Bahrain Confidential

Online edition at www.FashionArabia.net

Guide to Arabian life, luxury and fashion!

104 Issue

Akram Miknas Exclusive

OnNational

Dialogue

Exclusive

Is Bahrain

Tourist

Friendly?

Abdul Hameed Kooheji Thinks Not Yet!

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Contents

26

August 2011 • Issue 104

Competition 14 57 119

Win an Iftar for Two at the K Hotel Bahrain!

Win One of Three DVDs! Win an Iftar for Two at the Mövenpick!

People 38 44 46 72 84 112 103

Sawsan Kazmawi: Connoisseur of Fine Jewellery Architect Felipe Yofre: Designing from the Inside Out The Socialite Diaries Engineering a Brighter Tomorrow Encouraging Sustainability through Technology Real Lives: Royal Family Boyz Business in Brief

Travel 78 80 82 104

Gulf Air Soar to New Heights Ramadan Splendour in Istanbul Ethiopia: A Land of Contrasts and Extremes The Harley Davidson Tour

Opinion 85 128

Environment-Friendly Actions - Rehan Ahmed Equal Footing - Mohammed Al Rasheed

Fashion and Shopping 22 32 48 50 52 54 74 76

Sheer Luxury The Businessman’s Play Thing A Gal’s Got to Shop ...

Don’t Forget the Kids Get the Smart Casual Look Voluptuous Spruce Up the Home Inspired Living

Beauty, Health & Well Being 58 59 60 62 64 66 68 70 71

A Fragrant Ramadan at FACES Chanel Summer 2011 Makeup Collection Ask the Doctor with Dr Dean Cunha Gomes Local Health News Health Updates In Good Posture A Revolutionary Lift The Future of Medicine Botox or Fillers?

Juicy Pickings 2 4 8 10 18 30 86 114 120 127

Editor’s Letter Readers’ Letters The Social Buzz Not to be Missed!

New in Town New in the Market Society Looking for a Home!

Just for Laughs Horoscopes

Cars 106 108

Harley Davidson Models Which Car are You Meant to be Driving?

Staying In and Going Out 116 117 118 119

What’s Going on This Month?

Welcome to Ric’s Kountry Kitchen The Taste of Hong Kong Lamb Bokhari Recipe

Essential Listings

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

Defining Art with Culture: Mohammed Al Shaikh

40 34 Akram Miknas: Onwards to Peace, Progress and Development

Abdul Hameed Kooheji: Boosting Bahrain’s Tourism Sector

EditL Online edition

rabia.net

at www.FashionA

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

104 Issue

Akram Miknasal Exclusive

Dear Readers,

OnNation

Dialogue

Exclusive

Cover Credits: Akram Miknas

Is Bahrain

Tourist?

Friendly

ed Kooheji Abdul HameYet! Thinks Not

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KD2 OMAN

RO2 QATAR

Publishers: Editor in Chief: Editorial: Layout: Contributors

QR20 UAE DHS20

Nicholas & Rebecca Cooksey Rebecca Cooksey Karina Lazarraga, Katy Gillett 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

So the Holy Month is upon us! Muslims around the world wait all year for this month to come and yet some of us dread it, crying there is nothing left to do for a whole 30 days. Well now, we at BC are here to tell you that that’s not true ... Just take a look through our vast Not To Be Missed and Gastro and Nightlife sections if you don’t believe us. Trust us, there is plenty to do. And if that’s not enough, you could always check out our travel articles - Ethiopia or Istanbul anyone?

Perhaps a Harley ride around Jordan is more your style? We hear Gulf Air just got a whole lot more interesting ...

Once you’re done whinging about having nothing to do, perhaps a good shop will sort you out. After all, Ramadan means shorter working hours for some which means more time to hit the malls! And do you know what else it means? Sales!! Take a look through our shopping pages to find out what’s out there.

After a good shop we suggest pampering yourself ... This horrid heat and horrendous humidity we’re suffering through does nothing for our complexions does it ladies? If you’re at a loss of what to do - just turn to our Q&A with Dr Dean Gomes of Royal Bahrain Hospital as he gives us some top tips on skin care. Or you could pay a visit to the latest man about town, Dr Pierre R Clero, a pioneering plastic surgeon with innovative procedures on offer. OR head to the all-new Al Rafahia Clinic to find out what the future of medicine looks like. Don’t tell us we never helped BC-ers!

Now you’re going to have to find a great, comfortable and cool way to get to these places aren’t you? Here we pipe up with some more great advice as we have a whole section dedicated to car loans this month! We went and got the low down on twelve fantastic cars available in Bahrain; their engines, features and most importantly, how much they’re going to set you back (or forward!).

After all that activity you’ll want to relax with something good to read. We suggest turning to our juicy interviews with media mogul Akram Miknas who spoke to us about peace and development in Bahrain, and Abdul Hameed Kooheji - businessman and Board Member of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry - who has some interesting opinions on how to boost tourism in Bahrain.

Don’t think that’s all we’ve got for you though readers. We also talked to 16-year-old artist Mohammed Al Shaikh whose love for art and Bahrain’s heritage is unsurpassable. The Royal Family Boyz from the American base came in for a chat and we tell you where they’ve been partying recently. Plus, we scooped an interview with Felipe Yofre, Argentinean architect extraordinaire. But don’t forget to read about Bahrain’s First Green Tech-Expo 2011 (BGTE2011), a revolutionary new expo that will take place in October to encourage sustainability and green awareness on the island.

Anyway nosey folk, we’ve given enough away for now ... now it’s your turn!

Ramadan Kareem and 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

Guide to Arabian life, luxury and fashion!

104

info@ArabianMagazines.com

Issue

Akram Miknas Exclusive

A poem sent in by

Dr Freddie B. Bulauan

OnNational

Dialogue

entitled

‘For You’:

Exclusive

Is Bahrain

Tourist

When I first saw you I am ashamed of being with you But when my friend introduced you I’ve began wondering who are you.

Friendly?

Abdul Hameed Kooheji Thinks Not Yet!

I went home with marvelous mind Pondering your name so jubilant I didn’t sleep all through night Cos your image crisscrossed my mind.

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

Online edition at www.FashionArabia.net

Guide to Arabian life, luxury and fashion!

103

Time swiftly flows …

And it happened to meet you in a certain place I thank God for giving me another chance To tell you what I had in my heart.

2011

Issue

Know your

Botox from your Fillers

I took the chance whispering you I’ll give my life for you At last … I expressed my dreams I said But no response received.

Sea Dream:

I felt flabbergasted …

But I didn’t mind I growled with anger But I remained silence.

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

Guide to Arabian life, luxury and fashion!

102 Issue

Chill Out

Tonight Bahrain’s Top Venues

Live Like a

Millionaire!

Learn More About BMI Bank’s Fabulous Promotional Offer!

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4 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

I wanted to shout But I ceased For I know you love me too.

Believe me; I live my love for you Cos you’re the only one I care And I give myself for you No matter what you do.

2011C’est

For I love you …

For you I will die ….

Dear BC, I have to say you’ve been becoming more and more useful each month and I turn to you to know what’s what in Bahrain now.

Especially when it comes to shopping and fashion! I just can’t get enough of these pages and not to blow my own horn or anything but I’m becoming a real trendsetter.

I haven’t given away my secret muse yet though ... I want to keep you all to myself!

Too Cool

Well Too Cool we’re not sure we like you keeping us a secret – after all, there is plenty of advice and tips for everyone!! A piece of advice for you though: keep it real and stay grounded. Oh and hit the shops asap as the sales are great!

I just love, love, looooooved those dresses you featured in your fashion shoot last month BC! Where can I get me some? If I buy one however, do you promise I will end up looking like the model in the pictures??

Sabrina One can only hope Sabrina! As long as you’re not a total minger you might be in with a quarter of a chance of looking as good as Laura because these dresses are too cute but she is a tough cookie to beat! As for the dresses themselves, they are the handiwork of Ms Haya Al Khalifa. Visit www.alluringdistraction.com for more information.

Wow is all I can say about last month’s makeover BC! Penny looked stunning in those images and to think she was dressed head to toe in Marks and Spencer! Not that I have a problem with the store, but it never really sprang to my mind for fashion before.

It certainly does now and I’ll definitely be checking out their latest collections.

Fashion Fiend We’re glad you like our hard work Fashion Fiend. And we agree – the collections in Marks and Spencer are truly spectacular … we were seriously spoilt for choice when picking out clothes for Penny. We could have filled the whole mag!

I’m addicted to your feature ‘The Socialite Diaries’ BC and I want to know how I can be your next diva?!! I’m just as cool and funky as the other people you’ve featured, plus I’m super rich so I bet I have waaay more interesting answers than them …

Gucci Prada Chanel Hah! Gucci Prada Chanel (if that is indeed your real name … hmmm) you sound oh-so-fabulous (sense the sarcastic tone) but we tend to hunt out our socialites for ourselves so unless you run in our circles then no chance! Not to mention you can’t be very cool if you don’t …

Gossip

The Social Buzz:

Amy Winehouse There has been a surge in the number of debates that have talked about how and why Amy Winehouse, a British singer-songwriter, was found dead in her apartment in north London.

There seems to be a very high price to be paid for extreme talent. The people with that ‘gift’ are running on a track that’s a whole lot shorter than the track that the rest of us run. Too often it’s a life that burns very bright and very short. And all too often there is the added problem of drugs involved. Artists seem to be tortured souls and seek their own ways to relieve the torment. May they all rest in peace”, wrote a social media enthusiast on a forum.

Five-time Grammy winner Amy Winehouse was a dynamic performer and musician who seamlessly blended rock, jazz, pop, and soul and created a sound all her own. Her rich, soulful and unique voice reflected her honest songwriting and earned her a devoted fan following, critical acclaim, and the genuine respect and admiration of her musical peers.

But, 27-year-old Winehouse has been plagued with drug and alcohol abuse problems throughout her career and had several times been unable to perform.

Her fans have not only mourned on various social networking sites but also created forums and pages to remember her. With thousands of fans already registered on RIP Amy Winehouse page on Facebook; the sentiment continues to remain both neutral and positive.

What People Are Saying Positive: • Russell Brand has written an eloquent and insightful blog post about Amy Winehouse’s death. Go to www.russellbrand.tv to read it.

• “The late Amy Winehouse never got full credit for her songwriting ability and her hands-on approach to her beautiful music. RIP Amy Winehouse” • “I am really sad for Amy, she never stood a chance with the media hacking on her all the time, pointing out her tats and anything negative

8 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

they could dig up, she was an entertainer not a show piece, I think she did her best under pressure and she deserves a clap.”

• “I know that I’m a day late but RIP Amy Winehouse. It’s sad that her talents were overshadowed by her troubles.”

• “Amy Winehouse’s 2007 album, ‘Back to Black’, is currently #1 on both Amazon. com and iTunes.”

• “Drugs took her gift, her soul, her light, long before they took her life. RIP Amy” • “I have to say that as tragic as this is you can’t want someone to succeed unless that individual wants to, and she was on a downward spiral, and she resisted all help. So what can you do? She’s going to go down in history as tragic icon, a bit like Janis Joplin.”

Negative: • “Elton John will perform at Amy Winehouse’s funeral with a beautiful rendition of ‘Candle Under The Spoon’.

• Amy Whinehouse just another example of the wages of sin is death, it’s sad the enemy had her bound and look at the end result! Sin has two ways – destruction or death. I hope people learned from this.”

• “Fans of the dead singer Amy Winehouse left an array of cigarettes and alcohol near her home in north London” • “Congratulations to Amy Winehouse on 24 hours of sobriety.” #toosoon • “Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain, Jimmi Hendrix, Ian Curtis, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin all died at 27. Bieber turns 27 in 2021. Just be patient.”

• “Hey everyone, so the world’s most famous beehive-wearing, whiskeydrinking, crack-smoking and heroineshooting soul singer Amy Winehouse has unfortunately passed away.

Obviously we should all take a moment of silence for the 27year-old followed by going to the bar doing shots and shouting that this one is for Blake.

Seriously though it’s what she would want.”

• “So, Amy Winehouse Amy Winehouse is dead. To be honest, we all saw it coming.

But Rupert Murdoch knew about it two months ago.”

• “Apparently, Amy Winehouse is not dead.

When the police tried drawing the line around her, she jumped up and attempted to snort the chalk!”

This Weekly Social Media Buzz Report was published

by SocialEyez and analysed the social media conversations about Amy Winehouse in the UAE. SocialEyez is the world’s first Arabic Social Media Monitoring company. For more information visit www.socialeyez.ae

d e s s i M Not To Be Missed

e b o t t o N

Bahrain City Centre

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

‘Layali Al Zallaq’ during Ramadan at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa is a true “one thousand and one night” experience. Experience the holy month of Ramadan with your family and friends at Sofitel Bahrain with a wide choice of specials. You have the option of a special room package, fantastic offer for families, and of course food and beverage selections. Prices are BD15+ inclusive of soft drinks for Iftar and Sohour buffet. The room rates starting at BD66+ including Sohour meal in the comfort of your room.

Tel. +973 1763 6363.

Bahrain City Centre

Bahrain City Centre is presenting its ‘Make a Difference this Ramadan’ campaign which encourages customers to donate everyday items; clothing, books, mobile phones etc. This year, the mall is working in conjunction with Awali Thrift Shop. The collection box will be located on the ground floor near the customer service desk and all collected items will be forwarded to Awali Thrift Shop for distribution. The mall will also display a Ramadan-themed photo gallery located in the Dome, adjacent to the mall’s Lakeland. Moreover, from 9pm to 11pm daily, Bahrain City Centre will be

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

10 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

treating customers to traditional gahwa and dates. Additionally two professional henna artists will be located throughout the mall during these times, and shoppers will also get the chance to hold and get their picture taken with a falcon.

Crowne Plaza Bahrain

Crowne Plaza Bahrain

Crowne Plaza Bahrain celebrates Ramadan by donating 500 fils to charity for every Iftar diner. Break your fast at La Mosaique Restaurant with an Iftar buffet of traditional Ramadan dishes for BD11.950+ or at Spices Indian Restaurant where guests can order the Iftar set-menu for BD9.950+.

Additionally, Spices will be giving away 15 percent discount on take away orders from their a la carte menu. For those seeking corporate celebrations, private Iftar or Ghabga, Crowne Plaza Bahrain can book you in one of their banquet hall or an outdoor catering service can be arranged for a minimum number of 30 guests. On top of all this, you can stay at the hotel for BD49+ until 31st August.

For Eid, La Mosaique will host a buffet lunch for only BD10.950++ that will be held on the third day of Eid and starts from 12pm until 4pm. Spices Indian Restaurant on the other hand will be offering a four-course Eid lunch or dinner set-menu for the three days for BD9.950++. Tel. +973 1753 1122.

Not To Be Missed Ramada Bahrain

Outlets throughout the Ramada Bahrain are celebrating Ramadan; Le Jardin Restaurant offers a daily Iftar buffet comprising of traditional oriental food, with a daily change of menu, for BD9 net per person. Iftar parties can also be organised privately by contacting Mr Gogu Rao on +973 3943 7596.

Suhoor is served in rooms and orders can be placed at room service with menus to be taken from the front office. Visit the Oasis Swimming pool for food and drinks after sunset. Moreover, the Lobby Café opens after sunset offering a wide variety of snacks, sandwiches, pastries and beverages. Though the Exchange Restaurant and Pub remains closed during Ramadan, it will reopen on the first day of Eid with a stunning performance of the resident band ‘EPISODE’.

Tel. +973 1774 2000.

The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel and Spa

Enjoy authentic Lebanese flavours in Al Khayma, the Ritz-Carlton’s Ramadan tent, with an extensive buffet display at Iftar and Ghabga. Secluded pergolas, featuring contemporary Arabic decor, provide a more intimate dining alternative and may be reserved in advance.

Afterwards, relax in the company of good friends with your favourite flavour of shisha and the sounds of renowned Bahraini singer, Najma Abdulla.

During weekdays this is BD16 for Iftar and BD18 for Ghabga, and on weekends Iftar will be priced at BD18 while Ghabga will be BD20. For a pergola there must be a maximum of six guests and is BD25.

Celebrate Eid with friends and family in The Grand Foyer for BD23 on 1st September from 12pm to 4pm. A festive spread awaits and the Lobby Lounge Trio will entertain you throughout the day.

Tel. +973 1758 0000.

Khan Al Marjan restaurant at Al Safir Hotel

12 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

InterContinental Regency Bahrain

Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre

Nestled in the fashionable Seef district of Manama, the luxurious five-star hotel, the Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre, will open in early September 2011. The hotel boasts two unique hotel towers, the Grand and the Ixir, both very different in style and each offering a blend of traditional elegance with contemporary luxury along with direct access to the country’s biggest mall - Bahrain City Centre. Overall, the hotel will feature 221 superior rooms, 160 deluxe rooms and 29 suites. Seven quirky and elegant culinary experiences will be open for customers as well as conference and banqueting rooms, private meeting and board room facilities. On top of all that, the hotel will feature a stylish outdoor infinity pool, children’s pool and terraced garden area with individual cabanas.

Seef Mall InterContinental Regency Bahrain

InterContinental Regency Bahrain in partnership with Gulf Air invites you to experience the unique atmosphere of the holy month of Ramadan at Al Liwan Tent. Enjoy the ambience of a Bahraini Iftar with traditional décor, dress and entertainment, brought together with a selection of authentic Ramadan foods.

Each evening a lavish Iftar buffet will showcase a large selection of Arabic delicacies including mezzes, mains and desserts. All this and more can be enjoyed for BD11.5+ per person. Private groups or larger parties can also be catered for at special prices. For those who prefer to dine out after Iftar, the Al Liwan tent allows them to enjoy the late evening lingering over a flavoured shisha of their choice to the melodic sounds of a live oud player. A range of authentic Ghabga a la carte and set menus are available throughout the evening.

Tel. +973 1722 7777.

The ‘Ramadaneyat A Seef’ campaign, which runs from 1st August to the third day of Eid is a mega-promotion which will give you the chance to win over 70 valuable prizes in the weekly raffle draws, including Seef Mall gift vouchers and tickets to Nairobi, Milan, Copenhagen, Geneva, Kuwait, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai courtesy of Gulf Air. In addition, make sure to check out all the latest additions to the mall such as iMachines, Kair, Emirates Airlines, Urban Car Hire, Hazelnut, SPUD, Pearl Tea, and many others. Other favourites such as Pinkberry, The Yellow Chili and Bath & Body Works are also expected to open outlets over the next few months.

Tel. +973 1758 2888.

Al Safir Hotel and Tower

The Iraqi restaurant at Al Safir Hotel and Tower, Khan Al Marjan, offers an authentic experience for the diner as the specialised Iraqi chef creates a spectacular array of mezzes, grills, soups and desserts. Though closed during Ramadan, this eatery will re-open in celebration of Eid with notable singers Sagida Baid and Redah Al Khayat to entertain diners. On a regular basis, the restaurant offers a choice of two set menus offering meat or seafood grills and an array of dessert options. There is a wide selection of beverages. During the week, from 10pm to 2am, rates are BD11 net per person and on weekends, for BD20 net per person; rates include food and entertainment. For the early birds who come between 7.30pm and 9.30pm the price decreases to BD6 net per person and coincides with the restaurant’s Happy Hour. Diners at this time can enjoy their feast while relaxing to the sounds of a traditional oud player. Moreover, during Ramadan at Al Safir you can purchase a booklet of ten vouchers to use in the Savoy Cafe. The normal rates are BD5.5 but the vouchers offer the discounted price of BD4.5, allowing you to save more than 15 per cent. This offer is not only open to individuals and families, as companies can also buy booklets to give as an incentive to their staff or clients. Tel. +973 1782 7999.

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Not To Be Missed Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain

Novotel

Until the end of August, Novotel will be continuing their special CPR promotional offer for Bahrain residents.

For a superior single room the rate is BD59; for a superior double BD66; and for a junior suite single BD72. This includes buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi internet, a 50 per cent discount on food for kids below 16 when dining at Zytoun and up to two children below 16 are accommodated for free when staying in their parent’s room.

Choose for just BD60+ to enjoy Iftar and a night’s stay in a single room or BD70+ in a double at the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain this Ramadan. The hotel invites you to Silk’s restaurant to savour a fine selection of Arabic dishes and Mediterranean specialties served at Iftar for just BD12.5+ per person, and a Ghabga buffet for a group of 20 people, starting from BD13+ per person, blended with shisha at the pool side terrace.

For Eid, enjoy a complimentary breakfast and lunch when you choose the exclusive package at BD79++ for a single room or BD104++ for a double. Use the infinity pool, tennis courts, gym or enjoy a massage and look forward to the return of Seafood Nights on Mondays, a taste of Italy on Wednesdays and Thursday Steak Outs, not to forget the classic Eid Friday brunch at BD23.2++.

Tel. +973 1746 0000.

Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain

La Perle restaurant

During Ramadan Iftar and Ghabga is being served at La Perle restaurant and the Hawar function room from 9pm to 1am at BD9.

Moreover, after Ramadan enjoy La Perle Seafood restaurant’s new pricings with buffet appetisers priced at BD5, Fish Market (100g) for BD1.1, Seafood Market (100g) for BD1.7 and a tantalising sweets display at BD3.5. Tel. +973 1729 8008.

Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa

This Ramadan, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa will have their ever popular Iftar Buffet at BD10++ per person, combining the freshest local ingredients with the unique tastes of traditional Arabic hospitality in Olivos.

To complete your dining experience relax and unwind over a cup of fresh ghawa or red tea whilst enjoying a game of backgammon, carom or cards. For those wishing to enjoy a late evening get-together, a wide option of ghabga packages are available. Set under the glittering lights of crystal chandeliers and traditional Ramadan décor you can choose from a range of menus for gatherings from ten to 500 guests.

Tel. +973 1753 1666.

The K Hotel Bahrain

The K Hotel Bahrain

Book a deluxe room for BD43.5 or experience the luxury of a junior suite for just BD49.5 at The K Hotel Bahrain this summer. These rates include single or double occupancy, free buffet breakfast, complimentary airport transfer, free internet access and usage of facilities.

Special discounted prices to Bahrain’s most exclusive island, leisure and waterparks are also available.

Throughout Ramadan, Klouds Restaurant will host Iftar buffets featuring an international, oriental and Mediterranean spread, and Ramadan drinks. It will be served on a daily basis for BD9++. Mo Kan Restaurant will be open for a la carte dinner only commencing from Iftar until 11.10pm. Tel. +973 1736 0000.

Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa

14 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win Win an Iftar Buffet Dinner for you and a friend at The K Hotel this Ramadan. All you have to do is answer the following question:

Where is The K Hotel located in Bahrain?

Send your answer to: competition@ArabianMagazines.com with

the subject: The K Hotel Iftar Competition.

Send us your full name, mobile number and your favourite section of the magazine (internal purposes only).

Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win

Your Your

special special

Ramadan Ramadan gift gift

Join us on Facebook

This must-have make up case is yours free with any qualifying purchase from August 1 to 31.

Limited to one per person. Offer valid while stocks last.

SAUDI ARABIA UAE BAHRAIN KUWAIT QATAR EGYPT SYRIA LEBANON JORDAN

Not To Be Missed

Summer At

The Royal Golf Club Ramadan PowerPlay Sponsored by Bahrain Optician

Have fun this Ramadan competing in the Bahrain Optician Ramadan PowerPlay Series every Tuesday evening on the Royal Golf Club’s nine-hole par three Wee Monty course.

Open to all, the series gives competitors the chance to win a pair of Oakley Sunglasses at each event as well as some terrific prizes up for grabs in the overall Order of Merit.

PowerPlay features two pin flags on every green – one in an easy position and one in a more challenging location. Choose to aim for the trickier PowerPlay flag and achieve a net birdie or better and you’ll be rewarded with double points – a really fun and strategic format!

Thursday Night Bachelor(ette) Bonanza!

If the wife and kids are away this month and you’re in need of some light relief to kick-start your weekend, head down to the Royal Golf Club’s Bachelor(ette) Bonanza every Thursday evening, teeing off at 6.30pm.

Despite its name, women are very welcome to join this fun social event too. Non-members pay just BD20 for the nine-hole competition on the Club’s Montgomerie championship course, inclusive of cart and access to the driving range prior to teeing off.

Super Value Sunday Special

Tee off between 9am and midday any Sunday morning this August at the Royal Golf Club and pay just BD20 per person for a full 18-hole round of golf on the Montgomerie championship course, inclusive of driving range access and golf cart.

For more information contact the Golf Events Team on Tel. +973 1775 0777.

Super Summer Tuition Sale Improve your golf game and wow your friends this August by taking advantage of the Royal Golf Academy’s first ever summer sale – enjoy a fantastic 20 per cent discount on all golf lessons and tuition packages! With shaded driving range bays, air-conditioned tuition suites, ice cold water and cold towels on offer, there’s never been a better time to take up the sport or improve aspects of your existing game.

For further details visit www.theroyalgolfclub.com

16 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

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.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

Living

New in

Town

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

Latin Dance Lessons

The Latin Dance Studio has commenced classes. Amed and Eva, who believe dance promote physical and mental wellbeing, began this venture and offer qualified instruction. Amed combines elements of salsa, cha-cha, merengue, samba and Afro in his class. Eva teaches you the basic routines of salsa and shows you how to dance as a couple. She also has a special class for ladies, where they can learn styling in dance and body movement. Throughout Ramadan night classes are available. Contact Eva on +973 3388 9821 or email: latin.dance.studio@hotmail.com.

OrganoCatering

Started by Mr Bader Al Alawi just a few months ago, OrganoCatering offers exactly that - organic catering for the community, mainly corporate businesses and schools. A team of highly talented and professional staff deliver completely healthy, delicious foods in order to make a substantial change in the community. He began the business with the hope of opening a restaurant someday with the sole aim of promoting a health conscious environment to keep people on track and staying healthy. For more information contact Tel. +973 3646 4346.

Esquires

Esquires, the fair trade coffee brand from New Zealand, now have a franchised branch in Diraz, Bahrain. Enjoy fair trade organic coffee and teas, delicious sandwiches or pastries and sit in a spacious, comfortable environment with your friends and family. There is a large outdoor area ready for the cooler weather and there is even an outdoor kids’ play area.

Tel. +973 7717 7660.

18 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

The Arab Who Took on the Arctic

A new book documenting the explorations of Bahrainbased adventurer Nabeel ‘Nabs’ Al Busaidy was launched last month. ‘The Arab Who Took on the Arctic’ features a collection of photographs and diary entries from Nabs’ expeditions over the last three years. Over 200 images tell the stories behind treks to the Magnetic North Pole, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Vinson in Antarctica as well as his charity cycle from the most southerly to the most northerly points in the UK. Available at Jashanmal Bookstores in Seef Mall and Bahrain City Centre.

Living

Fly to Nairobi

Gulf Air has officially begun its service to Nairobi with its inaugural flight taking off from Bahrain last month. Gulf Air Chief Services Officer Mr Marcus Bernhardt said: “We are pleased to see our service re-launched to Nairobi in Kenya, our fourth destination in the African continent. Kenya has seen some impressive economic growth in recent years and we feel it is just the right time for us to be back to this great country.” In addition to this, Gulf Air have also opened another eight destinations this year. For more information and to book tickets visit www.gulfair.com or Tel. +973 1733 5777.

Electricity and Water Outlet

The Electricity and Water Authority has opened a new full service Customer Care Service Centre on the second floor of Country Mall, Budaiya Highway. Here, customers can make enquiries, open accounts and pay bills and conduct any other electricity and water related transactions conveniently.

Tel. +973 1754 6666.

Relax, Get fit and Stay Healthy

There is a temptation to eat far too much during the Holy Month but if you put your mind to it, Ramadan gives us all the perfect excuse to get fit and healthy with all those extra non-working hours and lower calorie intake. The K Hotel Bahrain just made this a whole lot easier by opening the doors to its new health club. Located in the heart of Juffair, The K Hotel Bahrain opened earlier this year and was the talk of the town.

Now, its newly-opened Health Club is to follow suit with a temperature-controlled swimming pool for adults and children, a fully-equipped gymnasium and separate jacuzzis, steam rooms and saunas for men and women. This is the ideal place to combine fitness and relaxation to get that health mind and body you dream about all year round. Opening hours are from 7am to 10pm. Call Tel. +973 1736 0000 or email info@thekhotel.com for rates and membership information.

20 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Burger Wisconsin

New Zealand chain Burger Wisconsin offers a combination of fresh ingredients, handmade sauces and patties to create scrumptious beef and chicken burgers. As well as being able to choose a creation from the menu, you are able to ‘build your own’ burger with a variety of meats, vegetables, cheeses, fruits and a wide range of sauces. Burger Wisconsin is located in UpTown Village on Budaiya Highway.

Jewellery Seef Mall, Shop No. 208, Gate No. 5, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: (+973) 17 58 22 72, Fax: (+973) 17 58 16 10 info@eskayjewellery.com, www.eskayjewellery.com

Sheer Luxury

Parsifal

Parsifal

In 2010, Swiss watch manufacturer Raymond Weil celebrated the relaunch of its Parsifal collection.

After 20 years of success, Parsifal is reinventing itself through three creative new variations. As a homage to the Richard Wagner opera, the Parsifal collection stays true to the design of its early models and preserves their pure aesthetics. The three new compositions underline the emblematic lines of the collection: bezel with gadroons, refined style and sophisticated bracelets. The first gents’ two-tone model, with automatic winding mechanical movement and 38-hour power reserve, features a distinctive curved day of the week window at 12 o’clock, in addition to the square date at 3 o’clock. The pink gold of the bezel and the indexes offers a delicate contrast to the silver dial and the polished steel links of the bracelet.

The collection’s other two new models, a gents’ and a ladies’ version identical in appearance, just differing in size, form a refined duo that lends itself to joint ownership.

Here, the interplay between the steel and pink gold materials is enhanced by a black dial with mysterious depths, providing a backcloth for the pink gold Roman numeral indexes.

I

Want That!

Available at Asia Jewellers located at Al A’ali Mall, Sheraton Complex, Seef Mall and Bahrain City Centre. Tel. +973 1758 7888.

24 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Maestro Phase De Lune

Just as the Moon makes one revolution around the Earth in 28 days, so the new maestro Phase de Lune will evolve around your wrist during the 365 days of the year. A member of the maestro collection created in 2010, this new Raymond Weil model is the Brand’s first moon phase complication with a mechanical movement. Sober, classical lines, a royal blue emerging from the black depths of the dial, delicate pure white hands and indexes.

Equipped with a round 39.5mm case, two correction buttons to adjust the moon phase and the date have been ingeniously positioned on the case of the maestro Phase de Lune between the horns at 6 and 12 o’clock. The RW4500 mechanical movement with automatic winding in the maestro Phase de Lune has an advantage with its power reserve of 38 hours, a longer period of time than one rotation of the Earth on its own axis.

Art Space

Defining Art With Culture 26 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

The Essence Of Heritage, size 40cm by 40cm

Art Space

The Serenity Of The Souq 5

F

Old District size 46cm by 38cm

Young Bahraini artist, Mohammed Al Sheikh, believes in the power of art to resurrect his nation’s ancient and rich culture.

ull of dedication and passion which exudes with every breath he takes and word he speaks, 16-year-old Mohammed Al Shaikh is one of those lucky few who knows exactly what he wants to do with his life. “Art has been my hobby since I was about three years old,” Mohammed tells Bahrain Confidential.

“I would always be creating child-like drawings and over the years I have been able to preserve that love and develop my skills. I’ve studied many styles and artists but most of my techniques have been discovered through accidents.”

Mohammed is a staunch patriot and finds his daily inspiration in Bahrain’s landscape; “Particularly in my home and garden where I usually spend my time. But I am always on the lookout for great monuments and cultural buildings; everywhere I go I carry my beloved Nikon. To me, what I see here in Bahrain can keep me inspired for over 100 years.”

The young artist’s patriotism comes through in his paintings as he depicts old mosques, gateways, the souqs with

seemingly haphazard strokes of a brush.

His contemporary technique for painting such traditional scenes is almost ironic.

“I would say I specialise in contemporary fine art but they speak about the heritage and culture of Bahrain and what I feel and experience when I roam around the history of this country.”

His deep admiration for Bahrain’s culture is evident, as is his fascination with the art world; “Art is so important in the

risk-taking personality. “If anyone digs deep inside themselves they will see paintings and paintings. Just grab a brush and paint what inspires you - what you see in your heart and soul, not with your eyes.”

With a burgeoning art scene in Bahrain, Mohammed believes young artists have been opened up to a great opportunity. “The art scene here is supportive, encouraging, refreshing simple yet intangible, very cultural and traditional which is inspiring and wonderful.” His favourite artists also hail from this part of the world - pioneers such as Abbas Al Mosawi, Abdul Wahab Al Kooheji and Abdulla Al Muharraqi. “They each have a collection of paintings and photographs that are worth more than what the mind can evaluate. Their work is of pure devotion; of love for their culture and heritage.”

Mohammed’s adoration of his heritage stems from the belief that art is vital in protecting monuments. “If we don’t paint about it, all historical monuments will perish. When one paints them they are energised, empowered, revitalised and reignited.” This is especially true of Bahrain,

“Everywhere I go I carry my beloved Nikon. To me, what I see here in Bahrain can keep me inspired for over 100 years.”” world today. It is a window to the mind, spirit, soul and heart. One doesn’t have to be able to draw perfectly. Perfection is in expression and devotion. I believe everyone can be an artist but they just haven’t discovered it.” Mohammed explains how the discovery of his artistic talent was a pure accident and believes that perhaps he would never have cultivated that talent if he hadn’t had a

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 27

Art Space

Minarets Of Bahrain size 51cm by 40cm

“Just grab a brush and paint what inspires you - what you see in your heart and soul, not with your eyes.” says Mohammed, as modernity begins to take over.

With a passion realised so young, Mohammed has known the direction he wishes to take for a long time and so has made many plans for the future.

With art as a dream and a hobby, Mohammed in fact plans on striding into the world of business management and entrepreneurship. “I will use my knowledge of business to spread my message and reach my goal through art.” With

Mohammed Al Sheikh

“With such great feedback and already numerous successful sales of his work, Mohammed is currently working on opening his own private art gallery.” such great feedback and already numerous successful sales of his work, Mohammed is currently working on opening his own private art gallery which will host his paintings, “my discovery of art in me and how the culture and heritage of Bahrain has enabled me to live my dream.

“Art is my career at the moment and this is not a game or for fun.”

Mohammed also plans to start holding many charitable events with art themes, as well as eventually establishing an art magazine. “My initiatives will be aimed at all artists but especially young artists who are unknown and have no way of expressing their talents.” He also wants to hold weekly and monthly

28 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

lessons in art in which he will teach his own techniques on how to develop the artist’s eye and paint “using the heart and soul.”

One has to wonder where Mohammed gets all his enthusiasm and energy from; we asked who his role model is. “My grandfather. He was a big businessman in Bahrain and a very respected persona. He was not an artist but a character of strength and he always believed in his abilities. Moreover, he was always honest and loved Bahrain to an unbelievable extent.”

For more information contact Mohammed on mtaleb94@hotmail.com

Al Rafahia International Care WLL

of Medicine Al Rafahia International Care WLLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team of

highly qualified specialists

offers a wide variety of treatments including: Cosmetic Procedures including facial surgery, bust enhancement and body and facial lifts etc General Health Procedures including screening for cancers, heart disease, diabetes and total-body ailments Stem Cell transplants the future of medicine and excellent for treating conditions such as diabetes, nerve pain, autism, cancer, anti ageing and much more For more information contact Al Rafahia International Clinic onTel. +973 1619 8617.

Technology

New

Market In The

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

Panasonic Viera 2011

Sociable Media

SmartPack

Menatelecom has announced the launch of its new SmartPack service which allows its MenaHome customers the option to connect multiple devices to one account. This package is available to any menaHome user with speeds starting from 2Mb up to 18Mb. Users who wish to obtain the service may purchase one or two additional USB devices. For more information visit www.menatelecom.com or call 07770.

MediaSource, a UAE-based media research company, has launched www.SociableMedia. me as a free service for journalists, corporate communications professionals, and twitter users with an interest in the region.

SociableMedia.me currently tracks over 1,400 (at time of press) Twitter handles belonging to media, journalists, broadcasters and bloggers across 18 countries in the MENA region.

Viera 2011

Panasonic launched the company’s 2011 VIERA range of televisions last month in the Bahraini market. VIERA models for 2011 are designed to provide the ultimate in image and sound quality. The refined design and high-quality materials complement the highpicture-quality images and dynamic sound.

Available from

Voice SMS

Journal Junkie

A place for magazine-aholics, Journal Junkie is a unique platform based in the Middle East.

It invites publishers, editors, authors, writers, illustrators, photographers and designers, as well as anyone else who is interested, to debate and appreciate (or not) good and bad magazine covers from around the world.

For more information visit www.journaljunkie.tumblr.com

Inside Xperia

Targeting over two hundred and seventy thousand Facebook users in Bahrain, Sony Ericsson has introduced ‘Facebook inside Xperia,’ a unique application that allows instant communication and advanced social media experience. ‘Facebook inside Xperia’ is included in the latest Xperia mini and mini pro series to engage all social media enthusiasts.

VIVA Bahrain has introduced its Voice SMS service which allows customers to leave voice messages for other customers on VIVA’s network. The service, which costs 30 fils per SMS, is perfect for those instances when the recipient is unable to take a call and a message is too long or complicated to text.

To send a voice SMS, simply dial *3 followed by the recipient’s eight-digit phone number and record the desired message. To listen to a new message, dial *0* to retrieve it for free, to re-listen to old messages, customers can dial *1* at the cost of 35 fils per retrieval.

For more information call 124.

Inside Xperia

30 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

&

Botox Fillers are for everybody

Al Rafahia International Care WLL’s team of highly qualified specialists offer a wide variety of cosmetic procedures including Botox & Fillers.

Botox Filler

Filler

Botox

Filler

Filler

Good for: • Anti ageing (wrinkles, jowls, crow’s feet etc) • Reducing excessive sweating • Enhancing lips, cheeks and chins + much more For more information contact Al Rafahia International Clinic on Tel. +973 1619 8617.

Technology

The

Businessman’s PlayThing

The Nokia E7 was made to entertain the businessman with its beautiful, innovative design. It’s everything you need to stay in sync.

F

irst off, this is a real good-looking phone; sleek, chic and professional. The Nokia E7 is a QWERTY keyboard phone boasting a high quality four-inch touchscreen, AMOLED ClearBlack display (great for outdoor viewing) and sleek brushed aluminium casing that feels great in the hand. It is just under 14mm thick, but pretty lightweight for its size and depth.

Push the tilt and slide mechanism to reveal the soft rubber-buttoned QWERTY pad which is well-spaced and most importantly, easy to use.

The phone itself is packed full of interesting and handy features. Bearing the businessman in mind the Nokia E7 really becomes your mobile office: you have easy access to work and private email accounts from the same view; real-time push emails with Mail for Exchange; you can create, edit and share office docs and view PDF files; get fast, secure intranet access with the built-in VPN; and easily set up your calendar and sync it with Microsoft Outlook.

You can also hold business meetings over the phone with multi-party conference calling and discuss business at length for less by making lowcost VoIP calls

over a secure and reliable connection.

For more personal use, you can get emails direct from your personal accounts, fully integrate social media networks on your home screen (also great for business), update your status across all your social networks at the same time and follow your conversations easily with threaded SMS chats.

To capture those memorable

and use an HDMI cable to view HD videos and images on your compatible TV. You can also watch and upload your videos straight to YouTube. More entertainment is available in the form of music; scroll through album art and make playlists of your favourite songs.

In terms of pre-installed applications Ovi Maps ensures your get to meetings on time and this phone includes free lifetime navigation and turn-byturn voice instructions.

It comes preloaded with Adobe Reader, and you can synchronise, back up and transfer any important business documents and data with Ovi Suite. Vlingo, the voice recognition app, allows you to send texts and emails to business contacts in an instant, while the World Traveller app makes business travel simple notifying you of changes and letting you track flights. Moreover, many more of these handy little apps are available to try and download at the Ovi Store.

One of the best aspects of the Nokia E7 has to be its security features however.

You can protect important data with remote device management options such as device lock and device wipe. Also keep important data protected with F-Secure Anti-Theft for Mobile. And, to locate your phone if it is stolen (or lost) - see where it is on a map with the theft control feature!

The system is powered by Symbianˆ3 and you can now enjoy over 250 new features from this operating system.

You have the option to personalise your three home screens to fit your needs and multitask without worrying about sacrificing battery life. And if that’s not enough, you can keep your E7 constantly updated with automatic over-the-air software updates so it’ll be timeless

“Bearing the businessman in mind the Nokia E7 really becomes your mobile office.” moments or important events in still or on video, use the eight-mega pixel camera

For more information visit www.nokia.com

32 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Exclusive

Abdul Hameed Kooheji:

Boosting Bahrainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tourism Sector

34 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

The kingdom would benefit greatly in terms of driving revenue from tourism.

Rebecca Cooksey scooped an exclusive with businessman and Board Member of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Bahrain might do well to heed as he lays down some noteworthy recommendations.

Exclusive What do you think Bahrain’s major weaknesses are regarding tourism compared to neighbouring countries?

Firstly, we live on an island with no pristine beaches that many of our neighbours have.

Most people who come to any island expect to be able to enjoy the beach. Places such as Hawaii and St Lucia depend on their beaches for their tourism. They have good sand, great cafés, restaurants and water sports – we have very little to offer in this regard.

Secondly, Bahrain being a small island has no desert and therefore cannot offer desert excursions/safaris etc like they do in Dubai.

Qatar too has sand dunes and can emulate Dubai – we can’t. For the average Western tourist, the desert safari is the ultimate Arabian experience. I’ve seen Americans, British, etc in Dubai who describe these tours/rides as one of the best in their lives.

We have to look at our strengths – the biggest one being we’re an island, but once again it goes back to the lack of beaches.

So right now we have very little to offer a tourist.

So what strengths does Bahrain have?

By nature we are friendlier than the rest of our Gulf bretheren.

Historically we have grown up with foreigners, we respect and like them.

Although Dubai is a lot of fun for tourists, one also hears a lot of complaints about how unfriendly it is and that it lacks in culture. In Bahrain, we have to allocate certain areas for tourism. Look at what they’ve done to the restaurant area in Adliya.

It’s fantastic and the restaurants are very popular. We need more areas like that which can also look very traditional. Hotels and private businesses need to be given spots on the beaches to develop. It’s not just for the tourists, we have so many expats working here and when their relatives come to visit they expect to be able to use a beach.

We have the Souq – which has been and continues to be beautifully renovated with a newly built indoor section with air conditioning so visitors can visit all throughout the year. It’s a beautiful area and traditional.

But we need to improve parking facilities surrounding the area and, like in Singapore or China, golf buggies can be used to collect visitors from the car parks and ferry them to the souq. They’re nippier, cheaper and far more environment-friendly than buses and create little or no congestion.

There are so many ideas that we can take from places like the Far East but it needs financial support from the Government to implement it.

Tourism has always been a big issue in Bahrain particularly the lack of beaches. Why do you think it has never been resolved?

Land unfortunately has been allocated to projects or been owned by very old families.

But there are many other areas that we can focus on. I was surprised to learn that the seafront land that we have is literally the same distance as what Dubai has if you include all the islands. The difference is that their government has allocated generous amounts of beach for public use. Our government has to do the same. We need beaches for families to go somewhere on the weekend to relax. I

you meet so many British families who came here twenty, thirty years back – still living here.

They chose to do this because they feel so comfortable being here. We were born and raised living amongst different nationalities.

We used to have beautiful beaches that were used by expats. This didn’t offend anyone because it was out of the way and as a Bahraini – if I felt it was wrong, I would avoid going there. So people who don’t want to be among bathers – should avoid these places.

No matter how successful Dubai is for its tourism, every summer they create amazing packages to encourage people to go there despite the heat. Why doesn’t Bahrain do this?

I don’t want to comment on Dubai’s commitment to tourism but it appears that they do promote their country well. Bahraini people have been known to be very open and courageous when it comes to trade and business.

At one time they were known as the entrepreneurs of the region but unfortunately in the last three decades this is on the decline. The entrepreneur spirit as you can see has moved to Dubai.

I feel there are two sides to this.

The fault lies partly on the business community and partly on the government. Government policy has played a big part in slowing everyone down. Initially the government encouraged the business community to be creative and gave them a lot of freedom to make things happen. But slowly restrictions have been implemented – which were thought to be good at the time. But unfortunately in the long run it has damaged the spirit and commitment of business people as compared to other countries. We need to get back in line with everyone else and since we’re reforming and making changes, this too should be part of the reform – this part of the reform – should not stop. Look at our mistakes and learn from it. We have to give the business community some more freedom by removing some of the restrictions that have been implemented. Give them the feeling that they can make changes and create and better Bahrain for everybody.

But unfortunately the current mood is ‘We can’t do this or that because the government won’t let us.’ This attitude has to change.

“We need beaches for families to go somewhere on the weekend to relax.”

emphasise families, as people want to feel comfortable and not want to feel that they’re being stared at.

We also have a high number of workers who want to swim – this has to be addressed too. There are still a couple of rundown beaches. If we put some effort into them and make them nice, families will start to use them.

We have to do this.

I feel that the government has a plan for Zallaq beach and are allocating certain areas to the public. We have to give some relief to the different communities that are living here.

Do you think Bahrainis are ready to accept what comes with international tourism, such as more liberal dress codes and attitudes?

Bahrain and its people have always been very welcoming of other cultures. We had Western women in the 1950s and 1960s living amongst Bahraini women who were more conservatively dressed but it didn’t affect anyone. That’s why

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 35

Exclusive I’m confident that if this was to happen, Bahrain can catch up. We don’t have sand dunes and Saharas, but we have other things – we have highly educated people. Look back to the 1960s, who would’ve believed that Bahrain was going to become the centre for banking in the region, but it did! We need that spirit of leadership feeling again.

We are a small island but we could be big.

Look at Singapore – it’s a small island but is considered big on the world map.

Many families and businesses are leaving Bahrain. How would you reassure them that it’s safe to live and invest here?

If people are already living here, then they know that Bahrain is a very safe place and the people are friendly.

What happened at the beginning of the year is not the norm and a very different part in our history and something the majority of us hope will never happen again. I’m 100 per cent sure that Bahrain is going through a new phase with the dialogue that is coming up and we will move forward and come out of it a lot stronger. I believe that when the dialogue has been approved – Bahrain will go into a very big boom. The Royal Family is determined to uplift the country’s status.

My request to every business here is to have patience as they will benefit once everything has been agreed upon. There is

going to be a lot of very large investments coming into this country.

Shouldn’t something be done now to encourage businesses to stay?

Bahrain is already a tax haven for big businesses. They are given land at minimal rates. There is no tax and a business no longer requires a Bahraini partner unlike other Gulf countries. Registration is practically free and setting up a business is not difficult. The only tax that people can claim we have is LMRA fees which have been temporarily postponed and I hope will be rethought out. Practically Bahrain is giving foreign ownership a freehand to start a business here. Wherever you go

discounts in air fares, hotels rooms.

Recently I received an offer for a four-star hotel, two nights including airfare for BD70.

That’s an incredible offer and no doubt if I was to take up the offer I would probably extend it if I was having fun or at least go back because it’s so affordable.

Hotels in Bahrain unfortunately claim that there is a cartel – which does not allow them to reduce their prices. I think that is the wrong attitude when they’re suffering. If they’re not prepared to be creative with their pricing then they shouldn’t complain that their rooms are empty. Offering BD20/ per night for a room right now is better than getting nothing. We need to create very good packages that are linked in with the hotels and airlines to encourage people to come over.

It is pointless to think that we can’t charge similar prices to Dubai for hotel rooms. If I was living in any other country in the region I wouldn’t dream of coming here when I could go to Dubai. The Ministry of Culture has done a superb job and spent a lot of money to create a very entertaining Summer Festival.

If we offer really cheap flights and rooms at least it will encourage people to come back here and once they’re here, they can enjoy the festival. There was talk about a huge promotions and sale in the malls, etc, this will encourage people to spend. But right now the Summer Festival can only be enjoyed by the residents of Bahrain as there is no incentive to come here.

What the hotels do not realise is that guests staying in their hotels – have to eat, therefore they will make money on F&B. The government is paying BD100 million to support Gulf Air every year – Gulf Air should seriously think of reducing their prices right now.

“We are a small island but we could be big.” throughout the Gulf – it’s easy to compare and complain about the LMRA charges without adding up the costs and difficulties that go hand in hand for setting up a business elsewhere in the region.

If alcohol was banned do you not think that would send the wrong message to foreign residents and tourism?

Certain bodies did try to ban alcohol and it got as far as parliament but it wasn’t approved. But what people don’t realise was that there was a clause anyway if it had been approved. The ban would’ve only applied to Bahrainis. So expats could still drink in certain licensed places and their homes pretty much as it is now. So it was never going to be a 100 per cent ban. Look at Qatar, it’s booming and they don’t have alcohol everywhere. But having said that, I think it would affect our reputation internationally as we would’ve been tagged as ‘a country that restricts alcohol’.

What are the short term policies Bahrain can implement to recover tourism?

Short term, I believe we need to attract tourism from the neighbouring countries. There are tens of thousands of these people who don’t go to Europe and right now can’t travel to places such as Egypt, Tunisia or Syria for obvious reasons.

Every year Dubai offers huge Abdul Hameed Kooheji

36 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

What is the ideal tourist model that Bahrain can copy?

Copying will put you into a lot of competition.

I think we have to copy with modifications – because what’s good for Singapore may not be good for here. We have banking, insurances, which are services – we have to develop that industry more. A few years ago there were plans to turn Bahrain into a health island. We’ve got the facilities and very good doctors, etc, this could be the road to take.

Obviously we desperately need beaches and offer watersports etc. It’s not just the Westerners who want to be by the water.

There are plenty of people in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, etc who would come for that. The more visitors that come to Bahrain, the more businesses will benefit.

If you had an opportunity to address the international media – what would you say to them?

I had all the trust in the US and UK press before 14th February (2011), but after the 14th my trust and belief in them has been completely shaken. I live here, I saw what was happening and the lies they told were shocking and I don’t want to comment on the matter other than I have big problems believing in the news from the UK now

People

Sawsan Kazmawi: Connoisseur Of Fine Jewellery

Henn of London

What started as a hobby has now burgeoned into one of the finest jewellery houses on the island. Bahrain Confidential talks exclusively to the woman behind its success.

G

oing into her shop, one notices a sort of class that you know can only belong to someone of stature so unmistakably elegant.

Out comes Sawsan Kazmawi, and it’s easy to see the connection. She is regal ... elegant, and with quite an endearing nature that it’s impossible not to like her. From this persona, it’s also evident that here is a

Alessandro Fanfani

woman who certainly knows her stuff well – and we’re talking about fine jewellery.

Jewellery making started as a passion for her. Back in the day, Sawsan would fashion rings out of stones and design them for friends, family and herself.

“Love for jewellery is in our culture – so it was natural for me to be working with these beautiful pieces quite early on.

Jewellery was something you received when you celebrated your graduation, or gotten engaged or married or given birth.

eSKay Pyramid Ring

eSKay have to have a personal connection with me,” beams Sawsan. eSKay Fine Jewellery is quite the nifty family business. Sawsan’s daughter Sarah also contributes her own jewellery designs – before they are especially crafted by handpicked craftsmen and designers locally and abroad. Sarah also helps out in conceptualising and designing their unique window displays. And to make sure they get things right, her daughter Danah, is a gemologist – so there is an expert in the family helping Sawsan out with the business. Quality is of utmost importance to Sawsan.

“I personally obsess over the tiniest details. One designer that we work with for instance – Alessandro Fanfani takes great care in completing the designs – that’s why some of the items we make take so long. I chose him as a designer because the front appearance of the jewellery has to be neat but so does its back and inner parts.”

Of the numerous covetable designs that they offer, we ask if she has an eye for a particular item. “I don’t play favourites, I can wear any kind of jewellery depending on the occasion,” she smiles. “Our customers will be pleased to know that all of our pieces are quite a treasure – to a point that it’s sometimes hard to part with them. The pieces we sell are one-off as we order only one of each; and in the case of my own designs or those of ‘Henn of London’, they are one-of-a-kind – so there is only one piece sold not only in Bahrain but in the entire world,” adds Sawsan

“The pieces we sell at eSKay have to have a personal connection with me.”

Sawsan Kazmawi

38 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

In this part of the world, every milestone in your life is complemented with a piece of jewellery,” explains Sawsan.

Living with her family in the 1980s in Kuwait, she started setting her precious stones in gold. She later on ventured into diamonds and she would eventually produce two of her very memorable pieces – the ‘Pyramid Ring’ and the ‘Sapphire Ring’ set with rose-cut diamonds.

After the 1990 Gulf War, Sawsan and her family moved back to Bahrain where they have stayed ever since. An artist by choice, as she also used to paint; it was a natural progression for her to continue creating beautiful jewellery pieces.

“I’ve always loved creating things with my hands. It’s an extension of myself,” enthused Sawsan.

That same personal touch extends to her boutique in the Seef Mall called – eSKay – borne out of her initials ‘S’ and ‘K’.

“I design and choose pieces that I myself would wear; or I would select jewellery that I know would suit other people’s tastes– either way, the pieces we sell at

eSKay Jewellery also accepts orders for custom-made jewellery. To place an order, visit them at Shop 208, Ground Floor, Seef Mall. Tel. +973 1758 2272.

Email: info@eskayjewellery.com or visit: www.eskayjewellery.com

Exclusive

Call him a magnate, a tycoon, a media mogul; but if Akram Miknas were to choose, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d probably choose to be described as a progress and development advocate. Bahrain Confidential gets an exclusive with the notable Bahrain businessman as he shares an insight into his business acumen; and why itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that we must all work together and unite as a nation in order to steer this island kingdom towards a brighter future.

40 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Akram Miknas: Onwards To Peace, Progress and Development

R

ecently included on the 50 Most Powerful People in the Media, Marketing and Advertising 2011

by UAE-based Communicate magazine, Akram Miknas humbly points out that although he is honoured to have received the accolade, all 50 named in the list have greatly contributed to promoting the progress of the marketing communications industry not only in the region, but worldwide too.

Exclusive Miknas was named third on the list, behind only Middle East Broadcasting Corporation chairman Shaikh Waleed Al Ibrahim and Omnicom Media Group (OMG) Middle East and North Africa chief executive officer Elie Khouri. The list is based on public facts and market intelligence about the top players in the industry and the companies they work with.

He has been chairman of Middle East Communication Network (MCN) since 1968, the same year he founded the advertising agency Fortune Promoseven in Lebanon. Since then, the company is one of the top advertising, media and marketing operators in the region and currently employs more than 1,650 people at 68 offices in 18 countries across the region.

Currently, Miknas is one of the participants of the kingdom’s ongoing National Dialogue. Read the rest of the exclusive interview ....

to be addressed most is education, education and education. If we’re able to educate our youth in the right direction and give them proper and enlightened education, I’m confident that we’ll be able to produce great citizens who can then be trained in any discipline of life; therefore becoming productive members of the society and not parasites and a burden on the economy. I believe that Bahrain must do it. Obviously, as we address this major issue of education, we will take

understanding and more dialogues between the people and the government; since I believe that the parliament has failed in providing this platform. Had the parliament acted as a bridge of understanding between the people’s requirements and needs to improve, especially economically, and the government; and from the government to the parliament, there would have not been a need for this dialogue. Once the dialogue finishes, some people will not be happy and will continue to be irritants to the progress of the country.

“Bahrain should continue and improve on being the cultural, educational, and above all, service centre for the whole Gulf.”

What is your vision for Bahrain?

Bahrain should continue and improve on being the cultural, educational, and above all, service centre for the whole Gulf. It has always been known for the highest level of education in the region and for its superior culture and tolerance. The fact that there are more Bahrainis than other nationals involved in the everyday running of the country in the business than any other country in the GCC; it is therefore evident why I see Bahrain in this manner. I also subscribe very much to Bahrain’s Vision 2030.

What, in your opinion, went wrong?

Obviously, there are issues and dissatisfactions like in any other country around the world. It’s unfortunate that these issues have now succeeded in dividing the country on religious differences and beliefs; forgetting the real issue. Obviously, there are world and regional powers with interest in the Gulf who saw an opportunity in capitalising on this division and making it much larger than it is. Being born in Lebanon, I realised the danger of such religious conflicts and left Lebanon in 1975 knowing the fatality of such conflicts. I pray to all not to cause me to run away again. I’m Bahraini by choice and I love it. I also believe that there are lessons to be learned from around the world where civil disputes and unrests based on religion can never take any country anywhere and the only way forward is for sincerely wanting to resolve issues through dialogue.

care of helping those who are poorer to learn careers and become more and more independent on their ability to produce decent and grand living and uphold better things in life. The private sectors and the government should work together in, what I have called for before, a company of the largest subscription of as many businessmen as possible. The company should be obviously a profit centre but with low margin of profit to specialise in offering low-income housing to the less-privileged.

How can business in Bahrain be improved?

Business in Bahrain can only be improved if we are able to understand how important we are at a larger picture that includes the Gulf, the Arab world and the world at large. Our local companies have to become more regional and international for them to survive and to become more efficient and professional. We started Promoseven from Bahrain and today, it’s the largest communications group in the Arab world and a force to reckon with worldwide.

We’ve won many international awards that speak for our success. I’m sure many other Bahraini companies can do the same. I’m happy to discuss this with any company who wants to move in that direction.

What problems can you foresee following the National Dialogue?

I believe that after the National Dialogue, there will be an atmosphere of better

“I pray to all not to cause me to run away again.”

What problem areas need to be addressed most?

The problems, in my opinion, that need

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 41

Exclusive As a leader in communications, what is your opinion on the structure of the National Dialogue and do you believe all sectors of society are being represented fairly?

I think the National Dialogue has been opened to all parties and societies. It has been opened to all dialogue-seekers including economic, political, social and judicial bodies, and I’m sure that if anybody wanted to be represented in the dialogue and if he felt that he has not been approached, I am confident that he can be included if he approaches the Chairman of the dialogue. So, let’s not blame the National Dialogue but blame ourselves if we are not properly represented.

What has been the media’s role in the recent turmoil and the National Dialogue?

Unfortunately, the media has not been properly managed during the turmoil; but I believe that we should have had a proper understanding of the local and international media and should have

analysed properly the way they think and work and should have managed our relationship with them much, much earlier than the recent turmoil. I must admit that I’m not a specialist on political media but I have consulted with some of the companies that we work with

now. The international media in particular is not about wining and dining and tourist destination. They are cultured, well-trained journalists who are really interested in showing the real images and what’s behind a picture and not what is spoon-fed to them. An international correspondent told me during this turmoil that he had an impression that all was fair and square in Bahrain; but he was truly astonished to see how vulnerable we all are.

This is a true indication that we’ve never entered a dialogue with this journalist but rather tried to throw at him information and sunshine stories.

International media is truly a science and should be immediately addressed as such. It takes a long time to form an opinion but the smallest mistake can destroy the greatest images.

“The problems, in my opinion, that need to be addressed most is education, education and education.” internationally in this field and they feel that we have wrongly managed our media stand and arguments.

Do you believe international media has been unfair and irresponsibly biased in its reporting on Bahrain recently?

I feel that we have been far away from our understanding of the international media which led us to where we are

Akram Miknas

Do you think there is room for improvement regarding transparency in Bahrain? If so, how do you believe this can be improved?

There is always a room for improving transparency not only in Bahrain but anywhere in the world. Even the most transparent country in the world can still improve its transparency. So, I believe that by improving our dialogue, our community and our productivity, transparency will be improved automatically.

How do you feel to have been named Communicate magazine’s third most powerful person in the region’s media, marketing and advertising industry?

I have actually not known about my nomination or my selection as the third most powerful communicator in the region until it was published. I believe that all the 50 persons that have been named had all played an important and major role towards the progress of the marketing communications industry, and putting the regional media on par with world media. It is my opinion that it’s a great opportunity to continue to seriously think of the threats and opportunities facing us to make our contribution even larger and more efficient.

I believe that there is a lot to be done and I have just started.

What is the best piece of advice you can give to a budding businessman?

My best piece of advice from my humble experience – commitment, passion and, to strive. Every businessman can succeed and should succeed.

What is your motto in life?

Love your neighbour

42 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

People

Architect Felipe Yofre: Designing From The Inside Out

One of the pioneers in the architecture industry in the island talks exclusively to Bahrain Confidential about the importance of looking beyond the aspects of design and construction …

O

riginally from Cordoba, Argentina, Felipe remembers that while attending primary school, his architect uncle allowed him to do some drafting.

From this early experience, Felipe was convinced that it was a career he wanted to pursue in life. He consequently studied and received training at Cordoba’s Faculty of Architecture at the National University, in the 1960s.

Although not entirely coming from a family of architects (his father’s family has

Architect Felipe Yofre

a long line of lawyers and jurists); it wasn’t until he embraced the profession himself that he started a ‘trend’. He has two sons, Martin (who’s a Communications professional and works at a Dubai-based advertising firm); and Felipe Jr, also an architect and a partner at his architecture company, Intec Bahrain, and now in charge of their newly-opened branch in Doha, Qatar, (while another architect from Cordoba, Carlos Villarroel, is an associate in the Bahrain office).

Felipe retraces his ultimate move to Bahrain from the time he decided to relocate from Cordoba to Buenos Aires, where he started his profession and joined the Faculty of Architecture as a young professor there.

Whilst there, he says he has been lucky to do collaborations with very prestigious offices, such as that of Clorindo Testa’s who Felipe says is considered to be one of the greatest architects of his time.

“From Buenos Aires I moved to Italy, in what started as a honeymoon trip.

My trip started in Milano, where I was

invited to join a team directed by Tomas Maldonado, ex-rector of Ulm School of Design in Germany and lecturer and professor in various universities around the world,” he recounts. A supposedly short trip – wherein Felipe participated in a competition project for Marseille – turned out to be an extended stint, and he later became a partner at the architecture company, Intec Milano. This was at a time, Felipe says, that “the world was beginning to know the big developments happening in the Middle East, so the company decided to investigate the market in this region.”

After a couple of trips to Bahrain, the Intec Milano team were awarded their first project – the design of the first shopping mall in the island – Yateem Centre, more than three decades ago. The defining moment for Felipe’s sojourn to Bahrain was in 1978 when he established Intec Bahrain; motivated by “the same principles that we stood up for in Europe – a rational and bold approach to our projects, an endless work to develop projects that are simple in appearance, but so rich in spaces and details. We are led by the principle of ‘less is more’; less being the suppression of all unnecessary decorative

“I would prefer to concentrate on building ‘better’, and keep ‘bigger’ as a secondary aspect of the equation.”

Lexus Showroom in Sitra

44 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

People

The Yofre Family Villa in Argentina.

Design: Architect Felipe Yofre

or superfluous items, but more because of the deep study of the layout of every one of our projects, and the fluent interaction of the volumes that wrap them,” he added.

The architectural projects Felipe has completed in his career is quite a long list.

Some of the most notable ones include the interior design work for the new UNESCO building in Paris in the 1980s, whilst still based in Milan; the architect for which was the famous French architect Bernard Zerfuss. In Bahrain, Felipe is very proud of the design of the first resort in the country – Al Bander. The masterplan of this was prepared in the 1980s and subsequently implemented over many years. Just last year, Intec Bahrain completed the resort’s new swimming pool. Under his direction as CEO and Senior Architect, they’ve also designed the GPIC staff club in Sitra. As a company Felipe says they “remain attached to each and every one of the projects we design – we tailor and make them for our clients that are also our friends. There is one villa in Amwaj in particular which became the talk of the town for quite some time. We consider this to be a project that any office in the world could be proud of. And we have just started construction of a commercial project in Riffa, ‘The Walk’; that I believe it will be a little jewel, a strong piece of design and architecture, and I hope that commercially it will be very successful.”

Felipe believes that a well-conceived,

comprehensive architecture policy could work toward the ‘transformation’ and identity of a city and its people. “We have vivid examples of how planning and architecture can influence cities and the life of its people. Look at Paris; in the nineteenth century, le Baron Hoffmann was appointed as Prefect de la Seine in Paris and commissioned by Napoleon to reform the city. His work – the new water supply and gigantic sewerage system, his bridges, the new Opera House, the facelift of an incredible number of building facades, and his famous boulevards, transformed the city – this transformation the heart of that wonderful city that we know today,” he enthused.

Residential Building in Amwaj

role in the fight for a better environment.

For a long time, we at Intec Bahrain have advocated for a ‘green’ approach to design, from energy saving issues to roof gardens; so we implement this as much as we can in our projects. It’s gratifying to see that the Bahrain government through many of its municipal councils is ready to implement a legislation that will promote the use of hydroponic gardens, and make it compulsory for all commercial buildings in Manama to have roof gardens ... I find this amazing.”

From an architecture stalwart like him, any wise words for someone entering the field? “I would say be intense critical observers of your physical reality, be concerned about the environment and let creativity come out and guide your process of thinking.

Above all, be ready for hard, hard work.”

“Felipe believes that a wellconceived, comprehensive architecture policy could work toward the ‘transformation’ and identity of a city and its people.”

On mankind’s impulse to build things bigger and better, i.e., Dubai, etc, he comments: “I would prefer to concentrate on building ‘better’, and keep ‘bigger’ as a secondary aspect of the equation.

We must build better, try to use the new technologies, and build as smart as we can. Architecture must play an important

To contact Architect Felipe Yofre, Tel. +973 1782 2588 or email: felipe.yofre@intecbahrain.com

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 45

People

The Socialite Diaries

What’s your latest purchase?

My latest purchase was a woodblock and some water-based block printing inks to carve and colour for my next project .

Tala Bashmi

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

What is your favourite brand?

I don’t do designer. I think it’s a waste of money ...

Unless it came from my mother’s closet.

Where did you last shop?

The last place I shopped was Topshop but I love going to Daiso, our very own Japanese Walmart. You can find the weirdest stuff there - it’s amazing!

TALA BASHMI Communications Manager at Al Riwaq Art Space

What is your current favourite dining spot?

When I’m in the mood to splurge I go to Mirai but for everyday delicious homecooked goodness, a hidden gem in Adliya is our very own cafe at Al Riwaq; they’ve had me hooked from day one and I never want to eat anywhere else.

Where is your favourite business destination?

New York, London, or anywhere with a beach (if I get the chance to see it!)

Where are you off to this month?

London and somewhere in Europe, still undecided. Even though I’m here most of the year I don’t mind since I really enjoy working in Adliya. You find most of Bahrain’s art, culture and nightlife exist here.

46 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

What are you driving?

A Mazda 3 hatchback. Nothing fancy but it gets me from point A to point B and it’s pretty fast too!

What have you been gossiping about?

I tend not to gossip, but if I do it’s probably about people who have done something to me personally. I’m a nice person but don’t get on my bad side! Yes, that’s a warning ...

Feel by Salsa

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Sunset View

Salsa is located at Bahrain City Centre.

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Sport Intense

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Prices may vary and some are available upon request.

48 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Ramadan Collection

Every family’s favourite shopping destination, Marks and Spencer, have launched their special Ramadan Collection for the Holy Month. Marks and Spencer is located at Seef Mall.

Marks and Spencer Ramadan Collection

Feel by Salsa

A Gal’s Got To Shop ...

Ramadan

Amwaj Marina

The Amwaj Marina will host the Amwaj Marina Ramadan Bazaar and Le Pasha Ramadan Tent which will be open from 8pm to 2am daily.

The Bazaar will be similar to an expo where companies and shops will exhibit their services and products to sell. This will not include food but other products such as accessories, fashion items and the like.

It is suitable for children as the organisers have arranged for activities to keep the kids entertained. Moreover, the Bazaar will be in an air conditioned area and will be running every day in Ramadan starting from the second week until Eid. During Eid, the Amwaj Marina will be hosting an open beach day and a tent which will be open for the first three days. For more information visit www.amwajmarina.bh

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 49

Shopping

Don’t Forget The

Kids!

Stock up on the latest Autumn/Winter 2011 collection now from Prémaman before it’s too late! Pocahontas or cowboy, city boy revisited or impish city girl, future ballerina or budding designer ... Prémaman children enjoy themselves, and it shows.

Available from Zaina in Seef Mall, Tel. +973 1758 2110.

50 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Shopping

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Head to Marks and Spencer for brand new, reasonably priced collections which feature items ranging from smart to casual with everything in between.

Jacket - BD77

Necklace - BD11

Bracelet - BD9

Clutch - BD6

Trousers - BD37

Dress - BD29

Shoes - BD37 Shoes - BD11

52 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Shopping

Gold bangle - BD7.5

Top - BD27

T-Shirt - BD14

Set of 6 bangles - BD9

Bag - BD27

Gold bangle - BD7.5

Bag - BD27

Shirt - BD19

Skirt - BD15 Top - BD25 Sunglasses - BD11

Shorts - BD19

Jeans - BD19

Shoes - BD11 Credits: Male model: Basel Qabouq Female model: Jehan Mohammed Photographer: Armand Hough, www.iamfotografie.com

Shoes - BD29

Shoes - BD29

is located at Seef Mall.

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 53

Fashion

’ S U O U T P U L O V ‘ an … a Fashion Show!

Age of a New Wom

54 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Fashion

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 55

Fashion

Models: Cynthia Holzknecht Shea Harrison Alexandra Novik Marie Claire Marnelie Dabuit

Art Direction: Juni Capulong of Kananu Arts Direction

Photographer: Lance Peralta And Bernard from GFX69

Stylist: Inge Braatz

Special thanks to: Marlon Asuncion

Hair and Make-up: Felda Del Prado of Felda Cut & Style

Location: BARCODE Night Club and Lounge 2nd Level City Center Hotel

56 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

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When attempting to coax Katherine’s kids into pretending to be his for a day, Danny gets roped into paying for the ex-wife, new girlfriend and fake kids, plus his meddling cousin, to take a trip to Hawaii. Hilarity ensues when they bump into the real Devlin (Nicole Kidman) who in

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Beauty

A Fragrant Ramadan

Givenchy Ange ou Etrange Le Secret Elixir

A mysterious lucky charm, Ange ou Étrange le Secret Elixir reveals the magic of its bewitching olfactory seduction. In the top notes, the light and mischievous spirit of Italian lemon and green tea is softened by the caress of neroli, for a sparkling femininity. The dazzling sensuality of the fragrance blossoms and an opulent middle note of obsessional white flowers, dear to Givenchy: an alchemy of Sambac jasmine, orange blossom and frangipani flower.

Voluptuousness makes its mark on the skin and is prolonged in a forbidden trail of vanilla and patchouli. A strong hint of cedar wood and white musks maintains the mysterious trail, giving it an unsettling and very elegant character.

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Gucci Guilty for Men

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Carolina Herrera 212 VIP MEN

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He is well connected and has what every girl wants.

Faces is located at Seef Mall, Country Mall and Riffa Mall.

58 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

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Eternally feminine nails proudly flaunt a light, romantic look, swept by a summer breeze. Available in Beige Petale, Morning Rose, and Mimosa.

Les 4 Ombres Lilium

Green eyeshadows go bold and harmonise with all eye colours and skin tones. For delicate make-up, soft green or blue shades light up with a pink champagne tone, warmed by golden sparkles. Outlined in grey with bronze reflections, they reveal their mysterious side, ready to cast a spell over summer evenings.

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 59

Beauty

Ask Dr Dean I’m fasting this month, do you think it will wreak havoc to my skin as I can imagine I will be dehydrated?

It is true that the skin texture will be affected by dehydration during this period and patients complain of a dull appearance of their skin. Drinking plenty of fluids and application of moisturisers will be helpful during this period.

What’s the difference between microdermabrasion and dermabrasion?

I have some acne scars on the face and I’m told this is the best procedure I can have, but is it advisable to have during summer?

Microdermabrasion is the removal of a superficial layer of the skin, like a deep scrub. On the other hand, a Dermabrasion, is a surgical procedure, which goes much deeper through the epidermis as well as the superficial dermis.

The downtime in the latter is much longer and the chance of pigmentation is higher in high coloured skin.

Treatment of acne scars depends on the depth of scarring as well as the skin type.

A thorough consultation and examination is essential before a treatment plan is drawn up. Lighter skin types can tolerate deeper Dermabrasion or Laserbrasion techniques, compared to darker skin types. Newer laser modalities using fractionated technology reduces the likelihood of complications, like reduced pigmentation in light skin types and increased pigmentation in darker skin types, and scarring to name a few. The Fraxel laser family has two lasers which are good for acne scars. The Fraxel Repair laser used in

Get the most out of the big mighty sun, but don’t overdo it. Slap on some sunscreen and most of all, stay hydrated. Dr Dean Cunha Gomes of the Royal Bahrain Hospital recommends these top summer skin care tips, and the best treatments available for your specific cosmetic problems.

lighter skin types, is a carbon dioxide laser.

One session is sufficient but the downtime is around three weeks. The Fraxel restore laser (1550- Erbium glass laser) is good for all skin types and has a shorter downtime of four days but requires four to five sessions, four to six weeks apart. After laser treatment, post-procedure cream applications are as important as the procedure itself for a good sustained result.

I’m really desperate to get inches off my waist and I have decided that I will start a healthy weight loss program. I’ve heard that Vela Smooth pro/Vela shape cellulite removal is effective.

I would suggest a liposuction procedure to make a change in the contours of the waist.

this. Acne can have a negative psychological impact on a person. It may worsen over time and if left untreated acne can lead to permanent complications like scarring.

Treatment is simple and depends on the kind of acne and depends on the severity. It would revolve around cleansers, creams and sometimes tablets. Mild acne is treated by lotions and creams. These unblock the pores and reduce the infection. Moderate acne requires creams and antibiotics in addition.

These medications have anti-inflammatory effects. Severe acne has great potential for complications and thus need to be treated aggressively. Oral Retinoids when taken for the complete course can cure the acne in the vast majority of patients. Lasers and IPL are used to reduce inflammation. Acne surgeries, chemical peeling, IPL, laser treatment help in different stages of acne treatment. Be patient with treatment, as it takes a few weeks for any changes to be seen and up to a few months for a clearing.

“Acne in most individuals happens around puberty and breakouts may get worse in the summer.”

Dr Dean Cunha Gomes

This will give you a quick improvement which will motivate you to keep working at your general weight loss program. The alternative would be to use the Vela Smooth Pro/Vela Shape machines, which are non-invasive and would help with circumference reduction. The only difference is that it is a slower process compared to liposuction and less effective.

The Vela Smooth Pro/Vela Shape machine works by improving fat metabolism, tightening of collagen, reduction of circumference, and smoothening of the skin affected by cellulite. The treatment plan involves around eight sessions (each session lasts 45 to 50 minutes, recommended twice a week).

My daughter has severe acne and I noticed recently that as the summer months get hotter, her breakouts seem to get even worse. She’s 15, and really just enjoying her teen years and I know that she’s quite embarrassed about her condition. Help!

Acne in most individuals happens around puberty and breakouts may get worse in the summer. Sweating hydrates the skin and may cause the pores to block, thus increasing the acne. Diet and hormonal factors also are responsible at times. Acne tends to persist until an individual is around 20 to 25 years of age. I would recommend that we treat her for

I am contemplating getting my rather large recessed scar on the temple treated this summer, but I’m worried that because of the extreme heat it will just worsen and I will just be compounding my problem with pigmentation and discolouration as I also have age spots/ sun damage spots.

Your case seems to be complex. A large scar on the face which is depressed and which is probably pigmented. You will need to have an in-depth consultation and evaluation before a treatment plan is drawn up. Depending on the area of scarring and its extent, it may require a surgical scar revision with a fat fill augmentation to improve the contour of that region. You may benefit from a laser treatment for pigmentation for sun spots or even to improve the scar. Exposure to sun after a surgical procedure or a laser treatment can lead to further pigmentation. The use of effective sunscreen creams and avoidance of direct prolonged sun exposure are necessary after such procedures 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.

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 60 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

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Health

Local Health News Bahrain Confidential keeps upto-date with the latest in health breakthroughs on the island.

Invisible Braces

Now available at Royal Bahrain Hospital, the advanced technology of the iLingual braces makes lingual treatment remarkably comfortable, easy-to-use and more effective than ever. Developed

by Dr Jigresh Kotheri, the system is designed to provide excellent 3D control and complete invisibility, making it the ideal aesthetic solution for all orthodontic patients. For more information contact Royal Bahrain Hospital on Tel. +973 1724 6800.

Travelling?

American Mission Hospital is now offering a special pretravel clinic. This should be undertaken four to six weeks prior to departure and includes a detailed evaluation based on relevant medical history and the proposed destination, a risk assessment, a customised schedule of necessary vaccinations, preventative medications as indicated, as well as any other specific advice. Moreover, one week after your return to Bahrain, you can book a post-travel consultation which will assess whether you have picked up any diseases while away. If so, treatment will be offered and further investigations or referrals to specialists will be ordered.

For more information call Tel. +973 1724 8122.

Ending the Need for Blood Donation

A revolutionary device that has been introduced in Bahrain by the German Orthopaedic Hospital could end the need for people to donate blood. The hospital has invested in a highly sophisticated ‘Cell Saver Device’ that collects, cleans and returns blood lost in surgery back to the patient. It works by collecting the patient’s blood that would otherwise be lost during surgery, then pumps it through a device that cleans and purifies the blood and, depending on the process used, pumps the blood back into the patient’s system almost simultaneously. For more information contact the German Orthopaedic Hospital on Tel. +973 1723 9988.

Hair today – gone tomorrow!

Invisible Braces

Tackling Diabetes

Checking blood sugar

A BD40,000 project to screen 35,000 children in Bahrain for Type 2 diabetes has been launched by the Rotary Club of Manama in collaboration with the Bahrain Diabetes Society and Al Kindi Hospital. The initiative includes volunteers travelling around the island educating families about a disease which is on the increase in Bahrain. Al Kindi Hospital will screen children from all schools between ages ten and 13. Each child that is diagnosed with the condition will then be given a free machine to check their blood sugar. The child will be counselled throughout the duration of his treatment. For more information contact Al Kindi Hospital on Tel. +973 1724 0444.

62 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Have you had enough of waxing? Well, thankfully the Royal Bahrain Hospital has given us an alternative by introducing The Cutera CoolGlide. The machine can remove hair from all parts of the body and treat sensitive areas. It’s suitable for all skin types and tones, and provides safe and permanent results. The advantage of this new device is that it cools and soothes the skin during the process of hair removal. For permanent effects, three to six sessions are required, and for optimal effectiveness, a refresher session to finish it up every few months. Unlike other laser devices on the market, CoolGlide can treat hair no matter how thick or fine it is, it increases patient comfort and minimises the adverse skin reactions. Royal Bahrain Hospital offers a variety of competitive packages suitable for any person.

Tel. +973 1724 6939 or 1724 6857.

New

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Health

Health

Updates

Abortion Linked to Premature Birth

Abortion appears to increase the chance of giving birth prematurely in a subsequent wanted pregnancy by a third, according to a British study. Prof Siladitya Bhattacharya, a gynaecologist, and a team made their conclusions after comparing the second pregnancies of 170,000 women who had previously had an abortion, to 458,000 undergoing their first pregnancies. They found those who had experienced abortions were 33 per cent more likely to subsequently deliver pre-term than those who had never had an abortion. They were also 44 per cent more likely to give birth extremely prematurely – before 34 weeks.

The academics controlled for social factors like class – known to be have an effect on pre-term delivery. Prof Bhattacharya noted that women who had undergone an abortion were only as likely to deliver prematurely as those who had previously miscarried.

Embryo Gene Screen

Fertility doctors say they have found a non-invasive way to screen IVF embryos for genetic abnormalities. The current method involves taking cells from the embryo itself, which experts fear may be harmful. Now UK researchers say it is possible to run the same checks on cells surrounding the fertilised egg that are normally thrown away. The test could tell a woman if her baby was likely to have a condition like Down’s syndrome. It would not only be less invasive, but cheaper too.

Exercise is a Must for Babies

Toddlers must exercise for three hours a day

64 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Abortion could increase premature birth

Fewer People Dying of Colon Cancer

Screening for colon cancer has increased in the United States and deaths are down, but even more lives could be saved with expanded testing, a federal report said. The rate of new colorectal cancer cases in the US dropped to 45.4 per 100,000 people in 2007 from 52.3 per 100,000 people in 2003, representing nearly 66,000 fewer cancers, according to a study by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. There were 32,000 fewer deaths from the disease during that time, the report said.

About half the decline in the number of cases and deaths was due to increased screening, CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden told reporters. Colon cancer remains the nation’s second most deadly cancer, killing more than 53,000 people per year, the CDC said.

Only lung cancer is deadlier.

Children under five should exercise for at least three hours a day, according to new UK government guidelines aimed at fighting childhood obesity. It is the first time under-fives have been the focus of government exercise advice and comes as fears grow over rates of childhood obesity in Britain. Only 30 per cent of children are estimated to be getting the daily recommended amount of exercise and recent research has suggested a link between lack of physical activity and poor brain development.

Professor Fiona Bull, chair of the government’s committee responsible for the guidelines, said parents should ‘turn the TV off’.

Health

Twitter Becomes Vital in Health Research

Twitter could prove useful for researching health trends

Twitter could become a useful source of information about health, according to US researchers. Two John Hopkins University computer scientists studied 1.5 million health-related tweets between May 2009 and October 2010. It provided an insight into how Twitter users viewed a range of illnesses and how they went about treating themselves. It also showed that many chose the wrong drugs to tackle common ailments. But both scientists acknowledged that there were limitations to what they could discover about health issues via Twitter.

For instance, they found that tweeters did not comment more than once on a particular ailment.

Heart Patients Could Benefit from Stem Cells

Stem cell research provides new hope for heart patients

Scientists have raised hope that stem cell therapy could provide significant relief for patients disabled by untreatable chest pain. Patients with severe angina had stem cells from their blood injected into their heart. The therapy, carried out by Chicagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Northwestern University, halved the number of bouts of angina chest pain. But UK experts have stressed the work is still at an early stage, and the potential longer benefit is unknown. The procedure may also carry a risk: it is suspected of causing heart muscle damage in two patients, and others reported bone and chest pain. The study, reported in the journal Circulation Research, was carried out on 167 patients with â&#x20AC;&#x153;refractionâ&#x20AC;? angina, which does not respond to any standard treatment.

Chronic Back Pain? Get A Massage.

A new study shows massage therapy may help people who suffer from chronic back pain. While pain medications are the go-to treatment, many people now also use alternative treatments like acupuncture, massage or even talk therapy, which recent work suggests is effective. In the new study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, 401 people were randomly assigned to usual care or one of two kinds of massage therapy: either so-called structural massage, or relaxation massage (Swedish massage). After ten weeks, patients who got weekly massage sessions used less pain medicine and spent less time in bed than those who did not get any special care - although the effects had disappeared after a year. That was about two-thirds in the massage group compared to about one-third among patients getting usual care. The research was led by Daniel Cherkin at the nonprofit Group Health Research Institute in Seattle.

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 65

Health

In Good

Posture Posture is a vague term; basically the idea is to maintain the most energy efficient position for the body while allowing us to function at our best,” Dr M.C. John of Royal Bahrain Hospital tells Bahrain Confidential in an interview. “It’s ergonomics; the smoothest way of functioning.”

According to history, the idea of ‘posture’ dates back to the 1800s when a scientist noticed a bunch of bricklayers making repetitive movements to lay bricks, leaving themselves open to potential injury in the process. In a study, he decided to eliminate some of these steps. Voila - the same amount of bricklayers were laying more bricks in the same amount of time without injuring themselves.

“Good posture entails positioning our body while not using muscle power to be stationary,” Dr John explains.

“Your muscles need to be relaxed, shoulders over hips and absolutely no slouching or even hyper extending as both positions can cause problems. You also need to be in a position

Posture related pain is on the increase but is totally preventable, Senior Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr M.C. John of Royal Bahrain Hospital tells Bahrain Confidential.

where you can take in adequate air.”

The main causes of bad posture are obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. In particular, obese people tend to have lower back and knee problems which prevents them from exercising which in turn makes them gain more weight - thus creating a vicious cycle. The trick is to remain as active as possible at all times, from a young age.

on the couch, they are causing their body even more undue stress which cannot be rectified during the short hours one is asleep. “Beware of the couch. I advise all people, especially those over 35 and 40, to invest in a well designed chair and always face the TV directly in order to prevent any strain.

“At the end of the day, no employer wants their employee to be sick or in pain as this affects output.

Not to mention, you save a lot of money on medical bills if you take heed this advice!”

If however you do end up with pain, Dr John tells us that you must take yourself to a specialist who will first eliminate any other possible causes through a series of physical examinations and will then assess your lifestyle and any other potential issues that may be causing you the pain. “But there is generally no need for this as this is something that is totally preventable.”

“It is imperative that good posture is taught as early as possible, to children and adolescents as this is when most bad habits are learnt.”

Dr M.C. John, Senior Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon

66 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

“It is imperative that good posture is taught as early as possible, to children and adolescents as this is when most bad habits are learnt,” advises Dr John. “As we all know, bad habits are difficult to break so this is the best advice I could give anyone for preventing posture related pain.”

He adds this is particularly important now due to the “computer explosion” which Dr John admits keeps orthopaedics all over the world very busy. While most kids nowadays function primarily through technology, those of us with desk jobs are also at risk. “People who work all day on computers need to ensure their workspace is ergonomically designed.”

He explains that at the work station your shoulders and neck need to be relaxed and the lower back supported. Elbows and wrists must be aligned and you should not allow yourself to crouch - which often happens when one is concentrating - as this puts tremendous strain on the back.

“You should take a five minute break from the computer every 45 minutes - get some water, make tea, take a short walk or a bathroom break - as this relaxes the neck and shoulders as well as improves circulation, especially in the lower limbs.”

He further adds that if workers are not paying attention to their posturing during the workday and then go home and flop

For more information contact Dr M.C. John at the Royal Bahrain Hospital on Tel. +973 1724 6800.

posture

Beauty

A Revolutionary Lift Pioneering plastic surgeon Dr Pierre R. Clero joins The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic, discusses with Bahrain Confidential why this is such a big deal.

I

n a world that is increasingly becoming infatuated with beautiful people, women all over strive to enhance their looks and slow down the aging process.

After all everybody knows, it’s a tough business being of the female kind but thankfully doctors and scientists, year by year, are making it easier for us to look the way we’ve always dreamed of.

Luckily for residents of Bahrain one of those medical pioneers has just landed on the island and taken up his post as Head of Plastic Surgery in The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic. Originally hailing from France, Dr Pierre R. Clero has

more than 30 years of experience within the field of cosmetic surgery. To the position, he brings a wealth of knowledge from his time treating patients (including many celebs) in Paris, California, Las Vegas, Beverly Hills, the Philippines and Dubai. He is also the president of the International College of BioCosmetic Surgery and the Asian Academy of Age Management and Regenerative Medicine. Moreover, he is an international board certified cosmetic surgeon and a

the mesoderm layer of the face. This can all be carried out under local anaesthetic and takes only around two hours and the results are amazing.

You may think this is nothing new - high tech devices such as Thermage, Titan and Fraxel have been, with lasers, working similar wonders for years. However, these are proven not to bring any great results and they also carry a lot of complications. With the advance in stem cell technology, this procedure allows you to safely and effectively restore youthful contours and shape, tighten the skin, and even get rid of colour irregularities caused by ageing and sun exposure.

The reason why stem cells are so great for this job is that they can recognise damaged tissue and repair it. They rejuvenate the skin by creating new natural collagen and elastin. In comparison to a traditional facelift, this procedure does not add volume to the face or change the tone of the skin; instead volume and structure are restored to provide a younger balance (just what we’re all looking for!)

“He is particularly adept in the anti-ageing arena as he is a global pioneer of the autologous cellular regeneration technique.”

member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.

Other than being a world-renowned cosmetic surgeon however, Dr Clero is also a scientist, speaker, author and inventor. In fact, he is particularly adept in the antiageing arena as he is a global pioneer of the autologous cellular regeneration (A-PRP) technique which is increasingly becoming more popular than the traditional plastic surgery facelift in celebrity circles.

This revolutionary procedure also known as ‘transplanting’ uses one’s stem cells to give yourself a facelift, thus eliminating any threat of potential Dr Pierre R. Clero allergic reaction.

Basically, Dr Clero will harvest fat cells and stem cells via a small amount of liposuction of the stomach. He then extracts the blood (which is rather like having a blood test) from which the platelet-richplasma (PRP) is then taken.

He mixes that with the fat and stem cells to inject into

68 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

For more information contact The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic at the Inbn Rushd Clinic 2, on Tel. +973 1772 2434, 1368 8133 or email: CLEROCLINIC@gmail.com Stop The Clock

Dr Pierre R. Clero also penned the best seller ‘Stop The Clock’ a winning strategy to a longer life and healthier body.

You know that old joke about the guy who lives to be 104? The punch line goes something like “If I knew I was gonna get this old, I’d have taken much better care of myself.” Well, guess what? We actually are living longer, and the time to start taking care of ourselves is right this minute. It turns out that a surprising amount of our health and well-being is within our own control.

You probably think: “Now, I want to squeeze every last drop out of life, but I’m only interested in more time if it can be filled with meaning and joy and creative thinking. In other words, I’d like to hang on to my energy and focus for as long as humanly possible.”

In this fascinating book Dr Pierre R. Clero assures us that we can do just that.

Health

The

Future Of Medicine

Offering the latest and greatest in cosmetic and general surgery procedures, Al Rafahia International Care WLL are always one step ahead of the rest.

I

n the fast-changing world of medical care and treatments, there is no option but to choose a company that you can trust. Working alongside worldwide partners, Al Rafahia International Care WLL’s team of highly qualified specialists offer a wide variety of cosmetic and general surgery procedures. Utilising innovation and expertise at every turn, Al Rafahia’s services vary from facial surgery, bust enhancement, body and facial lifts and personal enhancements for men and women to an executive health programme which provides general health screenings.

This includes a total body check up for early detection of cancers, heart disease, diabetes and total-body ailments.

In office and mobile services include Botox which not only reduces the appearance of wrinkles for six months, but the injection can also be used to treat hyperhidrosis (perspiration) in the face, underarms, feet and hands.

Additionally, both Juvederm and Restylane, which are next-generation dermal fillers, are on offer in addition to the traditional collagen injections. These filler injections provide immediate results on areas of excessive expression lines on the

face. They can also be used to enhance the appearance of areas like lips, cheeks and chin by adding more fullness.

Such treatments as Botox and dermal fillers are convenient and typically known as ‘lunch time’ procedures - meaning you could get them done during a work break and leave within the hour with a minimum - if any - bruising and bleeding.

Another option for image enhancement offered at Al Rafahia is Latisse. Forget the false lashes or optimum mascaras as this topical serum, when applied to the eyelash area, results in extraordinary eyelash growth.

But the most exciting - and medically important - service Al Rafahia offer is stem cell transplants. This service is offered through an overseas partner clinic and has been called “the future of medicine.” These cells - which are the building blocks of the human body - are now being utilised for their miraculous abilities. For instance, common conditions such as insulindependent diabetes can be CURED with one 30-minute treatment! This treatment has also shown promise

“These cells - which are the building blocks of the human body - are now being utilised for their miraculous abilities.”

70 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

with nerve pain, vision, heart disease, cancer, depression, autism and autismlike disorders in children, as well as pain and ageing in many patients. Moreover, a great side effect of the treatment is a change in skin tone and texture, resulting in a more youthful appearance.

Bearing international safety standards in mind however, this programme is highly selective and there is a rigorous prescreening procedure in place.

So call Al Rafahia International Care WLL today to book an appointment and get the treatment you deserve For more information contact Al Rafahia International Care WLL on +973 1619 8617.

Beauty

Botox Or Fillers?

Bahrain Confidential spoke to expert Mark C Edwards, RN-MSN, FNP of Al Rafahia International Care to find out more about Botox and the different types of fillers.

Celebrity

Testimonials Simon Cowell, 49, of ‘American Idol’ says: “To me, Botox is no more unusual than toothpaste. It works; you do it once a year.Who cares?”

What Is BOTOX Cosmetic?

BOTOX Cosmetic is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to improve the look of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the brows from the age of 18. It is administered by a healthcare professional as a simple, nonsurgical treatment and works by blocking nerve impulses to the injected muscles. This reduces line creating muscle activity.

What is JUVÉDERM XC?

JUVÉDERM XC is the smooth gel filler that your dermal expert uses to instantly smooth away wrinkles around your mouth and nose. With just one treatment, you’ll get smooth and natural-looking results that last up to a year. This filler is manufactured to create a smooth consistency gel which is infused with lidocaine to improve comfort during treatment. The desired result of smoother skin from using JUVÉDERM XC Filler will leave you looking healthy and vibrant whilst maintaining a natural glow.

Jane Fonda, 72, actress and women’s rights advocate is also a filler advocate: “I have no interest in looking tight and plastic. That’s why these facial fillers are great - they allow me to look my age.

Only better.”

Model Linda Evangelista, 43, says she uses Botox because “models are not superhuman.We grow old.”

Where Does It Work?

Everyone’s skin ages differently and JUVÉDERM XC may be used to rejuvenate multiple problem areas. From smile lines to vertical lip lines, you can smooth away unwanted wrinkles and restore natural contours.

What is Restylane?

Restylane, another type of filler, can be used to smooth away wrinkles, enhance facial contours, create fuller lips, and rejuvenate skin. Treatments are tailored to your needs and the results can be seen instantly. This is a safe and natural beauty treatment which does not affect facial expression or facial movement. Over eleven million treatments with Restylane have been performed worldwide.

What are the benefits of Restylane beauty treatment?

What is Restylane made of?

Restylane is a crystal clear gel that is injected into the skin (or for some treatments just under) in small amounts to restore volume and structure. Restylane is a non-animal based product and based on hyaluronic acid, similar to that produced by the human body, meaning that with Restylane there is no need for a skin test as well as a minimal risk of an allergic or hypersensitive reaction.

The results of a treatment with Restylane are long-lasting, without being permanent, giving you the freedom of choice to maintain the effect. A treatment with Restylane will generally last six to twelve months, and with only one re-treatment the effect has in a recent clinical study been shown to last up to 18 months. To maintain the results in the lips, a re-treatment is usually needed within six months.

For more information Tel. +973 1619 8617.

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 71

BAETC “Students who join BAETC have to work exceptionally hard to be successful ...”

Engineering

A Brighter Tomorrow

Discipline and strict adherence to standards have been the keys to their success in obtaining worldclass certification. Bahrain Confidential speaks exclusively to Mr Salman Al Mahmeed, Deputy CEO of Bahrain Airport Services (BAS), who is also responsible for BAS Aircraft Engineering Training Centre (BAETC).

72 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Mr Salman Al Mahmeed

BAETC

T

he 17th century English essayist, poet, playwright and politician, Joseph Addison once said, “What sculpture is to a block of marble, education is to the soul.”

A firm believer in the transforming power of education, Mr Al Mahmeed’s role is to help make BAETC a Centre where students not only obtain high-quality training, but also receive valuable lessons they carry with them, long after they have graduated and gained their aviation license.

Mr Al Mahmeed was instrumental in setting up the Centre and ever since its formation in 1985, his primary focus has been to create world class education Centre for Aeronautical Engineering, with state-of-the-art facilities, following industry best practice and enjoying highest accreditation. Today, BAETC enjoys recognition from the most prestigious accreditation authority in the world; the Training Centre is the first in the Middle East and the second outside the European Union to receive full accreditation by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

This is no reason to rest on their laurels though. Mr Al Mahmeed and the entire administration, as well as the highly experienced and qualified teaching staff - work feverishly to not only maintain the standards set forth by EASA, but they also seek to continuously improve students’ and faculty’s skill sets.

“Maintaining global standards is vital for us,” says Mr Al Mahmeed. A word of caution to those who think a course in aviation is a walk in the park however: “Students who join BAETC have to work exceptionally hard to be successful and it takes four demanding years before they can earn a licence in international aerospace engineering,” he explains.

EASA requires a pass mark of 75 per cent for examinations – which Mr Al Mahmeed says is not at all easy to pass. “We have structured the courses academically in a way where students are given wide exposure to one of the most demanding and ever changing industries,” he tells us. “This is why the students are given corresponding breaks in between courses - from one week to

three weeks depending on the time of the year - so they have adequate time to ‘decompress’ and relax because the courses are pretty intensive.”

To ensure a perfect match between student aspirations and course requirements, an entrance examination was introduced to correctly determine “if this is something they really want to do,” Mr Al Mahmeed says.

“Everything that we do here at BAETC must adhere and follow strict EASA standards – and that is implemented through three of our topmost priorities: first, the students – to make sure that they are properly educated; second, the faculty

most up-to-date equipments ensuring excellent training and educational opportunities. Mr Al Mahmeed supports this, saying: “Young people these days grow up with the latest in technology so we use interactive smart boards and videos. This way they can relate to the subject easily because they’re used to gadgets.”

As our interview winds down, we ask what the biggest reward of the job is for him. “It’s the time when we hand the students their Certificate. The look on their faces and that of their parents – of pure delight, pride, sheer, joy and satisfaction is just wonderful. It’s a big achievement for them as they’ve worked so hard to get that piece of paper.

“Another highlight of the job is when we see students coming back to the Centre after a number of years because they want to further their learning and qualifications in the aviation industry. It’s when they tell us what they’re doing with their life and how happy they are.”

As Leonardo Da Vinci once said, “When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”

“Everything that we do here at BAETC must adhere and follow strict EASA standards ...”

– that they are trained and equipped through the ‘Continuous Professional Development’ programme, an intensive course that aids the instructors on how to properly formulate and implement successful schemes for lesson plans; and lastly, me - making sure that I continually improve and educate myself too.”

BAETC also provide the latest and

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 73

Freedom

Shopping

Marks and Spencer

BD19

Freedom

Everything you may need in order to make your home more cosy and modern is available at Marks and Spencer for reasonable prices.

Marks and Spencer is located at Seef Mall.

Spruce Up

Marks and Spencer

Marks and Spencer

Starting from BD11

Freedom

Freedom Furniture products epitomise sophistication and clean living. Freedom is located at Bahrain City Centre.

The Home

Q Home Decor

@Home

Fall in love with this season’s new @home collection -‘Minimal Riad’ that introduces abstract across the homeware range. Scatter cushions, throws and linen are covered in soft embroidered details, while letters and strong graphics make an appearance on mugs and décor. Furniture BD97.25 sees brushed metal and high gloss play a big role, as well as studded details.

Available at Seef Mall.

BD23.75 Prices may vary and some are available upon request.

74 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Q Home Decor

Recently opened is Q Home Decor’s second branch in Bahrain City Centre. Filled with contemporary furnishings with a classical twist, these pieces would not look out of place in a traditional or modern home.

Q Home Decor

Living

Inspired

Accessories

Living

Ramadan is a time for reflection and a time for reconnecting with friends and loved ones. With ID Design and KARE, never be afraid to spruce up your home this Holy Month and make it a haven, not just for contemplation but one that functions as a relaxing living space for those dearest to you.

76 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Living

Mozart chandelier

KARE Tendence Opulence armchair in red

KARE is at Lagoon, Amwaj Islands. 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; www.kare-bahrain.com

Mirage deluxe sofa

Cool sack bean bags

Pisa wash line sofa

New York sideboard

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 77

Travel

Gulf Air

Soar To New Heights The national carrier recently unveiled its latest campaign to bolster support for the kingdom, and offer its customers innovative products, services and incentives.

A

imed at positioning Gulf Air as a dynamic and innovative airline with a difference, the company has just launched new commercial initiatives designed to expand not only its customer base and revenue with a range of new products, services and incentive packages for key customer segments while strengthening its home market share.

Gulf Air’s Chief Commercial Officer, Karim Makhlouf said that, “Since the launch of the airlines’ new business strategy in November 2009 by Chief Executive Officer Mr Samer Majali, we have made some notable progress; we added 15 new destinations to our network, discontinued four unviable routes, brought in 14 new aircraft, improved our on-time performance by seven per cent

78 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

and achieved a fleet technical dispatch reliability of 98.9 per cent.”

Makhlouf declared that, “Now the time has come for us to focus on our customers’ needs and increase our commercial efficiency through aggressive sales and marketing in order to make Gulf Air a sustainable and ultimately, a profitable airline. Therefore, we conducted

just 32 per cent, the lowest compared to their regional competition. “At the same time, competition has increased with more and more new airlines including low cost carriers entering the market eating into our customer base and thus, our market share,” Makhlouf added.

“As the national carrier of the kingdom, it is imperative that we own our home market.

Therefore, we have launched a series of customerfocused initiatives to regain our market share.

These new initiatives have been designed to target every customer segment – family, business, government, pensioners and the youth.”

There’s good news for families as Gulf Air will be introducing ‘Family First’ - a series of competitively priced packages for customers travelling with

“These new initiatives have been designed to target every customer segment – family, business, government, pensioners and the youth.” an extensive survey to understand our customers’ needs and more importantly, how to win back their business.”

This new initiative was further strengthened as Gulf Air’s local market share is currently

Travel

their spouses and kids, offering special privileges both on the ground and in the air. Parents can relax while children enjoy a selection of toys and games whilst they are looked after by professionally trained Sky Nannies. As a first step in this ‘Family First’ programme, Gulf Air will be opening a state-of-the-art, interactive, onestop-shop in Seef Mall, where families can come, enquire and book tickets in a friendly atmosphere while enjoying Arabian hospitality.

For the corporate business segment, there’s Falcon Corporate Plus – one of the region’s most competitive innovative incentive programmes yet - designed exclusively for corporate travellers. The Falcon Corporate Plus programme offers a basket of different exclusive privileges that can be tailor-made for each client. The range of benefits include exclusive price discounts, free upgrades from economy to Falcon Gold class, free lounge access for economy class passengers, and both free parking and chauffeur service to and from the Bahrain International Airport.

The airline will also focus on small and medium enterprises (SME’s) with the creation of an incentive programme specifically tailored to meet these market segments’ requirement.

The airline, renowned for its onboard cuisine, will also be revamping its

world’s first Sky Chef service where premium passengers will be able to enjoy a completely new customer service approach with bespoke cuisine onboard - designed, prepared and served by their Sky Chefs.

Gulf Air’s popular Frequent Flyer programme will also undergo a makeover; offering customers even more attractive privileges and value-added benefits ranging from free class upgrades and lounge access.

In a proactive step to regain its home

responsibility to promote Bahrain and make ’Bahrain Fly’. As a first step, we will be launching a series of testimonial campaigns to win the hearts and minds of Bahrain residents. The campaigns – ‘Straight from the Heart’, ‘My Country, My Airline’ and ‘Push Bahrain’ – will be touching the hearts of every Bahraini and make them feel proud to fly with their national carrier.”

“As the national carrier of the Kingdom, we have a moral responsibility to promote Bahrain and make ’Bahrain Fly’.” market share, Gulf Air recently announced a discount for government officials when they book their travel directly with Gulf Air. The airline will also be opening its own smart offices in ministries and key government departments so that government travellers can book with Gulf Air on the go. This discount programme not only saves a considerable sum from the government departments’ travel budget but also allows them to easily support their national carrier. Gulf Air has also designed a new incentive scheme for travel agents that would allow them to increase their commission.

Makhlouf added, “As the national carrier of the Kingdom, we have a moral

Gulf Air CCO Karim Makhlouf

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 79

Travel

Ramadan Splendour

Istanbul

In

Herald the Holy Month with family and friends amidst the magnificent backdrop of the Turkish capital.

B

osphorus, Istanbul’s city of minarets greets Ramadan with shimmering lights. Spelt with words such as ‘Welcome, Ramadan’ and ‘Sultan of Months’, strings of tiny white lights festoon the minarets as a sign of the city’s Ramadan fervour and the end of another year of longing.

City of Worship

With its cosmopolitan makeup, Istanbul has been one of the richest cultural geographies on earth since the day it was founded. One of the most striking manifestations of that cultural richness is, without a doubt, the city’s places of worship. Mosques, churches and synagogues rise side by side here in a tradition of tolerance.

Fervent and Reverent

Young and old, adult and child, man and woman, all flock to pray in Istanbul’s mosques on Ramadan. Captivated by the fervour, Sufi mystics whirl differently during this Holy Month when their bodies are swept away by the joy in their hearts.

Gathering first for the ‘teravih’ prayers,

the faithful then head to lively Ramadan activities around the city.

Ramadan means sharing. As ‘iftar’ approaches, the city is overwhelmed with a flurry of joy. And sharing that first bite – be it at the elaborately laid tables of the hotels and restaurants, or at rows of crowded tables on the city squares – is a very special experience.

The Ramadan Drum

The Ramadan drummer who announces the beginning of the day of fasting and the boom of the cannon that heralds its end are centuries-old Istanbul traditions.

Ramadan

Istanbul’s centuries-old Grand Bazaar offers visitors rich shopping opportunities

with everything from costume and fine jewelry to decorative objects and authentic wares. But shopping in Istanbul goes way beyond this. The city’s modern face is its numerous shopping centers where almost all the brands in the world are available and there is something to suit every taste.

From Iftar To Sahur

Street fairs, local book fairs and more traditional entertainments are some of Istanbul’s Ramadan activities that keep the city buzzing literally from the fastbreaking Iftar dinner to the pre-dawn Sahur meal that starts the day. As friendly conversation rages in the city’s popular narghileh cafes, others take in concerts, exhibitions and local book and gift fairs.

Discover Istanbul this Ramadan with special fares for groups and individuals. For booking information and more details, visit www.turkishairlines.com 80 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

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Travel

Ethiopia:

A Land Of

Contrasts

And

Extremes

L

ocated in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is the second-most populous nation on the continent with over 82 million people residing there.

Playing host to around 80 different ethnic groups, in this stunning landlocked country you will find culture and traditions abound; find yourself transported back in time and participate with freedom in sacred rituals of so many ancient faiths. The strong religious setting means celebrations and festivals play an important part of daily life.

Ethiopia’s deep-rooted Islamic tradition also offers a colourful contrast, particularly in the eastern and south-eastern parts.

In fact, the romantic walled city of Harar is considered by many Muslims to be the fourth ‘Holy City’ and many make pilgrimages there.

With a history dating back to the known beginnings of humankind, Ethiopia truly offers visitors a rich experience.

In fact, it has the largest number of

82 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Ethiopia may not be top of your list of places to visit but it should be. A place where nature and culture intertwine to offer the traveller a rich experience – Ethiopia should in fact be top.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa.

One of which is known as ‘Lucy’ - the skeleton of a 20-year-old female that lived 3.5 million years ago along with the more recent discovery of Ramides - a 4.4 million-year-old hominid fossil. Together, they completed the missing link between apes and men.

As well as heritage and archaeological sites, Ethiopia is also renowned for its natural beauty; it is a land of natural contrasts and extremes, from the tops of the rugged Simien Mountains to the depths of the Danakil Depression, one of

the lowest dry land points on earth, at 120 metres below sea level.

The Afro-Alpine highlands soar to around 4,300 metres and everywhere you turn you see moors, mountains, whitewater rivers, giant waterfalls, lush jungle, Savannah teeming with game and don’t forget the magnificent Great Rift Valley.

There are many national parks for tourists to visit, allowing you to enjoy the country’s landscape and its wildlife in a conserved natural habitat. See oryx, green monkeys, baboons, leopards, hippos, cheetahs, lion and over 450 species of bird.

A trip to the capital, Addis Ababa, is a must. With a population of more than two million people, Addis Ababa is the central nerve system of Ethiopia; the political, economic and social hub. Situated in the foothills of the Entoto Mountains with wooded hillsides, gullies and fast-flowing streams, this city also has a sprawling urban landscape. The architecture is varied: find tall office buildings, elegant, fashionable hotels and trendy theatres next to traditional homes surrounded by cattle and chickens.

If culture and nature enliven you, then Ethiopia is the place for you. Not only will you learn more about the world’s vast history but you will also witness her majestic beauty while experiencing a plethora of ancient traditions. This is a country which will truly open your mind and soul A one-way economy class fare to Addis Ababa is BD127 and a round trip is BD237. For more information contact Ethiopia Airline, Tel. +973 1721 5022.

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.

Environment

Encouraging

Sustainability Through Technology

The First Bahrain Green Tech-Expo 2011 (BGTE 2011) will be held from 18th to 20th October.

H

ighlighting Bahrain’s desire to raise awareness about green technology on all levels of society, BGTE 2011 will bring local and international companies alike, together under one roof to demonstrate and provide solutions.

The exhibition will include many companies showcasing the latest green technology concepts, services and products to the public. There will also be an accompanying forum where exhibitors will be able to showcase their products and services to other companies and ministries. Moreover, there will be several educational activities including a competition, green lifestyle activities as well as the Environmental Village which will feature games and activities with the purpose of educating children in a fun way for visiting families.

The products and services on show fall into four categories; firstly, ‘Green Lifestyle’, where exhibitors will discover how green technology and green products will attract new customers and benefit their business through a more positive public image.

The second category is ‘Solid Waste Management’. According to World Bank estimates, tens of billions of dollars will be invested in the waste management and environmental sectors in the Middle East over the next ten years. Amid this mounting concern, the market for waste management technologies and products in Bahrain and the gulf region is growing rapidly.

Thirdly, ‘Water Management’; BGTE will attract scores of top water technology professionals from across the region and the world. The Water Management section of the exhibition will situate participants firmly at the centre of the biggest and fastestgrowing agriculture sector in the region.

Given the Kingdom of Bahrain’s climate, the possibilities for international investment in water technology, management and the reclamation sector are enormous.

And lastly, energy conservation, renewable and alternative energy sources For more information visit are set to play an increasingly important www.bgte2011.com role in providing the electricity to heat, cool, light and drive machines and vehicles that the society needs. There is a wide range of energy sources such as solar energy (both photovoltaic and solar thermal), wind energy, bio-fuels and biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal, tidal waves and heat pumps. Those are technologies which can be easily and quickly adopted and applied by governments and private sector investors.

On speaking to the organisers of BGTE2011 - PROACT WLL – Mr Adel Al Zayani told us that due to lack of awareness despite a growing need for such products in the market, now is the time to bring such a show to the country. “It is important for Bahrain to become more eco-friendly, as it will help it rely less on fossil fuels and conserve such for a longer period of time. Eco-friendly products can be both Mr Adel Al Zayani energy saving as well as budget saving and will in hand help boost the economy as well as the kingdom’s image.

“Initiatives such as the issuance of The Environment Law (6) in 1996, the construction of such facilities as the new health care waste incineration plant and the industrial landfill site

“Eco-friendly products can be both energy saving as well as budget saving and will in hand help boost the economy as well as the kingdom’s image.”

84 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

for hazardous and semi-hazardous waste, as well as the signing and ratification of environmental international conventions such as the Climate Change Convention and the Kyoto Protocol are only a few steps that the Bahraini government have taken in recent years to ensure the island becomes more environmentally friendly. However, more can be done to keep in line with Bahrain’s 2030 vision of encouraging green technologies and sustainable development.

“For instance there could be the issuance of a Climate Change national policy or we could embed the concept of environmental planning in all projects and plans of governmental bodies. We must regularly review and update environmental regulations and standards as well as adapt a national energy efficient plan. Furthermore, the lifeline of environmental companies in Bahrain and indeed the region as a whole must continue.”

Opinion

Environment

-Friendly Actions Eng. Rehan Ahmed

W

orld Environment Day (WED) in Bahrain was celebrated on 5th June 2011 by the Institution of Engineers Pakistan-Bahrain Chapter in association with Bahrain Society of Engineers and the United Nations Environment Program. In celebration of the special day, the program organisers ran a short essay competition and more than 200 entries were received.

The participants of the essay competition were asked to complete two tasks. The results of the first task – to highlight five environmental priorities for the Kingdom of Bahrain were mentioned last month. The second task was for them to come up with a list of five simple and routine environmental friendly actions which each of us can do to help save and conserve our environmental resources.

One of the participants pointed out that a teenager simply cannot change the fate of the world singlehandedly, but a billion teenagers together may well be able to bring about a good change.

Another contestant noted that technology has revolutionised our living quality but has simultaneously deteriorated the finite resources of the planet. As Earth’s supplies are looming, it is essential that we undertake some simple yet crucial measures to avert this approaching catastrophe.

The below is a summary of the students’ recommendations: Plant trees and promoting greenery development

• Minimise the use of plastic bags and plastic items • Optimum waste recycling • Optimum energy conservation • Practicing water conservation • Practicing and promoting the 3Rs - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle • Minimising the use of vehicles • Optimising the use of a public transport system • Avoiding litter and disposal in open and public areas • Judicious use of utilities (electricity, water, gas, etc.)

• Immediate fixing of any leaks in water supply and sewerage • Use of CFL and LED lights

In last month’s column, Engr Rehan Ahmed talked about how a few school children, through an essay competition, voiced their concerns about the environment. This month he talks about their recommendations and how we can all contribute towards making a better Bahrain and a better world to live in.

• Minimise use of paper, reduce printing and utilise both sides of paper • Purchasing less and disposing the waste properly • Proper collection and recycling electronic waste • Using environment-friendly products • Avoiding canned food and soft drinks • Some excellent ideas were mentioned by the young generation who wanted to • improve the existing environmental quality.

• Following aspects were also mentioned by the students • Composting organic waste and composting • Consumption of organic food • Beach and coastal area cleaning • Reducing indoor and outdoor noise pollution • Promoting use of indoor plants • Initiating car pool to reduce number of vehicles on the road

used indiscriminately. From buying bread to daily items from cold store or shopping malls, all items are placed in these bags which are hard to biodegrade and are usually misused.

The participants mentioned that wastage of paper in this new hyper-electronic world has almost reached criminal levels. Emails can be easily used as an acceptable communication mode as the electronic mails can be conveniently deleted or saved.

Unnecessary printing is to be avoided as it is our bad habit to press the ‘print’ button not even bothering to check the number of pages we are printing. Printed pages are often found scattered and eventually are binned with little or no use. Paper can also be saved by using both sides of the pages. The best way to save our trees is by saving paper.

Saving electricity and water was given high priority by the students as both these critical commodities are taken for granted. Both are wasted at large scale though both come at a considerable price which is heavily subsidised by the government.

Participants also proposed that lesser quantity of meat is consumed. Methane molecule has five times the ‘greenhouse effect’ than carbon dioxide. Eating vegetables encourages growth of plants which reduces carbon dioxide.

Students favoured plantation and afforestation as the oxygen requirement of one person is met by around five mediumsized trees. They also purify the air polluted by various causes. Indoor plants also need to be increased both for aesthetics and oxygen supply.

The actions elaborated by the students showed their knowledge and awareness and highlight the responsible behaviour and approach of our future generation who will act to save this world from further environmental catastrophe

“... a teenager simply cannot change the fate of the world singlehandedly ...”

• Checking and changing our lavish & throw away life styles • Using garbage bins and avoid spillage of waste on the ground • Avoid blockage of drains • Promote recycling in schools, universities and offices • Generate less waste and avoid purchasing items with lots of packaging items • Use of less chemicals • Safe disposal of batteries • Use of handkerchief rather than tissue papers

The essay winners highlighted the aspect of increasing awareness on environmental issues through electronic media and adhering to national environmental regulations and legislations. The winners stressed on changing the lifestyles and consumption pattern as it is considerably affecting the environmental resources.

The students were also concerned of the plastic bags menace and wanted to ‘Say NO TO PLASTIC BAGS’ as these bags have an inevitable role in our daily life where they are

Engr 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

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 85

Society

Society

Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

Behbehani Brothers Launches Audi A1

Behbehani Brothers held a press conference for the launch of the new Audi A1 at Bushido on 23rd June.

Geetan Jessen, Pieter Kruger and Peter Green

Pearl and Laura

Pieter Kruger and Alessandra

Geetan Jessen, Pieter Kruger and Peter Green

Ethiopian Airlines

A dinner was hosted by Ethiopian airlines on 22nd June to award its topselling agents at the InterContinental Regency Bahrain.

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

Ibrahim Al Mahmood and Jamal Al Asoomi

Joanne and Sujay

Waheed, Paul, Pameela and Vijay

Ethiopian Cultural Dancers Sabeer Ahmed, Meaza and Paul

86 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Moosa Al Dorasi and Awn Mubarak

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

Poolside Party at the Mövenpick

Guests enjoyed a fabulous poolside party at the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain on 25th June.

Sumaya, Ameera, Sara and Hussain

Shohaj

Karul, Gaser and Hala

Amin and Family

Chefs at Work

Noyla and Abdulrahiman

Jumana and Mariam

Sumaya and Fajar

Mum and Miguel

Ms Michele Lang’s Farewell Breakfast

Ms Michele Lang’s farewell breakfast was held at Mövenpick Hotel, Silk’s Restaurant on 15th June.

Antonia, Salma and Josefine

Anita and Heidrun

Lena, Nadine, Katija and Andiea

Marlies and Michele Lang Erika and Karin

Myrin and Maike

Jana, Corina and Pettina

Erika and Birgit

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 87

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

Rotary Club hand-over Gala Dinner

An annual hand-over Gala Dinner for the new president, board members and Board of Directors of three Rotary Clubs of Bahrain (Rotary Club of Manama, Salmaniya and Adliya) was held at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa hotel.

Maha and Ambassador Ghassan

Mimi and David

Anna and Mohammed Abdulrahiman

Laila Paolo

Safia Andi, Joanne and Raj

Taghreed

Nancy and Essa

New American Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association (AWA) General Meeting

Essa

The AWAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s General Meeting took place at the Golden Tulip Hotel on 13th June.

Susanne, Laila, Chery, Jamie and Tosin

Alia, Faika, Khatoon, Falza, Iro and Fakhria

Faika and Iro

Beverley, Fay, Essa and Lynne

Adrienne, Maria and Nicole Jacquelin and Anne

88 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Primrose and Melinda

Beverley and Natasha

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

Launch of 2011 VIERA range of televisions for the Bahraini market

Panasonic launched the new selection of Intelligent VIERA High Definition Flat-Panel TV for the Bahraini market at Al Riffa Ballroom, Intercontinental Regency on 11th July.

Panasonic country Manager Promod, M D Probeer Santosh and Harvir Sing

Muhammed Akbar, Abby Tomas and Sharif

Avinash and Abdul Razaq

Ajit Nair

Deputy GM Abby Tomas

Rawia Beyhum

Opening of Bahrain Summer Festival

The opening ceremony of Bahrain Summer Festival 2011 and the inaugural show with Lebanese singer Samar Kammouj was held last 1st July at “Nakhool Tent“.

YK Almoayyed & Sons

The raffle draw for YK Almoayyed & Sons’ “Share your Experience & Win” campaign for the month of June was held on 5th July at the YKA head office in Manama. The winning entries were chosen by Mrs Mona Almoayyed, Managing Director - YKA.

Mr Yasser Bu-Allai, from Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Mrs Mona Almoayyed, Managing Director YKA, and Mrs Layla Eatemadi, CRM Team Leader, Group Marketing Division

Ms Dana AlSaffar, Marketing Executive, Group Marketing Division – YKA, Mr Mohammed Al Marzouqi, one of the winners, and Mrs Layla Eatemadi, CRM Team Leader, Group Marketing

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 89

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

Flower Party Summer Party Gulf Hotel

A â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Flower Powerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Summer Party was held on 28th June at Typhoon Cocktail Bar, Gulf Hotel.

Eamon, Chris and Brendan

Adriene and John

Doyin, Yazid and Catherine Jacqui, Lorraine and Sarah

Adam and Nick

Abkar, Andes and Tareq

Aneeta

Carlos Isabella and Fabrice

Sofitel Recruitment Day

Fido and Kirsty

Chantal

Munira

As part of its local employment strategy and commitment, on 2nd July, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa held an employment open day to attract qualified Bahraini talents to join the hotel.

90 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

Rashid Al Oraifi Kids Art Workshop

MODA Mall held a Children’s Festival which unveiled the Rashid Al Oraifi art workshops as well as a preview of ‘Barney’s Space Adventure’ and ‘Fan Yang’s Gazillion Bubble Show’ on 5th and 13th July.

Sofia Al Moayyed

Baby Dalia with mum and dad

Baby Faye with mum and dad

Jood and dad Dania and Janah with dad

Baby Salma with mum

Summer Festival

The renowned Dance Cuba ensemble rocked the fully-packed Cultural Hall on 4th July with their audio-visual extravaganza “Fuerza Y Compas” (Strength and Beat).

Seef Mall Summer Prizes Draw

Seef Mall held its second raffle draw for its “Seef Summer Surprises” promotion on 16th June.

Mr Sayed Hussain presents prize to Mr Rami

Tony the Dogfather Receives Donation

Together with Yoga teacher, Samantha De Zoysa, World Beat Fitness Center has raised over BD270 in used book sales with all funds collected being donated to Tony The Dogfather and his animal shelter.

Tony, Iman Fouad and Samantha De Souza

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 91

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

Ric’s Kountry Kitchen

Ric’s Kountry Kitchen held a celebration in honour of America’s Independence Day on 4th July.

Bill and Kurt

Ross, Rick, Nila, Gory, Kathi, Greg and Lyle

Faith

Mike

Chery, Rose, Christine and Charie

Dwayne, Jordan and Matt

AJM Kooheji’s Launch of New 3D LG TV

LG Electronics and AJM Kooheji launched the Next Generation Cinema Smart 3D TV on 18th July 2011 at Al Riffa Ballroom Regency InterContinental Hotel.

Mahmood Kooheji, Hyung Shik Paik, Rohit Raina, James Kim and Sanjeev Awasthi

Saleem Kooheji, Sanjeev Awasthi and Mohammed Kooheji

Svetlana, James, Sanjeev, Mahmood Kooheji, Hyung Shik Paik, Rohit Raina and Natalia

Ali Yaseen Hussain and Mahmood Kooheji

Rohit Raina and Kaizad Sanjana

American Embassy 4th July Independence Day Celebrations

A reception was hosted by U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Stephanie Williams to commemorate the 235th Independence Day of the United States of America at the residence of U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Janusan on 3rd July.

HE Moroccan Ambassador and HE Qatari Ambassador

92 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Mark A Sullo and VIP Guests

HE Enrico Padula and Abeer

Gavin and Dana

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

AMA Hosts Philippine Azkals Football Team

AMA University held a press conference and media presentation for the Philippine Azkals football team following their friendly match with Bahrain’s Under-23 Olympic Team .

The Philippine Azkals football team poses with AMA officials for a photo call

Philippine Azkals at Bennigan’s

In a first ever visit to the kingdom, the Philippine Azkals football team stopped by to have lunch last 16th July, hosted by Bennigan’s prior to their friendly match with Bahrain’s Under-23 Olympic Team, in preparation for their game with Kuwait’s Al Asraq.

The Philippine Azkals pose with management and staff of Bennigan’s

Khalid, Jennifer and friend

The Azkals Football Team

Kosebasi

Kosebasi held a media lunch for members of the press to experience the flavour of Kosebasi’s Iftar menu on 18th July at Kosebasi restaurant, Bahrain City Centre.

Mohammed, Fareed, Rana, Nick, Bernard, Keram, Vikram

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 93

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

Fashionable Wednesday at Barcode

BARCODE hosted the VIP Party ‘Fashionable Wednesday” for the launch of ‘TOKYO 8’, a UK based entertainment and events company.

BARCODE CEO Frank Morais with Tokyo 8 representatives

Karly

Guests with Frank Morais and Juni Capulong

Francine Zami and Omar

Jalal, Abish, Navin and Santo

Sofitel’s Stylish Management Party

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa management held a monthly stylish party for all the Sofitel Bahrain Ambassador’s to entertain them, update them about the business situation and how the hotel is performing, and to award them for the excellent work during the month.

Mr Ali Shan and Mr Bert Plas

Management and staff pose during the issuance of HACCP Certificate

Zahra Ali, Mr Bert Plas, Khalifa Bokhammas and Heba Abdulemam Barni

June Birthday Celebrants

94 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Roselle, Margie and Maryjane

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

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

Hemangini’s Birthday Party

Private Party of AJM Kooheji’s CEO’s daughter Hemangini held at Diva Hotel, Juffair on 1st July.

Neelofar, Fatima, Susan, Hemangini, Rishita and Aysha

Elizabeth and Ayesha

Hemangini

Areeba

Sanjana, Divya, Hemangini, Ayesha, Tennille, Abeer and Elizabeth

Hemangini

Fatima

Reshma and Hemangini

Divya, Hemangini and Anita

Ruby

Farewell Party for Mr Rasool Ghuloom

A farewell party for Mr Rasool Ghuloom, Director of Sales and Marketing of Crowne Plaza Bahrain was held last 28th June.

Ahmed and Rasul

Dr Yoosif Al Jowder

Salah and Mohammed

Rasul and Marivic

Pirates Night Theme Party at Harvesters Pub

The Crowne Plaza Pirates Night Theme Party was held at Harvesters last 15th July.

Christy Mac and Sheryl

Ester, Elviera, Astrid, Usep and Fenny

Ehab Maryann

96 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

Bahrain City Centre Kid’s Summer Events

Bahrain City Centre launch the Kid’s Summer Events Bahrain City Centre, Central Galleria last 12th of July 2011. Kids had an exclusive meet and greet session with top stars Spiderman, Electro and Black Cat!

Saad and Abdulla

Muhammed, Naeem, Ghazi and Talia

Mahmood

Mariam Sara

Fatma and Ali Muhammed and Mahmood

Aileen, Mathew and Vicky

DHL

DHL sponsors a ‘Night with the Legends’ featuring Sean Fitzpatrick, DHL’s ambassador for the Rugby World Cup, and Cameron Mather, former Scottish International last 21st July 2011 at BRFC Grounds

Tom and Stewart

Simo, Tom and Aochibald

Carol, Olga and Blake

Helen and Tina

Garry Kemp, Mehdi, Cameorn Mather, Jonty, Sean and Paul

Mercedes-Benz launched the new C-Class Coupe

Mercedes-Benz launched the new C-Class Coupe and SLK Roadster throughout the region in an event held at SkyBar in Beirut in June.

2012 C-Class Coupe

2012 SLK Roadster

Sara Hmaydeh

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 97

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

Gulf Air

Gulf Air launched a new marketing campaign with a host of new commercial initiatives that will position the company as a dynamic and innovative airline last 20th July.

Yahya Bu Ali, Shehab Saeed, Qahtan Al Qahtani, Karim Makhlouf and Abdul Malik Al Saei

Lars, Sarah and Ali

Chiara and Chantel

Official Launch of New 8 Car Exclusive Range

YK Almoayyed & Sons official launch of the New “8 Car” Exclusive Range on 18th July 2011 at Nissan’s Showroom in Sitra.

Sandeep Mathur, James, Declan, Peter and Mohanty

Ranjit, Saji, Omar, Prabu, Mohanty and Zumail

Peter, Declan, Sandeep, Rohit, Rahul, Aziz and Yoganathan

Royal Bahrain Hospital

Royal Bahrain Hospital held a free health check up and presentation last month.

Management and staff pose during the event

98 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

Samsung Galaxy II Launch

Samsung Gulf Electronics launched the much awaited GALAXY SII smart phone, GALAXY Tab 10.1 and GALAXY Tab 8.9. on 21st July 2011 at Al Awali ballroom of the Sheraton Bahrain.

Ali, Faya , Sarah and Laoy

Mr Ashraf Fawakherji, Y S Kim and A Aziz Bin Hindi

Nada

Nellya

Mo men Shawqi, Y S Kim, A Aziz Bin Hindi and Sherif Zeen

Abdulla Ahmedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Engagement Party

A party was held in celebration of Abdulla Ahmedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding engagement; with friends and family joyously sharing the special occasion last month.

Abdulla and Muhammed

Khalid, Sherda, Usman, Fahad and Saad

Ahmed Al Tawadi and Groom

Mohammed, Hasan and Ahmed

Abdulla, Mahmood, Ismail, Abdulghafar and Abdulrahiman Koheeji

SNIC Motor Campaign raffle draw

SNIC held a motor campaign last month which consisted of a raffle draw to win a Mercedes Benz Coupe E350.

Yasser Buallai

Mercedes Benz Coupe E350

Vicky, Sadiq, Ahmed, Yasser, Ali Sultan and Ahmed Yassen

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 99

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

Al Haddad Motors

Al Haddad Motors recently launched the 2012 Mercedez Benz SLK C Class at a press conference and unveiling ceremony last month.

Mark Price, Sherif and Imran

GM Maen and Abdulla Al Haddad

Leslie

Laura Angel

Shabana and Alwin

Laura, Emani, Pearl, Sherry, Namemis and Angel

Maram’s Story - Cancer Breakfast Charity

Mövenpick hosted (Maram’s story) cancer breakfast charity at Al Murjan Ballroom last 4th July.

Behjhat and Minou

Fatima and Amel

Mojgan, Dr Amal and Dr Sumaya

Ameera and her mother

Huda, Eman and Evie

BBBF Lunch Meeting

BBBF held a Business Lunch Meeting at the InterContinental Regency Hotel with Guest Speaker Dr Ahmed A Hameed A Ghani Al-Shaikh of Tamkeen and Vice President – Enterprise and Human Capital Development on 12th July.

Ahmed, Ali and Peter

100 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Rebecca Torr, Julia and Anita

Rupert and Nasser

Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net

Q Home Decor opening

The store opening of Q Home DĂŠcor was held on 25th July @ Bahrain City Centre in the presence of Shaikha Hind Al Khalifa.

Benny, Lori, Ray Scott, Sadiq and Chaeli

Q Home Staff

ID Works Second Anniversary

ID works celebrated their second successful year of operation at Maki Restaurant, World Trade Centre.

Chris and Helen

Mark, Karen and Steve

Kai and Donn

Tarek Mehana and Neil Dawson

Steve

Philip

Kate and Nick Cooksey

Areen, Franny, Tanya and Joanne

American Mission Hospital

The American Mission Hospital reopened the Outpatient Department clinics last 25th July with dignitaries from the Ministry of Health, Board of Directors, VIP sponsors and other guests.

Officials at the opening ceremony

Dr Mohammed, Craig Wilson and Sameer

Dr Wesam and Dr Beulah

Katoon, Najat, Rafa, Julia, Maha, Behnaz, Amal and Nimmi

Roger Knight, Christa and Monique

Dr Michel Mansour and Yousuf Haider

AMH Chairman Dr Abdurahiman Bu Allae and AMH CEO Dr George Cheriyan with Guest

Dr George Cheriyan, Maha and Abdurahman Bu Allae

Anne Al Zayani and Nick Cooksey

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 101

Business

Business In Brief Akram Miknas

Akram Miknas Named One Of Middle East’s 50 Most Powerful People in Media

Exceptional Service from Mövenpick Hotel Employees Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain held an awarding ceremony on 11th July 2011 for its team members at Al Murjan ballroom at the hotel. The programme highlights the honouring of team members completed five years of service and Employee of the Month. At this event, the hotel management rewarded Golden Departments as well as Cherish programme winners were also awarded by certificates and pin. In addition to that, a golden cup was given to the winner of the soccer tournament which the management team was lucky winner of the first position. The first Eid certificate was distributed to all the participants who attended the training. Moreover the employee of the year 2011 was announced, a title for which the participants had to plan and prepare a sustainability project and a presentation to win a trip to Switzerland for a week. The lucky winner was Ms Dina Magdalena from the Kitchen department.

Akram Rashad Miknas, Chairman of the Middle East Communication Networks (MCN), has been named on Communicate magazine’s first ever list of most powerful people in the region’s Media, Marketing and Advertising industry. Miknas was named the third most powerful person on the list, which was compiled by the magazine using a formula based on public facts and market intelligence about the top players in the industry and the companies they work with. Sheikh Walid Ibrahim Al Ibrahim, Chairman, MBC Group topped the list as the most influential figure in the media, marketing and advertising industry in the Middle East.

Huawei Hosts Workshop for Batelco Employees at Batelco’s Headquarters Batelco welcomed Huawei, a global telecommunications solutions provider and a key Batelco partner, to their Hamala Headquarters on 28th June. The visiting Huawei team hosted a workshop, under the title of Smart Transformation, Smart Solutions for Batelco’s Network teams. The workshop provided Huawei with the opportunity to showcase some of their products, services and solutions and share with the attendees how Huawei can assist Batelco with future business transformations. John Ford, CTO of Batelco and Leo Xu, Vice President of Middle East region, Huawei, opened the event with welcome speeches which were followed by a number of presentations by Batelco and Huawei industry experts.

Batelco and Huawei presenters and participants following the Huawei Day Workshop at Batelco’s Headquarters in Hamala

102 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Mindshare Wins Three Golds at Cannes Mindshare goes beyond media at Cannes scooping a total of three Gold, two Silver and one Bronze award across Cyber, Titanium and Integrated, Media and Outdoor categories at this year’s Cannes Advertising Festival. The accolades further demonstrate both the agency’s quality and breadth of work. As Nike’s global media partner, Mindshare is part of the global communications team that picked up a Gold Lion for the “Write the Future” campaign in the Titanium and Integrated Lion category. The collaboration, which includes Wieden + Kennedy Amsterdam, AKQA and Razorfish, also won a Gold Cyber Lion. Mindshare Tunisia was credited for work on Brand Collective’s campaign “16th June 2014”, the campaign picked up a Gold Media Lion.

Business BMW is back in Hollywood with Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol From Hollywood to the UAE; BMW has announced their participation in the upcoming Paramount Pictures release ‘Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol’ as the film’s main automotive partner. High performance with fewer emissions is the name of the game: One of the BMW vehicles provided for Tom Cruise´s next film shot partly in Dubai is the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car. It has been recognised as having the most sophisticated technology and the most striking design among the current concept electric supercars.

In a few years the BMW i8, which was inspired by the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics concept vehicle, will enter series production. The film, directed by Brad Bird, is scheduled for release mid of December 2011.

Alia Almoayed Hosts Seminar at AMH After presenting copies of her latest book ‘I Want a Healthy Pregnancy’, Alia Almoayed, nutritional therapist, health speaker and author accepted the invitation of American Mission Hospital (AMH) to manage a discussion of the points raised in her book and highlight its content. The seminar was attended by a number of doctors and nurses from the hospital and at the end of the session a certificate of thanks and appreciation was presented to Almoayed for her efforts in promoting health in the community.

New Marks & Spencer Al-Futtaim Store Marks & Spencer Al-Futtaim, a leader in family fashion, beauty, and food, has announced that its new store in Mall of the Emirates, Dubai is now open. The new store represents a highly convenient shopping destination for all Marks & Spencer customers located in the ‘New Dubai’ area of the Emirate, which includes Emirates Hills, The Greens, TECOM and Dubai Media City. The store is located strategically in the Galleria, on the second floor of the mall, next to the new Fashion Dome.

The 21,000 square foot store offers a wide range of products, including ladies wear, menswear, children’s clothing, beauty products and food.

Sofitel Launches its Ambassadors Programme As part of its global brand strategy, on 16th June, Sofitel launched its Ambassador programme for its 25,000 employees around the world. On 25th and 26th June, all of the hotels in the Middle East network, as well as representation of the Sofitel corporate offices, attended “ let’s create our Magnifique future” convention at the newly opened Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, to discuss the programme designed to help each employee become an Ambassador of the brand. Employees were given their own personal passport, which will stay with them throughout their entire “professional journey” with Sofitel. Dominique Colliat, SVP Sofitel Europe, Middle East and Africa headed the convention, along with Sami Nasser, VP Sofitel Middle East, Africa, and Indian Ocean who lead the workshop.

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 103

Travel

The Harley

Davidson Tour

by Rebecca Cooksey

Working within the media industry I’m lucky enough to get the opportunity to try a lot of different things – from travel, spas, food through to test driving the latest cars and more. But the last thing I ever imagined was to receive a phone call asking if I would like to tour Jordan on a Harley Davidson!

S

imple reason – I don’t ride. So it took me all of a second to think about it and say YES! I’m up for trying anything new and who cares if I turn up in stilettos and ask where the pedals are?

So the following month I boarded a Gulf Air flight to Amman, the capital of Jordan which was less than three hours away. Jordan was once considered to be an important trading centre for the Roman Empire, and it is wrapped in history. Other than time, very little appears to have changed as Jordan is now the hub for doing business in Iraq and most of the largest Iraqi companies have their base in Amman. It is also home to the largest American Embassy in the region – reported to be the size of a small city.

After being collected at the airport we were taken to our hotel in Amman.

Driving from the airport it‘s obvious that the country has benefited financially exceptionally well from its neighbours’ turmoil. Stunning sand stone mansions perched on the hilltops proudly look over the valley and ravines, and once we were in the city, the homes appeared to be just

104 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

as imposing.

I have to say I was extremely impressed by Amman as I was expecting it to be rather rundown and typical of many other Middle Eastern cities. Although the buildings all look ‘unformed’ in their appearance and height, by law buildings can only be built with sand or lime stone blocks and built to a certain height – so

It offers cosy accommodation and good facilities. The location is great as it is within walking distance to the business as well as entertainment districts. I stumbled across some really good and affordable shops which sold some fabulous and unique items. I’d recommend that readers avoid the major malls as they are more expensive and no different from what we have in Bahrain.

The following morning we were collected and taken to the Harley Davidson dealership on the edge of the city. For bike lovers especially Harley Davidson fanatics this is where it becomes interesting. The dealership is pretty impressive considering up until 2008, Jordanians were banned from riding bikes. Even though many of the royal family are reported to be bike fanatics including the late King, a law was imposed some twenty years ago banning locals from riding motorbikes due to the death of one of the kings sons on one of them.

Our host, Claude Abry, co-owner of the dealership didn’t disappoint. An animated Frenchman, he looks the part

“I quickly learn that they live and breathe anything to do with Harleys and are dressed from head to toe in the clothing line and look like your stereotypical bikers except they’re all company owners or bankers during the week.” there are no towering skyscrapers and the city looks very clean, modern and organised while retaining a traditional Arabic charm about it.

We stayed at the Bristol Hotel which is situated in the centre of Amman, close to the city’s business and commercial district. This five-star boutique hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Jordan.

Travel and so does his five companions who were there to accompany us on the trip.

I quickly learn that they live and breathe anything to do with Harleys and are dressed from head to toe in the clothing line and look like your stereotypical bikers except they’re all company owners or bankers during the week.

Claude excitedly showed us around the showroom which consists of six floors including a showroom, an incredibly clean workshop, a Harley Davidson clothes boutique, coffee shops and storage.

Plus he has an extensive range of bikes starting from beginners through to racing bikes and more on the way. Basically, he offers a one-stop shop – he offers everything that one could want for their bike including boarding and shipping. Although I’m not a biker – I was able to admire the beauty and the mechanics of these mean machines. Everything looked very shiny and new. Claude excitedly informed me that he’d sold over one hundred bikes in the past year and the majority of those were to Jordanians and at least thirty of those to women.

limit FLHTK and I’m ashamed to admit that once I’d hopped on the back of that bike I was no longer interested in trying out any other bike as suddenly I was riding to the Dead Sea on what felt like a very comfortable armchair on wheels.

For me this was the ultimate bike. I felt so safe and comfortable that it was easy to forget that I was on the back of a bike. Even when we rode onto an oil spill and momentarily lost control – I was cool probably because I didn’t notice.

The stereo was blaring and there were fabulous views of deep gorges, large,

Jordan. We rode down to the Dead Sea then onto Mount Nebo, we passed lush olive plantations as we went into Madaba and eventually stopped at Mukawir for lunch – which was a surprise because as we rode into the heart of what looked like an industrial, local town we pulled up outside a traditional, rather rundown looking building covered in vine leaves I was expecting a mere shawrama. I didn’t expect to walk in and find it bustling with families dressed to the nines enjoying lunch with a guitarist in the corner quietly strumming. It felt more like an Italian vineyard. After lunch we rode onto Panorama and finally back to the showroom, and by this stage I was ready to get off.

Overall it was just a unique trip and one I will remember for a long time. I started off the day being completely uninterested in bikes – I finished it with a lot more respect for them particularly Harley Davidsons because there really is something special about them, and although I’m not likely to ask for one for my next birthday I certainly would do the trip again.

That evening Claude and his wife (both dressed in Harley Davidson fashion) collected us from our hotel and took us into the old city. Bear in mind it was a Tuesday night – the place was heaving with young, beautifully dressed twenty-somethings hanging out in bars, coffee shops and really trendy restaurants. We started the evening off at the Sky Bar which has a very similar view as White’s Club in Beirut. The view is just magical as we had a panoramic view of the city.

Jordan completely exceeded my expectations, the people are incredibly friendly and fun and like Bahrain – it felt incredibly safe

“Even when we rode onto an oil spill and momentarily lost control – I was cool probably because I didn’t notice.”

The Party Begins We got kitted out in Harley protective clothing and even though it was warm outside the jackets were not uncomfortable as they had been designed with temperature control flaps to prevent the rider from overheating, next came the Helmut and we were ready. Claude admits he’s bordering on being neurotic when it comes to safety and he proudly announced he hadn’t lost a journalist yet!

At that point I was tempted to say – ‘Hey don’t jump the gun mate – as we haven’t got back yet,’ but didn’t.

This trip was any bike enthusiast’s dream as Claude turned to me and said, “Choose any one of the ten gleaming bikes to start the trip off.” The plan was that I was to keep swopping bikes throughout the day. My first bike of choice was a rather mean-looking strong and sporty looking V-Rod MUSCLE VRSCF, much to Claude’s amusement. I quickly realised why – it’s not really a pillion friendly bike as I discovered every time my partner accelerated, I came close to flying off the back and ended up on the tarmac as there is nothing to hold onto other than your partner’s jacket. So I spent the next twenty minutes with my neck twisted and my face squashed up against leather, unable to look at any scenery or even move as I was so sure I was going to fall off. It wasn’t a particularly good start and being a novice with bikes I was beginning to think I’d made a mistake accepting the trip as by now my neck was aching and my face numb. The first opportunity I had I jumped onto the back of the Electra Glide Ultra

jagged mountains and fabulous large roads which appear to have been built with bikes in mind. There are as many straight roads as there are winding roads allowing you to put your foot on the accelerator (not that we did of course) or just cruise.

It was a stunning trip and just about every lorry or car would beep their horns at us while waving crazily as our possession of gleaming bikes rode past. Reminding me just exactly how new the whole biking craze is in

Rebecca Cooksey

For further details about Harley Davidson in Jordan please contact Ms Nisreen Abou Joudeh on Tel. +962 7990 26916 or Claude Abry: +962 7978 08080.

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 105

Cycles ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA LIMITED FLHTK Perfect bike for a long weekend when you’re camping out. Weatherproof gadgets to ensure phone recharge or blow up air mattress. Heated hand grips. Premium Harman/Kardon audio system, Twin Cam 103 engine – 6 Speed cruise drive transmission

Harley

No limits, only horizon!

Davidson Models

A bike for people with attitude!

Forward aggressive riding attitude.

FORTY-EIGHT™ XL1200X Combination of lowered front end and rear suspension with a low solo seat – easy handling for riders of all sizes and experience. 1200cc engine - air-cooled.

Easy rider style – get the stares from envious ‘cagers’ who will spot you blazing down the streets!

DYNA WIDE GLIDE® FXDWG Laid-back riding position and style – forward-mounted controls. 21-inch front wheel and 17 inches at the back. Twin Cam 96 engine – sixspeed cruise drive transmission.

Vanity? No! Spoil yourself with endless style that will not go unnoticed. Built for freedomseekers who just want to get on and go!

SOFTAIL BLACKLINE™ FXS Dark custom bike – comfortable ride with rigid suspension look combined – custom forward-mounted controls.

Optional ABS. 21-inch front tyre and 144mm back tyre. Twin Cam 96Bengine – six-speed cruise drive transmission.

SUPERLOW™ XL883L - Light bike with highly maneuverable front end which helps build rider confidence especially at low speeds. 883cc engine - air-cooled and 18-inch front wheel, 17-inch wheel on the tail end.

Vanity? No! Spoil yourself with endless style that will not go unnoticed.

Perfect for anyone beginning their journey on two wheels and very easy to handle by women.

106 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

STREET GLIDE FLHX 103 Hard saddle bags on the sides that open from up for convenience. Led lights for more visibility and style.

Twin Cam 103 engine – six-speed cruise drive transmission.

For further details about Harley Davidson in Jordan please contact Ms Nisreen Abou Joudeh on Tel. +962 7990 26916 or Claude Abry: +962 7978 08080.

Advertorial

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Have a ‘stay-cation’ this summer and whiz off to your favourite spot on the island with fabulous care rental deals ...

There’s one task off your summer to-do list, as Budget Car Rental will have all your transportation needs taken care of.

These hot summer months, the Cool Summer deals promotions allows you to get a Toyota Yaris, a Mitsubishi Lancer or a Nissan Sunny at only BD8 per day; or you can opt for a Nissan Tiida, a Mazda 2 or a Ford Focus for just BD10 daily.

Budget Car Rental (part of Fakhro Transport BSC) was established in 1981 with the aim of providing car rental services of the highest international standards, so you know

you’re dealing with professionals who will make sure all your transportation requirements are seamlessly addressed.

Their other services include: short and medium-term vehicle hire; car leasing to individuals and corporate accounts; chauffeur services within Bahrain as well as to and from Saudi Arabia; worldwide reservations through Budget Car Rental’s computerised international reservation system and sale of high-quality used vehicles.

Budget Car Rental is conveniently located at their main office at the Bahrain Commercial Complex in

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Other locations include their Sitra office on the GCC Highway; and the Ford and Service Centres both in Sitra.

To avail of the Cool Summer deals please Tel. +973 1721 7788; or contact Budget Car Rental at the following locations: Airport, +973 1732 1268; Sitra, +973 1773 5900; Seef, +973 1756 4680 and Sheraton Complex, +973 1753 4100; or visit www.budgetbahrain.com

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BUDGET LOCATIONS: Airport : +973 17321268 , Sitra: +973 17735900, Seef: +973 17564680, Sheraton Complex: +973 17534100, Web: www.budgetbahrain.com

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 107

Cars

Car

Which

Are You

Meant To Be Driving?

108 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Without wheels? Well what better way to buy your dream car without going bankrupt than with a car loan? Daunted? Don’t be.

We’re only here to help ...

Cars

Jeep Grand Cherokee The Car Doors

Engine

Horsepower

Torque

Transmission

5

5.7L V8 HEMI

360 HP

520

5-SPEED

Special Features

• Electronic Stability Control • Hill Start Engine • MW/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 Radio • Premium Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats • U Connect Voice Command with Bluetooth

• 18-inch x 8-inch’ Aluminium Polished Wheels • 6.5-inch Touch Screen Display • 30GB Hard Drive with 6,700-Song Capacity • Advanced Multistage Airbags • Automatic Headlamps

The Loan

Jeep Cherokee The Car Doors

Engine

Horsepower

Torque

Transmission

5

3.7L V6

205 HP

314

4-SPEED

Special Features

• Sentry Key Engine Immobiliser • AM/FM Stereo radio with CD • Tyre Pressure warning system

• Advanced Multistage Driver and Front-Passenger Airbags • Electronic Stability Programme • Fog Lamps • Hill Start Assist

The Loan

Company

Repayment Period

Installments

Insurance

Interest

Company

Repayment Period

Installments

Insurance

Interest

Behbehani Brothers WLL

5 Years

BD364

3%

4%

Behbehani Brothers WLL

5 Years

BD214

3%

4%

Selling Price: BD17,500

Selling Price: BD10,299

For more information contact Tel. +973 1745 9954.

For more information contact Tel. +973 1745 9954.

Dodge Charger The Car Doors

Engine

Horsepower

Torque

Transmission

4

5.7L V8 HEMI

370 HP

536

5-SPEED

Special Features

• Driver and Front Passenger Airbags • Electronic Stability Program • Hill Start Assist • Speed Sensitive Power Locks • Keyless Enter-N-GO • Remote Start System

• Automatic Headlamps • Fog Lamps • Alloy Wheels • Power Windows • Cruise Control • Leather Seats • Bluetooth/Compass Gauge • 8.4-inch Touch Screen/AUX/ CD/ DVD/MP3

The Loan Company Behbehani Brothers WLL

Repayment Period 5 Years

Wrangler The Car Doors

Engine

Horsepower

Torque

Transmission

2

3.8L V6

199 HP

315

4-SPEED

Special Features

The Loan Installments

Insurance

BD270

3%

• Four-Wheel Drive System • Power Convenience Group • AM/FM/DVD/MP3 Radio and Auxiliary Jack

• Advanced Multistage Driver and Front-Passenger Airbags • Electronic Stability Program • Fog Lamps

Interest

Company

Repayment Period

Installments

Insurance

Interest

4%

Behbehani Brothers WLL

5 Years

BD187

3%

4%

Selling Price: BD10,299

Selling Price: BD8,999

For more information contact Tel. +973 1745 9954.

For more information contact Tel. +973 1745 9954.

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 109

Cars

MINI Cooper

As the name describes, it is small, but in no way less capable.

With four full seats and a wide range of technologies and safety features, the MINI Cooper is a car to be admired and its owners to be envied. Continuing on its traditions, the MINI Cooper still excites its driver with a go-cart drive feeling where they are in complete control of the vehicle at all times, as well as being a complete fashion icon making its owner a true trend setter. The MINI Cooper is truly unique and original for every individual.

2011 BMW 650i Cab

The Car

The Car

Doors Engine Horsepower Torque Transmission 0-100kph Versions 2

1598 CC

122 HP

The Loan

Down Payment

Company Repayment Period EuroMotors 0% Ramadan Offer

160/4250

60 month

20%

6-Speed Automatic

10.4secs

Cooper

One glance is enough to be captivated by the elegant lines of the new BMW 6 Series Convertible, which are inspired by the aesthetics of flowing water. This vehicle envelops you in a unique harmony of elegance and dynamism. When you open the roof, you will feel closer to the TwinPower Turbo V8 engine than ever before â&#x20AC;&#x201C; maximising your enjoyment of the road, savouring every bend along the way.

Doors Engine Horsepower Torque Transmission 0-100kph Versions 2

4.4 litreV8

The Loan Installments Insurance Interest BD147

BD340

0% per annum

407

600Nm

8-speed Sports Automatic Transmission Steptronic

5.0secs

650i cab

Company

Repayment Period

Installments

Insurance

Interest

Financial Institution

36 months

BD1,132

BD1,700

3.99% per annum

Selling Price: BD10,995

Selling Price: BD52,000

For more information contact EuroMotors on +973 17 750 750.

For more information contact Euromotors on +973 17 750 750.

Maserati Quattroporte S

Range Rover Sport Naturally Aspirated Engine

It is the definitive luxury sports tourer. Defined by exceptional onroad dynamics, class-leading comfort and outstanding breadth of capability. Muscular body styling, a sumptuous interior and the choice of two powerful, exceptionally refined engines.

Travelling in the utmost comfort and being in charge of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own time, doing so in unmistakable style: this is what drives clients to choose the Maserati Quattroporte. A flagship model that blends two souls: one from a luxury saloon and the other from a high-performing, authentic Granturismo. There are three versions available: the Quattroporte S and Quattroporte Sport GT S, both featuring a 4.7 litre engine, as well as the Quattroporte with its 4.2 litre power unit.

The Car

The Car

Doors Engine Horsepower Torque Transmission 0-100kph Versions 4

5.0 litre V8

375 HP

The Loan

Company Repayment Period Financial Institution

36 months

510Nm/ 3,500rpm

Down Payment 30%

Six-Speed Adaptive Automatic Gearbox with Command Shift and High/ Low Range

7.6secs

HSE

Doors Engine Horsepower Torque Transmission 0-100kph Versions 4

4.7 Litre V8

430 HP

The Loan Installments Insurance Interest BD697/-per month

BD800 at 2.5% per annum

3.99% per annum

Company Repayment Period EuroMotors 0% Ramadan Offer

60 month

490Nm

Down Payment 20%

ZF 6-Speed Hydraulic Automatic

5.4secs

Quattroportes

Installments Insurance Interest BD760 monthly

BD1,600

0% per annum

Selling Price: BD32,000

Selling Price: BD57,000

For more information contact EuroMotors on +973 17 750 750.

For more information contact Euro Motors on +973 17 750 750.

110 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Kia Optima The Car Doors 4

Engine

Horsepower

Torque

180 HP

23.6 kgm @ 4,000rpm

2.4 litre, 4 cylinder

Special Features

• European Red Dot Design “Best Of The Best Award Winner” for 2011 • Wards Best Design Interior Award, 2011 • Five-star safety certification • Smart key, touch button start • Infinity audio

The Loan

Transmission Versions 6-speed automatic

1

• Paddleshifter gearbox • Panoramic moonroof • Parking sensor with video camera • Rear AC • New ECO system for highway cruising

Kia Cerato The Car Doors

Engine

Horsepower

Torque

4

1.6 litre, 4 cylinder

124 HP

156Nm @ 4,200rpm

Special Features

• Only vehicle in 1.6 Lt range with 6-speed automatic transmission with Paddle Shifter Gearbox • 16-inch alloy wheels

The Loan

Transmission Versions 6-speed automatic

3

• USB and iPod ready • Full power features • ABS brakes

Company

Repayment Period

Installments

Insurance

Interest

Company

Repayment Period

Installments

Insurance

Interest

A.A. Bin Hindi

60 months

BD 182 monthly.

Zero Down payment

3%

2.99%

A.A. Bin Hindi

60 months

BD118 monthly.

Zero down payment

3%

2.99%

Selling Price: BD9,350

Selling Price: BD5,950

For more information contact Tel. +973 1740 8800.

For more information contact Tel. +973 1740 8800.

Kia Soul The Car Doors

Engine

Horsepower

Torque

5

2.0 litre, 4 cylinder

144 HP

19.0 kg-m @ 4,600rpm

Special Features

• Urban Cross Over Model with unique shape for city transport • Ideal model for young and trendy individuals • Five-star safety rating, ABS brakes • Rear parking sensor

The Loan Company A.A. Bin Hindi

Transmission Versions 4-speed automatic

1

• Speed Sensing Power Steering • Extra large rear hatch for carrying lots of stuff.

• USB and iPod ready • Global trend setter!

Kia Sorento The Car Doors

Engine

Horsepower

Torque

5

3.5 litre, 6 cylinder

277 HP

34.2 kg-m @ 5,000rpm

Special Features

• AWD with diff lock, total performance SUV • Five-star crash test rating • Smart key, push button start • Panoramic moon roof • Dual AC with Clean Air technology

The Loan Repayment Period 60 months

Installments

Insurance

BD112. Zero down payment

3%

Interest 2.99%

Company A.A. Bin Hindi

Transmission Versions 6-speed automatic

1

• Car theatre system • GPS with bluetooth • Rear parking system with Video camera • 18-inch wheels

Repayment Period

Installments

Insurance

Interest

60 months

BD220. Zero down payment

3%

2.99%

Selling Price: BD5,600

Selling Price: BD11,300

For more information contact Tel. +973 1740 8800.

For more information contact Tel. +973 1740 8800.

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 111

A. A. Bin Hindi, the Kia importer dealer in Bahrain is offering customers buying any new Kia during the holy month free insurance, free registration, free rust-proofing, five-year unlimited mileage warranty and 100 per cent cash buy back. Also this Ramadan, you could buy your favourite Kia and be a lucky winner to win one of the 30 ‘Gold Bar’ as a raffle gift.

Cars

Cars

Jeep Grand Cherokee The Car Doors

Engine

Horsepower

Torque

Transmission

5

5.7L V8 HEMI

360 HP

520

5-SPEED

Special Features

• Electronic Stability Control • Hill Start Engine • MW/FM/CD/DVD/HDD/MP3 Radio • Premium Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats • U Connect Voice Command with Bluetooth

• 18-inch x 8-inch’ Aluminium Polished Wheels • 6.5-inch Touch Screen Display • 30GB Hard Drive with 6,700-Song Capacity • Advanced Multistage Airbags • Automatic Headlamps

The Loan

Jeep Cherokee The Car Doors

Engine

Horsepower

Torque

Transmission

5

3.7L V6

205 HP

314

4-SPEED

Special Features

• Sentry Key Engine Immobiliser • AM/FM Stereo radio with CD • Tyre Pressure warning system

• Advanced Multistage Driver and Front-Passenger Airbags • Electronic Stability Programme • Fog Lamps • Hill Start Assist

The Loan

Company

Repayment Period

Installments

Insurance

Interest

Company

Repayment Period

Installments

Insurance

Interest

Behbehani Brothers WLL

5 Years

BD364

3%

4%

Behbehani Brothers WLL

5 Years

BD214

3%

4%

Selling Price: BD17,500

Selling Price: BD10,299

For more information contact Tel. +973 1745 9954.

For more information contact Tel. +973 1745 9954.

Dodge Charger The Car Doors

Engine

Horsepower

Torque

Transmission

4

5.7L V8 HEMI

370 HP

536

5-SPEED

Special Features

• Driver and Front Passenger Airbags • Electronic Stability Program • Hill Start Assist • Speed Sensitive Power Locks • Keyless Enter-N-GO • Remote Start System

• Automatic Headlamps • Fog Lamps • Alloy Wheels • Power Windows • Cruise Control • Leather Seats • Bluetooth/Compass Gauge • 8.4-inch Touch Screen/AUX/ CD/ DVD/MP3

The Loan Company Behbehani Brothers WLL

Repayment Period 5 Years

Wrangler The Car Doors

Engine

Horsepower

Torque

Transmission

2

3.8L V6

199 HP

315

4-SPEED

Special Features

The Loan Installments

Insurance

BD270

3%

• Four-Wheel Drive System • Power Convenience Group • AM/FM/DVD/MP3 Radio and Auxiliary Jack

• Advanced Multistage Driver and Front-Passenger Airbags • Electronic Stability Program • Fog Lamps

Interest

Company

Repayment Period

Installments

Insurance

Interest

4%

Behbehani Brothers WLL

5 Years

BD187

3%

4%

Selling Price: BD10,299

Selling Price: BD8,999

For more information contact Tel. +973 1745 9954.

For more information contact Tel. +973 1745 9954.

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 109

Real Lives

Royal Family Boyz:

Bridging The Gap Dig in to some American soul food, listen to some classic R’n’B tunes and then party with the Royal Family Boyz.

W

ho are the Royal Family Boyz (RFB) you ask? Well, they comprise of a group of guys - most of whom hail from the American military - who like to work hard and play hard. As one of the founders and CEO Reggie put it: “RFB has brought together two worlds, American sailors and young Bahrainis, in a brotherhood through admiration of the hip hop culture.”

“It all happened in early 2010,” said Tino, the other CEO and founder. “We were club promoters and were regularly hanging out with a few guys - Sosa (now President of RFB), JT (Vice President), JC and Stoute - so we thought, ‘why not try and stand out from the rest of the crowd?’ Basically we’re a bunch of guys who have fun, hang out together, set up business ventures, play sports and enjoy music.”

It’s not an easy process to become a Royal Family Boy. In fact you have to first be friends for at least a couple of months until the whole group decides whether or not you’re ready for ‘The Shirt’. “The shirt is the biggest thing,” the two CEOs tell Bahrain Confidential.

“Once you’ve got that, you’re in. But first you’ve got to prove that you’re our buddy and you’ve got our back 100 per cent.”

The group originated in Bahrain but given the transient nature of being in the military, many of the boys will have to move away at some point. “Once we split though, we will be connected all throughout the world and so we will spread the idea of RFB and brotherhood,” Tino explains.

Through club promotions, wild and massive themed parties, other business

lives on the base but that’s not true and soon some of us will have about four or five jobs,” said Reggie.

Tino tells us how the show will start in Bahrain but if they gather interest they would like to spread the idea throughout the world.

“Every day is a story with us and we’re all dying to stay in Bahrain so it will be great for people to see this side of the country, particularly now.”

As if this wasn’t enough, the boys also plan on starting an online radio show and food delivery service. “We figured if at some point we have to go back home and we want to be successful there too, we should start now,” said Reggie. “So we will start an online radio show where we can stream our music live and air it daily to America and Bahrain.”

As for the food service, Tino tells us of ‘Will Hutch’ - “the biggest chef you will ever meet,” he laughs. “There’s no good American soul food here, so every weekend we are going to create a menu and any customer who has a craving for soul food can call up and request what they want, and we’ll deliver it straight to them. Eventually we would love to start the first American soul food restaurant here.”

So that’s the concept, but why the name? “We’re the royal boys from the base,” smiles Reggie. “We always dressed differently and had the biggest parties so people figured the king is in charge of the country, ‘you guys are in charge of the base’.”

Tino adds: “Even if we have a night called ‘American Night’ though, really it’s ‘Everybody Night’. Our doors are always open for whoever wants to come. If you love music, come inside; we open the party with whoever, whenever.”

“Once we split though, we will be connected all throughout the world and so we will spread the idea of RFB and brotherhood.”

112 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

ventures and just plain being cool, the RFB have actually gathered quite a following in Bahrain, particularly in the nightlife scene.

“People are always texting and calling to find out what we’re up to,” Reggie admits.

And so the idea of a Reality TV programme was born. “What is so unique about the concept is that it focuses on military guys doing jobs other than in the military. Most people just think we live our

For more information search for Royal Family Boyz on Facebook.

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

Pepper

Rob Coby

Latifa Paris

Bruce

Brown Sugar

Vodka

Fred Pepsi Monk

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.

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.

From Tony ‘The Dogfather’

Peter

Scratchy

Mum with kids

Snoopy Grey, ET and Chaplin

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

114 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Interested in adopting?

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

Appeal

PLEASE PLEASE HELP! T HELP! blocks, metal doors, wood, ony Waters cement, sand, roofing, tiles, aka ‘Tony the porta-cabins.

Dogfather’ has Labour: masons, carpenters, run a rescue and labourers, electricians, plumbers. rehabilitation centre Transport: to move existing in Bahrain for the doors, wood, materials and newcement, sand, aka 200 ‘Tony thereusablemetal last ten years.ony NowWaters with over tiles, porta-cabins. buildingroofing, materials.

Dogfather’ hastorun a rescue rescued animals it was time Labour: masons, carpenters, storage space: rehabilitation relocate as hisand current location centre Temporary labourers, electricians, plumbers. from the Bahrain for the last tenfor the furniture has been soldinwhich obviously to move existing furnitureTransport: shop. years.

Nowand with over 200 put him in a very difficult reusable materials and new rescuedThankfully animals it was time distressing situation. building When askedmaterials. how he felt, to relocate as hisacurrent location Tony has found new home for has Temporary storage space: for “I do re-home to been sold which obviously him in aTony said, himself and the animals in put Saar, furniture families but from only the furniture shop. very and situation. the rightthe and difficult hopefully willdistressing begin building Thankfully Tony has found work on the AC kennels from a new after the animals have been asked how he felt, Tony rehabilitated.When The long term home forMay. himself andmeans the animals the 1st It now that in Saar, said, do re-home old,“I damaged or to the right families and hopefully willchanged begin building his needs have slightly.work residents, but only after the animals have been animals stay for on the AC kennels 1st May. It special needs Obviously the foodfrom and the money The the rest rehabilitated. of their lives all in long air- term residents, now meansare that hisvery needs have changed donations still important old, damaged kennels.” or special needs slightly.

Obviously the foodreceived and money conditioned to him and very gratefully animals stay for the rest of their lives donations are still veryaimportant but now Tony needs different to him in air-conditioned kennels.”

Anyone all who can help and gratefully received but now Tony kindvery of help as well: needs a different kind of help as well: should contact Tony on Anyone who can help should contact Tel. +973 3962 9889 Sponsors to rebuild the or emailTony at on Tel. +973 3962 9889 Sponsors to rebuild the kennels: kennels: Any building company or email at Any company who gives helptony.dogfather@gmail.com whobuilding gives help will have their or visit tony.dogfather@gmail.com or will have their company name company name advertised onadvertised visit www.dogfatherbahrain.com on newly built kennel block and inwww.dogfatherbahrain.com thethe newly built kennel block and the media. in the media. in anticipation. you inyou anticipation.

Building Building materials: materials: breeze breezeblocks, Thank Thank

T

May 2011 August 2011 || Bahrain Bahrain Confidential Confidential || 113 115

Gastro

What’s Going On This Month?

On

Golden Tulip Bahrain Köşebaşi

For Iftar, Köşebaşı in Bahrain City Centre will be serving an extensive set menu costing BD11.5 per person or BD7 for children under twelve. The restaurant will open its doors at Iftar and close at 2am but is open for non-fasting individuals for take-away during the day from noon. Tel. +973 1717 2322

At the Golden Tulip Bahrain this Ramadan the Afandi Ramadan tent is back with music, games, raffles, delicious food, shisha and a cosy atmosphere for BD10 net minimum charge per person.

You can also visit the lavish and traditional Iftar buffet in the Gilgamesh ballroom which features a daily raffle draw at BD10.5 net. Children below six eat for free and kids between seven and 13 pay just 50 per cent of the regular charge. Customers can also book private Iftar and Ghabgas for groups and families from 30 to 350 people. Tel. +973 1753 5000.

Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park

LPOD will be hosting a number of exciting events and promotions in Ramadan including a BD12 entry which includes a meal or locker for free (those under 1.2m pay BD5).

The park will be open from 8pm to 2am on weekdays (apart from Tuesdays) and 4pm to 2am on weekends with an Iftar buffet on offer. Plus, there will be a beach football tournament every Saturday throughout Ramadan.

Coral Bay

This Ramadan, Coral Bay’s Lebanese restaurant Rayes will offer an Iftar and Ghabga menu. In addition to this, a Ramadan tent will be put up on the seaside terrace for that real Arabic Ramadan feeling. Both venues will be featuring a variety of dishes and can be enjoyed while listening to live Arabic music in Rayes and live acoustic oud in the tent. The tent will also be available for private ghabgas and special functions. Tel. +973 1731 2700.

PAUL Bakery & Restaurant

116 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Gulf Hotel

Gulf Hotel’s wide range of outlets have a selection of offerings this month. The Persian Takht Jamsheed is holding an Iftar buffet until 9pm for BD14. Al Waha is open from Iftar until 10.30pm and is providing an extensive buffet and open kitchen for BD14. This year’s Ghabga tent caters to 600 people and features a spectacular buffet from 9pm to 2am on weekdays for BD13 and 9pm to 3am on weekends (Thursdays and Fridays) for BD15. VIP areas and semi-private rooms will also be available for those who prefer to dine majlis style. For Eid, Gulf Hotel’s Lebanese restaurant Zahle will launch a new entertainment programme on Eid day with an exclusive dinner set menu. Special Eid buffets will also be served for the three days in Al Waha for both lunch and dinner. Moreover, Zahle and Takht Jamsheed will be serving lunch buffets for the two days following Eid. And as if that’s not enough, during Ramadan, a surprise exclusive concert will be announced for Eid day! Tel. +973 1771 3000.

PAUL Bakery & Restaurant

This Ramadan, PAUL Bakery & Restaurant has chosen a ‘refreshment’ theme for their special set menu. Targeted at those who are looking for a lighter alternative to the rather heavy Iftar menus, the choice of dishes are refreshingly different for Ramadan.

The four-course menu served from Iftar time onwards for BD9.9 includes a choice of soup, salad, main course and dessert; tea or black coffee as well as Jallab are also included. Examples of dishes on offer are the rocca salad with blue cheese, watermelon, olives and tarragon dressing. As a main course customers can choose between four dishes, for example the beef tenderloin grilled with garlic, beans, tomato, sweet mashed potato or the chicken and tomato skewers, served with basmati and wild rice sautéed spinach, cumin chickpeas and walnut pomegranate sauce. For non-fasters PAUL will offer take-away and for day-shoppers PAUL will also be offering their range of delectable pastries, cakes or freshly baked bread. Tel. +973 1717 2321 (BCC) or +973 1758 0073 (Seef Mall).

Dining Out Chicken Avocado Salad

Pepperoni Pizza

Buffalo Wings

Ric’s Loaded Pizza

Welcome to

Calzone

Ric’s Kountry Kitchen!

Have you stopped to get something to eat while running errands with the kids or felt like not cooking one night and piled everyone into the car?

O

r consider this, your friends want real grub, salivating on slivers of tender, succulent steaks or juicy hamburgers, and downing it with a favourite drink in hand – and you, well you just want to get homestyle, real, comfort food – and the atmosphere, yes that one has to be right.

Whether you belong to the former or latter category doesn’t really matter.

Your classic American restaurant, Ric’s Kountry Kitchen, is an inexpensive, family-friendly spot that serves up delicious food.

The restaurant’s Executive Chef, Roland Solberger, boasts an extensive experience developing menus and managing restaurants all over the world, from Asia to the Middle East as well the White House in the US. Roland and Rick Abernathy, the owner, are at the reins of Ric’s Kountry Kitchen’s superior quality food offerings. Only the best will do for these guys.

What’s the food like you ask? You can’t go wrong with their chicken avocado salad if what you want is a healthy, guilt-free but full-on

meal. This one is our all-time favourite, and ... hey, it should be yours too!

Ok no biases here, but with their entrées you’re simply spoilt for choice.

Try their bestsellers: beef briskets that have been marinated 48 hours prior which is why it’s so juicy and tender, you can use your fork to cut the meat. Our team also tried another stellar choice – their Buffalo Wings, which were simply to die for! If that wasn’t enough – we tucked

right choice.

Are you an early riser? Well, this is about the only place in town where you can get a classic American breakfast with your choice of sausages, bacons, biscuits and pancakes – from as early as 5.30am!

Fridays are a real treat at Ric’s too, with reasonably priced Sushi and Brunch specials on offer; or If you feel like chilling out and relaxing with friends and enjoy good music, the restaurant’s upstairs area hosts a live band from 3pm ‘til late daily.

At Ric’s Kountry Kitchen, your gastronomic experience is at its best in a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere with simply delicious food

“Only the best will do for these guys.” into the biggest Calzone we’ve ever seen.

It’s made in the traditional Italian way, stuffed with all the goodies inside – fresh mushrooms and cheese, tomatoes, sausages and just the right hint of fresh herbs. Not to forget that the restaurant makes its sandwiches and pizzas with only the finest and freshest of ingredients, so we had a dig at that too and decided we made quite the

Ric’s Kountry Kitchen now have a branch in Doha, Qatar. In Juffair, they’re open from 5.30am to 2am, daily. Deliveries and catering also available. For more information, Tel. +973 1772 5550 or visit www.ricskountrykitchen.com

Chicken Caesar Salad

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 117

Gastro

Taste The

Hong Kong of

Learn how to make Hong Kong restaurant’s famous ‘Peking Prawns’ dish to spice up your Ramadan evenings.

Hot green chilli

Directions:

Peking Prawns

Prawns

Ingredients:

Tomato paste

(how much to use of each depends on your taste preferences)

For the batter:

10 jumbo prawns

1 tsp salt

Salt to taste

1 tbsp baking powder

1 tbsp corn starch

1 cup water

All purpose flour

Water

1 cup all purpose flour

Ginger Garlic Hot green chilli Ketchup 118 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

Ginger

1. Marinate the jumbo prawns in salt and corn starch.

2. Mince ginger, garlic and hot green chilli.

3. Prepare a syrup by mixing ketchup, tomato paste and water.

4. Prepare batter.

5. Heat some oil in a pan so it becomes very hot and then fry the prawns, pouring the batter over them. Fry until golden.

6. Remove from heat and set aside for 30 seconds before refrying so that the batter becomes crispy and inside remains tender.

Remove from heat again.

7. Separately fry the minced ginger, garlic and hot green chilli.

8. Mix in the syrup and then throw the prawns back in and overturn a few times.

9. Enjoy!

Gastro

Lamb Bokhari Create a Lamb Bokhari this Ramadan using Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain’s Chef Kamal’s very own recipe.

Ramadan at the Mövenpick Silk’s restaurant has undergone massive renovations since last Ramadan so dining at Basmati rice Iftar throughout the Holy 1 tsp Cumin powder Month here is going Carrot (sliced) 50 g Tomato paste to be very different.

Red onion (diced) Expect elegance Cloves in a contemporary Tomato (cubed) setting with delicious Cardamom traditional dishes.

Lamb leg (cubed) Find out more in the Cinnamon stick Not To Be Missed: Yellow raisins Ramadan section Salt for seasoning at the beginning of Ghee this issue of Bahrain Confidential.

Enough for four people

Ingredients: 500 g

200 g

100 g 5 pcs 400 g 5 pcs 500 g 1 small 200 g

70 g

Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win Do you want to be in with a chance of winning a free voucher for two to Mövenpick’s Iftar buffet? Then all you have to do is answer these three simple questions (and get a little help from the front of the magazine):

Q: How much is the Iftar price at the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain?

A. BD11+ B. BD12+ C. BD12.5+ Q: What’s the name of the main restaurant at the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain?

A. Silk’s B. Flamingo C. Al Murjan Q: What’s the price of the Ghabga at the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain?

A. BD12+ B. BD16+ C. BD13+ Please send your answers along with name, phone number and your favourite section of the magazine (all information given will remain strictly confidential) to competition@ArabianMagazines.com with ‘Movenpick competition’ as the subject.

Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win

Silk’s Arabic chef Kamal with Mövenpick’s Food and Beverage Manager Francesco Agus

Directions

1. Wash the rice and let it soak in water for about 20 minutes.

2. In the meantime, fry the onions in the ghee till golden, add the carrots and stir-fry for another 5 minutes.

3. Add the lamb, tomatoes, cumin, tomato paste, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and salt.

4. Add 3 cups of water and simmer until meat is soft.

(About 40 minutes.)

5. Add the rice and cover the pot with aluminium foil and keep on low fire till the rice is soft.

(Takes around 30 minutes.)

6. Garnish with fried onions, raisins and cashew nuts.

August 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.

Muay Thai Quick Meal For Dining/Take Away/Delivery Tel. 7704 0454, 3779 0977

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.

Japanese

American

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.

Ric’s Kountry Kitchen 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 Mondo Restaurant 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.

Sato

Middle Eastern Kosebası 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.

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.

Seafood Le Perle

of dark polished wood, low-lighting and a curious mural adorning a wall.

The Butcher Shop & Grill 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.

Café

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.

Café T

Asian

PAUL Bakery & Restaurant

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.

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.

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.

Steakhouses Plums The Ritz-Carlton, Tel. 1758 0000 Great steaks served in a suave and subtle room

120 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

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

August 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 | August 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

Enigma Windsor Tower Hotel Tel. 1729 7000

The Harvester Crowne Plaza Hotel Tel. 1753 1122

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.

Al Areen Palace and Spa Crowne Plaza Diplomat Radisson Blu Gulf Mövenpick The Ritz-Carlton Sheraton Golden Tulip Dragon Hotel & Resort

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

Sherlock Holmes Gulf Hotel Tel. 1771 3000

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

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

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.

Wrangler’s Best Western Hotel Tel. 1782 7600

Jawad Business Group Restaurant Locations Burger King

1784 5000 1753 1122 1753 1666 1771 3000 1746 0000 1758 0000 1753 3533 1753 5000 1603 3833

Trader Vic’s The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa, Tel. 1758 0000

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.

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.

Hotel & Resorts Five-Star Hotels

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.

Warbler Baisan International Hotel Tel. 1729 0600

Rock Bottom Cafe 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.

Tracks Crowne Plaza Hotel Tel. 1753 1122

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.

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.

The Exchange Ramada Hotel Tel. 1774 2000

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.

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.

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.

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

August 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 | August 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

3960 7219 3968 7190

Darts Balouch Club Sri Lanka Club

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

Wellbeing Kelly Armatage Inc. Offering counselling, life coaching and cognitive behavioural therapy sessions Mob: 39931399 Email: info@kellyarmatage.com www.kellyarmatage.com

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

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 125

Funny

LOL

Some funny stuff that made the Confidential team giggle this month ...

Children

Are Quick

There’s nothing better than a perfectly timed photo!

TEACHER: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor?

JOHN: You told me to do it without using the tables. ................................................................

TEACHER: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?

DONALD: H I J K L M N O. TEACHER: What are you talking about?

DONALD: Yesterday you said it’s H to O. ................................................................

TEACHER: Millie, give me a sentence starting with ‘I’.

MILLIE: I is ...

TEACHER: No, Millie ... Always say, ‘I am.’

MILLIE: All right ... ‘I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.’ .................................................................

TEACHER: Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested?

HAROLD: A teacher.

Forget Star Wars think Dog Wars

Killer was fired as a watch dog and looking for employment. Anyone?

126 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

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.

Leo – Salmon

22 July – 21 August

This is your month to shine, so turn it up a notch. If there’s a part of your life that feels stagnant, give it a jolt of creative energy or simply remove it. Quick answers, great wit and numerous insights are easy to find so this is a good time to write and communicate with real originality. Inventions and breakthroughs are possible.

Virgo - Brown Bear

22 August - 21 September

It is important this month to find healthy ways to relieve an emotional situation. Overeating for example is no solution. It is time to pull yourself out of the rut as you have a great deal of love to share with the world. This is a time when you can put your practical insights into words and convey them to others.

Libra - Crow

22 September - 22 October

You have a knack for handling authority and problem solving.

This is handy as you may be solving issues that have recently popped up. Rest assured that whatever you visualise will likely materialise in the near future. Remember keeping things balanced in your world means getting your needs met as well so don’t sacrifice your well-being just to maintain peace.

Scorpio - Snake

23 October - 22 November

There’s nothing you hate more than an inflated ego but one might block your progress this month, so be on the lookout for people trying to get a bigger slice of the pie than they deserve. Someone may be trying to take advantage of your generous spirit but don’t allow yourself to get overemotional. The trick is to find the win-win solution to the no-win situation and if anyone is ever up to it - you are now.

Sagittarius - Owl 23 November - 21 December

There is a dynamic energy in the air that’s fuelling your fire. An adventurous, high-spirited approach will get you where you need to go. You have the power to make important transformations that will help you in the future. You may not find support at this time but knowing that you will get your turn at whatever you want to learn or accomplish will give you patience.

Capricorn - Goose

22 December - 19 January

You’ve had the feeling it is time for you to change your image.

This could mean anything from a new hairdo or drastic weight loss - whichever, now is the month to get started. Don’t feel discouraged by people around you. Your heart might need a bit more attention than usual, so surround yourself with people who bring your spirits up.

Aquarius - Otter

20 January - 18 February

Some of your most cherished beliefs come under the limelight this month as new information and influences come into play. Educational projects require much study and may also involve travel. There is a need to see both sides of an issue and strike a fair balance in several basic ideas. In-depth conversations find you at your mental best.

Pisces - Wolf

19 February - 20 March

Obligations to yourself are important keys for your best potential now. There is a need for focus and careful analysis in career and health. Do what you know is right even though someone else might disagree with you. You know what’s best for you and the situation at hand. You have every right to state your opinion.

Aries - Falcon

21 March - 19 April

Close personal ties to other people are a focal point for your feelings. You may discover something new about love or adopt an unconventional value system for a time. Harmony and beauty are deeply satisfying - and the lack of them can be emotionally unsettling. Open your heart and freely express your love, because it will brighten up other people’s lives.

Peridot - August’s Birthstone

Taurus - Beaver 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

Give special attention to others this month. Remind people how much they mean to you. You feel a love of order and law, responsibilities and duty. Problems are valued for the lessons they represent, rather than perceived as obstacles. You are in a planning mood and are very clearheaded and able to view all the alternate paths.

Cancer - Woodpecker 21 June - 21 July

You may feel that you lack depth and feeling and proper communication skills this month. Anything other than the regular routine may take some real concentration efforts. Keep ongoing notes about your future plans nearby so that you can devote your thinking to the present. You may have a lot to learn regarding what is and what is not essential in life.

August 2011 | Bahrain Confidential | 127

Opinion

Personal views from KSA

Equal

by Mohammad T. Al Rasheed deusvolt@hotmail.com

L

et us say it one last time (I hope): Let them drive! I suppose we are the only country in the world that is still debating this moot point. Islamic countries, non-Islamic countries, countries that are not countries, nations that are not nations, and just about anything walking the face of this earth will not begrudge a woman the right to drive and experience the misery of our times.

In ancient times, they rode camels and wandered the desert alone. No one said a thing. Surely riding a camel in the middle of nowhere in the year 600 AD is more dangerous than driving from A to B in town.

The custodians of our religion who make up their own madness deem the act haram – not kosher in terms the Western reader can understand. How can a mechanical activity be kosher or not kosher? It is like saying cooking on a gas stove is haram and wood should be used instead. Logic? Yes, in its own mad way, it is their logic. The same applies to their notion of execution by beheading using a sword while buying state-of-the-art aircrafts for the army. Why not use swords in battles as it used to be? Perhaps Moslem armies might achieve something using a sword since they never achieved anything using a gun. At least swords were manufactured in Islamic countries and we know how to sharpen them when we know nothing about the layout of a Delta wing for example.

That same warped logic tells us that a woman being driven by a stranger in the middle of the night is the hallmark of morality and adherence to Islamic law. But

Footing Mohammed Al Rasheed tackles one of the most controversial and often talked about topics in Saudi Arabia – the denial of women’s right to drive. for her to drive herself to wherever she is going is immoral, illegal, haram, and the hallmark of temptation. So they legislate to allow for the father or husband to import a total stranger to drive the women around.

Other men who see a car with a woman in it being driven by a total stranger think it the right thing. Those same men who saw a woman defying the rules and driving herself around shouted obscenities at her that did not stop at them calling her a harlot.

We know nothing of irony in this place; otherwise, we would remind those people that a woman driving a car in a conservative society like Aswan, for

basic rights? This behaviour comes from masculine lack of confidence. And our men have no confidence in themselves or their capabilities. Compare scholastic achievements between boys and girls and you will see who comes out on top.

We lack the basic ingredients to boost our confidence. We are not allowed to choose our mentors, leaders, teachers, and not allowed to think for ourselves in matters political or religious.

We are always told what to do. Our critical faculties have become numb, much like an arm that is tied for a long period. Soon enough you will not feel any sensation in that arm. We have reached a point where our critical faculties are beyond being numb; it seems we no longer have them. What remains is obvious: no brain means use of force. You choose your own form of force, be it physical, mental, and/or issuing rules and regulations that keep the subject subjected.

I am the father of three girls, and, unlike many an Arab father, a proud one at that.

Two of them are of driving age and I relish the times outside the Kingdom when they drive me around. They are sane, measured, and full of confidence. They are a match for any kind of ‘man’ whose pants slip to show half his ugly behind and dirty underwear, and can navigate the streets of New York with ease. They don’t like being told what to do. They do not like to be ‘driven’ around as if they were mentally and physically retarded. They are educated and can joust intellectually with the best of them. What more is needed of a woman?

“The ban has nothing to do with religion or even local custom. It has to do with our inherent fear of women.”

128 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2011

example, is never called a harlot. Nor are all women in Islamic countries who drive their children to school anything of the sort.

Or are they all doomed in hellfire when the time comes? Worse, those same people allow their own daughters to drive when traveling but deny them the right when at home. Surely, the pathetic obscenity of this whole farce is clear enough especially when a man allows a female surgeon to cut him open but will not allow her to sit behind a wheel.

The truth is much simpler than what they want us to believe. The ban has nothing to do with religion or even local custom. It has to do with our inherent fear of women. We like to control them thinking that they are too dangerous to handle. And what better way to keep them ‘under control’ than to deny them their