Online edition at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com
Guide to Arabian life, luxury and fashion!
134 Issue
The Race is ON! Who will be elected for BCCI?
Fashion With a Twist HRX By The One and Only Hrithik Roshan
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Discover a Whole New World Scuba Diving in Bahrain
Contents FEBRUARY 2014 • ISSUE 134 Online edition at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com
Poetry: 46 David Hollywood: I Dream of Dreams Entanglements
105
Opinion: 68 Katarzyna Ritcher: Culture Shock 70 John Ridley: Letter from Bahrain
Regulars: 10 Not to be Missed 16 New in Town 85 Society: Out and About
Feature:
56 Henrik Lindberg
70 Sarah Al Hamad - Sun, Bread and
72 Happiness on a Platter
Sticky Toffee
76 Loving the Scuba Diving Life
Juicy Pickings:
Fashion:
20 Art Space
48 HRX
26 Frame Fatale
50 Dina Khalifé
30 Tadhamon
52 MAX Spring 2014
36 Afnan Rashid Al Zayani 40 Ahmed Abdulla bin Hindi
Beauty, Health and Well Being
50
58 Every Beautiful Skin Has a Story 59 The Makeover 60 Beauty Buzz 62 Your Luxury Beauty Experience 66 Healthy, Fit and Fabulous
Essential Listings
56
122 Recommended Restaurants, Nightspots, Essential Info, Beauty Spots, Sports and Fitness, Clubs and Associations
Publishers: Nick Cooksey and Rebecca Smith Editor in Chief: Rebecca Smith Editorial: Melissa Nazareth Jenny Ann Thomas Layout and Design: Noel De Juan Contributors
David Hollywood John Ridley Ameena Adel Bucheeri Enosh Kumar Abbas Salman Katarzyna Richter Sales Account Manager Zena Williams Gareth George Administration Nikesh Pola Sales Coordinator Smily Andrews Events Coordinator Mark Jason Garcia Photographer Shareef Panhatt Business Development/ProDesign Redia Castillo Sueallen Menezes Dhanraj S. Distribution Distribution Executive Mohammed Yousif Muhammed Shareef P Rafnaj Regional Sales-Point Distribution Bahrain: Al Hilal Corporation
Tel. +973 1748 0800 UAE: Jashanmals Tel. +971 4341 9757 Online edition at www.FashionArabia.net
For Advertising Opportunities: Tel. +973 1782 2368 Email: sales@ArabianMagazines.com Published by:
A Division of C.G. Arabia W.L.L. P.O. Box 26810, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. Tel. +973 1782 2388, Fax. +973 1772 1722 Email: info@ArabianMagazines.com Website: www.ArabianMagazines.com Ministry of Information approval no. ISDN 99901-01-17-5 © Copyright 2008, C.G. Arabia W.L.L. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. All Rights Reserved. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Printed at Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej, Bahrain.
Editor’s
Letter Dear Readers,
So we’re feeling all loved up this month and we just had to share the love. William W Purkey once said,
“You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching, Love like you’ll never be hurt, Sing like there’s nobody listening, And live like it’s heaven on earth.” In the shortest of months, Bahrain Confidential brings to you interviews with some of the most respected names in the Kingdom. Flip to page 30 and find out what each wants to achieve if they are elected onto the new board of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Have you ever sat down and thought, “Gosh, I need a exhilarating and adventurous hobby!” Well, we have just the right thing for you. Read page 26 for the love of photography and page 76 if you are the scuba-diving kind. We also bring to you some the best from the affordable to luxury fashion and particularly hand-drawn illustrations and creativity inspired clothing line. Want to know more? Go to page 48. We are pretty certain that it is starting to be a delicious year, food wise. Not that we are complaining. With the island gearing up for Valentines Day, there are definitely lots of things to do here. Read pages 10,114-120 for events to look forward to, recipes to spoil that certain someone and all the romantic dining for the month of Love. So, its time to pick up our issue, enjoy the true creative style and feel loved!
The Bahrain Confidential Team
Cover Credits: Dina Khalifé
Your trusted business partner
COMMERCIAL
30
RESIDENTIAL
1982-2012
Celebrating 30 years in business
Civil Contracting Electrical Contracting
مؤسســــة الفاضل للكهـــربـــاء والبـنــاء Al Fadhel Electrical & Construction
Commercial & Residential Projects Constrcution & Maintenance Tel. +973 17 400 440 | Fax: +973 17 400 456 P.O.Box 5599 | Manama | Kingdom of Bahrain E-mail: info@alfadhelec.com | www.alfadhelec.com www.facebook.com/alfadhelec
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readers’ letter
Dear
Editor
Many thanks to all who wrote in last month and apologies if your letter isn’t printed but we get so many. Keep us informed and keep us in check by sending comments to info@ArabianMagazines.com and remember our response back is said in good humour.
Online edition at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com
Guide to Arabian life, luxury and fashion!
134 Issue
The Race is ON! Who will be elected for BCCI?
Winner Woes I’ve noticed that Bahrain Confidential always picks Western expats as winners for its competitions. Why this discrimination? I am an Arab and I wish your magazine picks locals and other expats as winners too. Offended
Discover a Whole New World
Fashion With a Twist HRX By The One and Only Hrithik Roshan
Scuba Diving in Bahrain
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Online edition at www.FashionArabia.net
Guide to Arabian life, luxury and fashion!
Introducing ‘The Ma’akum Dream Team’ An Exclusive Interview With Khalid Almoayed
133 Issue
Portraits of Dilmun Stories Behind Faces
Taking It To The Next Level - Leaders in the Hospitality Industry
Dear Offended, please don’t be. We are surprised that you feel we are biased towards western expats. In fact, Bahrain Confidential and our Arabic title, Areej have always focused heavily on local talent. We have continuously endeavoured to offer Bahrainis the quintessential platform to showcase their talents and ideas. Also, so many Bahrainis and other nationalities have won our competitions in the past. We hope you change your outlook and wish you all the best for future competitions.
Taking It To The Next Level - Leaders in the Hospitality Industry
Eaten Too Much 9 Simple Foods That Can Revolutionise Your Diet BAHRAIN BD2 KSA SR20 KUWAIT KD2 OMAN RO2 QATAR QR20 UAE DHS20
132 Issue
BAHRAIN SHINES INSIDE
- Everything You Need For The Perfect Holidays - Fashion - Parties And Much More ...
Art Attack Your art space feature on the third Bahraini Female Artists Annual Exhibition was brilliant. Totally loved the bold images and crisp descriptions; Keep up the good work! Sumaya
Thanks, Sumaya!
Portraits of Dilmun
Ugly Duckling
This is regarding the exclusive feature you ran in Bahrain Confidential’s January 2014 issue – Portraits of Dilmun. I looked up the page on Facebook and must say it’s a commendable initiative. I’ve heard of similar pages for other countries but Bahrain didn’t have something like this. The initiative is aptly named too. Kudos to the ladies who started this, and wish you all the best!
Dear Ugly Duckling, we regret to inform you that our makeover candidate has already been chosen. We thank you ever so much for
We loved the feature too and will certainly pass on your message! Thanks, Dan!
Online edition at www.FashionArabia.net
Guide to Arabian life, luxury and fashion!
your interest. It’s very encouraging to know that our readers look forward to being a part of this; as you know we were the first magazine in Bahrain to start the makeover. We will be having many more makeover sessions in the future. Please do apply again and we would love to give you your swan moment!
Make-over Please! I was wondering if you guys have already selected someone for your makeover. I had applied too and am really hoping I get chosen. I have a wedding coming up in June this year and desperately need a touch up.
Dan
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Art Attack
6 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
people
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll Birthday: 2nd February
She has an IQ of 140. Wrote her own songs by the age of 8. Takes discipline and perfection seriously. “Laundry Service” was her step to fame. It was certified 4 times Platinum. Fluent in Portuguese, Italian, English, Spanish and Arabic. “Hips Don’t Lie” instantly soared to the top of the charts in many countries. Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 8th November 2011.
Celebrity
Trivia Christopher Ashton Kutcher
Billie Joe Armstrong
Birthday: 7th February
Birthday: 28th February
Was chosen as the 3rd Sexiest Man Alive in 2006. “That 70s Show” was definitely his claim to fame. Loves watching “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” Loves fishing, bowling, watching football, shooting hoops, and travelling.
8 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
He donated his blood for money to pay off his college fees. His favorite books are “Where the Red Fern Grows”, “Many Lives”, “Many Masters”, and “Mutants Down Under.” His favourite outfits’ are Levi’s Engineered Jeans, T-Shirt, and sandals.
Guitar and vocals for punk band Green Day. Nicknamed his guitar “Blue” and has had it since he was eleven years old. He has a recording studio in his basement. Wrote the song ‘Wake Me Up When September Ends’ about his father’s death when he was a young child and how he dealt with it then. He wrote his first song, “Why Do You Want Him” when he was only 14 years old. He enjoys getting people up on stage to play instruments for the band when Green Day plays live.
no download is too big the power of
VIVA welcomes you to the next generation of broadband world with 4G LTE - the fastest and widest 4G network in Bahrain with extremely high broadband speed. Now get ready for an amazing experience allowing web surfing, downloading, video streaming and gaming like never before. Now no download’s too big with VIVA 4G. Simply subscribe now to VIVA 4G Add-on with any VIVA mobile or broadband plan and enjoy free subscription until end of February 2014. 4G LTE Access Add-ons: Add-on
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what’s on
Not To Be
Missed For more events, gastro, parties & nightlife turn to pages 116 - 120
7th Gulf International Industry Fair 2014
Under the Patronage of Bahrain’s Prime Minister, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the fair covers key industrial segments including aluminum, steel, alloys, automation, energy, logistics, manufacturing & Industrial Security & Safety. When: 4th to 6th February Where: Convention Centre For more information, visit www.gulfindustryfair.com
Bahrain International Garden Show 2014
The Kingdom’s most awaited flower, lifestyle and garden show is back. When: 27th February to 1st March Where: Convention Centre For more information, visit: www.bigs.com.bh
Ophthalmologist Visits Bahrain
Gulf Eye Centre brings to Bahrain, Ophthalmologist Dr Ahmed Sallam whose specialties include Diabetic retinopathy, other retinal vascular diseases, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, retinal laser treatment, ocular inflammation, ocular trauma, and complex cataract surgery. Book your appointment now! When: 22nd and 23rd February For more information, call, Tel. +973 1723171, or email: eye@gulfdiabetes.com
EFG Sailing Arabia
The fourth edition of the prestigious EFG Sailing Arabia - The Tour, the Gulf ‘s only annual long distance offshore sailing event has been scheduled to start from Bahraini waters. EFG International is the title sponsor of the 760 nautical mile Gulf Coast challenge. When: 9th to 24th February For more information, visit: www.sailingarabiathetour.com
Chuckle Club Valentines Special
Chuckle Club is out to entertain you this Valentine’s, with comedians Christian Reilley, John Moloney and Steve Shanyaski. Book now and enjoy! When: 19th February Bahrain Rugby Club - 8pm 20th February The British Club - 8.30pm 21st February InterContinental Regency Bahrain - 8pm Price: BD15 For more information, email: info@punchlineme.com or call Tel. +973 3666 3509.
Beauty Tales Salon Bride to Be Promotion
Package for BD100 Only! Full body wax Full face threading + Colour/Henna for brows Body peeling Oligodermie Paris Professional Facial Full body massage Spa manicure, Nail Extension, Essie polish Spa pedicure, Essie Polish Paraffin wax treatment for hands and feet Hair spa Romantic Blowout or a choice of wavy hairstyle Tel. +973 1733 6667 Fax. +973 1733 6900 Mobile: +973 3679 1910
Boutique Event Sale
The Dogfather Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre is hosting a boutique event sale which includes designer labels, fashion accessories, electronics, household goods, bric-a-bracs, cakes, cookies and cupcakes. When: 8th February, 10am to 2pm Where: Dilmun Club
10 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
Europe’s Best Airline*
what’s on
Not To Be
Missed For more events, gastro, parties & nightlife turn to pages 116 - 120
Wee Monthly Family Day
Royal Golf Club presents the Wee Monthly Family Day. Bring your family and enjoy! Kids play for free and it is inclusive of green fee and hire clubs. When: Every Saturday, from 10am to 2pm Price: BD15
Settimana Italiana Calligraphy Workshop
The Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research is holding a calligraphy workshop by Calligrapher, Saad Busaad. The application is open to everyone. Participation will be by selection and there will be a course fee. When: 1st to 26th February
Fiamma Restaurant, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa is all set to host a unique gastronomic festival. Enjoy a long journey to Italy with authentic Venetian dishes complemented by renowned Italian opera singers, Vincenzo Sanso and Carla Mazzarella. That’s not all! World famous pizza acrobatic, Pasqualino Barbasso will also be there. Don’t miss it! When: 12th to 21st February For more information, call, Tel. +973 1763 6363.
Carla Mazzarella
338 Garden Restaurant
Tres Palmas
Like the palm trees of Bahrain, the talented Zakeya Zada, Mayasa Sultan Al Sowaidi and Wedad Al-Bakr would like to show the ever-giving nature of women in Bahrain. Using bright colours dried from traditional surrounding and variety of styles, the artists depict the resilient and optimistic nature of woman. When: 15th February, 7pm Where: Hue Lounge, Riffa Palms
Enjoy Live Music at 338 Garden Restaurant
Mondays: Brendan Lynch with the best international songs you can sing and dance to. Tuesdays: Mo and Iba, local talents bring a relaxing folk atmosphere to 338. Wednesdays: Latin Soul, the oldest band in 338’s books. Enjoy the vibe! Thursdays: Jazz Trio. Enjoy the jazz music and feel like you are in New York City. Saturdays: True Blues Duo, playing from the classic blues to Brazilian Bossa Nova. For more information, call, Tel. +973 3330 4030.
12 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
Muharraqi: Father & Son
Muharraqi: Father & Son
Under the patronage of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman AlKhalifa, The Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre is hosting an exhibition of prominent artists - Abdulla and Khalid Al Muharraqi. When: 4th March to April, Saturday to Thursday, 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm Where: Bin Mattar House
what’s on
Not To Be
Missed For more events, gastro, parties & nightlife turn to pages 116 - 120
Time is Running OUT!
It’s the countdown on the early bird tickets for F1. The island’s biggest sporting, social and business networking event takes place 4th-5th-6th April at “The Home of Motorsport” in the Middle East. In celebration of the 10th edition of the Grand Prix weekend, this year’s race will be held at night.
Bahrain International Circuit
Robin Sharma and Verne Harnish
Robin Sharma, the globally celebrated author of 11 international bestselling books on leaderhip, returns with Verne Harnish, the founder of the world-renowned Entrepreneurs’ Organisation, to discuss today’s key business challenges. Where: Crowne Plaza Conference Centre Price: Special offer through Susan Cook, for expatriates only BD200 (quote code SMC01 when booking). Normal Price: BD320 Tamkeen Training Levy available for Bahrainis When: 26th February, 8am to 4.30pm For more information, call toll free number, Tel. +973 8000 1077 or visit: www.bihr.com
The Early Bird offer is valid up to 9th February. Price: Under the “Early Bird” offer: Main Grandstand tickets cost BD120 Oasis Grandstand tickets cost BD102 Turn One Grandstand cost BD85. University Grandstand and Victory Grandstand cost BD51 All tickets are for all three days of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Contact, Tel. +973 1745 0000 for more information or visit: www.bahraingp.cp.com
Mariecris Tecson with Bahrain Confidential’s Mark Garcia
.. And She LOVED Her Stay At The Domain
Mariecris Tecson
, the winner of the competition, “1 night stay with sumptuous breakfast at The Domain, Bahrain” tells us about her wonderful experience. “I just want to share my experience staying at The Domain. Firstly, I would like to thank Bahrain Confidential Team for that competition and choosing me as the winner. We stayed on 20th January. We stayed on the 20th floor (Panorama Suites). The room surpassed my expectations. The bed is really soft that we didn’t want to wake up. The view is just amazing. The bathroom is really nice, very clean and luxurious that you just want to sleep in the bathtub. Our breakfast was sumptuous, great food, great stay. We really enjoyed and if given a chance to stay for a night again, I would love to. From the bottom of my heart I am very thankful for the wonderful experience you gave me. Thank you Bahrain Confidential and The Domain.”
14 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
new in town
The Wedding Planner What: YQ Weddings
YQ Weddings is the award-winning VIP Wedding Artist in the region with a portfolio of Royal weddings that have created timeless impressions. So, if a wedding is on the cards you know whom to go to! For more information call Tel. +973 3944 0343.
Climb Away!
What: One of the Tallest Climbing Wall in the GCC is at Mövenpick Hotel, Bahrain
Mövenpick Hotel in collaboration with MANDEVCO International has built the first and tallest climbing walls in the GCC. If you ask us, this is the perfect leadership programme and team building exercise one could ask for. It is 15 metres and overlooks the Arad Bay and the Lagoon.
New In
Town Soar To New Heights
What: Grooming Bahraini Hospitality Talent
Tamkeen, together with Kempinski and Third Wave International (TWI), embarked on an innovative initiative for Bahrain’s hospitality sector, seeking to empower young Bahrainis with world-class training and provide them with employment at a globally reputed establishment. Bahrainis who are passionate about pursuing a career in hospitality and who are University Graduates or who have completed Secondary School education are encouraged to apply. Applicants can contact TWI via email: gbht@twibahrain.com or Tel. +973 3913 2576 / 1729 2436.
16 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
Inside the Foreign Exchange Universe
After the launch of The Bull Run, Tholoor M Thomas got at it again and launched his second book, “Inside the Foreign Exchange Universe”. This book provides readers a condensed and precise explanation of foreign exchange and its market dynamics, a wealth of information for students of finance, investment professionals, investors, and any one interested in attaining a deeper knowledge of the foreign exchange universe. The book is currently available on order basis from Authorhouse, UK, in Soft cover, Hard cover and e-copies formats.
B E O U R VA L E N T I N E ? Bringing you a lovely selection of fresh and premium goods Alosrasupermarket Follow us on @Alosra_Bahrain Alosra Supermarket Saar 17 697558 Amwaj 16 033773 Durrat 77 770001 Riffa 17 750006 www.alosraselect.com Insta
new in town
The Bahraini Factor
Mohammed Hassan, a local journalist has extended his talents to writing his first novel - The Bahraini Factor. The Bahraini Factor is a comedy/adventure novel of a sixteen-year old who solves complex mysteries on a regular basis at his hometown. But when he moves to the tiny island of Bahrain, he is stumped because he is unable to explain the sharp contrasts that exist in every facet of its society. *Watch out for the book review in March 2014 issue
A Whole New Menu
Eating at Hue Lounge just got way better. With the introduction of a whole new menu, Hue is prepared to entertain with lots of art, delicious food and wonderful company. For more information, call, Tel. +973 1721 7611.
Valentines Special at Felda Cut & Style For every highlights, roots or full colour, get a free haircut or hair treatment!
New ‘Journeys’
What: Enjoy an Endless Array of Possibilities with The Travel Attaché
One of Middle East’s premier luxury travel specialist, The Travel Attaché, created a collection of journeys combining the most inspiring travel experiences in the world with one-of-a-kind insights. A unique mix of cultural, gastronomic and hospitality highlights, every journey is tailored to exact specifications and requirements. The Travel Attaché brings each destination to life with the support and expertise of local influencers, exclusive access to extraordinary experiences and unrivalled connections with the very best hospitality options worldwide. For more information, visit: www.thetravelattache.com
For more information, call Tel. +973 1722 4077.
“The Awakening of Shamal. No Time to Waste!”
Anna Leanda Thackray is an artist/illustrator and author residing in Bahrain, published “The Awakening of Shamal. No time to waste!” is the first book of three fictional graphic novels. Bahrain was the inspiration for her fictional tale of good overcoming evil and how even when someone has strayed from the path of righteousness, nature will guide us back to it. Every page contains approximately 5 or 6 large-scale illustrationse. “The Awakening of Shamal. No time to waste!” is available from Words BookstoreCafé, Palm Square, Budaiya Highway as well as Jashanmal book stores and costs BD3.
18 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
Enjoy With Sundance What: OSN with AMC Networks Launch Sundance Channel HD
Sundance Channel HD will complement OSN’s existing line-up of over 135 channels. OSN signed a landmark deal with Sundance Channel Global, the international division of AMC Networks, to launch its flagship Sundance Channel HD in the Middle East and North Africa region. For more information, visit www.osn.com
art space
CONSTRUCTION, DESTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION Veteran artist, Faisal Samra invited Bahrain Confidential to his private studio, in Juffair. Melissa Nazareth spoke to him about his work and about his art exhibition to be held in February, in London.
20 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
art space
Tell our readers more about your exhibition in London. I will be exhibiting my work at Ayyam Gallery in London and it is called Construction, Destruction, Reconstruction (CDR). CDR is the essence of anything created by mankind or even divine creation. It’s an ongoing and inevitable cycle which keeps things more organic and alive. Nothing that’s created stays the same forever; it changes and is destroyed either naturally or by oneself and then re constructed. For instance, the chair (Left Top & Below) symbolises power. Now if this power becomes a dictatorship and begins looking at self benefit rather than the bigger good then it undergoes change; it is destroyed and re constructed to a state where the good of all people comes into the picture. Another example is the sculpture (turn over to the next page); the man is looking at himself in the mirror and at some level his super ego takes over. He is then destroyed and from the broken pieces comes another person. A single unit is fragmented and the positive energy is now shared by many rather than used by one. You mean it’s more like evolution? I’m not sure. Change is a more precise word. Evolution means going to a better stage. But who says we’re moving towards a better stage! Do you think that this change can be controlled or is it beyond our control? It depends on the process of change. If you’re using the right process then you will reach the right end but if you’re using the incorrect process then it will guide you to something else; it will be a Frankenstein (an agency that escapes control and destroys its creator). Do you have a certain style of going about your art? When I work, I start with a concept which builds automatically over the process of my work. Though I may start with a single concept, gradually so many more different layers and dimensions are added to my work. Also, I don’t always explain all the details but leave it open for my audience to interpret. I believe that art needs to be honest and not political. If it is then it will, at some point be discarded. I try to analyse what’s going on around me and hold the metaphorical bull by its horns; we need to face the truth. My work is not a message, it’s a statement based on what I see. You could agree or disagree. If you disagree please feel free to make your point. What media do you usually use? My theme dictates what media I use to create my work and not the other way round. We now live in an era of multimedia art. I even use videos, acting and other performances to express my art. I’m the first artist in Bahrain to have started exhibitions with a single theme. My debut single theme exhibition, Nostalgia was held in Kuwait. Through this series I worked on how to provoke memories through images to the point that these images, for instance if they were about spices, the audience could almost smell the spices. Now single theme exhibitions are very common
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 21
art space
but when I started it they were not. I thought this was a better way of doing exhibitions as then my audience is more prepared about a single topic. Describe a typical day in your life. In 1993 I quit my job and became a full time artist. I spend around 9 hours in my studio and I do have a routine but then there are times when I take my time off. There is a time to work and then a time to sit back and collect subjects through observation. You can’t really force art; if you do you may not get the best results. What is Faisal Samra like beneath all the artistic, intense themes? I would say I’m simple and easy going. I have an ironic sense of humour, black comedy like they say. Life is too short to be taken too seriously. What are your expectations from your exhibition in February? I have come to believe from my experience that one must not have any expectations, to avoid disappointment. I have worked hard and done my part. I will now go ahead with an open mind
22 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
editors pick
In The Spotlight
Bahrain Confidential portrays the admired local and regional talents.
Ice Racing Team
In August 2013, The Ice Racing Team noticed the growing interest in Bahrain’s Karting life and established their very own fast and intelligent teamconsisting of Ali Dadi, Ahmed AlKooheji, Qamar Saleem, Ahmed A Jalil, Yasser Khalil, and Ali Jaber. Bahrain Confidential couldn’t help but sit down and chat with the team. What is the most exhilarating part of the sport? Winning, racing, overtaking, the adrenaline at next corner, setting strategies and tactics; its the whole deal!
Jaafar Hamza Creates New Font “There’s always room for creativity, even for an art that exceeds hundreds of years, of using, modifying and improving” said Jaafar Hamza. Calling his calligraphy font “AlSorabi”, a combination of three things: The Chinese style of writing from top to bottom, English letters nature, which is writing letters separately, and Arabic words. Trying to merge different cultures in one, the result is quite unique. It gives you the power and passion to go deep beyond the letters and see the spirit of the different cultures and visualise the beauty of merging all that in calligraphy. Follow Jaafar on Instagram: jaafarhamza For more information, email: jaafar.hamza@gmail.com
24 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
How does karting prepare young drivers for races like Formula 1? Karting is more like a mini F1 car, the basics are the same so if you have the basics right from the beginning you will shine later. How did it feel to win Best New Team Ranking in Dubai? If felt real swell. It was our objective to snatch that trophy and we needed that boost. Dream race track? Le Mans/France. Each of your best Motorsport memories? Ali Dadi: Winning 2009 bahrain rotax
championship. Ahmed AlKooheji: 2013 Redbull Bahrain Kart Fight were started last and finished 2nd. Qamar Saleem: Winning Bahrain Sodi Sprint 2013 chamionship. Ahmed A Jalil: Racing at RKC France 2013 Sodi world Finale. What is in store for 2014. Dubai - 12Hrs - February Bahrain - 24Hrs - March Dubai - 600Laps - May Dubai - 700Kms - October Bahrain - 24Hrs - November Dubai - 24Hrs - December
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photography
Bahrain Confidential
gets behind the lens of three of Bahrain’s resident photographers.
Frame Fatale
“Artists and performers make the best subject. This is one of my favourite pictures. I shot it while I was in Dubai watching The Royal Moscow Ballet perform. She moved so gracefully and I thought that she stood out in the crowd.” ENOSH KUMAR loves photography and started out with his Pentax camera. What began as a hobby soon turned into an obsession and today Enosh is a professional photographer. He has worked with some of the most well-known names in the industry and has contributed his work to Bahrain Confidential & Areej as well. Enosh believes that people today focus on the instrument rather than the art. “It’s not about capturing the best moment but about trying to tell a story. I aspire to give back to photography its rightful place in the art society.”
26 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
photography
ASMAA ALOWD studies visual design at Bahrain polytechnic. She was only 15 when she first held a professional SLR camera. In 2009, she enrolled for a basic photography course by GOYS and since then there has been no looking back. In 2012, she bagged the second place and title of ‘Most Charismatic Entrepreneur’ in a youth business competition by Tamkeen - Asmaa aspires to set up a company that specialises in food photography and publishing for the food industry.
“I love photography that revolves around food and special moments with children.” February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 27
photography
“This photograph was shot at Jebel Shams, the highest point in Oman. We reached the peak at sun rise and saw the sun shoot pink streaks into the sky.� PARVATHI RAMANANDAN is an engineer by profession who once harboured the dream to be a photo journalist. So great was her love for photography (still is!) that she refused to give up on it. She spends a major chunk of her day making people, nature, food, you name it, look more beautiful than they are.
28 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
people Four years have passed since the last board on the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) were elected. On the 15th of this month, the twenty-eighth elections will be held to select the new board. With an estimate of sixty candidates vying for seats, Bahrain Confidential’s Editor-in-Chief and Publisher, Rebecca Smith sat down with Shaikha Hind, candidate and President, Mr Khalid Zayani, campaigning to being elected under the banner of ‘Tadhamon’.
“Tadhamon”
Shaikha Hind
30 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
people
Mr Khalid Zayani
There seems to be a lot of interest in this election. Why do you think this is? Mr Khalid: Mainly because they have cancelled proxies. Proxy voting means that a person is able to ballot on someone else’s behalf. This can be used to assist a bloc to exercise a greater influence in elections. In the past, a group or person who collected most proxies generally got in. But this year’s rule is that there will be no proxies, and people who hold memberships must appear in person to vote. This makes the whole process a lot fairer and has encouraged many new capable faces to appear as candidates. Shaikha Hind: I would also like to add that many people are looking for change and that’s where I feel the enthusiasm is coming from this year. People really believe that change is possible this time and this has given me the confidence to know that if we’re elected we can make a difference. What are your policies? Mr Khalid: The Chamber should not be a field for politics or sectarianism; it should be a centre of excellence served by its members. In the US or Europe, Chambers are not linked to any political parties. It is considered to be a club that sells the interest of the business community. Unfortunately, over the past three years, politics and sectarianism divided the Board of the Chamber. We believe that the Chamber should be a neutral, non-political club that offers highest services to its members. Not only do we want to be recognised as the oldest Chamber but also the best in the Gulf. Why should we re-create the wheel when we are able to use US, French and UK Chambers as role models? We want a proper database that links with theirs. BCCI should be serving businesses, not just a centre that collects fees and endorses documents. Shaikha Hind: We’re a focused group. As a party, we bring to the table many years of business experience in all fields. Our party represents HR, IT, Economics, Banking, Distribution, and Retail etc. We believe if we win as a coalition, we will be more effective on the board because of the diversity of industries we represent. There are ten business people campaigning under the banner of Tadhamon. Was there certain criterion that each representative had to fulfill to be considered? Mr Khalid: We didn’t design a criterion as such. We looked for similar thinking business people who could work together in harmony and create change. We covered a spectrum of interests represented by successful businessmen and women. In your opinion why do you think certain industries such as banking have been neglected in the past? Mr Khalid: Again, because of the proxy situation. There wasn’t enough fairness in the voting system. For example, a one-man business had as much voting influence as a Kanoo or Almoayyed who was able to bring more to the table. A small shop may employ just one person whereas a larger business may employ hundreds. It’s not fair. All one had to do was go to the market, collect enough proxies to be on the board. February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 31
people Shaikha Hind: Previously, the board had offered no diversity as the majority of members were selected from the retail industry, mainly the souq. If you’re elected - what are the most immediate changes you intend to make? Mr Khalid: To start with, we want to change the perception of how the chamber runs. We need a board that states policies supported by a strong CEO who will ensure that these policies are carried through. We don’t want a board or its members interfering in CEO’s decisions thus limiting his abilities to run his business. So often we hear about members who treat the Chamber as their own offices and by constantly trying to apply their own influence on its daily affairs. A CEO should be allowed to present a business plan to the board; once approved, and he then becomes accountable for its implementation.
Shaikha Hind: There are programmes such as Tamkeen and the Labour law market that we need to work with. We have to recognise that the public sector cannot offer as many jobs as the private sector can. So, we have to prepare and train our next generation of graduates to be able to fill the positions that are available within these sectors. Bahrain has a reputation for being business friendly - yet it’s not booming as it should be? What do you think is stopping investors from coming here? Mr Khalid: Maybe we’re not selling ourselves as well as we should be to the international market. Bahrain should not just sell Bahrain; we’re too small and have a limited population. It should promote itself as the gateway to Saudi Arabia and the rest of the region. There are so many businesses here that do not relay on local market. Why would over 400 banks and
require a local partner, as they have to do in the rest of the GCC. Cost of setting up business and operation is the cheapest in the whole region. One of your policies is to re-think how Bahrainisation is implemented. Please explain. Mr Khalid: I don’t believe that Bahrainisation should be politically driven. Bahrainis should be qualified and experienced enough to compete equally for the same jobs as foreign nationals. There are more expatriates in Bahrain, majority of which have jobs varying from basic, management to ownership. Our unemployment in Bahrain is no more than 4 per cent; compared to other countries, this figure is very low. Once trained, Bahrainis can easily replace foreign nationals. Tamkeen is willing to pay 80 percent of an individual’s training cost, and reimburse a trainees’ full salary. Where else in the world would you get such support? How’s your campaigning coming along? Shaikha Hind: I’m very proud, as we’ve been organised and used all media from print through to social so that people have become aware of our mission statements etc. I’ve even heard the Indian radio channel discussing us. So the people helping to promote our campaign are certainly doing the right job. Mr Khalid: We’re also visiting all the different markets, speaking to the small businesses. We’re not just sitting and waiting for people to come to us. We’re visiting majlises in Hidd, Muharraq, Hamala, Jassra to inform them our agendas, mechanism of elections and why it’s in their advantage to have a group like Tadhamon representing them on the Chamber.
Rebecca Smith, Shaikha Hind and Mr Khalid Zayani
Shaikha Hind: We will have four years on the board and we expect the CEO to come to us with solutions on how he intends to execute them, but with our support. We’re looking at it as a formula - if we have all eleven members from our party are elected, we will work with the existing members and other members who are re-elected. But, show the significance of the need to change. It’s not difficult if you can have the right solutions to policies and a strong team to execute them. Are you intending on working with any Government schemes to help push these policies through? Mr Khalid: The Chamber has not been proactive enough to propose a draft of their own law, and this is what prompted the government to draft BCCI’s own law. If one sits idle then the government will regulate on one’s behalf. We don’t want that to happen again. Any law relating to the Chamber ought to be produced by the Chamber and then presented for approval by the Government and Parliament. It is our club so I’m pretty sure the Government will support such proactive approach. That’s what happens in the US and UK etc., so why not here?
32 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
insurance companies register and operate out of Bahrain; law firms, industries etc.? Not to serve the Bahraini market, but to use its perfect location and business environment to serve the region. There are many large industrial firms based here that sell very little if any nothing at all here, but from Bahrain, they export their goods throughout the world and compete and win in international tenders. Both of your businesses have had huge success outside of Bahrain. So in your opinion would you describe Bahrain as Business friendly and if so why? Shaikha Hind: Most definitely, as the process to set up a business here is a ‘One Stop Shop’. I appreciate other regional countries have tried to do the same. But the competition isn’t as severe here as it is elsewhere. It is still easier to pioneer new sectors in Bahrain. Mr Khalid: Bahrain compared to other regional countries is certainly more business friendly. As Bahrainis, we don’t have the same advantages as other nationals do elsewhere. A foreign investor can own their company one hundred percent and not
Is there anything else you would like to say to your potential supporter? Shaikha Hind: I urge everyone to take responsibility of their own future in business and come along and cast their vote on 15th February to ensure changes are able to take place in the BCCI. Mr Khalid: We intend to bring to the board a new vision: excellent services, without political distractions. As previously mentioned, we don’t want to be known for being only the oldest chamber but the best in the region, and this we can achieve only through your support. The Ten Candidates under “Tadhamon” are: 1. Mr Khalid Al Zayani 2. Mr Adel Al Aali 3. Shaikha Hind bint Salman 4. Mr Osama Al Baharna 5. Mr Mohammed Al Musallam 6. Mr Ahmed Al Banna 7. Dr Akbar Jaffari 8. Mrs Elham Hassan 9. Mr Mahmoud Al Namlaiti 10. Mr Fuad Abul 11. Mr Darwish Ahmed Abdulla Al Mannai
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34 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
profile
Profile of Bahrain Chamber of Commerce Candidate,
Afnan Rashid Al Zayani Afnan Rashid Al Zayani, an inspirational lady in Bahrain; she is an independent candidate for Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry 28th Session Elections.
“Your voice, is the voice of the private sector as an effective true partner in sustainable development of the national economy” - Afnan Rashid Al Zayani Afnan Rashid Al Zayani is a well-accomplished business lady in Bahrain. She has been part of the BCCI Board member during the 26th and 27th session since 2006, the head of the Businesswomen’s Committee at BCCI since 2005, has represented BCCI in numerous conferences and seminars through presentations and panel discussions. She has participated in organising conferences and seminars in Bahrain that has highlighted the importance of business in the region, participated in the BCCI official delegations as well as delegations of Economic Development Board, Supreme Council for Women and Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society. In December 2013, she was honoured the Medal of Efficiency by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain. From 2002-2004, she was the President of Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society and is currently the board member and Head of coordination and follow up committee. She is the Founding Member and secretary of the board of Bahrain Businessmen’s Association from 2001-2013 and is presently the member of BBA. She has been the Ambassador of goodwill for the Arab Bahraini Model for Entrepreneurship of the UNIDO since 2006. She represented Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society under the economic axis in the National Dialogue that was held in 2011, and many more. Afnan Rashid Al Zayani has dedicated her career towards the betterment of Bahrain’s business world and is now standing as an independent candidate for the BCCI 28th Session Elections. She aims to support small and medium enterprises by promoting and encouraging entrepreneurial businesses with a focus on the youth and women. She aims to promote Bahrain and attract foreign investments to the country with the appropriate government entities. At the launch of her slogan “Your Effective Voice For Progress” for the campaign, she described how each word in her motto had a meaning to it: Your Voice - The Voice of the Private Sector as a true partner in the development of the national economy. Voicing the opinion of small, medium and large enterprises will highlight the importance of their effective role in decision and policy making. Effective - For any enterprise’s voice to be effective, it has to be backed by hard work and determination. Progress - It is the goal to progress in the changing quick paced world. Progress can be achieved when the effective interaction of powers and components within a national plan work with each other in harmony and synergy to take the country forward and leave a better more progressive Bahrain for the future generations. As Afnan Rashid Al Zayani rightly said. “We have to invest in our national work force. We cannot afford to miss out on investing in women forming half of the society asset and raising the other half.”
36 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
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38 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
NO ONE KNOWS YOUR DRIVING PASSION LIKE ALLIED
people
Ahmed Abdulla Bin Hindi “Ma’akum” With You
Bin Hindi’s Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Abdulla bin Hindi is part of The Ma’akum Panel that consists of sixteen prominent business people. Joining the family business in early 1989 after graduating with a degree in Business Administration and Management, Ahmed Abdulla bin Hindi is a prominent leader in the business world. He is an active representative in several organisations such as the Chairman of the Bahrain Businessmen Association and Bahrain Communication Users Association. He has also sat on numerous boards and is currently on the board of the Young Arab Leaders. “When you are in a party of business people, it is stronger and proves that there is more synergy. It takes hard work, determination and most importantly, teamwork for a better business oriented Bahrain.” – Ahmed Abdulla bin Hindi Is this the first time you are standing for elections? It is the second time for me. The first time was in the Term 26, eight years ago. After that, I decided to not stand due to the proxy issues. One needs to stand for the people. In any business or development, moving up the ladder by your own dedication and hardwork is always the right way to go. What do you envision for Bahrain? We need to bring The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry closer to the people. You cannot achieve the determined result if you don’t get up and work for it. One needs to go, meet, encourage each and every business and do everything needful to see Bahrain’s business prosper. Within a team, do you think at any point of time there is a chance for an entrepreneur to overstep the others? Let me talk about my team, Ma’akum. We work as a group with good teamwork. We do our job without chaos. We have members of different ages, different levels of business and from different fields of business. We have the experienced and the fresh and energetic. We understand and respect each other. We are a team who a have common goal - to help the people and businesses of Bahrain. Any message you would like to pass on to the readers? You must vote for the team or candidate that you think will deliver to your businessse’s expectations. Evaluate the attitude and performance of the team/ candidate. Choose one who is honest and has a good reputation because at the end of the day, they are representing you in and out of Bahrain.
40 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
interview
42 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
interview A self-proclaimed home cook and skilled photographer, Kuwaiti food writer, Sarah Al Hamad, the author of Cardamom and Lime: Recipes from the Arabian Gulf and Sun Bread and Sticky Toffee: Date Desserts from Everywhere.
H
er latest title took three years to write and was triggered by the English pudding ‘Sticky Toffee’. So passionate about her journey of discovery, that it took her on a historical journey around the world. Sarah was recently in Bahrain. So, Bahrain Confidential’s Editor-inChief and Publisher, Rebecca Smith took the opportunity to find out if she had discovered more than just receipes while researching her books.
You’re Kuwaiti born and have lived in London for over 15 years. What made you move there initially? I moved to the UK in 1997 to get an MA in Middle Eastern Studies at SOAS - I never planned on staying for 15 years! But while I was there, a golden opportunity to work in publishing presented itself, working for Saqi Books, an independent publisher producing quality fiction and non-fiction about the Middle East. I took it. It turned into a permanent job and eventually a permanent life in the UK. It also gave me the tools I would later require to publish my own cookbooks. Like most things, it worked out better than I ever could have planned.
You describe Arabian food as being a mystery. With so many recipe books available on the subject, what do you mean by this? I don’t recall having used the word mystery to describe Khaleeji cooking. Like most cuisines, the Khaleeji kitchen is a result of geography and climate. Vitally, our way of spicing food and our use of grains like lentils and mung beans to create stews and biryanis came to us from our trade routes with the Indian Subcontinent. Spices like turmeric,
cardamom, cumin and curry powder are the star attractions in dishes like machbous, dhal soup, mrabyan etc. Khaleeji cuisine is much more orientated towards the East (the Indian Subcontinent) than we are towards the Levant for instance, where the cuisine is more Mediterranean in nature, though we have absorbed a number of dishes typical of that region.
You describe yourself as a ‘foodie’. Was this passion influenced by your family? Most people in the Gulf would describe themselves as foodies. It’s a way of life here and food is foremost on people’s minds and palettes. Family members often converse about food, the equivalent of chatting about the weather in the UK. Khaleeji culture is heavily centred around food: Friday lunches, family gatherings, celebrations, neighbourly exchanges. That’s the environment I grew up in and which I try to convey in my books.
“Cardamon and Lime: Recipes from the Arabian Gulf”, was your first published book. Are the recepies based on local Kuwaiti recipes or more regional dishes? Yes, my first book is a collection of traditional homecooked Khaleeji recipes. Dishes that I grew up eating at home and the homes of family and friends. Up and down the Gulf coast the staple ingredients are the same, long-grain rice, meat, fish, grains and dairy. Staple dishes like machbous are standard fare but every country, and within these each family, will have their own way of spicing a dish. Some will use more heat, others less, and some dishes will be more or less elaborate. I tried to include the most traditional and typical Khaleeji dishes in the book.
What came first: A love of photography or food? My interest in both food and photography stems from a desire to capture cultural essences wherever I go. On my travels, it is food that opens up a window onto a new culture. The ingredients people cook with, their provenance, the methods of cooking, modern and ancient. A person’s cuisine says a lot about them, their values and the way they see life. Photography helps me connect with my subject and capture the colours and textures of everyday life. It is an essential part of my work and probably one of the most enjoyable. I love getting home from a trip and downloading my treasure trove of images.
Is there a noticeable difference between ‘Gulf’ foods as opposed to Arabic food? Yes, it’s very important to distinguish between ‘middle eastern’ cuisine and Khaleeji cuisine. The latter is the kitchen of the Levant; Lebanon, Syria and Palestine. It’s a regional cuisine that takes inspiration from the Eastern Mediterranean and the produce of its fertile land. Olive oil, vegetables (often stuffed), grilled meats, flatbreads and pizzalike breads. In the Gulf traditionally, fresh ingredients were harder to come by (not so today) so dishes were simpler, using either fish, rarely meat, but mostly grain porridges. Today of course everything is available, so
Sarah Al-Hamad
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 43
interview
meats and legumes are much more consumed in the form of stews and baked rice dishes (like biryanis). The cuisines are quite different in character. Being a basic cook myself, are there staple ingredients that tend to be used in most dishes and if so what? Rice at lunchtime is a must. A meal is incomplete without starch of some sort and in the Gulf, the energy food of choice is long-grain basmati rice. Sometimes, rice is cooked alongside other grains, like yellow lentils or mung beans. A popular rice and lentil dish, also one of my favorites, is mumawash. Rice accompanies stews, vegetable or meat-based, and depending on the family’s preference, either lamb or fish will accompany the main meal. A bowl of dates is another feature of the Khaleeji home. In the olden days, and even today, a date would be eaten between each meal, providing minerals and a burst of energy.
According to research – there are very few Arabic recipe books. Do you plan to have your books translated? I would love to see my books translated into Arabic and other languages but more and more Khaleeji and Middle Eastern cookbooks are finding their way into print. In the UK, some of the most popular cookbooks of the past five years have been on Middle Eastern food. It’s hard to beat the flavours and colours of the Middle East, from Morocco in the West all the way to Persia in the East, the cuisines are delicious and the cultures picturesque. You have published your second book ‘Sun bread and Sticky Toffee: Date and Desserts from everywhere’, which appears to have taken you on an incredible journey of research. Did you discover anything about yourself on that journey which you can share with my readers? My latest book - on dates - was an adventure! I was determined to walk in the footsteps of the date palm and the date fruit throughout place and time. From Liwa in the UAE to Elche in Andalucia, Spain, The Coachella Valley in California to the
44 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
“I was determined to walk in the footsteps of the date palm and the date fruit throughout place and time.” Lake District in the North of England. All of these places have a link to the date plam and its fruit and I was very fortunate to be able to trace it. In the end, I learnt that connections (between people, places, cultures) are all around us, everywhere in our lives. We make choices to follow one path over another; in my case, one research strand over another, and that’s how we evolve and how a book or piece of research comes to existence. Our choices are very individual and unique. With all your research on the Date – what was the most surprising thing you learnt about it? What touched me most about the date palm is how human a tree it is. There is a male and a female palm; only the female bears fruit. Female trees cannot bear fruit unless the male polen is collected and manually sprinkled over the female flower stem. The female palm starts to bear fruit from around five years of age to approximately 75 or 100 years, practically a human life span. Eventually small offshoots will appear at the base of the tree. These new baby trees need to be carefully separated from the mother tree and re-planted, to grow into adults. Palms love to be in company, they’re social trees, and are happiest in a crowd. They can suffer from neglect and overheating. A palm loves to have its head in the sun and its feet in fresh water. They hate the rain! The similarities to humans go on and on. Not only does the tree provide sustenance in the form of dates, its trunk and fronds can also be used for numerous purposes - it is said the palm has 360 uses. Truly a quasi-miraculous tree. You recently visited Bahrain – did you sample any Bahraini dishes and if so what and how many marks out of ten would you give it? I just got back from Manama, where I have spent many happy moments over the past 15 years. My best friend’s family has practically adopted me and I am very spoiled when I visit. I especially love Friday lunches, which are feasts of deliciousness. Homemade Khaleeji cuisine as well as many dishes from other cuisines. That’s what I like about the Khaleeji kitchen, people love to experiment and bring in dishes from around the world. We’re not culinary snobs or purists! Finally have you tried to create Arabic/English fusion dishes? I must admit that my new magic, secret ingredient is date syrup. Having spent three years researching palms and dates, I now use it as a substitute in many sweet and savoury dishes, instead of sugar or honey. I use it in my lasagna ragu, to add depth and sweetness, in my wintertime chilli con carne and shepherd’s pie. I add to my morning porridge as well. It’s a super food and how sailors on long, arduous sea journeys in the old gulf would ward off the scurvy
Sun Bread and Sticky Toffee: Date Desserts from Everywhere is available from Words Bookstore, Virgin and Jashanmal.
i dream of dreams
entanglements
David Hollywood says, thinking out aloud, “When we wake from our dreams we are often unable to recall them, yet we intuitively sense their influence and what has been evoked, but without the substance of their being other than felt images of what is veiled away in a mysterious region of our imagination and sentiments, and yet some were delightful. Dreams and poetry are comparable – often not easily explained – but still we want more!”
To get in touch with David, email: thewineappreciationsociety@gmail.com Tel. +973 3920 7624.
David Hollywood
46 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
I dream of dreams, Where shadows wake too long, For broken visions in my soul, Of spirits that belong, To images which seam to deem, A likeness for a mirrored theme! And apparitions that are screened, By cloaks that thoughts conceal, Are layered depths within the veil, Which sleep shall now reveal, Reflecting of our mind surreal, Unwittingly we feel, A yearning for the nighttime’s haste, Caressed by dreams in imaged zeal, And pleasures sensed, displaced. Enraptures all enwrapped about, Ecstatic in their doubts, Awaken in the light of bright, When passions lose their hearts in flight, And vanish as the moments slow, Begin to fade in daybreaks glow, Our feeling’s can’t impersonate, The lives we wished to replicate, When stirrings that the dark of night, Had given to our sensed delight, The chambers and the halls that drift, Through passages and mines that sift, Our memories that maze the rift, In minds from thoughts which can’t recall, Entanglements which dreams recall. Enigma’s that the heart perceives, Are mysteries which thoughts deceive.
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48 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
fashion
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fashion
The Playful Illustrations Have Come to Life!
Be warned, Dina Khalifé, the accessory and textile brand known for its illustration and intricate design is HIGHLY ADDICTIVE! Dina Khalifé’s collections
combine silk, cotton and woolen scarves, jewellery, clothes and accessories. Each collection begins with a scarf design, featuring hand drawn illustrations, and playful images on high quality fabrics. Also available are intricate jewellery from themes or objects depicted in the scarves, as well as a range of clothes that complement the creativity in each scarf. The character of each piece is brought to life through eyecatching colour and fine detailing.
PRICE:
Scarves start at BD70 and go up to BD83. A top costs from BD75 while dresses typically start at BD120. Jewellery starts at BD19. For more information visit Dia Boutique (www.dia- boutique.com) and www.dinakhalife.com
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fashion
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fashion
Spring 2014 Collection Take The
Fashion World By Storm.
*Prices are available on request. *Available in MAX outlets across Bahrain.
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 53
people
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At Beautytales ... You are the fairest of them all!
Tel: +973 1733 6667 / Fax: +973 1733 0909 Mobile: +973 3679 1910 Email: Beautytales.bh@gmail.com Instagram: Beautytalesbh Address: Flat 11 Bldg 2270 Road 2833 Block 228 Al Sayh-Busaiteen (opposite to King Hamad Hospital) Opening Times: 9:00 – 21:00 Seven Days a Week
For more information on our Valentines Day promotions, call Tel. +973 1733 6667.
interview
Lindberg Designer/ Architect MAA CEO Henrik Lindberg and Optica CEO Massimo Fanton
56 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
interview Optica’s exclusive line from LINDBERG’s discreetly resplendent ultra-luxury eyewear collection arrives in Bahrain. Bahrain Confidential’s Zena Williams interviewed Henrik Lindberg co-founder of the award winning design company.
Henrik Lindberg The Precious Collection process is as important as the next. That’s why we even design eye wear accessories; we aim to make the end product practical, comfortable with a very clean look.
How do you like Bahrain? If I had to compare to when I was last here in 1994 I can’t, as it’s the complete opposite. Then there were no malls, only small shops and what I seem to remember lots of sand. So the progress is phenomenal.
Tell us about the 2014 LINDBERG Precious Collection that is here.
What’s your role within LINDBERG? I think of myself as the helicopter particularly as I’ve been there from the start. Although LINDBERG appears to be quite a small company, it’s well established internationally. We don’t just sell glasses.We do everything from crafting the fine frames to creating furniture/equipment that relates to the eyewear industry. These days when
most businesses are outsourcing, we make everything within LINDBERG. This is how we control
the quality of what we put out into the market. My role is to help communicate that message to the public.
LINDBERG has been known for unique/chic quality frames for atleast 2 decades. What’s the secret to your success? We’re probably the most awarded eyewear company internationally and this helps to push us towards more and better innovations. We’ve received
about sixty two awards, and it makes the whole team within the company proud of what we’re achieving no matter their position. Also, each eye-piece is tailor
The “Precious Collection” is really LINDBERG’s playground.
In the Middle East climate is a great factor; that’s why it becomes even more important that your eyewear fits. The Precious Collection is a collection where we can and are experimenting by working with the optician to create a product that is relevant and quite unique. Who wears the precious collection? Can you describe that person in 3 sentences? A thirty something individual that is tired of seeing everyone else wearing the same type of frames or brand and looks into what is available in terms of advanced materials and style. How does it feel to see millions of people wearing LINDBERG designs? I can spot a LINDBERG from quite a distance and it makes me proud to know that people are wearing our brand. Did you know that LINDBERG glasses do not brandish a logo? We aim to the let the quality of the product speak for itself.
made specifically for the client within a limited time. So, there is very little waiting time. But the client gets eye wear to meet their specific needs, which is definitely one of our keys to success.
How has sports influenced your sunglass designs? With the sunglass line you have to have the comfort factor. It’s something that has to be really customised and fits the user’s face. One should not have to feel that they’re wearing sunglasses.
What does “design” mean to you? Design is very much related to not only the product but how we present it right down to the packaging. Every part of the
Would you consider LINDBERG to be classic? I wouldn’t say a classic. But many of our glasses have a classic element built into
Notes:
Henrik Lindberg
Country - Denmark
their design. We have tried to simplify the breakdown of the frames, engineer them in a practical manner, and create a minimalistic look/feel with an appealing style. I would therefore describe the look as modern yet edgy. Don’t you believe that you promise a lot to a world that already relies heavily on mass production which expects one size to fit all? It is a great promise that we have been lucky to be able to fulfill in being a small but specialised company. Once someone has experienced our customised services, they become loyal customers. We’re
working with Optica exclusively as we know that they can provide the best services that is in-line with the LINDBERG ethos. Do you find it odd that China is your largest market? We’re proud of our popularity in China. They really like trends and value designer items and have a tendency to seek items made from the right materials and that is where we come in. What can you compare LINDBERG to in any other genre? Coco Channel’s philosophy of comfortable fashion was a great statement that I think fits well into LINDBERG’s philosophy. In specific, she said that fashion has to be comfortable, or else it is not really fashion. Although we are not the trend setters as some of the other high fashion brands, we
set a standard to redefine the fashion by making customisation options which provide optimal comfort.
Frames & Fitting Available at Optica.
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 57
advertorial
Every Beautiful Skin Has A Story
Derma One NK Med Spa is the first Medical Spa in Bahrain and an extension of the Derma One Dermatology and Laser Surgery Clinic owned by Dr Nedhal Abdul Rahman Khalifa, a renowned specialist and leader in the field of dermatology, cosmetic medicine and laser skin treatments. Why did you decide to establish Derma One NK Medical Spa? From all my previous work experience, I have noticed that there is a strong need for specialised skin care centres that will be able to provide a complete skin care plan backed by medical expertise. I have found that there are a lot of skin concerns and conditions that do not require medical treatments or drugs but can be treated by following a correct customised skin care regimen. What are the services provided by NK Med Spa Derma One? We use an integrated long-term approach to restoring, maintaining and enhancing the natural beauty by a vast range of services in all areas of aesthetics and well- being including
medical facials and chemical peels, laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, massage therapies and curative feet and hands treatments through to the latest and most advanced body contouring and sculpting treatments. The most important part is the consultation that allows personalised treatment plan. This is done using our Computerised Skin Complexion Analysis. The process involves taking three-dimensional digital and ultraviolet images of the entire face, which will reveal skin’s condition and any underlying problems beneath the surface, which are not yet visible to the human eye. Thanks to the skin analysis we can chart and assess skin’s improvements during on-going treatments in order to provide the most suitable and effective solutions.
How would you define “Medical Spa” as opposed to simply “Spa” and what do you hope to accomplish specifically by merging the two concepts? Medical Spa can be defined as a cosmetic medical centre that combines cosmetic dermatology and beauty treatments under one roof. As anti-aging technologies improve, many people choose medical spas rather than going through the pain and recovery times associated with plastic surgery. Derma One NK Medical Spa offers non-invasive antiaging treatments under medical supervision of Dr Nedhal Abdul Rahman Khalifa. Many spas in Bahrain offer skin treatments, despite the lack of specialisation. In your opinion what is the criteria that must be taken into account when choosing beauty centre? Unfortunately, there are many places in Bahrain that offer skin treatments without having the proper capability and knowledge to do so. Therefore, I recommend that prior to visiting such a place one should check the experience and competence of employees, their ability to deal with skin problems and their qualifications. It is also very important to know what products these places use and what standards they follow.
To find out more about derma One NK Med spa visit: www.dermaonenk.com or call Tel. +973 1759 5560.
58 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
The Makeover
beauty
Jennifer Heaton is 43-year-old accomplished teacher who has been in Bahrain for the past 20 years. Of a South African origin, she is happily married with one daughter.
“I would like to look after myself a little more”
Before
The Services she opted for are: Cosmetic Treatments with Dr Dean Cunha Gomes Hair with Felda Colour and Wardrobe Makeover Cosmetic Treatments with Dr Dean She has undergone two treatments with Dr Dean. He injected fillers in the cheeks, under the eyes and under the mouth. The fillers take immediate effect so that Jennifer looks visibly younger and fresher after the session.
Bahrain Confidential fills
He also used Botox to reduce the lines on the forehead, giving her a younger look.
you on our makeover candidate, Jennifer Heaton’s progress as she is pampered for a fresh new look and take on life.
“It has been a great experience with Dr Dean. Everything has been amazing. I would like to thank Bahrain Confidential for the opportunity” said Jennifer about her experience. Call Dr Dean at the Royal Bahrain Hospital on Tel. +973 1724 6857. With the marking
Make sure you grab a copy of the next issue to see Jennifer’s results and learn more about the next treatments!
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 59
beauty
for the
Face
BD21
ARTY BLOSSOM
MAKE UP FOR EVER is releasing the Limited edition ARTY BLOSSOM, the must have eye shadow palette, blending fresh colours offering woman the luminous and contemporary look of the season. *Available from 1st February
BD21.2
BEAUTY
BUZZ Image Credit: MAKE UP FOR EVER
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The New BB Cream in Town!
The new Bassam Fattouh BB Cream is out! The multi purpose beauty and blemish that works as an incredible moisturiser or an amazing makeup base. This is your answer to a gorgeous complexion with a touch of glamour.
beauty
for the
for the
Skin Scent BD10
BD21
Philosophy It Is!
This lightweight oil hydrates dry skin, while helping protect it against any environmental attack. Choose this to maintain your skin’s elasticity.
BD51
Freshen Up On The Go
With Junaid’s array of solid perfume lockets from ‘Rayya’, you can now freshen up on the go. Available in four different colours, each of Rayya’s lockets has a different fragrance. Black - A fruity floral mélange of peach, patchouli and vanilla Silver - A touch of mystique with intense Musk Red & Gold: A refreshing citrusy blend of exotic fruits and range with the tender notes of rose and vanilla
BD15
Ostoorah for Him and Her
A Touch of Shea
L’OCCITANE has combined 10 per cent Shea Butter with three delicious shades of spring, vanilla bouquet, zesty lime and rose heart. Bring a bright slash of colour to your winter. The light texture of the cream melts into the skin.
“Ostoorah” by Ajmal Perfumes is a Unisex concentrated perfume oil, a symbolic aroma of Arabia, with all the ingredients of traditional perfumery. With fine Oudhy blends, Ostoorah stays rooted in tradition and remains true to its meaning, The Legend.
Unless otherwise stated, products are available at leading cosmetic outlets.
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 61
advertorial
Yara Beauty Lounge
Yara Beauty Lounge Talks Hair
At YBL, haircare is one of the top priorities. Finding and getting the perfect hair colour seems to be a challenge for some, but with the British Toni and Guy qualified senior hair stylist Georgina, you will receive a clear one on one consultation, making you feel comfortable and confident at the salon. Specialising in colour correction (lightening dark hair), highlights and haircuts there is no doubt that you will leave the salon happy and excited to book your next appointment.
Your Luxury Beauty Experience Positioned on the beautiful and peaceful island of Amwaj, Yara Beauty Lounge (YBL) is run by the proud owner, Yara Jameel Salman. A ladies only beauty environment,Yara Beauty Lounge provides the ultimate luxury beauty experience through treatments from all over the world. All delivered by dedicated, professional staff. 62 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
advertorial
YBL makes it a point to give you the best results, by using the best haircare products around. The dedicated staff will also advise you on what to use at home from the Kérastase range making sure that your hair stays looking and feeling fabulous.
Does your hair feel dry and limp but you feel you just don’t have the time to deal with it? Our Kérastase Fusio Doses can help!
The beauty of this hair ritual is that you can mix things up and fuse different doses together to suit your hair needs. For example, if you have dry and coloured hair, you can use the ‘Oleo Fusion’ vile for nourishment and one booster of ‘Pixelist’ for colour protection and fuse them together. Here is the best part. There is no need to wait 60 minutes; this hair treatment will work after just 5 minutes, so you can be in and out within 30 minutes with soft, strong, and radiant hair. You can also have these fabulous treatments as a 60-minute ritual using the top of the range steam iron. This helps to penetrate the hair more, leaving it frizz free and more silkier than ever.
Kérastase … Hair Treatments The Kérastase range is growing every year. There is something for every type of hair whether it is weak and damaged, curly or even just normal untouched hair lacking that lift. There is something for everybody. One of the best selling and all time favourite treatments is the ‘Kérastase
Chronologiste Hair Caviar’. This is their finest hair restorative treatment and is perfect for every hair type making it versatile for all of our clients. Never before has such a large amount of active ingredients, in the highest concentration, been combined in one single formula. Chronologiste is a haircare miracle with immediate, transformative and visible results.
The YBL family looks forward to welcoming new clients to the salon, making sure both them and theregular clients enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Whether you come in for one beauty treatment or beauty packages, you will leave feeling like a different person. For more information or bookings, call Tel. +973 1601 0999, Located in Amwaj, Zawia 1 ground floor.
Key Benefits ~ Hair is left incredibly soft, supple and shiny. ~ Hair fiber is renewed, deeply nourished and strengthened. ~ Hair integrity is preserved. ~ Scalp is regenerated, soothed and hydrated. Visit YBL and indulge in this full head spa ritual.
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 63
people
The Addition To The Ibn Al Nafees Family Dr Ahmed Jawad, a recent addition to Ibn Al Nafees Hospital is a Bariatic Surgeon and a Consultant for Advanced Laparoscopic GIT. Did you know that Bahrain is the 2nd most obese country in the Middle East after Kuwait! Obesity is a common worldwide problem that leads to huge amount of money spent to covering medical costs. There are many direct and indirect causes of obesity. Some of the obesity related diseases are diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension, cancer, liver disease, depression, and the list goes on. What type of services do you offer? We offer the Bariatic Surgery, which is a surgery for morbid obese patients, and the Keyhole Surgery (it’s not the conventional type of surgery. In this type of surgery, the patient recovers in a day or two). Here are the facts, with this surgery 90 percent of obesity patients can be cured, 9 per cent of them improve and 1 percent of them even though the changes aren’t impressive, they show signs of improvement like lesser intake of medications. What are the benefits of these surgeries? Well, most importantly these surgeries cure diabetes, hypertension, liver diseases, improve cardiac and chest related conditions, treats lipidemia, increases the chances of fertility and cures the psychological conditions of the patients. Do you recommend this surgery to every obese patient that walks in? No, usually we give the patient an opportunity to reduce weight naturally that is through exercise, diet restriction and behavioral changes. But, one needs to make sure that that person sticks to his/ her healthy routine and does not give up at any point of time. When the desired result cannot be achieved, we offer the surgery.
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What sort of exercises do you recommend? It is mostly the cardiovascular exercises for 45 minutes, three times a week. We also recommend a low calorie and high protein diet. At the end of the day, it all comes down to how determined the patient is. What sort of diet do you recommend for a healthy life? Definitely a high fiber and fluid diet! For more information, call Tel. +973 1782 8282 Or visit: www.ibnalnafees.com
Great deal at lowest price!
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For every trade purchase of BD10/- get Clip Frame Free! * Terms and condition apply
P.O. Box No.: 20043, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Main Showroom (Opp. Gudaibiya Police Station) +973 1774 2955 Al Alawi Complex (Al Estiqlal Highway, Riffa) +973 1770 4255 www.nationalgroupbahrain.com administration@nationalgroupbahrain.com
health
HEALTHY, FIT AND FABULOUS
We are into the New Year and bet most of you have failed miserably with your resolutions. Your saving grace is that it is never too late to make a difference to your health. Bahrain Confidential has “The Ten Commandments to a Healthy and Fabulous You”.
Thou shall eat right.
If you love your body, do it a favour - Eat right. Breakfast is necessary to jump-start your metabolism, Have your breakfast latest by 8 in the morning, lunch between 12 noon and 2pm is ideal, and it would have been nice to have supper by 6.30pm. This New Year, why don’t we all strive for something, maybe good timing. In between your main meals, take light snacks (a fruit is a wonderful option). Sometimes you may need supplements, especially if you exercise vigorously. For an average person, a good multivitamin may just be what they need. For your own health sake, eat your heaviest meals between breakfast and lunch. Dinner and supper should be lighter than the others.
Thou Shall Not Stress Over Petty Matters
Do not let the petty matters get to you. Sometimes it is just not worth it. Stressing over every tiny detail will just harm your own body. When something is bothering you, practice controlled breathing, meditation, or just count to ten. It definitely helps. Try the Art of Living which is available in Bahrain.
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Thou Shall Not Make Excuses
It’s about time we stop with the “I don’t have time, I have no energy. Its not for me”. That just makes you a predictable person. Move your body. Do something people don’t expect you to do. Surprise people. Do what you think you could not do, at least make an attempt. Find a way to get things done.
health
Thou Shall Exercise Everyday
Exercising is beneficial to your body. It leaves you with stronger heart and lungs, muscle strength, increased energy and mental focus, and reduces the risk of various diseases.
Thou Shall Drink the Required Amount of Water Everyday When we say required, we mean at least eight glasses of water everyday! (Make sure the glasses are big though)! Do not take it lightly when people say water is life, this is a fact. Drinking enough water keeps your cells hydrated and can prevent headaches, reduce tiredness, improve concentration and increase short-term memory. Drink frequently, and do not use thirst as the measure of your water intake.
Thou Shall Try Laughing More
Thou Shall Get at Least Eight Hours of Sleep Every Night
When people said laughter is the best medicine, they truly meant it. If you want to manage stress, laugh more. You can laugh even when there is nothing to laugh about. It has proven to benefit the health of both the mind and soul. Here is the best part. Endorphins created by laughter help reduce cravings of food, alcohol, etc. If you ask us, that is a definite win!
Getting the adequate amount of rest every night is very important. You need to get that right amount of quantity and quality sleep to reduce the amount of diseases or illness you might otherwise experience.
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 67
opinion
Culture Shock Katarzyna Richter, Cross Cultural Psychologist discusses culture shock and its stages.
Katarzyna Richter
CULTURE SHOCK Disorientation Adjustment
Shock Time
he term culture shock is frequently used in a light-minded way to describe our experiences of cultural differences and the way we cope with them. We need to understand that it is much more than a source of anecdotes about cultural misunderstandings. Culture shock was defined in 1960 by an anthropologist, Dr Kalervo Oberg, who described it as a process of initial adjustment to an unfamiliar culture. There are 6 aspects of this process outlined: 1 Strain due to the effort required making
necessary psychological adaptations. 2 A sense of loss and feeling of deprivation with respect to friends, family , career, status or possessions. 3 Being rejected by and/or rejecting members of a new culture. 4 Confusion in role, role expectation, values, self-identity. 5 Surprise, anxiety and even feeling of disgust after becoming aware of the cultural differences. 6 Feelings of impotence due to not being able to cope with the new environment. It is inevitable to experience the syndromes of culture shock, whether you are a student going for a foreign exchange programme, a professional shifting his or her career to a different part of the world or becoming an expatriate for any reason. Each and every individual will feel like a fish out of water. The extent to which this experience will influence an individual will depend on several factors
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such as personality, how adaptable, how resilient and how open-minded one is. Furthermore, how well prepared one is, the knowledge that we have about a country, language, it’s customs, laws and people will have an effect on our experience. Getting to know how the process of culture shock works saves us a lot of stress, time and may help in completing our international assignment as planned. Process of cultural adjustment involves 5 phases: Honeymoon Phase will find you enchanted by your new surroundings. You will feel excited, stimulated, enriched in love with local food, climate and people. You seem to notice only positive aspects of your new environment. The Crisis Phase (culture shock) will make you start noticing things, which you didn’t before. You learn that not all people are friendly; the new place is not as ideal as
LEVEL OF SATISFACTION
Want to stay
T
Adaption
Tourist
you thought it to be. You feel confused, homesick, frustrated, and alone and realise that the familiar support systems are no longer available. The Recovery & Adjustment Phases sneaks up on you when you least expect it. It’s a sudden revelation of how much you have learned about new culture and adjusted to a new place. You will feel confident and objective about your experience, learning to accept and perhaps practice parts of a new culture while holding onto your own cultural traditions. The Acceptance Phase. You embrace the new culture and see everything in a new realistic light. You feel confident with the differences and to certain extent may become a local expert, guiding newly arrived expats and sharing your culture skills. Going through culture shock is not always a pleasant experience. But knowing that it’s just a phase and a part of a bigger picture, known as acculturation process definitely helps
You can get in touch with Katarzyna Richter via email: katarzynarichter@hotmail.com
Culture Shock
Adjusted Bicultural Person
Want to go home
Wellbeing
Honeymoon
Time Culture shock is a sense of cultural disorientation in a different society.
Keeping A Track On Your Child’s
Oral Health Improves Your
Child’s Overall Health and Growth
EDITORIAL? ‘Children with a healthy mouth have a better chance of good general health,’ explains Specialist Pedodontist at Gulf Dental Speciality Hospital, Dr Charbel El Koussaifi. “This is because your child’s oral conditions can interfere with and directly influence, eating and adequate nutritional intake, speaking and communication, selfesteem and daily activities.” Severe decay, for example, can affect the growth and development of your child because the pain caused by the decay can stop the child from
eating and concentrating in school! The good news is that there are ways to prevent bad oral health for kids. Avoiding dental diseases also means avoiding expensive and extensive treatment for your child as they grow. Parents and dentists can work together to provide the best preventive dentistry to your child. ‘Preventive dentistry starts as soon as the first tooth erupts,’ advises Dr Charbel, ‘Parents should visit the pediatric dentist when their child is 12 months. He will provide
recommendations and strategies that parents should apply in order to avoid bad teeth. Dr Charbel shared some tips to help parents look after their children’s oral health. Always brush and floss your child’s teeth, motivate your child and observe that he or she is maintaining the best dental hygiene, give your child the recommended amount of fluoride and visit the dentist regularly! Perhaps the most important part of this is ensuring that your Pedodontist polishes your child’s teeth, applies fluoride regularly, fixes sealants on all the child’s molars to help avoid cavities and provide early diagnosis and care for orthodontic problems.’ A simple early visit to the dentist can really help in preventing your children from visiting serious oral diseases.
opinion
Letter
From Bahrain
John Ridley throws light on the importance of a good vision.
O
ne of the pleasures of flying regularly is having the opportunity to peer over the shoulders of fellow passengers to see what they are reading. Occasionally my curiosity is awakened and I’ll ask to borrow the newspaper or magazine when they have finished with it. This was the case just recently; the person next to me was reading an article about TED talks. For those unfamiliar with TED, they are a platform to share visions, ideas, and insights in a simple and easy-to-understand way. The central tenet of the talks is that there is no greater force for changing the world than a powerful idea. The talks have been criticised by some, and the author of the article questioned how many of the visions presented at TED had the power to change, or come to fruition. TED is not an academic platform, it is unashamedly popularist, and aims to present complex ideas simply and understandably, in the hope of provoking thought and dialogue. Some talks capture my imagination, others don’t; but they all offer a brief moment of insight into a wide range of topics presented with clarity. Susan Cain, presented a wonderful TED talk on why we should celebrate introverts, the people so often overlooked by those who shout loudest; she shares her perceptions of how quiet people can change the world - loud “thought free”
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John R Ridley
“The central tenet of the talks is that there is no greater force for changing the world than a powerful idea.” extroverts are not required. Another insightful TED talk speaker is Hans Rosling, a global health expert and data visionary; he provides insight into poverty, population growth, child mortality and economics. It’s not just his analysis of data that stands out, but how he presents it to challenge the normally accepted view of our world. Long before TED, man went to the moon, not to build the technology, but because of a farsighted vision, a vision that
drove the development of the technology needed to fulfill a dream. In realising that vision, mankind had the opportunity to change the world forever. For those of us old enough to remember Apollo 8 orbiting the moon during Christmas 1968, mankind saw, for the very first time, the earth as a beautiful blue sphere suspended in space; a single photograph, taken by astronaut William Anders, profoundly changed how my generation viewed the earth, our home; and gave mankind even greater dreams to strive for. TED has addressed so many subjects; there is something to inspire every one of us to change the world. My hope is that someone will soon present a TED talk on another iconic photograph, taken by Huynh Cong Ut, his photograph shows a nine year old girl, severely burned by napalm, as she runs naked along a road from the site of a chemical weapons attack. The photograph helped the world to see the horror of war in ways words never could, and in turn helped to end the Vietnam War
John Ridley is a Bahrain based journalist, broadcaster and writer; he can be contacted at john@johnridley.nu or john@ghostwriting.me
interview
Happiness
On A Platter
Julia Knight is the name behind the popular serveware, barware and home décor ranges. After establishing 100 stores in 20 different countries, she launched the brand in the Kingdom, at Trousseau in Al A’ali Mall. Bahrain Confidential spoke to her about her designs, and her love for entertaining guests and family.
What is your new collection all about? I’ve used 14 different colours in my new collection; I’ve introduced some new ones. I’m really passionate about colours. About two years ago I felt that pink is going to be big again and created a new pink for Spring 2014. I was in Paris, in September 2013 and was so happy to see that pink was everywhere for the winter and that means it sure is going to be huge this spring. It’s important to have that ‘pre trend sense’. What is unique about your collection? I think that the most unique thing about my collections is that you can mix and match them. Now, I have this ritual when I travel. I always pick up some serve ware from the place I visit. With my collection, every piece is different but then they work together and blend well. What kind of colours and shapes do you like to work with? I look a lot to the apparel world, for colours. This is a rare practice for people in my industry but I believe that it’s what drives everything in colour. I’m very particular about shapes and believe that it makes food more exciting. I want my family and guests to know that I did something special for them. Not all of us make beautiful food but we can make food look beautiful in how we serve it. That’s where my collections come in the picture. Do you look to nature for inspiration for your designs and textures? Yes, a lot of shapes are actually very traditional but with a contemporary fresh touch; basically shapes from the 20s and 40s; those are my favorite eras for entertainment. Flowers and leaves are the inspiration to many of my designs. How do customers perceive your collections? People tell me that being surrounded by my ‘entertainment ware’ makes them feel happy and good. The pieces I design are organic, luxurious, glamorous and comfortable to use, all at the same time. You can actually pass these from one generation to the next.
Julia Knight
How do your designs blend with the concept of Trousseau? Trousseau is a curated lifestyle shop which offers the best of everything; things that feel good, look good and are luxurious, high end and have that sense of a woman; not frilly silly girlie but a woman who is comfortable with herself. I mean, what’s more beautiful than surrounding yourself with lovely scents from Italy and dressing your table with nice colours and shapes. Everything in Trousseau has a feel of ‘I’m going to do something special’. Are you happy that you chose to launch your collection in Bahrain? Oh yes! Bahrain is all about hospitality. I’m in love with this place. Gosh! The people here are so integrated. Every corner is beautiful and every smile amazing. Bahrain is one of the warmest countries and as a business person, a women and a foreigner I find it very inviting. Do you have a favourite collection or piece? Oh no! That’s like asking me which of my kids is my favourite (laughs). You can find Julia Knights amazing collection at Trousseau, Al A’ali Mall.
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Your dental health is important. Dr Ali Hussain Al Juffairy Dental Services provides top-notch quality services from the most basic to the most complicated dental procedures you require.
implants orthodontics fillings extractions root canals bleaching etc.
FOR WORLD-CLASS DENTAL SERVICES, THERE’S ONLY ONE PLACE TO GO.
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valentines special
True Meaning of Valentine? Bahrain Confidential finds out from Vivien and Mwai Exartier.
Your idea of a perfect date Vivien: Coming home to a glass of wine while getting ready to go have dinner, preferably a wine bar, French, Italian or Thai restaurant. Mwai: Aperitif, a show, then a nice quiet dinner just the two of us. We like to look at people in the restaurant and make up what their stories are. Either the night ends with meeting up with friends for a nightcap or a drive around the city. Your best pick up line Vivien: Depends on the situation, a man should never use the same line. There should be no need to use them anymore! The worst pick up line you have heard Mwai: “Are you tired? Because you have been running around in my mind all day!” I thought to myself that works?!! Wow!
Vivien and Mwai Exartier
Favourite kind of chocolate Vivien: Chocolate milk with nuts, in particular mendicant that is a round piece of chocolate with nuts raisin and pistachio on top, DELICIOUS! Mwai: Leonidas! They put a variety of cute little chocolates in a box for you! Belgian chocolates are the BEST! Favourite movie on Valentine’s Day Vivien: A new one if we stay home! Mwai: Coco Chanel! Love it when Boy tells Coco she is the Love of his life *tear*. On Valentine’s Day - Would you rather hang out with friends or go on a date? Vivien: I would rather go on a date but to my boys, I’d say go out with friends and find your Valentine! Mwai: Depends on the mood! Mostly throughout the years we usually camp out in the living room with a good movie, McDonald’s and our favourite bottle of Champagne. It’s Priceless! Favourite thing about each other Vivien: She is very attentive and supportive Mwai: He is the best father to my son and he makes me laugh.
Mwai: When are you due? Never ever ever! Don’t assume; because sometimes the lady is not pregnant. Words to describe each other Vivien: She is attentive, supportive and cares about others. Mwai: He’s my Rock What do you do when you are having a bad day? Vivien: I call my wife and I kiss her and my son when I come home, then a glass of wine. Mwai: Call Vivien and/or I go home to my son, he makes everything better; he is the best! I even tell my friends to come over and see him when they are having a bad day. Something about children, maybe it’s the innocence. Roses - Cheesy or sweet Vivien: Sweet Mwai: Sweet, especially when given for no special occasion but just because! Cupid’s arrow - weapon of mass destruction or instrument of love Vivien: Instrument of destiny! Mwai: Both, if you consider the myth behind it! But I prefer instrument of love!
What you should never ask a woman? Vivien: No taboo question, I just know you should not ask a woman about her weight.
74 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
Image Credit: www.deviantart.com
“Lets Go On A Date”, says Terrye and Didem Bynum. Your idea of a perfect date Terrye: Being with my wife Didem: Walk by the beach and have a picnic Your best pick up line Terrye: “You had me at hello” The worst pick up line you have heard Didem: “Do you have a map? Coz I’m lost in your eyes” Favourite kind of chocolate Terrye: M&M’s (the green one’s) Didem: Ferrero Rocher Favourite movie on Valentine’s Day Terrye: The American President Didem: 50 first dates On Valentine’s Day-Would you rather hang out with friends or go on a date? Terrye: Go on a date Didem: Go on a date Favourite thing about each other Terrye: She is my best friend Didem: He can always make me smile What should you never ask a guy? Terrye: Tell me about your ex girlfriends What you should never as a woman? Didem: Don’t you think you have enough shoes? What’s your favourite funny story? Terrye: Having to use a translator when meeting my wife’s family to ask for their blessings that I may marry her. Didem: Same story 3 words to describe each other Terrye: Eternal unconditional love Didem: Funny, exciting , peaceful What do you do when you are having a bad day? Terrye: Smile Didem: Have a coffee, think positive and move on :) Roses - Cheesy or sweet Terrye: Sweet as long as they are sent when you are not in trouble Didem: I think they are sweet Cupid’s arrow - weapon of mass destruction or instrument of love Terrye: Instrument of love Didem: I think it’s instrument of love
Terrye and Didem Bynum
in bahrain
LOVING THE SCUBA DIVING LIFE When people hear ‘Scuba Diving’, the first thing they say is “What! Here in Bahrain? Can you even dive here?” So, Bahrain Confidential’s Jenny Thomas got into a conversation with Ayoob Yusuf Alsalman, a fun and energetic Master Scuba Diver Trainer certified from both Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC) and got him to tell his scuba diving story. Read on and enjoy!
It may come as a surprise to some, but before discovering oil in Bahrain, the bread earning business here was diving. In those days, people used to free dive with no scuba equipment. Bear in mind, we are talking about before 1932. Initially, scuba diving was only known useful for commercial and military purpose. However, it did picked up from there. We should probably be really grateful to those who started recreational diving in the island, because of them today we have more than 20 to 30 instructors in Bahrain. I started diving somewhere around 1998. I still remember, I was walking along the poolside one day at Bahrain Yatch Club (BYC) and saw people in the water. I got curious and signed in for training and got my BASC. In those days, I used to dive with a group called the Awali Divers and it was definitely something I love to do. In the year 2000, when Gulf Air crashed and then there was the Al Dana disaster, I helped them in search and rescue. Any national emergencies, where there is a possibility to help, I do. Being able to swim and sustain yourself underwater really helps, and I’m glad I learnt how to! The demand for divers was growing and by 2008, I decided to get another worldwiderecognised certification called the PADI, which was a more acknowledged certification. Since then I have started training people in Diving, and qualify divers in O/W, EFR, Advance, Rescue and other specialties that PADI offers. I can be a lot of fun too! I sometimes take my class to wreck dive sites and oyster bed areas for fun and hopefully get a few pearls if we are lucky. There are certain pointers in order to teach individual diving: He/she needs to know how to swim (that is pretty obvious!) They must accept to be trained on how to overcome underwater problems. Scuba diving training is a hobby of mine that I guess I will always enjoy. Some students ask me, “Why, why should I learn how to dive?” Diving is a sport that is fun and quite honestly requires a lot of courage to do. Once you get the hang of it, you will find the underwater to be one of your loves.
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in bahrain
Ayoob Yusuf Alsalman owns a training centre, called Dive Point. For more information or to enroll yourself, call Tel. +973 3960 5456.
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 77
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In transit in Turkey? Turkish Airlines has just the thing for you. 78 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
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urkish Airlines international passengers have a unique opportunity to use the transit time visiting Istanbul instead of listening to music and waiting at the airport to board the next flight. The tours, with English speaking guides, are designed especially by TourIstanbul. They provide three timing options every day for seeing the city while in transit. Depending on each passenger’s schedule, tours are offered with the following timings 09:00-15:00, 09:00-18:00 and 12:00-18:00. Turkish Airlines has done it again! By giving passengers the opportunity to see beautiful Istanbul while in transit, they have distinguished themselves from other airlines by transforming a long wait into a delightful discovery of Istanbul, one of the world’s premier destinations. The growing popularity of the tours is a confirmation that Turkish Airlines brings added value for its customers at no additional cost.
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Passengers wishing to join need to present themselves at the hotel desk in the arrival of Ataturk International Airport at least 30 minutes prior to the departure of the tour. No advance reservation or booking is required and the tours are free to all eligible passengers. Passengers must have adequate transfer time to complete the tour. Passengers may not join for only a portion of any of the offerings.
More information on the specifics of each tour can be found at the following website; www.istanbulinhours.com Passengers may also consult the competent personnel via the following e-mail address; touristanbul@thy.com
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 79
hotel review
The Much Awaited Revamp
Would you like to stay at a hidden Oasis? Then, the new look and feel of Bahrain’s Crowne Plaza is just the spot for you.
By Zena Williams
W
ith a wing full of newly & modernly designed suites (both smoking & non available) they are now providing their loyal customers with even more! The fabulous Rain-Shower, my favourite bit, provides a distinct pattern for relaxation inspired by none other than Mother Nature. After a long night of fine dining, the morning had no better friend than a refreshing shower along with all the amenities one could possibly want. If you want it, they’ve got it! The Infamous Media Hub For travelers who especially need to utilise technology while away from the office, Crowne Plaza Provides the ultimate hook up. Their prime media hub has all the plugs & outlets one would need to keep business up and running while enjoying the modern landscape and design of the room. If you forget your charger, don’t worry; they have charges
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available at check in. The media hub boasts a hook up to the TV, so that you can enjoy your technology on a rather large screen. Last but not least, the desk area features a special edition Herman Miller chair that provides the ultimate comfort so that you can still feel comfortable while attending to your business needs. And let’s not forget the Wi-Fi service that is provided to you upon check in: Absolutely Fabulous! Rest & Relaxation Unique to Crowne Plaza’s already wellestablished brand and elegance is their special Sleep Aid. This includes a highly aromatic spray for your pillow and an oil to rub gently under your nose. Sometimes I find it difficult to relax, and that, I was able to do! This, I must say was one of my all time favourite perks offered amongst the cozy design and very plush bedding provided. Among the aspects of Crowne Plaza’s warm hospitality was the temperature and light control. Thank goodness I was able to have it all within reach from the bed. I mean, who likes to get out of bed just to change the temperature and turn off the lights? Not I, so I
applaud their serious thought into the comfort of their guests. Last but not least, a great part of our stay was satisfied by a 5 star luxury massage offered to guests who need to wind down after a fruitful day.
A bit of advice to those who really need the privacy, Crowne Plaza does have a special set of rooms on request where you are guaranteed not to hear a peep. Just ask the front desk upon check-in.
It was hard to go home, we half wished it was our home! From the services plus food and beverage outlets to the peace and tranquility provided by the quality build of the room (can you believe it? No NOISE!) It proved to be a fine experience. To tell you the truth, besides the new rooms being gorgeous, comfortable and clean, it was the good ole’ fashion warm service we received that made our stay. We won’t forget and we will BE BACK! For more information, call Tel. +973 1753 1122 or visit: www.crowneplaza.com/manama
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f you think they offer only an impressive array of leisure facilities, you are in for a treat! One of Bahrain’s finest, InterContinental Regency Bahrain is “the Venue” to opt for when it comes to gatherings or meetings. They have a total of fifteen meeting rooms to facilitate any and every type of meetings and conferences, ranging from spacious interconnected ballrooms, that are capable of hosting up to 600 people, to smaller venues that can be booked for intimate soirées and breakaway sessions. It’s not just the room that impresses you; it’s also the state-ofart facilities, attentive and professional service, and the memorable experience that every event looks for. Every meeting and conference is professionally enhanced by the most advanced communication systems, including video and satellite conferencing services, contemporary furniture, innovative design and the most attentive staff available to attend to your every need. The InterContinental meeting facilities offer luxurious space and flexibility for various requirements. The fifteen meeting rooms are able to accommodate business meetings, receptions, gala dinners, weddings and VIP private functions.
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A Personal, Responsive Service From the moment you plan your meeting, conference or any event with InterContinental Regency Bahrain, they provide you with every element of service and technology designed to simplify the event planning process, from fast availability checks and transparent pricing to the latest technology tools such as virtual tours and fully interactive floor plans that can be customised for each event. The rooms are designed to capture a genuine sense of place that will inspire delegates and probably even help achieve
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the desired results. Whatever the event may be, the InterContinental Meetings team is present to make life easier and to create a rewarding occasion for those attending. The InterContinental Meeting Package starts from BD15 ++ per person inclusive of one coffee break and a buffet lunch. For more information, call Tel. +973 1720 8314 or visit: intercontinental.com/manama
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technology
About Me Social Media Executive @ VIVA Bahrain
… the way forward Mohammed Zainal
VIVA kicked off 2014 launching its 4G network in Bahrain, a milestone long-awaited by our customers and one that empowers Bahrain to take the lead amongst its regional peers in terms of adoption and deployment of the latest communications’ technologies. So we decided to set on the task to share one of Apple’s latest gadgets, the Ipad Air, with one of Bahrain’s most notable bloggers and a fan of the latest gadgets and telecom trends, Mohammed Shareeda … and this is his experience …
the always growing entertainment demands of me and my family. And being an Apple freak, I get my hands on almost every little thing they release in the market, apart from all the other high-tech gizmos that make my mouth water whenever my monthly copies of T3 and Stuff magazine arrive at my doorstep. VIVA Bahrain recently delivered an Apple iPad Air to me at work. After briefly fidgeting with it and seeing how well the 4G network works on the product, the nerves in my brain were being stimulated and a voice in my head was telling me, “Get it now! Get it now!”
Mohammed Shareda
Cars is a major thing that attract guys; in other words, we love speed! VIVA Bahrain has done a fantastic job combining the two elements of speed and beauty in their spectacular service known as 4G or LTE (Long-Term Evolution). I used VIVA Bahrain’s 3G services for a long time in the past. I was always satisfied with the low monthly rental rates in exchange for 60GB worth of downloads, the strong signal wherever I go, and the reliability of the connection, which had never let me down even when nearing my threshold. I have since been a strong and loyal supporter of VIVA Bahrain’s products and services. When VIVA Bahrain announced the test of their 4G network in 2012, I quickly told myself that it is something I must not miss out, especially since it will maximize my use of all my gadgets at home and at work. Since then, my expectations have always been met and oftentimes exceeded. I own a surplus of gadgets at home, but I always seem to feel the need to add something new to my collection – be it something that could be useful to me in my daily life or something that would help satisfy
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Having a 4G connection was a superb experience, watching a streamed HD 1080p video with almost no buffering time, downloading a full length Blu-ray movie, surfing on a multiplex websites which they feature lots of contents; all of those were just piece of cake to the connectivity that VIVA Bahrain has provided me with! I remember when internet was lunched here in Bahrain with the modem 56 kbit/s, going online was a strive to browse those limited websites and to enter to chatrooms! And now I’m truly amazed by the speed that I was getting via the 4G, with 80Mpbs downloads! Your imagination of downloads/streaming/ browsing will switch to limitless.
features Up to 3x faster upload speed Access rich contents and multi-media applications (e.g. movies, HD videos, e-learning, HD contents and more) Faster and better support for online gaming
get stay social informed Subscribe
Twitter: @VIVA_BH
VIVA Bahrain packages are already very attractive, and they become even more so with their accompanying devices. Good thing they have one with an iPad Air on offer.
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I’m fully confident that VIVA Bahrain will continue to provide the best mobile and broadband services in the kingdom and set the benchmark on internet download speeds.
Facebook: VIVA.Bahrain
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society
The Royal Golf Club 2014 Club Captains
The Royal Golf Club, under the management of Troon Golf welcome Stephen Wagstaff and Dena Wales as 2014 Club Captains. The traditional “Captains’ Drive In” golf event held at the Club on 11th January.
Society If you don’t spot a picture of yourself or your friends on our Society Pages, you can always check our online newsletter which is updated regularly. Visit
www.Bahrain-Confidential.com
Outgoing Captain Ebrahim Esbai, 2014 Captain Stephen Wagstaff and Vice Captain Badea Esbai
Outgoing Lady Captain Hanne Hansen, 2014 Lady Captain Dena Wales, former member Evelyn Rimmer and Lady Vice Captain Anne Quintino
Forge Forward 2014
The Restaurant Division of Jawad Business Group held their annual conference, Forge Forward 2014 at the Juffair Grand Hotel, Bahrain recently. The conference focused on the Restaurant Division’s agenda on how to overcome challenges in 2014. Tapan Vaidya
Forge Forward 2014
Press Launch for BFEA “Thank You Bahrain” Shelter The Press Launch and dinner for BFEA “Thank you Bahrain” Shelter was held at the Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa on 11th November.
Khan Mohammed, HE Kareem Al Shaker, Betsey, Robert and Hemang
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 85
society Latest society photos at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com A Night in Las Vegas
The New year themed party - A Night in Las Vegas was held at Crowne Plaza on 31st December.
Elvis at Night in Las Vegas
Guests having fun!
Malabar Gold & Diamond’s Latest CSR Initiative - ‘You for Bahrain’
Malabar Gold & Diamonds organised a public awareness campaign about clean city - ‘You for Bahrain’ with the support of Gulf City Cleaning Company (GCCC) and Brand Box on 28th December 2013 at three different parts of Bahrain-Marina Beach, Salmania Park and Derikene Water Park. HE Eng Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa visited the venue at Marina beach and offered his wholehearted support for this initiative.
Malabar Gold & Diamonds ‘You for Bahrain’ volunteers
Volunteers enjoying the initiative
86 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
HE Eng Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa during an interview
MeetUp Bahrain Social Media Grand EB
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Batelco in co-ordination with Gulf Insider magazine hosted a major national event for the youth segment on 27th December 2013. A variety of entertainment including live bands, games, a photography contest, skateboard demonstrations and the Bahrain Corvette Club’s car display.
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read GulfInsider online - visit
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society Latest society photos at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com EY MENA Cricket Tournament
EY Bahrain wins the EY MENA Cricket tournament held at the Shaikh Zayed Cricket Complex in Abu Dhabi, UAE between 19th-21st December 2013. The tournament was contested by eight EY offices from the MENA region. EY Bahrain won all its matches and defeated EY Jeddah in the finals and EY Kuwait in the semi-finals. A squad of 14 staff members travelled to Abu Dhabi to compete in the tournament.
EY MENA winning team EY Bahrain wins the EY MENA Cricket tournament
EY Bahrain cricket team
VIP Dinner and Maki’s 15 Magical Moments
The VIP Dinner celebrating the 15 Magical Moments was held at Maki on 19th November. Michel and Caroline
Julia, Anu, Dina and Touko
James, Tim and Chris
Guests
88 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
Dany and Mohammed
society Latest society photos at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com Skin Care Education Event
Derma One NK Med Spa educated the guests on skin care on 20th November at Derma One NK Med Spa.
Dr Nedhal Abdul Rahman Khalifa
Iba and Leila
Iba, Leila, Natalia and guests during the presentation of Dr Nedhal Abdul Rahman Khalifa
MobiliaUno’s 2014 Calendar Launch
MobiliaUno launched their 2014 calendar at MobiliaUno showroom on 11th January. Eman
Zainab and Mariam
Nooh, Naheed and Smily MobiliaUno showroom
Mohammed, Zahra and Faisal
Alaa, Shada, Zahra, Naheed and Shahab
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 89
society Latest society photos at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com YK Almoayyed & Sons Launched the All New Nissan Patrol 2014
Coinciding with the launch of the Bahrain International Air Show during the period from 16th to 18th January, YK Almoayyed & Sons, the exclusive agent for Nissan in Bahrain, The all new Nissan Patrol 2014 was launched, where acclaimed good acceptance and satisfaction remarkably, as I was designed to meet the expectations of customers in the Middle East.
Hussain, Paul Baker, Peter, Farouk Y Almoayyed, Cameron, Alok Gupta, Sonu Duggal, Rohit Kapoor and Syed Jameel
Farouk Y Almoayyed
Dima and Salman
Hussain, Dima, Rohit, Jameel, Hussain and Salman
Press Conference of The International Fashion Show & Exhibition
The press conference of the International Fashion Show and Exhibition was held at Al Areen Palace & Spa on 15th January Mohammed Ahmed, Eng Suha Bokhammas and Hisham Abu Alfateh
90 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
Dr Isa
society Latest society photos at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com Annual Staff Party Dôme Café Bahrain
Dôme Café Bahrain (a division of Almoayyed International Group) celebrated its sixth annual staff party at club Latin Quarter, Pars International Hotel Juffair on 5th January. The guest of honour was Shaikh Hamad Khalifa Al Khalifa. (Managing director Dôme Bahrain).
Binoy, Pillai, Mohammed, Prashanth and Vaju
jona, Dion, Glysa, Robert and Cherry
Raju, Beth, Narayan, Benoy and Jerwin
Davines Launch
The Davines launch was held at Casa De Morado on 3rd November.
Ronalyn, Diana, Sherley, Christia, Rochelle and Jesalyn
Junaid for Perfumes Honours Long-Standing Employee for Completing 10 years
Warehouse Manager Fiaz Ahmed Ch was recently honoured by the management at Junaid for Perfumes for having completed 10 fruitful years of service at the company.
Joelizaa and Marija
Zena, Mohammed and Georgina
Fiaz Ahmed (centre) with the Junaid for Perfumes employees during the ceremony
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 91
society Latest society photos at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com The Loy Krathong Festival
The Loy Krathong Festival was held at Ritz-Carlton Bahrain hotel and Spa on 17th November.
Claudia with Thai Restaurant staff
Reina, Ann and Bianca
Wikrom, Shaiwat, Lamyai, Alyssa, Jmy and Norman
Visit of the Italian Aircraft Carrier “Cavour” to Bahrain
The Italian Aircraft Carrier “Cavour” visited Bahrain and docked at Mina Khalifa on 5th December.
Rear Admiral Paulo Treu and HE Alberto Vecchi
Walid, Nabil, Ahlam, Ahmed, Anoop and Abdul Hamid
Lorandi, Jalil Ansari and Khamis Al Muqla
92 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
Tareq Wafa and Luca
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture offers relief from chronic pain
Dr. Lucy Liu Qualified practitioner in traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
The Chinese Medical Clinic is part of The Bahrain Medical Group Medical Treatment and Acupuncture
Chiropractic & Medical Massage
Please call Bahrain›s leading traditional Chinese doctor and Acupuncturist,
Please call the Clinic on
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If you suffer from stiffness in your back, neck, or with any of your joints/ muscles, James and Annie from our medical and chiropractic massage team will be pleased to help you.
+973 1766 4088
society Latest society photos at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com Closing Party of the 3rd Bahrain International Airshow
The Closing party of the 3rd Bahrain International Airshow was held at InterContinental Regency Bahrain on 18th January.
Kareem Shaker, Amin, Benadetta, Abel and Abbas
Ahmed and Ali
Jelena, Valter and Mohammed
Muneera, Claudia and Layla
Shermine, Jacky and Alma
Vivian and Jurick
Jehan
Zena and Ahmed with friends
Peter, Billi and Martin
“Last Eve of 2013” The K Hotel Lounge, Lobby The K Hotel held their New Year’s Eve party on 31st December.
94 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
Adham, Eman, Marwa, Rania, Sara and Fwaz
society Latest society photos at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com Sonique “Live In Bahrain”
Sonique “Live in Bahrain” was held at The Dragon Hotel, Amwaj on 6th December. Sonique
Natalia and Anna
Rebecca, Natalie, Nesha, Angela and Whitney
Gizem, Zeynep, Burak and Demet Shima, Moutaz and Julia
Naomi, Cora and Siham
Mark, Afifi, Gareth, Dan and DJ Win
Kat, Susie, Angela and Mohammed
Angela, Natalie and Whitney
Konstantin and friends
Gareth Birthday Celebration
Bahrain Confidential’s Gareth George celebrated his birthday on 12th December together with family and friends.
The birthday boy, Gareth!
Gareth and friends
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 95
society Latest society photos at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com EK Kanoo: 2014 Volvo World Golf Challenge - Bahrain Chapter
EK Kanoo’s 2014 Volvo World Golf Challenger - Bahrain Chapter was held at the Royal Golf Club on 15th January.
Zaid, Mathew, Dr Bija Majidi, Steve and Jason
Finmark Communications: Media Cocktail Reception
The media cocktail reception was held at the Platinum Tower on 15th January.
Finmark Communication official and guests
Innovation Explosion Seminar by Alexander Blass
Innovation Explosion Seminar by the International thought leader in innovation and grand prize winner of “Top Innovator of the Year Award” Alexander Blass was held on 9th January at Al Fanar Hall, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel.
Attendees
Attendees
96 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
Alexander Blass
society Latest society photos at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com Armani Exchange Opening Party
The Armani Exchange Opneing Party was held at Bahrain City Centre on 16th December. Manilyn and Elena
Alan and Rajesh
Cristalyn and Leslie
Zahra, Sawsan and Dhel Alex, Celine and Hannah
Reign, Yuna, Dhel and Mark
Hadi and Nagham
Jin, Khalid, Mariam, Lamya and Zena
Chopard and Bahrain Jewellery Centre Pictures of the Chopard Booth at Jewellery Arabia 2013.
Irina and Angel
Naushad, Abbas, Sausan, Hugues, Rahma, Mohammed and Hussain
Rahma, Laila and Sausan
Gregory and Ahmed
Nada and Rahma
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 97
society Latest society photos at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com New Years Eve at Mรถvenpick Hotel
New Years Eve was celebrated at Mรถvenpick Hotel on 31st December. Party revellers
Cristalyn and Leslie
The First Thursday Night Brunch in Town
The First Thursday Night Brunch in town was held at Mรถvenpick Hotel on 7th November. Heinz, Nizar and Alfred
Candy with Mรถvenpick management and staff
Schaffar and Christian
98 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
Jameica, Lijish, Dian and Clifto
Anna and Barbra
Nick and Sumaya
society Latest society photos at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com 40th Anniversary of Al Rashid Group and Landmark Group
The 40th Anniversary of Al Rashid Group and Landmark Group was held at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Spaon 13th January.
SH Hind Al Khalifa and Micky with Al Rashid Group and Landmark officials HRH SH Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and SH Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa
Joanne Al Hashimi, Shaikha Zaina and Shaikha Marwa
Amal Al Moayyed, Mazen Al Omran, HE Sabine Tauffman and Gernot Taifman
Diplomats at the event
Optica - Launch of LINDBERG’s “The Precious Collection”
The launch of LINDBERG’s “The Precious Collection” took place at Capital Club on 23rd January.
Henrik Lindberg with Optica officials and guests
Dan, Kathryn, Zena and Massimo
Essam, Henrik and Ahmed Al Hasan
Feras and Lamees
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 99
society Latest society photos at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com The Great 338 Garden Pub Fest
338 Garden Restaurant hosted “The Great 338 Garden Pub Fest” on 18th January. Guests enjoyed the 338’s traditional British fish and chips along with deals on favourite British beverages. A fun filled day!
Dani and Eliane
338 Restaurant staff and British bus
Silvana and Lia
Alessandra, Troy and Cris
Hassan and Greg
Scot, Mary, Martina and Ciara
TBWA Donation of Electronic Equipment to the Society
TBWA donated electronic equipment to the Sanabil Society for Orphans on 29th December.
Adnan Abdulla Al Ghattan, Mona Almoayyed, Amal Almoayyed and Farouk Almoayyed with society members and guests
Adnan Abdulla Al Ghattan, Mona Almoayyed, Amal Almoayyed and Farouk Almoayyed
100 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
Awarding ceremony
society Latest society photos at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com The Hub Christmas Event
The Hub, Ramee Monroe celebrated Christmas in style on 24th December.
The band
Mark and friends
Vincent, Christophe, June and Piches
Angela and the Hub staff
German Business Network Reception
A German Business Network reception was hosted on 6th November at InterContinental Regency Bahrain.
Members of the German Business Network with Michael Koth
Steve, Asif, Sharkey, Kuah and Paddy
Ali, Siegfried and Daniel
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 101
society Latest society photos at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com Stella McCartney’s SS 2014 Collection Preview
The preview of Stella McCartney’s Spring Summer 2014 collection was held at Saks Fifth Avenue in Bahrain City Centre on 28th November.
Mara and Joelle Joelle and Zena Mylene, Jerome, Hala and Anthony
New Menu Launched at The Butcher Shop & Grill
The launch of Butcher Shop & Grill’s new menu was held at its outlet in Bahrain City Centre on 4th December.
Azadea Group management and The Butcher Shop & Grill team Dalia, Fareed, Jeny, Smily, Zena and Gareth
Dalia, Stuart, Pierre and Raihana
102 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
society Latest society photos at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com I AM Opening
The launch of I AM took place at Seef Mall on 28th November.
Pierre and HE Sabine Tauffman
Opening ceremony by HE Sabine Tauffman
Fatima, Mariam and Ahmed
Jamal, Fadhi, Susan, HE Sabine Tauffman and Pierre
Zahra, Emmalyn, Cleda and Mohammed
Tania, Insi, Nisha and Ashwathy
Harley-Davidson Press Conference
Harley-Davidson held a press conference at their showroom on 12th January.
Yousef, Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa and Hussain
Harley-Davidson Bahrain chapter members
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 103
society Latest society photos at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com Ibrida, Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa New Year’s Eve Party Ibrida celebrated New Year in style on 31st December.
New Year’s Eve Dinner & Countdown Party
The New Year’s Eve Dinner and Countdown Party was held at InterContinental Regency Bahrain on 31st December.
104 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
society Latest society photos at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com Bahrain International Airshow
Snaps of the Bahrain International Airshow that was held from 16th to18th January, Sakhir Airbase
HRH Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa during the ribbon cutting ceremony Farah, Joe and Emily
Andrew Harper and Maher Salaman Musallam
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 105
society Latest society photos at www.Bahrain-Confidential.com VIVA Milestone Announcement
VIVA held a press conference for the milestone they have achieved on 6th January at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa.
Dinesh, Shaikh Zeyad Al Khalifa, Ulaiyan Al Wetaid, Taral and Numan
Ulaiyan Al Wetaid
Nezar, Waseem and Khalid
VIVA Officials
Breitling Wingwalker Team
The Breitling Wingwalker Team at the Sakhir Airbase on 14th January.
Nick with the Breitling Wingwalker team
106 | Bahrain Confidential | January 2014
Huda, Rebecca and Zena
business
Business
In Brief
VIVA Launched 4G LTE Network VIVA launched the most anticipated 4G LTE network in Bahrain. The company’s state-of-the-art 4G network boasts speeds up to 100 Mbps with the widest coverage across Bahrain, offering customers an exceptional experience and enabling them to enjoy real-time video, media streaming and downloading. VIVA customers can take advantage of 4G LTE services for free until the end of February, after which the service is available as an add on for BD5.
Nationwide Public Opinion Survey by Tamkeen
Tamkeen, as part of their efforts to enhance their support programmes and services, launched their second nationwide public opinion survey. The survey will cover a sample of 2,000 respondents including both existing and potential Tamkeen beneficiaries. Data gathering for the survey, which is expected to be completed by February 2014, includes in-depth face-to-face and telephone interviews, web-based surveys, focus groups, etc, which will benefit Bahrainis and businesses in Bahrain.
iSustain
Love for Photography
Junaid for Perfumes awarded the winner of the National Day photography competition that they hosted on their Facebook and Instagram pages. It was a simple rule: take a photo; post it and the highest number of likes wins. The Marketing Manager, Muhammed Atif preseto the picture that received the highest number of ‘Likes’, presented the prize. With the initiative of encouraging interaction, Junaid for Perfumes has been hosting month long competitions for followers based in Bahrain.
Visionaries, a private foundation registered under the Ministry of Social Development held a convention titled iSustain with the participation of 40 Bahraini exhibitors, talented individuals and rising entrepreneurs under the sponsorship of Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco). The convention’s aim is to promote and lend support and encouragement to young Bahraini talents. This year, they will introduce the youth of Bahrain to the topic of sustainable development in a creative and innovative way while at the same time promoting the talents of the youth of this country.
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 107
business Zain and Fakhro Electronics Team Up!
Zain Bahrain teamed up with Fakhro Electronics to offer the Kingdom’s business sector innovative & affordable communication solutions through world class brands such AVAYA, CISCO, etc. The services include, and are not limited to, Connecting Enterprises and SME’s with Dedicated Internet Access all over Bahrain. Enterprises can connect their branches through a Virtual Private Network designed carefully to provide a powerful & a flexible internal network for the company.
The Bull Run
Tholoor M Thomas made a presentation about his book “The Bull Run - The Thirty-Year Money Game between Bulls and Bears” at an event organised by the Bahrain CFA society at the Capital Club. Thomas gave an overview of the international financial market performance over the thirty years during 1980-2009 period and the market events since 2009. He explained that the challenges faced by investors have increased over the years and warned investors to undertake proper due diligence before embarking on any investment. His book can be ordered from AuthorHouse, UK, Amazon.com and Barness and Noble.
The Charity Season
Throughout December, Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre hosted young children at its Winter Wonderland Chalet in Bahrain City Centre for gingerbread cookie decorating. For BD2, children decorated homemade gingerbread cookies with coloured icing. All proceeds went to The Palm Association.
All About the Islamic Banking Sector
Khaleeji Commercial Back (KHCB), one of Bahrain’s fast growing Islamic retail banks hosted 20 senior students from Shaikh Abdulla bin Isa Secondary School as part of the ‘Job Shadow Program’ (JSP) from INJAZ-Bahrain. The students were given a brief introduction of the bank’s departments and functions, the Fundamentals of Islamic Banking and Shariah, and ended the session with a brief talk on the various aspects of the Treasury department. “We thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the students and we hope that they have successfully benefited from their visit to KHCB. We look forward to help more students recognise their potentials, and widen their knowledge; and help build a prosperous future for the next generation of the Kingdom of Bahrain” said Khalil Al Meer, CEO of KHCB.
108 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
pets Pets
Looking LookingFor ForA A
Home! Home!
If only animals could talk, you’d be hearing If only animals could talk, you’d hearing their sad, pitiful stories. But since theybe can’t, we are their sad, pitiful stories. But since they can’t, giving these adorable creatures a voice. Onewe wayare or giving these creatures a voice. way or another, theyadorable have been hurt and abusedOne in ways another, they beenahurt anddoing abused ways you would nothave imagine human to in another you wouldand notyet imagine a human another creature, the fact remainsdoing that to these animals creature, and yet theand factleft remains thatallthese animals end up abandoned for dead over the end up abandoned and left of forbuying dead all overplease the Kingdom. If you’re thinking a pet, Kingdom. If you’re thinking of buying a pet, please don’t - instead, adopt one today. don’t - instead, adopt one today.
BSPCA Animals
Interested in Adopting?
Visit the BSPCA in Animal Welfare Centre in Askar, see www.bspca.org for directions. Open for adoption viewing Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm and Friday and Saturday, 9am to 1pm. Tel. +973 1759 1231. Bongo
Bossy
Bon-Bon
Crunchie
Sweep
BSPCA Animals Cappy
Luther
Fudge
Pickle
Cheko
Berney
Shakira
Oreo
Spice
Marco Tabasco
Sugar
Riplay
Mulan
Sushi
Blade
Kunja
Pancake
Zak
Interested in Adopting?
Visit the BSPCA in Animal Welfare Centre in Askar, see www.bspca.org for directions. Open for adoption viewing Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm and Friday and Saturday, 9am to 1pm. Tel. +973 1759 1231.
Tony The Dogfather
Interested in Adopting? Rainbow
Apparition 01
02
03
04
Call Tony ‘The Dogfather’ Waters on Tel. +973 3962 9889 or visit06 05 www.thedogfatherbahrain.com
Punch
Mary
07
08
Sunshine
09
10
11
12
Jipsy
Ralphie Fosterma
Tony The Dogfather Kits
Interested in Adopting?
Call Tony ‘The Dogfather’ Waters on Tel. +973 3962 9889 or visit www.thedogfatherbahrain.com
Dumped Puppies
Do Doyou youhave haveanimal animalconcerns? concerns?Need Need aavet? vet?Call CallAnimal AnimalCare CareClinic Clinicinin Hamala, Hamala,Tel. Tel.+973 +9731761 17612459 2459oror Nonie NonieCoutts, Coutts,Tel. Tel.+973 +9731724 17245515. 5515.
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 109 October 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 111
cars
CAR NEWS Setting The Pace for Future Design
Toyota revealed the stunning FT-1 sports car concept, which was first devised by Calty Design Research in the Sony PlayStation Gran Turismo game environment. FT-1stands for “Future Toyota,” and the number “1” represents the ultimate. This new approach aims to produce cars that connect more deeply with customers, generating a more satisfying ownership experience thus complementing Toyota’s legendary reputation for quality, dependability and reliability. The Toyota FT-1’s interior design is aimed at enabling the driver to focus on and enjoy the driving experience.
100 Unites of JAC J5 Sedan Delivered!
JAC Motors Bahrain recently delivered 100 units of JAC J5 Sedans to the Sales and Distribution Division of Jawad Business Group. JAC are always committed to customer service and make driving a pleasure and a value for money for all JAC customers. JAC J5 - 2014 Sedan comes with 1.8 litre engine, leather interiors, alloy wheels, parking sensors, and Rear AC, 5 Year unlimited warranty and guaranteed buyback. Prices start at BD79 per month.
110 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
cars
You Drive. We Maintain
Ebrahim K Kanoo, the sole distributor of Toyota and Lexus in the Kingdom of Bahrain has a valuable service offer on all Toyota and Lexus 4X4 Models. The offer is valid until 27th February on all new and old Toyota 4X4 models (Rav4, Fortuner, Prado, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, and Sequoia) and Lexus 4X4 models (RX, GX, LX). The customers benefit from Free 24 point comprehensive check, 15 per cent discount on labour charges and parts, 10 per cent discount voucher on next service and 25 per cent discount on Ziebart services and Michelin tyres. Also, the customers will get a chance to win many Ziebart services, petrol coupons, iPads, iPhones and a weekend driving the New 2014 Prado. The raffle draw takes place on 27th February, at the Toyota Plaza in Tubli at 11am. For more information, call Toyota Plaza: Tel. +973 1778 7 888, Arad: Tel. +973 1767 7222, Manama: Tel. +973 1725 6 677, or visit: www.ekkanoo.com.bh
Porsche Centre Bahrain’s Showroom Reopens
10 Units of Isuzu D-MAX Delivered!
Motorcity, the distributor of Isuzu commercial vehicles in Bahrain delivered a fleet of 10 units of Isuzu D-MAX pickups to U-Drive Rent-a-Car. The level of quality and performance of the Isuzu products, meets the market demand for reliable and durable vehicles. U-Drive Rent-a-Car is a value-oriented company, recognised as a provider of all rentals and leasing requirements that are personalised for individual and corporate clients. For more information, visit Motorcity Commercial Showroom, call, Tel. +973 1770 2111 or visit www.motorcity.com.bh.
Manoj Pillai, Arun Kumaar, Greg, Dr Bijan, Anthony and Mujahid
Porsche Centre Bahrain, a division of Behbehani Brothers WLL reopened their magnificent showroom after six months worth of modifications. Porsche Centre Bahrain now has a state-of-the-art layout featuring a specially designed mezzanine floor. The showroom can house up to 19 vehicles, as opposed to 11 previously. It is the first double-floor dealership in the country. The mezzanine floor will be used exclusively to showcase the brand’s unrivalled racing heritage. The reopening was celebrated with the debut of the new 911 GT3 along with the Porsche’s racing heritages, 911 Turbo S and Porsche Classic Car Corner.
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 111
opinion
Taste Life! Enjoy eating a “Good Sandwich” with John Ridley.
W
e’ve all done it, rushing to take the children from place to place, or racing between back to back meetings at work; lunch, an opportunity to relax with a nutritious light meal, becomes little more than a quickly eaten ready-made sandwich sold in card or plastic containers. Upon opening the packaging, the monster confronts you; it’s made of something that appears to resemble bread, filled with soggy pre-packed meats, half dead vegetables, and bottled spreads. Should you manage to eat it, you’ll spend the afternoon wondering why you inflicted such misery upon yourself. A sandwich, like any meal, requires fresh, quality ingredients, and should be a pleasure to eat; the bread is intended as no more than a carrier for the fillings - a joyous fusion of tastes and textures. Lunch should leave you feeling sustained and comfortable, too much bread will provide an immediate blood sugar lift, and then drop you like a stone; by mid afternoon, you’ll be craving another sugar boost. Sourdough, as I discussed last month, makes wonderful sandwich bread, and because it has a lower glycaemic index (GI) than most modern breads, is less likely to cause the undesirable insulin peaks and troughs. Whether you choose to use sourdough or modern bread, it should be freshly made - in a bakery; not the white fluffy stuff sold in plastic bags. Tempting, as it is to use a spreadable margarine straight from the
John R Ridley
fridge, read how they are made, you’ll understand why butter tastes so much better. Last year I was fortunate to spend a day with Thomas Eberharter, who produces wonderful goats milk butter - using milk from his own herd. Welfare of his animals is his main priority in farming, and as a result, his produce doesn’t have the strong flavour we associate with goat milk products. His butter, sold by The Organic Foods & Café, maybe more expensive than the usual brands in the supermarket chilled counter, but the taste makes it worthwhile, and besides, you need very little in a sandwich. A sandwich has to contain plenty of salad, choose the fillings carefully, pick a selection of fresh seasonal vegetables and herbs, a mixture of salad leaves, and if you can find them a few peppery leaves from green pea plants, slices of small sweet tomatoes and finely chopped spring onion. I like to add a little dressing, home made thousand islands, or a sweet chilli sauce; or a thin layer of mustard spread on the bread. Next comes the main ingredient, freshly grated cheese or slices of roasted meat - hot if you plan to eat it straight away - season with salt and pepper, and maybe a tiny sprinkle of fresh zatar. Serve your sandwich with a spoonful of yogurt and finely chopped cucumber, or a home-made pickle.
“Lunch should leave you feeling sustained and comfortable”
112 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
Relax, and enjoy John Ridley is a Bahrain based journalist, broadcaster, and writer, who has endured too many pre-packed monsters on long flights from Europe and Asia.
gastro
Guilty Pleasures
Lately, there has been some buzzing about cupcake lovin’ on the island. It only makes sense for Bahrain Confidential to go around, try and taste these delicious goodies. Might as well waste those calories on something that taste SO GOOD, yes? You can thank us later! Category: So this time, we only tried the cupcakes. Here’s what we think.
ZM MEMORIES TREATS
FROSTED BY ROSH
Appearance:
Appearance:
Quality:
Quality:
Taste:
Taste:
Value for money: YES
verdict:
Value for money: YES
verdict:
It’s not very often when you taste chocolate with rose cream filling. It is an interesting and addictive combination. The cupcakes were a good bite size, which meant comparatively less time exercising to burn them off. The red velvet with chocolate mousse filling and icing sugar frosting definitely made our day!
We love how it feels like home with every bite. The double chocolate cupcake is for all those who are crazy chocolate lovers. Have a go at this and you will understand what we mean when we say, “It’s chocolaty until the very last bite”. This is probably your sugar fix for the day. The cupcakes with cream cheese filling, Ummmhmm!
Call +973 3335 3211 to place orders
Call +973 3999 6977 to place orders February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 113
valentines special
Food is the Ingredients of Love Chilli Tiger Prawns Ingredients
25g butter 2 tbsp olive oil 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 red chilli, seeds left in and finely chopped ½ tsp sweet paprika 12-20 large raw king prawns with shells 1 lemon juice, plus a few slices for a finger bowl Small bunch parsley, roughly chopped Small loaf crusty bread, warmed to serve
Method
Valentines is a time to show your loved one just how important they are to you. So, this year make that extra bit of effort by cooking a meal of love. 114 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
1 Melt the butter and oil together in a frying pan. Add the garlic, chilli and paprika, then fry for 1-2 mins until they turn golden. Turn up the heat, throw in the prawns and fry for a few mins, stirring, until all the prawns turn pink. Take off the heat, season and stir in the lemon juice and parsley. 2 Add some lemon slices to a finger bowl of warm water, grab a bowl for the shells, then dig straight in with your fingers and hunks of crusty bread.
valentines special
Rib-eye Steak
Chilli Tiger Prawns
Salmon with Tarragon Hollandaise
Rib-eye Steak with Chilli Butter and Homemade Chips Ingredients
1 tbsp finely chopped parsley 50g butter, softened, plus a little extra 1 red chilli, finely chopped ½ lemon juice and lemon zest Olive oil 2 x 200g rib-eye steaks, seasoned 2 handful mixed salad leaves For the chips 450g floury potatoes, such as Estima, King Edward or Maris Piper, peeled and cut into chunky chips 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp thyme leaves 1 garlic clove, crushed
Method
1 For the chilli butter, mash the parsley into the butter with the chilli, a squeeze of lemon juice, the zest and some seasoning. Chill until firm. 2 Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/ gas 6. For the chips, toss all the ingredients on a baking tray, then season. Roast for 35-45 mins until golden and crisp. 3 Heat a good glug of oil in a frying pan. Add the extra butter and the seasoned steaks, fry for 2-4 mins on each side, then transfer to plates. Toss the leaves with olive oil and lemon juice. Divide between the plates, add the chips and top each steak with a piece of chilli butter.
Salmon with Tarragon Hollandaise
Impress your other half with this 20 minute supper that takes little effort (but don’t tell them that!)
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil 2 salmon fillets, scaled, skin on, about 140g/5oz each 125g pack asparagus tips, ends trimmed 2 bunches cherry tomatoes on the vine 1 tbsp chopped tarragon 150ml hollandaise sauce, to serve (we used Joubére Fresh Hollandaise Sauce)
Method
1 Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/ gas 6. Heat the oil in an ovenproof pan over a high heat. Add the salmon, skin-side down, then cook for 5 mins until the skin is crisp. 2 Add the asparagus and vine tomatoes to the pan, then place in the oven. Cook for 7-10 mins until the salmon is just cooked through. 3 Add the tarragon to the Hollandaise and stir through. Drizzle over the salmon, then serve.
All ingredients are available from Alosra Supermarkets located in Saar - Tel. +973 1769 7558, Amwaj - Tel. +973 1603 3773 Durrat - Tel. +973 7777 0001, Riffa - Tel. +973 1775 0006.
Romantic Rose Cupcakes Ingredients
150ml pot natural yogurt 3 eggs, beaten 1 tsp vanilla extract 175g golden caster sugar 140g self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder 100g ground almonds 175g unsalted butter, melted For the white chocolate frosting 100g white chocolate 140g unsalted butter 140g icing sugar
Method
1 Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cases and heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. In a jug, mix the yogurt, eggs and vanilla extract. Put the dry ingredients, plus a pinch of salt, into a large bowl and make a well in the middle. 2 Add the yogurty mix and melted butter, and quickly fold in with a spatula or metal spoon – don’t overwork it. Spoon into the cases (they will be quite full) and bake for 18-20 mins or until golden, risen and springy to the touch. Cool for a few mins, then lift the cakes onto a wire rack to cool completely. Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze as soon as possible.
3 White chocolate frosting: Melt the chocolate in the microwave on High for 1½ mins, stirring halfway. Leave to cool. Beat the butter and icing sugar in a large bowl until creamy. Beat in the chocolate. Cover and chill. You can use it for up to one month. 4 Up to 48 hrs before serving (or the day before if it’s really hot), bring the frosting back to room temperature, then spread over the cakes. Put the ribbon around the cakes now if you like, tying or glueing in place. Keep cool, out of direct sunlight.
Or …
An alternative to finishing of the perfect evening. Grab a great movie along with a delicious box of Willies Cacao chocolates and cuddle the night away!
Exclusively available from Alosra Supermarket.
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 115
338 Garden Restaurant
gastro
Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain Valentines Special Live entertainment, romantic music and a candle light dinner makes the perfect ambience. Enjoy being pampered. Price: 5-course menu with unlimited pared wines for BD24++ Where: Silks Restaurant Mussels Evening When: Every 3rd Sunday of the month Price: BD15++ or with a bottle of house wine at BD21++ per person Fondues Around Switzerland When: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; 7pm onwards Where: Silks Restaurant Sea Food Night When: Monday Price: BD18.2++ per person or opt for the Seafood night “plus” BD22.3++ per person including wines, beer and soft drinks Discover Asia When: Tuesday 7pm onwards Price: BD15++ or BD19++ per person inclusive of unlimited selected wines and beers. Table BBQ When: Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 6pm onwards
Price: BD9.9++ per person, including a glass of wine or beer
Trader Vic’s
Thursday Night Brunch Price: BD22++ per person
Valentines Special What: Romantic 6-course menu Price: BD45++ per couple
For bookings call, Tel. +973 1746 0000.
For booking call, Tel. +973 1758 3555.
Royal Golf Club
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa
Valentines Special What: 4-course dinner with live romantic music, a rose and a welcome drink. Price: BD34++ Business Lunch at Prego When: Sunday to Thursday 11.30am to 3pm Price: BD5++ per person For bookings call, Tel. +973 1775 1262.
Bushido Valentines Special What: 4-course menu Price: BD26++ for the set menu BD19++ for the vegetarian menu Friday Brunch When: Every Friday 12pm to 3.30pm beverages Price: BD18.5++ non-alcoholic; BD24.5++ alcoholic beverages For bookings call, Tel. +973 1758 3555.
Please be aware that timings and offers are likely to change. It is advised to call up in advance.
116 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
Valentines Special Treat your loved one to a romantic evening of candle light dinner, the perfect view and live music. Enjoy at any of the restaurants. Where: Fiamma Price: BD62 net per couple inclusive of a bottle of house wine Where: La Mer Seafood Restaurant Price: BD78 net per couple inclusive of a bottle of house wine Where: Wok Restaurant Price: BD52 net per couple inclusive of a bottle of house wine Where: Saraya Restaurant Price: BD48 net per couple Where: Pashawat Price: BD56 net per couple inclusive of a bottle of house wine
gastro Arabic Brunch When: Every Saturday; 12.30pm to 3.30pm Where: Saraya Restaurant Price: BD18 net per person inclusive of soft beverages; BD22 net per person inclusive of selected house beverages. Season’s of France - Winter When: Every Thursday 7pm to 10.30pm Where: Saraya Restaurant Price: BD18 net per person inclusive of soft beverages and BD22 net per person inclusive of selected house beverages. Serata Italiana (Italian Night) When: Every Monday 7pm to 10.30pm Where: Saraya & Fiamma Price: BD18 net per person inclusive of two selected house beverages For bookings call, Tel. +973 1763 6363.
Sheraton Bahrain
Dinner for Two at La Med When: Every night, except Thursdays Price: BD29++ for two Seafood Market at La Med When: Every Thursday from 7pm to 11pm Price: BD18++ including one glass of house beverage *Price is subject to 15 per cent service charge and 5 per cent government levy. For bookings call, Tel. +973 1758 6499.
Passion Restaurant and Lounge Valentines Special Bring your love to Passion enjoy a candle light dinner and your love eats for FREE! Price: BD18 per person
Valentines Special Where: Golestan Restaurant Price: BD19++ per person which includes a half bottle of wine
To all the singles, you can enjoy any drink at half price.
Where: Soie Restaurant Price: BD22++ per person which includes a half bottle of wine
The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel
Business Lunch Where: Golestan Restaurant Price: BD12 per person Noodles Promotion Where: Soie Restaurant For bookings call, Tel. +973 1753 3533.
The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa Valentines Special Special Truffle menu at Primavera with a glass of Ritz’s private cuvee, White or Red, Montevibiano’s special wine. Special Valentine’s brunch menu and a special “Cupidon” seafood night on the same day. A la Carte and Special Valentine’s creation at Plums, Primavera and Nirvana.
For bookings call, Tel. +973 1363 2103.
Valentines Special Where: Mondo’s What: 5-course menu with two complimentary glasses of original French Bubbles. Cupid’s Brunch Where: Kontiki Enjoy a special brunch, live music along with the opportunity to relax at the massage stations and click photos at the Valentine’s photo booth. Price: BD 24 net per person Seafood Night Where: Kontiki When: 6th February
Price: BD22 including two hours selected beverages, BD18 with soft drinks only Pizza & Pasta Night Where: Olivos & Fiddler Green When: Every Friday of the month Price: BD15 including one drink (Glass of Wine, Beer or soft drink). Italian Aperitivo Where: Mondo Restaurant When: 26th February Price: BD10 inclusive of one drink and buffet Curry Night Where: Olivos & Fiddlers Green When: Every Monday Price: BD12 with soft drinks only For bookings call, Tel. +973 3994 5208.
InterContinental Regency Bahrain Valentines Special Where: Legendz Steakhouse What: 4-course menu inclusive of wine pairing, rose and chocolate Price: BD25++ per person Medzo Business Lunch What: 2-course menu & 1 soft beverage When: Sunday to Friday; 12:30pm to 3.30pm Price: BD7.5++ Legendz Steakhouse What: 5-course steak dinner with unlimited selected wines When: Tuesday Price: BD22++ Legendz Friday Brunch What: 9-course steak brunch inclusive of house beverages When: Friday; 11.30am to 3.30pm Price: BD21++ for without beverages and BD28++ with selected wine For bookings call, Tel. +973 1722 7777.
Dining Pleasures Meet Business Success When: Sunday to Thursday, noon to 3pm Where: Primavera Price: BD10++ per head subject to 15 per cent service charge and 5 per cent government levy Friday Brunch Where: La Med When: Friday 12.30pm to 4pm Price: BD29 per person* including unlimited bubbly, house beverages and soft drinks. Half price for children aged four to twelve; no charge for children under four. Please be aware that timings and offers are likely to change. It is advised to call up in advance.
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 117
gastro
338 Garden Restaurant
The Gulf Hotel Bahrain
When: Every Saturday Price: BD10 net inclusive of shisha and soft drinks
Valentines Special What: Romantic Chocolate and bubbly evening - chocolate fondue with fresh fruits and mini cakes with a bottle of bubbly. Price: BD15++
Valentines Special Where: Fusions Restaurant What: 3-course set menu with complimentary sparkling bubbly Price: BD28++
Elite Seef Residence
Garden Escape What: 3-course lunch menu When: Saturday to Thursday, 12pm to 3pm Price: BD6++
What: Waterside Romance on the pool deck Price: BD28++ per person 3 course set menu that includes one glass of bubbly and acoustic musical performance.
For bookings call, Tel. +973 1771 0338.
What: The VIP Garden Dinner Package Price: BD100++ per couple inclusive of a bottle of sparkling wine, private butler, live flambĂŠ dish and an acoustic personalised musical performance. Where: Zahle Restaurant What: Set menu, complimentary set beverage, rose, Lebanese music and belly dancing Price: BD22++ per person For bookings call, Tel. +973 1771 3000.
Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Valentines Special What: Friday Brunch Where: Baharat Time: 12.30pm to 4pm Price: BD28++ inclusive of selected beverages; children six to twelve years eat for half price, below six eat free Special: Bring your spouse and get a 20 per cent discount for him/her What: Romantic Afternoon Tea with candles and roses and complete privacy Where: Mezzanine Lounge TIme: 3pm-6pm Price: BD15++ for two people What: Romantic Dinner Where: Mezzanine Lounge Time: From 7:30pm Price: BD 120++ for 4-course dinner What: Romantic Dinner Where: Saveur from 7:30pm Price: BD28++ inclusive of glass of champagne and soft drinks Barbeque Nights Where: Nasmat When: 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th February Time: 7.30pm to 10.30pm Price: BD22++ inclusive of one soft drink. Seafood Trilogy Where: Mezzanine Lounge Time: 11am to 1am Price: BD10++ inclusive of a glass of wine For bookings call, Tel. +973 1717 1441.
Elite Resort and Spa Valentines Special Book a table and enjoy live singing, delicaies and a lovely atmosphere at the poolside. Price: BD25 per table for two For bookings, call, Tel. +973 3627 5444. Paelleras Night Where: Al Noor Tent When: 7.30pm onwards Price: BD12 per person only buffet dinner Thursday Night Grills Where: Waikiki When: 7.30pm onwards Price: BD12 per person Family Friday Brunch Where: Pool side When: Friday noon Price: BD12 for adults/BD6 for kids under eleven years Chill Out Saturday Where: Waikiki When: 7.30pm onwards Price: BD9 net per person For bookings call, Tel. +973 1731 3333.
Elite Grande Hotel
Valentines Special Where: H2O What: Candle light dinner buffet with live barbeque station with unlimited beverages, special music Price: BD30 net per couple Catch of the Day Where: H2O
Please be aware that timings and offers are likely to change. It is advised to call up in advance.
118 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
For bookings call, Tel. +973 1756 5888.
Valentines Special Where: IL GIARDINO Restaurant What: International 4-course dinner menu and unlimited sparkling bubbly with live music and dancing Price: BD30 per couple Family Friday Brunch Where: Oasis Pool Area What: Buffet and unlimited soft beverages Price: Adults BD10 net Kids rate varies: Height of 1.2 to 1.5 meter: BD5 Height of 1.5 meter and above: BD10 Height of 1.2 meter and below: FREE Free access to the Kids Club (arts &crafts, games, learning activities) For bookings call, Tel. +973 1758 3388.
The Domain Bahrain
Valentines Special What: A 3 Course romantic dinner with a bottle of grape, 1 night stay in a luxury room with red roses, a heart shaped cake, bottle of bubbly or sparkling date juice, breakfast in bed, couples massage and late check out. Where: Level 34 Price: BD149++ per couple or just enjoy dinner for BD56 per couple Steak Nights When: Wednesday When: Le Sauvage Price: If a table is booked in advance for six to ten people you get three prime cuts of beef, complemented by a selection of sauces and half a bottle of grape per person for BD25++ A Very Grown-up Brunch When: Every Friday from 12pm to 4pm Where: Le Domain [34] Price: BD19++ Business Lunch When: Daily Where: Le Domain [34] and Le Sauvage Price: BD11++ for two-courses and BD13++ for three courses When: Daily Where: Figs & Olives Price: A light lunch menu for BD7++ for two courses including a bottle of still or sparkling water Early Bird Dinner When: Daily 6pm to 8pm Where: Le Domain [34] and Le Sauvage * One bottle of grape per couple is on the house with your meal For bookings call, Tel. +973 1600 0222.
nightlife
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa
Bushido Afterwork Everyday from 5pm to 8pm, buy one, get one free, drinks promotion (Cocktails and mocktails). Wine Flight Learn the art of distinguishing wine while sampling cheese and canapĂŠs. When: 19th February from 8pm to 10pm Price: BD12 Pink Friday Ladies enjoy free drinks and live entertainment. This is your chance to win a limited edition Emporio Armani gift. When: 28th February from 9pm For more information, call Tel. +973 1258 3555.
Elite Crystal Hotel Klub 360 Finesse Nights every Sunday and Wednesday Valentines Special All couples receive a complementary glass of bubbly and chocolate strawberries. *One of the lucky couples will win a romantic one-night stay at Elite Crystal Hotel
Trader Vic’s
For more information, call Tel. +973 1736 0360.
Wahine Tuesday Every Tuesday from 6pm onwards.
Elite Grande Hotel
For more information, call Tel. +973 1758 3555.
Elite Resort and Spa Shift 7 Ladies Night daily except Thursday Karaoke Night every Saturday For more information, call Tel. +973 1731 3333.
Zodiac Lounge Every Monday, Bubbly night for the ladies night from 8pm till closing Every Wednesday and Friday, karaoke Night Every Saturday, Retro Night For more information, call Tel. +973 1756 5888.
Valentines Special Tapas Bar What: The perfect romantic evening with a selection of international tapas for two with a complementary glass of house wine and live entertainment by the resident DJ. Price: BD24 net per couple Amber Bar What: Enjoy an exotic platter combination for two with complementary house wine. Price: BD18 net per couple Happy Hour When: Daily; 3pm to 4pm Where: Tapas Bar When: Daily; 5pm to 7pm Where: Amber Bar Wine Tasting When: Friday, 28th February from 8pm to 11pm Where: Tapas Bar Price: BD18 net per person Ladies Night When: Every Tuesday; 8pm to 11pm Where: Tapas Bar Chess Night When: Every Thursday; 8pm to 11pm Where: Amber Bar For more information, call Tel. +973 1763 6363.
Cocktails at Bushido (some available at PinkFriday) Please be aware that timings and offers are likely to change. It is advised to call up in advance.
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 119
nightlife
InterContinental Regency Bahrain Valentines Special Elements Pool & Lounge Enjoy 2 glasses of bubbly per person with chocolate dipped strawberries. Champagne will be available per glass and bottle. Price: BD19++ per couple Ladies’ Nights and Hot Deals Sunday; Jam Night; receive a complimentary drink from 9pm to 12am at Downtown Bar Monday; Wine Tasting Night; 3 different wines at BD15++ from 6pm to 2am at Elements Pool & Lounge Hoteliers’ Night; Hoteliers receive special discounts on Mondays at Downtown Bar. Tuesday; Challenge the Bartender Try 5 different shots at BD10++ from 6pm to 2am at Elements Pool & Lounge. Wednesday; Ladies Night; unlimited selected beverages from 9pm to 12am at Downtown Bar. Russian Night; vodka with 50 per cent off from 6pm to 2am at Elements Pool & Lounge. Thursday; Buy one and get one for free for all drinks from 6pm to 9pm at Elements Pool & Lounge. Vodka Night; Ladies receive 3 complimentary vodka shots from 10pm to 12am at Downtown Bar. Friday; Lazy Lounge; Complimentary entrance for ladies and couples to the pool from 12pm to 12am at Elements Pool & Lounge. Saturday; Cosmopolitan Night; Ladies receive unlimited selected cosmos from 9pm to 12am at Downtown Bar. Happy Hour; 2 cocktails and 1 dish for BD10++ at Elements Pool & Lounge.
Tini Tuesdays at Thai every Tuesday every evening with a live DJ. Chill Out Thursdays at Thai every Thursday evening with DJ Sami from 7pm to 1am. Wine tasting at Primavera daily from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. BD12++ per person subject to 15 per cent service charge and 5 percent government levy. Burlington Bar Enjoy pre dinner or after dinner drinks with live Jazz piano and accompanied vocals.
For more information, call Tel. +973 1722 7777.
For more information, call Tel. +973 1758 6499.
Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain
Thursday night brunch, clubbing brunch at BD22++ per person, including unlimited wines and cocktails with live entertainment and DJ. For more information, call Tel. +973 1746 0000.
Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Everyday Evening Unwind with a Drink Where: Mezzanine Lounge What: buy one get one free drinks
promotion. When: Everyday except Fridays from 6pm to 8pm. For more information, call Tel. +973 1717 1441.
120 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
Downtown Resident Band at InterContinental Regency Bahrain
The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa
The Domain Bahrain
Wine Tasting Latin Monday at The Cellar at Level 34 from 8pm to 10pm, at only BD10++ including Chef’s favorite canapes. Txoko Nights Jazz Sunday: 50 per cent off on selected beverages between 6pm to 8pm Latin Monday: 2 drinks for the price of 1pm from 6pm until 8pm. Throw-backTuesday: 2 drinks for the price of 1 from 6pm until 8pm. Ladies Wednesday: Bring 4 of your girl friends and get a complimentary bottle of bubbly from 9pm until 11pm. Imari Weekly Promotions Monday: Extended Happy Hour from 6pm to 10pm on selected beverages. Tuesday: Sharing is Caring Night; Izakaya style food and a pitcher for BD9. Wednesday: Old School Nights; 50 per cent
off drafts and pitchers, from 6pm to 10pm. Aphrodisian Thursdays: Free bubbly all night for the ladies Friday: Enjoy Japanese favorites - Kampai Saturday: Enjoy a unique selection of sushi, sashimi and robata skewers. Add a signature pitcher for only BD9. For more information, call Tel. +973 1600 0222.
338 Garden Restaurant
Every Wednesday: Girl’s Gossip Night - Women enjoy 3 cocktails, bubbly and wine from a selected list for BD5++. Happy Hour: Everyday from 4pm to 7pm For more information, call Tel. +973 1771 0338.
Sheraton Bahrain Hotel An Nada Lounge Happy Hour Extended happy hours from 1pm to 8.30pm daily. Avail a 25 per cent discount on selected beverages. Ladies Night Every Monday ladies be pampered with a complimentary selection of unlimited beverages. Also, enjoy 3 free drinks every Thursday night from 8pm to 1am. Sheraton Social Hour Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm For more information, call Tel. +973 1753 3533.
music
Melissa Nazareth interviews Canada-based Indian musician. Tell our readers more about your debut album, Cataleya. I conceived the concept for Cataleya when I moved to New York City at the beginning of 2012. It was my first time away from home and I was inspired. Being around other creative minds helped me broaden my thought process and changed the way I looked at life. Cataleya is about a love story which feels really uncertain and twisted at times. This is your first album; what challenges did you face? Trying to work with the right producers and to get the sound that I wanted from the songs were the toughest parts. After recording the first song Club Illuminati, I remember telling my cousin that I wanted to do the whole project with the same mellow mood; I wanted to hear the drums, guitars and piano. Though I didn’t say much at the time, I was slowly writing down ideas, trying to find the right sound for the album. What’s more important to you, the lyrics or the music? While making a song, I like to hear the beat first. Once I like it, I begin the songwriting process. Rhythm plays a big part in the making of a song. For me, I’m into the sound – harmonies and melodies; more than the words sometimes. Have you made any music before Cataleya? I have recorded a lot of music before Cataleya which never got released. For instance, I worked on this project called ‘Pages Outta My Love Story’ which was never officially released; but who knows maybe someday! You can say I was working on finding out who I am. It is very important to first find out who you are as an artist. “
International Collaboration Of The Year Musical titans, T-Pain and RDB unveil the promo for their latest track ‘Daddy Da Cash’ (translates to Daddy’s Cash). Tipped to be the most coveted collaboration of the year, RDB blend their unique brand of traditional Bhangra beats with the urban grooves of Grammy awardwinning music artist T-Pain’s signature Hip-Hop and Rap flavours, presenting fans with a global musical treat. To listen to the song subscribe to RDB’s YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/threerecordsuk
US Hip-hop sensation, T-Pain & the UK’s UrbanBhangra Boys, RDB release promo.
What after Cataleya? Are you working on your next album? I am actually in the studio now working on something for you guys. I don’t want to rush anything or say anything at the moment but you can expect something in 2014.
Flashback On Loop This Month Paradise by Coldplay
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 121
listings
BAHRAIN RESTAURANT GUIDE American
Asian
Bennigan’s 1781 3750 Al Safir Hotel, Juffair
Baan Saeng Thai Adliya, 11.30am to 3pm/6pm to 12am
Blaze Burgers 1774 4773 Adliya, 11am to 12am Brasa de Brazil 1758 2225 Seef Mall, 12pm to 11pm Burger Lounge 3984 2840 Amwaj, 12pm to 12am Burger Wisconsin 1759 4458 Sa’ar, 11am to 12am Chickey’s 1774 4144 Zinj & 2 other locations, 10am to 1am Chilli’s 1758 1221 Seef Mall and many other locations Downtown Bar 1722 7777 InterContinental Regency Bahrain, 4pm to 2am. Elevation Burger 1758 7828 Seef Mall, 12pm to 11pm Fat Burger 1713 1414 Bahrain City Centre & 2 other locations 9am to 1am Franks a Lot 1781 1970 Juffair, 10am to 1am Fuddruckers 1774 2266 Adliya & 4 other locations, 8am to 12am Grub Shack 1713 1363 Al Hamala Hard Rock Café 1729 1569 Exhibition Road, 8am to 1am Jan Burger 1771 2505 Adliya & 5 other locations Johnny Rockets 1756 6565 Al A’ali Complex & 1 other location 8.30am to 1am Melt Restaurant 1749 9900 Shaikh Hamad Avenue, West Riffa & Juffair, a place to sit back and enjoy great burgers, freshly tossed salads, sumptuous sweets, and much more! 11am to 12am
Bali Orchid 1718 0424 Gudaibiya, 12pm to 12am Chin Li 1771 7717 Adliya, 12pm to 3pm/6.30pm to 11.30pm Curry Country 1753 7555 Juffair, 11am to 2am David’s Stir Fry 1754 0188 Adliya & 1 other location 12pm to 3pm/6.30pm to 11.30pm Honey’s 3923 8507 Souq, Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 5.30pm/ Friday to Saturday 24 Hours Hot Wok 1717 8083 Bahrain City Centre, 10am to 12am Kontiki Restaurant 1753 1666 Diplomt Radisson Blu Mamy Soup 3919 5343 Exhibition Road, 11am to 11pm Monsoon 1774 9222 Adliya, Saturday to Thursday 12pm to 2.30pm/7pm to 11pm & Friday 7pm to 11pm Nu Asia 1758 7171 Seef, 12pm to 12am Pan Asia 1772 1600 Umm Al Hassam, 11am to 3.30pm/7pm to 11pm Peppers Fusion 1771 7808 Adliya, 11am to 3.30pm/6pm to 12am Pong’s 1753 0800 Exhibition Road Thai Chi 1717 9747 Bahrain City Centre, 12pm to 12am Thai Express 1769 3595 Jawad Dome, Budaiya, 10am to 11.30pm Thailand 1771 7040 Block 338, Adliya, 6.30pm to 11.30pm
Brazilian
Ric’s Kountry Kitchen 1772 5550 Juffair
Brazil 1782 6686 Adliya. Authentic Brazilian Rodizio. All you can eat + beverages BD16.2++, Friday Brunch BD21++
Tony Luke’s 1749 4940 Riffa, 11am to 12am
Cafés
Tony Roma’s 1787 0070 Zayed Town, 12.30pm to 1am
Al Bindaira Café 1774 4066 Adliya, Monday to Thursday 10.30am to 12.30am and Friday 1pm to 1am Al Bareh Art Café 1771 3535 Adliya, 8.30am to 11pm
122 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
A Lounge 1771 0041 Adliya, 11am to 2am
Bahrain Confidential’s Favourite
BUSHIDO
Al Riwaq Café 1771 7441 Adliya, 10am to 9pm Aroma Restaurant & Café 1758 2711 Seef Mall, Open for lunch and dinner Café Ceramique Al A’ali Mall, 9am to 11pm Café Lilou 1771 4440 Adliya & 1 other location Saturday to Thursday 8am to 11pm/ Friday 10am to 11.30pm
The Way of the Warrior For reservations, call Tel. +973 17583555 or email: bushido@bushido.com.bh
Café T 1775 0777 The Royal Golf Club
Sky Walk Café Mariott Executive Apartments, Juffair 6.30am to 11.30pm
Café Sayah 1722 4000 Delmon International Hotel, Open 24 Hours
Tea Club Amwaj Islands 12pm to 12am
Candles Coffee 1771 4844 Adliya, Sunday to Thursday 9am to 1am/ Friday & Saturday 5pm to 1am
Tea Garden 1711 1999 Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, 7am to 11pm
Caramel 1770 7087 Cyprus Gardens, Budaiya, 8.30am to 12am Columbus Café 1717 2324 Bahrain City Centre, 8am to 12am Crepe Café 7711 5566 Budaiya & 1 other location Sunday to Wednesday 8am to 12am/ Thursday to Saturday 8am to 1am Deli France 1769 6031 Jawad Dome, Budaiya Sunday to Thursday 8am to 10pm/ Friday to Saturday 8am to 11pm Dome Café 1781 0180 Juffair, Open 24 Hours Friend’s Club 1771 3732 Adliya, Saturday to Wednesday 10am to 12am/ Thursday to Friday 10am to 1am La Maison du Café 1771 7524 Adliya, 8am to 2am Le Chocolat Seef District 7.30am to 12am Levante Café 1603 0393 Amwaj, 12pm to 1.30am Maya Chocolat Seef Mall, Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 11pm/ Friday to Saturday 10am to 12am Med Café 1771 3088 Adliya and other locations, 11am to 1am Organic Foods & Café 1333 3285 Seef Mall, 9am to 10pm
Veranda 1771 5868 Adliya and 2 other locations, 9am to 1am Waterlemon 1758 1785 Al A’ali Shopping Complex 10am to 11pm
Chinese Beijing Chinese 1771 7969 Block 338, Adliya, 11.30am to 3pm/6pm to 12am China Express 1771 7439 Adliya,12.30pm to 1am China Garden 1774 6423 Gulf Hotel, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm Ching 1756 4424 Seef Mall, 10am to 12am First Chinese 1771 3603 Adliya, 12pm to 3.30pm/6pm to 12am Foli 1772 2199 Um Al Hassam, 12pm to 3pm/6.30pm to 11.30pm Hong Kong 1772 8700 Adliya Kowloon 1772 5015 Umm Al Hassam,1am to 3.30pm/6.30pm to 12am Magic Wok 1769 4105 American Alley, Juffair, Open Daily 8am to 11pm PF Changs 1717 9757 Bahrain City Centre
Patisseri Valerie MODA Mall, 7.30am to 9pm
Shanghai Hut 1729 2988 Exhibition Avenue 11.30am to 2am
PAUL Bakery & Restaurant 1717 2321 Bahrain City Centre and 1 other location
Soie 1753 3533 Sheraton Hotel
To be included, email: info@ArabianMagazines.com or call +973 1782 2368.
listings
BAHRAIN RESTAURANT GUIDE
Bahrain Confidential’s Favourite
MAKI
Fantasy Restaurant 1729 2382 Hoora, 11am to 12am Georgia Chinese 1781 3814 Juffair, 11am to 12am Grand Royal 1772 1787 Umm Al Hassam, 12.30pm to 3.30pm/6.30pm to 1130pm
A Culinary Haven! Located at the Bahrain World Trade Centre. For more information, call Tel. +973 1752 2733
Grill Room Buffet 1769 6660 Budaiya & 1 other location 12.30pm to 3.30pm/6.30pm to 11.30pm Havana 1731 1440 Hoora, 12pm to 1am
Chocolatiers Godiva 1758 0699 Seef Mall, 10am to 10pm Patchi 1725 0501 Manama and 1 other location, 9.30am to 9pm Rawasi Chocola & Flowers Mahooz, 9am to 1.30pm/4pm to 9pm
House Boat 1601 0321 Amwaj, 11am to 11.30pm JJ’s Irish Pub and Restaurant 1774 2323 Adliya, 12pm to 230am Marmaris 1755 3825 Al Daih, 11am to 12am
Fusion
Paprikas 1729 7100 Hoora & 1 other location, 10am to 1am
Al Osra 1749 1492 East Riffa & 3 other locations, 11am to 12am
Paradise 1753 5306 Manama, 9am to 1am
Atayeb Restaurant 1759 0119 Budaiya, 12pm to 4pm/6pm to 11pm
Salt & Pepper 1762 3535 Sanad, 10am to 12am
Block 338 1771 0338 Adliya, 11am to 2am
Saraya 1763 6410 Sofitel Bahrain, 6.30am to 11pm
Bangkok International 1774 0666 Adliya & 1 other location, 10am to 1am
Silk Restaurant 1774 9750 Adliya, 11am to 12pm
Blue Moon 1729 7100 Hoora, 10am to 1am
Spice Nice 1771 3603 Adliya, 12pm to 3.30pm/6pm to 12am
Bu Ali 1724 2432 Zinj & 2 other locations, 10am to 12am
Sun & Sand 1731 1366 Exhibition Avenue, 11am to 2am
Camelot 1771 7745 Adliya, Block 338 12pm to 12am
Tandoor Hut 1771 3874 Adliya, 11am to 1130pm
Caesars 1771 6955 Adliya, 12.30pm to 3pm/6.30pm to 11.45pm Century International 1771 0100 Adliya & 1 other location 7am to 2am Charcoal Grill 1721 3410 Manama & 1 other location Clay Oven 1771 7008 Adliya, 11.30am to 3pm/ 6.30pm to 11.30pm Citrus Restaurant & Café 1774 4950 Adliya, 12pm to 12am Deja Vu 1365 7770 Adliya, 4pm to 2am
Asha’s 1717 9751 Bahrain City Centre Bright Candle 1722 9076 Manama, 11am to 3pm/6pm to 12am Charminar 1726 1896 Manama, 11am to 3pm/6pm to 12am Clay Oven 1771 7008 Adliya, 11.30am to 3pm/6.30pm to 11.30pm Copper Chimney 1772 8699 Um Al Hassam, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 12am Curry Tree 1603 0662 The Lagoon & 2 other locations, 12pm to 12am Hyderabad House 1772 0031 Umm Al Hassam, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 12am
Nirvana 1758 9318 Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa 12pm to 3.30pm/7pm to 11.30pm Papadom 1756 4434 Seef Mall, 10am to 12am Rajdhani 1771 5222 Gudaibiya, 7am to 2am Rasoi 1711 1999 Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, 6.30pm to 2am Saffron Curry 1722 3014 Enma Mall, 12pm to 12am Sahar 1772 5117 Umm Al Hassam, 8am to 12am Sangeetha 1727 2768 Gudaibiya, 7.30am to 3pm/5.30pm to 11pm
It’s Mirchi 1772 7230 Ramee International Hotel, 12pm to 3pm/ 7pm to 12am
Shamiana 1717 8085 Bahrain City Centre, 10am to 12am
Kalpaka 1729 7000 Windsor Tower Hotel, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 2am
Spices 1753 1122 Crowne Plaza, Diplomatic Area, 12pm to 11pm
Khazana 1727 4767 Manama, 7am to 3.30pm/5pm to 12am
Taka Tak 1725 4848 Gudaibiya, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm
Lanterns 1759 0591 Budaiya, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 12am Now also open in Adliya
The Great Kebab Factory 1769 0629 Jawad Dome, Budaiya 12pm to 3pm/6.30pm to 12am
Mantra 1721 1133 Best Western Plus Olive Hotel, 12pm to 2am
The Yellow Chilli 1758 0480 Seef Mall, 12pm to 10.30pm
Moti Mahal 1782 5333 Juffair, 12pm to 12am
Vrindavan 1723 4454 Manama, 7am to 3.30pm/4.30pm to 11pm
Mumbai Spice Bahrain Mall, 10am to 10pm
International
Nattinpuram 1729 0600 Ramee Baisan Hotel, 12pm to 12 am
Al Waha Restaurant 1774 6425 Gulf Hotel, Adliya, Open 24 Hours
Tapas Bar 1763 6412 Sofitel Bahrain, 11.30am to 3.30pm/7pm to 12am The Food Station 1725 4007 Marina Mall & 2 other locations, 10am to 10pm Trader Vic’s 1758 6555 Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Spa 12pm to 3.30pm/7.30pm to 11.30am
Indian Aachi’s Chettinand Kitchen 1723 3110 Gudaibiya, 10.30am to 3.30pm/ 5.30pm to 1130pm gomiami.about.com
Akbar 1729 6660 Ramada Palace Hotel 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 12.30am
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” - J.R.R. Tolkien
To be included, email: info@ArabianMagazines.com or call +973 1782 2368.
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 123
listings
BAHRAIN RESTAURANT GUIDE Rimal 1784 5000 Al Areen Palace & Spa, 6.30am to 11pm
Italiano 1758 1919 Al A’ali Complex, 11.45am to 11pm
Salad Boutique 3666 4427 Adliya, 8am to 12am
La Pergola 1771 3000 Gulf Hotel
Café Marisol 1770 1201 Al Bander Hotel & Resort, 7am to 11.30pm
Selections 1722 7777 InterContinental Regency Hotel 6.30am to 11.30pm
Little Caesars 1717 9400 Bahrain City Centre & 4 other locations 11am to 12am
Cyprus Taverna 1771 6316 Adliya, 11am to 2pm/4pm to 2am
Silk’s 1746 0000 Mövenpick Hotel
DownTown Lounge 1720 8308 InterContinental Regency Hotel, 5pm to 2am
Tamarind 1784 5000 Al Areen Palace & Spa Wednesday to Saturday 12pm to 3pm/ 6pm to 11.30pm & Sunday to Tuesday 12pm to 3pm
Margherita Pizza & Pasta 1772 3133 Umm Al Hassam, 12.30pm to 3.30pm/ 5.30pm to 12.30am
Al Wasmeyah Restaurant 1753 5000 Golden Tulip Hotel, Diplomatic Area Open 24 Hours Bambino 1753 3336 Sheza Tower Hotel, 24 Hours
East West Cuisine 1721 0012 Bahrain Financial Harbour, 8am to 5pm Figs & Olives 1600 0000 The Domain Bahrain, 10am to 12am Fusions 1771 3000 Gulf Hotel Ginger Lounge 1737 0037 Majestic Arjaan by Rotana, 6.30am to 11.30pm Healthy Calorie 1736 9399 Juffair, 8am to 12pm Jim’s Restaurant 1771 0654 Adliya, 11am to 3pm/6pm to 12am La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Arts 1771 3000 Ras Ruman, 9am to 10.30pm La Med 1758 0000 The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa Le Bistro 1722 7777 InterContinental Regency Hotel
MASSO 1772 1061 The Palace Hotel, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11.30pm
The Gallery 1746 0000 Mövenpick Hotel
Medzo 1722 7777 InterContinental Regency Hotel Open for lunch and dinner
Upstairs Downstairs 1771 3093 Adliya, 7am to 11am/12pm to 3pm/7pm to 12am
Metro Pizza 1779 4000 Sa’ar, 12pm to 12am
Vins Bistro 1771 7101 Adliya, 10am to 2am
Mia Mia 1756 4414 Seef Mall, 10am to 12am
Yamin Jana Mediterranean Sea Front Lounge 1603 3800 Dragon Hotel & Resort, Amwaj Open 2pm onwards
Mino’s 1774 4777 Adliya, 11am to 12.30am
Zodiac Restaurant 1781 3366 Al Manzil Suites, Juffair, Open 24 hours All day dining offering a wide selection and panoramic views of Juffair from the 15th floor. Zoe 1771 6400 Adliya, Block 338, Saturday to Tuesday, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 12am & Wednesday to Friday 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 2am Zytoun 1729 8008 Novotel Al Dana Resort 6.30am to 12am
Mondo Restaurant 1753 1666 Diplomat Radisson Blu Ninos 1756 6555 Al A’ali Complex, Seef Pasta Art 1700 1750 Zamil Tower, 8am to 6pm Pastarito 1717 9300 Bahrain City Centre & Durrat Al- Bahrain 11am to 12am
Lemon Tree 1711 1999 Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, 6.30am to 11.30am
Italian
Pick a Pizza 1772 0929 Umm Al Hassam & 1 other location 12pm to 1am
Links Restaurant 1775 0777 The Royal Golf Club
BICE 1755 3666 MODA Mall, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11.30pm
Pizza Express 1601 0524 The Lagoon Amwaj, 11am to 12am
Little Chef 1759 5950 Budiaya, 12pm to 12am
Café Spasso 1782 2274 New Zinj, Open 830am onwards
Pizza Hut 1771 1113 Manama & 10 other locations, 11am to 1am
Mei N Yu 1601 0160 The Lagoon, 12pm to 3pm/6.30pm to 12am
Café Italia 1774 4774 Adliya and 1 other location 12pm to 3.30pm/7pm to 11.30pm
Pizza Inn 1781 1666 Juffair & 1 other location, 10am to 12am
Muju Restaurant & Lounge 1603 9800 Open 24 Hours Nando’s 1782 5100 Juffair, 11am to 2am Prego 1775 1263 The Royal Golf Club, 11.30am to 12am Primavera 1758 0000 Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm Rendezvous 1758 7708 Seef Mall, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm
124 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
Carino’s Italian Grill 1758 7878 Seef Tower, 11am to 12am Coco’s Café 1771 3710 Adliya, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm Cucina Italiana 1700 1317 Al Safir Hotel, Juffair, 6am to 2am Fiamma 1763 6363 Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa 12.30pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm Gusto Pizzeria 1769 5556 Budaiya,12pm to 11pm
Pizza Bella 1782 7133 Juffair & 1 other location, 11.30am to 11.30pm Pizza Company 1781 1830 Juffair & 1 other location, Open 24 Hours Pomodorino 1700 0121 Adliya, 12pm to 1am Prego 1775 1263 The Royal Golf Club, 11.30am to 12am Primavera 1758 0000 Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm
Bahrain Confidential’s Favourite
MEISEI
A Story of Honour, Elegance and Integrity For reservations, call Tel. +973 1700 7770
Rialto 1711 1999 Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, 12pm to 11.30pm Rolandos 7732 2222 Juffair 12pm to 12am Roma 1772 5885 Um Al Hassam, 12pm to 2.30pm/7pm to 11.30pm Vapiano 1749 1391 Bahrain City Centre, 10am to 10pm
Japanese Bushido 1758 3555 Seef, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 2am EDO 1729 0945 Exhibition Avenue, 11,30am to 12am Fuji Sushi Bar 1753 3336 Sheza Tower Hotel,12.30pm to 12am Frangipani 1758 2422 Seef Mall, 10am to 12am Haji Sushi 1772 5638 American Alley, Juffair, 11am to 11pm Imari 1600 0000 The Domain Bahrain, 6pm to 12am Kei 1753 5000 Golden Tulip Hotel, 12.30pm to 3pm/ 7.30pm to 11pm Maki 1752 2733 MODA Mall, 12pm to 12am Meisei 1700 7770 Adliya, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 12am Mirai 1771 3113 Adliya, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm Ruka 1711 1999 Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, 12.30pm to 2am Sato 1771 3000 Gulf Hotel Sumo Sushi & Bento 1771 8090 American Alley, Juffair, 12pm to 12am
To be included, email: info@ArabianMagazines.com or call +973 1782 2368.
listings
BAHRAIN RESTAURANT GUIDE
Bahrain Confidential’s Favourite
MAI-TAI
Aloha Life! Located at Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa For more information, call Tel. +973 1758 6555
Dalaona Restaurant 1733 0930 Muharraq, 9am to 12am
Takht-e Jamsheed 1774 6431 Gulf Hotel, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm
Fakhruddin 1769 5949 Sa’ar, 11am to 11pm
Wafi Gormet 1779 999 Bahrain City Centre, 9am to 12.30pm
Golestan 1753 3533 Sheraton Hotel Sunday to Friday 12.30pm to 2.30pm/7.30pm to 11.30pm
Yalla Yalla 1782 7999 Al Safir Hotel, 6.30pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm
Isfahani 1755 0567 Hoora and other locations, 12pm to 12am Kenza 1736 0000 The K Hotel, 7pm to 2am
Sushi 101 1782 2274 New Zinj Saturday to Thursday, 12pm to 3pm/6pm onwards & Friday 1pm to 4pm/7pm onwards Yo Sushi 1758 3373 Al A’ali Complex, Seef Saturday to Wednesday 12pm to 12am/ Thursday to Friday 12pm to 2am
Middle Eastern Al Abraaj 1759 5656 Budaiya and many other locations, 12pm to 12am Al Arisha 1772 5414 Um Al Hassam, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 12am Al-Bokhari 1731 1186 Hoora & 2 other locations, 12pm to 2am
L’lle 1784 5000 Al Areen Palace & Spa, 6pm to 11pm
Leewan Al Khor 1601 0666 Amwaj, 1pm to 11pm
Zayt Zaytoon 1731 2222 Manama & 2 other locations, 7am to 12am
Leila 1756 6556 Seef, 9am to 12am
Zeitouna 1736 5055 Juffair & 4 other locations, 8am to 12am
Marmaris 1755 5909 Sanabis, 11am to 12am
Mexican
Mashawi Lebanese Grill 1733 9014 Muharraq, 12pm to 12am Melh Al Zad 1731 1170 Hoora, 12.30pm to 1am
Al Mukhayam Ramada Palace Hotel 8pm to 1am
Persian 1781 1511 Adliya, 12.30pm to 3.30pm/7.30pm to 12am
Al Shama 1729 7000 Windsor Tower Hotel, 9pm to 2am
Persian Room 1601 0166 Amwaj Islands Saturday to Wednesday 12pm to 12am/ Thursday to Friday 12pm to 1am
Café Blanc 1710 0069 Al A’ali Complex, 8am to 12am Carla’s 1769 7687 Cyprus Gardens, Sehla, 12pm to 12am Chakmagia 1755 8500 Dana Mall, 10am to 10pm
Legendz Steakhouse 1722 7777 InterContinental Regency Hotel Open for lunch and dinner
Zahle 1774 6417 Gulf Hotel Monday to Tuesday 7pm to 1am/ Wednesday to Friday 7pm to 2am
Pashawat 1763 6413 Sofitel Bahrain, 7pm to 12am
Baharat 1717 1000 Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel, Bahrain City Centre Wednesday to Friday 8pm to 12am
Klouds 1736 0000 The K Hotel, 6.30am to 2am
Laialy Zaman 1729 3097 Fateh Corniche, 11am to 4am
Kosebasi 1717 2322 Bahrain City Centre
Al Hamra 1722 4000 Delmon International Hotel, Open 24 Hours
Badawi 1729 7799 Manama, 10am to 11pm
Butcher’s Shop & Grill 1717 2323 Bahrain City Centre, 12pm to 11pm
Le Sauvage Meat + Fire 1600 0000 The Domain Bahrain 6.30am to 3pm/6pm to 12am
Momo 1718 0659 Adliya, 8am to 2am
Abd El Wahab 1713 1111 MODA Mall, 12pm to 12am
Yas-e Isfahani 1758 1151 Seef Mall, 10am to 10pm
Brazil 1782 6686 Adliya, 12pm to 3pm/6pm to 11pm
Zahlawiya 1771 0051 Adliya, 7am to 2pm/4pm to 4am
Al Fanar 1753 1666 Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Open Monday to Saturday 9.30pm to 2am
Al Yacout 1729 8008 Novotel Al Dana Resort, 8pm to 2am
Yamin Jana 1600 3380 The Dragon Hotel & Resort, 7am to 2am
Steak Houses
Qasr Al Sultan Grill 1774 4144 Bahrain City Centre & 1 other location 11am to 12am Rayes 1731 2700 Fateh Corniche, 12pm to 1230am Shawarma Express 1772 9922 Juffair & 5 other locations, 7am to 3am Shoo Fee Ma Fee 1731 1280 Adliya, 10am to 12am Tarwe’a 1724 0046 Manama, Open 24 Hours Taza 1778 4997 Tubli, 12.30pm to 12.30am
Casa Mexicana 1771 5521 Adliya, 12pm to 3pm/6pm to 12am Margarita Mexicana 1774 6462 Gulf Hotel, Adliya, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm Senor Paco’s 1772 5873 Adliya, 12pm to 3pm/6.30pm to 12am
Sea Food Asia Sea Food 1722 4466 Mashtan Hotel, 6am to 11pm Far East Sea Food Market 1772 7230 Ramez International Hotel, Juffair Daily, 12.30pm to 11.30pm Fish Market 1770 1201 Al Bander Hotel and Resort, 12.30pm to 11.30pm La Mer 1763 6411 Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa 7pm to 11pm La Perle 1729 8008 Novotel Al Dana Resort, 7pm to 12am Sea Chef 1729 2911 Hoora, 12pm to 1am
Mezzaluna 1774 2999 Adliya Sunday to Wednesday 7pm to 11pm/ Thursday to Saturday 7pm to 11.30pm Plums 1758 0000 Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa 7pm to 11.30pm Ponderosa Steakhouse 1758 0552 Seef, 11am to 1am Sizzlers Restaurant 1771 6999 Mansoori Mansions Hotel, Open 24 Hours The Meat Co 1774 2080 Block 338 Saturday to Wednesday 12.30pm to 3.30pm/ 7pm to 11.30pm and Thursday to Friday 12.30pm to 12am
Thai Banana Leaf 1774 4171 Adliya, 11am to 11pm Hash House 1771 5094 Adliya, 12pm to 4pm/6pm to 12am Muay Thai Quick Meal Restaurant 7704 0454 Juffair, 12pm to 12am Orchid Thai 1729 6660 Ramada Palace Hotel, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 1am Royal Thai Sea Food Restaurant 1771 3000 Gulf Hotel Shada 1772 1155 Zinj, 11.30am to 3.30pm/6.30pm to 12am
Sheza Seafood Market 1753 3336 Sheza Tower Hotel, Diplomatic Area 12.30pm to 12am Waves 1753 1122 Crowne Plaza Hotel, 12pm to 4pm/7pm to 12am
To be included, email: info@ArabianMagazines.com or call +973 1782 2368.
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 125
listings
Sports, Fitness and Kids Creative Kids
Fitness/Aerobics/Spinning
Meditation/Yoga
Al Safir Fitness First The Regency The Diplomat Radisson Blu Curves (Budaiya) Ez Fit Sports Complex Image Spa & Leisure (Sheraton Hotel) The Health Club (Gulf Hotel) Nautilus (Crown Plaza) Sports Club & Spa, Ritz-Carlton Al Gosaibi Gym Ghassan’s Gym (mat and private classes available) La Fontaine Centre World Beat Fitness Centre
Art of Living 3988 8760 Dessange 1771 3999 (Yoga classes offered several times a week) Bahrain Meditation Centre Bahrain 1779 5961 (Wellness Resort) Saturdays and Wednesdays. 7pm to 8.30pm, Mixed yoga classes. Sundays and Tuesdays (Ladies Only), 10am to12pm Bayoga Centre 1772 5027 Daily yoga classes, relaxing yoga and meditation for beginners and advanced students. 1749 1958 Herbal Massage Center, Riffa 3977 6882 World Beat Fitness Centre 1761 2576 The Diplomat Radisson Blu 1753 1666 Reiki Master And Teacher Melanie 3933 0911 offers Reiki sessions and courses or www.reikibahrain.com Anubhaa Sharma anurays@yahoo.co.in
1781 3815 1332 2200 1722 7777 1753 1666 1769 1496 1769 2378 1752 4570 1771 3000 1753 0764 1758 9380 1729 3221 1769 5911 1723 0123 1761 2576
Badminton Bapco Club Telgu Kala Samithi The Indian Club
1775 3666 1727 6300 1725 3157
Basketball EZ Fit Sports Complex Bahrain Basketball Association
1769 2378 1774 1010
1770 1201 1775 3666 1782 2077 1775 3666 1729 2313
Cricket EZ Fit Sports Complex Bahrain Rugby Football Club SLC Grounds, Riffa Thursdays, Training 3pm to 5pm
1769 2378 1769 5809 1727 6134
1765 0079
Dance Bahrain Ballet Centre Indian Institute for Performing Arts Latin Dance Bahrain Sampaguita Club Sayaw Unlimited Dance Club Victoria Dance Centre World Beat Fitness Centre Profiles Fitness Centre Pineapple
1769 3232 1723 1717 3967 6349 3910 6589 3982 7096 3987 6215 1761 2576 1772 7766 1771 2000
Football Al Ahli Sports Club Al Hala Sports Club Bahrain Rugby Football Club British Club Dilmun Club EZ Fit Sports Complex Arsenal Soccer School
1727 7712 1734 2182 1769 5809 1772 8245 1769 2986 1769 2378 1756 1615
Golf Awali Club Royal Golf Club
Bahrain Snooker Association Jimmy’s Snooker and Billiards Club
Bahrain Badminton and Squash Federation The Country Club Al Bander Resort Nautilus (Crowne Plaza) The Diplomat Radisson Blu
1782 5301 1771 6147
Swimming Lessons British Club Dilmun Club Ritz Carlton Sports Club The Diplomat Radisson Blu
1753 1165 1745 0000 1778 0011 3944 4137
Martial Arts Japan Karate Association 3944 9628/3667 2204 Profiles Fitness Centre (Boxing for ladies) 1772 7766 Zen-Do 1761 1909 Bahrain Karate Centre 3947 7709 Goju Karate Club 3965 9510 World Beat Fitness Centre 1761 2576 Bahrain Karate-do Academy 3665 7059
126 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
1759 3593 1770 1201 1753 0764 1753 1666
Awali Riding Club 1775 6525 Saturdays to Thursdays, 7am to 7pm. Fridays 7am to 6pm. Desert rides. Qualified instructors Bahrain Riding School 1769 0448 Daily rides 4pm to 6pm Dilmun Club 1769 2986 Sundays to Thursdays. 8am to 11am and 3pm to 7.30pm Shakhoora Riding School 1759 1103 Sundays to Thursdays, 8am to 12noon, 3.30pm to 7pm The Country Club 1759 3593 Fridays Horse riding in paddock, 1pm to 4pm Twin Palms Riding Centre 1759 1668
Bahrain Sailing School Coral Beach Club The Marina Club The Sailing Club The Yacht Club Aquatique - Organised pearl diving Al Bander Resort Bahrain Swimming Association Dilmun Club
1729 2313
1729 2662
Horse Riding
Watersports
Ice Skating Funland Centre
1769 5809
Snooker
1775 6770 1775 0777
Go Karting/Racing Rally Town BIC Silver go-Karts (Tubli) Gulf Speed One (Seef)
Bahrain Rugby Football Club
Squash
Cycling Bahrain Cycling Association
Bahrain Rugby Football Club 1769 5809 (Thurs) 4.45pm for girls; (Sun) 7.30pm for women Riffa Views Netball League 3630 6946
Rugby
Bowling Al Bander Hotel & Resort Awali Bowling Centre Bahrain Bowling Association Bapco Club Funland Centre
Netball
1772 8245 1769 2986 1758 0001 1753 1666
1731 0252 1721 2700 1729 1527 1783 6078 1770 0677 1727 1780 1770 1201 1768 0867 1769 0926
Tennis Bahrain Tennis Club 1772 9561 The British Club 1722 8245 The Country Club 1759 3593 Dilmun Club 1769 2986 Gulf Hotel 1771 3000 Marina Club 1729 1527 The Diplomat Radisson Blu 1753 1666 Bahrain Tennis Club 1772 9561/1772 9756 Filipino Club Tennis Group 3952 7587
Where To Go
Art Classes Paint In Space 1762 6232 Chaoss 1759 2096 Dar Albareh 1771 3535/3906 9016 Celebrations 1759 5791 Bahrain Art Society 1759 0551 Indian Institute for Performing Arts 1723 1717 The Studio 3975 4863 Studio Ceramics 1759 9026 Things to Do 1759 0409
Drama Film-making workshops
3600 1777
Kids Gyms/Gymnastics My Gym, www.my-gym.com EZ Fit World Beat Fitness Centre Chaoss
1756 6566 1769 2378 1761 2576 1759 2096
Libraries Awali Library (BAPCO, Awali) British Club (Times vary) Iqra’s Children’s Library Muharraq)
1775 3666 1772 8245 1732 0955
1783 6116
Adhari Park
1740 7300
North of the Shaikh Isa Bin Sulman Highway Fun for all ages, includes a sports camp, groovy town, discovery village and indoor entertainment Children’s Health Academy of Specialised Sports
Chaoss
1759 2096 Swimming, gymnastics, dance and Taekwon-Do for children and teenagers.
Dolphin Park Corniche next to Marina Club One hour marine mammal show.
1729 3109
Funland Corniche next to Marina Club Bowling and Ice Skating everyday.
1729 2313
Hawar Island
1731 1770 Day trips to Hawar Island, boats depart from Ad Dur Jetty at 10am daily
Kid’s Kingdom
Music Lessons Bahrain Music Institute Kindermusik Bahrain Room to Rock
Al Areen Wildlife Park
1772 1999 1761 3144/3925 6904 1761 1785
Corniche, next to the Hawar reservation office A small outdoor playground. Good fun for young children. Open until late.
Magic Island Seef Mall
Play Centres Chakazoolu Indoor Theme Park www.danamall.net Chaoss Funland Centre (bowling, ice skating, pool) www.funlandcentre.com Mad Science Magic Island, www.seefmall.net My Gym, Softplay at Dilmun Club Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark www.lpodwaterpark.com
1755 8500 1759 2096 1729 2313
1759 1136 1758 2898 1756 6566 1769 0926 1784 5100
Play Groups Chaoss, Off Budaiya Highway 1759 2096 Kindermusik 3925 6904/1761 3144 Ajyaal Montessori Pre-School 3912 9585 Mini Storytellers, British School (4 to 7 year olds) Musical Babies, Nadeen School 1772 8886 My Gym, Seef District 1756 6566 Rhymes & Chimes, Dilmun Club 3929 6848 Soft Play, Off Budaiya Highway 3965 3678 Sticky Fingers 3961 8340 Storytellers, British School 3912 9585 (7 to 11 year olds) Tots & Toddlers Group, 1772 8245 The British Club Wriggly Readers, British School 3912 9585 (for pre-schoolers) www.mumsinbahrain.net
Over 120 different games and attractions and Bahrain’s only indoor Roller Blade Arena.
Playland 1774 2266/1762 0999 Above Fuddruckers in Adliya An indoor centre full of games. Each ride costs 100 fils. Tokens available. Soft Play 3965 3678 Future Shape Dance Studio, Garden City Every Monday and Wednesday from 9.30am to 11.30am Children under the age of six months attend for free. www.softplaybahrain.com Studio Ceramics
1759 9026 Budaiya Highway Pottery painting and more. Open 9.30am to 6pm Sunday to Thursday, or by appointment. Birthday parties and private group bookings possible.
Water Garden Salmaniya 1726 2034 Near Dairy Queen roundabout A semi-filled lake with paddleboats and birds. School & Nurseries Wahooo! Waterpark Bahrain 1717 3000 Bahrain City Centre Opening Hours: Saturday to Tuesday: 11am to 8pm Wednesday: 11am to 10pm (Ladies Night 5pm to 10pm) Thursday and Friday: 11am to 9 PM
Things to know The Tourist Department (Tel. 1721 1717) is located in the gate to Manama’s souq, Bab al-Bahrain, on the ground floor next to the tourist shop, Times: 8am to 12 and 4.30pm to 6pm, closed on Friday.
Currency The Bahrain Dinar (BD) is pegged to the US dollar at the rate of USD1=BD0.377 - in other words a dinar is worth about USD2.65. It is a convertible currency with no restrictions on its import or export. Tip: the Saudi Riyal (SR) is also accepted
in shops for purchases at an exchange rate of BD1=SR10 (less in hotels) and you may be given Saudi money as change.
Business Hours Friday is the Islamic equivalent of the Christian Sunday. The weekend falls on a Friday and a Saturday. Most shopping malls and commercial centres are generally open seven days a week.
listings Schools American Curriculum
Clubs & Associations
Other Private Schools
Al Hekma International Tel. 1762 0820/1762 3999 Modern Knowledge Schools Tel. 1772 7712 Riffa Views International School Tel. 1656 5000 The Bahrain School Tel. 1762 0820
Al Noor International School Tel. 1773 6773 Ecole Francaise de Bahrain Tel. 1732 3770 Ibn Khuldoon National School Tel. 1778 0661 Shaikha Hessa Girls’ School Tel. 1775 6111
British Curriculum
Al Mahd Day Boarding Tel. 1779 2422 British School Tel. 1761 0920 Budaiya Preschool Tel. 1779 1491 Dilmun School (elementary) Tel. 1771 3483 KG Kids Tel. 1766 3556 St Christopher’s School Tel. 1778 8108 Sacred Heart School Tel. 1768 4367 Talent International and The Infant School Tel. 1725 2346/1777 0078
Nurseries and Creches
Al Dana Nursery Tel. 1725 3541 Dana Pre-school, Riffa Tel. 1777 0180 Lilliput, Budaiya Tel. 1769 4947
Special Needs
Disabled Sports Federation Tel. 1778 9191 Hope Institute Tel. 1768 0815/1768 0500 R.I.A. Institute Tel. 1771 6871 The Children’s Academy Tel. 1761 3234 UCO Parents Care Centre Tel. 1767 7717
Things to know Taxis
Taxis are easily available in the capital, Manama, and have meters but be sure to make the driver use the meter. 99% of drivers won’t switch on the meter and will try to charge you double the legal fare. Beware! Confidential Tip: BD1 per five minutes in the cab is the most you should pay for an un-metered journey. If traveling from the airport or busy taxi rank, add BD2/after midnight add BD1 to the total e.g. a 10 minute drive from the airport after midnight should cost you no more than BD5 (BD2 + BD2 + BD1= BD5). Taxis do use meters and companies may use similar rates.
Avoiding Offence
Generally speaking, very short skirts and tight midriff tops are frowned upon in public, although acceptable by hotel pools, in private clubs and on the beach. If visiting a mosque, cover the body well (women should ensure that arms and legs and hair are fully covered). Shoes should always be left outside the entrance.
Essential Info 24-Hour Pharmacies Jaffer Pharmacy Tel. 1729 1039 18, Tarfah bin Al Abid Avenue, Manama 319 Nasser Pharmacy Tel. 1774 0900 63-B, Qadisiya Avenue, Manama 332 Awal Pharmacy Tel. 1777 2023 30 Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Avenue, East Riffa 901 Muwasaa Pharmacy Tel. 1733 5666 Shaikh Mohd bin Salman Avenue, Road 205, Muharraq.
Courier & Express Delivery
Tel. 1733 0434
DHL
Tel. 1736 4100
TNT
Tel. 1734 9199
Car Hire An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required to drive in Bahrain except for visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council states, U.S.A., Canada, countries in the European Union, Australia and New Zealand. The offices of car-hire companies are easily encountered at the airport. Recommended principal rental firms include: Budget Rent A Car National Car Rental Avenue Car Rental and Leasing Avis Rent A Car
Tel. 1753 4100 Tel. 1723 1156 Tel. 1771 3181 Tel. 1756 9191
Embassies & Consulates Embassies generally open from 8am to 1pm from Saturday to Wednesday and some Arab embassies also open on Thursday. Many embassies have a number of staff on call outside these hours for emergencies. Algeria 1771 3669 Bangladesh 1771 4717 China 1772 3800 1772 5119 Denmark Egypt 1772 0005 France 1729 8660 Germany 1753 0210 India 1771 2785 Iran 1772 2400 Iraq 1774 1472 Italy 1725 2424 Japan 1771 6565 Jordan 1729 1109 Kuwait 1753 4040
Lebanon Malaysia Morocco Netherlands Oman Pakistan Palestine Philippines Portugal Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Switzerland Syria Trade Mission of Taiwan Thailand Tunisia Turkey UAE UK UN Info Centre USA
1778 6994 1756 4551 1774 0566 1759 1568 1729 3663 1724 4113 1727 6099 1725 0990 1753 6709 1772 2922 1772 5222 1753 7722 1753 1166 1772 2484 1729 2578 1727 4142 1771 4149 1753 3448 1771 0333 1757 4100 1731 1676 1724 2700
Flight Information Airline offices are normally open from 8am to 12.30pm and from 3pm to around 5pm, Saturday till Wednesday. Flight Info 1733 9339 British Airways 1758 7777 Turkish Airlines 1751 6100/1731 2233 Air India 1729 6444 Cathay Pacific 1722 6226 Emirates 1758 8700 Gulf Air 1733 5777 Jet Airways 1722 7114 KLM 1722 9747 Kuwait Airways 1722 3300 Lufthansa 1782 8762 Qatar Airways 1721 2202 Saudi Airlines 1721 1550
Hospitals & Clinics Emergency American Mission Hospital (AMH) Saar Medical & Dental Clinic (AMH) Bahrain Specialist Hospital Ibn Al-Nafees Hospital Salmaniya Hospital
999 1725 3447 1779 0025 1781 2000 1782 8282 1728 8888
Scrabble Bahrain Scrabble League Bahrain Kannada Sangha Saturdays. 6.30pm.
Art Societies Elham 1771 7441 La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art 1723 0123 The Bahrain Contemporary Art Society 1772 8046
Charitable Organisations Alia for Early Intervention 1773 0960 Bahrain Cancer Society 3960 3489/1723 3080 Bahrain Charity Society 1729 3363 Bahrain Disabled Sports Committee 1778 9191 Bahrain Human Rights Society 1753 1822 Bahrain Red Crescent Society 1729 3171 Friendship Society for the Blind 1762 4496 Hope Institute for the Handicapped 1768 0815 1772 0053 Islamic Enlightenment Society Lions Club of Bahrain 3908 0097 Manama Rotary Club 3939 4522 Migrant Workers Protection Society 3946 5378 1721 3825 Overseas Workers Welfare Admin. Palm Association 1779 0826/3964 3211 Riffa Cultural and Charity Society 1777 5444 Think Pink 3907 6717 BSPCA 1759 1231/1759 3479
Gallery/Crafts Al Riwaq Art Space 1771 7441 Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre 1761 1900 Art Lounge 1758 0522 Traditional crafts including palm weaving, pottery and woodwork. 1759 0551 Bahrain Arts Society Thursdays drawing and painting for Children, 18 hours @ BD25, 10am to 12pm Saturdays and Mondays drawing and Painting for adults, 18 hours @ BD30, 3pm to 7pm. 1778 6898 Bahrain Pottery Society Clay pottery, ceramic and painting lessons - Saturdays and Mondays, 5pm. Crafts Centre Gallery and Workshop 1756 8032 Arabic calligraphy Caravan Galleries 3996 5853 Kerala Arts and Cultural Association 3963 9319 The Studio 3975 4863 Pottery painting and more for adults and children, open 9.30am to 6pm Sunday to Thursday or by appointment. Birthday parties and private group bookings possible. 3940 2302/1732 2549 Shaikh Ibrahim Cultural and Research Centre Studio Ceramics 1759 9026
“Help” 24-Hour Helpline for Distressed Alcoholics Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous
3987 3357 1753 0020 1753 3558
3960 7219 3968 7190
Darts Balouch Club Sri Lanka Club
Speech & Drama Bahrain Cinema Club Dilmun Amateur Dramatics Society Folk Poetry Society Manama Theatre Club Manama Toastmasters Club
1772 5959 1769 0926 1776 1000 1777 6489 3965 5676
Ladies Clubs American Association of Bahrain 1756 4170 American Women’s Association 1775 6075 Australian Association of Bahrain 3910 1348 Awali Ladies Association 1767 8947 Bahrain Business Women’s Society 1772 1188 Bahrain Garden Club 1772 7625 Bahrain Women Society 1782 6777 Bahrain Young Ladies Society 1727 3508 BYLS-Toastmasters Club 1762 6237 Get together for Ladies 3917 4247/3902 7892 Indian Ladies Association 3980 5372 International Ladies Group 1772 9128 Madinat Hamad Women Society 3964 3396 Contact person Amal 3987 8758 1771 0944 Pakistani Women’s Association Second Sunday Newcomers 3927 0413/3641 1368
Language Schools Al Quran Translation 1764 5156 Bait Al Taleem 1764 3199 1782 7847 Berlitz British Council 1726 1555 Carousel 3967 3635 Lingua English Saturdays. Mondays and Wednesdays. English Language Classes, 4.30pm to 6pm, 4pm to 5.30pm. 1770 0040 English Language Centre Lingo - Ease Language Centre Budaiya Highway 1759 0895
Social Clubs Alliance Française 1768 3295 Assamese Community 3909 1959 Awali Caledonian Society 3636 6458 Bahrain Caledonian Society 3944 0658 1786 2620 Bahrain Hash House Harriers Bahrain Irish Society info@bahrainirishsociety.com Bahrain Kannada Sangha 1727 1257 Bahrain Round Table 3960 8568 Bahrain Rugby Football Club 1769 5809 1772 7127 Bahrain Welsh Society Balouch Club 1729 2231 British Club 1772 8245 ext. 32 Bhatia Mitra Mandal 3960 1789 Country Club 1759 3593 1769 0926 Dilmun Club Filipino Club 1726 2143 Indian Club 1725 3157 Karnataka Social Club 1725 4257 Pakistan Club 1725 8520 Pakistan Association 3941 5200 Royal Society of St. George 3972 6329 Saar Cultural & Sports Club 1779 0335 Shree Nayrana Cultural Society 1725 5517 Shri Gujarati Samaj 3962 4285 Sri Lanka Club 1727 6134 1772 7575 Wisdom Home Society
Wellbeing
Bridge Bahrain Bridge Club Bahrain Bridge Committee
1724 2641 1727 1157
1729 2231 1729 7878
Kelly Armatage Inc. Offering counselling, life coaching and cognitive behavioural therapy sessions Mob: 3993 1399 Email: info@kellyarmatage.com www.kellyarmatage.com
Chess
Telephone Helpline Intl. calls via operator Directory enquiries Directory enquiries - Intl. Other phone enquiries Speaking clock
Animal Welfare Al Ahli Animal Centre 1762 2102/3965 4343 BSPCA 1759 1231 Delmon Kennels & Training 3971 7609 Jassim Veterinary Centre (Sugaya) 1723 1242 Modern Animal Health Centre (Budaiya) 1759 0908 Nonie Coutts Surgery, (Manama and Saar) 1724 5515 Pet Arabia 1759 2288 Saar Kennels 1779 2064
151 181 191 100 140
Bahrain Chess Federation
1725 2133
Photography Awali Photo Society Bahrain Arts Society
1776 4468 3966 7751
February 2014 | Bahrain Confidential | 127
lifestyle
Horoscopes Aries
21 March-19 April
You are valuing your privacy more than ever. You are certainly more withdrawn than usual, taking extra time to rest and reflect. This is necessary right now, and if you don’t do it on your own, the cosmos might force you!
Taurus
20 April-20 May
Shakira, the famous music artist of Spanish origin, celebrates her birthday this month.
“I want one day to be able to love with the same intensity with which parents love their children. Is this possible?” - Shakira
Work is demanding this month but also very rewarding. Higher-ups are putting more faith in you and your talent. Friends are especially helpful and enjoyable to be around.
128 | Bahrain Confidential | February 2014
22September22 October
While life has been filled with pressures and perhaps setbacks for many of you recently the first three weeks bring great opportunities for recreation and enjoyment. Romantic new beginnings are possible.
Challenges with work continue and are unlikely to clear up until mid-March. While most of you are experiencing loss of enthusiasm within, you are sure to regain energy and zeal next month.
This is a strong month for finances. You could receive a gift, rebate, refund or loan. While relationship problems still persist, singles find many opportunities to enjoy.
February starts slowly but quickly picks up speed midway. You will experience lots of activity and attention. Gifts, refunds, or rebates may be forthcoming now. It’s a strong time for career and business opportunities in general.
Libra
Career and professional matters are strong, rewarding, and exciting this month. While you cannot say your career is carefree these days you are bound to find many opportunities to grow and develop on a professional level.
Plenty of career developments are in the works as you take the time to re-assess your professional life and responsibilities. Love has been tricky recently, and continues to baffle you.
19 February20 March
This is an excellent month for your relationships. You are especially willing to please and opportunities for a happy, productive relationship are abundant. Work matters are strong.
Scorpio
21 May-21 June
Cancer
Pisces
22August21 September
Gemini
Aquarius 20 January18 February
Virgo
22 June-22 July
Leo
23 July-21 August
Your popularity runs high this month even though you continue to keep some emotional distance. It’s a necessary period in which you take a step back and analyse what works for you and what doesn’t.
23 October22 November
Sagittarius 23 November21 December
You are paying much more attention to personal matters than you are to professional and social endeavors. The focus is on your feelings and comfort. The first two weeks will be exceptionally busy.
Capricorn 22 December19 January
You will have a strong focus on practical matters. You will also have so many ideas for the future but this is not the best month implement your ideas.
Casual Jacket BD 5.5
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