQH ,W SURYLGHV ÀQDQFLDO PRUDO emotional and psychological support, as ZHOO DV IXQGLQJ IRU VFLHQWLÀF SXUSRVHV to help cancer patients in the Kingdom.

The society welcomes volunteers, as well as donations, and any amount of time you can spare to get involved, is greatly appreciated! Volunteering gives you the chance to make a meaningful difference in your community, and is a positive way to help cancer patients and their families.

Volunteers take part in fundraising activities such as fun runs and also have the opportunity to help raise understanding of the disease through GLVFXVVLRQV OHDĂ HWV DQG E\ WDONLQJ DW local places of interest.

Georgiana McNamara, from the States, is a frequent volunteer for the society. She tells us, “It feels great to dedicate my time to help others, especially people affected by the awful disease. “Besides offering support to cancer patients, BCS’s mission is to create awareness in the community and I contribute to this mission as well. “Volunteering for the BCS became my favourite thing to do and the team of volunteers and staff is just amazing to work with‌ I found a

family far away from home.�

One of the other ways that BCS helps is by donating state-of-the-art equipment to Salmaniya hospital so that effective treatment can be provided for those who need it.

Secretary General, Ahmed Ali Al Nowakhda, says, “We want to give for as long as we can and as long as it’s in our hands. This is a great way to give back to the community.�

If you want to make a real difference this Ramadan then check out the BCS. It’s an organisation to be seriously considered.

TONY THE DOGFATHER’S ARC Donating time and money to our fellow humans is a great thing to do, but don’t forget the fury friends among us either!

Tony certainly doesn’t, as he rescues abandoned, stray, abused, or injured animals and evaluates, rehabilitates and then re-homes them.

If the animals are old, damaged or have special needs, they are cared for by Tony, for the rest of their lives, in air conditioned kennels.

This animal welfare charity is run under the umbrella of the Cats Society of Bahrain and Pet Animals, and as a volunteer you can get involved by taking the dogs for a walk, bathing and grooming the pooches, helping with the cats, as well as fundraising and organising events.

A great way for animal-lovers to spend time in Bahrain and do their good deed for the day!

There are many ways you can help the animals in Bahrain

BAHRAIN RED CRESCENT SOCIETY If you’re looking to make a serious mark on the world and change it one country at a time then the Bahrain Red Crescent Society may be the organisation for you. The international Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are world-famous and luckily we have our very own national branch in Bahrain.

7KH\ ZRUN LQ ÀHOGV OLNH KHDOWK development, migration, disaster management, recovery and more, always striving to help and support with local issues. You can get involved by donating money or by putting your technical or medical skills to good use. This group can never have enough socially responsible individuals on their team!

BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE

Have you got some unwanted belongings that are in good condition?

Rather than throwing them away, help to change someone else’s life with Bahrain City Centre’s ‘Make a Difference this Ramadan’ charity campaign.

Giving back to those less fortunate in the community, throughout the Holy Month, shoppers at the mall can donate used clothes, non-perishable foods, books, and eyeglasses at the customer service desk.

All donations will be given to Al Noor Charity Welfare to support various local humanitarian causes. Don’t forget, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and something small may go a long way!

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NOTEWORTHY

25 Years of Arab Creativity

FRAMING THE EXPERIENCE See the stunning Indian state of Kerala brought to life in a new photo exhibition. Two lucky winners of the ‘Framing the Experience - Travel and Nature Photography Contest’ travelled to Kerala and captured its rhythmic backwaters, serene hill stations, misty mountains and the lives of local people, on camera.

Reginn Palacio (nature category winner) and Stephanie Ravel (travel

category winner) spent time in Munnar and Kumarakom. The photographs they took expose Kerala in soulful black and whites as well as vibrant colours.

If photography is your passion or KREE\ RU VLPSO\ LI \RX ZDQW D ÀUVW hand look into life elsewhere, then head down to this exhibition at Hidd Lulu from July 4 to 6, and at the Suzuki showroom, Khamis, from July 8 to 10.

Mosaic Mayhem For anyone having family round during Ramadan or if you’re hosting a majlis for friends, impress your guests with beautiful furniture and decor, including coffee tables, pots and wall art by Faiza Saeed. She’s the ÀUVW DUWLVW LQ %DKUDLQ WR IRFXV RQ WKH craft of mosaic design, and if you want to add some life and colour into your home then Faiza’s pieces may just be the thing you’re looking for.

Faiza continues to sell her work in markets, at exhibitions, and conducts monthly classes for beginners.

During the month of Ramadhan, you can custom order your own serving trays, and get a 10% discount on all purchases. *2 LQIR#IDL]DVDHHGPRVDLF FRP 18

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For a glimpse into some of the best art from the Arab world head down to the ‘25 Years of Arab Creativity’ exhibition, held in conjunction with Institut du Monde Arabe.

Displaying an extensive collection of contemporary Arab art to date, the exhibition will feature paintings, sculptures, photography, video and installations, as well as special commissions and works by renowned names in the contemporary art scene, including Bahraini artist Waheeda Malullah.

The exhibition will be held at the Bahrain National Museum in Manama, from July 7 till midSeptember, coinciding with the annual Bahrain Summer Festival. If you’re an art connoisseur then this is a must-visit event for you!

Ramadan at Al Aali Al Aali Complex has a number of treats in store during Ramadan. The ‘Wish upon a Star’ campaign, running from July 27 to August 7 will see GDLO\ UDIĂ H GUDZV WDNH SODFH ZKHUH customers can win everything from holiday vouchers, gift cards and much more. For every purchase of BD50 \RX¡OO EH HQWHUHG LQWR WKH UDIĂ H And that’s not all! The mall will host two modern and classy Ramadan tents, featuring special products such as Moroccan candles, Arabic decors and perfumes, and many more traditional Ramadan gift ideas.

If you’re looking for something exclusive then Al Aali might just be the place to seek it out.

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CULTURE.

GETTING UNDER BAHRAIN’S SKIN THIS MONTH

Ramadan is upon us so here are the best Iftar and Ghabga set-ups from around the island

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CULTURE

INTERCONTINENTAL REGENCY For an authentic experience this Ramadan head for Al Thurayya at the InterContinental Regency Bahrain. Following a complete redesign and refurb the Ramadan tent will include a traditional-style majlis with low-seating areas for you to relax.

Soothing Arabic music will be joy to your ears as you indulge in a luxurious buffet. Chef Mohammed Samara and his team will be preparing the food this Ramadan, and you are sure in for a treat!

There will be around 15 main course dishes, 20 different salads and a mix of 25 Arabic and international desserts. There will also be an exciting live cooking station where you can try some popular traditional cuisine like shawarma and mixed grill.

If it’s unique entertainment you’re after then look no further, as Al Thurayya is offering a whole new experience for Ghabga. Here you’ll find Egyptian folklore dances and the El-Tanoura dancers put on a colourful performance throughout the evening.

Al Thurayya will be open daily for Iftar from Maghrib time to 8.30pm and from 9pm to 2am for Ghabga. Iftar buffets are BD14 net per person for both weekdays and weekends. Ghabga buffets are BD14 net per person on weekdays (Saturday – Tuesday) and BD15 net per person on weekends (Wednesday – Friday).

Contact: 1722 7777

MÖVENPICK Rich traditions of this Holy Month are brought to life at the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain. At Silk’s restaurant you’ll find a variety of flavoured Middle Eastern dishes, including hot and cold starters, delicious main courses and refreshing juices as well as kamaradin.

If you’re a shisha fan then this one’s for you!

Smoke the night away with the sweet flavours of your favourite shisha at the fully-air conditioned Flamingo terrace, overlooking the sprawling lagoon.

There’s also a chance to win a holy trip to Mövenpick in Makkah and Madina – you’re entered in the raffle every time you visit the Iftar buffet.

Iftar selection is prepared from prayer till 9.30pm every night and priced at BD12.500 (++) per person.

Contact: 1746 0000 22

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CULTURE

THE RITZ-CARLTON BAHRAIN HOTEL & SPA For some of the finest food on the island, the Ramadan tent at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain is definitely worth trying out. With live cooking stations and a four-piece band playing daily, enjoy dishes such as freshly baked Arabic breads, mixed grills, roasted whole lamb and buffets with sweets and Arabic desserts. Iftar will cost you BD21 on weekends and BD19 during the week.

Ghabga is only slightly more at BD24 on the weekends and BD22 on weekdays.

If it’s a spot of pampering you are after then try out the mix and match package at the Spa. Choose two of the treatments from the selection and enjoy a 20% discount.

What better way to escape the summer sun than a pampering session?

Contact: 1758 6499

KEMPINSKI GRAND & IXIR HOTEL

Baharat has to be one of the island’s best spots for habitual dishes. The Iftar this year has a huge array of classic Arabic favourites to treat your taste buds.

Appetisers include hot and cold mezza, Moroccan saffron seafood soup, mixed grills, lamb chops and dajaj mosahab.

Mains include fish tagines, kunafa pan fired salmon, hamam mahchi, chicken stuffed with spinach and feta cheese and lamb ouzi.

Following a recent competition, you will also get the chance to try the Recipe Contest dish; created by a member of the public. The Iftar will cost you BD17 (++).

While you are down there take a look at A Spice Art Exhibition which showcases artwork from local artists. The artworks follow a special theme – Art of Giving – and they will all be available for purchase. Be generous, as all the proceeds will go to a local charity.

During your visit enjoy music from a traditional Yemeni Oud band – a great way to capture the true spirit of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Contact: 1717 1144

THE DIPLOMAT RADISSON BLU

Another place to check out is the Diplomat – this rooftop venue is certainly one to try. Overlook the city lights of Manama at Al Fanar and enjoy fresh dates, fresh fruit juices and copious amounts of Arabic food for just BD15 per person (children under six eat for free). Try out the Ghabga at the poolside terrace, complete with shisha, live music and set menus.

Contact: 1763 1291 FACT JULY

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CULTURE

GULF HOTEL

You have many Iftar and Ghabga options at the Gulf Hotel this Ramadan. Made from fresh local ingredients, an Iftar buffet with traditional Arabic specialities will be served daily at Al Waha restaurant. The popular Iranian restaurant Takht Jamsheed will put on a spread featuring both Arabic and Persian delicacies, every evening from sunset onwards. At both restaurants expect to part with BD15 (++) per person for Iftar.

Spend the evening at the Gulf Hotel’s Ramadan tent, Khaimat Al Khaleej. The eclectic atmosphere is made up of traditional Arabic music and a live Oud and Tabla player performing nightly. The tent will be open from 9pm to 2am Saturday through Wednesday, and from 9pm to 3am on Thursdays and Fridays. Prices are BD14 (++) on weekdays and BD16 (++) on weekends.

For the more unconventional, try La Pergola Restaurant with its a la carte Italian menu or Sato, which offers Japanese delicacies such as sushi, maki and teppanyaki.

Contact: 1771 3000

SHERATON

The Sheraton will serve a lavish Iftar buffet to guests, including traditional and international dishes with live cooking stations, in the Awali Ballroom from 5pm to 8.30pm. Daily Iftar buffet is BD14.900 (++) for adults during weekdays and BD15.900 (++) on weekends.

For kids aged 4-12 it’s BD8.500 (++) and under 4s eat for free.

Contact: 1753 3533 24

FACT JULY

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA

You have a number of choices at the Sofitel this month.

For two hours after sunset, dine at Saraya and try delicacies such as tabouleh, hammour machbous, chicken molokhia, lamb tangine, kofta bik la ban and lamb ouzi (just on the weekends). Those with a sweet tooth will love the dessert station serving um ali, baklawa, kunafa and koulaj Ramadan.

Iftar will set you back BD17 (++) on weekdays and an extra BD2 on the weekends.

Your second option is enjoying Ghabga in the impressive Layali Al Zallaq tent located on the terrace of Saraya. For the same price as Iftar, sit back and relax with classical Arabian tunes – performed by the Lebanese trio Tarrabish – have your own hubbly bubbly and also get the family involved with some games, including dominos, cards and darts.

Contact: 1763 6363

summer Ă la carte

inspirations for your summer holiday

Stay in a deluxe room or a higher category and enjoy BD 20 net worth per room per day to be consumed in the hotel outlets or on selected services.* *F&B outlets, In-Room Dining, Mini-Bar, Spa & Laundry expenses to be redeemed upon check out.

For more information and reservation, kindly contact us on (+973) 17 17 10 00 or email us at reservation.bahrain@kempinski.com

www.kempinski.com/bahrain FACT JULY

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CULTURE

BUSHRA AT BUSHIDO Let’s talk contemporary cool meets traditional trend! At Bushido you’re in for a spectacular time when visiting the venue’s Ramadan tent, Bushra.

Following a fresh Arabo-Ottoman concept, the spirit of the Holy Month will be kept alive as Bushido’s opulent Japanese-pagoda is transformed into an Arabic tent infused with modern touches. From the décor to the music playlist and, more importantly, the food, Bushra will offer authenticity with an up-to-date twist.

Food is the main focus here; with the menu divided into a selection of Arabic, international and Bahraini cuisine. Enjoy threed, harees and qatayef, as well as saj, shawarma, ouzzi, hot and cold mezza, soups, and many more tasty delights (all thanks to the culinary skills of Chef Noor Murad).

Also, buckle up for an innovative surprise as Bushra delivers a visual spectacle in the form of 3D mapping. The tent will utilise the latest technology to create magical projections like waterfalls and beautiful scenery on the surface of its interior.

If that’s not enough, guests can also marvel the many paintings and artworks, inspired by the Ottoman Empire and Arabic culture, that will be displayed around the venue.

Then there’s the shisha lounge! Sit back 26

FACT JULY

and enjoy quality time with family and friends while indulging in your favourite shisha flavours. The lounge is open from 6pm to 1am with regular shisha priced at BD6 (++), while fresh or special fresh shisha will set you back BD8 (++).

Iftar will run from 6pm to 8pm costing BD13.500 (++) on weekdays and BD2 extra on weekends. Guests will find that Ghabga runs from 9pm to 1am and is relatively well priced at BD10.900 (++) on weekdays and BD12.900 (++) on weekends.

It’s set to be a buzzing Ramadan at Bushra so get down there to join in the celebration!

Contact: 1758 3555

WIN!

A BUSHRA DINING EXPERIENCE !

Answer the question below: What is the name of the chef preparing food at Bu shra this year?

Email your answer to: editor@factlive.com

ELITE RESORT & SPA

It’s all about amazing food and an elegant atmosphere at Al Noor Tent, Elite Resort & Spa. Big chandeliers hang from the tent, where there’s a never-ending buffet, with a dessert station that’s to-die-for, live grills, henna for ladies, Moroccan tea, gahwa, and live music by Ravan.

The Iftar buffet will cost you BD6.900 (++), while the lavish Ghabga is priced at BD12.900 (++), overlooking Muharraq bay into the night. The hotel is also offering special room packages during Ramadan with Iftar and Suhoor included! You’ll also have the chance to join in the raffles to win exciting prizes everyday – sounds like a lot of fun to us! Contact: 1731 3333

Ramadan Kareem

THIS RAMADAN OUR CARS ARE PRICED TO GO

5 9 9 , 5 D Only B

* Conditions Apply. This offer is available for retail buyers only

SENTRA 1.6

S

Free Registration Free Rust Proofing Extra gift vouchers for trade-in

For more deals visit www.nissanramadan.com Ramadan promotion period from 27 June to 8 August

RAMADAN SHOWROOM TIMINGS: 9.00 AM - 1.00 PM, 7.30 PM - 11.30 PM, FRIDAYS 7.30 PM - 11.30 PM Sitra, tel: 17 732732, www.nissan-bahrain.com FACT JULY 27

CULTURE

ASFAAR - MAKING YOUR TRAVELS STRESS-FREE!

Travelling  for  business  or  leisure  requires  peace  of  mind  and  Asfaar  is  designed  to  give  you  just  that.  Whether  you’re  injured  on  holiday,  or  your  money  is  stolen  and  even  if  your  luggage  goes  missing,  bni’s  affordable  travel  insurance  is  the  perfect  choice  for  hassle-­free  trips…

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FACT JULY

sports, all of which carry a risk of LQMXU\ DQG D FKDQFH RI GDQJHU Furthermore, being a tourist also KDV LW·V GRZQIDOOV DV LQ VRPH SODFHV you may be a target for petty theft DQG FULPH DQG WKHUH·V QRWKLQJ worse than having your personal possessions, like your money or YDOXHG LWHPV VWROHQ RQ KROLGD\ $QG believe it or not, this sort of thing is much more common in tourist hotspots than it is in Bahrain!

Bni’s insurance will be the best thing you can take when you go RQ KROLGD\ ,W FRYHUV \RX IRU PLQRU things like a broken bone, which PD\ FRVW KXQGUHGV RI GLQDUV DEURDG WR PXFK ELJJHU DFFLGHQWV DQG GLIÀFXOW VLWXDWLRQV WKDW FRXOG RFFXU RQ KROLGD\ All of these worries are taken care of with an Asfaar policy from EQL ZKLFK SURYLGHV LQVXUDQFH WKDW FDQ PHDQ WKH GLIIHUHQFH EHWZHHQ QXLVDQFH DQG WUDJHG\ 3ULFHG DW %' XSZDUGV GHSHQGLQJ RQ ZKDW W\SH RI FRYHU you opt for) this policy will cover \RX IRU XS WR 86 PLOOLRQ IRU WKH FRVW RI PHGLFDO H[SHQVHV VXFK DV HPHUJHQF\ GHQWDO WUHDWPHQW RU WKH

FRVW RI D PHGLFDO UHSDWULDWLRQ RI DQ LQVXUHG SHUVRQ DQG VR PXFK PRUH Furthermore, bni has your back DQ\WLPH RI WKH GD\ ,W KDV WHDPHG XS ZLWK 2QH $VVLVW WR SURYLGH KRXU VHYHQ GD\V D ZHHN ZRUOGZLGH HPHUJHQF\ PHGLFDO VHUYLFH LQ WKH HYHQW RI VHULRXV LOOQHVV RU DFFLGHQW ,W SURYLGHV DGYLFH DQG DVVLVWDQFH when making arrangements for KRVSLWDO DGPLVVLRQ UHSDWULDWLRQ DQG DXWKRULVDWLRQ RI PHGLFDO H[SHQVHV 2QH $VVLVW PHGLFDO H[SHUWV ZLOO answer your call. They have the FRQWDFWV DQG IDFLOLWLHV WR KHOS VKRXOG DQ LQVXUHG SHUVRQ IDOO LOO RU EH LQMXUHG LQ DQ DFFLGHQW DQG UHTXLUH LQ SDWLHQW PHGLFDO FDUH 7KH\ ZLOO also organise repatriation where this LV FRQVLGHUHG PHGLFDOO\ QHFHVVDU\ 2QH $VVLVW FDQ DUUDQJH IRU PHGLFDO H[SHQVHV LQVXUHG XQGHU WKH SROLF\ WR EH SDLG GLUHFWO\ WR WKH KRVSLWDO $VLGH IURP PHGLFDO DVVLVWDQFH DOO \RXU RWKHU QHHGV VXFK DV GHOD\ RU ORVV RI EDJJDJH PLVVHG GHSDUWXUH ORVV RI PRQH\ RU SDVVSRUW DQG VR much more, is all taken care of with an Asfaar policy. It’s safe to say WKDW EHLQJ ZHOO SUHSDUHG LV WKH ULJKW DWWLWXGH WRZDUGV HQMR\DEOH WUDYHO

CULTURE

BNI’S ASFAAR TRAVEL POLICY COVERS t $BODFMMBUJPO DIBSHFT EVF UP TFSJPVT JOKVSZ JMMOFTT DPNQVMTPSZ RVBSBOUJOF KVSZ TFSWJDF SFEVOEBODZ EBNBHF UP ZPVS IPNF CZ mSF TUPSN PS nPPE PS CVSHMBSZ PG ZPVS IPNF PS QMBDF PG XPSL t &NFSHFODZ NFEJDBM BOE EFOUBM USFBUNFOU t $PTU PG NFEJDBM SFQBUSJBUJPO PG BO JOTVSFE QFSTPO t $VUUJOH TIPSU ZPVS IPMJEBZ EVF UP JOKVSZ PS JMMOFTT t 1FSTPOBM BDDJEFOU t -PTT PG QBTTQPSU t -PTT PG PS EFMBZFE CBHHBHF t 1FSTPOBM NPOFZ t 1FSTPOBM MJBCJMJUZ t .JTTFE EFQBSUVSF OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS t 8JOUFS TQPSUT DPWFSJOH QJTUF DMPTVSF QFSTPOBM TLJ FRVJQNFOU VOVTFE TLJ QBDL BOE MPTT PG FRVJQNFOU t 4QPSUT BOE IB[BSEPVT BDUJWJUJFT SFDPNNFOEFE JG ZPV BSF QMBOOJOH PO QBSUBLJOH JO BOZ BEWFOUVSF TQPSUT

GO: #BISBJO /BUJPOBM *OTVSBODF COJ ] Tel.: E-mail: NPUPS!COIHSPVQ DPN ] Website: XXX COJEJSFDU DPN

FACT JULY

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ARTS.

KEEPING BAHRAIN’S EYES, EARS AND MINDS IN SHAPE

THIS MONTH YOU MUST...

THE RELOCATORS Bahrain’s freshest musical talent

READ

SCREW BUSINESS AS USUAL SIR RICHARD BRANSON

One of the world’s most famous and admired business leaders argues that it’s time to turn capitalism upside-down to shift our values.

LISTEN

WATCH

RANDOM ACCESS MEMORIES

LONE RANGER

DAFT PUNK

We are absolutely loving this brand new album from Daft Punk... listening recommended on full volume!

WESTERN/COMEDY/ACTION

Will Johnny Depp redeem himself in this latest Western action blockbuster?

FACT JULY

31

ART

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC TAKING THE MUSIC SCENE BY STORM THIS MONTH IS ELHAM ARTS’ BRAND NEW SENSATION: THE RELOCATORS. FACT HAS A CHAT WITH TWO MEMBERS, FAISAL AMIN SHEIKH AND ALI AL QASEER, ABOUT THE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE, THE BAND AND THE BEST SONGS OF ALL TIME. Hello guys! So tell us, how did you all meet?

F.: In a small country such as Bahrain, it’s almost inevitable for all performing musicians to meet each other at some point. I used to have a band called The Tryout and we entered the music scene around the same time as Ali’s band Silverlake, which he still plays for. We have all been really good friends ever since.

‘Jojo’ who is our bass player in live performances is the singer and guitar player for his own band called ‘The Last Cans’.

A.: My band Silverlake and Faisal’s band The Tryout usually played backto-back at almost every show we did. , UHPHPEHU ÀUVW PHHWLQJ WKHP DW RQH of the Elham Arts Festivals. That’s where we met Jojo too.

Why the name The Relocators?

F.: For quite a few reasons. What I

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FACT JULY

like most about it is its deviation from what’s ‘permanent’ and ‘perpetual’. ,W VLJQLÀHV PRYHPHQW ,I OLIH LV D journey, then we are travellers, always looking for the next temporary place in it, and then relocating, moving on.

What do you love about music?

F.: +RZ \RX FDQ ÀOO D VSDFH ZLWK sound and turn it into a context of the thoughts inside your head. To me music is the most direct translation of imagination.

A.: I love everything about Music.

People who play music can express themselves creatively, and as a result each song is a captured moment of expression.

Favourite song lyrics of all time?

F.: ‘Light Years’ by Pearl Jam… the whole lyrics from start to end.

A.: I have too many, its really hard

to choose but it would probably be something by Pink Floyd.

How do you propose to win over the Bahrain music scene?

F.: For me, the current music scene here is bitter sweet. On the one hand we have extremely good musicians.. some very promising talent. But then we all face the same limits. I think if musicians start taking themselves a bit more seriously and really work on developing, not only their craft but how they see themselves as artists, we will see a huge change in the Bahraini music scene.

A.: Yes, despite the large number of talents, I think many of them give up working on themselves further or just decide to play as a hobby at home.

They can do and deserve so much more. Q GO: Check out their music online at www.therelocators.net

ART

FACT JULY

33

ARTS

CHOICE TUNES

In Association with Virgin Megastore, Bahrain City Center

NEW ALBUMS. ARTISTS. AND AUDIOPHONICS

After seven years, Daft Punk prove they still have it.

5 ELECTRONIC

RANDOM ACCESS MEMORIES

BY DAFT PUNK

34

WHAT’S IT LIKE STEEPED in soul and brimming with an uncommon musicality. After teasing us with snippets of guitar licks and hagiographic videos, the French robot duo has finally landed on Earth to present their fourth studio album - an album meticulously constructed over the course of two and a half years.

Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de HomemChristo (what a name), are among the prime architects of the Nineties techno-electro-clubpop sound. Haters of computers, now being considered as musical instruments, these two haven’t released an album in SEVEN years and

boy is this one worth the wait.

This is, hands down, the boldest, smartest, most colourful and purely pleasureable dance album of the decade. Disco pleasures to look for include ‘Give Life Back to the Music’ and ‘Lose Yourself to Dance’, while ‘The Game of Love’ captures the bittersweet melancholy mood. ‘RAM’ screams retro while ‘Get Lucky’ is a guilty pleasure and proof that Daft Punk still have the knack of knowing when to shift gear.

If this is the future of music - count us in. This is 72 minutes of wild and wayward explorations, sleek soul and new wave rock. Just perfect for summer!

PUNK/ROCK

ROCK

RHYTHM & BLUES

TAPE DECK HEART

WHAT ABOUT NOW

THE GOLDEN AGE OF SONG

BY FRANK TURNER

BY BON JOVI

BY JOOLS HOLLAND

WHAT’S IT LIKE: INTENSELY personal, the process of listening to these tracks are as intimate - and sometimes as uncomfortable - as reading pages straight from his diary. ‘Recovery’ makes a perky anthem, with a persistent blast, for the freshly dumped. ‘Good & Gone’ and ‘Tell Tale Signs’ are harrowing, where in the latter he dives into rather graphic stories of his troubled teenage-self. Despite recording in the States, he hasn’t forsaken his British roots - although most of the country hasn’t even heard of him.

WHAT’S IT LIKE: IMPRESSIVELY this is the twelfth studio album by the rock band.

It is easy for us to excoriate these guys for producing another corporate-rock album, dominated as ever by Jon Bon Jovi’s increasingly leathery bark and Richie Sambora’s relentlessy uplifting guitar lines.

‘Left Of Me’ has a ripple of mandolin, which highlights their empathy for the hard-working people of this world, while ‘Army Of One’ offers a never-give-up lyric with stirring, fourman chanting.

We really aren’t sold on this one...

WHAT’S IT LIKE: JOINED by some seriously special guests, including Paloma Faith, Paolo Nutini, Jessie J, Amy Winehouse and Cee Lo Green, this collaboration is Jools’ 15th with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.

When you’ve got past Lily Allen tearing it up on ‘The Lady Is A Tramp’ and Cee Lo not quite so succcessfully mimicking Jackie Wilson on ‘Reet Petite’, this is a pretty standard fare.

Jools plays the boogie-woogie, his orchestra jumps and all the singers aquit themselves quite nicely. All-in-all, fairly standard.

FACT JULY

On The Occasion of The Holy Month Of Ramadan, in The Year ϭϰϯϰ ŽĨ dŚĞ ,ŝũƌŝ ĂůĞŶĚĂƌ͕ tĞ ĂƌĞ KīĞƌŝŶŐ zŽƵ͘

ϭϰϯϰ ,ŽƵƌƐ &Z ͊

Well, it’s finally Ramadan! (In case you didn’t know it, we are in the year 1,434 in the Islamic Hirji calendar) And on this special occasion I’m giving you an additional 1,434 hours FREE when you join the DreamBody Centre (DBC) -­ that’s the equivalent of 59.75 days!

The DBC is Bahrain’s only 23-­minute weight loss and body transformation centre. It works through the magic of circuit training. Unlike gyms, where you have to spend a long time using weights, and then a long time doing cardio, at the DBC you do resistance and cardio training together.

This is done on special machines that utilize hydraulic pumps, not weights. The machines are super easy to use, and the whole work out lasts just 23 minutes! You’ll also get a FREE copy of our exclusive weight loss book, the DreamBody Eating Plan, which will make it even easier to burn off your excess fat.

The DBC is the only place of its kind that offers you two money back guarantees! Call us now 17582 982 to book your 7-­day FREE trial -­ and get your 1, 434 FREE hours!

Dedicated to yours and your family’s well-­being.

Suhail G. Algosaibi

As seen on Al-Arabiya News Channel

Saturday to Thursday 7:00 am to 10:00 pm Fridays 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Lose weight in just 23 minutes!

FACT JULY

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ARTS

CHOICE WORDS

In Association with Virgin Megastore, Bahrain City Center

BAHRAIN’S BEST READS THIS MONTH BY GENRE

FICTION

AND THE MOUNTAINS ECHOED

BY KHALED HOSSEINI

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: IN a tale revolving around not just parents and children, but brothers and sisters, cousins and caretakers, this new novel is all about love; it is about how we take care of one another and about the choices we make that resonate through generations.

In his latest installment, Hosseini explores the many ways in which families nurture, wound, betray, honour and sacrifice.

Following its characters and the ramifications of their lives and loves around the globe - from Kabul to Paris and San Francisco - the story expands gradually outward, becoming more emotionally complex and pretty powerful.

WHAT’S IT LIKE: After reading the author’s previous titles, the last thing you would want is to be left disappointed, but this is so far from just being a large and windy Afghan epic. In fact it has it all: the leaps in time; the emotive tales of loss, betrayal and redemption; a true depiction of a country often misconceived.

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FICTION

NON-FICTION

MANUSCRIPT FOUND IN ACCRA

THE PHILOSOPHY BOOK

BY PAULO COELHO

BY MIXED AUTHORS

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: IT is July 14 in 1099 and Jerusalem awaits the invasion of the crusaders who have surrounded the city’s gates. Inside, men and women of every age and faith have gathered to hear the wise words of a mysterious man known only as the Copt. After many questions, the wise man’s answers are a record of the human values that have endured throughout time.

WHAT’S IT LIKE: There comes a time when you can’t read an entire book full of quotable words of wisdom. Apart from a few contradictions with quotes from a few sources, there are some wise moments and some pretty spiritual readings.

We are a little bit thankful that it is a slender publication. Good read but perhaps take a chick-flick for back-up.

NON-FICTION

SCREW BUSINESS AS USUAL

BY RICHARD BRANSON

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: THE main message of this book is simple: “that every single business person has the responsibility for taking care of the people that make up our global village, all 24,902 miles of it”. One of the world’s most famous and admired business leaders argues that it’s time to turn capitalism upside-down to shift our values.

WHAT’S IT LIKE: A must-read for anyone interested in business, entrepreneurship, social issues, the future of capitalism, and the current challenges that face the world today.

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: TO a complete novice, learning about philosophy can be a cause for dread... not this book.

This is all about untangling knotty theories; shedding light on abstract concepts and cutting through the haze of misunderstanding. It is essentially big ideas made very, very simple.

WHAT’S IT LIKE: Well judging it includes every and any ‘famous’ and relevant philosopher to date, you will be happy to hear that one read of this will definitely improve your IQ. And even for the slightly less-intellectual out there, it is filled with infographics, cartoons and illustrations, just in case you don’t understand the lingo.

This is ideal for anyone with a general interest in how our social, political and ethical ideas are formed. [ ALSO READ ] OUR Tweeps had a few books to recommend this month: @WeamZabar: Fifty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak @KhalidKhalifa: Allen Carr’s Easy Way To Stop Smoking

FACT JULY

37

ARTS

ON SCREEN TOP FILMS SHOWING THIS MONTH IN BAHRAIN

‘WHO STOLE MY PROTEIN SHAKE?!!

AHHHHHHHH”

THE WOLVERINE D: JAMES MANGOLD C: HUGH JACKMAN, FAMKE JANSSEN, WILL YUN LEE

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Based on the highly regarded comic book arc, The Wolverine, this film finds Logan (Hugh Jackman), the eternal warrior and outsider, in Japan. There, adamantium, claws clash with samurai steel as Logan confronts a mysterious figure from his past in an epic battle that will change him forever. (You will also see his claws out a lot killing all sorts.)

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING: This is a hard film to write about. And this is also a movie that we wished we had a sneak preview of.

Unfortunately we didn’t, so bare with us.

We would normally be eager beavers in lining up to see Jackman’s latest offering from the X-Men series. However, The Wolverine seems to be more of a rehash of Batman Begins (minus the prequel element) but (unfortunately) with no Batman in sight.

So far, we have a cliched plot and a character who has failed in the past. Mix in a bit of

formulaic action (a train battle) and our excitement continues to remain quite low.

When you compare this to last month’s release of Man of Steel, with its nice mix of action and strong characters, it is pretty obvious as to which superhero is going to triumph this summer (that is unless Chris Hemsworth surprises in Thor 2).

In restrospect, this film may just go to show that Wolverine is no longer invincible. If the film critics’ opinions are anything to go by, this summer belongs to one hero - Superman!

WIN 2 FREE CINEMA TICKETS 5HGHHPDEOH IRU DQ\ ÀOP DW DQ\ &LQHFR FLQHPD

Answer the following question:

NAME THE HIT MUSICAL FILM THAT HUGH JACKMAN STARRED IN, WHICH SWEPT THE OSCARS IN EARLY 2013?

E-mail answers to: editor@factlive.com

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FACT JULY

ARTS

[ SYNOPSIS]

DESPICABLE ME 2 D: PIERRE COFFIN, CHRIS RENAUD C: KEN JEONG, STEVE CARELL, KRISTEN WIIG, AL PACINO, RUSSELL BRAND

GROWN-UPS 2 sees Adam Sandler and his crew (Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Salma Hayek and Maya Rudoph) back together in this second gathering of childhood friends. Probably safe to say this is just as ridiculous as its predecessor, and one for a Saturday night LOL. Don’t expect comical history though (PG13). Adam Sandler’s voice is sometimes best appreciated on mute.

Saying that, a bar of chocolate will make up for what’s on screen.

R.I.P.D tells the story of two cops (Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds) who are dispatched by the otherworldly Rest In Peace Department to protect and serve the living from a destructive array of souls, who refuse to move peacefully to the other side. Well what a load of codswallop. The Ghost Whisperer meets the most budget film ever is what this is... not great.

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: Gru (Carell), no longer a villain, is recruited

by Lucy (Wiig) and Silas (Coogan) and taken to the HQ of the Anti-Villain League. Here his life takes an expected turn when he discovers a new villain called Eduardo on the loose and has to help fight him and save the world.

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING: The first installment brought in more than $540 million three years ago and became the tenth biggest animated motion picture in U.S history. We are going on those statistics and sincerely hoping number two will be an hour and 38 minutes of Minion madness. It is a feel-good movie, one to watch with the kids as well as a good investment for the DVD collection... to keep them entertained on the weekends and holidays.

THE LONE RANGER D: GORE VERBINSKI C: JOHNNY DEPP, ARMIE HAMMER, WILLIAM FICHTNER

WHAT’S IT ABOUT: An adventure where native American spirit warrior Tonto (Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice.

Jam-packed with a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous friction as two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING: Well, the film is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and the director is Gore Verbinski, so there’s two reasons. Depp has yet to prove himself this year and with Helena Bonham Carter making an appearance, this could be a recipe for disaster or may even surprise us. BUT, everyone loves a good action, adventure, western-comedy so it’s worth a watch!

FACT JULY

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TECHNOLOGY.

KEEPING THE PEOPLE OF BAHRAIN STATE-OF-THE-ART

SHOWROOM ROUND UP We give you the best car deals from around the island...

DRIVEN

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE Ali Driver checks out Jeep’s latest model and tests it, full-power, on the terrains of Bahrain...

AND ALSO...

SONY NWZ-W262 WE TRY

LAB TEST...

CANON POWERSHOT N HOW GOOD IS IT?

Sports fanatics get excited about this dinky, musical gadget that works underwater!

We try out Canon’s new addition to its camera family FACT JULY

41

TECHNOLOGY

CAR SHOWROOMS: BAHRAIN’S BEST RAMADAN DEALS

AUDI Q3 From BD13,950

Enjoy 0% interest rate and unlimited mileage warranty, service package, roadside assistance for 5 years & 12 years rust warranty Tel: 1745 9933

AUDI A6 From BD17,410 42

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TECHNOLOGY

PORSCHE TURBO S

Offers include 3 year warranty & 3 year service package for Cayenne Turbo & Turbo S. package. Tel: 1745 9911

DODGE CHARGER

A range of exclusive Ramadan offers are available on the Charger SRT, only from Behbehani Brothers in Sitra.

Tel: 1745 9955

Offers include attractive interest rates, best deals on trade in and 2-month deferred payment.

Also, gift vouchers up to BD450. Spin and win wheel for a chance to bag BD150. Tel: 1773 7373

FORD EXPLORER

From BD13,995 FACT JULY

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TECHNOLOGY

Offers include free registration, rust proofing, City centre gift vouchers and win instantly with spin and win wheel.

Tel: 1773 2732

NISSAN ALTIMA

From BD7,495

KIA V6

Free registration, approved window tinting, 5 years transferable unlimited mileage and Samsung S4 when a new KIA is purchased.

Tel: 1740 88 00

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT From BD7,390

For all the latest deals during Ramadan contact the showroom direct. Tel: 1745 997

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TECHNOLOGY

Offers include 10 years million kms warranty and BD1000 cashback on selected cars. Head down to Zayani Motors showroom.

Tel: 1770 3703

MITSUBISHI ASX

From BD8,995

Free registration, insurance and 5 years unlimited kilometer warranty available.

In Ramadan only get 1 set of FREE Roadstone tires OR 2 years free Suzuki service.

Tel: 1725 2606

SUZUKI GRAND VITARA HONDA ACCORD From BD9,500

For all the special Ramadan offers head for the Honda Showroom in Sitra. Tel: 1745 7100

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TECHNOLOGY

LAND ROVER SPORT

‘Buy Now, Pay in 2014’ on selected vehicles from BMW, MINI and Land Rover. Go down to Euromotors for all the best deals.

Tel: 1775 0750

HYUNDAI QUORIS

Special raffle to win this car during Ramadan! Get down to the showroom now!

Tel: 1712 1121

Get in touch with the Mercedes showroom to find out about all the best deals and offers in store throughout Ramadan.

Tel: 1778 5454

MERCEDES CLS 500 46

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From BD44,060

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47

Download our App! WITH ALL THE LATEST ISSUES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS, ENTER THE WORLD OF FACT WHENEVER AND WHEREVER YOU ARE!

FACT JULY 48 www.fact-­magazine.com

PLEASE NOTE: THE FACT APP IS AVAILABLE FOR IPHONE, IPAD AND ANDROID AND WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE ON OTHER PLATFORMS

LAB TEST

SONY NWZ-W262

THIS MAY NOT BE THE LATEST music product to hit the shelves here but boy is it one that caught our attention. In a world where iPods seem to have taken over the portable music scene, Sony has come back fighting with this little number. And it is certainly worth chatting about.

It may look like a glorified Bluetooth set for your latest Smartphone but this lightweight MP3 player is integrated into a pair of earphones that cleverly wrap around your head. For all you sport and fitness fanatics out there take note and save some cash because this could be your next favourite thing during a work out.

Free yourself from tangled cables; lift weights and run; you can even sweat as much as you like because the entire thing is waterproof and can be rinsed clean. One drawback is the loop between the headphones is unadjustable – meaning those with narrow heads won’t get so

much support. If you do have a head big enough, however, this is a winner.

The position of the controls take a little bit of getting used to: the right earpiece bears the play and track skipping buttons; the left controls your volume and a button that lets you switch between shuffle and playlist mode.

With fab audio quality and a driving bass, which defines the sound, without drowning out higher notes, we were a little unimpressed with the battery life.

Saying that, plugging it in to the mains for a few minutes gives you enough juice for an hour or so visit to the gym.

This may not look as cool as the brand new iPod but buying the Sony NWZ-W262 does save you serious amounts of cash.

It also saves you pretending to be getting into shape while in fact you are untangling your white cables!

PRICE BD35

BUY SONY ASHRAFS CITY CENTER

CONS NOT PRACTICAL FOR NARROW HEADS

CAPACITY 4GB

WEIGHT 32g BATTERY 8 HOURS

PROS CHEAP AND COMFORTABLE AND EASY TO USE FACT JULY

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Check us out online!

www.fact-­magazine.com

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FACT JULY

TECHNOLOGY

LAB TEST

CANON POWERSHOT N This newbie is Canon’s answer to the growing threat of Smartphones. Quite unlike any other compact camera on the market, the PowerShot N has an innovative square design, tilting touch screen and zoom and shoot operation lens rings.

The square design makes it a great size for a jacket pocket and although it is not as light as some of its rivals, the overall build quality is of high standards. Another unusual aspect of the camera’s design is the dual control ring that surrounds the 8x lens.

Quite thin and close together, one is used to control the zoom and the other to take a photo… not great when you’re in a hurry.

On the same note, the shooting ring is a little over-sensitive. Half-pressing it for focus, it is just a bit too easy to press it all the way down accidently resulting in a lot

PLEASED “Canon’s answer to the growing UISFBU PG 4NBSUQIPOFTw

IMPRESSED i" HSFBU TJ[F GPS B KBDLFU pocket”

of blurred images.

In actual fact, it’s easier to use the touch-screen LCD to focus and shoot with a single press.

Simples.

The tilting LCD screen is one to chat about. Hinged at the top, it can move a full 90 degrees but unfortunately, for those ‘selfie’ obsessed, it can’t be moved out to the side for self-portraits.

At this cost, you would expect more for your money. The ‘easy’ connectivity of the WiFi is anything but. After being billed as a Smartphone companion, we can’t think of that many who would pay full retail price for

UNIMPRESSED i:PV XPVME FYQFDU NPSF GPS your money”

this camera. You will either love or hate the control layout; you will definitely enjoy the 8x zoom lens (every smartphone’s dream) BUT it misses the mark as being both an alternative/companion to the smartphone.

It may, however, be the most surprising camera of 2013 (for which we applaud Canon). Saying that, it is definitely NOT the most well-realised, which every way you look at it.

PLUS PRICE BD120 BUY ALL MAJOR ELECTRONIC STORES BATTERY APPROX 200 SHOTS MEGAPIXEL 12.1 SCREEN 2.8-INCH TOUCH-SCREEN WEIGHT 195G PROS EASY TO USE, MOVIES IN 1080P HD QUALITY

CONS EXPENSIVE FAILS IN MANY DEPARTMENTS

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ALI DRIVER SAYS THAT... “THE 2014 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE IS EVERYTHING AN SUV SHOULD BE, AND THEN SOME!�

PRICE: BD18,499 (MODELS START FROM BD14,999)

TRANSMISSION: 8-SPEED AUTO WITH PADDLESHIFT

POWER: 360HP/529NM TORQUE

Our Mystery Motoring Expert, Ali Driver, really wants one of these bad boys! When we drove the last generation of the Grand Cherokee back in 2011, we were blown away by the looks, the comfort, the on-road performance and, most importantly, the off-road performance. This 2014 model had a lot to live up to!

In reality, there have only been minor changes to this later model, most notably to the lights at both the front and rear of the car, and some minor tweaks to the styling.

Inside, the options are more or less the same as well, with a slightly revised infotainment system, with the 6-CD changer under the centre armrest instead of in the dash, and more 52

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ENGINE SIZE: 5.7L V8 HEMI

connectivity with regards to MP3 players, USB ports, and so on. You still get the in-dash hard drive that can store all your music internally.

Also present on this model the impressive Selec-Terrain, which is the adjustable transmission for various off-road conditions, including mud, snow, rock, and so on.

What was included on the last model we drove as an optional extra was the Quadra-Lift air suspension system that can raise the ground clearance by a few centimetres.

This did not come standard on this particular trim level, the 5.7l HEMI V8 Limited model, although it does on the higher trim levels, the Overland and the Summit.

WHO IS ALI DRIVER?

1. He lives in Bahrain and says he grew up on the streets of Manama, but we think he’s actually from a rich family.

2. He says his car skills are selftaught, but we’re sure we’ve seen D FHUWLÀFDWH IURP WKH %DKUDLQ International Circuit on his wall.

We decided to test this new Jeep in the same places that we GURYH WKH ODVW RQH WR PDNH D IDLU FRPSDULVRQ 7KH Ă€UVW VSRW was a small axle-bender that climbs a small hill in Sakhir. It’s a relatively easy obstacle that most vehicles make it up, but it’s a case of how easily and smoothly the car in question climbs the hill. Or so we thought‌ I pointed this new Grand Cherokee at the hill, set the terrain selector to ‘rock’ and applied a small amount of power, trusting the traction control to scramble its way up, just like last time. To my surprise, the new Jeep got halfway up, and after some amount of scrabbling and lurching, I realised to my horror that, despite the differential lock

3. He drives cars better than anyone we know (but don’t ever tell him).

4. He claims to be able to change a regular car tyre in under four minutes, but we’re sure that’s only when his wife helps him.

and terrain selector, I wasn’t going anywhere! Let’s try DJDLQ , UHYHUVHG EDFN GRZQ DQG VHW LW WR œPXG¡ ÀJXULQJ that the surface was very slippery and maybe this would distribute the power more evenly. Once again, it was a fail.

Before trying again, I inspected the hill, and realised that rain and bad weather had eroded the man-made obstacle to the point where the tyres were just eating away at the humps and bumps, and not giving the vehicle any traction. This was going to be more of a challenge than we thought‌ New strategy: go balls-out! This time I tackled the hill with more gusto, and turned the wheel left and right to help the W\UHV ÀQG D EHWWHU OLQH 6XUH HQRXJK LW ZRUNHG X FACT JULY

53

The new Jeep is great for the roads in Bahrain

That was more like it. The Jeep had been presented with a real challenge, and had risen to the occasion. Next up, we took it to some of our favourite softsand spots down by the tree of life to see how it tackled this type of terrain, which is VERY common in the Gulf.

As expected, the ‘sand’ setting combined with the huge amounts of power from the 5.7L V8 had the Jeep powering through the powdery sand like a champion. We even stopped in some particularly deep spots, and set off from standstill, and the traction control used the torque to gently ease us out of the sand with no fuss at all.

I was constantly aware of the low ground clearance of the front bumper.

I was afraid it was going to end up grinding on some slope, but it wasn’t an issue. If you’re going to be using the car for serious off-roading, I’d recommend picking a model with the Quadra-Lift air suspension for that extra capability.

Once again, the Jeep Grand Cherokee ticks all the boxes! It looks great, is smooth, comfortable and impressively agile on the road, but most important of all, it completely dominates off-road! Q

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“Smooth, comfortable and dominates off-road”

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FASHION.

FIGHTING THE BATTLE AGAINST BAD TASTE IN BAHRAIN

HOT SUMMER LOOKS! We bring you new style must-haves and essentials for the season ahead.

FACT JULY

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FASHION

Summer Lovin’

GAP: YOUR ONE-STOP FASHION DESTINATION THIS SCORCHING SUMMER SEASON &RQVLGHUHG WKH DOO WLPH American high street favourite, Gap has over the years made its way into our hearts and into our closets; now who honestly doesn’t own a pair of Gap jeans! Come this summer the brand’s making a statement, coming back with a big bright bang and a collection that takes its classic Americana style to a whole new level.

Inspired by the warm and sunny days of the season the women’s collection comes brighter than ever.

Shades of neon pink, sun kissed orange and sweet pastel fight for colour palette dominance, while denim leads as the material of choice. Beachy knitted dresses, striped shorts, and little tie-dye numbers make up the perfect summer essentials, while boho

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FASHION

scarves and braided belts take over for accessories. And although no Gap collection is free from their classic almost prep-like styles this season sees a little bit more edge with slight rockerchick references. From short frayed denim cutoffs to bleached and washedout shirts and jackets, the Gap woman is way cooler this summer.

For men, the creative team played around with patterns, colour and detailing. Shorts took centre stage with a series of new exciting tones and washes for the summer. The workwear line also sees a few new additions with tailored slim khakis turning up in solid and yarn dyes, new yet still the classic turn-to pieces for any working man. *2 <RX FDQ Ă&#x20AC;QG *DS DW %DKUDLQ &LW\ &HQWUH

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FASHION

BD20.250

BD25.750

BD30.500

BD36

BD18.500 BD11.500

BD13

BD25.750

BD20.250

BD30.500

BD23.250

BD23.250 BD18.500

GAP MUST-HAVES Find these collection pieces in the stores now!

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Your family deserves quality, every day m e e r a K n a d a m a R

Follow us on @Alosra_Bahrain Alosra Supermarket Alosrasupermarket Saar 17 697558 Amwaj 16 033773 Durrat 77 770001 Riffa 17 750006 www.bmmigroup.com FACT JULY

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FASHION

TURN THE HEAT UP

The weather is heating up and so is summer fashion. This month itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about being bold, bright and beautiful with your colour choices. Experiment with neon pinks, yellows, oranges, greens and many more summer shades - thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing like a splash of colour to liven up your wardrobe this season!

OSMAN 62

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FASHION

TOPSHOP

VINCCI

STRADIVARIUS

PROMOD

LACOSTE SALSA PROMOD

MICHAEL KORS

SALSA

ALDO

STRADIVARIUS

SALSA STUART WEITZMAN JUICY COUTURE SCHUTZ GAP

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FASHION

SUMMER SHADES This month it’s all about taking a colourful plunge with your fashion choices. Brighten up your everyday look with sunshine yellows, grass greens and sky blues from the latest high-street and high-end collections, that we’ve chosen especially for those super-hot summer days.

FENDI AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

KENZO

GAP

GAP

FIN’S AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

TOD SAK’S VS FE S FIF RRA TH A RI AT VEN UE

SALSA 64

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FASHION

LACOSTE

LACOSTE

MASSIMO DUTTI

SALSA

LACOSTE

PULL A ND BEA R

SALSA

SALS A

STE LACO

PULL AN D BEAR FACT JULY

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FASHION

WOMEN ’S TOP MAXI MAYHEM

Comfortable and totally cute, maxi dresses are a summertime staple and these picks will satisfy your style needs!

3

1

7

1. GAP 2. TOPSHOP 3. JANE NORMAN 4. NEXT 5. JANE NORMAN 6. TOPSHOP 7. STRADIVARIUS

5

2

4 6

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6

FASHION

MUST-HAVES 3 1

2

5

4

1. VINCCI | 2. TOPSHOP | 3. STRADIVARIUS 4. SALSA | 5. SALVATORE FERRAGAMO 6. LACOSTE | 7. TOPSHOP | 8. STRADIVARIUS 9. STELLA MCCARTNEY | 10. CAROLINA HERRERA 11. JUICY COUTURE | 12. SALVATORE FERRAGAMO 13. ALDO | 14. BALENCIAGA AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

9 8

6 7 12

11

10

BAGS GALORE

13

Give your outfit an explosion of colour this summer with our pick of uber-stylish handbags and clutches!

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, MEN S SUMMER FASHION

SHIRTS

Stylish colours and fabrics, shirts are great for keeping cool in the summertime and an on-­trend choice for fashion-­forward men

1

4

2

3

8 6

5

1. LACOSTE 2. NEXT 3. PULL & BEAR 4. GAP 5. MASSIMO DUTTI 6. LACOSTE 7. NEXT 8. BOGGI 9. SALSA

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9

FASHION

ESSENTIALS 1

3

2

TROUSERS It’s all about the jeans and chinos this summer -­ the colourful the better!

8

6

4

5 1. MASSIMO DUTTI 2. BOGGI 3. LACOSTE 4. PULL AND BEAR 5. NEXT 6. NEXT 7. SALSA 8.. MASSIMO DUTTI

7

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FASHION

EVOLUTION OF THE HIJAB Louisa Lamine Alahmed is on a mission to enhance womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comfort and style. Shabana Adam talks to the fashion designer about her revolutionary hijab line, especially designed for ladies in the Gulf.

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FASHION

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Women deserve beautiful things,â&#x20AC;? says Louisa Lamine Alahmed, and true to that saying, the French-born fashion designer has come up with a revolutionary concept with the style and comfort of women in mind.

Louisa is the brain behind a new luxurious and elegant collection of hijabs for her fashion line, Mimosa Arabia.

The innovative brand has been created especially for women in the Gulf, and what makes her designâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special is simple â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the fabrics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Living in Saudi Arabia I used to put on the hijab and abaya, and it was so hot and so uncomfortable,â&#x20AC;? Louisa tells us. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So I thought of a new concept for ladies in the Gulf, especially as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so hot and humid, and especially when you do Hajj and Umrah, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the choice but to put on the same fabrics that are used here, which is polyester.

Even muslin and silk are not sweat-free.â&#x20AC;?

Mimosa Arabia offers an alternative

by using fabrics such as CoolMax and TriFit (used for sportswear by adidas and nike) to make its hijabs, with each taking WKUHH WR Ă&#x20AC;YH KRXUV WR FRPSOHWH /RXLVD explains, â&#x20AC;&#x153;These fabrics have cooling and moisture wicking properties that repel moisture and sweat, making our hijabs more comfortable to wear.â&#x20AC;?

For Louisa, it was important to retain the traditions of the Gulf region while providing a contemporary twist in her chic designs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted the designs to respect the traditions of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia; to cover the hair and to not be transparent, but at the same time follow the fashion industry through the colours and the fabrics.â&#x20AC;?

Now living in Amwaj with her family, Louisa has a boutique in Galali and hopes to draw women towards her concept by offering two hijab collections.

One is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;normalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, using materials like taffeta and silk and the other is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;newâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, comprised of more breathable fabrics and more fashion-forward designs (itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also the same price, or cheaper, than the normal collection!).

Louisa wants women to be excited about buying the hijab, similar to buying a handbag or shoes! â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want it to be a style experience, when they open the hijab box, it will be like a kind of sensation from which they then have to select their clothes. They will feel much PRUH FRQĂ&#x20AC;GHQW ZLWK SXWWLQJ DQ RXWĂ&#x20AC;W together, as the hijab is very beautiful!â&#x20AC;?

Mimosa Arabia is very close to her heart, and Louisa has even named every hijab design after the women in her

LOUISA CHOOSES TO USE BREATHABLE FABRICS IN HER DESIGNS family; thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hijab Fatima, her mother; Hijab Karima, her sister, Hijab Noura, her sister-in-law, and many more.

She counts Elie Saab. Christian Lacroix and Azzedine AlaĂŻa as her fashiondesigner role models, and like her icons, Louisa envisioned her designs for openminded and modern ladies.

Emulating the success of big-name designers is something Louisa would love to achieve. â&#x20AC;&#x153;First we want to be vey strong in local areas of Bahrain. Inshallah LQ Ă&#x20AC;YH \HDUV , ZRXOG ORYH WR EH LQ -HGGDK Riyadh, Dubai, Qatar, and Kuwait too.â&#x20AC;?

Louisa shows genuine ambition for her pioneering hijab designs, and as her mottos is â&#x20AC;&#x153;if you have a dream just try to reach it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just follow your heart,â&#x20AC;? it is likely that the ingenious Mimosa Arabia team is headed for great success. Q GO: To see or shop more of Louisaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designs visit www.mimosa-arabia.com/online.

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FASHION

Summer Scents

This month FACT is introducing beauty pages for its readers! Tell us what you think of the idea and if we should make this a regular feature! Email editor@factlive.com or tweet @FACTbahrain

jimmy choo

elie saab

marc jacobs

thierry mugler

her

FRESH & FEMININE

Sweet, Sensual and Fruity. Perfumes for women this season are delightfully summery. Smell lush with our pick of the best

Oscar de la Renta

thierry mugler

lanvin issey miyake 72

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vera wange

FASHION

dolce & gabbana

calvin klein

jean paul gaultier calvin klein

him

dior

MANLY MUSKS

davidoff

Crisp, Cool and Refreshing.

We’ve picked the best fragrances to help all the men out there achieve the perfect summer scent

chanel

lacoste

salvatore ferragamo FACT JULY

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Radio Bahrain 96.5 FM | Bahrain FM 93.3 | Shabab 98.4 FM | Bahrain Station 102.3 FM / 801 AM

EXCLUSIVE AGENT: FOR YOUR ADVERTISING: +973 17 564 250 www.groupplusmedia.com | groupplus

LIKE US

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FACT JULY

.

FIGHTING THE BATTLE AGAINST BAD TASTE IN BAHRAIN’S HOMES

FACT JULY

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FASHION IN THE HOME

RUGGED BEAUTY

In an ever-changing world of fashion trends and evolving collections, it is sometimes the most unique of creations that warrant a place in our homes. FACT FKDWV WR 8UEDQ +RPHV WR ÀQG RXW PRUH DERXW WKH ZRUOG RI FDUSHQWU\ LQ %DKUDLQ

Ehsan Al Mubarak is a man with a passion and at 49 years of age, his life is now dedicated to making his dream come true. After making KLV ÀUVW SLHFH RI IXUQLWXUH IURP reclaimed wood 15 years ago, Ehsan KDV VWUXJJOHG WR ÀQG WKH UHFRJQLWLRQ he deserves on the island until now.

He told us, “My friend, Ahmed Fadhul, is the owner of The Good Life Gallery, and has always helped me sell my products there. He always supported me through my tough years and then he proposed that I re-launch my products with a more modernised and chic look.”

Joined by Hussain Al Noaimi, a home décor designer, they launched a new revised collection at the end of May this year under the name of Urban Homes.

While the rest of the Bahrain

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carpentry market depends largely on imported wood, Urban Homes specialises in creating unique pieces made purely out of old Bahraini trees. From cheese boards to candle holders, bottle holders to tables and wardrobes and shelves, each of the pieces are eco-friendly yet retain a sense of tradition.

Ehsan said, “Some of the pieces take more than 50 hours to create.

The most rewarding part of creating my pieces is that I can see my imagination come to life. During our three-day launch, so many people were surprised when they heard that the pieces are made here with local Bahraini wood!”

Like all artists and designers, the men behind the creations need support and recognition for their talents. The carpenter told us, “We

FASHION IN THE HOME

These pieces will add a real touch of Bahrain to your home

are currently looking to expand our production - a move that will allow us to start exporting to a Western market.

“Now we are looking for recognition within the country; we are looking for someone who believes in our vision and creativity.

With support we can purchase the better equipment needed to produce larger quantities of our creations.”

We fell in love with everything we saw at Urban Homes. More importantly, the brand reignited that VORZ EXUQLQJ ÁDPH DQG UHPLQGHG us that there are still traditional and unique examples of handicraft taking place in the Kingdom; handicrafts that need to be treasured, appreciated and supported… If RQO\ ZH KDG D ODUJHU RIÀFH WR ÀW everything in! Q Email: thegoodlifegallery@yahoo.com Facebook: The Good Life Gallery Instagram: goodlife_gallery Phone: 3323 0028

FACT JULY

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3KRWRJUDSK\ ([KLELWLRQ in association with

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FACT JULY

Media Partner

An event by

TIME Recreation is just as important in life as occupation!

This is your guide to making the most of your precious spare time.

There’s no need to waste it...

THE CHEF’S TABLE WITH MOHAMMED SAMARA We dine at the table of InterContinental Regency’s Executive Sous Chef Mohammed Samara, who treats us to a hotpot of Arabic goodness.

DAVID’S STIR FRY CRAZY The FACT team heads for one of the island’s favourites to see if this venue lives up to the high expectations and never-ending hype!

RAMADAN DINING There are plenty of exciting eating options this month for all you foodies...

FACT JULY

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TIME TO UNWIND

VENUE REVIEW Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stir Fry Crazy: Relaxing atmosphere and delicious food!

Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stir Fry Crazy BLDG 228 ROAD 3605 BLOCK 336, MANAMA, 1730 5031, PRICE: BD10 PER PERSON

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safe to say, when it comes to good Chinese food, Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stir Fry Crazy is D KLW LQ WKH )$&7 RIĂ&#x20AC;FH DW OHDVW ZLWK the staff who arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t vegan!), but up until now, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve only tried its culinary delights at the smaller cafĂŠâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;style eatery in Riffa.

As weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve become loyal food fans of its tasty cuisine, we set out for Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bigger restaurant in the Adliya area and were more than eager to experience this venue.

7KH UHVWDXUDQW KDV WZR Ă RRUV DQG LV a really relaxing place to dine. We were VHDWHG RQ WKH WRS Ă RRU ZKLFK LV GLYLGHG in two; a more intimate area, with comfy settees (great for after work drinks), and the main dining area, with its chalet-esque, high wooden beams and large tables.

The pleasant and attentive staff are extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. At our table, we were meat-lovers, and as the menu features a huge variety of beef, chicken and Ă&#x20AC;VK GLVKHV DV ZHOO DV VRPH QRQ KDODO options, we decided to order starters and 80

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main course based on what the waiter recommended! (It was a great decision).

First up it was beef lettuce wraps, which had a delectable balance of spicy and crispy, and tasted just divine with the lettuce, making for a really refreshing appetizer. We also tried the Chinese chive dumplings; fresh grounded shrimps LQIXVHG ZLWK PRXWK ZDWHULQJ Ă DYRXUV RI chives, garlic and spice, all wrapped in noodle pastries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; absolutely fantastic and not too heavy for a starter either.

For the main course we went all out. [ THE BILL ] 1 Chinese Chive Dumpling 3.600 1 Lettuce Wrap Beef 3.600 1 Chengdu Chicken 3.000 1 BBQ Baby Beef Ribs 6.600 1 Garlic Fried Rice 1.400 2 7 UP 0.900 1 Coke Light 0.450 Service 1.955 Govt. Levy 1.080 TOTAL 22.600

:H RSWHG IRU WKH Ă DYRXUVRPH &KHQJGX chicken and the barbecued baby beef ribs, accompanied by garlic rice. Needless to say we were not disappointed.

7KH VXFFXOHQW FKLFNHQ Ă&#x20AC;OOHW SLHFHV cooked in a medley of spices, hot red chillies and Sichuan pepper corns was, OLWHUDOO\ DQ H[SORVLRQ RI Ă DYRXUV LQ \RXU mouth! The samba sauce this dish is cooked, is a real treat for your taste buds.

But the best was yet to come! As soon as we set eyes on the beef ribs, we knew this was going to be a dish that would be unforgettable, and we werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wrong.

It was tender and tasty, and the Hoisin sauce was simply amazing. We highly recommend it for true meat-eaters!

7KH IRRG LV ZKROHVRPH Ă&#x20AC;OOLQJ DQG simply, delicious. We love that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s served in generous portions too (the reason why we had to give dessert a miss!).

It was so refreshing to see the man KLPVHOI 'DYLG RQ WKH UHVWDXUDQW Ă RRU interacting with his customers. It certainly made our dining experience more pleasurable, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure the FACT team will return for another meal very soon!

TIME TO UNWIND

Mövenpick A special ‘Go Healthy’ initiative has been set up by the Mövenpick to help spread the word that healthy, nutritious dishes can also be tasty. As well as being great for the planet, the new concept uses local produce, seasonal ingredients, local suppliers and environmental awareness.

Head down to sample some of the cleanest meals around – remember a healthy heart is a happy one! GO: 1746 0000

The Organic Foods and Café With special timings from 10am-4pm and 7pm-12am this Ramadan, this healthy shop and café is the perfect spot to try some classic traditional Arabic dishes with a modern and organic twist. The Beetroot Hummus is to die for; the Quinoa Tabbouleh is a super-healthy side dish and the Organic Chicken Shawarma wraps are delish.

GO: 1333 3288

ROYAL GOLF CLUB A great option this month is to become part of the Gastro Club at

PAUL Bakery & Restaurant The place to visit for an inventive Iftar menu this month. For traditional ÁDYRXUV DQG D )UHQFK touch, the bakery has a delicious host of goodies on its menu: for starters try the spiced Tomato and Cumin soup or a selection of summer salads including Watermelon, Blue Cheese and Rocca or Chicken Couscous.

Mains include Poached

the Royal Golf Club. Enjoy discounts in three restaurants as well as access to the Members’ only area for a mere BD60 a year.

Starting on July 9, the Tuesday before Ramadan, you can become part of the Ramadan PowerPlay Series – an evening sponsored by menswear brand Boggi. The comp will tee off at 7pm every Tuesday and features a number of different challenges.

Salmon, Tarragon and Lemon Chicken and a Grilled Beef Fillet.

The menu will only cost you BD9.9. Happy days!

GO: 1775 0777

0073 (Seef)

GO: 1777 2321 (BCC)/ 1758

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THE CHEFS TABLE

It’s that time of year once more when hotels and restaurants set up for the Holy Month, preparing an array of culinary delights for the people of Bahrain to enjoy during Ramadan. Here at FACT we love nothing more than wholesome traditional Arabic cuisine, something that Chef Mohammed Samara is an expert in.

We meet him at the InterContinental Regency where he is currently the Executive Sous Chef across a number of the hotel’s many restaurants. He is also the man who will take on the task of preparing the food that will be served in the hotel’s Ramadan tent this year – and boy are you in for a gastronomic treat!

“We’ll be cooking for around 500 people daily. We’ll have around 13 to 14 dishes of main course, around 20 salads and up to 25 different desserts which will be both Arabic and international.”

Chef Samara has been cooking professionally for over 30 years, after completing his food training in Amman.

However, he credits much of his culinary skills to “practice and experience.”

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Mohammed Samara InterContinental Regency This month it’s all about Ramadan and traditional food. We visit the InterContinental Regency to meet Chef Mohammed Samara, the man behind the delicious Arabic cuisine to be served in the hotel’s Ramadan tent this year....

THE CHEFS TABLE

We wanted to try some of the wellloved Arabic food that will appear on WKH PHQX WKLV 5DPDGDQ 6R Ă&#x20AC;UVW XS ZDV tabbouleh and hummus, two simple yet incredibly popular and tasty starters. &KHI 6DPDUD Ă&#x20AC;QHO\ FKRSV SDUVOH\ tomato and red onion. His skill with a knife has us in awe and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quickly achieved the desired quality of the freshly cut ingredients, which, he advises, cannot be done with a machine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can also use spring onion, but some people prefer without onions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I OLNH WKHP IRU Ă DYRXU Âľ VD\V &KHI 6DPDUD The hummus is in one word, exquisite.

The chickpeas are boiled for up to 24 hours; cooked for a further two hours with baking soda then put in a blender with sesame seed oil and lemon juice. The

UHVXOW ² VPRRWK à DYRXU IXOO KXPPXV and with the crunchy tabbouleh, this starter is wonderfully refreshing.

For the main course we are truly spoiled. The chef prepares stuffed baby marrow with vine leaves and lamb chops, inspired by popular Middle Eastern dishes, maqluba and dolma.

It comprises of simple elements. A GHOLFLRXV PLQFH PHDW FRQFRFWLRQ Ă&#x20AC;OOV WKH baby marrow and vine leaves (egyptian rice is used in the latter too). :KHQ WKH SDQ LV Ă&#x20AC;QDOO\ OLQHG ZLWK DOO the ingredients and grilled lamb chops, \RX Ă&#x20AC;OO LW ZLWK ZDWHU RU FKLFNHQ VWRFN DQG use a plate to directly cover everything with a heavy object on top, this is to stop the vine leaves from coming apart. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is actually an easy dish to make

but takes time to cook. You have to leave it all to boil for a minimum of two hours,â&#x20AC;? explains Chef Samara.

As predicted, the wait is well worth it.

We see the ingredients in the pan get Ă LSSHG RQWR WKH SODWH WKDW¡V KRZ WKLV â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;upside downâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dish works). The lamb chops are succulent and the hot vine leaves melt in your mouth, as does the soft baby marrow. Served with yogurt, this main is simply heaven.

Last but not least came a selection of Arabic sweets, including dates, baklava, maamoul and lukaymat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the perfect way to top off an authentic meal.! If you like the sound of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on offer, get down to the InterContinental Regencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ramadan tent â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no doubt that ZH¡OO EH RQH RI WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW WR YLVLW Q FACT JULY

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VENUE SPOTLIGHT

Last of the Summer LOLs!

BAHARAT Address: Contact No: Website: Email: Twitter:

Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre (+973) 1717 1000 www.kempinski.com/bahrain restaurants.bahrain@kempinski.com @KGIHBCC

Ramadan at Baharat in Kempinski!

It is with sad faces WKDW ZH WDON DERXW WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO Chuckle Club taking place this July 3 and 4.

But donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fear, it is back again in full force in September. What many of you may not know is that the original line-up, featuring Phil Nichol, has been changed and we welcome in his place Mr Tom Deacon.

'DYH )XOWRQ LV WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW RQ WKH OLVW 7KH IDFW WKDW his biography had us in stitches goes to show what we can expect from him on the night.

Similar in looks to Billy Connolly, Dave is an American abroad, a whiner and a lover of a good drink or two.

The only lady performing is Tiffany Stevenson.

New to the comedy scene, she has worked alongside big names such as Ricky Gervais and Stephen Fry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not bad for being a comedian for just seven years.

Last, but not least, is Tom Deacon. With three solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe under his belt and appearances on The Rob Brydon Show, he also has his own show on BBC Radio 1 and has been traveling around Europe on a tour called EuroFan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a series that you can catch on YouTube.

GO: July 3 is at the Regency and 4 is at the Brit Club. Call 3666 3509.

Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre is embracing the Holy Month of Ramadan this year with an elaborate Iftar menu to captivate your taste buds! Featuring an eclectic array of classic Arabic dishes spanning the Middle East, plus entertainment in the form of a traditional Yemeni Oud player performing the enchanting sounds of the Orient, this very special restaurant is offering an Iftar celebration capturing the festive spirit of the Holy Month this Ramadan. Dine on delicious Arabic cuisine with a modern twist, and sip on delicious traditional juices while enjoying a selection of shisha in the ornate Ramadan tent.

On special offer during the Holy Month is the winning dish from Kempinskiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Recipe Contest in June.

Kempinski invited the resident public to submit their favourite Ramadan inspired recipe in a contest to win various SUL]HV LQFOXGLQJ D VSRW in Baharatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nightly Iftar menu for the duration of the Holy Month. The creators of the three most interesting recipes were invited for a cook-off at the hotel in June and the winning recipe features on the menu for the whole month, along with other delicious Ramadan dishes. A Spice Art Exhibition will also run throughout the duration of the Holy Month, with pieces submitted from local artists to capture the Art of Giving. All pieces will be on sale, with the proceeds going to a local charity and the participating artists.

Issam Seddoq, Kempinskiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chef de Cuisine leading the Baharat kitchens, was born in Morocco and brings a wealth of knowledge from previous experiences working in Marrakech, Saudi Arabia and Dubai.

Peeking into pots and pans in his grandmotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen from a young age, his passion for Arabic and Lebanese cuisine was awakened.

7RGD\ &KHI ,VVDP FUHDWHV KLV RZQ VSLFH PL[ WR SHUVRQDOL]H DQG Ă&#x20AC;QH tune his culinary creations at Baharat.

Date: Every night during the Holy Month of Ramadan Time: 6:00 pm to 2:00 am Price: BD17 (++) inclusive of Ramadan juices and soft drinks For additional information or reservations: (+973) 1717 1144

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HEALTH & WELLBEING Your body is your temple, so worship it! Looking after your health doesn’t have to mean exercising and eating health food - a good pampering is just as important...

Your body is your temple, so worship it! Looking after your health doesn’t have to mean exercising and eating healthy food - a good pampering is just as important...

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

HOMEMADE ALTERNATIVES

Are you bored of spending hundreds of dinars on beauty products? Well, FACT has put together some of the best home remedies for you to try. From hair treatments to teeth whiteners, save yourself some pennies and try one of theseâ&#x20AC;Ś

HEALTH & WELLBEING

HAPPY HAIR

For: Dry or Sun-Damaged Hair Whatever your hair-dehydrating demon, natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sweetener can help.

Use: Honey Method: Massage approximately 1/2 cup honey into clean, damp hair. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

You can also add one to two tablespoons of olive oil to loosen the honey for easier application. For extremely sun-damaged hair, try mixing honey with one to two tablespoons of a protein-rich ingredient, like avocado or egg yolk. Treatment can be applied once a month.

For: Slow-Growing Hair Perfect for those looking to grow their locks quickly.

Use: Potato Juice, Lemon Juice, Cayenne Pepper, Olive Oil or Caster Oil Method: Mix half a cup or one cup of olive oil or caster oil (depending on the length of your hair) with two teaspoons of potato juice, one teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Massage into your hair and leave in a bun overnight. For best results, use twice a week.

SOOTHING SUNBURN Relieve that stinging burn from too many hours in the sunshine.

Use: Three bags of Earl Grey, a towel, warm water Method: Brew the teabags in warm water (add more depending on burn), soak the towel in the liquid and apply to the burn.

Re-apply until skin begins to soothe. If you have fresh Aloe Vera to hand, use the sap of the plant and lather it on the burn.

SPARKLING TEETH The cheapest remedy for a winning smile.

Use: Strawberries and Baking Soda/ Lemon Method: Pulp up a handful of strawberries and mix with a teaspoon of baking soda. Rub onto your tooth and rinse after a few minutes. Use toothpaste to get rid of the residue.

Repeat this method twice a month.

OR replace strawberries with lemon and use the same method. Repeat this once a week.

CURING BAD SKIN Say goodbye to unwanted pimples with one of your five a day.

Use: Tomatoes/Toothpaste Method: Mash one tomato into a pulp and spread across your face. Let it sit for one hour. Wash it off with tepid water and pat dry. Repeat once a day for a week.

As an alternative, leave a small amount of toothpaste on your unwanted spot overnight and wash off in the morning.

Repeat as often as you wish.

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SPEED RENT A CAR Currently renting or looking to rent a vehicle? Why not try us?

New vehicles available, from saloons to 4x4s Competitive prices Daily – Weekly – Monthly – Long-term rental schemes Vehicle delivery and collection to your home Airport pick-up and drop-off service

“ Helping to manage Your Path” Amwaj: +973 1601 0131 Saar: +973 1779 5300 Out of Hours: +973 3885 2413

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BEAUTY SPOTLIGHT

SURVIVING RAMADAN 2XU +HDOWK &ROXPQLVW LV Ă&#x20AC;WQHVV JXUX Craig Heslop, Founder & Coach of Tribal Fitness, who believes that a more back-to-basics and natural approach to living is the key to a healthy lifestyleâ&#x20AC;Ś 5DPDGDQ LV D IDQWDVWLF WLPH WR FOHDQVH UHĂ HFW and challenge oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self. I am always amazed at the discipline of our Muslim Members when they continue to move well despite a lack of food and water during the day.

At Tribal Fitness, our philosophy is to move, eat and live naturally. Ramadan is an ideal time to prioritize and appreciate our health.

Fasting, from a health standpoint enables the digestive system to repair. The time away from breaking down and processing food is an opportunity for the gut to strengthen.

2WKHU EHQHĂ&#x20AC;WV RI IDVWLQJ include increased insulin sensitivity and immunity whilst the body has the opportunity to metabolize fat as an energy source.

My word of advice for breaking your fast is to avoid gorging on processed carbohydrates.

The body needs some Craig Heslop, nutrient dense food and Founder & Coach so we should look to of Tribal Fitness nature to help us.

Ramadan may not be the time to be running ultra marathons or lifting your personal best. It is however, a great opportunity to focus on health.

0DQ\ SHRSOH , PHHW DUH DWKOHWLFDOO\ Ă&#x20AC;W EXW YHU\ unhealthy. Do you walk every day? Take a morning walk to loosen up whilst socializing with the family and enjoy the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s morning rays.

Ramadan can be a rather nocturnal time so ensure you are getting enough sleep. The body releases hormones at night that help you get stronger and shed excess body fat.

If you are awake till the early hours of the morning you have missed out on optimal hormone release.

Prioritize peaceful sleep.

I wish you health and happiness over the holy month! Ramadan Kareem.

GO: For more information, or to get involved with Tribal Fitness, FNBJM DSBJH!USJCBMmUOFTT DPN PS DBMM

Address: Dragon Hotel, above Muju, Amwaj Islands Contact No: 16031120 Website: MR]VDORQVSD#EDWHOFR com.bh

The holidays are upon us and that means lots of parties to attend! This is the time of year that gives you free license to dress up and glamorize, and your hair should UHĂ HFW WKH KROLGD\ VSLULW DV ZHOO You may be tempted to wrap your head in luscious ringlets for your holiday parties, but if the weather outside is frightful or you want to keep hair out of the way, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to reconsider. Fortunately, updos look fabulous for the holidays and tend to keep in place well. And also updos accentuate features, play up your collar bone and shoulder and expose your neck, all creating a striking, sexy look.

Hairstyles for the season are: Â&#x2021; 6OHHN DQG FKLFN Â&#x2021; 5HOD[HG 3XOOHG %DFN Â&#x2021; &XUO &XHV The right hairstyle for your face will do wonders.

Whether you have a long face, square or heart shape PXJ WKH KDLUVW\OH \RX SLFN FDQ HLWKHU Ă DWWHU RU Ă DWWHQ our features. The Hairdresser at JOZ SALON & SPA can help you to pick out the best style for your shape.

Call JOZ SALON & SPA Juffair 17369133 Amwaj 16031120 Awali 17756449

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

TIPS FROM THE TOP Contrary to belief, Ramadan is actually a great opportunity to reach your goals. Karim Arafa gives you some advice on how to look after yourselves during the Holy Month…

Fasting has been scientifically proven to be beneficial to the body and mind. The long fasting periods allow your body to allocate energy resources to detoxify the body and perform a complete cleanse cycle that is otherwise interrupted due to frequent feeding.

One of the benefits of fasting is that it allows the body to mobilize toxins from the body, as well as promoting the breakdown of fat tissue, tumours and other toxic materials that have accumulated over time.

Fasting aids in lowering and stabilizing blood glucose and insulin levels. This causes breakdown of glycogen from the liver to provide glucose for energy. Once glycogen is depleted, the body resorts to other sources of stored energy, which happens to be fat.

With that being said, you can see that other than the detoxifying benefits of fasting, the practice also promotes the breakdown of adipose tissue (fat stores), which seems to be the goal for many of you.

DIET

Unfortunately, many take Ramadan and fasting as an excuse to eat monstrous amounts of food: A month that should be dedicated to strengthening your soul, spirit and mind turns into a month of gluttony.

While this month calls for moderation and giving, huge amounts of food are wasted rather than given to the less fortunate. Man can go without food for days, just because you fast for 16 hours does not mean that you have to eat 92

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everything in sight.

Your nutrition should not change from what it was. At the end of the day, the same equation applies; calories in versus calories out. Making smart food choices while in a caloric deficit will improve your health as well as speed up your progress.

HYDRATION

The one thing that you should focus on is your water intake. Make sure you drink enough water in your feeding window and drink up before heading to bed. That is the most important factor in Ramadan. People tend to forget to drink enough water. This will also help in keeping you satiated and ward off useless eating.

SUHOOR

One mistake many make is that they don’t calculate the food they eat in suhoor to their daily total. The food you have at suhoor doesn’t magically evaporate, it all adds to your total so watch what you eat!

GO: For the full article, please check out the FACT ZHEVLWH ² ZZZ IDFW PDJD]LQH FRP RU KHDG WR .DULPҋV EORJ ZZZ WKHÀWQHVVJUDLO ZRUGSUHVV FRP

HEALTH SPOTLIGHT CHRISTAL DENNIS

MINDFUL? OR IS YOUR

A health tip from...

Contact No: 17 587 333 | Website: www.bnl4life.com

MIND FULL?

Christal Dennis is a Personal Performance Coach and Hypnotherapist with a Masters in Psychology, Leadership Development and Coaching. She is dedicated to helping people overcome lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hurdles and tapping in to their deepest potential...

Raising Positive Empowered Children Many of us may look back at our childhood and say â&#x20AC;&#x153;If only my parents had done this or that. Maybe I would have been more successful and happy than I am nowâ&#x20AC;?. We could swear to ourselves that we will do things differently with our children. To rear empowered children we need to practice conscious parenting.

We may think we are conscious and aware of what we are doing with our children, but unless we have done considerable work on ourselves, the chances are that we could be repeating the patterns of our parents. The language we use with our children can have huge impact on how empowered they are and also how they feel about themselves. We want them to have the feeling that they are capable to survive and thrive in this world.

Here are some practical tips you could use with your children: r 1PTJUJWF MBOHVBHF Let your children know what they can do. The day is so often filled with recriminations from the parent to the child. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t beat your brother, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dirty your clothesâ&#x20AC;?. Instead we can let them know what they can do by giving our language a tweak. For example: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lets see what nice thing we can do for your brother today. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure he will really love the surprise!â&#x20AC;? You will notice tension is released just by this one tweak of the language. r #F BXBSF PG ZPVS PXO TUBUF Did you ever notice yourself meet up with your children while you are in a stinking mood? Next time this happens, notice how your children behave. Whenever possible change your emotional state to a positive one - the chances are you will have more fun! r )FBMUIZ FYQFSJFODF PG DPOTFRVFODFT JO B QPTJUJWF XBZ If your child does something like make a mess in the house, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to lose our cool and say: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh no! Look at the big mess you made. You always make a mess!â&#x20AC;? Instead we could say something like: â&#x20AC;&#x153;You know we agreed not to play with paint in the lounge.

You can clean up the mess now. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure you can do a good job of it.â&#x20AC;? In this way the child does not have to experience strong negative language which could be hurtful, while at the same time the experience of cleaning up the mess will be a reminder in the future for better choices. Q 7R Ă&#x20AC;QG RXW PRUH JR WR ZZZ EDVLFPLQGIXOQHVV RUJ

Ramadan Dos and Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ts Fasting for Ramadan can be the perfect time WR FXW EDFN RQ UHĂ&#x20AC;QHG IRRGV DQG EDG KDELWV like smoking. Unfortunately, most people arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quick to seize this opportunity. On the contrary, most people tend to gain weight during Ramadan as a result of overeating and the fact that the typical iftar meal includes a plethora of heavy, fatty and high calorie foods. Many seem to be of the mentality that they â&#x20AC;&#x153;deserveâ&#x20AC;? an overly indulgent meal as a reward after having the patience to fast all day.

This is not only extremely detrimental to your KHDOWK EXW LW DOVR GHĂ&#x20AC;HV WKH SRLQW RI IDVWLQJ WR enforce self-discipline and moderation.

DO break your fast with something nutritious like dates or fresh juice. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very common to break a fast with dates, as per Islamic tradition. Dates are naturally high in sugar, vitamins and minerals and are quickly digested so they are ideal for an immediate energy boost.

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T overdo it at iftar. A large, heavy meal thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW WR GLJHVW LV WKH ODVW WKLQJ \RXU ERG\ ZDQWV DIWHU a day of fasting. While it may seem like a good idea at the time, overeating will leave you feeling bloated, and lethargic.

DO opt for high quality (and high calorie) foods. Raw nuts and seeds, nut butters like tahini and avocado are all great sources of healthy fat which you should try to include in your diet on a regular basis, not just in Ramadan.

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T give up on exercise.

DO remember that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s okay to indulge every once in a while, in moderation!

GO: For a personal consultation call 3669 6666

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Bringing you the latest news of fellow Bahrainis around the world... tell us your news @FACTbahrain!

AROUND THE WORLD

NEW YORK

Congratulations to Blogger Reem Mohamed BuQuais who has just been voted as Bahrain’s “Top Stylist”.

Reem, who graduatated from New York’s Fashion Institute, will showcase her products at Green Diamond Boutique in Seef Mall.

PHILADELPHIA Two Bahrain-based kids have taken part in an international karate camp in the US. Sophie and Sara spent a week at the camp with 500 other enthusiasts perfecting their skills and techniques.

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SOUTH KOREA BERLIN

Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa both competed in the 2013 Ironman 70.3 triathlon on June 16. Shaikh Nasser finished in 27th in the 2527-age category. What an achievement!

Some of Bahrain’s national athletes are stepping up their training to prepare themselves for the upcoming Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) in Incheon, South Korea concluding on July 6. Two hopefuls include Sameera Al Bitar and Farhan Saleh Faraj.

Best of luck to you both!

BEIJING Four petrol heads have set off on a 90-day adventure across Asia and will end their trip in Beijing, China.

Taking inspiration from the infamous Top Gear, the guys will put their 1991 Land Rover Defender to the ultimate test.

Give your old glasses to charity and receive 25 - 60% off a new pair This Ramadan, give the gift of vision to those in need, and Optica will give right back. Just bring in your old eyewear to any of our stores, which weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll service and fit with new prescription lenses to donate to charity on your behalf. And to thank you for making Bahrain see better, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get a 25 - 60% discount* on a brand new pair.

Celebrate the month of giving with Optica. *Terms & Conditions Apply

Visit us on facebook.com/OpticaME and win amazing prizes by participating in our exciting Ramadan promotion.

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