Bahrain Confidential July 2011

Online edition at www.FashionArabia.net

Guide to Arabian life, luxury and fashion!

Know your

Botox from your Fillers Sea Dream: The Latest in Water Sports Toys

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103 Issue

Contents

50

July 2011 • Issue 103

Competition 37

Win One of Three DVDs!

People 38 42 44

The Students’ Dream Real Lives: Suhail Algosaibi The Socialite Diaries

Travel 80 82

La Ville Rose Timeless Ethiopia

Opinion 84 128

Our Environmental Priorities - Rehan Ahmed The Logic Of Numbers - Mohammed Al Rasheed

Fashion and Shopping 20 30 36 46 48 56

Sheer Luxury Gadget’s Rule!

At Your Service A Gal’s Got to Shop ... ... And So Do Guys!

Earthy Tones

Beauty, Health & Well Being 64 66 68 70

Bold Statements: The Estée Lauder Photoshoot Ask the Doctor with Dr Dean Cunha Gomes Health Updates Cure Yourself, The Natural Way

Juicy Pickings 4 6 8 10 18 28 85

Editor’s Letter Readers’ Letters Star News Not to be Missed!

New in Town New in the Market Society

Cars 104 106 108

Mercedes C-Class Porsche Cayman Not One to Dodge

Staying In and Going Out 112 114 116

Gastro Calendar Burger Dynamo Your Venue. Our Expertise.

Essential Listings

120 Recommended Restaurants, Nightspots, Essential Info, Beauty Spots, Sports and Fitness, Clubs and Associations

Distraction: Couture by Shaikha Haya

24 72 The Future of a Promise Opens at Venice Bienalle

Colour My World

EditL Online edition

rabia.net

at www.FashionA

hion! ury and fas abian life, lux Guide to Ar

103

2011

Issue

Cover Credits: Model: Birgit Eismann Photographer: Armand Hough, www.iamfotografie.com Hair and Make-up: Felda del Prado, Felda Cut and Style Creative Director: Juni Capulong, Kananu Arts Direction Location: The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel and Spa Jewellery: Saks Fifth Avenue

Know your

x Bfrootmyo our Fillers

Sea Dream: The Latest in

BAHRAIN BD

2 KSA SR20 KUWAIT

KD2 OMAN

RO2 QATAR

Publishers: Editor in Chief: Editorial: Layout: Contributors

Toys Water Sports

QR20 UAE DHS20

Nicholas & Rebecca Cooksey Rebecca Cooksey Karina Lazarraga, Katy Gillett, Jack Taylor Noel De Juan, Dhanraj S. Administration

Dr. Mohd. Al Rasheed Rehan Ahmed Caroline Oversier Astra Henley Mikana G Zahra Zuhair

Redia Castillo Nikesh Pola

Proofreader

Sales Account Manager Basel Qabouq Sherif Zeen Jehan Mohamed

Karina Lazarraga

Photographer Armand Hough Shareef Panhatt

Distribution Distribution Executive Mohammed Yousif Muhammed Shareef P. Regional Sales-Point Distribution Bahrain: Jashanmals, Tel. +973 1722 5998

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.

Bahrain Confidential is a member of BPA Worldwide

Dear Readers, It’s hot, hot, hot but we’re surprised and pleased about how many readers are staying. This summer, we think you should be heading to Toulouse, France also known as La Ville Rose or you might want to think about visiting Ethiopia. We just love the quirky destinations of the world.

If you’ve chosen to brave the big bad Bahraini sun however and you’ve got the little ones to entertain while you’re at it - we’ve put together a guide of options for you from summer camps and swimming to painting and more!

Now to keep the ladies entertained - there is so much going on shopping-wise with all the summer sales and new collections we know you’ll have no problem distracting yourself from the heat for a few hours (a day)! Check out our choices for women, men and kids alike.

Our interviews this issue are juicy BC-ers! We spoke to business entrepreneur and blogging expert Suhail Algosaibi who recently represented Bahrain at the Global Media Forum in Germany. We also went over to the Bahrain Aircraft Engineering Training Centre and got the down low from the students about becoming an aircraft engineer.

On top of putting together this ram-packed issue of goodies, we’ve also been busy with British librarian Penny White.

Remember all the appointments last month readers? Well this month we saw the results and boy are we (and she) happy with them! We’ve turned her into a chic, sleek lady in just two months so don’t forget to check out our photoshoot and report. Plus, Penny tells us how she found the whole experience.

The summer is slow and it is the perfect time to get healthy and set your priorities straight; cosmetologist Dr Dean answers all your questions about summer skin concerns and we went undercover to the Royal Bahrain Hospital’s nutrition section to found out more about what they have to offer those of us who would like to shed a few kgs.

Boys, boys don’t think we’ve forgotten you with all this talk of beauty, weight loss and skincare (though you know you could do with the advice too!) ... This month we’ve featured more cars for you to drool over and plenty of geeky gadgets too.... You might also want to check out our fashion shoot this month; it’s worth drooling over!!

Anyway, that’s all we’re letting you in on for now so you go ahead and get reading. We’ll see you next month if you’re not already on holiday, otherwise safe travels and we’ll catch you when you’re back!

Happy reading.

The Confidential Team

Readers’ Letters

Dear Editor ...

Many thanks to all of you who wrote in last month and apologies if your letter isn’t printed but we get so many. Remember our reply is meant to be humorous so if we offend you - grow up cry baby. Send your comments to

Online edition at www.FashionArabia.net

103

2011

info@ArabianMagazines.com

Issue

Guide to Arabian life, luxury and fashion!

Know your

Botox from your Fillers Sea Dream:

Complimentary Copy

The Latest in Water Sports Toys

BAHRAIN BD2 KSA SR20 KUWAIT KD2 OMAN RO2 QATAR QR20 UAE DHS20

Online edition at www.FashionArabia.net

102 Issue

Guide to Arabian life, luxury and fashion!

Chill Out

Tonight Bahrain’s Top Venues

Hi BC I just want to say THANKS for nothing! I no longer have any money and I’m convinced my bank manager is stalking me! I love your shopping pages tooo much and guess what, every month you can guarantee you will find something that was featured in the pages of BC in my wardrobe! Ahhh now I’ve got the gadget vibe but no money. I keep having to remind myself that crime doesn’t pay.

End up on the streets Ahh sorry – falling out with your bank manager is never a good idea but hey it’s better than your husband as you have to live with him. Well, do not fret as this month you have to shop if only to save money as it’s the month of SALES – yippee so get out there gal, put a brave face on and whip out your plastic.

2011C’est

The interview with Victoria Aitken was very surprising as she came across as being like sooo totally normal even though it seems that the rest of her family are all crazy.

Imagine finding out that your friend is in fact your sister? She has been in the British press recently so I have to give you top marks for being on the ball but did she really contact you?

Curious?

Live Like a

Millionaire!

Learn More About BMI Bank’s Fabulous Promotional Offer!

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Online edition at www.FashionArabia.net

101

Exclusive

Guide to Arabian life, luxury and fashion!

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With Shaikh Salman, BIC CEO ‘Will Bahrain keep the Formula 1?’

Bahrain’s Forgotten Pleasures!

The Essential Guide To Flawless Skin

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6 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Ohhh Curious, or should we just call you a ‘snitch’. It was a bit of a surprise but of course she contacted us. We were mighty impressed too as the week we came out she had reached number five in the British dance charts.

Regarding her crazy family … unfortunately we don’t have control over the family we end up with but we can take some control of how much we allow them to affect our own lives so – GO GIRL!

2011C’est

Hi Guys I like that groovy Yateem Centre newsletter that I receive regularly with your magazines.

It makes the Centre look like a bargain haven but in a fun and funky way. I’m surprised you haven’t done something similar with the

rescue animals – as I’ve noticed whenever you can – you’re always banging on about them.

Mr Woof Ahhh woof back to you – what a great idea!

Maybe we could have you featured on the cover?

Make Me Beautiful!

I’m so pleased you’ve gone back to your old style make-over whereby you really do make some drastic changes to people. I have a game with myself every time I turn to those pages – I try to guess what they’ve had done. I so want botex but I’m scared I’m going to end up looking as plastic as Barbie especially in the lip department.

Neenta Hi Lippy Lol firstly you don’t have Botox in your lips – that’s fillers. If you turn to our monthly cosmetic columnist – you’ll learn all these things. Better still if you have any queries send your questions in as our consultant Dr Dean is probably the best on the island and even if you wanted to look like Daffy Duck – he’d stop you.

The Muse Has Laura Bale turned into the BC muse as she always seems to be in the magazine. The previous month she was even front cover and your June issue – she’s your diva. Don’t get me wrong – she’s certainly easy on the eye and I would love to take her out for dinner but is she really the only model in town?

Ahmad Me wonders if a certain chappy isn’t trying to get a ‘little whittle’ date from our gorgeous Laura.

As it happens Laura isn’t our muse but if she was, so what? She’s stunning and one of the most flexible models we’ve worked with and whooooops – turn to our fashion spread this month – you may recognise a certain little pout.

M O R E

L I V I N G

I

M O R E

S T Y L E S

I

M O R E

Sale

T R E N D S

Was BD599

Now BD299

Cozy 2 seater

Santiago 3 seater

Ta p

az

Gr ey

ow n Br az Ta p

ow n Br

ac gn Co

le rp Pu

Note: Sale price applies to 3-seater only. Limited stock available.

Some of the colours available:

www.iddesign-bahrain.com Sitra Mall Branch Tel. 1773 2919

Lagoon, Amwaj Branch Tel. 1601 2808

Budaiya Branch Tel. 1752 9400

Gossip

News

Check out what’s happening in the celebrity world ...

Star Cast Announced In The Hobbit Movies

Winehouse Cancels Tour After Crowd Booes Her Off Stage

Notoriously troubled diva Amy Winehouse cancelled the rest of her European summer concert tour and scrapped all public performances after an embarrassing appearance in Serbia. The singer’s show in Belgrade kicked off what was supposed to be a twelve-stop European tour but she was jeered and booed as she erratically stumbled around the stage, unable to remember the lyrics to her songs.

It was reported that the 27-yearold singer also arrived an hour late, before eventually stumbling onto the stage, yet sometimes wandering off. A statement from the star’s PR company said: “Despite feeling sure that she wanted to fulfil these commitments, she has agreed with management that she cannot perform to the best of her ability and will return home.”

Barry Humphries, the man behind Dame Edna Everage, is to join the cast of ‘The Hobbit’ alongside ‘Lost’ actress Evangeline Lilly and Stephen Fry. Sir Peter Jackson, the Oscar-winning director of the long-awaited prequel to ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ trilogy, announced the news on his Facebook page. He said he was “highly excited” that the 77-year-old comedian and actor would be joining the production to play the role of Goblin King. “Barry is perhaps best known for his business and social connections as the long-time manager of Dame Edna Everage,’ wrote Sir Peter, who was knighted last year in his native New Zealand. “However, in his spare time, Barry is also a fine actor. Sir Stephen Fry will play Master of Laketown and Lilly has been cast as Tauriel, a woodland elf character not in the original story. Casting of all major parts in the £300m two-part prequel is now

MC Hammer

Ryan Dunn

Margera Rips Ebert

Lady Gaga

“I feel the denial of gay marriage sends a prejudice message.

Our youth deserve a fair+hopeful future with government that values us equally.”

Justin Bieber

“Fellas you can step up and get your lady a bottle. treat her right.”

8 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Barry Humphries aka Dame Edna Everage

50 Cent Pens Anti-Bullying Book

Celebrity Tweets “Me and my 16 year old son @BoobyHammer chillin at the hotel before @justinbieber surprise party for @scooterbraun”

pretty much complete. Shooting began in Wellington in March and Sir Peter has announced the first block of filming has finished and crews are now scouting locations before the second block starts.

The untimely death of popular American TV show ‘Jackass’ co-star Ryan Dunn spurred best friend Bam Margera to go off at movie critic Roger Ebert as he had posted a tweet criticising Dunn for drinking and driving just hours after he had passed away. Dunn had been seen drinking at a Philly-area bar before his fatal car accident. Ebert posted a tweet that read “Friends don’t let [friends] drink and drive.”

After a day of silence, Bam finally went to his Twitter to blast Ebert late saying, “I just lost my best friend, I have been crying hysterically for a full day and ... roger ebert has the gall to put in his two cents.” Bam added, “Millions of people are crying right now, shut your fat mouth!”

Rapper 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, rose to fame with songs about drug use and violence, and he is now going to write a children’s book with an anti-bullying message. The novel, called ‘Playground’, will be semi-autobiographical and is inspired by his violent childhood and bad experiences as a teenager. The story will focus on a 13-year-old bully who changes after witnessing the harm he caused, according to 50 Cent’s publisher, Penguin Young Readers Group. This will be the 34-year-old’s third book, after his memoir ‘From Pieces To Weight’, and his self-help book ‘The 50th Law’, which he co-authored with Robert Greene.

50 Cent

d e s s i M What’s On

e b o t t o N

112 - 119 s e g a p o t n ghtlife tur i n & o r t s events, ga e r o m r o F

All Month

‘Stars in the City’ at Bahrain City Centre

You’ll have more reasons to stay on our lively island this summer with Bahrain City Centre’s six-week ‘Stars in the City summer promotion. Experience a ‘Five Star sale’ with up to 75 per cent discount and have the chance to ‘Shop and Win’ one of five BMWs. Just present any of your receipts worth BD20 and over to any of the customer service desks located within the mall to redeem your spend and win voucher to win one of the cars. Children will have a field day with ‘Celebrity Kids Star in the City’ entertainment. Three headliner shows are lined up three times daily every Wednesday to Saturday from the 13th: Spiderman, It’s a Barbie World and Return to Fairytale Land.

Tel. +973 1717 7777 or visit: www.bahraincitycentre.com or www.facebook.com/ bahraincitycentre

Summer Surf with Wahooo!

Cool off with Wahooo! Waterpark’s special rates this summer. Surf lovers, from eight years of age and above, can avail of lessons at the Wahooo Surf School. The unique Flowrider ride lets first-time surfers adjust the wave power and height to their comfort, whilst those used to riding the highest of waves can turn the Flowrider up to the next level to show off their water acrobatics where they can turn, spin or even jump. Corporate packages also available (inclusive of breakfast or brunch). Tel. +973 1717 3080.

Children’s Art Show and Zumba

‘Fun in the Sun’ from 4pm to 6pm with artist and art educator Manuella Mavromichalis will debut at the World Beat Fitness Center and Café, with free children’s activities and Family Yoga (Mini Me Yoga), Nia/ belly dancing and creative exploration projects – suited for all ages. Regular Zumba classes are on every Saturday, 11am, and Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays at 7.30pm.

There’s also taekwondo and Kids’ Karate, Body Vive, Body Balance and Hatha Yoga (until 11th).

Tel. +973 1761 2576 or visit www.worldbeatfitness.com

‘Stars in the City’ at Bahrain City Centre

10 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Summer Surf with Wahooo!

5th July – 15th Sept Summer Art Classes

Beginners and advanced students alike will have an art-filled summer as Ella Art Gallery will be conducting classes on watercolour, oil and acrylic for children and adults. Be sure to register early as slots are limited. The gallery is located at Shop 2, Road 2719, Adliya.

Tel. +973 1729 2815 or 3907 3299.

Visit www.ellagallery.com

12th

Bahrain Writers’ Circle

Are you passionate about The Arts? Do you love creativity in all forms? Would you like to write about it? A new online Arts magazine specifically for Bahrain are looking for writers and contributions.

A Creative Writing Workshop will also be held on 12th, with venue still to be confirmed. Those interested can contact The Bahrain Writers’ Circle on email: RobinBarratt@yahoo.com or Tel. +973 3835 7801 or visit www.BahrainWritersCircle.com

Bahrain: Seef Mall, Manama, Tel: 17588188

www.marksandspencerme.com

d e s s i M What’s On

e b o t t o N

112 - 119 s e g a p o t n ghtlife tur i n & o r t s events, ga e r o m r o F

Events at the Royal Golf Club Sporting Events

The Royal Golf Club’s special summer offerings let you enjoy a round of golf and more with friends and family. Starting at 6.30pm on 14th, 21st and 28th, it’s the Bachelor and Bachelorette Bonanza, a competition open to all. Every Saturday, it’s the Wee Monty Family Day for only BD15 per adult and kids play for free – inclusive of green fee and hire clubs, tee times are from 10am to noon. On Mondays, it’s Ecco Monday Stableford (1pm shotgun start) and Gulf Brands Monday Madness Night Golf Series (6.30pm shotgun start) at BD20 for nine holes; whilst Wednesdays and Sundays are slated for the Ladies’ Competition (8.30am shotgun start).

Group Classes

The Royal Country Club is offering Group Classes in Zumba, Swiss Ball, Bosu, TRX, and Six-Pack Super Abs available to both members and visitors: BD3 per class (members) and BD4 (non-members).

Super Summer Tuition Sale

Get 20 per cent off on ALL golf lessons and tuition packages at the Royal Golf Academy’s this summer. Ideal if you’re new to the sport, need a brush-up on one small aspect of your game, or if you’d like to improve your handicap over the summer months.

Summer Mates Rates

Valid right through to 31st August, experience nine holes on the par 3 Wee Monty course for BD10 or 18 holes on the Montgomerie championship course for only BD35. There are special junior rates, twilight rates and night golf rates; plus the special summer night golf offer of nine holes on the Montgomerie championship course is just BD20 after 7pm. All green fee tickets include golf cart and access to the Royal Golf Academy driving range prior to teeing off.

Great discounts on golf lessons this summer

Kids Summer Camps Summer Fun at the Royal Country Club

The Royal Country Club’s new Manager Rajan Ansilla brings with him a wealth of experience in the fitness and recreation industry. One of his first priorities is a full programme of activities - in conjunction with PGA professionals - at the Royal Golf Academy to keep the little ones busy this summer.

Summer Golf Camp at Royal Golf Academy

From the 11th to 27th, 8.30am to 12.30noon, golf games and other sports games will be on every Monday and Wednesday. BD18 (members), BD20 (non members) per day including light snack. Suitable for children aged five to 15 years.

Summer Fitness Camp at Riffa Views International School

From 10th July to 18th August, there will be swimming, cooking, tennis, drama, basketball, music, taekwondo, football and more every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30am to 1pm. BD24 per child per week; suitable for children aged five to 15 years.

Junior Club at Royal Country Club

Children can indulge in some indoor arts, crafts and activities, and outdoor swimming and sports every Friday and Saturday, from 4pm to 6pm throughout July and August.

BD5 (members), BD6 (non members) per day; suitable for children aged four to twelve years.

For bookings and enquiries Tel. +973 1775 0777 or visit www.theroyalgolfclub.com

12 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

What’s On

Bahrain Summer Festival 2011: Nakhool

A Victory Of Joy The Ministry of Culture brings together a cultural and entertainment extravaganza you sure don’t want to miss this summer.

6th to 10th

Barney’s Space Adventures 11am to 5pm, BIECC

A

celebration of hope, love and unity, this year’s Bahrain Summer Festival, under the slogan: ‘A Victory of Joy’, promises to bring you a host of surprises that are packed with lots of fun and entertainment highlighted through month-long cultural and educational events.

Festival Guide from 1st to 31st July 1st to 31st Nakhool Tent

5pm to 10pm, Arad Fort

Nakhool will host a variety of fun and educational activities aimed for children and youth of all ages; featuring artistic workshops, electronic games and movies. 1st Samar Kammouj, A Tribute to Riyadh Al Sonbati 8pm, Cultural Hall Lebanese singer and TV presenter Samar Kammouj makes a tribute to one of the great Arabic musicians Riyadh Al Sonbati, in honour of his 30th death anniversary.

Barney and his friends, head on an exciting adventure aboard a spaceship! This delightful and humorous musical celebrates Barney’s 22 years of love, caring and sharing for children across the world.

11th

An Evening of Fan Al Sut 8pm, Cultural Hall

Mohamed bin Faris Band from Bahrain will join the Kuwaiti folklorist band, ‘Fan Al Sut’, to create a musical night where authentic tradition meets with the gentle touch of the present.

14th to 16th

Fan Yang’s ‘Gazillion Bubble Show’ featuring Jano Yang 5pm and 8pm, BIECC

Starring Jano Yang, the Fan Yang Gazillion Bubble Show amazes you with a captivating laser show, lighting effects and breathtaking bubble magic. A mind-blowing experience that will make you feel like a kid all over again!

15th to 16th

Chen Lo and The Lo Frequency 8pm, Cultural Hall

New York based ‘Chen Lo and The Lo Frequency’ blends a myriad of musical influences of hip hop, jazz, blues, kwaito, soul, rock and roll, R ‘n B, Afro-beat and pop for a performance that’s engaging, soulful, thoughtprovoking.

18th

The Dhol Foundation 8pm, Cultural Hall

From hip-hop to bhangra, and samba favela to drum and bass; experience irresistible and infectious beats along with a visual spectacle combine when the highly acclaimed band, ‘The Dhol Foundation’ take to the stage.

20th to 21st

Alice in WonderLand

by Théâtre Tout à Trac 5pm, Cultural Hall

‘Théâtre Tout à Trac’ plays an adaptation of the Lewis Carroll classic, ‘Alice in Wonderland’. A a marvellous tribute to childhood, to the power of dreams and the imagination.

21st to 22nd

Merchants of Bollywood 8pm, BIECC

This love story begins in India, and narrates a journey of a young girl, her grandfather and their love of Kathak dance, the dance of the gods.

25th to 26th

Samaia’s Little Virtuosos 7pm, Cultural Hall

‘Samaia’s Little Virtuosos’, composed of seven to 14-year-old Georgian children, will perform with a combination of high technical skills and the unaffected sincerity of a childperformer.

NB: Schedules may change so be sure to check in advance.

Tickets available at the Bahrain Summer Festival stand, Bahrain City Centre.

Visit www.bahrainsummer.bh or for your feedback and comments, email: bahrainsummer@moc.gov.bh or Tel. +973 8000 8089.

4th

‘Fuerza y Compas’ by Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba 8pm, Cultural Hall

The all-female group, Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba, gives you an unforgettable taste of amazing Cuban culture, with performances such as flamenco, ballet, and Afro-Cuban and Cuban rhythms.

14 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

‘Fuerza y Compas’ by Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba

‫ﻟﻠﺴﻔﺮ ﻭﺍﻟﺴﻴﺎﺣﺔ‬

Shopping

Summer Specials At

Seef Mall

There’s a buzz at Seef Mall this summer with loads of prizes to be won, fun to be had, and new shops and activities to check out!

T

he ‘Seef Summer Surprises’ campaign runs until the middle of this month and guarantees that there’s something for all the family to enjoy whether it is shopping, eating, playing or just wandering around.

Recent store openings include PLAY, Apple/ iMachines, Girli Girli, Mac-Design, Dr Nutrition Centre, Kair, Pearl Tea, Emirates Airlines and Paris Hilton, all adding to Seef Mall’s unique offering of local and international brands.

Recently added to the mall’s ‘Summer Activity’ menu is the brand new Game Zone in the mall’s West Extension which features eight fully-equipped gaming stations to enjoy while the ever-popular Seef Express trains whizz by.

“It has been great to see all the families enjoying Seef Mall and creating special memories together.

Our new store openings will continue over the coming months with favourites such as Pinkberry, Hazelnut, The Yellow Chili, and Bath & Body Works to mention just a few.

Our aim is to keep a trip to Seef Mall fun and enjoyable for all the family,” said Robert Addison, General Manager of Seef Properties.

All shoppers must keep an eye and ear out however, as there is still one more monthly raffle draw to win one of 40 valuable prizes, including iPads, iPhones, Sony Playstations and Vaios, and shopping vouchers.

Moreover, all tickets, irrespective of which month they were entered, will be included in the Grand Draw for the brand new Mercedes ML 350 this month.

What’s more, shopping at Seef Mall becomes convenient as well as fun as you can now even give your current vehicle that ‘as new’ feel through the Private Car Wash Service, an exclusive facility that offers a broad range of first-rate auto care services.

Just drop your car off and let the valet service do the rest.

All this makes Seef Mall the perfect remedy for the long summer months. Don’t wait too long to visit though because you never know which day might be your lucky one!

“All shoppers must keep an eye and ear out however, as there is still one more monthly raffle draw to win one of 40 valuable prizes.”

16 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

For more information Tel. +973 1758 2888.

Living

New in

Town

Bahrain Confidential fill you in on the who, what, why, when and where in Bahrain!

Johnny Rockets

For the past few years, diners have been able to enjoy juicy hamburgers, classic sandwiches, wholesome breakfasts, refreshing salads, and hand-dipped shakes and malts at the Al A’ali Mall in Seef District.

As of last month, the foodies of Bahrain also have the option of experiencing all that in the Lagoon at Amwaj Islands too! And, if that isn’t good enough, you can even order it straight to your own home as their home delivery service launched as well. Tel. +973 1756 6565.

Valet Parking

Bahrain City Centre began its newest offering last month in the form of a valet parking service. Customers wishing to valet park their cars can approach either Gate 4 by the taxi rank or the Saks Fifth Avenue entrance of the mall to avail the new service. A charge of BD5 for the first hour and BD2 for every subsequent hour will be levied for this exclusive service. Tel. +973 1717 7777 or visit www.bahraincitycentre.com

GAP

The new GAP store recently opened its doors in Bahrain City Centre. Spanning over 10,000 square feet, the new store has relocated to the ground floor in the main atrium of Bahrain City Centre from its previous location on the second floor in the mall, tempting customers with its new and re-energised look. The new store opened its doors with its new Spring/ Summer 2011 collection which reflects the lightness and optimism in fashion softer colours, natural ‘make-up’ shades, white and pastels. The store stocks women’s, men’s and kid’s clothing.

18 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Magic Island

Every kid’s favourite hangout, Magic Island, has opened a third branch in A’Ali’s Ramli Mall. The indoor game zone hosts a number of exciting new attractions such as rides, video games and a soft play area. Tel. +973 1764 6600.

Sheer Luxury Folli Follie

Folli Follie, the renowned international jewellery, watch and accessories brand from Greece, has presented the new global brand campaign for 2011, with top Asian model-actress Gaile Lai starring as its global brand ambassador. Whether your personal style evolves over time or changes by the minute, Folli Follie has an answer to your every styling question; alluring jewels, unique timepieces and fashionable handbags are bound to bring out the best of you on every occasion. Based on ‘multiplicity’, Folli Follie has developed three different style icons to be found in three different and complex settings. Gaile Lai, also the face of Folli Follie’s new campaign, portrayed three characters; the ‘Classic Gaile’, the ‘Trendy Gaile’ and the ‘Rock Gaile.’

Available at Al A’ali Mall.

I

The New Opéra from Saint Honore

Explore a new facet to femininity with Saint Honore’s new Opéra watch. With 33mm and 37 mm versions, it comes in a play of materials, sizes and colours, the magic of diamonds; and easily interchangeable straps.

Available from Sharif Group outlets.

Want That!

20 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Admiral’s Cup Legend 38

Corum unveils the new Admiral’s Cup Legend 38 for women. Crafted in Pinctada Maxima mother-of-pearl, the black or grey dials are adorned with nine hour-markers set with a diamond, rhodium, or gold. Available from Sharif Group outlets.

Find us on

Summer Mates Rates!

Create your own unrivalled memories while enjoying fantastically reduced green fee rates at the Royal Golf Club this summer.

Valid from 1st May right through to 31st August, visitors can experience 9 holes on the par 3 Wee Monty course for just BD 10 or 18 holes on the Montgomerie championship course for only BD 35.

There’s something for everyone with special junior rates, twilight rates and night golf rates too. Beat the heat with our special Summer Night Golf Offer of 9 holes on the Montgomerie championship course for just BD 20 after 7pm.

All green fee tickets include golf cart and access to the driving range before teeing off.

To reserve your Summer Mates Rates tee time, call +973 17 750777 or visit www.theroyalgolfclub.com today.

The Royal Golf Club website is available to you 24/7 all year round. Keep up to date with everything going on at the Club, view our latest offers and news, reserve a table in any of our restaurants or book your next tee time. www.theroyalgolfclub.com

Sheer Luxury Time from Outer Space

CITIZEN introduces ‘Eco-Drive SATELLITE WAVE,’ a limited edition watch with a totally new timekeeping system. This next-generation timepiece searches for the closest of the 24 navigation satellites that orbit the earth.

It captures the day, date and time signals the satellite emits from space.

Debuting in Autumn 2011.

For

HIM

World’s Most Expensive Belt

Luxury French jewellery designer Caroline Gaspard of Akillis has launched the world’s most expensive belt at BD19,000. Her inspiration was drawn from heroic epics, spy and gangster films blending fiction with reality to produce a belt with a buckle featuring empty Kalashnikov rifle bullets encrusted with diamonds. Available from Bahrain Jewellery Centre.

Red Roadster by S.T. Dupont

S.T. Dupont’s latest Défi collection, celebrates the dynamic vitality of red in its iconic products: the distinctive ‘Défi’ ballpoint pen, lightweight and compact ‘Line 8’ contemporary lighter; and the patented ‘MaxiJet’ cigar cutter. S.T. Dupont is available at Bahrain City Centre.

IWC Portofino

The IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days seamlessly takes up a tradition established by this watch family that goes back over 25 years. The watch was, and still is, a perfect piece for connoisseurs.

Available at Asia Jewellers.

22 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Tag Heuer

Inspired engineering and radical looks blend in a futuristic whole. This watch expresses values TAG Heuer has always stood for: constant technical innovation, and a passion for ground-breaking design. Tag Heuer is located at Seef Mall.

DRIVER MASSAGE SEAT

UP TO 6 AIRBAGS

AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT

3 PERFORMANCE ENGINES

TRI-ZONE CLIMATE CONTROL

Art Space

‘The Future Of A Promise’ Opens At Venice Biennale 24 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Ayman Baalbaki, ‘Al Maw3oud’, 2011, oil on canvas and printed fabric, 300 × 200 cm.

Private collection. Photography: Agial Art Gallery, Beirut

Art Space

D Lara Baladi, ‘Rose’, 2010, digital collage and archival print on gesso, 410 x 410 cm, Edition of 8 (5 on somerset paper, 3 on gesso).

Courtesy of the artist, Gallery Isabelle van de Eynde, Dubai and the Kamel Lazaar Foundation, Tunis.

eemed to be the largest PanArab show of contemporary art at the 54th International Art Exhibition – la Biennale di Venezia, ‘The Future of a Promise’ aims to highlight current events and life in the Middle East in a showcase of important works that range from installation, performance and photography, to video, sculpture and painting; through the eyes of participating artists which include Ziad Abillama (Lebanon), Manal Al-Dowayan (Saudi Arabia), Ahmed Alsoudani (Iraq), Ziad Antar (Lebanon), Ayman Baalbaki (Lebanon), Lara Baladi (Egypt/ Lebanon), Fayçal Baghriche (Algeria), Yto Barrada (Morocco), Taysir Batniji (Palestine), Abdelkader Benchamma (France/Algeria), Ayman Yossri Daydban (Palestine/Jordan), Mounir Fatmi (Morocco), Abdulnasser Gharem (Saudi Arabia), Mona Hatoum (Lebanon), Raafat Ishak (Egypt), Emily Jacir (Palestine), Yazan Khalili (Palestine), Ahmed Mater (Saudi Arabia), and Driss Ouadahi

Ziad Antar, ‘UAE Coast 3’, 2010, black and white silver print, 125 x 125 cm, Edition 1/3.

Courtesy of the artist and Selma Feriani Gallery, London. Private collection.

Mounir Fatmi, ‘The Lost Springs’, 2011, 2 brooms of 3 metres, 22 flags of the Arab League. Courtesy of the artist and Galerie Hussenot, Paris.

Yazan Khalili, ‘Colour Correction 2’ (from the Camp series), 2007-10, digital lambda c-type print, 100 x 66 cm, Edition of 6 + 1AP. Courtesy of the artist and Newertown|Art.

From Tunisia all the way to Saudi Arabia, this landmark exhibition brings together more than twenty-five recent works and commissions by some of the foremost artists from the Arab world.

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 25

Art Space engage with a singular issue in the Middle East today: ‘who gets to represent the present-day realities and the horizons to which they aspire?’”

Through the artworks selected, the show’s curator Lina Lazaar said that she wanted to “investigate how artists from this diverse, fragmented region have responded to the often contradictory promises that have defined our history. I am incredibly proud and honoured to be putting together this exhibition ... at such critical times for the Arab world, and I very much hope to create the rightful platform

For more information, visit www.thefutureofapromise.com

Manal Al-Dowayan, ‘Suspended Together (Detail)’, 2011, fibreglass with laminate coating. Courtesy of the artist and Cuadro Fine Art Gallery, Dubai.

Yto Barrada, ‘The Magician’, 2003, video, sound, 18’. Directed and filmed by Yto Barrada with Abdelouahid El Hamri, aka ‘Sinbad of the Straits’.

Edited by Benoît Rossel. Produced by Yto Barrada with the support of Galerie Polaris. Courtesy of the artist and Studio Yto.

Ahmed Alsoudani, ‘Untitled’, 2010, acrylic on canvas, 305 × 400 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Haunch of Venison, New York & London and the Kamel Lazaar Foundation, Tunis.

“The Future of a Promise examines the way in which an idea is made incarnate in a formal, visual context and how a promise opens up a horizon of future possibilities ...”

26 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

for these voices to be heard.”

A good look at the compelling art works is enough to cause one to delve deeper into an ever growing need for a deeper understanding of how our lives are truly interlinked in an otherwise ‘wireless’ and rapidly moving world

Ziad Abillama, ‘Untitled (Arabes)’, 2011, painted aluminium, 350 cm high. Courtesy of Agial Art Gallery, Beirut.

(Algeria). The show also shows the works of three Abraaj Capital Art Prize Winners, Jananne Al-Ani (Iraq), Kader Attia (Algeria) and Nadia Kaabi-Linke (Tunisia).

Produced by the non-profit contemporary arts organisation, Edge of Arabia, the spectacular show which opened on 2nd June and will run until 20th November is also in collaboration with Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives and Abraaj Capital – three newly partnered organisations whose commitment to contemporary art practice in the Middle East is at the heart of a current artistic renaissance in the region.

In the words of the event organisers, The Future of a Promise “examines the way in which an idea is made incarnate in a formal, visual context and how a promise opens up a horizon of future possibilities, be they aesthetic, political, historical, social or critical. With the events currently unfolding in the Middle East, the question of the future and the promise inherent within culture has assumed an even more acute degree of pertinence. It is with this in mind that the exhibition enquires into the promise of visual culture in an age that has become increasingly disaffected with politics as a means of social engagement.”

Although the artists taking part in the show are not representative of a movement as such, they do “seek to

17 - 610 612

Technology

New

Market In The

Here Bahrain Confidential tries to keep up with the ever-changing, always advancing world of technology.

Zain Bahrain Twitter

Zain Bahrain has now tied up with top social networking site Twitter so that Zainers can now send tweets via SMS. Adding your phone to Twitter makes it easy to tweet from places where even Wi-Fi and mobile web don’t work! The unique social networking experience allows Zain customers to interact with their twitter accounts via SMS. Signing up for this unique Twitter-via-SMS service is easy. If you already have a Twitter account, you can access it from your phone using SMS or Twitter’s mobile website, mobile.twitter.com or you can visit twitter.com to create an account or to add your mobile device to an account previously created. Since Twitter is a free service, Zain Bahrain will be charging 30 fils per SMS sent, and receiving is free. www.zain.com.bh

Canon EOS 1100D

Canon EOS 1100D

Canon Middle East has unveiled the new EOS 1100D – the Digital SLR (DSLR) for consumers in Bahrain who want to take the first step on their journey to outstanding still images and HD video. Featuring many technologies developed for more advanced models, and functions which make it even easier to capture fantastic images straight out of the box, the EOS 1100D helps you to have fun with your photography and impress your friends with amazing portraits, landscapes or creative shots. www.cannon.com

VIVA broadband

VIVA, leading the way with its state-of-the-art network and bringing the latest technology available in the international markets have reconfirmed its position as the provider of the fastest mobile broadband in Bahrain with the launch of its 42Mbps HSPA+ network upgrade. The upgrade on the network will also coincide with the launch of VIVA’s new broadband dongles that reach up to 42Mbps as well as the fastest home and business broadband routers. This means that VIVA now provides the fastest broadband for home, business and mobile uses. The new broadband devices will be available at all VIVA branches and can be used with any of the existing competitive packages on offer, from prepaid packages offering the most capacity per recharge amount to the unique post-paid packages starting with the lowest entry barrier of BD5 and offers very competitive quotas as well as unlimited usage with a range of capped speeds depending on the package. www.viva.com.bh

Menatelecom, has announced the arrival of the long-awaited Blackberry Playbook. The BlackBerry PlayBook is designed to give users what they want, including uncompromised web browsing, true multitasking and high performance multimedia which include dual HD cameras for video capture and video conferencing that can both record HD video at the same time, and an HDMI-out port for presenting one’s creations on external displays. This beautifully designed and incredibly powerful tablet is ultra portable, ultra thin and super convenient for both work and play. Measuring less than half an inch thick and weighing less than a pound, the BlackBerry PlayBook features a vivid 7” high resolution display that looks and feels great in your hand. With such a unique mix of utility, performance and portability, you’ll want to take it everywhere. They also announced the arrival of the new iPhone 4G in white. www.menatelecom.com

28 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Menatelecom BlackBerry PlayBook

Menatelecom BlackBerry PlayBook

Fly now, pay later.

Powered by Citi.

This summer, use your Citibank Credit Card to book your Emirates flight and pay for it in three interest-free installments. Discovering the world becomes easier with Citibank and Emirates.

0% interest Easy Installment Plans with Emirates

Steps: • Visit emirates.com/bh • Book your flight and pay using your Citibank Credit Card • Avail 0% interest installments for three months upon booking confirmation on the Emirates website

What’s more, get double the joy by earning reward points on every booking.

June 2011(E)

For more information, call our 24-hour CitiPhone Banking Service on 1758 2484 (CITI) or visit www.citibank.com/bahrain.

Citibank Terms and Conditions apply and are subject to change with prior notice. They are available upon request and on our website www.citibank.com/bahrain. All offers are made available on a best-effort basis and at the sole discretion of Citibank, N.A. Bahrain. Citibank, N.A. Bahrain makes no warranties and assumes no liability or responsibility with respect to the products and services provided by partners/other entities.

Technology

Gadgets

Rule!

Where all our pennies

go.

Television Viewing with a Bang & Olufsen Not only does the BeoVision 4-85 plasma panel qualify as ‘Full HD’, which means razor sharp details, rich, lifelike colours and smooth movement of objects on the screen; it is also Bang & Olufsen’s first television concept that includes 3D technology using active shutter glasses. In addition, with the help of Automatic Colour Management to counter the effects of age, it delivers exceptional picture quality, ensuring the same high level of performance year after year.

With the dedicated centre loudspeaker BeoLab 10 utilising Acoustic Lens Technology, BeoVision 4-85 has an unmatched sound performance to accompany the high quality picture performance. Moreover, this new addition to the BeoVision 4 family is offered with a unique

stand that elevates the screen at the touch of a button. When the television is turned on, the screen will elegantly elevate itself to the optimal viewing position, and the seamlessly integrated BeoLab 10 centre loudspeaker will emerge underneath the screen. At the same time, the screen will turn and tilt according to the user’s preferences. When switched off again, the impressive screen moves down towards the floor in a powerful, sturdy fashion and is parked only inches above the floor, making it look less prominent in the room when not in use.

This new television concept is the cornerstone in the intelligent home as it is a fantastic hub for combining audio and video experiences with other home automation systems. Bang & Olufsen customers can actually control and operate all their A/V and home automation equipment from the programmable Beo6 remote control all over the house. Control of light settings plus access to security systems, ventilation, curtains, pool cover, burglar alarm, etc are only some of the countless possibilities.

Bang & Olufsen is located at Sheraton Complex.

30 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

The New Nokia X7 Nokia has launched the Nokia X7; a new smartphone aimed at business people and entertainment enthusiasts respectively. The device is the first Nokia smartphone to contain the updated Symbian software, with new icons and usability enhancements such as improved text input, a faster browser and refreshed Ovi Maps. It’s an entertainment-focused smartphone with a large four-inch display ideal for gaming, and an eightmegapixel camera for capturing pictures and HDquality video. Preloaded with the popular Galaxy on Fire HD and Asphalt 5 HD games, you’re bound to have endless hours of fun. www.nokia.com

People

Reem Al Khalifa

The Natural Perfumer, Bahrain Confidential first interviewed Reem Al Khalifa back in October 2009. A certified natural perfumer and trained by the leading Natural Perfumer in the US, Mandy Aftel, she’d returned to Bahrain and started her own company - Green Bar in 2006.

T

his was influenced by a book she’d read back in 2002 while studying Visual Communications in Boston called ‘Wise Women’s Ways’ which is about herbal medicine and spiritual healing. Reading it made her realise that ‘fixation leads to the best exploration’ and, in turn, all of a sudden you find you have a life purpose hence, Green bar was born.

Since our last interview both Reem’s passion and business has grown from strength to strength. Rebecca Cooksey, Editor-in-Chief and publisher catches up with her.

32 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Reem sat beside a rose swimming pool

People Welcome back Reem. You have just created a product using Morocan roses – why did you choose rose and what are its benefits to the skin?

Amazingly it is as calming to the skin, as it is to the senses. A staple in the tradition of Middle Eastern beauty, Rose Water cools skin inflammation. It is suitable for all skin types. Rose mildly tightens the skin because of its natural Ph factor, which is acidic, and I source it specifically for its therapeutic cosmetic value, because it has a higher percentage of essential oils. The natural scent is warm, deeply floral, and honey-like.

Do you think your Arabic background has influenced you towards using natural oils?

I have a deep appreciation of where I come from, but it’s very much my own, and I show my gratitude through Green Bar. I think I was interested in eastern influences in our region and I didn’t find what I was looking for, because it didn’t exist. I wanted something natural with genuine ingredients that celebrated natural extravagance and the fruitfulness of the Middle Eastern botanical landscape. I am also interested in Middle Eastern beauty rituals, but want to translate them to my own version.

Did you worry that the word ‘oil’ would make women think your products were too greasy for such a humid climate?

No because I’ve been using them for a long time now that my clients realise that the product absorbs very quickly into the skin. But I still have to remember that we all have different concerns when it comes to our skin. However I’ve found that a lot of people understand the oil ritual, and when people love oil you can never make them go back to anything else …

What inspires you to make a product?

A fragrant ingredient with a past … I like it when I find an ingredient very much associated with its region, because I am interested in landscapes and the background it inspires.

Have you always been environmentally conscious?

Yes, always, I even want to start a ‘Let’s

Shade Bahrain with Trees’ movement.

Bahrain can be so much more pleasant to live in; concrete everywhere aggravates everyone’s sense of well being with this brutal desert heat. We are not adapting appropriately - trees are the answer! Green Bar is packaged with glass and minimal packaging to throw away.

Do you work on product ranges or by product?

It depends. I am currently working on a rose collection, but this is my first. Usually it’s by product, but as we gain more experience we’ll start doing collections.

Would you ever consider franchising your business out?

There is a patriotic responsibility for Bahrain, and I hope that through Green Bar we can enrich the culture. I don’t like franchises too much, and I am really happy to offer a homegrown business to Bahrain, and encourage that.

What has been your biggest challenge to date establishing the Green Bar? Logistics - trying to do many things at the same time. We are fairly new so we don’t have predictable cycles and patterns. I don’t like doing the pricing part as I would like a product that everyone can buy, and I am so afraid of ripping people off even if I’m doing it at our expense. Synthetic materials have made everything so cheap. Working as a distributor rather than a direct retailer has its own set of challenges too.

You’ll be holding events at salons.

What does this entail?

This is a new concept that you will see being applied in the coming months. We will be promoting some spa products and their new concept will entail a lecture! We are more interested in small niche sales and smaller higher-end boutiques, or even private sales. We are sort of picky about who carries Green Bar, and we always want to have a little tea party when we sell.

What has been the biggest lesson learnt?

Not to worry about perfection too much, and to create deadlines. But most importantly I think to honour that not all successes will look like financial successes at the beginning - there are other things start-ups should appreciate.

A business can be so open-ended that you have to create your own little milestones to be empowered.

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 33

People Reem’s A to Z on manufacturing a product: It’s always an idea, a feeling, or a place, which has to do with a bigger story. Sometimes I buy many flower ingredients to suit different stories that I’m thinking of. Sometimes I buy things specifically for a story. I will then look at images that I associate with a certain ingredient, and start experimenting with the scent. It takes many rounds, sometimes I shelve something for years if I don’t like it but know it has potential. I wait to get more educated. Sometimes when I pick something again after some time, I find that my new experience can make the process much easier. Once I like the scent I start using it, and give it to others to experience, and then I start designing the packaging - from painting the labels, to ordering the bottles, to describing the product.

It’s all an art, and it’s a long expensive process to create a prototype, but being able to share it makes it all worth it.

Roses Tamil

If you could make a product for any celebrity – who for and what would it be?

I don’t know about one celebrity. I know I want to create products for people who love life and like living it well.

If you could make any wish come true – what would it be?

To distill fragrant Bahraini plants, and spread the love! Have more shading with trees, and take advantage of our natural sea coast, not the buried one! With a little effort we can be living in an oasis …

34 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Green Bar is available online.

Visit: www.greenbarinc.com or contact reem@greenbarinc.com

What do you hope for Green Bar’s future?

I want the Rose Expedition to become a regular fixture in the Green Bar schedule for sure. It was the first of its kind and I had planned for it for years. I always knew it was my responsibility to do a Middle Eastern Rose Expedition! I’ve already started the Middle Eastern Rose from Morocco tour and I will be covering some more Middle Eastern cities, so stay tuned

Reem at a rose field in Morocco

Experience a Fun-filled Summer Book the Sizzling Summer Splash package.

• Kids under 12 eat free when dining with one adult.

• One-time free access for two adults and two children to Dubai Dolphinarium.

• Shopping discount vouchers from Mirdif City Centre, The Dubai Mall and BurJuman with drop off to a selection of malls. Many more discounts and surprises await you.

from AED 450* per night Pay an additional AED 250* per night and get a suite upgrade with an additional four passes to Aquaventure or a Dhow Cruise Dinner for two adults and two kids. *Subject to 10% service charge and 10% municipality taxes.

Valid until 31 August 2011. Terms and conditions apply.

For bookings and more information: Please call +971 4 262 5555 email: cpdeira.reservations@ihg.com or visit www.crowneplaza.com/deira

At Your Service

Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira: Sizzling Summer Splash Package

Take the whole family to stay at the Crowne Plaza Dubai - Deira and enjoy complimentary passes to the most exciting waterparks in Dubai and shop till you drop at the major malls in Dubai.

B

e a part of the action in Dubai’s original district at Crowne Plaza Dubai - Deira. Stride into the cosmopolitan Lobby, relax and enjoy starwinning international food and a vibrant atmosphere. Your quiet room or suite, with its comfortable beds and accessible Internet, awaits.

Fine-tune your workout in the Fitness Centre with help from a personal trainer and state-of-the-art machines. Massages are also available and you can float in the calm waters of their outdoor pool.

Moreover, the Crowne Plaza DubaiDeira is just a few metres away from shopping malls and the metro rail system, linking you with the rest of this exciting city, including the famous Jumeirah district and the Mall of the Emirates.

But make sure you go this summer and book now to get a one-time free access pass to Dubai Dolphinarium for deluxe room and pay an additional BD25++ per night and get a suite upgrade with an additional four passes to Aquaventure or a Dhow Cruise Dinner for two adults and two kids. Enjoy discount vouchers from Mirdif City Centre, the

• One time free access for two adults and two children Dubai Dolphinarium • A choice of shopping vouchers from Mirdif City Centre, the Dubai Mall Privilege Book and Burjuman’s Super Saver which offers discounts at various stores in the malls • Daily free scheduled drop off to Dubai Mall, Mirdif City Centre, Burjuman, Deira City Centre and Al Ghurair • A 15-minute free foot massage • 30 per cent discount at Danny’s Beauty Salon • 15 per cent discount in the hotel’s Inhouse laundry • Kids get Very Important Kid (VIK) status and get kids express check-in and a special VIK kit • Pay an additional BD25* per night and get a suite upgrade with an additional four passes to Aquaventure or a Dhow Cruise Dinner for two adults and two kids

“Get a suite upgrade with an additional four passes to Aquaventure or a Dhow Cruise Dinner for two adults and two kids.”

Dubai Mall and Burjuman, a 15-minute free foot massage, 30 per cent discount at the beauty salon, and 15 per cent discount on your laundry. Moreover, kids get a special Very Important Kid (VIK) kit.

Enjoy a special bonding with the kids on this unforgettable summer adventure in Dubai. Spend the day relaxing at the pool, dining at Spice Island or shopping with their free shuttles. The next day, take the kids to Dubai Dolphinarium or Aquaventure.

Included in the package is: • One night stay at a deluxe room for two adults and two kids • Breakfast for two adults and two kids • Kids under twelve eat free when dining with one adult

But this offer is only valid until 31st August 2011 so hurry and book now!

For bookings and more information call Tel. +971 4262 5555, email: cpdeira.reservations@ihg.com or visit www.crowneplaza.com/deira

*Subject to ten per cent service charge and ten per cent municipality taxes. Terms and conditions apply.

36 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Advertorial

Crowne Plaza Bahrain’s Summer Packages Starting from

BD65

Make a splash this summer and enjoy a Take advantage of the fun-filled summer experience Entertainment Package per person single with your family and friends and enjoy an enchanting with the Summer Water Park night full of beautiful Arabic Package. Enjoy a stay plus entry and international dance or to the famous water parks in BD39.5+ shows. Package includes Bahrain. Discounts for children per person double accommodation along with are available. This offer is entry and a set dinner at Golden valid from 1st July – Make Club. This offer is valid from 31st August. your 1st – 31st July. business

BD69+

BD49

Take advantage of a special summer rate including breakfast and join in the celebration of the Bahrain Summer Festival 2011, the whole month of July. This includes a 20 per cent discount of food and beverages and the room can either be single or double.

This rate is also available throughout August.

trip more pleasant this summer by booking the Club Business Package and receive: access to Crowne Club Room; priority check in upon transfer from the airport; high speed in-room internet; international buffet breakfast; two hours free meeting room; VIP amenities; early check in and late check out; happy hour; complimentary pressing of two items; free tea, coffee and cookies in the cafe all day; fruit basket; complimentary daily newspaper; selection of pillows; access to Fitness Centre and outdoor pool; shuttle service downtown. This offer is valid from 1st July –

31st August.

Starting from

BD75+

Terms and conditions apply.

For more information contact Tel. +973 1753 1122 or email reservations@cp-bahrain.com.

Win One Of Three ‘Hereafter’ DVDs!

D

irected by Clint Eastwood and starring Matt Damon and French actress Cécile De France, ‘Hereafter’ is a drama centred around three main storylines: One follows American George Lonegan (Damon), a psychic who is running away from his gift and just looking for a normal life; the other follows Marie Lelay (France), a hard-talking French TV journalist who had a near death experience during a tsunami and has begun her search for answers to life after death; finally we watch as London schoolboy Marcus (Frankie/George McLaren) struggles to come to terms with the loss of his twin brother Jason.

The story begins as a tsunami takes over the island Marie is visiting; here the special effects are spectacular and you are astounded by a scene so strong. We then flash forward a few weeks and follow each character as they are haunted by their own mortalities in three different countries; America, England and France.

The pace is slow but this is offset by the separate storylines as you feel drawn into the lives of each character, empathising throughout, until this ultimately culminates as the tales intertwine. This is a movie that combines all the best aspects of Hollywood; mystery, romance, drama and resolution. And let’s not forget the great acting!

Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning one of three ‘Hereafter’ DVDs is answer this simple question:

Who directed this film?

Please send your answer along with name, phone number and your favourite section of the magazine (all information given will remain strictly confidential) to competition@ArabianMagazines.com

with ‘DVD competition’ as the subject.

Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 37

BAETC

The

Every kid wants to fly. Bahrain Airport Services Aircraft Engineering Training Centre (BAETC) has the ability to teach eager, well-educated students how to make that happen. In an interview with Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) Deputy CEO, Mr Salman Al-Mahmeed, we find out what the centre has to offer these dreamers.

38 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Mr Salman Al-Mahmeed, Deputy CEO of BAS

Students’ Dream

BAETC

A large portion of young people always dream of working in the aviation sector. Where can they go for more information on the types of jobs that are available?

There are many jobs in the aviation industry and further research on these types can be done on the internet or at the library. But to gain a better understanding just look at the aviation industry as if it is any other industry; it requires people in various sectors including customer service, sales, human resources all the way through to pilots, cabin crew, and engineers. At BAS we specialise in training engineers in European Aviation Safety Agency part 147, European Aviation Safety Agency part 145 (Continuation) and European Aviation Safety Agency part 66. These courses cover a wide range of topics from mathematics to aviation legislation. For more information you can check out the BAS Aviation Training Engineering Centre (www.baetc.org) People are often put off by the assumed cost of training in the aviation industry. Are there any financial support/loans/grants that can be applied for?

Potential students can apply for grants through the Bahrain public and private sector entities. Other non-governmental organisations can also offer sponsorship, but applicants must first comply with the requirements and go through the qualifying procedure of the sponsoring organisation prior to the submission of the documents.

For Bahrain Airport Services sponsorship,

applicants must comply with all the primary factors and a nomination form must be filled in by the nominating party (a family member employed in BAS) or by the section head (if the nominee is the employee) prior to the submission of the documents.

What requirements does somebody need to train with Bahrain Airport Services Engineering Training Centre?

To offer the best education we do require potential students to be pre-educated and incorporate a good level of education.

Primary requirements include a high secondary school certificate - Science or Technical Divisions with grade point average of 75 per cent and above with minimum 80 per cent marks in physics, mathematics and English, as well as a certificate of good moral conduct from a High School Counsellor. Secondary requirements are evidence of exceptional achievement, aptitude, or personal accomplishment not reflected in the academic record or standardised test scores, participation in extracurricular activities (e.g., sports, social functions and other programmes), evidence of exceptional talent or ability in engineering, artistic, scholarly, leadership, or athletic performance, outstanding high school or community involvement, work experience, paid or unpaid, family attendance or employment at BAETC, evidence of exceptional motivation, maturity, or responsibility and extenuating circumstances. Its standard operation procedure that all applications have,

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 39

BAETC

original CPR and passport (for foreign nationals), academic certificates of 12 or equivalent, certificate of good moral conduct from the previous institution, recent passport size photo (6 copies) and a completed admission form.

Parents often want their children to study as bankers or doctors and never think about the aviation industry.

Where can parents go to gain a greater understanding of the benefits of training in the aviation industry?

The aviation industry may have been through some slow years in the recent past but engineer positions have always been and are demand. Engineering in any field requires precise knowledge and application; however, engineers are required to do much more than just their job, as they also need to have good communication skills in order to work with people harmoniously, supervise and ensure that the job is done well. Engineers in the aviation industry deal with people’s lives every day because their decision can ensure a safe flight. Jobs can come with wildly varying salaries, entry level jobs will pay roughly BD15k – BD18k per year and this will rise dramatically with experience and it is not unheard of for senior level avionics technician jobs to earn upwards of BD65k per year.

Are there any official affiliations/ qualifications aviation trainees need to work in the aviation industry?

At Bahrain Airport Services we offer courses that are certified by The European Aviation Safety Agency which promote the highest common standards of safety and

environmental protection in civil aviation in Europe and worldwide; BAETC is fully accredited by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and is awarded the EASA 147.0002 certificate. BAETC is only one of a handfull of institutes outside of Europe that runs the accredited EASA courses.

Bahrain shares the distinction with Australia and the US as among the leading countries who have received accreditation as EASA certified training centres.

What facilities do you have at BAS? What makes you different from other training providers?

The BAS Aircraft Engineering Training Centre is a state-of-the-art technical school ideal for aspiring aircraft engineers.

Located just across from the Bahrain International Airport the training institute incorporates modern facilities that are

constantly upgraded and are tailored to meet international training centre standards. The centre comprises of an administrative facility and large classrooms equipped with state of the art training equipment. All rooms have wireless internet connections, allowing students access to computer and Internet facilities.

All training aids, i.e. training manuals, books, equipment, and stationery are all included in the training program. The classrooms are also equipped with state of the art technology, including overhead, slide and movie projectors, full audio and video equipment, Smart Boards printer and desktop computers/laptops. A wellequipped library provides a complete collection of instructional materials and various reference services. Aside from the above-mentioned facilities, students are also given privileged access to the Bahrain International Airport Engineering Complex and its workshop facility. Located at the BAETC Hangar beside the BAS Engineering Complex, the workshop facility provides students with valuable hands-on engineering experience in a safe operational environment. The workshop is equipped with computers used for electrical and avionics simulations, electronic laboratory equipment and trainers, cockpit training modules, avionics trainer modules, and an ample supply of electronic consumables For more information visit www.baetc.org

40 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Real Lives

Suhail Algosaibi:

A Passion For Success And Society Busy entrepreneur and keen blogger Suhail Algosaibi found time to talk to Bahrain Confidential about life, his late father and troublesome times in Bahrain.

S

uccessful business entrepreneur Suhail Algosaibi moved to Bahrain when he was twelve years old when his late father became the Saudi Ambassador and now, he told Bahrain Confidential, he considers Bahrain his home. “Our family has a long history in Bahrain, going back to the start of the 20th century.

I also got the Bahraini nationality a few years ago.”

Over his years in Bahrain, Suhail has entered into many business ventures through his company Falak Enterprises but his specialities lie in health, fitness and weight loss; he established the DreamBody Centre, a 23-minute weight loss and body transformation centre. “But it’s a lot more than that,” he added.

“I sell people hope and inspiration. One friend recently told me ‘You’re Bahrain’s only self-improvement guru.’ Maybe I’m that to a certain degree.”

And he has worked hard to earn that title by helping others,

which happens to be his main passion in life. “I love the fact that I help others while benefitting myself, my family and the community as a whole and I love that our society has recognised me for the hard work I’ve done.”

In between working, exercising, spending time with his family and going to the cinema (which he also loves), Suhail is also a keen blogger and was recently invited to speak at the Global

fabric that was torn in our society. My business was also very much affected but God willing we will recover.” In fact, Suhail currently plans to open more locations of his DreamBody Centre throughout Bahrain, and then go on to franchise regionally and internationally.

People with such drive and ambition tend to have a role model in life and Suhail narrows his down to his late father and Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group. “But there are so many. My kids inspire me sometimes, as does my amazing wife. I also love reading books about successful, inspirational entrepreneurs.”

The best advice Suhail has ever been given however is something his father told him many years ago: “Generosity is a state of mind, not a state of wealth.”

So we asked him to give us some advice; “Considering today’s environment in Bahrain, my advice would be for everyone to do all they can to reduce the hatred and polarisation that we see all over the place. It’s everyone’s job to reduce the current tensions to make Bahrain better than it was before.

“If you want Bahrain to be an open and tolerant country then you have to work on yourself first. Ask yourself, ‘have you ‘reformed’ yourself and are you working hard to reduce tensions, hatred and sectarianism, or are you making things worse?’

‘Are you being vengeful or are you promoting unity and forgiveness?’ I hope it’s the latter.”

“The crisis has hurt me deeply; I dare say it changed my life and I plan to be very active in helping to rebuild the social fabric that was torn in our society.”

Suhail Al Gosaibi

Medium Forum in Germany, at which only a handful of Arab bloggers have been asked to speak. “I wanted to give a more balanced view of what happened here [over the past few months in Bahrain] as the international media seem to be very one-sided. That’s not to say I don’t think our government has made mistakes, but I think it’s important to give a more balanced and accurate picture of the crisis.

“The crisis has hurt me deeply; I dare say it changed my life and I plan to be very active in helping to rebuild the social

For more information visit www.suhailalgosaibi.com

42 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Delivered To You! a e k a t Can’t reat food? g r o f break ing it to you. r b l l ’ e W

$BMM /PX

WE DELIVER TO THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

Seef District s Diplomatic s Manama

Open Now at: Lagoon, Amwaj Islands 16.011.199

M M P S

T F JN U

E P P H

F I 8IFSF U KPIOOZSPDLFUT NF DPN

People

The

Where is your favourite business destination?

Socialite Diaries Bahrain Confidential manages to track down the elite of Bahrain to find out just what they are up to.

Alessandra

Photo taken by Armand Hough, www.iamfotografie.com

What have you been gossiping about?

A couple of exciting DJ events that I’m working on for Bushido’s calendar. I really can’t wait to get this place rocking once again!

Where did you last shop?

Too long ago, I don’t even remember!

What I do remember is that I recently went to Milan and just went crazy with all the nice stores in Via Montenapoleone, but didn’t get anything. What a torture!

Where are you off to this month?

Dubai. I just received a ticket as a birthday present from a good friend who wants me to visit! Can’t wait!

44 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

New York City!! There is so much that can be done in a city like that, as well as leaving you some space for a night out with business partners and friends!

What are you driving?

A rented car, I think it’s called Tigo, or something, BUT, I shouldn’t say this too loud … I love German cars!

Rocchi

What’s your latest purchase?

A pair of shoes! I bought a pair of TOD’S Ballerinas. I limit myself to a pair a month … so addicted!

Sales and Marketing Executive at Bushido

What is your favourite brand?

Alexander McQueen’s designs are my favourites, even if quite unaffordable.

I equally love Zadig et Voltaire, but can’t find it in Bahrain.

What is your current favourite dining spot?

Bushido, where else? ;) I enjoy Meat Co’s ribs - I go there just for that!

Shopping BD17.9

Koton

Cecile Espadrilles

Koton provides women and men alike with funky, trendy clothing options. Their Spring/Summer women’s collection is perfect for working women and ladies of leisure to tackle the sweltering heat stylishly. Koton is located at Bahrain City Centre.

Versace

Put some spring into your step with Aspiga’s immensely comfortable jute wedge espadrilles with adjustable buckle. The Cecile is available in gold with leather lining, jute wedge (three-inches high) and rubber sole. Available on www.aspiga.com

BD47

Knit BD59

Versace Women

This season’s Versace collection for women is all about a playful game of proportions and opposites: short vs long, high vs low, plain vs patterned, dull vs bright, and fabric vs flesh. Versace is located at Moda Mall and Bahrain City Centre.

BD37.9

A Gal’s Got To Shop ...

BD9.9

Dress BD190

Lifestyle

BD273

Lifestyle introduces Fiorelli Summer 2011 collection into Lifestyle stores across the region. The collection showcases a stunning range of handbags perfect for those warm summer days and starry summer nights. Available in Lifestyle stores at Marina Mall and Bahrain City Centre.

Versace is located at Moda Mall . tre n e C y it C in a r h a B d n a

BD29.9

Lifestyle

Richard Nicoll

Lifestyle

Shoes BD372 Shoes BD372

BD301

Richard Nicoll

Versace

Skirt BD59

BD39.9

Net-a-porter.com has launched an exclusive summer capsule collection

by Richard Nicoll. This exclusively designed Net-a-Porter high summer collection features colour-blocked silk sportswear shapes. Silk dresses and separates in wearable, yet progressive shapes in cornflower, blush, coral and grey are sure to be high summer wardrobe favourites.

Available on www.net-a-porter.com Prices may vary and some are available upon request.

46 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Shopping

La Senza for the Fun, Young, Sassy, Globetrotting Lingerista

W

elcome to the number one lingerie brand in Canada.

La Senza Lingerie is the ultimate shopping destination for a vast array of exclusive high quality branded lingerie at affordable prices. It offers women a unique shopping experience with outstanding lingerie presentation in a beautiful and intimate environment, featuring everything from bras and panties to accessories.

The La Senza brand name has become synonymous with high quality, affordability and elegance. The ranges include sexy lingerie, bras, sports bras, panties, intimates, sleepwear, active wear and a wedding range n

Available at Seef Mall, Bahrain City Centre and Ramli Mall.

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 47

Shopping BD220

Richard Nicoll

Net-a-porter.com, an online luxury retailer, has announced the launch of an exclusive summer capsule collection by Richard Nicoll this month.

Available on www.net-a-porter.com

BD366

Richard Nicoll

Richard Nicoll

BD19

MSone

NAVYBOOT’s limited ‘MSone’ luxury sneaker collection was launched in exclusive association with record multiple Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher. Each of the four new models boasts outstanding material quality, with luxurious leathers combined with polished crystals and 18-carat-gold adornments. The Trilogy Collector’s Box is limited to 888 and worth BD1,650 and the Starboot Collector’s Box is limited to 88 and worth BD2,760. Available only on www.navyboot.com

... And

So Do

Every family’s favourite shopping destination, Marks and Spencer, has launched its Summer fashion line for men.

Marks and Spencer is located at Seef Mall.

Guys!

Jimmy Choo on Mr Porter Bowtie BD55

Shirt BD88.5 Pocketsquare BD36

dunhill

dunhill Spring/ Summer 2011

Mr Porter, a luxury online retail destination for men’s style, launches the first men’s footwear collection from Jimmy Choo this month!

Fusing modern British style with luxurious Italian craftsmanship, the debut men’s collection has a mod aesthetic with a hint of 1960s Mayfair playboy. Available from www.mrporter.com BD305 Jimmy Choo

Marks and Spencer is located at Seef Mall.

Jimmy Choo

BD295

Prices may vary and some are available upon request.

48 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

BD19

Marks and Spencer

Combining both traditional and modern elements of English dressing, the dunhill evening wear for Spring/Summer 2011 celebrates an elegant, classically formal appearance.

Luxurious tailoring fabrics are presented in timeless styles, with unmistakably contemporary detailing and complemented by colourful pocket squares and bow ties. dunhill is located at Bahrain City Centre.

Marks and Spencer

MSone

Marks and Spencer

Shopping GAP

BD11.5

Marks and Spencer GAP

GAP

BD13

GAP

GAP Bahrain has recently opened its doors in Bahrain City Centre.

The iconic American retail brand that offers clean and classic clothing and accessories has become a cultural icon around the world since opening in 1969 for men, women and kids alike. GAP is located at Bahrain City Centre.

BD4.75

GAP

BD18

Everybody’s favourite family shopping destination, Marks and Spencer, has launched their new summer collection in menswear, womenswear and kidswear.

Marks and Spencer is located at Seef Mall.

Marks and Spencer GAP

BD16

BD10

Kids!

Mamas and Papas

Mamas and Papas

Mamas and Papas

Don’t Forget The

Mamas and Papas

Little boys can be surfer dudes or cricket superstars with the new baby wear collections from Mamas and Papas. Little girls can also choose their style; whether they love soft pastel florals or vibrant pinks and blues. Mamas and Papas is located at Bahrain City Centre.

BD19

Marks and Spencer is located at Seef Mall.

Mamas and Papas

GAP

Mamas and Papas

BD8.75

Prices may vary and some are available upon request.

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 49

Fashion

Desert Waves

by Sheikha Haya Al-Khalifa

50 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Fashion

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 51

Fashion

52 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Fashion

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 53

Fashion

54 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Fashion Photographer: Amna Al Khaja Model: Laura Bale

For orders, enquiries and further information, visit www.alluringdistraction.com

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 55

Fashion

Earthy Tones

Massimo Dutti is located at Seef Mall and Bahrain City Centre.

Stay au naturel with Massimo Dutti this season.

56 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Under the Patronage of H.E Dr. Fatima Bint Mohamed Al Bulooshi Minister of Social Development Acting Minister of Health You are cordially invited to participate

Organized by Pro-Vision Events Bahrain Location: Gulf Convention Center GCC Date: 5-6August 2011 Timing: from 8pm to midnight For booking, please call 36220661 or 17369595 Email: info@provisionbh.com gallaexpo@gmail.com ‫ﻋﺼﺮي‬

taste

elegance perfect glamorous Luxury shoes shape designers shoes ‫ازﻳﺎء‬ couture modern ‫اﻻﻧﺎﻗﺔ‬ ‫ اﻟﺠﻤﺎل‬perfect trendy elegance classic fashion taste stylish Luxury ‫ اﻟﺘﺼﻤﻴﻢ‬glamorous ‫اﻟﻤﻮﺿﺔ‬

Galleria

Organized by:

Supported by:

Donations to: Expo Contractor: Media Sponsors:

Beauty

The

Makeover

As you read last month, we’ve been busy making over British expat Penny White who is a school librarian. You’ve heard about some of her progress but read on and learn how she rapidly became the chic hot mama she is today!

Cosmetic Surgery with Dr Dean Cunha Gomes

Penny White before the makeover

Shopping and Styling with Juni

“With the selection of clothes provided by Marks & Spencer at the Seef Mall, Penny is more than a ‘fashionista’ but a woman who has taste, and yes her confidence, vitality and youthfulness exude,” Juni told us. Marks & Spencer’s latest collection for Summer 2011 has given her a new and fresh look. “We chose a summer nautical fantasy, a resort ‘wear me’ floral reserved look, and a colour block that makes you look slimmer and elegant.

“Believe me, fashion can be hard,” admitted Juni; “but Marks & Spencer makes it like child’s play. Penny looks radiant and slim, and professional. The silhouettes were basic but epitomise a look that is kind from size eight to 18, making all women look amazing. Simple shapes using dramatic colours instil a bold statement saying ‘I’m here and watch me!’”

What did Penny think?

I was very pleased to get into some quite figure-hugging clothes – that was a real boost! I think Juni pushed me a bit with some of his clothes suggestions but it was great as it made me rethink some of the things I wear. He also gave me the best advice on fixing the things in your wardrobe rather than buying new or just change them to fit how you live – half my wardrobe is now in the tailors being changed! Marks and Spencer will definitely have me going back for some of those dresses!

Cosmetic Surgery with Dr Dean Cunha Gomes

We explained Penny’s dilemma in the last issue - to remove or not to remove the mole.

Well, we’re happy to report she did indeed get the mole removed and there was no bad scarring just as Dr Dean predicted! On top of this Penny went in for some Botox between her eyebrows, on the crow’s feet and forehead. Plus, fillers were done for the wrinkle she was conscious of between her eyebrows, as well as on the nasolabial lines and on the depressions below the angles of the mouth to add a little lift. Royal Bahrain Hospital: Tel. +973 1724 6800.

What did Penny think?

I was very pleased with the mole removal which although initially was painful has left a fine scar which I am hoping after the summer will be almost gone. The Botox and fillers was a huge step for me but I am really happy with how they have turned out; loving the disappearance of the wrinkle between my eyes – has knocked years off me!

58 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Shopping and Styling with Juni

Beauty

Hair Styling and Make-up with Felda

For a touch-up following last month’s drastic hair styling, Felda del Prado of Felda Cut and Style washed and blow dried Penny’s hair so she looked chic and elegant with straight hair ending in curls.

For the make-up, she chose to go with a natural look using bronze foundation, golden/beige eye shadow, brown highlights and some shimmering. The final touches of blusher made Penny glow.

Felda Cut and Style: Tel. +973 1722 4077.

Massage at the InterContinental Regency Health Club

What did Penny think?

Love the colour – usually I go redder rather than blonder but I love the change. I think I may even go lighter next time as I have had so many compliments about it! The straight hair is nice but not quite sure it’s me, however, it is great for a change.

Massage at the InterContinental Regency Health Club

This haven of tranquillity amidst the hustle and bustle of Manama offers a plethora of exquisite beauty and relaxation treatments for men and women alike. Penny went in for a Swedish massage just before her photo shoot to ensure she was relaxed and confident. The Swedish massage is one of the best-known types in the West and is perfect for people who don’t treat themselves often (as we believe Penny doesn’t!). The therapist, with massage oil, performs various strokes that warm up and work the muscle tissue, releasing tension and breaking up muscle ‘knots’. Swedish massage promotes relaxation and has shown to be helpful in reducing pain and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Moreover, it has also been said to be helpful in individuals with poor circulation. InterContinental Regency Health Club: Tel. +973 1720 8355.

What did Penny think?

The Regency was lovely; they have undergone a beautiful new refurbishment which I saw for the first time and I had a Swedish massage which was very relaxing. The rooms are beautiful and clean – overall, lovely.

Hair Styling and Make-up with Felda Nutrition and Fitness with Catherine Kerr

Nutrition and Fitness with Catherine Kerr

Penny’s busy schedule made it hard for her to keep up with her personal training sessions but she did meet with Catherine for a lesson in interval training, which Cath suggested she do one to two times a week along with her strength and cardio training which was taught to her the previous month. Interval training describes a type of physical training that involves bursts of high intensity work alternated with periods of recovery. This can supercharge your fitness, boost your metabolism, burn off that extra fat and help you reach your goals efficiently and effectively. Catherine Kerr: Tel. +973 3989 7701 or c.j.kerr@talk21.com

What did Penny think?

Cath was great – really friendly and approachable but made sure I worked out. She gave me some small things to change in my diet and how I work out and I can see that they are making a difference already. I was even showing my muscles off to my girls the other day!

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 59

Beauty

The Outcome

Penny White

60 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Beauty Hair and makeup: Felda Cut and Style Styling and art direction: Juni Capulong

Photography: Armand Hough of www.iamfotografie.com All clothes, shoes and accessories from Marks and Spencer; located at Seef Mall.

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 61

Beauty

Green

Bar Moroccan

Mikyajy

Adding to the glamour of the 22K line up, Mikyajy has launched 22K Outrageous Baked Multi-Shade Eye Shadows as the latest addition to the brand. Available in ten dazzling shades, 22K Outrageous Baked Eye Shadows are long lasting baked eye shadows with a marbleised finish.

BD10

Rose Water

Eco-certified organic, the Rose Water is a staple in the tradition of beauty. It cools skin inflammation and is suitable for all skin types. Rose mildly tightens the skin because of its natural Ph factor, which is slightly acidic. The natural scent is warm, deeply floral, and honey-like.

This hydrosol is obtained specifically for its therapeutic cosmetic value, with a higher percentage of essential oils making it of superior quality. It is as calming to the skin, as it is to the senses. May also be used for flavouring. Available online: www.greenbarinc.com or email: reem@greenbarinc.com

Beauty

S list Kate sical LA facia pairing a phy ith w ts , s b e g ru g c s su t, like a and a exfolian l peel. “This, ou a a y ic e m iv a che , will g on step she says. “Try h ti ra d y h it ,” start w us glow gorgeo abrasion. We d then n rm a e d micro glycolic peels sion to abra a few roderm use mic exfoliate.”

Prices start at BD28

Beyoncé Heat Rush

Following on the heels of her recordbreaking first fragrance, Beyoncé Heat, the global superstar and multi-Grammy winner introduces this resplendent new scent that captures her shining personality and passion for life, all wrapped in a soft seduction.

Rimmel’s Glam’Eyes

Is your mascara working hard enough? Then it’s time to check out the Rimmel Glam’Eyes Day2Night Mascara, the first mascara that works (and plays) as hard as you do.

Prices may vary. For other products, prices are available on request and available at all leading cosmetic outlets.

62 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Prices start at BD5

Skin ip: Care Tliate fo le Do Ex omervil

Inspired by lush peonies and the casual chic sensibility of world-renowned fashion label, Tibi, Bobbi introduces the Peony and Python Palette. Soft pink lilacs merge with sumptuous greys, housed in an eye catching compact embellished with a whimsical yet modern print created exclusively for Bobbi Brown by Amy Smilovic, designer and founder of Tibi.

100ml - BD24.57/50ml - BD17.91

Buzz

Bobbi Brown Peony and Python

At Your Service

Bahrain’s Entire Cuisine Scene At Your Fingertips

H

4HE WAITING IS OVER AND &ELDA S #UT 3TYLE 3TUDIO IS NOW OPEN ,OCATED AT THE $ELMON (OTEL -ANAMA

THE SALON HAS UNDER GONE A STUNNING TRANSFORMATION &ELDA WHO TRAINED AT THE GLOBALLY RENOWNED 6IDAL 3ASSOON 4RAINING !CADEMY AND THE 3HISEIDO 3CHOOL OF MAKE UP OFFERS THE LATEST HAIR MAKE UP SERVICES AS WELL AS MANICURES PEDICURES AND NAIL EXTENSIONS AT VERY COMPETITIVE PRICES

ave you ever had a night when you’re sat at home, can’t be bothered to cook, but have no idea what to order and from where? Us too! Well now our questions have been answered by an innovative website - www.bahrainmenus.com. “We were sitting at our local coffee shop thinking what to have for dinner and despite our search of the Internet - the &OR MORE DETAILS ‘source of all information’ - we still couldn’t find 4EL what we wanted. That’s when the idea clicked,� the

founders told Bahrain Confidential. From there, best friends and cousins Hussain Al-Alawi and Ahmed -OB Al-Sharaf developed an action plan with the simple

goal of providing an easy to access and extensive database of all the dining options in the kingdom.

EMAIL And aren’t we thankful diners? On the site you will find around 140 menus dine in and/or takeaway options – sorted by area, FELDA of MAIL COM cuisine or delivery options. There are plenty more to come too. The site also features restaurant reviews and has a button which you can click to take you to a ‘random menu’ in case you’re completely stumped. For restaurants this is also a great concept as they get their services out to the public (particularly if people don’t realise they deliver) and it’s absolutely free! “All we need is the menu and you’ll be featured on our site; all our services are free.� While the creators are currently focusing all their energies on this project, they have many other ideas in the pipeline. “We don’t want to say much about future plans right now but we are continuously updating the site and are working on a number of features which will expand the database and increase user interaction.� So watch this space BC-ers!

For more information visit www.bahrainmenus.com

June 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 37

Beauty

EXCLUSIVE Face • Double Wear Stay-in-Place Light Foundation Medium 03 • Double Wear Stay-in-Place Concealer Light Medium 02 • Lucidity Translucent Loose Powder Medium 03 • Ideal Light Brush on Illuminator in Soft Pink • Signature Powder Blush in Rose Nuance • Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Sea Star Bronzing Blush Eyes • Pure Colour Eyeshadow in Sizzling Copper • Pure Colour Eyeshadow in Nude Fresco • Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Island Oasis Eyeshadow Palette • Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eyeliner in Untamed Violet • Sumptuous Extreme Mascara in Black Lips • New Pure Colour Long Lasting Lipstick in Coral Fantasy Dress: Yigal Azrouël at Saks Fifth Avenue

CREDITS: Makeup Artist: Blair Patterson for Estée Lauder Photographer: Candy Kennedy Model: Genevieve Location: OKKU Restaurant at The Monarch Dubai Hotel

Bold Statements:

The Estée Lauder Photoshoot

64 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Beauty

Face • Double Wear Stay-in-Place Light Foundation Light 01 • Double Wear Stay-in-Place Concealer Light 01 • Lucidity Translucent Loose Powder Light 01 • Ideal Light Brush on Illuminator in Soft Pink • Signature Powder Blush in Peach Nuance Eyes • Pure Colour Eyeshadow in Sugar Cube • Double Wear Stay-in-Place Gel Eyeliner in Stay Onyx • Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eyeliner in Onyx • Sumptuous Extreme Mascara Lips • New Pure Colour Long Lasting Lipstick in Red Tango • Pure Colour Lip Gloss in Wet Cranberry Dress: Eskandar at Saks Fifth Avenue Jewellery: Saks Fifth Avenue

Face • Double Wear Stay-in-Place Light Foundation Medium 03 • Double Wear Stay-in-Place Concealer Light Medium 02 • Lucidity Translucent Loose Powder Medium 03 • Ideal Light Brush on Illuminator in Soft Pink • Signature Crème Blush in Nude Light • Limited Edition Bronze Goddess Sea Star Bronzing Blush Eyes: • Pure Colour Eyeshadow in Black Crystals • Double Wear Stay-in-Place Gel Eyeliner in Stay Onyx • Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eyeliner in Onyx • TurboLash All Effects Motion Mascara Lips • New Pure Colour Long Lasting Lipstick in Barely Nude • Pure Colour Lip Gloss in Perfect Nude Dress: Derek Lam at Saks Fifth Avenue Jewellery: Saks Fifth Avenue

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 65

Beauty

Ask Dr Dean The sun is good for you – but prolonged sun exposure can be bad ‌ really bad for your skin. Dr Dean Gomes from the Royal Bahrain Hospital addresses some of the most common skin concerns during scorching summers; and how you can best deal with them.

If you have any skin or body concerns that you think Dr Gomes can help you with please email your question to info@ArabianMagazines.com

66 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Beauty I know it sounds common sense, but I frequently suffer from severe sunburn during summer, especially when I’m out by the beach. So I have two questions really, a) is this because of my skin tone as I’m pale as can be; and b) I do put on sunblock but I don’t know what else I can do to protect my skin (you can tell I’m a beach junkie).

The degree of the sunburn after exposure to strong UV radiation will vary depending on one’s skin type. Skin types One and Two (lighter skins) will respond by burning more rather than tanning. Higher skin types (darker skin) will burn less but tan more.

It is well documented that excessive sun exposure can lead to cancerous changes of the skin cells. In order to block the UV A and B radiation effects on the skin, sunscreens of SPF (Sun protection Factor) 50 should be used for this part of the world. Please remember that it takes ten to 15 minutes for sunblock to start acting. Please apply the sunscreen while indoors. It’s preferable to reapply after a swim. Skin cancers are preventable and hence my strong advice to reduce sun exposure and use sunscreen effectively. A hat and suitable cover on a regular basis can go a long way too.

bikini body. Help! What treatment is best for me?

I’ve heard of Vela smooth and Thermage treatments, what are they and what benefits does it give? Also, are these safe to have in summer−sun exposure hazards, etc.?

We’re staying in the Island this summer and I want to lose some cellulite off my buttocks ( a problem I’ve had for some time); are body wraps effective or should I go for a full-on liposuction?

I have the perfect solution for you - the Vela Smooth Pro (very different from the original Vela Smooth machine) will give you what you’re looking for. It will help to reduce circumference, tighten skin and remove cellulite. There is no downtime and each session takes around 45 minutes. You will feel the effect of a hot massage during the treatment and by the third session the effects are already apparent. We advise two sessions a week for a month.

Vela Smooth Pro works through a combination of radiofrequency energy, infrared light energy and rollers and suction

Treatment of the abdomen by a tummy tuck operation is done six to eight months after the last delivery. The components of a tummy tuck operation include removal of extra skin from the front of the lower abdomen and on occasion the sides to improve the contour of the waist. The muscles are tightened in the centre so that the abdomen is now supported. A liposuction removes extra fat from the waist and the lower back if required. The belly button is brought out through a new opening and made as a vertical oval, which is more aesthetically appealing. This operation has a two-week down time but gives incredible long term results by re-contouring the front and side of the abdomen.

Is it safe to go swimming in the sea or pool after you’ve had cosmetic treatment? It’s been a month since I’ve had breast augmentation done, should I be wary of chemicals seeping into my skin and ‘interfering’ with the procedure I’ve just had done?

My advice is to wait for three weeks before you can go to a pool or the sea for a swim.

By then your wounds would have healed and inflammation would have settled. However, it’s always a good practice to check with your surgeon during your three-week follow up visit. Going into a pool within a week of surgery is asking for problems like wound infection

“Skin cancers are preventable and hence my strong advice to reduce sun exposure ...”

I have had lip fillers recently, is it true that the warmer the climate, the faster the filler disintegrates, and therefore the faster I need to have a top-up? If not true, how soon after I do need to have it again?

Lips can be augmented by fillers and fat.

The safest fillers are the hyaluronic acid gels which gives a soft fill to the lip. They normally last for a year to a year and a half. This depends on the choice of the filler and the technique used to inject the filler.

Thicker fillers (more dense) due to covalent bonding of the hyaluronic acid strands are more longlasting. Techniques used for lip augmentation which are rough and traumatising will evoke more swelling and bruising post procedure. Often a patient has to wait for two weeks to evaluate the lip fill result. A second session maybe required in such cases to achieve the required fill.

The fill may be done along the lip line, to give a gentle pout and or the vermillion [red area of the lip] to give fullness of the lips. At the same time the smoker’s lines often seen on the upper and lower lip [skin area] can be addressed using a softer filler.

The weather doesn’t adversely affect the ‘lifespan’ of the filler. But I advise patients to refill after nine months to a year so that we do not need to start from zero.

I’ve received three very similar questions, so I’ve grouped the answers together for your easy reference: I am quite slim, but still feel I need to have a more toned body. It’s summer (which means lots of beach and pool parties), but I don’t have think I have enough time to achieve the ‘perfect’

for lymphatic massage and improvement in the metabolism of fat. Like Thermage, the radiofrequency of the Vela Smooth Pro stimulates collagen in the dermal layer of the skin as well as tightens intercompartment walls in areas of cellulite. A maintenance plan of one or two sessions per month would be required during the year. Sun exposure is not advisable immediately after the treatment, although you could go to the beach after a few days.

Thermage and Vela Smooth Pro treatments are very effective for cellulite treatment on the buttocks and back of thighs (where it is most common). A liposuction will not remove cellulite but only lessens it and body wraps are not as effective.

It’s been a year now since I’ve given birth, and I’ve given up hope that my muffin top will ever go away. I exercise regularly but this area in my stomach is just difficult to get rid of. I really want to still look ‘desirable’ for my husband so I’m contemplating on getting a tummy tuck, is it safe for me?

The human body undergoes much change during pregnancy; the abdomen is one such area. The skin gets stretch out and most often results to stretched marks. There is excess skin in the upper and lower abdomen and flanks; and the central abdomen is weak (protrusion of central abdomen in standing position). The so called ‘muffin top’ is due to excess skin and fat which gets pushed up and outwards over the waist band.

For further information or consultations, contact Dr Dean Cunha Gomes, MS, MCh, MRCS [Glasg], DHSA [Can]; Consultant Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon at the Royal Aesthetic Centre, Royal Bahrain Hospital.

Tel. +973 1724 6857 or +973 1724 6939.

Dr Dean Cunha Gomes

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 67

Health

Health

Updates

Lovable Moody Men

A study suggests that flashing a ‘winning smile’ is not the way to a woman’s heart. Indeed, men who swagger or look gloomy are much more likely to get pulses racing. The surprising findings may help to explain the enduring appeal of ‘bad boys’. Experts say the findings indicate that smiling men do not appear to be as strong, powerful or masculine as those who glower or who seem arrogant. In contrast, men are far more attracted to happy, smiling women.

It is suggested this is because men prefer more approachable, submissive women. The research, carried out by a team of psychologists, may prompt men to change their dating behaviour and update profile pictures used on dating websites. The study was published in the American Psychological Association journal, ‘Emotion’.

Pregnant Men

Modern men have become so closely involved with their partner’s pregnancy that 23 per cent report emotional and physical changes often associated with women. The research found they become more emotional, ‘weepy’, and suffer mood swings, nausea and even phantom pregnancy pains. Fathers-to-be involved in the study also reported cravings for bizarre food combinations such as tomatoes and oranges, tuna and pickled onions, and pickled eggs and icepops. Of those affected, 26 per cent experienced mood swings, ten per cent had food cravings and six per cent felt nausea, which was unconnected to any other illness. Three per cent even suffered imaginary pregnancy pains, the study by nappy makers Pampers found. Experts say the strange phenomenon is due to the emotional upheaval men also go through during their partners’ pregnancy and more of them attending antenatal classes and scans. A third of men, 36 per cent, felt ‘more emotional’ while their partner was pregnant, with eight per cent becoming ‘weepy’ while watching a soppy movie for the first time.

68 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Health Walk it Off

Men with prostate cancer who go for regular, brisk walks are far less likely to see their disease spread, scientists believe. Researchers at the University of California studied 1,455 men diagnosed with prostate cancer and then asked them two years later how much exercise they took. They found that those who walked briskly for at least three hours a week had a 57 per cent lower rate of disease progression than those who did not. The results are described in the journal, Cancer Research.

Depressed

A simple new blood test to diagnose depression producing a result within minutes, has been developed by Japanese scientists.

Researchers at Keio University in Tokyo have devised a test which indicates depression levels by measuring the concentration of phosphoric acid in the blood. The new test could help improve early detection rates of depression if performed during regular medical checks, according to the study, masterminded by the medical research group Human Metabolome Technologies (HMT).The connection between phosphoric acid levels and depression was confirmed in an earlier study conducted by the company involving 66 people, 31 of whom were diagnosed with depression. The study showed that patients with depression had a lower concentration of what is known as ethanolamine phosphate, with researchers subsequently able to diagnose depressed patients on this basis with an 82 per cent success rate. In contrast, earlier blood tests for diagnosing depression which have previously been under development involve significantly more time-consuming DNA analysis of white blood cells.

Cultural Cravings?

Cultural activities are good for men’s health and happiness. Visiting art galleries, watching plays and going to concerts is good for men’s health and happiness, according to research. Simply observing culture improves the physical health and mental wellbeing of men more than attempting to be creative, it is claimed. Women seem to benefit more from taking part in artistic activities than just watching them, however. Researchers suggest that doctors and policymakers should therefore promote cultural activities as a simple way to lower stress. “The results indicate that the use of cultural activities in health promotion and healthcare may be justified,” say the authors, whose study is published online in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. In the paper, researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology analyse the results of a threeyear questionnaire of 50,797 adults, who were asked about what cultural and creative activities they took part in as well as their health and happiness. They were asked how often they went to museums, art exhibitions, concerts, plays, films, church or sporting fixtures, as well as how often they participated in club meetings, sang or played musical instruments, danced, worked out or played a sport, or took part in outdoor activities. The participants were also asked how healthy they felt, how satisfied they were with life in general and how anxious or depressed they felt. Results showed that only ’attending a sport event’ was associated with good health in women, but in men all ‘receptive cultural activities’ were linked to better health.

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 69

Health

Cure

Yourself,

The Natural Way

In attempts to lose weight easily, people tend to quickly turn to surgical solutions. However, there are better and safer answers. Bahrain Confidential went undercover to the Royal Bahrain Hospital to find out more.

I

t is important, in this day and age of processed and refined foods, to have at least a basic understanding of the ins and outs of nutrition. It is so easy nowadays to grab a bite on the go or to not even eat for most of the day, and of course indulge far too much in foods we should not even be touching at all. With a world of information at our doorstep, the best way to separate the facts from the myths is to visit a qualified nutritionist/ dietician.

The Royal Bahrain

Nada Jawahery

70 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Hospital, just opened in January of this year, has a resident nutritionist and registered dietician - Nada Jawahery.

For just BD8 you get your vitals - blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature, body mass index, weight and height - taken before a consultation with the dietician. She will ask you if you have any concerns and then explain the basics of nutrition to you in a way that anybody is sure to understand.

In particular, if you have weight concerns, Nada can advise on the best possible diet for you. She can sit with you to develop a diet plan that will ensure you lose weight, the healthy way, and without having to turn to any surgical procedures such as gastric bands and liposuction. But there are other reasons to speak to a nutritionist.

On talking to a professional and learning more about nutrition, it is possible to see the connection between diet and health: for instance if you find yourself feeling bloated, gassy and nauseous much of

the time, then you may have a food intolerance; or perhaps if you have a plethora of problems that no other doctor can seem to cure, a nutritionist may have the answers you’ve been looking for.

Moreover, if you feel you are eating correctly, but are still not losing any weight, then there may be something in your diet that is not suitable for you. It is well worth finding these aspects about yourself before turning to surgery.

Nutrition is not something you can just ignore; it is a vital part of our journey to health, wealth and happiness. Much of it depends on trial and error but once you are eating right for your body, the difference in energy levels, weight loss and positivity is astounding.

So, our advice to you after our experience? It is well worth the investment of your time and money to feel great about yourself. After all, healthy eating is much more than a diet, it is a lifestyle

“If you have a plethora of problems that no other doctor can seem to cure, a nutritionist may have the answers you’ve been looking for.”

For more information and to book an appointment with Nada Jawahery call +973 1724 6800.

If you want to be part of our online community and receive information every two weeks about the latest happenings in Bahrain including beauty, fashion, nightlife, events and more, email

info@ArabianMagazines.com to receive our bi-monthly newsletter.

ConfidentialArabia.com

Living

Colour My

World

ID Design transports you to a whole new whole world of luxury living – one that’s bold, inspirational and truly unique. With trendy pieces and elegant furnishings – you’ll find more trends, more styles and more living here ...

72 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Living

Flower Shelf

Brooklyn Sofa

Bilbao Pendant, Plibo Pendant, Ruby Pendant; and Isa, Conical Lamps

Push Coffee Table with Swivel Function

Slate Coffee Table

Dexter Floor Lamp in Black, Orange and White

Lingen Sofa Bed Upholstered with Patch Work Fabric

Dusk Dining Table

Global Armchair, Multicolour

ID Design is at Sitra Mall, Budaiya Highway and Lagoon, Amwaj Islands; Tel. +973 1773 2919; +973 1759 2400 or +973 1601 2808. Visit www.iddesign-bahrain.com

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 73

Living

Creative Closets

Beginning in Saudi Arabia, Creative Closets is a company that offers its clients 15 years of experience when it comes to customisable closets.

T

his market leader already has factories and showrooms in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kerala, as well as a strong presence in Bahrain, but also plans to extend its operations to Egypt, Qatar and a host of European countries in the near future.

Managing Director Tamer I Gharib said that Creative Closets is the only company of its kind within the region that has invested heavily in a research and development department in order to truly give people what they want. It is also the only company to offer a revolutionary new sliding door silent system, a system that waves goodbye to those annoying noises that grate on our nerves when opening

our closet doors. Perfectly complementing that, Creative Closets’ technicians use the latest technology for soft-closing hinges and drawers.

Creative Closets are always offering the best and latest technologies from within the industry. The company provides a unique lighting system which uses LED lights and sensors in their closets so that handy lights switch on every time you open them. Rather than using the usual sandblasted glass used in regular closets, Creative Closets have introduced design or decorative glass, making your closet not only functional, but eye-catching too.

This pioneering business collaborates with many companies around the world in order to offer their customers the best of the best. All accessories are from the American company Sidelines,

and they are the exclusive distributors of Raumplus sliding systems which are German-engineered.

In another first, Creative Closets offers an after-sale service which guarantees you will receive free maintenance for ten years after purchase; a service which is offered nowhere else. If you, as a client, have any technical issue, then you can contact customer care who will respond within 48 hours. Moreover, if you need to move your closet and reinstall it elsewhere - within the warranty period or after - then they will take care of that for you too. And if that is not enough, the company also offers a money back guarantee on their closets until 30 days after installation.

“However,” Mr Gharib assures us, “that has not happened yet.”

For more information contact Tel. +973 1761 0612.

74 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

American Mission Hospital

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£ ') =djg Jg\Zci 8VgZ £ 9ZciVa HZgk^XZh £ ;Vb^an BZY^X^cZ £ >ciZgcVa BZY^X^cZ £ DWhiZig^Xh <ncZXdad\n £ EZY^Vig^Xh/ Ejab^cdad\n! <VhigdZciZgdad\n

CZjgdad\n £ 6jY^dad\n $ HeZZX] I]ZgVen £ 9ZgbVidad\n £ :Vg! CdhZ I]gdVi :CI £ <ZcZgVa! AVeVgdhXde^X @Zn]daZ Hjg\Zgn £ De]i]Vabdad\n £ Dgi]deZY^Xh £ E]nh^di]ZgVen £ EV^c BVcV\ZbZci £ 8dbegZ]Zch^kZ! ^c"]djhZ AVWdgVidgn HZgk^XZh £ E]VgbVXn HZgk^XZh £ M"gVn \ZcZgVa! heZX^Va bVbbd\gVe]n £ JaigVhdjcY £ 7gZVhi 8a^c^X £ 8]Zhi 8a^c^X £ 9^VWZiZh 8a^c^X £ =neZgiZch^dc 8a^c^X £ HeZX^Va^in 8a^c^Xh [dg 8VgY^dad\n! Ejab^cdad\n!

CZjgdad\n <VhigdZciZgdad\n £ LZaa LdbVc =ZVai] HXgZZc^c\ £ LZaa 7VWn 8a^c^X £ Hbd`^c\ 8ZhhVi^dc 8a^c^X £ BZciVa =ZVai] 8a^c^X £ HaZZe HijYn 8ZciZg

Since 1903 American Mission Hospital has been caring for the community of Bahrain.

Building from our heritage for your future!

P.O. Box 1 Manama, Bahrain Website: www.amh.org.bh E-mail: info@amh.org.bh Direct dial appointments: 1724 8110 or 1724 8121 Saar Medical and Dental Center Tel: +973 1779 0025 Fax: +973 1779 0052

Advertorial

Celebrate The Summer In

LG-Style!

determination to be the first in its field also means it has to be the first with the formula for success.

“There is a constant drive to succeed and our customers know that whether it is home appliances or any other LG product, they are getting the latest technology with a history of quality.”

Direct Drive motors also use permanent magnet rotors instead of electro magnet rotors for more effective cycles and a longer component lifespan, meaning safety is improved. Moreover, the increased space efficiency has allowed LG to develop larger capacity washing machines within the same frame.

LG’s health oriented Steam Washing Machine series comes with Direct Drive motors as standard.

LG Electronics makes every effort to care for its customers from energy saving to their top most health needs For more information log on to ae.lge.com or visit your nearest electronic outlet.

LG

The

To celebrate an impressive five years as the runaway market leader in home appliances, LG Electronics are rewarding their loyal customers.

T

he first offering is a unique ten-year warranty on Inverter Direct Drive Motor

and quickly worn moving parts. With LG’s Inverter Direct Drive technology, the drive is placed directly within the motor, resulting in less maintenance and a regular number of revolutions per minute, providing improved washing efficiency.

Mr H.S.Paik, President of LG Electronics Gulf FZE said the company’s commitment to innovation once again proved why it has been leading the market for five years. “It is these breakthroughs and improvements that make our lives so much more comfortable and stress free,” he said. “LG’s

“Our customers know that whether it is home appliances or any other LG products, they are getting the latest technology with a history of quality.”

washing machines extended to all LG’s customers in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Smartly designed to last longer, LG washing machines provide peace of mind, low maintenance, less noise and less vibration, using less water and less energy. Conventional washing machine motors are attached to drums which cause more vibrations, more noise

76 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Cool Summer Offer is Spreading ...

The LG Cool Summer Promotion is spreading its magic all over Bahrain.

Customers receive a raffle coupon on every BD10 spent. This promotion will run until 28th July.

The promotion is unique as all the customers who purchase LG refrigerators and washing machines are eligible for a raffle coupon. Every raffle coupon is in with a chance to win exciting LG products such as LG split air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and microwaves - to name a few. www.koohejigroup.com

Kids

Water Babies

Now is the perfect opportunity to teach your kids to swim! After all, living on an island makes this skill rather imperative. Here’s some options: Beginners Swimming 2.30pm, Victoria Dance at Bodyline, Saar (+973 3987 6215); Swim Training 5 to 6pm, Metropolitan Hotel, Hoora (+973 3679 1629); Children’s Health Academy of Specialised Sports (CHAOSS), Budaiya (+973 1759 2096); Swim Training 5 to 6pm, Ramee Baisan International Hotel, Hoora (+973 3885 3919); Swim Training 5 to 6pm Ramee International Hotel, Juffair (+973 3627 0302); Beginners/advanced swimming lessons at Tropicana Hotel, Zinj (+973 1772 1010); If you have a private or compound pool, private lessons can be arranged with Abby (+973 3684 4406).

Let Me Entertain You

It’s the summer holidays! The best news all year for kids, but

it can be the worst for parents when it comes to keeping them entertained for a whole two months. Here’s a while ... some great ideas if you’re sticking around Gaming

At Zain Experience stores, you will now find the perfect section - Game District - for gamers offering comfy chairs in arm’s reach of controllers to a PS3, Xbox, Wii and Kinect.

The section also sells games for reasonable prices and holds regular competitions where participants are in with the chance of winning a game!

Tel. +973 3630 1503.

78 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Dance the Summer Away!

There are many dance lesson options for kids. Victoria Dance at Bodyline offers all kinds of dance lessons and plenty of other activities to kids aged three to 18.

Or there’s the Bahrain Ballet Centre in Budaiya that provide classes for children in ballet, jazz, salsa and even belly dancing! The Music Art Centre Harmony in Saar, Muharraq and Busaiteen offers a plethora of toddlers’ dance lessons from creative movement, salsa and hip hop to jazz, ballet and contemporary. Victoria Dance, Tel. +973 1779 3932; Bahrain Ballet Centre, Tel. +973 1769 3232; Music Art Centre Harmony, Tel. +973 3646 4360 or +973 1362 2002.

Kids Splash and Slide

Mini Picassos

L’Atelier Art Lounge, opened originally in Country Mall and now in Seef Mall too, is a relaxing art studio for children, teens and even adults. It offers a lovely escape from the grind of shopping (perhaps the best place to drop hubby and kids off!) where you can enjoy painting on different objects in a wonderfully arty atmosphere. Tel. +973 1759 9030.

Wahooo! Waterpark Bahrain at Bahrain City Centre is open for families looking to spend the day cooling off while splashing about in the first indoor-outdoor water park in the region. Enjoy thrilling rides and slides, as well as learn to surf on the fullsize surfing machine.

Tel. +973 1717 3000.

Go-karting!

Kart Zone at the Bahrain International Circuit includes a new track layout, longer opening hours and faster karts! The new and improved track is not only longer than the previous layout, measuring at 1,054 metres, but also includes more turns and straights, allowing for drivers to develop their racing ability and take their technical understanding to a higher level.

Tel. +973 1745 0000.

Summer Camps

Now with regard to summer camps; there are so many options you’ll be spoilt for choice! Little Gems Nursery Camp for two to six-year-olds will offer soft play, cooking, arts and crafts, indoor play and a splash day every week from 10th July to 4th August. The CHAOSS summer camp kicks off on 24th July until 8th September and will keep kids from five years plus busy with indoor and outdoor games, gymnastics, arts and crafts, music and dancing, as well as ground sports. MyGym in Seef District will keep your kids entertained from 3rd July to 29th August with half days full of games, relays, sports, puppets, gymnastics, arts and crafts - to name a few. Little Gems Nursery Camp, Tel. +973 1769 4356; CHAOSS, Tel. +973 1759 2096; MyGym, Tel. +973 1756 6566.

PLAY

Recently opened in Seef Mall’s second floor of the new extension, PLAY offers families an original and engaging hands-on activity centre. The brainchild of Bahraini Sama Yateem, it is designed to meet the needs of children at every stage of their creative and educational development, and encourages each child to explore different areas of interest. From infants to early adolescent-age children, there’s something for kids of all ages here: a soft play area, pirate ship equipped with climbing nets, and a ‘Mini-Town’ where children can role play. They can continue their hands-on play experience at the Water Station and then move on to the Art Pod. PLAY will also offer various classes on dramatic arts, cheerleading, culinary arts; while kids can perform at the Glee Club and PLAY Theatre. For more information, contact Grace Markley on Tel. +973 3946 2181 or email: grace@markley.net

Lost Paradise of Dilmun

Lost Paradise of Dilmun brought with it many new attractions when it reopened its doors a few months ago.

Firstly there’s a bumper boat game for kids in a newly constructed pool at the centre of the park. In the pool, you can invest in some swimming lesson courses and scuba diving lessons. Moreover, there are five new private VIP cabanas which are perfect for families wanting privacy, along with closedbeach cabanas. Tel. +973 1784 5196.

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 79

Travel

La Ville Rose

Quick Fact

Journeying to France, one may not instantly think to visit Toulouse but Bahrain Confidential is here to tell you why you should definitely add ‘The Pink City’ to your itinerary.

Toulouse

I

f you’re a culture vulture and art, history and stunning architecture combined with beautifully serene surroundings is what you look for in a holiday, then Toulouse may well be the perfect place for you; it has one of the most intensely cultural calendars of all the French provincial cities.

Located in the southwest, just by the Pyrenees, Toulouse is the fourth largest city in France and was, in the middle ages, one of the richest cities in the country with over 50 impressive hotels and mansions remaining witness to this past wealth. Over the past 20 years however, this city has become a centre for aviation and spaceflight; a fact which offers the tourist a very unique experience in way of activities.

The first thing you need to know on arriving to Toulouse is that travel around the city is simple; there are bus and metro options,

and the historic centre is relatively small so you can easily get around comfortably on foot. The most interesting places here, all within walking distance of each other, are the 11th century church Basilique Saint Sernin, the hotel particuliers Hotel d’Assezat, Capitole which is the town hall and theatre with a stunning facade, and the 16th century bridge Pont-Neuf which is the only bridge to cross the Garonne River. Other must-visits include City Park at the Grand Rond, the old monastery church Les Augustins which is today used as an art museum, as well as Georges Labit Museum of Asian arts and Egyptian antiquities - to name a few!

As mentioned, Toulouse is well known for its aviation industry and so no trip could go without a tour of the Airbus

“This city has become a centre for aviation and spaceflight; a fact which offers the tourist a very unique experience in way of activities.”

80 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Toulou se Rose (‘ , also known th as La V name fr e Pink City’) ille go o that lin m the red bri t its nicke the s c k buildin mall all city in p gs eyw se city lay udo-Roman ays of the s on th style, a e s Roman site of an anc the ient settlem ent.

facilities, as well as Cite de l’Espace or ‘space city’ which is somewhere in between a museum and a scientific theme park without rides. This is particularly well suited for families with children between five and 14 years old.

On top of all this, you can meander through the city and along Canal du Midi, a 240-km long canal which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and connects Garonne River to the Étang de Thau on the Mediterranean. Also, Toulouse is as lively by night as it is by day and there is plenty to do from classical concerts and jazz gigs to partying at St Pierre Place; Toulouse’s students watering hole of choice. Or witness a rugby match which offers an unmatched atmosphere in the world of sport. And another superb way to experience the city is by renting a bike for just one Euro a day from Tisseo ‘Velibe stations’ and just riding through all that is on offer. After all, the spectacular scenery, fantastic alternative arts scene, rich culture and deep history combined with progressive modernity wins the hearts of all that pass through The Pink City PRICE: Economy = BD159 + taxes Business Class = BD720 + taxes How to get there Turkish Airlines flies from Bahrain to Toulouse four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. The flight departs at 02.25 from Bahrain and arrives to Istanbul at 06.45 and from Istanbul to Toulouse departs at 10.35 and arrives to Toulouse at 13.45.

For more information contact Tel. +973 1751 6100.

tom yum shrimp soup BD2.2

savory curry BD1.9

cheese sprnig roll BD1.3

pad thai kung BD2.3

chicken satay BD1.5

Offering the finest of THAI FOOD Healthy, Delicious, Well Price is our mission.

Orginally from Thailand.

Dining/ Take Away/ Delivery TEL: 77 040 454, 3 77 909 77 Location: Al-Shabab Ave., Juffair (next to The Pizza Company, Opposite to Starbucks)

Daily Open: 11:00am-3:00pm / 6:00pm-1:00am

Option 01

Option 02

Best American Restaurant in the Middle East Since 1997.

Now ser ving an assortment of Continental cuisine.

Best American Restaurant in the Middle East Since 1997

“Transport available on request, please call to book in advance.”

“Transport available on request, please call to book in advance.”

We are located in Juffair...Come see us!

We are located in Juffair...Come see us!

Grand Mosque

Grand Mosque

Gulf Hotel

Gulf Hotel Al Jazira Supermarket

Al Jazira Supermarket

?

?

NSA

NSA

Tel: 17 725550 email: ricsbah@yahoo.com

Tel: 17725550 email: ricsbah@yahoo.com

Travel

Timeless Ethiopia Wade through an experience of a lifetime and watch the line between past and present blur amidst the country’s sultry, awe-inspiring and enchanting attractions.

H

ome to some of the world’s most fascinating natural and man-made structures, Ethiopia’s appeal come from various facades – from its wide-ranging and fertile highlands laden with historical treasures – the ancient tombs and obelisks of Axum to 17th-century castles and burnt-out Russian tanks; to its dramatic landscapes that range from the Simien Mountains National Park and Bale Mountains National Park, perfect for adventurous trekking and innumerable interactions with dozens of animals and birds seen nowhere else on earth, to the Danakil Depression in Northern Ethiopia, an enchanting and unforgivingly hostile environment offering extreme adventure. For the more intrepid traveller, the remote lowlands in the southwest are home to untold adventures and house some of Africa’s most fascinating tribes.

Axum

Northern Ethiopia’s ancient city is the country’s oldest extant urban settlement. Once the capital and a major religious centre, it remains the site of many remarkable antiquities, including the famous monolithic obelisks, or stelae, important stone inscriptions, the remains of popular palaces and graves, and a special gold-silver and bronze currency.

Some local handicraft.

Photo by Alon Appleboim

A Quick Guide to Some of Ethiopia’s Treasures:

One of the ancient ruins at Yeha. Photo by Abiy Alazar

Omo Valley, Africa’s White-water Rafting Location Flamingos chilling out by the Rift Valley. Photo by L Bogoria

The fascinating Axum stelae field, with a huge fallen stele in the foreground. Photo by Stefan Gara

Recognised by enthusiasts to be one of Africa’s premier locations for white-water rafting, the Omo River’s early fury takes it through gorges hundreds of metres deep over fish and the huge shapes of crocodiles and hippos. On the final leg of its journey south to Turkana, the Omo forms the border between Kefa and Gamo Gofa provinces. It is here that Ethiopia’s largest nature sanctuary, the Omo National Park – one of the richest in spectacle and game and yet one of the least-visited areas in East and Central Africa – is located.

Yeha, Ethiopia’s Oldest Town

Yeha, in the administrative region of Tigray, was possibly Ethiopia’s oldest major settlement. An hour-and-a-half’s drive from the ancient city of Axum, with at least one obligatory photostop on the journey, it is little more than five kilometres from the modern commercial centre of Adwa.

Yeha, which is set amid imposing mountain scenery is well worth visiting. It is the site of the country’s most ancient temple, a remarkable huge stone structure, and a fine and richly endowed Ethiopian church of more modern times.

Gondar, The Camelot of Africa

Emperor Fasilidas founded it as the capital in 1636, and is the site of numerous castle-like palaces, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The city was Ethiopia’s capital until the reign of Emperor Tewodros II, also known as Theodore. Besides the famous palaces, in the royal compound, visitors should inspect the so-called Bathing Palace of Emperor Fasilidas, which is used for the annual Timket, or Epiphany, celebrations; the ruins of the Palace, and abbey of the redoubtable 18th century Empress Mentewab, at Qwesquam, in the mountains just outside Gondar, and the church Debre Berhan Selassie, with its remarkable ceiling decorated with winged angels.

82 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

The underground Bet Giyorgis Church at Lalibela

To book your flights visit www.ethiopianairlines.com

White-water rafting at Omo Valley

Axum

Langano

Lalibella

DISCOVER INCREDIBLE ETHIOPIA

Gondar

Kuriftu Resort

3 NIghts / 4 days starting from BHD 347.00 - Adds Ababa and Kuriftu spa 5 Days/ 4 Nights starting from BHD 449.00 -Addis Ababa Gondar , and Bahir Dar 6 Days / 5 Nights starting from BHD 482.00 - Addis Ababa, Axum and Lalibella 7 Days / 6 Nights starting from BHD 573.00 - Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibella and Axum 10 Days / 9 Nights starting from BHD 618.00 -Addis Ababa, Arba Minch , Jinka, Mursi, Hammer, Turmi, Arba Minch and Langano 17 Days / 16 Nights starting from BHD 1,022.00- Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Gondar, Semien Mountain, Axum, Lalibella, Arba Minch and Langano Price includes: * Economy class Round trip Air fare, 3/4 Star Hotel accomodation on twin/double bedded room occupancy with breakfast. * All transfer to/from airport and ground transportation to tour sites. * Professional english speaking tour guide for more than two tourists. * All entrance fees (15% VAT). * City tour of Addis Ababa.

Call us on Tel: 17208504 or 17223315 Email: bahsls@ethiopianairlines.com or Contact your Travel Agent.

Opinion

Our Environmental

Priorities

Eng. Rehan Ahmed

I

Engr Rehan Ahmed has a lot of faith that the youth of today bears much hope that they can take better care of the environment, and so should all of us.

n celebration of the World Environment Day (WED) in Bahrain, the Institution of Engineers, Pakistan-Bahrain Chapter in association with Bahrain Society of Engineers and the United Nations Environment Program organised a short essay competition for senior school students from local schools.

Over 200 entries were received for the competition which included two tasks for the participants. In this article, I will tackle the first task given to the students: to state five environmental priorities which they think should be adopted to improve the environmental conditions in the kingdom. The replies received were overwhelming and showed that the students have a high level of awareness and understand the existing environmental conditions in the kingdom.

These were some of the points they raised: • Using renewable energy sources (solar, wind and biomass) • Support activities aimed at reducing carbon footprint • Enhancing agriculture and greenery in the country • Improving municipal waste management system • Improving industrial waste management system • Promoting the 3Rs - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle • Energy conservation • Increasing awareness on environmental issues • Reducing plastic use and especially plastic bags • Using vehicles with CNG • Protecting marinelife and biodiversity • Water conservation and practicing efficient use • Conserving ground water • Improving the

84 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

sanitation and sewerage system • Improving urban air quality • Minimising the use of chemicals • Avoid littering at public places and common areas Some of the students also wanted an implementation of an efficient public transportation system to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. They were also concerned about the misuse of natural resources and called for a sound management strategy to be formulated and implemented to address it. The development of a sustainable development program was another key aspect. The students were also very much against smoking and would like to see a ban on it.

The following aspects were not considered as main environmental hazards: • Noise pollution • Pollution due to construction activities • Improving environmental health • Poverty alleviation • Saving coastline and beaches • Land management and controlled growth • Quarrying • NOx emissions

• Reclamation • Increase in number of vehicles and fuel usage • Planning for buildings and residential areas • Improving industrial air emissions • Odours management and control • Managing oils spills • Depletion of the ozone layer • Reduction of radiation impacts • Electronic waste management The winners of the competition on the other hand highlighted some major issues and the need for: • Better environmental monitoring • Updating environmental legislations and standards • Thorough assessment of environmental impacts of new projects • Minimising environmental degradation due to human activities • Changing human lifestyles and consumption patterns All the actions highlighted and elaborated is evidence of the rich imagination of our youth, and signifies that the world will be in safer hands tomorrow as compared to the present generation who have misused and overused the natural resources with little care and diligence.

In my next article, I will discuss about the students’ second task: for them to come up with a set of recommendations on how to address the environmental concerns mentioned during the competition Rehan Ahmed is Head of Waste Disposal Unit, Directorate of Environmental Control, Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife, Bahrain.

Email: rehan900@gmail.com

Society

Society

Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

AMA World Robotic Olympiad 2011

AMA International School held a press conference for the World Robotic Olympiad 2011 held at AMA International University in Salmabad on 27th April.

The elementary school team

AMA’s Ms Teresita De Castro (third from left) with the students

The high school team

Johnny Rockets Open at Lagoon, Amwaj Islands

Guests and loyal patrons enjoyed the latest opening of the Johnny Rockets branch at Lagoon, Amwaj Islands on 22nd June.

Johnny Rockets staff

Shruti and Nupur Bhattacharjee

Essa and Mubarak

BCC’s ‘City Walkers’ Program Turns One

Bahrain City Centre’s ‘City Walkers’, a unique and free program which promotes health and fitness with trainers from Fitness First, celebrated one year of success with a jubilant birthday on 21st May.

City Walker Members

Ali Al Asfoor Amal AlJowder Ray Scott Lori Cunningham

Raffle Draw Winners

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 85

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

DHL Holds Charity Memorial Rugby Match

A Memorial Trophy charity rugby match was held at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club on 20th May to honour the memories of DHL employees David Giles, Jason Bresler and Mohammed Shafiq who were tragically killed in Afghanistan in 2008.

The victorious Bahrain team

Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain

Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain employees celebrated the National Day of Italy on the 2nd June.

FinMark Communications

FinMark Communications recently held a press conference last 7th June at The Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa to announce the first Ramadan Business Quiz Show; in cooperation with Tamkeen, the event’s title sponsor.

Mövenpick hotel employees celebrate Italy National Day

Hala Sulaiman, Zahraa Taher and Fatima Bahlool

Umar and Saba’s Wedding Ceremony

Umar Masood and Saba Javid celebrated their wedding with beloved family and friends last May 2011.

The couple with relatives Umar and Saba

The newly wed couple with their family

86 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

BAETC Celebrates Graduation of Students

Bahrain Airport Services Aircraft Engineering Training Centre (BAETC) celebrated the graduation of 13 Tamkeen-sponsored Aircraft Engineering Students held at the Movenpick Hotel on 11th April. The students successfully completed the Airbus A320 ‘Type’ Rating training, following four years of intensive theoretical and practical aircraft engineering training programme.

The BAETC Graduates

BAETC officials and staff

The Porsche Kids Driving School

The Porsche Kids Driving School recently visited the Bahrain Rugby Club to teach more than 200 children an important lesson on road safety. The event took place on the 20th and 27th of May 2011 exclusively for the Rugby Club as well as Porsche Club Members. Porsche’s educational program has become a very successful platform to bring children closer to road safety in a fun environment.

The trainors

Gasoline charging

Kids having a fun time

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 87

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

Royal Country Club Officially Opens

Management and invited guests celebrated the Grand Opening of the Royal Country Club at the Royal Golf Club on 26th May.

Robyn, Lucinda, Megan, Elize and Ruan

Royal Gulf Club GM Susan Stevenson and Des Sjoquist, Director Riffa Views International School

Susan, Evelyn and Sanne

Reem, Richa, Lolitha and Eric

Hanne and Anna

Other invited guests Susan, Michel, Charlotte and Jenny

Michael and Terry

Thom

Paul and Barbara

Russ

Barbaranne

88 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Jane

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“A month after Tony`s seminar, I wrote Sleepless in Seattle, and sold it for a quarter of a million dollars. Since then, I`ve sold or been assigned seven screenplays, at escalating amounts of money for major studios and top directors.”

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Thanks for showing me that I was meant to fly.”

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“Tony Robbins will teach you those critical key strategies that can ensure success.”

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In his powerful new program, Get The Edge®, Anthony Robbins provides you with cutting edge tools for revolutionizing every area of your life - forever. Tony will coach and entertain you as you begin implementing proven strategies that can help you achieve anything you want and experience amazing levels of personal fulfilment in the process.

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FREE GIFT: When you order Get The Edge® you will also receive the audio edition, recorded onto 2 CDs, of Anthony Robbins brilliant international best-seller. AWAKEN THE GIANT WITHIN: His step-by-step program teaching the fundamental lessons of selfmastery that will enable you to take control of your life - FREE OF CHARGE and yours to keep whether you decide to keep Get The Edge® or return it for a refund!

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Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

Canadian Embassy Reception

The Canadian Embassy held a reception at the residence of the Honorary Consul of Canada, Mr Qays H Zu’bi, on 20th June.

Khalid Maskati, Nabeel, Mubarak Kanoo, Huda Noono and Nassar

Angela Fakhro, Bernadette, Karina and Rou’a Shehab Mr James Mac Pherson and Catherine

Mr Qays Zu’bi Honorary Consul; HE Mohammed Ali Siraj; HE David Chatterson, Canadian Ambassador; Mrs Karina Zu’bi (Consul’s Spouse); Milena Padula and HE Enrico Padula

Dave Harvey Charlotte

Wendy Mac William

HE Yves Oudin, HE David Chatterson, HE Hassan Fakhro, Mr Salman Idafar

Biz Ladies

The BizLadies held a cocktail evening at the Capital Club on 14th June where a team of five highly experienced legal experts delivered a presentation.

Paula Boast, Sallie Bowtell, Deborah Howard, Joanna Emerson, Nicola Green

President of BizLadies, Dr Clare Beckett-McInroy, Ed.D

Nexus wedding

Theunis Strydom and Tricia Powell were married on 4th June in the courtyard of La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art.

Ryan and Theunis

90 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

The happy couple

Tricia with son Ryan

Tricia

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

Tamkeen at Kulna Bahrain

Tamkeen participated in the Kulna Bahrain event held last 4th June at the BIC; for its role in supporting SMEs and other commercial activities and enterprises. Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa graced the event.

Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa touring the Tamkeen stand

Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa with the Tamkeen team

Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa poses with event participants

Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa receives token of appreciation from Tamkeen

Third Graduation for AMA International School

The Third Graduation of the AMA International School was held under the patronage of HE Ambassador Amable R Aguiluz V, the Philippine Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Special Envoy to the Gulf Cooperating Council and Chairman, AMA Education System on 18th June at Gulf Hotel International Convention Centre.

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 91

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

AJM Kooheji Launches Askania Watch

Under the patronage of the German Ambassador HE Dr Hubert Lang, AJM Jooheji Group launched the Askania watch brand at the ambassador’s residence in Saar on 13th June.

Michel, Mona and Nada

Mr Jano, HE Hubert Lang, Mohammed Salahuddeen, Ashraf Obaid and Mohammed Koheeji

Mohammed and Abdulrahman Fakhro

Josh Morar and Karl Sutcliffe

Salma

Poonam Kewalram Rohit Raina and Akbar

Crowne Plaza’s Orphan Outreach

Murtaza

Kishor Kewalram

Seema

Kids received a real treat as the Crowne Plaza Hotel organised an ‘Orphan Outreach’ held at the hotel’s swimming pool area on 9th June.

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Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

Nuxe Launch

JH Ruyan Pharmacy held a launch event and seminar to unveil the latest products from Nuxe at The K Hotel in Juffair on 30th May.

Grace, Marites and Aileen

Edita, Rose and Mariam

Aniza, Juvilyn and Monaliza

Judy Ann and Nihas

Shanmugam, Rajaram and Senthil kumar

Violaine Rousselot, Business Unit Manager speaks during the launch

Azzam Rshaidat, Regional Training Manager, Nuxe Middle East conducts the seminar Metilda, Marissa, Laisa and Hairia

The New Volkswagen Jetta

Behbehani Bros held an exclusive launch and drive event for the new Volkswagen Jetta at the Majlis of the Royal Golf Club, Riffa on 24th May.

Mohammed, Peter, Felix, Hussain and Mohammed

Hussain and Mohammed

Hussain, Felix, Peter, Mohammed and Nariman Ahmed

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 93

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

The K Hotel Official Opening

Worth BD22million, The K Hotel and the kingdom’s latest four-star deluxe hotel formally opened its doors to guests on 4th May in an official inauguration and opening held under the patronage of Her Excellency Minister of Culture, Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa.

The VIP Guests

VIP Guest with the Philippines Ambassador to Bahrain HE Ma Corazon Yap-Bahjin

The VIP Guests

‘We Love Bahrain Day’ and The International School of Choueifat

Students and staff of The International School of Choueifat held a festival to celebrate the ‘We love Bahrain’ campaign on 19th May.

A presentation by the students

Students show their support for Bahrain

94 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Another student presentation at the event

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

NYiT Batch 2011 Commencement Ceremony

The NYiT Class of 2011 celebrated their graduation at a memorable ceremony at the Gulf Exhibition Centre, Gulf Hotel on 7th June.

Sheikh Adbul Latif Al Mahmood with the graduates

The graduates

Mahmood Al Mahmood with one of the graduates and a guest

The graduates

The graduates

Royal University for Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Graduation Ceremony

The Royal University for Women recently celebrated their Batch 2011 graduation ceremony at Sofitel Hotel in Zallaq on 9th June. The event was under the patronage of HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council for Women and graced by VIP guests such as members of the universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board of Trustees and Board of Directors.

The graduates

VIP Guests

VIP Guests

Faculty Members

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 95

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

REDTAG Opens at Bahrain City Centre

The REDTAG Group opened its fourth store at Bahrain City Centre last month, bringing the fashion chain’s total stores in the Middle East to 69.

REDTAG management pose during the store opening

REDTAG staff pose during the store opening

St Christopher’s School Students Take BIC Tour

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) last month welcomed over two days more than 150 students from St Christopher’s School. The students were given a detailed description of the facility’s history and features. The students’ tour included visits to the iconic Sakhir Tower, the Race Control Tower, the Media Centre, the Welcome Centre and other key locations around the track; plus a stop at the recently opened Bahrain International Karting Circuit.

St Christopher’s School students pose before taking the tour

Italian National Day

The Italian National Day Celebration was held at the Italian Ambassador’s office on 2nd June.

Alessandra and Alessandro

Daniela, Brice, Milena Padula and Rosaria

Mohammad Jawahari and Italian Ambassador HE Enrico Padula

96 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

HE Jamie Bowden, a guest and Mr Joerm

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

Diplomat Hotel Friday Brunch

Guests enjoyed the hotel’s delicious Friday Brunch with live music from the in-house band.

Chuck and Emma

Aimee and Sam Dawson

Jo, Paul and Angela

Nich and Abbie

Dave and Chaz

Kiara and Minaash

Graham Bruce and Ana Castro

Tony The Dogfather

The British School of Bahrain handed a cheque worth BD340 over to Tony ‘The Dogfather’ Waters for animal charity on 20th June.

World Enviroment Day - Bahrain Society of Engineers

The United Nations Environment Programme through the United Nations Country team in association with Bahrain Society of Engineers and the Institution of Engineers Pakistan-Bahrain Chapter celebrated the World Environment Day with an Essay Competition for students on 5th June at Bahrain Society of Engineers Auditorium in Juffair.

Hend Al Bucheeri, Engr Rehan Ahmed, Engr Masroor Anwar, Dr Adel Al Zayani, Engr Qamar ul Hasan, Dr Clair Crossgrove, Rodney Coomsbrdige, Ms Kalmani and Nejib Friji

Hend Al Bucheeri, Nejib Friji, Engr Rehan Ahmed, Dr Adel Al Zayani, Dr Habib Al Habr and Saleem Rajab with the winners of the essay competition

Engr Jawad Al Jabal, Hend Al Bucheeri, Engr Rehan Ahmed, Jurgen Ziebel and Phil Gordon

Hend Al Bucheeri, Manal Al Eid, Baraa Abdulla, Dr Adel Al Zayani and Engr Rehan Ahmed

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 97

Business

Business In Brief

Turkish Airlines Carries Champions League’s Cup to Barcelona Turkish Airlines, the official sponsor of FC Barcelona, carried the last champions of Europe with the players of FCBarcelona Football Players branded aircraft from London to Barcelona last month. During the flight, football players and managers of FCBarcelona celebrated the victory with a specially prepared cake made by Turkish Airlines.

Sandra Rosell i Feliu, The President of FCBarcelona, Josep Guardiola, manager of FCBarcelona, football players and guests have expressed that they are extremely satisfied and have enjoyed the catering on board. When the airplane arrived in the Barcelona Airport, a very crowded press group and a lot of fans met the players.

KFH-Bahrain Platinum Sponsor of the AAOIFI Kuwait Finance House - Bahrain (KFH-Bahrain) announced its platinum sponsorship of the 10th Annual Sharia’a Conference, which took place on 30th and 31st of May 2011 at the Gulf Convention Centre. The Conference was held under the auspices of Central Bank of Bahrain and organised by the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), the international organisation that formulates standards on accounting, auditing, ethics, governance, and Sharia’a for the international Islamic finance industry.

Ethiopian Airlines Awards Top Agents Topselling agents of Ethiopian Airlines were last month awarded at a special ceremony and dinner at the Intercontinental Regency Bahrain on 22nd June.

Teferi, Betelhem, Meaza, Mathewos, Maria, Sulah and Rose

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Business Standard Chartered support AMH and Bahrain-Saudi Blind Institute As part of their continuing Community Outreach program, the American Mission Hospital recently treated children from the Bahrain-Saudi Blind Institute over a two-day period. The children received complete physical examinations by pediatricians, hearing, vision and general tests like weight, height and BP with HB blood tests as well as receiving physiotherapy. The program was sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank who donated BD7,000 in 2010 to fund outreach projects. In attendance were officials from both AMH and SCB including Jonathan Morris CEO, SCB and Dr George Cheriyan, AMH CMO/CEO.

Bert Plas Becomes General Manager for Sofitel Bahrain By appointing Bert Plas as General Manager of its newest additions to the sophisticated chain of hotels; Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa is raising the bar of luxury hotels in the region. Bert Plas has a vast experience in hotels business in general; his career in Switzerland, Canada, Turkey, Caribbean, South America and Egypt has given him great expertise in the international hotel industry and has worked for IHG, Delta hotel and resorts and before joining Sofitel in 2009 in Taba, Egypt he was working for Le Meridien hotels and resorts in South America. After finishing his studies Plas began his career in Switzerland; his cosmopolitan background and experience allowed him to understand the know-how of the hospitality business and shine in it. Adding to his talents, Plas masters four languages; English, German, Spanish, Dutch and of course his mother tongue. Beside the professional traits; Plas is also an active member in number of associations and social clubs and he is very keen on practising his role when it comes to community services.

‘Fly Now and Pay Later’

C

itibank and Emirates Airlines have announced the launch of their ‘Fly now, Pay later’ offer. With this scheme, Citibank credit card members can book an Emirates flight and select the option to pay for their tickets in interest-free monthly installments over three months.

Citibank card members already enjoy superior value and rewards with the existing Emirates-Citibank co-branded credit card. The card rewards customers with Skywards Miles for every Bahraini Dinar spent on the card. Miles can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades and a number of other travel privileges.

“We are pleased to take our co-branded alliance to the next level by launching value offering for our customers. Our goal is to work closely with Emirates Airlines as per our customers’ need for superior value and to enable our card members to enjoy the services of a leading airline in the region,” said Navneet Kampani, Consumer Banking Head, Citibank N.A. Bahrain.

Speaking about this offer, Tariq Tawakul, Manager Bahrain, Emirates Airlines said, “Emirates and Citibank have enjoyed a successful collaboration with our co-branded credit card. This new promotion is an ideal way to plan and purchase flights for a summer holiday getaway to one of our 113 destinations around the globe.”

Signing the agreement from left: Navneet Kampani, Head of Consumer Banking – Citibank, and Tariq Tawakul, Manager, Bahrain - Emirates Airlines. Standing from left: Noor Ghazwan, Marketing Officer – Citibank, Sonik Kapur - Head of Marketing and Cards business – Citibank, Sam Ebraham, Sales Manager - Emirates Airlines.

For more information contact Citibank (main headquarters) on Tel. +973 1758 8588 or Emirates (holiday department) on Tel. +973 1758 8707.

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 99

Advertorial

The Mariner’s

Dream AJM Kooheji offers the best in total marine solutions at their showroom in Sitra. Check out the five latest and greatest products in the market and fulfil your inner water baby’s dream.

The Wave Runner

Yamaha’s 2011 242 Limited S

At a fraction of the price, the all-new VXR is the first non-supercharged personal watercraft that can outperform any super-charged musclecraft. Relying on Yamaha’s powerful four-stroke, four-cylinder, 1812cc high output marine engine matched with the brand’s ultra-lightweight NanoXcel hull, the VXR delivers a fast and nimble ride. The racing inspired, extra long fastback seat is ergonomicallydesigned and contoured for added support, and the retractable reboarding step is designed to make climbing back on board easy. Additional features include: a multi-function electronic information centre which provides the rider reads on speed, RPM, fuel level, warnings for low oil and overheating, as well as an hour metre and check engine light; Low RPM Mode which is the personal watercraft industry’s first fuel saving feature; the industry’s first ever remote controlled transmitter on which you can activate and deactivate the VXR’s digital security system and Low RPM Mode from up to 30 feet away; a security system which ensures that no one but you starts the VXR; dual concave mirrors; 15 gallons of storage space; glove box with insulated beverage holders; finger Yamaha’s VXR throttle level; and Yamaha’s trademarked visibility spout.

100 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Advertorial The Inflatables

With five series available in the Kooheji showroom from Hifei Inflatables, you’re spoilt for choice with inflatable boats.

World-renowned, Hifei, was established in 2004 and has since been a world-class manufacturer of inflatables, tenders, fibreglass and aluminium RIB, and they produce around 3,600 boats per month for export to more than 50 countries; in other words, they know what they’re doing. Each product comes with a wide range of standard equipment, dependent on your boat of choice, as well as additional equipment you can opt for. You also Yamaha’s H have the option of customising Venus series your floor. Moreover, the boats are made of PVC and Hypalon which is extremely resistant in tough conditions - particularly tropical climates - as well as UV, hydrolysis and hydrocarbon. If you can’t find the boat you want in the showroom, never fear as you can request for the one you want to be imported especially for you.

For more information visit www.hfboats.com

The Jet Boat

There is much to be said for Yamaha’s 2011 242 Limited S; for instance, the forward-swept tower looms above its refined, spacious interior, while bow docking lights accent the distinguished exterior. Or the fact that the open layout, paired with the explosive power of Twin 1.8 litre High Output Yamaha Marine engines, allows it to stake its rightful claim atop the luxury category. Its countless features make boating much more convenient; there are ten storage compartments, an innovative swim platform, a GPS-based information control centre, a ‘3 Position No Wake Mode’ with three different RPM settings allowing the driver to easily adjust their no wake speed, and cruise assist. In terms of entertainment and interior there is an aquatic A/V premium stereo with direct iPod connectivity, exquisite stainless steel details, soft marine grade upholstery and berber carpet kit, a built-in removable cooler and dinette table, as well as easy access to the stern patio area and swim platform from the cockpit. On top of all this there is a built-in freshwater shower, custom adjustable tilt steering wheel, and independent dual engine controls. The 242 Limited S includes all this, and more, while comfortably seating eleven passengers.

The Towables

World-renowned Airhead Watersports and AJM Kooheji provide a wide range of exhilarating and funky towables for the daring water babies. Check out the Super Slice, Airhead’s high performance 3 rider low profile deck tube which will take your breath away! Or you could look at the VIPER-series which is the finest collection of cockpit-style towables your money can buy. Now everyone’s heard of the banana boat - but what about the Hot Dog tube?! This ‘water weenie’ is designed for one to five riders. To top off your exciting day with splashtastic watersports equipment, you have to try out the REBEL, a one-rider deck tube with four deluxe handles and knuckle guards. Be warned, these are not for the faint-hearted! For more information visit www.airhead.com The Kayaks

Airhead Slice Towable

The Kayaks

Since 1968, Pelican International has been a leader in making boating more accessible and affordable for everyone.

Today, they offer nearly a hundred types of boats - kayaks, canoes, pedal boats and fishing boats - plus an array of winter toys, kiddie pools and sandboxes. And all of these are available at the AJM Kooheji stores!

For more information on these products and many more, contact Tel. +973 1770 0007 or visit www.koohejigroup.com July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 101

Advertorial

This Summer Power Your Wheels With Bridgestone …

Purchase Bridgestone tyres and win exciting gifts!

B

ridgestone, the world’s leading tyre manufacturer together with AJM Kooheji Group BSC(C), has launched a summer promotion in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The ‘Power Your Wheels with Bridgestone’ promotion gives its customers the opportunity to win BD8 Lulu Hypermarket gift vouchers on purchase of four Bridgestone tyres of rim size 16-inches and above. The customers can also choose to get a free Lube change done for BD8

instead of receiving the Lulu vouchers. The Lube change is available at all 3K outlets and the Bridgestone Tyre Service Centre in Ma’ameer.

But the Lulu gift voucher can be redeemed at any 3K or dealer outlets as well as the Bridgestone Tyre Service Center. This offer is applicable until the 31st August 2011.

This scheme is currently running at all the authorised Bridgestone dealer outlets and 3K – Kwik Kar Kare Service Centres in Bahrain.

AJM Kooheji Group BSC, Senior General Manager Tires and Allied Businesses

Division, Mr Vineet Mathur said: “AJM Kooheji Group and Bridgestone have always been launching value-added consumer promotions across the kingdom, and the response has been a delight.

It is always a pleasure to serve our customers with the diligent assistance of our well-experienced crew.

This promotion adds a lot of uniqueness and I would like to urge our customers to benefit from this opportunity.”

For more information contact Tel. +973 1773 2733.

Potenza Adrenalin RE002 If it’s good enough for Formula One racing drivers then it’s certainly good enough for us!

E

x Formula One driver, Stefano Modena, has heaped praise on Bridgestone’s new Potenza Adrenalin RE002, insisting the new tyre would make driving any car more enjoyable for the driver, regardless of road topography.

“These tyres give the driver confidence,” he says. “If you drive a fast car on a particular road, what is important for you is confidence in your vehicle.”

Mr Modena, who scored Grand Prix podiums for Brabham and Tyrell, played a key role in the development of the original Adrenalin RE001. And although not part of the RE002 development team, he confirms the new sports tyre retains the best aspects of the original product’s character while pushing its performance levels even

102 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

a bit higher.

“With the RE001, we made a very good tyre - right on-centre point response and stability. And this RE002 is an improvement, so anyone who drives on this tyre will love the perception of feeling the road beneath them.

“Based on my testing, I think that the RE002, especially in dry handling, has improved its on-centre response and in terms of effort in steering. During landchanging and on the slalom, the tyres feel harmonised so the car moves the front and rear wheels together always - and that’s important for sports driving.

“Everything that has improved in the dry is also carried over on to wet roads.”

For more information contact Tel. +973 1773 2733.

Cars

Mercedes-Benz Launches New-Generation C-Class

Al Haddad Motors recently announced the launch of the new-generation C-Class and we have a million reasons why we’re excited with this new gem that Mercedes-Benz has under its wing.

The new C-Class to be launched in Spring 2011 is quite a charmer. Here’s why: It’s energetic - it has a new, dynamic appearance inside and out. It’s extended.

What, you ask? It means it has nine new assistance systems for more safety. It’s very efficient, with new engines with up to 31 per cent lower fuel consumption, now we certainly like that. Gadget junkie that you are?

No problem. The New C-Class lets you experience a new generation of telematics with internet access. Last but most definitely not least, its tremendous success is quite enviable: more than one million units of the current series have been sold since March 2007. The new generation C-Class sure has everyone revved up.

For more information, contact Al Haddad Motors on Tel. +973 17 785 454.

Budget Car and Van Rental offer a wide range of cars, with a choice of sizes and styles to suit your leisure or corporate car hire requirements.

Call us and get going.

Main Office Airport Office

-

Tel: +973 17534100 Tel: +973 17321268

Fax: Fax:

+973 17535402 +973 17321315

Email / Website -

Almoayyed Tower Sitra

reservations@fakhro.com

-

Tel: +973 17564680 Tel: +973 17735900

Fax: Fax:

+973 17564633 +973 17735888

www.budgetbahrain.com

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 103

Cars

The New-Generation

C-Class The new C-Class launched in Spring 2011 is a comprehensive modernisation.

F

or instance, the front and rear sections of this bestselling model have a more striking design. Together with the optional, high-resolution colour display in the instrument cluster, the new dashboard with its elegant, grained surface and prominent decorative trim emphasises the premium character of the interior. Fuel consumption has been lowered by up to 31 percent. Efficiency-enhancing measures include new engines, the improved 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and the ECO start/stop function, which will be available on selected engines in the Middle East later in the year. Ten new driving assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control are now available for this model series. Moreover, the newgeneration telematics include internet access and a 3D navigation display with plastic city views.

“In terms of drive and protection systems the new-generation C-Class offers the same comfort and safety as our luxury models. And with numerous highgrade features in the interior that remind one of the new CLS, the C-Class sets

completely new standards in its segment with respect to perceived value and quality,” says Frank Bernthaler, Sales and Marketing Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East and Levant.

A total of more than 2,000 new components distinguish the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class from its predecessor. In addition to the standard appointments – which now include a leather steering wheel – the two

On top of all this, the new C-Class also sees the debut of a new telematics generation which will also be gradually introduced in other model series. Major new features include greater operating convenience, larger displays, telephone directory transfer, display of SMS messages, wireless music reproduction via Bluetooth and a USB interface now accommodated in the centre armrest.

The multimedia system COMAND Online now provides internet access for the first time. When the car is stationary, customers are able to browse freely or surf to a Mercedes-Benz Online service whose pages load particularly rapidly and are also easy to use while on the move. The integrated services include weather information and a special destination search via Google, as well as the option of downloading a route that has been previously configured on a PC using Google Maps and sent to the car. The navigation system of COMAND Online also has added functions. New features include a 3D display with plastic city views

“A total of more than 2,000 new components distinguish the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class from its predecessor.”

104 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

designs and equipment lines ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE are the basis for the individualisation programme of the C-Class. The two lines are now even more readily distinguishable from each other.

With a total of nine new driving assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control, the C-Class reaches a new level in safety. The assistance systems are based on the latest radar, camera and sensor technology, and cover frequent accident causes such as driving too closely, fatigue and darkness.

For more information visit www.alhaddad-mercedesbenz.com or call Tel. +973 17 785 454.

Make Company Look This Good Your

We guarantee:  Highest quality  Exceptional service  No hidden charges Tel. +973 17 822 388 Email: Info@ArabianMagazines.com ProDesign Arabia is a subsidiary of Arabian Magazines

Cars

The Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of ...

Porsches!

106 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Cars

T

Bahrain Confidential’s mission: to acquaint ourselves with the Porsche Cayman, and what better way to do so than on the demanding, twisting roads of the Austro-German Alps.

he adventure began early that morning in Munich. I was handed the keys to a beautiful green (peridot metallic to be precise) Cayman R by the official Porsche driving instructor/guide with the simple, slightly worrying words, “Follow me. If I lose you, meet me in Kitzbuehel.”

The Cayman is effectively the little brother of the iconic Porsche 911 but recent technical improvements have meant that little brother is growing up and is starting to encroach on 911 territory. Porsche have been careful to keep the Cayman in its place by reducing performance through limting horsepower but in some ways, the Cayman is almost better to drive because of its mid-engined layout and lower weight. Saving weight has been crucial in the advancement of the Cayman and no areas have been shown any mercy by the engineers. A brief external inspection confirms to the discerning eye that this is a different animal to the Cayman S. It sits one inch lower, has a fixed rear spoiler, silver or black 19-inch wheels, contrasting door mirrors and Porsche stickers on the side.

A small compartment in the front bonnet provides enough space for a weekendaway bag provided you and your passenger don’t intend to do too many costume changes.

Internally there are more reminders that when driving the Cayman R, I will now be playing in a different rock band. Ultra-light carbon fibre sports seats, Porsche stitched into the carpet, Cayman R on the dashboard, pull-straps instead of door handles and PDK on the gear lever catch my eye as soon as I belt myself in.

PDK means Porsche Doppel Kopplungsgetriebe. For those of you unfamiliar with Porsche-speak, this is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission system which shifts gears smoother and more quickly than most humans can but beware that it is an extra option that adds about 25 kilograms to the car’s weight.

Standard equipment is the six-speed manual transmission.

As we slowly negotiated our way out of the morning rush hour Munich traffic, the scenery was transformed from city to rural, and eventually to mountain.

Soon we were high in the misty Alps,

roaring past lakes, pastures, pine forests and fairytale-castles in the lush Salzkammergut foothills. The higher we got, the quieter the roads became and we now had the opportunity to really see how our cars handled on the demanding twisting bends and occasional fast straights. We were told that we would be taking the scenic route to Kitzbuehel and to be sure to enjoy the scenery.

I’m not sure if you have ever tried it but sightseeing whilst driving at 200kph is more difficult than you might imagine. I

us with the by now familiar words, “Follow me. If I lose you, meet me in Munich.”

As we bid farewell to Kitzbeuhel and headed back to Munich through the beautiful Zillertal Valley, there remained one last test to put the Cayman through … a flat-out stint on the Autobahn. I couldn’t quite achieve the claimed top speed of 290 but I did make 275 with, I should say, a lot of ease. At such speeds, safety and predictable handling are paramount. The last thing you want is the car doing anything erratic or surprising.

The R handled impeccably, remaining solid, smooth and glued to the road. We reached Munich all too soon.

A car like this is built to be driven. If you don’t push it … accelerating hard, braking hard and cornering swiftly … then you will never have a full appreciation of what this marvelous machine is capable of and you will be guilty of wasting a great talent. While not quite a supercar in the category of a GT3, it is fast enough to require a lot of concentration and driverfeel. Yet it is forgiving if you exceed your driving abilities and like a good friend,will always be there to get you out of trouble

“A car like this is built to be driven.” decided to focus on the driving.

Traction and grip in the R is fantastic thanks to PSM (Porsche stability management) and I found the handling to be tighter and sharper than with the S. The 3.4 litre flat-six engine provides 330 HP (10 HP more than the S), achieving 0 to 100 kph in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 290 kph. Feeling adventurous I activated sport mode which enabled me to push the rear wheels wide on those tempting corners but the car’s natural balance always took over and pulled the car straight again before I could do any damage. Suffice to say that car and driver arrived in Kitzbeuhel in one piece.

The next morning, the instructor met

For more information, and to book your own test drive, contact the Porsche Centre Bahrain on Tel. +973 1745 9971.

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 107

Cars

Not

One To Dodge!

F

rom its sleek exterior design to its modern, spacious interior, and intelligent, fuel-efficient and powerful powertrain options, the 2011 Dodge Durango is all-new from the inside out. And the changes are more than skin deep. The Durango’s unibody structure is more than 25 per cent stiffer than its predecessor. The end result is a vehicle with crossover versatility, SUV capability and performance in a different league than its competitive class.

Publisher Nick Cooksey was given the chance to trial the Durango around the streets of Bahrain: “You instantly get that feeling that you’re king of the road! You’re so high up, you become more confident in your paths! The Sheikh of SUVs you might call it!”

Durango customers live busy lives. They need a vehicle that is spacious and flexible enough to haul three rows of passengers and their gear, but powerful and agile enough to keep it fun. Durango customers are looking for the perfect balance of functional versatility and luxury at an outstanding value. It is the only vehicle in the segment that will meet their needs.

The all-new 2011 Durango delivers excitement and refinement with worldclass suspension and performance. It’s a driver’s SUV that delivers impressive on-

Buckle in and hold tight.

Dodge has jumped back into the sport utility segment with the 2011 Dodge Durango, a three-row vehicle spacious enough to carry the entire crew and performance-tuned to thrill anyone who truly loves to drive.

road performance and capability with the flexibility of a three-row SUV. Benchmarked against premium performance SUVs in the market, Durango delivers modernised refinement with electronics, suspension and structural characteristics that are usually found at much higher price points.

The unibody structure is built with a selection of high-strength and ultrahigh-strength steels that improve driving dynamics by integrating the suspension with the body - reducing flex when compared with the previous body-on-

and unexpected stability contribute to the Durango’s best-in-class trailer tow capability. On models equipped with the Pentastar V-6 engine, the Durango can tow up to 6,200 pounds - more than the V-6 and small V-8 that were available in the previous Durango. When coupled with the 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 engine, the all-new Dodge Durango offers trailer-tow capability of up to 7,400 pounds - more weight than a 24-foot boat and trailer.

Inside, the new Durango boasts 28 different seating configurations, with as much as 85 cubic feet of cargo and storage areas, leaving plenty of legroom for passengers and gear. With second and third-row seats folded flat, the Durango can fit a six-foot couch with room for a coffee table, or for ‘do-it-yourselfers’, enough ten-foot 2x4s to build a tree house.

Creating versatile and usable cargo space is important to the segment.

Visibility over the third row was critical.

Engineering and design worked together to develop a simple solution. When the third row is empty, a single motion actuator can drop the headrests with the push of a button to increase visibility

“Behbehani Brothers in Sitra are having marvel deals on Durango.”

108 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

frame design. In fact, 52 per cent of the Durango’s structure is made from these advanced steels. More than 5,500 welds and more than 4,100 mm of arc welding contribute to torsional stiffness levels greater than the Mercedes-Benz GL. The all-new Durango delivers on the pavement with aggressive shock and spring rates and large sway bars to handle body roll in hard-turning manoeuvres.

Available electro-hydraulic performance steering, along with standard electronic stability control also contribute to maintain tyre grip and vehicle stability.

A robust structure, impressive braking

For more information please contact Behbehani Brothers at Sitra on Tel. +973 1745 9955.

Pet

Home!

At Bahrain Confidential we try our best to reunite lost animals with their families or find new homes for abandoned pets.

Looking For A

Annie

Bonnie

Mutley

Blackie

Ella

Saiori

Brandy

Smokey

Calypso

Attention!

BSPCA Animals

The BSPCA is now enforcing a policy of neutering all male dogs and cats. The BSPCA’s policy also ensures that all female dogs and cats that are adopted MUST be neutered, the cost of which is incorporated into their pricing structure.

From Tony ‘The Dogfather’

Snoopy

Coby

Scratchy

Interested in adopting?

Visit the BSPCA in Saar, near St Christopher’s School or see www.bspca.org for directions. Open for viewings Monday to Saturday, 9am to 1pm. Tel. +973 1759 1231.

Mum with kids

Peter

Do you have animal concerns? Need a vet? Call Dr Nonie Coutts on Tel. +973 1724 5515.

Grey, ET and Chaplin

Interested in adopting?

Call Tony ‘The Dogfather’ Waters on Tel. +973 3962 9889 or visit www.dogfatherbahrain.com

110 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Appeal

PLEASEHELP! HELP! PLEASE

T

ony ony Waters Waters aka aka ‘Tony ‘Tony the the Dogfather’ Dogfather’ has has run run aa rescue rescue and and rehabilitation rehabilitation centre centre in in Bahrain Bahrain for for the the last last ten ten years.

Now with over years. Now with over 200 200 rescued rescued animals animals itit was was time time to relocate as his current location to relocate as his current location has has been been sold sold which which obviously obviously put put him him in in aa very difficult and distressing situation. very difficult and distressing situation.

Thankfully Thankfully Tony Tony has has found found aa new new home for himself and the home for himself and the animals animals in in Saar, Saar, and and hopefully hopefully will will begin begin building building work work on on the the AC AC kennels kennels from from the the 1st 1st May. May. ItIt now now means means that that his his needs needs have have changed changed slightly. slightly. Obviously Obviously the the food food and and money money donations donations are are still still very very important important to to him him and very gratefully received but now and very gratefully received but now Tony Tony needs needs aa different different kind kind of of help help as as well: well: Sponsors Sponsors to to rebuild rebuild the the kennels: kennels: Any building company who Any building company who gives gives help help will will have have their their company company name name advertised advertised on on the the newly newly built built kennel kennel block block and and in in the the media. media.

Building Building materials: materials: breeze breeze blocks, blocks,

metal metal doors, doors, wood, wood, cement, cement, sand, sand, roofing, roofing, tiles, tiles, porta-cabins. porta-cabins.

Labour: Labour: masons, masons, carpenters, carpenters, labourers, labourers, electricians, electricians, plumbers. plumbers.

Transport: Transport: to to move move existing existing reusable reusable materials materials and and new new building materials. building materials.

Temporary Temporary storage storage space: space: for for the furniture from the furniture the furniture from the furniture shop. shop.

When When asked asked how how he he felt, felt, Tony Tony said, said, “I“I do do re-home re-home to to the the right right families families but but only only after after the the animals animals have have been been rehabilitated. rehabilitated. The The long long term term residents, residents, old, damaged or special old, damaged or special needs needs animals animals stay stay for for the the rest rest of of their their lives lives all in air-conditioned kennels.” all in air-conditioned kennels.”

Anyone Anyone who who can can help help should should contact contact Tony Tony on on Tel. Tel. +973 +973 3962 3962 9889 9889 or or email email at at tony.dogfather@gmail.com tony.dogfather@gmail.com or or visit visit www.dogfatherbahrain.com www.dogfatherbahrain.com Thank youin in anticipation.

Thank you anticipation.

July 2011 May 2011 || Bahrain Bahrain Confidential Confidential || 111 113

Gastro Medzo (InterContinental Regency) - Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine Sunday through Friday for either lunch at 12.30pm to 3.30pm or dinner at 7pm to 11.30pm. BD6.9 for salad or appetiser with pizza or pasta.

Seafood Night at Silk’s Restaurant (Mövenpick) BD16.9++ for a seafood buffet or BD22++ including selected beverages. 7pm to 11pm.

Fiamma (Sofitel) - A la carte service for dinner (7pm to 11.30pm) at Sofitel’s Italian Restaurant.

Sushi Night (Cocoon Lounge) - Sample one of 8 platters of sushi from the new menu plus unlimited selected beverages while relaxing at Cocoon in Juffair. BD12. 7pm to 11pm.

Spices at Crowne Plaza

Experience the famous Hyderabadi cuisine at Spices Indian Restaurant. Savour its richness in taste and mouth-watering aromas with the featured selection of traditional and distinct Hyderabadi dishes in a month-long festival. Offer available from 1st to 31st July. Tel. 1753 1122.

Newest Asian Restaurant ‘Mo Kan’ at The K Hotel Juffair

Gastro

Calendar

Spices at Crowne Plaza

The latest and tastiest places to go!

The Confidential gastro guide reveals the best places to eat every month.

Sundays

One Hour Business Lunch, Spices restaurant (Crowne Plaza) - Set Menu. Two courses BD4.95++, three courses BD5.95++, or four courses BD6.95++.

Medzo (InterContinental Regency) - Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine Sunday through Friday for either lunch at 12.30pm to 3.30pm or dinner at 7pm to 11.30pm. BD6.9 for salad or appetiser with pizza or pasta.

Indian Nights at Skyw@lk Cafe (Marriot Executive Apartments) - Indian Buffet from 6.30pm, for BD8 net.

Lebanese Grill next to Flamingo Bar Lounge (Mövenpick) - served with French fries from 4pm to 9pm for BD4.8++ (BD5.8 net) per plate.

Mix Grill at the pool (Mövenpick) - BD4.8++ per

112 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

plate for a selection of Lebanese grill.

The 50% Summer Sale (Cocoon Lounge) – Dine out on a delicious food menu and sip the night away with a sensational selection of cocktails, for half the price of your normal bill, all night long!

Mondays

One Hour Business Lunch, Spices restaurant (Crowne Plaza) - Set Menu. Two courses BD4.95++, three courses BD5.950+, or four courses BD6.950+.

Tuesdays

One Hour Business Lunch, Spices restaurant (Crowne Plaza) - Set Menu. Two courses BD4.95++, three courses BD5.95++, or four courses BD6.95++.

Medzo (InterContinental Regency) - Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine Sunday through Friday for either

Please be aware that timings and offers are likely to change. It is advised to call up in advance.

Gastro lunch at 12.30pm to 3.30pm or dinner at 7pm to 11.30pm. BD6.9 for salad or appetiser with pizza or pasta.

Italian Nights at Skyw@lk Cafe (Marriot Executive Apartments) - From 6.30pm for ‘La Famosa notte Italiana’ at only BD8 net including soft drinks and free internet access.

Lebanese Grill next to Flamingo Bar Lounge (Mövenpick) - served with French fries from 4pm to 9pm for BD4.8++ (BD5.8 net) per plate.

Mix Grill at the pool (Mövenpick) - BD4.8++ per plate for a selection of Lebanese grill.

Fiamma (Sofitel) - A la carte service for dinner (7pm to 11.30pm) at Sofitel’s Italian Restaurant.

Mo Kan Restaurant at K Hotel Head on to the newest Asian Restaurant ‘Mo Kan’ at The K Hotel Juffair and enjoy 50% off on all kinds of Dim Sum including complimentary Japanese tea per person. This offer is not valid with any other discounts and valid until 31st July.

Tel. +973 1736 0000.

Wednesdays

Steak Night (Crowne Plaza) - Located in The Meat Room in La Mosaique restaurant. BD12++ per person, all you can eat. BD15.950++ all you can eat and drink from 7pm onwards.

One Hour Business Lunch, Spices restaurant (Crowne Plaza) - Set Menu. Two courses BD4.95++, three courses BD5.95++, or four courses BD6.95++.

Al Fresco Seafood Medley (Diplomat Radission Blu) All you can eat and drink at just BD14++ per person.

Medzo (InterContinental Regency) - Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine Sunday through Friday for either lunch at 12.30pm to 3.30pm or dinner at 7pm to 11.30pm. BD6.9 for salad or appetiser with pizza or pasta.

BBQ Night at Casa Bar (Mercure Seef Grand Hotel) - BD7 per person.

Lebanese Grill next to Flamingo Bar Lounge (Mövenpick) - served with French fries from 4pm to 9pm for BD4.8++ (BD5.8 net) per plate.

A taste of Italy Night at Silk’s Restaurant (Mövenpick) - BD12.5++ for fresh pasta and aromatic pizza baked in the oven or BD18.2++ including selected beverages. 7pm to 11pm.

Fiamma (Sofitel) - A la carte service for dinner (7pm to 11.30pm) at Sofitel’s Italian Restaurant.

Thursdays

Seafood Night, La Mosaique (Crowne Plaza) - BD16+ per person all you can eat. Beverage packages are also available. From 7pm onwards.

One Hour Business Lunch, Spices restaurant (Crowne Plaza) - Set Menu. Two courses BD4.95++, three courses BD5.95++, or four courses BD6.95++.

BBQ Night at Olivos (Diplomat Raddision Blu) All you can eat and drink at just BD13++ per person.

Medzo (InterContinental Regency) - Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine Sunday through Friday for either lunch at 12pm to 3.30pm or dinner at 7pm to 11.30pm.

BD6.9 for salad or appetiser with pizza or pasta.

Steak Night at Silk’s Restaurant (Mövenpick) BD18.2++ for prime US Angus steaks, salads including selected beverages. 7pm to 11pm.

La Mer (Sofitel) - Open for lunch.

Fiamma (Sofitel) - A la carte service for lunch (12.30pm to 3.30pm) and dinner (7pm to 11.30pm) at Sofitel’s Italian Restaurant.

Full Family Buffet at Rayés in Coral Bay for BD8 +15% and 5%.

Fridays

11am on weekends), lunch (12.30pm to 3.30pm) and dinner (7pm to 10.30pm).

La Mer (Sofitel) - The Sofitel’s seafood restaurant is open daily for dinner. Enjoy the a la carte service or from the catch of the day display. Dinner is from 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel. 1763 6411.

Medzo (InterContinental Regency) - Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine Sunday through Friday for either lunch at 12.30pm to 3.30pm or dinner at 7pm to 11.30pm. BD6.9 for salad or appetiser with pizza or pasta.

Lebanese Grill next to Flamingo Bar Lounge (Mövenpick) - served with French fries from 4pm to 9pm for BD4.8++ (BD5.8 net) per plate.

Mix Grill at the pool (Mövenpick) - BD4.800++ per plate for a selection of Lebanese grill.

La Mer (Sofitel) - Open for lunch.

Fiamma (Sofitel) - A la carte service for lunch (12.30pm to 3.30pm) and dinner (7pm to 11.30pm) at Sofitel’s Italian Restaurant.

All Day Breakfast at Camelot restaurant plus a selection of plates du jour starting from 9am to 3pm.

Full Family Buffet at Rayés in Coral Bay for BD8 +15% and 5%.

Tapas (Sofitel) - The Tapas restaurant and bar at Sofitel is open daily with an a la carte service for lunch (11.30am to 3.30pm) and dinner (7pm to 1am). Tel. 1763 6412.

Saturdays

AB FAB Brunch (Crowne Plaza) available at BD17.95++. Tel. 1753 1122.

Pizza Night at Fiddlers (Diplomat Radisson Blu).

Enjoy a delicious slice of Italy with their handmade brick oven pizzas all for BD4.

Lebanese Grill next to Flamingo Bar Lounge (Mövenpick) - served with French fries from 4pm to 9pm for BD4.8++ (BD5.8 net) per plate.

Mix Grill at the pool (Mövenpick) - BD4.8++ per plate for a selection of Lebanese grill.

La Mer (Sofitel) - Open for lunch.

Fiamma (Sofitel) - A la carte service for lunch (12.30pm to 3.30pm) and dinner (7pm to 11.30pm) at Sofitel’s Italian Restaurant.

The 50% Summer Sale (Cocoon Lounge) – Dine out on our delicious food menu and sip the night away with a sensational selection of cocktails, for half the price of your normal bill, all night long!

All Day Breakfast at Camelot restaurant plus a selection of plates du jour starting from 9am to 3pm.

Karma BBQ Beach Brunch at Karma Lounge in Coral Bay. This includes breakfast menu items, seafood and meat barbeques, a variety of salads and more. Also on the menu are fresh fruit cocktails and a resident DJ spinning chilled out tunes.

Full Family Buffet at Rayés in Coral Bay for BD8 +15% and 5%.

Everyday

Rayés - Sample Lebanese cuisine. Daily lunch salad bar with a choice of 4 main courses and sweets buffet for BD4.9 + 15% and 5%.

Brunch and Bubbles

(Advisory: Brunches may change due to current events) The Diplomat Blu Brunch (The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence and Spa) available for BD22 net (military personnel and Saudi Aramco BD20 net); from 11.30am to 3pm.

Tel. +973 3994 5208.

Silk’s Restaurant (Mövenpick) available at BD23.2++ per person plus unlimited selected beverages; from 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel. 1746 0007.

K Hotel in Juffair served from 12.30pm to 4.30pm for BD18.5++ per person inclusive of unlimited selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Tel. 1736 0000.

So Brunch (Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa) ideal for the whole family, priced at BD20 for food and BD25 for food and drink.

Tel. +973 1763 6363.

If you want to see your event listed …

Listings need to be received by Bahrain Confidential on the 15th of every month at the very latest. Gastro and nightlife listings are updated every month through our mailing list. If you would like to be included or if you have a one-off event you would like to be featured contact: bc.editorial@ArabianMagazines.com

Prego (Royal Golf Club) – Authentic Italian-style pizzas baked in a ‘wood stone’ oven. Dine in and takeaway. Open from 5pm to 10pm Tel. +973 1775 1263.

Strawberry Promotion at Gallery Lobby Lounge (Mövenpick) - Enjoy the freshest strawberry daily, with the delicious beef main course and a choice of starter and dessert from 12pm to 4pm for BD11.6++ (BD14.600 net).

Selections Restaurant (InterContinental Regency) - Enjoy international cuisine daily from 6.30am to 11.30pm. BD6 for soup, salads, appetisers and desserts; BD11 for full lunch buffet. International Saraya (Sofitel) - A daily buffet and a la carte service at breakfast (6.30pm to 10.30am and up to

Strawberry Promotion at Mövenpick

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 113

Dining Out

Burger Dynamo

W

e arrived at a sparklingly clean diner-style restaurant, decorated in nostalgic 1950s theme: huge advertising posters from that era hang from the walls, and individual minijukeboxes sit atop metallic tables. Red vinyl seats and other chrome accents all complete the classic all-American restaurant atmosphere.

As if on cue and to make us feel even more welcome, the friendly and energetic staff burst into a song and dance (they do this every half hour) when ‘Staying Alive’ mightily played on the speakers.

No time was wasted as our orders were taken – for starters we tried the ‘Half and Half’, a duet of onion rings and fries served piping hot alongside some ketchup formed into a smiley face (a Johnny Rockets trademark). Next, we tucked into a perfect triple treat of beef sliders or mini-burgers, mini hotdogs and mini Chili cheese dogs, made from their exclusive all-meat recipe.

Not long after, we decided on ‘The Original’ hamburger, famous for its ensemble of fresh lettuce and tomato, chopped onions and other garnishing, topped with a juicy beef patty; a full one-third pound of fresh ground beef, seasoned, hand-pressed and grilled to perfection. And then we shared a truly scrumptious Smoke House burger made of tender beef patty topped with cheddar cheese, applewood smoked bacon, and their very own crispy onion rings and ‘Smoke House’

114 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

The Bahrain Confidential team recently decided to try out Johnny Rockets, the burger chain that has everyone on the island a-buzzing.

barbecue-ranch sauce. This one was definitely our favourite, and a must-try for burger addicts out there!

Sweet tooth that we are, we didn’t leave until we tried another one of their bestsellers – their ‘Original Shakes’ hand-dipped with ice cream that’s made especially for Johnny Rockets. You get the real deal here. Why? Hand dipped means they scoop real ice cream out of a tube, and use a milkshake mixer to blend it together with some milk and flavourings, in our case we tried the Strawberry and Oreo selection. This friends, is the ‘old

school’ way of doing a milkshake.

We didn’t stop there. Oh no. Last on the list was the truly tempting and überly delicious Apple Pie. Freshly made daily, a generous slab of ice cream gently cascades onto the warm pie that wafts with the homey aroma of cinnamon. Heaven!

Great quality food, check. Efficient service, tick. Fun and friendly staff, completes the list. The verdict? Besides the price being oh so reasonable – the beef of the matter is (pun intended of course), Johnny Rockets does not disappoint Johnny Rockets is located at Al A’ali Mall and Lagoon, Amwaj Islands. For more information contact Tel. +973 1756 6565.

Recipe

Gastro

Recipe by Hala Obaid

Ice Cream Ingredients: 2 cups, liquid milk ¾ cups, milk powder 1 cup, sugar 1 pack, fresh curd 3 tbsp, corn powder 1 cup, pistachio, grated coarsely 2 tbsp, flour water 2 tbsp, rose water 1 tsp, mastic powder ½ tsp, saffron threads

(Pastani)

Method 1. Mix ½ cup of liquid milk with the corn flour and rose water in a small container and put aside.

then remove from heat and add mastic powder and mix well with the other mixture until all ingredients melt. Put aside until it turns cold a little.

2. Mix ½ cup of the remaining liquid milk with sugar in a small-size pot and put on heat until boiling point, then add the milk mixture with the corn powder and turn over using metal wire for 3 minutes and

3. Add curd with the flour water and mix well, and then pour the ice cream in the serving plate and embellish with the grated pistachios. Leave in a tray in the fridge for 4 hours and serve frozen.

Recipe taken from the book ‘Sawani Shamiya’. For more information, go to Google: ‘Hala Kitchen’

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 115

Advertorial

Your Venue. Our Expertise.

Al Safir Hotel & Tower do not just have luxurious apartments and spacious rooms to rent; they have a whole catering team too! We speak to K. C. Rajesh, the hotel’s Food and Beverage Manager about the services on offer.

I

t was back in 2009 when the Al Safir Hotel & Tower was awarded the ISO Food Safety Award and this is what spurred them to create an entirely specialised catering team for corporate events. “At first we catered to small events and private functions,” Mr Rajesh tells us.

“Then, in the summer of 2010, we moved onto large scale venues but nowadays we can do any type of event that we are asked to do.”

In the summer of 2010, Al Safir received the tender for the Children’s Olympics at the University of Bahrain.

“It was six days of catering to sporty children so this meant we had to provide a very balanced diet whilst maintaining the highest standards of safety and hygiene, as well as ensure timely delivery as the university is very far away.”

All of the cooking is done in the kitchens of Al Safir and then transported in refrigerated vans to the event. Mr Rajesh tells us that they take the utmost care in ensuring that the vans are chilled to the right temperature so the food stays within the critical limits, set by

116 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) to ensure quality and safety of the food. However, depending on the client’s needs, they also provide live cooking on site and barbeques.

With a team of 35 specialised chefs and 25 service staff, Al Safir are more than well equipped to handle any type of event. They also tailor the menus to suit

even more complicated venture, he tells us, as each patient type has a specific diet and the team must produce four different caloric meals for lunch and dinner.

“This wide variety of ventures we have undertaken have significantly improved our skill set. We cater to every individual clients’ needs and produce the type of cuisine they want in an authentic manner. For this, we must hire industry experts. For instance, we recently wanted to improve the quality of our pastries, so we head hunted an expert pastry chef who now works with us.

Whatever we need in terms of skills, we will find the best.” Mr Rajesh also explains us that all staff must undergo training every six months so that they keep abreast with the latest industry standards.

So, whether it be for quaint residential birthday parties or classy corporate conferences and major VIP celebrations, the Al Safir is there, providing exquisite cuisine to a sophisticated clientele

“We cater to every individual clients’ needs and produce the type of cuisine they want in an authentic manner.” the clients requirements and prices widely range from menus from BD5 to BD12.

Recently, Al Safir have broadened their horizons even more and moved into industrial and hospital catering as well. “In terms of industries, we cater for lunch and dinner to companies with thousands of employees; this is a very big job and we produce anything between 900 and 1,500 meals daily overall.” Hospital catering is an

For more information contact Al Safir Hotel & Tower on Tel. +973 1782 7999.

Nightlife

The Night so Bright

Never Looked

Dance as though no one is looking ...

Sunday Fiddler’s Green (Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel

Residence and Spa) - Open 12pm to 1am. Live music available.

Downtown Lounge (InterContinental Regency) From 5pm to 9pm, take advantage of happy hours with 30% discount on your bill.

Pool Club Happy Hour (K Hotel) - Everyday from 5pm to 7pm enjoy 30% discount on selected drinks.

Happy Hour at The K Lounge (K Hotel) - From 6pm to 8pm where you can avail 30% discount on selected beverages.

Lucky Night at Casa Bar (Mercure Seef Grand Hotel) - Pick your colour and win free drinks. Happy Hour (buy one get one free) 2pm to 7pm.

The Flamingo Bar (Mövenpick) - Every night enjoy live Salsa, Samba and latest hits video clips on the big screen. Happy hour 2pm to 9pm; 20% off.

Wine and Cheese Night at La Mer (Sofitel) - Join a wine tasting tour with a sommelier for the best wines from the cellar. From 7pm to 9pm.

Chillax (Cocoon Lounge) - 5pm to 9 pm daily. The Cocoon Happy Hours includes BD1.5 drinks and 20% off on food.

Quiz night at JJ`s with Quiz Master Dwayne.

Free entrance. Peroni beer special (5 bottles for

118 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

BD9.5) and Ladies Night (BD for unlimited house beverages).

Happy Hours at Camelot restaurant from 5pm to 7pm.

Monday Fiddler’s Green (Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel

Residence and Spa) - Open 12pm to 1am. Live music available.

Downtown Lounge (InterContinental Regency) From 5pm to 9pm, take advantage of happy hours with 30% discount on your bill.

Pool Club Happy Hour (K Hotel) - Everyday from 5pm to 7pm enjoy 30% discount on selected drinks.

Happy Hour at The K Lounge (K Hotel) - From 6pm to 8pm where you can avail 30% discount on selected beverages.

The Flamingo Bar (Mövenpick) - Every night enjoy live Salsa, Samba and latest hits video clips on the big screen. Happy hour 2pm to 9pm; 20% off.

Chillax (Cocoon Lounge) - 5pm to 9pm daily. The Cocoon Happy Hours includes BD1.5 drinks and 20% off on food.

Microphone Madness at JJ’s. Sing karaoke and get a free shot of tequila. Corona beer special (5 bottles for BD9.5).

Happy Hours at Camelot restaurant from 5pm to 7pm.

Mövenpick Drink Deals

At Palms Pool Bar and Flamingo buy two Somersby Apple Cider bottles and get one free. Moreover, a Beer Pass is available in all Mövenpick food and beverage outlets on Draught Heineken every day during opening hours (not applicable during Happy Hours). Get a pass and collect stamps every time you buy a Heineken. Buy 5 pints and get the 6th free. Every pass is valid for one week from issued day.

Tuesday Karaoke Night at Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza

- 7pm to 10pm. Plus Happy Hour from 5.30pm to 8pm; buy one cocktail get one free.

Fiddler’s Green (Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence and Spa) - Open 12pm to 1am. Live music available.

Downtown Lounge (InterContinental Regency) From 5pm to 9pm, take advantage of happy hours with 30% discount on your bill.

Pool Club Happy Hour (K Hotel) - Everyday from 5pm to 7pm enjoy 30% discount on selected drinks.

Happy Hour at The K Lounge (K Hotel) - From 6pm to 8pm where you can avail 30% discount on selected beverages.

Ladies Night at Casa Bar (Mercure Seef Grand Hotel) - Ladies Night (free drinks for ladies). Happy Hour (buy one get one free) 2pm to 7pm.

The Flamingo Bar (Mövenpick) - Every night enjoy live Salsa, Samba and latest hits video clips on the big screen. Happy hour 2pm to 9pm; 20% off.

Nightlife Chillax (Cocoon Lounge) - 5pm to 9pm daily. The Cocoon Happy Hours includes BD1.5 drinks and 20% off on food.

Double Up Tuesdays at JJ’s. Make your drink a double for only BD1 extra. Ladies night (BD4 for unlimited house beverages).

Happy Hours at Camelot restaurant from 5pm to 7pm.

The Grape Escape at Camelot restaurant - Wine Tasting with smooth grooves and cheeses to compliment. Doors open at 7pm. BD10 per person.

Group Offer at Tracks Sports Bar Tracks Sports Bar at Crowne Plaza offers a special group discount of 30% on food and beverage when you book a group of ten. Enjoy great food and drinks with your friends at the Tracks Sports Bar while you enjoy all the live sports on the big screen! Tel. 1753 1122.

Wednesday Fiddler’s Green (Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel

Residence and Spa) - Open 12pm to 1am, Live music available.

Downtown Lounge (InterContinental Regency) From 5pm to 9pm, take advantage of happy hours with 30% discount on your bill.

Pool Club Happy Hour (K Hotel) - Everyday from 5pm to 7pm enjoy 30% discount on selected drinks.

Happy Hour at The K Lounge (K Hotel) - From 6pm to 8pm where you can avail 30% discount on selected beverages.

Happy Hour at Casa Bar (Mercure Seef Grand Hotel) - Buy one get one free from 2pm to 7pm.

The Flamingo Bar (Mövenpick) - Every night enjoy live Salsa, Samba and latest hits video clips on the big screen. Happy hour 2pm to 9pm; 20% off.

Chillax (Cocoon Lounge) - 5pm to 9pm daily. The Cocoon Happy Hours includes BD1.5 drinks and 20% off on food.

The Lipstick Lounge (Cocoon Lounge) - Bringing you the best in international and local DJs, the glamorous Ladies’ Night means complimentary cocktails and free entry for the ladies.

The Wednesday Weekend Warm-up with Resident DJ Dwayne at JJ’s. Ladies’ Night (BD4 for unlimited house beverages).

Happy Hours at Camelot restaurant from 5pm to 7pm. Smooth Music with JOJO on the piano at Camelot restaurant from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.

Thursday Fiddlers Green (Diplomat Radisson Blu) -

Unlimited free drinks for ladies.

Downtown Lounge (InterContinental Regency) - Ladies night, where all ladies enjoy free selected beverages from 8pm.

Pool Club Happy Hour (K Hotel) - Everyday from 5pm to 7pm enjoy 30% discount on selected drinks.

Happy Hour at The K Lounge (K Hotel) - From 6pm to 8pm where you can avail 30% discount on selected beverages.

The Flamingo Bar (Mövenpick) - Every night enjoy live Salsa, Samba and latest hits video clips on the big screen. Happy hour 2pm to 9pm; 20% off.

Chillax (Cocoon Lounge) - 5pm to 9pm daily. The Cocoon Happy Hours includes BD1.5 drinks and 20% off on food.

Fabulous! (Cocoon Lounge) - The exclusive R n’ B night with special guest urban DJ. Ladies raise your glasses for free bubbly all night long.

The Big Night Out at JJ’s. Weekly bar specials and promotions. The Red Light Rush promotions; race to the bar while the red light’s flashing to get a discount.

Happy Hours at Camelot restaurant from 5pm to

7pm. Smooth Music with JOJO on the piano at Camelot restaurant from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.

Friday Fiddler’s Green (Diplomat Radisson Blu) - Ladies’

Night - girls drink for free! Open 12pm to 2am. Live music available.

Downtown Lounge (InterContinental Regency) - From 12noon to 4pm, all you can eat buffet, 2 complimentary beverages and an eclectic mix of live entertainment. BD9.5+.

Pool Club Happy Hour (K Hotel) - Everyday from 5pm to 7pm enjoy 30% discount on selected drinks.

Happy Hour at The K Lounge (K Hotel) - From 6pm to 8pm where you can avail 30% discount on selected beverages.

The Flamingo Bar (Mövenpick) - Every night enjoy live Salsa, Samba and latest hits video clips on the big screen. Happy hour 2pm to 9pm; 20% off.

Chillax (Cocoon Lounge) - 5pm to 9pm daily. The Cocoon Happy Hour includes BD1.5 drinks and 20% off on food.

The Lipstick Lounge (Cocoon Lounge) - Bringing you the best in international and local DJs, the glamorous Ladies’ Night means complimentary cocktails and free entry for the ladies.

Happy Hours at Camelot restaurant from 5pm to 7pm.

Saturday Karaoke Night at Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza

- 7pm to 10pm. Plus Happy Hour from 5.30pm to 8pm; buy one cocktail get one free.

Fiddler’s Green (Diplomat Radisson Blu) - Open 12pm to 1am. Live music available.

Downtown Lounge (InterContinental Regency) From 5pm to 9pm, take advantage of happy hours with 30% discount on your bill.

Pool Club Happy Hour (K Hotel) - Everyday from 5pm to 7pm enjoy 30% discount on selected drinks.

Happy Hour at The K Lounge (K Hotel) - From 6pm to 8pm where you can avail 30% discount on selected beverages.

Salsa Night at Casa Bar (Mercure Seef Grand Hotel) - Salsa lessons and happy hour (buy one get one free) from 2pm to 7pm.

The Flamingo Bar (Mövenpick) - Every night enjoy live Salsa, Samba and latest hits video clips on the big screen. Happy hour 2pm to 9pm; 20% off.

Chillax (Cocoon Lounge) - 5pm to 9 pm daily. The Cocoon Happy Hours includes BD1.5 drinks and 20% off on food.

Grand Stand Saturdays at JJ’s. Enjoy all the big games on 4 big screens. Ladies night (BD4 for unlimited house beverages).

Happy Hours at Camelot restaurant from 5pm to 7pm.

Legend Bob Marley tribute band at JJ’s on 13th to 14th enjoy buffet from BD5.5. Burgers and barbecues on offer too.

6th - Ladies Night with Sonny Wharton (UK, Toolroom Records) at Cocoon Lounge in Juffair.

13th - House Couture with Gina Star (LA,Toolroom/Atlantic Records) at Cocoon Lounge in Juffair.

13th to 14th - Legend; award-winning Bob Marley tribute band will be performing both nights. Entrance is BD10 on both nights.

15th - Pirates Night at Harvesters in Crowne Plaza. Fun, games and complimentary drinks for ladies all night. Wear your best pirates costumes and win some fabulous prizes. Party starts at 8pm.

15th - Ladies’ Night with DJ Tekin at Cocoon Lounge in Juffair.

20th - Ladies’ Night with Gareth Stirling (Ministry of Sound, Hed Kandi Red Sea DJ) at Cocoon Lounge in Juffair.

22nd - Ladies’ Night with Hayley Parsons (UK, Toolroom Records) at Cocoon Lounge in Juffair.

27th - Ladies’ Night presents Salvacion Ibiza Republik with Damian D’Costa at Cocoon Lounge in Juffair. Kicking off the Cocoon massive Birthday weekend, Salvacion Ibiza returns with its uniquely authentic full on party vibe!

28th - Hard Drive will be performing for JJ’s ‘End of Season Closing Party’. BD5 entrance.

29th - The Cocoon Lounge 4th Birthday Dirty Disco! Cocoon turns into a dirty disco inferno as it rolls right into its 5th year.

23rd to 29th - Beer Festival Week at Harvesters in Crowne Plaza. Grab a mug and join in. Selected beers at BD1.5 net every day.

A little bit of advice for you …

Even though we try our best to be 100 per cent accurate, unfortunately sometimes offers change, get discontinued and in some cases for unforeseen reasons the venue may be closed. We recommend that you double check with the establishment listed to see if the details are correct. You can usually find all the contact details in our ‘Nightspots’ directory page.

If you want to see your event listed …

Gina Star at Cocoon Lounge on 13th

Events This Month 1st - Ladies’ Night with Charl Chaka

(Infusion) at Cocoon Lounge in Juffair.

4th - Celebrate American Independence Day in style at Ric’s Kountry Kitchen in Juffair, 5pm to 9pm;

Listings need to be received by Bahrain Confidential on the 15th of every month at the very latest. Gastro and nightlife listings are updated every month through our mailing list. If you would like to be included in our mailing list or if you have a one-off event you would like to be featured, please contact: bc.editorial@ArabianMagazines.com

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 119

Listings

Recommended Restaurants Chinese China Garden Gulf Hotel, Tel. 1771 3000 With a chilled out resonance and deep, comfy chairs this place has the convivial atmosphere of a friend’s house only with better service.

Hong Kong Adliya, Tel. 1772 8700 The myriad dishes are served in abundance and are all delicately and lovingly flavoured. The soft steamed dumplings are magnificent, the sizzling seafood is cooked to perfection, and the beef with black mushrooms and bamboo shoots deserves plaudits beyond Bahrain.

Soie Sheraton, Tel. 1753 3533 Chinese and Asian specialities in sophisticated and elegant Oriental surroundings.

Indian Nirvana The Ritz-Carlton, Tel. 1758 0000 Nirvana is one of the best looking curry houses in the region and has a ‘secret’ dining booth for the lovers out there.

International Fusions Gulf Hotel, Tel. 1771 3000 The food and wine list will keep you coming back to Fusions. Try the beautifully tender grilled sirloin with boldly flavoured ginger mash and a selection of roasted vegetables.

Links Restaurant The Royal Golf Club, Tel. 1775 0777 Links, located on the mezzanine floor of the Club House, is a large, brasserie-style restaurant/ lounge open to all visitors to the Royal Golf Club. Features include a cocktail bar, an outdoor terrace and floor to ceiling picture windows offering patrons spectacular views across the golf courses.

Silk’s Mövenpick Hotel, Tel. 1746 0000 With cuisine inspired by the four continents of the Silk Route, the food on offer here is eclectic and varied all cooked in front of you in open kitchens around the restaurant.

Waves Crowne Plaza Hotel, Tel. 1753 1122 A popular lunchtime retreat, picking your fish and eating it is the order of the day, and the catch is as varied as it is complete. And the nutty, honey-combed chocolate fudge delight will finish you off nicely.

Al Safir Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, Tel. 1753 3533 Al Safir does a bustling buffet trade with people partial to Lebanese mezzeh. For a more refined palette, their a la carte menu offers a range of simpler, more delicate bites.

Le Jardin Ramada Bahrain, Tel. 1774 2000 Fully renovated with a new look - ‘Bigger, Better, Brighter’.

The Gallery Mövenpick Hotel, Tel. 1746 0000 Picturesque pool and lagoon views.

La Méditerranée The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Tel. 1758 0000 Asian, French, Mediterranean and International cuisine.

Le Bistro InterContinental Regency, Tel. 1722 7777 Main restaurant situated above the lobby with International buffet lunch daily.

Olivos Brasserie The Diplomat Radisson Blu, Tel. 1752 2124 This Mediterranean brasserie offers superb food in a relaxed atmosphere. In buffet style you can enjoy a super breakfast, sumptuous lunch and delicious dinner.

Photography by Noel De Juan

Japanese Sato Gulf Hotel, Tel. 1771 3000 The food here is good. Order well and you will be rewarded with your favourite dishes done very well indeed.

Steakhouses Plums

American

Middle Eastern

The Ritz-Carlton, Tel. 1758 0000 Great steaks served in a suave and subtle room of dark polished wood, low-lighting and a curious mural adorning a wall.

Ric’s Kountry Kitchen

Kosebası

The Butcher Shop & Grill

Juffair, Tel. 1772 5550 Specialising in good ol’ fashioned home-cooked American chow, Ric’s does a mean burger, excellent chilli and a mouth watering Jambalaya.

Its American breakfasts are legendary.

Italian

Bahrain City Centre, Tel. 1717 2322 www.kosebasi.com Kosebası (pronounced koshe-bashi) serves traditional Turkish mezes and main dishes true to original Southern Anatolian recipes. The centerpieces of the restaurant are a lovely ornated oven and an open charcoal grill.

Mondo Restaurant

Al Fanar Supper Club

The Diplomat Radisson Blu, Tel. 1753 1666 The goat’s cheese and rocket pizza is probably the best in Bahrain. A funky, friendly Italian place, just like momma used to make it.

Primavera The Ritz-Carlton, Tel. 1758 0000 Authentic Italian dishes abound on a menu featuring some truly incredible home made pastas. The portions are generous and service is sharp.

La Pergola Gulf Hotel, Tel. 1771 3000 Traditional and contemporary Italian specialities with Italian music.

Diplomat Radisson Blu, Tel. 1753 1666 An International cabaret show with a traditional Arabic theme. Friday offers a fusion breakfast and lunch featuring live cooking stations, unlimited bubbly, live band and raffle draws.

Zahle Gulf Hotel, Tel. 1771 3000 Zahle extols the virtues of simplicity. The food here is as honest as the day is long and all the better for it. And the presentation of the food is something else with the shish kebab served on a golden box complete with burning coals. There is a live band and a belly dancer to keep you entertained whilst eating.

Bahrain City Centre, Tel. 1717 2323 Serves a wide variety of steaks as well as salads, burgers and seafood dishes. Integrated into the restaurant is also a fully functioning retail butchery, which enables customers to choose a specific cut and size or buy meats for their home requirements.

Thai Royal Thai Seafood Restaurant Gulf Hotel, Tel. 1771 3000 Colonial stateliness and Asian adornment is the order of the day with high ceilings, great white pillars and multiple levels to accommodate private alcoves; it’s a grand and gracious setting.

Choose ostrich, just because you can.

Muay Thai Quick Meal Restaurant Juffair Next to The Pizza Company Thai Food, Tel. 7704 0454 Sat-Wed 11am-3pm, 6pm-12am, Thu-Fri 11am-3pm; 6pm-1.30am.

Seafood Le Perle Novotel Al Dana Resort, Tel. 1729 8008 This restaurant is pretty with gorgeous views of the sea and the city, its romance sweetly compliments its seafood menu that serves local specialities as well as more internationally renowned fare. The service is attentive without being intrusive and it has an inventive wine list.

Asian Kontiki Restaurant The Diplomat Radisson Blu, Tel. 1753 1666 Enjoy authentic dishes from Asia and the South Pacific for lunch and dinner. Or head over to the Kontiki Pool bar from 10am to 11pm.

120 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Café Café T

The Royal Golf Club, Tel. 1775 0777 Café T serves a selection of burgers, salads, fresh and ready-made sandwiches, fruit juices, milkshakes and frozen drinks. With an outdoor terrace seating up to 30 people and relaxing background music, Café T is the perfect place to meet up for a chat with friends.

PAUL Bakery & Restaurant Bahrain City Centre, Tel. 1717 2321 Seef Mall, Tel. 1758 0073 www.paul.fr Since the founding of the first small PAUL bakery in Lille back in 1889, the passion for authentic bread making has been passed on through generations. - and relax in PAUL’s unique ‘rusticchic’ ambience.

To be included, email: info@ArabianMagazines.com or call +973 1782 2368.

Listings

Restaurant Listings American Applebee’s Bahrain Mall, Sanabis (1755 5834) Open Sun-Thu, 11am-mid-night, Fri-Sat, 11am-1am. Average BD10 Bennigan’s Al Safir Hotel, Juffair (1781 3750) Open Sun-Wed, 11am-1.30am; Thu and Sat, 9am-1.30am; Fri, 11am-2am. Average BD18 Brasa de Brazil Seef Mall, Seef District (1758 2225) Open daily, noon-11pm. Average BD10 Chilli’s Seef Mall/Bahrain City Centre, Seef District (1758 1221/1717 9794) Open daily, noon-midnight. N.B.: BCC opening times apply. Average BD20 Hard Rock Café Exhibition Road, Hoora (1729 1569) Open daily, 8am-1am. Average BD10 Café A Lounge Adliya, Behind Monsoon (1771 0041) Open daily, 11am-2am. Average BD15 Al Bindaira Adliya (1774 4066) Open Mon-Thu, 10.30am-12.30am, Fri, 1pm-1am. Average BD12 Albareh Art Café Adliya, Behind the Carlton Hotel (1771 3535) Open daily, 8.30am-11pm. Average BD5 Al Riwaq Café Adliya, Block 338 (1771 7441) Open daily 10am-9pm. Average BD5 Café Lilou Adliya, Block 338 (1771 4440) Open Sat-Thu 8am-11pm; Fri 10am-11.30pm.

Average BD10 Candles Coffee Adliya, Behind Fudruckers (1771 4844) Open Sun-Thu 9am-1am; Fri 5pm-1am, Average BD12 Caramel Cyprus Gardens, Budaiya (1779 7087) Open daily, 8.30am-midnight. Average BD5.

Café Ceramique Al A’ali Mall, Seef District Open daily, 9am-11pm; Fri-Sat 9am-midnight.

Average BD8 Coco’s Adliya, Block 338 (1771 6512) Open daily 10am-midnight. Average BD10 Columbus Café Bahrain City Centre, Seef District (1717 2324) Open daily, 8am-midnight. Average BD7 Crepe Café Palm Square, Budaiya Highway (7711 5566) Open Sun-Wed, 8am-midnight. Thu-Sat 8am-1pm. Average BD6 Deli France Jawad Dome, Budaiya (1769 6031) Open Sun-Thu, 8am-10pm; Fri-Sat, 8am-11pm.

Average BD9 Dome Café Juffair, near American Base (1781 0180) Open 24 hours. Average BD15 Friend’s Club Adliya, 54 Bani Otbah Avenue (1771 3732) Open Sat-Wed, 10am-midnight; Thu-Fri, 10am-1am. Average BD8 Gloria Jean’s Bahrain City Centre, Seef District (1717 9262) Open Sat-Wed, 9am-10.30pm; Thu-Fri, 9am-midnight. Average BD8

House of Coffee Muharraq, Sheikh Ebrahim Centre (3662 9968) Open daily 9am-9pm, Average BD6 La Maison du Café Adliya (1771 7524) Open daily 8am-2am. Average BD12 La Ventana At the moment La Ventana is currently undergoing renovation – check this space over the coming months to find out where the new café is located and our opinion!

Chocolatiers Godiva Seef Mall, Seef District (1758 0699) Open 10am-10pm Hotel Chocolat Bahrain City Centre, Seef District (1717 9779) Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight La Papillon Manama, near Dairy Queen (1725 5542) Open daily 9.30am-9pm

Le Chocolat Seef, Seef District Open daily 7.30am-midnight. Average BD10

Lovely Memories Mahooz (1772 2533) Open daily 10am-10pm

Macaron Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa (17636418) Open daily from 8am-8pm

Maya La Chocolaterie Seef Mall (1758 3368) Open daily, Sun-Thursday 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-12am

Maya Chocolat Seef Mall, Seef District Open Sun-Wed, 10am-11pm; Fri-Sat, 10am-midnight. Average BD15

Patchi Manama, near Dairy Queen (1725 0501) Open daily 9.30am-9pm

Med Café Adliya, near Carlton Hotel (1771 3088) Open daily 11am-1am. Average BD10

RAWASI Chocola Mahooz, near Qatar Embassy Open daily 9am-1.30pm; 4pm-9pm.

Fri open from 4pm-9pm

Motorox Café Budaiya Highway (1759 2583) Open daily from noon-midnight. Average BD12 Palm Café Qal’at Al Bahrain Museum (1732 2549) Open daily 9.30am-7.30pm. Average BD6 Patisserie Valerie MODA Mall, Diplomatic Area Open daily 7.30am-9pm Skyw@alk Café Marriott Executive Apartments, Juffair Open daily 6.30am-11.30pm. Average BD12 Tea Club The Lagoon, Amwaj Islands Open daily 12pm-midnight. Average BD8 Tilly’s Jawad Dome, Budaiya Open daily 8.30am-9.30pm Veranda Adliya, Nr HSBC bank and Adhari (1771 5868) Open daily 9.am-1am. Average BD8 Waterlemon Al A’ali Shopping Complex, Seef District (1758 1785) Open daily, 10am-11pm. Average BD6 Chinese Beijing Chinese Adliya, Block 338 (1771 7969) Open daily, 11.30-3pm, 6pm-midnight.

Average BD15 First Chinese Adliya (1771 3603) Open noon-3.30pm, 6pm-midnight.

Average BD18 Foli Um Al Hassam (1772 2199) Open noon-3pm, 6.30pm-11.30pm.

Average BD18 Asian Cuisine Adliya (1771 7080) Open daily noon-3pm, 7pm-midnight.

Average BD50

Salvia Budaiya, Budaiya Highway Open daily 9am-1.30pm; 4pm-9pm.

Fri open from 4pm-9pm East Asian Baan Saeng Thai Sh Isa Avenue, Adliya Open daily 11.30am-3pm, 6pm-midnight.

Bali Orchid Nr Omar Khayyam Hotel, Gudaibiya (1718 0424) Open daily noon-midnight. Average BD7 BamBu Adliya (1771 4424) Open daily noon-3pm, 7pm-11pm. Average BD28 Captain Cove’s Behind Mass Computer, Gudaibiya (3975 8989) Open daily noon-3pm, 6pm-midnight.

Average BD5 Hash House Adliya, Block 338 (1771 5094) Open daily 11am-midnight. Average BD15 Honey’s Souq (1774 9222) Open Sun-Wed 10am-5.30am, Fri-Sat, 24hrs.

Mamy Soup Exhibition Road, behind the CPR building (3919 5343) Open daily 11am-11pm.

Monsoon Adliya, near Ferrari Centre (1774 9222) Open Sat-Thu noon-2.30pm, 7pm-11pm; Fri 7pm-11pm. Average BD15 Nu Asia Seef, near Al A’ali Shopping Complex (1758 7171) Open daily noon-midnight. Average BD15.

Pong’s Off Exhibition Road, Behind CPR Office (1753 0800) Open daily 11am-4am.

Thai Chi Bahrain City Centre, Seef (1717 9747) Open daily noon-midnight.

Magic Wok American Alley, Juffair (1769 4105) Open daily 8am-11pm

Thai Express Jawad Dome, Budaiya (1769 3595) Open daily 10am-11.30pm

Memories Bahrain City Centre, Seef District (1717 8646) Open Sat-Wed 11am-11pm; Thu-Fri 11am-midnight. Average BD12

Thailand Block 338, Adliya (1771 7040) Open daily 6.30pm-11.30pm, Average BD15

French Camelot Block 338, Adliya (1771 7745) Open daily noon-midnight Average BD30 L’Avenue Seef District (1756 7212) Open daily 12.30pm-3.30pm, 7.30pm-11pm Mezzaluna Adliya (1774 2999) Open daily Sun-Wed 7pm-11pm; Thu-Sat 7pm-11.30pm Average BD46 Indian Aachi’s Chettinand Kitchen Near the Indian Club, Gudaibiya (1723 3110) Open daily 10.30am-3.30pm, 5.30pm-11.30pm.

Akbar Ramada Palace Hotel (1729 6660) Open daily noon-3pm, 7pm-12.30am.

Average BD16 Asha’s Bahrain City Centre, Seef (1717 7008) Open daily 11am-noon Clay Oven Adliya (1771 7008) Open daily 11.30am-3pm, 6.30pm-11.30pm Average BD14 Copper Chimney Al Hambra Hotel (1772 8699) Open daily noon-3pm, 7pm-midnight.

Average DB10 Lanterns Budaiya Highway (1759 0591) Open daily noon-3pm, 7pm-midnight.

Average BD15 Moti Mahal Juffair (1782 5333) Open daily noon-midnight Average BD15 Mumbai Spice Bahrain Mall, Sanabis Open daily 10am-10pm Sangeetha Opp Inidian Club, Gudaibiya (1727 2768) Open daily 7.30am-3pm, 5.30pm-11pm Spices Crowne Plaza Bahrain, Diplomatic Area (1753 1122) Open daily noon-11pm Average BD25 Takatak Nr Awal Cinema, Gudaibiya (1725 4848) Open daily noon-3pm, 7pm-11pm The Great Kebab Factory Jawad Dome, Budaiya (1769 0629) Open daily noon-3pm, 6.30pm-midnight International Al Waha Restaurant Gulf Hotel, Adliya (1774 6425) Open 24 hours Al Wasmeyah Restaurant Golden Tulip Hotel, Diplomatic Area (1753 5000) Open 24 hours Block 338 Adliya (1771 0338) Open every evening from noon-2am Café Sayah Delmon International Hotel (1722 4000) Open 24 hours Downtown Lounge InterContinental Hotel (1720 8308) Open daily from 5pm to 2am

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 121

Listings

Restaurant Listings La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Arts Ras Ruman (1771 3000) Open daily 9am-10.30pm. Closed Monday.

Average BD20 Muju Restaurant and Lounge Dragon Hotel and Resort, Amwaj (1603 9800) Open daily, 24 hours Nando’s Juffair (1782 5100) Open 11am-2am Rendezvous Seef Mall, Seef (1758 7708) Open daily noon-3pm, 7pm-11pm Rimal Al Areen Palace and Spa (1784 5000) Open daily 6.30am-11pm Average BD40 Saraya Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa (17636410) Open from 6.30am-10.30am (Up to 11:00 am on weekends); 12.30pm-3.30pm; 7pm-10.30pm.

Breakfast 6.30am Selections InterContinental Hotel (1720 8308) Open daily from 6.30 am to 11.30 pm Tapas Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa (17636412) Open daily 11.30am-3:30pm; 7pm-1am Teatro Dana Mall (1755 8555) Sat-Wed 1pm-4.30pm, 6.30pm-midnight; Thu-Fri 1pm-11.30pm Average BD19 Upstairs Downstairs Adliya (1771 3093) Open daily 7am-11am, noon-3am, 7pm-midnight Average BD20 Yamin Jana Mediterranean Seafront Lounge Dragon Hotel and Resort, Amwaj (1603 3800) Open daily from 2pm onwards Zoe Block 338, Adliya (1771 6400) Open Sat-Tue noon-3pm, 7pm-midnight; Wed-Fri noon-3pm, 7pm-2am.

Average BD50 Zytoun Novotel Al Dana Resort (1729 8008) Open daily 6.30am-midnight.

Average BD16 Italian Caffe Spasso New Zinj (1782 2274) Open daily 8.30am till late Café Italia Adliya (1774 4774) Open daily noon-3.30pm, 7pm-11.30pm.

Average BD35 Fiamma Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa (17636414) Open Thu-Sat 12.30pm-3.30pm; 7pm-11.30pm La Taverna City Centre Hotel, Gold City (1722 9979) Open daily noon-3pm, 7pm-midnight.

Average BD18

Nino’s Al Aali Shopping Complex, Seef (1756 6555) Open daily 11am-11.30pm.

Average BD7 Oliveto Block 338, Adliya (1771 6747) Open daily noon-3pm, 7pm-midnight.

Average BD30 Pizzeria Café Italia Seef Mall (1758 2823) Open daily 11am-11pm.

Average BD12 Roma Um Al Hassam (1772 5885) Open daily noon-2.30pm, 7pm-11.30pm.

Average BD30 Romano Macaroni Grill Juffair (1772 3818) Japanese Bushido Seef (1758 3555) Open daily noon-3pm, 7pm-2am.

Average BD35 Fuji Sushi Bar Sheza Tower Hotel (1753 3336) Open daily 12.30pm-midnight.

Average BD25 Hajisushi American Ally, Juffair (1772 5638) Open daily 11am-11pm.

Kei Golden Tulip Hotel (1753 5000) Open daily 12.30pm-3pm, 7.30pm-11pm.

Average BD12-30 Maki MODA Mall (1752 2733) Open daily noon-midnight Average BD40 Mirai Adliya (1771 3113) Open daily noon-3pm, 7pm-11pm.

Average BD40.

Sumo Sushi and Bento American Alley, Juffair (1771 8090) Open daily noon-midnight.

Sushi 101 New Zinj (1782 2274) Open Sat-Thu noon-3pm, 6pm till late; Fri 1pm-4pm, 7pm till late.

Sushi Ko Adliya (1771 6619) Open Sat-Wed 6.30pm-11pm; Thu 6.30pm-midnight.

Average BD11 Yo Sushi Al Aali Shopping Complex, Seef (1758 3373) Open Sat-Wed noon-midnight; Thu-Fri noon-2am Average BD20 Mexican Casa Mexicana Adliya (1771 5521) Open daily noon-3pm, 6pm-midnight.

Average BD18 Margarita Mexicana Gulf Hotel, Adliya (1774 6462) Open daily noon-3pm, 7pm-11pm

Medzo InterContinental Hotel (1720 8308) Open daily for lunch and dinner

Senior Paco’s Adliya (1774 6462) Open daily noon-3pm, 6.30pm-midnight.

Average BD18

Mino’s Adliya (1774 4777) Open daily 11am-12.30am.

Average BD15

Middle Eastern Al Abraaj Budaiya (1759 5656) Open daily noon-midnight

122 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Al Arisha Um Al Hassan (1772 5414) Open daily noon-3pm, 7pm-midnight Al Arz Ramada Palace Hotel (1729 6660) Open 7pm-midnight Al Fanar Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa (1753 1666) Open Mon-Sat 9.30pm-2am Al Hamra Delmon International Hotel (1722 4000) Open 24 hours Al Mukhayam Ramada Palace Hotel Open daily 8pm-1am Al Shama Windsor Tower Hotel (1729 7000) Open daily 9pm-2am Al Yacout Novotel Al Dana Resort, Muharraq (1729 8008) Open daily 8pm-2am Amwaj Dajla Iraqi Mirador Hotel, Manama (1729 8008) Open daily 8pm-2am

Fateh Corniche (1731 2700) Open daily noon-12.30am Average BD12 Takht-e Jamsheed Gulf Hotel, Adliya (1774 6431) Open daily noon-3pm, 7pm-11pm Tarbouche City Centre Hotel, Gold City (1722 9979) Open daily noon-3pm, 7pm-midnight Wafi Gourmet Bahrain City Centre (1779 999) Open daily 9am-12.30am Yas-e Isfahani Seef Mall (1758 1151) Open daily 10am-10pm.

Average BD16 Polynesian Trader Vic’s Ritz Carlton Hotel and Spa, Seef (1758 6555) Open daily 7pm-midnight Average BD20 Seafood Fareast Seafood Market Ramee International Hotel, Juffair (1772 7230) Open daily 12.30pm-11.30pm.

Average BD16

Anatolia Turkish Restaurant Cyprus Garden, Budaiya (1769 0601) Open daily noon-11pm

Fish Market Al Bander Hotel and Resort (1770 1201) Open daily 12.30pm-11.30pm Average BD25

Carla’s Cyprus Garden, Sehla (1769 7687) Open daily noon-midnight

La Marine Bugerland Building, Budaiya (1759 5777) Open daily 1pm-midnight

Dar Al Tajine Phoenicia Tower Hotel, Hoora (1731 1167) Open daily 6pm-6pm

La Mer Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa (17636411) Open daily 7pm-11.30pm

Golestan Sheraton Bahrain Hotel (1753 3533) Open Sun-Fri 12.30pm-2.30pm, 7.30pm-11.30pm.

Average BD12 Isfahani Hoora (1755 0567) Open daily noon-midnight Average BD20 Khan Al Marjan Al Safir Hotel Hotel (1782 7999) Open daily 9.30pm-2am L’Sultan L’Hotel, Seef (1756 7222) Open daily noon-midnight Laialy Zaman Nr Funland, Fateh Corniche (1729 3097) Open daily 11am-4am

Sheza Seafood Market Sheza Tower Hotel, Diplomatic Area (1753 3336) Open daily 12.30pm-midnight Totally Fish Bahrain City Centre, Seef (1717 9757) Open daily noon-midnight Steakhouse Brazil Adliya (1782 6686) Open daily noon-3pm, 6pm-11pm.

L’lle Al Areen Palace and Spa (1784 5000) Open every evening, 6pm-11pm Legendz Steakhouse InterContinental Hotel (1720 8308) Open daily for lunch and dinner

Marmaris Avenue 28, Sanabis (1755 5909) Open daily 11am-midnight

Le Relais de Venise Son Entrecote L’Hotel, Seef (1756 7222) Open daily 12.30pm-3.30pm, 7pm-11.30pm.

Average BD40

Maseelee Gulf Pearl Hotel, Souq (1721 0647) Open daily 5am-9.30pm

Ponderose Steakhouse Manama and Seef (1756 7222) Open 11am-11pm.

Mono Lebanese Budaiya Highway (1755 5262) Open daily noon-midnight

Sizzlers Restaurant Mansouri Mansions Hotel (1771 6999) 24 hours. Average 10

Parsian Adliya (1781 1511) Open daily 12.30pm-3.30pm, 7.30pm-midnight.

Average BD14

The Meat Co Block 338 (1774 2080) Open Sat-Wed 12.30pm-3.30pm, 7pm-11.30pm; Thu-Fri 12.30pm-midnight Average BD50

Persian Garden Seef (1758 600) Open noon-11pm Rayes

Listings

Nightspots Le Bellevue Novotel Al Dana Resort Tel. 1729 8008

Off the beaten track, Le Bellevue rewards you for having made the decision to do something different by providing a laidback haven for a quiet drink with stunning views of the city. Weather permitting, the terrace opens up and you can enjoy a cocktail in the open air. An unassuming place that is both welcoming and unobtrusive.

Burlington Club The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa, Tel. 1758 0000

“A gentleman’s club is his retreat,” someone once must have said, and the Burlington is it but in Bahrain. Whilst not an exclusively male domain, it comes replete with a very Gentleman’s club feel.

With deep leather sofas, mahogany everywhere and bookshelves, it is authentic without ever being stuffy. Enjoy Havana cigars and from the cellar sip premium malts, cognacs and vintage wines.

Cosmos Ramee International Tel. 1772 7230

Fiddlers’ Green The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence & Spa Tel. 1753 1666

The best Irish pub on the island, Fiddlers Green is open all week from 12pm to 1am unless it’s a Thursday when it’s open until 2am! Enjoy drinks, pub grub and live music from the Boxtones.

Flamingo Bar Mövenpick Hotel Tel. 1746 0000

Ideal if you have a few hours to kill before your flight leaves or a friend arrives but this is more than just an alternative to the departure lounge.

This bar is chic, with a walk-in wine cellar, black marbled bar and floor-to-ceiling windows that give stunning views over the lagoon. Every Tuesday is Ladies Night allowing you to prepare for Thursday’s ultimate party zone.

The Harvester Crowne Plaza Hotel Tel. 1753 1122

It is all about the music here. They Harvester boasts one of the best live bands on the island who would probably do well in Europe or the States. The do great renditions of other people’s popular songs. Love to hear them do their own.

You can also get a camel burger here. It’s good.

It’s Trendy Ramee International Tel. 1772 7230

The thing with Its Trendy is that once have passed the slightly pretentious name and huge wooden door, it’s great inside, with low level lighting, interesting design and the music played at a respectful volume. Drinks are expertly mixed and there is a good selection of bar snacks and main meals. They will even connect a laptop for you, so you can check your emails with a drink in your hand. Perfect.

Al Areen Palace and Spa Crowne Plaza Diplomat Radisson Blu Gulf Mövenpick The Ritz-Carlton Sheraton Golden Tulip Dragon Hotel & Resort

Burger King

1784 5000 1753 1122 1753 1666 1771 3000 1746 0000 1758 0000 1753 3533 1753 5000 1603 3833

Elite Elite Suites Hotel Elite Grande Elite Resort and Spa Elite Seef Hotel and Residence Novotel Ramada Ramee International Al Safir

1782 7600 1755 8888 1756 5888 1731 3333 1758 3388 1729 8008 1774 2000 1772 7230 1782 7999

Possibly this place is one for the boys. It’s not seedy but it is jam-packed with retro arcade machines and pinball tables. It’s also a sports bar with big screens everywhere showing live footage of current worldwide sports events. Go there with him if you are an avid sports fan with a fetish for 80’s gaming.

Trader Vic’s The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa, Tel. 1758 0000

Tel. 1717 2323 (Bahrain City Centre)

Kosebasi

Trader Vic’s exudes Polynesian flavours through every pore of its being. It just works. From the myriad different vessels used to transport your rum based cocktail between bar and table, to the dark wood and fancy decorations, Trader Vic’s just gets it right. And it’s fun. The glass wall at the back of the bar gives great views of the garden and it is easy to get lost here. Recommended.

For more of the same but with VIP Kudos, try Mai Tai. (Free) membership required.

Tel. 1717 2322 (Bahrain City Centre)

Paul Café

Rock Bottom Cafe Ramee International Tel. 1772 7230

Situated at the bottom of a popular street in Juffair, past every conceivable fast food joint, The Rock Bottom Café is just somewhere where people go.

It is a lively place that provides everything you need for a great night out: music, room for dancing, a well stocked bar and a good atmosphere with an accomplished live band and great DJ music.

Sherlock Holmes Gulf Hotel Tel. 1771 3000

From the name, it comes as no surprise that the effect being striven for here is that of the quintessential London pub. The pub has recently been completely refurbished and in doing so has gained in comfort and finesse. There are still huge arm chairs and a British styled bar, but there is more light too, meaning that you can actually see who you are talking too. A nice place for a drink at any time of day or night.

Sky Bar The Diplomat Radisson Blu Tel. 1753 1666

The Sky Bar without question has the best views in town. The atmosphere is Bluesy and easy going and from way up here, the world looks so far away and so small that how could anything bother you?

Warbler Baisan International Hotel Tel. 1729 0600

This is one of the biggest bars in Bahrain and also one of the busiest. A great venue for watching sports, especially football, meaning that on weekends it is often filled with British expats, drinking beer and scoffing the excellent burgers whilst biting their fingers as their team triumphs or crashes out at the last.

Wrangler’s Best Western Hotel Tel. 1782 7600

During the day and early evening Wranglers’ dimly lit bar has a charm all its own and of it is easy to imagine that you are in small town USA. The food is good and during the day the service is swift. It is at night however that Wranglers comes alive. On weekend nights, the dance floor that looked of an adequate size earlier on, looks tiny in comparison to the number of people bumping and grinding to R’n’B and hip hop on it.

The Polo Lounge The Palace Hotel Tel. 1772 5000

(The Palace) Pub with wide-screen TV showing European and local football games live till late.

The Great Kebab Factory

Hakisushi

Exhibitions Ave.

1731 1511

The Jawad Dome

Seef Mall

1758 1300

Magic Wok

Bahrain Mall

1755 3750

Juffair

1772 7250

Quiznos

Juffair

1782 7014

The Jawad Dome

1769 4105

Manama

1721 2920

Arad

1746 5770

Chili’s

1769 0629

Camilles Sidewalk Café

Diplomatic Area

1753 2684

Juffair

1772 5638

Seef Mall

1758 1221

Diplomatic Area

1753 3808

Salmabad

1714 0106

Juffair

1772 3918

Exhibition Road

1729 6047

Tubli

1778 5184

City Centre

1717 9794

Lulu Hyper Market Riffa

1749 1452

Delifrance

Premier Four-Star Hotels

Tracks Crowne Plaza Hotel Tel. 1753 1122

Jawad Business Group Restaurant Locations

Hotel & Resorts Five-Star Hotels

AZADEA GROUP OF RESTAURANTS Butcher Shop and Grill

Tel. 1717 2324 (Bahrain City Centre)

Enigma Windsor Tower Hotel Tel. 1729 7000

Sitting at the bar at the Exchange, you are in a large square room with a stage at one end upon which the band is belting out all your favourite tunes. The thing about the Exchange is that the house band is actually very good and with the relaxed vibe, it makes for a convivial venue, for pre- and postdinner drinks. With its proximity to the restaurant district of Adliya, this is not a bad place at all.

This is your classic hotel bar. Perfectly amenable, certainly comfortable, its downtown location makes it an ideal pre dinner watering hole. Its square bar is peppered with high rotating stools and there are low tables and big wide chairs that are dangerously comfortable. With attentive staff, a good selection of beers and an extensive cocktail menu, this is the perfect hangout for those in search of a sophisticated drink.

Columbus Café

Essentially a pool hall/sports bar, Cosmos is a great place to go and shoot some pool. If you are there on your own, and if they are not too busy, the waitresses will give you a game. But be warned, you will lose. The music is varied and at a comfortable volume. The food is good too but be aware: portions are huge.

The Exchange Ramada Hotel Tel. 1774 2000

So kick back, get comfortable and call for one more for the road.

Tel. 1717 2321 (Bahrain City Centre) Tel. 973 1758 0073 (Seef Mall)

Typhoon Gulf Hotel Tel. 1771 3000

Known to some as ‘the garden’, Typhoon is the perfect mix of relaxation and refinery. With a large decked area backing onto the koi filled pond, and surrounded by palms and plants, sitting in the outside space sometimes feels as though you are in your own garden but with table service. The inside space is also comfortably appointed and both areas are great for enjoying one of the many varied house cocktails.

During the war, the Germans used the Enigma cipher machine to send messages the British could not understand. It was the capture of an Enigma machine that allowed the Boffins at Bletchley Park to decipher the code and start making serious in-roads into the Nazi war machine. And so, in this spirit, Enigma may strike you as something of an anomaly initially but as the drinks flow, you’ll come round to its way of thinking.

An Nada Sheraton Hotel Tel. 1753 3533

The Jawad Dome

1769 3581

DQ Grill & Chill

Romano’s Macaroni Grill

Papa John’s Pizza Juffair

1772 5453

Juffair

3947 9627

Manama

1721 5145

Lulu Hyper Market, Riffa

1749 1731

Seef Mall

1758 1516

Hotel Chocolat

Marina Mall

1725 3010

Bahrain City Centre

Salmaniya

1727 3494

Bahrain Mall

1755 6115

Costa Coffee

Juffair

1781 3529

Patisserie Valerie

Manama

1721 3930

Moda Mall

Justapasta Bahrain Mall

Thai Express 1755 4091

Barsha’a Building, opp.

Airport, Muharraq

1751 0182

1733 9509

The Jawad Dome

1769 3595

Tilly’s The Jawad Dome

1769 1358

1717 9723

Al A’ali Mall

1758 2229

Adliya

1774 9299

Yateem Centre

1721 5182

Marina Mall

1723 0109

Bahrain City Centre

1717 9790

Seef Mall Extension

1758 0139

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 123

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.

World Beat Fitness Centre 1761 2576 The Diplomat Radisson Blu 1753 1666 Anubhaa Sharma anurays@yahoo.co.in

Art Classes

Netball

Kids Gyms/Gymnastics

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

Rugby 1769 2378 1774 1010

Bowling Al Bander Hotel & Resort Awali Bowling Centre Bahrain Bowling Association Bapco Club Funland Centre

1770 1201 1775 3666 1782 2077 1775 3666 1729 2313

1769 2378 1769 5809 1727 6134

Cycling Bahrain Cycling Association

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

1775 6770 1775 0777

Go Karting/Racing Rally Town BIC Silver go-Karts (Tubli) Gulf Speed One (Seef)

1753 1165 1745 0000 1778 0011 3944 4137

1782 5301 1771 6147

Squash Bahrain Badminton and Squash Federation The Country Club Al Bander Resort Nautilus (Crowne Plaza) The Diplomat Radisson Blu

1729 2662 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

Swimming Lessons British Club Dilmun Club Ritz Carlton Sports Club The Diplomat Radisson Blu

1772 8245 1769 2986 1758 0001 1753 1666

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

1731 0252 1721 2700 1729 1527 1783 6078 1770 0677 1727 1780 1770 1201 1768 0867 1769 0926

Tennis

Ice Skating Funland Centre

Bahrain Snooker Association Jimmy’s Snooker and Billiards Club

Watersports

Golf Awali Club Royal Golf Club

1769 5809

Horse Riding 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

Bahrain Rugby Football Club

1729 2313

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

124 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

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

My Gym, www.my-gym.com EZ Fit World Beat Fitness Centre Chaoss

1756 6566 1769 2378 1761 2576 1759 2096

Libraries

Snooker

Cricket EZ Fit Sports Complex Bahrain Rugby Football Club SLC Grounds, Riffa Thursdays, Training 3pm to 5pm

Bahrain Rugby Football Club 1769 5809 (Thurs) 4.45pm for girls; (Sun) 7.30pm for women Riffa Views Netball League 3630 6946

Where To Go

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

Awali Library (BAPCO, Awali) British Club (Times vary) Iqra’s Children’s Library Muharraq)

1775 3666 1772 8245 1732 0955

Music Lessons Bahrain Music Institute Kindermusik Bahrain Room to Rock

1772 1999 1761 3144/3925 6904 1761 1785

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 Mini Storytellers, British School 3912 9585 (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

Al Areen Wildlife Park Adhari Park

1783 6116 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

1729 2313

Corniche next to Marina Club Bowling and Ice Skating everyday.

Hawar Island

1731 1770 Day trips to Hawar Island, boats depart from Ad Dur Jetty at 10am daily

Kid’s Kingdom Corniche, next to the Hawar reservation office A small outdoor playground. Good fun for young children. Open until late.

Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park

1784 5100

Open daily except Tuesday, 10am to 6pm (Thursday til 5pm)

Magic Island Seef Mall 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 US$1=BD0.377 - in other words a dinar is worth about $2.65. 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

Special Needs

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

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

Art Societies

Charitable Organisations

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!

Al Dana Nursery Tel. 1725 3541 Dana Pre-school, Riffa Tel. 1777 0180 Lilliput, Budaiya Tel. 1769 4947

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 (Check the Gulf Daily News for other chemists.)

Courier & Express Delivery Most international express parcel and courier companies have offices in Manama, and include:

Tel. 1734 9199 Tel. 1772 3636

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:

Tel. 1753 4100

Tel. 1723 1156

Tel. 1771 3181

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 Denmark 1772 5119 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 Air India 1729 6444 British Airways 1758 7777 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 PIA 1722 3808 Qatar Airways 1721 2202 Saudi Airlines 1721 1550

999 1725 3447 1779 0025 1781 2000 1782 8282 1728 8888

Telephone Helpline Intl. calls via operator Directory enquiries Directory enquiries - Intl.

Other phone enquiries Speaking clock

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 Islamic Enlightenment Society 1772 0053 Lions Club of Bahrain 3908 0097 Manama Rotary Club 3939 4522 Migrant Workers Protection Society 3946 5378 Overseas Workers Welfare Admin.

1721 3825 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.

Bahrain Arts Society 1759 0551 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.

Bahrain Pottery Society 1778 6898 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.

Shaikh Ibrahim Cultural 3940 2302/1732 2549 and Research Centre

“Help” 24-Hour Helpline for Distressed Alcoholics Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous

1724 2641 1727 1157

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 Pakistani Women’s Association 1771 0944 Second Sunday Newcomers 3927 0413/3641 1368

Language Schools Al Quran Translation 1764 5156 Bait Al Taleem 1764 3199 Berlitz 1782 7847 British Council 1726 1555 Carousel 3967 3635 Lingua English Saturdays. Mondays and Wednesdays. English Language Classes, 4.30pm to 6pm, 4pm to 5.30pm.

English Language Centre 1770 0040

Social Clubs Alliance Française 1768 3295 Assamese Community 3909 1959 Awali Caledonian Society 3636 6458 Bahrain Caledonian Society 3944 0658 Bahrain Hash House Harriers 1786 2620 Bahrain Irish Society info@bahrainirishsociety.com Bahrain Kannada Sangha 1727 1257 Bahrain Round Table 3960 8568 Bahrain Rugby Football Club 1769 5809 Bahrain Welsh Society 1772 7127 Balouch Club 1729 2231 British Club 1772 8245 ext. 32 Bhatia Mitra Mandal 3960 1789 Country Club 1759 3593 Dilmun Club 1769 0926 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 Wisdom Home Society 1772 7575

Bahrain World Trade Centre 3960 7219 3968 7190

Darts Balouch Club Sri Lanka Club

1729 2231 1729 7878

Chess Bahrain Chess Federation

151 181 191 100 140

3987 3357 1753 0020 1753 3558

Bridge Bahrain Bridge Club Bahrain Bridge Committee

Hospitals & Clinics Emergency American Mission Hospital (AMH) Saar Medical & Dental Clinic (AMH) Bahrain Specialist Hospital Ibn Al-Nafees Hospital Salmaniya Hospital

Scrabble Bahrain Scrabble League Bahrain Kannada Sangha Saturdays. 6.30pm.

Elham 1771 7441 La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art 1723 0123 The Bahrain Contemporary Art Society 1772 8046

Things to know

Nurseries and Creches

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

1725 2133

Photography Awali Photo Society Bahrain Arts Society

1776 4468 3966 7751

Photography by Rizami Annuar

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 125

Funny

Just For

Laughs

Some funny stuff that made the Confidential team giggle this month ...

Doggy Hitch

An online “dating site for dogs” has gone live in a bid to improve the health of pedigree animals. The Mate Select service, now available through the Kennel Club website, enables owners to assess how a proposed mating of two registered pedigree dogs will affect the genetic diversity of the whole breed. It will also allow breeders and prospective buyers to check official health test results of all Kennel Club registered dogs, to see whether the puppies from two adults are likely to be healthy. The Mate Select service’s attempt to ensure genetic diversity within pedigree breeds, to prevent the concentration of harmful genes which can cause illness and debilitating conditions, is in addition to moves such as banning matings between close relatives.

I ‘Like’ it

An Israeli couple have named their baby daughter Like, taking inspiration from the Facebook social networking site, Israeli media say. Lior Adler and his wife Vardit said they were looking for a name that was “modern and innovative”. Facebook allows users to “like” their friends’ statuses, pictures and posts. Like Adler’s father said originality was a key factor in the choice and said he had checked no-one else in Israel had the same name. “In our opinion it’s the modern equivalent of the name Ahava [Love],” he said, according to Israeli newspaper Maariv.

“It’s just my way of saying to my fantastic daughter, ‘Love’.” According to the Haaretz newspaper, the most popular names for girls in Israel currently are Noa, Maya and Tamar.

Like, however, will not be alone within her family with her unusual name. Both parents enjoy cooking and named one of their daughters Pie - using the English word for the name - and Dvash, Hebrew for Honey, according to Maariv. Like’s father said that when he announced her arrival on Facebook she was very popular.

126 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

Blown Up

A New Zealand truck driver has said he blew up like a balloon when he fell onto the fitting of a compressed air hose that pierced his buttock and forced air into his body at 100 pounds a square inch.

Steven McCormack was standing on his truck’s foot plate when he slipped and fell, breaking a compressed air hose off an air reservoir that powered the truck’s brakes. He fell hard onto the brass fitting, which pierced his left buttock and started pumping air into his body.

Breaking Away

A retired dentist suffered a broken leg after driving his quad bike into a tree while being attacked by a goose.

Jan Pieniazek was chased around a lake by an overprotective male Canadian goose as he tried to collect some grain from a neighbour’s garden for his chickens.

He jumped on to his quad bike to escape but the hissing bird flew at him, landed on his head and knocked him off course. Terrified Mr Pieniazek crashed into a tree and was left flat on his back in a field in Cowfold, near Horsham in the UK, until a neighbour heard his cries for help and called 999. Mr Peiniazek is now recovering at home and is hoping to be back on his feet within six months. The geese now have a family of six goslings.

G I

t o t c c d o ‘ h h n l

Lifestyle

Horoscopes Discover your Native American Astrology Symbol

Renowned British astrologist Astra Henley reveals the secrets of the stars exclusively to Bahrain Confidential’s readers every month.

Cancer – Woodpecker 21 June – 21 July

You’ll be the busy little beaver this month running here and there and talking all the time. After the Sun changes signs into Libra on the 21st, you will find you are drawn to the home front more than usual. You could feel the urge to change or add something to your living space.

Leo - Salmon

22 July - 21 August

You’re a busy person this month with the Sun and Mars in your second house of Money and Values. They may be up for review at this time and you could find yourself in a bit of a re-vamping mood. This could cause problems on the 7th and 22nd as people around you may not like changes. Keep your cool and remember that Mercury in your third house of Communication this month helps you to express your aims and reasons effectively.

Virgo - Brown Bear

22 August - 21 September

This month you’re enlivened by the Sun and Mars in your first house of Self. You’ll be filled with energy.

Your mind will probably be on money matters and how to accumulate more through your employment. There could be some surprises in that category as well. Caution: don’t overextend yourself and cause health problems, as current planetary configurations indicate they might be difficult to diagnose and treat.

Libra - Crow

22 September - 22 October

With the Sun in your 12th house of ‘behind the scenes’ activity, you may choose to sit back and relax. Time to reflect on the past year. Having Mars there as well could mean your energy level is truly at low tide. Your ruling planet Venus is in your first house of Self and this could draw romance to you. With Uranus and Neptune in your 5th house of Romance the chances are even greater.

Scorpio - Snake

23 October - 22 November

July should be a very happy time for you. The Sun and Mars are in your eleventh house of Hopes and Wishes firing the imagination with thoughts of the future and the possibilities it could bring.

Look for surprises around the home front this month. They could really be great. Your career also will be getting a major boost for the next year with Jupiter, the Santa Claus planet, in your house of career and public standing.

Sagittarius - Owl 23 November - 21 December

The career sector of your chart is ablaze this month. The Sun and Mars, both fire planets, light up the fireworks in your tenth house of Career for a great time and a time for real advancement. Your mind is going with the possibilities for the future and with Saturn in last degrees of the seventh house of partnerships, relationship issues will probably be a major motivating force for the next year.

Capricorn - Goose

22 December - 19 January

If you’re looking for that vacation, now’s the time. Pack those bags and don’t look back. Plan well, so that after the 14th you make it home without incident.

More than likely, the call to return will come for obligations in the employment/career area. This will be a time for you to shine especially after the 21st, when the Sun enters your house of career.

Ruby - June’s Birthstone

Aries - Falcon

21 March - 19 April

You have vibrant health this month with the Sun and Mars in your sixth house of Health and Employment.

You could gain some huge personal satisfaction for your job too. You’ll also be supported by the committed other in your life in these endeavours. You will however, have to mind closely what you say this month, especially around the 22nd, when you could step in it up to your knee.

Taurus - Beaver Aquarius - Otter

20 January - 18 February

The family budget will be your key focus this month, but not in a burdensome way. You may surprise yourself at your own creativity when it comes to juggling the checkbook and financial responsibilities this month. Jupiter in your seventh house of committed relationships urges your partner to assist in these matters. Look for that help to continue for the next year.

Pisces - Wolf

19 February - 20 March

The Sun and Mars occupy your seventh house of committed relationships this month and you’ll have ample energy in that area. Problems or old grievances could surface and you will have to deal with them. You’ll do just fine if you keep your head. Venus and Mercury in your eighth house of shared finances bode well for the month. Just don’t go on a spending spree around the 23rd.

20 April - 20 May

Romance is all over you this month with the Sun and Mars in your fifth house of Romance and Creativity.

You’ll be feeling very sexy with that Mars influence. Just be careful it doesn’t get out of control around the 22nd. An interest on the job could sweep you off your feet on the 4th, but it can fall apart just as quickly. But with Saturn in your second house of Money and Values, be careful about over spending with regard to these romantic inclinations.

Aries - Falcon

21 March - 19 April

With the Sun and Mars in your fourth house of Home, you may feel the need for redecorating. This could be a sword that cuts both ways this month. Pluto, the planet of rebirth, isn’t all that happy with your plans and could work against you on the 7th and the 22nd. On the 22nd when you may feel completely frustrated with yourself. This is coming from the planet Saturn, the Restrictor, placed firmly in your first house of Self. Think things through carefully before beginning.

July 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 127

Opinion

Personal views from KSA

The Logic Of

Numbers

by Mohammad T. Al Rasheed deusvolt@hotmail.com

H

‘When will it start, and when should it end?’ As the Holy Month approaches, Mohammad Al Rasheed tries to decode the many complexities of the ‘calendar speak’ intricately associated with the occasion.

ere we go again.

Ramadan is around the corner and Rajab is the official open season for all those who think they know or would like us to think that they know, start playing with the calendar and ‘officially’ tell us when the moon has risen to begin the new month. It is a monstrously shameful activity that they engage in simply to assert a power they perceive to be theirs regardless of decency. They are, after all, playing with God’s physics and imposing on his timing a time limit that is theirs alone. Mind you, this is the same God in whose name they claim to speak.

With all due respect to Newton and Einstein, the movements of the planets, moons, black holes, and even erratic Mercury, can be calculated, written down, and even predicted far into the future. Any half-decent website would give you the time, location, and even the directions to go out and see the new moon being born. Just go out and see it. When you are satisfied, declare the new month is upon us. Alas, that will not do for us around here even though we have official establishments that print Hijri calendars predicting (scientifically I suppose) the dates of the rising and falling of the moon. We print those calendars and then contradict them.

Officially, that is according to Umm Al-Qura calendar, Jumada al Akhira was thirty days. That is the limit of a lunar month. There simply isn’t a lunar month that goes 31 days. According to a more scientific calendar published by the Islamic society in the USA, Jumada was 29 days. I say scientific because every concerned website indicated that you could go out at such and such a time

128 | Bahrain Confidential | July 2011

and look at such and such a direction and see the new moon being born. I did.

And I saw it.

Therefore, our ‘official’ calendar is wrong. You wonder why they do it.

I can understand their obsessive need to ‘control’ us even if this entails lying about God’s heavenly objects and their movements, but I cannot understand the temerity with which they approach such mundane matters.

Back to Rajab and how Jumada al-Akhira ended. Science and simple viewing said it was 29 days. Our official calendar said it was 30 days. The latter dictation made Friday, 3rd June, the beginning of Rajab. Not satisfied with this, some religious official in Lebanon

Ramadan on the wrong day surely would not please God. To celebrate Eid when the month has not ended yet is an equally grave offence. Who is vain enough to perjure their soul in this manner only to assert a certain ‘power’ that exists in his mind alone?

On the temporal side, visas, exit and re-entry permits are dated by the Hijri calendar. A day up or down might make the visa expire before or after what the official calendar says. And that is a problem I have seen a few expats suffer when returning to the Kingdom. Going on vacation, they time their return to the last day. And why not? Unfortunately, a few I know came back to find that their visas have expired. Of course, the agents at the other end go by the calendar and when they checked, they found it valid. Must we go through this? Since all other countries use Gregorian calendars for international documents (including Arab and Moslem countries), why not date expat travel documents in that way and make it legible to all?

This whimsical and cavalier behaviour has tragic consequences.

The tragedy is one of Kafkaesque proportions. It exposes the emptiness inside us and the nihilism of our existence. How else are we to explain this behaviour?

It is a behaviour that exposes our need to control things we know for certain are beyond our reach. Any sane man or woman would know that we can calculate movement in the heavenly spheres but cannot control it. By imposing our alien and impotent will on something beyond our reach is nothing but flattening the three-dimensional into a two-dimensional world. And I am not talking about Cubism. I might simply be talking about cubes in human form n

“To start fasting during Ramadan on the wrong day surely would not please God. To celebrate Eid when the month has not ended yet is an equally grave offence.” declared on television that the beginning of Rajab was Saturday, 4th June. That made the previous month 31 days – an impossibility in the world of science and an affront to the moon who seems to know when to retire and when to die.

I simply see this as an affront to us, to Islam, to our lunar calendar, and to our sensibilities - not to mention making us the laughing stock of humanity.

These shenanigans have grave consequences in the spiritual and temporal worlds. To start fasting during