Bahrain This Month - April 2018

MOTORING | INDIAN DINING | DOWNTIME

YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE April 2018 ~ Vol. 22 ~ Issue 4

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Formula One Fever!!

HAPPENINGS Trib Fest Pet Expo Whirling Dervishes

F1 Entertainment After Dark Events Special Dining Offers

UK in Bahrain

A Special Supplement Celebrating Bilateral Relations

Dihann Moore Soulful Diva

Arts

Culture

Clubs

Sports

Interviews

Lifestyle

Dining

Nightlife

Issue 248

Contents April 2018 HAPPENINGS

Bahrain This Month previews events happening around town during the month of April 2018: 19

Spring Activities

A fun spring camp for children during the Easter break.

20

19

Realistic Vision

Jamal Abdulrahim exhibits his artworks.

22

Fashion Forward

The launch of Ella Impressions.

24 Puppet

Extravaganza

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show comes to Bahrain.

26 Life’s

A Beach

Celebrate the spring break at Sofitel Bahrain.

28 Designs

on Ramadan

Browse handpicked items from regional design studios.

30 Legendary

Chat

An evening with Adam Jones.

24

32

32 Sensational

Debut

Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall.

34 Spotlight

on Properties

The Gulf Property Show 2018 returns.

36 June

on the Decks

DJ June will be spinning at Cavallo Club.

38 Karaoke

Kings

Bennigan’s launches karaoke session in Amwaj Islands.

F1 FEATURE 40-51

40

42

A special feature capturing the race fever, with a roundup of the hottest happenings around town.

INTERVIEWS 53

Soulful Diva

Dihann Moore shares her musical journey.

The Future of Quality Healthcare 54

53

60 Bystander This issue captured major diplomatic events such as the British embassy’s reception for the launch of Unbound Bahrain and French embassy’s celebration of the World Day of “La Francophonie”. Our snappers also attended various other gatherings, including Spring of Culture events, St Patrick’s Day Ball as well as inaugurations and openings.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Dr George Cheriyan talks about AMH’s new facility in Riffa.

56

Sales-Driven

Hasan Barakat on sales and marketing and his new role.

UK IN BAHRAIN 59-78

A special supplement celebrating bilateral relations between the UK and Bahrain.

April 2018 3

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Issue 248

Contents April 2018 Motoring 81

My Life in Cars

Dick Potter shares his passion for motors.

82-83 Motoring

81

Bites

BTM brings you the latest news from the motoring world on the island.

Downtime

84-85 Gadgets: The newest gizmos in town

86 Music: Top tunes Games: The hot games of the month 88 Websites: The coolest sites on the web 89 Apps: Essential apps 90 Movies: New releases

87 Computer

Fashion Feature 92-93

The latest Spring-Summer 2018 fashion trends.

Dining

95

83

92

Pleased to Meat You

Behnaz Sanjana reviews the new steakhouse, Via Brasil.

98

Flavours of the Americas

The K Hotel offers the best of the US in its weekly themed nights.

100

New in Bahrain

Check out San Carlo Cicchetti’s exciting new offerings.

The Home of Takeaway

101

Talabat engages with Bahrain’s vibrant community.

102

Modern Japanese Cooking

Explore Ruka, Ramee Grand Hotel’s doorway to the Orient.

104

Savour Seaside Dining

Relish delicious food with amazing views at Coral Bay Resort.

106

95

108

Hidden Gems in Bahrain

Indian Dining 108-109

A summary of the best Indian dining options on the island.

110-111

Table Hopping

Dining gossip from around the island.

Showcase

What’s New: Must-have products 113-120 Marketplace: Latest products and services 121 Business Bites 112

92

90

Travel 122-123

Summer Sojourn – Lebanon

Regulars

126 Tarotscope 127

122 www.bahrainthismonth.com

112

AD Index WIN

128 WIN

April 2018 5

THE TEAM

Bahrain This Month April 2018

Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Email: george@bahrainthismonth.com Editorial Director Liz O’Reilly Editor Apple Sharma Contributors Behnaz Sanjana, Dick Potter, Bill Grieve, Richard Pawson Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Romeo San Miguel, Hatem Monem

Photography Editor Mona Abdul Jabbar Staff Photographers Subeesh Kumar N S, Ranjith Mohan Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa, Roanna Fernandes

The only Lifestyle Magazine distributed with the GDN

Corporate Affairs Director Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Media Sales Randa Ghazi Howais Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Group (Hilal Direct Services) Printing Press Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej W.L.L., Bahrain

Published monthly by

RED HOUSE MARKETING P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: (+973) 17 813-777, Fax: (+973) 17 813-700 Email: info@redhousemarketing.com www.bahrainthismonth.com © Copyright Reserved 2005-2014 The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. and must not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Red House Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission.

•

Views expressed in this magazine by journalists and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month.

The biggest month of the year has arrived as the cream of the world’s motor racing fraternity heads to the Kingdom for the Formula 1 Bahrain Gulf Air Grand Prix. As always Bahrain International Circuit is bringing in entertainers from across the globe to make sure there’s something for everyone both on and off the track. And, around town, hotels and entertainment venues are pulling out all the stops to make it a weekend to remember. From dining with celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, to partying with superstar DJ Ferry Corsten, our big F1 feature has details of all the options, so there’s no excuse for missing out.

In our regular Happenings section, there are plenty of other events to keep you busy throughout the month. Spring of Culture is still ongoing with various performances including a visit from Turkey’s whirling dervishes. There’s great fun for kids with the regional debut of Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall and, towards the end of the month, Trib Fest returns to Bahrain Rugby Football Club with a whole range of tribute artists for 12 hours of live music.

Our major feature this month celebrates the excellent relations between Bahrain and the UK. We caught up with British Ambassador, HE Simon Martin, to hear about all the exciting developments coming up and chatted to a man who will be familiar to many, Gordon Boyle, about grasping new opportunities from the jaws of adversity. There’s also a poignant look at the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and, of course, a spotlight on the commercial side of Britain in Bahrain.

The dining section opens with the launch of a meaty new offering in Juffair; Bill Grieve recommends a Hidden Gem from the heart of the souq; and there’s our regular helping of news from the island’s dining sector in Table Hopping as well as a look at the vibrant Indian dining scene.

With the arrival of spring, Apple Sharma has rounded up some of the latest fashion trends for you to try. And, of course, there is news from the worlds of motoring and business as well as our take on the latest music, movies, games and more.

There’s a packed month ahead – keep your eye on our website www.bahrainthismonth.com for news of more happenings as they’re announced.

COVER Cover Picture:

Formula 1

Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001 ISBN 1 899 348 09 3

George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman

MOTORING | INDIAN DINING | DOWNTIME

YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24 Gulf and international subscriptions available on request.

Bahrain This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide

April 2018 ~ Vol. 22 ~ Issue 4

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Formula One Fever!!

HAPPENINGS Trib Fest Pet Expo Whirling Dervishes

F1 Entertainment After Dark Events Special Dining Offers

UK in Bahrain

A Special Supplement Celebrating Bilateral Relations

Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

Dihann Moore Soulful Diva

Arts

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Culture

Connect with Bahrain This Month:

Clubs

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Interviews

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Nightlife

April 2018 7

bystander

Veena, Anoop, HE Koo Hyunmo, Jina & Kishor

Korean Orchestra Concert As part of the Spring of Culture 2018 programme, the Korean Embassy organised the Korea Sookmyung Gayageum orchestra concert at the Cultural Hall.

A performer on stage

HE Alfonso A Ver & Caroline

Mohammed Al Mannai

Pradanto & Araike

HE Taha Mohammed A Qadir

Mohammed Salahuddin

Ratnani & HE Nur Syahrir Rahardjo

Abdulla Juma

Adnan Fakhro & Riyad

Jean-Philippe, HE Domenico Bellato & Laura

International Francophonie Day On the occasion of the International Francophonie Day, the French Ambassador HE Cécile Longé organised a conference, in collaboration with BNP Paribas, the Alliance Française and the Swiss-Belhotel, at the Residence of France. Slimane Zeghidour, Valérie Cachard, Pr Fouad Saleh Al Shebab and Mounir Bouchenaki were part of the discussion.

Pr Fouad, Valérie Cachard, Slimane, HE Cécile Longé & Dr Mounir

Vincent, Mr Nakhle, Herve & Claudine

8 April 2018

Redha

Christelle

Dominique

Hélicia, Sihame, Louise, Christophe, Mustafa & Mustapha

www.bahrainthismonth.com

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www.bahrainthismonth.com

April 2018 9

bystander

Zwemer Clinic Opening

To view more images, scan the QR code

Julia

Ali & Delano

The American Mission Hospital held the opening ceremony of its Zwemer Clinic, dedicated to low income individuals, located within its premises. HE Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, governor of the Capital Governorate, HE Justin Siberell, US Ambassador, and other distinguished guests attended the event.

The cake-cutting ceremony

Yousuf Lori & Salah

Shiju, Manoj & Sayed

Natasha, Tanseer, Majeed & Jude

Mithu, Janky & Fadwa

Nassima & Sophie

UFE Gala Dinner Under the patronage of HE Cecile Longé, French Ambassador, the Union of French Expatriates hosted a dinner in honour of a French delegation.

Laurent, Rodolphe, HE Cecile Longé, Alain-Pierre & Mainguy

Pluchet & Khalid

10 April 2018

Sophie, Claudine & Carla

Etienne & Catherine

JP Cohen, HE Cecile Longé & Marie

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Puglia, Italy

bystander

Husain & Rashida

Bdoor, Wani & Jeanie

High Tea Reception In conjunction with Malaysia Week, HE Agus Salim bin Haji, Malaysian Ambassador, and wife Wani, hosted a high tea reception at their residence.

HE Agus Salim bin Haji & Wani

Helen & Vladimir

Ali & Lynne

Caroline

HE Alfonso A Ver

Ratnani

Hatai, Nor Huda & Namrin

HE Nur Syahrir Rahardjo

HE Koo Hyunmo

Shaikh Mubarak Al Suweiket & Dr Kasim

Anniversary Celebration Bahrain Specialist Hospital celebrated its 15th anniversary at its premises in Juffair.

Nasser & Saleh

To view more images, scan the QR code

Dr Kasim Ardati, Dr Najah Al Zayani & Majed K Ardati

Dr Ansari, Dr Bashar, Dr Prashant, Dr Fadi, Dr Nadira & Dr Maria Isabel

12 April 2018

Johari

Beena, Leena, Adelia & Evelyn

Dr Abdul Kareem Al Azzawi & Dr Kasim

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Ameena & Noralyn

Norwegian Cruise Roadshow 2018 Farhat International Tours & Travels held a presentation to introduce new developments for 2018 and the new ship, Norwegian Bliss.

Anvar & Ahmed

To view more images, scan the QR code

Nick & Neomi

Wafa

Aysha, Carol & Enrico

Arif

International Women’s Day Middle East Hospital celebrated International Women’s day, commemorating the political, social and economic achievements of women.

The event was sponsored by Jaffar Pharmacy and attended by the media and invited guests.

Dr Sai

Dr Huda

Zainab

Soma & berna

Reem & Liza

Afroz

Zall

Sakeena & Zahra

Ibrahim

Elizabeth & Hanan

To view more images, scan the QR code Dr Krishna, Dr Aman, Dr Razwan & Dr Rajesh Dr Nenad, Dr Adel & Dr Salma

Dr Mohammed, Dr Huda, Dr Sai, Ailyn, Sheilla & Diane

14 April 2018

Preethy

Dr Ahmed

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Gerry & Alison

Nicola, Stephanie, Jessica & Jennifer

St Patrick’s Day Ball 2018 The Bahrain Irish Society held the St Patrick’s Day Ball 2018 at The Diplomat Radisson BLU Hotel, Residence & Spa.

To view more images, scan the QR code

Garvan & Janet Juanita, Alfonso, Shaun & Anusha

Shriani, Sharon & Akie

Siobhan & Paul

Jessica, Sara, Naomi, Stacey & Jessica

Jerry & Paula

Aishlin, Aidan & Delia

16 April 2018

Anis & Janet

Garvan, Laura, Ciaran, Michael, Soma & Damien

Aine, Conor & Hazel

Gary, HE Dr Dharfer Alumran, Patricia & David

Jane, Laura & Moataz

Dave & Kevin

Pat & George

David, Jane & Andrea

www.bahrainthismonth.com

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bystander St Patrick’s Day Ball 2018 continued

Conor & Michael

Garvan & Laura

Ellen, Alana, Jason & Kathleen

Mathew & Makarenko

Hazel & Conor

Ciaran & Tessa

Hidaya & Rob

18 April 2018

Heather & Rick

Sophie & Rick

Tom & Ken

Cris, Joy & Donna

Patricia & Gary

Lynxey & Lewis

Satly, Konstantinos & Juanita

James, Sal, Viv, Chuck & Jason

Rana & Acton

Mo, Meighan, Tina & Stewart

Ken & Diana

Nick, Rick & Gary

Matt & Meg

Chris, Colette & Jordan

Aisling & Eilish

David & Vanessa

www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings

A P R I L 2018-H A P P E N I N G S SPRING ACTIVITIES

APRIL 1-5

ACTION-PACKED DAYS

SPRING EXPLORERS CAMP

Inspire Bahrain

Need something to keep the youngsters occupied during the Easter break.

Inspire is running a fun spring camp with activities including music, arts and crafts, cooking, science experiments, rock band and drama. Activities will be indoors and outdoors and suitable for ages five to 14. The cost is BD40 for the five days or BD10 per day and session fun from 9am to 1pm at the Inspire campus in Saar.

Call 39 047-734.

VINTAGE BAHRAIN

APRIL 3-30

SPRING BREAK CAMP

Life Fit

Another option to keep the kids active during the school holidays is the long-running camp at Life Fit. Young participants can look forward to sports and team games, creative cookery, arts and crafts and an egg hunt and end-of-camp party.

Sessions run daily from 10.30am to 2pm and the cost is BD50 for all five days or BD36 for three days.

Call 17 692-424.

STORY OF DEFIANCE

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

Moda Mall

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Bahrain at a vintage photo expo hosted by Moda Mall.

Featuring experiential booths, the exhibition takes viewers on a journey through time and provides great insights into Bahrain through rare collectibles and artefacts.

Bahrain’s deep-rooted history in aviation and refinery, iconic photos of Bahrain’s pearl diving heritage, handicrafts and folk music are some of the other major attractions to look out for.

Call 13 322-332.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

APRIL 1-5

APRIL 4

36 ABBAS STREET, HAIFA

Cultural Hall

A theatrical performance as part of Spring of Culture tells a story of defiance and endurance in spite of the odds. It’s a story of diaspora and the right to return. It follows two families whose saga began on May 15, 1948, when Haifa fell to the Zionist occupying forces: the Rafi family, Palestinians who stayed in Palestine and became hostages to fate, becoming citizens of the Jewish state of Israel, and the Abu Ghaida family, Palestinians who were forced to leave and left to wander the globe in search of a country they could call their own. Both families, however, still consider 36 Abbas Street as their rightful home. Free, seated event.

Call 17 298-777.

April 2017 19

happenings

REALISTIC VISION MUSIC AND MIRRORS

APRIL 4-30

Art Centre

Exhibition, part of Spring of Culture, by Jamal Abdulrahim, a Bahraini artist who has been presenting abstract and experimental art for 30 years.

His works are representations of his continuous studies and research of lines, colours and compositions. In this upcoming solo exhibition, Music and Mirrors, Jamal Abdulrahim revisits the Realism school of art and presents his newly developed approach to this classic school. Open daily 8am-8pm.

Call 17 298-777.

RED ON CANVAS

APRIL 4-7

ART EXHIBITION ESKANDER DEWANI

In 2, 6, 7, 11 Red Heaven we see the artist navigating through different facets and forms of art – painting, illustration and poetry – and continuing to discover and evolve within all these realms. His contemporary portraits are at once arrestingly lifelike and Gothically evocative, conveying a sense of immediacy in each piece, as they draw you into the canvas.

The red background swallows all the surrounding and takes you to the very centre of the moody, weathered expressions worn by these women. They invoke a gut reaction, which differs from each perspective. There is an undeniable strength in the women Eskander conceives, as well as a deep-rooted sense of respect, courage, empathy and natural beauty.

Eskander cites the work of Gustav Klimt, Francesco Clemente and Lucian Freud as influences on his work as well as a love of music that varies from day to day.

All welcome, entry free.

Call 17 690-790.

APRIL WHIRLING DERVISH PERFORMANCE 6

A Spring of Culture performance. One of the most important elements of the rich Turkish culture, the Mevlevi Sema Ceremony is an 800-year-old tradition known for its whirling dances and dervishes, complex musical repertoire, and rhythmic chants that represent the mystical journey of man’s spiritual ascent through mind and love to perfection. Established in 1999, The Whirling Dervishes Mekder Sufi Ensemble carries on this heritage that is among the most enduring and exquisite ceremonies of spirituality in the world Free, seated performance.

Call 17 298-777.

20 April 2018

When? Ongoing till May 27 Event? Scenamadre, Theatre Exhibition Venue? Bahrain National Theatre A display curated by the Accademia Albertina di Belle Arti in Torino, Italy, featuring a collection of models that illustrate the history of theatre design.

E Call 17 298-777.

POP AND SHOP Cultural Hall

When? Ongoing till May 8 Event? Art Exhibition, Life Journey Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art Fereshte Shishine shows a range of work with sharp light and tremendous attention to detail.

E Call 17 230-123.

When? Ongoing till May 16 Event? Exhibition, Warlukurlangu Artists Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art A collaboration with the famous Warlukurlangu Artists of Yuendumu to show their famous acrylic paintings and limitededition prints.

E Call 17 230-123.

Words Bookstore Café

SPINNING SPIRITUALS

When? Ongoing till April 20 Event? Peter Rushton Exhibition Venue? In Touch Clinic A showcase of a selection of Peter’s mixed-medium paintings spanning more than 10 years.

E Call 38 327-191.

POP-UP APRIL 7 BAHRAIN MARKET

Riffa Palms

It’s the first anniversary of this homegrown event which features local designers and artisans offering all manner of wonderful things from jewellery and clothing to raw chocolate and organic juices.

There’s also music from DJ Enzobh to give the whole thing a fun, party vibe as well as kids’ entertainment.

Call 37 119-590.

When? Ongoing till end of April Event? The Sound and Light Show Venue? Qal’at al-Bahrain The story of Bahrain told through the ancient fort with an interactive audio-visual experience. Runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. English version 6pm, Arabic 7pm.

Tickets required.

E Call 17 786-484 or 39 127899.

When? Thursdays till end of April Event? Musical Concert Venue? Mohammed bin Fares Music Hall Weekly lyrical voyage tells pearl-diving tales.

E Call 17 322-549.

When? April 1-5 Event? Spring Explorers Camp Venue? Inspire Bahrain E Call 39 047-734.

When? April 1-5 Event? Spring Break Camp Venue? Life Fit E Call 17 692-424.

When? April 3-30 Event? Photography Exhibition Venue? Moda Mall E Call 13 322-332. www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings

FASHION FORWARD

APRIL 7

ELLA IMPRESSIONS LAUNCH

Ella Art Gallery, Adliya

Artist and entrepreneur, Ella Prakash, founder of Ella Art is launching her own fashion and lifestyle venture, Ella Impressions. Her mission is to bleed art into fashion and create luxurious and stylish couture. Ella Prakash has always actively supported women’s empowerment through her work and now this powerhouse entrepreneur is set to take the next big leap in her career with a gorgeous range of scarves, bow ties, pocket squares, pashminas and more, all in the most luxurious fabrics.

The launch runs throughout the day from 11am to 7pm.

Call 39 073-299.

A QUESTION OF LIFE AND DEATH ENCHAINED Albareh Art APRIL DYADS Gallery 8-22 EXHIBITION

SOUNDS OF AUSTRIA

APRIL 12

OPERA AT THE DOMAIN

The Domain Hotel

Spring of Culture In the fifth edition of presentation of the the hotel’s classical works of Annie performances, Kurkdjian. Two themes followed by dinner, are central to the spring ignites within development of human the walls of The civilizations. One is Domain Hotel with an death, which gave rise to Austrian-themed religion. The other is concert featuring reproduction as an celebrated musicians embodiment of life and Michelle Miles and continuity. This gave rise Erika Nottingham to eroticism. Through her Rawles delivering the art, Kurkdjian attempts to music of Vienna’s query life and death — best maestro, Mozart. in other words, religion and eroticism — and to reflect Doors open 7pm, on their current state far removed from their early concert starts 7.30pm. Tickets BD30++ for dinner, concert beginnings as central to humanity. Open Saturday to and welcome drink. Complimentary valet parking Thursday 10am-2pm and 4pm-8pm. available.

Call 17 713-535.

Call 36 557-995.

BAHRAIN RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

Help the BRFC Tourists raise money to buy rugby kit and training equipment for the disadvantaged schools and children of Colombo, Sri Lanka. In order to fundraise for the BRFC Tour to Sri Lanka, members of the rugby teams will be embarking on a 25km walk from the Old Rugby Club’s location in Muharraq to its new home in Saar. A bus will be leaving the Rugby Club at 5.30am on April 13 to Muharraq. All are welcome to join in and help raise money for a great cause.

The walkers will be accepting sponsorship on their long journey and invite you to ask for information on how to get involved. The walk will be followed by a fun day with live music from Frankie & Friends.

Call Jonty Crosse 39 627-026 or Andrew Walsh 34 015-106.

22 April 2018

When? April 4-30 Event? Exhibition, Music and Mirrors Venue? Art Centre E Call 17 298-777.

When? April 5-8 Event? Formula 1, Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix Venue? Bahrain International Circuit See main feature.

When? April 6 Event? Whirling Dervish Performance Venue? Cultural Hall E Call 17 298-777.

When? April 6 Event? Top 10 Pain Releasers Workshop Venue? Saar Workshop by German kinesiologist Mona K Al Fajem.

Simple and effective hands-on self-help skills that address a wide variety of acute and chronic pain and stress issues.

English classes April 6 and 13, Arabic April 7 and 14. Cost from BD85 for each level. Call for location.

E Call 36 385-357.

When? April 7 Event? Ella Impressions Launch Venue? Ella Art Gallery, Adliya E Call 39 073-299.

When? April 7 Event? Bahrain Pop-Up Market Venue? Riffa Palms E Call 37 119-590.

When? April 8-22 Event? Enchained Dyads Exhibition Venue? Albareh Art Gallery E Call 17 713-535.

When? April 12 Event? Opera at The Domain Venue? The Domain Hotel E Call 36 557-995.

BEST FOOT FORWARD

APRIL 13

When? April 4 Event? Play, 36 Abbas Street, Haifa Venue? Cultural Hall E Call 17 298-777.

Sponsored Walk

When? April 13 Event? Sponsored Walk Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club E Call Jonty Crosse 39 627-026 or Andrew Walsh 34 015-106.

When? April 13 Event? Spring Beach Party Venue? Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa E Call 17 636-363.

When? April 13 Event? Tax Dodgers Live Venue? JJ’s E Call Ahmed 33 843-005. www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings

PUPPET EXTRAVAGANZA

APRIL 12-16

Cultural Hall

ENTERTAINMENT +

F

ollowing a smash-hit West End run in London, one of the most iconic characters in children’s literature will be wriggling his way to Bahrain this month, when The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show takes to the stage at the Cultural Hall.

The show features a menagerie of 75 enchanting puppets during a magical 60-minute performance that faithfully adapts four of Eric Carle’s best-loved books for the stage: The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly and, of course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Eric Carle’s books have captivated generations of readers with their iconic hand-painted illustrations and distinctively simple stories, introducing millions of children to a bigger, brighter world, and to

24 April 2018

their first experience of reading itself. His bestknown work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has nibbled its way into the hearts of millions of children all over the world. It has been translated into 62 languages and sold more than 43 million copies, remaining one of the top 10 bestselling children’s books of all time. Since it was first published in 1969, Eric Carle has illustrated more than 70 books, most of which he also wrote, and more than 138 million copies of his books have sold around the world.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is adapted for the stage by director Jonathan Rockefeller, whose production sees four master puppeteers weave their way through Eric Carle’s stories, bringing to life the magical puppets that faithfully recreate the wonderfully colourful world of Carle’s illustrations.

The show first premiered in Australia in 2015 before opening in New York at the Acorn Theatre in January 2016. It is currently nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience. The New York production broke box office records and attracted celebrities with families including Chelsea Clinton, Emily Blunt, Neil Patrick Harris and Diane Sawyer.

The cast features Andrew Cullimore (Charlie and Lola, UK Tour), Sarah Hamilton (Charlie

and Lola, Australian Tour), Katie Haygarth (In the Night Garden Live) and Adam Ryan (The Smurfs Live, World Tour).

The New York Times said of the show: “Bedazzling. This production will mesmerise audiences.” While the Huffington Post called it: “Colourful, engaging, charming.”

Show times: April 12, 4.30pm. April 14, 11am and 4pm. April 15-16, 10.30am and 4pm.

Tickets are available at Alosra supermarkets and Havajava café, inside Manazel, priced BD15. A special offer of four tickets for BD52 is available at Alosra.

Call 17 566-509 or 39 616-858 or email entertainmentplusint@gmail.com

www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings

FOR THE LOVE OF PETS PET APRIL 13 BAHRAIN EXPO

LIFE’S A BEACH BEACH APRIL 13 SPRING PARTY

Adhari Park

For the first time ever in the Kingdom comes a mainstream event focusing on the welfare and importance of pets — how to choose them, care for them and have fun with them. There’ll be a panel discussion addressing Bahrain’s stray crisis with speakers including Tony the Dogfather, BSPCA chairman Mahmoud Faraj and members of various other rescue organisations. There’ll also be animals for adoption, complimentary grooming and health check-ups, a bazaar, animal contests with prizes and much more.

Call 38 444-684 or 36 867-274.

Sofitel Bahrain, Zallaq

Go wild this spring break at the island’s ultimate luxury destination where class meets style! Celebrate alongside your closest friends surrounded by the city’s hottest people, sipping chilled drinks, dancing under the open sky and cooling off by the famous private beach with intoxicating live entertainment by none other than the electrifying international star, DJ Hanna (pictured). Let go of your inner party animal and step into a world of top dance tunes, refreshing drinks and pumping energy.

Tickets cost BD35 inclusive of food buffet and five welcome drinks. Room packages are also available.

Call 17 636-363.

TAX-FREE SOUNDS

APRIL 13

TAX DODGERS LIVE

JJ’s

The Tax Dodgers are the go-to band for classic rock and blues in Bahrain. They performed at the Bahrain Games Irish Festival supporting internationally acclaimed U2 tribute band, ZU2, and have also played at various venues and parties around Bahrain.

They were responsible for great after-brunch moments at JJ’s and now they’re back for a 100-per-cent guaranteed fun, lively evening of great music and enjoyment! Expect covers of pop and rock tunes and a few surprises. Entry is free.

Call Ahmed 33 843-005.

SECRET POLICEMAN’S BALL POLICE APRIL 13 TRIBUTE BAND

Sherlock Holmes, Gulf Hotel

Tuck into a fab brunch at Sherlock Holmes in the company of tribute band The Secret Police. Expect dynamic live performances of alltime greats such as Roxanne, Message in a Bottle, Every Breath You Take, Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic and many more. The show is designed to reproduce the energy and improvisation of a classic Police live gig with a huge emphasis on audience participation.

Food-wise you’ll find there is a large range of international cuisines, including live carving stations, seafood, salads, pasta, desserts and much, much more.

This exclusive brunch is first come, first served and booking is highly recommended. It’s priced at just BD20 (early bird, Prestige Club, NSA, Gulf Air) and BD25 on the day for the unlimited food and selected beverages package, running from 12.30pm to 4pm.

Call Kevin 66 901-323 or 17 713-000.

26 April 2018

When? April 13-14 Event? Pop-Up Truck Venue? Words Bookstore Café Paper Truck is on hand for bespoke gift wrapping needs throughout both days.

E Call 17 690-790.

When? April 14-16 Event? Lokal Pop-Up Shop Venue? Oliveto A curated event bringing together talented independent designers from the Middle East and North Africa all under one roof at one of the island’s favourite Italian eateries.

E Call 33 143-550.

When? April 16 Event? Mindfulness Talk Venue? Words Bookstore Café E Call 17 690-790.

When? April 18-19 Event? RUW 2nd Conference on Women and Society Venue? Royal University for Women Workshops, seminars and presentations and keynote speakers looking at empowering women through education.

E Call 17 764-405.

When? April 18-21 Event? Ramadan Designer Atelier Venue? Words Bookstore Café E Call 17 690-790.

When? April 19 Event? DJ Redoxx Live Venue? Oliveto E Call 36 396-333.

BEING PRESENT

APRIL MINDFULNESS TALK 16

Words Bookstore Café

Head to Words for a talk on mindfulness with transformational coach Melanie Sarginson. She will be teaching simple exercises that can be applied to our everyday life, so that mindfulness becomes a way of living. To be mindful is to be fully present; in the now. Being aware of where we are and what we are doing, and not reacting or becoming overwhelmed by what is going on around us, it is a way of improving one’s work-life balance and can help cope with anxiety, depression and stress. Melanie has lived in Bahrain for over 30 years and, certified in many areas, has been helping people reach their highest potential on many levels for the past 15 years. All are welcome.

Call 17 690-790.

When? April 19-21 Event? Yoga and Wellness Retreat Venue? Hawar Islands E Call 39 955-539.

When? April 20 Event? Café del Mar Live Venue? ART Rotana E Call 16 000-111.

When? April 20 Event? An Evening with Adam Jones Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club E Call 17 695-809.

When? April 20 Event? Under 10s Football Tournament Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club Teams of all abilities will come face to face to determine the ultimate winner of the first Janabiyah Juggernauts u10 football tournament.

E Call 17 695-809.

When? April 20 Event? Rotary Raft Race Venue? Al Bander Hotel & Resort E Call 39 621-666 to register or 36 661-777 for sponsorship. www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings

SPRING VIBES

DESIGNS ON RAMADAN

APRIL 18-21

RAMADAN DESIGNER ATELIER

Words Bookstore Café

APRIL 19

DJ REDOXX LIVE

Oliveto

When? April 21 Event? Cooking Demo and Cookbook Signing Venue? Words Bookstore Café E Call 17 690-790.

When? April 23 Event? Cookbook Book Club Venue? Words Bookstore Café The monthly meeting at which members bring a dish to try from the featured book which this month is Plated Heirlooms, whose author visited the store earlier in the month.

E Call 17 690-790.

Nathaly Jung of Yalla Habibi will be curating an exquisite collection of items handpicked from design studios around the region. This will include elegant and minimalist pieces that embody the spirit of Ramadan from jewellery to home accessories to jalabiyas. Hand embroidered prayer mats and table linens from ByJida have been designed in Jeddah and carefully crafted by Syrian craftsmen. Zeri Crafts from Kuwait will be showcasing a range of mubkhars (incense burners), camel leather notebooks, and more. Stunning porcelain pieces from Dubai-based French design studio Atelier Monochrome will include a collaboration with Yalla Habibi incorporating Kufi calligraphy.

LeBonTon by Ines will be displaying a capsule collection specially designed for the pop-up made with hand woven Tunisian linens. Botanical home products made with native medicinal plants by Green Bar will include soaps, incense and other items. An exclusive Arabesque collection of jewellery created to reflect the essence of this spiritual month will be launched by TinyOm. To complete the collection, Yalla Habibi will show its latest collections of woodwork handcrafted by Syrian artisans and cushions featuring traditional handwoven materials.

Call 17 690-790.

RETREAT TO WELLBEING

APRIL 19-21

YOGA AND WELLNESS RETREAT

Hawar Islands

Organised by Lei Garden Skin Care, this is a fun-filled weekend for the whole family, filled with spa ayurvedic therapies, yoga workshops, meditation, nutrition, live music entertainment, and a lot more. Activities include stand-up paddle board yoga, workshops on mind-body balancing foods and preventing lifestyle related disorders, meditative yoga and Iyengar yoga. Live entertainment with Maxeem on the Greek bouzouki and plenty of beach barbecues. Prices start at BD150.

Call 39 955-539.

28 April 2018

For the final Vibes event before Ramadan they’re guaranteeing a high energy atmosphere with international DJ Redoxx. AKA Niccolò de Simone, Redoxx started DJing at the age of 13. By 15 he was playing at clubs and private parties and he is now a familiar face at some of Rome’s top venues. He attended the International DJ School promoted by Pioneer DJ in Amsterdam, the home town of dance and house music, and was a finalist in Top DJ Italia in 2016.

Redoxx specialises in electro and progressive house.

There’re also four amazing DJs supporting — Mine, Detour, Ramy and Andy Collins — who’ll be warming up the night with deep house sessions.

Entry is free by guest list before 11pm or BD10 after.

The venue is limited to 300 people, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Call 36 396-333.

SUPER SAXY SOUNDS

APRIL 20

CAFÉ DEL MAR LIVE

ART Rotana

It’s back! Cafe del Mar World Tour returns to ART Rotana for another day of amazing music and some serious chilling.

Featuring DJ Felix Da Funk and sax player Franco Botto plus a host of guest DJs, this will be the beach party of the year so get your tickets and head to the beach! BD20 per person including two drinks. Over 18s only.

Call 16 000-111.

When? April 25-28 Event? Anime and Gaming Art Show Venue? Words Bookstore Café Now accepting anime, manga, comic illustration, video game art and pixel art submissions for an art show at More Words!

Deadline to enter is Thursday, April 19.

Seeking artworks inspired by anime, manga, video games, comic books, and other fandoms.

Crossover art is also welcome.

All mediums accepted. Only cost is framing for unframed works.

E Call 17 690-790.

When? April 25-26 Event? Falak Unreasonable Thinking Summit Venue? Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa Summit targeting start-up entrepreneurs, corporate executives, government officials, CEOs and university and high school students, in order to expose a wide range of the Bahraini business and start-up community to the latest thought processes and theories in innovation. The event is supported by Tamkeen and includes a wide range of international speakers as well as several workshops.

E Visit www.UnreasonableThinking.com When? April 26 Event? DJ June Live Venue? Cavallo Club E Call 35 111-181.

When? April 26 Event? Movie Night Venue? Qal’at al-Bahrain E Call 17 567-172.

When? April 27 Event? Trib Fest Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club E Call 39 429-935.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Fashion for You City Centre Bahrain launched its spring fashion campaign, offering the latest trends, personalisation of outfits, instant rewards, and a chance to drive off in a brand new Porsche Cayman 2018.

Dipti, Ahmed, Duaij, Khalid & Sarah

Maryam & Omar

Agus Salim Haji Yusof, Malayian Ambassador, presented Invest Malaysia, at the Iaunch of International Property Tour 2018 HE International Property 2018 at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain.

HE Agus Salim Haji Yusof & Wani

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Rozalina & Mohammed

Ratnani

Insaf

Rokia

April 2018 29

happenings

LEGENDARY CHAT

APRIL 20

AN EVENING WITH ADAM JONES

Bahrain Rugby Football Club

When? April 30 Event? Saad Jawad Musical Performance Venue? Shaikh Ebrahim Centre E Call 17 322-549.

When? April 30 Event? ELI Talk Venue? Words Bookstore Café Rated by Forbes magazine as a top 10 assessment to help individuals understand why they respond or react the way they do, the Energy Leadership Index (ELI) is an attitudinal assessment created by Bruce D Schneider. Core energy coach and master practitioner, Sofia Jafar, will shed light on the specific filters we develop over our lifetime, how these influence all our decisions in life, career and business and how the ELI can help.

Call 17 690-790.

Bahrain Cancer Warriors presents an evening with former Wales and British and Irish Lions prop, Adam Jones, who is one of a small group of Welsh players to have won three grand slams. Having retired from international rugby at the beginning of 2015, Jones now plays for Harlequins. If his appearance on last year’s Celebrity Mastermind is anything to go by, the audience is in for a treat from this charismatic, humorous sportsman. Tickets are BD30 for members and BD35 for non-members inclusive of welcome drink, grape of the table and food.

Call 17 695-809.

WET AND WILD

APRIL 20

ROTARY RAFT RACE

Al Bander Hotel & Resort

This year’s Rotary Raft Race is tackling a subject that’s very much in the news with the theme Stop Plastic Pollution. The aim is to highlight the scourge of plastic in our seas with the organisers aiming to change “a sea of plastic to a sight to see”. The raft race is the Rotary Club of Sulmaniya’s major annual fundraising event and has helped the organisation raise more than BD2 million over the years, which has gone to support a variety of charities and good causes.

So far, 20 teams are signed up to take part and Rotary hopes this will grow to 30 on the day, with rowers in men’s, women’s or mixed teams taking part in a series of races either on the open water or in the lagoon.

There’ll also be plenty of other activities, including a bouncy castle for the kids and live music as well as information stands on keeping the oceans clean.

Call 39 621-666 to register or 36 661-777 for sponsorship.

PALESTINIAN HERITAGE COOKING DEMO APRIL AND COOKBOOK 21 SIGNING

Words Bookstore Café

Award-winning cookbook author Dima Al Sharif will be at Words to talk about all things food-related and do a demonstration of recipes from her stunning cookbook.

Plated Heirlooms, a visual history of Palestinian cuisine, won the title ‘Best in the World’ for Arabic cuisine at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in May 2017. Dima is a well-known figure on the Dubai foodie scene and can regularly be found at farmers’ markets and on the UAE airwaves spreading awareness of this delicious cuisine.

She says: “Plated Heirlooms, my first book, is a complete resource about classic Palestinian cuisine. It is about the history and the story of Palestinian food. ‘Cuisine’ itself is the story of the people who created it, ever-reflective of all aspects of a people’s lives, and that is the essence of what I wanted to capture in this book.” All are welcome.

Call 17 690-790.

30 April 2018

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Shaikh Khalid

Faisal Juma

Jalal

Dinner Party The Rotary Club of Sulmaniya organised a social evening with the Rotaract Club of Bahrain to celebrate 113 years of Rotary International at Upstairs Downstairs restaurant.

Mohammed, Wedad, Hind, Osama & Zeema

Andeya & Nadine

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Suzi & Ernst

Yara, Dima & Mahmood

Costas, Katherina & Osama

Helen & Hanadi

April 2018 31

happenings

SENSATIONAL DEBUT

APRIL 21

MONSKI MOUSE BABY DISCO

Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain

WARREN MACLEOD The international show Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall makes its Middle East debut in Bahrain, with two family-focused shows set to take place.

It’s a retro-fabulous music and dance event focused on under-fives with their parents, carers and family. Hosted by DJ Monski Mouse, the event is set to change the way family events are organised for busy young families, who want to enjoy an outing without the hassle that usually goes along with attending events.

London-based Australian DJ, producer and mum of two, Monski Mouse launched her international hit, early childhood show, Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall, in 2012 following 10 years of DJing at arts festivals, clubs and events around Australia and the UK. Monski Mouse developed the Baby Disco Dance Hall with input from early childhood theatre director and choreographer, Ninian Donald, and early childhood education specialist, Emma Anderson. The co-founder of Bahrain-based Sugar Free Babies (SFB) Community and event co-organiser of My Productions, Yusra Al Rifai, says: “We have three main aims for the event: affordability, health consciousness and catering to the birth to five year olds. As a working mother and being with other mothers through SFB Community mornings, we all agree it is important to take the stress and hassle out of attending an event.

“The events we create focus on nurturing the next generation of healthy, engaged, and aware children. Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco is the epitome of the type of event we aspire to bring in the future – to contribute to children that are happy, families that play and stay together and to provide affordable family events where all can have a fun time with the toddlers and create lasting memories.”

Catering to mums or dads with young children, the event will provide soft baby areas for the non-walkers, amazing boys’ and girls’ tepees from Sleepee Teepee in the dance hall, a dedicated sensory play space and even pram parking.

In addition to the main show and with the aim of promoting happy healthy kids, Alosra will present a fun pre-show on ‘Healthy Food Versus Junk Food’, in cooperation with the 7th Wave performing arts school.

When you join Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall expect to do some high-energy 32 April 2018

smiling to retro hits, pop favourites and funky nursery rhymes as heads and shoulders, knees and toes bop till they drop.

An exclusive Baby Lounge, partnered with Mothercare, will offer a quiet area to cater to nursing mothers, offering all the necessary items on site. The event will also feature the launch of Homecentre KIDS, a new furniture range that will be on display, and the childfocused magazine by ARG Homecentre Kids.

Baby Essentials is the exclusive vendor and an event partner with unique offerings for mums as well as feeding, teething and health and safety supplies for little ones.

Tickets, priced at BD15 for an adult and child, and BD5 for an additional person, adult or child, are limited for each show and are on sale with strategic partners Alosra at Saar, Riffa and Amwaj locations and at Baby Essentials Seef Mall Branch. For information visit the Facebook page or Instagram account myproductions_bahrain.

Call 38 072-029.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

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happenings

SPOTLIGHT ON PROPERTIES

APRIL 24 - 26

GULF PROPERTY SHOW 2018

BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION & CONVENTION CENTRE

HILAL CONFERENCES AND EXHIBITIONS

Diyar Al Muharraq

Gulf Property Show 2018, organised by Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE), returns to be bigger and better.

Gulf Property Show 2018 is set to break records and be the largest property and real estate event to be hosted in Bahrain. The expo will be held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, from April 24-26, at Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Diyar Al Muharraq, Eagle Hills, GFH Properties, Manara Developments and Metropolitan Holding are all strategic sponsors of the show. This unprecedented level of support by the Kingdom’s leading developers is supplemented by Diamond sponsors, Al Maawdah Group, and Gold sponsors, First Bahrain Real Estate Development and AMFA Real Estate.

The event will showcase the latest real estate and property developments on the island, including Al Bareh, Al Naseem, Deerat Al Oyoun, The Harbour Row and Marassi Al Bahrain.

The importance of the Gulf Property Show for real estate in Bahrain is further emphasised by the attendance of the Survey & Land Registration Bureau, the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) and the Urban Planning Authority.

The exhibit hosts leading developers and realtors from around the world. Visitors to the show will also be able to look at real estate 34 April 2018

Eagle Hills

Harbor Row

investments in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, London and Manchester. These major cities provide exciting returns for realty investors.

“The Gulf Property Show has grown year on year in size and prestige since its debut in 2014,” says HCE managing director Jubran Abdulrahman. “This year’s record turnout is evidence from the real estate sector of the value of the show as a must-attend show. The event’s strength is in its transactional platform for developers and its exciting showcase for visitors to look at what, for many people, is the most important investment of their lives –

buying a property.”

Visitors can take advantage of pre-sales and enquiries through the property search feature on www.gulfpropertyshow.net.

Gulf Property Show takes place in conjunction with two other major events, Gulf Construction Expo and Interiors Expo, providing the biggest integrated business-to-business showcase for the construction, interiors and property sectors ever to be staged in the Northern Gulf.

Call 17 299-123 or visit www.gulfpropertyshow.net www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings

JUNE ON THE DECKS

APRIL 26

DJ JUNE LIVE

Cavallo Club

When your mentor is the legendary DJ Scratch of hip-hop group EPMD, expectations run high that your skills must be incredible on the turntables. Add in the fact of being female and Asian, and you definitely have something to prove. And she’s done it in front of the toughest crowds of all, in New York City, the birth place of hip-hop. DJ June has performed in LA, California, North Carolina, NYC, Atlantic City, Miami, Boston, Atlanta, Texas, Japan, Taiwan and China.

Many DJs specialise in style or genres of music but DJ June’s speciality is just playing what is hot, what is good, and what is classic.

She utilises a gumbo mix of old and new school hip-hop, R&B, reggae, ‘80s pop, rock, house, dance, mash up, and classic tunes that are to please everyone in the building. Her transitions from one genre of music to the next are flawless.

Entry is BD5 for ladies inclusive of one beverage or an appetiser, BD10 for gents with one beverage and an appetiser or two beverages.

Call 35 111-181.

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND

APRIL 26

MOVIE NIGHT

FESTIVAL FUN Qal’at al-Bahrain

Spring of Culture showing of Toy Story. A famous animated film that revolves around the story of Woody and Buzz Lightyear who compete for the affection of their owner, a child named Andy. From their initial jealousy and competitiveness, the pair become close friends as they go on a wild adventure to get back to Andy before he moves away with his family to their new home.

Free event.

Call 17 567-172.

APRIL 27

TRIB FEST

Bahrain Rugby Football Club

The big biannual festival is back at the rugby club featuring 12 hours of live sounds from some of the UK’s best tribute acts. See the next best thing to acts such as David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Cold Play, Elvis, the Blues Brothers and many more. The music starts at 10am and usually continues in the sports hall after 10pm. And, as well as the international act, you can usually expect to see some local favourites added to the bill. It’s a great day out for the whole family with plenty of food and drinks to make sure everyone has energy for dancing and singing along. Tickets cost BD16.

Call 39 429-935.

TRADITIONAL MUSIC

APRIL 30

SAAD JAWAD MUSICAL PERFORMANCE

Shaikh Ebrahim Centre

A Spring of Culture performance, Travel of the Lute. Iraqi oud player Saad Jawad was born in Iraq in 1973. He graduated from Baghdad’s Institute of Music Studies with distinction in 1997, where he actually taught oud while still in his junior year. He then worked as an oud teacher for several music ensembles and musical institutes, the most recent of which was the Bahrain Music Institute, where he trained the up-and-coming oud instrumentalists. He also founded ‘Musicians Without Borders’ in the Kingdom, a band which has performed many shows both locally and abroad. Free event.

Call 17 322-549.

36 April 2018

www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings

KARAOKE KINGS BENNIGAN’S

Live band

Bennigan’s, the American eatery with an Irish flavour, has launched the only karaoke session in Amwaj Islands.

This friendly neighbourhood eatery, which also has a branch in Juffair, is not just known for its great food. As well, it offers diners a buzzing atmosphere with a live five-piece band playing a range of music, from pop to rock and rap to R&B, every night.

You can request your favourite songs at Amwaj’s only live music venue and dance along from 8.30pm to 12.30am Saturday to Wednesday. On Thursdays and Fridays, the party keeps going until 1.30am.

Now Bennigan’s has added to the fun with the launch of a karaoke night on Mondays from 8pm till midnight. Singers, and those who just want to have a try, can step up to the mic and be entered into a raffle draw for the chance to win breakfast for two, a Bennigan’s Amwaj speciality served daily from 9am.

Dig into hearty breakfast plates such as the Full Irish, which includes bacon, eggs, sausages, traditional Irish soda bread and

more. The All American comes with US-style sausage, mushrooms, onions, green peppers and eggs; and the Full Monty is a true monster fit to satisfy the biggest appetite. In case you’re visiting with the family, these come in kid-sized portions too.

The breakfast menu also includes the Breakfast Burrito, omelettes, a range of butties, including egg, bacon and sausage, Americanstyle waffles and, of course, pancakes.

In true American style, the cup of Joe has not been forgotten and there’s a great range of coffees on offer as well as teas and lots of fresh juices.

Head to Bennigan’s outside breakfast hours and you’ll find a menu of authentic American home cooking that is great value for money and has something for everyone, with very generous portions. Hawaiian- and Cajuninfluenced burgers sit alongside the specially created gourmet burger range. There’s a variety of pub bites, including the worldfamous Monte Cristo – a battered, fried cheese and beef ham, triple-decker sandwich.

And the grill has a selection of certified Angus Smoky Chile Burger

38 April 2018

beef to tempt your taste buds.

Finish your meal with a decadent dessert. The new Legendary Death by Chocolate comes highly recommended. It’s an original recipe of rich chocolate ice cream, almonds, minimarshmallows, chocolate fudge sauce and Twix cookie bars on a crumbled Oreo cookie crust covered in a chocolate shell. Pour on a side of hot chocolate topping. It’s killer!

For younger diners, there’s even a special kids’ menu. The restaurants have both smoking and non-smoking areas, making them very family friendly. And Bennigan’s has a number of food and beverage promotions throughout the week such as ladies’ night and happy hour as well as special delivery promotions too.

Bennigan’s Awmaj Islands is open 9am-2am daily.

Call 16 030-104 or 16 030-105.

World-famous Monte Cristo

Buffalo Chicken

www.bahrainthismonth.com

racing

Flags Off The 2018 FIA Formula 1 World Championship is set to be an epic season.

The new campaign will feature 21 Grands Prix held all across the globe, in five continents.

Bahrain is the second race in the season with Sebastian Vettel having taken the early lead in Australia, beating Lewis Hamilton after a pit stop when the Brit had led for most of the race.

Reigning champion Hamilton, of Mercedes, and chief rival Vettel, of Ferrari, are both vying for a fifth drivers’ world title. Should either of them win, they would join only Michael Schumacher and Juan Manuel Fangio as drivers who have achieved that feat.

Mercedes could also become the only team, other than Ferrari, to win at least five straight constructors’ world titles. Mercedes are currently among four teams who have won four in a row, and they now have a chance to continue their magnificent run and try to catch Ferrari’s record of six straight.

Formula 1 has implemented several changes for the new season.

The Bahrain Grand Prix now flags off at 6.10pm on Sunday, April 8, 10 minutes later than its regular start time.

There are also chances for fans to get an even closer experience to all the racing.

The introduction of ‘Grid Kids’ will see up-andcoming local drivers playing a major role in the pre-race build up, whilst the new Formula 1 40 April 2018

Pirelli Hot Laps programme will be launched at the Bahrain Grand Prix. This will offer a few lucky fans the chance to be driven round the track by an F1 driver. In addition, fans will have the opportunity to join the ‘Truck Tour’ experience, parading around the circuit in open-top buses during the race weekend.

McLaren has a new engine partner in Renault and there are several driver changes, including Charles Leclerc, the reigning Formula 2 champion, now driving for Sauber, and fellowrookie Brendon Hartley driving for Toro Rosso.

Amongst the new technical regulations, the use of a halo cockpit protection device will be the most obvious modification to the car, providing an additional safety feature for the drivers in case of an accident.

Aside from Formula 1, there will be plenty of racing in the two support series, namely the FIA Formula 2 Championship and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East.

Formula 2 is widely accepted to be the chief feeder series to Formula 1. It will be holding the opening round of its 2018 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The Porsche GT3 Cup is the biggest and most popular one-make motor racing championship in the entire region. It has been the number one choice of the Arab world’s most promising circuit racing drivers to broaden their racing experience in a professionally run series. The series will be holding its sixth and final round of its 2017-2018 campaign over the big race weekend.

Tickets to this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix can be purchased at the BIC stand at City Centre Bahrain. They can also be bought online at www.bahraingp.com or by calling the BIC Hotline on 17 450-000.

Ticket prices: Main Grandstand seats BD150 each for the three days, while Batelco Grandstand tickets are BD120 and Turn One tickets BD100. University and Victory Grandstand tickets cost BD60.

For the first time this year, fans will be able to purchase a single Friday ticket for the Batelco Grandstand at BD60, or they can buy a two-day ticket for Saturday and Sunday, also for the Batelco Grandstand for BD100.

Call 17 450-000 or visit bahraingp.com www.bahrainthismonth.com

GT3

Racing Action at Its Best!

Dick Potter looks at the history of the GT3 Cup Challenge series and gives us the low-down on the championship.

Pretty much anyone with a modicum of knowledge on global motorsport racing will know that Porsche – especially its 911 model – have always featured strongly over the years. A major accomplishment for Porsche motorsports was the inauguration of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in 1992.

For the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge series, all compete in identical Porsche 911 GT3 cars – hence the moniker, ‘one-make series’. The teams are now using the seventh generation of the 911 GT3. Its features include a 485bhp, sequential six-speed paddle-shift gearbox, aero pack and performance friction brakes. Such homogeny not only places every driver on the same playing field or, rather, circuit, it also guarantees best preconditions and a fair competition for drivers and spectators alike.

Conversely, technical or design inconsistency can sometimes provide considerable and possibly decisive advantages in F1 races.

At the onset, the circuits raced on by the GT3 Cup Challenge series were European; but this has spread globally and the Middle East was introduced into the calendar in 2009. Lechner Racing provides the chariots and organises the event series on Middle East circuits that include Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates – Yas Island and Dubai Autodrome.

The series, which is based here at the home of Motorsport in the Middle East, was originally created to give homegrown Arab driving talent an opportunity to develop their racing potential on top professional circuits. Now in its ninth season, to me it’s arguably the region’s most www.bahrainthismonth.com

exciting and successful car racing series on the calendar. OK, I love Porsches, so not even remotely biased then!

Given the extreme climate challenges our region faces, in order to regulate temperatures the GT3 series takes place in our winter. This is not only for the drivers but also the cars and their tyres – they’re Michelin, in case you didn’t know – and of course their support teams.

Running this season from November to April – the first race was on 17/11/17 – this year’s series’ two final rounds will excitingly culminate on the Bahrain International Circuit on April 7 and 8. The 8th also, of course, is the date for the F1 day and it’s also the missus’ birthday – that should earn myself a brownie point for popping that in! The current overall leader of the GT3 Cup Challenge is Tom Oliphant. Hot on his heels, or wheels even, is Al Faisal Al Zubair and Charlie Frijns pressed by Isa S Al Khalifa.

Interestingly, besides the main championship, there are also stand-alone Silver and Bronze league categories and, as if that’s not impressive enough, there are rookie and team challenge categories too.

Those clever Porsche chaps manufacture their 911 GT3 cup cars on the same production line as the 911 road car. Who knew that, then?

The race tuning is carried out on a circuit by a professional race driver prior to delivery to the customer. Even more interesting, some 3,031 GT3 cup Porsches have been built since 1998 (996, 997, 991 models), making it the most produced and sold GT racing car in the world.

I definitely have to add a GT3 to my wish list then; perhaps the winner of this year’s Bahrain GT3 Cup Challenge might even let me have an interview and test spin in his GT3 after the race!

Best of luck to all the drivers!

Drivers and organisers of the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East at WEC weekend in Bahrain

Silver category podium, with Bahrain’s Isa S Al Khalifa, Oman’s Khalid Al Wahaibi and South Africa’s Saul Hack

Manager and series organiser Walter Lechner with Porsce Middle East and Africa CEO Deesch Papke celebrating the championship’s 100th race

April 2018 41

entertainment Cirque Africa

Trackside Fun Though, for many, the main event is most definitely on the racetrack, for others the Grand Prix weekend is all about the entertainment. And, once again, Bahrain International Circuit does not disappoint, with a great range of acts, activities and fun for kids and adults alike.

music’s rising stars. The 28-year-old’s style has been described as “a raw brand of blues/ boogie/soul” and as “bright, furious, explosive garage rock”.

Booker has produced two critically acclaimed studio albums. The first was a self-titled record released in 2014 and it was followed by Witness last year.

His concert at the Grand Prix will mark his debut appearance in the Kingdom.

THE BIG NAMES As always, the Bahrain International Circuit has lined up some big-name entertainment to keep race goers happy over the weekend.

Santana Carlos Santana brings his Divination Tour to the circuit on Friday night, April 6. Ten-time Grammy-award-winner Santana is a legendary voice in world music and his ground-breaking Afro-Latin-blues-rock fusion transcends musical genres and generational, cultural and geographical boundaries. As a result, he has sold more than 100 million records and reached more than 100 million fans at concerts worldwide.

This will be Carlos Santana’s first-ever performance in Bahrain, where he will be performing passion-infused songs from over four decades of his career, including his hits from Woodstock to Supernatural and beyond.

Come find out why Rolling Stone calls Santana “one of rock’s true virtuosos and guiding lights” and has awarded him number 15 on its list of the ‘100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.

42 April 2018

Benjamin Booker American singer-songwriter Benjamin Booker will take to the stage on the Saturday night of the race weekend, April 7. Booker is one of

Disclosure Consisting of brothers Howard and Guy Lawrence, Grammy-nominated Disclosure have www.bahrainthismonth.com

entertainment collaborated with the likes of Mary J Blige, Sam Smith, The Weeknd, Lorde and Eliza Doolittle, to name a few.

Aside from their Grammy nominations, Disclosure have also been nominated for multiple Brit Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and International Dance Music Awards, including in 2016 when they won Best Full Length Studio Recording for their album Caracal.

They will close the show on Saturday, April 7, with a DJ set.

All those with tickets to the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend will be able to attend the concerts at no extra charge.

ROAMING PERFORMERS A huge range of strolling players will entertain the crowds including: The Horn Show This is a funny, eye-catching musical performance, with 22 different chromatically tuned bulb horns firmly attached all over the performer’s body to produce an extensive repertoire of rock, pop, jazz, folkloric, Latino and blues. His music is a mixture of various classic evergreen tunes, combined with balance, juggling, dance, slapstick and a loopstation for a bass ukulele.

Mr Hoy Mr Hoy has been performing his funny walkabout characters all over the world for the past decade. With roots firmly in the mime clown tradition, he uses theatre, physical comedy and contemporary clown skills to engage his audience.

Morf Morf is a complete vocal-looper who uses nothing but his voice and an array of effect/ loop units to create full songs live on the spot.

Providing an interactive and fully enjoyable show for audiences of all ages, Morf aims to show what the human voice is fully capable of.

EXTREME ENTERTAINMENT For adrenaline junkies there is a trio of extreme rides to choose from, including a Reverse Bungee, a SCAD (Suspended Catch Air Device) Freefall and a Sky Coaster – strap in and prepare to be terrified.

CIRCUS STAGE Both kids and grown-ups alike will delight in the show by Cirque Africa – Hakuna Matata – which is running all day for spectators to enjoy.

Stribe Tribe Dream Circus Joyful, stripy-turquoise and courageous: that is what Stribe Tribe Dream Circus is all about.

Indulge in the wild nature of the dance as well as in the various types of juggling performed in unconventional and extraordinary choreographies. Hula hoops, acrobats and hypnotising buugengs are awaiting for you.

Funny Faces Funny Faces presents interactive walkabout acts that include mysterious, fantastic and witty creatures. Their vibrant colours and bubbly characters have made thousands happy. Funny Faces love to mingle with the crowds, take selfies and share their bubbly personalities.

Kaukliari A mixture of historical juggling and other acrobatic pieces using colourful flags and staffs. The performers wear beautiful, bright costumes while throwing and tossing flags, exchanging them with their counterparts while capturing the audience’s imagination. www.bahrainthismonth.com

April 2018 43

entertainment Aainjaa A powerful show manifesting percussion and dance. A large number of multidisciplinary artists delight audiences with a host of Afro Colombo-Brazilian rhythms of great strength and vitality, achieving an excellent fusion with the movement. Infinite dances and choreographies result in an innovative, daring show full of character, spontaneity and magic.

Mantega He has performed with numerous circus companies in different constellations as a solo and duo performer. His works have been seen at international festivals all across the globe.

His acts include combinations of extreme juggling, hula hoops, handstand, capoeira acrobatics and more.

KIDS Inside a massive tent you will find an abundance of entertainment for younger race goers set across four distinct zones: circus shows, theatre shows, a Candyland interactive zone and a playground. The theatre zone features Beauty and the Beast, Frozen and kids’ sing along and dance. Acts to look out for: James and Murphy Productions Formed over 10 years ago in the UK, this production company has won international recognition and accolades. The interactive shows and workshops staged are always a huge hit with audiences of all ages as they encourage children to sing and dance and express themselves through interaction.

Main Feature Productions This leading theatre entertainment company offers high-quality production shows.

Specifically known for interactive children’s shows, tribute and dance shows for holidays and ice skating shows, the high-energy performers, singers and actors make this one of the UK’s most sought-after groups.

Circo Nauta All the way from Buenos Aires, Argentina, his acts include mime, clown, air acrobatics, dance, Cyr wheel and more.

Space Ci Man A group of five robots, they walk through the crowds learning about human life and on their way scan everyone around. They’re curious: they walk behind you, will stand right next to you and look at you the way you look at them.

The robots know nothing about the human species, but they’re learning quickly and save everything on their hard ‘robotdrive’.

SpikkelSzzz In daylight, SpikkelSzzz are a sparkling explosion of colours. When the moon appears, they transform into fabulous foolish lights.

These sparkling happy performers let go of the buzzing and tempt you to play with the lights.

The stilt performers are very experienced in the high arts of the staging theater.

Triumfo Tall, huge, colourful, friendly roaming giants.

These vibrant and brightly coloured stiltwalkers will be taking you on a grand adventure with an arsenal of multiple costumes. Originally from Russia, Triumfo Group has been gracing international events and festivals all over Europe, the US and Asia.

44 April 2018

The Joker This group of funny and playful interactive clowns come all the way from the UK. Their acts include fantastic circus skills, unicycling, juggling and stilt-walking.

Mauro Wolynski And eccentric actor and performer who works with balances, comedy and music, Mauro Wolynski is always enthusiastic to share with people everything he does and everything that happens to him. His madness manifests itself, creating a comic universe of which the audience feels a part.

Street Music This year for the first time there will be music in the spectator tunnel from: The Duo They comprise two experts in classical guitar playing, established as a twosome in 2011 in London. Their passion for the guitar, more specifically for the Spanish and South American repertoire, contributed to the formation of the Duo. They have played since childhood and studied individually and as a guitar duo.

Pop the Balloon Man He is a multi-award-winning magician and balloon artist from Scotland. His work is just as interesting to adults as it is to children, as his incredible skills with a couple of balloons and a pump never fail to amaze.

Bubble Workshop Conducted by professional bubble enthusiasts, this highly anticipated interactive activity will allow children to create their own magic bubbles. Using kid-friendly tools, the instructors teach the youngsters how to properly form perfect bubbles. Kids will also learn how to use different tools to master the tricks of forming assorted sizes and shapes of bubbles.

Simone Solazzo A multi-instrumentalist, composer and performer from Tuscany, Italy, his solo show is a unique performance in which he masters multiple stringed instruments including oud, saz, setar, santur, esraj, sitar, sarod, guitar, violin and synthesisers, using an advanced livelooping technique to create complex compositions and soundscapes.

Also look out for performances from The Hang Player and Adam Kadabra.

And, to finish the big race weekend, there will be spectacular fireworks in chequered flag spots around the track.

Marky Jay One of the UK’s top comedy jugglers, Marky Jay combines quick wit, dazzling skills and a natural northern charm. He is always effortlessly entertaining and a crowd-pleaser. www.bahrainthismonth.com

afterdark

F1 AFTER DARK As always, the ‘Big Race Weekend’ has got the island’s nightlife venues stepping up to provide great entertainment for one and all.

UPTOWN FUNK

APRIL 5

MARINA MADNESS BRUNO MARS TRIBUTE

Coda Jazz Lounge

Front man Brandon Maz and his band perform an authentic tribute to one of the hottest artists currently on the scene and they’ll be here to open the Grand Prix weekend’s fun with much style.

Brandon was voted number one Bruno Mars tribute act by the industry in 2017 and the band has a fantastic repertoire of unique talent. The Uptown Funk Tour offers not just the best of Bruno Mars but, also, a blend of greatest uptown funk and soul classics ranging from old school right up to the present day. Tickets are BD10, including a welcome drink.

Call 34 342-828.

F1 KICK-OFF

APRIL 5

RACE DAY APRIL 5 BEACH BASH

Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

Not just an F1 party but also the season opening for the hotel’s popular beach parties.

The Race Day Beach Bash celebrates Bahrain’s ultimate car racing event.

The night kicks off on the beach of the newly enhanced Marina where guests will enjoy a full open buffet and special beverages from 8-11 pm. Then there will be performances from DJs Fabrice, Odette Hayas and Albert Marui, live performances and more. Tickets are BD25 for members and BD35 for non-members.

Call 17 586-499.

BOWERS BEATS BEFORE THE TRACK FT MIKE WILLIAMS

Oliveto

Vibes is back to Oliveto to kick off F1 weekend with world number 60 in the DJ Mag Top 100, Mike Williams. He’s in the Middle East for the first time and will be supported

by Andy Collins.

Best known for working with Tiesto and as an artist of Spinnin’ Records, which recognises him as an “artist of the future”, Williams is now 21 and already an industry veteran having performed for a crowd of more than 500 revellers when he was just 14! His mix of electro and future house is sure to have th dance floor hopping. Tickets BD15 for gents and BD10 for ladies.

Call 36 396-333. www.bahrainthismonth.com

APRIL 5

DJ DANE BOWERS

Cavallo Club

Having played for huge brands such as Ministry of Sound, Gatecrasher, Twice as Nice and Glastonbury, Dane’s musical taste ensures he can make any club bounce.

Known for his groundbreaking single with Victoria Beckham, Dane started his career with the platinum-selling R&B group, Another Level. He went on to work with a host of international stars before developing his own sound on the decks, which has taken him across the world. Entry is BD5 for ladies, inclusive of one drink or appetiser, and BD10 for gents, with a drink and an appetiser or two drinks.

Call 17 811-811.

April 2018 45

afterdark SUPERSTAR SPINNER

APRIL 5

BANG THE DRUM

FERRY CORSTEN

APRIL 6

Coral Bay

Superstar DJ Ferry Corsten kicks off the Grand Prix weekend in style at Coral Bay. Well known for producing pioneering trance tracks, he has been consistently ranked in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs poll from 2004-2017.

With seven full-length studio albums under his belt and multiple gold records to his name, his most popular tracks include Punk, Out of The Blue, Rock Your Body Rock, and collaborations with the likes of Betsie Larkin and Nat Dunn.

Having played all the big-name festivals from Tomorrowland to Dance Valley, as well as clubs such as Amnesia, and arenas such as New York City’s Madison Square Garden, this is an artist for whom the possibilities are endless. His show promises to be one of the highlights of the big race weekend. Pre-sale tickets BD10 for ladies and BD12 for gents.

Call 66 668-801 or 17 312-700.

WALTER SCALZONE LIVE

Meisei

Meisei has various events happening including an F1-themed salsa party on Wednesday, April 4, and a performance by DJ Jackson on Thursday, April 5. But the main night will feature the internationally renowned multi-percussionist Walter Scalzone.

Hailing from Italy, Walter Scalzone has more than 10 years of experience working in clubs in Italy, Spain, the UK and US, China the UAE and more. He performs on both acoustic and electronic percussion instruments, with over 600 sounds from all over the world allowing him the flexibility to switch between different styles of music, such as house, samba, salsa, Arabic, hip-hop and more.

Giving equal importance to both sound and delivery, Walter’s playing is energetic and only helps to enhance the visual effect of his performance.

Call 17 007-770.

SCOOPS OF FUN

APRIL 6

FATMAN SCOOP

The second day of the resort’s epic 2018 Grand Prix weekend, sees Coral Bay turning to hip-hop and R&B with an American Grammy Award winner, hip-hop hype man, promoter and radio personality famed for his raw, loud voice – Fatman Scoop. Isaac Freeman III, better known under his Fatman Scoop moniker, is a hip-hop artist probably best known for

Coral Bay

the chart hit Be Faithful. He received the nickname after appearing as an ice cream man in the Fugees’ video for Killing Me Softly. Stylistically, he is loud, repetitive, and boisterous. A multi-award-winning and nominated artist, he promises a night of great fun and cool music. Pre-sale tickets BD10 for ladies and BD12 for gents.

Call 66 668-801 or 17 312-700.

ROCK ON

APRIL 6

ROCKATECH GRAND PRIX PARTY

Downtown, InterContinental Regency Chic Entertainment and Dabasso present RockaTech, a unique party starting with the pure British rock band Fever till 10pm followed by melodic techno and house music by DJ Mysterioo Arif and Fawazo, two of the island’s favourites on the decks. Entrance is free by guestlist before 11pm, BD10 thereafter.

Call 36 736 787.

46 April 2018

www.bahrainthismonth.com

MUSICAL TRIO

APRIL 6

IRISH AFTER-PARTY

AZURE PRE-RACE PARTY

Four Seasons, Bahrain Bay

PADDY MAN AND STEPHEN

APRIL 6

JJ’s

Enjoy the ultimate stylish Grand Prix opening weekend at the Azure Poolside party featuring guest DJ Natalie Brogan, local DJ Damian D’Costa accompanied by Adriano on Saxophone and Ali Bongo on percussions. This promises to be an amazing F1 opening party with special dance shows, music to dance to under the stars surrounded by the island’s crème de la crème of crowds. Tickets cost BD40 including two drinks for men, or BD20 for ladies.

Call 66 678-666.

Not strictly an F1 party, but it is F1 weekend and JJ’s could just be the place to seek sanctuary if you’re not into all things racing. The evergreen Paddy Man is visiting from Dubai, with his hilarious mix of music

F1 CLOSER

APRIL 8

and humour, accompanied by fiddler Stephen for some sounds of the old country at a rockin’ after-brunch party. Entry is free and support comes from house regular, DJ Aaron Wolfe.

Call 33 843-005.

ARCADE GAMES F1 CLOSING PARTY

Coral Bay

APRIL 8

BEYOND THE TRACK FEATURING ARCADE 82

Wyndham Garden

A great way to wrap up the F1 weekend. Head to Wyndham Garden and be entertained by the amazing talents of Arcade 82, a hard-hitting collaboration featuring vocalist Shyam and Mark on pickup, drums and DJ melded into one unmissable high-energy show. An electronic act, they perform all their tracks live with vocals, synths, electric drums, sampling pads, etc., while still DJing. No stranger to the festival scene, they have opened for The Chemical Brothers, closed for Fat Boy Slim and have played their style of vocal deep house all over the world. Tickets are BD10 on the door or from the Wyndham Garden reception.

Call 36 396-333.

The biggest Formula 1 Grand Prix closing party of the season returns to Coral Bay with a glittering roster of renowned DJs and rappers.

Famed German-Zimbabwean rapper and artist Carlprit will be performing live, supported by talented musician Mr Boomslang. There’ll also be an electrifying performance by Bahrain’s very own DJ Jackson. www.bahrainthismonth.com

DJ Essie De Vall from Spain and DJ Mine Covelo from Mexico will also take to the stage with their take on chart-topping dance rhythms. A special VIP area is being built exclusively for the event, with each table customised to clients’ wishes.

Pre-sale tickets cost BD10, or it’s BD15 for ladies and BD20 for men at the door.

Call 66 331-261 or 17 312-000.

April 2018 47

dining

F1 Feasts

Friday brunch at Sofitel

Four Seasons chef Wolfgang Puck

Many of the island’s best venues are getting into the spirit of F1 with themed brunches. Check out our round-up of some of the best before you decide where to tuck in.

The K Hotel The K Hotel’s popular Friday Brunch revs up the excitement a notch on April 6 with a special F1-themed event at the KOLORS Restaurant from 12.30pm to 4pm priced at BD14.500++ per person, including soft drinks; pay an additional BD7++ with selected beverages.

The brunch buffet offers a rich variety of mouthwatering dishes and the executive chef has selected an appetising combination of traditional recipes paired with contemporary influences.

You’ll be entertained by The K’s live band, Duo Totem, playing International Top 20 songs and classic tunes from the ‘80s and ‘90s. Afterwards, keep the party going at the K lounge from 3pm to 7pm, and watch the practice sessions on the big screens.

Call 17 360-000.

Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain Every Friday is a party at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain with brunch comprising a hearty and colourful spread over three outlets. Indulge in an infinite selection of the freshest seafood, sushi, pasta station, fine grilled cuts and more. There’s also a resident DJ and live band, performing the best musical hits.

Don’t miss the F1-themed brunch on April 6. Watch practice sessions live from the circuit on giant screens and get in the mood to race with the chance to win two F1 tickets. Winners will be announced at the end of the brunch. The price for brunch is BD36 including unlimited beverages.

Call 17 460-017.

48 April 2018

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Get into the celeb spirit with Friday brunch at CUT presided over by the man himself, chef Wolfgang Puck, priced from BD24++ for ladies. Then join the Best of Wolfgang Pre-F1 Party on Saturday, April 7.

Savour a barbecue on The Lawn with celebrity favourite Puck presenting an Asian fusion feast. Enjoy an array of special Asian barbecue and street food with the twinkling lights of the Manama skyline and a live DJ in the background. The price is BD69++ per person including beverages.

Call 17 115-044.

Baharat Le Méridien Bahrain City Centre Race over to Baharat and discover a brunch that’s ‘fully fuelled’ at every turn. Make this your pit stop before heading to Bahrain International Circuit and be prepared to be overtaken by a lights-to-flag sensory and savoury experience with live music from duo, Duex Sons. The price is BD26 with soft drinks or BD38 including selected free-flow beverages. Book a table of 10 and get a 20 per cent discount.

Call 17 171-144.

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Start your engines and prepare your appetite for a speedy thrill in a lively setting, surrounded by international cuisine at the award-winning Grand Friday F1 Brunch. Race into a delicious selection of dishes in a special, Formula 1-themed affair with tantalising international flavours complete with live cooking stations and entertainment from the Cuban band, Timeless. The price is BD36 with soft drinks and BD40 with selected beverages. Kids aged six to 12, half price. Under sixes eat free.

Call 17 636-363. www.bahrainthismonth.com

dining Friday Brunch

Sweet Hour

Burgers V2

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA

A Thrilling April Feel the spring and F1 fever take over with a fun-fuelled month at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa.

DJ Hanna

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Sofitel Bahrain is kick-starting the month with a massive Formula 1-inspired Grand Friday Brunch on April 6. Fuel up your appetite with a splendid arrangement of dishes, complete with live entertainment and cooking stations, sure to satisfy all your cravings. Starting at only BD36 inclusive of soft beverages and with a dedicated kids’ corner, children between six and 12 years receive 50 per cent discount and kids below six years dine for free.

To top off the spring season, Sofitel Bahrain is hosting the biggest and most energy-filled Spring Break Beach Party on April 13, from 6.30pm till midnight. Let your inner party animal loose at the island’s most luxurious destination with your closest friends. Energise with refreshing drinks, a variety of live entertainment and electrifying tunes from the international superstar, DJ Hanna, as you dance the night away under the glittering open sky. Tickets are available at the hotel and online at www.eventsbh.com, and priced at BD35 inclusive of food buffet, five welcome drinks and free access to the Tapas After Party.

Enjoy an attractive room party package for only BD149 for a Luxury Room with a breathtaking sea view, two event tickets and breakfast for two. The first 10 bookings automatically get upgraded to the exclusive Club Millésime lounge.

To celebrate spring and re-birth, all Sofitel Bahrain’s award-winning restaurants are offering ladies a staggering 50 per cent discount, every Monday throughout April. Gather your girlfriends and spend an enjoyable night full of flavoursome fare, refreshment and excitement. Sport enthusiasts, Lagoon bar has you covered – every Thursday indulge in a virtual Football World Cup tournament, from 7pm-11pm, to unleash your competitiveness.

Sofitel Bahrain is also reintroducing the island’s favourite weekend beach barbecue getaway with its second edition starting this month, from 7pm-11pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Bring your friends and family to enjoy a one-of-a-kind fiery affair, with sizzling entertainment from a special guest DJ and an appetising selection of grilled dishes.

Fiamma is also offering an authentic buffet with its re-launched and highly successful Sicilian Night, every Thursday. The restaurant will take you on a zesty Sicilian journey imbued with a steamy selection of traditional Italian flavours, for the price of BD18 per person.

Further your culinary experience at the opulent La Mer as it welcomes you to sail into a seafood frenzy.

Enjoy Surf and Turf night, every Thursday, with a fresh ‘catch of the day’ buffet offering a flavoursome blend of sea delicacies combined with earthy tastes.

But if your palate is craving juicier, meaty dishes, then Tapas restaurant doubles the taste with its double patty V2 burgers. Feast on the mouthwatering Moroccan, Portobello or the Deconstructive varieties, available daily for takeout or dine-in.

Indulge in sugary goodness with Sweet Hour at Macaron Lobby Lounge and relish authentic homemade French pastries, with a special discount from Sunday to Wednesday, 6pm-7pm.

Lastly, Pashawat welcomes all for a Hubbly-Bubbly Wednesday, where you and your loved ones can enjoy an evening of catch-up with your favourite flavoured shishas.

So, for your perfect getaway, simply head over to Sofitel Bahrain and let the wonderment engulf you.

Call 17 636-363.

April 2018 49

feature INTERCOL

Power in a Pen

International Agencies Co. Ltd (Intercol) brings you Sheaffer’s Scuderia Ferrari line of products, just in time for the racing season.

As April begins, so does the F1 fever, bringing with it the adrenaline rush of racing. Join the fun and treat yourself or your petrol-head friends to a memento commemorating the history of racing and its spirit, as Sheaffer, one of the world’s leaders in luxury writing products, presents the best gift of the season.

Together with Scuderia Ferrari, Sheaffer Writing Instruments introduces the Scuderia Ferrari Collection. Comprising four contemporary lines, these premium pens reflect the same profound passions, extraordinary talent and incredible expertise that drive the Scuderia Ferrari Racing Team. Each collection is created with the highest level of quality, proudly displaying the Scuderia Ferrari Shield and the world-renowned Sheaffer White Dot, a symbol of excellence.

The four collections are the Ferrari Taranis, Ferrari 300, Ferrari 100 Intensity and Ferrari VFM. Under Ferrari Taranis comes F9519, which is available in Rosso Corsa style with chrome plate trim. Ferrari 300 offers both F9503, which is also offered in Rosso Corsa style with chrome plate trim, and F9518, which has a chequered flag-style engraving with gloss black finish, featuring chrome plate trim.

Ferrari 100’s F9501 has the same trim as that of F9519, while F9506 is offered in tyre tread-style engraving and features a nickel plate trim.

Lastly, under Ferrari VFM is F9510, which is available in gloss yellow and features the same nickel plate trim of F9506.

All mentioned models are available as ballpoints and fountain pens, and come in luxury gift boxes with one-year limited warranty from Sheaffer.

Sheaffer’s Scuderia Ferrari products are exclusively distributed by Intercol.

Call 17 291-537 or 17 727-600, or email had.fmcg@intercol.com

Faten, Solav, Perwin, Maryam & Avan

Khalid Kanoo

Art Exhibition Perwin Haja held an art exhibition at the Capital Club Bahrain.

Perwin & HE Alfred Simms-Protz

Mehdi, HE Dr A S U Mendis & HE Padam Sundas

50 April 2018

Edward, Nuray & Hans

Jalil Al Ansari

Babet & Martin

Jehan, Rehab & Sireen

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Inspired by creative minds for the ultimate writing experience.

F9519

Make that memorable occasion even more special with the new SheafferÂŽ Ferrari Taranis.

Intercol and Sheaffer congratulate the Kingdom of Bahrain in keeping the spirit of motorsports alive through the F1 Grand Prix 2018.

P.O. Box: 584, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. Tel: +973 17291537 / 17727600, Email: had.fmcg@intercol.com

bystander

Hanin & Christina

Live Your Life Al Areen Palace & Spa held an inauguration ceremony to launch its new concept, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Live Your Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, at its premises.

To view more images, scan the QR code The cake-cutting ceremony

Kausar, Sughra & Dalal

52 April 2018

Lorna, Rhea & Che

Annette & Caroline

Pol, Waleed & Sirirat

www.bahrainthismonth.com

INTERVIEWS

Dihann Moore

SOULFUL DIVA APPLE SHARMA Bahrain-based singer-songwriter, Dihann Moore, shares her musical journey in a candid tête-à-tête.

Although born in Washington DC, jazz and soul singer Dihann Moore calls herself a New Yorker, having lived in the Big Apple for many years. Singing since the age of three, music has always been in her blood. “I always had my own group of some kind,” she says. “I sang in elementary and high school. I’m really good with harmony. So, I led various groups and bands, and sang in a classical choir.

“My mom never really encouraged my music career in my younger years, which she apologised for years later. She wanted me to have a degree to fall back on, so I went to university and got a degree in nursing.”

Having fulfilled her mother’s wishes, she finally decided to pursue a music career. After leading a few groups post nursing school, she decided to become a solo artist and write and produce her own music. She signed an album production deal with one of the producers who helped record the hit Give Me Luv – Alcatraz. With this hit, www.bahrainthismonth.com

she was able to tour in Asia, the US and Europe, where she appeared on Top of The Pops in London, as Give Me Luv became a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Dance Charts. “The original recording of Give Me Love, in addition to being licensed on various labels over the years, was also included in The Wolf of Wall Street soundtrack,” adds Dihann.

“So, from there, I started getting calls to do a lot of dance music records, even though I never intended to be a house music artist.”

Feeling she needed to spread her wings, Dihann left Washington DC for New York to further her career.

“When I moved to New York, I began playing with a wedding band while continuing to work on my own music,” she says. “Playing with the wedding band helped me to focus on learning more jazz tunes and form The SheGroovee Band.

Knowing those tunes also led me to doing more jazz gigs eventually.”

Dihann is particularly moved by the effect her singing has on other people. One occasion in particular stands out for her when she chose to go out and play during the Christmas season, working on earning airfare to be with her family for the holidays. “I was singing songs but there was no emotion in

it, because I really wanted to be with my family instead of the subway that night. So, I decided to change and sing my own Christmas songs that I had written,” she recalls. “The response I got was overwhelming, with one man breaking into tears, telling me that the words I sang had so touched his heart.” Dihann pulled on the heartstrings of many others and before long collected enough money for the ticket. “That’s why I always try to sing from my soul, put emotion into it and uplift people with my songs,” she adds.

Her passion for singing has taken her all over the world, including Africa, Europe, Asia and many places in the US. Her venture into the Middle East came from a chance encounter in New York, where a Syrian man saw her perform and urged her to consider going to Dubai. She has since played in the UAE, Qatar and now Bahrain. Dihann and the SheGroovee Band were the resident performers at Coda Jazz Lounge in Juffair, where she crooned for the crowds until recently.

Currently performing at Calexico Sunday Sessions, Dihann has a few projects in the pipeline and manages her own record label, SheGroovee Records, as well as her entertainment company, SheGroovee Entertainment. “I want to focus on my writing and recording at the moment, so I am selective with my live performances,” she says. “I really want to finish the project that I’m working on, which will be a six-song EP with singles.

Ultimately, I want to tour doing my own music. I want big stages!”

Dihann enjoys all kinds of music, anything that moves her, be it jazz, soul, rock or opera, and says: “I just love music – period.” Some of her favourite artists are Ledisi, Jill Scott, Hiatus Kaiyote and Tedeschi Trucks Band, as well as classic artists, such as Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder.

Finally, Dihann’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, singers and entertainers is to “go with your heart and don’t give up, no matter what!”

this month

The Future of Quality Healthcare, p54

Sales-Driven, p56

View more info online

April 2018 53

interview

THE FUTURE OF QUALITY HEALTHCARE Dr George Cheriyan tells Behnaz Sanjana that islanders can now access American Mission Hospital’s excellent medical care in Riffa.

Dr George Cheriyan

A

merican Mission Hospital (AMH) has recently opened the doors of its brand-new branch to welcome the residents of Riffa and its neighbouring suburbs. “It has taken us a year to conceive, plan and construct this new facility,” says Dr Cheriyan, AMH’s chief executive officer and chief medical officer. “We are very proud of how our vision for a new high-end facility has become a reality.”

The hospital’s headquarters in Manama has been an iconic institution for over a century, providing the best medical care to residents.

“With Bahrain progressing and its population steadily increasing, communities have moved out of Manama to places like Riffa, Hamad Town and Saar,” says Dr Cheriyan. “Patients find it difficult to access the central district, as it has also become quite congested. Ninety per cent of healthcare needs of AMH’s patients are primary – for common niggles and illnesses.

Our strategy is in line with modern medical trends, which dictate that the future of healthcare is moving away from large hospitals, and providing ambulatory care services close to where people live, with all the essential amenities that walk-in patients might require.”

AMH’s first satellite clinic was opened in Saar in 2000 (which has now been converted to a new purpose-built clinic to keep up with rising demand), and another in Amwaj Islands in 2014.

“Continuing our journey of expansion, we looked at Riffa as one of our newer bases, as we had a lot of its residents expressing their desire to have a branch closer to home,” says Dr Cheriyan.

The newly opened centre in Riffa is 3,500sq/m 54 April 2018

Paediatric Unit at the Riffa Clinic

Inside the Wellness Centre

in size and is unique in the sense that a significant portion of the clinic is dedicated to wellness. “Our wellness centre has a large physiotherapy section and the largest hydrotherapy pool in Bahrain,” he explains.

“This provision is particularly suited to the elderly, those who have undergone surgeries, or need cardio- or neuro-rehabilitation.”

A special sports medicine unit, with renowned medical consultants from abroad, is also on the premises. Radiology, paediatrics, gynaecology and emergency units, as well as a pharmacy, are all part of the ambulatory care facility.

There are separate adults’ and children’s urgent care units, and also other subspecalities ranging from orthopaedics, eye care, ENT, dentistry and general practice, making this a one-stop hub of quality care.

“This unique facility is aesthetically beautiful, and very well organised in terms of patient flow, and will be a great boon for Riffa’s residents,” adds Dr Cheriyan. “It will have a mix of AMH’s existing doctors and nurses, and new staff.”

He explains that the new branch has the same caring expertise and not-for-profit ideologies that have been upheld by AMH ever since its inception, saying: “Regardless of where and how high-end the centre is, the charges are the same for patients across all branches. The institution’s ethos and values will never change, and the community outreach programmes from each of the branches will specifically serve the sections of society where they are located.”

Call 17 248-101. www.bahrainthismonth.com

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interview

D

irector of sales and marketing, Hasan has been part of the Diplomat Radisson Blu family in Bahrain since November last year. “Prior to this, I held the same position at Murwab Hotel Group, a standalone operating arm of Katara Hospitality in Qatar,” he says. “I have been in this industry since the year 2000.”

The British-Jordanian national has lived and worked in the UK with hotels that are part of famous international chains, as well as a globally recognised brand in Riyadh, where he was associate regional director for sales. His strong expertise in his field, a major chunk of which has been acquired within the GCC, makes him a perfect fit at his current workplace.

His Bahrain posting is significant to him in more ways than one. “I am not new to Bahrain,” Hasan reveals. “I was here in 2003, for two years, with a major hotel chain.

Moreover, I first started my career with the Radisson brand in Amman, Jordan.

“Although Bahrain has changed so much from that time, the kindness and friendliness of the Bahrainis has remained. Safety is also an important aspect when you are relocating with your family and, as an expatriate, I am very happy to contribute to Bahrain’s successful society.”

Speaking of his lure to the hospitality industry, he says: “This industry is a global one and offers exciting opportunities for people, locally and internationally. It is a multicultural environment and I enjoy working with a large team of people from different backgrounds and countries. Interacting with customers from a wide range of nationalities and industries is also great, and I love working in such a dynamic environment.”

After having worked in various departments in the industry, he realised that driving the business through sales and marketing was what he was really cut out for. “Of course, like every job, this one, too, has its challenges, but therein lies the beauty of it,” he says. “There is always room to be better the next day, for turning obstacles into opportunities in a job which has no set routine.”

Hasan is thoroughly enjoying his current professional stint, given the major facelift the property has recently received. “Having seen the hotel in 2003, I am happy to witness how it 56 April 2018

Hasan Barakat

SALES-DRIVEN BEHNAZ SANJANA The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa’s Hasan Barakat has seamlessly taken on the sales and marketing reins at the refurbished property. has evolved,” he adds. “Our investments in the lobby, outlets and rooms are set to pay off. We look forward to offering guests a wonderful experience with all the facilities that we have been working very hard to improve.”

Since the refurbishment, the hotel’s key event, the Friday Brunch, is back. “This will be an upscale dining experience in a sophisticated environment,” Hasan explains. “We also look forward to the advent of Ramadan. Our hotel will roll out the best Arabian hospitality during Iftar on a daily basis.”

The establishment has some attractive deals for corporates, like the 20 per cent early bird

discount for Ghabga during the Holy Month.

Group discounts for Iftar are also on the cards.

Being heavily involved in the running of the hotel, Hasan says that he is always connected to work, no matter the time of day. He adds: “When we’re at work, we don’t watch the clock. We need to socialise and interact with guests to make them feel welcomed at our property, especially in the event of VIP gatherings or large functions.”

But the doting father loves spending as much time as possible with his one-year-old daughter, and tries to catch all the major football matches on television. www.bahrainthismonth.com

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bystander

Kaori, Kawther & Kim

Coffee Morning The French Association hosted a coffee morning gathering at Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain.

Edwige, Annabel, Michele, Claudine & Isabelle Tunde, Naja & Katherina

Tamara & Ada

Ebru

Nada & Ilham

Angie & Tanya

Maha, Esmt & Hana

Samer, Remi & Roshan

Felicia

Laure

Charity Social Media Event A charity social media event took place at Coffee Republic, Riffa. Influencers Imran Alaradi, Ahmed Sharif, Khalid Janahi and Razan Aljassim were the baristas and all proceeds went to Ayadi Relief.

Rony

Ahmed, Hassan & Dana

Razan, Khalid, Imran & Ahmed

Shar & Ali

58 April 2018

Fuad & Asieh

Ishaq & A Rasheed

Ali, Maryam & Habib

www.bahrainthismonth.com

unitedkingdomsupplement

April 2018

A Special Supplement by Bahrain This Month

60 Exciting Times Ahead HE Simon Martin, British Ambassador to Bahrain, outlines ever-deeper ties between the two countries.

62 Best of British A look at some of the products, businesses and services which bring UK flavour to Bahrain.

64 True Grit Gordon Boyle on overcoming adversity to set up an exciting new business.

76 In War and Peace Richard Pawson turns the spotlight on a very British institution which now has a worldwide role.

63-77 British Products News, products, services and information from prominent members of the British business, retail and education communities.

Commercial Index Applied Science University...................................... 75 Berlitz............................................................................ 72 G4S Bahrain.................................................................. 74 Lulu Hypermarket........................................................ 67 Mega Mart.................................................................... 69 Nadeen School............................................................ 77 St.Christopherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School.............................................. 65 The British Council..................................................... 63 The British Preparatory School................................ 71 The British School of Bahrain.................................. 78 UNEECO Group............................................................. 73 59 April 2018

www.bahrainthismonth.com

unitedkingdomsupplement

Exciting Times Ahead

HE Simon Martin

LIZ O’REILLY British Ambassador, HE Simon Martin, outlines ever-deeper unilateral ties between the UK and Bahrain, including the opening of an important new Royal Navy facility in Juffair and the British University of Bahrain.

60 April 2018

We caught up with His Excellency on his return from a trip to the UK where Bahrain’s Economic Development Board (EDB) was participating in the Innovate Finance Global Summit and looking to promote the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding fintech sector.

The Ambassador explains: “The EDB sees the UK as one of its most important partners in terms of investment and trade. It organised a road show in the UK to engage with the British fintech sector. Some of the companies that have established in Bahrain’s Fintech Bay were in London to promote the Kingdom as a centre for fintech in the Gulf.

“The presence of the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism, HE Zayed Al Zayani, and EDB CEO, Khalid Al-Rumaihi, was a sign of the importance Bahrain puts on our bilateral ties. They took the opportunity to establish new relationships and promote the Gateway Gulf Investor Forum, which takes place in Bahrain in May. “One of the reasons that the UK is keen to be part of this initiative is down to the new, more outwardlooking approach, post the Brexit vote, which sees the British Government looking to reinvigorate our economic ties with partners outside the EU, and to take a more holistic view of the value of the trade and investment opportunities both into and from the UK.” He adds that, in a further display of confidence in post-Brexit Britain, Bahrain-based Investcorp has

made significant UK investments; Bahrain Financing Company (BFC) is the newest bank to be licensed in London; and Mumtalakat continues its relationship with McLaren, the British F1 racing team which has just accepted a seat on the Formula One board. Even small Bahraini homegrown business Villa Mama’s has popped up in London!

Bilateral trade between the two nations was at just over USD1 billion last year and His Excellency says there is still room for further growth. He cites Bahrain’s major, well-structured infrastructure programme, which will be worth more than USD30 billion over the next decade, as an area in which British companies will be able to add their expertise bidding for major projects.

“I also see a lot of potential for the use of the UK Export Finance facility, which has been transformed by the creation of the Department for International Trade [this is aimed at helping UK companies with their overseas trading efforts],” adds His Excellency.

Another area in which the Ambassador is keen to highlight the, already excellent and steadily growing, level of collaboration and investment is higher education. Many of the Kingdom’s universities enjoy successful tie-ups with their British counterparts.

These include Applied Science University, which works with both London South Bank and Cardiff Metropolitan Universities; Ahlia University, which has a successful joint PhD progamme with Brunel Business School; and Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance, which offers courses jointly with Bangor University in Wales and the University of Strathclyde in Scotland.

His Excellency continues: “Testimony to the vibrancy in the Bahrain university sector is the focus from the Ministry of Education in promoting research and there are currently three joint projects going on between the University of Bahrain and Loughborough, Aston and Oxford Universities. They are concentrating on fields of sustainable development and particularly low-energy desalination, which is of great importance here.”

And this month will see the opening of the brandnew British University of Bahrain, running three faculties – engineering, ICT and business studies – in partnership with the UK’s University of Salford.

“This is a huge investment both for Salford University and for its Bahraini partners and shows a great level of confidence on both sides,” says His Excellency. “I think it will make a big difference to Bahraini students. We are fortunate that so many Bahrainis choose to study in the UK, but by being able to deliver a UK education to those who work and study in Bahrain, this will open the opportunity to gain a British degree to many more Bahrainis than before – and not just for Bahrain but for the wider GCC.” www.bahrainthismonth.com

unitedkingdomsupplement The opening will be performed by HRH Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, who will also be present at opening of the new British Naval Support Facility in Juffair – the first fixed facility east of Suez since the closure of the old HMS Jufair in 1971.

Bahrain currently hosts some 100 British naval personnel, who operate out of the US Base, in support of British operations in the region. However, the new facility will increase that number to up to 600 with transit accommodation facilities allowing the existing ships to undergo crew rotation in Bahrain without having to return to their home base. The Ambassador also said that he expects the UK’s new aircraft carrier to be seen in Bahrain’s waters in the near future.

“This is a huge moment,” says His Excellency. “Not just for the UK but also as a sign of our commitment to the security of the region. The new facility that’s been built jointly with the Royal Bahrain Naval Force will allow us to do more in respect of the security of shipping. It’s thanks to the encouragement and considerable support of the Bahraini Government and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and signals the importance of this relationship to the UK that we should have this presence here.

“As an aside, I’m also pleased to say there are two Bahraini naval cadets due to pass out from the Royal Naval College Dartmouth, this month.”

In terms of technological and industrial development, His Excellency says there is strong interest from the UK Department of International Trade’s Smart Cities Team, which sees huge opportunities for collaboration with the Gulf countries, particularly Bahrain.

A smart city is an urban area that uses different types of electronic data collection sensors to supply information which is used to manage assets and resources efficiently.

This includes data collected from citizens, devices and assets that’s processed and analysed to monitor and manage traffic and transportation systems, power plants, water supply networks, waste management, law

The then UK Foreign Secretary , Philip Hammond, and Bahrain Foreign Minister, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa helped get building underway at the new Royal Navy facility in November 2015

enforcement, information systems, schools, libraries, hospitals and other community services. The Smart Cities Team is focused on aiding British companies to take advantage of this new overseas development opportunity.

And in industry, there are also exciting announcements expected to be made in the coming weeks and months from Bluewater Bio, which is aiming to address the longstanding problem of sewage in Tubli Bay, and Oak Solutions, which aims to be the second stage of the Tubli solution, to stop future problems and clear the bay.

Asked how he and his wife Sophie have enjoyed their first two and a half years in Bahrain, the Ambassador says: “We can’t think of a better country in which to serve as British Ambassador.”

EDB representatives at the global summit

www.bahrainthismonth.com

April 2018 61

unitedkingdomsupplement Chelsea Pensioners with British Ambassador, HE Simon Martin, and BBBF Chairman, Khalid Al Zayani, OBE at the Poppy Ball

Best of British Trade relations between Bahrain and the UK have never been better, with more than USD1 billion passing between the two nations last year. We look at some of the most prominent British brands represented on the island.

British influence in the Kingdom is, perhaps, nowhere more keenly felt than in the education sector. For many years schools such as St Christopher’s, the British School of Bahrain, Nadeen School and, newcomer, The British Preparatory School, among others, have offered an excellent, internationally recognised British education.

And, while many young Bahrainis choose to study abroad, more recently higher education facilities, such as Applied Science University, Ahlia University and Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance, are enjoying fruitful partnerships with their British counterparts, particularly in areas such as information technology.

The British Council has been present in Bahrain for more than 80 years, with its emphasis on cultural exchange and language studies. Specialist language school, Berlitz, has helped thousands of students prepare for life in English speaking countries and businesses.

And Oasis Training offers various UK professional qualifications.

62 April 2018

There are a number of British-owned businesses across the Kingdom, such as leading global security operator G4S, which says its values of acting with integrity and respect and passion for safety, security and service excellence achieved through innovation and teamwork, led to its most successful year yet in 2017.

Another notable company is Unisono, set up by two expats back in 2006 to be in on the ground of the branding and consultancy boom.

Co-founder, Amy Morgan, says: “Not all British brands are great — but the great are great because they know who they are and what they stand for, and communicate their purpose with passion and distinction! There are also a number of ‘heritage’ brands that have achieved positive recognition because they have, at their heart, a sense of place and authenticity – they embrace their ‘Britishness’ and find relevant ways to reinterpret and express those attributes in ways that complement their product and connect with their customer.”

In retail, it certainly isn’t hard for Brits, and those with a yen for UK products, to find a taste of home. They range from supermarkets, such as Megamart and Lulu, stocking a range of British food items, to fashion retailers such as Dorothy Perkins, Hackett London and Top Shop, shoes from Clarke’s and home wares at Jo Malone.

Lulu even has a major distribution depot and

headquarters in Birmingham!

And, of course, Britain has a strong, and growing, presence across heavier goods and industry, too. UNEECO uses UK-manufactured electrical products in its work with various government ministries, and British vehicles, from luxury to commercial, are a common sight on the Kingdom’s roads.

The Bahrain British Business Forum – made up of nationals from the two countries with interests in promoting commerce, trade and understanding – recently said it continues to be the largest and most active business group in the Kingdom. Membership is on the up and the number of special interest groups, from oil and gas to women in business, has increased to nine across a wide range of sectors. The forum also organises the annual Poppy Ball and hosts various VIP visitors each year, including the Chelsea Pensioners, who have become a familiar sight around Remembrance Day in their scarlet tunics.

On the social front, Britain’s influence is also clear, with a strong presence across the expat clubs. Bahrain Rugby Football Club hosts visiting UK teams and speakers, the Delmon Club has a large British contingent among its international membership and the British Club of Bahrain is the place to celebrate all things Brit, from pie and mash to St George’s Day. www.bahrainthismonth.com

THE BRITISH COUNCIL

Cultural and Educational Opportunities The British Council is the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.

The council creates international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries and builds trust between them worldwide. Its presence in Bahrain for more than 80 years has brought the two nations closer through both cultural and educational exchange.

The organisation is widely recognised for the excellence of its English courses and has taught multiple generations of Bahrainis and expatriates. Its Teaching Centre attracts more than 6,500 students annually, with over 19,000 class hours taught to the highest standard. The British Council in Bahrain has also been recognised with the Child Safety Award in the past year, and continues its efforts in maintaining the facility and curriculum to the highest quality.

British Council is also a trusted distributor of a variety of globally recognised exams, including IELTS, IGCSE and Cambridge Admissions tests, with more than 12,000 students taking a variety of English school, university and professional exams.

On the cultural front, the council is involved in arts, sports, science, skills development and higher education. The projects team has delivered more than 55 activities in the past 12 months, engaging 13 higher education institutes that included 4,000 parents and students as well as 436 teachers. Team members collaborated with more than 200 researchers and have captured an online audience of over 188,000

www.bahrainthismonth.com

people. Staff have also worked with multiple ministries in order to give amazing opportunities for growth and improvement to as many people as possible.

This summer, the British Council is once again opening its doors to welcome thousands of children and adults onto its English summer course, designed to boost language skills over the course of one to two months.

Visit www.britishcouncil.bh

April 2018 63

unitedkingdomsupplement

True Grit

Gordon Boyle The invention of the printing press brought about disruptive change

The problem of lice on farmed salmon is driving change

LIZ O’REILLY Five years on from a terminal cancer diagnosis, Gordon Boyle is going strong, thanks to a revolutionary treatment, and has just set up an exciting new business.

Gordon, who is perhaps best known as the former CEO of BMMI, first came to the Gulf in 1993 to work for Al Marai in Saudi Arabia. He moved to Bahrain in 1999. A brief stint back in Saudi working in the food industry led him to BMMI, where he stayed for almost 16 years before “retiring” last December.

Gordon first realised something was wrong back in 2013, when a back injury, sustained in a boating accident, stubbornly refused to heal.

After much prompting from his wife, he finally 64 April 2018

saw a doctor and the news was not good. Not only had he fractured his spine but scans also showed the likely presence of cancer.

A trip to London’s Royal Marsden specialist cancer centre confirmed the suspicion of multiple myeloma – a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell normally responsible for producing antibodies. Often, no symptoms are noticed initially. When advanced, bone pain, bleeding, frequent infections and anaemia may occur.

Without treatment, the diagnosis would, almost certainly, have been a swift death sentence. But doctors suggested using stem cells to fight the disease and Gordon began a gruelling round of chemotherapy to break down his immune system before his own harvested cells could be reintroduced to his body.

Five years on, he visits the hospital every eight weeks for follow-up treatment and is grabbing life with both hands.

He left BMMI last December, explaining: “I pretty much said to my boss ‘This is not a position for someone with terminal cancer.’ Yes, my treatment has worked and I feel fine but, as a result of it, my immune system is compromised. BMMI has plans for expansion, which would have meant lots of travel, much of it to African destinations where the risk of infection would have been higher, so it made sense for me to step aside.

“The idea was supposed to be retirement, but…”

That “but”, has come in the form of Ladders for Leaders, a consultancy with the mission of “Enabling common men and women to deliver uncommon results through disruptive change.”

Gordon explains: “I read a lot and I look at what’s happened through history – you see things that’ve happened that you would call a ‘game changer’. For example, approximately 400 years ago there was the invention of the printing press. Prior to that, most people didn’t bother to learn to read and write because there was little for them to read. Books were handwritten and very expensive and mostly used either by the church or government. Then came the advent of printed paper and suddenly people wanted to learn to read and write and life underwent a disruptive change!

“In our own time, an obvious example would be the arrival of the digital age. Communication now happens in real time. Whereas just a few years ago you would be looking at advance booking and great expense to make a longdistance phone call, now you just pick up your cell or send a message immediately – it’s a disruptive change that has altered the way businesses operate across the board from media to industry to travel.”

One of the companies he is working with is involved in Norwegian salmon farming. Issues of lice and pollution affecting the fish have been widely publicised, thanks to the digital age and social media activism, so these forward-thinking entrepreneurs will bring farming operations onto land, where the water environment can be better controlled.

Another, is a traditional supermarket in the north of England, which is using his expertise to deliver a brand story aimed at combatting mass production, another extremely disruptive change that’s occurred in the last few decades.

So, from cancer ward to cutting edge, Gordon is ploughing ahead with his motto: “If you don’t keep yourself relevant, you get left behind!” www.bahrainthismonth.com

ST CHRISTOPHER’S SCHOOL

The Finest British Education St Christopher’s School has been educating children in the Kingdom since 1961.

The importance of interweaving the rich heritage of the UK with that of its hosts has always been of paramount importance to the school. Offering a predominantly BritishInternational curriculum, the Arabic departments flourish, inviting Bahraini and expatriate students to learn the history, language and culture of the Kingdom.

With 2,300 students, from over 70 nationalities, St Christopher’s has developed into an internationally renowned establishment benefitting from the excellence and hard work of a dedicated team. Alongside a consistently excellent record of academic success, St Christopher’s offers a fine programme of extracurricular activities and personal development opportunities, including overseas cultural, sporting and academic trips.

St Christopher’s has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ accreditation in “every area of inspection” by three prominent school

inspection authorities: British Schools Overseas, whose standards are recognised by the UK Department for Education as equivalent to OFSTED (Office for Standards in Education); the British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) Accreditation Programme; and the National Authority of Qualifications and Quality Assurance for Education and Training (BQA – Kingdom of Bahrain).

In January, principal, Ed Goodwin OBE, was recognised for his commitment to education in Bahrain, firstly with an award for his “Outstanding Individual Contribution to International Education” at the prestigious BISAs (British International School Awards) ceremony in London, and later with a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the prominent GESS Education ceremony in Dubai. His dedication was also recognised in 2015, with an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours for “Services to Education Across the Middle East”, which he received from HRH Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace.

St Christopher’s is internationally recognised

as one of the premier overseas BritishInternational, not-for-profit schools, with exceptional teaching, facilities and resources.

The school is looking forward to continuing to provide the finest British education to the children of Bahrain.

Call 17 605 000.

ST CHRISTOPHER’S SCHOOL Proudly Delivering The Finest British Education To The Kingdom Of Bahrain Since 1961

stchrisbahrain stchrisbahrain

The only NOT FOR PROFIT British-International School in Bahrain.

All income from fees is used to run and further develop the School for the benefit of our students.

w w w. s t - c h r i s . n e t

www.bahrainthismonth.com

April 2018 65

unitedkingdomsupplement

LULU HYPERMARKET

Bringing the Best to Bahrain Shoppers at Lulu Hypermarkets are in for an English treat.

66 April 2018

Starting this month, Lulu Hypermarket will be offering a range of imported goods from the UK in Bahrain.

This gala promotion will run across all outlets of the retail chain. Customers can benefit from special offers on some of the most popular products, which are household names all over the UK, as part of the ‘Best of British’ festival.

The festival will showcase a wide, but carefully picked, cross-section of brands, from gourmet to household items. All of Lulu’s shopping outlets will have a quintessentially British feel and décor to delight shoppers of all ages.

Many products will be specially flown in to fill the aisles of the supermarkets, some of the largest in Bahrain. In the edibles’ section, there will be a special emphasis on fresh meat, fish, cheeses and bread as well as fruit and vegetables flown in straight from the UK. With its own logistics and warehousing facility in Birmingham, the hypermarket claims to have one of the widest ranges of English products.

You can easily whip up a traditional meal, such as fish and chips or a sumptuous Sunday roast, by choosing from fine ingredients offered in both the hot and cold food sections. The stores will also put up kiosks offering patrons product samples in various aisles.

Some of the items available will be from renowned culinary brands like Lovemore, Ainsley, Jamie Oliver, Schwartz, Whitworth’s and the very delicious Thornton’s. Quintessential fare like lemon curd cookies, luxurious preserves, custards, crisps, condiments and milk products are up for grabs. A

huge range of organic foods, coffee, chocolates and Rowse-brand honey will be lining the shelves.

Superior quality cleaning and other household items will also be available.

The brand is the retail division of the EMKE group. It symbolises quality retailing and boasts wide market coverage, with 144 stores across the Middle East. The Bahrain division of Lulu Hypermarket became the first of its kind in the Kingdom to win the ISO 22000:2005 accreditation. It remains one of the fastest-growing retail chains in the world.

The group’s vision is to set new standards in retail operations by tapping fresh opportunities, widening the network, expanding the range, innovating new promotion strategies and ultimately improving the service standards for customers by providing the best quality merchandise from across the world.

Call 17 553-555. www.bahrainthismonth.com

SUMMER, IN STYLE.

unitedkingdomsupplement

MEGAMART

A Taste of Home Megamart prides itself on offering a wide range of British brands across its 11 supermarkets.

Founded in 1994, the supermarket chain has always stocked an impressive variety of big names that are very familiar to UK nationals, including Tesco ownbrand items, Tate & Lyle, Natco, Ocean Spray, John West and many other perishable products too.

A spokesman explained: “There was specific demand from our customers. Furthermore, the products are unique, offering good quality and price.”

And the British brands are not just popular with UK expats, having found increasing favour with other nationalities due to the quality and variety available.

With different items debuting regularly, Megamart’s team is always on the look out for new offers to please its loyal customer base. The team recently attended the Gulf Food Festival where it sampled various possible additions to the line. The spokesman added: “They are doing their homework to assess the items. The matter is in the pipeline.”

Megamart currently has 11 outlets across the Kingdom, including Salamanya, Lulu Centre Manama, Juffair, Muharraq, Seqayya, Galali and Amwaj Islands with Express stores at Lulu Al Abraj, Riffa and Saar. A 12th opening is planned in Budaiya this month.

The supermarket has regular special promotions on its British brands which are often publicised on in-store flyers and the UK goods are available across all stores. So, head to Megamart for a taste of Britain or a taste of home.

68 April 2018

www.bahrainthismonth.com

TESCO PINTO BEANS 390GM

TESCO BUTTER BEANS 400GM

TESCO PRUNES IN NATURAL JUICE 410G

TESCO ITALIAN SEASONING 13GM

TESCO ARBORIO RISOTTO RICE 1KG

TESCO COFFEE WHITENER 460GM

TESCO GOODNESS PIZZA TORTELLINI 205GM

TESCO ROGAN JOSH COOKING SAUCE 500GM

TESCO CLASSIC COFFEE 100GM

TESCO KITCHEN TOWEL ULTRA ABSORBENT

TESCO FIXED HEAD TWIN BLADE DISPOSABLE RAZORS

Lulu Centre Tel : 17 250 334 • Juffair : 17 826 884 • Muharraq : 17 343 266 • Hamad Town : 17 412 563 Salmaniya : 17 252 624 • Galali : 17 32 00 25 • Segayya (Al Hayat Shopping Centre) : 17 00 30 61 MegaMart Express : 17 382 511 • Lagoon, Amwaj Island : 16 030 106

/megamartbahrain

West Riffa Mall : 17 650 075 Saar : 17 225 818

/megamartbahrain

Get Megamart Offers in Your Mobile

Search D4D Online. Available in Google Play & Apple App Store

unitedkingdomsupplement BRITISH PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Celebrating a Milestone

Providing a caring and stimulating atmosphere for young students for a decade, the British Preparatory School is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

70 April 2018

With an aim to help every child reach his or her full potential, the British Preparatory School (BPS) opened in 2008, with Sandy Whitford, MBE, at its helm. What started off as a small operation in one villa with 15 children has come a long way since then, now extending to three villas, two large portacabins and 180 children. The school, which caters for children between 18 months and six years of age, is marking its 10th anniversary this year, thanks to Sandy and her dedicated team, who create an encouraging atmosphere to develop selfconfidence and a love of learning.

Sandy was born and grew up in England, but due to her father’s military background, travelled around the world from a very early age. She was born to teach and reminisces about her childhood days, saying: “I used to play schools as a child and, of course, I was always the teacher. I taught my younger sister – not always to her amusement – as she said I was bossy!

When at school in the UK, I taught at Sunday School.

And when I travelled on the ship for three weeks to Singapore at 15, as it was during term time, I taught a class of young children.”

With years of experience teaching in Oman and Abu Dhabi, she moved to Bahrain in 1980 with her late husband, who was a pilot for Gulf Air. She joined St Christopher’s School and was head teacher there for many years, overseeing landmark developments such as taking over the Awali School from Bapco and organising visits of UK royals to the school. After the sad demise of her husband in 2003 and her retirement in 2004, Sandy took to travelling again, but the island life drew her back to the Kingdom. With the encouragement of a friend (who also became a business partner) and years of teaching experience under her belt, she opened the British Preparatory School, and the rest is history.

Sandy Whitford

The school, as the name suggests, prepares children for future learning by building firm foundations, confidence and self-esteem, as well as grooming them for entry into the larger British curriculum schools. It enjoys good results with regards to ESL (English as a Second Language) programmes (for non-native speakers) and has a high percentage of students being accepted by the British School of Bahrain and St Christopher’s School, which also recommend BPS when they themselves do not have spaces available for students.

Over the years, Sandy has undertaken charitable work through the Royal Society of St George, where she raised money for local causes. She also ran teaching courses through the Ministry of Education for Bahraini teachers and, in 2014, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to education and the British community in Bahrain.

She says much of her life has been guided by a sense of duty and encouraging British values, which have powered BPS to grow from strength to strength.

Call 17 792-010. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marvellous Medicine Entertainment+ presented the stage play, Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marvelous Medicine, performed by the Birmingham Stage Company at the Cultural Hall.

To view more images, scan the QR code

The British Preparatory School

Performers on stage

The Key to Early Learning Phil

Roanna & Clive

Nicolas

Providing an excellent grounding in preparation for the larger British curriculum schools Please see our website for full details www.britishprepbahrain.com

Maria & James

Buthaina & Khalifa

Saar Avenue Telephone: 17792010 britprep@batelco.com.bh

Lesley. Badr, Yousif & Laila

Maha, Tina, Saif & Muhanned

www.bahrainthismonth.com

April 2018 71

bystander

G4S Bahrain Employee Awards Ceremony 2017 G4S Bahrain, the leading international security solutions provider, recently held its annual Employee Awards Ceremony at the Elite Resort and Spa Muharraq, where around 200 guests including major clients, G4S staff and VIP guests from UAE and UK attended to honour the hard-working and dedicated employees who performed exceptionally well in the year 2017.

Laila & Rizalina

Ahmed

Mr & Mrs Panchal

Bhushan

To view more images, scan the QR code

Rachna, Atanu, Sumaira & Graham

Seated: Jeanne & Carolyn Top: Rizalina, Roberto & Analyn

Berlitz_Bh 72 April 2018

Mohsin & Ritu

Mohamed

Mr & Mrs Santacesaria

berlitzbah www.bahrainthismonth.com

unitedkingdomsupplement UNIVERSAL ELECTRO-ENGINEERING

Quality Assured UNEECO (Universal Electro-Engineering) is the go-to for several world-renowned brands.

UNEECO is a leading manufacturer of low-voltage switchgear as well as representing various reputed brands of electrical and electronic products. UNEECO also markets various high-voltage equipment such as vacuum switchgear, ring main units and transformers manufactured by well-known companies globally. The company is always committed to customers, suppliers and bankers. UNEECO has been serving customers’ needs since 1976.

UNEECO also represents UK-based Schneider Electric, which is a world-leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art low-voltage feeder pillars and fuse boards for installation in public distribution networks. A spokesman says: “We are very pleased to support our partners, UNEECO, in Bahrain, in the supply of these types of equipment to the Electricity and Water Authority and the wider market in the Kingdom.”

Call 17 826-644.

LV Fuse Board

Mini Feeder Pillar

UK Tel: (+973) 17826644 Fax: (+973) 17827090 Website : www.uneeco.com

www.bahrainthismonth.com

April 2018 73

unitedkingdomsupplement G4S BAHRAIN

Growing Business G4Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bahrain operation had its best year of growth in 2017.

In the last three to four years, the company has registered a significant growth in revenue and profit due to the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s change in strategy to provide new and additional integrated security solutions as a bundle to customers rather than solely as individual guarding, cash or systems.

G4S Bahrain is in the process to opening two new companies, expected to be operational by mid-year. These are: facility management services and manpower recruitment. The company also has significant expansion plans for the existing business, including the investment of around USD300,000 for a new Cash Centre, which can provide cash processing and other cash-related advanced solutions to various banks. As well, G4S has introduced Cash360, an end-to-end, multiple benefit solution that provides essential cash management, banking and security protection to safeguard cash.

Aside from this, G4S Systems division has now entered into automatic fire fighting solutionssuppression systems, which can extinguish fire without human intervention. It is also offering retail solutions in which an electronic surveillance article can prevent shoplifting from stores and libraries or removal of property from buildings.

One of the biggest challenges the company faces is the manpower restriction as it is not allowed to employ more than 500 guards. This acts as a brake and even restriction on the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth, particularly in the guarding division. Management is hoping to work with the relevant ministry to achieve a manpower extension or possibly to launch a new guarding services company to relieve the problem.

GM Atanu Sanyal unveils one of the new machines

Call 17 714-409.

An ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 Certified Company

74 April 2018

www.bahrainthismonth.com

APPLIED SCIENCE UNIVERSITY

Proud International Collaboration Applied Science University (ASU) is one of the leading private universities in Bahrain.

Founded in 2004 with a mission to support the Kingdom’s economic and social development, it runs 13 undergraduate and five postgraduate programmes, all approved by the Ministry of Education, and designed to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills, focusing on STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

Currently the university has more than 3,000 students following programmes in accounting and finance, business, computer science, engineering, graphic and interior design, law, management and political science.

ASU understands the importance of having qualifications that are recognised internationally, so to address demand in Bahrain it introduced undergraduate programmes leading to British degrees: • ASU College of Engineering with London South Bank University (LSBU): - BEng (Hons) Architectural Design Engineering

www.bahrainthismonth.com

- BEng (Hons) Civil & Construction Engineering • ASU College of Administrative Sciences with Cardiff Metropolitan University (CMU): - BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance - BA (Hons) Management & Business Studies A spokesman says: “ASU values our collaboration with the British education sector, which is recognised across the world for its quality. Our partners are well-established universities. LSBU won Entrepreneurial University of the Year in the the University Awards 2016; and CMU and LSBU were both awarded Silver in the UK government’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

“As well as keeping subject knowledge updated, ASU is committed to excellent teaching practice. We are the first private university in Bahrain where over half of academic staff either have received or are preparing for the award of Fellowship by the UK’s Higher Education Academy (HEA), and we are proud to have this international recognition of our teaching standards.”

ASU guarantees a high-quality learning

experience, and prepares graduates for successful careers in their chosen field so they can excel in today’s competitive global environment.

Call 17 728-777.

April 2018 75

unitedkingdomsupplement War graves at the Old Christian Cemetery , Manama

Tyne Cot Cemetery

Of War and Peace Richard Pawson shines a light on a Britishborn institution that now has a worldwide role.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) was founded in 1917 under the vision of Sir Fabian Ware, who, at the age of 45, but too old to fight, commanded a Red Cross unit.

He felt driven to ensure the final resting places of the dead would not be lost forever, so his unit began recording and caring for all the graves they could find. By 1915, their work was given official recognition and incorporated into the British Army as the Graves Registration Commission.

Encouraged by the Prince of Wales, he submitted a memorandum to the Imperial War Conference. In May 1917, his recommendations were agreed, and the Imperial (subsequently Commonwealth) War Graves Commission was established by Royal Charter, with the Prince serving as president and Ware as vice-chairman.

Its principles, still valid today, are: • Each of the dead should be commemorated by name on the headstone or memorial; • Headstones and memorials should be permanent; • Headstones should be uniform; • There should be no distinction made on account of military rank, race or creed.

The CWGC has worked tirelessly to establish around 2,500 cemeteries all over the world. It now looks after more than 23,000 sites in 153 countries, honouring over 1.7 million men and 76 April 2018

women, who have died in war. After World War I, its members spent 10 years collecting bodies and artefacts, then transferring them to cemeteries, often established near the medical centres and hospitals of the war.

Construction work was not fully completed before World War II started and thousands of casualties went undiscovered. Even today remains are found in Flanders and northern France. Those individuals, whose bodies cannot be identified or found, are remembered on monuments built nearby, such as Thiepval and the Menin Gate.

The cemeteries and monuments are tended by local labour, whether in Flanders, Gallipoli, Bahrain or any other country. Member states of the Commonwealth that are signed up to the Commission (UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India and South Africa) each pay their percentage for the upkeep.

On gravestones, the individual’s name, rank and unit are centred as is his or her cap badge.

The memorial at the Manama cemetery

A religious symbol such as the crescent or Star of David may be added. The family can add a small inscription to the headstone (obscured by the photo). In terms of medals and honours, only the VC or the GC are ever added, no other awards. The grave of Captain Noel Chavasse, a doctor and Olympic athlete, is the only one to feature two VCs. He won his first VC in 1916 and then again in 1917 for rescuing wounded, while under fire.

Cemeteries can by huge, and an aweinducing and sad sight, such as Tyne Cot near Ypres, in Belgium, the largest cemetery managed by the CWGC, with more than 40,000 memorials. One of the principles adopted by the CWGC, highlighted by these photographs, is that bodies are not repatriated unless specifically requested by the family, so those soldiers, sailors and airmen who died in or near Bahrain, for example, are buried here and the CWGC looks after the cemetery, including the private non-military graves.

The Bahrain cemetery at Manama, known as the Old Christian Cemetery, is one of two in the Kingdom. The other is located in Salmabad. There are 72 graves in Manama of individuals looked after by the CWGC and 33 in Salmabad. The first burial in the Old Christian Cemetery was in 1901.

Shortly after, the remains of five British Royal Navy officers and men who had died in Bahrain between 1872 and 1889 and been buried outside the walls of what is now the Police Fort, opposite St Christopher’s Cathedral, were transferred to the cemetery.

A memorial in the form of a small brick-built structure with a tiled roof and wrought iron gates, was erected in 1993 to commemorate the dead of the two world wars and also the restoration of the cemetery. This memorial has become the focal point of the Remembrance Day Service which is usually held at the cemetery in November – though it has been moved to the British Embassy for the past two years. www.bahrainthismonth.com

NADEEN SCHOOL

Decades of Dedication Nadeen School is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and is the proud recipient of a host of international awards.

In January this year Nadeen School was the only school in the Middle East to bring back an award from the prestigious British International School Awards (BISA) in the UK. The recognition for ‘Outstanding Pastoral Initiative’ truly reflects and celebrates the school’s holistic approach to education and strongly held belief that all children, regardless of ability, have the right to an outstanding education. In March, Nadeen School was presented with another international award, for literacy excellence, after achieving the highest scores in Bahrain in the globally run PIRLS assessment. It is one of the founding members of the British Schools of the Middle East (BSME) and an accredited member of the group. Nadeen School is also one of only two British Schools Overseas (BSO) schools in Bahrain, registered and recognised by the British Government and Department for Education.

Combining the best of many different education systems, with high-tech at one end of the spectrum and forest schools at the other, is the key to Nadeen’s success. Fundamental to its ethos and practise is its wholechild and child-centred approach to education. The school’s creative, individualised approach to the curriculum and to all pupils ensures students’ success, both personally and academically.

The family-style school, with the motto “Small School – Big Family”,

is further enhanced through its green spaces, school farm, cosy campus and an open door policy. Parents and visitors are welcome at any time. Currently located in Umm Al Hassam, the school is actively looking for a new site and purpose-built campus to provide even more to its students and community. It is looking forward to the next stage of development and thanks all current and past families and staff for their support over the years.

Call 17 728-886.

We offer a child-centered, holistic approach to education Since 1978, Nadeen School has been dedicated to providing a nurturing, safe, stimulating and encouraging environment in which children of all ages, nationalities, abilities and strengths can develop a lifelong love for exploration and learning.

We have 50 nationalities in Primary School, Pre Nursery up to Year 6.

Tel: 17 728886 Email: info@nadeenschool.com www.nadeenschool.com

Accredited member:

www.bahrainthismonth.com

April 2018 77

bystander

Unbound Bahrain Launch HE Simon Martin, British Ambassador, and wife Sophie, along with Khaled Al Rumaihi, chief executive of Bahrain Economic Development Board, and Daniel Seal, founder of Unbound Bahrain, held a reception at the British Embassy garden to celebrate the launch of Unbound Bahrain.

Majid Zayani, Fuad, HE Simon Martin, Sophie, Jalil Al Ansari, Abdulla Juma & Mohammed

Daniel

Yazan, Shaikh Abdulla & Ali

Mark, Cameron & Derrick

Mazin & Nasser Al Arrayedh

Lawrence & Paul

Shabkhez

Pasquale

Steve, Oksana & Raphaelle

Happy Birthday Queen Elizabeth!

WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME BACK BACK BACK TOTOTO SCHOOL! SCHOOL! SCHOOL!

The Information Communications & Technology (ICT) Special Interest Group of the Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) conducted a presentation on cyber safety for its members and their guests at the Capital Club Bahrain.

Excellence, Excellence, Responsibility, Responsibility, Individuality Individuality

Excellence,“An Responsibility, Outstanding “An Outstanding School” School” -Individuality The- Bahrain The Bahrain QQA, QQA, 20162016 BritishBritish School School British of Bahrain School of Bahrain of Bahrain

www.britishschoolbahrain.com www.britishschoolbahrain.com www.britishschoolbahrain.com

Academies: Academies: +973 +973 1761 0943/73 1761 0943/73 Academies: +973 1761 0943/73

BritishSchoolBahrain BritishSchoolBahrain BritishSchoolBahrain

Admissions: Admissions: +973 Admissions: +973 1761 0944 1761 +973 0944 1761 0944

academies@thebsbh.com academies@thebsbh.com academies@thebsbh.com

Thebsbh Thebsbh Thebsbh

admissions@thebsbh.com admissions@thebsbh.com admissions@thebsbh.com

HR: hrcv@thebsbh.com HR: hrcv@thebsbh.com HR: hrcv@thebsbh.com

78 April 2018

The British School of Bahrain presented a cheque for BD500 to the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) during a visit to the site.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Vineeth & Nizam

World Food Festival Lulu Hypermarket inaugurated its World Food Festival in the presence of BCCI’s newly elected board member, Samir Nass, other board members, Lulu Hypermarket’s director for Egypt and Bahrain, Juzer Rupawal, and senior management.

The cake-cutting ceremony

Richard & Anashe

Sajith, Juzer, Batool Dadabhai, Ravi & Shukoor

**Fireworks not on all sailings and subject to weather conditions. Additional charges apply. Entertainment and guest offerings vary by ship. Images non-contractual. Ships' Registry: The Bahamas. © Disney.

Madonna & Jason

Hussain & Jabran

SET SAIL FOR A WORLD-CLASS FAMILY HOLIDAY

ŝƐŶĞLJ ƌƵŝƐĞ >ŝŶĞ ƐĞƚƐ ĞǀĞƌLJ ĨĂŵŝůLJ ŵĞŵďĞƌ ŽŶ ĐŽƵƌƐĞ ĨŽƌ ŵĂŐŝĐĂů ĞŶƚĞƌƚĂŝŶŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ƵŶƌŝǀĂůůĞĚ ƌĞůĂdžĂƟŽŶ͕ Ăůů ǁŚŝůĞ ĞŶũŽLJŝŶŐ ĂŶ ĞŶƟĐŝŶŐ ĂƌƌĂLJ ŽĨ ƐƵŶͲƐŽĂŬĞĚ DĞĚŝƚĞƌƌĂŶĞĂŶ ĚĞƐƟŶĂƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ƵŶƉĂƌĂůůĞůĞĚ ŽŶďŽĂƌĚ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞƐ͘

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$2380* ƉĞƌ ƉĞƌƐŽŶ

&Ƶůů ŽĂƌĚ ZŽƚĂƟŽŶĂů ŝŶŝŶŐ hŶůŝŵŝƚĞĚ ƐŽŌ ĚƌŝŶŬƐ͕ ƚĞĂ͕ ĐŽīĞĞ ĂŶĚ ŝĐĞ ĐƌĞĂŵ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ŽŶ ĚĞĐŬ͘ ŵĂnjŝŶŐ ĨĂŵŝůLJ ĞŶƚĞƌƚĂŝŶŵĞŶƚ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ŽƌŝŐŝŶĂů ŝƐŶĞLJ ŵƵƐŝĐĂůƐ ĂŶĚ ĚĞĐŬ ƉĂƌƟĞƐ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ĮƌƐƚ ĮƌĞǁŽƌŬƐ Ăƚ ƐĞĂΎΎ /ŵŵĞƌƐŝǀĞ ŬŝĚƐΖ ĂŶĚ ƚĞĞŶƐΖ ĐůƵďƐ džĐůƵƐŝǀĞ ĂĚƵůƚͲŽŶůLJ ĂƌĞĂƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ Ă ƉŽŽů ĂŶĚ ƐƵŶ ĂƌĞĂ͕ ůŽƵŶŐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĮƚŶĞƐƐ ĐĞŶƚƌĞ ŚŽŽƐĞ ĨƌŽŵ Ă ŵĂŐŝĐĂů ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ĚĞƐƟŶĂƟŽŶƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ DĞĚŝƚĞƌƌĂŶĞĂŶ͕ EŽƌƚŚĞƌŶ ƵƌŽƉĞ͕ ĂŚĂŵĂƐ͕ ƚŚĞ ĂƌŝďďĞĂŶ ĂŶĚ ůĂƐŬĂ͘

Tel : +973 17216411 Email : cruise1@farhat-tours.com

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Terms & Conditions**: Rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Government Taxes and Fees are not included and will be added at the time of booking. Rates, dates and availability are subject to change without notice and valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at time of print and may vary based on sailing date, peak travel periods and time of booking.

April 2018 79

bystander

Mariana & Katherine

Sicilian Cultural Festival Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa hosted its Sicilian Cultural Festival at Fiamma Italian restaurant.

To view more images, scan the QR code

Clariss, Marco. Khaled, Rishel, Jerome, Martha & Louese

Fulya

Neyran

Sarah & Abdul Rahman

Chris, Hayden & Mark

Marco & Reynold

www.jfcbahrain.com

80 April 2018

www.bahrainthismonth.com

MOTORING

this month

Service at Its Best, p82

My Life in Cars DICK POTTER Well, it’s official – April 6, 7 and 8. Now, unless you have been living under a rock, or are just not remotely interested, you'll recognise these as the dates set for this year’s Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

However, there shall be a noticeable absence with the commencement of the 2018 Formula 1 season in March.

The walk-on grid girls shall be no more. The practice of employing grid girls, a staple of Formula 1 Grands Prix for decades, has ceased. These ladies held such tasks as carrying drivers’ name boards and shielding them from the heat with umbrellas before races. But the bigwigs have now abolished the job with a motorsport decision to get rid of ‘glamour women’.

According to the rumor mill, Sean Bratches, F1 managing director of commercial operations, is believed to have said that F1 explored a number of areas which they felt needed updating so as to be more in keeping with their vision for the sport. They concluded that the custom of using grid girls no longer resonated with their brand values and considered it out of place with modern day societal norms – whatever you may construe those to be.

Conversely, the grid girls have apparently laid the blame for this squarely at the feet of feminists. They claim – the grid girls, not the feminists – that they have been deprived of work they greatly valued and enjoyed, all for the sake of political correctness. The sport has allegedly been criticised for taking the glamour away, some claiming grid girls are an important part of a race www.bahrainthismonth.com

weekend. One disgruntled chap went so far as to claim that F1 bosses were doing everything in their power to take away the glamour and excitement from the sport.

(Surely the excitement aspect is provided by the sights and sounds of the racing cars!) Yet another nameless individual chipped in to claim that the grid girls themselves should have had a say about the matter.

Claims have been made that it's not very empowering for women to have such work opportunities taken away like this. It's a return to Victorian times they shriek.

Now, mindful that I am a mere motoring correspondent, I have no jurisdiction – nor indeed wish – to wade into a quagmire with either party. But the F1 is a motoring issue, right? My stance would be to take the middle ground here. The decision to have grid girls or not, of course, lies solely with the top brass at F1 – or indeed any other sporting body. In the interim, ladies who enjoy and choose to work at such events are free to do so as far as the sporting, motoring or other bodies deem it appropriate to their brand.

In the meantime, it has been revealed that grid girls will be replaced by ‘grid kids’ – primarily youths who compete in Go Karting or other junior racing categories.

As a massive fan of this motoring event, I applaud the introduction of 'grid kids'. Maybe these kids might even comprise both sexes. That would be a step in the right direction, I reckon. Now then, what stylish number shall I don for the F1 this year to compensate for that hypothetical lack in the ‘glamour’ stakes? Suggestions on a postcard please!

Enjoy the F1 this year, all!

Email dick@redhousemarketing.com

A Symbol of Luxury, p83

View more info online

April 2018 81

motoringnews&launches

Service at Its Best

Pure Desire

Al Haddad Motors has received the award for the 2017 Best AfterSales CSI Improvement at the Regional MBCME After-Sales Conference 2018. The award was presented to Al Haddad Motors general manager Warren Hudson by MBCME after-sales director Thilo Grossmann.

Held in Lebanon, the Regional MBCME After-Sales Conference was attended by representatives from Daimler AG and MBCME, including president and CEO of MBCME, Mark De Haes, as well as managers from the general distributors.

The slogan for the conference was ‘One vision, One mission, One team’ and several general distributors took this event as an opportunity to share best practices, discuss different strategies for 2018 and participate in different after-sales, business-related workshops.

Al Haddad Motors held a ceremony at the Salmabad premises to celebrate the achievement of the award and honour its employees for their efforts, hard work and dedication towards customer satisfaction. The company also expressed its thanks to the customers for instilling their trust in Mercedes-Benz and Al Haddad Motors.

The New Range Rover is the ultimate in natural attraction. The floating roofline, continuous waistline and distinctive new grille draw admiration. Innovative features such as Pixel-laser LED headlights bring even greater presence. So, it’s only natural to be attracted to the New Range Rover.

The interior is effortlessly comfortable, superbly appointed and finished with a forensic eye. The details, new veneers and trim finishes further enhance the sense of refinement found in Range Rover.

A range of potent powertrains deliver breathtaking on-road performance. The 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine offers an improved output of 525PS and the combination of an advanced Ingenium petrol engine.

From the steering wheel’s hidden-until-lit, touch-sensitive switches to Touch Pro Duo’s beautifully integrated 10-inch touchscreens, Range Rover contains a selection of technologies designed to deliver a refined, connected drive.

Tactical Offers

A New Arrival

Drive away with the car of your dreams with the latest offering from Al Haddad Motors. Whether you are interested in performance, safety or luxury, the dealership has the car that fits your needs. An array of choice includes an AMG GT, AMG A 45, CLS, SLC and GLC, all at unbeatable prices, in limited quantities.

For performance lovers, look no further than the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT and AMG A 45. Handcrafted by racers, these models are the epitome of motorsport performance.

The AMG DYNAMIC PLUS that is unique to the AMG GT provides for better performance with optimised handling. And the AMG A 45 is the fastest four-cylinder hatchback in the world. The AMG GT is priced at BD54,995 and the AMG A 45 is available for BD19,995.

For lavish designs, the CLS and SLC are a great choice. Equipped with AMG body stylings, both cars enjoy luxurious and sporty aesthetics. The CLS, a four-door coupé with spacious rear seats, is priced at BD24,995 and the SLC, a two-door hard-top convertible, costs BD16,995.

Another unbeatable offer is the GLC. With safety features like a baby seat ISOFIX, Collision Prevention Assist Plus and Blind Spot Assist as well as various comfort features, the GLC is the ideal family car.

82 April 2018

The new-generation Hyundai Accent made its official Africa and Middle East debut at a launch in Bahrain, ready to set new standards for design, quality and technology in the small-car market across the region.

First revealed in Korea last year, the fifth generation of the Hyundai Accent features a bold new design and a sophisticated interior.

Technical and engineering improvements include a more efficient powertrain and enhanced driving dynamics, as well as the latest safety technologies and convenience features.

The all-new Hyundai Accent will arrive in showrooms during the second quarter of 2018. www.bahrainthismonth.com

A Symbol of Luxury

Middle East Launch

The BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupé illustrates the meaning behind the letter ‘M’ at BMW in impressive style: it stands for ‘more’, more of everything. As well as dynamic excellence, the vehicle embodies a new facet of luxury for the BMW brand – ultra-sporty, extrovert and polarising.

“The BMW 8 Series will take over as the new flagship model of the BMW line-up and, as such, combines unsurpassed sportiness and elegance,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW Group Design senior vice president. “The BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupé offers a look ahead to the most exotic and alluring variant of the new BMW 8 Series.”

More than simply a luxury sports car with four doors, the BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupé symbolises a new and unique understanding of luxury. Like the BMW Concept 8 Series before it, it shows off BMW’s new design language, headlined by expressive surfacing that accentuates the car’s dynamism more vividly than before through its bodywork.

Luxury car brand Genesis has confirmed its G70 luxury sport sedan will have its official Middle East launch during April. It will be the third Genesis model to arrive in the region, extending the brand’s range of passenger sedans alongside the flagship large G90 and mid-sized G80.

Unveiled globally in Korea in September 2017, the Genesis G70 is an athletic sedan with graceful and dynamic exterior styling and an elegant and intuitively designed interior.

Middle East versions will be offered with a choice of two petrol engines: a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder, or a turbocharged 3.3-litre V6. Both are coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission, which is ideally matched to the powerful torque curve of the engines. The G70 also incorporates numerous advanced driver assist systems, excellent standards of occupant safety, and a high level of connectivity.

Details of the launch are yet to be announced. Deliveries of the Genesis G70 are expected to begin in selected markets in the second quarter of 2018.

In other news, the Genesis line beat out German rivals to be named 2018’s best car brand in the US by Consumer Reports.

A Racing First

Upgrade Your Ride

Nissan has taken the next steps toward its debut in the all-electric ABB FIA Formula E Championship by revealing its concept livery at the Geneva Motor Show.

Nissan will debut in Formula E from season five, expected to begin in December 2018, and will showcase the latest Nissan Intelligent Mobility platform.

It unveiled the colour scheme for the season five Formula E car, featuring striking new aerodynamics and an entirely new battery and powertrain package that provides more power, more range and eliminates the need for the mid-race car swap, which has been used in the first four seasons of the championship.

Nissan is working with its partner Renault to leverage expertise and development already available, in keeping with the Renault-NissanMitsubishi automotive partnership’s focus on collaboration and maximising synergies to boost competitiveness. Additional details, including structure and drivers, will be announced at a later time.

Zayani Motors, the exclusive dealer of Mitsubishi in the Kingdom, has launched the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Innovative and distinctive, this car effortlessly combines striking design with advanced technology.

The design concept brings focus to sharpness and dynamicity.

The result is a carefully crafted vehicle that fuses SUV functions with sheer style. The Eclipse Cross comes with a wide selection of features. It is compact, efficient, and visually attractive – a bold car for a bold individual.

From a single glance, the car draws the eye with its vibrant metallic red, making a powerful impression. The higher intensity and brightness of paint is achieved through ‘Takumi Painting’, which uses a multi-layered base and clear coat with a three-bake process.

The exterior is characterised by the sharp lines of a dynamic coupé form and the interior exudes opulence and comfort.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

April 2018 83

gadgets BTM brings you the latest gadgets to push your technological buttons.

Lucero Smart Bulb This handy gadget is simple but extremely versatile, providing a colour-changing RGB LED light that you can connect to via Bluetooth and control through an app on your smartphone. Create mood lighting for relaxation, party lights, romantic evenings or just add some colour into your life.

Available at www.amazon.com

ThorFire Keychain Flashlight Earhoox 2.0 If you’re tired of your headphones constantly falling out when you exercise, then Earhoox is here to help you out. Each set includes one large and one small pair, engineered for activities such as running, cycling, skateboarding and more.

They’re sweat and water resistant, made from soft durable silicone and designed to fit Apple EarPods and AirPods.

Available at www.menkind.co.uk

It might be a simple little gadget, but it’s very useful in a pinch.

It’s solar-powered, rechargeable via hand cranking and easy to hang on a keychain that fits your keys, wallet or bag. It has a lifespan of over 50,000 hours of LED light when fully charged.

Available at www.menkind.co.uk

Pet Grooming Glove If you own a pet, this glove will spare you a lot of cleaning. It’s very comfortable to use, and all you have to do is pet your furry friend like you’re stroking them. It’s guaranteed to be more relaxing than combing. It works on any kind of animal and it’s very easy to clean.

Available at www.amazon.com

84 April 2018

Ultimate Memory Pillow Never suffer neck stiffness again with this memory pillow with a sleek black design and incredibly comfortable memory foam. This gadget is perfect for long plane journeys, office naps or any other instance where you need instant neck support. It’s easily packed away and taken out due to its portable design.

Available at www.menkind.co.uk

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Universal Monitor Stand

Bluetooth Beanie Hat

Another simple solution to an everyday issue, this aluminium universal monitor stand provides additional storage below your laptop and accommodates an array of devices such as your laptop, printer or monitor. It has a sleek design and maximises your workspace to allow for complete organisation and focus when it’s time to get to work.

Available at www.amazon.com

This nifty little creation is perfect for listening to music in cold weather. It’s rechargeable, works via Bluetooth with a 10-metre range, and is compatible with a variety of devices. It comes in one size that fits all.

Available at www. thinkgeek.com

Dodow Sleep Aid Device There’s nothing more important than sleep, and with this device it’s made so much easier to get it. Dodow is a metronome with a light system that teaches you how to fall asleep naturally, without taking any medicine. At the end of either an eight or 20 minute exercise, Dodow switches itself off, so someone who normally takes 60 minutes to fall asleep will take no more than 25, and gain up to a hundred more hours of sleep per year.

Available at www.menkind.com

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Light Box If you want to create unique and personalised messages or reminders for yourself then this is the gadget for you. It’s micro-USB-powered, comes with four AA batteries and includes 90 letters, symbols and emojis. Use it as a sign for your bedroom or a fridge magnet, as it’s incredibly versatile.

Available at www.amazon.co.uk

April 2018 85

music

Jimi Hendrix – Both Sides of the Sky What’s the story?

Both Sides of the Sky is another collection of high-quality studio recordings, dating from 1968-1970. It might surprise some that, 45-plus years after his death, there’s still good material that hasn’t been previously released. However, Hendrix was recording nearly all the time at this point, whether they were demos done in his apartment, late-night jamming with friends, working on new material, or finishing or reworking older tracks.

Worth a listen?

The truly surprising thing about this collection is the amount of material even hardcore Hendrix collectors may not have heard yet. There are some fantastic takes on offer here, particularly the cover of Muddy Waters’ Mannish Boy. It’s interesting showing how Jimi’s ideas progressed through time, although some of the edits are pretty noticeable and don’t make for great listening. The real gem of this set is Cherokee Mist. It’s a completely finished studio recording with Jimi on both a Coral sitar and feedback guitar. Written in honour of Hendrix’s Cherokee heritage, it’s a beautiful instrumental and a feedback tour de force. While a bit uneven in spots, Both Sides of the Sky is well worth it for an avid Hendrix fan.

Verdict: Hidden gems from the legend.

Shorts

Judas Priest – Firepower

Editors – Violence

JP’s 18th studio album is meaner and leaner than their last few efforts; the song writing is more diverse and exceptionally tight. JP recorded all together from the studio floor; overdubs were added in post-production. It creates a kinetic energy and unified sense of purpose not heard consistently since Screaming for Vengeance. The opening title track thunders with double-timed drums, a classic dual-guitar riff and Halford’s scream.

He may not be able to reach glass-shattering pitches at age 67, but his midrange wail and baritone growl remain among the mightiest forces in rock.

With Violence, the Editors have crafted a big pop album on their own terms, rife with grand, operatic gestures and heat-seeking hooks that cut deep, just as they put salve on your wounds. The difference this time is that rather than just digging deeper into a vintage ‘80s post-punk style à la Joy Division, here they’ve broadened the template, weaving in bits of early-2000s David Bowie and U2. Of course, with swaggeringly moody vocalist Tom Smith at the helm, all of these tracks still sound like the Editors.

86 April 2018

Hieroglyphic Being – The Red Notes The Red Notes is the third soul-jazz fusion full-length by Chicago experimental house producer Jamal Moss, and compared to the first two (The Acid Documents and K.M.T.), this one isn’t nearly as noisy, pounding or acid-drenched. It’s relatively mellow, with chiming synth tones and beats that stamp or click rather than pound. Moss serves as a one-man ensemble, overdubbing numerous acoustic and electronic instruments ranging from flute and alto sax to several analogue synthesisers.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

games

Gravel Verdict: Raising the bar for rally games.

Rating:

What is it?

Gravel is an off-road racing video game developed by Milestone and published by Square Enix.

Kick up some dust, be a Gravel Channel star and beat the Masters around the world in the most extreme and spectacular competition ever. Explore exotic locations, drive iconic vehicles in extreme conditions, defy the champions and become the ultimate Off-Road Master.

Gameplay

The game revolves around competing in a racing television programme called Off-Road Masters. Each player must earn stars to move on to the next challenge. Part of its charm comes from the fact that it liberally borrows a few ideas from the popular arcade racers of yore, rather than trying to be an ultra-realistic sim which frustrates as much as excites. Unfortunately, no local split-screen multiplayer automatically reduces the value of the game.

Far Cry 5

Set in America for the first time, Far Cry 5 offers players total freedom to navigate a serene-looking yet deeply twisted world, as the new junior deputy of fictional Hope County, Montana, who becomes embroiled in an attempted takeover of the county by the Project at Edenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gate, a doomsday cult. The game will allow players to explore the entire open-world in-game version of Montana alone or in two-player co-op.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Graphics

Unleashing the full power of Unreal Engine 4, Gravel bestows each location with an unprecedented level of detail and makes the competition fun for everyone: photorealistic graphics, dynamic time of day and weather system, accessible physics that can be enjoyed by everybody, breath-taking locations where the player can race at full speed rushing through forests, snowy mountains, dunes, deserts, impressive lighting and particle effects.

QUBE 2

The sequel to the brain-twisting puzzler by Toxic Games, QUBE 2 offers a slew of new and exciting puzzles that will boggle your mind. Waking up wearing a strange suit with attached gloves, you have no prior knowledge of how you came to be in this environment.

Awaiting you is a maze-like monolith, a structure that you must navigate, solving mind-bending puzzles. Use your manipulation gloves to change and adapt the architectural structure in your search to rendezvous with another survivor, finding a way off the planet.

Spiral Splatter

Spiral Splatter is a brain-bending arcade puzzle game that will push your hand-eye coordination to the limit with nonstop, mindboggling puzzles. Put your problem-solving skills to the test as you navigate more than 100 levels and 11 different stages full of perplexing puzzles.

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websites

VERDICT:

Garden Show The Bahrain International Garden Show took place at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre. The event was inaugurated by HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King, President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW) and Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD).

A brilliant blast from the past.

To view more images, scan the QR code

Sevinc, Sebahat & Ahu

Site: www.windows93.net Rating: What is it?

This is a brilliant way to cure your boredom. This website lets you use Windows 93 on your browser as it was originally made, with all of the nostalgia bells and whistles you’d expect.

The Good Claudine & Nakhle

Junil & Nasser

Anyone who grew up in the late ‘80s or early ‘90s will have a blast, with pretty much every piece of desktop software and games that were packaged with the system 25 years ago available here.

The Bad

Some of the icons do not seem to work when you click them, and others have been changed significantly from how they used to be, due to copyright issues. The site is also prone to freezing if more than a couple of items are open at once.

Mazen

www.codepen.io/Yakudoo/full/YXxmYR Shafi, Naif, Mubeena & Laiba

Kallan

www.liveatc.net/feedmap/feedmap.html

Lia, Julie & Carolina Yousif

Razan, Yasmine & Ahmed

88 April 2018

Chill the Lion is a cool CSS experiment. Once you are on this site the lion will follow your cursor which is actually transformed to your fan at this point. To start the fan, you can click and hold the left mouse button, now point the fan from any direction or distance towards the lion to chill him up. There are many other ways to interact with him too.

LiveATC provides live air traffic control information and broadcasts from air traffic control towers around the world. It’s fascinating to see how these people operate the most delicate of jobs and navigate thousands of planes safely at one time.

Volkan

www.bahrainthismonth.com

apps

Apps Review BTM brings you the low-down on the latest and greatest apps on the market.

What is it?

Wattpad is a growing community that allows you to connect directly with writers and other readers and discuss the latest plot twists by leaving comments alongside stories.

React in real time as new chapters are added, share your favourite lines or create beautiful visual quotes.

The Good

If you’ve always wanted to be an author, publish your book on Wattpad and share it with its supportive community.

Create a new draft, add chapters to an existing story or add a cover, all from the app. You can even get creative with one of many monthly writing challenges.

The Bad

There is no filter for content, so if you are a young reader who doesn’t want profanity or other mature themes in their stories, it’s hard to avoid it sometimes. Also, there’s no option to collaborate with other writers so both can edit at the same time.

App: Snapseed

App: Wattpad Rating: Verdict: A great way to connect with other writers.

App: Swiftkey

Swiftkey is one of the best third-party keyboard apps available. The keyboard learns how you type and adapts to your unique tapping style over time, meaning you’ll be able to type faster with fewer typos.

The best camera is the one you have on you, but the pictures it takes might not always come out as well as you like. With Snapseed, you can do basic image editing right from your phone, to make it look as good as possible. You can tweak your white balance, adjust the exposure, boost the highlights, scale back the shadows, and more.

89 April 2018

www.bahrainthismonth.com

movies

VERDICT: A decent comedy that never quite passes ‘Go’.

Wembley Anniversary Atiram Premier Hotel celebrated the first anniversary of Wembley Lounge with a festive Friday brunch.

To view more images, scan the QR code

Kevin, Stevie, George, Ved Prakash & Simmons

Film: Game Night Rating: Directed By: John Francis Daley and

Jonathan Goldstein Starring: Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Kyle Chandler

The Plot

Max (Bateman) and Annie’s (McAdams) weekly game night gets kicked up a notch when Max’s brother Brooks (Chandler) arranges a murder mystery party – complete with fake thugs and federal agents.

So when Brooks gets kidnapped, it’s all supposed to be part of the game. As the competitors set out to solve the case, they start to learn that neither the game nor Brooks are what they seem to be. The friends soon find themselves in over their heads as each twist leads to another unexpected turn over the course of one chaotic night.

Sabannah, Carmel, Louice & Elizabeth

Sherry & Craig

Worth Watching?

While unlikely to ever be regarded as a classic side-splittingly hilarious comedy kingpin, Game Night is a refreshing and original mainstream experience, which could have been so much better had it not descended into preposterousness in its final third.

It feels like many moons since a comedy of this ilk wasn’t filled with unnecessary profanities, lewd jokes and loud-mouthed side characters, but thankfully Game Night largely avoids these comedic pitfalls and just focuses itself on telling a good story with a large collection of jokes that work on their own merits.

Helen, Liz & Brian

Tomb Raider Val, Bri, Nicky, Phoenix & Lacy

Sara & Ben

90 April 2018

Sarah & Rachel

Lara Croft is the fiercely independent daughter of an eccentric adventurer who vanished when she was scarcely a teen.

Now 21 and without any real focus or purpose, Lara navigates the chaotic streets of trendy East London as a bike courier.

Determined to forge her own path, she leaves everything she knows behind in search of her dad’s lastknown destination: a fabled tomb on a mythical island that might be somewhere off the coast of Japan.

Red Sparrow A young Russian intelligence officer is assigned to seduce a first-tour CIA agent who handles the CIA’s most sensitive penetration of Russian intelligence. The two young officers collide in a charged atmosphere of trade-craft, deception and, inevitably, forbidden passion that threatens not just their lives but the lives of others as well.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Jawad Mini Marathon Jawad Business Group organised the 11th Jawad Mini Marathon at Jawad Dome in Barbar. The event was held under the patronage of the governor of the Northern Governate, Ali Al Shaikh Abdul Hussein Al Asfoor, to create awareness and help children with autism disorder.

To view more images, scan the QR code The start of the marathon

Jameel, Raneen & Judith

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Deepti, Haseen & Payaam

Judith & Heather

Kim, Robyn & Kylie

April 2018 91

fashion

SPRING-SUMMER 2018

Apple Sharma

Hackett London

Sportmax

The hot weather brings with it hot new styles. Check out the latest picks for the season straight from the runways. Take inspiration from these top trends and be the envy of all your friends!

Pretty Pastels

Nothing says spring and summer better than pretty powdery shades of pastels. Light hues of pink, blue, yellow, green and purple are perfect for breezy spring evenings and cool summer mornings. Co-ords are big this season, so wear your favourite dreamy shades from head to toe or mix and match â&#x20AC;&#x201C; think floral bouquets.

92 April 2018

Longchamp

Catwalk Picks: Alice and Olivia by Stacey Bendet and Tory Burch.

Tory Burch

Spring is all about colours and, if you like them bold to match your personality, then this is definitely the trend for you. Think shades of the rainbow, colourful crayons and a kaleidoscope of hues. Paint the town multicoloured in vibrant fabrics and bright accessories.

Alice and Olivia by Stacey Bendet

Marina Rinaldi

Rainbow Romance Paul Smith

Alice and Olivia by Stacey Bendet

Tory Burch

Weill

Lipsy

Michael Kors

Loewe

Catwalk Picks: Hackett London and Sportmax.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Alice and Olivia

Perfectly suited for this weather, it’s all about showing a little bit of skin while keeping it classy. Don’t shy away if that’s a bit much, simply rock the look with a translucent layer over your clothes. Have fun with this peek-a-boo trend by introducing transparency in your accessories like handbags and shoes.

Keep cool and wear white is apt in every sense of the word for this season.

Perfect for summer, especially in our neck of the woods, this is one trend that is easy to rock with minimum effort.

Whether it’s a pretty white frock for the daytime, or a monochrome ensemble for the night, channel organic textures to beat the heat.

Michael Kors Max Mara

White Wash

Yves Saint Laurent @Saks Fifth Avenue

Weill

Carolin

Mango

a Herr

era

Tory Burch

Michael Kors

Catwalk Picks: Zadig & Voltaire, Tadashi Shoji and Alice and Olivia.

New Look

Weill

Sheer Style Zadig & Voltaire

Alice a

nd Oliv ia by S

Tadashi Shoji

tacey B

endet

Tadashi Shoji

fashion

Catwalk Picks: Michael Kors and Carolina Herrera. www.bahrainthismonth.com

April 2017 93

bystander

Hair Show at 8in1 Expo Toni&Guy and label.m showcased the latest hair and make-up trends of 2018, and were major sponsors of the 8in1 expo held at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre.

TONI&GUY team

Vijay, Kaizad, Shumalan & Abhilash

To view more images, scan the QR code

Splash BMW 520i Handover Al Rashid Group held the Splash BMW 520i Raffle Draw Key Handover ceremony at its outlet in City Centre Bahrain.

Amean

To view more images, scan the QR code

Mahi & Mishell

Vivek & Jayaram

BBQ Nights

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain kicked off its weekly Thursday ‘BBQ by the Bay’ nights at La Plage.

Hafiz, Albert, Mahmood & Salwa

Haitham & Hashim

94 April 2018

May & Mehai

Emad & Hania

Leyla

Salwa & Zainab

Abzal

Magzhan

Tokzhan

www.bahrainthismonth.com

DINING

this month

Chef de cuisine Guilherme Reis at the grill

Flavours of the Americas, p98

Pleased to Meat You With a fun dining concept and melt-in-your-mouth meats, Via Brasil is an out-and-out winner of a steakhouse, found Behnaz Sanjana.

The aroma of meat being cooked welcomes the olfactory senses even before you reach the entrance of Via Brasil at the Wyndham Garden Manama. The restaurant has a contemporary, industrial ambience, with murals taking you straight to the graffitied bylanes of Rio de Janeiro. I highly recommend being seated on the outdoor terrace, when the weather permits, to soak in the glittering, commanding view from the 28th floor.

This Brazilian Churrascaria’s menu is a generous one.

For a set price, diners can savour salads, a fine selection of meats, hot dishes, an assortment of cheese, as well as side orders served straight to the table.

I couldn’t compare the salads to any cold appetisers I’ve had in the recent past, although the Brazilian Potato Mayonnaise Salad was a close cousin of a comforting Russian salad. The palm hearts in the salad named after them, and also the verdant Tropical Salad took my fancy and I wolfed down quite a few bites. The Prawn Ceviche went well with sundried tomatoes and capers on the side, and the Cabbage and Pineapple Salad was delicately balanced with a garnish of sliced orange. I enjoyed the Brazilian Chicken Salpicão Salad best – delicious shredded chicken in a creamy base, along with slices of strawberries, yellow cherry tomatoes, grapefruit, lettuce, pomegranate and black olives.

The hot dishes on the buffet comprised Carreteiro Rice – buttery rice mixed with jerked beef, onions, scallions and parsley; Black Bean Feijoada – a hearty stew with beef and bacon; and Bobó De Camarão – a flavourful tapioca and coconut-based gravy with prawns. All excellent in taste, aroma and eye appeal.

We flipped our little table batons green-side-up, to begin a carnival of meats. The friendly passadores (meat waiters) were the most hospitable hosts, cajoling us to gobble more of each of the succulent meats they www.bahrainthismonth.com

bore on their giant skewers. Baby beef of the Picanha cut just melted in the mouth, while the well-seasoned flank steak revealed a rosy hue within. The parmesan and herb-crusted tenderloin tantalisingly dripped with its own juices when cut to be served. The sharp, unmistakable taste of cheese heightened the flavour.

The naturally sweet, rosé Roulade of Duck Breast went exceptionally well with the vinegar sauce, while chicken drumsticks were divine with traditional Chimichurri sauce. Marinated in yellow mustard and olive oil and seasoned for 24 hours, the poultry is generously sprinkled with parmesan, chilli flakes and oregano halfway through its cooking to give it a fragrant crust. The lamb chops with garlic fell away from the bone easily, giving a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.

The meats were accompanied by deep-fried tapioca and banana and quintessential Brazilian cheese bread.

The fluffy rounds of salty garlic bread are also worth sparing some stomach space for. Just when you think you’ve had enough meat for the whole month, in comes a delightfully palate-cleansing treat; it’s rich, charred aroma preceding its arrival. Golden yellow cylinders of pineapple drenched in cinnamon render the taste buds ready for dessert.

Speaking of which, Via Brasil has a small, but significant, dessert list. I opted for the Homemade Brazilian Flan, a full-bodied custard made with condensed milk, its taste elevated by the bitter-sweet caramel swirls on the plate.

My companion’s Passionfruit Mousse was a creamy, fruity concoction textured with walnuts, while the Papaya Cream with Cassis we shared was a mélange of ripped papaya in light-as-air cream, spiked with a tinge of cassis – just divine.

Via Brasil is a carnivore’s dream come true and with such a hearty repertoire, picturesque outdoor seating and warm service, it warrants a visit, and soon!

New in Bahrain, p100

Modern Japanese Cooking, p102

Savour Seaside Dining, p104

View more info online

Call 66 316-666.

April 2018 95

dining MAKI

Exciting Innovations Maki, the contemporary Japanese restaurant, constantly amazes with its exhilarating and inspired dishes.

Ever had a maki roll made with an olive wrap? If your answer is “never”, then a trip to Maki is a must. It’s dishes like these that make dinner at Maki an exciting proposition every time.

“After several months of gruelling trials and research, we were able to finally produce two new maki wraps, which I am sure will elate our beloved guests’ palates,” says Maki group executive chef, Louis Kenji Huang.

Elevating a maki roll’s taste several notches is the new Oh-toro Oliva Maki. Wrapped in a house-made olive warp with zaatar flakes, and topped with the ‘prized’ belly of bluefin tuna, it combines exotic ingredients including black truffle pearls, baby orange, exotic cress, olive oil capsules and crabsticks.

“Listening to our guest comments and reviews, we constantly receive praise for the imaginative wraps which we have used in our

O-Toro Oliva Maki

dishes over the years,” says group operations manager Toufic Salloom. “From the soya wrap, to the spinach wrap, fresh plum wrap and several others, it was very pleasing to our fans to have us come up with an olive wrap and a tomato wrap.”

Made with the new tomato wrap, diners can now savour the Oliver Scallop Maki, with Hokkaido scallop, wild thyme, black truffle, chives, pickled cucumber, kumquat, crab meat, avocado, tobiko, rocket and shitake mushrooms.

Crocante Akami

Another new item, made the ‘Maki way’, is Crocante Akami (tuna). Presented on perfectly cooked rice – crispy on the outside, it comprises tasty ingredients such as bluefin tuna, nori (seaweed wrap) and yuzu flakes, spring onion, tobiko (flying fish caviar), with special olive, sesame, teriyaki and chilli oil mixtures.

Enjoy these new dishes at Maki Bahrain.

Call 17 522-733 or email maki.bahrain@ olivermaki.com

Sascha & Mahendra

Annual Associates Party The Westin and Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain held a black and white-themed associates party at Best Western, The Olive Hotel, Juffair.

Anthony, Anna-Marie, & Satish

Prasanth, Izzat & Yasir

96 April 2018

Tarek, Victor & Hussain

To view more images, scan the QR code Rashida, Amit & Joyce

Elizabeth, Sawan & Juvy

Daisy, CJ & Ivy

Dermet & Ali

Myla & Teo

www.bahrainthismonth.com

dining

THE K HOTEL

Flavours of the Americas The K Hotel offers the best of the US and more in its weekly themed nights.

98 April 2018

Five days a week get ready for amazing ways to experience the taste of the most palatable flavours of The K Hotel. KOLORS restaurant hosts delicious American-themed dinner buffet nights from Sunday to Thursday at BD6++ per person, from 7pm to 11pm.

KOLORS, The K Hotel’s signature eatery, offers diners a sumptuous feast and the expert culinary team will share their favourite flavours with several live cooking stations, allowing you to create your own dish, made from our island’s freshest produce. The delightful buffets provide a selection to suit all tastes that is also great value for money. And guests are sure to keep coming back for more.

Sundays start the week with a taste of Latin America at the Tex-Mex dinner buffet night, where you’ll find the food is healthy, flavourful and always inventive. Monday nights come with a meaty bonus, with portions of succulent, smoky ribs guaranteed to make a perfect night out. Every Tuesday, take pleasure in the delicious Italo-American gastronomy.

Dig into antipasti, pasta, pizza, risotto and much more as KOLORS takes you on a culinary journey through Italy. On Wednesdays, discover the finest flavours with a unique fusion of Caribbean dishes, cooked to perfection. And indulge in brilliant American barbecue delights every Thursday night – combine your

barbecue with delectable desserts and a lot more to make your weekend unforgettable.

Experience the unique and popular Friday Brunch, which revs up the excitement a notch on April 6 with a special F1 theme. It’s at the KOLORS restaurant from 12.30pm to 4pm priced at BD14.500++ per person, including soft drinks; pay an additional BD7++ and enjoy selected beverages too. The Friday brunch buffet offers a rich variety of mouth-watering food and the executive chef has selected an appetising combination of traditional recipes paired with contemporary influences.

You will be entertained by The K’s live band Duo Totem, playing international Top 20 songs and classic tunes from the ‘80s and ‘90s, and the clown will take care of the kids’ entertainment.

Toast the weekend with a selection of free-flow beverages and continue your after-brunch festivities at the K lounge from 3pm to 7pm (special discounts available). Watch live high-speed races and practices in the lounge, in an energetic and thrilling atmosphere.

Stay connected and share your experience at The K, with free access to the Fast Zone high-speed Wi-Fi connection.

Call 17 360-000. www.bahrainthismonth.com

dining

SAN CARLO CICCHETTI

New in Bahrain An exciting new offering from Al Abraaj Restaurants Group, San Carlo Cicchetti, has recently opened its doors.

100 April 2018

The Al Abraaj Restaurants Group introduces the popular UK-based Italian sharing concept, San Carlo Cicchetti, to Bahrain. The restaurant is part of the awardwinning San Carlo Group, which has brought London favourites, like Signor Sassi, to food aficionados.

San Carlo Cicchetti (pronounced chi-KET-tee) reinterprets the delightful Venetian culinary custom of cicchetti – delicious small plate dishes to share with friends and family. Known to be somewhat of a celebrity haunt throughout the UK, the eatery has become a staple for authentic, Italian food that tastes great.

Located at Al Aali Complex in the Seef district, the restaurant has a sophisticated yet relaxing interior, with an emphasis on light colours alongside large expanses of white Italian marble clad with brass accents and lush greenery. The restaurant is set over two floors and can seat approximately 170 guests at a time.

The menu philosophy at San Carlo Cicchetti is to use only the finest and freshest seasonal ingredients, many of which are flown in from produce markets across Italy to ensure authenticity. The concept of cicchetti, a first to the Kingdom, encourages guests to sample and share multiple dishes between groups in order to experience a little bit of everything – from antipasti and salads to fresh pasta, pizza and grills.

With three decades of serving traditional Middle

Eastern and international flavours to Bahrain’s dynamic food and beverage market, Al Abraaj remains one of the most popular restaurants offering traditional flavours and unique experiences to diners.

Al Abraaj Restaurants Group is diversifying its portfolio with exciting new culinary concepts across the Kingdom. The group currently serves Bahrain through its 37 outlets. These include branches of Al Abraaj, Al Bindaira Cafes, Mashawi Al Abraaj, Nu Asia, Lumee Street Cafes, TCBY Frozen Yogurt and Otto. Additionally, the group operates a dedicated catering division, which includes buffet and outdoor catering facilities for private events, and employs over 1,000 people across its restaurant and catering divisions. Al Abraaj prides itself on successfully combining heritage with modern innovations in taste and concepts.

Call 17 656-565. www.bahrainthismonth.com

TALABAT

The Home of Takeaway Talabat, the international food ordering company, engages with Bahrain’s vibrant community, proving that it’s here for good.

Talabat, the top online food ordering service in the GCC, has made waves in Bahrain ever since its introduction to the island over five years ago. The company was founded in 2004 and has changed the way the world orders food for takeaway.

During March, the brand engaged with fans and effected positive change in the community.

The month of April will see a line-up of even more surprises that are sure to delight.

As a welcome addition at the Bahrain Comic Con, fans engaged with the brand representatives at the interactive Talabat booth.

The company entertained people of all ages with exciting games and a French fry-shaped selfie station. Visitors to the booth tried their hand at spin-the-wheel to win exciting gifts.

They familiarised themselves with the ingenious concept of Talabat, not only as their go-to online food ordering service, but also as a real brand, with real people behind it.

The team also participated in Mother’s Day festivities in March. Through social media, the company engaged with fans and awarded prizes.

At the same time, several affiliate restaurants offered discounts to celebrate the occasion.

Apart from the various offers and prizes that customers enjoyed, Talabat also took part in Mother’s Day festivities in another meaningful www.bahrainthismonth.com

way. Joining hands with a local charity, the company donated meals from seven of its partner restaurants to Bahraini mothers in need.

The Mother’s Day campaign reflects the brand’s goal of being a valuable member of every community it operates in, with a long history of food donation in the region and beyond.

This month, Talabat continues to please food lovers in Bahrain with activities, discounts and offers. Users can enjoy free delivery on all orders delivered by Talabat GO, the online portal’s very own trackable delivery service, until April 20, available for all areas of the Kingdom.

The company will kick off exciting events during Bahrain’s motorsport season, as well as for Easter. Instagram followers can continue taking part in the popular weekly giveaways during April. Follow Talabat’s Instagram handle

@talabatbh for the latest updates on offers, competitions and happenings.

Visit www.talabat.com/bahrain or download the Talabat App on iOS and Android devices.

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dining

Chef Raman and Resident Manager Kumar Ashwani

RAMEE GRAND HOTEL & SPA

Modern Japanese Cooking Ruka, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa’s doorway to the Orient, is a top haunt amongst discerning islanders for unbeatable ambience and excellent food.

102 April 2018

When it comes to the world’s most preferred food trends, Japanese delicacies like sushi and sashimi have etched their spots as firm favourites. In the 1990s, sushi spread from the US across the world, riding the wave of the health-food boom. At the turn of the century, Japanese cuisine came to be regarded as premium dining, as it was evident that an increasing number of diners were willing to pay more for it, where fresh ingredients and chefs’ finesse is vital.

Ruka, the Japanese eatery perched on the heights of the five-star Ramee Grand in Seef, is one spot in Bahrain that serves the most skillfully crafted dishes from the Land of the Rising Sun. The food reflects a strong respect for tradition and craft, an insatiable appetite for innovation with purpose, and a clear and distinct personality in every dish.

Some of us still equate Japanese cuisine with just sushi, which has been widely accepted as a healthy, low-calorie food. But the variety of dishes available to diners with well-travelled palates is growing. Udon and soba noodles, deep-fried tempura, yakiniku (grilled meat), yakitori (char-broiled chicken) and kaiseki-ryori (a traditional multi-course meal) make up this fascinating Oriental fare.

Japanese cuisine takes a simple approach, using seasonings such as miso, mirin (sweet cooking sake) and soy sauce to lend the eventual dishes ‘umami’ (savoury taste), as well as perfect harmony and balance.

The menu is much more than just reincarnated versions of dishes you find in other Japanese restaurants – it is almost entirely a compilation of specialities unique to the establishment. The list is comprehensive and alluring; dishes are authentic but not outdated, with bold, intense flavours and an emphasis on simple presentation acquired through quality ingredients.

The restaurant’s chefs believe that a meal with no surprises is a culinary experience lost and a potentially memorable dining occasion wasted.

Hence, they go the extra mile to offer new experiences, all the while encouraging diners to be bold enough to order something unfamiliar. There is no set protocol on ordering from the menu; dishes are designed to be shared at the table or enjoyed individually. The friendly servers will be happy to provide assistance with the menu explanations, choices and any dietary requirements.

There are some amazing offers in store for patrons for the month of April. Guests can enjoy Sushi Mondays, Happy Hours and a lively Ladies Night, as well as the Business Lunch and Saturday’s Hangover Brunch at the venue.

A great deal of care and effort goes into ensuring guests’ expectations are exceeded every time they rely on Ruka for a great gastronomic experience.

Call 17 111-999. www.bahrainthismonth.com

BUSINESS LUNCH Lunch Menu 8 BD Available Sunday to Friday from 12:00pm to 3:00 pm Except Public Holiday

Any a la carte dessert available for additional BD 3 *terms and conditions applies

dining CORAL BAY RESORT

Savour Seaside Dining

Rayés

Pool view

Coral Bay Resort offers amazing food in scintillating surroundings.

104 April 2018

Situated on the clear waters of the Arabian Gulf, Coral Bay Resort is the ultimate destination for relaxation, adventure, entertainment and absolute enjoyment.

It also boasts a relaxing lounge; the island’s most acclaimed Lebanese restaurant; hosts Bahrain’s legendary Formula 1 parties; and much, much more.

You can shake off the stress and celebrate life with Coral Bay’s exclusive events and entertainment featuring international DJs. Visit Coral Bay Resort and forget your troubles while listening to the rolling waves and relaxing in the warm and therapeutic sea waters. Indulge in some of the island’s best Lebanese food as you enjoy the beautiful sea views over the marina.

Dance through the night or simply laze away your weekend on the beach, soaking up the sun. Pump iron in the unique gym, just inches away from the white sandy beach or rejuvenate at the top-class spa.

Explore and discover a location with all the exoticism of a tropical island but all the convenience of a top-of-the-range resort.

Live it up and escape to Bahrain’s favourite leisure Resort, Coral Bay.

Every Friday Undoubtedly, Rayés offers some of the finest and most decadent Lebanese cuisine on the island. Not only does Coral Bay house one of Bahrain’s longest standing and most authentic Lebanese restaurants, but it also lays claim to its ideal location, situated right on the waterfront overlooking the marina with Muharraq skyline rising in the distance. Dine al fresco while listening to the waves crash along the shore or sit inside and take in Coral Bay’s new lavish décor, with large open windows overlooking the marina, while being serenaded by live Arabian music.

Discover spices and fresh flavours from Lebanon, savour the most delicious brunch buffet dishes every Friday – the perfect opportunity to sample a diversity of native meat dishes accompanied by a variety of vegetables, salads and exotic fruits as well as tasty desserts.

Every Saturday Seafood Buffet from 12.30pm to 4.30pm.

Coral Bay’s seaside location allows it to offer the freshest and widest selection of seafood the marine world has to offer. All attractively displayed, guests have the ultimate flexibility in choosing the contents of their dish and how they would prefer to have it prepared.

Call 39 777-701. www.bahrainthismonth.com

ATIRAM PREMIER HOTEL

Rejoice the English Way Join a popular British celebration with foot-tapping music and great fare at Wembley Sports Lounge, one of Bahrain’s favourite party destinations.

Celebrate England’s national day with great gusto at the St George’s Day Party Brunch on April 20, at Wembley Sports Lounge, located on the fourth floor of Atiram Premier Hotel in central Juffair. It’s the time to let your hair down and enjoy a variety of beverages and mouth-watering food, as everybody tries out their best cockney accents for the day.

The package offering unlimited food and selected beverages is priced at just BD21. The revelry kicks off at 12.30pm and carries on until 4pm, with an extensive range of English and international cuisines, including live carvery and cooking stations, seafood grills, salads, pasta, desserts and much more.

The unlimited drinks package is one of the best value-for-money deals.

You can guzzle malt and a variety of spirits, as well as red, white and sparkling grape at the exclusive terrace bar, which also serves an assortment of house cocktails. Prior booking is highly recommended to reserve your spot and avoid disappointment.

Enjoy live music, with the DJR Trio performing old and new hits.

Exercise your vocal chords as you sing your favourite songs on stage with the band, with some fun karaoke.

The party is followed by Ladies Night from 6pm to 8pm, which means girls can enjoy three additional complimentary selected drinks.

Wembley is open daily from noon to 2am, giving you and your friends the opportunity to experience a fresh attitude to food, sport and entertainment.

Call 33 640-009 or 33 536-448.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

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dining

HIDDEN GEMS IN BAHRAIN

HAJI’S CAFÉ

by BILL GRIEVE

N

estled away in a walkway just inside the main Manama Souq (Bab Al Bahrain), over 70 years old, traditional Haji’s Café is to Manama what the old but still thriving La Petite Chaise street café is to Paris.

With abundant open-air seating and traditional patron service in a busy market thoroughfare, the adjacent walls adorned with pictures and photographs of days gone by, visitors are cast into a past era instantaneously.

Observing the myriad of people that pass by, whilst eating fine traditional dishes and accompaniments, brings a truly Middle Eastern flavour to the ambience, which, when coupled with the atmosphere of the souq market stalls alongside, makes you wonder, just for a second, if you haven’t been transported back in time.

Extremely well priced, incredibly tasty food is served in abundance, but ask for guidance or interpretation if you don’t understand the menu – the more traditional meals are an acquired taste.

The café can be hard to find, but with car parking in abundance in the public parking area, this is ideal for individuals, groups and families.

With a wide range of culinary treats, teas, coffees and a menu of extraordinary traditional offerings in a very traditional environment, this is a real diamond.

It’s open most days from 5.30am to 9pm.

Call 17 210-647.

Ethusam, Juwairia & Manazil

Salma & Hussain

Lost Paradise Season Launch The Lost Paradise of Dilmun launched its 11th season with a festive day of colours, music and fun.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony

Annie, Iylyn & Mico

106 April 2018

Danvik & Anil

Ahmed, Isa & Ebrahim

Majesh & Prasad

Ahmed, Salman & Arif

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Joey & Paula Melanie, Ahmed & Soo

Macbeth for Kids S4K Music Theatre’s Julian Chenery and Matt Gimbett musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth was performed at the Cultural Hall.

Performer on stage

Emily, Saoirse & Hannah

Zara, Sakina & Fatima

Talal & Paula

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ENGLAND

PARTY BRUNCH

BD21 NET T

- all inclusive alcoholic package -

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Jerome & Sara

- 12.30pm until 4.00pm - large international buffet selection - live cooking stations, salads and main courses -

y a D rge’s

o e G t.

S

Khadiya & Iman

Oliver, Oscar & Bella

FRIDAY 20TH APRIL A

Maria & Talal

USIC

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WITH OUR RESIDENT BAND

D.J.R.TRIO

4TH FLOOR, PREMIER HOTEL, JUFFAIR TEL: 17811811 TEL: 33640009 / 33536448 April 2018 107

Indian Dining

DINE MAHARAJAH STYLE

Rich flavour, vibrant colour and heady aroma are what food from the Indian subcontinent is characterised by. Its true beauty lies in its versatility; making it fit for a feast on a special occasion, or just a simple weekday meal to comfort the taste buds and satiate the soul.

The Crème de la Crème Nirvana – The Ritz Carlton, Bahrain You are bound to attain food enlightenment here, given its royal décor and lip-smacking fare. Expect to be bowled over by a variety of kebabs, creamy curries and robust biryanis, all mildly spiced to adapt to the global palate. Live music adds to the experience.

Rasoi By Vineet – Gulf Hotel Bahrain This one is a treat, being the first-ever restaurant in Bahrain run by a Michelin-starred chef. Vineet Bhatia’s concept is innovative, from the ambience to the food. Complex, layered, fusion flavours that successfully retain their unique ‘Indian-ness’ are presented in the most artful way to wow the senses.

Saffron – Al Areen Palace & Spa The restaurant serves Indian fusion cuisine alongside Arabic specialities. The highceilinged venue dressed in gold and maroon will put you straight into the mood for creamy curries and spicy delicacies.

Rasoi – Ramee Grand Hotel This eatery sports a sober ambience and serves food that is loud enough to claim your undivided attention. The chefs grill meats and air-swirl flatbreads in the display kitchen as you anticipate the arrival of your food. Don’t forget to taste the kulfi for dessert!

Spices – The Crowne Plaza Bahrain This restaurant has been around for many years, offering the busy executives of Manama a perfect excuse to take a break with a contemporary, Indian dining experience. Its also a popular weekend jaunt for Indian food aficionados and enthusiasts.

108 April 2018

The Stalwart Standalones Lanterns This award-winning restaurant chain has made its presence felt in Budaiya, Adliya, Juffair, Amwaj Islands and Riffa. Along with the quintessential Indian thali meal, lavish buffets, hearty breakfasts and extensive à la carte options, Lanterns has an interesting décor, which, like its food, is far from bland.

Copper Chimney Tucked away in a corner of predominantly residential Umm Al Hassam, this place has long been a favourite with locals and expats alike for its cosy environment and tasty grub.

Little details like the ornate copper dishes and warmth of the staff keep patrons loyal to this island institution.

Asha’s Making a bold statement with its locations at City Centre Bahrain and The Avenues – Bahrain, Asha’s is characterised by mood lighting, eloquent artwork and rich flavours that span the subcontinent. Do give the mocktail menu a look-see.

Nattinpuram Located within the bustling bylanes of Exhibition Road, this venue offers tradition on a plate. Gorge on culinary specialities from Kerala served on a banana leaf, either within a typical houseboat-style interior or that of a temple courtyard, depending on where you choose to sit. It doesn’t get more authentic than this.

Bayleaf This restaurant in Juffair’s Al Raya mall has been commended for its food quality, taste and service standards. Worth a visit if you’re in the vicinity and crave a decent Indian meal.

Moti Mahal This small eatery, which is part of a larger restaurant chain in India, has been a longstanding fixture along American Alley – Juffair’s popular food hub. Although limited in space, it’s big on flavours. Moti Mahal has a wide range of vegetarian and meat options, to suit everyone’s taste.

Juffair Gate A relative newcomer, Juffair Gate has taken over the space vacated by Bambu and offers a good quality menut at reasonable prices over the far side of Alidya.

Quick Fix on a Budget Bombay Restaurant, close to the Gold Souq in Manama, Vrindavan and Central Café on Isa Al Kabeer Avenue, Mumbai Spices in Adliya and Govinda’s in Juffair are all no-frills quick stops that serve simple Indian dishes, with a focus on breakfast, evening snacks and street food. The popular favourites will keep your stomachs full and pockets light.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Akeel & Uzair

Javed, Shihabuddin & Jeo

Hari & Mansoor

Clifford & Francis

Devang, Gautam & Tushar

Koshila, Ilanga & Hansika

Rateesh & Salam

Vincent, Rajkumar & Sasidhar

BPL Final Ceremony The Bahrain Premier League final ceremony took place at the Isa Town cricket ground.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

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tablehopping

VIVA BRAZIL The newly opened Brasa De Brazil Restaurant and Lounge at the Park Regis Lotus Hotel in Juffair offers a unique ‘Churrascaria’ (live grill) experience. This Brazilian steakhouse has an elegant ambience and unique tropical décor, fit for families, singles and large groups.

It offers an unlimited dining experience where customers can enjoy an endless parade of 15 types of premium meat cuts including lamb, turkey, deer, ostrich, beef brisket, chicken, seafood and the Brazilian signature Picanha, carved and served at your table by the gauchos (Brazilian cowboys). Also included in the package is a large variety of soups, salads, appetisers and hot dishes. Complementing the meat is a wide variety of signature cocktails crafted by talented mixologists, a fine collection of grape pairings and mouthwatering desserts. There’s also live entertainment on selected evenings making this venue one for your bucket list.

Call 17 362-220.

LEARN THE ROPES Bahrain Bay Kitchen at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay invites you to join a cooking class to learn how to prepare delicious, authentic Italian dishes under the able guidance of talented Italian chef, Cristian Lisci. The class is priced at BD20++ per person including dinner with the chef afterwards, and will be held on April 8 from 4pm-6pm.

Call 17 115-500.

When? Ongoing to April 12, excluding the weekend Event? Easter Beach Passes Venue? Rosso Restaurant and Private Beach, ART Rotana Amwaj Islands Enjoy a family day on the beach and by the pool, then savour lunch at Rosso restaurant for some delicious Italian cuisine featuring a selection of the chef’s favourites from the menu.

E Call 16 000-111.

When? Sundays to Thursdays, 7am-4pm Event? Grab & Go Offer Venue? City Lobby Lounge, Downtown Rotana Select fresh, homemade sandwiches, salads, quiche and more for takeaway, starting from BD1.600. Get a free cup of freshly brewed coffee as part of a limited time special offer.

E Call 13 119-999.

SPRING IS IN THE AIR Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay will put on a delightful Friday Spring Fair Brunch, when Bahrain Bay Kitchen’s garden will be transformed into a welcoming hive of activity. Lounge in the open air while indulging in new, seasonally influenced dishes and refreshing ice tea, chilled milkshake or your desired beverage.

Children can enjoy plentiful fair-style games and activities as well as pony rides, ping-pong, darts and train rides. The Spring Fair Brunch is staged every Friday from April 6 to May 11 from 1pm-4pm and is priced at BD25++ inclusive of soft drinks or BD35++ inclusive of selected beverages.

Call 17 115-500.

A CHOCOLATEY AFFAIR Sheraton Bahrain Hotel offers an unbeatable ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Free’ deal for its Chocoholic Friday Brunch. Savour delicious fare from the live cooking stations, seafood items, cold cuts, an international range of main courses, plus an extravagant selection of desserts. There is also a crêpe station and, of course, loads of chocolate to indulge in. This lavish meal is priced at BD34 for one adult, inclusive of unlimited selected beverages, or BD28 inclusive of soft drinks. Children dine at BD10.

Call 17 533-533.

CELEBRATING GASTRONOMIC BRILLIANCE The ongoing ‘70 Years of Culinary Excellence’ promotion at Silk’s restaurant at the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain will carry on until April 20.

Seven inventive dishes pay tribute to Ueli Prager, the founder of the Mövenpick brand, who redefined the European restaurant scene and paved the way for a new style of modern hospitality. The chefs have created an inspiring à la carte menu of uncomplicated but surprising creations, using fresh, authentic and healthy ingredients. They include scallops and avocado tartare, salade belle fermière, mille feuille saumon et caviar d’olive, mushrooms and vegetables Zurich style, seafood Casimir, bare beef burger Café de Paris and carrot waffle.

Call 17 460-017.

110 April 2018

When? Ongoing Event? Limited-Edition Barbeque Menu Venue? Shake Shack Savour delicious BBQ ShackMeister Burger, BBQ Chick’n Shack and BBQ Shack-Style Fries, available for a limited time only.

E Visit facebook.com/ shakeshackme

When? Every Monday Event? Seafood Night Venue? Silk’s restaurant, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain Experience a unique medley of seafood delicacies and taste the freshest catch for BD24 including soft drinks, or BD29 including selected beverages.

E Call 17 460-017.

When? Every Monday in April Event? Ladies Day All Around Venue? Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Ladies grab your girlfriends and indulge in a day filled with exciting flavours and tasteful fare with a smashing 50 per cent off at all of the hotel’s restaurants.

E Call 17 636-363.

When? Every Tuesday Event? Catch of The Day – Seafood Night Venue? La Mosaique, The Crowne Plaza Bahrain Enjoy an array of creative dishes from the freshest catch of the day for BD18, inclusive of food only.

E Call 17 531-122.

When? Every Thursday Event? Thursday Night Out Venue? Silk’s restaurant, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain Relish prime US beef, unlimited exotic cocktails, malt, grape and gourmet food cooked to perfection for only BD32 per person, including unlimited beverages.

E Call 17 460-017.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

tablehopping

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN FLAVOURS Due to popular demand after the Sicilian Cultural Festival held at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, the ever so fiery Fiamma restaurant will be hosting the only Sicilian night on the island every Thursday from 7pm-11pm.

Embark on a voyage to discover this beautiful Mediterranean island and all of its flavoursome traditional dishes for BD18 per person.

Call 17 636-363.

A LOVELY LUNCH Baharat restaurant at Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain lays out a business lunch from Sunday to Thursday, from 12.30pm-3pm. Enjoy a selection of Middle Eastern and Indian fusion cuisine inspired by the restaurant’s name, which translates to “spices”. The concept features a tandoor oven and an indoor grill, and all the food is prepared in an open kitchen. The full lunch buffet is priced at BD12++, while the soup and salad buffet is BD5.500++. Kids aged six to 12 dine at half price.

Call 17 171-441.

DIM SUM GALORE

When? Every Friday Event? CUT Ladies Brunch Venue? CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Ladies indulge in Wolfgang Puck’s favourite dishes every Friday from 12.30pm-3.30pm for BD24++ including complimentary selected beverages.

E Call 17 115-044.

When? Every Friday Event? Bahrain’s Sweetest Brunch Venue? Baharat, Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain Indulge in a sensorial and savoury experience for BD26 including soft drinks and water, or BD38 including selected free-flow beverages.

Call 17 171-144.

The Gulf Hotel Bahrain’s China Garden restaurant presents the ‘Eat All You Can’ Dim Sum promotion from April 2-30. Featuring on the special menu are vegetable wanton soup, steamed beef sui mai, beef chao pao, crispy salmon dumpling, pan-seared duck dumpling, chicken sui mai, chicken chao lung pao, shrimp sui mai, chicken dim sum, vegetable dumpling and vegetable noodles.

The meal is priced at BD14.

Call 17 713-000.

SONGKRAN FESTIVAL Celebrate Thailand’s traditional New Year’s Day with a colourful and sumptuous selection of culinary creations specially crafted for the occasion. The Songkran Festival at the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s Thai Lounge will be a two-day celebration featuring a street food festival and a brunch, each priced at BD20 per person.

The Street Food Festival will be held on April 12, from 7pm-10.30pm. The brunch will take place on April 13, from 12.30pm-4pm.

Call 17 586-499.

When? Every Saturday Event? ‘90s Flashback Venue? An Nada Lounge, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel All folks of the hospitality industry enjoy the ‘90s era with up to 50 per cent discount on food and beverages. Don’t forget to bring your work ID card.

E Call 17 533-533.

When? April 1 and May 4 Event? Super Brunch Venue? La Med / Primavera / Nirvana / Plums, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Enjoy a special brunch, themed around Easter, including an egg hunt at La Med for kids of all ages, for BD35++ with soft drinks, or BD39++ with select beverages.

E Call 17 586-499.

When? April 13-15 Event? Baisakhi Food Festival Venue? Nirvana, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Take a journey to North India with a special menu, inspired by the famous Baisakhi Festival from the à la carte menu.

E Call 17 586-499.

SLOW-ROASTED MAGIC Enjoy the new Slow Roast-themed Friday brunch, to be held throughout the month of April until mid-May, at the awardwinning restaurant Flavours on 2 at the Downtown Rotana.

The new themed brunch has a wide selection to please all taste buds for only BD18++ with soft drinks, or BD26++ with selected beverages. The live cooking station features an elite selection of your favourite slow-roasted dishes.

The contemporary buffet spread is a feast for the eyes, with an array of international dishes. Guests can enjoy live entertainment and free pool access. Children will also have a wonderful time within their own modern, supervised Kids’ Room filled with toys and games.

Call 13 119-999. www.bahrainthismonth.com

When? Every Thursday Event? Surf & Turf Venue? La Mer, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Dive into a unique experience for a great flavoursome blend of sea delicacies intertwined with earthy zesty tastes.

E Call 17 636-363.

When? April 17-May 16 Event? Surf and Turf Venue? Plums, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Indulge in a sumptuous Bahrainiinspired combination of prime steak and seafood served with a freshly made side dish from an à la carte selection.

E Call 17 58-6499.

April 2018 111

Classics with a Twist The ESPRIT Spring-Summer 2018 jewel and watch collection is full of excitement. Reduced lines, minimalistic design and trendy styles are accented with subtle graphic details. Classics and product heroes find a new and modern interpretation. This simple ring design combines minimalistic shapes with sparkling stones. The carefully handcrafted line is available in silver and steel, with different coloured plating.

Available at A La Mode outlets.

What’s New Edited by Apple Sharma

Prettier than Ever Add a spring in your step with New Look’s newest collection, with stripes and co-ords being the hero pieces. Footwear features statement flats in colour pop bursts and power courts, as seen in these mustard suedette pointed stiletto heels and striped flat sandals.

Available at New Look, City Centre Bahrain.

Homage to a Season Van Cleef & Arpels celebrates spring with its Frivole collection. Nine brand-new creations in yellow gold enrich the line with a combination of three miniature motifs and floral bouquets, recognisable for their heart-shaped petals, mirror polishing and dazzling paved surfaces.

Available at Van Cleef & Arpels Boutique, Moda Mall.

Top of the Pops Prada Candy Sugar Pop, the latest fragrance from the Prada Candy family, is a scent as catchy as a pop song. The perfume has an addictive energy – notes of vert de bergamote braided with vanilla and mahonial, a fresh centre of lime zest, topped by an innovative apple extract.

Available at leading retailers.

112 April 2018

Bang on Trend Lipsy London’s Spring-Summer 2018 collection offers a variety of textures, with ruffles being one of the key trends.

Bright florals add vibrancy to give a playful twist for the season, with in-house designed prints adding a unique feel: Amelia (Oriental-inspired), Amber (moody blooms) and Imogen (meadow floral).

Available at Lipsy London, City Centre Bahrain. www.bahrainthismonth.com

marketplace LIALI JEWELLERY

BD: 750/-

BD: 3000/-

Liali Jewellery is available at City Centre Bahrain.

Call 17 178-160. www.bahrainthismonth.com

April 2018 113

marketplace

JOZ SALON & SPA

Rapid Repair Joz Salon & Spa brings you two revolutionary hair treatments for 30-day intense conditioning and repair in just 30 minutes!

114 April 2018

WHAT IS INTENSE BOOST? Intense Boost is a revolution in hair repair. Using KeraStraight’s advanced treatment technology, Intense Boost renews, repairs and rehydrates hair from the inside out in under 30 minutes, rebuilding whatever the hair lacks. This quick-fix treatment transforms weak, dry and damaged hair into beautifully restored, strong, shiny and healthy locks, and lasts up to a whole month.

Intense Boost combines the most advanced proteins and lightweight moisture encapsulation on the market today, which is why there’s not a hair product out there that comes anywhere near its capacity for repair and manageability.

moisture treatments, does not weigh the hair down.

It’s a concentrated treatment packed with lightweight moisture-capturing ingredients and hydrolysed proteins to deliver an even more targeted approach to dry or damaged hair. Your locks will feel softer and more renewed than ever before.

PROTEIN BOOST Delivers Strength with Softness This treatment is ideal for fine, weak or damaged hair.

Protein Boost is an advanced blend of hydrolysed wheat proteins which target the hair from the inside out to deliver amazing strengthening and mending.

Protein Boost creates deep repair, leaving hair healthier, stronger, softer and gorgeous.

WHAT IS ULTIMATE BOOST? This delivers even greater repair, strength and hydration and takes just 40-45 minutes. Ultimate Moisture Boost provides the most luxurious in-salon treatment for thick, dry and damaged hair, leaving it soft, shiny and feeling beautiful. Ultimate Protein Boost repairs even the weakest hair, making it stronger and healthier with incredible shine.

MOISTURE BOOST Delivers Moisture without Weight This procedure is ideal for coarse, dry and damaged tresses. Moisture Boost delivers incredible hydration, sensational shine and repair and, unlike many

Intense Boost and Ultimate Boost can be re-applied up to once per week to deliver even greater repair and hydration.

Call 17 369-133, 16 031-120 or 17 756-449. www.bahrainthismonth.com

AT REEF RESORT

Refresh, Recharge and Reset!

At Reef Resort is Bahrain’s new luxury getaway that is garnering interest for its picturesque location and amenities par excellence.

The luxurious At Reef Resort lies in close proximity to the Kingdom’s commercial districts and offers a range of 102 lavishly decorated villas, suites and rooms. The most sought-after address for active leisure and absolute relaxation, it has an impressive array of speciality restaurants, pools and spas, as well as business and leisure facilities right in the heart of the city. The highlight of this property is the temperature-controlled, infinity-edged pool, which overlooks a stretch of white sand and the expansive lagoon.

All rooms have private safes, a selection of pillows, a fully stocked refreshment bar and 43-inch LED televisions. Guests enjoy complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access and large work desks with built-in power points and multiple power adaptor sockets for ultimate convenience. The rooms are fitted with state-of-the-art features, like Internet Protocol (IP) phones and IPTV systems, as well as energy saving LED lights. The large marble-tiled bathrooms have a Jacuzzi, rain shower and superior bath products. The rooms provide a tea or coffee maker, bathrobes for him and her as well as a hair dryer.

The property’s sophisticated, airy villas and suites boast high ceilings and tall windows, making them a peaceful oasis where comfort www.bahrainthismonth.com

meets class. There are 11 two-bedroom villas, 51 luxurious suites and 40 deluxe rooms on site.

The Reef Aqua Spa beckons you to lay back and revel in an extraordinary journey of rejuvenation, relaxation and pure wellness, with dedicated sections for gentlemen and ladies.

Besides the treatment rooms, there is an indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi, a ladies’ yoga room, sauna and steam rooms, as well as men’s and ladies’ fitness studios and a beauty salon.

At Reef Resort is an idyllic location to spend some quality time with family and friends or have a quick staycation. One can relax in the 5,000sq/m infinity-edged pool, watch children splash around in the kids’ pool (both temperature-controlled) or stay fit with a workout at the gym.

Guests have a plethora of fantastic dining options. Pool Delight offers lavish breakfast and lunch buffets, daily, with a selection of fresh salads, Lebanese favourites and delectable desserts to be enjoyed by the infinity poolside or on the patio. This is an ideal location for corporate events, banquets, conferences and weddings, from 7pm onwards.

Fine Café’s à la carte menu offers Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh and healthy cooking, while Chocolaterie allows you to indulge in freshly baked pastries, light gourmet fare, speciality coffees and signature homemade chocolates.

Sunset Saloon presents a breath-taking view over the lagoon at dusk, and is an ideal haven

for enjoying premium grapes and cigars in a refined setting. Enjoy exotic flavoured shishas, Lebanese grills and Arabian desserts at Shisha Lounge, or freshly prepared sushi and sashimi at Tokyo Reef. Children can have a gala time at Kids Re-Treat with an exciting menu of fun foods and beverages.

At Reef Resort’s events team will be pleased to assist in arranging a workshop, meeting, small conference, or party at any of the venues.

Call 13 110-110.

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marketplace

Cervical cancer

MIDDLE EAST HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTERS

Prevention Is Better than Cure The Middle East Hospital and Medical Centers shed light on cervical cancer, its screening and prevention.

116 April 2018

Cervical cancer afflicts women when abnormal cells in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) grow out of control. It can often be successfully treated when it’s detected in the early stages by a Pap test.

Most cases are caused by a virus called Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. There are many strains of the infection, and not all cause cancer.

Most adults have been infected with HPV at some time. It may go away on its own, result in genital warts, or lead to cervical cancer. That’s why it’s important for women to have regular screenings that can detect cellular changes before they turn into cancer. If these anomalies are treated, cervical cancer can be prevented.

Abnormalities in the cervix rarely cause symptoms.

If they do grow into cancer, they show symptoms like unusual vaginal bleeding (between menstrual periods, after intercourse or after menopause), pain in the lower pelvic area, painful intercourse or irregular vaginal discharge.

During a Pap test, the doctor scrapes a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix to look for cell changes. If the test shows abnormal cell changes, your doctor may further investigate to look for precancerous or malignant cells on the cervix.

It’s important to follow up with your doctor after any abnormal result, so abnormal cell changes can be treated before they become malignant.

If you are aged 26 or younger, you can get the HPV vaccine, which protects against types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer. As the virus is spread through sexual contact, it is important to

practise safe intercourse (by using condoms) and limiting the number of partners you have.

The American Cancer Society recommends the following: • Cervical cancer screening must begin at age 21. Up to the age of 29, a Pap test must be conducted every three years, with no need for HPV testing unless there are unfavourable Pap test results.

• The preferred approach for ladies between the ages of 30 and 65 is to have a Pap test and an HPV test every five years. But it is also acceptable to have only a Pap test every three years.

• Women over 65 who have had regular screenings with normal results should not be screened for cervical cancer. Women who have been diagnosed with cervical pre-cancer should continue to be screened.

• If the uterus and cervix are removed in a hysterectomy and there is no history of cervical cancer or pre-cancer, screening is not necessary.

• Women who have had the HPV vaccine should still follow the screening recommendations for their age group.

• Those with high risk of cervical cancer may need to be screened more often, including those with HIV infection, organ transplant, or exposure to the drug DES. They should discuss this further with their doctor or nurse.

Middle East Hospital has a full-fledged obstetrics and gynaecology department that provides excellent health care facilities dedicated to women.

Call 17 362-233. www.bahrainthismonth.com

THE WESTIN BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE

Sleep Well to Stay Well

This hotel goes the extra mile in ensuring its guests feel as good as new each morning by redefining the concept of a good night’s rest.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Walking into The Westin City Centre Bahrain, patrons are welcomed with a sophisticated lobby, the signature ‘White Tea’ scent and warm service. But besides the regular facilities that in-house guests are treated to, the hotel goes to great lengths to ensure their all-round wellness.

Adequate, quality sleep is essential for physical health and mental wellbeing. That is why this five-star hotel gives so much importance to the quality of its bed and bath amenities. The brand has designed every detail of its trademark ‘Heavenly Bed’ to promote superior slumber. Its unique design, with a plush, pillow-top construction for premium comfort and support, guarantees a restorative night-in to get you ready for the day ahead.

The Westin’s Heavenly Mattress combines cosiness and top-of-the-range support. Designed with a soft, padded structure and individual pocket springs, it is available exclusively at all the establishment’s properties. The combination of the mattress and base brings an unrivalled sweet-dream experience, which you can also bring into your own home. Today, over one hundred million people enjoy Heavenly Bed products at their residence, and close to four million Delta Airlines passengers each year experience Heavenly In-Flight Bedding, available on all Delta One flights with lay-flat beds.

The linen provided at all hotels of the chain is par excellence – from the crisp, white, 250–thread count sheets to the down-filled duvets and plush pillows. In addition, the ‘Sleep Well’ lavender balm, infused with calming essential oils of lavender and chamomile, allows you to wind down naturally. This complimentary bedside amenity soothes the senses, eases tension and promotes revitalising rest.

Guests often need some time to adjust to a new time zone or recover from their travels. Eating the right foods can have a dramatic effect on the quality of shut-eye. Some foods can also help ease you into sound slumber. On the recommendation of experts, the items on the Westin Sleep Well menu are packed with amino acids, vitamins and minerals that promote rest and recovery. Eat smart and rest well with the curated selection of sleep-enhancing superfoods, available for in-room dining.

The Westin’s Heavenly Bath offers an unmatched shower experience with an invigorating rain shower and a revolutionary curved shower rod for extra room.

The fine White Tea Aloe bath amenities, extra-large bath sheets and plush bathrobes lure you to awake on time, and help you start your day feeling pampered and energised.

The hotel chain is known for its Heavenly Spa, where guests receive their much-needed respite and get back to feeling their very best. They can relax and feel refreshed with innovative treatments in beautifully designed settings.

Thanks to such pampering amenities provided by The Westin City Centre Bahrain, you’ll be living life just as you should be – with zest and vitality.

Call 17 171-000.

April 2018 117

marketplace FARHAT INTERNATIONAL TOURS & TRAVELS

A Fantastic Sojourn If you are looking for a family-friendly vacation with a difference, Farhat International Tours & Travels has just the solution for you.

With decks of sun-drenched Disney magic that you won’t find anywhere else, Disney Cruise Line sets every family member on course for spectacular entertainment and unrivalled relaxation. Whichever itinerary you choose, Caribbean or Bahamian, you’ll be greeted by golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear seas. Enjoy the tropical, fun-filled port of Falmouth, Jamaica, or travel to Grand Cayman to marvel at the sevenmile-long pristine shoreline and revel in an even longer list of fun things to do. Set foot on beautiful Cozumel to witness ancient ruins and enjoy world-famous snorkelling, and be amazed by Disney’s very own island paradise, Castaway Cay. When you’re back on board the luxury cruise ship, there’s a vast array of activities, clubs and entertainment that sailors of all ages can enjoy together as a family, or separately in their own dedicated areas. You’ll be left with memorable experiences that you’ll only find on a Disney cruise.

The popular four-night Bahamian cruise departs every Sunday from Port Canaveral, near Orlando, and offers a full day each in Nassau and Disney’s private haven in the Bahamas – Castaway Cay. Another cruise that is much in demand is the year-round seven-night Western Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral. The vessel makes port

Restaurant Launch Al Namal and VKL Group held an exclusive launch of Brasa De Brazil restaurant at Park Regis Hotel.

Naveen, Sunny & Mani

To view more images, scan the QR code

calls at Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman Islands and Falmouth, Jamaica; as well as a relaxing day in Castaway Cay. Call 17 216-411 or email cruise1@farhat-tours.com

Media Dinner Bennigan’s Amwaj Islands hosted a media dinner at its premises.

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Masooma & Zainab

Mirna & Ibrahim

Jen & Daryl Premjith, April, Amjad & Kawinsha

Imran & George

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Ramesh & Nikhil

Abdul Rahman

Bader & Hassan

Farah

Melvin & Cheryl

www.bahrainthismonth.com

UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTRE – KING ABDULLAH MEDICAL CITY

Spotlight on an Expert King Abdullah Medical City introduces one of its leading consultants.

Professor Sadat A Al-Ali

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Professor Sadat A Al-Ali is an American citizen who studied in India, the UK and US. He is a professor of orthopaedic surgery and senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon with 30 years of experience in the field of paediatric orthopaedics, simple and complex trauma, arthroplasty and spinal surgery.

Professor Sadat is well known for performing complex scoliosis surgery with excellent results. At present, he is one of the region’s leading experts in the field of joint replacement surgery, including hip and knee joints. He also performs stem cell therapy in relation to various orthopaedic diseases in Saudi Arabia.

The doctor, additionally, has expertise in the fields of sickle cell disease and metabolic bone diseases, such as vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis. He is one the

experts throughout the GCC and has written many papers on the subject which have gained him worldwide respect.

He has written a book on orthopaedic management, published more than 170 papers and presented at various international meetings.

Many of his former students and residents are renowned physicians and surgeons in the Middle East.

A gentle person who is always interested in the wellbeing of his patients, he goes a long way to provide excellent care. Bahrain is lucky that such an expert orthopaedic and trauma surgeon for adult and children’s diseases is available in the Kingdom.

Professor Sadat has been nominated for the King Faisal Prize for Medicine on the topic of bone biology and osteoporosis for the year 2019.

Call 77 310-000.

April 2018 119

marketplace ROYAL BAHRAIN HOSPITAL

The Wonders of Modern Medicine A medical expert from Royal Bahrain Hospital makes it possible for patients with special orthopaedic conditions to find relief with a safe, non-surgical method.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy is a procedure that utilises platelets from the patient’s own blood to rebuild damaged blood tissue. The process involves the separation of platelets from the blood cells. The concentration of the blood is then increased through a process called centrifugation, combined with the remaining blood and injected back into the patient.

This therapy is administered by Dr Anastasia Athanasiou, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Royal Bahrain Hospital. It is carried out in the operating theatre to ensure a sterile environment and utmost safety for the patient. After the operation, the patient is transferred to the recovery room and is encouraged to resume normal activities before being discharged, to ensure appropriate healing and effectiveness

of the treatment.

The most common orthopaedic conditions that can be improved with PRP include arthritis of the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow and ankle, and also acute and chronic ligament and tendon injuries. In addition, it is used with other procedures – arthroscopic meniscectomy, patellar resurfacing or ACL reconstruction – to enhance surgical effects.

PRP Therapy is absolutely safe when performed by a skilled physician in a sanitised environment. The side effects are similar to those of a regular blood test, which include possible mild pain on the site of the injection, redness or minor swelling. Patients who have opted for this practice have displayed long-term pain reduction, improvement of a range of motion and faster recovery from injuries.

Call 17 246-800, WhatsApp 32 181-810, book online on www.royalbahrainhospital. com, or download the Royal Bahrain Hospital mobile app on iOS and Android devices.

Dr Anastasia Athanasiou

RIFFA VIEWS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

A Beacon of Excellence This reputed school is embarking on an ambitious journey to bring a level of innovation that has never been seen in Bahrain or the region.

Riffa Views International School (RVIS), in partnership with International School Services (ISS), will transform the institute into a hub of innovation for the region. The school will be expanding an already existing programme that was started 18 months ago

by ISS and Shekou International School (SIS), in Shekou, China, and one that revolutionised education in the region.

The new LEVEL 5 centre at RVIS is scheduled to open in the 2018-2019 school year and will promote the exploration of design thinking and project-based innovation, while bringing in experts from around the world on a regular basis. A culture of innovation will be ingrained in every aspect of the school, changing how education is viewed and experienced. This pioneering style of education will help RVIS students rise above the rest when applying to the top universities around the world, as well as give them the skills for future careers.

The aim of LEVEL 5 is to also provide opportunities for local and international schools and businesses to utilise the space to expand their practices and partner with the school in a variety of ways.

“We are honoured to have been chosen from other elite schools in the region to become the worldwide headquarters for LEVEL 5 and look forward to bringing a new level of innovation to our school and the region,” says school director Dr Kurt Nordness.

Shown here and above LEVEL 5 at SIS

120 April 2018

Call 16 565-000. www.bahrainthismonth.com

marketplacebusinessbites

Being Cyber-Safe

An Auspicious Occasion Diyar Al Muharraq, one of the leading urban developers in the Kingdom, officially inaugurated the Aysha Al Rasheed Mosque in Hai Al Sherooq, in the presence of the chairman of the Sunni Waqf Directorate, Dr Rashid bin Mohammed Al Hajeri.

The occasion was also attended by the relatives of the mosque’s benefactor along with other prominent public figures and Hai Al Sherooq residents. The mosque is designed to accommodate more than 160 worshippers. There is a dedicated prayer hall for women and a multi-purpose men’s majlis that is suitable for hosting various community events.

Kaspersky Lab and Barhain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) embarked on a series of interactive cybersecurity roadshows in the Kingdom’s schools, aimed at raising awareness about the threats that await children on the Internet and effective ways to respond to them. Among the main areas addressed are cyberbullying, inordinate disclosure of personal information and general rules of online behaviour. Kaspersky Lab has run these roadshows at 23 schools in South Africa and the UAE. Around 13,000 children (aged seven to 13) have been educated on the subject of online safety.

BANKING ACCOLADE

Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain (KFH-Bahrain) received the ‘Best Islamic Bank in Bahrain’ award during The Middle East Banking Awards 2017, which was held in conjunction with the 10th anniversary edition of EMEA Finance magazine at the Shangri-La Hotel Dubai. Abdulwahab Alrushood, group chief treasury officer and board member of KFH-Bahrain, received the award on behalf of the bank, while Ahmad Alsumait, treasury general manager, attended the ceremony with him. KFH Group was also recognised as ‘Best Islamic Bank’ and ‘Most innovative Bank’.

Scholarly Recognition Assistant professor of public health at the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences at AGU, Dr Salman Hamad Al-Zayani, won the Venus International Medical Award for Excellence in Community Medicine 2018, awarded by the India-based Venus International Foundation, in recognition of his efforts in community medicine and public health. The award aims to honour professors and scientists from various specialisations and fields of knowledge for their contributions and efforts in the service of the sciences and humanity.

Welcoming You To Amwaj The Grove Hotel and Conference Center recently announced its doors are officially open. Overlooking a long stretch of the marina on one side and urban views on the other, it is located within Amwaj Islands. The urban hotel is a lifestyle destination catering to both leisure and business travellers, delivering a unique brand of contemporary Arabian hospitality. This is a home-grown hotel brand offering fivestar accommodation at affordable prices. It aims to capture the essence of the local cultural legacy mixed with its cosmopolitanism. www.bahrainthismonth.com

April 2018 121

travel Clockwise from left: Aerial night shot of Beirut; Mediterranean appetizer; Jupiter and Bacchus Temple, Baalbek, Bekaa Valley; Lebanese beach landscape in Byblos; Exterior view to Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, Beirut; Magical sunset on Raouche, Pigeonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Rock in Beirut.

122 April 2018

www.bahrainthismonth.com

SUMMER SOJOURN

Lebanon

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, vibrant holiday this summer, then head over to this pulsating destination.

Lebanon is a fascinating blend of East and West, old and new, traditional and modern. You will find that it offers a host of interest things for visitors of all ages.

The capital city, Beirut, is an ideal base from which to discover the country for fascinating sights and scenes, and of course, to shop till you drop. It is often crowded and chaotic but will engulf you with its on-trend sass and spirit. No wonder it is referred to as the Paris of the Middle East. Just a short flight from Bahrain, it makes for a convenient getaway full of fashion, food, art, music and nightlife.

Beirut’s National Museum and St George Crypt Museum are known for impressive exhibits that tell the story of the country’s past. A major landmark, the Mohammed Al Amin Mosque is a pretty, blue-domed structure that will capture not only your interest but also your lens for the perfect holiday postcard.

Hire a bike and cycle to the Corniche, where you will get glimpses of life in the city. The elderly playing card games and catching up, young men on their flashy motorbikes and girls whizzing past on rollerblades.

Take in the sight of the Pigeon Rocks by sunset, as young lads jump off them into the azure waters. Do visit the Souq El Tayeb to sample fresh, organic fare on Saturdays.

Buses ply from Beirut to Tripoli, Lebanon’s quieter quarter, known for its shaded souqs and winding bylanes. It is famous for its architecture of the Mamluk and Ottoman eras. Don’t miss a visit to the historic Hammam Ezzedine and the Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles. If you have a few days to spare, call on the cities of Baalbek and Tyre for their rich history.

Byblos, touted to be the cradle of civilization, is only an hour away from Beirut. But not all is brown and dusty here. Explore intriguing history and enjoy the seaside by day, and savour great gastronomy and the effervescent party scene by night.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

April 2018 123

bystander

Shika & Loubna

Mirna & Gabrielle

Nargis

Basant at Al Areen Al Areen Palace & Spa held the Basant Festival at its premises. The event included kite-flying activities, food stalls, fun games and live entertainment for families and kids.

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Kauser, Sana & Samar

Imran, Ayesha & Safoora

Sukanth, Trisha, Ali & Pierre

Sunita & Richi

Hagar, Begad, Ahmed & Maryam

Abdul Samir & Sara

Leo

Krishna & Aparna

Charity Walkathon The Tree of Life Charity Society held a walkathon under the care of HE Jameel Humaidan, Minister of Labour and Social Development, at Dohat Arad.

The society members and participants

Ali, Mohammed & Yasser

124 April 2018

Jareya, Leyla & Shafika

Manahel & Hayfa

Budoor, Hussain & Bader

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander OTHER EVENTS

Bosnia and Herzegovina Friendship and Business Society Chairman, Jawad Al Hawaj, held an event aimed at boosting bilateral relations between Bosnia and Bahrain. Northern Governor Ali Al Asfoor, Bosnia and Herzegovina Ambassador to the UAE and Bahrain, HE Zoran Milicevic, and Bahrain Businesswomen Society vice-president Shaikha Mariam bint Hamad Al Khalifa attended.

HE Justin Siberell, US Ambassador, officially inaugurated the House of Samsonite at City Centre Bahrain.

The Mercure Grand Hotel organised a Turkish Festival at Neyran restaurant.

The Formula 2018 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix press conference took place at the Bahrain International Circuit.

CrediMax announced the first two winners for its 2018 ‘WE GIVE THE MAX’ campaign — Bashar Al Sayed, who won a Lexus ES 350 model 2018, and Ammar Ahmed Al Aali, who won a 1 kg gold bar.

Al Safir Hotel & Tower held its ISO certification ceremony at its premises in Juffair.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain won the Elite Award 2017 for Catering Sales Excellence ‘Team of the Year’ out of a selection of 300 premium and luxury hotels in the Middle East and Africa.

The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa hosted a media gathering to celebrate the reopening of its stylish new hotel lobby and all-day dining Olivos restaurant.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

City Centre Bahrain gifted three BD500 gift cards to winners Jassim Binsanad, Isa Mattar and Xie Xifeng on Valentine’s Day.

April 2018 125

tarotscope

ARIES

March 21 – April 20 As we pass into the second quarter of the year you will be able to reflect on the last three months and take count of mainly favourable experiences. Certainly, the first part of 2018 will have proved rewarding for you when it comes to career and business and, fortunately, relationships will also have flourished. The one area of concern could be health-related and you may want to revisit your diet and look at changing a few things to ensure the pounds don’t start creeping on. You’re a vain animal, after all.

Card of the Month — The King of Swords For a detailed, personalised Tarotscope reading, contact Raphael by email: raphael@tarotscope.org.uk

TAURUS April 21 – May 20 As a sign ruled by emotions, you are often driven by your instincts and this can sometimes lead to heartache. This has inevitably made some of you more cautious over time and your attitude to love has changed to something a little more reserved. However, someone is about to enter your life and light it up in such a big way that all your inhibitions could be thrown to the wind. This new person will be fair-haired, smooth-talking and, above all else, appear completely devoted to you. In fact, he or she will provide you with a welcomed alternative to some of the disappointments of the past.

Card of the Month — The Five of Cups

GEMINI May 21 – June 20 You should be feeling so much better about yourself and the circumstances you find your life in right now, and yet for many of you, that just doesn’t appear to be the case.

Perhaps you’re struggling with internal confidence issues; maybe you just aren’t looking at the bigger picture? Whatever the reasons for your dilemma, the one thing you need to find, and quickly, is some driving motivation. You are currently sitting at the centre of a huge series of opportunities and yet you just can’t seem to grasp the benefits that surround you.

Card of the Month — The Ace of Swords 126 April 2018

CANCER June 21 – July 20 Your heart is still pining for someone far beyond your reach but the good news is an opportunity to meet him or her will come your way in the next month and you can look forward to a wonderful, if brief, escape. This does beg the bigger question of where you go from here and whether that prospective journey will ever happen. It also starts to make you think that maybe you are not content in your life at present and this is a much bigger issue. It needs to be confronted or you may find your world loses its meaning very quickly.

Card of the Month — The Two of Pentacles LEO July 21 – August 21 It is a long time coming but true romance will finally enter your life this month after what has seemed a long period of inactivity and disappointment. Whilst you might be enthusiastic and eager, try to keep your cool and play this slowly. Let it build and you will get to experience something wonderful. Above all else, don’t rush it! On another note, you may need to take a family member aside and remind them not to speak on your behalf following a rather embarrassing episode at a birthday party. They may have meant well but it didn’t come across that way!

Card of the Month — The Six of Wands

VIRGO August 22 – September 21 A business venture is moving along with some rapidity and the next few months will see you reaping rich rewards as you turn hard work into significant profits. Just one word of caution: don’t try to do too much yourself. Trust in your co-workers and distribute the load a little otherwise you may hurt the good progress you have made so far. Success in this arena is going to come from a combined effort and, as the whole affair progresses, you will need to rely on those around you more and more.

Card of the Month — The Five of Pentacles

LIBRA September 22 – October 21 Life is a bed of roses for you right now. You have thrown caution to the wind of late, embraced a more carefree attitude and are now enjoying yourself more than you have done for a long time. Try to be charitable when approached by a friend looking for assistance. It doesn’t hurt to spread your good fortune a little and this will certainly be a case deserving of some help.

Keep in mind, however, that you won’t be giving on the expectation of receiving anything back in a hurry. The person’s intentions are good but it will take a while.

Card of the Month — The Five of Swords

SCORPIO October 22 – November 21 Swimming against the tide is always a difficult thing to do but that is just what some of you have been doing recently.

Despite the best advice, you have chosen to ignore reason and common sense and continue with a project that is at complete odds with reality. Don’t do anything just to prove a point. Wake up and steer this ship before it sinks. On an unrelated matter, you could be presented with an opportunity to join a friend on a night out but it could end up being a little wild – so make sure you know in advance what you are letting yourself in for!

Card of the Month — The High Priestess www.bahrainthismonth.com

advertisers index SAGITTARIUS November 22 – December 21 If you’re honest, things haven’t been right in a relationship just lately. The time may have arrived for some straight talking and positive action if you care about what you have and want to prevent a long-term partnership from descending into decline. The central issue seems to revolve around a living arrangement that just doesn’t meet your expectations any more and this is leading to a build-up of stresses and pressures that are forcing an overall deterioration of matters. It’s time for you to take control and make some firm decisions.

Card of the Month — The Ten of Swords

CAPRICORN December 22 – January 21 You may feel you have everything you need in your life right now. However, the truth is that something is scratching away at the back of your head, just beyond your reach, and suggesting that an unresolved action from your past will not go away until it has been properly dealt with. No matter how deep you bury them, some secrets just won’t stay hidden.

What you need to prepare yourself for are the consequences of something getting out because it could lead you to have to do some explaining. That’s fine if you know your facts, but time tends to blur the lines and that could be a problem.

Card of the Month — The Queen of Cups AQUARIUS January 22 – February 21 You’ve had a great deal of financial stress to deal with of late and the pressures have had a negative effect on your health. Fortunately, the chances are that you will now be moving away from the worst of it and you can keep out of future difficulties simply by applying a little more thought and planning to your actions. It doesn’t mean you can go on a spending spree, but if you are careful with your planning then it won’t be too long before your bank balance looks healthy enough to treat yourself and a loved one once again.

Card of the Month — The Sun

PISCES February 22 – March 20 A face from the past could enter your life again this month and, whilst you feel it might not be the most sensible option to take, you can’t help being curious about what they have been up to. There remains a small measure of affection towards someone who clearly left a mark on your life, but try and stay sensible with your approach. On another matter, try to get any low back pain looked at as the signs suggest you could be in for some suffering if you do not attend to the problem once it becomes apparent.

Card of the Month — The Queen of Wands

Fashion & Footwear Al Rashid Group (Lipsy) . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Home & Furnishing Phoenicia Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Emma Watson

Ewan McGregor

Keira Knightley

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Entertainment Plus (Caterpillar) . . . . 25 Farhat International Tours & Travel . 79 G4S Bahrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions (Gulf Interiors) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Hotels & Serviced Residences

Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions (Gulf Property Show) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Al Safir Hotel & Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Intercol:IAA (Sheaffer) . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

At Reef Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Joz Salon & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Atiram Hotels (Premier Hotel) . . 105,107

Juffair Fitness Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Le Meridien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Lulu Hypermarket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Park Regis Lotus Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Mega Mart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Ramee Grand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Nadeen School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Sofitel Hotels & Resorts . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Ninkasse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

The Diplomat Radisson BLU Hotel . . 57

Riffa Views International School . . . .29

The K Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Rotary Raft Race . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

The Westin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

St.Christopher’s School . . . . . . . . . . . 65 The British Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Jewellery & Watches

The British Preparatory School . . . . . 71

Liali Jewellery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC

The British School of Bahrain . . . . . . 78

Roberto Cavalli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

UNEECO Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Warren Macleod (Monski Mouse

Medical & Dental Services

Event) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

American Mission Hospital . . . . . . . . BC

Restaurants & Cafés

Middle East Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Bennigan’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Royal Bahrain Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Coral Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

University Medial Center King Abdullah

Cucina Italiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Medical City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Maki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Others

Talabat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC

Applied Science University . . . . . . . . 75

The Lanterns Restaurant . . . . . . . . . 109

San Carlo Cicchetti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

BTM retail sales outlets BAHRAIN THIS MONTH, your guide to a great way of life, is available at the following selected outlets:

● 24-Seven Minimart, all outlets

● Midway Supermarket, all outlets

● 24 Hours Market, all outlets

● Muntaza Supermarket, all outlets

● Al Hilal Bookshops, all outlets

● Other leading Cold Stores and News Stands

● Al Jazira Supermarket, all outlets ● Alosra Supermarket, all outlets ● Amwaj Islands Market, Amwaj ● Aseel Supermarket, all outlets

FAMOUS ARIES THIS MONTH

Berlitz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

● Babasons Market, all outlets ● Jawad Supermarket, all outlets ● Lulu Hypermarket, all outlets ● Mega Mart, all outlets ● Metro Markets, all outlets

All Gulf Daily News home subscribers receive a complimentary copy of BTM. You can also subscribe directly by visiting www.bahrainthismonth.com For subscription enquiries and back issues of BTM, call 17 813-777.

Photos Copies of most pictures depicted in this publication (and some which aren’t) are available from Red House Marketing, 17 813-777 or email: bystander@redhousemarketing.com.

April 2018 127

winwin Bahrain This Month gives readers an exclusive chance to win watches from A La Mode.

To win, all you have to do is correctly answer the questions.

Hint: You can find the answers in this issue of Bahrain This Month.

Who got it right?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Which chef will introduce her book at Words Bookstore Café? ______________________________________________ Where will Trib Fest take place? ______________________________________________ From which country are the whirling dervishes who will perform at The Art Centre? ______________________________________________ Where does the electronic act Disclosure come from? ______________________________________________

Bahrain This Month received 103 entries last month, all of which answered the questions correctly. Congratulations to everyone, particularly our three winners: Winner : Prishma Kumar Second Place : Lolita Fernandes Third Place : Kristina Rodrigues

Last month’s solutions:

Ad Seek:

2. David Vendetta

2. JFC

1. Likwid

3. Korea Sookmyung Gayageum Orchestra 4. George

A tribute to which popular artist will open the F1 weekend at Coda Jazz Lounge? ______________________________________________

5. SsangYong Rexton

Under Al Haddad Motors’ latest offers, what is the price of Mercedes-Benz AMG A 45? ______________________________________________

9. 2012

Nissan will debut in which season of the all-electric ABB FIA Formula E Championship? ______________________________________________ What is the Brazilian restaurant at Wyndham Garden Manama called? ______________________________________________ Where is San Carlo Cicchetti located? ______________________________________________ When is Wembley Sports Lounge celebrating St George’s Day?

1. Miam

3. Fatman Scoop 4. Avis

6. BD33,664 7. Baharat

8. Shamrocks and Shenanigans 10. Galleria Mall, Zinj Name:

Address: Telephone: Email: CPR: Entry deadline is every 15th of the month. The winner will be selected at random.

Please include your full name, CPR number, address and telephone number, and mail to: Win Win, Bahrain This Month, PO Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.

RIFFA Medical

Dental AD Seek

Family Medicine and Pediatrics ThisWomen’s is a fun game for all readers.

Each of these pictures is taken from advertisements in this issue of Bahrain This Month. All you have to Health do is identify the ad and mark your answer below each ad clipping. So test your observation skills, and you may be a winner!

Ophthalmology ENT Orthopedics Dental Radiology Pharmacy Laboratory Executive Clinic 2.

3.

4.

1.Wellness Clinic Physiotheraphy 128 April 2018 www.bahrainthismonth.com Hydrotherapy Osteopathy √

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Family Medicine Pediatrics Women’s Health Ophthalmology ENT Orthopedics Dental Radiology Pharmacy Laboratory Executive Clinic Wellness Clinic Physiotheraphy Hydrotherapy Osteopathy Pain Management Sports Medicine Dermatology Plastic Surgery

For more information

17 248 101 Ext. 4210 www.amh.org.bh

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