Sur La Terre - Issue 11 Manama (Dec10)

sur la terre foreword

» foreword

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Printed by: Raidy Printing Group

With that in mind, let’s light this candle!

On the cover: The Mercedes SLK Convertible, which is exclusively available from Al Haddad Motors.

Editorial Contributors: Kevin Hackett, Rosy Moorhead

>>> Another amazing year has come to its close in Manama, and as we here at Sur la Terre get ready for the arrival of 2011, I am left to ruminate upon all of the great things we have accomplished in 2010.

SLT has seemingly done it all over the last 12 months. We have rubbed elbows with both regional and international celebrity, pressed flesh with international fashionistas that kept us looking our very best, rolled with award-winning directors and chewed the fat with celebrity chefs.

We have tantalised your taxing torpour in terrane-terrorising rides, from Lambo to Benzo, Bugatti to Bentley and Porsche to Rolls-Royce. In fact, it feels that we have travelled (both in and outside of luxury sport-cars) to every point on Earth this year. I mean, we went to to South Africa, Denmark, Turkey, Singapore, Spain, Jordan, Italy, Japan, Thailand and France ... just to name a few!

It doesn’t end there, though! We challenged robots. We wrangled serpents.

We even fought freaking superheroes! And we did it all for YOU! We promise that the new year will be no different ... although we might avoid playing with snakes again. That got a little weird.

Still, we remain undaunted and kick things off to a riotous start in the new year with this Winter 2010/2011 issue!

We meet our special guest, FHM UK’s Motoring Editor, Kevin Hackett, on the highway of storytelling, as he leads us down the road of success with one of the most famous names in the automotive world: Mercedes Benz. Also in the garage this go-around is the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, which Regional Managing Editor James McCarthy was exclusively invited to drive in Spain earlier in October and its Bentley Continental namesake, in which I tore around the Yas Marina F1 track in Abu Dhabi.

Also on tap are some in-depth chats with old friends, like Officine Panerai Managing Director for the Middle East, Milvin George, and new ones, like acclaimed Palestinian actress Yasmine Al Massri and the current (and firstever Arab-American) Miss USA, Rima Fakih.

We also welcome another member into the increasingly international SLT network, as Consultant Editor Rosy Moorhead takes a bite out of Bahrain’s most sumptuous sushi bar, becomes the eye of relaxation at perhaps its most blissful hotel & spa and checks out the newest products and fashions to come off the plane to Bahrain.

If this first issue of 2011 is any indication, I guarantee you it’s gonna be a good year for SLT.

Sur La Terre – Manama

Area Manager - Manama: Chirine Halabi

Regional Managing Editor: James McCarthy Senior Editor: Steve Paugh

Deputy Editors: Mina Kavcar, Reem Shaddad Regional Sales Director: Julia Toon

Creative Director: Roula Zinati Ayoub

Art and Design: Rena Chehayber, Lara Nakhlé, Michael Logaring, Rana Cheikha, Charbel Najem, Hadeer Omar Photographer: Herbert Villadelrey

Distribution and Subscription: Med Mac Distribution Samples Published by: Firefly Advertising

Diplomatic Area, Trust Tower, 2nd Floor, Office 211

P.O. Box 2215, Manama - Kingdom of Bahrain, Tel: +973 16 500 580 For Videos and More Pictures, visit us on

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SLTme

Steve Paugh Senior Editor

Sur la Terre is published quarterly. © 2011 Firefly Communications. All material strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Firefly Communications, is strictly forbidden.

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sur la terre content

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content 08 in town

Fresh and new, the latest exciting luxury products, launches and accessories to hit the city

14 brand history

Contributing Editor, Kevin Hackett, drives us through a potted history of Mercedes-Benz

21 beauty

...is in the eyes of the beholder

24 going global

SLT has a special one-to-one with Miss USA, Rima Fakih

42

sur la terre fashion

sur la terre fashion

43

28 unique rides

Exclusive: James McCarthy drives the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

36 showcase

Steve Paugh gets real with critically-acclaimed Palestinian actress Yasmine Al Massri

42 fashion

We show you the best of the Arabesque in United Arab Elegance

PrODuctiON firefly communications www.firefly-me.com Art DirectiON roula Zinati Ayoub PhOtOgrAPhy Peter richweisz; www.richweisz.com MODeL Mirjana fAshiON styList Arwa Abdelhadi hAir Lee Bennett MAke-uP tonee roberio Outfits & AccessOries tAsAMeeM: Aennis eunis shoes s*uce fOr: Jewels by sogol, Peroto, second issue, cc skye, the Next episode, Panache, Janis, Lavish syMPhONy fOr: Bodyamr, rupert sanderson, Van + ello chOcOLAte & PickLes fOr: Poupee couture bags, saraya by sara Mostafa DAs BOutique: DAs collection & cykAs “can you keep a secret” turbans AyeshA DePALA: Ayesha Depala sALAM stOres: Noir Jewelry, Palestyle bags, Lavish

Dress PerOtO earrings PANAche turban “cykAs” cAN yOu keeP A secret Bracelet NOir

Dress secOND issue earrings VAN + eLLO Belt cc skye Bracelet LAVish Bag PALestyLe

48 special lifestyle

All that glittered, shimmered and shone at the recent Jewellery Arabia

sur la terre content

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52 spotlight

...on Officine Panerai Brand Manager, Milvin George

56 good tastes

We turn Japanese at the Asian fusion sensation that is Maki

60 star-crossed

Sur la Terre shines through the night with a little Arabian Lite

66 in vogue

60

sur la terre starcrossed

sur la terre starcrossed

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Your guide to the latest trends in fashion and shopping available today

70 accessories

As always, the devil is in the Brilliant Details

74 out of the box

Production Firefly communications, www.firefly-me.com Art direction roula Zinati Ayoub PhotogrAPhy Peter richweisz, www.richweisz.com Models Vanessa and Mirjana FAshion stylist Arwa Abdelhadi hAir lee Bennett MAke-uP tonee roberio

Sniff out Amouage’s Memoir, relax at Brenner’s Park in Germany, Bang it with Olufsen and BMW, all while prepping for party season with Net-a-Porter

dress Andre necklace JAnis headpiece Jewelry and Bracelets rAndoushkA ring PAnAche shoes Aennis eunis

outFits & Accessories tAsAMeeM: Aennis eunis shoes and stockings s*uce For: kookoo, Jewels by sogol, les caprices de Vanina, Andre, shourouk, deepa gurnani, sarah’s bag, Janis, essa, Wafa saifi, Panache syMPhony For: Willow chocolAte & Pickles For: Poupee couture bags, saraya by sara Mostafa dAs Boutique: cykAs “can you keep a secret” turbans exclusiVe FAZZA3 Poetry JeWelry By randoushka cugini: Pearl qatar; kookoo

80 society

Evenings out, parties, openings and happenings around town

83 entertainment

The best in chapters, tunes, flicks, clicks and joysticks

88 snapshot

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sur la terre accessories

sur la terre accessories

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Brilliant Details

Photographer: Fabrizio Nannini Stylist: Roberto Ciapani, Gloria Storchi and Federico Toretti Hair and make up: Marco Minunno @ Mks Milano

A photograph to inspire and admire

I the agenda

Cultural events around the region

V directory

Your local and regional guide

Lace-up shoes with embroidery, LOUIS VUITTON Leather belt, SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Red and grey tie, HERMES Black Label cravats, RALPH LAUREN

Snakeskin belt with gold-plated buckle, ROBERTO CAVALLI Black Swarovski clutch with gold detailing, RENÉ CAOVILLA Sparkling shoulder bag and clutch, TRUSSARDI 1911 Black and green python armband, SERGIO ROSSI

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sur la terre in town

Like what you see in our In Town section? To find details about where to find these great products and who to contact about them, flip to our Directory section at the end of this issue!

Smokin’

The idea behind Bobbi Brown’s new Black Velvet Collection came from the catwalk. Ms. Brown wanted a way of bringing the “sooty lids and goth lips” from the runway onto the high street and she did this by infusing plum, cherry and maple tones with black and giving them a translucent texture, thus creating shades that are strong, powerful and a little shocking – but also wearable and sophisticated.

The range includes the limited edition Sparkle Eye Shadow, Bobbi’s grown-up take on glitter, and two new powerful, almost-black versions of the original silky-matte eye shadow, Black Charcoal and Black Chocolate. What pseudo-goth collection would be complete without a dab of kohl? Bobbi has created a silky-smooth formula in three new shades – Black, Black Chocolate and Black Plum. Now all that’s left is to dig out that black satin corset and ripped fishnets and you’re on your way...

Eye-eye

Feel the change. See the future. So say the people at La Mer on the introduction of the new Eye Balm Intense, a groundbreaking eye treatment that helps accelerate the skin’s natural renewal process to revitalise the fragile eye area. Incorporating a triple concentration of its trademark Miracle Broth (the original elixir of sea kelp, vitamins and minerals, a concentrated version and an encapsulated, time-release form), Eye Balm Intense provides a cooling sensation on contact then penetrates the skin to help accelerate its natural repair, thus renewing skin’s integrity. Coming with its own cooling silver-tipped applicator, which helps stimulate micro-circulation to aid in de-puffing, the eye balm is to be used daily. Starting at the temple, sweep the applicator underneath the eye towards the nose, then glide back to the temple. Delicate skin under the eye emerges looking bright and healthy, revitalised and refreshed as never before. The Eye Balm Intense offers a visible transformation with a soft, luminous finish for younger, smoother and clearer looking skin.

Provocative

Agent Provocateur offers a deliciously opulent range of inspirational creations, all designed to intensify life’s pleasures and unlock your innermost desires. This season sees the release of the stunning winter collection, for which AP has looked to the glittering and sultry stars of Hollywood. The “Thelma” strapless black silk satin body delivers a waist-cinching pin-up style, complemented by the Thelma skirt with its layers of luxurious French lace. “Gangster” tips its pinstriped hat to the crime movies of the 1930s and 40s. Its satin bandeau bra with hipster suspender brief and bodycon slip dress are designed to seduce by the allure of what cannot be seen. As well as its signature lingerie, AP also does shoes, stockings, kimonos, perfume, beauty products and bridal wear.

Ermenegildo Zegna - Bahrain

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Moda Mall, World Trade Center

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Telephone: +973 17 530 406

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sur la terre in town

Enlightenment

The highly exclusive Swiss skincare brand La Prairie has launched its fabulous new range, the White Caviar Illuminating Systeme. Informed by an inspired blend of artistry and advanced biotechnology, the Systeme combines peerless lightening and lifting benefits in the most luxurious formulations your skin is ever likely to encounter. La Prairie is hailing it as an Age of Enlightenment in skincare. The complementary threepart system is comprised of a gloriously silken cream and two highly concentrated serums. Each is scientifically formulated to effectively treat your skin’s age-related problems, be these uneven pigmentation, age spots, slackness, wrinkles or dryness. Importantly, it allegedly possesses proactive powers to stave off future signs of ageing.

Puttin’ on the Ritz

Head down to the Ritz-Carlton’s ultra-luxurious spa centre and you won’t help but notice the decided increase in the number of men using the facilities. This phenomenon is thanks to the brand new purpose-built extension that’s been added to house a dedicated men’s area to the spa’s existing facilities, the main focus of which is three treatment rooms and a soon-to-be-completed relaxation room. With their own set of shower and changing rooms, the gents finally get a first-class spa facility all to themselves. It’s about time!

As with the ladies’ and couples’ treatments, the men’s spa uses the Ritz-Carlton’s exclusive range of oils and creams, with part of the line being solely for men. There is already an impressive selection of treatments for men and the spa’s experts are actively working on developing the range on offer. Try the Executive De-stress Package, the Detoxifying Cure Facial or the Gentlemen’s Revitaliser Ritual.

An icon in the making

Tod’s has launched an exciting new service for customers who want top-of-the-range brand names and quality goods but with a personal touch – customising accessories from Tod’s coveted Icons Collection.

The fantastic new project means customers can have the style of their choosing custom crafted in a selection of the finest materials, from exotic and precious alligator to richly textured python. They can also opt for a monogram and create a one-of-a-kind Tod’s piece. This service covers the brand’s hugely popular D Bag and Gommino and Ballerina shoes. Yipee! Tod’s Icons are a celebration of craftsmanship, design and art, are of the finest Italian make and are already a must-have for many international celebrities – Diane Kruger, Julianne Moore, Freida Pinto and Nicole Kidman, to name but a few. With this new service, Tod’s delivers an exclusive world of uniqueness and individuality.

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sur la terre in town

Better bread

Those of us who have long regarded PAUL as one of the better cafe options available in Bahrain’s malls are now being rewarded for our loyalty in the form of “well-being bread.” A selection of specially developed breads are now on offer at the quality boulangerie/restaurant, all designed to enhance our well-being.

Three nutritional breads have been added to their current product range, which all support, in their own way, a balanced diet. Discover the playfully tangy flavour of the Pain Vitamin C, with acerola and cranberries. Then there’s the Pain Superfibres, a white bread with all the benefits of whole wheat bread. Last, but certainly not the least of the yeast, is the Pain tres pauvre en sel, made with absolutely no added salt. Because everyone has the right to indulge and enjoy the nutritional benefits of bread!

Body work

Following the success of his first fragrance for Ballenciaga, Paris, Nicolas Ghesquiere continues his exploration of beauty with the new Black and White line. Throughout the line runs a delicate note of wild, mischievous chypre-violet. It’s in the Black Body Scrub, an exfoliating gel that has an incredible texture with an intense black colour and which leaves the skin soft and glowing. Next in the line is the Perfumed White Body Cream, a luxury cream made with shea butter. It is smooth and light and leaves a sensual veil on the skin.

Both the scrub and the body cream come in glass prisms with lightreflecting angles – absolute luxury encapsulated in black and white.

The purse spray completes the beauty experience. Another luxury object, the handbag-sized spray is an ideal travelling companion and is opaque and robed in black and white.

Classic and contemporary

Versace has opened the first dedicated Versace Collection boutique in Bahrain. Located in the Bahrain City Centre mall, the boutique reflects perfectly the contemporary design of the Versace Collection, with its jet-black marble flooring and glass and steel modular display units housing its range of menswear, womenswear and accessories. Versace Collection achieved instant success when it was first released in 1991 as a men-only range, due to its winning combination of formal styling and fashion appeal. Almost twenty years later, under the creative and stylistic direction of Donatella Versace, the Versace Collection for Women was launched. Both ranges address the needs of a clientele that wishes to dress with style and individuality in a contemporary and sexy manner, but without ostentation or excess.

sur la terre intown

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Edgy elegance

More famous for his rock ‘n’ roll flavoured denim and T-shirt collections, Christian Audigier is now branching out into the world of fragrances.

With a new Men and Women range now available, his earlier influences have clearly been carried over into this new venture. Inspired by his sartorial designs, the Men fragrances evoke bright bursts of colour with an underlying edginess, with the bright top notes representing the many colours Christian uses in his designs. That colourful opening has been brilliantly contrasted with a seductive masculine background of leather, rum and suede. From the Women line, one gets an enticing scent of sparkling fruits, sensual woods and amber, all of which represent an unforgettable femininity. Indonesian sandalwood and rich black coconut add further sensual depth to the fragrance.

It’s for you!

Available only by special request, this treasure from Dior Phone is truly a hand-crafted masterpiece. Mother-of-pearl magnifies the diamonds’ angled interplay of light reflectance, each set within a polished stainless steel core. Thirty-one pieces of mother-of-pearl marquetry are inlaid, framed in the famed Dior cannage pattern, by 538 diamonds. Further diamonds adorn the navigation button, set with eight pieces of mother-of-pearl, and the side hinges. That all adds up to a stunning total of 3.256 carats of brilliant-cut perfection. My Dior features one diamond inserted into a white gold ring setting, an echo of elegance, amid three pieces of mother-of-pearl in the same cannage pattern.

Its mirror screen is cool silver. Dior Phone and My Dior are the jewels of a new generation.

Chanel-ing luxury

Two new Chanel creations capture the spirit of No 5 and the magic of wearing perfume – an Eau de Toilette spray and a set of three perfumed soaps. The No5 Eau de Toilette bottle gives a radiant new look that is even more feminine and luxurious. With its magnetic cap and push spray button, the new No5 Eau de Toilette spray has a truly exceptional design.

Even the most demanding will find that this object of desire meets their every wish. Simply spray wherever you want to be kissed. The elegant set of three soft-pink soaps is delicately perfumed with the scent of No5. These 75g square-shaped soaps produce a creamy, generous lather that gently cleanses the skin and leaves it soft, supple and deliciously fragrant.

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sur la terre brand history

Benz Me, Shake Me

FHM UK’s Motoring Editor, Kevin Hackett, swings by SLT Towers to offer up a potted history of the world’s oldest Automobile marque - a name as synonymous with luxury and quality as it is with engineering prowess - Mercedes-Benz.

sur la terre brand history

< Gottlieb Daimler >

>>> When it comes to bragging rights – the kind that nobody else will ever be able to top while you’re enjoying the occasional game of one-upmanship – being able to say you invented the automobile must rank as the ultimate conversation stopper. The fact that the car’s inventor’s name still appears on some of the finest vehicles in the world is one almighty accolade.

In 1886, when America was still the Wild West, German engineer Karl Benz applied for a patent covering the design of his “vehicle with gas engine operation” and, as Alexander Graham Bell would testify if he was alive today, a watertight patent is the one thing that allows you to call an invention your own. Karl Benz, then, officially started the motor industry.

Inspired by the humble bicycle, Benz’s three-wheeled vehicle was a piece of purist engineering that looked quite unlike anything else on the road. Because on the road in 1886, the only other vehicles were pulled by horses

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< Karl Benz >

or powered by steam. What quickly followed for Benz was a business partnership with one Gottlieb Daimler who, just seven months after that patent for the automobile was filed, fitted his own engine to a four-wheeled coach, in effect creating the world’s first horseless carriage. The car was born and the rest, as the saying goes, is history.

By 1901, the name Mercedes was coined, after the daughter of another business partner, Emil Jellinek and the first “modern” car, the Mercedes 35 PS was unveiled. By 1926 the merger was complete: Mercedes-Benz was the name and it has never gone away. As for Daimler? Who do you think is the parent company of MercedesBenz? None other than Daimler AG. Innovation has always been a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz. The company has been responsible for a huge number of technological breakthroughs, many of which have saved countless lives. Rigid safety cell with front and rear crumple zones? They

got there first in 1959. Electronic anti-lock brakes appeared first on Mercedes cars in 1978, seatbelt pre-tensioners in 1981, traction control in 1986 and the Electronic Stability Program made its debut in 1995. You’d think that would be enough but no, the pursuit of engineering purity continues, as does the pursuit of inimitable style, itself a defining attribute of the brand.

Just consider some of the company’s most famous and iconic cars and you’ll get a sense of rich history, of passionate design and, best of all for petrolheads the world over, a need for speed. For instance, in 1909 the “Blitzen Benz” brought aerodynamics into play with motor racing. While road vehicles were still as slippery as your average skyscraper, this car was streamlined and extremely quick.

In fact it set a number of world land speed records and, in 1911, recorded a speed of 228.1 km/h (or 141.7 mph). It was faster than any plane, train or automobile – it was the Bugatti Veyron of its day.

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sur la terre brand history

< Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 198) >

< Driving the “Blitzen-Benz”, Victor Hémery became the very first person to break through the 200km/h barrier in 1909 >

The 500K and 540K of 1934 showed that elegant, sweeping, perfect beauty could be extended to a car’s body design. Art deco masterpieces, these models are truly breathtaking to behold and if you thought Bugattis and Talbot Lagos had the monopoly on outrageous, indecently beautiful coupé designs in the 1930s, think again.

In 1954, one of the most important and iconic sports cars of all time set the world alight: the 300SL “gullwing”. This car, even 56 years on, is enough to cause jaws to hit floors and onlookers to risk drowning in pools of their own drool – it’s sensationally good looking and its design cues are still being used in Mercedes’ sports cars today. It had, as the name suggests, vertically-opening doors, an opulent leather interior and, for the first time, a horizontal radiator grille that afforded it those sleek lines. Every SL model since has followed the same design mantra.

The 600 “Pullman” became the car of choice for state politicians and the rock star hierarchy in 1963. Even today it provides peerless style, individuality and total luxury. It’s a truly vast car and so heavy that the most powerful engine Mercedes produced (the six-cylinder 300) was totally inadequate for it. Instead, a new 6.3-litre, fuel-injected V8 was fitted. The 600 had adjustable air suspension and a complex hydraulic system that powered everything from the automatic door closers to the windows, sun roof, the boot-lid, even the seats.

It had class by the truck load and, essentially, no rivals, staying in low volume production up to 1981. Distinguished owners included Hugh Hefner, Coco Chanel, Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, George Harrison, Jack Nicholson, the Pope, Aristotle Onassis, Brezhnev and, err, Jeremy Clarkson and Saddam Hussein. There has never been another car quite like it and, although today’s Maybach range might offer the same sort of cosseting luxury and physical size, the 600’s sheer panache hasn’t been replicated. Yet.

< Karl Benz at the wheel of the 1839 Benz Victoria, next to his daughter Clara >

The groundbreaking succession of Mercedes models has continued right through to the present day with a bewildering array of brilliantly designed and engineered cars, and practically every corner of the market has been stitched up, from mud plugging, off-road four-wheel drives to people-carriers and city runabouts. The CLS of 2003 created a brand new niche: the four-door coupé, and has sold consistently well, with 90 percent of all owners saying they chose it for its stylish looks above all else.

sur la terre brand history

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< The Mercedes 35 hp, the first modern automobile, 1901 >

It’s absolutely mind bending stuff and Mercedes continued to dominate, not only Formula One but Le Mans, WTCC and road races such as the Mille Miglia. In 1955, however, the company was hammered when the 300SLR driven by Pierre Levegh crashed at Le Mans, killing not only him but 83 spectators.

A further 120 were injured and it remains the most catastrophic accident in racing history.

< The Type 600 Pullman became the statesman’s choice >

Of course, the pure sports car has never really gone away for Mercedes-Benz and its successes in motorsport have been as remarkable as those on the world’s highways. Since before the First World War, their cars have been winning Grands Prix with household names behind the wheels, such as Stirling Moss and Fangio.

As for power, just consider for a moment that, in 1937, the supercharged W125 race car produced a staggering 646 horsepower – a figure not exceeded in Formula 1 until the 1980s. Top speed? Try over 400 km/h, a figure familiar to any owner of a Bugatti Veyron.

Mercedes-Benz bowed out from sponsored motorsport following the disaster but returned to the scene in 1993 as an engine supplier to the Sauber F1 team, followed

by McLaren. In 2009, newcomers Brawn GP swept to victory with Jenson Button winning the world championship. Mercedes jumped to Brawn, becoming Mercedes GP, Button jumped to McLaren and Merc brought Michael Schumacher back to F1. It’s been a busy few years.

Mercedes’ involvement in motor racing also solidified the relationship between it and tuning company AMG. Already a successful racing outfit in the 1960s and 70s, in the 1980s AMG made a name for itself by tuning and modifying Mercedes road cars with extraordinary results.

They squeezed a 5.6-litre V8 into an E-Class in 1986 and The Hammer, as it became known, was the world’s fastest saloon car.

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sur la terre brand history

< Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class created a new market segment in 2003 >

AMG was hired to prepare Mercedes’ own race cars and the relationship blossomed to such an extent that, in 1999, it was bought out and became an integral arm of the Mercedes-Benz empire. See an AMG badge on the rump of a Merc and you can be sure that it’s brutally powerful and very, very fast. They’re the ultimate stealth cars but perhaps the ultimate manifestation of the marriage between Mercedes and AMG is the new SLS AMG. A shameless homage to the 300SL of 1954, the SLS features gullwing doors, that famous horizontal radiator grille and fins along its bonnet and flanks. It could have been a disaster but it’s actually a triumph of retro-modern design and hairy-chested, properly scary performance.

It’s light; at 1620kg it’s lighter than an Aston DBS and that, when you mix in a hand-built 6.2-litre V8 engine, gives it performance that calls for clean underwear after every spirited drive. It’s electronically limited to 197mph but nobody is sure why. Perhaps, after that speed, the doors open and the car becomes airborne, such is the ferocity of its power delivery. And the sound – oh yes, the sound…

< The new Mercedes AMG SLS draws heavily on the design cues of the 300SL of the 1960s >

sur la terre brand history

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< The “Blitzen” Benz >

< An early Mercedes Benz advert >

< Mercedes-Benz SS sports car of 1928 >

With a borderline anti-social exhaust bellow, even at a standstill, there’s no escaping it – it just gets louder the more you sink that accelerator pedal towards the floor. Lift off the throttle and it sounds like there are firecrackers going off in the exhaust – it’s worth the asking price for this alone. With 563hp going to the rear wheels, it can swing like Tiger Woods yet, given that the SLS is such a fearsome performance car, it’s also incredibly comfortable and refined. Take it to the South of France on your hols, take it to the Nürburgring and scare the hell out of yourself – the SLS AMG will cope with anything you throw at it.

A brilliant machine that Mercedes-Benz is rightly proud of, it’s spearheading the company into new territory and perfectly encapsulates all the things that have made the oldest name in motoring also one of the most exciting. Here’s to the next 125 years – somehow we think Mercedes-Benz will still be around.

Kevin Hackett is a UK-based motoring journalist who has been obsessing over anything with four wheels since he was eight years old, when his father bought a Triumph TR6 to use as the family car. After years of being driven around, squashed onto the rear parcel shelf of a two-seater sports car between his two younger brothers, he finally got his own driving licence and now makes a living by trotting the globe to test the world’s most exciting automobiles. He regularly writes for, among others, FHM UK, The Times newspaper in London and The National newspaper in the UAE.

Bahrain City Center 17172316

sur la terre beauty

Look Out

Photographer: Francesco Chiappetta Stylist: Roberto Ciapani, Gloria Storchi e Federico Toretti Hair and Make up: Jabe@mks Milano

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sur la terre beauty

Two in One: Eyeshadow, CHRISTIAN DIOR Lipstick, CHRISTIAN DIOR Lace dress with pink chiffon shoulder pads, CHRISTIAN DIOR

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sur la terre going global

American Dream In October, Rima Fakih, the first Arab-born Muslim to be crowned Miss USA, arrived in the GCC. Needless to say, Sur la Terre was there to meet the pageant princess during her whistle-stop, flashbulbpopping visit to Qatar.

sur la terre going global

>>> Born in Srifa, a small city in southern Lebanon, to a Shi’a Muslim family, it is fair to say that Rima Fakih is very much one of the home team. After moving to New York with her parents to escape the Lebanese civil war, she became a US citizen and, years later, after graduating from the University of Michigan with degrees in Business and Economics, Fakih shot to fame after beating off some stiff competition to become the first ArabAmerican and first Muslim to wear the crown of Miss USA. While the Arab world celebrated its latest standard bearer, Qatar-based Salam International struck while the iron was hot, and little more than three months into her reign, Miss USA was adorning posters and adverts bearing the Salam logo.

In a small office, midway through the photoshoot that will make her a household name in the GCC as the face of one of the leading luxury goods retailers in the region, the very amiable 25-year old sat with Sur la Terre.

So Rima, welcome to Qatar, do you consider it far away, or a bit of a homecoming?

I love Doha, it’s a wonderful, clean and very respectful city, so I am very glad I got to come here for the first time. Until now I have only been to Lebanon and I was just in Egypt.

Was Egypt business or pleasure?

I was there as Miss USA who, traditionally, never leaves the US, but I have been to Africa, China, Egypt, France. Now I am in Qatar. I am getting requests to go everywhere.

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Let’s talk a bit about how you got here. You have degrees in Business and Economics, and you plan to study Law, so why did you opt to start out as a beauty queen? What was your motivation to compete for Miss USA? Being a beauty queen is much more than just being beautiful. Miss USA is a title that allows you to become a humanitarian, a public speaker, a model and it offers so many more opportunities to things for good causes. My main platform is cancer awareness, so I get to do so much with that. It opens a lot of doors.

My mother was a huge motivation as well, she was the reason I got into modelling and acting.

“What do you want to do, because you won’t be miss USA for the rest of your life. Where do you see yourself?” I told them and they made sure that was the direction I took. For example, getting applications for law school and getting me my recommendations.

You are clearly a very intelligent woman, but do you find that people underestimate you, just because you are a beauty queen?

I think it is a stereotype, but I haven’t experienced any of that. I think it is the media, who always like to put a negative spin on things. In reality, it is wonderful and I enjoy all of the great feedback I get from everyone.

In fact, I just finished a movie with Hugh Jackman, directed by Steven Spielberg, and they requested me and I played me, Rima Fakih. They loved it and the second day on set I got two more offers, but I couldn’t take them because I was too busy.

How do you see the Miss USA title helping you in the future?

It has already. I have grown so much as a person in the last few months, more so than in the last few years. As for my dream to be an actress and to graduate from law school, these were the first things the organisation initiated. They sat me down and asked,

As far as the acting is concerned, on the back of my being Miss USA, I got a scholarship to attend the New York Film Academy. There has been a lot of extensive media coverage, and it caught the attention of a lot of people, especially after they heard that I wanted to be an actress.

What do you think the legacy will be for your tenure as Miss USA? I am always going to be known as Miss USA. It is something that never leaves you. I meet women who were Miss USA in the 1960s and when someone will introduce them, they always say, “This is whomever, she was Miss USA in 1962,” or something like that, and you know, she still looks like Miss USA in the way that she carries herself and her posture.

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sur la terre going global

[Donald] Trump looked at me and said, “You are the most famous pageant girl we have ever had.” When I won, there were 220 new articles about me printed in the first week and many more since. It was such an “oh my gosh” moment for everyone. I didn’t expect that, but really it has been a blessing.

Did you experience any hurdles on your road to becoming Miss USA because of your background?

Of course. Though, surprisingly, most of it didn’t come from anyone but my own community, which is largely Middle Eastern. Before I won, I would get friends, family and people who were Lebanese and Arab telling me I was wasting my time. I was living in Dearborn, Michigan, which was just like little Lebanon, there is a huge population of Arab Muslims who have this fear implanted, since 9/11 especially, where they are scared to admit to being Arab or Muslim. Then I come along, trying to become Miss USA, and they thought I was foolish to draw attention to the community. I found it very hard to get sponsorship, I worked three part-time jobs to get Miss USA, no-one believed in me.

Of course, when I won, everyone jumped on the bandwagon, claiming they all had faith in me to do it.

Except my mother and father, my best friend and my boss, I can’t say that anyone else supported the fact that I would be Miss USA. What was your experience of the competition? Is it as catty as it is made out to be in the movies and on TV? Well, I am not a natural born pageant girl, and if you have seen the film Miss Congeniality, that was me. The Hollywood view of Miss USA is not true, and to my mind it is a much tougher competition than Miss Universe, because all the girls are smart; they are law students or medical students and they all look hot. Not one of them has an ounce of fat, they are toned, clever and beautiful. But there is also a great sense of camaraderie, so it is not true what they say.

Pictures: Herbert Villadelrey

Widely considered to be the peak of automotive engineering, the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest production car and, somewhere high up in the southern Spanish mountains, Regional Managing Editor, James McCarthy, prepares to play his own little part in this blockbusting final act of the Veyron saga...

sur la terre unique rides

>>> It is five o’clock in the morning and I am awake. All I can hear are the assorted sounds of rural Spanish wildlife outside my hotel window. Somewhere in the distance a cockrel crows its early morning greeting to the sun as its first rays spread over the vineyards of Andaluçia.

My mind is racing, for today is no ordinary day. As the sun rises over Jerez de la Frontera, the curtain is about to fall on one of the greatest chapters in automotive history. After five years and more than 250 cars built and sold, I am on the Iberian peninsula to experience the last hurrah of the Bugatti Veyron.

However, it isn’t going out without a fight, because the final act in this record-smashing saga is to be played out by the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport - a car so powerful that it destroyed the speed record for a production car earlier this year in Wolfsburg, East Germany and, under the stewardship of Bugatti’s Pilote Officiel, Pierre-Henri Raphanel, clocked up an average speed of no less than 431km/h.

And today it is all mine...

A Legend Reborn What is left to say about the Veyron? Apart from the obvious urge to wax lyrical about the frankly freakish statistics of the car, all that myself and respected FHM Motors Editor, Kevin Hackett, could muster was an in-depth discussion about what would happen if it were to mate with an Aston Martin DBS, the disturbing conclusion of which shall forever remain unpublished.

But this is not just a Veyron. This is a Veyron Super Sport; a car which, quite unbelievably, is better than its predecessor. Yes, you read that right.

Somehow, the boffins at Molsheim have managed to make the perfect car better, stronger and very much faster.

It was not a task that Bugatti undertook lightly and, if the company is to be believed, not in response to the loss of the Veyron’s crown as the fastest and most powerful production car to US-based hobbyist car maker, Shelby Supercars’ SSC Ultimate Aero.

has slimmed down by around 200kg through the implementation of an all-new carbon fibre monocoque and extensive use of the super-light material for the body shell.

To improve the aerodynamics of the car, the signature bulging airscoops that fed the mammoth engine have been replaced with an engine cover featuring two “NACA” airducts. While a functional necessity, they give the car its new aesthetically sleek fastback look that, coupled with a sportier double diffuser and centrally arranged exhaust system, means the Super Sport looks its best at the angle from which most people will only ever see it - the rear end, screaming away from them in a cloud of dust.

Similarly, the expanded and reshaped air intakes at the snout of the car deliver a more aggressive and menacing “come on if you think you are man enough” stance, suggesting to those looking at the car in a rear view mirror that they will be arriving home to find the family pet mangled into a bubbling pot on the stove if they don’t move aside and let it pass.

Under the newly designed hood, the 16-cylinder monster engine remains outwardly familiar, but inside beats a heart reinforced with four newly enlarged turbochargers, each one working in concert to squeeze an extra 199 brake horsepower out of the redesigned engine - bringing the Super Sport’s total to 1,200 galloping stallions.

All of that, however, was just speed farming. It was down to the men with the Apple Macs and white coats to create the ultimate driving machine by embarking on such nitty-gritty work as slightly raising the main-spring, developing stronger stabilisers and new shock absorbers, as well as re-mapping the various electronic control systems.

Vaya, Veyron, Vaya My ride wasn’t to be the psychotic-looking black and orange beast that catapulted itself into the record books in June (that one had already been bagged by Hackett, through the virtue of his arriving

According to Florian Umbach, our on-hand technician, it was, in fact, a response to customer feedback - requests from owners who wanted a more raw and less cosseted supercar experience. When your customers are shelling out in excess of one million Euros a motor, you listen to what they have to say.

The engineers set about their task with aplomb.

However, they didn’t take the oft-travelled route along with Porsche and Bentley and just start ripping out rear seats and stereo systems.

Approaching the problem pragmatically, the re-engineering of the Veyron took on a much more holistic approach.

Firstly, weight had to be shed, and even though the car is still a hefty 1.8 tonnes, the Super Sport

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< Four newly enlarged turbo-chargers have helped squeeze 1,200hp out the legendary W16 engine >

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sur la terre unique rides

earlier than us), but a less ostentatious twotone variation in clear blue lacquered carbon and aluminium.

However, even without the extreme paint job, the car exuded an air of barely-veiled malevolence, chiding the onlooker to step inside and set the monster free. It is a car that, when seen in the metal, has a presence...

I was contemplating this as veteran supercar test driver, Loris Bicocchi, cheerfully shook me from my reverie by explaining that he had mapped out some roads that would give the car a full workout and leave me giggling like a schoolgirl, at the same time dropping the Bugatti logo-emblazoned key into my eager paw and gesturing to the driving seat.

Nothing can prepare you for the feeling you get when you first sit in the cockpit of a Bugatti Veyron. I am glad to report that the heady buzz, created by the smell of fine leather and the sense of power you feel sat behind the wheel, does not diminish the second time you do it either. While no different in layout to the standard car, the Super Sport offers an abundance of carbon fibre trim, crafted stitching of the Super Sport moniker in the headrests and the addition of Alcantara to the steering wheel, making the moment an even more tactile experience.

However, this concerto of sight, smell and touch reaches its crashing crescendo when you turn the leather-bound key and press the smooth, round and inviting â&#x20AC;&#x153;Startâ&#x20AC;? button that

< The Super Sport is much more responsive in the corners than its predecessor >

< The Super Sport moniker is expertly stitched into the headrests >

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< The Veyron Super Sport exudes an air of barely-veiled malevolence - even when parked >

injects life into the behemoth of an engine.

The initial growl, with its rumbling bass note, is complimented by the top note harmonics of the high pitched jet-fighter whine as the W16 powerplant starts sucking in life-giving air through the massive intakes in the roof.

With this wonderfully dramatic overture playing out in the background, I pull the car away from the curb (or lackthereof, as every road in the area seemingly has a carbon fibre bodywork crunching four-inch, rough-edged step into the gravel) and onto the open Spanish country roads.

If the opening credits promise a great deal, equally, the main feature does not disappoint, with the Super Sport offering noticeably more precise control of the wheels

through a greater interaction between the tyres (which, incidentally, cost 500,000 Euros a set) and the all-wheel drive system. The result of which is more responsive steering and a rather epiphanic driving experience.

The ride is undoubtedly harder, but when careering into tight corners, there is no pitch or roll and very little understeer. It is like a Space Invader moving from one lane to the next and is as tight in the bends as an eighties rock starâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trousers. Even though you can really feel the 1.4g of lateral acceleration as you enter the corner, and the 1,500 Newton metres of tourque as you exit, at no point do you ever feel that you are not fully in control.

Driving through scenery reminiscent of a Clint Eastwood Spaghetti Western, the route took

in sweeping mountain vistas and, with a 1,100 metre climb up narrow roads littered with hairpin bends, the Super Sport was no mule.

With its awesome acceleration into the apex of each turn, coupled with the gargantuan stopping power of the ultra responsive carbon ceramic brakes, the Bugatti stuck to the road with seemingly little effort.

Dropping down the other side of the mountains, small whitewashed Andaluçian villages were treated to lingering views of the Super Sport, as once again, the Veyron proved that it is a supercar for the everyman, coping as well with manoeuvrability at lowspeeds, as it does at the high end of the readout. The only noticeable problem with the car, when driving slowly in built-up areas, is its propensity to attract attention.

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sur la terre unique rides

< There is no joy greater than that of driving a Veyron at full tilt >

Unlike most supercars, though, it attracts not jealousy and spite, but admiration and joyous recognition that people are in the presence of greatness. Every time the Veyron came to a halt, it was like a scene from The Hills Have Eyes, as hordes of onlookers would descend out of nowhere, and from all directions, camera phones in hand, to gawp and take pictures. With the air of someone clearly used to the attention, Loris would affably chat away with the admirers, while Florian would look on with paternal pride.

< The Alcantara steering wheel adds even more tactility to a superbly-crafted cabin >

Once clear of the village, the road opened up, skirting a huge lake. The placid, glass-like surface of the water was disturbed only by ducks taking to the air to escape the bawling of the Super Sportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s engine as I finally got the opportunity to plant my foot in the carpet and experience the sheer joy that is a Bugatti in full flight.

Admittedly, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t open the taps quite as much as I managed to in the Grand Sport earlier this year in Doha, but even the force of accelerating to 220km/h before braking slightly and swinging into a long sweeping turn at speed had me weeping with pleasure.

< The Super Sport smashed the speed record for a production car, registering a top speed of 431km/h >

For this was not an exercise in speed. The face-melting acceleration of the car is welldocumented, and I am one of those lucky enough to have had the opportunity to experience the brutal forces at work in a Veyron

sur la terre unique rides

doing in excess of 300km/h. No, for me it was about how the Super Sport drives: It was about the handling of this awesome car, and what it feels like to give it the beans into a hairpin and come out screaming with joy on the other side.

Fortunately, I got just that, and while I am still a little hazy on the details, somehow the guys at Bugatti, who five years ago set the acme of automotive engineering very high indeed, have managed, for one last heroic push of an eradefining supercar, to raise the peak higher still.

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It is up to you to keep the legend alive; it is your duty to drive them as they were meant to be driven and let the world around you revel in the sound and sight of the world’s fastest production car bearing down in the rear-view mirror, opening the heavens as it roars past and leaving elation trailing in its wake as it speeds off, finally, into the sunset.

Long Live The King As I turn the key for the last time and listen to the jet engine whine die out behind me, I realise that this is the end of not just my day with the Super Sport, but of the Veyron ethos as a whole. They say that a star always burns brightest before it finally blinks out of existence and the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is the earthbound embodiment of that theory.

The reality of all of this suddenly hits me and my joyous mood is tinged with a poignant touch of sadness.

Part of it is because, in this cost-defined era of eco-responsibility, this is probably the last time we will ever see the likes of the Bugatti Veyron. Yes, there will always be faster cars, there will always be extreme cars - that’s what Lamborghini is for - but there will never be another Veyron: A dream chased so relentlessly with such demanding criteria, designed to be the most perfect automobile you can buy for your one million-plus Euros and built with a love and affection rarely seen in this mass-produced, quantity-over-quality age of manufacturing.

< The car even looks stunning from the back...which is good as it is the only view most people will ever get >

What’s more, Bugatti didn’t just do it once and rest on its laurels, as the Super Sport will forever attest.

My melancholy is also because I know that, personally, I will never own one of these amazing cars. Not least because of the 1.6 million Euro price tag (the World Record Edition is 1.9 million Euro), but also for the fact that bar the last 10 cars or so, they have all been sold.

No doubt there are a few of you out there reading this that own one, or perhaps more, of these spectacular automobiles, and the only thing I can urge you to do is not to lock them away in a garage to collect dust or to treat them as assets to accrue in value. Don’t leave it to us lucky few journalists to keep the Veyron alive for the masses through the words and pictures on a page.

< Carbon fibre is abundantly used throughout the car, especially in the trim >

For Videos and More Pictures, visit us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SLTme

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sur la terre showcase

Actress, Dancer, Singer... and Real The first thing you notice about Yasmine Al Massri is the way she steals a scene. She did it in her breakout role in 2007’s Caramel and again in last year’s Pomegranates and Myrrh. In her new movie, Miral, a film directed by the legendary Julian Schnabel and co-starring Frieda Pinto, that trend looks likely to continue. Even offscreen, she is addictive and effervescent, and able to qualify her staggering beauty with a graceful, yet careless abandon and a passionate commitment to her craft. Everything with her is larger than life, and yet somehow, simultaneously, ground level. In one moment, she is answering questions about the art of movement or the history of film, and in the next, she is grabbing your recorder and interviewing you, demanding to know your favourite colour. She leaves you feeling giddy and true. By the time we finally settle in, I don’t even know where to begin. Luckily, Yasmine does. >>> Yasmine Al Massri: I don’t electronic music. I think I must have a very old soul. I like real, rough music that comes from original, authentic places. It’s organic, you know? I like to eat things that have no chemical products, and I like to listen to music that has no “chemicals” in it. It’s a way of living. I want the real thing. Try to eat as true as you are and be as true as you are.

sur la terre showcase

Sur La Terre: So, who are you listening to at the moment?

Yasime Al Masri: The stuff I’m listening to right now? Well, there’s Le Trio Jibran, which is a band of three Palestinian brothers who all play the oud. They made some of the music for Miral. I’m also listening to my friend, Yasmine Hamdan [an avant-garde Arab musician whose sensually visceral voice has credited bands like Soap Kills and now Y.A.S.]. Now, she uses technology, but without the chemicals! She reproduces the words that our grandmothers used, but uses them in a way that is so modern, so new, so different, that it makes you step back and say, “WOW!” She brings back the old and authentic and gives it to us in a new way. She recently worked on Elia Suleiman’s movie, The Time That Remains. She’s wonderful!

Here, listen...

[Yasmine excitedly whips out her iPod Touch, and with a few swift swipes and jabs, we’re listening to Y.A.S. She holds the music in her hands, looks over to me and smiles. We listen for several minutes as thick, heavy beats and wrenching vocals wash over us. She stops, smiles again and waits for me to continue.]

Since you travel in the same circles as artists like Yasmine Hamdan, you must live within that kind of collective. Do you discover them as artists first or as your friends first?

We’re friends first. When you live abroad, you meet people who share your interests. Paris is a capital European city with a lot of Arab artists. When we meet, we click. We’re here for the same reason, and the wonderful thing about seeing them and knowing them is that not only do I get to see them doing their work, but before that, I get to see them dreaming their work. It’s a wonderful thing to see these people achieving their projects, and it’s even better being a part of them. You feel like you’re part of a community that is trying to change the world in its own way.

Tell me more about this community. Many people are talking about this new Arab renaissance in the arts. Would you say there is such a thing, and if so, what has led it to this point and how would you say it is going?

Well, art doesn’t happen from nothing. Art is not a fashion. Culture is not a fashion. You go somewhere because there is a natural evolution of many elements coming together. I think today, in the Arab world, there has been an economic evolution, which has led to a social evolution and progress. That is what leads our generation today. We are not a closed society that lives inside the house. We want to know what is happening on the other side of the world and we want to show what we’ve got. I think now is the time and here is the place and ours is the generation to do this.

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sur la terre showcase

So you would say it’s your duty to...

No no no! It’s not a “duty!” “Duty” is a boring word! [laughs] Words like “duty” and “responsibility” have become cliche, because politicians have used them too much. I try to avoid the vocabulary that politicians use! [laughs] I try to use my own words because I want to be true to myself and I want to be true to people. That’s why I prefer to say that I am PART of this big change. It’s me. It’s you. It’s us. I don’t have to dream it and I don’t have to plan it. It’s natural.

Of course, it also takes a lot of work and a lot of discipline. It takes lot of respect for the values you have; a lot of thinking and learning about “The Other.” Working in groups is important, and educating yourself is important. There are some hard working people in the Arab world, some really talented people that are starting to get together to create this community. Because of that, I think that the Arab world is an attractive place to hold cultural events in all forms, whether it’s cinema or music or TV, sculpture or painting or video art. From Lebanon to Jordan, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha to Cairo or Syria, a lot is going on. Things are happening here.

You mentioned this might be a generational thing, referencing people like Elia Suleiman. Do you think that this movement is specific to your generation? Is it based on what the previous one went through?

Absolutely! When Elia Suleiman made Divine Intervention and went to Cannes, he was the first Palestinian to do so! He opened the door for a lot of people. After him, we saw Tawfik Abu Wael (director, Thirst). We saw Najwa Najjar (director, Pomegranates and Myrrh). We

saw Scandar Copti (Oscar-nominated director, Ajami). We saw Hani Abu-Assad (Oscar-nominated director, Paradise Now). Every young Palestinian boy and girl watching them was happy, because if these people made it, we could make it, too! Hiam Abbas, as an actress, has done so much for us (Paradise Now, Munich, Pomegranates and Myrrh, Miral)! She is part of that first generation, and today it is easier for a young Palestinian girl to say, “I want to be an actress.” I mean, look, almost all of the Palestinian people have cameras today! We are people who love cinema and make it every day. For us, it has become a language that allows us to communicate, to fight, to be free.

Let’s talk about Miral, your movie that appeared at Tribeca. Firstly, before we get into the movie itself, let’s talk about the film’s director.

Legendary, controversial and Oscar-nominated (for The Diving Bell and the Butterfly) are just a few words that describe Julian Schnabel. What was it like to work with him?

When I first met with Julian Schnabel, I didn’t know what to expect. Was this going to be the artist I studied? I mean, this guy is a school! He’s a painter, a musician, a director. He has this sense of detail, this ability to transform something very complicated into something very simple.

On the set, he looks around and builds from the elements around him.

He knows what to take from you without “vampiring” you. Julian didn’t audition me in a way that made me feel that I was selling myself or in a way that I felt myself to be a product. He looks into your eyes. He talks to you. He eats with you. He goes and sees painting exhibitions with you.

He shows you how to be true, without being aggressive. Working with a person like that makes you more mature, but at the same time, it makes you lighter, more pure. This is Julian Schnabel.

sur la terre showcase

Let’s talk specifically about your role in the film. You play Nadia, Rula’s mother. What was it like to play someone with that much influence on the writer? Would you say it was the most challenging role in your career?

Yes, definitely, and it was also one of the most important. This is a woman who was raped as a child and who went to jail. This is also a woman who was a dancer, who got married to a man 30 years older than her, but who loved her in spite of her not loving him. Then, she became a mother. To think that this story was real and to imagine how Nadia must have felt, it created a very strong relationship with me and her daughter. Today, Rula is a very important person, as a friend and someone with whom I share values. Nadia, though, is a very important human experience for me and a very big artistic challenge. She pushed me to learn a lot about who I am and who I want to be as an actress.

What was it like working with acclaimed actor, Alexander Siddig, who portrays Rula’s father?

He’s a wonderful actor! He is also a reason why I was able to do what I think is a good job in interpreting Nadia. He took everything I had and gave everything back. We met twice before we started shooting, just to talk. We have very tragic and important scenes, but we didn’t want to just read the script. We needed another way to get the magic out. So I looked at him and said, “Do you like tango?’’ And he said, “Yes,

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of course! That’s it! Let’s tango!” [laughs] That’s how we found that magic. It became a human conversation and connection, we didn’t try to act, we just “were,” but we were also aware of the responsibility in that place and in that moment. We agreed this would be our relationship. This would be tango.

What about the film itself? What was it about the story or the characters that drew you to the project? What made you decide to be be a part of it?

Well, I didn’t decide to be a part of it. Miral is that kind of miracle that happens to you. On the human level, this role is very important to me, mostly because it is a Palestinian story. It tells the history of Palestine from 1948 until the agreement in Oslo. It was originally a book by Rula Jebreal, a Palestinian journalist and writer; but, and I think this is important, Miral is a wonderful human story.

Everyone is sick of knowing about what’s going on in Palestine through the News At Eight. People have started to see us as a subject or as a theme. We became a conflict! People forget we are human beings. Palestinians fall in love every day. We have kids, and we are worried for them. We are only human. The way Rula tells this part of our history is the strength of this story and this film for me. Like I just told you, I like to find my own vocabulary, because the language of others becomes overused. Miral uses the human language, and whether you’re Palestinian or not, it will speak to you.

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sur la terre showcase

Are there any other differences between Miral and some of the other Palestinian film biopics we have seen?

Miral is an autobiography of Rulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, but it is told through the perspective of four women. Each one is a very different person, and it made the movie so rich, especially in its use of women at the centre of the story. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what makes this film different, I think. For the first time, you are getting to know the story of Palestine through the eyes of its women.

We are used to seeing men dying or going to jail in Palestine, but when you take the camera and put it on this fragile, vulnerable human being - this girl, who just needs to go to school, who needs to dream, to play, to fall in love. This is different. In the end, it becomes real ... and I like real.

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sur la terre fashion

Production Firefly Communications www.firefly-me.com Art direction Roula Zinati Ayoub Photography Peter Richweisz; www.richweisz.com Model Mirjana Fashion Stylist Arwa AbdelHadi Hair Lee Bennett Make-Up Tonee Roberio Outfits & Accessories TASAMEEM: Aennis Eunis shoes S*uce for: Jewels by Sogol, Peroto, Second Issue, CC skye, The Next Episode, Panache, Janis, Lavish Symphony for: Bodyamr, Rupert Sanderson, Van + Ello Chocolate & Pickles for: Poupee Couture bags, Saraya by Sara Mostafa DAS boutique: DAS collection & CYKAS “Can you keep a secret” Turbans Ayesha Depala: Ayesha Depala Salam Stores: Noir Jewelry, Palestyle bags, Lavish

Dress PEROTO Earrings PANACHE Turban “CYKAS” CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET Bracelet NOIR

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Dress SECOND ISSUE Earrings VAN + ELLO Belt CC SKYE Bracelet LAVISH Bag PALESTYLE

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sur la terre fashion

Dress AYSHA DEPALA Necklace and Earrings JEWELS BY SOGOL Shoes RUPERT SANDERSON

sur la terre fashion

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Dress THE NEXT EPISODE Ring PANACHE Earrings JEWELS BY SOGOL

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sur la terre fashion

Abaya DAS Bracelets, Earrings and Rings NOIR

sur la terre fashion

Abaya DAS COLLECTION Turban “CYKAS” CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET Earrings JEWELS BY SOGOL Shoes Aennis Eunis

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sur la terre special lifestyle

All That Glitters...

Rosy Moorhead rounds up the best of the bling from Jewellery Arabia 2010 >>> After the glittering success that was the 2010 19th Middle East International Jewellery & Watch Exhibition (or Jewellery Arabia), our eyes are still recovering from three days of serious bling-spotting. ogling Omega and admiring all things Aigner, and just generally going mad for the fantastic range of luxury jewellery and horology on display; that was us in the halls of Bahrain’s International Exhibition & Convention Centre last October. All of the greats were there – Cartier, Chanel, De Beers, Panerai. However, perhaps even more exciting was

Stephen Webster – The Top Kat collection Stephen has taken his joyful inspiration from one of Hanna-Barbera’s best loved cartoons, Top Cat. The very tactile, movable fish skeleton shape was taken directly from Top Cat’s dining habits and added to Stephen’s instantly recognisable iconic “Tattoo” motif. Stephen has made a lot of fish over his career, from Tourmaline-Lipped Perch to pave-set Puffers.

During fish ‘n’ chips at The Ivy one night, the leftovers on his plate brought to mind one of his favourite childhood cartoons and - voila!

- his next piece of jewellery was born. The further range consists of plain or diamond and black sapphire encrusted rings, pendants and earrings set in white and yellow gold. Plain agile and flexible necklaces and large hoop earrings in white and yellow gold, and sterling silver complete the Top Kat™ collection.

a huge array of home-grown and regional talent, like the Deema Collection from Oman and Gilan from Turkey, sitting comfortably sideby-side with the international stars. This is what makes the show one of the most special and important exhibitions of its kind. We here at Sur la Terre have decided to extend the buzz into the new year and have put together a selection of the latest gems and timepieces for you, which should just about keep you going until the 20th Jewellery Arabia. Enjoy!

Citizen – Eco-Drive Dome Citizen, the world’s largest watchmaker, has launched a limited edition concept watch, the Eco-Drive Dome, to mark its 80th anniversary.

The challenge was to incorporate the Eco-Drive technology, which utilises any source of light as a power source, into a design that epitomises beauty. The multi-layered transparent dial of the Dome also plays a crucial role in absorbing light and conveying its energy. The distinctive design embodies the concept of light energy that you can wear. It is available in two cases, black and white, both made of titanium in a limited series of 250pcs each. The white titanium case is finished with Citizen’s unique pearl coating and glows with pearl’s deep lustre and subtle luxury.

The lustre of the black titanium case resembles that of a meteorite in cross-section. Every case is individually hand-polished by expert artisans and is unique.

Bulgari – Tondo charms Fashion and nature come together in the new creations from the Tondo line

by Bulgari. These delightful pieces are characterised by floral decorations, animal designs and the subtle play of contrasts between yellow gold and steel that is the signature of the entire collection. In the new pendants, references to the natural world intermingle in decorative motifs that draw on the repertoire of Bulgari tradition, such as the one featuring a stylised fish, one of the most successful emblems of the Naturalia collection. The cherry blossom motif, symbol of fortune, love and the reawakening of nature, is a further homage to the beauty of the natural world and all its expressions. The charms are 18ct yellow gold and steel.

sur la terre special lifestyle

JEANRICHARD – Chronoscope JR1000 This chronograph’s sporting design makes the Chronoscope JR1000 a real success story in terms of aesthetics, testifying to the creativity so characteristic of JEANRICHARD. The 43mm x 43mm case is underscored by alternating polished and satin-finished steel surfaces. A tachymeter has been added to the bezel and the wide opening of the case increases the function displays on the dial substantially. The rhodium-coated Arabic numerals, indexes and hands are luminescent. A curved and branded stainless steel plate has been fitted along the 9 o’clock side of the case, streamlining the curves and enhancing the ergonomics of the watch.

The screw-down crown at 3 o’clock is protected by the pushers, with an easy-to-use system, thereby improving the comfort when using the chronograph function. Water-resistant to 100 metres, the watch is fitted with a calfskin strap, rounding out its sporting design.

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Dior – Rose Dior The Haute Jewellery division at Dior has long embodied the concepts of craftsmanship, refined detailing and a poetic sense of femininity. The creations delivered by the master jewellers at Dior are a combination of precious and semi-precious stones with an abundance of opals. Dior Haute Jewellery is shaking up the habits of traditional jewellery-making and stimulating the inventiveness of the profession. Every single piece of jewellery to come out of the well-known Parisian workshop must be entirely handcrafted. This year, the Rose Dior collection is inspired by one of Dior’s favourite flowers.

One item in the collection, Precieuses Rose, is a breathtaking white gold necklace set with diamonds, emeralds and pink sapphires.

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Parmigiani Bugatti Atalante For its unique design and technical virtuosity, Parmigiani Fleurier is second to none. Parmigiani’s Bugatti-inspired timepiece, the Atalante Flyback Chronograph, is a more traditional round 43mm timepiece and is available in red and white gold, as well as a limited number in platinum. The Atalante features two tachymetric displays in addition to the chronograph’s 30 minute counter and small seconds. Offered in a limited series of 17 watches with a platinum case, it is part of the Bugatti collection. A detail worth noting is the position of the chronograph push-pieces, placed on the left side of the case for ease of use on the wrist. The case is platinum, circular, with the case-back of sapphire-crystal glass revealing the movement. The dial is eggshell and its Havana open-work also reveals the movement. It has Delta hands, baton markers and a double minute track.

Girard-Perregaux – Tourbillon The Girard-Perregaux icon is enclosed in a round case, increased to a diameter of 41mm and exudes an elegance which is at once timeless and highly contemporary. The historic architecture of the Tourbillon with three gold bridges has been augmented for a very limited edition of only 50 pieces. This new showpiece in Girard-Perregaux’s Haute Horlogerie collection is the embodiment of a unique heritage whose origins date back to the middle of the 19th century. The new 2010 version of the Tourbillon adopts a rare shape for the bridges themselves - they have been reinterpreted in an open-worked version which imbues the watch with a highly contemporary purity. Their stunning perfection is the result of painstaking preparation; the bridges are first of all hollowed out and carefully polished by hand. It takes seven whole days of work to obtain its impeccable finish. The gold case, the proportions and curves of which are designed for a perfect fit on the wrist, adds a new dimension to the prestigious collection of Tourbillons, further developing the model’s enduring history.

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Roger Dubuis - Cirque Dynamism personified, this high-spirited range of jewellery is an invitation to happiness.

This year, Roger Dubuis has introduced the star motif to the collection. The harmonious combination of chains, stars and circles set with brilliants creates delightful constellations of light. The long necklace makes an immediate impact thanks, among other things, to its double row. Its stellar composition is accentuated by a central pendant of intersecting links.

As this central piece is detachable, the long necklace can also be worn in two simple rows around the neck or as a bracelet. The jewel’s fluidity is an invitation to play, and is at its most fascinating when it moves. The chain comes in white or rose gold. The earrings demonstrate Roger Dubuis’ daring, youthful, rock ‘n’ roll spirit: there is an impudence about the structure and the pendants. The elegant distinction of these earrings gives them life and vigour and turns them into an instrument of irresistible seduction. These earrings come in white or rose gold.

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Akillis – Kalashnikov belt The luxury French jewellery house Akillis has launched the most expensive belt of its kind in the world. Designer Caroline Gaspard, CEO of Akillis, has let her imagination roam free, drawing inspiration from heroic epics, spy and gangster films, and blending fiction with reality to produce a belt with a buckle featuring empty Kalashnikov rifle bullets encrusted with diamonds. The belt is made of alligator leather and Akillis has already sold three pieces at BD19,400 per unit (US$51,600), which makes it the most expensive belt in the world. The belt is in stark contrast to existing design patterns and stands out from the ordinary. Each and every piece is made in France and is crafted by talented artisans, and the jewellery is a bold yet elegant display of beauty. Akillis designs are comfortable to wear, following the curves of the body like a second skin. Their lightness is only equalled by their majesty.

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sur la terre spotlight

It’s ab

ut time For almost 140 years, Officine Panerai was horology’s best kept secret, supplying time pieces exclusively to the Italian Navy. It wasn’t until the company was purchased by the Richemont Group in 1997 that the rest of us were let in on the secret. Now Panerai is the only Italian haute watchmaker in the world, combining striking Italian design with Swiss watch-making expertise. Consultant Editor Rosy Moorhead meets Milvin George, Managing Director for the Middle East, Turkey and India, and finds out what makes Panerai, and him, tick.

What does Officine Panerai stand for? What’s the brand’s philosophy?

We’re a very niche brand. We have to control who can see us, if everyone can see the brand, it really doesn’t work for us. We’re more exclusive. We advertise in very niche, high-end magazines. We are considering online now but we’re a brand that is spread by word-of-mouth. This has to do with our history.

< Milvin George >

We want to project our “Italianity.” We have that uniqueness of being an Italian brand, but at the same time being Swiss-made. Today in the watch industry, Switzerland is the place to make watches; watches with precision, with various functions and features, of quality of course, handmade watches and so on. That is a very strong element of our DNA.

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< Lo Scienziato, part of the Radiomir Tourbillon range >

We were born from the sea. If I can go back a little bit into the history of the brand, we were founded in 1860 in Florence, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy - a lot of art, a lot of beauty exists in Florence.

It started with the Panerai family, Giovanni Panerai had a workshop in Florence. He was collaborating at that time with the Italian Navy, making professional instruments for them, such as torpedo timers, compasses, torches, very specific instruments related to the Navy. The relationship became very strong, to the point where the Navy asked us if we would consider making diving watches. Ever since then, we have been making watches for the Navy, up until the early 1990s.

In 1993, we started making watches for the public. The brand was a secret for all those years, since 1860, so one of the key things about the brand is this exclusiveness. It’s a challenge for us to maintain, but we do not want to over-expose the brand; that would kill it.

Another important fact about us is that we’re a watch brand that has its own manufacturing unit. Neuchatel in Switzerland is a valley that is famous for its watch-making. We’ve invested heavily in research and development ever since we opened our manufacturing there in 2002, and in 2005 we founded our first in-house movement (the calibre P.2002, a hand-wound mechanical movement with 8 days power reserve).

So, I think these are the key things that are, of course, the characteristics of the watch. It’s a big watch, very heavy; we’re a masculine brand. Our clientele can range from ages 20 to 60, middle-class to high-class, wellread and well-travelled. We’re not a trendy brand. In fact, we have set the trend since we launched in the market.

< The tourbillon escapement in this range is the greatest technical expression of mechanical horology and provides greater accuracy >

Panerai has produced collections for Ferrari, Sylvester Stallone and one to mark the 400th anniversary of Gallileo’s first astrological observations.

Where do you find inspiration for collections?

Regarding the Sylvester Stallone case, we’ve heard many stories! Of course, he’s Italian-American and he’s always back and forth, and the story is that he found an historical Panerai watch in an antique shop and then bought several more. Then he asked for some exclusive pieces in relation to the movie Daylight. This is where the Daylight collection came from, and it really just happened by accident. It’s not like other celebrities endorsing other brands; we’re happy to have him as a friend.

The partnership with Ferrari, which ended this year had a lot of similarities. Obviously, Ferrari is also an Italian brand, and we were basically asked to be the engineers of their watches. It was a case of our design team working with their design team, finding similarities within the aesthetics of the Ferrari car and somehow implementing this in a watch, which, by the way, was not easy at all!

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sur la terre spotlight

With the Jupiterium collection, it was in some respects similar to the Stallone case in that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an Italian story behind it. Gallileo comes from Florence and is considered a master of time. Of course, 2009 was also the Year of Astrology and that was the year we decided to sponsor the Gallileo telescope exhibition in Florence, the US, Beijing, Philadelphia and Stockholm. The Jupiterium was an instrument we developed with the moon and planets in mind. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s huge and costs 1.5 million Euros and in the end we decided not to sell it. It exhibits the one thing that Panerai and Gallileo share: A passion for time.

< The original Panerai boutique in Florence >

What else is so distinctive about Panerai as a brand?

Our in-house movement and our manufacturing in Neuchatel have made very big statements for the brand. The fact that most of our calibres are made in-house means we can also control repair and maintenance. Other distinguishing characteristics come through in the features of our product, like the case and also the dial, which are distinctive. Other highlights include our boutiques. We really focus on giving our customers an exclusive experience, through our selective distribution.

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< The Doha boutique >

On what criteria are locations for your boutiques selected?

It’s really the standard and the level of the shopping mall or the commercial district. We have two types of boutique – boutiques on the street level, like in Riyadh and Lebanon, and boutiques that are within a shopping mall. What we look at areas with high-value real estate. If it’s in a mall, it should have all the big brands – Rolex, Cartier, Bulgari, Patek Philippe. If a project is good, we’re there. We’re the last brand to go in because it’s critical for us to know what everything will look like and how the management handles the zoning, who will be where, etc. Then, we come in at the end. We’re like the cherry on top.

You have opened boutiques in Doha, Beirut, Riyadh and Dubai. Are there plans for any more in this region?

The Jeddah boutique will come at the end of the year and next year we will have a boutique in Abu Dhabi. In Bahrain, we’re waiting for the right opportunity. We’re well represented by Asian Jewellers, they do a good job of promoting and selling the brand. It’s a matter of the right time and place.

What does Panerai offer to luxury goods consumers in the GCC? From the moment you walk in, you’re in Panerai World. You’re received by a Panerai sales associate and, after you leave, we put you on a database of return customers. We are constantly in contact with the customer, as most of them are on the waiting list for our watches. We also hold events for our collectors and connoisseurs. We want them to come and enjoy the brand and to feel that they are part of the club. Many times, they know the watch better than me! We’re also fortunate enough to have our service centre in Dubai, so we service all our retailers in the region from there.

Speaking specifically of Bahrain, the annual Jewellery Arabia exhibition in November is one of the highlights of our calendar, and we love coming here. The Bahraini customer really knows what he or she wants, and have

< The Panerai application for iPhone features images, information and upto-the-minute news on the brand, its products and its boutiques >

a long-standing interest in jewellery and watches. Maybe this is because of the history of pearl trading, but it’s something we really appreciate in this culture. It gives us a chance to meet collectors from all over the region.

What does 2011 hold for Panerai?

There are three things we will focus on as a brand. The first is a combination of investment in research and developing our own calibres, which is the engine of the watch. The second thing is that we will focus a lot on materials like steel, titanium and a ceramic deposit that results from a chemical process and is stronger than ceramic. Of course, we also use platinum and gold.

We’re not the kind of brand that completely changes the look of the watch, so we have the Luminor case with its characteristic lever device to protect the winding crown. In the past, one of the most important features when making a water-resistant watch was to protect the crown, because that’s the weakest point. Today, you don’t really need to do that, but this is one of the key features of the watch. If we remove it, it will not sell. We have the Radomir case, which has a cushion shape, and we work around these two cases. They make up the identity of the brand, and that we don’t change.

For me, the brand is making, and has already made, history and I’m really happy to be able to facilitate and implement these strategies over the next ten years. It’s an incredible ride.

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sur la terre good tastes

< Chef Special Sushi >

Konnichi wa, Maki

Serving up a storm of Japanese contemporary fusion food, Maki is one of the most welcome of the recent additions to the Bahrain restaurant scene. With over 100 different options on the menu, this is a sushi-loverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fine dining heaven. Consultant Editor Rosy Moorhead and Area Manager Chirine Halabi dust off their chopsticks and go along to check out this delightful little piece of the Far East in the heart of the Gulf. >>> It may be a bold claim, but we here at Sur la Terre reckon Maki is the number one contemporary Japanese restaurant chain in the Middle East. The first franchise opened in Kuwait in December 2002, and played a not inconsiderable part in changing the eating habits of the local restaurant-going public. There are now a grand total of three in the country. A fourth opened in Beirut in December 2009, and, luckily for us, the latest addition to the family opened here in Bahrain in May 2010.

< Maki Bahrain - Exterior >

The restaurant, in a prime location in the Bahrain World Trade Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Moda Mall, quietly opened its doors on May 2nd, expecting to gently

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ease itself into the Bahraini dining scene – and was completely swarmed.

Maki has thus far relied mainly on word-of-mouth advertising, and the customers have been doing a grand job of it. Even the quickest of lunchtime visits is enough to convert you to their cause.

< Maki Bahrain - Exterior 2 >

The main reason is, of course, the food. Billed as “contemporary Japanese fusion,” Maki blends together creativity, quality and tradition in each and every dish. There are over one hundred different types of maki on the menu, each entirely unique, with its own distinctive flavour and special ingredients. So far, I’m just talking about the edited menu; more items had to be cut because it just wasn’t practical to include so many options.

For first-time diners like me, the choice was still a little overwhelming, but the trick is to take advantage of the personalised order service and let the waiter order for you, based on your dietary requirements and culinary preferences.

Each dish is highly complicated and carefully put together, key elements in the creative output of founder, Oliver Zeitoun and Group Executive Chef Shantha. The focus of Maki is on original recipes with a touch of innovation. Oliver and his partners (and brothers), Oussama and Amer, frequently travel to Japan to search for new herbs and spices and will then take these home and experiment with flavour combinations until they find the perfect one. The result is a range of dishes that might not necessarily be found in Japan, but would delight any son or daughter from the Land of the Rising Sun. Japanese visitors love Maki’s fresh take on their cuisine, and many of them, including the Japanese Ambassador in Kuwait, make up the majority of the growing population of regular customers.

< Maki Shake Ikura Sushi >

Quality is not sacrificed to speed here – you can be assured that every item on your plate has been freshly prepared to order. It is impossible to get across the full extent of the dining experience in such a short space, but suffice it to say, there is something for everyone here.

Whether you go for maki, sashimi, sushi, nigiri, temaki, tempura, tepanyaki or sukiyaki, you will not be disappointed.

There’s no way of getting the full experience in one sitting. The only option is to go back – again and again and again.

< Maki Bahrain - Interior >

< Maki Akami Carpaccio >

< Maki Maki >

HO 2

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sur la terre starcrossed

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Production Firefly Communications, www.firefly-me.com Art direction Roula Zinati Ayoub Photography Peter Richweisz, www.richweisz.com Models Vanessa and Mirjana Fashion Stylist Arwa AbdelHadi Hair Lee Bennett Make-Up Tonee Roberio

Dress ANDRE Necklace JANIS Headpiece Jewelry and Bracelets RANDOUSHKA Ring PANACHE Shoes Aennis Eunis

Outfits & Accessories TASAMEEM: Aennis Eunis shoes and stockings S*uce for: KOOKOO, Jewels by Sogol, Les Caprices De Vanina, Andre, Shourouk, Deepa Gurnani, Sarah’s bag, Janis, Essa, Wafa Saifi, Panache Symphony for: Willow Chocolate & Pickles for: Poupee Couture bags, Saraya by Sara Mostafa DAS boutique: CYKAS “Can you keep a secret” Turbans Exclusive Fazza3 Poetry Jewelry by Randoushka Cugini: Pearl Qatar; KOOKOO

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Top LES CAPRICES DE VININA Belt WILLOW Turban “CYKAS” CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET Bracelets and Earrings RANDOUSHKA Shoes and Stockings Aennis Eunis

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Top SARAYA Belt JANIS Turban “CYKAS” CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET Bag SARAH’S BAG Bracelets and Earrings JEWELS BY SOGOL Shoes and Stockings Aennis Eunis

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Top KOOKOO Belt WAFA SAFI Headband DEEPA GURNANI Necklace SHOUROUK Rings JEWELS BY SOGOL Bag SARAYA Shoes and Stockings Aennis Eunis

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Top KOOKOO Turban Essa Necklace RANDOUSHKA Bracelets and Earrings JEWELS BY SOGOL Bag POUPEE COUTURE

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sur la terre in vogue

>>> Another year has passed us by In Vogue-ers, and alas, there is not much we can do to bring back the glorious past twelve months, but we can promise you nothing less than our previous best in the new year. What better way to start than with a selection of some the most delicious offerings we have witnessed on the pages of this fashionista haven?

We begin with the grandeur of Gaultier, with the quirky French designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready to wear collection. We then delve into the depths of the luxurious Italian psyche and vivacity of Versace before contemplating Carolina Herreraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Winter in Canada. With any of these fiery fashion choices, we can guarantee you will put the WIN in Winter...

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Jean Paul Gaultier Women Readyto-wear Collection

This “Global Nomads” collection is all about a mix of different ethnicities, cultures and races. Ethnic touches and motifs are worked onto streetwear. A slim Chinese dress is paired with an oversized hooded sweatshirt, which, in turn, is embroidered with Eastern European motifs.

Ancestral curly-toed Turkish slippers, stacked neck-rings from colourful Kenyan tribes and an oversized turban in African wax print cotton finished off with Alpine socks, create the perfect look for the fashionable Global Nomad.

The final runway look paired a long-sleeved leotard knit with Tibetan motifs, with masses of chunky sliver jewellery from the Arabian Gulf, a gold Lamé turban and an oversized backpack in fur. “It’s all about a journey around the world, and sometimes it includes several countries in one outfit.

Our world is multicultural and multi-ethnic – and I want to mix that together with our European heritage,” says Jean Paul Gaultier.

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Carolina Herrera â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Winter in Canada

The CH Carolina Herrera collections for men and women seek inspiration in the Canadian winter, from its dense boreal forests to the tundra. Based on a winter that is austere and magnificent, characterised by fine fabrics and noble colours, the colour scheme opens with camel and brown tones and wends its way towards grey, navy blue and black, finishing off with touches of yellow, redcurrant and lilac, mimicking the radiance of the autumn forest. With regards to volume and cut, a simple spirit is adhered to for both men and women, reflected in the immaculate tailoring and refined volumes in the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection. The cut is relaxed, with garments designed to generate an effortless look of natural elegance and stylish chic. A host of different wools take centre stage in the collection.

Light but warm, tweed and reversible flannel make an appearance alongside a strategic knitwear collection that gives colour and form to the look. Leather and fur offer the ideal complement for any occasion. Whether in a sporty or more sophisticated style, their versatility ensures they claim their rightful place in both the masculine and feminine wardrobe.

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Versace Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Collection

The Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Collection redesigns the volume of the outerwear and works with the classic platform of tailoring to emphasise new proportions and shapes. Ideas and fabrics are combined to deliver an innovative approach to colour and graphics. A combination of asymmetric and cut-out, alternating between void and full, continually adjusts the volumes on the body.

Length is another factor in this exploration of clear-cut contrasts, varying between flowing lines that skim the ankle and ultra short hems. Biker features are the inspiration for the details of the collection and the patched materials. The mirror gloss of the leathers references the chrome work of a motorbike, assuming the key colour shades of the collection: dark blue, chocolate brown, red, chartreuse green and sky grey. Construction is tailored, outlines are precise. For the evening, silhouettes are pared down, with cut-outs that create the asymmetric proportions.

There is an interplay between polished leather, elastics and plissĂŠ chiffon.

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sur la terre accessories

Brilliant Details

Photographer: Fabrizio Nannini Stylist: Roberto Ciapani, Gloria Storchi and Federico Toretti Hair and make up: Marco Minunno @ Mks Milano

Lace-up shoes with embroidery, LOUIS VUITTON Leather belt, SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Red and grey tie, HERMES Black Label cravats, RALPH LAUREN

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Snakeskin belt with gold-plated buckle, ROBERTO CAVALLI Black Swarovski clutch with gold detailing, RENĂ&#x2030; CAOVILLA Sparkling shoulder bag and clutch, TRUSSARDI 1911 Black and green python armband, SERGIO ROSSI

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sur la terre accessories

Silver shoulder with logo buckle and pleated foulard, HERMES Fur rollneck, LOUIS VUITTON Ball-shaped bag, ROBERTO CAVALLI

sur la terre accessories

Shirt and cuff-links, Salvatore Ferragamo White silk necktie and braces, BRIONI Loafers with stud soles, TODâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

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sur la terre out of the box

< Omani perfumer, Amouage’s latest olfactory masterpiece, Memoir >

Scents of Culture Sur la Terre enters the fragrant world of Omani perfumer, the House of Amouage, and marvels at the Memoir of its Creative Director, Christopher Chong.

>>> If there is one thing in Arabic culture that truly allows one to express his or her individuality, it is the use of scent. The potent, yet alluring, waft of Arabian Oud as a well-groomed Khaleeji man strides into a meeting, or a beautiful khol-eyed woman glides by in a shopping mall, is a defining characteristic of living in the Gulf.

The perfume choice of locals, who tend to shun many mainstream brands, is quintessential to the Arab identity. It is a way of expressing both culture and individuality. In some cases, with rare and valuable ingredients, it is a way of subconsciously establishing the person’s social standing, allowing you to know you are in the presence of importance without the other party saying a word, leaving it to your sense of smell to draw the obvious conclusion.

While many of these scents are rooted in tradition, there is one company, based in Oman, that is not afraid to push the boundaries of accepted Arabic olfactory expectations, and is always willing to experiment with bold, often obscure, yet always exclusive ingredients.

Enter the House of Amouage.

Amouage’s latest masterpiece, Memoir, took its regional bow at Dubai’s Opera Gallery in September, under the stewardship of charismatic creative director, Christopher Chong. Bringing to bear his undeniably creative touch, Chong unveiled Memoir Woman and Memoir Man, two opposing fragrances that are both, in their own ways, spicy and seductive, but each containing its own definitive scent.

“When I was creating Memoir, I was inspired by 19th century French Philosophy, poetry movements by Baudelaire and the German philosophy of the Doppelgänger,” Chong explained to Sur la Terre.

“I see so many fragrances that play on sensuality, but in my view that is just dumbing down, so I decided to take up the challenge. I thought, ‘Why can’t I intellectualise perfume?’”

With the remit to explore the fragmentation of a person, and similarly complicated themes, Chong believes his newest fragrance will enable the wearer to find his or her own identity in the bold choice of ingredients. Memoir Woman employs base notes of leather, fenugreek

sur la terre out of the box

< Making scents of it: Amouage Creative Director, Christopher Chong >

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< The House of Amouage in Dubai Mall >

and musk, blended expertly with powerful heart notes of jasmine and frankincense, to create a powerful, hypnotic platform for the top notes of cardamom, absinthe and pink pepper.

of the ingredients we have introduced in Memoir, such as Absinthe and Wormwood. It is a daring selection of ingredients anywhere in the world, but here they will love it, because it is different.”

Memoir Man delivers both earthiness and spice in equal measure, also daring to be different through the inclusion of absinthe as a top note, infused with wormwood, basil and mint. Tobacco, sandalwood and leather make up some of the solid, masculine base notes, while the heart of the fragrance is carried by rose, frankincense and lavender.

Chong says that his objective is to create perfumes that are thought provoking, and scents that will enable people to engage themselves.

Memoir is no different. Speaking about the creative process behind the new fragrance, he explains that, because it is impossible to write down or draw a smell, he has to create a backstory in his head in order to express his ideas for the scent to his team.

“I love discord,” Chong explains. “In music, discord is when two musical sounds oppose each other, but mutually create a harmony, and I think Memoir achieves this.”

“I planned Memoir for four years, but last year, my gut feeling told me that the market was finally ready for it. It was now or never; it was now time to be groundbreaking or never do it. It was time to do something different - something bold.”

As much as the inspiration for the fragrance is based in Western intellectual culture, Chong draws as much inspiration from the Middle East market, which, he suggests, allows him to be more creatively expressive when producing fragrances for Amouage.

“For the Middle East, perfume is not so much about vanity, it is so ingrained in the culture, it has become more of a spiritual thing. They wear it for themselves, as a personal statement. Perfume is such a huge part of the heritage; they learn about fragrances and perfumes from the time they are babies, so they are much more receptive. The market here wants something new. They want something groundbreaking, like some

For him, the Memoir fragrances explore the inseparable nature of beauty and depravity. Memoir Woman is represented in Chong’s presentation as a Black Swan, who is the past, present and future; man and woman, separated and reunited through the discordant notes of the perfume.

Memoir Man, explains Chong, is more... sinister, suggesting an undercurrent of vice and anguish, of trying to find a personal identity through the strong olfactory blend of tobacco, wormwood and absinthe.

In the story, he comes face to face with the Black Swan, his alter-ego, represented perhaps in the lighter notes of Rose and Vanilla.

“I wanted to philosophise about complicated themes in order to start a dialogue with my customers, as well as enabling them to find their own identity,” he notes. “I like to think that I don’t impose my vision on them, that I leave it open for their own interpretation. I ask them, ‘What do you see in it?’ I find that is much more interesting.”

Amouage Memoir is available exclusively in Bahrain through Yousuf A Wahab Al Hawaj & Sons.

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Brenner's Park Hotel & Spa

< Brenner's Park Front >

Tucked away in a verdant private park on the edge of Germany’s Black Forest is a little treasure that European wellness-seekers have known about for some time and that is now also starting to make its mark further afield. Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa in the resort town of Baden-Baden has as its motto, “Lifestyle. At one with nature” and it is this message that it is seeking to spread throughout the Gulf. Consultant Editor Rosy Moorhead is ready to be persuaded... >>> For over 135 years, international guests have made their way to Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa to soak up the savior-vivre and well-being that it embodies. It is one in the chain of iconic hotels in the luxury Oetker Hotel Collection and offers world-renowned medical diagnostics, therapeutic care, nutrition coaching, weight-loss programmes and beauty packages.

As well as being an exquisite 5-Star grand hotel, Brenner’s Park is famed for its spa and medical spa facilities. The regular spa offers treatments and packages covering the face and the body and boasts a spa suite and saunarium spa containing a variety of baths and saunas, a private terrace and refreshments. There is also, of course, a first-class fitness centre and pool, and the spa’s staff will furnish you with expert nutritional advice.

The medical spa offers an extensive range of healthcare programmes and its team of dedicated professionals uses the latest and best

examination and diagnostic techniques to determine your exact health requirements and to advise guests on such matters as preventative care, therapy and diet. Brenner’s Park offers a unique combination of diagnosis, consultation and care based on eight pillars: preventative check-up, specialist medical care, elimination and detoxification, aesthetic dentistry, aesthetic dermatology, ophthalmology, physio-spa, weight-loss and nutritional coaching.

Brenner’s Park was one of the first luxury hotels in Europe to integrate medicine into its offered services.

The procedures are for the most part non-invasive and most do not involve surgery. The hotel has a working relationship with a clinic about 40km away where bone and joint surgery is performed and whose patients are often moved to Brenner’s Park to recuperate.

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market, making up 20% of its total clientele. After Saudi Arabia, Bahraini guests are the most frequent visitors from this region. Guests from all over the world return year after year, and members of the Saudi royal family go every year for two weeks over the summer. The Oetker Hotel Collection is keen to expand its GCC market, with the aim of one day opening a hotel here in the Middle East.

< Brenner's Park doctors >

< Brenner's pool >

As spa Manager Hans-Peter Veit says, “We are happy to bring to the Middle East the world-renowned natural and holistic medical care on offer at Brenner’s – a hotel with an international reputation for over 135 years, and that has made its mark as a medical spa for the last 25 years.

Led by qualified doctors who are experts in their fields, we guarantee a unique experience for each of our guests – healthcare for the body, mind and soul, and a medical spa like no other.” With twenty treatment rooms and customised spa programmes, guests can enjoy comprehensive therapeutic care while enjoying the comfort of Brenner’s.

Samir Daqqaq, Senior Vice President of Development (Middle East and Africa) at Oetker continues by saying, “Brenner’s is situated at the heart of ancient natural resources and modern sophistication, and offers a unique mix of medical and beauty treatments. Their unique specialisation comes with the Oetker Hotel Collection’s world-class luxury standards.’

However, with so many seemingly similar spa resorts closer to home, why should we go all the way to Germany? Samir Daqqaq cites the centre’s unparalleled history and experience, its second-to-none luxury, its excellent location and healing climate (who here in the dusty, arid Middle East could argue with that?) and its staff’s unsurpassed expertise.

All of these things combine, he says, to give Brenner’s a competitive advantage. The group invests every year in training the doctors and spa staff and in maintaining and upgrading the property. Nowhere else is there such a concentration of experts in so many different fields. They also offer a follow-up service, even to their patients from overseas, which can be done by email. The doctor who saw you in Germany will monitor your progress after you have returned home, and can also send you recipes and advice as a continuation of your personalised plan.

< Brenner's Park >

Alternatively, you can simply go there for a fantastic 5-Star holiday experience! The hotel itself is a stunning old mansion set in extensive grounds in the Lichtentaler Allee, a historic park and arboretum set out as an avenue along the banks of the River Oos. The location alone is enough to cleanse and soothe the soul, with its grand old trees, ornate bridges over the river and majestic mansions and hotels. Brenner’s boasts an impressive eight golf courses, nestled on either side of the river, and guests can also pay a visit to the Iffezheim Racecourse, located just outside of town. The city of Baden-Baden, too, seems designed with soul-salving in mind – it is a city of culture and art, baths and thermal springs. Just a ten minute-walk from the hotel, the old part of the city has elegant buildings and a lively shopping district; although, if you’ve come from Bahrain you’ll probably be looking for a break from shopping! The city is also home to the Festspielhaus, Europe’s second largest opera and concert house, and the Staatliche Kunsthalle art gallery, as well as a number of museums.

A delegation of doctors and spa staff embarked on a tour of the Gulf in late 2010 to showcase the natural and holistic medical care on offer at the hotel, but their trip also highlighted the growing significance of medical tourism across the globe. The GCC is the resort’s largest foreign

To obtain a visa for travel to Germany couldn’t be easier. If you’re a GCC national, you simply need to take the letter from the hotel itself, or their representative in Dubai, to the German embassy in the Diplomatic Area, one of the friendliest and most helpful foreign embassies here. (Visit http://www.manama.diplo.de or visit between 08.30 and 11.30 Sun-Thu.) For more information on treatments and prices, visit www.brenners.com

< Brenner's spa suite >

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sur la terre out of the box

Bang & Olufsen and BMW – a creative partnership If you were lucky enough to have been at the Paris Motor Show back in October 2010, you may well have come across something rather exciting – the BMW 6 Series concept car featuring the new Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System, the first fruits of a new creative partnership between the two brands. If this is their first offering, the future for this partnership can only be dazzling.

< An example of B&O’s famous interiors >

>>> This is an excellent match for a number of reasons. Both combine design and technology with pleasure – the joy of driving in the case of BMW, and for B&O, the pleasure that comes from superb sound quality. Both also continuously strive for technical excellence and are committed to quality and style. In these areas, both have the courage to go beyond the ordinary.

Of course, it isn’t just exciting for us punters. “We are very enthusiastic about this co-operation,” says B&O President and CEO Karl Kristian Hvidt Nielsen. “BMW and Bang & Olufsen share values that focus on design and performance; values that have given both brands a unique position in the market within their respective areas.”

This isn’t the first time the companies have worked together. B&O for years has supplied speciality aluminium components for a number of BMW cars.

These components reflect the superb craftsmanship and attention to detail of everything that Bang & Olufsen creates, and BMW realised it has found the perfect company to provide the first-class sound systems the brand requires for its cars.

The High-End Surround Sound System that was unveiled with the release of the BMW 6 Series concept car was the result of many months of highly

< BMW’s peerless presence >

secretive and intensive research and development at the B&O research facility in Struer, Denmark. The sound system seamlessly integrates the clean Danish design so integral to Bang & Olufsen with BMW’s dynamic three-dimensional style and the flowing interior lines of the concept car. The solid aluminium grilles that cover the loudspeakers perfectly complement the dynamic and sporty feel of the car’s interior.

Then again, it isn’t just a pretty facade. The system features several unique design elements that are sure to please even the most die-hard of techies.

The hand-crafted Acoustic Lens positioned in the centre of the instrument panel that opens up to reveal the lens inside. Acoustic Lens Technology, featured in numerous B&O products, maximises the area of optimum sound in front of the loudspeaker, giving you an improved sense of space and realism, something not possible with traditional loudspeakers.

Bang & Olufsen constantly innovates and redefines the parameters of car audio entertainment and has become widely regarded as the company that revolutionised car audio. The perfect partner then, it would seem, for BMW, the company that created the passenger compartment of this car to resemble the cockpit of a luxury yacht. We here at Sur la Terre will be keeping a close eye on this particular partnership.

sur la terre out of the box

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Net-A-Porter launches Party Boutique

< The Party Boutique evokes the spirit of Studio 54 >

< Isabel Marant Gia brocade dress >

< Oscar de la Renta - Crystal-embellished snakeskin slingbacks >

Love your designer labels but can’t face the traffic and crowds that a trip to the mall involves?

Fear not, stylish ladies of Bahrain, Net-A-Porter is here with the perfect solution. >>> Net-A-Porter, the world’s premier online luxury retailer, has launched its dedicated Party Boutique. Fans of the “store” have long enjoyed being able to choose from over 300 of the world’s most coveted designers at their leisure, names such as Alexander McQueen, D&G, Miu Miu, Stella McCartney and many more.

was launched just in time for the festive season in 2010-11. Party provides everything the high-spirited fashionista needs to steal the spotlight when she’s out on the town – slinky sequins, heavenly high hems and jewelcoloured maxi dresses. The boutique exudes the decadent party spirit of Studio 54, the legendary New York disco of the 1970s.

Their award-winning website, presented in the style of a traditional glossy fashion mag, offers the style-savvy customer exactly what she wants – unprecedented access to the season’s hottest looks from international cutting-edge labels via worldwide express delivery. The pages of Net-APorter feature high fashion editorial that is updated weekly and is viewed by over 2.5 million women worldwide each month. Top all of this off with the company’s luxurious packaging and unrivalled customer care (including easy returns), all without moving an inch from your PC, and you’ve got yourself one rather delightful shopping experience.

Whatever the occasion, Net-A-Porter has got it covered. Choose from mini, knee-length and maxi dresses, skirts and trousers, bags, jewellery and the all-important shoes (well, they do make or break an outfit, you know). They even do the lingerie to go underneath it all. If all this choice is a bit too much for you, simply click on the “Outfits” section in the Party Boutique menu and they’ll tell you exactly what to wear: team the Donna Karan satin and wool-blend dress with the Jimmy Choo Tilly snake-trimmed suede pumps and finish the look with the Valentino sequined cashmere and silk-blend shawl. It’s as easy as that.

The Party Boutique is an exciting addition to NAP’s stable of boutiques, which includes Workwear, Essentials, Vacation, Denim and Wedding, and

Visit www.net-a-porter.com and get shopping! Now where’s that credit card?...

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sur la terre society

Rosa Clará bridal boutique launched in Bahrain

Rosa Clará, the renowned bridal couture boutique from Barcelona, opened its first Middle East outlet in Bahrain in December 2010. The bridal wear specialist has been brought to the Kingdom by Jawad Business Group (JBG).

The official inauguration was celebrated with a cake-cutting ceremony presided over by Mrs. Fatima Jawad and Mrs. Sabah Jawad, both Members of the Board of Directors of JBG, as well as Mrs. Judith Faisal Jawad and Elena Teindas, the Retail, Commercial and Marketing Director at Rosa Clará.

Speaking about the launch of the boutique Mr. Faisal Jawad, Chairman and CEO of JBG later said, “It is such a pleasure to introduce a truly unique brand like Rosa Clará to the Middle East. Not only are the creations unique, but they are also reflective of the group’s quality and reliability. We are sure that Rosa Clará will be a great success in Bahrain and we hope ladies will enjoy the Rosa Clará experience here.” Elena Teindas from Rosa Clará was delighted about the brand’s foray into the Middle Eastern market.

Commenting on the launch, she said, “Our brand is a pioneer in bringing truly global and quality bridal luxury to the modern woman. Bahrain is a vibrant and cosmopolitan country with a Western outlook that compliments the image of Rosa Clará’s creations for young brides.”

The Rosa Clará boutique, situated on Budaiya Highway, is a first-ofits-kind designer bridal wear showroom, which offers intricate and luxurious bridal gown collections, some of which have been designed by celebrated designers including Christian Lacroix and Jesús del Pozo.

Rosa Clará collections are made up of harmonious, modern and balanced gowns, avoiding excesses, in which the fabric and its quality have essential importance.

Top left to bottom right: Designer Rosa Clara with one of her creations A symphony of matrimony in white The stars of the show: a selection of the best from the Rosa Clará collection Left to right: Mrs. Faisal Judith Jawad, Elena Teindas-Retail Commercial & Marketing Director, Rosa Clara, Mrs. Fatima Jawad-Member of the Board of Directors, Jannat Jawad-Brand Manager, Rosa Clara Bahrain and Mrs.Sabah Jawad-Member of the Board of Directors, Jawad Business Group

sur la terre society

Audi launches A8 L

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Members of the press and car enthusiasts alike gathered in the central court of Moda Mall for the much-anticipated launch of Audi’s new flagship model, the A8 L quattro. The vehicle sets new standards of luxury, dynamism and efficiency in the top automobile manufacturing league.

“The Audi A8 L is the most important model for Audi in Bahrain for the next five or six years.

As our flagship, it will further strengthen the Audi brand image and increase our presence in the German premium D-segment,” says Audi Bahrain Dealer Principal, Pieter Kruger.

After watching the promotional video and listening to the presentation on the car’s features, guests queued up to sit and be photographed in the car, drawn in by its supremely powerful presence, superb features and athletic yet elegant outlines.

Also proving a hit were the three interactive presentation stations, set up in a booth next to the car showcase. Visitors sat back in luxurious leather armchairs and donned headphones and 3D glasses and were free to discover the features, facts and figures of the A8 L at their leisure.

Top left to bottom right: Guests enjoying the hospitality Audi’s Luciya Johnson shows SlT Consultant Editor Rosy Moorhead around the interactive presentation Mohammed Shirazi, Peter Green, Pieter Kruger ,Majid Shirazi, Jeff Mannering Press and public watching the promotional video Peter Green, Abu Qassim Shirazi, Mohammed Shirazi, Sheikh Mohammed Al Khalifa, Majid Shirazi Rami Joudi, Pieter Kruger, Marcel Kruetzfeldt The presentation by Marcel Kruetzfeldt The new Audi A8

“ENTERTAINMENT”

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WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011

Call of Duty: Black Ops The second in the Call of Duty series to be developed by Treyarch after their CoD: World at War title, Black Ops is the first to take place during the Cold War and it is by far the best (and most anticipated) weapon in the CoD armory. The single player game is engaging to say the least, and apart from the bugs we experienced (mostly annoying frame rate issues and donkey-dumb AI), it provides a complex if not psychotic romp through one of history’s most paranoid eras. Add to that the vocal talents of huge Hollywood heavyweights Sam Worthington, Ed Harris and the incomparable Gary Oldman, and it’s no wonder this thing had a worldwide redcarpet launch of such epic proportions. Of course, you’re really interested in multiplayer, which has been tweaked enough to make the now classic series feel young again.

The biggest difference is a new, monetaryesque system, which replaces character and equipment enhancement based solely on levelling with the accrual of CoD Points.

Another new feature is the CoD Theatre, which expands on the Killcam function in games of old and allows you to record and edit your best campaigns to upload on www.CallofDuty.com for bragging rights.

Of all these developments, however, our personal favourite is the return of the Nazi Zombie mini-campaign, which, as the name implies, takes you back to killin’ the despotic undead. A special variation even puts you in the shoes of John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon and Fidel Castro as gun-toting, trash-talking zombie killers. Yes!

Although we have kicked our unhealthy addiction to professional wrestling after its heyday in the late 90s, we have to admit that the games are still somehow able to grasp us like a Ric Flair figure-four leg lock. Of these, the Smackdown VS. Raw series has become the undisputed champion of graphics, ingame physics, character customisation and overall replayability. In Smackdown VS. Raw 2011, developers Yuke’s (still publishing with THQ) nears ever closer to perfection. Visually, the game is pretty much the same as the 2010 edition, which is to say, stunning. The blood, sweat and tears of fake combat truly shine in 2011. You now have a stable of 70+ WWE superstars to choose from, with the ever-popular Create-a-Wrestler continuing to impress with almost thousands of moves and appearances from which to create your own dealer of destruction. Road to Wrestlemania is still there to offer a linear system of play (although, disappointingly, you can’t travel the road with a created character), while WWE Universe, the newest element to the game and the most innovative we’ve seen to the genre in a very long time, allows you to build your own evolving story by intuitively collecting statistics like feuds, win/loss records and standings from regular battles.

There is also another great option that sees you attempting to end The Undertaker’s Wrestlemania undefeated streak, which, if you win, would prove to your parents that you CAN actually achieve something in life.

Just kidding, we all know better than that.

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Disney’s Aladdin

After conducting extensive research on the subject, Sur la Terre has discovered that the Sega Genesis video game based on Disney’s Aladdin is generally held to be the best thing on planet Earth in the year 1993. In fact, it was widely believed that it would replace air as the thing we would breathe in the future, and it’s not hard to see why. Implementing revolutionary graphics and an incredibly fluid style of animation, Aladdin quickly established itself as a wish come true for gamers at every level. Not only did it have a vast array of technical developments, it was also one of the first games to weaponise apples! Placing you in the curved-up shoes of the groundbreaking movie’s titular hero, you were charged with carpet flying, canyon diving, sword fighting and, as mentioned previously, apple-chucking your way through beautifully rendered levels on your way to dashing the evil schemes of vizier-turnedsorcerer-turned-big red genie, Jafar. Whether you were swinging and ducking through the streets of Agrabah, dodging molten lava through the Cave of Wonders or literally tripping your way through the magical realm of the genie, this was one of those rare great titles of the period. We picked up the game again not too long ago in a fit of nostalgia and had just as much fun now as we did then, proving that it, much like the phenomenal cosmic genie, is a timeless power with which to be reckoned.

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sur la terre flicks

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1)

Megamind What if Lex Luthor finally defeated Superman?

What if the Joker finally got the “last laugh” on Batman? In short, what if the highway of Good finally came to a screeching halt at the cul-de-sac of EVIL? Such is the premise of DreamWorks Animation’s newest 3D masterpiece, Megamind. The film follows the eponymous alien main character’s arrival on earth, his first tentative steps into delinquency and finally, his lifelong rivalry with archenemy, Metro Man. Like most megalomaniacs attempting to conquer the world via superscience, Megamind is continually defeated, until one day, when our blue-skinned baddie defeats his nemesis and finally sups from the cup of victory! Unfortunately for Megamind, however, basking in the aftermath of triumph proves a bittersweet and hollow experience. As his meticulous machinations to reignite the fires of the “good ol’ days” go awry, he is left instead being forced to do the one thing he has always sworn never to do... save Metro City! With voices provided by some of the biggest names in the business (Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey), Megamind is one of the most satisfying animated movies we’ve seen in some time. There are some truly stomping superhero action scenes (made all the prettier with 3D), great bits of comedy (some for grown-ups, most for kids) and surprisingly good character development.

Megamind may not be as groundbreaking as, say, The Incredibles, but it does provide a great look into a fun, previously unexplored “what-if” scenario. Where it sometimes trips up in the well-worn tracks of similar stories of superherodom, it more than makes up for by providing, in the words of Megamind, the exact thing that makes a villain “super” PRESENTATION!

“The end begins,” pitches the ominous tagline of the first part of the last instalment of the epic Harry Potter film series. Returning again under the measured care of director David Yates is almost the entire cast of the previous films, save a few obvious omissions.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was always going to be a dense, heavy beast to transmogrify from print to celluloid, but the cast and crew have returned with gusto this time around, making this the darkest, eeriest and, for our money, best Harry Potter flick yet. Hallows follows “The Boy Who Lived” and his friends, Ron and Hermione, as they search out and destroy the last remaining soul-receptacles (or Horcruxes, as they are known on the street) of He-Who-Shall-NotBe-Named (Voldemort to his death-eating friends), in a bid to finally destroy the pale, nonosed evil wizard for good! Of course, there is a lot of action, adventure and spell casting on the way, but be warned, because in this Harry Potter, there will be blood. Just as in the books, Deathly Hallows does not hold back the darkness, and save for a few instances to break tension, the film expertly conveys the dark despair and hopelessness of the book in its pacing, amazingly atmospheric settings and most importantly of all, the acting talent of its cast. Being that this is the first of two parts, you know it will end on something of a cliffhanger and on a definite downer, but we can guarantee you that this penultimate instalment of the franchise will have you literally gasping for one last breath before the series swansong in Part 2, which is set to come out on July 15th, 2011.

Lawrence of Arabia Lawrence of Arabia is a labour of love, both in what it took to stage the epic 1962 cinematic classic, and also in what it takes to watch it.

Although arduously slow at points, the film is, in a word, breathtaking and it is really no wonder it won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Set over 3.5 hours and across two acts, it tells the historic story of Thomas Edward Lawrence, cocky oddball Welsh officer in the British Army during the first World War. In an effort to defeat the Ottoman Empire, which at the time occupied much of what is now Syria and Jordan, Lawrence is ordered to learn more about the efforts of the Arabs and see where the British can help. Although ordered to be an unspoken recorder in this process, Lawrence’s outspoken nature gets him thrust into the forefront of the confrontation. He soon finds himself assuming the role of leader, uniting the local bedouin population and galvanising them against the Turkish threat. Played with a subtle, if not smarmy nuance by a young Peter O’Toole, the character of Lawrence is one that is larger than life, possibly even more so than his real-life namesake, and impossible not to watch. The rest of the cast was made up by other A-listers of the time, including Anthony Quinn, Alec Guinness and Omar Sharif.

While you can tell in their collective acting style that this is an old film, it definitely takes you back to a time when Hollywood was still able to inspire the mythic wonder of grand storytelling.

The sweeping shots of the Jordanian/Moroccan deserts prove equally as captivating, and while it may take you a few sittings to get through, Lawrence of Arabia is simply one of those films you cannot die without watching at least once.

sur la terre tunes

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Fairuz, Eh Fi Amal

Bare Bones, Bryan Adams Where do we begin with Bryan Adams? He provided the soundtrack to not only our formative musical years, with both 80s and aging kids rocking out to all time classics like “Summer of ‘69” and “Everywhere I go, the kids wanna rock. ” His ballad and title theme for the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves “(Everything I do) I Do it For You” still holds the record for being the longestrunning number one hit in UK Chart history (a total run of 16 weeks in 1991), and the pop/ rock crooner has also written some of the most covered tunes in music history, such as “Heaven.” His new album, Bare Bones, is a reworking of Adams’s own greatest hits.

Recorded in the spring of this year during his “Bare Bones Tour,” the album’s tracks feature a simplistic makeover, with an acoustic vibe throughout, featuring just Adams’s distinctive, husky voice and his trusty guitar, with keyboardist Gary Breit featuring on a select number of songs. The Canadian rocker is bringing his live act to Doha in December, and with this collection he has proven himself ready to serenade us with his greatest hits all year round. The track listing sways from soulful ballads to bawdy rock, with songs like “The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me (is you),” “18 ‘till I Die” and of course the aforementioned hit, “Summer of ’69,” so we can seriously rock out with Bry. One thing we can say is, Bryan, you’re still beautiful to us.

Flamingo, Brandon Flowers There is no arguing the sheer talent of Vegasbased rock band The Killers, and there is even less arguing that much of their success spurred from the incredible vocals of frontman Brandon Flowers. Who can forget Flowers’s hair-raising rendition of “When You Were Young” on the band’s 2006 hit album, Sam’s Town? Similarly unforgettable were his addictively smooth, electro-accompanied melodies on last year’s hit single, “Human.” It came as no surprise, then, that Flowers decided to launch a solo career earlier this year, announcing his decision on the official Killers website. Echoing his flawless performances with the band, Flowers has put together a debut album worthy of the attention of any Killers fan. Charting in the UK at number one, Flamingo features brilliant single “Crossfire,” which marks Charlize Theron’s music video acting debut, as Flowers’s heroine. “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” is our personal favourite rock steady track from this promising solo songster. We can’t wait to see Flowers’s career bloom. See what we did there? Flowers? Bloom?

To anyone even remotely familiar with the Arabic music scene, this lady needs no introduction. Often called the “neighbour to the moon and ambassador to the stars,” Fairuz is the very embodiment of Arab culture, tradition, beauty, elegance and class, all encompassed within a voice magical enough to bring audiences to tears. Acclaimed by millions as an eternal star in the cosmic belt of Arabic music, Fairuz has forever been an icon for peace, harmony and music. The legend’s association with the genius Rahbani family has also put her at the forefront of musical collaborations in the region, with many of her lyrics and compositions reflecting the work of husband Assi and his brother Mansour. Her incredibly talented son, Ziad, would also go on to compose for her, with many of Fairuz’s best known works a product of this mother and son team. A cultural phenomenon and a music school in her own right, Fairuz, with the Rahbanis in tow, has gone from strength to strength, conserving her loyal fans’ love for her for decades on end. Her new album Eh Fi Amal demonstrates just that, with a collection of 12 songs, all composed by Ziad. Released a whopping 11 years after her last masterpiece, Mesh Kayen Hayk Tkoun, Fairuz continues to set trends rather than follow them.

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sur la terre chapters

Between Two Worlds by Roxana Saberi

Not only is she a journalist, a presenter and a researcher, Roxana Saberi is also a brilliant author, and one that had us captivated from first word to sign-off in her heart-wrenching book, Between Two Worlds. Based on her life and captivity in her native Iran, Saberi takes us through a very personal journey of inner turmoil and strength, heavily conflicted by external influences. Whilst Iran remains one of the most naturally beautiful nations worldwide, Saberi tempers overly-flowery descriptions of her much-loved former home with the darker depiction of a harder, more complicated way of life, particularly for those within her profession. We have to be careful not to give too much away here, especially considering the fact that many readers would have seen Saberi’s face plastered all over the news mid last year.

However, we urge you to grab a copy of Between Two Worlds and educate yourself on some of the homeland truths and most heartfelt confessions we have ever read. If nothing else, Saberi is a superb storyteller and we look forward to more of her work.

The Arabian Nights: Tales from 1,001 Nights Life by Keith Richards No book recommendation is complete without listing at least one rock star autobiography, and when we say rock star, we mean ROCK STAR. Noone lives true to the “rock star” label like Rolling Stones lead guitarist, Keith Richards; a man who is the living (albeit, barely) embodiment of rock ‘n’ roll. No-one has been the subject of as many top ten lists and dead pools as “Keef”. Throughout his, perhaps surprisingly, long career, Richards has co-written a plethora of songs, fourteen of which appear on Rolling Stone magazine’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” He has also ranked within the top ten of Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time,” and most deservingly so, if we may say so ourselves. However, Richards’s most coveted listing has to be the number-one spot he retained for the whole of the 1970s, as The New Musical Express’s “rock star least likely to be seen the following year” due to his hard living, constant partying and penchant for pharmaceutical products. Life details the best... or the worst, really... of Keith’s illustrious career at the forefront of the rock ‘n’ roll revolution and his leading role in the world’s most famous rock band. A surprisingly quick (and quick-witted) read, Richards doesn’t fail on the author front, which proves that he has more power to him than just the power of song... and his seeming ability to cheat death.

If you haven’t already read this, boy do we have a treat for you. With tales dating back as far as the ninth century, the collection of stories originally titled One Thousand and One Nights has been available in English for almost 300 years. Telling the story of Persian royal, King Shahryar and the newest of his virgin brides, Scheherezade, the book, which has become known simply The Arabian Nights, promises a magical experience even for the most serious of readers. The book begins by explaining the king’s state of rage at women in general, after an unfaithful wife lets him down. His revenge is to marry virgins night after night, having them executed the morning after. All goes seemingly well, until he meets his match. Every evening, Scheherezade uses her storytelling prowess to prolong her ill fate, with descriptions of black magic, ogres, genies and beautiful sirens embedded in each. This masterpiece will whisk you away to a fantasy land beyond your wildest imagination and have you hanging onto Scheherezade’s every last word, just like King Shahryar.

sur la terre clicks

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FiveFiveFabulous Sukar Have you ever wanted to be part of an incredibly exclusive club? Don’t worry, we’re not dragging you into any basements or asking you to remember any rules; this is an entirely different class of club, ladies.

Welcome to www.sukar.com, your one-stopshop for the elite in lifestyle products at a fraction of the price. The way this little gem works is different to any Gulf-based site we’ve come across before. With limited daily membership vacancies and an invite-only / member-referral system implemented annually, Sukar ensures the select nature of all fashions on offer. A three day rotation system for each brand is instigated for a continuously renewed outlook on the hottest fashions on the market, with prices slashed up to 90% of the original retail price! There’s no membership fee to speak of, nor is there an obligation to purchase.

Sukar provides you with the ultimate shopping experience with the freedom of selection and time span, with new sales daily. The only catch here is ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the sales due to the three day countdowns. Any items held on reserve are also given a hold deadline, giving all shoppers the opportunity to have a fair chance at the products. What are you waiting for? Get applying now!

What really impresses us here at SLT Towers, is the dedication we have recently seen in the localisation of some of the hottest global trends to hit runways this year. By localisation, we are referring to the Gulf-based designers and their luscious sites, which we have continuously stumbled upon of late. You see, it’s all well and good to lust after material noted in the likes of Vogue and Cosmo, and the fashion blogs out there are endless, but do they know what this particular niche market is after? We don’t know the answer to that, but we do know two girls who do. Enter Natalya and Reem Kanj, entrepreneurs extraordinaire and the new “IT” girls on the Dubai/London fashion scene.

Graduates of the best fashion schools in the UK, the jet-setting sisters are not only hot to trot, but have their heads screwed on tight, with some business savvy that has launched their brilliant blog www.fivefivefabulous.com and their booming fashion label, House of Rena, to new heights. Five Five Fabulous is an up to date site, detailing the girls’ latest interviews, shows, inspirations and the like, with links to their line and behind the scenes videos with the creme de la creme of the fashion crop. This site is the definition of fabulous, dahling.

Arabian Nights If you have visited or lived in the Gulf or Levant region, then you know the importance of the hookah, or shisha. An institution in its own right, smoking shisha is more than just a tobacco fix. In fact, dear Clickers, the shisha is an ages-old item of social gathering and conduct, where friends and families alike join one another for hours of aromatic enjoyment and chatter. To help you better understand the importance of the shisha in Arabic and south Asian culture, www.arabiannights.in has come through with a comprehensive guide to this bubbling water pipe. With information on the history of the shisha, how to put one together, the different tobacco flavours and even a “make your own” signature flavour option, this site educates, sells and even connects you with an online hookah community (hookammunity?), so you can really feel like part of this traditional activity.

However, that’s not all Arabian Nights has to offer, with a range of enchanting ethnic fragrances on sale and a new spa line also in the works, which will be launched on the website soon. A newsletter is the icing on the cake, with promotional offers, contests and tips on how to best enjoy your hookah flowing in from around the globe. This site is definitely not blowing smoke.

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sur la terre snapshot

Fadi El Benni is a Lebanese-born, locally-based photographer whom Sur la Terre has admired since our first collaboration way back in 2008. His photographic contributions, not only to our pages, but to the entire graphic fabric of the regional photographic scene, run the gamut of exposure from commercial exploits to in-depth, piercing and often harrowing reports for international institutions like the Al Jazeera network.

This photo was taken from the 20th floor of The Hilton Hotel in Saudi Arabia, overlooking the Holy Kaaba in Mecca. Benni, who was covering his 2010 Hajj pilgrimage for Al Jazeera English, took this photo just after Maghreb prayer at sunset to show the simultaneous state of the Hajj, both in its fluidity of movement and its stillness of being. According to Benni, some people leave the Al-Masjid al-Harãm Mosque (the largest in the world) just after the sunset call to prayer, while others like to stay until final Ishaa’ prayer. Some members of the faithful have even been known to wait in excess of two hours to secure a space to pray.

In order to capture this wonderful, undulating image, Benni used a tripod-mounted Nikon D300s with a 70-200mm lens, using an f:11 aperture with a shutter speed of two seconds.

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sur la terre cultural agenda

THE AGENDAf the biggest A detailed directory o events and coolest activities in the region !

Subscription form

2011

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sur la terre the agenda - Doha

Asia Live!

January 7 - 29, 2011

For the second time in 23 years, the Asian Football Confederation Cup will be hosted in Qatar. Among the qualified teams are Australia, Japan and South Korea, Bahrain, China, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE and Uzbekistan.

Qatar kicks off the tournament on January 7th at Khalifa Stadium against Uzbekistan. On January 12th, they face China. Four days later, it becomes a local derby, as the Qatari boys go up against Kuwait in their final group match. While Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest finish in the competition was a Quarterfinal spot during the 2000 event in Lebanon, Maroons fans the length and breadth of the country will be hoping that the team can turn recent good performances into results and lift the trophy, thus showing the world that not only can we put on a winning tournament, we also have a winning team to do it!

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sursur la la terre terre the agenda - Doha mode

Mathaf: The Arab Museum of Modern Art December 30, 2010 onward

Not since the molten-hot 2008 opening of the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha has the cultural world been so abuzz with anticipation. Finally, after much breath bated, the Mathaf Arab Museum of Modern Art will finally be opened to the public on December 30th. To celebrate this landmark occasion, the impressive 5,500-squaremetre museum will be kicking off its substantial collection of more than 6,000 pieces by launching its inaugural exhibition, Sajjil: A Century of Modern Art. Named after the Arabic word for the act of recording, Sajjil explores the contemporary Arab world’s place within modern art in all of its varying media. Two other exhibitions, Interventions (honouring the lives of established Arab artists Dia Azzawi, Farid Belkahia, Ahmed Nawar, Ibrahim el-Salahi and Hassan Sharif) and Told / Untold / Retold (exploring the “inbetweener” state of 23 up-and-coming artists in the Arab world), will be on view from December 30, 2010 to May 28, 2011.

Watch & Jewellery Exhibition February 15 - 20, 2011

The time has once again come for the Doha elite to gape in wonder at the best that local, regional and international jewellers and watchmakers have to offer. The 8th annual Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition is set to take place next year from the 15th to the 20th of February, 2011 and will feature an even bigger retinue of world class exhibitors. Under the expert patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Jassem Bin Jabor Al-Thani and organised by the Qatar Tourism Authority, this economic showcase of the finer, shinier things in life has grown exponentially to become the only exhibition of its kind in the region, and one of the finest in the world. This winter, the twinkling lights in Doha will not reside in the sky, but in the diamonds, gems and precious metals on display at the Doha International Exhibition Centre. For further information about the event, contact the QTA at +974 4499 7499 or visit their website at www.qatartourism.gov.qa.

sur la terre the agenda - Manama

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Volvo Tournament of Champions January 27 - 30, 2011

The Royal Golf Club in Riffa will be welcoming some of the biggest names in golf to its greens when it hosts the inaugural Volvo Tournament of Champions at the end of January. The Tournament is open to players from the European Tour and, with a prize fund of about US $2.2 million, is expected to put Bahrain well and truly on the golfing map. The course was designed by golfing legend and 2010 European Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie, and was chosen from a number of possible options around the region. The Tournament will see European Tour tournament winners competing with leading amateurs on one of the days, and this year’s event has been expanded to include a full field of up to 126 players, bringing together winners of both current and past Tour winners, including champions of past major events. For more information and for ticket enquiries, visit www.theroyalgolfclub.com or call +973 17 750 777.

F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix March 11 - 13, 2011

Quite possibly the most anticipated day in the Formula 1 calendar as the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix takes the Pole Position by kicking off the 2011 season in Middle Eastern style. In March, the F1 circus will be back in town to rev up all of our engines. After last year’s experimental dalliance with the extended “endurance track” to mark the Formula 1 World Championship’s 60th anniversary season, the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix will see a return to the original track layout. The experimental circuit used in 2010 allowed spectators to see the drivers navigate several new challenges and turns. The original course had been used since Bahrain International Circuit’s inaugural race in 2004, when it was awarded the prestigious Best Organised Grand Prix trophy. For tickets for the opening race of the F1 2011 calendar, visit www.bahraingp.com or call +973 17 450 000.

Spring of Culture Spring 2011

This annual cultural institution returns for its sixth incarnation in spring 2011 and, while the exact dates and acts were yet to be confirmed at the time of going to print, you can guarantee a fantastic blend of music, dance, art, poetry and performance art, along with plenty of things the kids will love, too. Highlights from last year’s March-long extravaganza included Grammy Award-winning jazz musician Diana Krall, Brazilian dance troupe Bale du Rua, Iraqi musician Omar Bashir and Afro Moses, Ghanaian reggae and world music star. See national press for details.

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sur la terre the agenda - UAE

HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 2011 20 - 23 January, 2011

Ever since 2006, the HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship has been feeding the increasingly insatiable appetite for golf in the Gulf. If previous years are any indication, the 2011 edition of the tournament is set to raise the bar, not only in the star power of the event, but also the purse’s price tag. It has been announced that amongst those vying for the staggering US$2.7 million prize (an amazing increase from $500,000) will be world number two, England’s Lee Westwood, world number three and two-time ADHGC winner, German Martin Kaymer and world number seven

and two-time ADHGC winner, England’s Paul Casey. As quite possibly the most anticipated golf tournament in the region, this event has proven to be the lynchpin in the European PGA Tour’s Middle East-based “Desert Swing” trio. With an estimated global audience of over 400 million and with attendance numbers set to break last year’s 30,000-strong high, it has never been a better time to swing over to the HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. For more information, visit www.abudhabihsbcgolfchampionship.com, or follow the tournament on Facebook.

Big Boys Toys March 16 - 19, 2011

In the semi-paraphrased words of Deniece Williams, from her hit single that appeared on the Footloose soundtrack, “Let’s hear it for the boys!” With all of the shopping sprees, fashion shows and other more feminine festivals out there, it’s easy to forget about catering to a more masculine motivation. That is why we are ecstatic to hear that the Big Boys Toys exhibition, which began in 2009 at the Abu Dhabi Media Center, will be coming back to the UAE capital for a second round in 2011. Showcasing the best, most powerful and downright coolest stuff from the worlds of driving, off-roading, boating, digital technology, aviation, sport, fashion and of course, adventure, the 2011 exhibition is speculated to bring in over 60,000 gawking and gutturally grunting guys! Of course, being a luxury lifestyle lothario isn’t cheap, so this one is just for the big boys with the big bucks, but there will still be plenty of entertainment and exhibitions for everyone to look at. To find out more about the expo, including info about how to become an exhibitor, visit www.bigboystoysuae.com, and get ready to get manly.

Dubai International Boat Show March 1 - 5, 2011

Now in its 19th year, The Dubai International Boat Show has established itself as a lynchpin event in the global leisure boating calendar, uniting high-end buyers and world-class suppliers from the most lucrative regions in the world. Attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year, the multi-award winning event is among the top five leading international boat shows in the world. The show incorporates the exclusive Superyacht Pavilion, Superyacht Boulevard and Luxury Supplies and Services sectors of the industry, with the world’s leading brands in attendance. As the show has grown over the past two decades, so has the number of marine enthusiasts who make the pilgrimage to Dubai Marina, with more than 25,000 international and local visitors expected to attend this year’s event. Equally, the exhibitors turn out in force with an armada of more than 700 companies represented across the berths and booths of the event. Guaranteed to make another splash in 2011, The Dubai International Boat Show hoists anchor in early march and Sur la Terre will be on deck, ship-shape and Bristol fashion, waiting to welcome you aboard.

sur la terre cultural agenda

REGIONAL HOTELS, RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS GUIDE ABU DHABI

HOTELS < Al Raha Beach Hotel Al Raha Corniche Tel: +971 2 508 0555 www.danathotelgroup.com < Beach Rotana Hotel and Tower Tourist Club Area 2 Tel: +971 2 697 9000 www.rotana.com/property-4 < Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Sheikh Hamdan St. Tel: +971 2 621 0000 www.crowneplaza.com < Emirates Palace Hotel Corniche Road Tel: +971 2 690 9000 www.emiratespalace.com < Hilton Baynunah Corniche Road Tel: +971 2 632 7777 www.hilton.com < Intercontinental 4171 Bainuna Street near Zayet Tel: +971 2 666 6888 www.ichotelsgroup.com < Le Royal Meridien Khalifa Street Tel: +971 2 674 2020 www.Starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien < Millenium Hotel Khalifa Street Tel: +971 2 614 6000 www.milleniumhotels.com/ae < Oryx Hotel Corniche Road Tel: +971 2 681 0001 www.oryxhotel.ae < Sands Hotel Electra Street Tel: +971 2 615 6666 < Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri 308th Road Tel: +971 2 509 8888 www.shangri-la.com < Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort Corniche Road & Salam Street Tel: +971 2 677 3333 www.Starwoodhotels.com/sheraton RESTAURANTS < Al Birkeh Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Tel: +971 2 644 6666 www.abudhabi.lemeridien.com Cuisine: Arabic < Al Fanar Le Royal Meridien Tel: +971 2 674 2020 Cuisine: International

< Al Mawal Abu Dhabi Hilton Hotel, Al Khubeirah Tel: +971 2 681 1900 Cuisine: Arabian < Bam Bu! Marina & Yacht Club, Al Meena Tel: +971 2 645 6373 Cuisine: Chinese < Benihana Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers Tel: +971 2 644 3000 www.rotana.com Cuisine: Japanese < Flavours Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Rd East Tel: +971 2 677 3333 www.sheraton.com Cuisine: International < Fish Market Intercontinental Abu Dhabi Tel: +971 2 666 6888 Cuisine: Seafood < Palm Court Le Royal Meridien Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street Tel: +971 2 674 2020 www.lemeridien-abudhabi.com Cuisine: International < Peppino Intercontinental Hotel Al Markaziyah Tel: +971 2 626 2200 Cuisine: Italian < Riviera Marina Al Bateen Resort Tel: +971 2 665 0144 Cuisine: Italian < Shuja Yacht Le Royal Meridien Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street Tel: +971 2 695 0539 www.lemeridien.com Cuisine: International < The Wok Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Hamdan St Tel: +971 2 621 0000 www.abu-dhabi.crowneplaza.com Cuisine: Asian < Zaitoun Danat Resort, Jebel Dhanna Al Ruwais Tel: +971 2 801 2222 Cuisine: Arabian cafés < Al Majlis Emirates Palace Hotel Tel: +971 2 690 7999 www.emiratespalace.com < Zyara Café Near Hilton Residence, Corniche Tel: +971 2 627 5006

DOHA

Hotels < Al Sultan Beach Resort Al Khor Tel: +974 4472 2666 www.alsultanbeachresort.com < Four Seasons Al Corniche Street Tel: +974 4494 8888 www.fourseasons.com/doha < Grand Hyatt West Bay Area Tel: +974 4448 1234 www.doha.grand.hyatt.com < Grand Regency Near Sports R/A Al Sadd Tel: +974 4434 3333 www.grand-regency.com

< Intercontinental West Bay Lagoon Tel: +974 4484 4444 www.ichotelsgroup.com < La Cigale Suhaim Bin Hamad Street Tel: +974 4428 8888 www.lacigalehotel.com < Marriott Ras Abu Aboud Street Tel: +974 4429 8888 www.marriott.com < Millennium Jawaan Street, Al Sadd Doha Marriott Tel: +974 4424 7777 www.millenniumhotels.com < Movenpick Tower & Suites Tel: +974 4496 6600 www.moevenpick-hotels.com < Ritz Carlton West Bay Area Tel: +974 4484 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com < Sharq Village Spa Tel: +974 4425 6666 www.sharqvillage.com < Sheraton Tel: +974 4485 4444 www.sheraton-doha.com < W Hotel West Bay Area Tel: +974 4499 6530 whotels.com\doha Restaurants < Al Borj The Diplomatic Club Tel: +974 4484 7444 www.thediplomaticclub.com Cuisine: Pool Snacks & A La Carte < Al Buhayra Al Sultan Beach Resort

Tel: +974 4472 2666 www.alsultanbeachresort.com Cuisine: International < Admiral Club Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +974 4484 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: International < Al Dana Sharq Village and Spa Tel: +974 4425 6666 www.sharqvillage.com Cuisine: International < Al Dente Seafood Al Sultan Beach Resort Tel: +974 4472 2666 www.alsultanbeachresort.com Cuisine: Seafood with Italian < Al Liwan Sharq Village and Spa Tel: +974 4425 6666 www.sharqvillage.com Cuisine: Arabian and Persian < Asia Live!

Marriot Hotel Tel: +974 4429 8888 www.marriott.com Cuisine: Asian < Bistro Bistro Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 4428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: European < Bombay Balti Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 4428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Indian < Brasserie on the Beach Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +974 4494 8888 www.fourseasons.com/doha Cuisine: Italian < Chopsticks Grand Regency Hotel Tel: +974 4434 3333 www.grand-regency.com Cuisine: International < Fauchon Salwa Road Tel: +974 4432 4888 www.fauchon.com Cuisine: French < Fish Market Intercontinental Hotel Tel: +974 4484 4444 www.ichotelsgroup.com Cuisine: Seafood < Grand Gourmet Grand Regency Hotel Tel: +974 4434 3333 www.grand-regency.com Cuisine: Contemporary Global

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< Greens Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 4428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Vegetarian < Il Teatro Four Seasons Hotel Tel: +974 4494 8888 www.fourseasons.com/doha Cuisine: Italian < JW’s Steakhouse Marriot Hotel Tel: +974 4429 8888 www.marriott.com Cuisine: Steakhouse < La Cigale Traiteur La Cigale Hotel Tel: +974 4428 8888 www.lacigalehotel.com Cuisine: International < La Veranda Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 4485 4444 www.sheraton-doha.com Cuisine: Italian < Laffan Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 4485 4444 www.sheraton-doha.com Cuisine: International < Layali & Neo Salwa Road Tel: +974 4431 0005 www.alay4anqatar.com Cuisine: Arabian < Le Cigalon La Cigale Hotel Tel: +974 4428 8888 www.lacigalehotel.com Cuisine: Modern Mediterranean < Le Gourmet Al Sadd and Old Souq Tel: +974 4436 1789 www.legourmetrestaurant.com Cuisine: Arabian & French < Le Grill The Diplomatic Club Tel: +974 4484 7444 www.thediplomaticclub.com Cuisine: International < Le Notre Salwa Road Tel: +974 4455 2111 www.lenotre.fr Cuisine: International < Lina’s Salwa Road Tel: +974 4436 5488 Cuisine: French < Maze by Gordon Ramsay The Pearl Tel: +974 7717 1212 www.gordonramsay.com/mazedoha Cuisine: International < Pool Grill Four Seasons Hotel

Tel: +974 4494 8888 www.fourseasons.com/doha Cuisine: International < Porcini Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +974 4484 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: Italian < Privates Cove Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 4485 4444 www.sheraton-doha.com Cuisine: Seafood’s and Barbeque < Ruby Wu’s Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 4428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Chinese < Sakura Ramada Plaza Tel: +974 4428 1428 www.ramadaplazadoha.com Cuisine: Japanese < Seasons Movenpick Hotel Tel: +974 4429 1111 www.moevenpick-hotels.com Cuisine: International < Shisha Diwan Ritz Carlton Hotel Tel: +974 4484 8000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: International < The Lobby Marriot Hotel Tel: +974 4429 8888 www.marriott.com Cuisine: International < Za Moda Intercontinental Hotel Tel: +974 4484 4444 www.ichotelsgroup.com Cuisine: Italian Cafés < Alkut Lounge Grand Regency Hotel Tel: +974 4434 3333 www.grand-regency.com < Atrium Millennium Hotel Tel: +974 4424 7777 www.millenniumhotels.com < Atrium Lounge Sheraton Hotel Tel: +974 4485 4444 < Café Batteel Salwa Road Tel: +974 4444 1414 < Lime Café Movenpick Tower and Suites Tel: +974 4496 6600 www.moevenpick-hotels.com < Silver Cafe Al Sadd Tel: +974 4413 1773

DUBAI

Hotels < Al Murooj Rotana Hotel And Suites Al Saffa Street, Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 705 4277 www.rotana.com < Al Qasr Madinat Resort Jumeirah Intersection Al Sufouh Road Tel: +971 4 366 8888 www.jumeirah.com < Arabian Court Al Soufoh Road, In Front Of Media City Tel: +971 4 399 9999 www.arabiancourtyard.com < Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Beach area Tel: +971 4 301 7777 www.jumeirah.com < Crown Plaza Hotel Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan Road Tel: +971 4 701 2222 www.crowneplaza.com < Dubai Creek Hilton Beniyas Road Tel: +971 4 227 1111 www1.hilton.com < Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa Jumierah Beach Road Tel: +971 4 346 1111 www.dxbmarine.com < Dusit Dubai 133 Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 343 3333 www.dusit.com < Grand Hyatt Al Qutaeyat Road Tel: +971 4 317 1234 www.dubai.grand.hyatt.com < Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa Al Sufouh Road, The Dubai Marina Tel: +971 4 399 5000 www.grandjumeirah.habtoorhotels.com < Hyatt Regency Dubai Deira Tel: +971 4 209 1234 www.dubai.regency.hyatt.com < Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Next to Endurance Village Tel: +971 4 809 6100 www.jumeirah.com < Jumeirah Beach Club Jumeirah Beach Road Tel: +971 4 348 0000 www.jumeirah.com < Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha Tel: +971 4 341 0000 www.kempinski-dubai.com < Le Meridien Dubai Airport Road Dubai Tel: +971 4 217 0000 www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien

< Mina A Salam Madinat Jumeirah Jumeirah Road Tel: +971 4 366 8888 www.jumeirah.com < Moevenpick Hotel Bur Dubai 19th Street Opposite American Hospital Tel: +971 4 336 6000 www.moevenpick-hotels.com < Palace At One And Only Royal Mirage Al Sufouh Road, Almina Siyah Tel: +971 4 399 9999 www.oneandonlyresorts.com < Park Hyatt Adjacent to Dubai Creek Tel: +971 4 602 1234 www.dubai.park.hyatt.com < Ras Al Khaimah Hilton Al Muntaser Road Tel: +971 7 228 8888 www1.hilton.com < Renaissance Dubai Salah Al Din Street, Deira Tel: +971 4 262 5555 www.marriott.com < Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel and Towers Baniyas Street Tel: +971 4 228 1111 www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton < Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers Al Sufouh Road Tel: +971 4 399 5533 www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton < Taj Palace Dubai Dubai Creek north bank Deira Tel: +971 4 223 2222 www.tajhotels.com < The Fairmont Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 332 5555 www.fairmont.com/Dubai < The Ritz-Carlton Jumeirah Beach Tel: +971 4 399 4000 www.ritzcarlton.com Restaurants < Antique Bazaar Four Points Sheraton, Bur Dubai Tel: +971 4 397 7444 www.fourpoints.com Cuisine: Indian < Asado The Palace Hotel, (Sofitel), Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 428 7888 www.sofitel.com Cuisine: Argentinean Grill < Bistro Madelain Intercontinental Dubai Festival City Tel: +971 4 701 1128 www.intercontinental.com/dubai Cuisine: French

sur la terre mode < Chinese Treasure Oud Metha, Dubai Tel: +971 4 336 3525 Cuisine: Chinese < Choices Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, Garhoud Tel: +971 4 282 0000 www.rotana.com Cuisine: International < Dias Le Meridien Dubai, Garhoud Tel: +971 4 283 2832 Cuisine: Greek < Exchange Grill Fairmont Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 311 5999 www.fairmont.com Cuisine: Intenational < Hunters Room & Grill The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Dubai Marina Tel: +971 4 399 3333 Cuisine: Contemporary < Jambase Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Tel: +971 4 366 8888 www.madinatjumeirah.com Cuisine: American < Malecon Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Tel: +971 4 346 1111 www.dxbmarine.com Cuisine: Cuban < Mango Tree The Palace Hotel, (Sofitel) Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 426 7313 www.sofitel.com Cuisine: Thai < Nezesaussi Al Manzil Hotel, Burj Dubai Boulevard Off Doha Street Tel: +971 4 428 5888 Cuisine: Australian / Bar Food < Sapphire Lounge Century Village, Garhoud Tel: +971 4 286 8520 www.thesapphiredubai.com Cuisine: Thai < Shahjahan Metropolitan Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 343 0000 Cuisine: India < Spice Emporium Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Dubai Marina Tel: +971 4 399 4141 Cuisine: Asian < Teatro Towers Rotana Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road Tel: +971 4 343 8000 www.rotana.com Cuisine: International

< Verre By Gordon Ramsay Hilton Dubai Creek Tel: +971 4 227 1111 www.gordonramsay.com/dubai Cuisine: French

MANAMA

Hotels < Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort Sakhir Tel: +973 17 845 000 www.banyantree.com < Crowne Plaza Bahrain Manama Tel: +973 17 531 122 www.cp-bahrain.com < Gulf Hotel Adliya Tel: +973 17 713 000 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com < InterContinental Regency Hotel Manama Tel: +973 17 227 777 www.interconti.com/manama < Mövenpick Hotel Muharraq Tel: +973 17 460 000 www.movenpick-bahrain.com < Sheraton Bahrain Manama Tel: +973 17 533 533 www.sheraton.com/bahrain < The Diplomat Radisson SAS Manama Tel: +973 17 531 666 www.manama.radissonsas.com < The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Seef District Tel: +973 17 580 000 www.ritzcarlton.com Restaurants < Al Berdaouni Intercontinental Regency Hotel Tel: +973 17 227 777 www.interconti.com/manama Cuisine: Lebanese < Al Fanar Superr Club Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel Tel: +973 17 531 666 www.manama.radissonsas.com Cuisine: Arabian < Al Raouché Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Tel: +973 17 533 533 www.sheraton.com/bahrain Cuisine: Moroccan < Al Waha Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 713 000 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: International < Brazil!

Adliya Tel: +973 17 826 686 Cuisine: Brazilian

< China Garden Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 423 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Chinese < Fire of Brazil Seef Mall Tel: +973 17 583 776 www.fireofbrazil.com Cuisine: Brazilian < Fusions Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 427 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: International < Golestan Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Tel: +973 17 533 533 www.sheraton.com/bahrain Cuisine: Iranian < La Fontaine La Fontaine for Contemporary Art Tel: +973 17 230 123 www.lafontaineartcentre.com Cuisine: French < La Mosaique Crowne Plaza Bahrain Tel: +973 17 531 122 Cuisine: International < La Pergola Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 713 000 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Italian < La Perle Novotel Al Dana Resort Tel: +973 17 298 008 Cuisine: Seafood < Le Bistro InterContinental Regency Hotel Tel: +973 17 227 777 www.interconti.com/manama Cuisine: International < Mirai Adliya Tel: +973 17 713 113 www.mirai-restaurant.com Cuisine: Japanese < Mondo Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel Tel: +973 17 531 666 www.manama.radissonsas.com Cuisine: Italian < Nirvana The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Tel: +973 17 580 000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: Indian < Olivo’s Brasserie Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel Tel: +973 17 531 666 www.manama.radissonsas.com Cuisine: International < Plums The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Tel: +973 17 580 000

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www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: Steakhouse < Primavera The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Tel: +973 17 580 000 www.ritzcarlton.com Cuisine: European < Rimal Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort Tel: +973 17 845 000 www.banyantree.com Cuisine: International < Saffron Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort Tel: +973 17 845 000 www.banyantree.com Cuisine: Thai and Asian < Sato Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 429 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Japanese < Soie Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Tel: +973 17 533 533 www.sheraton.com/bahrain Cuisine: Chinese < Silk Mövenpick Hotel Tel: +973 17 460 000 www.movenpick-bahrain.com Cuisine: International < Takht-e-Jamsheed Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 431 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Exotic Persian < Tamarind Banyan Tree Desert Spa & Resort Tel: +973 17 845 000 www.banyantree.com Cuisine: International < The Meat Co. Mövenpick Hotel Tel: +973 17 460 000 www.movenpick-bahrain.com Cuisine: Steakhouse < Versailles Intercontinental Regency Hotel Tel: +973 17 227 777 www.interconti.com/manama Cuisine: French < Zahle Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 746 417 www.gulfhotelbahrain.com Cuisine: Lebanese Cafés < Al Andalus Lounge Gulf Hotel Tel: +973 17 713 000 < Camille’s Sidewalk Café Diplomatic Area Tel: +973 17 533 808

8

sur la terre mode

LOCAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES MANAMA

< Agent Provocateur Moda Mall Tel: +973 17 131 220 www.agentprovocateur.com

< Dior Moda Mall Tel: +973 17 534 160 www.diorcouture.com

< Karen Millen City Centre, Seef Mall Tel: +973 17 582 807 www.karenmillen.com

< Audi Audi Centre Bahrain, Sitra Tel: +973 17 459 933 www.audi-me.com

< Estee Lauder Al Hawaj Tel: +973 16 166 666 www.alhawaj.com

< Baccarat Ouheir Saleh Nouri (Patchi) 10 Al Soulaymania Street, 1124 Rifah Complex Tel: +973 17 250 501 www.baccarat.com

< Fendi Moda Mall, World Trade Center Tel: +973 17 131 083 www.fendi.com

< Kenzo Moda Mall Sufana, Manama Tel: +973 17 536 656 www.kenzo.com

< Balenciaga Al Aali Shopping Complex Tel: +973 17 583 838 www.balenciaga.com < Bang & Olufsen Bahrain Commercial Complex, Sheraton Tower Tel: +973 17 533 855 www.bang-olufsen.com < BCBG City Centre, Seef Mall Tel: +973 17 587 875 www.bcbg.com < Bobbi Brown Bahrain City Centre Tel: +973 17 178 323 www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com < Butcher shop & grill City Center Tel: +973 17 172 323 < Bulgari Al Aali Shopping Complex Tel: +973 17 582 559 www.bulgari.com < CH by Carolina Herrera Bahrain City Centre Tel: +973 17 178 520 www.carolinaherrera.com < Chanel Fragrances Faces Bahrain Mall Tel: +973 17 555 795 www.chanel.com < Citizen Yaquby, Seef Mall Tel: +973 17 582 250 www.citizenwatch.com

< Givenchy Seef Mall Tel: +973 17 535 235 < Green Bar Tel: +973 3977 4070 reem@greenbarinc.com www.greenbarinc.com < Guerlain Paris Gallery, Bahrain City Centre Tel: +973 17 178 581 www.parisgallery.com < Guess Bahrain City Centre Tel: +973 17 178 158 www.guess.com < Harry Winston Bahrain Jewellery Center Tel: +973 17 535 091 www.harrywinston.com < Hermès Bahrain World Trade Center, Moda Mall Isa Al-Kabeer Avenue Manama Center 36 Tel: +973 17 535 519 < Hugo Boss Bahrain City Centre Tel: +974 17 178472 www.hugoboss.com

< Kosebasi City Center Tel: +973 17 172 322 < La Mer Paris Gallery Bahrain City Centre Tel: +973 17 178 581 www.cremedelamer.com < La Prairie Saks Fifth Avenue Bahrain City Centre Tel: +973 17 172 000 www.laprairie.com < Lolita Lempicka Al Hawaj Tel: +973 16 166 666 www.alhawaj.com < LV Shop Moda Mall Tel: +973 17 537 540 www.louisvuitton.com < Marc Jacobs Bahrain City Centre Seef District Tel: +973 17 179 541 < Maki Bahrain World Trade Centre Tel: +973 17 522 733 www.olivermaki.com < Max Mara Moda Mall Tel: +973 17 131 041

< Jean Paul Gaultier Al Aali Shopping Complex Tel: +973 17 582 874 www.jeanpaulgaultier.com

< Mercedes Al Haddad Motors Tel: +973 17 785 454 www.alhaddad-mercedesbenz.com

< JeanRichard Bahrain Jewellery Centre Al Aali Shopping Complex Tel: +973 17 582 444 www.jeanrichard.com

< Moschino Al A’ali Complex, Seef District +973 17 582 801 www.moschino.com

< Columbus café Bahrain City Center Tel: +973 17 172 324

< Jimmy Choo Al Aali Complex Tel: +973 17 582807 www.jimmychoo.com

< Diesel Seef Mall Tel: + 973 17 581 981 www.diesel.com

< John Galliano Bahrain City Centre Tel: +973 17 177 771 www.johngalliano.com

< Panerai Asia Jewellery, Moda Mall Tel: +973 535 311 www.panerai.com < Parmigiani Al Mudaifa Jewels Moda Mall Tel: +973 17 532 300 www.parmigiani.ch

< PAUL Bakery and Restaurant City Center Tel: +973 17 172 321 Seef Mall Tel: +973 17 580 073 < Porsche Behbehani Brothers WLL Tel: +973 17 459 911 www.porsche.com < Ralph Lauren Bahrain City Centre Tel: +973 17 178 519 www.ralphlauren.com < Roberto Cavalli Al Aali Mall Tel: +973 17 582 756 www.robertocavalli.com < Roger Dubuis Asia Jewellery, Moda Mall Tel: +973 17 535 311 www.rogerdubuis.com < Rolls-Royce Euromotors, Sitra Highway Tel: + 973 17 750 750 www.euromotors.com.bh < Sergio Rossi Al Aali complex Tel: +973 17 580 566 www.sergiorossi.com < Silks Restaurant Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain, 143 Road 2403 Tel: +973 17 460 000 www.moevenpick-hotels.com < S.T. Dupont Bahrain City Centre, Seef Mall Moda Mall Tel: +973 17 171 900 www.yaqubi.com < Stephen Webster Azal, Al Aali Shopping Complex Tel: +973 17 582 353 www.stephenwebster.com < Tod’s Moda Mall Tel: +973 17 131 090 www.tods.com < Tom Ford Villa Moda, Moda Mall +973 17 530 330 www.tomford.com < Versace Bahrain City Centre, Level 1 Tel: +973 17 178 608 www.versace.com < Virgin Megastore Bahrain City Centre Tel: +973 17 172 300 www.virginmegastore.me