Bahrain This Month - December 2018

TRAVEL - ACTIVITIES - MOTORING

Since 1997

December 2018 ~ Vol. 22 ~ Issue 12 YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

HAPPENINGS

Christmas tree lightings National Day events New Year’s Eve parties

GIFT GUIDE

Great ideas for him and her

ANNUAL REVIEW

FESTIVE FARE

ALL THE HOLIDAY DINING

A look back over 2018 and towards the future

INTERVIEWS

K Hotel appoints the island’s youngest Bahraini GM

www.bahrainthismonth.com Arts

Culture

Clubs

Sports

Interviews

Lifestyle

Dining

Nightlife

Digital Edition

Asia Jewellers Festive Fundraising Fair Asia Jewellers Festive 9th - 10th December

Fundraising Fair from am 10 pm at Al Iwan, Sheraton Bahrain, 9th 10 - 10 thto December

Luxury designer jewellery and watches at discounted from For 10 am to 10information pm at Al Iwan,please Sheraton Bahrain, prices. more contact us on Luxury designer jewellery and watches at discounted 17535344 prices. For more information please contact us on 17535344 Portion of the proceeds will be donated to

Smile initiative to benefit children with cancer.

Portion of the proceeds will be donated to Smile of Bahrain to benefit children with cancer.

2018/‫ر‬.‫ع‬.‫ث‬.‫أج‬/‫ج‬/87

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH A GRAND CHRISTMAS BRUNCH

For reservations, please call (973) 1758 6499.

Indulge in a festive celebration of culinary delights highlighted by our chefs’ splendid creations - from live cooking stations, a large seafood and prime rib corner to a delectable spread of heavenly desserts. The grand occasion is elevated with live music, festive activities, and a special visit from Santa Claus.

December 25, 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm Grand Foyer BHD 45, per adult, includes selected beverages BHD 25, per child ages 4-12, includes soft beverages

Bldg 112, King Mohammed VI Ave, Block 428, Al Seef District, Manama, Bahrain 973 1758 0000

Advance reservations recommended. All prices are subject to 10% service charge and 10% government levy. Š 2018 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

THE TEAM Publisher and Chairman

Bahrain This Month December 2018

George F. Middleton Editorial Director Liz O’Reilly Contributors Behnaz Sanjana, Dick Potter, Bill Grieve, Adnan Sipra Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Kailas Wadke, Hatem Monem Photography Editor

Welcome to the December issue in which we celebrate all things festive.

From Christmas tree lightings to New Year’s Eve parties, you’ll find an extensive round-up in the Happenings section where there are also details of a full programme of events from Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. Of course, December means it is also National Day, when we all proudly join in with events across the island. There’s a new festival to mark the occasion and there will be plenty more events announced as the date draws closer. Keep an eye on our regularly updated calendar at www.bahrainthismonth.com for details as we receive them.

In keeping with the season, our big feature this month highlights Festive Fare around the island. If you’re wondering where to spend Christmas Day or just fancy a mince pie and a class of something mulled, we’ve got your covered. As always, at this time of year, we’ve also come up with a selection of gifts to help you with that all-important Christmas shopping.

This month’s interview section features Dr Dhafer Alumran, who has been a stalwart of public service for 45 years. As he heads into retirement, he tells us what he’s learned along the way. At the other end of the scale, the country’s youngest Bahraini hotel general manager, Hussain Al Samahaji, is just starting out, he shares the secret of his success. And wedding supremo Dr Ali Hassan Follad talks about putting Bahrain on the map.

You’ll notice some changes in the magazine this month. After extensive research, we decided to take our marketplace section online. A large percentage of the regular dining section is also now available on line. The move allows us to share additional information, without the obvious restrictions applicable in print. For example, a visit to www.bahrainthismonth.com will reveal very extensive details of festive listings from hotels and restaurants, which will be updated as the month progresses.

You’ll also find some new sections, such as Discover Bahrain, which links to a series of videos highlighting some of the island’s most iconic venues, and activities, in which we’ll be offering monthly tips on things to do around the Kingdom.

I’d love to hear what you think to the new look, but, rest assured, Bahrain This Month remains ‘Your guide to a great way of life’.

Muna Yousef Staff Photographers Subeesh Kumar N S, Ranjith Mohan Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa, Roanna Fernandes Corporate Affairs Director Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Group (Hilal Direct Services)

The only Lifestyle Magazine distributed with the GDN

Media Sales RANDA GHAZI HOWAIS randa@redhousemarketing.com DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director Lini Reghunath Content Editors Adnan Sipra Video Producer Dario Godic Art & Animation Director Hatem Monem 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 2005-2018 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

COVER Cover Picture:

Festive Fare

Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error

TRAVEL - ACTIVITIES - MOTORING

or omission.

•

Since 1997

Views expressed in this magazine by journalists

December 2018 ~ Vol. 22 ~ Issue 12 YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman

and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of HAPPENINGS

Bahrain This Month.

Christmas tree lightings National Day events New Year’s Eve parties

Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001

GIFT GUIDE

ISBN 1 899 348 09 3

Great ideas for him and her

1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24

ANNUAL REVIEW

FESTIVE FARE

ALL THE HOLIDAY DINING

Gulf and international subscriptions available on request.

A look back over 2018 and towards the future

INTERVIEWS

K Hotel appoints the island’s youngest Bahraini GM

www.bahrainthismonth.com Arts

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Culture

Clubs

Sports

Interviews

Lifestyle

Dining

Scan this QR Code to subscribe to the digital edition of the magazine.

Digital Edition

Nightlife

December 2018 5

For the night of December 31

The main event will feature a DJ and light show as well as dancers performing four sets including French can-can and Brazilian beats

Dinner at TRADER VIC’S starting at 8 pm BD45++ One welcome drink with amuse bouche White or red grape included during dinner Pipoul de Pinet Mas Puech (French White), Nero D'Avola Corte Ferro (Italian Red) Starter and dessert from the set menu or a la carte Main course from set menu or a la carte except Lobster One glass of sparkling and mignardises MAI TAI starting at 10 pm BD25 ++ Canapes / mignardises Drinks packages available including Mai Tai cocktails, ales, grapes and spirits January 1 BUFFET BD39 NET

Including a range of selected Chilean red and white grapes

For reservations call: 17 586-555 Email: reservations@tradervics.com.bh

Issue 256

Contents December 2018 HAPPENINGS

Bahrain This Month reviews events happening around town during the month of December 2018:

24-25 Christmas Is Here!

The lighting of Christmas trees around the island marks the start of the festive season.

26 Pearl Exhibition

24

The opening of the second centre of ‘Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy’.

28 Balkan Night

Serbian Tijana Dapcevic gives a ravishing vocal performance at the LNT Gastropub.

30 Jewellery Showcase

‘Design Crossroads: The Jewellery of Saudi Arabia,’ showcases an exquisite selection of jewellery from Riyadh.

32 National Day Celebration

Hala December Bahrain is the first of its kind exhibition in honour of National Day.

34 Race To The Finish

30

34

Bahrain is geared up for the Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship this month.

36 Japanese Music Concert

Performances showcasing an intriguing and unique genre of Japanese folk music.

38-39 New Year’s Celebrations

A list of parties on the island to help you ring in your 2019 with fun.

Visit www.bahrainthismonth.com for a comprehensive list of daily events.

38

46

46-47

INTERVIEWS A Career in Public Service

HE Dr Dhafer Alumran shares thoughts and wisdom after 45 years in the service of his country.

48

Putting Bahrain on the Map

Dr Ali Hassan Follad, shares his views on promoting the island as a wedding destination.

50

Top of the Ladder

The K Hotel appoints the country’s youngest Bahraini GM.

72

76 Bystander Our photographers have been out and about at the National Days of Germany, Oman and Algeria. They also attended the Poppy Ball, lots of Diwali parties, Jewellery Arabia and Bahrain International Airshow. Nightlife too is on our pages along with charity events and new venture openings.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

52

Speaking the Language of Food

Hesham AlSaati of Talabat on what it’s like to steer the company.

ANNUAL REVIEW

56-58

Bahrain 2018: A Look at Business and the Economy

Commerce

60-62 Business Bites

December 2018 7

FEEL MERRY THIS CHRISTMAS It’s time to spread Christmas cheer.

As dusk falls, revel in the flavorsome feasts that Christmas Eve presents.

Christmas Day is brimming with magical ambiances and traditional fare, designed to share. Our gift cards invite your loved ones to explore indulgent Four Seasons experiences. Younger guests will adore inspiring activities and visits from Santa Claus.

Reserve your festive experience

(973) 1711 5000 fourseasons.com/bahrain

Issue 256

Contents December 2018 MOTORING

69

My Life in Cars

Dick Potter shares his passion for motors.

70-72

Motoring Bites

BTM brings you the latest news from the motoring world.

78

FEATURE

76-77

Festive Shopping

Enjoy the season of giving with fantastic gift ideas for Christmas pressies.

78-80

Festive Fare

BTM brings you the best festive dining options available across the Kingdom.

DINING

84-90

Table Hopping

Dining gossip and deals from around the island.

91

84

108

Hidden Gems in Bahrain

Technology

Gadgets: The newest gizmos in town 94 Computer Games: The hot games of the month 95 Websites: The coolest sites on the web 96 Apps: Essential apps 92-93

Entertainment

102 Music: Top tunes New on TV: Shows to download 104 New in Hollywood: Film releases 103

LIFESTYLE

What’s New: Must-have products.

108 Discover Bahrain: Island destinations 110-111 Travel: New York 112 Activities: Out and about 117 AD Index 118 WIN WIN 107

110 93

112 102

Connect with Bahrain This Month:

104 www.bahrainthismonth.com

107

Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

www.facebook.com/bahrainthismonth www.twitter.com/BHThisMonth www.instagram/bahrainthismonth www.YouTube.com/bahrainthismonth

December 2018 9

bystander

Bahrain International Airshow

The fifth Bahrain International Airshow was held at Sakhir Air Base

To view more images, scan the QR code

To view more images, scan the QR code

Women In Aviation Conference 2018

Woman This Month together with the Bahrain International Airshow held a conference aimed at empowering, encouraging & promoting women in the aviation and aerospace sectors at Sakhir Air Base

10 December 2018

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander Bahrain International Airshow

Women In Aviation Meet Up

These Aviation ladies had a pre-conference informal meet up at Ramee Grand Hotel 12 December 2018

www.bahrainthismonth.com

1 in 5 people face some form of mental health challenge.

Don’t face it alone, seek help & talk about it.

We will support you to help you live a better life.

17812000 bsh.com.bh

bystander

Jewellery Arabia Opening 2018 Jewellery Arabia 2018 was officially inaugurated under the patronage of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

BOVET Exhibit

Marina B Debut

Buccellati Press conference 14 December 2018

To view more images, scan the QR code

Panerai Press conference

To view more images, scan the QR code

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Day of German Unity

The German Embassy hosted the 28th Anniversary of the Day of German Unity at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel

16 December 2018

To view more images, scan the QR code

www.bahrainthismonth.com

WITH

bystander

Oman’s 48th National Day HE Abdullah bin Rashid Al Medelwi held a reception on the occasion of the 48th National Day of Oman at the Diplomat Hotel

To view more images, scan the QR code

Algerian Reception

HE Kadri Al Sayeh - the Ambassador of Algeria to Bahrain - held a reception at the Diplomat Hotel on the occassion of the Algerian National Day

18 December 2018

To view more images, scan the QR code

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Enjoy 25%

FRENCH MANUFACTURER FRENCH MANUFACTURER

Enjoy 25% off at the Gautier showroom in Bahrain

Seef District, facing Ritz Carlton - MANAMA Tel. 17564444 - www.gautier-furniture.com

115 STORES WORLDWIDE

PARIS

DUBAI

LONDON

TORONTO

SINGAPORE

MOSCOW

CASABLANCA

bystander

Poppy Ball

Bahrain British Business Forum, in cooperation with the British Business Association from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, commemorated Remembrance Day and the end of World War I with the celebration of the Poppy Ball which was honoured by the presence of the Chelesa Pensioners

20 December 2018

To view more images, scan the QR code

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Navy Ship Reception

The Italian Embassy hosted a reception onboard the Italian Navy ship, Federico Martinengo

To view more images, scan the QR code

La Pergola by Perbellini

The “Artisan Cook� welcomed the brand new La Pergola by Perbellini - the only Italian Restaurant in Bahrain flagged by a Michelin-starred Chef

Italian Products Inauguration ceremony

The inauguration of a week of Italian products at LuLu Hypermarkets was held in Hidd 22 December 2018

To view more images, scan the QR code

To view more images, scan the QR code

www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings

R E B M DECE 18 20 S G N I N E P P HA

Carol singing, sumptuous seasonal treats, mulled grape, festive lights and a vibrant atmosphere joyously come together to create the magical moments of this annual ritual – the lighting of the Christmas tree! Here’s a list of celebrations taking place across the island, which are open for the public to enjoy.

CHRISTMAS IS HERE DECEMBER 1- 8

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

THE GROVE HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE, AMWAJ. Nothing says Christmas time like a Christmas tree, the twinkling of lights and a room full of joy and laughter as the Grove carollers fill the air at the lobby of the hotel. Enjoy complimentary festive offerings during the celebrations, which start at 6.30pm on December 1.

Call 16 030-303.

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN

Various

season. Delectable Christmas cookies, canapés and drinks will make the rounds during the event. Entrance is free for all.

Call 16 000-111.

ROYAL GOLF CLUB The whole family is invited to join the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Royal Golf Club on December 1 from 5pm to 7pm. Sing along with the Barber Shop Sextet and the students of the British School of Bahrain as they belt out some of our favourite carols of old.

Enjoy mulled grape and mince pies plus a visit from Santa and gingerbread man decorating for the kids. Entrance to the event is free.

Call 17 750-777.

JUMEIRAH ROYAL SARAY BAHRAIN Start off the festive season with an enchanting Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Jumeirah Royal Saray. Santa Claus will make a special appearance with goodies for the little ones on December 2 from 6pm onwards.

Call 77 707-070.

Get into the holiday spirit and start the season with the lighting of the Christmas tree and festive tunnel of lights at The Ritz-Carlton. Surround yourself with family and friends and let the season embrace you with carol classics sung by the choir from 6pm onwards on December 1 at the hotel garden.

Call 17 580-000.

ART ROTANA, AMWAJ Join Santa and the gang at Choices Terrace as their spectacular tree lighting ceremony runs from 5pm to 6.30pm on December 1. There will be gifts for the little ones while the choir performs the most festive songs and carols of the 24 December 2018

DOWNTOWN ROTANA On December 3, the festive season kicks off at the City Lobby Lounge with rumours of Father Christmas flying around. He’s sure to drop by with treats and presents for the little ones, to make this lighting ceremony even more special. There will be Christmas delicacies and beverages during the event, which promises to be a memorable evening for the whole family!

Call 13 119-999.

ELITE SEEF RESIDENCE & HOTEL Welcome the Yuletide season on December 4, at Al Waha’s pool area, www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings first floor of Elite Seef Residence and Hotel.

Meet and greet your favourite Disney characters at the event which starts at 6.30pm. Don’t forget your special gift from Santa Claus.

Entrance is free and open to everyone.

Call 17 583-388.

THE GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION & SPA

BAYTI RESTAURANT Bring your family and friends over to the Oasis Mall Juffair, to celebrate the restaurant’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony from 6pm to 8pm on December 8.

Call 17 412-268.

THE DIPLOMAT RADISSON BLU HOTEL, RESIDENCE & SPA

RAMEE GRAND HOTEL & SPA

Head over to The Diplomat for an unforgettable start to the festive season with the lighting of the Christmas tree on December 8 from 4pm to 7pm.

Call 17 531-666.

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA

The staff at The Gulf Hotel invite the whole family to mark the turning on of their Christmas tree lights! Santa and the in-house Gulf Hotel carol group are waiting to entertain you on December 6 at 6pm in the lobby area.

Call 17 713-000.

ELITE GRANDE HOTEL Santa Claus and Disney characters await your company at this Christmas tree lighting celebration on December 6. The event starts at 6.30pm in the Grande Lobby. Gather your friends and families and receive a special gift from Santa Claus. Entrance is free.

Call 17 565-888.

GOLDEN TULIP HOTEL Join in the celebrations at the Ramee Grand’s Christmas tree lighting as the carollers of the British School of Bahrain choir serenade you with some festive tunes. Santa Claus will also be handing out gifts to children. The event runs from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on December 5.

Call 17 111-999.

CUCINA RESTAURANT Savour some hot chocolate and Christmas treats at this tree lighting ceremony on December 6, filled with carol singing from 6pm to 8pm.

Call 17 001-317.

CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN Enjoy and sing along with the choir as a surprise visit from Santa and his elves delights the little ones at this lighting ceremony. The annual tradition takes place in the main lobby of the Crowne Plaza on December 6 from 7pm onwards.

Call 17 531-122. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Share in the Christmas cheer at the Golden Tulip as the staff prepare to host and entertain you with treats and carol singing in the hotel’s lobby on December 6. The celebrations run from 5pm to 8pm.

Call 17 535-000.

BENNIGAN’S RESTAURANT, AMWAJ Enjoy this Christmas tree lighting ceremony filled with hot chocolate, Christmas treats and some carolling to fill the air. The event takes place on December 7 from 6pm to 8pm.

Call 16 030-104.

MERCURE GRAND HOTEL SEEF Start off the festive season with the splendid Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Mercure Grand Hotel Seef. Elves will be hard at work decorating the hotel with colourful baubles, mistletoe and presents. Create special memories with your family in the most festive ambience at Mercure on December 7, from 5.30pm.

Call 17 584-400.

The spirit of Christmas comes to life at Sofitel’s Saraya restaurant on December 8 with the Magnifique Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Join in with jolly melodies and delicious festive treats, as the sounds of traditional Christmas carols from the hotel choir fill the air. Special arrangements are in place for an exclusive meet and greet with everybody’s favourite sleigh rider, Santa Claus! The event starts at 5pm.

Call 17 636-363.

December 2018 25

happenings

PEARL EXHIBITION When? Until January 10 Event? 5,000 years of Pearls from Bahrain Venue? Pearling Path Visitors Centre – Muharraq Visit culture.gov.bh When? December 1 Event? Kenwood Kitchen Star Venue? Ramli Mall Visit kenwoodcontest.com When? December 1 Event? Majaz Live Venue? Bait Al Salmaniya Visit baitalsalmaniya.com When? December 1 Event? Christmas Fayre Venue? British Club

UNTIL JANUARY 10

EXHIBITION

Pearling Path Visitors Centre, Muharraq

The Bahrain exhibition celebrates the opening of the second visitors’ centre of ‘Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy’ in the heart of Muharraq. The exhibition showcases an exceptional selection of pearl jewellery from the collections of the National Museum of Bahrain, Mattar Jewelers and Cartier. The event runs from 8am to 8pm and entrance is free.

Visit culture.gov.bh.

KENWOOD KITCHEN STAR DECEMBER 1

COMPETITION

Ramli Mall

BACK IN THE ACT! DECEMBER 1

CONCERT

Bait Al Salmaniya

Go shopping at this annual Christmas fair boasting stalls filled with lots of homemade goods, decorations and mouth-watering treats. Entry for non-members is 500 fils.

Call 17 728-245.

When? December 1 & 22 Event? Musical concert Venue? Dar Al-Riffa Visit culture.gov.bh When? December 1-24 Event? Gingerbread House Decorating Venue? The Westin City Centre Bahrain

Enrol your children for gingerbread house decorating class every Saturday from 5pm to 7pm at Furn Bakery priced at for BHD14++ per child, including a gingerbread house. Opt for a ginger house bread kit to decorate at home for just BHD12++ per kit.

Call 17 171-441.

When? December 2 Event? Balkan Night 5.0 Venue? LNT Gastropub Call 17 246-777.

When? December 3-5 Event? Loans Expo Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre

Meet with retails banks to find out your eligibility and options various types of loans.

Here’s one for all those budding chefs! Head to Ramli Mall at 4pm on Saturday and watch the competitors go head to head in The Kenwood Kitchen Star cooking competition.

Individuals in teams of three will be competing for the title of Kenwood Kitchen Star and prizes of Kenwood appliances and Yaquby Stores gift vouchers.

Visit kenwoodcontest.com

Local fusion-band MAJAZ return with their live performance on the island for a while, promising songs going back to tribal roots. Their performance will be at Bait Al Salmaniya, a new and upcoming creative community space. The event starts at 7.30pm.

Visit baitalsalmaniya.com.

CULTURAL SHOW DECEMBER 1 & 22

CONCERT

Dar Al Riffa

The newly inaugurated Dar Al-Riffa hosts a series of concerts, accentuating the rich tapestry of Bahraini folk music. Dar Al-Riffa is a conservation and rehabilitation of the original structure within the old neighbourhood and includes a contemporary extension to accommodate larger performances and residency spaces. Admission to the event is free of charge.

Visit culture.gov.bh

Visit LoansExpoBH.com

26 December 2018

www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings When? December 4 Event? The Sound & Light Show Venue? Qal’at Al Bahrain Call 17 786-484 or 39 127-899.

When? December 4 Event? International Day of Persons with Disabilities Venue? Bahrain Financial Harbour Call 66 389-111 / 39 807-539.

BALKAN NIGHT DECEMBER 2

LIVE PERFORMANCE

LNT Gatropub

All the way from Serbia comes the one and only Tijana Dapcevic with a ravishing vocal performance at the LNT Gastropub. The Macedonian recording artist will be the highlight of the Balkan Night 5.0, which will also feature DJ Nena and DJ Gargykg.

Call 17 246-777.

When? December 4-6 Event? Workshop Venue? Art Centre

The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) is organising a sub-regional workshop on the ‘Traditional Skills Development Amongst Women.’

Visit culture.gov.bh

When? December 4-April 3, 2019 Event? Design Crossroads: The Jewellery of Saudi Arabia Venue? Bahrain National Museum Visit culture.gov.bh

JEWELLERY SHOWCASE DECEMBER 4-APRIL 3

EXHIBITION

‘Design Crossroads: The Jewellery of Saudi Arabia,’ showcases an exquisite selection of jewellery from the collections of the ‘Art of Heritage’ in Riyadh. The displays reveal the diversity of colours, patterns and forms and the myriad influences that animate local designs in Saudi Arabia. Admission is included in the museum entrance fee. The exhibition runs from 8am to 8pm daily.

Visit culture.gov.bh

When? December 5 Event? Festive Bazaar Venue? Dilmun Club

Shop for some handmade items and festive buys at this bazaar and enjoy a complimentary glass of grape. The event runs from 7pm to 9pm.

Call 17 690-926.

When? December 5-25 Event? Gingerbread Workshop Venue? The Grove Hotel & Conference Centre Call 16 030-303.

When? December 6 Event? Lecture Venue? Bab Al Bahrain

A lecture on the ‘Histories of Manama: City of Pearls and Oil’ by Dr Nelida Fuccaro. The event is free and starts at 6.30pm.

Bahrain National Museum

BLAST FROM THE PAST DECEMBER 4

THE SOUND & LIGHT SHOW

ARTISTIC ENDEAVOUR Qal’at Al Bahrain

INTERNATIONAL DECEMBER DAY OF PERSONS 4 WITH DISABILITIES

Bahrain Financial Harbour

Visit culture.gov.bh

When? December 6 Event? Mambo Brothers Venue? Club Eleven Call 66 705-584 33 282-727.

When? December 6-8 Event? Hala December Bahrain Venue? The Grove Hotel Call 36 924-249.

When? December 6-8 Event? Laser & Cosmetics Dentistry Conference Venue? Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel

A dental congress featuring an exhibition, international speakers and workshops. Entrance is free and the event is from 9am to 5pm.

Call 37 772-247.

28 December 2018

Prepare to be dazzled by an interactive audio–visual experience at the famous Qal’at Al Bahrain that will take the audience through a retrospective journey. The show will run every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday with an English version at 6pm and an Arabic version at 7pm. Tickets are priced at BD3 and BD1 for children and young adults between six and 18 years. Tickets can be collected at the fort gate between 5pm and 6pm.

Call 17 786-484 or 39 127-899.

Calling all artists to help create a 46-panel (larger than 35 metres) artwork in celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event which is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Duaij Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, brings together 20 volunteer local and international artists and more than 100 differently abled students. The event is a collaborative community effort between RIA Centre and BHR4ALL and takes place between 9.30am and 11.30am.

Volunteers of all abilities welcome to this inclusive event.

Call 66 389-111 / 39 807-539. www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings When? December 6-27 Event? Five PM at Bab Venue? Bab Al-Bahrain

The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities hosts weekly cultural activities in the heart of Bab Al-Bahrain every Thursday at 5pm. Free of charge.

BARGAINS GALORE DECEMBER 6-8

ASHRAF’S BIG SALE

Credit cards at the ready for one of the most hotly anticipated events of the shopping year. No homemade, festive niceties here; this one is about serious high-end bargains. Ashraf BGDC is the Kingdom’s distributor for various major perfumes, cosmetics, electronic goods and fashions, and it stages twice-yearly sales, touted as the Biggest Bazaar Bonanza, with up to 90 per cent off existing stock. Timings are noon-9pm on December 6 and 10am-9pm other days. Beware, parking can be somewhat challenging, but it’s worth it for big bargains, especially if you’re still Christmas shopping.

Call 17 112-727.

Visit culture.gov.bh

When? December 7 Event? Slow Food Event Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art Call 17 230-123.

When? December 7 Event? Ismaeel Dawas Band Venue? Tree of Life

Open-air folk concert by the Ismaeel Dawas Band set against the backdrop of the tree of life.

The event starts at 8pm.

Visit culture.gov.bh

When? December 7 Event? Christmas with The Manama Singers Venue? Dilmun Club Call 17 690-926.

When? December 7 Event? Winter Carnival Venue? LaMara Preschool

Enjoy pony rides, bouncing castle, face painting, shopping, food, drinks and games at this carnival.

Entry is BD1 for adults and 500 fils for kids. Event runs from 10am to 5pm.

Call 17 006-162 / 32 300202.

When? December 7 Event? White Beach Party Venue? Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Call 32 223-323.

Bahrain International Exhibition Centre

GINGER ALL THE WAY! DECEMBER 5-25

GINGERBREAD WORKSHOP

The Grove Hotel & Conference Centre

Kids and kids-at-heart are invited to work alongside The Grove’s master baker in this one-of-a-kind workshop where you’ll collaborate with your family to build a personalised gingerbread house fit for the North Pole.

The workshop is priced at BD16++ per child, and includes a Christmas present. Attendees are required to register two days in advance of the event, which runs from 2pm to 5pm and takes place at G on G Café.

Call 16 030-303

KOREAN FLICKS DECEMBER 5-26

KOREA WEEK

ELECTRIC BROTHERS Seef Mall

DECEMBER 6

MAMBO BROTHERS

Club Eleven

When? December 7 Event? Winter Vibes Venue? The Indian Club, Bahrain

Mega music and dance event with a live orchestra in Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi from 6pm to 9.30pm. Entrance is free.

Visit kalaalaya.net

When? December 7 Event? Christmas Fayre Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club Call 17 695-809.

When? December 7-8 Event? Winter Popup market Venue? El Mercado Mall

Explore the winter edition of Bahrain Popup Market and choose a Christmas gift from dozens of stalls selling homemade goods, crafts, clothing, food and more.

Call 37 119-590.

30 December 2018

The Korean Embassy in Bahrain hosts its 4th edition of the Korean Film Festival, ‘2018 Korea Movie Weeks’. The films will be screened in theatre 13 at Seef 1 Cineco Complex, Seef Mall at 7pm. The four movies screened across the four weeks respectively are As One, Along with the Gods 1, Midnight Runners and My Brilliant Life.

The festival is open to the public and seating is on a firstcome-first-served basis. Free meals will be served to audiences attending the first two screenings.

Call 17 258-900.

A scene not to miss this month is a night out with the Mambo Brothers at Club Eleven’s Café Mambo Ibiza Middle East Tour 2018 party. Christian and Alan Anadon, who were born in raised in Ibiza, will be bringing some of their electronic party spirit to Bahrain’s shores. The night also features DJ Cossta, DJ Nacim and DJ Ramy on the decks.

Tickets are BD10 and entry is free for airline crew. VIP tables by special request. Dress to impress. Doors open at 8pm.

Call 66 705-584 / 33 282-727. www.bahrainthismonth.com

ENJOY THE FESTIVE OFFER ONLY AT WYNDHAM GARDEN MANAMA CHRISTMAS SPECIALS

24

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER BD 12 Net

25

CHRISTMAS DAY BUFFET LUNCH BD 25 Net

DECEMBER 2018

MONDAY DECEMBER 2018

TUESDAY

TRATTORIA Enjoy the 3 course festive meal, including 2 drinks per person.

CAFÉ MOSAIC & TERRASSE@28 Enjoy the grand spread of special Christmas buffet.

Includes selected house beverages.

NEW YEAR SPECIALS

31

DECEMBER 2018

MONDAY

1

JANUARY 2019

TUESDAY

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER BD 25 Net CAFE MOSAIC | TERRASSE@28 | VIA BRASIL Ring in the New Year and enjoy the buffet offer featuring live cooking stations, succulent roasts, Brazilian cuisines, mains and a luscious dessert station. Includes selected house beverages.

NEW YEAR’S DAY LUNCH BD 14 Net

CAFE MOSAIC | TERRASSE@28 Start the new year with special buffet selection to give the year a great start.

Book your table now, call +973 6631 6666

TURKEY TO GO LET US COOK FOR YOU! Take a break from your kitchen this holiday season and order our delicious turkey with trimmings.

Available from December 10 to 30, 2018 Bread stuffing with rosemary, celery, raisins turkey bacon and chopped parsley Brown gravy Cranberry compote Typical Vegetable: Brussel sprouts, roast pumpkin, carrots, broccoli, green peas mash, roast potato with thyme 50% advance payment is required Available for pick-up only Minimum 48 hours required for all orders

Book now, call +973 6631 6666 Building 65, Road 4003, Block 340, Juffair P.O. Box 13220 | Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain info@wyndhamgardenmanama.com wyndhamgardenmanama.com

BHD

40 net 6kgs

happenings When? December 7-8 Event? Porsche BWT GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East Round 2 Venue? Bahrain International Circuit

The event hosted by Walter Lechner Racing takes place at 9am on December 7 and 6pm on December 8.

Visit bahaingp.com

When? December 8 Event? Ironman ME Championships Venue? Throughout Bahrain Call Visit eu.ironman.com.

When? December 8 Event? Gingerbread Housemaking event Venue? Movenpick Call 17 460-000.

When? December 8 Event? The Vocalist Venue? Voxshop Bahrain

The Voxshop Bahrain presents ‘The Vocalist,’ a singing competition in search of Bahrain’s finest singing talents.

Call 36 915-563.

When? December 8 Event? Christmas Market with Santa’s Grotto Venue? Al Azizia Birds Kingdom, Amwaj Call 16 030-597.

When? December 8 Event? Social Media Masters Forum 2018 Venue? InterContinental Regency Bahrain Here’s a forum for all those looking to learn about more the social media and digital platforms. The event is from 9am to 4pm.

Call 36 145-666.

When? December 8 Event? Christmas lunch Venue? Lanterns, Amwaj Visit justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/roh2 When? December 8 & 29 Event? Fjiri Folk Songs Venue? Dar Al Muharraq

Enjoy live Bahraini musical performances of the Fjiri tradition.

The event starts at 8pm.

Visit culture.gov.bh

When? December 9 Event? Sunday Sessions with Sandi Thom Venue? Calexico Call 17 666-644.

32 December 2018

NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION DECEMBER 6-8

HALA DECEMBER BAHRAIN

The Grove Hotel

A new event that inaugurates this month is Hala December Bahrain. The celebration is the first of its kind exhibition in honour of National Day. The event will feature a number of kiosks and exhibition stands at The Grove hotel’s ballroom, food trucks and a variety of entertainment including a fashion show. There will also be a vintage cars and motorbike show in the grounds opposite the hotel. Entrance for the event is free and open to the public.

Call 36 924-249.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT DECEMBER 7

SLOW FOOD EVENT

La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art

After last month’s success of its Slow Food event, La Fontaine will have monthly Mizan Bahrain/Slow Food events to bring awareness about preserving and protecting biodiversity and the local food traditions, Slow Food’s most important goal.

Did you know that in the last 70 years, three quarters of the agrobiodiversity that was carefully nurtured by farmers over the previous 100,000 years worldwide has been destroyed? Bahrain is a member of the Slow Food organisation, which promotes good, clean and fair food for all.

The event will be held from 2pm to 9pm. Entrance ticket is BD5 for adults (which can be used as credit at the bar), children under 10 years are free.

There will also be a visiting Tango dancer and Slow Food follower from Argentina, Gladys Fernandez, who will be giving a tango class at 6pm for BD10. Reservation and payment is required in advance.

Guests can also enjoy a fixed fusion menu for BD16+.

Call 17 230-123.

GOODIES GALORE DECEMBER 7

CHRISTMAS FAYRE

HAVE A SINGING CHRISTMAS DECEMBER CHRISTMAS 7 CAROL DINNER

Bahrain Rugby Football Club

A wide range of seasonal goodies and handmade items will be on display and up for sale this month at this annual Christmas fair.

Liven your spirits with some singing from a Christmas choir and join in the festivities by registering for a stall or joining in as part of the crowd. The cost for a trestle table is BD5 for members and BD10 for non-members. Payments must be made by December 3.

Call 17 695-809.

Dilmun Club

Christmas can’t get any better than this! Feast on a sumptuous four-course dinner at the Dilmun Club while swaying to your favourite Christmas carols sung by the Manama Singers. The event starts at 7.30pm and is priced at BD14 for members and BD16 for guests.

Call 17 690-926.

PARTY IN WHITE DECEMBER WHITE 7 BEACH PARTY

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

Party on the white sandy shores of the Four Seasons Hotel with Diego Miranda from Portugal at an all-white beach event from 2pm to 11pm. The season’s closing is hosted by resident DJ Evo and supported by DJ Cossta and Andy Colins throughout the night.

Ladies entrance fee is BD10 and gents pay BD15 per person pre-sale and BD20 at the door.

Call 32 223-323. www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings When? December 9 Event? Hisham Zubari Solo Exhibition Venue? Art Centre

Hisham Zubari’s latest solo exhibition inaugurates at 7pm. It is free of charge and is open daily from 8am to 8pm.

Visit culture.gov.bh

When? December 9 Event? Japanese traditional folk song Venue? Cultural Hall Visit culture.gov.bh When? December 11 Event? Movie Night Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art Call 17 230-123.

RACE TO THE FINISH DECEMBER 8

IRONMAN ME CHAMPIONSHIPS

The sporting community is geared up for the next Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship this month. The annual event, now in its fourth year, is a celebration of triathlon and Middle Eastern culture over a weekend that will keep you engaged with family-friendly side events.

Don’t miss out on the exciting opening and closing ceremonies.

Call Visit eu.ironman.com.

FESTIVE TREATS DECEMBER 8

GINGERBREAD HOUSE-MAKING EVENT

The inauguration of the public art piece of flying birds created

by Khalil AlHashimi starts at 7pm.

Visit culture.gov.bh

The art exhibition celebrates the centurial establishment of Al Hidaya Al Khalifiya School.

The exhibition inaugurates at 7pm and is open daily from 8am to 8pm.

Mövenpick

Gingerbread house-making at the Movenpick has become an iconic and much-anticipated annual event. Families and their little ones will enjoy making this classic holiday decoration, building a festive little candy cottage that can then be eaten away.

Gingerbread houses and décor tools and goodies will be provided by the hotel. Kids simply need to put on their creative hats and festive spirit, while adults enjoy their own sweet counter and Christmas beverages. The activity is priced at BD12 net.

Call 17 460-000.

When? December 11 Event? Flying Birds Venue? Bahrain National Museum

When? December 12-26 Event? 100 Years, 14 Portraits Venue? Al Hidaya Al Khalifiya School

Throughout Bahrain

MARKET FUN

FULL OF HOPE

DECEMBER CHRISTMAS Al Azizia Birds 8 MARKET Kingdom, Amwaj

DECEMBER 8

CHRISTMAS LUNCH

Lanterns, Amwaj

Visit culture.gov.bh

When? December 14 Event? ICRF Spectra & Tribute to Bahrain India Heritage Festival Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre

Enjoy Indian music, dance and cuisines at this tribute to the Bahrain - Indian Heritage Festival, the biggest art carnival in Bahrain. The event is from 7.30am to 10pm.

Call 39 290-346.

When? December 14 Event? Petanque Contest Venue? Nurana island

Registrations start at 9am for this contest, which begins at 10am.

The day features morning selections, a lunch picnic, afternoon finales, prices and apero, finishing off with an evening barbeque.

Call 37 774-911.

34 December 2018

The festive market returns at this Birds Kingdom in Amwaj, with plenty of fun items on sale from local businesses. The highlight will be a visit to Santa’s grotto for the kids. The day promises fun for all the family from 1pm to 5pm.

Call 16 030-597.

Rays of Hope Bahrain hosts a Christmas lunch at Lanterns, Amwaj, for kids in need. The event is open to the public and proceeds from the lunch will help to fund standing frames for the kids, which will help them prevent injuries in the future. The lunch costs BD20 for a festive five-course meal.

Visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/roh2

JEWELS FOR A CAUSE DECEMBER 9-10

FESTIVE FUNDRASING FAIR

Sheraton Bahrain Hotel

Asia Jewellers is hosting its first ever charitable Festive Fundraising Fair where a wide selection from more than 20 luxury jewellery and watch brands will be available at generously discounted prices, just in time for the season’s shopping.

Taking place from 10am until 10pm, shoppers have the opportunity to buy designer jewellery and timepieces for their loved ones and at the same time feel good that their purchases contribute to a great cause, with the ultimate beneficiaries being the children of the Smile of Bahrain initiative, supporting children with cancer.

Discounted items include precious diamond and gold rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants and bracelets, as well as famous watch brands, for both ladies and gentlemen.

Visit www.asiajewellers.com www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings When? December 15 Event? The Bahrain National Museum: A 30th Anniversary Retrospective Venue? Bahrain National Museum

JAPANESE MUSIC CONCERT DECEMBER 9

JAPANESE TRADITIONAL FOLK SONG

An exhibition tracing the trajectory of the Bahrain National Museum as it reaches its threedecade milestone. Admission is included in the museum entrance fee. The exhibition inaugurates at 6pm and runs daily from 8am to 8pm.

Explore the themes of love, loss and a nostalgic pining for home through the Japanese ‘enka’ and ‘minyo’ concert, an intriguing and unique genre of Japanese folk music. The performances are led by famous Japanese singer Akari Mochizuki, alongside musician Hibiki Ichikawa who will be playing a traditional three-stringed instrument from Japan called Tsugaru Shamisen. This event is in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in the Kingdom of Bahrain and supported by Y. K. AlMoayyad & Sons. The concert starts at 8pm and is free of charge.

Visit culture.gov.bh.

Visit culture.gov.bh

When? December 15 Event? Bahrain Grand National Dragon Boat Race Venue? Bahrain Bay Visit tamarran.com

SUNDAY’S FUN

When? December 15-16 Event? Bahrain Doesn’t Sleep Venue? Bahrain National Museum

‘Manama Doesn’t Sleep’ commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Bahrain National Museum with an exciting lineup of events including music and dance shows, literary talks, fine art exhibits and more. The event is from 7pm to 7am.

Visit culture.gov.bh

When? December 16 Event? Songs from Bahrain’s Musical Heritage Venue? Near the Bahrain

National Museum (Arcade Area) Traditional arts and performances near the Bahrain National Museum. The event is from 5pm to 9pm.

Visit culture.gov.bh

When? December 17 Event? Martyr’s Day: Art workshop Venue? The Avenues

On Martyr’s Day, artist Hala Mohammed Al Khalifa hosts a workshop for children inspired by jasmine flowers, a longtime symbol for hope.

Visit culture.gov.bh

When? December 14 Event? Mohammed Bin Faris Band Venue? The Avenues

The Mohammed bin Faris folk band performs traditional songs of Bahrain’s musical heritage.

The event is from 7pm to 8pm and is free.

Visit culture.gov.bh

36 December 2018

Cultural Hall

DECEMBER 9

SUNDAY SESSIONS WITH SANDI THOM

Calexico

Calexico’s Sunday Sessions are back with a treat, hosted by Sandi Thom who has five acclaimed studio albums under her belt. Through the season Sandi will be joined by the best of Bahrain’s talent, with full band arrangements. Expect guest appearances from Aveora, Jack Rabbit Slims, Oracle Project, Likwid and more talented artists from around the island. The session’s start at 9pm. Dress code is classy but comfortable. Entrance is free.

Call 17 666-644.

LET’S TANGO! DECEMBER 11

MOVIE NIGHT

La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art

Enjoy a stunning dance film, Tango, at this month’s La Fontaine movie night.

A dangerous love affair inspires the director Carlos Saura to create the most spectacular and boldly seductive dance film ever made. The film’s score is dynamic, beautifully written and magnificently performed. The colours are gorgeous, bright, subdued and subtle, and the dancing is incredible!

Add to this the magnificent variety of Tango, and you have an undeniable winner.

The screening will be held at 8pm, and is priced at BD10+, which can be used as credit at the restaurant on the same evening.

Call 17 230-123.

ROW THAT BOAT DECEMBER 15

BAHRAIN GRAND NATIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACE

Bahrain Bay

Bahrain Rowing & Canoe Centre hosts the island’s National Dragon Boat Race. The race starts at 6am and finishes by 10am with participants covering a distance of 200m. Prizes are awarded for the first three best timings. Upon registration participants will be entitled to three free sessions after which each session is charged at BD8 per hour.

Visit tamarran.com www.bahrainthismonth.com

For Bahrain and Its People

Intercol has played a pivotal part in the Kingdom’s development, both commercially and socially.

Since its establishment in 1957 as a shipping company, Intercol became integral to Bahrain’s society, honoring its most noble traditions while moving forward with youthful spirit in this modern age.

By way of evolving and diversifying its business from mobile and information technology, medical equipment, pharmaceutical products, consumer goods, marine and technical services, shipping and warehousing, travel, insurance, construction, advertising, chemicals & lubricants, Intercol reaches out to each Bahraini family and household even more each day.

On the Kingdom’s 47th National Day, Intercol congratulates the people of Bahrain in reverence of its past, present and future while reaffirming its commitment to enhance the lives of all through our world-class products and services.

happenings When? December 18 Event? World Arabic Language Day Venue? Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage

Commemorate the World Arabic Language Day at the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage, and explore the richness of the Arabic language, and the regions’ cultural heritage. The event takes place at 11am.

Visit culture.gov.bh

When? December 18 Event? JJs Karaoke Idol Venue? JJ’s Irish Restaurant Call 33 843-005.

When? December 18-27 Event? Winter Camp Venue? Wahoo Waterpark Wahoo hosts its second winter camp offering stimulating alternatives for kids to be physically energetic.

Call 17 173-000 / 17 692424.

When? December 19 Event? Muharraq Short Film Award Competition Venue? Bahrain National Museum

A competition for all aspiring filmmakers reflecting Muharraq from its architecture, heritage and cultural assets. The event starts at 7pm.

Visit culture.gov.bh

When? December 21-24 Event? Meet Santa Venue? Bahrain Bay Kitchen

Meet Santa for a gift distribution on December 21, 24 and 25 at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.

Call 17 115-091.

When? December 22-24 Event? Gingerbread House Decorating Venue? City Lobby Lounge,

Downtown Rotana Let the little ones be creative in decorating their own gingerbread houses while enjoying the yummiest treats at City Lobby Lounge for only BD 8 Net. Starts 4pm.

Call 16 000-111.

When? December 14 Event? Fusion Pool Party Venue? Coral Bay

Faisal Al Saleh and his Khaleeji Band perform at Coral Bay, supported by local & international DJs Wisky, VJMP3, Detour & Sham. Tickets are BD10 each.

Call 17 312-700 / 66 331-261.

38 December 2018

NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATIONS DECEMBER NEW YEAR’S Various 31 PARTIES Can’t decide where to go and what to do this New Year’s? Here’s a list of parties on the island to help you ring in your 2019 with fun.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY For a truly entertaining New Year’s, make your way down to the Azure Party at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. The spectacular circus-themed event promises a night of lively entertainment from DJ Evo and Joshua Roberts, LED Saxophonist Christ Sharp and a host of surprise circus performers with fire dancers, acrobats and jugglers.

Tickets are BD60 for outside guests including canapés and two drinks. Free entrance for hotel guests. A table for four people costs BD300 and includes a bottle of premium drink, mixers and canapés.

You can also opt for a private cabana at BD750 for up to eight people, with two premier bottles, mixers and canapés. The fun is from 8pm to 2am.

Call 17 115-500.

THE GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION & SPA Why travel to Vegas when you can have it right here at The Gulf Hotel’s Las Vegas-themed glitz and glamour in classic review-style this New Year’s Eve? Prepare to be thrilled by the iconic Las Vegas showgirls donned in rhinestones and feathers performing intricate musical numbers throughout the night.

Early bird tickets are BD55 per person. Prestige Club / NSA tickets are BD50 per person. If you would like to check yourself in to a room for the night with breakfast for two, the room package is BD149 including tickets.

Call 17 713-000.

BUSHIDO Lose yourself in the magic of the Circus Burlesque this New Year’s Eve at Bushido. Music, mayhem, and mystery will come together for a legendary evening featuring Bushido’s resident DJ Albert, accompanied by guest DJ Oscar flying in for the special night.

Doors open at 9pm and the dress code is “The Circus is Your Stage”.

Tickets are BD10 pre-sale and on the night for ladies and BD15 pre-sale and BD20 on the door for gents. Table

bookings are also available at various rates.

Call 17 583-555.

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN Celebrate New Year’s Eve on Broadway and welcome 2019 in style as this venue presents an elegant evening full of enchanting performances and extraordinary culinary presentations. There will also be a dedicated play area for Ritz Kids to celebrate.

Tickets are BD95 per adult and BHD25 per child aged four to 12 years. You can purchase tickets in advance for BD85 from November 21 to December 10. The event takes place at the Al Noor Ballroom.

Call 17 580-000.

CELLAR 59, ART ROTANA Bring in the New Year with a bang at this New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party at Cellar 59. From lavish decoration and outfits to game changing drinks, expect it all and more.

Highlights of the evening are sets by international artist DJ Felix the Funk and talented resident DJ. Entrance fee is BD20 with one complimentary welcome drink and midnight toast.

Special drink packages are available.

Complimentary entrance is permitted for all guests dining at any of ART Rotana’s restaurants during the evening. The fun begins from 10pm and goes on till 4am.

The hotel’s WU, Flames and Rosso restaurants also have special themed evenings with prices offering free entry to Cellar 59 for the big party.

Call 16 000-111.

DRAGON HOTEL, AMWAJ On New Year’s Eve, Dragon Hotel will be living it up at three different venues with different music styles and entertainment to bring in your 2019! The hotel’s outdoor area will have a commercial stage by VIBES featuring DJ Andy Collins, guest DJ Manuel Baccano, and Franky Flowers on the saxophone.

Muju lounge hosts the Bahrain Underground Music Movement (BUMM) featuring DJ Ramy and DJ Mysterioo Arif www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings

and international guest DJ Mehmet Gulec alongside other guest DJ’s.

DJ Andy Collins and DJ Jack Street will take you on a journey through classics and pop hits as you ring in the New Year at Corners Lounge.

There will also be a spectacular light-show specifically designed for the night.

Tickets bought between December 16 -30 are priced at BD10 for ladies and BD15 for gents.

Tickets at the door cost BD15 for ladies and BD20 for gents, allowing access to all three venues.

Doors open at 8pm.

Call 16 031-111 / 32 223-323.

CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN Begin your New Year with a splash at the Crowne Plaza Hotel’s Aqua Masquerade Ball 2018, as the Bahrain Conference Centre transforms with underwater deep-sea glamour.

The evening features a live band, dance show and DJ. Doors open at 8pm for a cocktail reception. Followed by the gala dinner at 9pm.

The event is open to couples and mixed groups only and priced at BD70 per person, including unlimited beverages. The dress code is themed blue or formal. Take advantage of the early bird offer at BD63 net per person by booking before December 10.

Alternatively, kick-start your New Year and experience enchantment under the sea at The Harvesters Pub & Terrace’s Aqua Masquerade party. Entrance is BD10. The event runs from 9pm onwards.

Welcome the New Year at Spices Indian Restaurant with a deep-sea adventure Bollywood-themed masquerade party. Dress in blue and enjoy great food, creative beverages and an amazing line-up of dance music for a memorable NYE’s experience. The party is priced at BD26 inclusive of unlimited selected www.bahrainthismonth.com

beverages. Kids five to 10 years are charged BD 10 and under fives are free.

Call 17 531-122.

NEYRAN RESTAURANT, MERCURE GRAND HOTEL Mercure Grand Hotel Seef is hosting the One Thousand and One Nights (Alf Laylah Wa-Laylah) New Year’s Eve bash at Neyran Restaurant. Join in the fun from 8.30pm and enjoy an open buffet, live Arabic entertainment featuring one-manshow, Raed, accompanied by singer, Amar and the exotic belly dancer, Yara. Prices start from BD19++ including soft beverages or BD25++ including selected beverages.

Head over to the Casa Lounge for a Latin dance show, accompanied by a delicious finger food buffet from 9pm onwards. Prices start at BD15++ per person including selected beverages.

Call 17 584-400.

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA If you would like to catch the fireworks by the sea at midnight, the Sofitel Bahrain has just the view for you this New Year’s. The line-up of events to bring in the New Year includes an enchanting live performance by Robert, One Man Show, complemented with mesmerising belly dancing and Lebanese Folklore dance routines. DJ Dr Sal will countdown to the New Year with a dazzling fireworks display by the waters and Lebanese superstar, Hady Khalil will carry on the night’s entertainment with a live concert. Tickets start form BD80 net per person.

There will also be a New Year’s Eve Fireworks and Bonfire Party at the Sofi Island priced at BD55 net per person.

Call 17 636-363.

DILMUN CLUB If you’re an ABBA fan, don’t even think twice about missing the Dilmun Club’s New Year’s Eve celebration. The party will have a live ABBA tribute act flown in from the UK to bring in 2019. Enjoy a four-course meal with a delicious selection of carefully chosen dishes, and the option for unlimited selected drinks at an additional BD25 for the duration of your meal and entertainment.

Members tickets cost BD28, guests pay BD35.

Call 17 690-926.

ELITE SEEF RESIDENCE & HOTEL Al Waha hosts a Mardi Gras New Year’s Eve Gala with lavish buffet, live grills with unlimited house and soft beverages together with Liwa and DJ Sasi! Tickets are only BD 48++ per couple, BD30++ per adult and BD10++ per child.

Call 17 583-388 / 38 000-102.

THE DIPLOMAT RADISSON BLU, RESIDENCE & SPA For a memorable New Year’s head over to this venue to ring in your night with ABBA’s Angels, an ABBA Tribute band that will have you danceing the night away at the Grand Ambassador Ballroom. Book your ticket before December 15 and get 10 per cent off. Tickets are priced at BD55 per person inclusive of buffet and selected drinks.

Call 39 945-208.

ELITE GRANDE HOTEL Party in 1920s’ style with a Great Gatsby-themed night at the Elite Grande Hotel and enjoy a lavish buffet spread, live cooking and selected beverages and live music for BD45++ per couple or BD32++ per adult.

Call 17 565-888.

December 2018 39

bystander

The Centenary of the end of the First World War

HE Cécile Longé, French Ambassador, hosted a reception on the occasion of the centenary of the end of the First World War at the Residence of France

To view more images, scan the QR code

Morning Coffee Ladies gathered for a morning coffee get together at the German Ambassador’s Residence

40 December 2018

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Turkey At Your Doorstep November 22 - December 25, 2018 Free home delivery in Bahrain from 12:00 noon to 10:00PM BHD 65 net per turkey including all trimmings and serves up to 10 persons.

Please pre-order 48 hours in advance.

For more information, please call +973 1717 1441 or WhatsApp +973 3350 2121

bystander

Emporio Armani kids store Emporio Armani kids store rebranding event was held in Moda Mall, Bahrain World Trade Centre

To view more images, scan the QR code

Korean Embassy held the opening ceremony of Korean Agricultural Products Showcase The Products Showcase at Al Jazira Supermarket.

SKAL Dinner

SKAL held its monthly dinner at Copper Chimney, Asdal Gulf Inn 42 December 2018

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Mall Opening The new Oasis Mall in Juffair held an opening ceremony at its premises

www.bahrainthismonth.com

To view more images, scan the QR code

December 2018 43

bystander

Golden Gate Launch

The Golden Gate project was unveiled on the largest 3D hologram in the world at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

To view more images, scan the QR code

Car Launch

Mohammed Jalal & Sons launched the new Suzuki Jimny at its showroom

44 December 2018

To view more images, scan the QR code

www.bahrainthismonth.com

LE MERIDIEN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway, Al Seef District, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain T +973 1717 1000 lemeridienbahraincitycentre.com

CHRISTMAS BRUNCH Tuesday, 25th December 2018 from 12:30PM to 4:00PM BHD 26 net inclusive of soft beverages BHD 38 net inclusive of selected beverages For more information or to make a reservation, please call +973 1717 1441 or WhatsApp +973 3350 2121

interview

As he ‘officially’ retires, HE Dr Dhafer Alumran, former Assistant Undersecretary for GCC Affairs and Western Countries at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) shares thoughts and wisdom after 45 years in the service of his country.

HE Dr Dhafer MA Sridhar Alumran

LIZ O’REILLY

DR DHAFER ALUMRAN Education and Family My mother was Lebanese and I went there to study at the age of nine. It makes you tough. I was 16 years in Lebanon and seven in Los Angeles, all for study. I ended up with a PhD in management and economic development.

When my mother came to Bahrain, she was a teacher she was one of the first group that came here. She became principle of a school and that’s how my father met her. He was head of education in Bahrain for 50 years. He was known as the ‘father of education’ in Bahrain.

And my mother helped him, there were no ministries in those days.

They had a big effect, having a father that cares about education – my brother, sister and myself were all well-educated. My wife is a full professor – the only Bahraini professor at the University of Bahrain. We got together at the American University of Beirut (AUB) and married in 1973 before going to Los Angeles. She is an educational psychologist working with students who need special care.

That’s how I learned to deal with people, which is a skill in itself, at AUB she convinced me to take a course in child development and it was very useful.

46 December 2018

Bilateral relations is a difficult job if you don’t know how to handle it.

Diplomacy and Bilateral Relations I became an ambassador [after moving to MoFA] here in Bahrain. I think I excelled as a bilateral guy. I come from a unique family background with a long history. My mother was from Lebanon and her mother was from the UK. My father is originally from Saudi Arabia but his family came from Kuwait. I have a small immediate family but a large extended one. My paternal grandmother was from Oman and her mother was from Rangoon – so there’s a mixture of east and west. This makes me a very international guy. It makes me appreciate my friends, the ambassadors; I feel they are

related to me and I work with them with empathy to make them happy. In Bahrain, that means they will make Bahrain happy. They come here to take care of us, we have to do the same.

Bilateral relations is a difficult job if you don’t know how to handle it. Sometimes, there are ups and downs and problems. [You need to know] how to deal with them in a diplomatic way and make Bahrain a friend to the whole world. We have been trained by world leaders.

If you remember the late Amir, Shaikh Isa, he was the star of the Gulf, open minded and friendly, he made Bahrain a friend to the whole world. Now His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa, His Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad, and the Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman, want that if [our] people go anywhere in the world and someone asks where they are from, that people will say Bahrain is a good place with nice people. This is our wealth.

My first school was Sacred Heart Catholic school, we were taught by Italian nuns and they made a big impression. It affected me and made me multi-cultural. In Bahrain His Majesty cares that there is no discrimination for all www.bahrainthismonth.com

interview finance but I learned diplomacy with him. I consider him the father of diplomacy. People would come in frowning and irritated and leave smiling. It’s the art of convincing people that you are good friends. I learned a lot from him.

religions. His message is that we live together – Christians, Muslims of all sects, Jews et cetera. If they are in Bahrain, they are part of the Bahrain family. This gives stability and discrimination is not allowed under His Majesty’s laws. People feel that they have a second home here.

In my job as Assistant Undersecretary, I was concentrating on bilateral relations between Bahrain and the rest of the world.

You need to become close to all the embassies, be their best friend so that they are also your friend, so they will also help you.

It’s a two-way thing. I’m responsible for forging agreements between Bahrain and the rest of the world. It’s a difficult job because countries have different people and different ways of looking at things. You have to understand their cultures and how they think to get them to come together with you in some agreement. I have counted hundreds of agreements signed by Bahrain and what’s important is that they should be practical and can be activated – action is benefit.

My best mentor in this was Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak. I worked for him in the MoFA in 1995. He said, ‘they have enough economists in the MoF’ – he wanted help with

Adult

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Kids

Patriotism My father built in a sense of the importance of loyalty to Bahrain. When young people come to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I tell them that the first thing is to love your country, it comes first. You should perform as well as possible because then your country will be better and you will be happier. Even though I am retired, I still have a job in training young people in diplomacy. Respecting your flag is important. In Lebanon I was a scout and a ranger. One day we went up into the mountains overnight and there were wolves et cetera. Each person took a turn to protect the group flag. We didn’t want anyone to steal the flag because that was the challenge. In the middle of the night, guys came to take the flag. They were beating me and I was calling to the others, I didn’t give in. If I’m doing that to protect the flag of a scout group, what about the flag of my country – that must be more important.

After 45 years’ service, when I think back on my career, it makes me satisfied that I have served my country and, of course, it’s still got my loyalty. Even though I have left the ministry, the ambassadors still contact me if there is a problem – I am a very good problem solver.

Lessons Learned Three lessons I learned on my long journey. The three Ps: Persistence, to keep going with enthusiasm when everyone expects you to quit.

Problem solve and negotiate. I was lucky that I got time with Ambassador Kurdi, he was head of the negotiating team for KSA in the GCC-EU negotiations [free trade agreement]. I used to sit on his right and listen to how to handle matters of negotiation. He showed me that if you want to be a good negotiator, you have to be a good listener to appreciate what they say. It’s something that’s really very important because all my life that’s been my job. If you want to be successful, you have to be a successful, problem-solving manager.

Patriotism. I’ve devoted my love to my country and the legacy from my father. Position and money were not my main goals. Still, this love does not stop for me at the border, my view is also that we are all world citizens.

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December 2018 47

interview

Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) advisor, Dr Ali Hassan Follad, shares his views on promoting the island as a wedding destination.

Dr Ali Hassan Follad

APPLE SHARMA

PUTTING BAHRAIN ON THE MAP

A

n expert in cultivating interest in Bahrain’s arts and crafts, tourism has been at the heart of Dr Ali’s career for many years. His current endeavour, ‘Island Wedding’, is a key initiative to position the Kingdom as a prime wedding destination – a job he takes seriously and delivers with great aplomb.

“Tourism is very important in terms of revenue for the country,” says Dr Ali. “The concept behind Island Wedding is for BTEA to continue to play an active role in supporting our national economy.

So, increasing inbound tourism and events, developing facilities and so on.

“It [Island Wedding] was just an idea, but not anymore. The support of His Majesty the King, HRH the Prime Minister, HRH the Crown Prince, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, HE Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani, and the daily support from BTEA CEO HE Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, makes it a reality.

“The Island Wedding project has had a domino effect on the country’s economy, generating revenue not only for the Bahrain International Airport and the national carrier, Gulf Air, but also for the hospitality industry at large, including hotels, car rentals, wedding planners, interior designers, transportation services, and many more. Apart from the rich history, culture and top international hotel chains, it’s the kindness of the Kingdom’s people that makes Bahrain a great wedding destination.”

Dr Ali and his young, dynamic team work feverishly to provide an enriching experience on every project – weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, or any special occasion – making people’s dreams a reality. All members of the wedding party are treated like royalty and 48 December 2018

We always consider the families’ wedding as our wedding” receive a red-carpet welcome at the airport.

“We always consider the families’ wedding as our wedding,” he adds.

Although BTEA’s strategic focus has been on Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and India, it also has a worldwide reach with representative offices in seven countries: Saudi Arabia, India, China, France, Germany, Russia and the UK. “Last year, BTEA organised the largest Indian wedding in the Middle East, attracting 1,400 guests and crew; the project was a great success. With the cooperation of BTEA, the Ministry of Interior and airport authorities, we did an awesome job receiving them swiftly from the aircraft and getting them to the cars in under nine minutes,” says Dr Ali. Since then, there has been considerable interest from other Indian families to host their celebrations in Bahrain. To entice new clients, BTEA took part in two major expos recently – the WOW Epex Experiential Planner, targeting B2B (wedding planners, events management companies, etc.), and the Vogue India Wedding Show, targeting B2C (customers looking for wedding destinations), with Bahrain being the only exhibiting country.

BTEA even provides holistic support to the families of soon-to-wed couples, offering a personalised experience with the appropriate

budget considerations in mind. “We issue visas for the families and their wedding planners, facilitate and arrange all their meetings, hotels and DMCs [destination management company],” explains Dr Ali. “Sometimes, the BTEA CEO meets the families as a token of support in making this project an even greater success story.”

Giving BTM exclusive insight into upcoming events, he adds: “We have confirmation of six weddings, with three more in the pipeline. We have strong ties with Gulf Air and work closely with them. For two of the weddings, [from Bangalore and Hydrabad], Gulf Air is providing its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to fly the families here.”

Last year’s events generated USD8-10 million, and there are similar expectations for the 2018/2019 wedding season (November 2018 to April 2019).

Dr Ali Fast Facts: • He is the author of three coffee table books on Bahraini arts and crafts, two of which he has translated to French.

• Top three special wedding venues: Bahrain International Circuit, Royal Golf Club and La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art. • Hobbies: Golf, swimming and exercise.

“We have formed a dedicated team as part of BTEA to bring this vision into a living reality.

Offering you an unparalleled experience, the BTEA will take care of all government-related logistics from end-to-end. If you plan on getting married anytime soon, look no further than Bahrain: the ideal destination for the unforgettable island wedding of your dreams.”

– HE Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa. www.bahrainthismonth.com

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interview

The Kingdom’s youngest Bahraini hotel general manager shares the philosophy that has taken him from humble beginnings to the top spot in his new role at The K Hotel.

LIZ O’REILLY

Hussain Al Samahiji

TOP OF THE LADDER For Hussain Al Samahiji his appointment as the new GM of Juffair favourite The K Hotel is like coming home. It’s where he started his hospitality management career in earnest and he spent four years there before moving to one of the Gulf Hotels Group’s (GHG) other properties.

Now, he is back and in the big chair. The country’s youngest Bahraini hotel general manager, at just 38, Hussain has worked his way up having started out in the industry as a waiter with a determination to succeed.

He says: “I was brought up to believe that nothing is impossible if you have a vision and you fight to get it. You need always to think positive and don’t listen to people who are not prepared to grow. There are always challenges but you can overcome them.”

Asked what made him choose hospitality, Hussain explains: “I took to it because of the luxury, etiquette and glamour. But, more importantly, why did I go into sales? It’s the area that allows you to meet anyone at any level. I am a sociable kind of guy and I enjoy building strong relationships with our guests and also among the team.”

Hussain first joined The K Hotel as 50 December 2018

I was brought up to believe that nothing is impossible if you have a vision and you fight to get it. director of sales and marketing back in 2013 and he was soon promoted to executive assistant manager. In that role, he joined a select group heading to the prestigious Cornell University for the General Managers Programme, which is described as: “A transformational learning experience for elite hotel general managers and their immediate successors.”

On his return he transferred to Asdal Gulf

Inn, as GM, and served there for 18 months before taking up his current post.

Of his plans for the future, he says: “The K Hotel has an excellent name in the market, and I want to continue to develop that. I will also continue to maintain our top key accounts and corporate clients ensuring our loyal customers receive the service they deserve.

“For the hotel itself, we are due to open a new club lounge on the second floor. It will be an Arabic lounge with music and great food – this is scheduled to launch early next year. We are also planning to refurbish the popular K Lounge during next Ramadan.

“There’s a lot to look forward to in the future and one of the most important aspects of our success is our staff. So, I will continue, as I have always done, to be out and about on the floors; knowing all the staff and being aware of what they do and any issues they may face. Because I’ve done most of the jobs, I can relate to the staff very well.

“I’m looking forward to the challenges the future will bring. I’m a proud Bahraini in a Bahraini company and, this time, I’m here to stay.” www.bahrainthismonth.com

interview

Managing director of Talabat, Hesham AlSaati, tells Behnaz Sanjana what it’s like to be behind the wheel of Bahrain’s largest virtual food court.

Hesham AlSaati

SPEAKING THE LANGUAGE OF FOOD

H

esham exudes a young, easy-going vibe as he chats about Talabat, Bahrain’s premium online food ordering portal. But a whiteboard choc-full of numbers and technical jargon, and two stress balls on his desk attest that the four months since he’s joined the team have been far from relaxed. His sound business know-how allows him to walk the talk, making it seem like he’s been around the organisation for far longer.

“I have a background in consulting, finance and banking,” says Hesham. “After I earned my business degree in the States, I ran a technologically enabled, fully automated indoor hydroponics hardware start-up in California.

Business circumstances led me to return to Bahrain. After a consulting stint in Kuwait, I was happy to take this role offered to me by Talabat. I was familiar with how the company worked, but I hadn’t imagined the intricacies of the business model; it’s very complex.”

Explaining the basis of how the online food ordering platform works, he says: “It is a virtual mall, where customers can conveniently choose all they want to eat with just a click of a button.

There’s no hassle of making a phone call and being put on hold. Furthermore, they have access to all discounts, deals, offers and pictorials of our many restaurant partners all at once.”

52 December 2018

Talabat reached 100 million orders this year. As a goodwill gesture, the customer who made this milestone order has been given a lifetime’s supply of complimentary food when they order with the portal.

The business is not just an aggregator where one can find a list of places to order food from. TalabatGo, launched in 2017, is the company’s delivery fleet that takes food right to the consumer. “TalabatGo is making great strides, breaking a new record every weekend.

Being the biggest of our kind in Bahrain, we are still growing. The team is expanding and, from a customer standpoint, one can expect more advancement in the product itself. We already have more than 550 restaurant partners,

spanning across 1,000 branches. It’s exciting to be a part of such progress.”

Hisham thinks the reason the firm has evolved so rapidly in its years, despite coming to Bahrain during difficult times in 2011, is that the concept aligns well with Khaleeji culture. “People here love being at home, especially when the weather conditions dictate it. Also, the local culture revolves around food. Bahrainis love having people over at their homes, and are generous with their hospitality. The brand’s success shows how much of a need it has served, and the company continues to thrive on the hard work of its people,” he says. Under Hesham’s direction, the organisation is abuzz with potential new, innovative initiatives. “We want to create a culture where ideas rule.”

Going forward, customers can expect more new restaurant tie-ups and unbeatable food and beverage promotions and offers.

Hesham says: “The brand speaks to everybody, not just a segment of society, which is an advantage as well as a challenge, in terms of balancing our focus across the range of choice that we offer.

Food is universal, so, we have a wide range of cuisines and price segments, available over all areas of the country. When you think of food, think Talabat!” www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Diwali Celebration

To view more images, scan the QR code

Lalchand and Ranjit Gajria held a colourful Diwali get-together at their residence in Sanabis

Diwali Party Diwali Party at Lalchand Residence in Aali

Sanjeev & Lalit Kapur hosted a Diwali Diwali Celebration Vandana celebration at their residence in Budaiya

54 December 2018

To view more images, scan the QR code

To view more images, scan the QR code

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bystander

Wyndham Garden Diwali

Wyndham Garden celebrated Diwali at its premises in Juffair

To view more images, scan the QR code

To view more images, scan the QR code

Kewalram Diwali Mr and Mrs Baboo H Kewalram held a delightful Diwali get together in Baqer Garden

Diwali Celebration

Sofitel Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa celebrated the festival of lights - Diwali - at its premises

www.bahrainthismonth.com

To view more images, scan the QR code

December 2018 55

annualreview

The Numbers Game Adnan Sipra analyses the country’s performance over the last year and looks at what the future may hold.

Bahrain’s headline real growth rate increased sharply in the second quarter of 2018 to an annual pace of 2.4 per cent, according to data published in the Bahrain Economic Quarterly Report (BEQ) which is produced by the country’s Economic Development Board (EDB).

56 December 2018

“Bahrain’s impressive improvement in the second quarter was thanks to a broad-based recovery across the whole economy,” said Dr Jarmo Kotilaine, the EDB’s chief economist. “In particular, the expansion of Bahrain’s non-oil gross domestic product (GDP) stands out in the regional context.

With the oil industry now accounting for less than 20 per cent of the economy, Bahrain’s growth was largely led by the non-oil economy as opposed to most of the Gulf region where the stronger growth has been led by higher oil prices and production.”

The non-oil sector, in fact, has been performing fairly consistently over the past three years. GDP growth in Bahrain has been positive, as a whole, over this period, Usman Ahmed, Citi’s CEO for Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, told Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East in October. “The country’s economy has had quite reasonable growth of over three per cent per annum, but, within that figure, there has been faster growth in the non-oil sector of 7.5 per cent,” he said.

Meanwhile, the BEQ found that Bahrain’s non-oil GDP expanded by 2.8 per cent in the second quarter of 2018, driven by the construction (up 6.7 per cent) www.bahrainthismonth.com

and manufacturing (up 4.5 per cent) sectors, according to a release from the EDB. “The manufacturing numbers going forward should look even better because we have Alba Line 6 starting production around the end of this year,” Kotilaine explained at a press conference at the end of October. “So that will be a big game-changer for manufacturing. Overall, I think we’re looking at a slightly more positive picture for the economy going forward.”

This positive picture is enhanced by figures collated by MEED Projects, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s leading project tracker, which show that the ongoing expansion in the construction sector is illustrated by the total sum of infrastructure projects in Bahrain reaching USD 87.3 billion – a 3.8 per cent year-on-year growth.

“This is very positive, in the sense that construction tends to pull up other sectors,” Kotilaine said. “And we expect this to continue so it should begin to feed into stronger numbers in manufacturing, credit, financial services, et cetera.”

Additionally, the total value of foreign direct investment (FDI) is increasing at a brisk pace in Bahrain, according to the EDB which estimates that the number of projects it facilitated in the first nine months of 2018 was 138 per cent higher than a year earlier.

“These are very encouraging numbers,” Kotilaine stressed. “You can see there’s been a sharp increase. The encouraging news is that it is happening at a time when FDI, globally and also in the region, is tending to decline. So, Bahrain is doing something right and that is one thing to be positive about.”

Kotilaine’s statement was corroborated by EDB CEO Khalid Al Rumaihi, who was reported by Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East as saying: “Foreign direct investment creates jobs, diversifies the economy and fuels growth – so we are delighted to see such strong momentum, even against a challenging global backdrop. This proves the growing interest in the GCC opportunity is translating into investment.”

Indeed, even as all countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stand to benefit from increased economic growth, the BEQ concludes that Bahrain will be a particular beneficiary as renewed spending power drives growth in visitors and business activity. It says that the Bahraini tourism industry continues to grow across a broad range of metrics: visitor numbers are up 5.8 per cent year-on-year and the average number of nights spent in Bahrain per visitor jumped by 16 per cent. www.bahrainthismonth.com

And, in the 2018 HSBC Expat Explorer Survey, conducted globally among 22,000 respondents, Bahrain surpassed its previous ranking as the top destination in the Middle East region for individuals from across the world to resettle and achieve an exceptional quality of life. In this year’s survey, which is considered a trusted assessment of expatriates’ experience in relocation and career growth across the world, Bahrain’s position improved to fifthranked country in the world for expatriate satisfaction, from ninth in 2017.

The survey evaluates expatriate sentiment across three major components: economics, experience and family. Bahrain’s standing improved markedly across each of these areas in the 2018 index, up by 12, five and four positions respectively, compared to 2017. The

region. It also leads on most indicators for cost of doing business in the GCC region – a market worth USD1.5 trillion. Crucially, the report revealed that Bahrain has lower costs than any other GCC country for cross-border internet connectivity, a critical metric for an ICT hub.

The report also found the average cost of living to be significantly lower in Bahrain than the GCC average.

Overall, the total average cost of operating in Bahrain for ICT-dependent enterprises was 16 per cent less than the GCC’s average, and the total average cost of living was 23 per cent lower. Key findings from the report include: • The average annual cost of operations for cross-border internet connectivity in Bahrain is USD126,000, compared to the GCC average of USD233,400.

primary drivers of this strong performance include wage growth, opportunities for career progression, work-life balance, job security, access to quality child care and the welcoming social fabric of Bahrain.

“We are consistently ranked as the top location in the MENA region to live, work and raise a family,” said Dr Simon Galpin, managing director of the EDB. “From the exceptional primary and higher education available here, to the ways we are transforming public services, including housing and health care, Bahrain continues to represent a prime destination for expats to seamlessly integrate into our society and thrive.”

In still more positive news, a KPMG report on ‘The Cost of Doing Business in the GCC’ in the ICT sector has found that Bahrain has the most liberalised and competitive IT sector in the

• Commercial rental costs for office space in Bahrain are lower, compared to other GCC countries – USD43,800 for Bahrain, compared to an average of USD86,480 for the GCC • Overall commercial utility costs (electricity and water, internet and telephone services) in Bahrain are 25 per cent lower compared to the GCC average.

But, despite all the good news and positive indicators, Kotilaine still adopted a cautionary tone.

“Where do we expect things to go from here?” he asked, rhetorically. “I think, clearly, the original expectations that we had for growth this year were a bit on the optimistic side. We have seen a sharper slowdown in the first half of the year than we initially expected.

But we expect non-oil growth to continue to accelerate during the second half of this year.”

December 2018 57

annualreview

Kotilaine added that, because of the impending imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) in January 2019, non-oil growth was likely to benefit in this year’s fourth quarter “because people know VAT is coming”.

In order to preempt that, “…people will spend more, they will buy things before VAT comes in,” Kotilaine said. “We saw some of that effect in the UAE and Saudi Arabia as well [just before VAT was imposed in those countries]. But Bahrain is now going into a period when the economy will be under counter-pressures: we will still carry good momentum from increased infrastructure spending but, at the same time, we will have the fiscal pressures that come from VAT and from the fiscal consolidation programme.”

What this meant, the Bahrain EDB chief economist said, was that, going forward, there would be negative pressure on growth. “How exactly this will pan out in growth numbers is very, very difficult to project,” he said, “because a lot of it depends on time, on the timing of big projects and it also depends on the actual implementation of said fiscal consolidation measures.”

Fiscal consolidation would, in fact, Kotilaine said, pull down growth numbers. “But, at this point,” he added, “we will still expect that impact to be fairly measured. That said, there is a range of variations; there are risks, negative and positive. If we see strong project 58 December 2018

implementation, that could actually push the numbers up. However, the oil sector still tends to pull the numbers up and down in a manner that is hard to project.

“So, overall, we are looking at the headline growth decelerating to the three per cent range – it could be a little more, it could be a little less this year and next year. There could be a similar, gradual slowdown in the non-oil sector. In the oil sector, this year, we expect a small negative number and probably close to zero in 2019.”

Kotilaine said inflation has been fairly measured but that “VAT obviously will push it

up. What we are beginning to see,” he added “are the current account numbers getting better; the fiscal numbers gradually getting better. I think what is encouraging about the fiscal programme that was unveiled is that people now have much greater clarity of what’s going to be happening, and when. The worst thing you can have in economics is uncertainty – so that answer has been eliminated. People see what is coming and when, they can start preparing for it. From an economic efficiency perspective, this will actually have positive benefits as well.”

www.bahrainthismonth.com

commercebusinessbites

Kingdom-First Certification Juffair favourite, The K Hotel, is the first hotel in Bahrain to receive the newest upgraded version of ISO Certifications.

The property has been awarded two upgraded versions of ISO standard certifications Quality Management System (ISO-9001:2015) and Environmental Management System (ISO 14001:2015) as well as re-certification of BS OHSAS 18001:2007, ISO 22000:2005 and HACCP

through TUV NORD CERT, Frankfurt, Germany, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. TUV NORD country manager, Godly Mathew presented the achievement certificates to Faisal K Kanoo, managing director of The K Hotel, Garfield Jones, CEO and Nils Axing, director of operations at The K’s parent company, Gulf Hotels Group, and The K Hotel GM Hussain Al Samahiji.

Foodie at the Ritz-Carlton

Industry professional Andrea Colla has been appointed as new executive assistant manager, food and beverage, at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain where he will oversee the operations 60 December 2018

of the resort’s award-winning restaurants, in-room dining and banquets catering division.

Bringing more than two decades of luxury hospitality experience to the resort, Colla has worked for some of the greatest names in hospitality, including: The Ritz and The Savoy in London; The St Regis, Rome; and most recently for the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in both Europe and Riyadh.

He says: “It’s my honour to join The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and bring to the region my experience in luxury fine dining. The resort is a haven of epicurean experiences, from the finest of Italian to the traditions of Mexico, the Mediterranean, and Asia. I look forward to continuing its first-class ratings, but as well pushing the boundaries of high-end dining experiences to another level.”

Share Earnings Up at BisB Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) announced a net profit of BD6.9 million during the nine months ending September 30, compared to net profit of BD5.4 million for the same period last year, an increase of 26.2 per cent.

Earnings per share have also increased to 6.54 fils for the period compared to 5.18 fils for the same period last year.

Bank chairman, Dr Esam Abdullah Fakhro, says: “The bank recorded a net operating profit of BD12.6 million compared to BD13 million for the same period last year, a decrease of 2.7 per cent. In addition, the bank recorded a total operating income of BD31.3 million compared to BD32.6 million for the same period last year, a decrease of 3.9 per cent.

“Compared to the end of last year, Islamic finance grew by 2.3 per cent, saving accounts increased by 3.3 per cent and placements with financial institutions increased by 11.7 per cent. Also, total assets decreased by 0.9 per cent from BD1.23 billion to BD1.22 billion. Total expenses were declared at BD18.7 million, a decrease of 4.6 per cent over the same period last year. Total shareholders’ equity stands at BD114 million as of September 30, 2018 compared to BD122 million as of December 31, 2017, a decrease of 6.4 per cent.” www.bahrainthismonth.com

commercebusinessbites

Expertise Recognised VIVA Bahrain, has won the ‘Best Digital Transformation Telecom Company’ and ‘Best Customer Service Company in Telecommunications’ awards from the Global Business Outlook Awards 2018.

The company’s CEO, Ulaiyan Al Wetaid, says: “We are honoured to be awarded the Best Digital Transformation and Best Customer Service awards.

We have won numerous industry awards highlighting our efforts and achievements in surpassing customer expectations. Our innovation and dedication to this area is proven from past experiences and we are constantly achieving the highest ratings in customer surveys related to satisfaction and complaint resolution.

“Our digital transformation journey is designed uniquely to enrich the lives of our customers and create a truly integrated digital service experience that we believe will become the cornerstone of our business in the future.”

Chinese Connections A highly-placed Bahraini delegation led by the Capital Governor HE Sheikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa and organised by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) visited China’s Hebei Province and met with Governor Xu Qin, and other local government officials and business leaders in Shijiazhuang. They all took part in the Bahrain-Hebei Business Forum looking at ways to strengthen cooperation. The meeting came as part of the Bahraini delegation’s nine-day visit to China’s principal commercial centres on a mission to increase cooperation between the two countries which mark 30 years of diplomatic relations in 2019.

Bahrain plans to partner with Hebei in the future and HE Khalid Al Rumaihi, CEO of Bahrain Economic Development Board, which organised the trip, says: “Our nine-day visit to China has been very successful, which has been demonstrated by 15 agreements signed between Bahraini entities and their Chinese counterparts. We look forward to working with the Hebei government to create a supportive environment that can facilitate and promote business partnerships between Bahrain and Hebei.”

New Pearl Route Visitor Centre

Space Satellite for 2020 Launch The Kingdom is poised to launch its first space satellite within two years according to reports. An agreement has been signed with the UAE space agency to help train the Bahrain Space Team and a further agreement looks likely with India.

Chief executive of the National Space Science Agency of Bahrain (NSSA) Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Al Asiri told 62 December 2018

Sputnik on the sidelines of the Bahrain International Airshow: “We expect to launch our first nanosatellite by the end of 2020.

This will be a small CubeSat satellite designed for the study of the environment.

“The nanosatellite will transmit data for weather forecast, as well as information on emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere at the enterprises of Bahrain.”

A new visitor centre welcoming people to the island’s UNESCO World Heritage listed Pearling Trail, was inaugurated by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities president Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa says: “The Pearl Route will lay the foundation for sustainable tourism which will contribute to enhance Bahrain’s standing in all sectors.”

She added that to coincide with the 20th anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the throne in 1999, next year will see a comprehensive cultural and tourism programme introduced. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

A Win Win for Charity: 9th Annual Swimming Challenge

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain held the 9th annual swimming challenge at the Royal Beach Club to raise money for the Friendship Society for the Blind. More than 70 participants came out to “swim-for-a-cause” raising a final donation of BD1,500.

Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain celebrated Global Customer Appreciation Week with an Global Customer Appreciation Week The Arabian-themed gathering at Masaya

Gym Reopening The Ritz Carlton, Bahrain celebrated the reopening of its newly enhanced mixed-gym, with GM Bernard de Villèle cutting the ribbon

64 December 2018

Menu tasting

A menu tasting event with chef de cuisine, Nikos Markesinis, was held at Bar De La Plage, poolside, Ritz Carlton Hotel

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Wake Up Poets

The French Embassy and Alliance Française hosted a ‘Wake Up Poets’ night, making Bahrain part of the international event ‘Nuit de la Poésie’, enhancing the strength of poetry

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Bahrain Games

Gaelic clubs from across the Middle East gathered for a weekend of playing ball, drinks, music and fun!

www.bahrainthismonth.com

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December 2018 65

bystander

Mafia-Themed Party

A Mafia-Themed Party was held by The Westin & Le Meridien City Centre, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, Marriott Executive Apartments and Residence Inn Juffair at The Westin City Centre

66 December 2018

To view more images, scan the QR code

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Wembley Brunch Atiram Premier Hotel held a Friday brunch at Wembley

NEW YEARS EVE 2018 To view more images, scan the QR code

VIP INVITATION ONLY FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY VIP INVITE PLEASE CONTACT TONY ON 973 33 640 009 INVITATIONS ARE FIRST COME FIRST SERVED!

Sofitel’s Dia De Los Muertos Sofitel held its Dia De Los Muertos festival at its premises with everything from Mexican festivities to Halloween revelries

To view more images, scan the QR code

Building 1188, Road 2420, Block 324 PO Box 75845, Juffair, Kingdom Of Bahrain

www.bahrainthismonth.com

December 2018 67

Fab Fresh Flavours 15% Discount with Military ID

Burger Restaurant in Juffair, Kingdom of Bahrain.

Call: +973

17464040

Tuck into some of the best food around.

At Joe Mama's you'll find a whole range of delicious dishes.

MOTORING

this month

Accessories Range Expansion, p70

My Life in Cars Breaking World Records, p70

DICK POTTER I have been travelling quite a lot recently, planes, trains and automobiles – OK, forget the train – not travelled on a train for ages. Planes and automobiles?

Oh yes, plenty of those!

A New Arrival, p72

Testing the New Generation, p72

View more info online

www.bahrainthismonth.com

On a recent flight back from Blighty, I realised one of the disadvantages of regular air travel was exhausting the movie selection quite early on into the month.

Browsing the documentaries then, I happened upon Lauda – in a nutshell-brilliantly put together and a must see. As expected, the primary focus of the documentary was the horrific crash of Niki Lauda's Ferrari at the 1976 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, leaving him close to death and with permanent scarring to his face from the burns he sustained. No surprises that safety – or rather the lack thereof – within the sport prior to the incident was a major contributor to the accident. Of further interest to me is what has happened to improve racing safety since then. Of course, car racing is all about speed and power, and it goes without saying, therefore, that safety has had to keep up with the pace.

When car racing has design breakthroughs, it is almost always applicable in some form to mass-produced cars that us ordinary folk drive.

The most important piece of safety technology is actually an invisible one. All race cars are built around a structure that protects the driver. In open wheel racing, such as Formula One, the car's body is made of strong carbon fibre designed to protect the driver in the event of an impact. In NASCAR and drag racing, a roll cage protects the driver through a system of steel tubes, which absorbs impact rather than the driver. The same principal goes into production car safety cages.

Us regular drivers have these safety cages tucked away beneath carpets, headliner material, door trim and other

interior features not, to my knowledge anyway, usually found in race cars.

Another safety feature developed from the racing car for ordinary vehicles are fuel tank anti-combustion liners and flame-retardant materials. A more amusing component all cars have, but you probably didn’t know has a race pedigree, is the humble rear-view mirror. In the early 1900s, the racing drivers, example Mr Fangio, had to keep looking back to see where their competition was. Hey presto, rear view mirrors came about. Now, I’m not finished with the transition of racing safety features into ordinary cars – more on that in next month’s issue – but as I researched this article, I was particularly struck by the reaction some of the race drivers, including Lauda himself, had on the escalation of safety measures in car racing. Allegedly, because he’ll most likely be reading this article, in an interview with CNN, Lauda claimed that one of the reasons we watch car racing is for “a bit of danger”. He also opined that if the sole focus of car racing was “…only to think of making it 110 per cent about the safety issues...”, it would “destroy Formula One”. An interesting statement I thought. To be continued next month.

Happy and safe driving all!

Email dick@redhousemarketing.com December 2018 69

motoringnews&launches

Accessories Range Expansion

Streaming Intelligence Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East has announced its partnership with Spotify, the world’s largest music streaming subscription service, following its launch in the MENA region. As the exclusive automotive sponsor for Spotify’s launch, this association will connect MercedesBenz Cars Middle East with a highlyengaged demographic who are passionate about music.

Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East customers will be able to access Spotify via Apple/Android CarPlay from the comfort of their car. With CarPlay, drivers’ phones are integrated into the dashboard via Bluetooth, ensuring a safer and more convenient way to listen to music while driving. The feature

also helps drivers make calls and send messages, and is accessible through Mercedes-Benz’s pioneering in-car MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system, available in all 2019 models.

With more than 191 million active users globally, Spotify is the largest digital music subscription service in the world, covering both local and international artists, genres, and tracks. Its launch in the region will allow users to access billions of curated playlists for every mood and moment, tailored to their own specific music tastes.

Spotify will be available via Apple/ Android CarPlay in select 2019 MercedesBenz models, including the 2019 MercedesBenz A-Class.

GMC is upgrading its Acadia accessories offering in the Middle East with an expanded range for its 2019 model of the premium crossover. From exterior accessories like bodyside moulding to technology innovations such as wireless phone charging, GMC Acadia owners will have a wide range of accessory options with which to customise their vehicle for a personalised look and to enhance its functionality and utility.

Customers can enhance the appearance of the vehicle by fitting it with one of the many exterior accessory options available. These include: assist steps – moulded; bodyside moulding accessories; grille in black with GMC logo; exterior emblems, GMC emblem in black; and mirror.

The Acadia is fitted with accessories that are set to not only keep the passengers safe but also get them back on the road as soon as possible. The security and protection accessories include: cargo security and protection; and floor liners.

Breaking World Records

Official Partnership Behbehani Brothers WLL, a leader in the automotive business, has been awarded the distribution and servicing rights for the pure and visionary Italian automotive brand, Lamborghini, in Bahrain.

The formal agreement was signed by Steven Hill, Behbehani Brothers’ group general manager, and Federico Foschini (chief commercial officer) and Paolo Poma (chief financial officer) both part of the board of Automobili Lamborghini SpA, during the official visit held at the Lamborghini headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, in October.

Under this agreement, Behbehani Brothers will take over the current Lamborghini showroom located in the Seef district, which will continue to remain as the base of the sales operation. For aftersales, customers will now enjoy access to the new and exclusive state of the art Group Service facility located at its main site in Sitra. Furthermore, there are plans to relocate the showroom operations in the coming two years to a new, improved facility, to further elevate the high standards reserved to Lamborghini customers.

70 December 2018

The Nissan Patrol has broken another Guinness World Records title for the Largest Synchonised Car Dance. This award recognises the activation which has the greatest number of cars moving in unison within a formation. A total of 180 Nissan Patrols took part in the record attempt, driving in a synchronised routine in the shape of a giant desert falcon.

This new accolade is the third Guinness World Records title broken by the iconic Nissan Patrol, and the sixth awarded to Nissan Middle East.

Nissan achieved this new record at the Dubai Rugby Sevens stadium, beating the previous world record holders by 36 cars. Led by international racing driver Axcil Jefferies, two concentric lines of cars drove in opposite directions around the outline of a falcon, a total distance of 1,476 metres. The shape formed by the 180 Nissan Patrols taking part in the attempt measured 176.5 metres by 225 metres. Viewed from above, the activation looked like a giant falcon in flight over the sands of the Arabian desert. www.bahrainthismonth.com

motoringnews&launches

Testing the New Generation

The home straight for the new Porsche 911: the eighth generation of the sports car classic will be launched in Europe at the beginning of 2019. Prior to this, the prototypes’ engines get revved up to complete the final stages of a global testing programme, which put the new sports cars under a great deal of stress. Test vehicles are moving between climate zones with temperature differences of up to 85-degrees Celsius; sprinting across elevation changes spanning more than four kilometres; enduring lengthy traffic jams in major cities and setting new records on race tracks. Despite those gruelling tests,

every component of the car must function as reliably as it did at the outset.

“In addition to its outstanding performance, it’s the 911’s suitability for daily use that has always put it in a class of its own,” says Andreas Pröbstle, project manager for the Complete Vehicle of the 911. “That’s why we test the vehicle under all conditions, and in every type of weather. The vehicles’ drive train must function as flawlessly as the fluids, systems, operating processes and displays. It’s the only way we can be certain that the car can be driven in all regions of the world without any issues.”

A Dynamic Look The all-new MG6 sedan has officially arrived and is available in MG Motor showrooms across the Middle East.

Now in its third generation, the new 2019 MG6 model has been upgraded with an array of premium and sporty features whilst delivering performance, efficiency and class-leading comfort.

With quality design features normally found on luxury brands, the MG6 has been given a new ‘Star Rider’ grill, carbon fibre detailing and LED headlamps – inspired by the London Eye – with progressive indicators. A large ‘MG’ badge, chrome touches and a twin-exhaust give the sporty family sedan an aggressive stance.

Inside, the sporty theme continues with a cockpit packed with the latest in-car technology including a large 8-inch full-colour touch-screen infotainment system.

The cabin, featuring 22 practical stowage spaces, is trimmed in vibrant dual-tone black and red leather upholstery which wraps around the doors and dashboard providing a cosseted feeling.

Powered by a 1.5L petrol engine, the new MG6 is both sporty and economical, offering a swift 0-100km/ph in just seven seconds whilst providing a range of 100km in under six litres of fuel.

72 December 2018

Search for Talent As part of INFINITI’s global search for the brightest engineering talent in the world, the brand announced the 10 finalists from the Middle East that will compete for their chance to win a place in its unique careers competition – the INFINITI Engineering Academy.

The finalists were chosen based on their engineering knowledge, their passion towards the automotive and motorsport industries and their soft skills through a series of tests and interviews.

Aaliya Khan, Fahim Choudhary, Hiba Najini, Loay El-Mohtar, Mohamad El Khalayli, Mohammed Fazil, Mohammed Mostafa and Saleh Atatreh made the cut from the UAE, Hamad Alzayani from Bahrain, and Omar Baras from Saudi Arabia.

The winner will be given the opportunity to move to the UK to work six months in motorsport at the Renault Sport Formula One Team Technical Centre (Enstone) and six-months in automotive at the INFINITI Technical Centre Europe (Cranfield).

A New Arrival Mohammed Jalal & Sons has officially launched the allnew Suzuki Jimny at its showrooms in Bahrain. The car was unveiled by company director Ahmed Jalal.

The new Jimny brand is considered a breakaway from Suzuki’s fourwheel drive vehicles, which in recent years have proved to be unique among all its models in terms of design, highperformance, manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency.

Jimny received the best design award for 2018 with regards to safety features and it is one of the most popular cars in Bahrain. The four-wheel drive Jimny brand is available in three-door sports formation with a spacious interior.

Mohammed Jalal & Sons continues to offer free insurance coverage, five years’ warranty, roadside assistance and free car registration on all of its cars.

Call 17 252-606 or 17 707-070 for a test drive. www.bahrainthismonth.com

ABBA TRIBUTE BAND MONDAY 31ST DECEMBER 2018

FOR RESERVATIONS PLEASE CALL +973 39945208 EMAIL INFO.DIPLOMAT@RADISSONBLU.COM

bystander

AMH Island Classic Gala Dinner

American Mission Hospital hosted an AMH Island Classic Gala Dinner at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel

To view more images, scan the QR code

45th Anniversary of KLM AirFrance KLM celebrated the 45th Anniversary of KLM in the Kingdom of Bahrain at The Westin, Bahrain City Centre

74 December 2018

To view more images, scan the QR code

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festiveshopping

Festive Shopping!

Another year, another Christmas! With festive fever rising, it’s time again to put on your thinking caps for that perfect pressie for your loved ones. BTM has you covered with these wonderful gift ideas – check out our top picks!

For Her

Tiffany & Co.

Eau de Parfum Intense Available at leading retailers

Van Cleef & Arpels

Alhambra collection Available at Van Cleef & Arpels, Moda Mall

Rosanna Bowles

Giorgio Armani Beauty

Women’s history mugs Available at www.uncommongoods.com

JoAnn Stratakos

Eye Quattro eye shadow palette collection Available at leading retailers

Elwood the Unicorn cereal bowl Available at www.uncommongoods.com

AIGNER

Signature Cybill Bag Available at AIGNER, City Centre Bahrain.

Amouage

Midnight Flower Collection candle Available at Amouage, City Centre Bahrain

Max Mara

The Teddy Bear Coat Available at Max Mara, Moda Mall

Michael Kors Marks & Spencer

Christmas Jumpers Available at Marks & Spencer, Seef Mall and City Centre Bahrain 76 December 2018

Access Runway smartwatch Available at Michael Kors, City Centre Bahrain

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Luis Rodrigalvarez

Cardboard iPad TV stand Available at www.uncommongoods.com

Paul Smith & Manchester United Capsule Collection Leather Wallets and Cardholder Available at www.paulsmith.com

For Him

Subscription

The gift of reading Available at www. bookofthemonth.com

Viktor & Rolf

Spicebomb cologne Available at leading retailers

Marks & Spencer

Carved

Wooden iPhone travel case Available at www.amazon.com

Hackett London

Christmas Jumpers Available at Marks & Spencer, Seef Mall and City Centre Bahrain

Tie and Cufflinks Leather Wallets and Cardholder Available at Hackett London, City Centre Bahrain

Dunhill

Leather Cases Available at www.dunhill.com/bh

Officine Panerai

Luminor Due 3 Days Automatic Watches Available at Panerai Boutique, Moda Mall

Gravity

Skydiving gift card Available at gravitybah.com

www.bahrainthismonth.com

December 2018 77

diningfestivefare

It’s Time to Party

Sofitel Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Have a Magnifique Christmas Day Brunch at Saraya, Fiamma and Rivaaj restaurants from 12.30pm-4 pm on December 25. Prices are BD49 per person inclusive of selected and soft beverages. Kids under 12 years dine at half price, while those under six eat for free.

There is a festive zing in the air as the finest hospitality destinations across the island gear up to wow guests with splendid culinary happenings and entertainment echoing the merry sentiments of the season.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Savour the Grand Christmas Brunch on December 25, from 12.30pm-4.30pm at the Grand Foyer, where you can indulge in culinary delights – from live cooking stations and a large seafood and prime rib corner to a delectable spread of heavenly desserts – accompanied by live music and a special visit from Santa Claus. The brunch is priced at BD45++, including selected beverages, and BD25++ for children between four and 12 years.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve on Broadway on December 31, from 8pm-2am, at the Al Noor Ballroom. Tickets to the elegant evening full of enchanting performances cost BD95 per adult, including gala dinner, countdown and selected beverages until 11.30pm.

Mark January 1 with a sumptuous New Year’s Day Brunch at La Med from 12.30pm-3.30pm, costing BD35, including selected beverages, or BD30, including soft beverages.

Call 17 580-000.

78 December 2018

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Bahrain Bay Kitchen will host Christmas Eve Dinner on December 24 between 7pm and midnight, and a Christmas Day Musical Brunch on December 25, from 1pm-4.30pm.

Both events cost BD37, with soft beverages, or BD47, including the full beverage package.

CUT by Wolfgang Puck will have a Christmas dinner on December 24 and 25, as well as a New Year’s Eve dinner, both with a four-course menu, costing BD45. re/Asian Cuisine by Wolfgang Puck will stage a fourcourse meal from 7pm-1am on December 31 for BD45. Window tables require a minimum spend of BD60.

The festive brunch experience comprises delectable and traditional culinary favourites, coupled with Christmas carolling and live entertainment.

Welcome the New Year in the most unique and cosiest of settings by the sea at the Sofi Island New Year’s Eve Bonfire Party on December 31, which costs BD55 per person.

Indulge in five-star, gastronomic delicacies from restaurant Tapas, complemented with smooth tunes by a mystery DJ, and marvel at the grand fireworks.

Call 17 636-363.

New Year’s Day Jazz Brunch will be on at Bahrain Bay Kitchen on January 1 for BD28, with soft beverages, or BD 38, including the full beverage package.

All prices are subject to 10 per cent government levy and a further 10 per cent service charge.

Call Call 17 115-000.

Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Al Safir Restaurant welcomes you for Christmas Eve Dinner from 7.30pm-11.30pm, priced at BD13.900++ with soft drinks, or BD21.900++ inclusive of selected beverages.

On Christmas Eve, Soie Chinese Restaurant serves dinner from 7pm-11.30pm, priced at BD14.900++ with soft drinks, or BD22.900++ www.bahrainthismonth.com

feel the moment New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner We are excited to host a night to remember on New Year’s Eve! This will be our biggest and most amazing party yet, as it will be our 15th New Year’s Eve celebration. The Eve Gala will be a perfect, all-inclusive night.

Al Murjan Ballroom will transform into a ‘Countdown City’, the perfect location to celebrate the New Year. Get treated to first-class service, a lavish buffet featuring live stations and fully stocked bars all night long!

Enjoy a variety of entertainment, including a British Goldstones show, a magical show of sensational voices, combined with perfectly choreographed routines and glitzy costumes – a celebration of musical legends, from Judy Garland, Etta James to Tina Turner and Barbara Streisand. On a musical note, our DJ will be spinning popular party tracks to welcome the New Year as well.

On Monday, 31st December, 2018 at Al Murjan Ballroom.

All-Inclusive, All-Night: Buffet, Beverages and Entertainment. BHD 72, Early Bird Offer, To Be Booked and Paid By 10th December, 2018. BHD 75*, Includes Selected Beverages and Sparkling Wine. Pay For 9, When Booking A Table For 10 For table booking, contact +973 17460017 or email hotel.bahrain.fb@movenpick.com

movenpick.com/bahrain

diningfestivefare inclusive of selected beverages.

Relish a Christmas Day lunch that has a special children’s party, from 12.30pm-4pm, for BD17.900++ with soft drinks or BD25.900++ inclusive of selected beverages. Dinner will follow at Al Safir Restaurant, from 7.30pm-11.30pm, priced at BD12.900++.

Enjoy a New Year’s Eve dinner at the venue, from 7.30pm-1am, priced at BD22++ with soft drinks or BD37++ inclusive of selected beverages.

Call 17 533-533.

The Westin City Centre Bahrain From December 1-25, guests can enjoy a festive-inspired afternoon tea at Furn Rotunda for BD12++ per person, available from 2pm-6pm. On January 1, relish a New Year’s Day extended breakfast at Furn, for BD11++ per person available from 6.30am to 3pm.

Call 17 171-441.

Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain Baharat restaurant will be set for Christmas Eve Dinner on December 24, from 6.30pm-11pm. Christmas Brunch the next day will be from 12.30pm until 4pm. Both meals are priced at BD26, including soft drinks and water or BD38, including selected free-flow beverages. On December 31, the venue will have a New Year’s Eve Celebration from 7pm-1am, priced at BD30++, including soft drinks and water or BD40++, including selected free-flow beverages.

Call 17 171-144.

Gulf Hotel, Bahrain Christmas Day Grand Brunch at the Gulf Convention Centre will have a live band, Santa Claus, exclusive kids buffet and play area with lots of fun activities, priced at BD32++ per person, inclusive of selected beverages. Kids between six and 12 years dine at half price.

Tickets need to be purchased in advance.

Al Waha invites you to a Christmas Day dinner buffet which will include the season’s special roasted turkey and other delectable festive dishes, for BD16++ (food only).

It’s going to be Las Vegas Night on December 31 at the Gulf Convention Centre.

This event costs BD55 per person. If you prefer something more romantic, indulge in a candle-lit dinner at either Fusions, Rasoi by Vineet, Margarita Mexicana, or La Pergola by Perbellini, for BD26++ per adult.

Call 17 713-000.

80 December 2018

Crowne Plaza Hotel Waves Seafood Restaurant offers a unique Christmas Eve Dinner with oceanic treasures cooked to your liking for BD38, including an unlimited selection of beverages. A Christmas Day Garden Brunch will be held on December 25 at La Mosaique Restaurant, The Harvesters Pub, Cappuccino Café and The Patio. The festive set-up will keep everyone in the spirit of Christmas, and costs BD33, inclusive of unlimited selected beverages.

Tickets for the New Year’s Eve Aqua Masquerade Ball are priced at BD70 per person. Indulge in a gala dinner with unlimited beverages from 9pm onwards, a live band, international dance shows and DJ. Call 17 531-122.

Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa Olivos restaurant will stage a family-friendly Christmas brunch on Friday, December 21, from 12.30pm-4pm, which will include various activities to keep kids busy. Children between the ages of six and 12 years dine at half price, while those under six dine for free.

Celebrate the end of 2018 with a fantastic New Year’s Eve party featuring an ABBA tribute band at the Grand Ambassador Ballroom. Doors open from 8pm.

Call 39 945-208.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

BAHRAIN HOTEL

Home for the Holidays

There’s no place like home for holidays, and we at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel wrapped up festive treats to make you feel like home in Bahrain. Throughout December we are offering great tasting seasonal dishes especially prepared for Christmas celebration.

Christmas Eve Dinner at Al Safir Restaurant | 7:30 PM - 11:30 PM BHD 13.900++ or BHD 21.900++ inclusive of selected beverages Christmas Eve Dinner at Soie Restaurant | 7:00 PM - 11:30 PM BHD 14.900++ or BHD 22.900++ inclusive of selected beverages Christmas Day Lunch with children’s party | 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM BHD 17.900++ or BHD 25.900++ inclusive of selected beverages Christmas Day Dinner | 7:30 PM- 11:30 PM | BHD 12.900++ Christmas Day Dinner at Soie Restaurant | 7:00 PM - 11:30 PM BHD 14.900++ or BHD 22.900++ inclusive of selected beverages Book a table by calling +973 17533533 /sheratonbahrain

diningfestivefare

Wyndham Garden Manama Trattoria offers Christmas Eve dinner from 5pm to midnight. The three-course festive meal, including two drinks, is priced at BD12 per person. On December 25, treat yourself to a sumptuous Christmas lunch buffet at the chic Cafe Mosaic and Terrasse@28 from 1pm-5pm. Enjoy the grand spread, including selected house beverages for BD25.

On New Year’s Eve, dine on fantastic culinary offerings featuring live cooking stations, succulent roasts, Brazilian delicacies and a luscious dessert station at Cafe Mosaic, Terrasse@28 and Via Brasil restaurants. The dinner costs BD25, inclusive of selected house beverages. New Year’s Day lunch buffet at Cafe Mosaic and Terrasse@28 costs BD14.

Call 66 316-666 Mövenpick Bahrain Delight your palate with the Feast of the Seven Fish Dishes on December 24 at Al Murjan Ballroom. This dinner will be a splashy line-up of ocean-fresh seafood featuring elegant dishes from appetisers, live cooking stations, live grill, sushi and sashimi to mouthwatering desserts. The meal costs BD32 inclusive of selected beverages, sparkling, mulled grape and eggnog.

82 December 2018

The New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Al Murjan Ballroom will be the hotel’s biggest and most amazing party yet, when the venue will literally be transformed into ‘Countdown City’ — the perfect location to welcome 2019.

The evening is priced at BD75, inclusive of selected beverages, sparkling grape and splendid live performances.

Call 17 531-122.

Atiram Premier Hotel Wembley Lounge welcomes patrons to usher in 2019 with a great party. Get your exclusive invite to this glitzy celebration by calling lounge manager Tony on the below number.

The island’s most entertaining, fancy dress Friday brunch will take place on December 28, where guests will come dressed to the theme: ‘What Were You Wearing When the Ship Went Down?’ It is touted to be a great time full of fantastic food, drinks and fun.

Call 33 640-009.

Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa On December 25, guests can taste Christmas delicacies at the Winter Wonderland Brunch at Lemon Tree. There will be a live band and a special appearance by Santa. The meal is priced at BD19, inclusive of soft drinks, or BD25, with selected beverages.

Enjoy a brilliant New Year’s Eve fine-dining experience at Ruka for BD40 per person. The Indian buffet at Tanatan is priced at BD17, with soft beverages, or BD23, with selected house beverages. Serai Lebanese Restaurant will host a three-course set menu including selected beverages for BD25 with a live band accompanied by an Arabic singer and exotic belly dancer.

Call 17 111-999.

The K Hotel Enjoy a Pre-Christmas Brunch at KOLORS restaurant for BD14.500++, inclusive of soft drinks, on December 21, followed by a Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas lunch on December 24 and 25 respectively, for BD12++, inclusive of soft drinks. An additional BD7++ will be charged for selected beverages. Make your reservations before December 20 to get a 20 per cent discount.

Tickets for the New Year’s Eve bash cost BD20, and include a dinner buffet at KOLORS, access to K Lounge, a welcome drink and the New Year’s Eve Toast. The buffet will be laid out from 7pm to 11.30pm. The New Year’s Eve Toast by itself costs BD10 per person, and includes entrance into K Lounge where there’ll be tunes from the DJ from 10pm onwards, a welcome drink and live entertainment up to 2am.

Call 17 360-000. www.bahrainthismonth.com

tablehopping

SUSHI BY THE BEACH Enjoy a wide selection of Japanese sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls, all beautifully arranged to tempt and delight you by the azure waters at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay every Thursday from 6pm-10.30pm. As the sun sets, the resident music sommelier, DJ EVO, plays your favourite tracks to instill a cool beachside vibe. The evening is priced at BD20++, inclusive of water, or BD25++, inclusive of water and a welcome glass of matured grape.

Call 17 115-500.

When? Every day Event? Special Lunch Menu Venue? Espressamente Illy Café, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel

Grab a delicious lunch for just BD2.900++ inclusive of soft drinks or water.

Call 17 533-533.

When? Ongoing Event? New Menu Launch Venue? Wok Station, Galleria Mall and Platinum Tower, Seef

The new menu features a modern take on some classic street-style dishes.

While new flavours have been added, old favourites have been retained.

NATIONAL DAY DELIGHTS

THE BEST OF EVERYTHING

Call 77 570-570 / 77 571-571.

When? Ongoing Event? Lounge Menu Launch Venue? Mawasim Restaurant and Lounge

Perfect bite-sized portions that can be combined with your favourite blend of grape, mint, lemon and many more.

Call 77 232 -377.

When? Every day after 6pm Event? Bread promotion Venue? Furn Bakery, The Westin City Centre Bahrain

Enjoy a 50 per cent discount during happy hours on the entire bread display.

Call 17 171-441.

When? Every Friday Event? FRUNCH Venue? Rainforest Lounge, Gulf Suites Hotel Amwaj

A Fun filled Friday brunch that features a lavish international buffet, fresh seafood display and live cooking and carving stations, priced at BD15 with soft beverages or BD21 with unlimited selected beverages.

All Bahraini nationals can join in to celebrate the country’s 47th National Day at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa with a fabulous 20 per cent discount on December 16 and 17, on food and beverage at all the hotel’s outlets. Enjoy a day full of rejoicing, world-class service and exceptional dining experiences on this special occasion.

Call 17 636-363.

Call 34 018-408 / 33 159-437

When? Every Friday Event? Brunch Venue? 25N 50Eatery, The Grove Hotel & Conference Centre

Enjoy a meal from 12.30pm-4pm for BD13++. Book for five guests and get one complimentary buffet.

Call 16 030-303.

When? Every Saturday Event? Ladies Night Venue? Blue Moon Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

Ladies enjoy two free drinks from 6pm to midnight.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain has taken the famous Friday Brunch to new heights with a delicious gastronomic journey highlighted by its specialised chefs on December 7, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. A lavish, yet more personalised, experience awaits at this culinary extravaganza featuring international dishes at La Med, Italian classics at Primavera, exotic Indian fare at Nirvana, and prime steaks and seafood at Plums. The brunch is priced at BD35++ per person with soft drinks, or BD39++ per person with selected beverages.

Call 17 586-499.

STREET-SIDE STAPLES Soie Restaurant, at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, presents an Asian Street Food buffet every Thursday and Friday from 7pm-11.30pm. Guests can relish a wide variety of tempting delicacies that will take them straight to the byways of China and Malaysia, for just BD15 per person. A new à la carte menu is also available at the venue.

Call 17 533-533.

Call 17 115-000.

84 December 2018

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

KPMG Bahrain - 50th Anniversary

KPMG Bahrain celebrated its 50th Anniversary at The Ritz Carlton, Bahrain

www.bahrainthismonth.com

To view more images, scan the QR code

December 2018 85

tablehopping

FRIDAY MARKET BRUNCH

Browse through mindfully crafted, flavour-centric dishes on display at the Friday Market Brunch at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay’s Bahrain Bay Kitchen from 1pm-4pm. The market atmosphere presents a beautiful openair environment dappled in sunshine. Share your food and experiences as you stroll through the market with pop-up stores that feature local artists, designers and craftsmen. The brunch costs BD25++, inclusive of nonalcoholic beverages, or BD35++ inclusive of selected beverages. Children up to 12 years pay BD12.5++, while those below five dine for free.

Call 17 115-500.

FAMILY DAY OUT

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa’s unique Pique Nique In the Park concept is one of the best ways to spend time bonding with the family.

Surround yourself with lush greenery every Saturday from 12.30pm to 4pm as you savour delicious bites from Saraya and quench your thirst with cool beverages from the à la carte menu. The picnic is priced at BD25 per person, and includes complimentary beach and pool access. Kids from six to 12 years of age enjoy a 50 per cent discount and those below six can join for free. Prior reservation is mandatory.

Call 17 636-363.

LOCAL DELIGHTS 25N 50Eatery at the ground floor of The Grove Hotel & Conference Centre in Amwaj will offer National Day Brunch on December 15 and 16.

The buffet will feature delicious Bahraini cuisine and international favorites specially curated by award-winning executive chef Rukmal and his talented culinary team. The meal is priced at BD13++, including soft beverages. Children from six to 12 years enjoy a 50 per cent saving, and kids below five years dine for free.

Call 16 030-303.

GRILL AND CHILL

A stylish, yet rustic, barbecue experience is yours to savour on the terrace of Baharat Restaurant at Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain. The buffet showcases barbecue ribs and Wagyu prime rib steak. Live music from vibrant duo, Deux Sons, puts the flavour of fun in to the air. The buffet is on every Wednesday from 7pm-11pm, and costs BD18, including soft drinks and water, or BD24, including selected free-flow beverages.

Call 17 115-500.

86 December 2018

THREE SQUARE MEALS

The Sheraton Bahrain Hotel’s popular Al Safir Restaurant lays out a sumptuous buffet spread for breakfast, lunch and dinner for foodies, along with an option of a lavish à la carte menu. The breakfast buffet is priced at BD10.500++, and is available from 6.30am-10.30am. This is followed by a lavish spread for lunch from 12.30pm-3.30pm, while dinner is on from 7.30pm-11.30pm. The afternoon and evening meals cost BD10++. The Entertainer voucher, which gives guests the Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer, is accepted at the outlet.

Call 17 636-363. www.bahrainthismonth.com

tablehopping

DINNER IN THE KITCHEN Savour Wolfgang Puck’s hospitality in its most immersive form at the special Kitchen Dining Experience hosted at CUT by Wolfgang Puck steakhouse at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. From Monday to Saturday, between 7pm-8.30pm, embark on a menu-free, bespoke and interactive culinary journey at the kitchen counter during dinner service, away from the typical setting of a restaurant dining room table. The fivecourse dinner experience costs BD39++, inclusive of non-alcohol beverage pairing, or BD55++, inclusive of selected beverages. The seven-course meal costs BD49++ with non-alcohol beverage pairing, or BD69++, inclusive of selected drinks.

Call 17 115-044.

WEIGH YOUR SWEET TREAT

Furn Bakery at The Westin City Centre Bahrain offers guests the opportunity to purchase delicious cakes by weight. So, whether you are looking for a huge slice of deliciousness to share with others or a just a tasty little treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, head down to Furn today for your choice, your weight, your slice, your delight! Five different flavours are available from Thursday to Saturday, between 3pm-11pm. One flavour is available from Sunday to Wednesday from 3pm-11pm.

Call 17 171-000.

TRUFFLES ARE IN TOWN

It’s the season for these exotic tubers, and Primavera, at the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, is showing them off to the island’s gourmets. Chef Vincenzo Nigro brings the white and black truffle to life with an ensemble of culinary creations that will inspire your taste buds and indulge your senses on December 14-16. The set menu is priced at BD45++ per person. A la carte options are also available.

Call 17 586-499.

88 December 2018

TIME TO SIZZLE

Rivaaj, the Indian fine dining restaurant at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, is all set to wow guests with tantalising Indian sizzlers from December 6 – 20. This exciting new gastronomic offering is one not to be missed. Unlock authentic flavours of the subcontinent as you dine alfresco on Rivaaj’s brand new terrace, or enjoy dining indoors in the venue’s classy environs. Prices start at BD8++.

Call 17 636-363.

AN EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE

The Little Black Caravan is a food truck that is quickly winning hearts in Bahrain, The mobile venue serves the freshest, locally roasted beans so that customers savour exceptional coffee — whether it’s an expertly prepared shot of espresso, or a cold-brewed iced drink. The outlet’s goal is to prepare your coffee with the same amount of care and insight that went into picking it.

The food served here is all about celebrating tasty fare, while being healthy.

Everyday, diners can enjoy exclusively plant-based food made with the freshest ingredients, as they enjoy new dishes prepared in ways that they may have never tried before.

Follow @thelittleblackcaravan on Instagram www.bahrainthismonth.com

Innovative Japanese Cuisine

tablehopping

A COUNTRY-WIDE FAVOURITE

Bahrain’s Sweetest Brunch is staged every Friday at Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain’s Baharat restaurant. Indulge in a sensorial and savoury experience at this award-winning weekend brunch priced at BD26, including soft drinks and water, or BD38, including selected free flow beverages. Live music from two-member band, Deux Sons, will entertain guests as they munch on tasty fare between 12.30pm-4pm. Book for more than10 people and receive a 20 per cent discount.

Call 17 171-144.

BON VOYAGE!

ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands presents the Fisherman’s Voyage Seafood Night every Thursday evening at Choices Terrace, from 7pm to 10.30pm.

This is the night all seafood fanatics have always dreamt off, with scrumptious offerings to feast on. Guests can savour a bounty of seafood offerings and delicious island drinks while enjoying the live entertainment through the evening. The meal is priced at BD23 with soft drinks included, or BD32 with house beverages.

Call 16 000-111.

ASIAN SATURDAYS

Discover the perfect Saturday Brunch at re/Asian Cuisine by Wolfgang Puck at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Soak in the fantastic views from the 50th floor of the towering property while you feast on mouth watering Asian selections like Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns, Wok Fried Shrimp Dumplings and Brisket Wontons. The meal is priced at BD26++, including soft beverages, or BD36++, including premium beverages. The lavish spread will be laid out between 12.30pm-3pm.

Call 17 115-046.

CRAZY NIGHTS OUT

The newest English lounge – Madness — has opened with a big bang at Ramee International Hotel, Juffair. Madness is one of the biggest and grandest lounges in the Kingdom of Bahrain, that enthralls party-goers with live band, Empire, six days a week, as well as a DJ who rocks the house every night. The venue offers a daily Ladies’ Night and great food. This cool outlet is located at the ground of the hotel situated near American Alley.

Call 36 289-349.

WONDERFUL VARIETY Flavours on 2 at Downtown Rotana has new and revamped themed lunches for only BD9.500++ from 12.30pm-3.30pm. Baharat Spiced Sundays are all about the array of traditional food ranging from mezze to delicious homemade ouzi. Asian Bowls Tuesday offers far-eastern cuisines and famed Asian street food such as stir fries, wok tossed specialities and Teatro’s special sushi. Vamos Wednesdays allows you to explore Spanish delicacies that go beyond the famous tapas. Don’t forget to try the special slow-infused grape juice, sangria. Grab a hearty meal before your weekend with Pots. Pans. Boards on Thursday, starting with some lip-smacking bite-sized favourites. Here is a rustic buffet you can indulge in, with lots of bakes, roasts and puffs.

Call 13 119-999.

90 December 2018

www.bahrainthismonth.com

dining

MOHAMMED NOOR AL-BOKHARI RESTAURANT HIDDEN GEMS IN BAHRAIN

by BILL GRIEVE

A

diamond in the rough! That’s the only way to describe this fine eatery near the Al Najmah Sports Club.

A delightful find originating all the way from Saudi Arabia and the Arab customs of old. This traditional Saudi restaurant will have you amazed at the exceptional quality of its food and the plentiful abundance of its portions – this is truly a house of feasts!

The kitchen area is open and visible and a wonderful mouth-watering aroma stems from this culinary workshop surrounding. The staircases on either side of the spacious kitchen area lead to two distinctly separate upstairs dining areas – one for families and one for single men – just like it is in traditional Saudi Arabia. Each area has its own respective clean, neat and tidy wash rooms.

The food offered is broken up into simple

headings Appetizers, Grills, Side Dishes, Rice Dishes and Drinks. This is not a broadsheet menu but a simplistic offering of wonderful traditional foods and side dishes – everything made in the most traditional way! Fantastic and different if you are a visitor to Bahrain…

Seating is available for 60 guests inside the family section and another 60 in the single mens section. The Juffair branch is open from noon till 2am daily.

Veggie Kale Maki

Call 36 344-437. or Youtube: https://youtu.be/3cf9U22PRug

FOR CALL +973 3336 6659

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PARK REGIS LOTUS HOTEL , JUFFAIR, MANAMA, BAHRAIN www.bahrainthismonth.com

December 2018 91

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

Fitbit Charge 3 The Fitbit Charge 3 is now available across Bahrain starting from BD68.860.

Charge 3, the latest evolution of the best-selling Charge family of devices, delivers a premium swim proof design with a large touchscreen display, the most advanced health and fitness features on a tracker, and is the company’s smartest tracker yet – all powered by up to seven days of battery life.

Available at selected retailers in Bahrain including Virgin Megastore and Sun&Sand Sports.

Roku Premiere The new Roku Premiere is the simple way to start streaming in HD, 4K Ultra HD or HDR. Just plug it into your TV with the included Premium High Speed HDMI Cable and connect to the Internet. With a short step-by-step setup and an easy on-screen experience, you’ll be watching in minutes. Use the simple remote to search for your favourite shows and discover thousands of free and paid channels to stream almost anything, including hit movies, popular shows, live TV, news and sports.

Available at www.amazon.com

TP-Link Kasa Smart Power Strip With independent control of six devices and extra USB ports to charge three others, the Kasa smart Wi-Fi power strip is ideal for your family rooms, home office or small business. Power up your office remotely and even your holiday lights. Remotely control each outlet with the Kasa smart app or use voice commands with Alexa, Google assistant, or Microsoft Cortana.

Available at www.amazon.com

Logitech MX Vertical Advanced Ergonomic Mouse The natural handshake position of MX Vertical is designed to reduce wrist pressure and forearm strain associated with repetitive stress injury (RSI) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The unique 57-degree vertical angle has been optimised for an ergonomic posture without compromising a pixel of performance.

Available at www.amazon.com

92 December 2018

UBTech Jimu Astrobot Kit You can assemble one of three robots with this Lego-like kit, each fully mobile and equipped with an infra-red sensor to help it detect and interact with its environment.

Best of all, it can then be programmed using the child-friendly block-programming app, opening limitless opportunities.

Available at www.amazon.com

www.bahrainthismonth.com

lifestylegadgets

Interactive Touch-Screen Projector This impressive appliance is an early iteration of what might well become a common household gadget: a projector that turns any surface into an interactive touch screen. This means you can annotate a presentation, play Flappy Bird in huge dimensions, or beam a recipe on to your chopping board and scroll through it with doughy fingers.

Available at www.thinkgeek.com

Aukey Charging Stand This slick pedestal, from charging giant Aukey, is both more attractive and more practical than the flat wireless chargers that have preceded it. With three internal coils and adjustable feet, it makes the idea of wireless charging seem less gimmicky and more genuinely convenient.

Available at www.amazon.com

Lumos Bike Helmet Forty-eight LEDs adorn this ventilated bike helmet: white at the front, red at the back, and amber indicators to left and right, controlled by a remote on your handlebar. Not only can you signal your intentions to drivers, the helmet can also detect when you’re braking, and its lights react accordingly.

Available at www.amazon.com

Neato Botvac D7 Robot Vacuum Building on its predecessors’ reputation for painstaking thoroughness, the D7 is less plasticky, better for pet hair, and has a luscious app that allows you to control it remotely, chart its progress and keep its venturesome spirit in check with no-go areas.

Available at www.amazon.com

Sphero R2D2 Luke Skywalker’s laconic mechanic has been lovingly reproduced in this miniature robot, which can patrol at will, follow you around, and utter his customary hooting trills. He’s interactive, app-enabled and, with luck, captures the original R2’s characteristic sarcasm.

Available at www.amazon.com

www.bahrainthismonth.com

December 2018 93

lifestylegames

Red Dead Redemption 2 Verdict: The best game in a generation.

Rating:

What is it?

Red Dead Redemption 2 is an epic tale of life in America’s unforgiving heartland. It’s 1899 and the end of the Wild West era has begun as lawmen hunt down the last remaining outlaw gangs.

Those who will not surrender or succumb are killed. After a robbery goes badly wrong, Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang are forced to flee. With federal agents and the best bounty hunters in the nation on their heels, the gang must rob, steal and fight their way across America in order to survive. As deepening internal divisions threaten to tear the gang apart, Arthur must make a choice between his own ideals and loyalty to the gang who raised him.

Gameplay

The main story missions themselves are a cocktail of high-stakes heists, deadly shootouts, desperate rescues and thrilling chases, mixed with a lengthy list of other activities. Many of those function as organic ways to teach the player about new side hustles and activities that can be undertaken, from selling stolen horses to playing poker or fishing.

It all feels great to play. It asks a lot of the finite amount of buttons on a controller, but it soon becomes second nature. Shootouts in particular are

Spyro Reignited Trilogy

The Spyro Reignited Trilogy introduces players to a fully remade game collection of the three original Spyro games that started the phenomenon: Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage! and Spyro: Year of the Dragon.

Play as Spyro as he torches Gnasty in the Dragon Realms, singes Ripto in Avalar, and crème brûlée’s the Sorceress in The Forgotten Worlds!

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supremely cinematic, thanks to plenty of gun smoke variable animations.

Graphics

The world is broader, more beautiful, and more varied than the first game by a massive margin. There are snowy peaks and dank, alligator-infested swamps; thick forests and open plateaus; quaint homesteads and grand plantations; narrow streams and great lakes. There’s the muddy livestock town of Valentine, with its wooden buildings and rustic charm, and then there’s the imposing city of Saint Denis, a grimy and growing metropolis full of modern extravagances like electric trams, paved roads and Chinese restaurants. The vast assortment of ecosystems and environments seamlessly stitched together here is nothing short of remarkable.

Crackdown 3

Enter Crackdown 3’s sandbox of mayhem and destruction and become a super-powered agent dedicated to justice by any means necessary. Explore the heights of a dangerous futuristic city, cut through ganginfested streets in a transforming vehicle, and wield amazing abilities to dismantle a ruthless criminal empire. The game will deliver cooperative chaos and an all-new multiplayer mode where destruction is your ultimate weapon against friends and rivals online.

Fallout 76

Fallout 76 is the online prequel to the award-winning franchise where every surviving human is a real person. Work together, or not, to survive. Under the threat of nuclear annihilation, you’ll experience the largest, most dynamic world ever created in the legendary Fallout universe. Twenty-five years after the bombs fall, you and your fellow Vault Dwellers – chosen from the nation’s best and brightest – emerge into post-nuclear America. Play solo or join together as you explore, quest, build and triumph against the wasteland’s greatest threats.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

lifestylewebsites VERDICT: A beautiful and occasionally melancholy look at the past.

ONE THOUSAND & ONE NIGHTS (ALF LAYLAH WA-LAYLAH) New Year’s Eve Bash at Neyran Restaurant 31st Dec | 8:30pm onwards Mercure Grand Hotel Seef is hosting One Thousand and One Nights (Alf Laylah Wa-Laylah) New Year’s Eve bash at Neyran Restaurant.

Site: www.savethesounds.info Rating: What is it?

Want a dose of serious nostalgia? Maybe the sound of a dial-up modem will do it for you, or the dial of a rotary phone. The Museum of Nostalgia will send you back in time. The single-person effort from Brendan Chilcutt aims to preserve the signature sounds of old technologies.

The Good

The website is so simple to use. There are loads of images of old objects, websites, logos and more, and you simply click each one to be transported to the past. Images turn from black-and-white to colour when you click them and the sound starts, you click it again to turn it off.

This way, you can mix and match sounds.

Join us and enjoy an open buffet & live Arabic entertainment. Prices start from BD19++ including soft beverages or BD25++ including selected beverages.

For reservations, please call +973 1758 4400

The Bad

‘Bad’ is not necessarily the right word, but listening to some of the sounds certainly elicits a feeling of sadness or loss. These were the sounds of childhood and growing up, when things were simpler and we weren’t swarmed with technology and the digital world, with all the over-produced sounds that come with it.

LATIN DANCE SHOW AT CASA LOUNGE

www.bubblebox.com/play/puzzle/975.htm The Magic Pen is a physicsbased doodle game, fiercely addictive, which will kill your lunchtime boredom. You have to push a red ball across the screen, using only shapes you draw. You can add in hinges and pins, and erase some poor choices if you

31st Dec | 9:00pm onwards Ring in the New Year with a Latin Dance Show featuring mystery guest DJ, accompanied by a delicious finger food buffet, at Mercure’s Casa Lounge, 9PM onwards. Prices start at BD15++ per person including selected beverages. For reservations, please call +973 1758 4400

must. It plays well with either a mouse or a tablet.

www.safestyle-windows.co.uk/the-secret-door/ It won’t open into a dark nook at Hogwarts, but it can take you to equally unexpected places around the world.

The idea is simple — open the secret door and let Google’s Street View transport you to an interesting place on the globe.

Think of it as a portal for virtual globetrotting. And if you don’t like it, just click the ‘Take Me Somewhere Else

button’. It definitely ranks as one of the more fun ways to use Google Maps and Street View.

h5685-re@accor.com www.mercurebahrain.com Mercure Grand Hotel Seef, Al Seef District, Manama

www.bahrainthismonth.com

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lifestyleapps

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

App: Spoiler Block Rating: Verdict: A great app to avoid pesky reveals.

What is it?

Are you constantly worried you’ll run into Twitter spoilers regarding your favourite movies or TV shows? Then, Spoiler Block is for you.

The app, as you might assume, allows you to enter the names of movies and TV shows that you don’t want spoilers about, after which the app will block certain text that might contain keywords related to spoilers.

The Good

The app is an amazing idea for those who hate having their favourite shows or films ruined. Just sign in with Twitter and tell the app what you don’t want to see and it will block the tweets related to it. Enjoy the shows that you haven’t got around to watching yet, without spoiler posts from people who can’t keep their traps shut.

So far it only works with your Twitter login, and as such, if you don’t have Twitter it won’t work. You can always create an account and never use it, but it’s still a hassle. It would be much better if you could sign in with your Google account or email.

App: Bouncer

App: 1Lyrics 1lyrics aims to be the only lyricrelated app you’ll ever need. The app works in conjunction with the likes of Spotify, Google Play Music and Amazon Music to show you the lyrics to the song you’re listening to, when you’re listening to it.

Through 1lyrics, you can download lyrics to view offline, change the theme of the app to suit your style, and more.

96 December 2018

The Bad

Privacy is of growing concern in today’s modern society, and as such, you might want to gain a little more control over your app permissions. Bouncer helps you do that. Through the app, you can temporarily grant an app permissions — meaning you could allow Twitter to access your camera, but only for a few seconds when you open the camera in the Twitter app. In other words, with Bouncer you don’t need to worry about what apps are doing in the background.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Boos & Booze night

Ramee International Hotel held a Boos & Booze night at its Madness House of Horrors

To view more images, scan the QR code

To view more images, scan the QR code

DJ Mehmet Gulec

Bahrain Nights presented DJ Mehmet Gulec at the Arch Hotel

BESTREAL ESTATESOLUTIONS: WWW.ROYALAMBASSADORBH.COM

FORMOREINFORMATION:

1600-0061

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December 2018 97

bystander

Morning Coffee

Ladies gathered for an event in honour of Milena, wife of former Italian Ambassador to Bahrain, Enrico Padilla

To view more images, scan the QR code

Filipino Food Festival

An exclusive media preview of the Filipino Food Festival was held at Soie Restaurant by the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel

98 December 2018

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bystander

40th Mega Annual Celebration

The Sri Lanka Club celebrated its 40th Mega Annual Celebration at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel

www.bahrainthismonth.com

To view more images, scan the QR code

December 2018 99

bystander

Day of the Living Dead Coral Bay’s ‘Day of the Living Dead’ themed Halloween Party was held at its premises with special guest DJ Sabrina Terence

Halloween Party

JJ’s Irish Restaurant held a Halloween party

100 December 2018

To view more images, scan the QR code

Halloween at Sofitel To view more images, scan the QR code

Sofitel celebrated its annual Halloween Party by the beach featuring international star Top 100 World Female DJ and producer, Djane Djoly

To view more images, scan the QR code

www.bahrainthismonth.com

entertainmentmusic

Muse – Simulation Theory What’s the story?

Simulation Theory is the eighth studio album by English rock band Muse.

Following the darker themes of Muse’s prior albums, Simulation Theory incorporates lighter influences from science fiction and 1980s’ pop culture, with extensive use of synthesisers. The contemporary political climate of the United States informed the lyrics. Rather than working on the album as a whole, Muse focused on recording a single track at a time. The album cover, designed by Stranger Things artist Kyle Lambert, and its music videos homage 1980s’ pop culture entertainment such as Back to the Future, Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Teen Wolf.

Worth a listen?

The least complicated or overly conceptual offering (for Muse) in over a decade, the 11-song set is focused and cohesive, blaring down a neonwashed highway of pulsing synths and driving beats, while swerving to avoid the orchestral and dubstep meandering of their preceding 2010’s output. Unlike these same predecessors, there’s also no filler or wasted time, making it the most compulsively listenable and immediate Muse album since 2006’s Black Holes & Revelations. Fully embracing their scifi tendencies, the trio dip into the nostalgic ‘80s, tapping the aesthetics of Tron, Blade Runner and composer John Carpenter. While Simulation Theory might appear to be overly polished mainstream trickery and

Verdict: A decent effort from the rock titans who still stray

from their roots.

sometimes makes you wish they’d just return to their roots as a heavy guitar band, it’s purely Muse at heart, successfully merging electronicpop song craft with their typically urgent, stadium rock foundation.

Shorts

Disturbed – Evolution

Imagine Dragons – Origins

Hanson – String Theory

Coming off of the enormous success of their brooding cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s Sound of Silence, Chicago nu-metal veterans Disturbed deliver another slab of commercial grade active rock and montage-ready power balladry on their seventh studio effort, Evolution.

Billed as a tribute to deceased contemporaries Chester Bennington of Linkin Park and Vinnie Paul of Pantera, the 10-track set strikes an even balance between meatand-potatoes stadium shakers (Are You Ready, No More) and butane-draining acoustic numbers (Hold On to Your Memories, Already Gone). The band’s penchant for pairing uncompromising sonic heft with mile-high hooks remains its greatest asset, with frontman Dave Draiman’s powerhouse voice shouldering that weight with Herculean stamina.

Nominally a rock band, Imagine Dragons are deliberately amorphous, a blob rolling along sucking up anything in its path. Often, they’re content patrolling their own backyard, relying on an EDM-inflected arena rock that consciously recalls Coldplay at both their sweetest and most urgent.

The difference with Origins is, this blob sucks up a bunch of different sounds. Only shimmers with retrosynths that stir up the ghosts of new wave, West Coast stomps like early Mumford & Sons, Machine bounces to a malicious industrial throb, and Cool Out glides along to a neon-lit groove. Every one of these slight variations in sound does fit within the wheelhouse of Imagine Dragons, but that’s only because the group takes pains to be able to fit every kind of playlist imaginable: rock, pop, electronic, soul.

String Theory is a clever name for an ambitious project

by Hanson. Reaching their quarter-century anniversary, the trio decided to revisit highlights from their previous albums with the assistance of symphonic arranger David Campbell. Campbell assists Hanson in freshening up their catalogue, managing to give their early bubblegum hits a dose of maturity without turning them stuffy. These handsome new versions of Where’s the Love and MmmBop will be the gateway to the rest of String Theory, which serves as ample proof that Hanson built a rich catalogue of savvy, melodic pop tunes over the course of their first 25 years. Sure, the original records might be a little snappier, but hearing these 23 songs as a distinct piece of work, it becomes clear that they’ve written an enduring songbook that is open to reinterpretations.

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entertainmenttvreleases

Fancy some chill-time at home? Check out these latest TV series to hit your screens.

The Haunting of Hill House

This modern reimagining of the Shirley Jackson novel follows siblings who, as children, grew up in what would go on to become the most famous haunted house in the country. Now adults, they are forced back together in the face of tragedy and must finally confront the ghosts of their past. Some of those ghosts still lurk in their minds, while others may actually be stalking the shadows of Hill House. The ensemble cast includes Oscar-winner Timothy Hutton, Carla Gugino and Henry Thomas. Mike Flanagan, a veteran of the horror genre, created the series.

Homecoming

Heidi Bergman is a caseworker at Homecoming, a facility that helps soldiers transition back to civilian life. She leaves Homecoming to start a new life living with her mother and working as a small-town waitress.

Years later, the Department of Defence questions why she left, which makes Heidi realise that there’s a whole other story behind the one that she’s been telling herself. Oscarwinner Julia Roberts stars as Heidi in the first regular TV series role of her career.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

This adaptation of the Sabrina the Teenage Witch tale is a dark coming-of-age story that traffics in horror and the occult. In the reimagined original story, Sabrina Spellman wrestles to reconcile her dual nature – halfwitch, half-mortal – while standing against the evil forces that threaten her, her family, including aunts Hilda and Zelda, and the daylight world humans inhabit. Kiernan Shipka leads the cast in the titular role of the show that is based on a comic series of the same name.

Forever

June and Oscar are a married couple who live a comfortable-but-predictable life in suburban California. For years, they’ve had the same conversations, eaten the same meals, and taken vacations at the same rented lake house.

But when June talks Oscar into shaking things up by taking a ski trip, the couple suddenly find themselves in completely unfamiliar territory – raising questions about love, commitment and their marriage.

The Good Cop

Big Tony is a lovable, but not exactly honourable, former NYPD officer who never followed the rules. He lives with his son, TJ, a straight-laced NYPD detective who always follows the rules while solving Brooklyn’s toughest cases. They may be an odd couple but they become unofficial partners with Tony Senior offering his overly cautious son blunt, street-wise advice. Emmy-nominee Tony Danza stars as the elder officer in his first starring role on a sitcom since the late 1990s, and Grammynominated-singer Josh Groban portrays Tony Junior in his first regular sitcom role.

Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan

Author Tom Clancy introduced the character of Jack Ryan in a series of books before Ryan headed to the big screen in several films.

Now, the former US Marine is featured in an episodic series for the first time, with John Krasinski portraying Ryan in this thriller that centres on him as an up-and-coming CIA analyst. He is thrust into a dangerous field assignment for the first time and uncovers a pattern in terrorist communication. That launches him into the middle of a dangerous gambit with a new breed of terrorism that threatens destruction on a global scale.

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entertainmentfilmreleases

Movie Mania

Whatever your film preference, Thomas Cohen finds there’s something for everyone scheduled for release this month.

Vice

Aquaman

Mary Poppins Returns Bumblebee Genre: Family, Fantasy, Musical Release Date: December 19 Mary Poppins comes to life, once more, as Emily Blunt takes over from Julie Andrews in the titular role. Set in 1930s London, we follow the mysterious nanny’s reunion with the Banks family, and how she helps them rediscover their childhood joy.

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-fi Release Date: December 21 Twenty years prior to the events of 2007’s Transformers, Bumblebee seeks refuge in a small Californian beach town.

With the aid of Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), they must go on the run as they are hunted down by a government agency known as Sector 7.

The Mule

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Welcome to Marwen

Holmes & Watson

Genre: Biography, Drama, History Release Date: December 25 After his widely successful motion picture, The Big Short, Adam McKay returns to the big screen with Vice. Based on the quiet political rise of Dick Cheney (Christian Bale) and how he became one of the most powerful men in the world as VicePresident to George W Bush (Sam Rockwell).

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery Release Date: December 14 Clint Eastwood, for the first time in six years, returns to the big screen, as an actor. Based on the true story of a World War Two veteran, who, in his 80s, became a drug dealer and courier for the Sinaloa Cartel.

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy Release Date: December 21 Jason Momoa reprises his role as Arthur Curry/Aquaman as he discovers he is the heir to the kingdom of Atlantis. Following the events of the Justice League, a reluctant Aquaman must step forward for both his people and the world.

Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure Release Date: December 14 Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) must balance both his high school life and his role as a super hero as he discovers the “spiderverse”, where alternate realities intersect. With the use of 140 animations, this is Sony Pictures’ largest crew ensemble for an animation film.

Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama Release Date: December 7 Marwencol is a miniature World War Two village that helps Mark Hogencamp (Steve Carell), a victim of violent assault. The film encapsulates the heart-warming journey of Mark’s powerful imagination and how he finds hope from within.

Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Crime Release Date: December 21 An amusing take on the iconic characters, Sherlock Holmes (Will Ferrell) and John Watson (John C Reilly) who must take on their fierce rival, James Moriarty (Ralph Fiennes), and prevent the assassination of the queen.

All release dates shown here are for the US. Keep a lookout for Bahrain showings.

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bystander

Aigner Press Meet

Aigner launched its Fall/Winter 2018 Wunderkammer collection at its shop in City Centre Bahrain

Zallaq Springs Launch Zallaq Springs held a soft launch event at its premises

To view more images, scan the QR code

Vinny’s Diwali

Vinny celebrated Diwali with family and friends at her home

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December 2018 105

BAHRAIN THIS MONTH GOES MULTI-PLATFORM Read Woman This Month in any format convenient to you • Print • Online • Digital • Social media to keep you abreast of everything that’s happening in and about town.

You can now read Bahrain This Month from its Instagram account. Click on the bio-link and it takes you to a curated page where you can tap the images and read the articles. Simple, convenient and easy!!

Go Published monthly by:

Red House Marketing P. O. Box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: editor@womanthismonth.com

bahrainthismonth

Digital Edition

lifestylewhat'snew

What’s New Edited by Apple Sharma

Bold and Beautiful Burberry introduces Her, a new women’s Eau de Parfum that captures the daring attitude and adventurous spirit of a Londoner. A vibrant, fruity and floral fragrance, it opens with a burst of red and dark berries, featuring jasmine and violet notes at the heart, with a base of dry amber and musk.

Available at leading retailers.

A Timeless Classic AIGNER’s Jada bag is the star of the Autumn-Winter 2018 collection. This leather handbag for women has a refined quickrelease closure and elegant embellishments that surround the wide flap, making it a classy and treasured item. Aside from new colours and cool patterns, it is available in a cute mini version, this season.

Available at AIGNER, City Centre Bahrain.

A Romantic Appeal Chloé eyewear’s new spring-summer version of the iconic ‘Rosie’ style is now revamped with a subtle heart-shaped design. The new Rosie sunglasses are completed with flexible hinges and the signature metal teardrop cut-out for attaching the chain accessory.

They are available in gold with various gradient colour palette lenses – wine, turquoise, brick and coral.

Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, City Centre Bahrain.

Modern and Sporty CONCORD extends the famous sport luxury collection CONCORD Lady Saratoga by launching two new exciting models. Redesigned with more defined lines, these new timepieces offer an elegant look for modern and active women. The unique design features a bezel adorned with eight blocks and a woven link bracelet. The models are available in white mother-of-pearl and grey dials, with central stamped pattern.

Available at Rivoli stores (City Centre Bahrain, Enma Mall) and Hour Choice (Bahrain Mall)

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Exclusive Accessories Tory Burch introduces the Farida Fleming Collection, a curated assortment of beautiful leather accessories. Created exclusively for the Middle East market, it includes a shoulder bag with adjustable chain straps and a wallet, distinguished by quilting and embellished with unique charms, including a hamsa, a horseshoe and a four-leaf clover.

Available at Tory Burch, City Centre Bahrain.

December 2018 107

lifestylediscoverbahrain

THE KINGDOM’S

The first in a series introducing Bahrain’s rich heritage and must-visit sites.

Scattered on the ruins of history, Qal’at al-Bahrain stands atop an artificial mound. It was once known as the capital of the Dilmun civilisation, during the Bronze Age. Since its inception, it has been home to a plethora of diverse cultures from the Babylonian settlers, known as Kassites, to the Assyrian people. It was equally distinguished by the presence of the Portuguese.

By the early 15th century, the Kingdom was an invaluable trading El Dorado. The strategic and geopolitical advantages of the fort were key in the monopolisation of trade. Within the sights of Europe, Africa and India, the occupants of Qal’at al-Bahrain could defend their interests on all fronts.

The mysticism surrounding the fort has been present since the beginning of time. As per the Epic of Gilgamesh, an epic poem from ancient Mesopotamia, Qal’at al-Bahrain represented immortality and was the ancestral home of the Sumerians.

Therein lies its charm, the remnants of lost history, be it in the form of numerous vessels or artefacts. These vessels came from Mesopotamia, now modern-day Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey. Located on the northern coast of the Kingdom, away from the overwhelming urbanisation, the fort guards its relics of a bygone era.

Encircled by palm groves, it was once the foundation for agricultural trading in the region.

Within the walls is a madbasa, an element in architecture which was key to producing date syrup. It is one of the oldest in the world, reminiscent of ancient innovation. The site reflects the ingenuity of the Dilmun civilisation and its successors during both the Tylos and the Islamic periods.

What was once the most important 108 December 2018

harbour in the Dilmun civilisation is left in the form of a small water channel. In times past, it conjoined agriculture with maritime trade. Adjacent to the scenic seaside, there resides what is thought to be a sea tower. Unique in its defensive structure, it is safe to assume that once upon a time, it was a force to be reckoned with.

Abandoned in the 17th century, this significant archeological site was later excavated following its rediscovery in 1954 and its restoration in 1987. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Now a museum, it is one of the most visited sites in the Kingdom. There are many exhibition halls organised to accommodate the 500 artefacts. Reiterating the numerous acquisitions since the start of the excavation, the museum introduces the five various historical periods. These are arranged to reflect the chronology of ancient glory. Visitors are offered an audio-guided tour in three languages: Arabic, French or English. Opening hours are 8am to 8pm Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays.

Scan the code for more Bahrain Discoveries www.bahrainthismonth.com

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lifestyletravel Clockwise from left: Check out Saks Fifth Avenue’s Christmas windows; Have breakfast at the Blue Box Cafe at Tiffany’s; Go skating at the Rockefeller Center; Ride the Staten Island Ferry; Visit Grand Central Oyster Bar; Take in a show on Broadway

110 December 2018

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lifestyletravel

New York New York New York may not be the US capital, but there’s a reason they say “So good, they named it twice”. And if you’re heading to the ‘Big Apple’ over the festive season, you’re in for a treat.

You’ll find free Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies from December 1 to 8, often with music and snacks thrown in. Try: Astoria Park, December 1; Park Avenue and Queens Botanical Garden, both December 2; Bryan Park, December 4; Washington Square Park, December 5; Madison Square Park, December 6 and West Harlem Piers Park, December 8.

In fact, there’s so much to do in this amazing city over the festive season, it’s hard to know where to begin. No visit to New York would be complete without taking in a show on Broadway, perhaps the world’s most famous theatre district. There are still tickets available for the multiTony-winning Hamilton, but make sure you’ve got your credit card handy as they don’t come cheap. Or bag some serious bragging rights by heading to the Walter Kerr Theatre, where The Boss, Bruce Springsteen himself, is in residence until December 15. For holiday specials, Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular, featuring The Rockettes, is a not-to-bemissed extravaganza plus there are several versions of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, from classical to burlesque and hip-hop, playing at venues across the city.

Head to the Rockefeller Center to see the world-famous Christmas Tree and lace up your boots at the ice-skating rink. Don’t worry if you’re not particularly skilled, nor are most other people. While you’re there, check out one of the city’s hidden gems, 620 Loft and Gallery. It’s a series of gardens designed by English landscaper Ralph Hancock. They’ve been closed since 1938 but can be seen from the Top of the Rock observation deck.

While we’re on the subject of hidden spots, one of the most romantic is the Whispering Gallery at Grand Central Station where the architecture allows voices to travel from one side of the space to the other. It’s found in front of the famous Oyster Bar & Restaurant, so you can kill two NYC birds with one stone.

For shopping, or just looking, take a stroll down the iconic Fifth Avenue where, these days, you really can have breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Make sure you also take in the renowned Saks Fifth Avenue window displays, which draw visitors from across the world. And there are holiday markets throughout the city boasting everything from handmade crafts to antiques and, of course, a certain amount of festive junk!

Don’t forget a ride on the Staten Island Ferry to see Lady Liberty and end your New York jaunt with another Big Apple must-do, New Year’s Eve in Times Square, a location and occasion that need no explanation. www.bahrainthismonth.com

December 2018 111

lifestyleentertainment

Get Active Outdoors

Arad Fort Take a walk along the fort, gaze at the picturesque seaside and breath in the history.

Located in Muharraq, Arad Fort is the ideal place to enjoy a gentle stroll. The restoration and its illumination at night have only added to its already omnipresent charm. Arad Fort, site of various concerts and events, is one of the most important sites in the Kingdom. A true example of Islamic fort architecture from the 15th to the 16th century, it was once the epicentre of numerous conflicts with the Portuguese, now a concoction of cultures. To indulge in a trip to Arad Fort is to allow yourself to stride amidst history, to say that you once walked where part of Bahrain’s history was built.

It’s time to make the most of the long-awaited cooler weather. Thomas Cohen has come up with a selection of outdoor activities to do just that.

Wake Boarding There’s a steady start as the boat drags you along, but as it increases in speed, expect the unexpected. What was once the surface of the sea is now your playground. Jump, flip or twist, be ready to catch the right wave to fully experience what it’s like to walk on water. Head over to Coral Bay to experience the epitome of water sports for both experienced water skiers and beginners alike. With the help of a professional and the right gear, there is everything at your disposal for 30 minutes of unpredictability.

112 December 2018

Scuba Diving The Kingdom’s blue seas offer a once in a lifetime experience; scuba diving in the Arabian Gulf. Organisations such as ScubaMaster offer driving trips every Friday and Saturday. They are also open to weekday dives upon request.

Whether it’s heading to Abuthalma, located 45 miles northeast of Bahrain, or Caisson Wreck, be ready to venture into the unknown. See maritime life up-close and personal, observe the coral and enjoy the peace of the undersea world.

The Tree of Life Its wide, thick branches sit under the sun.

Situated in the desert, it is lonesome. Not a tree in sight. Yet it’s four centuries old, secluded in the depths of a wasteland and, with no visible means of sustenance, clouded in mystery.

Renowned as one of the most important sites in Bahrain, take a day out of your weekend, drive 30KM from Manama and visit the tree of life.

Horse riding Elegant. Fast. There is no breed like the Arabian horse. Ride along the beach and against the sunset, the Kingdom’s landscape is the perfect muse for an experience such as this one, where modern times and heritage cross over. Head for the horizon, create a partnership with a majestic beast and learn a new skill. The Country Club and Dilmun Club both offer lessons and riding for more experienced equestrians.

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bystander OTHER EVENTS

The K Hotel held a press conference in honour of Pakistan film industry renowned Actor and Actress, Mr & Mrs Shahroz Sabzwari, and the movie cast at Kolors Restaurant in Juffair

The Gulf Hotel reopened its Gulf Convention Centre

Atiram Premier Hotel hosted a cake mixing ceremony at Wembley

Citi Bahrain and American Mission Hospital held a breast cancer awareness campaign at American Mission Hospital

Al Areen Palace & Spa held a High Tea for a Higher Cause breast cancer awareness event at its premises

Saar Mall held a breast cancer charity event at its premises

Dessange held a spinathon charity event press conference at Monsoon restaurant

The Italian Embassy organized the Nino Rota Ensemble to perform at the Cultural Hall Manama

114 December 2018

The Dia de los Muertos extravaganza was hosted at the brand-new Four Seasons beach

The British Embassy hosted a press roundtable with Minister Alistair Burt

Park Regis Hotel held a party featuring Fetty Wap

Al Fanar opened its newest branch in ABC Mall Juffair

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bystander OTHER EVENTS

The U.S. Ambassador, HE Justin Siberell, hosted a reception in honor of American artist Bernadette Frank at his residence in Saar

Al Hilal Health Care Group , Bahrain Cancer Care Group and Bahrain Public Transport Company organised an event to create the largest human pink ribbon.

The Rotary Club of Adliya held its popular annual charity cricket tournament, proceeds of which will go towards a new children’s playground in Diraz Park

Dihaan Moore performed live supported by The JazzMatazz Band at Premier Hotel’s Coda Jazz Lounge, The Blue Room

The Arch Hotel held a grand opening ceremony for its new pub ‘Fizz’

Celebrated Thai singer and actress, Nuch Wilawan, was the highlight of the Halloween celebrations at the Atiram Premier Hotel, Juffair

The second edition of the Bahrain Jazz Fest was held at the Royal Golf Club

The charity sporting event organised by Rotaract Bahrain in association with the Bahrain Athletic Association, Bahrain Round Table, held its 38th relay marathon

The Rotary Club Manama held a meeting featuring Dr Bijan Majidi at The Gulf Hotel

Bahrain Boxing Club held Fight Night 5 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel

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December 2018 115

bystander OTHER EVENTS

Yaquby Stores Bahrain won the P&G winning portfolio award (Braun) for best peak activation for three consecutive years which puts Yaquby at the top in the MENA region

The Chinese Embassy, in collaboration with Confucious Institute of University of Bahrain, hosted the 2018 First Chinese Culture Knowledge Contest at the Crowne Plaza Hotel

A media roundtable on the latest Bahrain Economic Quarterly report was held at the EDB offices

Rotary Club of Sulmaniya held a meeting at the Westin Hotel with HH Sheikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa speaking about the preservation of the natural Mangroves in Bahrain

A lecture by Philipe Petriat was held at the Residence of France

Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority held the third edition of the Sea Festival at the North Harbour

Al Hawaj held the official opening of Swarovski Boutique at The Avenues

Gulf Hotel held a Chef Wout Bru menu experience at Fusions Restaurant

La Fontaine held a Slow Food event where vendors who believe in the concept of slow food showcased their delicious healthy products

As part of their efforts towards benefiting the athletic community in Bahrain, Winners Football Center announced the launch of its program ‘EDUSPORTS’ in strategic partnership with The Ministry of Youth & Sports and Tamkeen. The event was held under the patronage of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa alongside Hisham Al Jowder, the Minister of Youth & Sports, and Ebrahim Jonah, CEO of Tamkeen.

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lifestyleadvertisersindex

Scan the QR code for more information from the advertisers Al Haddad-Mercedes

Arch Hotel

Ambassador-Stores

Atiram Premier Hotel

Bahrain Specialist Hospital

Crowne Plaza

Le Meridien The Westin

Maki

Miam

Middle East Hospital

Movenpick

Park Regis Lotus Hotel

Home & Furnishing Phoenicia Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

BBahrain Specialist Hospital . . . . . . . 13

Hotels & Serviced Residences Atiram Hotels (Premier Hotel) . . . . . . 67 Bahrain Tourism Co (Crowne Plaza) . 35

Gulf Hotel

Royal Ambassador

Ramada

Al Haddad Motors (Mercedes) . . . . . 71

Others Alliance Francaise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Movenpick Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Berlitz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Park Regis Lotus Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

G4S Bahrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Islands . 31

Intercol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Ramee Grand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Joz Salon & Spa (Toni&Guy

Royal Ambassador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Hairdressing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Sheraton Hotel Bahrain . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Juffair Fitness Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Sofitel Hotels & Resorts . . . . . . . . . . . 11

MAF Investments Bahrain (Bahrain

Starwood Hotels (Le Meridien) . . . . . 45

City Centre) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC

Starwood Hotels (The Westin) . . . . . 41

Saar Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

The Arch Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

The Lost Paradise of Dilmun . . . . . . . 59

The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel . . . 73

Restaurants & Cafés

The Four Seasons Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

The Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa . . 3

Jewellery & Watches Four Seasons

Motoring

Mercure Grand Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

The K Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 51

Ritz Carlton

Middle East Hospital . . . . . . . . . . 33, 101

Gulf Suites Hotel Amwaj . . . . . . . . . . . 47

The Gulf Hotel Bahrain . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Diplomat

Medical & Dental Services

Bayti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Bennigan’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Coral Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Cucina Italiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Maki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Miam Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Ambassador Stores (Seiko) . . . . . . . . 23

Show Shha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Asia Jewellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC

Talabat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC

Kewalram & Sons Co. (Titan) . . . . . . . 49

The Lanterns Restaurant & Lounge . 87

Liali Jewellery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Trader Vic’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

BTM retail sales outlets G4S

Ramee Grand

BAHRAIN THIS MONTH, your guide to a great way of life, is available at the following selected outlets:

Gulf Suites Hotel

Saar Mall

● 24-Seven Minimart, all outlets

● Muntaza Supermarket, all outlets

● 24 Hours Market, all outlets

● Other leading Cold Stores and News Stands

● Al Hilal Bookshops, all outlets ● Al Jazira Supermarket, all outlets

Joz Salon

Sheraton Hotel

● Alosra Supermarket, all outlets ● Amwaj Islands Market, Amwaj ● Aseel Supermarket, all outlets ● Babasons Market, all outlets

Kewalram

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq

● Lulu Hypermarket, all outlets ● Mega Mart, all outlets ● Metro Markets, all outlets

K Hotel

Wyndham

● Midway Supermarket, 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 Liali Jewellery

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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.

December 2018 117

lifestylewinwin Bahrain This Month gives one lucky reader a chance to take a taste of the new collection from German fashion brand ORSAY with a BD50 voucher to spend in store.

For a chance 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 and at http://press.orsay.com/en/page-109

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10

Who got it right?

NEW YEARS EVE 2018

On which date will Crowne Plaza light its Christmas tree? ______________________________________________

Bahrain This Month received 109 entries last month, all of which answered the questions correctly. Congratulations to the winners:

How many movies will be shown at the Korean Film Festival? ______________________________________________ What are the real names of the Mambo Brothers? ______________________________________________

Winners:

Antonio P. Bayon

Roan Lalis

Mark Albaria

Last month’s solutions:

What will be the theme of The Gulf Hotel’s New Year’s Eve bash? ______________________________________________

Ad Seek:

VIP 2. 38 INVITATION ONLY 1. NERVO

1. Golden Gate 2. Orsay

3. Brian O’Driscoll

3. Juffair Fitness Centre

4. Berlin 4. Eleven Club With which music streaming service has Mercedes-Benz FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY 5. November 20-24 Cars Middle East partnered?

VIP INVITE PLEASE CONTACT TONY ______________________________________________ 6. Galleria Mall

ON

973 33 640 009

7. BD65

Which company has been awarded distribution rights for 8. Tanatan Lamborghini?

INVITATIONS ARE FIRST COME 9. Shoes and accessories ______________________________________________

FIRST 10. 3 stores – CitySERVED! Centre Bahrain, Seef

Where on the island could you go indoor skydiving? ______________________________________________

Mall Muharraq, Bahrain Mall

What’s the name of the new Muse album? ______________________________________________

To enter visit www.bahrainthismonth.com/competition

Where is the headquarters of Orsay brand? ______________________________________________

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.

Which year did Orsay’s first store open?

AD Seek

This 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 do is identify the ad and mark your answer below each ad clipping. So test your observation skills, and you may be a winner!

1.

118 December 2018

2.

3.

4.

BTM.indd 1

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11/19/18