Online edition at www.FashionArabia.net
Guide to Arabian life, luxury and fashion!
128
EXCLUSIVE!
Issue
The Spaceman Revealed What’s Inside
The Essential Guide to Going Out, this Eid What’s Jamming this Season!
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سبتمبر9 - أغسطس18
18 August - 9 september
Follow us on: Twitter@BahrainSummer Facebook.com/BahrainSummer Instagram/moc_bh
Media SponSorS NEWS
SponSorS
Contents August 2013 • Issue 128
Poetry 33
Poem: David Hollywood: Forever’s Found
Opinion
58 Kelly Armatage: Attacking Anxiety 62 John Ridley: How Do You Like Your Book? 69 Rehan Ahmed: Celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr!
Regulars
12 Not to Be Missed 20 New in Town 34 Technology 71 Society: Out & About
Exclusive Interview
38 The Space Man Revealed 100 ...’Cos We Are The Champions
Fashion
40 Juicy Couture 46 Michael Kors
Beauty, Health & Well Being 48 Beauty Buzz 56 Health Updates 50 Get Your Dream Abs & Hips! 128 Inspiration
Eid Special 70
Readers’ Speak
Juicy Pickings
24 Art Space: Compelling Creations 30 Sheer Lux 60 Travel: A Trip to Turkey 68 Books 106 Animals Are Beautiful People 116 Musicology 117 Entertainment
Cars
102 Car News 105 Jaguar’s Project 7
Gastro
111 Eid Special
Essential Listings
121 Recommended Restaurants, Nightspots, Essential Info, Beauty Spots, Sports and Fitness, Clubs and Associations.
42 118
Massimo Dutti
What to Watch this Summer
Be serenely beautiful this Ramadan This must-have make-up case is yours free with any qualifying purchase from July 25 to August 10*
*Limited to one piece per person. Offer valid while stocks last.
www.faces-me.com
Publishers: Nicholas & Rebecca Cooksey Editor in Chief: Rebecca Cooksey Editorial: Melissa Nazareth Jenny Ann Thomas Art Design: Noel De Juan Dhanraj S. Contributors
Eng. Rehan Ahmed Faisal Ebrahim Kelly Armatage David Hollywood John Ridley
Summer Intern
Ameena Adel Bucheeri Administration Nikesh Pola PR & Events Smily Andrews Photographer Shareef Panhatt Sales Account Manager Chelsea Copenhaver Zena Williams Business Development Redia Castillo Sueallen Menezes Distribution Distribution Executive Mohammed Yousif Muhammed Shareef P Rafnaj Regional Sales-Point Distribution Bahrain: Al Hilal Corporation
Tel. +973 1748 0800 UAE: Jashanmals Tel. +971 4341 9757 Online edition at www.FashionArabia.net
For Advertising Opportunities: Tel. +973 1782 2368 Email: sales@ArabianMagazines.com
Letter Dear Readers,
We can’t tell you how excited we are to present this issue to you; primarily because we have a whole lot of fun articles for you this month. Not that we don’t generally have entertaining stories but this time we’ve got some mooorreee! Like for instance, our music features … now you know that we started off the musicology page last month. Many of you even told us that you loved it (we love reading your emails guys, so keep ‘em messages coming!). This month we have so much more on music and yessss, we have an exclusive interview with one of THE most popular names in house music (pg 115). Readers’ Speak is another section that we intend to feature each month. This month we have your Eid messages (stay tuned for next month’s theme!). We value your feedback, guys so please keep interacting with us on Facebook (Bahrain Confidential) and Twitter (@confidentialBAH). We are now also on
Published by: Online edition
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at www.Fashion
y and fashion! ian life, luxur Guide to Arab
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IVE!
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
EXCLUS
What’s Inside al Guide
The Essenti this Eid to Going Out, g What’s Jammin ! this Season
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.
Issue
an
The Spacem Revealed
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Cover Credits: ‘Swims’
Instagram (@confidentialBAH) so make sure you add us for latest updates on what’s happening at the Confidential office! Fitness is the new beautiful; don’t forget to look up the secret to getting your very own uber hot bod (pg 50). Speaking of beautiful we have an exclusive with Bollywood’s diva Sonam Kapoor (pg 119); she tells us why she agreed to be paid only 11 rupees (that’s 700 fils!!!) for her latest blockbuster movie. Our car news section, this month has an exclusive on Bahrain’s car racing champions (pg 100); find out what makes them stay ahead in the ‘race’! Hope you had a fruitful Ramadan; here’s to a refreshed beginning; from all of us on the Confidential Team … Eid Mubarak!
The Bahrain Confidential Team
“Champions are made from something they have deep inside of them-a desire, a dream, a vision.” - Mahatma Gandhi
Happy Independence Day to all our Indian Readers!
Readers’ Letters
Dear Editor ...
apologies if Many thanks to all who wrote in last month and p us informed and your letter isn’t printed but we get so many. Kee keep us in check by sending comments to info@ArabianMagazines.com Online edition at www.FashionArabia.net
Guide to Arabian life, luxury and fashion!
128 Issue
EXCLUSIVE!
The Spaceman Revealed What’s Inside
The Essential Guide to Going Out, this Eid What’s Jamming this Season!
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!
127 Issue
EXCLUSIVE!
What’s Inside
Musicology!
Hello Guys. Hope you’re having a fruitful Ramadan and here is wishing you Eid Mubarak well in advance! Just dropped by to say that I really like reading Bahrain Confidential - your stories are really great; not something you get to see in most magazines. So keep up the good work. Also, the new section that you started – Musicology is really good. I was wondering if you guys would be interested in interviewing my friends who have a rock band. Thank you and keep it up! Sayed, Mahooz
Hello, Sayed! We had a great Ramadan and wish you and your loved ones a blessed Eid! We are always open to doing interesting stories and an interview with a rock band sounds great; we will surely consider it! Do drop us an email with the details and we will get in touch with you. You could even visit our Facebook page and inbox us the details there.
Charity Begins at Home Hello, this is Faheeda from Qatar. Read your July issue – it was fun and informative! The article ‘Making A Difference’ really touched me. It’s wonderful to know that there are people who still do so much for the society, for the world. Even the smallest act of kindness never goes unseen by the eyes of the Almighty. I think we should continue these acts of kindness even after Ramadan as it will make our world a better place to live in. Faheeda, Qatar
Thanks, Faheeda! We are touched that one of our stories made that difference, no matter how small. You are right, kindness never goes out of fashion and should be practiced at all times.
The Social Network
Making a Difference Summer in France 2014 JEEP Grand Cherokee
Dear Bahrain Confidential, I was going through your Facebook page and must say that you are doing well. It is more interactive now and keep up the good work!
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Online edition at www.FashionArabia.net
Guide to Arabian life, luxury and fashion!
126 Issue
Abdulla, Arad
Thanks, Sumaya! It’s all team-work and of course the love and support of our readers that keeps us going. We’re glad you liked our Facebook page. Do drop us a message; we look forward to interacting with our readers. Your feedback about the magazine is also welcome.
Boy – Do You Know George!
edding
Grandeur What’s Inside
BAHRAIN BD2 KSA SR20 KUWAIT KD2 OMAN RO2 QATAR QR20 UAE DHS20
Hahaha! Thanks, Paula! We love his work too and really enjoyed interviewing him. Will try and feature evergreen music artists in our future issues. Keep the love, for good music going!
Exotic Holiday Destinations Couture Fashion Boys’ Toys
8 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
Marilyn Monroe
I just had one word to say, guys – OH MY GOD! I was so happy to see Boy George’s interview in your July issue, it was really good. Actually, my mom is a huge fan and I’ve learned to love his songs as I’ve seen my mother listening to them since I was little kid. Please do interview more artists from the yester years. Good luck! Paula, Juffair
Goodie Foodie Hello. Here is wishing all of you a blessed Eid! Keep up the good work. Could you feature more recipes in your magazine? You used to do that earlier but now it’s been a while. It’s fun trying new dishes and reading about good food! Zeina
Thanks, Zeina! We will surely consider what you’ve said – we love good food! Thanks so much for your feedback.
From 70 BHD WIN A FREE MEMBERSHIP AT THE DOMAIN The Domain Bahrain – an exciting social club and luxury boutique hotel – opens on the first day of Eid Al Fitr 2013. Stay with us and get a first taste of how The Domain plans to shake up Bahrain. Two of our extraordinary social spaces will be open. Le Domain [34] for South of France cuisine & Le Sauvage where we redefine “man food”. Our Summer Rates – from BHD 70* - are available until 10 September 2013. You want to be a Domain Member? Then book now via our website www.thedomainhotels.com, email: reservations@thedomainhotels.com or call +973 16 000 100 * Terms & Conditions: • Rate is excl. Breakfast, 15% service charge and 5% government levy. • Offer valid only between Eid al Fitr and 10th of September 2013. • To be eligible to win a free membership you need to be a GCC resident and stay min 1 night at The Domain Bahrain. • Winners are contacted after September 15th 2013.
The Domain, Diplomatic Area, Manama, Bahrain Tel: +973 16 000 000 /thedomainbahrain
@domainbahrain
@domainbahrain
STAY
WORK
PLAY
Gossip
Celebrity News Bahrain Confidential’s tribute to lives lost at Hollywood, Bollywood and YouTube
Legendary Bollywood Villan Bids Good-bye Bollywood lost one of its most loved and veteran actors, Pran Krishan Sikand last month. The 93 year old has appeared in over 350 films over the span of his career and has also won a plethora of awards and recognitions for his brilliant performances. No less than the Godfather of Indian cinema, Pran took villainy to a whole new level.
Loss of the Glee Star
31-year-old Glee star, Cory Monteith was found dead at the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel in Vancouver. It was later discovered that his death was due to an overdose of mixed drug toxicity, involving heroin and alcohol. The star had been struggling with drugs since the age of 13. In April, he voluntarily checked himself into rehab. Monteith and his Glee co-star Lea Michele were reportedly planning to take their relationship to the next level and get married before the star’s tragic death.
Cory Monteith
Newbie, Jiah Khan Shocks Fans Talia Joy
Must-watch Pran Movies Madhumati Upkar Amar Akbar Anthony Zanjeer
Keep swimming Taila
Pran Krishan Sikand
10 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
On the 16th of July 2013, 13 year old YouTube star Talia Joy passed away after struggling with a form of nerve cancer called neuroblastoma for six years. After being cancer free for some time, she received the hearbreaking news that her cancer had returned. Ultimately she decided not to have a bone marrow transplant because she wanted to enjoy her remaining time left. Throughout her battle, she constantly posted Vlog posts and her last YouTube video was actually a CancerVlog video after being in the hospital for a month. Talia has been an inspiration and she has touched hearts all around the world. Before passing away, she wished there was a bald girl emoji and now her fans are trying to make her wish true with the hashtag #BaldGirlEmoji. RIP Talia and to all those who have lost their battle to this sickness, we know you are in a better place.
Jiah Khan, an American born British Indian actress, model and singer recently committed suicide, allegedly due to problems she was facing with boyfriend Suraj Pancholi. Having started her career at the tender age of 18, Khan had been doing extremely well and had also been receiving quite a bit of recognition for her acting. She was most praised for her role as supporting actress in the Bollywood flick Ghajini, opposite Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan. Jiah was a fresh face and undoubtedly a promising actor; her fans will surely miss her!
Jiah Kha
Find us on
BD 25 Unlimited Golf Deal! Create unrivalled memories by taking advantage of the Royal Golf Club’s best ever summer green fee promotion – pay just BD 25 per person for unlimited golf on the Montgomerie championship course, all day long! Then, cool off after your game with free access to the country club’s temperature-controlled swimming pool! This rate is inclusive of access to practice facilities prior to tee off, all green fees, shared golf cart and pool access. To book your unlimited golf, call +973 17 750777. Terms & Conditions: • Bookings may only be made within a one week window and are subject to availability.
• Offer valid until 31st August 2013 only and may not be used in conjunction with any other discount or promotion.
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
What’s On
Missed Not To Be
For more events, gastro, parties & nightlife turn to pages 109 - 114
29th to 31st August Bahrain Summer Salsa Boot Camp
Salsa de Bahrain along with Al Bander Resort officially launched Bahrain Summer Salsa (BSS) Boot Camp, last month. Well known local artists like Havaneros and Mirza al Sharif as well 18 international artists like Moe Flex and Jhon & Milady will be there. They will also be teaching some interesting techniques during the boot camp. For further information email: bssbootcamp@gmail.com
e s i d a r a P t s o L of Dilmun
LPOD’s Big Splash
10-Day Eid Celebrations!
After the success of its 3-week Summer Festival, which witnessed over 30,000 guests, the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark (LPOD) brings you its 10-day Eid Celebrations! Enjoy family fun activities including facepainting, balloon twisting and magic shows. All are invited to participate in the body painting competition, DJ Competition and video gaming championship. The waterpark comes alive with a high octane live performance by bands and guest DJ’s who will get you grooving with their Arabic & English rhythms. LPOD offers more than 18 slides and attractions plus other exciting features such as the Bungee Trampoline, Football Interactive game and the relaxing Fish Spa.
Ladies’ Night
Every Thursday from 6pm to 12am Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park is in Al Areen, near Al Zallaq, Tel. +973 1784 5100. Visit: www.lpodwaterpark.com
12 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
8th August
Oppa Gangngam Style!
Groove to a live band show featuring world famous artist PSY’s cover performance, for the very first time in Bahrain! Dennis has studied music orchestra and conducting drama and Italian opera before moving to Ireland. More recently, he has been recognised as the official look alike of Korean pop star PSY and is also set to host a reality show about nightlife around the world. Tickets worth BD10/20/25/35/50/60 are available at Cinnabon Café, Caribou Café and also online. For reservations and further information call on, Tel. +973 3312 6616.
5th September Anniversary Celebrations!
Arguably the largest mall in the Kingdom, Bahrain City Centre (BCC) is celebrating its fifth anniversary in September! There is an exclusive and exciting line up of month-long activities being planned for you and your family. Don’t forget to drop by the interactive display at the mall’s Central Galleria.
City Walkers Programme
(On-going throughout the year) BCC invites you to participate in its City Walkers Programme which is completely free for residents and it’s led by a certified instructor. Walkers just need to show up at the Ground Floor Customer Service Desk and be ready to get fit! All participants also receive an exclusive ‘City Walkers’ T-Shirt after joining three sessions. No prior registration required. Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 9am to 10am. For more information contact, Tel. +973 1717 7771 Log into: www.facebook.com/ BahrainCityCentre Twitter: @BahrainCityCtr Instagram: BahrainCityCentre
What’s On
3 1 0 2 R E M M U S BAHRAIN
d e s s i M e B o Not T
alien realm where things are not what they appear to be. This is a show not to miss.
Daily: 18th August to 9th September
Title: Nakhool City
Venue: BiECC (Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre) Time: 10am to 4pm This event is free Summer is finally here and with it returns Nakhool! With Nakhool City you will enter a world of color with enchanting shows, educational activities and interactive attractions. Its entertainment for the whole family!
Sanostra
Time: 5pm and 8pm Tickets required Whether you’re planning an entertaining night for the family or wish to go on a trip down memory lane this is the performance for you. Based on the ever-popular Scooby-Doo animated series, the musical includes original script and soundtrack with the beloved cast of characters.
1st September
Title: Mohammed Assaf
18th August
Title: Magida El Roumi – A Message of Peace & Love
Venue: To be announced Time: 8pm Minimum age 8 Tickets required The dulcet voice of Magida El-Roumi will reach out and touch both the body and mind. You will not be disappointed by her heartfelt performance and soothing voice. In her concert ‘A Message of Love & Peace’ she will acoompany you in an unforgettable evening filled with nostalgia and hope. She is truly an artist like no other.
21st to 25th August
Title: Scooby-Doo Live! Musical Mysteries
Venue: BiECC(Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre)
14 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
29th to 30th August
Title: Sanostra – Face It!
Sanostra
20th August Mohammed Assaf
Magida El-Roumi
Venue: To be announced Time: 8pm Tickets required Winner of the smash hit show Arab Idol, the Palestinian young man Mohammed Assaf, is coming to Bahrain for one of the biggest performance in Bahrain Summer Festival 2013. The concert will be one of his major shows after his win and will surely be a memorable experience for all his fans.
Venue: BiECC Time: 7pm Tickets required The performances put on by the German group Sanostra feature an amazing collection of talented dancers and acrobats. The modern projection techniques used by the group transform the venue into an
Title: Reflection of Thais
Venue: Cultural hall Time: 8pm This event is free Seating in this venue is limited; therefore early attendance is highly advised A performance by three Thai artists (a Soprano, violist and pianist) from princess galyanivadhana institute of Music of Thailand. The audience will enjoy this enchanting musical journey, which features the sweet notes of the timeless classics les Misérables, phantom of the opera, and classical repertoire such as Schumann’s viola Sonata, as well as a contemporary interpretation of classical Thai music.
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What’s On 8th to 9th September
Title: Mystic India – The World Tour
BAHRAIN SUMMER 2013
Not To Be Missed Mystic India
Venue: BiECC (Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre) Time: 8pm Tickets required With this spectacular performance that transforms the stage into a colourful swirling vortex of movement you will feel as if you are in the middle of your favorite Bollywood film. You will travel across time to reveal the ancient traditions that gave India its identity. Contact:www.bahrainsummer.bh follow on twitter @BahrainSummer, facebook.com/BahrainSummer, Instagram @moc_bh
Farida Mohammad
5th September
Title: Farida Mohammad
Time: 8pm Tickets required Do not miss out on a show by the acclaimed performer of the iraqi maqaam, Fareeda. She is commonly considered to be one of the most distinguished female voices of her generation thanks to her incredible vocal range and commanding stage presence.
Mystic India
Black Lime
Black Lime, is a 5-piece rock fusion band from Bahrain. Their music style varies from classic rock, grunge, heavy, alternative and orbit rock. They recently won second place at the Kingdom’s most popular Battle Of The Bands. Having gained considerable recognition they now also play on other shows.
Watch this space for their upcoming events!
Black Lime
1st to 3rd August Bahrain Shopping Festival
BiECC (Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre)
16 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
27th September
Toploader at the Dilmun Club
Get grooving at your favourite band, the Toploader performs live at the Dilmun Club with supporting performances by three bands – the Revival Band, Muskillaz and Past Masters. Time: 7pm onwards Tickets: Available on www.togertherinbahrain.com or at reception. BD20 for concert only & BD35 VIP All Inclusive (Food & Drinks included). For inquiries call on, Tel. +973 1769 0926 or email: dilclub@batelco.com.bh
Toploader
Events
FamilyRoyaFl GoulfnClub At The
Troon Family Golf The Royal Golf Club is proud to announce the immediate launch of the Troon Family Golf initiative at the Club. This yearround programme gives youngsters the opportunity to take advantage of the following great benefits: Juniors golf for free after 3pm when playing with a paying adult * Juniors enjoy complimentary hire clubs all day * Juniors receive complimentary instruction when taking a lesson with a paying adult * The programme is available every day of the week, all year long, at participating Troon managed facilities worldwide. * Terms & conditions apply.
Gastro Club Membership Success
Troon Family Golf
restaurants, as well as a number of food and beverage vouchers and access to a Members’ only area during Ramadan, all at a cost of just BD60 per year. The Royal Golf Club’s three public restaurants are Café T, located at the Royal Golf Academy for light, casual dining, Prego Italian restaurant which boasts a large outdoor terrace overlooking the pool, and Links, an international restaurant, awarded “Best Friday Brunch” in the Time Out Bahrain Restaurant Awards in 2011 and 2012.
Three Months Free Membership Deal
Gastro Club Membership Success Sales of the Royal Golf Club’s newly launched “Gastro Club” membership are going strong with nearly 50 new members already signed up. Gastro Club Members enjoy generous discounts in all three of the Club’s public
18 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
Become a member of the spectacular Royal Golf Club this summer where, for a limited time only, we are offering a 15 month membership for the price of 12 months on corporate membership. Members enjoy unlimited access to Bahrain’s only grass, championship standard golf courses, discounts in the shop, golf academy and award-winning restaurants, access to gym and country club facilities, preferential rates on meeting
and conference facilities and a whole host of other exciting benefits, both locally and internationally at other Troon facilities.
August Dining Promotions Links Friday Carvery Feast at Links Lounge & Restaurant Classic roast carvery buffet with all the trimmings plus live cooking stations. Special buffet table for the kids. BD18 net per person (Member’s discount applies). Kids under twelve BD9.5 inclusive of selected soft drinks. When: Every Friday, after Ramadan from midday to 4pm
August Golf Events Wee Monty Family Day every Saturday at only BD15 per adult. Kids play free! Inclusive of green fee and hire clubs. Tee times from 8am to 2pm. Open to all. Ecco Monday Stableford every Monday. 1pm to 1.30pm shotgun. Open to all. Nandos Monday Madness Night Golf Series every Monday. 6.30pm shotgun. Different format each week. Open to all. For further information on all above events and offers call Tel. +973 1775 0777 or visit www.theroyalgolfclub.com
New In Town
BHS, Old … in a New Bottle
Your favourite fashion retail store is all set to redefine fashion and value with its improved store at Seef Mall. A catchy grey and white colour scheme, slick new lighting and a well-used space ensures that you get your ultimate shopping experience! Enjoy selecting from a wide range of apparel, accessories and home needs for you and your family, at great prices.
StreetSmart Bahrain, Edition 2013
SteetSmart Bahrain, a comprehensive travel guide to this beautiful island was launched in March last year. Adopted by Bahrain’s Ministry of Culture, as a tourismmarketing tool, this little book tells you all that you need to know about the Kingdom’s art spaces, shopping destinations, food-joints and more. It has sold numerous copies since its launch and is now out with its brand new edition, featuring 25 new listings, additional restaurant reviews, retail outlets, and the Bahrain National Theatre. Streetsmart Bahrain 2013 is available for BD7.9, at leading bookshops in Bahrain.
New In
Town Bahrain Confidential fill you in on the who, what, why, when and where in Bahrain! Rasasi’s New Series
Rasasi Perfumes extended its La Yuqawam Oriental Collection with the Orchid Prairie and Tobacco Blaze series. La Yuqawam means irresistible in Arabic and believe us this is one fragrance range you have to buy this Eid! The Men series has saffrony tones while the Women series is more floral. Available in beautifully tarnished and chic 75 ml bottles with elegantly rounded curves. You can pick this one at select Rasasi exclusive stores across UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Intraceuticals at Purple Patchouli
Small Country, Big Humour!
Popular Bahraini comedian, Waddah Swar bagged the title for Funniest Comedian, at the ‘KitKat Comdey Break’ challenge. Around 200 submissions across the Arab world were shortlisted to the final 10 of which Swar was declared the winner. Waddah started comedy years ago in the United States when he was at university, and has since performed alongside some of the world’s biggest stars including Eddie Griffin, Omid Djalili and Gabriel Iglasias, MozJobrani. Commenting on the win, he exclaimed, “We are a little country but we make big things happen!”
Purple Patchouli invites you to pamper your skin with Intraceuticals; the only brand to offer a treatment with a serum specially formulated to be infused deep into the skin with oxygen under pressure. Bahrain Confidential got a taste of this treatment at the official launch of Purple Patchouli; it’s refreshing and nourishing, perfect for the merciless summers on the island. Go ahead and indulge a little with this one! Located at Al A’ali Mall.
20 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
New In Town
Caprisa, Now in Bahrain!
Al Rashid Group, A Division of Landmark Retail, opened their first Carpisa store in Seef Mall, Bahrain. Hop by the store and take your pick from a wide range of bags, luggage, leather goods and fashion accessories; Caprisa offers excellent value with high-quality Italian design and styling for both ladies and men. They also operate in 13 stores across the UAE, KSA and Kuwait. Founded in 2001, Carpisa has built up one of the leading European retail networks in fashion handbags and luggage and now expanding their wings in the Gulf Region.
Offsetting CO2 Emissions
The Diplomat Radisson Blu is partnering with the United Nations Environment Programme for the CO2 Offset programme. Guests who book the hotel space to conduct their meetings can now offset the carbon emissions caused by the equipment they use etc. The programme is dedicated to plant one tree in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley for every ton of carbon offset, to balance out the equivalent CO2 associated with meetings and to make meetings 100 per cent carbon neutral. Radisson Blu is the first hotel in Bahrain to promote offsetting of carbon dioxide emissions. This CO2 offsetting is part of the hotel’s Responsible Business (Think Planet) programme, which supports global environmental initiatives. The programme is also available for all Club Carlson for Planners members. Guests will receive points for each booking made.
Dragon City
Instead of traveling 6+ hours to China, Diyar Al-Muharraq is bringing China to you! A multimillion-dinar, Chinesethemed shopping complex, which will host over 100 Chinese companies and businesses. Should be ready by September 2014. The complex will be managed by Chinamex as there was an agreement between the Chinese company and Diyar seeing as they have experience with such projects such as with Dragon Mart, Dubai. This project is expected to attract half a million visitors a year in addition of increasing foreign investment.
22 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
Le Chocolat’s Hatrick!
Le Chocolat café restaurant, owned and operated by the Jasmi’s Corporation WLL recently opened its third branch in the Diplomatic area. Spanning over 492.61 sqm, the new branch consists of a ground floor and first floor, and can accommodate 120 people. With comfortable seating set in a pleasant and welcoming ambience this restaurant is all set to offer customers a great dining experience. Le Chocolat serves authentic French cuisine. In addition it also offers a line of Italian and Middle Eastern dishes. The Diplomatic Area being the central business hub of Bahrain, is close to a number of major office centers of renowned companies in Bahrain, and serves as an ideal destination to have business luncheons, meetings and staff get-togethers.
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Art Space
Latifa For 16 year old Latifa Khalil AlKhayat, painting is more than just something she enjoys doing in her free time. It is far from being merely a hobby or an interest. It is her passion! It occupies her mind as she pictures her new creations even when she is far away from a canvas or brush. Bahrain Confidential’s Ameena Adel speaks to this young artist and her ongoing journey with art. 24 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
Art Space
H
ow did you begin your journey with art? My interest in art was obvious at the age of 5. However, it was only after I moved to Thailand in 2008 and enrolled into a school that nurtured and appreciated art, that I was more drawn into it. Luckily, when I moved back to Bahrain I entered the British School of Bahrain where they highly regard art. I began taking art as an academic subject. Is art viewed in Thailand as it is viewed in Bahrain? Regardless of what country you are at, the perspective of art differs from one school to another. However, I feel Thailand encourages art more. Art is just beginning to be appreciated in Bahrain. I want to see more schools in Bahrain encouraging art, as many schools only offer art classes for younger students. It’s not fair for many students who are talented and interested in the field. Its good to have your math and science but art is important as well. How do you develop a painting? I always begin with my sketchbook, even if it’s a large-scale painting that I want to work on. After dawning the main outline of the painting, I usually research different paintings and add artist influence. Also, I add some more techniques and textures. My work is very abstract but I like to add realism to my work as well. I’d like to think of how no one else in the world has even created what I’m about to paint before. What is the best thing about being an artist? It’s a nice way of getting my mind off things; it’s like a getaway and I don’t have to worry about anything else while I’m working on my art. When do you know when a painting is finished? It takes a lot of thought to decide, but I know it’s finished when I find a balance between the colours and textures that I’m satisfied with. I also use photography sometimes because that way I’ll be able to judge if it’s done or not by looking at it differently and in a much smaller size. What keeps you excited and interested in painting? Different aspirations and ideas. Also, new modern artistic concepts that emerge
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 25
Art Space
are something I find very interesting. I am currently interested in the use of light and the use of different materials. How do you feel when people interpret your art differently? I think it’s a good thing when people interpret your art differently, especially when it’s an abstract piece. But I also really like it when people actually snatch the actual idea behind it because its really difficulty to figure out what the work is based on. Who do you feel has supported you all the way? My parents have been extremely supportive, they’ve always encouraged me to pursue and practice my talents. Also, a lot of credit goes to my teacher (Poonam Ridgway). She really made me believe in myself. She pushed me further and allowed me to experiment with different styles which helped me discover the artist I am. Lastly, family and friends have been a great help I’m very thankful for, especially when it comes to carrying some huge pieces! Would you ever consider art as a career? I would always dedicate a lot of myself to art, however, as a career I’d like to study architecture and civil engineering. This would allow me to incorporate all my interests in one profession. But one day, maybe after I finish my A levels, I may start selling my paintings
Latifa Khalil Al-Khayat
26 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
Interview their own area of specialisation and with their valuable insights. It’s a more inhouse developed concept rather than one developed by outside agencies. “We have our brand identity and ethos – Stay Work Play – engrained into everything that we’ve created. This philosophy combines leisure with business and that’s what we offer our guests and colleagues. I also believe in giving a substantial level of freedom to my colleagues. For instance, most hotels have a standard procedure as to what to say when they answer calls. Not at The Domain! This is a place for grown ups and so I want to give my team complete professional freedom.” He clarifies that he isn’t here to redefine how hospitality should function but is keen on making a difference.
Social Club
The Domain, Bahrain Patrick de Groot
Bahrain Confidential interviews Managing Director, Patrick de Groot.
28 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
T
he Domain Hotels will open their first property in Bahrain and the Middle East with a soft launch on first day of Eid-ul-Fitr, with selection of rooms and suites, as well as 2 of our 9 social spaces. Le Sauvage – grillroom and Le Domain [34] – south of France cuisine. Rest of the social spaces, remainder of the rooms and suites as well as 2 floors of Wellness will open on 15th September. The hotel is located in Manama’s Diplomatic District. Patrick explains how The Domain will be different from other hotels in the Kingdom. “We approached this as a hotel development from scratch and so we’re not affected by any corporate standards or culture,” he says. “This hotel is a result of two years of development work and ten years of conceptual thinking.” The Domain has hired experienced hoteliers from across various existing hotels each coming from
The Domain is a social members’ club inhabited by a luxury boutique hotel. We discuss some of the hotel’s innovative features and Patrick tells us about The Domain Manager. “I’m a business traveler and so I know that having someone to take care of everything from A to Z is very helpful. Our Domain Managers provide personal assistance for whatever you may need during your stay in Bahrain.” He explains how this service starts from the moment a booking is made. “A guest may realise that he/she is going to arrive late and needs to get ready for a meeting after checking into the hotel. Right from arranging for clothes to be ironed for the meeting to offering a quick lunch or in case she is a lady guest offering a quick touch-up on her nails – we do it all!” “Social engagement is at the core of our business,” he says citing another example of how The Domain is a social club. “In addition to Domain managers we also interact with our guests, online. There is a new application that we intend to offer – the Conversation. It is a Facebook like platform that both members and guests can download onto their devices and it allows them to communicate with other members.” The Conversation also gives guests access to information that you typically find in compendium binders, in hotel rooms. Guests don’t have to be in the hotel to use this application. “Suppose one of our guests is a film director who is on the lookout for interesting sights in the kingdom and is perhaps interested in learning about various locales, our Domain Manager could facilitate making an introduction to a Domain member who is a photographer and could in return assist the guest. Anthology, at The Domain is the world’s first dedicated social video lounge with live media presented by a DJ/ VJ. It brings online content including comedy, fashion, art, cult documentaries and Arab short films into a playful, interactive setting, with drinks and light bites for lively pre-dinner or after-party fun. Anthology can also be used as a media
Interview
The Domain Suite
Library, Art Nouveau setting and great city views add to the charm of the place.
Espirit de Corps
Patrick is happy that he has been able to attract a fantastic team of people across a variety of hotel brands, for this project. “I’ve worked with most of these people in the past.” There is so much potential in each of them and I suppose it’s the developingsomething-from-scratch magic that has appealed to them. I‘ve always loved the entrepreneurial side of things too. Everyday there is something new and you’re looking at a different component. Patrick believes in meticulous planning. “It’s important to put yourself in your guests’ and colleagues’ shoes; basically foresee every step of the way.” He also considers team work important and believes that a great product
“The Domain is a social members’ club inhabited by a luxury boutique hotel.” restaurants with a distinct duality of spirit, offering two distinct prospects: lighter French food with crisp, seasonal flavors and classic, hearty roasts – slow, deep, rich, meaty. It is a perfect place for groups with differing moods and mixed tastes, the calorie conscious and vegetarians and carnivores alike. This floor is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Le Sauvage is a leather-bound, masculine grill room with an open kitchen, where curated cuts of meat are prepared and served with classic French side dishes to share. The vibe in the restaurant is proudly Mad Men. Le Domain [34] offers South of France cuisine – fresh, sunny and light, made vibrant with Provencal herbs, olive oil, market vegetables, seafood and wine. An extensive glass Wine
“Apart from opening on time we aim to bring to life what we have on paper – make The Domain an actual meeting place.” He also shares his expansion goals. “Though we need a year to define and refine how we do things, we wouldn’t want to loose momentum and are strongly looking at the GCC, primarily Dubai for The Domain 2!” For bookings call on Tel. +973 1600 0000 or visit www.thedomainhotels.com Facebook.com/thedomainbahrain Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest: @domainbahrain The Domain Bahrain
room for corporate events or exclusive product launches and film premieres. Patrick loves good food and brings the same culture to The Domain. He aspires to make it a ‘little food destination’ in its own right. There are nine restaurants, bars and lounges at this property. Txoko is a Basque sky lounge crowning the top floor of The Domain. During the day this is a quiet place to meet or to read your paper or emails and during evenings, it becomes a playful venue – music, dancing, dim-lights, the works! A Txoko is a typically Basque type of closed gastronomical society, in which members come together to cook, experiment with new ways of cooking, eat and socialise. It’s a great place for members to sample and cocreate with the Chef. The entire 34th floor is dedicated to south of France cuisine. There are two
comes together as a result of the input of a lot of people. “I want to give everyone an opportunity to impact the final product.” Patrick believes that the luxury hotel sector is changing and hopes that this change is beyond just technological. “I hope to see a shift from programmed style of service to intuitive service. Something like arranging for a butler to unpack and having your luggage delivered to your room immediately after you’ve checked in are common services which most luxury hotels provide but Patrick and his team intend to preempt guests’ needs and provide them with what they want before they’ve asked for it. In retrospect, Patrick wishes they’d developed The Domain a few years earlier!
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 29
Sheer Luxury
BD56
R’S O T I ED
TOP S! K C I P
WHAT
MEN WANT
BD56 Aigner cufflinks and pens are available at luxury stores across Bahrain.
BD100 BD100
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Sheer Luxury ESCADA
BD100
PARIS HILTON VINTAGE WATCH Available at Paris Hilton boutique, Seef Mall.
R’S O T I ED
E C I O H C
ESCADA
Jewellery Available at Asia Jewellers BD100
Jewellery Available at Asia Jewellers BD125
Go Diva! CHRISTIAN LACROIX
Available at A La Mode stores across Bahrain
CHRISTIAN LACROIX
Available at A La Mode stores across Bahrain BD129
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 31
Sheer Luxury
RADIOMIR 1940 ORO ROSSO - 42mm
RADIOMIR 1940 ORO ROSSO - 42mm Hand-wound mechanical, Panerai P.999 calibre, executed entirely by Panerai, with a brown dial that has luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers.
RADIOMIR 1940 ORO ROSSO - 42mm
RADIOMIR 1940 – 42mm
Find Your
PANERAI OFFICINE PANERAI - The natural blend of Italian design. Swiss technology and passion for the sea.
RADIOMIR 1940 – 42mm
Prices available on request.
32 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
RADIOMIR 1940 – 42mm Hand-wound mechanical, Panerai P.999/1 calibre, executed entirely by Panerai, with PANERAI personalised alligator strap and trapezoidal polished steel buckle.
For more information call, Tel. +973 1753 5344.
Your dental health is important. Dr Ali Hussain Al Juffairy Dental Services provides top-notch quality services from the most basic to the most complicated dental procedures you require.
implants orthodontics fillings extractions root canals bleaching etc.
FOR WORLD-CLASS DENTAL SERVICES, THERE’S ONLY ONE PLACE TO GO.
Al Juffairy Clinic es! Now moved to new premis Al Juffairy Clinic 6th Floor, Mashtan Building next to Almoayyed Tower
Book an appointment today.
Call +973 1727 3700 EMAIL: juffairy@batelco.com.bh
OPEN Sunday thru Thursday from 9am up till 6pm
Technology Toshiba’s STOR.E
The Toshiba STOR.E is a super slim portable external hard drive; only 12.5mm thick, making it one of the thinnest and smallest in the market today. You can access and share data anytime, anywhere with a 10GB of free cloud storage, which comes free with the product. This accessibility feature is great because as long as the external hard drive is connected to a PC and WiFi environment, your files are within your reach! This feature is enabled when the PC is switched on or even when it is on a stand-by mode. This user friendly gadget helps fast and convenient file transfers, sharing and creating back-ups is easy too.
Razer Edge Pro Gaming Tablet
This one’s a dream come true for gamers. The 10.1-inch tablet is powered by a 3rd Generation Intel Core i7 processor and runs on Nvidia GeForce graphic card, including 8GB RAM with a 128 or 256 solid state drive which keeps it up to speed with all the user’s needs. It is built in with Windows 8 which allows it to run all PC games and apps. The Razer Edge pro runs apps such as Skype, Facebook, Netflix, Spotify and allows video calling with its 2.0 HD webcam in the front.
The latest from the gadget world! Galaxy S4 Zoom
Samsung will take the S4 a notch further with its S4 Zoom. This is a hybrid including a 16MP back camera with 10x optical zoom and a Smartphone integrated into it. Featuring an 8GB memory which is expandable using a microSD card and also 1.5 GB RAM the S4 Zoom has a 4.3-inch screen with a 1.9-MP front camera. The gadget is yet to be released.
Huawei’s Ascend P6
The Ascend P6, the world’s slimmest phone is only 6.18 millimetres thick with a 4.7 inch screen. Featuring an 8.0-MP camera at the back and a 5.0-MP front snapper, the P6 can support two SIM cards and has a high memory. This one’s for those who dig sleek and stylish!
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Poetry
David
David Hollywood
Hollywood every David Hollywood expresses how at ncing our instant along the way we are experie ath is eternity, and we shall do forever. De part of the continuity, just as life is .....
In partnership eternity, Shows life to have no end, When placed between the borders of, Beginnings which impend.
And though we thought the seam was wide, Between our past and when, We find we shall outlive our fate, When merged with now and then.
And lives which reach their destiny, Find answers that transcend, As death reveals its mysteries, In providence, which blends.
So senses calmed, we come composed, In readiness to seek, The distance that repose disclosed, In time that’s now unique. To start the end of what’s deceased, Discerns forever’s found, A life that’s born whenever death’s, Perpetually bound.
You can talk to David Hollywood on Tel. +973 3920 7624 or email at thewineappreciationsociety@gmail.com or davidhollywood23@hotmail.com
36 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
Contest
‘C’ … Our Centre Is You!
T
he new ‘City Centre’ branding was introduced this year, in addition to the new tagline ‘Our Centre is You’ which brings out Bahrain City Centre’s commitment to customers. The City Centre branding aligns all of Majid Al Futtaim Properties’ ‘City Centre’ malls, strengthening the brand across all regions. The ‘Art of C’ Workshop was recently held at the Central Galleria with famous Bahraini artists from the Bahrain Art Society and children from the Bahrain Talented Kid’s Society. Each artist was partnered with one of the talented youth and assigned a blank C-shaped canvas to create their masterpiece. The artists used recycled materials such as textiles, mirrors, mosaic and paints.
Shopping & Dining Shop with your Favourite Brands: There’s Carrefour, Saks Fifth Avenue, Debenhams, Home Centre, Centrepoint and more! Other favourites include Pottery Barn, Paris Gallery, Virgin, Zara and Sharaf DG. New Outlets: Clothing store Marks& Spencer, Chinese restaurant PF Chang’s, Black Pad Mobile, Asha’s restaurant and Ashraf (Sony City).
Bahrain City Centre (C) turns 5, next month! Bahrain Confidential joins the celebrations as the mall, arguably the biggest in Bahrain, highlights its new, revamped identity!
Bahrain City Centre has 340 retail outlets including 150 unique brands, to the Kingdom and 60 international food and beverage restaurants, cafés, fast food outlets and specialty food stores. Leisure and Entertainment Wahooo! Waterpark, Cineco 20 and Magic Planet The mall is also connected to the lavish Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre – comprised of 460 luxurious guest rooms, enabling visitors to truly shop, dine,
stay and play in one location. City Walkers has only become more and more popular ever since it started and today there are numerous members across nationalities who promote a healthier lifestyle! The City Walkers program takes places three times a week: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 9am to 10am. It is completely free for residents and led by a certified instructor who also gives fittness advice. No prior registration is required. All participants also receive an exclusive ‘City Walkers’ T-Shirt after joining three sessions
Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win Three lucky readers can win a gift card worth BD50 from Bahrain City Centre! Just answer this simple question and email your answers to competition@ArabianMagazines.com (with your age and nationality and favourite sections of the magazine – for internal research only)
What is the name of the new Chinese Restaurant that opened at Bahrain City Centre, earlier this year?
Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 37
Music
Taking the euphoric Dutch dance music history to a whole new level; the award winning DJ, producer, musician, label manager, lover of all things music and #6 DJ in the world, Hardwell talks about living the ultimate dream.
The Spaceman Revealed by Bahrain Confidential’s Jenny Thomas
O
ne of the fastest rising sensations in the world of House music, Hardwell is definitely bringing on his A-game. Travelling all over the world, performing at the best shows, there is no stopping him! At the age of 14, inspired by Tiesto, Hardwell was already spinning at all the major clubs across Netherlands. Ever since his original solo “Spaceman�, there was just no going back. Whoever said travelling inspires
38 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
Music “What runs through my mind while I’m on stage?” he says with a huge smile, “Excitement and love for the crowd and music. When I’m on stage it’s the happiest place I could be - I just love it!”
Credit: www.djpicshd.com
creativity was definitely right and Hardwell would definitely vouch for that. A lot of his ideas came from his days travelling, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. “I do not have a set process when I create a song. I love being spontaneous and creative when making music. A lot of times, I’ll start with a kick and build the track up from there. For me, its all about creating energy first and then laying those extra sounds on top to give the track depth and atmosphere”. Hardwell has headlined at the most prestigious and crowd-pleasing festivals in the world like the Electronic Daisy Carnival, Ultra Music Festival, Electric Zoo, Creamfields, Tomorrowland, Mysteryland, the list goes on. His Tomorrowland 2012 set has alone reached millions of views on YouTube and has been dubbed as the “Best Set of the Year 2012”. I have always wondered two things- what runs through a Dj’s mind when he is performing and when a DJ plays for a crowd, do they play songs they love or what the crowd wants to hear. This was my opportunity to get these questions answered from the man who has attracted an astonishing number of loyal fan base. “The truth is I play what I believe in and what I feel will suit the party/crowd on the night. I don’t pre-plan my sets but prefer to go with the flow because you never know how the crowd will react. You have to put your faith in the music and likewise hope the crowd trusts what you’re playing. It helps a lot that right now there is so much incredible music around”. “What runs through my mind while I’m on stage?” he says with a huge smile, “Excitement and love for the crowd and music. When I’m on stage it’s the happiest place I could be - I just love it!” This famous Dutch boy has his own radio show,
‘Hardwell on Air’ and his own record label, ‘Revealed Recordings’. The radio show is now broadcasting to over 40 countries around the world, with additional stations coming soon. Talking about his record label, Revealed Recordings has seen a successful path with a string of strong releases and label artists like Dyro and Dannic. Everyone wants to know what Hardwell is up to and
I was no exception. So, here goes. The US will be seeing a lot of Hardwell. He will be on his “Go Hardwell or Go Home” tour that will be nationwide along the country’s craziest venues. When it comes to new releases, he has a new single coming up on his Revealed label which is a collaboration with W&W. A lot of exciting projects and new releases to look forward to! With great music, great parties and amazing crowd, Hardwell is all set to create some massive energy. All you Hardwell fans stay tuned to: www.djhardwell.com
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 39
Fashion BD40
BD60 BD80 BD60 BD65
Unforgettable Summer With Juicy
BD60
BD80
We don’t know about you but we’ve never come across someone that does not love summer! Tanning, pool parties, exotic vacations, staying up late, freedom and the list goes on. This new Juicy collection translates just that! You’ll find whatever you need for your summer outings from sun-filled days to endless summer nights.
BD60 BD60 BD90
Juicy Couture New Summer Gypsy Inspired Collection Juicy Couture is available at Bahrain City Centre. 40 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
Fashion
Massimo Dutti 2013 MEN COLLECTION
1
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2
Fashion
10 12
3 9
4
11
13
5
1. BD25 2. BD18 3. BD25 4. BD18 5. BD175 6. BD62 7. BD75 8. BD35 9. BD125 10. BD13 11. BD25 12. BD25 13. BD32
6
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Fashion
14
18
15
A stroll around Paris is key to understanding the Autumn Winter 2013 collection. Its autumnal colours, cold winter and above all, the different urban groups of the neighborhood shape this line.
16
14. BD18 15. BD75 16. BD35 17. BD32 18. BD75
17
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Fashion
“The refined detailing in each corner of every garment, result in a refinement of dandyism and a bohemian feel.� 19
19. BD13 20. BD52 21. BD25 22. BD32 23. BD75
21
20
23
22 Massimo Dutti is available at Bahrain City Centre, Tel. +973 1717 2325 and Seef Mall, Tel. +973 1758 3230.
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 45
Fashion
BD190
Michael Kors Summer 2013
Living young wild and free is what summertime is all about! What better way to do that than in style. Inspired by the West Coast, the Michael Kors new Summer 2013 collection helps you unleash your inner California girl with diffused hues from sun kissed shadows and rebellious use of vibrant colours. This new collection is an ode to glamour, style and alluring beauty that is unmistakably The California Dream.
BD52
BD199 46 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
Fashion BD186
BD52
Michael Kors is located at Bahrain City Centre.
BD111
BD199 BD59
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 47
Beauty BD13
Splash Into Summer With Make Up For Ever Aqua Range Festival You are now able to take a dip in the pool, go to the beach and enjoy your summer outings with confidence. The Make Up For Ever awardwining aqua range offers waterproof and smudge-proof makeup which guarantees you a flawless and longlasting look. You no longer need to fear your makeup breaking down in the sun or being washed away. You are now able to enjoy your summer all day every day.
BD8.5
Beauty
Wella Professionals Care
Buzz
Taking perfect care of your hair may not necessarily mean going to the salon every time! Wella Professionals Care, which is an extensive range of shampoos, conditioners and specialty treatments, will offer you and your professional hairdresser sensorial experiences both in the salon and at home.
BD33.5 (50ml)
Aya … The Very Scent Of Heaven
Prada Candy
Take a walk on the wild side with Prada CANDY; where sophistication meets playful pleasure. You will not be disappointed by this sensual fragrance which is composed of caramel, musk, vanilla and, benjoin. Allow its scent to linger on you and let it be a revelation of your charm.
Shiffa Dubai unveils its first ever fragrance ‘Aya’. The product is based on Dr Lameed Hamdan’s extraordinary journey in search of the rarest and most luxurious ingredients from around the world. You should not miss out on the very scent of heaven!
BD33.5 (50ml)
BD33.5 (50ml) BD43.5 (80ml)
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Beauty BD2.4 For applying liquid or compact foundation. Also for ultra-precise coverage in hardto-reach areas
Sephora: The Right Sponge For The Job
Every girl DREADS cakey foundation! But no fear, Sephora is here with compact foundation sponges which ensure you get the most out of your foundation every time.
Perfect for applying compact foundation especially the Sephora 8HR wear mattifying foundation
BD2.4
Dehydration!
BD12
BD12.25 BD8.75 M.A.C Tropical Taboo Collection
M.A.C captures the passion of samba in a shimmering colour collection that pounds with sensuality. Tropical Taboo gives in to the heat, beat and exotic glamour of shades that define desire. The collection will be launched in Bahrain on the 15th of August.
Fight
BD14.25
The blazing sun, the humid weather and the constant loss of water in our body are all factors that lead to dehydration. Dehydration is one of the most increasing conditions in Bahrain; it leads to dry skin, confusion and weakness. Faces has come up with easy ways to help fight dehydration: Morning Prep-time! (6am to 10am)
Start your daily beauty routine and apply a thick layer of moisturiser full of anti-oxidants (Anti-oxidants help in fighting many diseases, the keep your body healthy) For minimal natural looking makeup, use one of our bb creams. Apply a few drops of hair oil to keep your hair strong, healthy and shiny.
Heading out! (11am to 5pm)
Fight against damaging sun effects and apply SPF 30 or higher sun protection. (This step is really important to help prevent skin cancer and other damaging sun effects) Freshen up and cool down with a misting water spray. This will also help your skin to rehydrate. Misting water spray can be found at any drug store at suitable prices. Keep your lips hydrated with a moisturising clear lip balm. Replenish dry chapped hands with a highly moisturising hand treatment.
Treat yourself! (6pm to 10pm)
Get rid of dried dead cells on your lips by using a soft damp tooth brush. Then apply lip balm or colour. Bring a little colour to your cheeks with a natural coloured blush. Add a little mystery with a floriental based long lasting fragrance.
Bedtime! (11pm to 5am)
Wash the day away with a gentle milk cleanser. (Milk cleansers are found to be a very healthy way to keep your skin healthy and hydrated) Help your skin regenerate throughout the night with tons of water and a good eye and face ultra-moisturising serum. Step into Faces for more tips and receive a must have makeup case with any qualifying purchase. Unless otherwise stated, products are available at leading cosmetic outlets. August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 49
Health
Get Your Dream Abs & Hips! Melissa Nazareth talks to two of Bahrain’s best fitness trainers.
H
aven’t we all looked at our favourite celebs on television or the model on a fashion magazine cover page and gone like, “Oh, I wish that were me!” There is NO ONE who doesn’t want an ‘uber sexy hot bod’; but the catch is there are very few who are willing to work for it; now fitness is a difficult goal because it demands a lifestyle change. Nevertheless, it’s not an impossible goal provided you’re up for the change; so, if you think you’re ready then read further. There’s one lesson that I’ve learned the hard way: ‘Fitness is NOT about losing weight.’ Neither is it about bulking up; rather it’s about achieving optimum health levels. That said, most of us have
problem areas that we’d like to cater to in addition to overall fitness. Two of the most common problem areas that most people complain about, especially in this part of the world, are potbellies and thunder thighs. Though fitness programmes differ from person to person, Fitness Trainers Chris Rawlinson and Lullu Murali share some general tips on how to get your dream abs and hips.
“Fitness is NOT about losing weight. Neither is it about bulking up; rather it’s about achieving optimum health levels.”
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Health Hips Don’t Lie! Diet Tips: We set the ratio of proteins, carbohydrates and fats depending on our fitness goal. In this case, since we are talking about fat loss,I would say we go with a ratio of 50:35:15 for proteins, carbs and fats. For Breakfast: 2-3 scrambled eggs with slice of toast, a banana and orange juice. Midday snack: Fresh mixed berries. For Lunch: Grilled chicken with a small portion of brown rice or quiona. Snack again: Green Tea, pumpkin seeds/ almonds. For Dinner: Steamed veggies, salmon and a mixed green salad. Try to get in at least 2-3 litres of water. This is a simple meal plan. There are a lot of different diets out there and the key is know what you need in the right time. Meal Frequency: Personally I try to have 5 meals a day which can be quite hard for everyone to manage. Different people have different metabolic rates. The key idea would be to supply your body with small quality meals rather than quantity. Skipping meals doesn’t do you any good! The key is eating a healthy breakfast, simple lunch and light dinner. Cardio Workout: It depends on the goal you are trying to achieve. Too much or too little will affect results. For weight loss I would recommend weights with medium to high intensity cardio and to maintain muscle mass, weights with steady state cardio. I suggest that both men and women get in the habit of using weights; it would be better off to start doing complex exercises like bench press, squats, deadlift and others. Mix it with medium to high interval cardio slots followed by core workouts and stretches.
Chris Rawlinson, Fitness Trainer at Oxygen Gym, BarBar
Area Specific Work Out: Deep squats, lunges, deadlift, box jumps are the way to go! Analyse your workouts, not everything out there could work for you. Discipline, dedication and determination will get you there!
Power ‘Pack’! Diet Tips: Any meal must not raise glucose levels too high or too suddenly. High-protein diets are more effective for fat loss. Meat choices include grass-fed beef, lean pork, lamb, bison, fish, seafood, chicken, turkey and eggs. Fermented dairy like cottage cheese and natural Greek yogurt are fine. Avoid starchy fruits like bananas and super-sweet tropical fruits. Have a handful of almonds, walnuts or macadamias once in a while. Your carb sources will be slow-digesting foods like sweet potato, yams, quinoa, oats and brown rice. Your fat sources will be olive oil, coconut, avocado, meats and nuts. Water, black coffee, tea and sparkling water are the only things you should drink. Avoid processed foods as much as possible. Meal Frequency: 5-6 small meals a day Cardio Workout: Hit Your Core: Forget about running long distances on the treadmill to lose fat. Do 20-minute high-intensity interval training sessions two to three times per week instead. Sprints, ropejumping, biking, swimming and rowing are great examples. Once you’ve burned the fat that was hiding your abs, build up your abs so that they stand out more. Area Specific Work Out: Stability: Work your core with the classic plank. Hold a push-up position (or on your elbows) for 30 seconds, working up to 60. Too easy? Try the extended plank with your arms out in front of you or the star plank with your arms and legs out in an X-formation. Flexion: Hanging leg raises target your abs better than sit-ups. Hang from a pull-up bar and use your abs to pull your legs up until horizontal (L-sit position). Slowly lower them all the way back and avoid swinging. Do three sets of 12-15 reps. Too easy? Pull your legs up until your feet touch the bar, if you can (smiles). Rotation: If you work out your obliques too hard, they’ll give your waist a wide appearance. Russian twists are a great way to develop them without adding too much mass. Sit with your legs elevated and your torso leaned back with your back straight. From this V-sit position, rotate your rib cage to the left and touch the floor with both hands, return and rotate to the right. Do three reps of 12 reps each side. Too easy? Hold a medicine ball or a 45-pound plate.
Lullu Murali, Fitness Trainer at The Royal Golf Club
Remember, progress no matter how slow is better than no progress at all. It may get frustrating when you don’t see results but the bottom line is you’re better than the guy/girl sitting on the couch. If you want to get there at some point, you need to start TODAY! So, get up and get pumping!
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 51
Beauty
Tackling
Pregnancy Peeves It’s official; women with baby-bumps are the cutest thing ever! But with the cute-quotient comes a long list of unwanted health problems including moodswings, weight-gain and hair loss. Here are some tips to be a happier mommy-tobe, instantly!
N
othing can enhance your mood faster than good food. Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast; this not just keeps the crabby mood at bay but also gives you your daily dose of nutrients. You could easily whip-up some eggs for breakfast and the good news is that they contain only around 90 caloires. Laden with omega-3 fats, proteins and over twelve vitamins they help in the baby’s brain, visual and over-all development. Salmon or beans on wholewheat toast are a yummy and easy option too. Salmon with its omega-3 fats and beans with their proteins help prevent hair loss. The next time you go grocery shopping pick all those colourful fruits and veggies and drop
them in your cart. Not only will the colours pep you up but you can easily add that crunch to every meal. Salads are abundant in fibre, and vitamins and minerals and are so easy to make. Even something as simple as popcorn is good for you. Try cooking lean meats as well, like turkey and chicken. ‘Am I going bald? Clips just slide down my hair! I miss my long tresses! ’… common tantrums that all women can relate to! Telogen Effluvium or excessive hair-shedding affects 40 to 50 percent of women when they’re pregnant. And as if loosing your pretty locks during pregnancy wasn’t scary and annoying enough, it also continues three to four months after delivery! In addition to the right food there are small things that you could do to minimise if not prevent, hair loss like avoiding combing wet hair, and hairstyling and heating which can pull and stress your hair; using
shampoos and conditioners that contain biotin and silica. An instant hair loss fix is hair extensions. Most hair extensions come with clips which usually slide down and don’t blend with your natural hair! Effortless Hair Extensions gives you longer and thicker hair in seconds. Though these extensions are synthetic they look and feel just as good as real hair. Lastly exercise, is important too. You don’t only look good with glowing skin but also feel good with your happy-hormones all bubbling. It’s important to consult your doctor before starting any exercise routine, depending on which stage of pregnancy you are in. And most importantly, don’t forget to wear your smile. Be positive and spend time with people who lift your spirits up and before your know it those nine long months will have flown away. All the best, mommy!
Hair By Becca was launched in the USA, to rave reviews, is currently being launched in the UK and is now available here! What makes it different from other hair extensions in the market is that it stays securely on your head with a fine piece of wire and not fussy clips. Simply slip the wire over your own head as you would a hair band and brush and blend some of your own hair over it. You can choose from 21 colours, five different styles including afro and two lengths 16-inch and 24-inch.
Voted Best Beauty Product 2012 by AOL and Best Beauty Product 2013 by Shape Magazine. Endorsed by celebrity stylist Frankie Payne, who styles Kim Kardashian, Rihanna and Jenifer Hudson among others and. Also featured on the Rachael Ray show. For free private consultation by appointment call on, Tel. +973 1782 2388 or +973 3618 8122. Email: info@hairbybecca.com • Visit www.hairbybecca.com
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For free private consultation by appointment call on, Tel. +973 1782 2388 or +973 3618 8122 Email: info@hairbybecca.com • Visit: www.hairbybecca.com
Opinion
Taste Life! There’s nothing like the flavour of fresh herbs in cooking, says John Ridley.
John R Ridley
P
resently I’m spending an inordinate amount of time in the kitchen, busy testing recipes for a new cookbook I’m writing with a well-known nutritionist. Friends and family are willingly volunteering to taste and critique, others scattered from America to Singapore are also testing - and spotting the odd error. Herbs are used in copious quantities in Middle Eastern cooking, when I’m in Bahrain this is not an issue, fresh coriander, mint, parsley, and other herbs form wonderful displays in most supermarkets and vegetable stalls. Back in England dried herbs, lacking the pungency of the fresh varieties, are still the norm; fresh herbs, often several days old, are very expensive. In Bahrain, or England, nothing beats the taste of basil, coriander,
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www.lindsaylovesveggies.com
marjoram, mint, thyme, or chives served within minutes of being picked; whether testing recipes for a cookbook, or cooking a meal for family, all too frequently we need fresh herbs but have none; an easily solved problem - grow your own. Herbs are one the easiest things to grow, either outdoors, or in the kitchen - where you need them the most. They grow best in a hot sunny spot, and providing they are watered, they’ll produce plenty of the aromatic oils that give them their smell and taste. In Bahrain, we grow them in pots in our sunny courtyard just outside the kitchen door; in England, we have a south facing balcony, which is now full of pots growing my favourite herbs. Should you have space in a well drained garden (unlikely if you live in Manama), grow a formal herb garden, if not, grow them as pot plants on the patio, either way, they’ll look fantastic; like all plants, they need regular
“If you have young children, encourage them to grow the herbs along with a couple of tomato plants, they’ll enjoy savouring the fruits of their labour.” feeding throughout the growing season. Plant each herb in a separate pot, otherwise they compete for root space and their growth will be inhibited. The pots should preferably be unpainted clay, at least 18cm diameter and stood on a couple of pebbles to aid drainage. If you have young children, encourage them to grow the herbs along with a couple of tomato plants, they’ll enjoy savouring the fruits of their labour - a salad of freshly picked tomatoes sprinkled with torn mint and basil picked moments earlier, drizzled with virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Pick and freeze any surplus regularly, you’ll have flavour-fresh herbs on hand throughout the year John Ridley, a Bahrain based journalist, writer and broadcaster, can be contacted at john@johnridley.nu or visit his website: www.ghostwriting.me
Health
Health Updates
Are You Making These 6 Dieting Mistakes? For some of us, saying we’re going to start a diet always sounds like a joke. We say we’ll start tomorrow but we never do and if by any chance there was a miracle and we did, we always seem to be doing something wrong! We don’t lose as much weight as we’d hoped, we commit for only a day and then during the weekend give up and eat even worse than we initially did and end up gaining weight rather than losing it.
Here are some top dieting mistakes. How many are you making?
Skipping Breakfast
For years the sentence ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day’ has been entering one ear and leaving the other. However, breakfast is something we should never disregard considering it is our first source of energy for the rest of the day. Many studies have shown that those who eat breakfast tend to weigh less than those who skip it. A healthy breakfast should be high in protein and/or whole grains, so step away from the doughnut and grab yourself some scrambled eggs with a bowl of fresh fruit and whole-wheat toast. Save some calories by having a healthy breakfast that will fuel you up rather than skipping the meal.
Not Exercising
You don’t have to buy expensive exercising equipment or join a fancy gym. You don’t even have to spend hours a day doing sit-ups! Find an activity that you enjoy like dancing, swimming or cycling and make it a part of your daily routine. Buy yourself a cute exercise outfit or try to convince a friend to take on that activity with you, create motivation and you will be motivated. Exercising is like the ‘buy one get one free’ shopping offers, because even after exercising you’re still burning additional calories.
Using Extreme Diets
You have a special event in a week and you just noticed the weight you’ve put on? Well starving yourself is NOT the solution. Extreme diets don’t work and you’ll end up unhappy and worn out. Depriving your body from food may lead to a slower metabolic rate and the accumulation of toxic fat. If you are willing to go the extreme for weight loss, have a healthy balanced diet and try out the insanity workout, it may be the hardest workout programme ever but it’s more effective than simply not eating.
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Going Overboard on Low Fat
It may be called low fat but that does not mean its calorie free! We tend to choose low fat snacks and then eat an excessive amount of it assuming it does less harm. Regardless if its low fat or not, you should always keep an eye on your portion sizes.
Health Mindless Munching
It may not be on a plate but the calories it adds do count. It’s harder to keep track of those small fatty snack that you consume throughout the day. Not only should you plan your meals, but you should also plan what snacks you’d be taking. Have fun and be creative with your snacks. Have some fruits on a stick with just a little bit of honey, try out some humus with carrot sticks and a granola bar is always a good fast snack for the go.
Too Much TV May Raise Kids’ Future Heart Risk
“Exercising is like ‘buy one get one free’ shopping offers, because even after exercising you’re still burning additional calories.”
The eyes are said to be the windows to the soul, but a new study suggests they may also provide a glimpse into a child’s future risk for heart disease. Researchers in Australia found that 6- and 7-year-olds who spent the most time in front of TVs or computer screens had narrower eye arteries at the back of their eyes. Also, children who spent the most time in outdoor sporting activities had wider eye arteries compared to those who participated in outdoor sports the least. Studies in adults suggest that narrowed blood vessels in the eyes indicate increased cardiovascular risk since they are part of the brain’s vascular system and respond as other vessels do to stress and disease. “This is another opportunity to send the message to parents that they need to limit the time their children spend in front of a screen, whether it is a TV, computer, or video game,” says Atkins, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City. “Kids should be encouraged to be more active, and the best way to do that is for parents to lead by example, By Salynn Boyles WebMD Health News Reviewed by Laura J Martin, MD
Not Taking Vitamins and Supplements
Few of us actually get all the nutrition, vitamins and minerals we need from food. Vitamins and supplements are important for everyone especially those who are trying to lose weight. But keep in mind that they are not a substitute for food. So along with them you’ll need a healthy balanced diet.
“45 per cent of 4-6 year-olds who, when asked to choose between watching TV and spending time with their fathers, preferred television” - BLS American Time Use Survey, AC Nielsen Co August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 57
Opinion
Attacking Anxiety
A
nxiety is a disagreeable emotional state of apprehension and inner turmoil, often accompanied by nervous behavior. It is a rumination of thoughts within the mind that focus on something improbable happening. Anxiety is feeling unrealistic fear, worry, and nervousness, on a consistent basis, that creates a lot of inner conflict for the sufferer. It is often accompanied by restlessness, fatigue, problems in concentration and muscular tension. When anxiety becomes overwhelming and distressing, it may fall under the psychiatric diagnosis of an anxiety disorder. Those that suffer from repeated anxiety feel they are powerless under the force of this condition. Yet this is far from the truth. Anxiety is a negative emotion that is created by the rumination of fearful thoughts and we do actually have control over the creation and maintenance of our thoughts. Our thoughts provide our emotional response; positive or negative. We can choose to have a thought at any given time and within that space, we can choose an uplifting or depressing thought. However, many people feel that they do not have that option, due to the non-practise of cognitive creation.
Kelly Armatage, our resident Healer, Coach, Speaker & Seminar Facilitator shares easy steps to a happier you. Kelly Armatage
“I am not going to be able to cope”. Challenging these thoughts with enquiring questions such as; is this fact about the future (and the future not being within my possession) actually true? Writing down the opposite thoughts such as “I can cope and the way I am going to do that is ……”. Then finding an action plan to support the new way of thinking. Actions that you can implement, in order to ensure the new thought created can become a reality in your future. Affirming the new way of thinking via mantra, meditation, prayer, continual self-talk. Reprogramming the mind via repetition of the new, empowering and uplifting thought so that it is repeated on an hourly basis. Facing uncomfortable tasks, to be lifted out of your comfort zone. If we are not doing something uncomfortable regularly, we are not growing. The realisation of the rewards that you might be gaining subconsciously from nurturing
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Anxiety does not have to be the bane of anyone’s life. Anxiety is a choice. It is a choice to think a certain way and we create that choice. There are so many methods to ensure our minds can be cleansed. A cleansed mind equals a cleansed, content and creative life. Anxiety never has to attack you again, it is now within your power as to whether you wish to attack it! Kelly Armatage. Director of Kelly Armatage Inc. CR 78083. Counselling, Coaching, CBT, Corporate/ Personal Workshops, Meditation Tel. +973 1700 2320 Mob: +973 3993 1399 Email: info@kellyarmatage.com All feedback on Kelly Armatage Inc’s services/newsletters is always gratefully received.
Steps To Overcome Anxiety The first step is the knowledge that this condition is something that can be mastered, overcome and healed. Next is the realisation that the solution to overcoming anxiety is via your thinking. Your mind created the distorted and fearful thoughts and your mind (once practiced enough) has the power to create and maintain the opposite. You are your solution! Writing down on paper the familiar negative, fearful thoughts. The ones that are consistently ruminating, such as
anxiety – is it more attention from others? Are you afraid to come out of familiarity and face life with emotional independence? What scares you beyond anxiety? What is so difficult to face? Who do you model that has anxiety and is close to you? Finding a way to get content under any condition. Life will always have external situations that are challenging. The challenge is for us to get content within those conditions and we do that via acceptance of the status quo and with the hope that things are always evolving, improving and changing for the better.
“You are your solution!”
Travel
“Turkey has an absolutely rich assortment of scrumptious breads, grilled delights and succulent juicy meats.”
A Trip To Turkey Trams in Istanbul Credit: www.trainsofturkey.com
What is the easiest way from the airport to a hotel? The best way to get to your hotel from the airport is by taxi (and oh, don’t forget to try the orchid flower ice cream at the airport - yummy!). They are easily available at reasonable rates just outside the airport. Though there was a slight amount of traffic congestion it gradually cleared up as we cruised from the European region to the Antolian region of the country. There is also a bus system, the metro buses. These large buses have a capacity for about 52 passengers and have fixed routes and lanes that they ply on. Any suggestions for hotels to lodge at? We stayed at the Saudiye Hotel which is in the Antolian region of Turkey facing the Princess Islands. It’s a wonderful place to stay at and has some of the friendliest staff, neat and spacious rooms, prompt room service and outstanding food. We’d particularly like to mention the breakfast buffet at Saudiye Hotel;
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The Bosphorus Bridge Credit: www.anatolianrealestate.com
Latika & Rhea Farrell speak to Bahrain Confidential about their holiday to the country on two continents.
Travel craftsmanship. Enormous chandeliers hang kabaps (kebabs), Turkish pancakes and aloft as you enter the mosque; you feel this Iskender kabaps deserve a special mention. sense of serenity in the mosque. Apart from the popular Turkish delight Around the same area there is a tall sweets, the star waffle stood out for us. stone structure known as The Obelisk of Coffee in Turkey is a different experience; not Theodosius. This is oldest structure and only is it aromatic and refreshing but you also exhibits topographical finesse. Then there is have a complimentary fortune telling session the Hagiasophia, a church turned mosque once you’ve finished your cuppa. turned museum that features a unique amalgamation of Muslim and Christian What are the shopping hotspots? culture. The mosaics in this place defy all The Grand Bazaar is by far the best shopping cultural boundaries and the beauty of The Hagia Sophia the structure in itself Credit: Author’s Own is breathtaking. The heads of Medusa at the Basilica Cistern is another interesting place to see. Try walking through the Kadikoi markets while you’re here; we passed by some talented musicians and groups of singers who made the streets come alive! The Topkapi Palace, Yildiz Park, Galata Tower (The
“A must-buy is the amazing carpets that Turkey is famous for; both machine made and handmade are sold here.”
they serve a large variety of delicious treats – the sesame topped croissants are yum! Turkey has quite a few other hotels as well. The Hilton is another great option. What are the must-see places here? Turkey is rife with tourist hotspots that bring out the tradition and culture of the country so beautifully. We started off with a trip to Istanbul; we caught a ferry and then a tram. At less than a kilometre from the tram station is the Blue Mosque (also known as Sultan Ahmet) that shines through the tall pine trees. The Blue Mosque’s architecture features intricate Turkish designs that reek of age old expert
experience we’ve had in years. The shopkeepers are friendly and often called us Charlie’s Angels and the Spice Girls as we tried to get the best bargains for goodies and souvenirs. A mustbuy is the amazing carpets that Turkey is famous for; both machine made and handmade are sold here. An interesting fact we’d like to share is that the Grand Bazaar is the only place in Istanbul where 22-carat gold is sold. All in all it was a wonderful trip. Turkey is definitely a great holiday destination; a wonderful country with people who are so warm in the way they treat you; the rich Turkish culture and pleasant weather simply adds to the experience
The Bosphorus Bridge Credit: www.anatolianrealestate.com
Tower of Christ) and grand Bosphorus Bridge are other places that we visited and on the third day we took a one-hour flight to Izmir. Here we saw the UNESCO world heritage site at Epheses, Greek city that showcases the Artemis Temple, Church of Saint John and The Great Amphitheatre. In addition to these, the House of Virgin Mary was a special attraction. What delights does Turkish gastronomy have to offer food lovers? Turkey has an absolutely rich assortment of scrumptious breads, grilled delights and succulent juicy meats. Of all that we tasted, the manti (dumplings) with yoghurt, doner
A mural at the Hagia Sophia Credit: Author’s Own
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 61
Opinion
Letter From Bahrain
How Do You Like Your Book?
John R Ridley
John Ridley balances the convenience of digital reading with the joy of reading paperback. “You may even find book marks, purchased on family outings, train, or theatre tickets, or a postcard from friends or family, telling of holidays and schools trips - all part of the life story of the previous owner.”
N
ow, I’m the first to admit, I love the Kindle, that I can travel with so many books and not pay excess baggage charges is remarkable. When visiting friends, I make a point of looking through their book collections, they reveal so much about the owner, but part of my book collection is now out of site, on a computer. Buying a book was always an adventure, I could order by phone, wait a few days for the package to arrive, then in anticipation, rip open the packaging to reveal my purchase. The real joy of the printed book was to feel the weight of the paper and to turn the pages one by one, each book had a distinct feel, even the font was an important part of telling the story. The Middle East has been home to many
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of the world’s greatest scientific and literary minds, their works can often be found in the old book stalls scattered throughout the markets of almost every city; it’s where you will find an old map of Bahrain, or drawings of people and buildings from days gone by. Whilst browsing the shelves, looking for nothing in particular, a title, or a cover will grab my eye; picking up the book, randomly flicking through the pages, a paragraph, or a picture will capture my attention. With two or three tatty, dog-eared, well thumbed books; some of which might have survived being dropped in the bath, I can retire to a comfortable chair, or a coffee bar to scrutinise my find. Each book has its own smell, the aroma of the life of the book, where it has been, where it was stored and even the foods cooked in the house; they may be tatty, but that’s a sign that they have been loved - not for their monetary value, but for their contents and handwritten inscriptions
- dedications, awards, and messages to loved ones. Looking through the pages, people might have scribbled notes and underlined passages, or maybe children have pressed flowers between the pages; signs of previous owners engaged in reading. You may even find book marks, purchased on family outings, train, or theatre tickets, or a postcard from friends or family, telling of holidays and schools trips - all part of the life story of the previous owner. Much as I love the convenience of my kindle, paper books will continue to fill my bookcase; in years to come, people browsing my collection may take an interest at the excess baggage receipts that I often use as book marks John Ridley, a Bahrain based journalist, writer and broadcaster, can be contacted at john@johnridley.nu or visit his website www.ghostwriting.me
Book Review
The Bull Run
Review by Jenny Thomas
The Thirty-Year Money Game between Bulls and Bears.
The Global Financial Crisis”, this term still sends shivers down my spine. Millions of people who were affected by the 2008 financial crisis are just beginning to get back on their feet. The 2008 crisis was the worst since the depression of the 1930s. The full market history is a fighting and yet, such an eye-
opener. That is the subject of this book, the 30 yearlong (1980-2009) money game in the global financial market, the fight between greed and fear. The Bull Run takes the reader on a knowledgeable journey through three decades of global financial market history, giving a glimpse of the great bull market of recent times, the roller coaster ride of the US Dollar, the Mexican Financial Crisis of 1994, the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997, the dot-com bubble, the rise and fall of bond yields to historic lows, and an analysis of the 2008 financial crisis. In addition the book throws light on the world of Alternative investments, the Islamic Capital market, Sovereign Wealth Funds and many more. This book is a good read for finance students, Tholoor M history buffs Thomas and any person who wants to capture every event that happened in the financial market during the last three decades. Unfortunately for
“Each time the markets suffered setbacks, they came back stronger- not only by recovering losses, but also by rebounding sharply in the periods following such setbacks.” the readers, the author does not share any secrets, but on the bright side there is plenty that one could read and learn. If you ever wanted to catch up on the recent capital market history through a quick read, then The Bull Run is your best pick. Seasoned investment professional and author Tholoor M Thomas shares valuable insights and financial knowledge through his book. There is no reward without risk, but one has to do his risk-reward analysis before choosing an investment. As Robert D Arnott, the award-winning author and investor said, “In investing, what is comfortable is rarely profitable”
READ-A-THON It’s a marathon that you can run without breaking a sweat, no sneakers required and in the comfort of your own room. Yes, it is the READ-A-THON! Bookworms all around the world have different opinions on what the perfect Read-AThon challenge is. However, this reading challenge was suggested on YouTube by Raeleen (padfootandprongs07) and her friend Ariel (ArielBissett) and it goes like this: 1 Read 300 pages a day 2 Read a book with over 500 pages 3 Re-read one book 4 Finish a series/trilogy 5 Read a book that’s been on your shelf forever
6 Listen to an audiobook 7 Read a classic
Now we know this is a difficult challenge, and to add to it you have only a week to finish it; perhaps a task a day would help; and considering the satisfaction that you will experience after this challenge, it’s totally worth it! Also, you can adapt the challenge to suit your own schedule. You can also choose to create your own
challenge by visiting Goodreads. com and setting yourself a reading challenge where you set a specific number of books to be read within a year and the website will help you keep track of your progress and share it with other fellow bookworms. Whichever way you decide to challenge yourself … Happy reading.
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 63
Short Story
“Only holding his hands would fill the gaps, not just those in between her fingers, but also in her life.�
Lady In Red by Melissa Nazareth
www.kootation.com
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Short Story
T
he sun rays pierced her closed eyes; her throat was sore from screaming; her lower abdomen hurt. The whole episode came rushing to her mind, the moment she gained consciousness. Staggering as she stood up, she banged her fist on the wooden door, in a vain attempt to call for attention. Hunger pangs made her stomach churn. She gulped the last sip of water, from an abandoned steel glass, in the corner of the small and unkempt room. She could taste blood as she swallowed; the pain surfaced again, with twice the intensity, as she touched, with her finger-tips, the streaks of blood from her nose, which had dried against her skin. ****** “I’ll see you where I picked you up for the first time,” he said. The wait was finally over, and it had seemed like an eternity. It was worth it though; after two long years he had finally come around. She slipped into a pair of denims and slithered into a red kurta; he liked red. Tying her hair into a knot and winding a red stole around her neck, she rushed down the stairs. “Cathedral Cross?” she asked, as she hopped into a rickshaw. The ensuing journey seemed longer than had the past two years. As the rickshaw took a left she saw the old house. “I want a house like that,” he had said. “I am old school in thought; minimal furniture, a wife, children and a BMW.” She smiled as she remembered the texture of his voice; baritone, but with excitement like that of a child. Finally, she was going to hear that voice again. She jolted out of her reverie as the rickshaw hit the speed breaker on the road. The last time she had passed by that speed breaker, she had almost fallen off the bike. “I didn’t do that on purpose!” he had exclaimed. She hadn’t minded it anyway. “It’s okay,” she had said as she had adjusted herself on the back seat, holding him tight. She had known even then that he had looked into the rearview mirror, of his dream machine, when for a moment she had closed her eyes and tried to breathe in the air around him. The odour of the breath lingered, in her memory, to this day; she felt her eyes brim as she recollected that moment so sacred, at least to her. As the rickshaw raced, across the serpentine roads and lanes, to her destination, she looked intently at every detail outside; each detail brought back memories of the times that they had spent. Faster than fairies, faster than witches, Bridges and houses, hedges and ditches … And here is a mill, and there is a river; each a glimpse and gone forever. She read to herself, from the green poetry book that he had gifted to her. She finished her poetry in time to reach the gate. She felt her heart beat frantically against her chest as she stepped out of the black and yellow beetle. He looked just the same; tall and dark; his boyish smile conjured a dimple on his left cheek. “Pachees rupaya madam*,” said the man on the driver’s seat. She hunted, for the change, in her pocket
and dumped them into his hands. As she inched forward, she couldn’t help but wonder how strange it was, that one could travel the whole world for what one wanted, but those last few steps towards embracing one’s dream, were even more difficult than the first steps that one took as a baby. It is true, when they say, that the most powerful way of expressing love is by touch. Only holding his hands would fill the gaps, not just those in between her fingers, but also in her life. No sooner than she had put forward her hand to hold his, she heard a car screeching past her. Distracting her, the white four-wheeler halted right next to her. It had happened so fast. Even before he could put the pieces together, in his mind, the car had zoomed past him leaving behind a cloud of smoke. He shouted and ran behind the vehicle, as fast as his feet would carry him, in vain. He hadn’t even noted down the digits on the number plate. He broke out in a cold sweat. The road was deserted; only a
young lad cycled down the lane, adjacent to the road, with a huge block of ice fastened to his rusty ride. Should he cry for help; should he call the police; should he just fall down on his knees and holler? ****** “We’ve searched everywhere,” his friend comforted him. “The cops are looking out for her too; be strong.” He stared into space and thought of nothing as his friend patted him on the back in a vain attempt to console him. Every moment, in the past two years, now, felt like a boulder on his chest. So it was true, that one realised the value of something only when one lost it. He hoped he hadn’t lost her forever. He wringed his fingers in anger and anxiety, as he thought of the time that could have been theirs, had he not awaited hypothetical surety. Surety was not a state of mind, it was a journey that one lived each day, he realised. Nevertheless, as he sat on the dilapidated bench at the local police station, surety was his only state of mind. He knew he wanted her back. ****** He aimlessly turned the pages of the green book. Black print crawled across stained pages, like bugs across dirty walls.
“Surety was not a state of mind, it was a journey that one lived each day, he realised.” A tear drop slid down his cheek making the ‘Jame’ of ‘James Dryden’ appear darker than the rest of the name. He caught his head in his hands as he squeezed his eyes and contorted his face. He hadn’t cried in a very long time; but a long year of uncertainty could have made anyone weak with pain and anger. The November, of the calendar on the wall, danced, as the wind, sweeping in through the window, nudged it. The picture of the vintage villa on the calendar brought back memories of the old school home he’d always dreamed of. She’d look perfect on the porch, he thought, with a weak smile. The phone bell mercilessly broke his chain of thought. “Watch the news right now,” said the voice on the end of the line. He clicked the green button on the remote. “The gang of kidnappers was caught red handed as the police raided down the house in Colaba,” the voice blared out of the idiot-box. He stared at the clippings on the television and, at once, knew what he was looking at. It was them. If they were caught, then where was she? ****** It was the eleventh of the month and he was walking past the bus stop. Though he couldn’t muster the courage, to walk on the other side of that fateful road, he went there often to ease his guilt. Suddenly he saw something move. He was sure as death, that he had seen the colour red. The moving figure had walked into the campus. He hastily crossed the street and walked into the campus. “Koi aaya andar**?” he questioned the watchman. The old man lazily stroked his beard, and nodded in the negative, as he chewed on a betel nut leaf. He felt a draining sensation; hope draining out. As he turned to leave the campus he froze. There tied tight on the lock of the gate was a red stole; and he knew just one like it. Diary Entry May 4, 2009 So crawl, if you wish; or walk; or run But when you reach the lag end, I’ll be waiting And if you don’t see me, you’ll see a red flag Symbolic of each moment that I lived, with your memories And oh, it would have been easier to live without you Than it was, living with, your memories … * 25 rupees, madam ** Someone in there?
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 65
Books
“Sometimes you’re feeling upset and you don’t want to write about it directly so you twist it into a scene and add it to the story.”
Bahraini Pages What inspired you to write the novel? I wanted to write a Bahraini story in English. All the stories we have, the published ones at least, are in Arabic. I wanted it to be a story that could reach the ends of the world. It was only my first try and maybe with time I can come up with something bigger. How did you decide on the title ‘My Foggy Tomorrow’? I always choose the title once I’m done with the novel, it really is one of the most difficult stages of writing. ‘My foggy tomorrow’ was actually the title of one of the most eventful chapters in novel.
66 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
When talking about books, we are usually referring to books written by writers abroad. It’s rare to see someone with a book written by someone from Bahrain. That might be on the verge of changing! Bahrain Confidential’s Ameena Adel interviews writer Nazli Tawfeeqi, the author of ‘My Foggy Tomorrow’.
How do you develop a story? It depends, I wrote two novels. With my first novel ‘My Foggy Tomorrow’, I just started with chapter one and then the rest followed, without brainstorming. However, my second novel which I have finished but is still not published, was planned first so I knew how I would develop the characteres and how the novel would end. The title is still undecided. How do you think your novel is different than any other story set in the Middle East? Although I write fiction, I try to sound realistic.
The problem with Arabic fiction is that it is usually extreme and revolves around how women have no rights. I feel like my novel illustrates how we actually live our life. It’s something Bahraini readers can connect themselves to. What difficulties did you face with the novel? Time was always an issue, because writing does take a long time. My problem with publishing was that we don’t have any publishing houses in Bahrain; we only have a printing press, so the novel had to be selfpublished. I had to find my own proofreader and distributors. It was a self-published
Books
novel, there were spellings and grammatical mistakes, but they are going to be corrected in the second edition. Who designed the cover? I was lucky with the cover as my friend hired a designer to design the cover as a birthday gift. So the story had a cover even before I decided to publish it. If you had the chance now would you change anything in the novel? No, I don’t think I would. Even when I was editing it later I had the chance to change a lot of things, but I felt like it wasn’t fair to the people that had already read it and so I wanted it to be published as I had written it in the first time. What’s the hardest thing about having your book available for everyone to read? Other than people’s harsh opinions, I would have to say it’s hard to compare yourself to other writers. I didn’t graduate from a private school, so I picked up my English from books and TV shows. I try to improve my English more everyday. Another difficulty is staying true to your own style without unintentionally imitating another writer.
Nazli Tawfeeqi
How do you think you are similar/ different to the character of Hadia? Some people think I’m similar to Hadia. It wasn’t intended but I feel its natural for every author, especially if it’s his first novel, to be similar to the main character. The songs mentioned in the book are entirely my favourite. Have you ever hated something you’ve written? Maybe things that I have published on my blog three or four years ago. I would go through them and all I could think of is ‘what was I thinking’, so I delete them. But this doesn’t happen regularly, it has only happened about twice. What’s the best thing about being a writer? Its nice how you can express yourself. Sometimes you’re feeling upset and you don’t want to write about it directly so you twist it into a scene and add it to the story. Have your parents read the novel? No, but my dad did read up until the 4th chapter. The style of the book isn’t for adults. I had actually hoped that my dad wouldn’t read the novel because I thought it would be embarrassing for him to read some parts. Were you worried that when people you knew read the novel they’d think the characters were based on them? I was more concerned of people thinking that the novel was based on something that had happened to me. A lot of people actually thought I was speaking of myself, they would actually call feeling sorry for me.
What’s one message you want to send across with your novel? I want to deliver a message that not everything that you read or watch on TV is true. I’ve learned that people find it hard to believe that I could come up with such events. Some even came to me telling me that something happened and that it would be good for my next novel. Would you ever want to write about a different culture? Yes, but I would have to make sure that I do it the right way. I’d hate it if someone was to write about Bahrain and not do it properly or write false information. What advice do you have for aspiring authors? Stick to your own style, because the most beautiful part about being a writer is reading what you’ve written and identifying that you have a style different than others. Many books are about how to become a novelist and creative writing but remember never to restrict yourself because if you do, you won’t
“Stick to your own style, because the most beautiful part about being a writer is reading what you’ve written and identifying that you have a style different than others.” be able to deliver your message properly. Also, the most important thing is to put your thought and energy into every sentence, I learned that when most of my readers came to me saying that their favorite sentence in the novel is “Why do I have to miss her while she’s alive.” Tell us a bit about your next novel. Its similar to the first novel in terms of style and that its also a Bahraini drama. However, it’s about a middle class entrepreneur who’s buried in debt and has to care of her family after her father’s death. It’s through the business next door that she meets the other main character in the story. The novel was written between 2010 and 2011 Check out her blog http://nazlitawfeeqi.com
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 67
Books
Book Recommendations Of The Month
The Fault in Our Stars
Award winning author of Looking for Alaska, John Green has published yet another novel that has not only thrilled his audience yet again, but also attained a whole new level of fans. The young adults novel The Fault in Our Stars has gained endless praise and has also connected on an emotional level with the readers. The novel centres on the story of 16-year-old terminal lung cancer patient Hazel and her relationship with Augustus
“That’s the thing about pain,” Augustus said, and then glanced back at me. “It demands to be felt” ― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars whom she meets at a Cancer Kid Support Group. They say it’s the kind of book that stays with you forever. Must be true!
The Book Thief
It’s a book that is narrated by death. The novel tells the story of a young German girl
“Imagine smiling after a slap in the face. Then think of doing it twentyfour hours a day.” ― Markus Zusak, The Book Thief during World War 2 called Liesel Meminger who is sent to live with poor foster parents. Along with the books she stole, came the realisation of the power of words and how they can change everything. It’s a long novel and most certainly a page-turner. Along with the short chapters, the novel consists of some illustrations.
“I now know that some people feel unhappiness the way others love: privately, intensely, and without recourse.”
68 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
And the Mountains Echoed
When you tell most people that the book is set in Afghanistan the first thing that comes to mind is ‘war’, yet Hossein’s new novel ‘And the Mountain Echoed’ touches social issues that he may have not concentrated on in his first two novels ‘The Kite Runner’ and ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’. In each chapter, you will find the story of a different character. You will feel the pain of separation, of unaccepted love and of uncertainty and guilt. The novel starts with the tale of a brother and sister, Abdullah and Pari and proceeds to introduce different characters that were one way or another connected to the story of their separation.
Opinion
Celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr!
Rehan Ahmed encourages environmentally-friendly festivity.
T
he culmination of the holy month of Ramadan is with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr or Feast of Breaking the Fast. Eid is considered as a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide and to show a common goal of unity. The main aspects of Eid are congregational prayers in masjids, open areas and parks, get-togethers with family and friends, at home or restaurants, cooking and sharing special dishes, and wearing ceremonial dresses. Eid like other local, national and religious festivals often has a major impact on the environmental resources. Extra food, drinks and clothing’s are made and imported. People spend a fortune on these items. The cost and environmental factor is often neglected, not considered and forgotten. The festivity is often extravagant and causes pollution and harms environmental
resources. The day starts with special prayers whereby men, women and children gather to offer prayers. After the ritual is over, prayer sites are often plagued by litter, rubbish and waste scattered all over the place and even flying in the air and migrating to nearby safe havens for unaesthetic accumulations. Special food is prepared in houses which are visited by the relatives and neighbours. This causes great food wastage often due to under utilisation as food is prepared for more than the number of visitors and with a feeling that it should not be finished. On the other hand, people also eat limited quantity of special food less than expected or prepared which goes to waste quickly. This includes special breakfast, lavish snacks, sumptuous lunches and extravagant dinners during the festival days. To supply the population with the required quantity of food, the government makes huge efforts to procure or rather overprocure food stuff for local consumption. It includes meat, poultry, meat, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, cereals, grains, packaged food etc. Meat and poultry are lavishly eaten during the Eid holidays. The demand of meat (beef and mutton), chicken and related meat products increases to around 50 per cent of the normal demand, which in itself is very high. Food consumption in Bahrain is increasing and is projected to grow by 5 per cent, by 2015. With only 2.9 per cent of
“After the ritual is over, prayer sites are often plagued by litter, rubbish and waste scattered all over the place and even flying in the air and migrating to nearby safe havens for unaesthetic accumulations.”
Eng. Rehan Ahmed
its land, arable and agriculture contributing 0.5 per cent to the country’s GDP; Bahrain, like the other GCC country is heavily dependent on imports of meat, poultry, fruits and vegetables for total consumption. The country is forced to import 90 per cent of its food products. Eid also witnesses a panic-buying of food items and eatables, which tend to move out of shelves quickly, in the super markets and cold stores during the last days of Ramadan. This trend again leads to more wastage as the food items bought are not fully and efficiently utilised and ultimately end up in garbage bins. Over the years, festivities are increasing with increased buying of items and eatables per head. Consumption of eatables has increased, many fold, in the Kingdom and people have become more wasteful due to rise in income, living standards and affordability. But affordability does not mean that wastage should increase. While planning for Eid celebrations, it is now imperative that we think twice before buying, procuring any food items, clothing etc and take the environment into consideration. Let us change our attitude towards festivity and wastage and celebrate the festival in the right spirit. Tips for an Environmentally-friendly Celebration: Avoid littering at any time and location. Buy clothes and dresses with minimum packaging. Buy food items in calculated quantities based on the actual requirement and number of guests to be served. Serve food in limited quantities rather than extravagantly, in large dishes. Educate guests to avoid wasting food. Serve drinks in small glasses Avoid using disposable cutlery, plates, napkins, tissues etc. Give left over food to the less privileged and poor people in the neighbourhood. Let us celebrate Eid in an environmental friendly way!
Head of Waste Disposal Unit, Supreme Council for Environment, Bahrain, Email: rehan900@gmail.com
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 69
Readers’ Speak “Eid is one of the jolly-est days of the year. After the Eid prayer, everyone wears their new clothes, gets eidya, majlis’ open and has loads of fun at their family gatherings. Eid has such a unique atmosphere with kids running around happy. The best part is seeing people right after the Eid lunch; almost everyone passes out, haha.”
Eid Messages “One of my favourite things about Eid is celebrating family and being thankful that we had the strength and ability to fast for a whole month. Eid is like the Friday family gathering but with new clothes, money and more food” – Faisal Al-Dhaen
“Eid is all about spending time with my family, staying indoors and eating lots of good food. It is also one of the rare times when waking up early doesn’t seem so bad.” – Yara Adel
– Ali Al-Jaroodi
“Eid is the occasion I look forward to the most. I study at a university abroad and I have little time to spend with my family and friends, but when I come back home for Eid, I can enjoy the quality time that I spend with them that I couldn’t have otherwise. – Khalid Al-Kooheji “Eid is the best time of the year to meet up with your whole family and catch up with all the things that has been going on in a warm and joyful atmosphere. Undoubtedly, family gatherings are my top activity during Eid” – Balqees
“Although we fast for a month, Eid is when we compensate and eat more food in a day than we would have in that one month! Its also the day that the last episode of all the series we’ve ben watching during Ramadan comes out, so its very entertaining to watch with the whole family” – Bayan Rashad 70 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
Society
Society If you don’t spot a picture of yourself or your friends on our Society Pages, you can always check our online newsletter which is updated regularly. Visit www.FashionArabia.net
Sofitel Launches Layali Al Zallaq Ramadan Tent
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa launched the Layali Al Zallaq Ramadan Tent on 7th July. The launch was attended by media personalities, corporate clients and invited guests.
Moussa and Bull Bull
Basel, Richard, Moussa, Jassim Zayani, Charbel and Debbie
Charbel Hanna, Kim Gates and Basel Qabouq
Laila, Beverley, Carie, Karina and Yaseen
Zena, Covi, Hakeema, Miranda and Debbie
International Children’s Day Celebration
In celebration of the International Children’s Day, Crowne Plaza Bahrain once again hosted a day of fun, games and activities for the orphans under the care of the Royal Charity Organisation on 2nd July.
The kids with Crowne Plaza Bahrain and Royal Charity Organisation representatives
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 71
Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net
Al Rashid Group’s Fitness First Prize Ceremony and Cake Cutting Al Rashid Group’s Fitness First held their first prize and cake cutting ceremony on 18th June.
Al Rashid Group management during the cake cutting ceremony
Nasser, Mohammed and Ahmed
FC Football Group
Junaid and Akeel
PBB Cultural Dance Group
Vikas, Lynne, Zaffer and Deen
AWA President’s Appreciation Luncheon
The American Women’s Association (AWA) President’s Appreciation luncheon was held on 18th June at Upstairs Downstairs. Fran and Laura
AWA Members
Sheryl and Lyn
72 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
Lisa and Oraib
Adriana, Hala, Bianca and Rebecca
Cucina Bah Confidentail August 2013.pdf
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Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net
The K Plus and the K Rewards Cocktail Party
The K Plus and the K Rewards Cocktail Party was held at Champions Sports Lounge on 3rd July.
Volker Mandlowsky and Hussain
Susan Cook
Ameera, Jalila and Likhiya
Amod, Anjali and Kalpana
Nadia
Yanna, Kristina and Katherine
Al Areen Palace & Spa Ramadan Ghabga
Al Areen Palace & Spa Ramadan Ghabga was held at Al Areen Palace & Spa on 10th July.
Al Areen Palace & Spa management and staff
Samar, Cristina Fulgencio and Dona Cristina Fulgencio, Elie, Frances Villarosa and Nabeel
74 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
Nick, Zena, Kelly and Bilal
Gopika, Nalin and Karan
John
Mina and Dawn
“Ten Years Of Magical Cuisine”
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Maki Bahrain’s 15 Magical Moments Dinner on Monday August 19th, 2013, 8:30PM “The finest Japanese fusion gastronomical event returns! Savor 15 exquisite samples of Maki’s finest creations with complementary beverage selections” BD15++ per person, limited availability - R.S.V.P Steve or Marike @ 17522733 2012
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THE BULL RUN THE THIRTY-YEAR MONEY GAME BETWEEN BULLS AND BEARS An investment book written by, Tholoor M. Thomas, CFA, an experienced investment professional Published by Author House UK Ltd A good resource for students of finance, new investment professionals and investment managers. Book available in soft cover, hard cover and e-book at Author House, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net
Iftar Organised by Ashrafs
The Iftar organised by Ashrafs was held on 16th July at the MĂśvenpick Hotel. Georgiana, Ghada and Rebecca
Ashraf BGDC Management
Wael, Rebecca, Polly and Ali
Fareeba and Polly Panganiban
Wael and Ali
Diplomat Radisson Blu’s Ghabga
Ben and Michael
Diplomat Radisson Blu held their ghabga on 13th July at the hotel.
The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa management and staff Mariam, Wendy and Layla Serenading the guests
Alyssa and Laura
Dilraz, Florine, Melissa and Smily
Lorvett, Arlene and Cherry
Kristine and Shelle
76 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
Lamiya, Ayman and Anwar
Miya and Mitchel
American Southern Style Family Restaurant & Lounge Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Tel: 17725550 email: ricsbah@yahoo.com 08/04/2013 22:49
Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net
Iftar at Crowne Plaza
Crowne Plaza’s Iftar party was held at Spices Restaurant at Crowne Plaza on 16th July.
Mona Ibrahim and Zena Williams
Meera and Ravi
Shobin
Subish
Habeed, Mona Ibrahim and Vivek Sharma Osama Anwar and family with Miranda
Farewell Party for the Bahrain Family Leisure Company (BFLC) Senior Personnel Farewell Party for the Bahrain Family Leisure Company (BFLC) Senior Personnel was held at Ponderosa on 8th July.
Sadeeqa, Sabeena, Ranjith, Mohammed, Pauly, Nelson and Ramdas
Vinod and Thilak
Pauly, Mohammed and Ranjith
Mohammed’s family Nawal, Sadeeqa and Hanan
Abilash, Saratos, Sudhakar, Ramdas, Savi and Sathyaraj
78 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
Sandeep and Don
Reynan, Cynthia, Aldrin, Mariel and Jaypee
Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net
Babushka’s Concept Furniture Store Opening
Babushka’s Concept Furniture Store opening was held at Al A’ali Mall on 13th July. Sara, Shada and Nouf
Mai, Sara, Mariam, Reem and Nouf
Shaikh Hisham Al Khalifa and Wael Al Sayyar
Eman and Mariam
Sarah, Mariam and Zena
Ali and Abdulla
Sara, Eman and Mariam
Mai, Nouf and Reem
The K Hotel’s Iftar Event
The K Hotel’s Iftar event took place at Klouds Restaurant on 17th July.
Volker Mandlowsky and The K Hotel management team
Alyssa and Mia Natasha, Amy and Ayla
80 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
Charles, Charlette and Nick
Miranda and mum
Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net
Michelle Hannah’s Birthday Celebration Little baby Michelle celebrated her first birthday at Ramada Palace Hotel on 7th June.
Michelle, Smily and Renji
Smily and friends
Renji and friends
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture offers relief from chronic pain
Dr. Lucy Liu
Qualified practitioner in traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Special Ramadan Offer: FREE chiropractic massage with ! every 2 massage sessions booked
Dr. Liu and her team offer specialist treatment for conditions such as: • Diabetes. Weight Loss. Migraine. Insomnia. • Strokes & Paralysis. Infertility. Impotence. Prostatis. • Stress/Nervous System problems. • Poor circulation. Rheumatism. Arthritis. Varicose Veins. Gout. • Joints, Neck, Shoulder & Lower Back problems • General pain relief. For appointments & consultations please contact:
1766 4088 or 3964 1997 Direct line: 3777 8922
Under the medical supervision of Bahrain Medical Group
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 81
Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net
Harley-Davidson “Bikers Parade Kicks Off” Inauguration
Harley-Davidson Club Bahrain in association with the Rotary Club of Manama launched their bike parade on 11th July at the HarleyDavidson showroom in Budaiya.
Harley-Davidson team parade
Bob, Laith, Fareed and Robert
Robert
Bahrain Polytechnic’s Ghabga
Bahrain Polytechnic held their Ghabga at Gulf Hotel on 20th July.
Jinan, Alwary, Hind, Dalal and Raneem Amal and Khalifa
Ameena and Sharifa
Ali, Maram, Salman and Zain
Al Samya and Muneera
Bashar and Sajad Jelnar, Jawaher and Jumana
Jinan, Reem and Habib
82 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net
Gulf Diabetes Specialist Centre’s Ghabga
Gulf Diabetes Specialist Centre held their ghabga at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel on 25th July.
Gulf Diabetes Specialist Centre team
Eyad Fakhri, Laskshmi and Isaac
Enas Alkaisi and Dr Ahmed Al Rashid
Sam, Athraa, Clarizza and Ella Nedhal Al Aujan
Anwar, Hani and Hassan
Dr Jameel Al Mozan and Maeda
Launch of New Products by Purple Patchouli
Purple Patchouli launched a range of new products at Al A’ali Mall on 25th June.
Noof, Nasser, Dareen and Dalal
Lana, Anna and Leah
Rahul and Collen
Banan, Lieya and Mara Zaina and Hala
Lindi and Umkhatoon
Mariam
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 83
Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net
Montreal Motors Launch Jonway
Montreal Motors launched the Jonway at the Montreal Showroom on 29th June. They are the exclusive dealer for “Jonway Oryx” SUV Car.
Montreal management
Ibrahim and Zayed Zayani
Montreal management and guests
Montreal management and guests
Montreal management and guests
Yateem Centre’s “Celebrate the True Essence of Ramadan”
Yateem Centre celebrated the Holy month of Ramadan with programmes showcasing spirit and rich culture of the region through its ‘Layali Ramadan’ campaign on the 10th July.
Yateem Centre team with Eventscom team
84 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
Abdulrahman Fakhro and Farouk Almoayyed
Montreal management and guests
Junaid for Perfumes Hosts Iftar Get-Together
Junaid for Perfumes conducted an Iftar get-together for their staff at the Jumeria Hall in Salmaniya. The event took place on 12th July and saw an attendance of over 300 employees.
Junaid for Perfumes’ employees during the Iftar event
Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net
InterContinental Regency’s Al Thurayya Tent
InterContinental Regency Hotel launched their Al Thurayya tent on 7th July.
Lina, Marwa and Tarek
Zakeya, Awatif, Fareeda, Waheeda and Deena
Spinning Tanoura dancers
Mohammed, Cora and Michael Koth
Arif and Rawia
Pallikaropoulos, Yazid and Nabil
Spinning Tanoura dancer with Jehan Mohamed and friend Azadea team
Manama Rotary Club Announces Plans for the Coming Year at Gulf Hotel The Rotary Club of Manama welcomed its new Board of Directors on 7th July and heard about the plans for the club for the coming year from incoming President Hussain Tadayon at a luncheon held at The Gulf Hotel.
Rotary Club of Manama President Hussain Tadayon (sixth from left) with the new Board of Directors
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 85
Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net
Al Rashid Group’s Carpisa Store Opening
Al Rashid Group’s Carpisa store held their opening at Seef Mall on 13th July.
HE Alberto Vichi, Shaikha Hind Al Khalifa and Vikas
HE Alberto Vichi with Shaikha Hind Al Khalifa during the ribbon cutting ceremony
Natasha, Zaffer and Sneha
Zena, Jason and Miranda Sneha, Divya and Natasha
Mervat
HE Alberto Vichi and Shaikha Hind Al Khalifa with the ARG management and staff
ARG’s E max and Credimax Press Conference
ARG held a press conference for E Max and CrediMax 6 months easy installment promotion. The event was held on 16th July at the Oasis Centre.
Khalid Showaiter, Vikas Attri and Ramana Kumar
86 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
Khalid Showaiter with Vikas Attri and Ramana Kumar
Morthadha and Muzafir
Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net
Ministry of Culture’s Gergaoon Night
Ministry of Culture held the Gergaoon Night at the Jasra Centre on 19th July. Masaod, Saleh and Saleh
Alia and Dania
Shaikh Hisham Al Khalifa and Shaikha Hind Al Khalifa
Zainab and Zainab
Lubna, Yasmeen and Najah
Sara, Noora and Jullia
Najah and Ameena
Dana and Razana
Zahra and Elyana
Haya, Mona, Noor and Layan
Jumana, Mohammed, Nawaf, Habiba, Yalwa and Ghazlan
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Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net
Batelco at Layali Al Zallaq, Sofitel
Batelco held their ghabga at Layali Al Zallaq, Sofitel on 18th July.
Basel Qabouq, Fadoua, Ahmed Janahi, Samy Boukhaled, Osama and Charbel Hanna
Areej Magazine Editor Huda AlMahdi with Abdull Shihab Nick and Abdull Shihab
Chelsea and Osama
Sue and Osama
Abdulla, Hussain, Said Hani, Mahmood and Osama
Bentley Fragrance Launch
Bentley launched their new fragrance at the Ahmed Zayani showroom on 27th June.
Bridget, Alicia, Jawad Al Hawaj, Nasser Zayani, HE Christian Testot, HE Iain Lindsay, Reyadh Zayani and Yousif
Reyadh Al Saud, HE Christian Testot, Nasser Zayani and Abdul Wahab Al Hawaj
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Jawad Al Hawaj and HE Salah Al Malki
Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net
Bushido Cocktail Party
Bushido held their cocktail party on 8th July at their premises.
Amy, Jillian, Emily and Benjamin
Alexandra, Martine, Eshkhan and Rodolphe
Wendy, Btisam and Mina
Roman, Alexia and Nicolas Budzynski
Apple and Cody
Puneet and Rhizlaine
Alistair and Kirsty
Liezz, Precious, Maria nd Marta Rashid, Waleed and Mohammed
Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Hosted Media Iftar
Sheraton Bahrain Hotel hosted an iftar for the media on 10th July on their Awali Ballroom with traditional setting.
Leslie, Cristalyn and Elmer Sheraton Bahrain Hotel management team
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Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net
Azadea Group’s Ghabga
Azadea Group held their ghabga at Golden Tulip Hotel on 22nd July.
Ekram, Dalia, Sadeeqa, Farid and Ellie
Abdul Rahim and Pierre Fourier
Mohammed, Shahid and Majid
Tom, Wadud, Arlene, Zykie and Baha Natasha, Rejith and Dalia
Honey and Alan
Prasad and Mita
Raffy and Arnold
Tamim and Janni
Zeeshan, Sayed Anup and Reji
Hussain, Jelanne, Ali, Gibert and Hussain
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Abdulla, Shahid, Hanin and Monia
Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net
Ponderosa Steakhouse Gergaoon Celebration
Ponderosa Steakhouse celebrated Gergaoon at Ponderosa, Seef on 22nd July. Sabina and Cynthia
Areej and Sidhiqa
Ponderosa staff with the BFLC management
Nelson, Sammu and Tilak
The Teletubbies visits Bahrain City Centre
Mohammed, Baneen, Abdulla and Sammu
Lilian and Shaikha
Bahrain City Centre’s Gergaoon Festival
Bahrain City Centre celebrated Gergaoon at the Central Galleria of the mall on 21st July.
Lanah and Mariam
Samia and Zakia
Zain
Samar and Bader Sana and Lubna
Abdulla, Anwar, Ayaa, Alaa, Hussain and Khatoon
Mai
Guests
Alisa and Khalid
Manal and Dana
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Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net
BHS Store Branch Launch at Seef Mall
BHS launched their fresh new store at Seef Mall on 3rd July. Haseen Chhaya and Zena
BHS ribbon cutting ceremony
BHS management and staff
VIVA Lewan Ramadan Stand Official Inauguration
VIVA inaugurated their Lewan Ramadan stand at the Central Galleria, Bahrain City Centre on 14th July.
Duaij Al Rumaihi, Ulaiyan Al Wetaid and Khalid
Ebrahim Al Doki
VIVA Lewan Ramadan ribbon cutting ceremony
Team Galeria
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Mohammed, Ahmed and Amr
Nashly and Nasreen
Jamal, Anwar and Khalid
Ali, Khalid, Andrew and Nizar
Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net
Ghabga by Zain
Zain organised a ghabga at Bushido on 16th July.
Yasser and Ali
Ghazi and Zainalabideen
Raed and Mohammed Mariama and Samya
Laila
Rasoul
Nizar
Maddy
Omar
Ghabga by Al Haddad Motors
Al Haddad Motors organised a ghabga at the Elite Resort & Span on 17th July.
Mohammed, Bambi, Graeme, Alia and Nick
Paul and Geff and Steve
Adel and Steve
Mohammed and Ashique
Alia, Chelsea and Nick
Abdulla Al Haddad, Mohsin, Yasser and Graham
Prakash, Pallavi and Hemanth
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Society Latest society photos at www.FashionArabia.net
Ghabga by VIVA
VIVA organised a ghabga at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa on 16th July.
Nizar, Ulaiyan Al Wetaid, Andrew, Jamal and Karla
Naseem, Robert, Rebecca, Melissa and Pooja Angela and Magette
Melissa and Rebecca
Heba, Areej, Ameena, Pooja and Naseem
Chelsea and Susan
Andrew, Khalid, Ghazzan, Khalil, Tony, Bassam and Omar
Rolls Royce Wraith Launch
The launch of the Rolls Royce Wraith was held at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa on 14th July.
Zayed Zayani, Ayman, Khalid Zayani, Jeff and Hamed Zayani
Rashed Zayani, Khalid Zayani and Hamed Zayani
Essa Al Koheeji and Osama Al Kohjeeji
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Nick, Paul and Hassan
Business Toyota Robot Visits Space Toyota developed a miniature robot, in part and it is all set to be launched at the International Space Station (ISS), this month. Christened Kirobo, the robot is 34cm tall, and weighs around 1kg (on earth) and will take part in the first robot-human conversation experiments aboard the ISS. Toyota was responsible for voice and face recognition functions that are crucial to the experiments. Kirobo is one of two humanoid verbalcommunication robots developed under the Kibo Robot Project, a joint research project carried out by Toyota Motor Corporation, RCAST and Robo Garage. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has also provided extensive assistance.
BCC Camp: Curtains Fall! Bahrain City Centre (BCC) successfully closed its City Sports Camp, a fully-booked programme which witnessed over 90 kids aged seven to twelve. The camp was a community-initiative, as all activities were offered free of charge and engaged kids in a series of sports programmes, keeping them entertained throughout the summer. The City Sports Camp ran three times a week, and featured a Splash Day at Wahooo! Waterpark, Playtime at Magic Planet, a Bowling Tournament, Get Fit fitness classes and Mind Sports, which included fun ‘thinking’ games. Children also enjoyed a tasty lunch which was sponsored by BCC.
Business
In Brief
Diplomat Hosts BJBFS Exposé
The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa hosted the photography exposé by the Bahrain Japan Business & Friendship Society (BJBFS), at Al Fanar venue, under the patronage of HE Shaikh Hisham bin AbdulRahman Al Khalifa, Governor of The Capital Governorate. The exposé showcased a collection of the international photographer Monette, who has been traveling the world for the last 16 years, shooting five of the planet’s seven continents. Michael Kuhn, Director of Sales & Marketing at the hotel expressed that hosting events like these are an important part of the hotel’s Responsible Business Programme.
The K Hotel’s New Loyalty Programme The K Hotel recently launched its new loyalty programme which includes The K Plus and The K Reward. A party was hosted at Champions Sports Lounge, inviting The K Plus loyalty programme members. The members were told about the various benefits that the loyalty programme offers. The party was attended by The K Plus members, hotel guests as well as members of the media. Volker Mandlowsky, General Manager of K Hotel, Juffair expressed that he and his team are dedicated towards offering members an enriched experience and value their support tremendously. Bahrain-Japan photography exposé
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Business Jasmi’s Expansion Jasmi’s Corporation WLL, Bahrain’s pioneer Food Service Company recently opened their 24th outlet as part of their continuous expansion plans to get closer to their customers and cater to their individual needs. Located in Salmabad, Jasmi’s decided to position the new branch at the Square Plaza, in close proximity to AMA University so that students can grab a delicious bite to eat on the go, and also to serve the local community keeping in mind Salmabad’s growing residency rate. Spanning over an area of 271 sqm, the outlet can accommodate a capacity of 95 people and features a double window drive-through for take away customers; there is a Jasmi’s Coffee counter as well, offering the famous Jasmi’s coffee, cakes, fresh juices, salads, croissants and bagels served fresh on a daily basis.
KFH-Bahrain Signs Finance Agreement Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain, signed a BD18 million Islamic project finance deal with Banader Hotels Co, at a signing ceremony held at the KFH-Bahrain Headquarters, World Trade Centre. The financing deal will provide the funding to complete the construction work at the Banader Rotana Hotel project, located in the centre of the capital, Manama. Present at the signing ceremony were Abdulhakeem Alkhayyat, Managing Director & CEO of KFH-Bahrain, Abdulla Buhindi, the Banader Hotel Chairman, Sattam Algosaibi, Executive Manager and Head of Corporate Banking Group in KFH – Bahrain, Jehad Amin – Vice Chairman of Banader Hotels, and Abdulrahman Al Mokla – Acting General Manager for the company. Banader Hotels Co commenced the construction of a 28 story five-stars Hotel and furnished apartments consisting of 251 rooms which include 46 deluxe rooms and 24 private suites. The project will also incorporate other various hotel services.
BCC’s Ramadan Spirit Bahrain City Centre (BCC) celebrated the spirit of Ramadan last month with its various initiatives. It supported the ‘Make-ADifference this Ramadan’ campaign of Majid Al Futtaim Properties like it has been since 2010. Shoppers were encouraged to donate used clothes, non-perishable food, books, and eyeglasses. All contributions were given to Al Noor Charity Welfare. BCC also hosted two special activity stations, The City Barasti – two hospitality stations with traditional activities and entertainment; and Lewan Ramadan - a cultural village dedicated to sharing Islamic values and education in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and VIVA Jusoor. The mall also hosted Gergaoun festive activities where children dressed in traditional clothes were given small Gergaoun gifts and roamed around the mall with a traditional Bahraini band.
KFH officials
International Award for Nass Contracting Abdulnabi Marhoon, HSE Manager of Nass Contracting was recently presented with a recognition plaque for his contribution to the ECITB training programme wherein he introduced a new module of ‘Environmental Awareness’ to the course. The Environmental Awareness course covers environmental legislation, environmental management, environmental protection and the environmental audit processes that form an integral part of the continual improvement techniques that are at the heart of a sustainable environmental management system. This impressive initiative was proposed and developed by Abdulnabi Marhoon in conjunction with the ECITB. The new Environmental Awareness course is included within the ECITB International Health and Safety passport scheme. Nass Contracting is the only Contractor to be recognised as an Approved Centre to deliver the ECITB International Health and Safety Passport courses in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
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Business Minister of Culture Receives UK Ambassador Culture Minister HE Shaikha Mai bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa received the British Ambassador to Bahrain OBE HE Iain Lindsay. They discussed ways of boosting cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the cultural and tourism fields in light of the function of “Manama as Capital of Arab Tourism for 2013”. HE Shaikha Mai explained that as part of its future plans, Manama is keen to be informed about world experiences, stressing the importance of enhancing means of humanitarian and cultural exchange between Bahrain and Britain and launching projects that foster rapprochement between civilisations and exchange of human values. The British Ambassador stressed the need to reinforce cultural cooperation and communication between the countries, lauding Bahrain’s experience and its importance in highlighting the successive civilisations it has hosted throughout history.
New Sales & Marketing Director at The K Hotel
Hussain Al Samahiji
Volker Mandlowsky, General Manager of The K Hotel announced the appointment of Hussain Al Samahiji as the Director of Sales & Marketing for The K Hotel, effective June 2013. A Bahraini national, Hussain Al Samahiji has more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality sector and has worked with many well-known international hotel chains in Bahrain. As the new Director of Sales and Marketing, Hussain will work closely with the Corporate Sales & Marketing team to develop and implement strategies, under the management of Gulf Hotel Group, Bahrain.
“We are delighted to welcome him to The K Hotel team and are looking forward to all the new ideas he plans to introduce to hotel operation and we are confident that he will be a great asset to the company,” said Volker Mandlowsky, General Manager of The K Hotel.
VIVA Sponsors Lewan Ramadan VIVA Bahrain, through its corporate social responsibility arm Jusoor, celebrated Bahraini culture and tradition all throughout Ramadan, last month. The telecom brand sponsored Lewan Ramadan, the stand located in the main galleria, at Bahrain City Centre. In partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and Bahrain City Centre, the miniature cultural village, conducted themed interactive activities and cultural entertainment. Visitors enjoyed reading sessions, educational and historical Islamic literature documentaries, live puppet shows and traditional games.
Samya Hussain of Zain presents the cheque to Zahraa Tahi, one of the board members of BPW
Zain Bahrain Supports BPW Gargee’an Zain Bahrain supported the Gargee’an Night organised by the Professional Women’s Club (BPW), in Bahrain and Al Jasra Training Centre, last month. The Telecom brand celebrated the spirit of peace and giving which the Holy Month of Ramadan brings to the community. Al Jasra citizens and their kids enjoyed the “Fraisa” dance with traditional music, the favour bags, and different activities. Inauguration of Lewan Ramadan
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Business
Tamkeen, Now At Seef Mall Tamkeen Board Chairman, HE Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa officially inaugurated Tamkeen’s Customer Service Centre at Seef Mall last month. Tamkeen Chief Executive Mahmood Hashem Al-Kooheji and the executive team, board members, as well as a number of officials and media representatives, also attended the opening. The new facility has been fully equipped and designed to ensure the provision of high quality services. The extensively trained staff will be available to handle all customer needs, including programme information, registration processes, eligibility criteria, and the required documentation, as well as guiding customers to the programmes that best serve their interest and objectives. In addition, some of Tamkeen’s strategic partners will also have service agents on hand at the new centre. Moreover, customers can also now submit applications for Tamkeen’s enterprise development programmes and attend the relevant orientation sessions, at the new centre. Regular working hours at Tamkeen’s new customer service centre will be from 8am to 4pm.
Euro Motors BMW Medal Winner Ali Jassim won the Euro Motors BMW Monthly Medal Series, at the Royal Golf Club last month. His nett score of 70 was just enough to win the event on count back, leaving Depriest Daniels, who finished with the same score, in the runners up spot. Robert Timmers took top spot in the second division with a level par score of nett 72 and Ben Elsworth finished a close second on nett 73. In the third division Paddy Gallagher took first place for the second consecutive month with a nett score of 73, one shot over runner up Sanjay Lal. Brendy Santiago was named the leading lady after firing a nett score of 76. All the winners will progress on to the Euro Motors BMW Grand Final which will be held at the Royal Golf Club in December.
National Hotels Company’s CSR Initiative
Crowne Plaza’s CSR Initiative Crowne Plaza Bahrain donated clothes to the Migrant Workers Protection Society (MWPS). MWPS is the only society in the region to work exclusively in support of the expatriate worker community. Crowne Plaza is delighted to have joined hands with the Society and looks forward to wholeheartedly contributing to more communities in need in the near future. The hotel recently planted a few trees at its premises.
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The National Hotels Company, owner of Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa donated BD 5000 to the Bahrain Cancer Society. Dr Abdulrahman Fakhro, President of the Society and General Secretary, Al Nokhtha were welcomed by the National Hotels Company CEO, Abdulrahman Morshed and Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa General Manager, Panos Panagis, to receive the cheque. The President expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support towards the Society. Supporting local charity organisations has been part of the National Hotels Company’s corporate culture and the Responsible Business Programme of the hotel.
Opinion The logical mind brings only half of the picture, so you will never understand the true nature of yourselves or your world if you do not put that partial picture together with the other pieces that exist within your emotional content. It is important to recognise that the logic of the mind will bring you conclusions, whereas the logic of the emotions will bring you cognition.
EQ Versus IQ
I
people depend on these for day-to-day life decisions. The higher you go on education, more the dependence on cognitive decisions. There comes some point where your decisions start going wrong because pure cognition is not what the life is about. The emotional faculties like mindfulness; reflection, self-control, responsiveness, empathy and understanding needs of others etc. form the emotional faculties, which matter a lot for success in life.
“EQ-IQ interface is thus most powerful area of influencing the performance.”
EQ-IQ interface is thus most powerful area of influencing the performance. It inter-relates the cognitive and emotional faculties and competencies for optimising the decision making process and operational performance of a person. It relates to The Law of Attraction, as it is referred to, which has become very popular lately as “The Secret,” points out very clearly how “attraction” draws toward us events and circumstances which match the essence of our “feelings” or emotion level, which is another way of saying our “emotional frequency” level. Our emotions are our life’s power and vitality, the “carrier wave” upon which our projected thoughts are sent to create or
Q versus EQ question came existence when Dan Goleman popularised emotional intelligence. Many psychologists say that IQ by itself is useless unless a person has an equal EQ that allows them to interface with each other. EQ is emotional intelligence quotient and represents the idea of how well a person can perceive emotions, use emotions, understand emotions, and manage emotions in self and others. There is no fixed correlation between IQ and EQ. When you have 2 people with very high levels of EQ, they can prove to be more stable than others. Cognitive faculties like knowledge, intellect and understanding are fundamental for decision-making and 80 per cent of
modify our reality. The more potent our “carrier wave” is, the more quickly and effectively it will affect and transform our reality. - The happier we are the more “attractive” power we have. Emotional Intelligence (EI) is considered to play a crucial role in the modern business life. Its principles help in evaluating and influencing business, person’s behavior, management styles, attitudes, interpersonal skills and potentials. A major advantage of emotional intelligence is that it empowers people and get over the fear and difficulties that they face and which restricts them from moving forward. It also helps in understanding one’s own behavior as well as relationship with others.. In a group setting business people with higher EI will be able to influence the emotions of others in such a manner that, they will be able to boost their own as well as their employee’s morale. People with high EI competencies tend to be more successful professionally and more able to make positive changes at work as they have the ability to process emotional information creatively, particularly as it involves the perception, assimilation, understanding, and management of emotion
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Interview
The Batelco Racing Team
by Melissa Nazareth
Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) honoured car racing championship winners for 2012-13, at an award ceremony, last month. Raed Himmo, the 2000 cc champion and Karting Endurance champions, the famous Batelco Racing Team get candid, in an EXCLUSIVE with Bahrain Confidential.
O
kay, so I’ll be honest; less than a year ago, if you’d place a Ferrari, a McLaren and a Mustang in front of me, I’d just tell you they all look alike (may be, just may be I’d guess the Ferrari because it’s red in colour). Yes, that’s how terrible my knowledge of cars was. That said,
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over the past few months writing about cars and talking to car enthusiast friends has taught me how to appreciate automobiles; I try to read and do all things cars – observe vehicles on the road, identify brands by looking at the grills, the headlights … and not the logo; I must say so far it’s going great. So, when I heard about the BIC championship award nite I simply HAD to be there! The atmosphere was surreal with all these talented racers holding their
humungous trophies – so established and yet so humble and balanced. Another thing that intrigued me was the various types of car racing there is – Circuit Racing, Sprint, Endurance..it’s amazing how motoring events have evolved since the first contest organised in 1887. Raed Himmo shares his view on BIC’s 2000cc racing challenge calling it an excellent championship to kick start one’s circuit racing career with. “It’s the most affordable circuit racing championship
Interview
Raed Himmo accepts his award at the BIC 2000 cc champion 2012-13
“I think motor sports, in the Kingdom is going in the right direction after the addition of the new karting track, at the BIC.” in the region and very competitive,” he says. “You might find 5 racers competing for first position in each race.” Himmo also participated in Autocross, at the BIC and is happy to have won it in addition to the 2000cc. We talk about the skill set essential for aspirant racers and he points out that skills could be acquired through training and the willingness to learn how to be a better driver. “The key point here is not just the skills but also the passion you have for this sport, without that you will never be a real race driver.” Himmo started his racing career in the mid 90’s with rally tours; he participated at the Jordan International Rally ‘96. He then moved to Autocross championships in the UAE and as soon as he moved to Bahrain, in 2009 he started participating in the 2000cc challenge in addition to Autocross, at the BIC. I tell him that the establishment of BIC has taken car racing to a whole new level and he nods in total agreement. “Bahrain’s government is very generous when it comes to motorsports; you can see that support for Bahrain Grand Prix and other international events. On the local scene, without BIC’s support all local championships will simply die. We not only need government support but also private sector support, for the sport? I seriously believe that if the government, private sector, media and championship organisers work as a team and agree on a road map on how to develop motorsports in the kingdom, it is doable!” Last question, Raed – Who is your favourite motor racer? “In
the current F1 lineup it would be Lewis Hamilton,” he says with a smile. Next I met up with the Batelco Racing team (BRT); “We’ve been racing since 1998,” says Team Manager Ali Abbas Hassan as he introduces me to the team members. BRT bagged second position in their first race ever, with only two racers Ali Al Qumaish and Ali Abbas Hassan. There has been no looking back, from that point and the team has never missed winning a podium position, since 2001. “In 2011, Osama Alsaad, Ali Al Qumaish and I decided to expand our motor experience and moved into supercars. Thanks to all the hard work by our mechanics and the drivers we won the
“The key point here is not just the skills but also the passion you have for this sport, without that you will never be a real race driver.”
championship!” BRT has raced on so many different tracks, globally and I’m curious to know which one’s their favourite. “Bahrain has one of the best tracks in the world but we also like to race at RKC, Paris because the minimum teams participating here is 42 (from all over the world) and for every race they bring new karts in. Ali Abbas Hassan shares BRT’s plan of action before each race. “Practice, practice and mindset,” he says. “We have someone research about the race track that we’re heading to and about the competing teams. It’s important to keep drivers sharp and focused so we work on an escalated practice schedule; we monitor lap time results for every practice run; we go over race lines and stamina practice. Our technical team keeps pushing the drivers harder as the race date approaches and then we take a week off before race day. That week off is vital for us to arrive with mental clarity and to perform our best.” BRT has three rounds of European championship which will be held in September, October and November, 2013 plus the Dubai finals. Praising the government’s efforts towards boosting motorsport in Bahrain, Ali Abbas Hassan says, “I think motor sports, in the Kingdom is going in the right direction after the addition of the new karting track, at BIC; it’s a major boost to the local motorsport scene. I encourage Bahrainis to visit this state-of-theart karting track and enjoy a sensational driving experience. Also, encourage your young loved ones into this type of sport, but safe and away from the streets.”
Ali Abbas Hassan, Batelco Racing Team Manager
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Cars
S W E CAR N From the latest to the greatest, find out all about what’s new in the automotive industry right here on this page.
Toyota’s Accolade at Le Mans Toyota Racing finished as runners-up in the 90th anniversary edition of the Le Mans 24-Hours, in this third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. Toyota first competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 1983. Toyota cars have raced in 14 Le Mans 24-Hours races, with a total of 38 vehicles taking part. For 2012, the automobile marquee returned to endurance
racing as a full-time entrant with a hybrid LMP1 car making history by becoming the first manufacturer to build a team entirely around a hybrid powertrain. The TS030 Hybrid had a successful first season winning three of the six races it entered. Off the race track, Toyota Motor Corporation has been a true pioneer in the hybrid car category starting in 1992 and then moving onto mass
production of hybrid vehicles in 1997. The cumulative global sales of its hybrid vehicles topped the 5 million unit mark as of 31st March, 2013. Toyota Motor Corporation will launch a total of 18 new hybrid vehicles worldwide by 2015. Visit the Toyota (EK Kanoo) showroom in Sitra.
The All-New Lexus IS Range Ebrahim K Kanoo, the sole distributor of Toyota and Lexus in the Kingdom of Bahrain introduced the Lexus IS model range. This sporty saloon car is beautifully designed and has a really nice interior with contemporary lighting and premium materials. The longer wheelbase increases leg room for rearseat passengers. The IS 350 offers s a 3.5-litre V6 with direct fuel injection, to produce 312bhp and the IS 250 is powered by a smooth 2.5-litre V6 providing 204bhp. An additional driving mode, SPORT S+ (IS350 F Sport only), uses an Adaptive Variable Suspension system and refines the power train, so the driver can fine tune the ride for even more fun when driving. For a test drive visit the Lexus showroom in Sitra.
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Cars Lexus LS Leads, JD Power 2013 IQS The Lexus LS flagship luxury sedan received the highest score among all models in the industry in the 2013 JD Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS). This is the sixth year in a row the LS has had the highest score in the industry. The LS was redesigned for the 2013 model year with dynamic, fresh styling that gives it a greater road presence and stronger brand identity while heralding a significant improvement in driving dynamics, responsiveness and handling. The most technologically advanced vehicle in the Lexus lineup, the LS features an array of safety features, including the industry’s most advanced Pre-Collision Safety System. The Racing Falcons with Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, CEO of Bahrain International Circuit
Visit the Lexus (EK Kanoo) showroom in Sitra.
Racing Falcons’ Accolade Founded in July 2011, The Racing Falcons (RF) is one of the award winning karting teams, in Bahrain. The team was placed in second position at the recent Sodi World Endurance Series Bahrain Championship. RF also celebrated its second year anniversary last month. Earlier this year, they participated in the 12-hour Endurance Championship 2013, at Dubai Kartdrome and bagged the Newbie Trophy – a title given to the team that is participating for the first time at the race, with the best finish.
Exciting Offers at Ahmed Zayani & Sons Never before! Never again! This Eid, enjoy a wide range of fantastic offers on selected Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles. Also avail exclusive services and extended warranty packages (on selected CJDR variants subject to stock availability). “Our range of vehicles promise value for money and we’re delighted to offer our valued customers a combination of competitive pricing and great incentives,” says Godwin D’Cruz, Manager Sales & Marketing. CHRYSLER Drive in the 2013 Chrysler 300C this festive season. This well built salon car offers the best safety features and is more equipped than its predecessor. It combines good engineering, stylish design, top quality materials and driving dynamics that European buyers expect, with American style; exhibiting a classy personality and value for money, the 2013 Chrysler 300C will appeal to both the head and the heart. DODGE One of the fastest growing brands in the
Middle East, the Dodge range has the retrostyled Challenger SRT8 muscle coupe with its 6.4-litre HEMI V8 engine producing 470 hp and the high performance four-door Dodge Charger with two highly acclaimed power plants to choose from (3.6-litre Pentastar V6 and 5.7-litre HEMI V8). There is also the Dodge Durango with its sleek exterior design and plush interior.
JEEP There’s a Jeep to suit every customer and every need. With the recently launched 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the most awarded SUV just got even better. For a test drive visit the showroom in Zinj or call on, Tel. +973 1723 8822.
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Cars
Ramadan Offers at Almoayyed Motors Almoayyed Motors, the authorised distributor of Ford in Bahrain, has an exciting Ramadan Campaign offers competitive prices on their selected range of SUVs and crossovers along with gift vouchers of up to BD450 from City Centre. For those keen on stylish and smart cars, the Ford Edge is the right option. With a V6, 3.5-liter engine and 286 HP, this crossover is powerful and sleek. The Edge was the first to launch the SYNC system and is now available at a starting price of BD10,795. As a smaller version of the Edge, the powerful Escape crossover comes with a 4 cylinder 2.5-liter engine and 168 HP. Starting from only BD8,600, this SUV also utilises the SYNC and My Ford Touch
technologies and keyless and Push-ButtonStart advancements. The Ford Expedition is the full size, tough and functional SUV. With a standard 5.4-liter V8 engine, and 310 NET HP, this vehicle is complemented by clever control technologies, including the SYNC system, and a flex fuel capability. It also features an independent multilink rear suspension system, and starts from BD11,995. The F150 is built Ford Tough and
comes with a fully boxed frame that allows it to haul up to 1,500 kg of cargo. It also delivers a peace of mind as it utilises a safety cage and hydroformed steel tubes that are designed to absorb impacts, and starts from BD10,200. For your test drive visit the Almoayyed Motors showroom in Sitra or call on, Tel. +973 1773 7373.
Bin Hindi Promotional Campaign Winners Thomas John, General Manager, KIA After-sales Division (4th from the right) and Mo’men Shawqi, PR & Media Manager for AA Bin Hindi Group, along with the winners.
Bin Hindi Car Care (a member of AA Bin Hindi Group of Companies) announced the winners of its summer promotion campaign which will continue until 31st August 2013. Bin Hindi Car Care operates Enaya and Quickfix, the retail Car Care Service centres. Enaya is the most exquisite Car Care Centre in Bahrain, situated at Wadi Al Said Petrol Station in
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Riffa which has no parallel in the Kingdom, as far as facilities and utilities are concerned. Quickfix is a chain of outlets situated at strategic locations like Riffa, Arad, Sehla and Salmabad and specialises in tyres, batteries, lubricants, brake services, A/C services and the like. Customer get a coupon with every BD5 spent, to enter the raffle and are eligible
to get one Scratch & Win coupon for instant discounts. The customer also gets a coupon to participate in the 2 Grand Raffles. There are 20 exciting prizes in the Grand Raffle. The GRAND PRIZE is a Samsung Smart LED 55’ inch and will be drawn in the second draw on 2nd December 2013, for which all customer coupons will be eligible.
Cars
Jaguar’s Project 7
Jaguar debuts at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
I
f you’re a car enthusiast then you’d agree that style and speed are indispensible to sports cars. Jaguar models have always made their mark on both these fronts and so it’s no surprise that its Project 7 concept car awed visitors at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (FoS) last month. Project 7 is a one-off design study based on the acclaimed new Jaguar F-TYPE, Jaguar’s two-seater, convertible sports car and winner of the World Car Design of the Year 2013 award. The name highlights the
The interior is fitted with a composite singleseat, with racing harness, a helmet holder in place of the passenger seat and custom trim. Talking of the exterior, the rear fairing is a key change in design. The rear wing also adds to the cars sporty look. Typical of most sports cars, Project 7 has a 10mm lower ride height ensuring safety. The interior is fitted with a composite singleseat, with racing harness, a helmet holder in place of the passenger seat and custom trim. The helmet holder carries a custom-designed Project 7 helmet
in matching blue paint and graphics, secured by its own harness. The car’s blue paintwork is reminiscent of the victorious Jaguar D-types of 1956/1957. Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity at Jaguar drove this speedster at the FoS. Talking about Project 7, Director of Design at Jaguar Ian Callum said, “When you look at this car, it has got an enormous amount of appeal. It’s just full of desire – you can see that its sole purpose is to be enjoyed. Project 7 is a very special car – not just because it’s a one-off, but because of its purity of purpose. It’s pure Jaguar.”
automobile marquee’s victory at Le Mans seven times between 1951 and 1990. This fully-functional, high performance concept sports car not only has a dynamic design, thanks to the team headed by popular designer Ian Callum but also packs tremendous power and speed to match. It features a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, pumping 550bhp in 680Nm form – an increase 55Nm over the F-TYPE V8 S. Visit Jaguar Bahrain in Sitra or call, Tel. +973 1770 7070. August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 105
Wildlife
Animals Are
Beautiful People! Here’s what they were upto when they thought we weren’t watching!
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T h e y to ld m e wou ld m a k e mth e Bra zili a n Blow Out e loo k HO T !!!
Inne r Peace, I’m goin g to find you!
I’m Sexy and I K now It!!
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EEE! Sa y CHEES
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Pets
Home! Looking For A
BSPCA Animals
If only animals could talk, you’d be hearing their sad, pitiful stories. But since they can’t, we are giving these adorable creatures a voice. One way or another, they have been hurt and abused in ways you would not imagine a human doing to another creature, and yet the fact remains that these animals end up abandoned and left for dead all over the Kingdom. If you’re thinking of buying a pet, please don’t - instead, adopt one today.
Polo Kitkat
Bamboo
Clara
Pancake
Bowie
Ranger Jessie
Mildred
Ripley
Tommy
Masooma
Interested in Adopting?
Visit the BSPCA in Animal Welfare Centre in Askar, see www.bspca.org for directions. Open for adoption viewing Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm and Friday and Saturday, 9am to 1pm. Tel. +973 1759 1231.
Interested in Adopting?
Tony The Dogfather
Call Tony ‘The Dogfather’ Waters on Tel. +973 3962 9889 or visit www.thedogfatherbahrain.com
Sunshine Rainbow
Ralphie Hamilton
Mary
Rags Fosterma
Apparition
Kits
Dumped Puppies
Do you have animal concerns? Need a vet? Call Animal Care Clinic in Hamala, Tel. +973 1761 2459 or Nourie Coutts, Tel. +973 1724 5515.
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 107
Gastro
Special Deals & New Menu At Cucina Italiana & Bennigan’s.
Bahrain’s finest Italian restaurant, Cucina Italiana brings together the most renowned parts of Italian culture, food and art transporting diners to the beautiful European continent. With an unshakable passion for the Italian lifestyle from its cuisine to its décor the restaurant brings class and style to casual dining. Cucina Italiana takes great pride in delivering the highest quality dishes prepared with only the freshest and finest hand-picked ingredients including fresh vegetables, succulent meat, hand-tossed dough and superior-quality tomato sauces. Cucina Italiana has established a guaranteed hit with the local, ex-pat and tourist community alike. Cucina Italiana Promotions! LUNCH - Order one starter, main course and a softdrink for only BD6 net. From Sunday to Thursday, 12pm to 3pm PIZZA DEAL – Buy 1 Pizza and get 1 Focaccia Pizza FREE From Sunday to Thursday, 12pm to 3pm
Molto Italiano! The beautiful interior at Cucina Italiana
18th September, 23rd October, 20th November and 18th December, 2013. Sign up Now!
AFTER HOURS – 2 for 1 on selected beverages From Sunday to Thursday, 3pm to 7pm
ITALIAN FRIDAY BRUNCH Relish a delectable Friday Brunch experience from 10.30am to 3pm. Prices range from BD8 to BD25 including selected juice, soft drinks bottle of Italian wine for two. Half price for kids.
COOKING CLASS – Every Wedesday from 4pm to 5.30pm; Fee: BD10 net per person (includes – 2 dishes and complimentary drink); Upcoming Cooking Classes on 21st August,
Feast on Bennigan’s New Menu! Bennigan’s, part of the Bahrain Family Leisure group as well has recently launched its new menu. Guests visiting Bennigan’s will
encounter new and exciting dishes as well as the restaurants best-loved classics. The menu includes new appetisers, salads, sandwiches, pub bites, legendary favorites, gourmet burgers, steaks, seafood, and desserts. Don’t forget to try out the new breakfast menu. Cucina Italiana & Bennigan’s are located at Juffair. For reservations at Cucina Italiana call on Tel. +973 1700 1317 or visit: www. cucinaitaliana.com.bh and at Bennigan’s call on Tel. +973 1781 3750.
Maki’s Magic Is Back! Time to sample some more new & healthy dishes.
Maki Bahrain introduced its brilliant idea, ‘15 magical moments of fusion cuisine’ to fine dining gourmands in the Kingdom, earlier this year. They are proud to bring the magic back with some new dishes, this season. The Dr Samer Maki, named after an actual MD, and an avid Maki fan, is zesty and includes both lemon and wild thyme with a combination of seafood ingredients and veggies that are
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wrapped in plum paper, and topped with the exclusive, healthful, Caviaroli (extra virgin olive oil) capsules. Then there’s the Wafa Maki (Image Down Right), named after a Maki Bahrain fan and gourmand; with fresh salmon, wasabi flakes, avocado and Maki’s house-grown extra virgin olive oil, this will not only be a sumptuous favorite, but it will also present yet another healthy option. Last but not least, the Portobello Mushrooms and Shrimp with Quinoa (Image Left) combines exotic and healthy ingredients like Portobello mushrooms, leeks, and organic quinoa, in a savory combo, yet again highlighting Maki Chefs’ creativity and sense of taste. Save the date for the next ‘15 magical moments of fusion cuisine’ – Monday, 19th August, 2013, at 8.30pm. Prior reservations are advised. Maki Chefs will create a sample menu composed of 15 sample dishes that represent 15 full-fledged counterparts from Maki’s wide array of flavors. Complimentary beverages will also be served.
Visit Maki Bahrain at Bahrain World Trade Centre. Open Daily: 12pm until 11.30pm and until 12 mid night on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and public holidays. Lounge open until 2am on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and public holidays, and until 1am on other days For reservations call, Tel. +973 1752 2733 or +973 3699 9102 or email: maki.bahrain@olivermaki.com
Gastro
Gastro Calendar
The Bahrain Confidential gastro guide reveals the best places to eat.
iest t s a t d n a t s e t The la places to go!
Bushido Restaurant and Lounge Every Friday Family day ‘Family day’ in Bahrain is made special with Bushidos Fridays Brunches. Every Friday, 12 noon to 3pm. Unlimited food and drink starts at BD18.5++. Alternatively, brunch with alcoholic beverages starts at BD24.5++ for a selection of wines, spirits, bubby and cocktails, or for a special occasions the Super Premium option is available at BD45++ with the additional choice of Rose Champagne and Sake. Children under six dine for free and are free to enjoy the children’s activity room during their visit. Bushido near the Ritz-Carlton, Tel. +973 1758 3555.
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Sofitel will celebrate the familial spirit of Eid
flow of sparkling wine, red and white wine and beers. 3rd Day of Eid Al Fitr Lunch Buffet Special lunch buffet of international cuisine inclusive of water, chilled juices and soft drinks Time: 12.30pm to 3.30pm Price: BD23 net per person For reservations and inquries please call +973 1763 6363 or email: H6722@sofitel.com Al Fitr through a variety of lavish restaurant offerings at Saraya Restaurant with dishes that will suit everyones taste. 1st Day of Eid Al Fitr Lunch Buffet Special lunch buffet of international cuisine inclusive of water, chilled juices and soft drinks. Time: 12.30pm to 3.30pm Price: BD23 net per person 2nd Day of Eid Al Fitr Eid Al Fitr Friday Brunch Saraya/Wok/Fiamma Restaurant Time: 12.30pm to 4pm Price: BD25 net per person inclusive of water, chilled juices and soft drinks BD29.9 net per person, water, soft drinks, juices, free
Please be aware that timings and offers are likely to change. It is advised to call up in advance.
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Gastro
Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain Family and a festive atmosphere is what Eid is all about. Embrace the joy that comes with eid with Mövenpick Hotel’s special Eid buffet and choose one of their tempting Eid offers, valid duing Eid Al Fitr holiday. Eid packages: A stay in a luxurious room with breakfast for two adults and two children. Priced BD78++. Different activities for a memorable vacation: Laze by the pool, soothe your tired muscles at the Spa, de-stress wit a Swedish message, work out at the gym and play a game of tennis with a friend. Later when you’ve built up your appetite enjoy the Eid buffet which features a splendid spread of international and local favourites. With tempting seafood platters, a myriad of crisp salads and fine desserts, you will truly admire the extravagant gourmet experience. Priced BD15++ per person. For information and reservation, contact: Tel. +973 1746 0000. All rates are subject to a 15 per cent service charge and a 5 per cent government levy.
The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa
The Gulf Hotel Friday Brunch Explore dishes from various cultures and cuisines every Friday from 12.30pm to 4pm at The Gulf Hotel’s Al Waha Restaurant. Diners have the opportunity to watch esteemed chefs at live stations as they passionately prepare their meals. Al Waha Restaurant Offers live entertainment on Fridays, and provides a friendly environment that kids can enjoy. Kids will delight in having their face-painted into their favourite characters, and getting balloons twisted into their favorite animals is sure to keep them entertained. Prices: start at BD220 for a brunch including the buffet, live cooking, soft drinks and juices, and BD26 for all the above in addition to alcoholic beverages.
Kids up to twelve years get 50 per cent off. For further information or for bookings, please call, Tel. +973 1771 3000.
The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa Enjoy the Friday Brunch pool party with Alf Hookers band and DJ Ram at BD24 net, BD12 Kids between six and 13 and free for kids under six. Guests can bring their swimming suits and have a free access to the pool (12 noon to 3.30pm). For further information or for bookings, please call, Tel. +973 3994 5208 or email: info.diplomat@radissonblu.com
Al Waha Restaurant in Gulf Hotel
Elite Resort and Spa Aqua Fiesta Timings: 12pm onwards, every Friday Make a splash, play with your kids, have some fun, and eat lots of great food! That’s what Friday brunch should be about, and Elite Resort and Spa does it right. It begins with the hearty Arabic buffet. The spread also features international favourites. When you’ve had your fill, walk around the poolside, get some traditional henna designs, have a Bassara (fortune teller) unravel the mysteries of your future or take a turn at holding a falcon. And much much more! Tickets are priced at BD12 for adults and half price for kids under the age of 11. For further information or for bookings, please call, Tel. +973 1731 3333.
The RitzCarlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain offers you a unique experience throughout the three days of Eid, at the Lobby Lounge, with a special Moroccan Tea ceremony where guests can sample a large selection of freshly homemade Moroccan pastries displayed on a buffet, while a tea expert prepares the traditional Moroccan mint tea next to the guest’s table. From 4pm to 8pm during EID. Tel. +971 1758 6449.
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Please be aware that timings and offers are likely to change. It is advised to call up in advance.
Gastro
Eid Feast!
In every culture, no matter where you are in the world, food is more than just about nutrition. It’s a celebration. It brings people together! In Eid, regardless of how much Eid money is given out, the type of new clothes that are worn or the way Eid is celebrated, one thing is similar in each household; the food! The Awaited Breakfast
It’s the morning of Eid; men are coming back from Eid prayer, girls are rushing to get their hair and makeup done and almost everyone is looking forward to the traditional Eid breakfast. No one asks ‘what’s for breakfast?’ on the morning of Eid because everyone already knows; Sweet Vermicelli also known as ‘Balaleet’ topped with eggs simply boiled in water and a little oil then add saffaron, cardamom and sugar, this traditional dish can be found in every home served with tea with milk or even chickpeas. What better way to start a sweet holiday than with a traditional sweet dish?
Eid Lunch
www.news.cm
“Eid Al Fitr is a three-day holiday celebrated by Muslims marking the end of the Holy month of Ramadan and a month of fasting [the word ‘Fitr’ means ‘fast-breaking’]. The holiday is generally celebrated by wearing new clothes, visiting family and giving out money.” Sweet Tooth
Rice to Arabs is what burgers are to Americans, what noodles is to the Chinese and what chutney is to Indians; it’s a popular dish throughout the year and it most certainly considered a celebrative dish during Eid. You can have it with meat, you can have it with chicken, you can have it anyway you like. There isn’t one recipe everyone abides to and there isn’t a wrong or right way to have it. Many even decide to buy their Eid rice from different places such as the famous Mohammed Noor. Regardless of how you decide to have it, lunch during Eid is rice and is known for ‘Eid rice’.
Everyone knows a diet is impossible to maintain during Eid. How could it be with all the different sweets and desserts lined up also known as ‘Qodouh’? Bahrain is recognised for the famous ‘Halwa Showaiter’, known for making the best traditional Halwa in Bahrain. Visiting the sweet shops is a must. So it’s no surprise that this sweet is also a very popular tradition during Eid. Right next to the container of Halwa you will usually find a box of ‘Rahash’, mainly made of Sesame Flour, sugar and liquorice. An essential with all sweets is traditional coffee served by handing the cup with the right hand, while pouring it with the left. Handing back the cup while shaking it meaning that you’re done, while simply giving it back means you desire more.
Credits: http://www.santabanta.com/photos/eid/9011033.htm and http://www.travelerstoday.com August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 111
Gastro
My Pizza Everyday
You have a day off! That’s awesome news. We have a foodventure you could embark on. Ric’s Kountry Kitchen let us in on their very own best selling pizza - Ric’s Loaded Pizza.
Ric’s Loaded Pizza Ingredients required: Ric’s homemade dough Pizza Sauce 80 grams of sausage* 80 grams of beef pepperoni 80 grams of ground beef 80 grams ham* 15 grams of green pepper 15 grams of onion 15 grams of mushrooms 15 grams of black olives 120 grams of mozzarella cheese
Instructions: Pre heat the brick oven to 180- 200 degrees. Roll the dough on a rolling pin into thick or thin crust (personally we love thin crust). Sprinkle the flour into the dough while rolling. Put some music on. It just helps you enjoy this foodventure more! Make the dough round into 16 inches to 18 inches long. Well, its topping time! Have some fun all you meat lovers. Put the pizza sauce and spread it all over the pizza and to the edge. Cover the pizza sauce with 25 grams of mozzarella cheese and put all those meaty goodness on top and cover it with the rest of the cheese. Cook for eight to ten minutes or until the pizza is golden brown in texture. Well, there you go! You are in for some real treat for the hungry tummies. It’s so good you just can’t stop eating! Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Enjoy!
Delivery Timings: 11am-1am For more information, call Ric’s Kountry Kitchen Tel. +973 1772 5550. *other options also available.
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Nightife
r e v e N t h g i N The t h g i r B o S d e Look ing ...
e is look n o o n h g u o th s a Dance
Every Friday PinK FridayS On the last Friday of the month (30th August) from 9pm until late, Get the chance to win an Emporio Armani gift worth at least BD300! Ladies get free entry and selected drinks. BD10 for men after 10pm. Bushido near the Ritz-Carlton Tel. +973 1758 3555.
Sofitel Bahrain, Zallaq, Thalassa Sea and Spa Bushido Restaurant and Lounge
Thursdays and Fridays: Geisha Fever Bushido welcomes the return of the partyseason! Eclectic music, fire-shows, themednights and much more. Free entry for ladies and couples. Free selected drinks and 50 per cent off selected food for ladies. 9pm to late.
With the end of Ramadan, the Eid holiday and the rest of the summer, Bushido Restaurant and Lounge has a number of promotions that should not be missed during the month of August.
Daily Afterwork Buy 1 get 1 free on selected beverages everyday 5pm to 8pm.
Please be aware that timings and offers are likely to change. It is advised to call up in advance.
Pasta Night With its excellent selection of Italian cuisine, Fiamma makes the perfect venue for Sofitel Bahrain’s pasta night. Under the careful guidance of Italian Chef Stefano Tansini, the event will feature a pasta live cooking station in addition to live entertainment throughout the evening. Every Monday (12th, 19th, 26th August 2013) Fiamma Restaurant Time: 7pm to 10.30pm Price: BD12 net per person inclusive of two selected beverages Direct Line: Tel. +973 1763 6363.
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Nightlife Eid Al Fitr Promotions Enjoy the three nights of Ramadan with Sofitel at Saraya and Pashawat restaurant Saraya Restaurant: 1st Day of eid: Dinner Buffet Full buffet of international cuisine, inclusive of water, chilled juices and soft drinks Time: 7pm to 10.30pm Price: BD18 net per person
water, chilled juices and soft drinks Time: 7pm to 10.30pm Price: BD18 net per person
Italian Pianist Fabio Tolu
You can also celebrate the spirit of Eid Al Fitr at Pashawat Restaurant featuring a set menu, which offers irresistible Lebanese cuisine. Pashawat Restaurant: Every Night During Eid Al Fitr Location: On the first floor with a separate entrance adjacent to the main hotel lobby Time: 7pm to midnight Price: BD25 net per person inclusive water, soft drinks, juices and chilled juices For reservations and inquries please call, Tel. +973 1763 6363 or email: H6722@sofitel.com
Elite Hotel Diplomat Radisson Blu 2nd Day of Eid: Dinner Buffet Full buffet of international cuisine, inclusive of water of chilled juices and soft drinks Time: 7pm to 10.30pm Price: BD19 net per person 3rd Day of Eid Dinner Buffet Full buffet of international cuisine, inclusive of
Block 338
Every Sunday
Beer Fest
Enjoy a cold refreshing beer after a long day, unwind and relax at Block 338’s Beer fest from 7pm to 10pm. Price: BD9++ Every Monday & Friday
Brendan Lynch live
Sing, dance and relax to the fantastic music by the great Brendan Lynch live every Monday and Friday from 8pm to 11pm at Block 338. Every Tuesday & Wednesday
Girls Night Out
Put on a dress and grab your favorite girl friend to have a drink at the open bar, with blasting music and cool atmosphere you are in for a wild girls night out. Price: BD5++ Timing: 7pm to 2am Every Wednesday
Salsa Night
Put on your dancing shoes for a night filled with exquisite Latin Soul Band featuring Farooq, and enjoy the fiery and fierce of Latin music. Time: 9pm to 12 midnight Every Thursday
Open DJ
You think you have what it takes to be the life of the
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Mondo Italian Restaurant Opening hours: 5pm to 11pm Dine & Wine on the 28th of August (last Wednesday of the month) Themed fine dining experience paired with wines from 6.30pm onwards. Lounge music by DJ Ram. Price: BD27 per person. Italian Aperitivo on the 29th of August (last Thursday of the month) with Classic Italian unlimited Aperitivo Buffet and Italian drink at BD10 net per person from 6pm onwards. Entertainment by Italian Pianist Fabio Tolu.
Paelleras Night Location: Al Noor Tent, Elite Resort and Spa Timings: 7.30pm onwards Why not start your weekend a little early? Elite Resort and Spa presents Paelleras Night every Wednesday to add some Spanish zing to your week. Al Noor Tent, nestled between the pool and the gorgeous Muharraq Bay, becomes home to an exquisite seafood buffet from 7.30pm onwards. Be prepared for some gastronomical surprises! The atmosphere is completed by the live entertainment and warm hospitality. The buffet is priced at BD15 nett per person. For further information or for bookings, please call, Tel. +973 1731 3333.
party? Spin a few records at Block 338 every Thursday from 11pm onwards. Every Friday
Wine Fest
Enjoy fine wine, served with cheese and wine platters, while relaxing to the great tune of Brendan Lynch. Time: 7pm to 10pm Price: BD8.5++ Every Saturday
Jazz Night
Chill out and relax to the tunes of True Blue Band featuring Adel and Ahmad, while unwinding in the cool atmosphere. Time: 7.45pm to 11pm Daily
Happy Hour
After a long day at work stop by Block 338, for an amazing 50 per cent off on all regular drinks. Time: 4pm to 7pm (Time extended on Saturday’s 4pm to 9pm)
Daily
Sol Beer PROMO
The Sol Beer Promo offers customers a BD2++ on drinks on regular hours and a BD1++ on happy hours, don’t miss out on the amazing promotion For more info & reservations, call: Tel. +973 1771 0338 or email: info@block338.com reservations@block338.com
Please be aware that timings and offers are likely to change. It is advised to call up in advance.
Editors Scoop
Get your dance shoes on, book your flight and enjoy some good music. Tom Jones Tom Jones
With 36 top 40 hits in the UK and 19 in the US, the Welsh singer himself, Tom Jones returns to Abu Dhabi on Thursday the 19th of September at the du Forum on Yas Island. Do not miss out on a night that you will never forget.
Songs performed in the tour are from his two famous albums ‘Praise and Blame’ and ‘Spirits In The Room’
Ticket Pricing (All standing event.) Golden Circle: BD46.19 Standing closest to the stage. General Admission: BD30.79 Standing behind the Golden Circle area.
Yas Island – Abu Dhabi
Rihanna
As amazing as Dubai may seem, there is more to the UAE than just that! Yas Island, located in Abu Dhabi, is a destination like no other. With seven hotels, Ferrari World, Yas Mall, Yas Water World, du Arena, Yas Marina Circuit and much more, you won’t go a day without an amazing new adventure. A drive from Dubai to Yas Island would take about an hour and fifteen minutes; so you won’t miss out on anything.
If you’re one of her 63 million fans on Facebook then you’ll be ecstatic to know that Rihanna is bringing her Diamonds World Tour to Abu Dhabi on Saturday the 19th of October at du Arena, Yas Island. Yes, Rihanna Navy in the Middle East, your wait is over!
Creamfields
(age restriction 18+) In December 2012, Creamfields WOW-ed the crowd with headlining acts from David Guetta and Armin van Buuren. Now the region’s No.1 electronic dance music festival is back in Abu Dhabi. Friday the 13th of December 2013 at du Arena, Yas Island, be there! Ticket Pricing Limited Early Bird General Admissions: BD15.4
Some Songs performed on the tour: What’s My Name? Love the Way You Lie (Part II) We Found Love S&M Only Girl (In the World) Where Have You Been Stay Diamonds Ticket Pricing Golden Circle Early Entry: BD132.92 Access to the venue ½ hour before standard ticket holders.
Diamond VIP Platform (21+ only): BD71.3 Elevated VIP Platform (Standing) with dedicated bar service.
General Admission Early Entry: BD50.81 Access to the venue ½ hour before standard ticket holders. General Admission: BD40.54 General Admission Early Bird: BD25.66 SOLD OUT!! Be one of the first to purchase a General Admission ticket.
Golden Circle: BD102.13 All tickets and additional details available at www.ticketmaster.ae
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 115
Musicology
Today They’re Local, Tomorrow International!
Bahrain Confidential’s Ameena Adel speaks to two promising Bahraini talents Hamad Ebrahim and Kawther Mustafa on their experience as young musicians in Bahrain. Kawther Mustafa
For 18 year old Kawther Mustafa, 2013 will not only be remembered as her graduation year, but also as the year she completed her last ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) exam. Kawther has recently returned from the United States of America after participating in an international piano competition that she came to know of through the Ministry of Culture only three days before the deadline. “I didn’t have time to prepare new pieces or adjust the ones I had,” she says, “So I felt that my chances of getting into the finals were low. However, surprisingly I was chosen as a finalist alongside 24 other pianists”. There she played at the John F Kennedy Centre in Washington DC. Not only was it her first time to travel alone, but also her first international competition. She was also the only Middle Eastern to participate in the competition and says, “I was proud to represent my country and the Middle East in the field of music” and ended up winning 3rd place (2nd runner up) in her age group. In her early age, her music teacher described her as having “a musical ear”, and she was enrolled for piano lessons at the age of seven. Its been ten years and counting. She says that music means everything to her and it has helped her go through all the tough years of high school. “Music is my medium for communication. It’s easy for me to communicate with my friends, family, elderly, children, the disabled … all through the form of music. Because its one language no one can argue with.”
Hamad Ebrahim For such a small island, Bahrain is heaving with young talents that deserve recognition. A mix of his favourite genres, an eight track EP with four remixes and four original mixes; 19 year old, Hamad Ebrahim has proven that one cannot measure success by age. “The album [Arsonist] was born in my bedroom. I worked on most of the stuff on my laptop, then worked with DJ/Producer Ahmed ‘Ed Buzzerk’ Zainal to finalise everything and make sure the album goes out in it’s best form” says Hamad. The EP features a blend of metal, electronic and HipHamad in action Hop music and was released on the 9th of July 2013. Although Hamad has been working on his album since October 2012, his association with music started at an early age when his parents got him a small Casio Keyboard when he was only nine years old and later when his brother bought him his first electronic guitar. The biggest challenge, he says, is finishing a track or a song till the end, it’s very hard to finish something with the same passion you’ve started with but in the end the finished product can be very rewarding. Although at times it may be difficult, he says that the thought of giving up never occurred to him, “Ever since I picked up the guitar it’s been a non-stop journey. Learning an instrument like most things in life takes time and effort and the more I put in, the better I become”. It’s the rush, the clichéd chill in his spine when he hears everything he’s worked on in sync that keeps him going. Hoping to work with more musicians and projects in the future, he is dedicating the Album ‘Arsonist EP’ cover, rest of his summer towards working on an actual album. He Artwork: Bader Shirawi believes that the music industry in Bahrain is growing slowly but surely, “it would be great if at some point, the music industry grows to an extent that everyone would have their chance to showcase their work freely and without hassle, whether it be music or any other form of art”. Check Hamads’ Arsonist EP out at www.hamadebrahim.bandcamp.com 116 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
image: www.minorwalk.com
Entertainment
Movies, Movies And Some More Movies Prepare the popcorn and call up all your friends, it’s time for the most anticipated summer movies.
Jobs Following the life of the greatest entrepreneur of the 20th century, the co-founder and creator of Apple, Steve Jobs, the biographical movie show Jobs as a high school drop out and how they invented and came up with the idea of starting Apple. The movie also shows some personal aspects of Job’s life and how many people affected him and helped him through his life. The movie that everyone is waiting for stars Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs and Josh Gad as Co-founder of Apple, Steve Wozniak. This biographical movie is set to premiere 16th August, 2013 worldwide.
Full House Screening for Akshay Kumar and Ashvini Yardi’s First Regional Film, ’72 Miles Ek Pravas at ‘London Indian Film Festival’ Grazing Goat Pictures’ hard-hitting regional drama 72 Miles Ek Pravas has had global audiences raving about the film since it’s screening at the London Indian Film Festival. The auditorium was packed with film connoisseurs from across London who were full of praise for the finely written and directed film. What stood out most about the screening was the positive reviews that the film received from all the attendees who were in awe of the content driven film and were able to connect with the characters despite the language barrier. 72 Miles Ek Pravas, which is the duo’s debut into Regional Film production has been stirring waves with its conceptual excellence and moving screenplay. A hard-hitting, poignant tale of a young boy who makes his journey into self-actualisation against the backdrop of a rustic India, 72 Miles Ek Pravas, explores a beautiful, coming of age journey for the 13 year old boy Ashok and the companionable relationships he makes through his journey. 72 Miles Ek Pravas releases on the 9th August, 2013 worldwide.
Percy Jackson: Sea of monsters A sequel to Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Percy Jackson and his friends go on an adventurous quest to help save the world yet again; the sequel embarkes on a treacherous journey into the uncharted waters of the Sea of Monsters (aka the Bermuda Triangle), they battle terrifying creatures, an army of zombies, and the ultimate Evil in hopes to retrieve the powerfully magical golden fleece. Starring actors and actresses include: Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario and Brandon T Jackson. This highly anticipated sequel is set to debut 7th August, 2013 worldwide.
“The whole of life is just like watching a film. Only it’s as though you always get in ten minutes after the big picture has started, and no-one will tell you the plot, so you have to work it out all yourself from the clues.” ― Terry Pratchett, Moving Pictures
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 117
Entertainment
Summer What To Watch This
Summer 2013, the summer of new series, from networks such as ABC to Netflix, all premiering amazing new series. Here is a break down of the must watch series for this summer. Enjoy! Hannibal Crime, Homicide and Drama are what the new series Hannibal is all about. This series takes an interesting take on one of the most fascinating literary characters. It is based on the characters from Thomas Harris’ classic novels. Will Graham, a gifted criminal profiler who is on the hunt for a serial killer with the FBI, his unique ability to empathise with just about anyone and understanding the way serial killers work; but when the mind of a certain serial killer is too complicated for even Will to understand, he enlists help from Dr Hannibal Lecter (the psychiatristturned-serial-killer). The twist in events and major mysteries is what makes this series a must watch show this summer.
The Fosters The Fosters is a new Teen-Drama show by the ABC family. The show is all about a multi ethnic family, which is a mix of foster and biological kids being raised by two moms. They take in two more foster children as a temporary situation amidst their already hectic life, which leads to more drama at the household. This exciting new series is appropriate for teenagers and young adults who enjoy drama and an interesting twist of events.
118 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
The Carrie Diaries An exciting new RomCom series by CWTV, we are shown the life by a teenage girl who is also the star of the show, Carrie Bradshaw (AnnaSophia Robb), life full of excitement, parties, new love and major drama. The show is set in the summer of 1985, where Carrie deals with the high life and excitement of living in New York City. The show is based on the famous series and movie “Sex and the City”, but with a major twist as it shows a young Carrie Bradshaw and how she became the person she is now known as.
Devious Maids The highly anticipated new drama by Lifetime Network; murders and secrets are the main attraction to the mansions set in Beverly Hill’s wealthiest and most powerful families. The series show a close-knit group of maids who bond together by their jobs, each with great ambition and dream of their own. The show stars Dania Ramirez, Rebecca Wisocky, Roselyn Sanchez and newcomer Ana Ortiz is definitely worth watching. This show is appropriate for young adults!
Bollywood Credit: www.muskurahat.com
“I said give 11 rupees and I will do the film.”
Sonam Kapoor … … on one of the most inspirational movies of 2013.
B
haag Milkha Bhaag (Run Milkha Run) is a Bollywood biographical sports film based on the life of Indian athlete Milkha Singh. National champion runner and Olympian, he is popularly known as ‘The Flying Sikh*’. Sonam Kapoor speaks to Bahrain Confidential about her experience doing the film. The response for your latest film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (BMB) has been great, how do you feel? Sonam Kapoor (SK): I feel great actually; I’m really proud to be a part of BMB because I love working with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra (Producer & Director) and because it’s such an inspirational story. Why did you decide to do BMB? Tell us a little bit about your role? SK: I did BMB because it was an outstanding script; I wanted to work with Farhan Akhtar (Lead Actor) and as I said I wanted to work with Rakeysh. My role is a pivotal one and it was an honour to play the part. You charged only 11 rupees for your role in the film. What led you to make
this decision? SK: They had a budget and told me they can’t give money; so I said give 11 rupees and I will do the film. I love Rakeysh; he gave me a lot of confidence and helped me open up. I went through a bad patch after Saawariya (Sonam’s first film). When I went on the sets of Delhi 6 he made me feel beautiful and talented. I was young and not very confident about who I am; Rakeysh gave me the confidence and I will always be grateful for that. I did BMB for Rakeysh; even if he’d asked me to walk backwards in the frame I would do it! It seems you appeared tearyeyed at the promo of the film. How were you feeling at that moment? SK: The promo shows the blood, sweat and toil of everyone who has worked on the film. This is why I started crying. You guys have seen the trailer and you must
have understood the kind of work we have done in the film * Those following the Indian religion of Sikhism
Farhan Akhtar as Milkha Singh in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 119
News Bites Caño Cristales
Now, this looks like some science project that a mid-school kid whipped up; remember those volcanoes that we created with baking soda, colour and water! Commonly known as ‘the river of five colours’, ‘the river that ran away from Paradise’, or even ‘the most beautiful river in the world’, Caño Cristales is a Colombian river; what gives it the colours is the Macarenia Clavigera plan that lines the river bed. So, when the water level is just right, during a brief period of the year you have a rainbow flowing right in front of you!
Bizarre
News
Whether it’s hilarious or bizarre, unusual and strange, Bahrain Confidential has the news for you!
Thelma and Louise
No, we’re not talking about Oscar winning Hollywood film, starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis (that was one hell of a chic-flick, though!). Thelma and Louise is a newly born turtle that hatched in San Antonio and was on display at Freidrich Aquarium. What makes it special is that it is two-headed but healthy and able to walk and swim. That’s quite a sister act, isn’t it!
Indoor Cloud
Dutch artist, Berndnaut Smilde created an indoor cloud in an empty room that lasts but only for moments. Smilde uses a fog machine and water under regulated temperature and humidity to create the clouds, in the room.
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Raw Civet Beans
Good ‘Meow’ning … Did You Have Your Cuppa Yet!
There is nothing like a cup of hot coffee to jerk you out of your slumber, every morning, no? Aromatic coffee … brewed from freshly ground coffee beans; or may be not! ‘Cat Poop Coffee’ comes from a bean that’s been swallowed and partially digested by a civet, a mammal native to parts of Asia and Africa that looks a bit like a cat but is more closely related to the mongoose. The civet has a reputation for climbing trees to eat the best, hardest to reach coffee berries. At some magical, undocumented point in history, a truly disturbed person picked out the partially digested beans from the animal’s poop, and found that it was fermented to perfection in the varmint’s alimentary canal. Now, farmers are harvesting these beans for big bucks.
Ouch! That should hurt …
A 35-year-old unnamed man from northern Israel got attacked by a snake while on the toilet! Thankfully the snake was not poisonous and the victim escaped with just a few bite marks on ‘the area’. The next time you nip to the washroom, watchout; you never know what’s lurking in there!
Listings
BAHRAIN RESTAURANT GUIDE
Bahrain Confidential’s Favourite
Chinese China Express 1771 7439 Adliya,12.30pm to 1am China Garden 1774 6423 Gulf Hotel, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm Ching 1756 4424 Seef Mall, 10am to 12am Kowloon 1772 5015 Umm Al Hassam,1am to 3.30pm/6.30pm to 12am Shanghai Hut 1729 2988 Exhibition Avenue 11.30am to 2am Hong Kong 1772 8700 Adliya Soie 1753 3533 Sheraton Hotel Beijing Chinese 1771 7969 Block 338, Adliya, 11.30am to 3pm/6pm to 12am First Chinese 1771 3603 Adliya, 12pm to 3.30pm/6pm to 12am Foli 1772 2199 Um Al Hassam, 12pm to 3pm/6.30pm to 11.30pm Magic Wok 1769 4105 American Alley, Juffair, Open Daily 8am to 11pm PF Changs 1717 9757 Bahrain City Centre
Nattinpuram 1729 0600 Ramee Baisan Hotel, 12pm to 12 am
BUSHIDO
Nirvana 1758 9318 Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa 12pm to 3.30pm/7pm to 11.30pm
Saffron Curry 1722 3014 Enma Mall, 12pm to 12am Sahar 1772 5117 Umm Al Hassam, 8am to 12am Shamiana 1717 8085 Bahrain City Centre, 10am to 12am The Yellow Chilli 1758 0480 Seef Mall, 12pm to 10.30pm Vrindavan 1723 4454 Manama, 7am to 3.30pm/4.30pm to 11pm Aachi’s Chettinand Kitchen 1723 3110 Gudaibiya, 10.30am to 3.30pm/ 5.30pm to 1130pm Akbar 1729 6660 Ramada Palace Hotel 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 12.30am Asha’s 1717 9751 Bahrain City Centre
The Way of the Warrior For reservations, call Tel. +973 17583555 or email: bushido@bushido.com.bh
Café Marisol 1770 1201 Al Bander Hotel & Resort, 7am to 11.30pm Cyprus Taverna 1771 6316 Adliya, 11am to 2pm/4pm to 2am East West Cuisine 1721 0012 Bahrain Financial Harbour, 8am to 5pm Figs & Olives 1600 0000 The Domain Bahrain, 10am to 12am
Moti Mahal 1782 5333 Juffair, 12pm to 12am
Curry Tree 1603 0662 The Lagoon & 2 other locations, 12pm to 12am
Mumbai Spice Bahrain Mall, 10am to 10pm
Vins Bistro 1771 7101 Adliya, 10am to 2am
Sangeetha 1727 2768 Gudaibiya, 7.30am to 3pm/5.30pm to 11pm
Fusions 1771 3000 Gulf Hotel
Spices 1753 1122 Crowne Plaza, Diplomatic Area, 12pm to 11pm
Links Restaurant 1775 0777 The Royal Golf Club
Taka Tak 1725 4848 Gudaibiya, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm
Silk’s 1746 0000 Mövenpick Hotel
The Great Kebab Factory 1769 0629 Jawad Dome, Budaiya 12pm to 3pm/6.30pm to 12am
The Gallery 1746 0000 Mövenpick Hotel
Mantra 1721 1133 Best Western Plus Olive Hotel, 12pm to 2am
International Bambino 1753 3336 Sheza Tower Hotel, 24 Hours
Selections 1720 8308 InterContinental Regency Hotel 6.30am to 11.30pm
MAI-TAI
Aloha Life!
Little Chef 1759 5950 Budiaya, 12pm to 12am
Charminar 1726 1896 Manama, 11am to 3pm/6pm to 12am
Lanterns 1759 0591 Budaiya, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 12am
Rimal 1784 5000 Al Areen Palace & Spa, 6.30am to 11pm
Jim’s Restaurant 1771 0654 Adliya, 11am to 3pm/6pm to 12am
Copper Chimney 1772 8699 Um Al Hassam, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 12am
Khazana 1727 4767 Manama, 7am to 3.30pm/5pm to 12am
Rendezvous 1758 7708 Seef Mall, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm
Healthy Calorie 1736 9399 Juffair, 8am to 12pm
Bright Candle 1722 9076 Manama, 11am to 3pm/6pm to 12am
Kalpaka 1729 7000 Windsor Tower Hotel, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 2am
Muju Restaurant & Lounge 1603 9800 Open 24 Hours
Ginger Lounge 1737 0037 Majestic Arjaan by Rotana, 6.30am to 11.30pm
Indian
It’s Mirchi 1772 7230 Ramee International Hotel, 12pm to 3pm/ 7pm to 12am
La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Arts 1771 3000 Ras Ruman, 9am to 10.30pm
Nando’s 1782 5100 Juffair, 11am to 2am
Clay Oven 1771 7008 Adliya, 11.30am to 3pm/6.30pm to 11.30pm
Hyderabad House 1772 0031 Umm Al Hassam, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 12am
Al Wasmeyah Restaurant 1753 5000 Golden Tulip Hotel, Diplomatic Area Open 24 Hours DownTown Lounge 1720 8308 InterContinental Regency Hotel, 5pm to 2am
Papadom 1756 4434 Seef Mall, 10am to 12am Rajdhani 1771 5222 Gudaibiya, 7am to 2am
Gulf Hotel, Adliya, Open 24 Hours
Located at Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa For more information, call Tel. +973 1758 6555
Mei N Yu 1601 0160 The Lagoon, 12pm to 3pm/6.30pm to 12am Salad Boutique 3666 4427 Adliya, 8am to 12am
La Med 1758 0000 The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa Le Bistro 1722 7777 InterContinental Regency Hotel Al Waha Restaurant 1774 6425
Upstairs Downstairs 1771 3093 Adliya, 7am to 11am/12pm to 3pm/7pm to 12am Yamin Jana Mediterranean Sea Front Lounge 1603 3800 Dragon Hotel & Resort, Amwaj Open 2pm onwards Zoe 1771 6400 Adliya, Block 338, Saturday to Tuesday, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 12am & Wednesday to Friday 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 2am Zytoun 1729 8008 Novotel Al Dana Resort 6.30am to 12am Tamarind 1784 5000 Al Areen Palace & Spa Wednesday to Saturday 12pm to 3pm/ 6pm to 11.30pm & Sunday to Tuesday 12pm to 3pm
Italian BICE 1755 3666 MODA Mall, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11.30pm Carino’s Italian Grill 1758 7878 Seef Tower, 11am to 12am
To be included, email: info@ArabianMagazines.com or call +973 1782 2368.
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 121
Listings
BAHRAIN RESTAURANT GUIDE Pick a Pizza 1772 0929 Umm Al Hassam & 1 other location 12pm to 1am
MAKI
Pizza Express 1601 0524 The Lagoon Amwaj, 11am to 12am Pizza Hut 1771 1113 Manama & 10 other locations, 11am to 1am Pizza Inn 1781 1666 Juffair & 1 other location, 10am to 12am
A Culinary Haven! Located at the Bahrain World Trade Centre. For more information, call Tel. +973 1752 2733
Pizza Bella 1782 7133 Juffair & 1 other location, 11.30am to 11.30pm Rolandos 7732 2222 Juffair 12pm to 12am
Coco’s Café 1771 3710 Adliya, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm
Pizza Company 1781 1830 Juffair & 1 other location, Open 24 Hours
Fiamma 1763 6363 Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa 12.30pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm
Cucina Italiana 1700 1317 Al Safir Hotel, Juffair, 6am to 2am
Italiano 1758 1919 Al A’ali Complex, 11.45am to 11pm MASSO 1772 1061 The Palace Hotel, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11.30pm Mia Mia 1756 4414 Seef Mall, 10am to 12am Pasta Art 1700 1750 Zamil Tower, 8am to 6pm Pastarito 1717 9300 Bahrain City Centre & Durrat Al- Bahrain 11am to 12am
Mondo Restaurant 1753 1666 Diplomat Radisson Blu La Pergola 1771 3000 Gulf Hotel Café Spasso 1782 2274 New Zinj, Open 830am onwards Café Italia 1774 4774 Adliya and 1 other location 12pm to 3.30pm/7pm to 11.30pm
Prego 1775 1263 The Royal Golf Club, 11.30am to 12am
La Taverna 1722 9979 City Centre Hotel, Gold City 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 12am
Primavera 1758 0000 Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm
Medzo 1720 8308 InterContinental Regency Hotel Open for lunch and dinner
Vapiano 1749 1391 Bahrain City Centre, 10am to 10pm
Mino’s 1774 4777 Adliya, 11am to 12.30am
Dominos Pizza 1782 6222 Juffair & 4 other locations 10.30am to 12.15am
Ninos 1756 6555 Al A’ali Complex, Seef
Gusto Pizzeria 1769 5556 Budaiya,12pm to 11pm Little Caesars 1717 9400 Bahrain City Centre & 4 other locations 11am to 12am Margherita Pizza & Pasta 1772 3133 Umm Al Hassam, 12.30pm to 3.30pm/ 5.30pm to 12.30am Metro Pizza 1779 4000 Sa’ar, 12pm to 12am Papa John’s 1772 5453 Juffair & 18 other locations, 10am to 3am
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Oliveto 1771 6747 Block 338, Adliya 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 12am Pizzeria Café Italia 1758 2823 Seef Mall, 11am to 11pm Roma 1772 5885 Um Al Hassam, 12pm to 2.30pm/7pm to 11.30pm Romano Macaroni Grill 1772 3818 Juffair Pomodorino 1700 0121 Adliya, 12pm to 1am
Japanese EDO 1729 0945 Exhibition Avenue, 11,30am to 12am Frangipani 1758 2422 Seef Mall, 10am to 12am Imari 1600 0000 The Domain Bahrain, 6pm to 12am Meisei 1700 7770 Adliya, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 12am Sato 1771 3000 Gulf Hotel Bushido 1758 3555 Seef, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 2am Fuji Sushi Bar 1753 3336 Sheza Tower Hotel,12.30pm to 12am Haji Sushi 1772 5638 American Alley, Juffair, 11am to 11pm Kei 1753 5000 Golden Tulip Hotel, 12.30pm to 3pm/ 7.30pm to 11pm Maki 1752 2733 MODA Mall, 12pm to 12am Mirai 1771 3113 Adliya, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm Sumo Sushi & Bento 1771 8090 American Alley, Juffair, 12pm to 12am Sushi 101 1782 2274 New Zinj Saturday to Thursday, 12pm to 3pm/6pm onwards & Friday 1pm to 4pm/7pm onwards Yo Sushi 1758 3373 Al A’ali Complex, Seef Saturday to Wednesday 12pm to 12am/ Thursday to Friday 12pm to 2am
Middle Eastern Abd El Wahab 1713 1111 MODA Mall, 12pm to 12am Badawi 1729 7799 Manama, 10am to 11pm Café Blanc 1710 0069 Al A’ali Complex, 8am to 12am Chakmagia 1755 8500 Dana Mall, 10am to 10pm Dalaona Restaurant 1733 0930 Muharraq, 9am to 12am Fakhruddin 1769 5949 Sa’ar, 11am to 11pm
Bahrain Confidential’s Favourite
Kenza 1736 0000 The K Hotel, 7pm to 2am Leila 1756 6556 Seef, 9am to 12am Mashawi Lebanese Grill 1733 9014 Muharraq, 12pm to 12am Qasr Al Sultan Grill 1774 4144 Bahrain City Centre & 1 other location 11am to 12am Shoo Fee Ma Fee 1731 1280 Adliya, 10am to 12am Tarwe’a 1724 0046 Manama, Open 24 Hours Yamin Jana 1600 3380 The Dragon Hotel & Resort, 7am to 2am Zayt Zaytoon 1731 2222 Manama & 2 other locations, 7am to 12am Zeitouna 1736 5055 Juffair & 4 other locations, 8am to 12am Al-Bokhari 1731 1186 Hoora & 2 other locations, 12pm to 2am Leewan Al Khor 1601 0666 Amwaj, 1pm to 11pm Melh Al Zad 1731 1170 Hoora, 12.30pm to 1am Yalla Yalla 1782 7999 Al Safir Hotel, 6.30pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm Taza 1778 4997 Tubli, 12.30pm to 12.30am Momo 1718 0659 Adliya, 8am to 2am Shawarma Express 1772 9922 Juffair & 5 other locations, 7am to 3am Zahlawiya 1771 0051 Adliya, 7am to 2pm/4pm to 4am Kosebasi 1717 2322 Bahrain City Centre Al Abraaj 1759 5656 Budaiya and many other locations, 12pm to 12am Al Arisha 1772 5414 Um Al Hassam, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 12am Al Fanar 1753 1666 Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Open Monday to Saturday 9.30pm to 2am Al Hamra 1722 4000 Delmon International Hotel, Open 24 Hours
To be included, email: info@ArabianMagazines.com or call +973 1782 2368.
Listings
BAHRAIN RESTAURANT GUIDE
Bahrain Confidential’s Favourite
Al Mukhayam Ramada Palace Hotel 8pm to 1am
Al Osra 1749 1492 East Riffa & 3 other locations, 11am to 12am
The Food Station 1725 4007 Marina Mall & 2 other locations, 10am to 10pm
Al Shama 1729 7000 Windsor Tower Hotel, 9pm to 2am
Atayeb Restaurant 1759 0119 Budaiya, 12pm to 4pm/6pm to 11pm
Al Yacout 1729 8008 Novotel Al Dana Resort, 8pm to 2am
Bangkok International 1774 0666 Adliya & 1 other location, 10am to 1am
Camelot 1771 7745 Adliya, Block 338 12pm to 12am
Carla’s 1769 7687 Cyprus Gardens, Sehla, 12pm to 12am
Blue Moon 1729 7100 Hoora, 10am to 1am
Dar Al Tajine 1731 1167 Phoenicia Tower Hotel
Bu Ali 1724 2432 Zinj & 2 other locations, 10am to 12am
Golestan 1753 3533 Sheraton Hotel Sunday to Friday 12.30pm to 2.30pm/7.30pm to 11.30pm
Caesars 1771 6955 Adliya, 12.30pm to 3pm/6.30pm to 11.45pm
Isfahani 1755 0567 Hoora and other locations, 12pm to 12am Laialy Zaman 1729 3097 Fateh Corniche, 11am to 4am Marmaris 1755 5909 Sanabis, 11am to 12am Maseelee 1721 0647 Gulf Pearl Hotel, 5am to 9.30pm Persian 1781 1511 Adliya, 12.30pm to 3.30pm/7.30pm to 12am Persian Room 1601 0166 Amwaj Islands Saturday to Wednesday 12pm to 12am/ Thursday to Friday 12pm to 1am Rayes 1731 2700 Fateh Corniche, 12pm to 1230am Takht-e Jamsheed 1774 6431 Gulf Hotel, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm
Century International 1771 0100 Adliya & 1 other location 7am to 2am Charcoal Grill 1721 3410 Manama & 1 other location Citrus Restaurant & Café 1774 4950 Adliya, 12pm to 12am
Mexican
Grill Room Buffet 1769 6660 Budaiya & 1 other location 12.30pm to 3.30pm/6.30pm to 11.30pm
Sea Food
Paradise 1753 5306 Manama, 9am to 1am
Baharat 1717 1000 Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel, Bahrain City Centre Wednesday to Friday 8pm to 12am
Salt & Pepper 1762 3535 Sanad, 10am to 12am
Deja Vu 1365 7770 Adliya, 4pm to 2am
House Boat 1601 0321 Amwaj, 11am to 11.30pm
Senor Paco’s 1772 5873 Adliya, 12pm to 3pm/6.30pm to 12am
Pashawat 1763 6413 Sofitel Bahrain, 7pm to 12am
Block 338 1771 0338 Adliya, 11am to 2am
Clay Oven 1771 7008 Adliya, 11.30am to 3pm/ 6.30pm to 11.30pm
Grand Royal 1772 1787 Umm Al Hassam, 12.30pm to 3.30pm/6.30pm to 1130pm
Paprikas 1729 7100 Hoora & 1 other location, 10am to 1am
Fusion
JJ’s Irish Pub and Restaurant 1774 2323 Adliya, 12pm to 230am
Casa Mexicana 1771 5521 Adliya, 12pm to 3pm/6pm to 12am
Yas-e Isfahani 1758 1151 Seef Mall, 10am to 10pm
Silk Restaurant 1774 9750 Adliya, 11am to 12pm Spice Nice 1771 3603 Adliya, 12pm to 3.30pm/6pm to 12am
For reservations, call Tel. +973 1700 7770
Tapas Bar 1763 6412 Sofitel Bahrain, 11.30am to 3.30pm/7pm to 12am
Georgia Chinese 1781 3814 Juffair, 11am to 12am
Marmaris 1755 3825 Al Daih, 11am to 12am
A Story of Honour, Elegance and Integrity
Saraya 1763 6410 Sofitel Bahrain, 6.30am to 11pm
Margarita Mexicana 1774 6462 Gulf Hotel, Adliya, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 11pm
Wafi Gormet 1779 999 Bahrain City Centre, 9am to 12.30pm
Zahle 1774 6417 Gulf Hotel Monday to Tuesday 7pm to 1am/ Wednesday to Friday 7pm to 2am
Trader Vic’s 1758 6555 Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Spa 12pm to 3.30pm/7.30pm to 11.30am
Fantasy Restaurant 1729 2382 Hoora, 11am to 12am
Havana 1731 1440 Hoora, 12pm to 1am
MEISEI
Asia Sea Food 1722 4466 Mashtan Hotel, 6am to 11pm La Mer 1763 6411 Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa 7pm to 11pm La Perle 1729 8008 Novotel Al Dana Resort, 7pm to 12am Sea Chef 1729 2911 Hoora, 12pm to 1am Waves 1753 1122 Crowne Plaza Hotel, 12pm to 4pm/7pm to 12am Far East Sea Food Market 1772 7230 Ramez International Hotel, Juffair Daily, 12.30pm to 11.30pm Fish Market 1770 1201 Al Bander Hotel and Resort, 12.30pm to 11.30pm
Sun & Sand 1731 1366 Exhibition Avenue, 11am to 2am
Sheza Seafood Market 1753 3336 Sheza Tower Hotel, Diplomatic Area 12.30pm to 12am
Tandoor Hut 1771 3874 Adliya, 11am to 1130pm
Steak Houses Klouds 1736 0000 The K Hotel, 6.30am to 2am
Le Sauvage Meat + Fire 1600 0000 The Domain Bahrain 6.30am to 3pm/6pm to 12am Plums 1758 0000 Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa 7pm to 11.30pm Butcher’s Shop & Grill 1717 2323 Bahrain City Centre, 12pm to 11pm Brazil 1782 6686 Adliya, 12pm to 3pm/6pm to 11pm L’lle 1784 5000 Al Areen Palace & Spa, 6pm to 11pm Legendz Steakhouse 1720 8308 InterContinental Regency Hotel Open for lunch and dinner Ponderosa Steakhouse 1758 0552 Seef, 11am to 1am Sizzlers Restaurant 1771 6999 Mansoori Mansions Hotel, Open 24 Hours The Meat Co 1774 2080 Block 338 Saturday to Wednesday 12.30pm to 3.30pm/ 7pm to 11.30pm and Thursday to Friday 12.30pm to 12am Mezzaluna 1774 2999 Adliya Sunday to Wednesday 7pm to 11pm/ Thursday to Saturday 7pm to 11.30pm
Thai Banana Leaf 1774 4171 Adliya, 11am to 11pm Hash House 1771 5094 Adliya, 12pm to 4pm/6pm to 12am Orchid Thai 1729 6660 Ramada Palace Hotel, 12pm to 3pm/7pm to 1am Shada 1772 1155 Zinj, 11.30am to 3.30pm/6.30pm to 12am Royal Thai Sea Food Restaurant 1771 3000 Gulf Hotel
To be included, email: info@ArabianMagazines.com or call +973 1782 2368.
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 123
Listings
BAHRAIN RESTAURANT GUIDE Monsoon 1774 9222 Adliya, Saturday to Thursday 12pm to 2.30pm/7pm to 11pm & Friday 7pm to 11pm
Dome Café 1781 0180 Juffair, Open 24 Hours
Nu Asia 1758 7171 Seef, 12pm to 12am
Friend’s Club 1771 3732 Adliya, Saturday to Wednesday 10am to 12am/ Thursday to Friday 10am to 1am
Pong’s 1753 0800 Exhibition Road Thai Chi 1717 9747 Bahrain City Centre, 12pm to 12am Thai Express 1769 3595 Jawad Dome, Budaiya, 10am to 11.30pm gomiami.about.com
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” - J.R.R. Tolkien Muay Thai Quick Meal Restaurant 7704 0454 Juffair, 12pm to 12am
American Blaze Burgers 1774 4773 Adliya, 11am to 12am Burger Wisconsin 1759 4458 Sa’ar, 11am to 12am Chickey’s 1774 4144 Zinj & 2 other locations, 10am to 1am Elevation Burger 1758 7828 Seef Mall, 12pm to 11pm Fat Burger 1713 1414 Bahrain City Centre & 2 other locations 9am to 1am Franks a Lot 1781 1970 Juffair, 10am to 1am Fuddruckers 1774 2266 Adliya & 4 other locations, 8am to 12am Johnny Rockets 1756 6565 Al A’ali Complex & 1 other location 8.30am to 1am Tony Luke’s 1749 4940 Riffa, 11am to 12am Tony Roma’s 1787 0070 Zayed Town, 12.30pm to 1am Ric’s Kountry Kitchen 1772 5550 Juffair Bennigan’s 1781 3750 Al Safir Hotel, Juffair Brasa de Brazil 1758 2225 Seef Mall, 12pm to 11pm Chilli’s 1758 1221
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Seef Mall and many other locations Hard Rock Café 1729 1569 Exhibition Road, 8am to 1am Jan Burger 1771 2505 Adliya & 5 other locations Burger Lounge 3984 2840 Amwaj, 12pm to 12am
Thailand 1771 7040 Block 338, Adliya, 6.30pm to 11.30pm
Cafés Café T 1775 0777 The Royal Golf Club PAUL Bakery & Restaurant 1717 2321 Bahrain City Centre and 1 other location A Lounge 1771 0041 Adliya, 11am to 2am
Grub Shack 1713 1363 Al Hamala
Al Bindaira Café 1774 4066 Adliya, Monday to Thursday 10.30am to 12.30am and Friday 1pm to 1am
Asian
Al Bareh Art Café 1771 3535 Adliya, 8.30am to 11pm
Chin Li 1771 7717 Adliya, 12pm to 3pm/6.30pm to 11.30pm Curry Country 1753 7555 Juffair, 11am to 2am David’s Stir Fry 1754 0188 Adliya & 1 other location 12pm to 3pm/6.30pm to 11.30pm Hot Wok 1717 8083 Bahrain City Centre, 10am to 12am Pan Asia 1772 1600 Umm Al Hassam, 11am to 3.30pm/7pm to 11pm Peppers Fusion 1771 7808 Adliya, 11am to 3.30pm/6pm to 12am Kontiki Restaurant 1753 1666 Diplomt Radisson Blu Baan Saeng Thai Adliya, 11.30am to 3pm/6pm to 12am Bali Orchid 1718 0424 Gudaibiya, 12pm to 12am Honey’s 3923 8507 Souq, Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 5.30pm/ Friday to Saturday 24 Hours Mamy Soup 3919 5343 Exhibition Road, 11am to 11pm
Bahrain Confidential’s Favourite
Al Riwaq Café 1771 7441 Adliya, 10am to 9pm Aroma Restaurant & Café 1758 2711 Seef Mall, Open for lunch and dinner Café Lilou 1771 4440 Adliya & 1 other location Saturday to Thursday 8am to 11pm/ Friday 10am to 11.30pm Candles Coffee 1771 4844 Adliya, Sunday to Thursday 9am to 1am/ Friday & Saturday 5pm to 1am Caramel 1770 7087 Cyprus Gardens, Budaiya, 8.30am to 12am
La Maison du Café 1771 7524 Adliya, 8am to 2am Le Chocolat Seef District 7.30am to 12am Maya Chocolat Seef Mall, Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 11pm/ Friday to Saturday 10am to 12am Med Café 1771 3088 Adliya and other locations, 11am to 1am Patisseri Valerie MODA Mall, 7.30am to 9pm Sky Walk Café Mariott Executive Apartments, Juffair 6.30am to 11.30pm Tea Club Amwaj Islands 12pm to 12am Veranda 1771 5868 Adliya and 2 other locations, 9am to 1am Waterlemon 1758 1785 Al A’ali Shopping Complex 10am to 11pm Organic Foods & Café 1333 3285 Seef Mall, 9am to 10pm Levante Café 1603 0393 Amwaj, 12pm to 130am Café Sayah 1722 4000 Delmon International Hotel, Open 24 Hours
Chocolatiers Godiva 1758 0699 Seef Mall, 10am to 10pm Patchi 1725 0501 Manama and 1 other location, 9.30am to 9pm Rawasi Chocola & Flowers Mahooz, 9am to 1.30pm/4pm to 9pm
Café Ceramique Al A’ali Mall, 9am to 11pm Columbus Café 1717 2324 Bahrain City Centre, 8am to 12am Crepe Café 7711 5566 Budaiya & 1 other location Sunday to Wednesday 8am to 12am/ Thursday to Saturday 8am to 1am Deli France 1769 6031 Jawad Dome, Budaiya Sunday to Thursday 8am to 10pm/ Friday to Saturday 8am to 11pm
To be included, email: info@ArabianMagazines.com or call +973 1782 2368.
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 Reiki Master And Teacher Melanie 3933 0911 offers Reiki sessions and courses or www.reikibahrain.com Anubhaa Sharma anurays@yahoo.co.in
1781 3815 1332 2200 1722 7777 1753 1666 1769 1496 1769 2378 1752 4570 1771 3000 1753 0764 1758 9380 1729 3221 1769 5911 1723 0123 1761 2576
Badminton Bapco Club Telgu Kala Samithi The Indian Club
1775 3666 1727 6300 1725 3157
Basketball EZ Fit Sports Complex Bahrain Basketball Association
1769 2378 1774 1010
Bowling Al Bander Hotel & Resort Awali Bowling Centre Bahrain Bowling Association Bapco Club Funland Centre
1769 2378 1769 5809 1727 6134
1765 0079
Dance Bahrain Ballet Centre Indian Institute for Performing Arts Latin Dance Bahrain Sampaguita Club Sayaw Unlimited Dance Club Victoria Dance Centre World Beat Fitness Centre Profiles Fitness Centre Pineapple
1769 3232 1723 1717 3967 6349 3910 6589 3982 7096 3987 6215 1761 2576 1772 7766 1771 2000
Football Al Ahli Sports Club Al Hala Sports Club Bahrain Rugby Football Club British Club Dilmun Club EZ Fit Sports Complex Arsenal Soccer School
1727 7712 1734 2182 1769 5809 1772 8245 1769 2986 1769 2378 1756 1615
Golf Awali Club Royal Golf Club
Snooker Bahrain Snooker Association Jimmy’s Snooker and Billiards Club
Bahrain Badminton and Squash Federation The Country Club Al Bander Resort Nautilus (Crowne Plaza) The Diplomat Radisson Blu
1782 5301 1771 6147
Swimming Lessons British Club Dilmun Club Ritz Carlton Sports Club The Diplomat Radisson Blu
1753 1165 1745 0000 1778 0011 3944 4137
Martial Arts Japan Karate Association 3944 9628/3667 2204 Profiles Fitness Centre (Boxing for ladies) 1772 7766 Zen-Do 1761 1909 Bahrain Karate Centre 3947 7709 Goju Karate Club 3965 9510 World Beat Fitness Centre 1761 2576 Bahrain Karate-do Academy 3665 7059
1759 3593 1770 1201 1753 0764 1753 1666
Awali Riding Club 1775 6525 Saturdays to Thursdays, 7am to 7pm. Fridays 7am to 6pm. Desert rides. Qualified instructors Bahrain Riding School 1769 0448 Daily rides 4pm to 6pm Dilmun Club 1769 2986 Sundays to Thursdays. 8am to 11am and 3pm to 7.30pm Shakhoora Riding School 1759 1103 Sundays to Thursdays, 8am to 12noon, 3.30pm to 7pm The Country Club 1759 3593 Fridays Horse riding in paddock, 1pm to 4pm Twin Palms Riding Centre 1759 1668
Bahrain Sailing School Coral Beach Club The Marina Club The Sailing Club The Yacht Club Aquatique - Organised pearl diving Al Bander Resort Bahrain Swimming Association Dilmun Club
1729 2313
1729 2662
Horse Riding
Watersports
Ice Skating Funland Centre
1769 5809
Art Classes Paint In Space 1762 6232 Chaoss 1759 2096 Dar Albareh 1771 3535/3906 9016 Celebrations 1759 5791 Bahrain Art Society 1759 0551 Indian Institute for Performing Arts 1723 1717 The Studio 3975 4863 Studio Ceramics 1759 9026 Things to Do 1759 0409
Drama Film-making workshops
3600 1777
My Gym, www.my-gym.com EZ Fit World Beat Fitness Centre Chaoss
1756 6566 1769 2378 1761 2576 1759 2096
Libraries Awali Library (BAPCO, Awali) British Club (Times vary) Iqra’s Children’s Library Muharraq)
1772 8245 1769 2986 1758 0001 1753 1666
1731 0252 1721 2700 1729 1527 1783 6078 1770 0677 1727 1780 1770 1201 1768 0867 1769 0926
Tennis Bahrain Tennis Club 1772 9561 The British Club 1722 8245 The Country Club 1759 3593 Dilmun Club 1769 2986 Gulf Hotel 1771 3000 Marina Club 1729 1527 The Diplomat Radisson Blu 1753 1666 Bahrain Tennis Club 1772 9561/1772 9756 Filipino Club Tennis Group 3952 7587
Bahrain Music Institute Kindermusik Bahrain Room to Rock
Al Areen Wildlife Park
1783 6116
Adhari Park
1740 7300
North of the Shaikh Isa Bin Sulman Highway Fun for all ages, includes a sports camp, groovy town, discovery village and indoor entertainment Children’s Health Academy of Specialised Sports
Chaoss
1759 2096 Swimming, gymnastics, dance and Taekwon-Do for children and teenagers.
Dolphin Park
Kids Gyms/Gymnastics
1775 3666 1772 8245 1732 0955
1729 3109
Corniche next to Marina Club One hour marine mammal show.
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
Music Lessons
1775 6770 1775 0777
Go Karting/Racing Rally Town BIC Silver go-Karts (Tubli) Gulf Speed One (Seef)
Rugby
Squash
Cycling Bahrain Cycling Association
Bahrain Rugby Football Club 1769 5809 (Thurs) 4.45pm for girls; (Sun) 7.30pm for women Riffa Views Netball League 3630 6946
Bahrain Rugby Football Club 1770 1201 1775 3666 1782 2077 1775 3666 1729 2313
Cricket EZ Fit Sports Complex Bahrain Rugby Football Club SLC Grounds, Riffa Thursdays, Training 3pm to 5pm
Netball
Where To Go
1772 1999 1761 3144/3925 6904 1761 1785
Corniche, next to the Hawar reservation office A small outdoor playground. Good fun for young children. Open until late.
Magic Island Seef Mall
Play Centres Chakazoolu Indoor Theme Park www.danamall.net Chaoss Funland Centre (bowling, ice skating, pool) www.funlandcentre.com Mad Science Magic Island, www.seefmall.net My Gym, Softplay at Dilmun Club Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark www.lpodwaterpark.com
1755 8500 1759 2096 1729 2313
1759 1136 1758 2898 1756 6566 1769 0926 1784 5100
Play Groups Chaoss, Off Budaiya Highway 1759 2096 Kindermusik 3925 6904/1761 3144 Ajyaal Montessori Pre-School 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
Over 120 different games and attractions and Bahrain’s only indoor Roller Blade Arena.
Playland 1774 2266/1762 0999 Above Fuddruckers in Adliya An indoor centre full of games. Each ride costs 100 fils. Tokens available. Soft Play
3965 3678
Future Shape Dance Studio, Garden City Every Monday and Wednesday from 9.30am to 11.30am Children under the age of six months attend for free. www.softplaybahrain.com
Studio Ceramics 1759 9026 Budaiya Highway Pottery painting and more. Open 9.30am to 6pm Sunday to Thursday, or by appointment. Birthday parties and private group bookings possible. Water Garden Salmaniya 1726 2034 Near Dairy Queen roundabout A semi-filled lake with paddleboats and birds. School & Nurseries Wahooo! Waterpark Bahrain 1717 3000 Bahrain City Centre Opening Hours: Saturday to Tuesday: 11am to 8pm Wednesday: 11am to 10pm (Ladies Night 5pm to 10pm) Thursday and Friday: 11am to 9 PM
Things to know The Tourist Department (Tel. 1721 1717) is located in the gate to Manama’s souq, Bab al-Bahrain, on the ground floor next to the tourist shop, Times: 8am to 12 and 4.30pm to 6pm, closed on Friday.
Currency The Bahrain Dinar (BD) is pegged to the US dollar at the rate of USD1=BD0.377 - in other words a dinar is worth about USD2.65. It is a convertible currency with no restrictions on its import or export. Tip: the Saudi Riyal (SR) is also accepted
in shops for purchases at an exchange rate of BD1=SR10 (less in hotels) and you may be given Saudi money as change.
Business Hours Friday is the Islamic equivalent of the Christian Sunday. The weekend falls on a Friday and a Saturday. Most shopping malls and commercial centres are generally open seven days a week.
August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 125
Listings Schools American Curriculum
Clubs & Associations
Other Private Schools
Al Hekma International Tel. 1762 0820/1762 3999 Modern Knowledge Schools Tel. 1772 7712 Riffa Views International School Tel. 1656 5000 The Bahrain School Tel. 1762 0820
Al Noor International School Tel. 1773 6773 Ecole Francaise de Bahrain Tel. 1732 3770 Ibn Khuldoon National School Tel. 1778 0661 Shaikha Hessa Girls’ School Tel. 1775 6111
British Curriculum
Al Mahd Day Boarding Tel. 1779 2422 British School Tel. 1761 0920 Budaiya Preschool Tel. 1779 1491 Dilmun School (elementary) Tel. 1771 3483 KG Kids Tel. 1766 3556 St Christopher’s School Tel. 1778 8108 Sacred Heart School Tel. 1768 4367 Talent International and The Infant School Tel. 1725 2346/1777 0078
Nurseries and Creches
Al Dana Nursery Tel. 1725 3541 Dana Pre-school, Riffa Tel. 1777 0180 Lilliput, Budaiya Tel. 1769 4947
Special Needs
Disabled Sports Federation Tel. 1778 9191 Hope Institute Tel. 1768 0815/1768 0500 R.I.A. Institute Tel. 1771 6871 The Children’s Academy Tel. 1761 3234 UCO Parents Care Centre Tel. 1767 7717
Things to know Taxis
Taxis are easily available in the capital, Manama, and have meters but be sure to make the driver use the meter. 99% of drivers won’t switch on the meter and will try to charge you double the legal fare. Beware! Confidential Tip: BD1 per five minutes in the cab is the most you should pay for an un-metered journey. If traveling from the airport or busy taxi rank, add BD2/after midnight add BD1 to the total e.g. a 10 minute drive from the airport after midnight should cost you no more than BD5 (BD2 + BD2 + BD1= BD5). Taxis do use meters and companies may use similar rates.
Avoiding Offence
Generally speaking, very short skirts and tight midriff tops are frowned upon in public, although acceptable by hotel pools, in private clubs and on the beach. If visiting a mosque, cover the body well (women should ensure that arms and legs and hair are fully covered). Shoes should always be left outside the entrance.
Essential Info 24-Hour Pharmacies Jaffer Pharmacy Tel. 1729 1039 18, Tarfah bin Al Abid Avenue, Manama 319 Nasser Pharmacy Tel. 1774 0900 63-B, Qadisiya Avenue, Manama 332 Awal Pharmacy Tel. 1777 2023 30 Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Avenue, East Riffa 901 Muwasaa Pharmacy Tel. 1733 5666 Shaikh Mohd bin Salman Avenue, Road 205, Muharraq.
Courier & Express Delivery
Tel. 1733 0434
DHL
Tel. 1736 4100
TNT
Tel. 1734 9199
Car Hire An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required to drive in Bahrain except for visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council states, U.S.A., Canada, countries in the European Union, Australia and New Zealand. The offices of car-hire companies are easily encountered at the airport. Recommended principal rental firms include: Budget Rent A Car National Car Rental Avenue Car Rental and Leasing
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 1778 6994
126 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
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
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
Scrabble Bahrain Scrabble League Bahrain Kannada Sangha Saturdays. 6.30pm.
Art Societies Elham 1771 7441 La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art 1723 0123 The Bahrain Contemporary Art Society 1772 8046
Charitable Organisations Alia for Early Intervention 1773 0960 Bahrain Cancer Society 3960 3489/1723 3080 Bahrain Charity Society 1729 3363 Bahrain Disabled Sports Committee 1778 9191 Bahrain Human Rights Society 1753 1822 Bahrain Red Crescent Society 1729 3171 Friendship Society for the Blind 1762 4496 Hope Institute for the Handicapped 1768 0815 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 Studio Ceramics 1759 9026
“Help” 24-Hour Helpline for Distressed Alcoholics Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous
3987 3357 1753 0020 1753 3558
151 181 191 100 140
Bahrain Bridge Club Bahrain Bridge Committee
3960 7219 3968 7190
Darts Balouch Club Sri Lanka Club
1729 2231 1729 7878
Chess Bahrain Chess Federation
1725 2133
Photography Awali Photo Society Bahrain Arts Society
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 Lingo - Ease Language Centre Budaiya Highway 1759 0895
Social Clubs Alliance Française 1768 3295 Assamese Community 3909 1959 Awali Caledonian Society 3636 6458 Bahrain Caledonian Society 3944 0658 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
Bridge
Hospitals & Clinics Emergency American Mission Hospital (AMH) Saar Medical & Dental Clinic (AMH) Bahrain Specialist Hospital Ibn Al-Nafees Hospital Salmaniya Hospital
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
1776 4468 3966 7751
Kelly Armatage Inc. Offering counselling, life coaching and cognitive behavioural therapy sessions Mob: 3993 1399 Email: info@kellyarmatage.com www.kellyarmatage.com
Lifestyle
HOROSCOPES For those who were born in the month of August the Peridot is the traditional birthstone. The August birthstone poem reflects some of the properties with which the Peridot is associated - love, truth, faithfulness and loyalty. The Traditional Metaphysical Properties for the August Birthstone Peridot are fame, dignity, and protection. The healing properties of the August birthstone are reputed to be effective for health problems relating to the lungs, lymph, breast and sinuses. The Peridot is also used to enhance prosperity, growth, and openness.
Virgo 22August-
21 September Looks like a harmonious and cheerful month; great time for career aspirations, and collaborations. Your state of mind will flourish and state of resistance be quite good. Make more friends!
Libra 22September-
22 October You might experience episodes of burning passion as well as fierce fights. A sore point could be collaboration, which can have strange, unexpected, maybe even turbulent developments. Do your best as concerns the career!
Scorpio 23 October-
22 November Your sentimental, psychological and emotional side will stand out. You’ll make a good impression and be seen as competent and intelligent. Exercise, eat healthy food and don’t take it all to heart!
Sagittarius 23 November-
21 December Long-distance love or romantic trips are on the cards. Collaboration with foreign countries may also be on your daily agenda. Avoid risky situations and don’t neglect your health for one moment!
Capricorn 22 December-
19 January The flame of love could light again and could even get bigger very quickly. Chance and personal charm could have a role in reaching success. You will have a much better health condition but not a very flourishing state of mind.
Aquarius 20 January-
18 February This period is good for discussing with the partner about anything. There will be a lot to do, but you’ll be in the mood to do it. In case you want to solve some health problems it will be the right moment.
Jack Black Celebrity born in August
Pisces 19 February-
20 March You’ll overwhelmingly emanate sensuality. You’ll also benefit from other resources; creativity will be one of them. You’ll be in a good shape and have energy.
Aries 21 March-19 April
Love is on the cards for you this month so be ready for some action! This will be a profitable month though slightly restless. Health looks good though the last week could be a little demanding. Balance career and family!
Taurus 20 April-20 May
This will be a comfortable month at the sentimental level and favorable joint initiatives. The first half of the month seems to be very sensual. You have a lot of energy, great ideas and persuasion capacity – just don’t rush!
Gemini 21 May-21 June
Love may draw quite a bit of your energy this month. The latter half of the month looks abounding in sensuality. No matter how good the opportunity, ensure that you weigh the pros and cons. Be organised and learn something new or make new friends!
Cancer 22 June-22 July
Intense experiences are on the cards and you will find the courage to do things that you have never done before. It’s a great time to initiate something new and you will surely have good accomplishments. Don’t hurry!
Leo 23 July-21 August
You’re looking for stability this month. If you have recently fallen in love or are having an affair it could be a little frustrating. You will enjoy a successful and productive month. You will be in good physical and mental shape.
“Do not feel lonely; the entire universe is inside you.” – Rumi August 2013 | Bahrain Confidential | 127
Inspiration
Puppy Love www.powerofmoms.com
Since a very long time ago, people have searched for the meaning of love. But even great philosophers, with their profound definitions, could not fully touch its true essence. In a survey of 4 to 8-year olds, kids share their views on love … a simple but deep grasp of that four-letter word.
“Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.”
“When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.”
“Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.”
“Love is more than a four-letter word and it packs more power than any we’ve heard.”
“Love is when you tell a guy that you like his shirt, and then he wears it everyday.” “You can break love, but it won’t die.”
“Love can turn a frown into a smile make our day more worthwhile.” “Love never fails, love never tires, makes more heat than many fires.”
“Love is when mommy sees daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsome.”
“Love is a dream, a sweet fantasy but it is also life and reality.”
“I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.”
“Love is a strange mysterious force, but one that we want to keep of course.”
“Love we don’t want to live without, when it’s absent we will pout. “Love can go and new love return, better than before you will learn.” “Love that is perfect and is right may come along any day or night.” “Love is more than a four letter word; it’s the most wonderful word you have heard.” “Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smile at each other.” “Love is when someone hurts you and you get so mad but you don’t yell at him because you know it would hurt his feelings.”
The Importance of Open Communication Open communication is vital in every relationship. Having an open communication between parents and children is one of the best things in life. There is no better feeling than speaking your heart out to your parents when you are going through different phases in your life. Sharing feelings, thoughts and ideas binds them more, strengthens their love and widens understanding though they are apart. It is not too late yet if you are not used to it, you could start practicing good communication with your loved ones today. If you are consistent to it definitely everything will follow. Parents plan and do everything that is best for their children. So, even if they do not ask their children to return the favour for all their cares, their children usually think what is best for their parents especially by the time that they are no longer staying with their parents and cannot immediately respond to their parents needs as much as they would love to. Elderly care topics like finding the right in-home health care and other relevant topics for elderly needs could easily be tackled to parents though they are still on their productive and active age. Having a great relationship and good
128 | Bahrain Confidential | August 2013
communication with your parents with the assurance of your care though you will be miles apart in the future and opening the elderly care topics with them as early as possible will open their minds and let them understand better of their future needs. They could even help you choose of the right facilities for their future needs like nursing homes that offers great nursing home services. If your parents sense that you care and
love them and your plans is for their best, for them to live a healthy, happy and longer lives, these will act as their motivators to be on state that you want them to be and, will love and understand you more. Open communication between children and parents especially when parents are on their senior years is much more needed than any other stages in life; hope everyone will understand its importance.
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