Bahrain Desert Times (503) - September 2023

NAVSUP FLC BAHRAIN POSTAL TEAM INSTALLS INTELLIGENT MAIL LOCKER SYSTEM TO SUPPORT CUSTOMER QUALITY OF LIFE

By Margaret Algarin NAVSUP FLC Bahrain PAO

Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP)

Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Bahrain recently installed an Intelligent Mail Locker System (IMLS), also known as “smart lockers,” to improve the quality of life for Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain customers.

NAVSUP FLC Bahrain Post Office located on NSA Bahrain services all stationed active duty and their dependents, contractors, and deployed personnel in the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility. The NAVSUP FLC Bahrain postal team works diligently throughout the year to ensure all mail is processed for over 132 commands and homeported and visiting ships. More than 3.5 million pounds of mail is processed yearly.

The IMLS program will offer an estimated 456 contactless weekly deliveries. Seventysix smart lockers of various sizes will allow dependents with single packages to pick

them up at their convenience during the day. This will not create any additional costs for the customer.

"This advancement doesn’t come with additional costs for our customers, which remains our priority," said Tyrone Fearon, NAVSUP FLC Bahrain postal officer. "Despite the new system requiring a more detailed in-processing method, in the end, it will be monumentally beneficial for the NSA Bahrain customer community."

The postal team will sort and input packages into the locker system when mail is delivered. Upon a package's placement into the IMLS, a QR Code will be sent to the recipient. With this code, either digitally on their phone or printed, customers interact with the service screen that opens their assigned locker. A noteworthy feature is that recipients will have a maximum of two weeks to claim their package, aligning with existing mail and parcel delivery

guidelines.

Dependents receiving multiple packages can still conveniently utilize the parcel pickup window, ensuring the transition to this new system is as smooth as possible.

“We are proud to offer this new technology to our postal customers,” said Captain Alex Wallace, III, NAVSUP FLC Bahrain commanding officer. “FLC Bahrain is charged with supporting the Navy’s mission and quality of life for the warfighter. Our team embodies this messaging and holds itself to the highest standard.”

FLC Bahrain is the 31st location to install smart lockers across the NAVSUP Enterprise. During the past few months, the postal team has worked closely with numerous parties, including the NAVSUP Headquarters team, to coordinate the installation of the IMLS Program.

"We are proud of the FLCB Postal Team embracing technology and ensuring site

readiness completed to allow the installation of Intelligent Mail Lockers providing customers 24/7 access to packages," said Dale Pinchart, NAVSUP Headquarters postal operations manager. “This was truly a coordinated effort between the NAVSUP FLC Bahrain Postal Team and SUP 0454.”

NAVSUP FLC Bahrain is one of eight FLCs under Commander NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, NAVSUP employs a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 25,000 military and civilian personnel. NAVSUP and the Navy Supply Corps conduct and enable supply chain, acquisition, operational logistics, and Sailor & family care activities with our mission partners to generate readiness and sustain naval forces worldwide to prevent and decisively win wars. Learn more at www.navsup.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/ navsup, and https://twitter.com/NAVSUP

3 - Florida National Guard Activated as Hurricane Idalia Approaches

Republic of Philippine Navy Assumes Command of Multinational Counter-Piracy Task Force

By NAVCENT Public Affairs

The Republic of Philippine Navy assumed command of a multinational counterpiracy task force during a change-ofcommand ceremony Aug. 21 at the U.S. Navy base here.

Republic of Korea Navy Rear Admiral Ko Seung-bum turned over command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 to Republic of Philippine Navy Capt. Mateo Carido. CTF 151 is one of five operational task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, a multinational naval partnership of 38 nations, which promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

During Ko’s tenure, CTF 151 frequently conducted joint operations with Task Force (TF) 465. TF 465 is a multinational naval unit from European Union Naval Forces focusing on countering piracy in the region. CMF and EUNF task forces regularly collaborate to enhance interoperability through combined patrols and joint training.

“We have focused on expanding participation in international efforts, which has yielded tangible results,” said Ko.

Established in 2009, CTF 151 conducts maritime security operations to deter, disrupt and suppress piracy and armed robbery at sea, outside the Horn of Africa. The task force regularly collaborates with more than 19 countries on the counterpiracy mission throughout the region.

Carido, a 27-year veteran of the Republic of Philippine Navy, previously served as the Armed Forces of the Philippines senior national representative to CMF.

“This is the first time the Philippine Navy will be leading CTF 151,” said Carido.

“My staff will be made up of members of many of the CMF-affiliated nations. Our presence here demonstrates our unwavering commitment to maintaining maritime security and recognizing the importance of coordination and collaboration.”

The CTF 151 staff include representatives

from the Philippines, Australia, Brazil, Italy, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, Spain, Singapore, Thailand and Turkiye.

Combined Maritime Forces is headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet.

U.S. and Jordan Complete Bilateral Maritime Exercise

By NAVCENT Public Affairs

U.S. 5th Fleet and the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) completed a two-week bilateral maritime exercise, Infinite Defender 2023, off the coast of Aqaba, Jordan, Aug. 23.

More than 300 Jordanian and U.S. Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Soldiers and Airmen participated. Task Force 56 led the exercise working alongside Task Force 52, Task Force 59, U.S. Patrol Forces Southwest Asia and Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Central Command.

“It’s inspiring to see all the joint forces working together in this vital region,” said Capt. Oliver Herion, commander of Task Force 56. “Together, we continue to grow and build on our tactics, readiness and commitment to regional maritime security and stability.”

During the exercise, U.S. and Jordanian forces practiced a variety of skills including humanitarian assistance and disaster response, small boat maintenance, maritime interdiction, maritime security, explosive ordnance disposal, live fire exercises and maritime clearing mines.

Infinite Defender is an annual bilateral exercise between the JAF and U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard forces from NAVCENT focused on maritime infrastructure protection, explosive ordnance disposal, and anti-terrorism force protection.

The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses nearly 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandeb.

Saudi Arabia Assumes Command of Coalition Task Force Sentinel

By NAVCENT Public Affairs

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia assumed command of a multinational task force that monitors merchant shipping through key strategic chokepoints during an indoor ceremony here Aug. 27.

Royal Saudi Navy Commodore Saleh Aloufi assumed command of Coalition Task Force Sentinel from U.K. Royal Navy Commodore Peter Laughton. CTF Sentinel is the operational task force for the International Maritime Security Construct, an 11-nation international naval partnership.

This change of command ushered in the turnover of CTF Sentinel’s leadership to regional partners. Laughton remains commander of the IMSC headquarters element.

“I could not think of a finer commander to take the helm of CTF Sentinel, and it is entirely right that the task force transitions to regional leadership,” said Laughton. “CTF Sentinel exemplifies the collective power of IMSC’s multinational partnerships, and these partnerships will

continue to grow under Commodore Aloufi’s leadership.”

Aloufi has served in the Royal Saudi Navy for nearly 20 years and most recently was the commanding officer of the Western Fleet Training Center.

“It is an honor to lead CTF Sentinel through such a pivotal moment in its history,” said Aloufi. “I look forward to working with our multinational team to ensure the free flow of commerce is protected throughout the region.”

Headquartered in Bahrain, IMSC was established in September 2019 and promotes collaboration among member nations to deter threats and reassure regional mariners in and around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb. Its operational task force, CTF Sentinel, was established a few months later to patrol maritime activity in the region. Current members include Albania, Bahrain, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.

Florida National Guard Activated as Hurricane Idalia Approaches

By David Vergun, DOD News

Hurricane Idalia is on track to reach Florida's west coast by tomorrow morning.

Idalia "may bring a life-threatening storm surge to portions of the Florida Gulf Coast, as well as strong winds and significant flooding across Southeastern states," according to a Federal Emergency Management Agency report posted to its website this afternoon.

FEMA is closely coordinating with affected states and stands ready to provide support. FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams are deployed to affected areas to provide support as needed and additional supplies and teams are on standby, according to the report.

The Florida National Guard has been fully activated with a mobilization of over 3,000 guardsmen in position across the state for preparedness and response efforts, and an additional 1,800 guardsmen are on their way to the state, said Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh, who held a news conference this afternoon.

"This is a storm that we are certainly taking seriously, the state of Florida is taking seriously, in terms of not only making sure that we have the appropriate number of people in the state of Florida to help with any response that's needed but also prepositioning any assets or any forces that might be needed in the aftermath of the storm," Singh said.

Singh also provided an update to the relief efforts in the aftermath of the western Maui wildfire.

As of this morning, approximately 580 National Guardsmen, 133 additional

Defense Department personnel and 119 Coast Guardsmen are actively engaged in the coordinated response, she said.

U.S. Army Pacific is executing mission assignments from FEMA. The most recent mission assignment is potable water distribution support, she said.

Navy mobile diving salvage unit teams from Pacific Fleet concluded their dive

operations yesterday. Joint Task Force 5-0 continues search and rescue activities with the Hawaii National Guard teams, the FBI and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Singh said.

Hawaii National Guard continues round-the-clock support of local law enforcement. The 25th Infantry Division's fueling trucks distributed about 470

gallons of fuel over the past 48 hours in support of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' temporary power operations, she said.

Pacific Fleet's Navy Environmental Preventive Medicine Unit Six will deploy two sailors to Maui later today in support of potable water testing for the task force's water distribution mission, Singh said.

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www.cnic.navy.mil/bahrain

Commanding Officer

Naval Support Activity Bahrain

Capt. Zachariah Aperauch

NSA Bahrain Executive Officer

Cmdr. Jimmy Harmon

Public Affairs Officer Chief Editor Lt. Nicolas Mahone

Deputy Public Affairs Officer Mark C. Mosher

Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sean Gallagher

Host Nation Public Affairs Director Ameera Al-Kooheji

The Bahrain Desert Times is an authorized publication primarily for members of the Navy and Marine Corps military services in Bahrain. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps and do not imply endorsement thereof.

All editorial content is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the staff of the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Public Affairs Officer. The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD, the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps, or the NSA Bahrain Commanding Officer for the products and services advertised.

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The Bahrain Desert Times is published bi-weekly by Red House Marketing, P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, a private firm in no way connected with DoD, the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps. Red House Marketing, is responsible for commercial advertising, which may be purchased by calling: (973) 1781 3777 or send in a Fax to (973) 1781 3700.

Twenty two years ago, I was an eyewitness to the disaster and tragedy at the World Trade Center on 11 September 2001. I remember entering my Downtown Brooklyn office and being told by an electrician coming down from his ladder that a plane had just crashed into a building in Manathan. As fire and smoke began to bellow, sirens blasted, traffic came to a standstill as people began to crowd the streets. Shortly thereafter was more commotion as the second plane slammed into the other tower of the World Trade Center. The noise, scrambling, fear, gallantry, and astonishment was something I can’t and will never forget. My office was trying to find out which workers were in the field, who hadn’t shown up, who got off the train from New Jersey at the World Trade Center as well as the status of others wherever they were coming from. Chaos and pandemonium was everywhere. Panic, dread, and shock left most of us almost paralyzed as we tried to account for ourselves, family, friends, and colleagues. We were listening to the news, trying get directions from our leadership as we consulted one another and watched the towers burned. Then, like an enchanted act, one of the towers disappeared from picturesque flaming smoked filled New York City skyline. There were shouts, “the building is gone!” So, we all ran to the windows looking to see if our eyes was deceiving us. We ran to various sections of the office floor to get a better view, but it was so surreal and real. This was not another movie being shot in the “Big Apple” or magic act. Next as I stood in my supervisor’s office with a handful of my co-workers looking at the last standing tower, it suddenly collapsed and disappeared before my eyes as the dust rises where it ones stood.

Eventually, like my fellow New Yorkers, I had to face the unknow and made my way home. With people supporting each other, providing water to strangers, walking together in groups trying to get transportation to our various residences. People were in shock, after walking for hours it seems, I was finally able to get a train going away from the city. Onboard the train, I can still remember seeing some passengers covered in thick dust, sitting exhausted and filled with apprehension and fear as many stared into the abyss. I eventually made it home to my son and pregnant wife, thankful and sad, not knowing, didn’t care to know, but wanting to know. Over the coming days, I learned of the deaths of associates from our State offices, friends from churches, of the missing, as well as the bravery of family and friend as well as total strangers.

As we pause to remember those who lost their lives on that day in the Twin Tower at the World Trade center, Manhattan (NYC), New York; Shanksville, Pennsylvania; and the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, we join a nation and the world to keep their memories sacred. To remember in our darkest hour, we came together as a nation and we prayed, hugged, cried, shared, ... Today, we pray for the healing of those who were wounded (physically, mentally, spiritually, and psychologically) and still carry the scars from the attacks of 9/11. Let us “re-member” by reevaluate why we serve and wear the cloth of our nation. We have joined for different reasons, some personal, some unique to our lived experiences and circumstances. The child that my wife was pregnant with now serve, too young to fully re-member but grew up remembering being a New Yorker and the testaments of her dad, uncles, aunts, family, and friends, who was on the ground, respond that day and later in prosecution of those who committed those acts of terror on 9/11. So, we pray for the peace and comfort of the families, friends, loved ones, and colleagues left behind and the pain they continue to carry. Let us re-member as we reprioritize commitment in the face of clear and present danger near and on the horizon. So, we pray for each other and for hope and God's mercy to heal us and protect us in our fight for a peaceful way of life, for those we love and the security of the values of our great nation, as imperfect as it may be at times. May we all find the sustainable power of God' grace to keep us and the love to hold us in our times of difficulties as we serve and RE-MEMBER. With peace and blessings always.

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A woman and her son enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters. | Cast: Jared Leto, LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (PG) – 1h 39m

After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers. Their new friend, April O'Neil, helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them. | Cast: Jackie Chan, Nicolas Cantu, Seth Rogen, Micah Abbey

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Jonas Taylor leads a research team on an exploratory dive into the deepest depths of the ocean. Their voyage spirals into chaos when a malevolent mining operation threatens their mission and forces them into a high-stakes battle for survival. Pitted against colossal, prehistoric sharks and relentless environmental plunderers, they must outrun, outsmart and outswim their merciless predators. | Cast: Jason Statham, Li Bingbing, Able Wanamakok, Sienna Guillory

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Happily Ever After Starts Here...

Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa

Having opened its doors in 1969, Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa has successfully cemented its position as one of the leading hospitality venues in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Having an exceptionally big wedding is a reality with Gulf Hotel Bahrain as their luxurious ballrooms can comfortably seat up to 1,000 people. This is the primary feature that sets the hotel’s ballrooms apart from others in the Kingdom – it has the biggest hall with a beautiful terrace. In fact, these ballrooms cover a total area of 1,602sqm and can be booked at any time as per the availability. With a long guest list, it’s quite possible that you’ll have out-of-town guests. With 361 rooms, the hotel can comfortably

accommodate guests and even offers special rates for out-of-town guests.

With some of the finest restaurants in Bahrain, and a skilled culinary team, the hotel proudly covers a wide range of cuisines while promising a wide selection of mouth-watering dishes. Guests can enjoy the very best of Iranian, Thai, Lebanese, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Western-Asian fusion, Japanese, Continental and Indian food.

It’s no secret that the couple would like for everything to be just perfect on their big day. With this in mind, the hotel has gone the extra mile to include special amenities for the couple with the bride’s suite located in the hall. This ensures

Having the perfect venue is essential for planning your dream wedding. Farah Baig presents you with a selection of Bahrain’s finest ballrooms and halls, and key features that set them apart, to help narrow down your search.

that she is closer to the hotel’s assigned staff should she require any assistance or special services. The bride may also keep her mind at ease as she may check in on the setup progress at any time.

Having perfected their hospitality services over decades, the hotel offers support services prior to one’s wedding through to after the event ends. The team can also provide specialised equipment for the occasion including sound systems and special lighting.

Countless residents of Bahrain, including generations of families, have celebrated their red-letter days including engagements and weddings at this beautiful hotel. As the years pass, we’re positive that this tradition shall continue.

Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain

The award-winning Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain offers a unique location for your wedding with the sprawling Al Murjan Ballroom.

One of the key factors which sets this ballroom apart is the privacy it offers on your big day. Al Murjan ballroom has a separate entrance, a ballroom lobby and private bathroom since it is located on the ground floor with direct access to the parking area. The entire ballroom including the lobby, side foyer and main hall covers an area of 800sqm and can comfortably accommodate 300 people following the setup of the stage and dance floor.

Rest assured that your guests will be tucking into some of the most scrumptious food in Bahrain at

Mövenpick. The couple has the option of customising their wedding day menu and can opt for an international, Arabic or Indian depending on their preference. You can try out the menu for yourself ahead of the event with Mövenpick’s offering of a complimentary pre-wedding menu tasting for the couple.

Aside from the Al Murjan Ballroom, the hotel’s garden area serves as a picturesque backdrop for a memorable outdoor wedding reception and gatherings. This sprawling garden can accommodate up to 400 people. Based on the selected wedding package, the hotel provides a wide range of amenities including a wedding stage with carpet, flat dance floor, LCD projectors

and built-in screens.

A memorable honeymoon setup and one night stay in the executive suite is also made available to the newlyweds in addition to special honeymooner’s amenities. And the celebrations don’t end with the wedding at Mövenpick as the hotel offers a complementary first wedding anniversary lunch buffet for the couple.

Furthermore, special room rates and a 20 percent discount on Rimal Spa services are available for family and friends.

The hotel is notably located in the Muharraq with a spectacular view of the lagoon – a one-of-akind location for your wedding.

The Inter Continental Regency

The InterContinental Regency Bahrain welcomes you to the enchanting world of Happily Ever After and is thrilled to be a part of your wedding journey and to bring your dream wedding to life. This luxurious venue boasts historic charm and modern elegance that will leave you breathless.

The elegant and versatile spaces at the InterContinental Regency speak for itself. The hotel’s Rifaa and Ambassador ballrooms stand out for its cuttingedge facilities, elegant spaces and expert event planners. Al Rifaa Ballroom at InterContinental Regency spans an area of 5686sqft. and Ambassador Hall spans an area of 2648sqft. Al Rifaa ballroom can comfortably accommodate a range of guests, with a minimum booking requirement of 100 guests and a maximum capacity of up to 260 guests. As for Ambassador Hall, a minimum of 50 bookings are required and a maximum capacity of 80 guests.

With its high ceilings, grand pillars and generous space, this venue will transform your wedding into a grand and luxurious affair. The ballrooms feature round tables adorned with white floor-length linen, while the dance floor features an exquisite wood grain design – the perfect setting for the couple’s first dance. Furthermore, the hotel is able to cater to additional needs including a DJ booth and all related equipment.

The hotel also offers a meticulously-crafted selection of delectable dishes thoughtfully presented by its culinary experts. From local Arabic dishes to Mediterranean and Indian specialties, the hotel offers a diverse menu to satisfy every palate.

Depending on the package chosen by the guest, the hotel offers a range of special services to the couple, such as a complimentary bridal suite for the newlyweds, and a wedding cake to sweeten the celebration. As for out-oftown guests, the hotel offers special rates for an affordable and comfortable stay.

From exceptional service to tailor-made experiences, the hotel’s team is committed to making your wedding day an unforgettable experience.

Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa

As the newest luxury resort on the island in the Kingdom, Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa has seen a great demand as a wedding destination for the Indian and KSA market. The resort harmonises Jumeirah’s promise of unparalleled hospitality with the wonder of the destination, providing a true beachside escape in the heart of culture.

Set to exceed all guest expectations, the resort and spa is an oasis for nature-loving friends, families and couples hoping to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life.

Clientele looking to choose the Jumeirah for their destination wedding can opt for a range of versatile indoor and outdoor venues of different sizes. The Ulfa Ballroom is the largest indoor venue, accommodating up to 300 guests, while the four smaller meeting rooms can accommodate 10 to 100 guests. The outdoor venues offer stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and are perfect for social gatherings and weddings.

With their expansive property and highly-capable hospitality team, the resort can host up to

1000 guests’ private events including a private island situated in front of the hotel’s private beach and up to 420 guests’ accommodation when utilising the hotel’s maximum capacity of 207 rooms and suites. The resort also offers a dedicated events team who can assist with all aspects of event planning. With 207 luxurious accommodation units, worldclass dining, an award-wining Talise Spa, and exceptional service, Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort & Spa is the perfect destination for your wedding.

Where special requests are concerned, the resort is accommodating and works with a variety of experienced wedding planners who can make any wedding dream come true. For those who prefer full privacy and exclusivity, the picturesque property offers a full buy-out for weddings.

Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort and Spa has everything you need to plan your destination wedding – an experience of a lifetime - in the beautiful Kingdom of Bahrain!

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

Excellence and prestige come to mind with the sheer mention of the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. This remarkable hotel is a prime choice for couples wishing to have an extraordinary wedding on the island due to its high level of service, impeccable food, versatile venues and the distinguishing emotional connection the hotel shares with its guests.

With five beautiful venues, the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain offers you the perfect opportunity to plan the wedding of your dreams at day time or during the evening. Should you wish to accommodate

between 400 and 500 people on the day, you can opt for one of the hotel’s grand ballrooms, namely the Al Noor Ballroom and Al Ghazal Ballroom. Apart from these two ballrooms, you can plan your unique wedding at the Masaya Pavillion or Gazebo, the hotel’s Private Island and the Grand Foyer. The Masaya Pavillion accommodates up to 250 people while the Masaya Gazebo can accommodate 80 people. As with every wedding, you’re sure to expect out-of-town guests, for which the hotel can offer group rates for a minimum of 10 rooms at peak.

The hotel offers a suite of support services as part of its wedding packages for 200 people and more. Prior to your wedding, you can have a consultation with their wedding specialist along with a personalised wedding site walk through. With years of expertise in Bahrain, the hotel can also provide you with a selection of trusted partners for other requirements such as lighting, sound systems, décor and more. On the big day, you can expect a personalised wedding concierge for the bride throughout the event. Special welcome amenities will

also be available at the Bridal Suits which offers and early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability).

With a highly skilled culinary team, the hotel has earned a glowing reputation for its food and beverage offerings, so you can rest assured that you’ll have a true wedding feast. In fact, the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s talented pastry chefs also have the skills to create a bespoke wedding cake which is sure to be a highlight. Menu items are meticulously plated and presented while live stations can be incorporated should you opt for a customised buffet dinner. The bride may also select a silver service menu or a set menu.

Refreshments including traditional Arabic tea and coffee, juices, soft drinks and mineral water are also available on the day. Catering specifically to the couple, the hotel offers you a memorable one-night stay at the Ritz-Carlton Deluxe Room or Club Suite depending on your selected package, and a relaxing fiftyminute massage at the Royal Spa. You may also enjoy a light dinner on the wedding night and, through in-room dining, a sumptuous in-suite breakfast the following morning

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain takes pride in serving its discerning guests and perseveres to create exquisite and memorable events for every guest.

Make Your Day Extra Special

There are several finer details that go into planning and perfecting a wedding, so where does one start? Farah Baig shares some inspiration from weddings she’s attended and trends from around the world. Whether it’s cake, rings, flowers or ways to add a personal touch, you’ll find inspiration right here.

Layered Essentials from yallaCake

Cake is undeniably an essential part of all our special days, and weddings are no exception! However, it’s obvious that you would like something quite unique on your big day. Yalla Cake, located in Janabiya, masterfully creates fully customised, artistic cakes in delicious flavours. Their skilled team can effectively bring your vision to life and custom design cakes for your bridal shower, engagement or wedding. Flowers and other elements can be entirely crafted by hand at Yalla Cake and even painted to match the theme of your wedding. Here are some of their wedding themed cakes that we loved, but feel free to follow them on Instagram using the handle @yallacake for more!

A Bouquet You’d Love to Catch

Whether you’re walking down the aisle or getting ready for the wedding toss, a beautiful bouquet is essential. Maximalism was previously trending with statement-making bouquets, bright colours and large bows and embellishments, but things have taken a turn. The bouquet is no longer the focal point of the bride’s wedding day look but rather a demure accessory. Smaller bouquets, often in pastel shades, with less embellishments are delicately bound with ribbon or twine. Lush greenery and delicate flowers come together for a refreshing aesthetic which keep all eyes on the bride.

Add a Personal Touch

While we all might go through a standard checklist when planning our weddings, it’s essential that it doesn’t lack a personal touch. Think about things that might matter to you and your soon-to-be life partner. Couples all around the world have been incorporating elements into their wedding that are either quirky, heartfelt or nostalgic. Here are some that we love:

1. Have a book for wedding guests to leave a message for the happy couple. Or go with the modern take on this tradition and have a station where people can leave a video or voice note. This has been tried, tested and loved!

2. Have a disposable or polaroid camera at the tables of your closest friends and families so they can capture poignant and hilarious moments. You can then ‘see’ the wedding from their point of view.

3. Create a custom neon sign with a message that resonates with you, or opt for a cake topper that’s more personal.

4. This one is quite special. We’ve all lost people that are near and dear to us, and as seen at a friend’s wedding, you can have them right there with you. Print your favourite images of friends and family that you and your partner wish were there for your big day, place them in frames and decorate with flowers and/or candles for your ‘Wish You Were Here’ table.