TECHNOLOGY - ENTERTAINMENT - TRAVEL
Since 1997
December 2019 | Vol. 23 | Issue 12 | BD2 / SR20 YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE
FESTIVE SPECIAL
NATIONAL DAY EVENTS
Tree Lightings Christmas Dining Gifts Galore New Year’s Eve Parties
WHAT’S GREEN
Useful eco buys
MOTORING
A Tribute to the Tributo
PEOPLE Celeb chef Wolfgang Puck Jazz trumpeter Yazz Ahmed Hotelier Dimitris Manikis Engineer Mariam Jumaan
WTM
First look at the combined issue
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Arts
Culture
Clubs
Sports
Interviews
Lifestyle
Dining
Nightlife
Digital Edition
Paradise found in the heart of Manama
The Reef Clubhouse and Lagoon Beach offers an exclusive retreat on the purpose-built Reef Island. The clubhouse aims to be a vibrant hub of luxury lifestyle amenities including facilities for dining, well-being, leisure, socialising and relaxation as well as a playroom with great kids‘ facilities. MEMBERSHIP PLANS AND DAY PASSES FOR BEACH ACCESS ARE AVAILABLE
L AGOON BEACH | FLOATING RESTAUR ANT & LOUNGES | E VENTS VENUE | RESTAUR ANTS | SPA | HEALTH CLUB
To share the fun with us, please call: +973 77 900 700 Reef Clubhouse Bahrain
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THE TEAM Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton
Bahrain This Month December 2019
Editorial Director Liz O’Reilly Contributors Behnaz Sanjana, Zilia Monteiro, Dick Potter, Bill Grieve, Razan Al Arabi Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Romeo San Miguel, Hatem Monem Photography Editor Muna Yousef Staff Photographers Subeesh Kumar N S, Ranjith Mohan Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa Corporate Affairs Director Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Group (Hilal Direct Services) Media Sales ANURADHA MANHAS anuradha@redhousemarketing.com SARAH AMIN sarah.amin@redhousemarketing.com
The only Lifestyle Magazine distributed with the GDN
DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director Lini Reghunath Content Editor Liz O’Reilly Digital Marketing & Social Media Executive Michelle D’Souza 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 2005-2019 The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. and must not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Red House Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission. Views expressed in this magazine by journalists and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month. Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001 ISBN 1 899 348 09 3
•
1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24
Welcome to the jam-packed final issue of the year in which, I must confess, we’ve gone a bit overboard on all things festive. In the Happenings section you will find more than 15 Christmas Tree lightings. Take your pick to kick off the holiday season – our photographers will be showing up at many of them, so say hello if you happen to spot them and get your picture snapped. We’ve also got two pages of New Year’s Eve parties, to make sure you bid farewell to 2019 in style. And in between there are loads of great events, including the fabulous National Day Festival at Bahrain International Circuit, to keep you busy throughout the month. Our online events pages at www.bahrainthismonth.com are the most read of all calendar portals in the Kingdom and are regularly updated throughout the month. There are even instructions on how to load your own events and pictures too. Sticking with the Yuletide theme, five, yes five, pages of festive dining – from Christmas Eve dinners to great family-friendly options for the big day – mean there’s absolutely no excuse to go hungry. And, of course, we have our regular Table Hopping pages to keep you abreast of happenings and offers across the Kingdom’s F&B sector. While we’re on the subject of food, Liz and Behnaz have been checking out the offerings at two new venues (well, one’s a refurb but it might as well be brand new). They do seem to get all the best jobs! Our interview section this month brings back celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck, who explains what drew him to launch his restaurants here in the Kingdom. And Dimitris Manikis, President and Managing Director (EMEA) for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, tells a similar story. We’ve also chatted with Mariam Jumaan, the first woman to head up the Bahrain Council for Regulating the Practice of Engineering Professions. And Bahraini-British jazz trumpeter, Yazz Ahmed, talks memories, inspirations and getting back to her island roots. This month sees the initial inclusion of Woman This Month within your BTM. This time around, it’s just a few pages to give you a taster of what’s to come. In the future we will be adding in some more of the regular WTM features while at the same time giving our female fans lots more to read with extra new content online at www. womanthismonth.com — let me know what you think. Last but not least, I wish all of you a Happy National Day and a Very Merry Christmas, see you on the other side.
COVER Cover Picture:
Festive Special George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman
Scan this QR Code to subscribe to the digital edition of the magazine.
Gulf and international subscriptions available on request.
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December 2019 5
APOLLO HEART INSTITUTE Brings
36 YEARS
Of experience
500,000
Cardiac procedures
55 MILLION
Lives touched
To
BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL 17812000 www.bsh.com.bh
CONTENTS
66
100
WOMAN THIS MONTH
98 100 101
Christmas Gifting Festive Dining
Motoring
65 66 67
My Life In Cars
Dick Potter shares his passion for motors.
A Tribute to the Tributo
Dick Potter checks out the latest Ferrari.
Motoring Bites
BTM brings you the latest news from the motoring world.
Commerce
70 72
Business Bites Opinion:
Pria Mason Talwar
Dining
73
Bar Bites Extraordinaire Liz O’Reilly checked out the new offerings at one of the Kingdom’s favourite hotels.
Festive Beauty:
74 75
Technology
Beauty Tips:
82 84 85 86
Gadgets:
Festive Fashion:
CONTENTS
Steal The Show
Shimmer and Shine
The Science of Skincare
Being Your Best Self:
Ladies from Toastmaster’s clubs speak about the advantages of being part of the organisation.
Lifetyle
106 107 108
52 56
Not Just Winging It
Interview
104
ISSUE 268
DECEMBER
52
Festive feature
Overcoming Autism:
Ouiam Charkani El Hassani tells the story of an inspiring young man.
Kid-Friendly Kale
Razan Al Arabi’s healthy and fun recipe for your little ones.
Well-being:
Love Your Liver.
Behnaz Sanjana had a cracker of a meal at Buffalo Wings and Rings.
Table Hopping
The newest gizmos in town
Computer Games:
The hottest games of the month
Websites:
The coolest sites on the web
Apps:
Essential apps to try
Entertainment
89 90 91
Hollywood faves: Latest film releases
Music:
Top new tunes
New on TV:
Shows to download
Lifestyle www.bahrainthismonth.com bahrainthismonth www.bahrainthismonth.com
bhthismonth
93 94
What’s Green:
Eco-friendly products
Travel:
Skiing in Austria December 2019 9
bystander
Turkey’s National Day To celebrate the 96th
anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, Turkish Ambassador, HE Kemal Demirciler, and his wife Jale, held a reception
10 December 2019
www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery
CELEBRATE THE MAGIC OF THE SEASON 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 55 per adult, select beverages BHD 25 per child, soft beverages, ages 5 - 12
Bldg 173, Road 2803, Al Seef, Block 428, Kingdom of Bahrain +973 1758 0000
Advance reservations recommended. All prices are inclusive of service charge, government levy and VAT. Š 2019 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
bystander
Jewellery Arabia Inauguration
Jewellery Arabia 2019 was officially inaugurated under the patronage of the PM, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre
Pasquale Bruni Press Conference
Panerai Media Lunch
Ulysse Nardin Media Lunch 12 December 2019
Buccellati Press Conference
Bentley Centenary Jewel Premiere www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery
CHRISTMAS IS ON
Experience the charm of Christmas with our accessories at special prices. VISIT US IN MANAMA PHOENICIA DECOR PALACE PALMS BLDG, TEL: 00973-17564444 / NATUZZI.COM
bystander
Max Reopening
Under the patronage of Shaikh Hasan bin Rashid Al Khalifa, the reopening of Max was held in Segaya
To view more images, scan the QR code
18th Business Conference
Under the patronage of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce & Industry held the 18th Arab Businessmen & Investors Conference
Coffee Morning Samira Rofa, wife of the German Ambassador, hosted a coffee morning for the ladies of the German community 14 December 2019
www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery
bystander
To view more images, scan the QR code
Kewalram Diwali
16 December 2019
Mr and Mrs Baboo Kewalram held a reception to celebrate Diwali 2019 at Baqer Gardens
www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery
happenings
Lighting Up the Festive Season so Christmas is just around the corner and there area many festivities for us to choose from! Here’s st mo roundup of some of the “brightest” ones – the ing tak anticipated Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies place across the island!
December 1
December 3
THE GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION & SPA
MÖVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN
Join Santa and the Gulf Hotel Carol Choir on December 1, from 6pm onwards as they usher in the holiday season with the time-honoured tradition of lighting the Christmas Tree. Call 17 713-000.
December 2
LANTERNS GOURMET LOUNGE, AMWAJ
Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain, with its new luxury Gallery lobby lounge, invites you and your loved ones for the highly anticipated Christmas Tree lighting ceremony! Join the carol choir as they welcome the festive season with this traditional ceremony and a visit from Santa with a sack full of presents for each child. Call 17 460-000.
December 3
CHOICES TERRACE, ART ROTANA
Experience the Christmas Tree come to life at Lanterns Amwaj at 7pm. Enjoy complimentary mulled grape and mince pies as you sing Christmas carols with Nathalie. Bring your family and friends and make it a night to cherish. Call 77 770-055.
Welcome the season of joy and happiness at the Choices Terrace with a wondrous Christmas Tree lighting, featuring a visit by a uniquely humorous Santa (what will he get up to this year?) along with the usual selection of festive goodies! Kids can have their photos taken with Santa and receive gifts. Join the fun from 5pm to 6.30pm. Call 16 000-111.
December 2
December 4
DOWNTOWN ROTANA Kick off the festive season with the lighting of the Christmas Tree at the City Lobby Lounge of Downtown Rotana! To make the evening more special, there are rumours of Father Christmas aka Santa Claus dropping in on guests with presents for the little ones. Enjoy Christmas delicacies and beverages. The ceremony starts at 5pm. Call 13 119-999.
18 December 2019
JUMEIRAH ROYAL SARAY BAHRAIN Visit a unique Winter Wonderland at the Jumeirah Royal Saray where the shining fairy lights, the hot beverages, the live music and Santa’s visit will definitely turn the festive magic into reality. The tree lighting ceremony will take place on December 4 at 6pm. Entrance to the special Winter Wonderland is BD5 per person (activities will be charged extra) and children under five years go free. Visit this spectacular set up from 4.30pm to 10pm on Saturdays to Wednesdays and until 11.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays between December 4 and January 2. Call 77 707-070.
www.bahrainthismonth.com/events
happenings
December 5
CUCINA ITALIANA Join in the celebrations as Cucina Italiana lights up its Christmas Tree with some amazing festive bites and cheer from 7pm onwards. Call 17 001-317.
December 5
ELITE GRANDE HOTEL Let the festive season begin with a bang! Elite Grande cordially invites you to celebrate its Christmas Tree Lighting from 6.30pm onwards. Call 17 565-888.
December 5
THE GROVE HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE Nothing says Christmastime like a Christmas Tree, the twinkling of lights, a room full of joy and laughter and the Grove carollers in full voice! The ceremony starts at 6.30pm at the ground floor lobby and includes complimentary festive offerings. Call 16 035-640.
December 5
UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS RESTAURANT Join the legendary tree lighting ceremony with live music, free bubbly and mulled grape from 8pm onwards. Call 36 309-444.
December 5
CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN Feel the holiday spirit as you join in the Christmas Tree lighting celebrations at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain. Sing along with the choir and enjoy a ‘surprise’ visit from Santa and the elves to delight the little ones, from 7pm onwards. Call 17 531-122.
December 5
THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN Celebrate the magic of the season starting with the annual lighting of the grand Christmas Tree. Sing along to a selection of festive tunes while the aroma of gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa wafts around, while you await the arrival of Santa. The event is from 5pm to 8pm at
www.bahrainthismonth.com/events
the Hotel Garden. Call 17 586-499.
December 5
BAHRAIN RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Enjoy some Christmas carolling with the Manama Singers and a wide range of festive goodies including arts, crafts, design, food and Christmas Tree lighting at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club. The event is from 4pm to 10pm. Call 17 605-809.
December 6
MERCURE GRAND HOTEL SEEF Light up with the spirit of Christmas accompanied by jolly ol’ Santa Claus and live carollers at the Mercure Grand Hotel. Enjoy the twinkling fairy lights and stunning festive displays as the celebrations get into full swing from 5.30pm onwards. Call 17 584-400.
December 6
BENNIGAN’S BAHRAIN Celebrate the season with festive music from a live band, holiday goodies, Christmas treats and games for kids at Bennigans Amwaj from 7pm to 8.30pm. Call 17 813-750.
December 7
BIG TEXAS BARBEQUE & WAFFLE Join the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and enjoy great company, complimentary Christmas treats, the famous hot chocolate and the chance to sing along with carollers from 7pm to 11pm! Call 17 360-063.
December 11
SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA A magnifique Christmas comes to life as the Sofitel Bahrain transforms the venue into a magical, festive fairyland filled with charming vibes, traditional gastronomy and enchanting surprises. Traditional Christmas carollers will set the mood for a special evening ahead with a visit from Santa from 6pm onwards. Call 38 885-789.
December 2019 19
bystander
Chef Domenico
Silk’s Restaurant introduced its newlyappointed Italian Executive Chef Domenico Cicchetti
To view more images, scan the QR code
Hotel Bahrain held a Friday brunch Brunch Mövenpick at Silk’s Restaurant and Gallery lobby lounge
To view more images, scan the QR code
Hotel Bahrain held the launch of its Flaming Thursdays Mövenpick Flaming Thursdays event at Silk’s Restaurant
To view more images, scan the QR code
20 December 2019
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happenings
DECEMBER 2019 - HAPPENINGS AUDIO VISUAL TREAT VARIOUS
THE SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION QAL’AT AL BAHRAIN
The Sound and Lights show is a story of Bahrain as told by its most renowned site, Qal’at Al Bahrain. The show is an interactive and moving audio visual experience which takes the audience through a guided journey from the present into the past, and back. The English version is at 6pm and the Arabic version at 7pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The event is for adults and kids above six years. Call Visit culture.gov.bh
CELESTIAL EXHIBITS UNTIL DECEMBER 24
ART EXHIBITION
UNTIL DECEMBER 4
DARKNESS AND LIGHT
ITALIAN DESIGN HUB, MUHARRAQ
Experience the play of light and dark at this photo-exhibition by Loredana Mantello. The photographer uses the technique of painting with light to create photographic works of art that are inspired by the old master of chiaroscuro, Caravaggio. The exhibition runs from Saturday to Thursday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Call Call 39 799-370.
MUSIC CONCERT-
ALBAREH ART GALLERY
Celestial White, a second exhibition by Aysha Hafuz, takes place at the Albareh Art Gallery. The sculptures created by Aysha Hafuz appeal to multiple emotions. She sees the colour white not only as the master of all colours, but also as a form of radiant energy that raises tranquility and meditation. Graphic art provides the basis for colour in terms of both construction and its expressive and visual connotations. However, in some cases, in terms of formation, the hue becomes prominent and turns the work into a verbal and listening medium. This is something that we can see in Aysha’s sculptures. She has carved her name with the chisels of her soul in the world of graphic arts across Bahrain. Call Call 17 717-707.
BAHRAINI WOMEN’S DAY EVENT
DECEMBER 1
OUD NIGHT
BAHRAIN NATIONAL MUSEUM
In celebration of Bahraini Women’s Day, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities presents ‘Oud Night’, starring Oud player Saad Mahmood Jawad, accompanied by the all-female group, Hunna. Hunna is an international project established in Bahrain, created by Saad Mahmood Jawad, and includes the first all-female group who solely specialise in playing the oud. Entry is free for adults and kids aged above eight years. Call Visit culture.gov.bh.
LINES OF LIGHT - BAHRAINI WOMEN’S DAY EVENT DECEMBER 1
STUDIO OPENING AND EXHIBITION
JEHAN SALEH PRINTMAKING STUDIO
Under the patronage of HE Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain International Federation of Business and Professional Women, and in celebration of Bahraini Women’s Day, artist Jehan Saleh will officially open her studio with the exhibition Lines of Light by Bahrain Women Printmakers. The official opening will take place at the studio in Al-Andalus Garden in Gudaibiya from 10am to 1pm in a ladiesonly reception. Later the exhibition will be open for the public from 7pm to 9pm. The morning opening will include a concert starring oud player Saad Jawad, accompanied by all-female group Hunna. Lines of Light features the artworks of 10 members of Bahrain Women Printmakers: Dawiya AlAlaweiyat, Mona Al Moataz, Zakeya Zada, Mayssa Al Sowaidi, Marwa Rashid Al Khalifa, Lina Mohammed Kamal, Mariam Jumaan, Najla Hoss and Salwa Al Qaed, as well as artworks by the founder and exhibition curator, Jehan Saleh. Call 38 397-678. www.bahrainthismonth.com/events
December 2019 21
happenings
ITALIAN OPERA DECEMBER 2
When? Mondays Event? Trivia Night Venue? Sherlock Holmes Call 17 713-000. When? Tuesdays Event? The Sound and Light Show Venue? Qal’at al Bahrain Visit culture.gov.bh
A TRIBUTE TO GREAT ITALIAN OPERA
In collaboration with the Italian Embassy, the internationally renowned Accademia Chigiana will present an authentic musical evening from the great figures of Italian opera who made a mark in the genre’s history. The five great figures of Italian opera between the 19th and 20th centuries are all represented: Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, Verdi and Puccini, plus Leoncavallo, a historical exponent of Italy’s Verismo. Bringing together tunes of melancholy, elegant comedy and drama, the evening will also serve as a tribute to the frivolous world of operetta. The event is free and open to adults and children aged 10 years and above. Visit culture.gov.bh
POLISH TREASURES
When? Until December 4 Event? Darkness and Light Venue? Italian Design Hub, Muharraq Call 39 799-370.
DECEMBER 3-31
THE TREASURES OF KRAKOW EXHIBITION
THE ARAB REGIONAL CENTRE OF WORLD HERITAGE
The Treasures of Krakow recounts the tale of a city – the seat of Polish kings, former capital of the country, home to one of the oldest European universities, and magnet for poets, writers and artists. Krakow was one of the most important metropolises of the Medieaval era, and became the first European urban ensemble to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This exhibition sheds light on the strong cultural ties and exchanges between Bahrain and the Republic of Poland. The exhibition is free to enter from 9am to 4pm from Sunday to Thursday. There will also be a lecture by Agata Wąsowska-Pawlik on Krakow’s heritage from 6pm on December 4. Visit culture.gov.bh
When? Until December 24 Event? Art Exhibition Venue? Albareh Art Gallery Call 17 717-707. When? December 1 Event? Christmas Tree Lighting Venue? Art Rotana Call 16 000-111. When? December 1 Event? Deborah Jones Live Venue? Attic Greek Kouzina Call 38 177-177. When? December 1 Event? Christmas Tree Lighting Venue? The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa Call 17 713-000.
BAHRAIN NATIONAL MUSEUM
CULTURAL FESTIVAL DECEMBER 5-26
FIVE PM AT BAB
CHARITY SALE BAB AL BAHRAIN
DECEMBER 6
BOUTIQUE SALE
BAHRAIN RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB
When? December 1 Event? Oud Night Venue? Bahrain National Museum Visit culture.gov.bh When? December 1 Event? Christmas Tree Lighting Venue? Art Rotana Call 16 000-111. When? December 2 Event? A Tribute to Great Italian Opera Venue? Bahrain National Museum Visit culture.gov.bh When? December 2 Event? Christmas Tree lighting Venue? Lanterns Gourmet Lounge, Amwaj Call 77 770-055. 22 December 2019
The weekly festival ‘Five PM at Bab’ in the heart of Bab Al-Bahrain, offers visitors to the area diverse cultural activities that represent the dynamics of the venue and its historical value. On December 5 is an artistic workshop of free hand sketching with the theme ‘National Day celebrations’. Join a musical evening on December 12, an artistic workshop on Arabic letters on December 19 and traditional folklore presentation Dar Shabab Al Riffa on December 26. Call Visit culture.gov.bh.
Get your bargains at The Dogfather charity sale from 11am to 2pm. Choose from designer and high street clothing and accessories, Christmas items, bric-a-brac and household items. And you can shop with a happy conscious with profits going to help the animal welfare organisation’s furry residents. Call 17 695-809.
www.bahrainthismonth.com/events
OUR TIMINGS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE
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PASSIONATELY COOKED LOVINGLY SERVED FRESHNESS DELIVERED CONTACT:
Adliya: +973 17 540188 Riffa: +973 17 760780 www.stirfrycrazy.com
happenings When? December 3 Event? Tree lighting ceremony Venue? Movenpick Hotel Bahrain Call 17 460-000.
A DATE WITH DANA DECEMBER 6
When? December 2 Event? Christmas Tree Lighting Venue? Downtown Rotana Call 13 119-999.
When? December 4 Event? Tree Lighting Ceremony Venue? Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain Call 77 707-070. When? December 4-January 2 Event? Winter Wonderland Venue? Jumeirah Royal Saray Call 77 707-070. When? December 4 Event? Artisan Bazaar Christmas Fair Venue? Dilmun Club Call 17 690-926. When? December 5 Event? Christmas Tree lighting Venue? Cucina Italiana Bahrain Call 17 001-317. When? December 5 Event? Christmas Tree Lighting Venue? Elite Grande Hotel Call 17 565-888. When? December 5 Event? Tree lighting ceremony Venue? The Grove Hotel & Conference Centre Call 16 035-640. When? December 5 Event? Christmas Tree Lighting Venue? Upstairs Downstairs Restaurant Call 36 309-444. When? December 5 Event? Christmas Tree Lighting Venue? Crowne Plaza Call 17 531-122. When? December 5 Event? Christmas Tree Lighting Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Call 17 586-499. 24 December 2019
CALEXICO
End your year by partying with leading female DJ Dana Ruh, who will be leading the entertainment at Propoganda with her deep smoky house and techno beats. A fine selector, DJ, producer, label boss and record store owner, the incredible Dana Ruh, was born and raised in Germany‘s small town Gera, and soon found her way to the capital city of Berlin. Since then, she has been on a constantly evolving musical journey. The evening’s fun doesn’t end there! DJ Mazen Maskati and It’sTheG are also part of the entertainment lineup. The event starts at 8pm and runs till late. Dress classy but comfortable. Limited tickets available, so get yours early! Call 17 666-644.
When? December 3-31 Event? The Treasures of Krakow Exhibition Venue? The Arab Regional Centre of World Heritage Visit culture.gov.bh When? December 4 Event? Culture and the City – The Case of Krakow Venue? Bahrain National Museum Visit culture.gov.bh
DANA RUH
ALL FOR THE LADIES DECEMBER 6-7
WOMANIA WINTERFEST
Here’s a unique and first-ever festival that celebrates womanhood in all its glory! The Womania Winterfest is a twoday festival featuring unique competitions, special performances, workshops and talks, alongside food, entertainment, music, shopping, a pop up bazaar, live music, art and poetry. The event will be inaugurated by Mona Almoayyed, who is a businesswoman, women’s rights campaigner, philanthropist, environmentalist and regularly features on the list of most influential Arab women. Lacing the inaugural programme will be a one-off parade by women representing the various nationalities, professions and vocations of Bahrain, showcasing their unity in multicultural diversity, as well as the vital role that women play in society. There will be a grand celebration of womanhood through live painting sessions by artists from different countries, poetry presentations on the glory of womanhood by poets from the Bahrain Writers’ Circle, free workshops by the Bahrain Women’s Association, and a panel discussion – ‘Challenges Women Face Today: special focus on work-life balance’ featuring eminent women speakers from Bahrain. Other women’s organisations that will participate in this
ADHARI PARK
event are Women’s Crisis Care International, the Indian Ladies Association and American Women’s Association. The event is free but ladies can bring their families along to enjoy unlimited amusement rides at BD5 for three hours at Adhari Park. Call Call 36 996-869.
LET’S TALK HEALTH DECEMBER 7
WELLNESS NOT ILLNESS FORUM
EQUILIBRIUM PILATES CENTRE
The topic of health is in the spotlight at this event which will be talking about autoimmune illnesses, how to spot, diagnose and manage them. The talk will also emphasise the importance of exercise, diet and general wellbeing. Speakers at the event include Patricia Kabalaoui, Pilates and Gyrotonic expert, Basi Faculty; Reem Al Khalifa, founder of Green Bar; Haya Hijazi and Nadia Kawash, health coaches and RawK owners. Call 36 999-250 www.bahrainthismonth.com/events
Style, love, Beautify!
TONIANDGUY BAHRAIN
FOR GENTS & LADIES
|
SEEF MALL 1700 1700 GATE 1 9:00 AM TO 10:00 PM
BAHRAIN
| WWW.TONIANDGUYBH.COM
BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE 1701 1701 GATE 7 LEVEL 3 10:00 AM TO 10:00 PM
happenings When? December 5 Event? Festive Fayre Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club Call 17 605-809.
STORY TIME - NATIONAL DAY EVENT DECEMBER 7
MY NATION, MY STORY
Here’s a storytelling session to stimulate your kids’ creative imagination about their nation or adopted home. Engage your child in interactive activities to express their patriotism by creating paintings of different scenes from stories in which they present themselves as heroes. This event is held in cooperation with the ‘We All Read’ society and will be conducted in Arabic. Prior registration is required. The session is from 10am to noon for ages eight to 12 years. Visit culture.gov.bh
When? December 5-26 Event? Five PM at Bab Venue? Bab Al Bahrain Visit culture.gov.bh. When? December 6 Event? Boutique sale Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club
Get your bargains at The Dogfather charity sale from 11am to 2pm.
Call 17 695-809.
When? December 6 Event? Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Venue? Mercure Grand Hotel Seef Call 17 584-400. When? December 6 Event? Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Venue? Bennigan’s Call 17 813-750. When? December 6 Event? Dana Ruh Venue? Calexico Call 17 666-644. When? December 6-7 Event? Womania Winterfest Venue? Adhari Park Call 36 996-869. When? December 6-7 Event? Christmas Wonderland Venue? Diplomat Radisson Blu Call 39 945-208. When? December 6-7 Event? Bahrain Popup market Venue? El Mercado Don’t miss out on this outdoor pop up market from 5pm to 11pm at Mercado mall. Call 37 119-590.
AL KHALIFIYA LIBRARY
CHRISTMAS DISCO KIDS’ CHRISTMAS PARTY
DECEMBER 7
DILMUN CLUB
It’s time for the kids to let loose and enjoy a Christmas Party planned just for them! Get photos taken with Santa and also get your own gifts for a Secret-Santa exchange with other kids. There will be games booths, ornament painting, party games, Santa’s grotto, a kids’ buffet and disco. Tickets are BD7 for members and BD9 for non-members. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the club’s reception. The party is from noon to 4pm. Call 17 690-926.
PINOY FEST DECEMBER 7
BARRIO FIESTA SA BAHRAIN WITH KYLA
CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN
Filipino Club Bahrain presents Barrio Fiesta in Bahrain with popular singer Kyla flying in specially. The event is from noon to 11pm and promises fun for all the family with lots of entertainment on offer. Tickets are required. Call 39 636-048
RACE TO THE FINISH DECEMBER 7
IRONMAN 70.3 MIDDLE EAST CHAMPIONSHIP BAHRAIN
GINGERBREAD WORKSHOP THE AVENUES
DECEMBER 7
GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING EVENT
MÖVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN
When? December 7 Event? Christmas Sale Venue? Bahrain Young Ladies Association
Al Nahda Boutique hosts its Christmas sale at 9.30am till 2pm, at the Bahrain Young Ladies Association.
Call 17 262-237.
When? December 7 Event? Christmas tree lighting Venue? Big Texas Barbeque & Waffle Call 17 360-063.
26 December 2019
Find out who’s going to be the next record breaker at the upcoming IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain. The annual event promises to be more than just a sporting festival this year. It is a celebration of triathlon and Middle Eastern culture over a weekend that will keep you engaged with family-friendly side events, as well as an opportunity to experience the entertaining opening and closing ceremonies. Show your support to the participants and cheer them on anytime between 5am and 4pm. Visit ironman.com
Be a part of an iconic and much-anticipated annual event where fun, creativity and the Christmas spirit all abound, especially among the little ones. Kids will be provided with delicious gingerbread homes and all the tools and goodies to decorate them. All the kids need to do is put on their creative hats, aprons and enjoy, while grown-ups delight in their own sweet counter, with Christmas beverages. The activity is BD12 per child and starts at 4pm, at the newly launched Gallery Lobby Lounge. Call 17 460-017. www.bahrainthismonth.com/events
bystander
Educators Convention
In celebration of World Teacher’s Day, the second Educators Convention and Service Awards 2019 was held at Wyndham Grand Manama
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CELEBRATING A WHOLE YEAR OF HEALTHY GOODNESS One of Bahrain’s First Vegan Cafés Refined sugar free Dairy-free 100% vegan
Hala Plaza, store #141, Bughazal (+973) 17663068
www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery
anaiscafe
info@anaiscafe.com
anaiscafe
Opening hours: 10 AM - 10 PM
www.anaiscafe.com
December 2019 29
happenings When? December 11 Event? National Day Celebrations Venue? Little Pearls Nursery
Here’s a celebration for the little one’s as Little Pearls hosts a family fun day and National Day celebration at its venue. The event is from 8am to 1pm.
Call 33 558-911 / 17 491-201.
When? December 14 & 28 Event? Cultural Music Concerts Venue? East Riffa
The newly inaugurated Dar Al-Riffa hosts a series of musical concerts, accentuating the rich tapestry of Bahraini folk music. December 14 is at Dar Shabab Al Riffa and December 28 at Dar Al Riffa Al Ouda. Free Admission.
Visit culture.gov.bh.
When? December 14 Event? Beautiful Bowls Workshop Venue? The Art House
PARTY NIGHT DECEMBER 12
SELEKTED PARTY
THAI LOUNGE
Selekted party returns to Thai Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain from 8pm onwards. The evening will be an experience to remember, where you can dance the night away while socialising at the glamorous venue with the view of the infinity pool and the beach just a step away. Feel the rhythm of the night with five top-notch DJs and live performers while enjoying signature Thai and Asian-fusion cuisine along with house beverages. Complimentary entry before 11pm, BD10 after 11pm. Call 35 091-542.
PERFUME AND JEWELLERY LAUNCH DECEMBER 12
PERFUME LAUNCH
BAHRAIN NATIONAL MUSEUM
Join this four-hour mosaic workshop for BD45 and create beautiful bowls starting from 10am. Limited seats available.
LIVE PERFORMANCE DECEMBER 12
KNOX ARTISTE LIVE
WYNDHAM GARDEN MANAMA
Call 39938896 / 39253943.
When? December 15-16 Event? Manama Doesn’t Sleep Venue? Various Visit culture.gov.bh When? December 16 Event? Celebrating Bahrain National Day Venue? Bahrain National Theatre
A musical performance reminiscing on Bahrain’s origins, people and deeply-rooted history up until the rule of His Majesty the King’s prosperous leadership.
Visit culture.gov.bh
When? December 16-17 Event? National Day Festive Bazaar Venue? Mosaic House
Bahraini designers Nouf Al Shekar and Zaina Khalid will launch their perfume and fine jewellery collections. Setting herself apart from the average market, Nouf creates essential Perla fragrances to suit the needs of women of all ages. The scents she has incorporated into these fragrances are drawn from her past journeys, inspirations and emotions. Zaina creates unique jewellery that translates from comfortable daywear to enchanting evening pieces. Her jewellery’s effortless look, is what sets the bespoke designer collection apart from the mainstream. Visit culture.gov.bh
Enjoy some big bargains at this annual two-day festive bazaar.
NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS
When? December 17 Event? Kids Christmas Craft Day Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club
DECEMBER 13-16
Call 39 252-943.
Drop the kids off for an afternoon of Christmas crafting, games and more! Entry is BD10 per child inclusive of snacks, drinks and materials. Open to kids aged six to 12 from 3pm to 5pm.
Call 17 695-809
Call 17 695-809. When? December 17 Event? Martyr’s Day Venue? Pearling Path Square – Muharraq
On Martyr’s Day, artist Hala Mohammed Al Khalifa will host a workshop at 10am for children inspired by jasmine flowers, a long time symbol of hope.
Visit culture.gov.bh.
30 December 2019
BAHRAIN NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS
BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT
Get ready for the island’s biggest celebration as the Bahrain International Circuit hosts a massive four-day festival coinciding with the Kingdom’s National Day anniversary. Emirate singer Balqees and Kuwaiti singer Isa AlMarzooq will be some of the highlight acts, alongside stunt shows and other performances. The festival also coincides with the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), which sports eight hours of racing from 3pm on December 14. Visit bahraingp.com.
For the first time in Bahrain, Knox Artiste performs live with hits like 14 Songs on One Beat and Botal Khol. The event is also supported by DJs Manne, from India, and Nirmal Sagar, from Bahrain. Doors open at 8pm for a 9pm start. Tickets are BD5 for gents pre-sale and BD7 at the door. Ladies enter free till 11pm with one welcome drink, after which it is BD5 at the door. Call 33 259-981.
TREASURE HUNT-
NATIONAL DAY EVENT
DECEMBER 14
PEARLING PATH TREASURE HUNT
AL HALA CLUB
Participate in the pearling path treasure hunt for ages 16 to 20. Ten teams with three members each will try to find a hidden pearl through a series of clues and games, which they will encounter along the path. The hunt will start at Al Hala Club parking in Muharraq at 9am. Prior registration is required. Visit culture.gov.bh www.bahrainthismonth.com/events
bystander
Tulip Bahrain held Golden Diwali Golden a Golden Diwali event
www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery
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December 2019 31
happenings When? December 17-30 Event? Ritz Kids winter camp Venue? The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain
LIVE COMEDY DECEMBER 14
Children aged four to 12 can enjoy adventures at the Ritz Kids Winter Camp with storytelling, stargazing with movies and popcorn, barbecue on the beach and free play. Prices apply.
When? December 18 Event? Arabic Language and Artificial Intelligence Venue? Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage
Visit culture.gov.bh.
When? December 18 Event? Arabic Calligraphy Workshop with Ali AlBazzaz Venue? Art Centre
ROW THAT BOAT! DECEMBER 16
DECEMBER 15-16
MANAMA DOESN’T SLEEP
Visit culture.gov.bh.
When? December 24 Event? Enchanting Christmas Eve Ladies Night Venue? Mercure Grand Hotel Seef Ladies get your free beverages from 6pm to 9.30pm at Casa Lounge as you celebrate an enchanting Christmas Eve with free-flowing bubbles, festive celebrations and live entertainment.
The Grand National Day Dragon Boat Race will be one of the highlights this month at Bahrain Bay. The race day runs from 6am till noon and attracts men and women to participate in distances of 500m and 250m. Registrations are open for teams until December 14. Call 35 586-373.
THEATRE NIGHT DECEMBER 18
Manama Doesn’t Sleep’ commemorates the 31st anniversary of the Bahrain National Museum with an exciting line-up of events embracing the energy of the city and Bahrain as a whole. The 12-hour celebration features music and dance shows, literary talks, fine art exhibits and more. The event runs from 7pm to 7am and takes place across the Qal’at Al Bahrain site museum, Cultural Hall and Bahrain National Museum. It is free to enter. Visit culture.gov.bh
DINOSAUR SHOWCASE DECEMBER 16-MARCH 2020
DIVE INTO THE JURASSIC
BAHRAIN NATIONAL MUSEUM
Call 17 584-400.
When? December 26 Event? A Night of Arabic Classic Films Venue? Qal’at Al Bahrain site museum Among the Ruins is a classic Egyptian film starring Faten Hamama and Emad Hamdy as star-crossed lovers. The screening starts at 7pm and admission is free.
Visit culture.gov.bh
32 December 2019
BAHRAIN BAY
VARIOUS
Visit culture.gov.bh.
Participants of the ‘Music of Poetry’ course will present their works with musical pieces to complement their poems. The event is free to enter and starts at 7pm.
GRAND NATIONAL DAY RACE
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Celebrate Arabic language at this workshop, which explores the use of different mediums to traditional calligraphy. The event is from 5pm to 8pm and requires prior registration.
When? December 19 Event? My Homeland Venue? Bahrain National Museum
GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN
Maz Jobrani, one of the founding members of the Axis of Evil Comedy Tour, returns to the Middle East for the first time in years. Catch him live at his Bahrain stand-up show at the Gulf Convention Centre. Fresh off his Netflix special Immigrant, Maz will be bringing his newest tour Peaceful Warrior to the region. Come laugh with him as he talks about being a modern day dad, and navigating life as a Middle Easterner in America. Call 17 713-000.
Call 17 586-499.
The annual celebration of World Arabic Language Day revolves around the topic ‘Arabic Language and Science,’ and starts at 11am.
MAZ JOBRANI
Dive into the Jurassic brings together immersive CGI films with replica casts from the Natural History Museum’s unique marine fossil collections to bring the ancient seas to life. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey beneath the waves to meet the amazing creatures that inhabited the oceans 200 million years ago. Visit culture.gov.bh
VAUDEVILLE THE 3RD
CALEXICO
Hear ye Hear ye!! Noble knights, fair ladies, fairies and all you queens, the honour of your presence is required at Calexico Theatre for the third edition of its wonderful Vaudeville show. Ten various acts exploring a range of disciplines crosspollinated together to bring you a glorious immersive theatre experience! It’s curated and produced by Khalil Rasool, supported hugely by Bahrain’s creative community and all the super stars involved! The show starts at 8.30pm. Entrance is BD5. Call 17 666-644.
ART EXPLORATION DECEMBER 22-31
ARTIST IN A SCHOOL EXHIBITION
STUDIO 244
The Artist in a School exhibition will feature talented students from four public schools in the Kingdom, under the initiative of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, and in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. Through the efforts and dedication of four accomplished Bahraini artists: Dr Mayasa Al Suwaidi, Jamal Abdulrahim, Areej Rajab and Mahmood AlShargawi, these artists have managed to embed a sense of quality and sophisticated cultural creativity to the art curricula of Bahrain’s public schools. The exhibition is open from 4pm to 8pm, at studio 244 located at Arad Bay Protected Area and Park. Entry is free. Visit culture.gov.bh www.bahrainthismonth.com/events
LE MERIDIEN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway, Al Seef District, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain T +973 1717 1000 lemeridiencitycentrebahrain.com
CELEBRATE FESTIVE SEASON AT BAHARAT Pre-Christmas Brunch Friday, 20th December 2019 from 12:30PM to 4:00PM Christmas Eve Dinner Tuesday, 24th December 2019 from 6:30PM to 11:00PM Christmas Brunch Wednesday, 25th December 2019 from 12:30PM to 4:00PM BHD 28 net inclusive of soft beverages BHD 36 net inclusive of selected beverages For more information or to make a reservation, please call +973 1717 1441
happenings
DECEMBER 31
NEW YEAR’S PARTIES
VARIOUS
Bid farewell to the days gone by and welcome the New Year in style at one of these fabulous celebrations.
THE RITZ-CARLTON BAHRAIN Celebrate the New Year with a retro-themed Back to the ‘80s party at the Al Noor Ballroom. Welcome 2020 with an exciting yet sophisticated evening full of enchanting performances and extraordinary culinary presentations. Get your tickets before December 10 at BD85 and at BD95 if you book after. Kids from five to 12 years pay BD25. The price includes a gala dinner, open buffet until 11.30pm and selected beverages until 12.30am. Light bites and beverages are available afterwards on a cash basis. Call 17 580-000.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY The roaring ‘20s comes to Bahrain, complete with riveting performances, endless cocktails, live music and fireworks. Step into a heart-racing immersive adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal jazz-age novel, The Great Gatsby, which puts you in the heart of the action. Slip on your dancing shoes and watch the story unfold around you in the party of the year! Expect a full circus lineup of performances by aerial acrobats, fire dancers, jugglers and more. Various price packages apply. The evening is from 8pm to 2am. Call 17 115-500.
Experience an incredible evening of energetic rhythm and colourful entertainment as you kick start the New Year with a bang at the Rio Carnival Party at The Harvesters Pub and Terrace from 9pm onwards. Price is BD10. Call 17 531-122 / 39 920-163.
JUMEIRAH ROYAL SARAY Step into the New Year with a bang at Jumeirah Royal Saray and relish a hearty epicurean spread including a buffet of delectable appetisers, seafood, premium imported cheeses and decadent desserts. The ballroom, elegantly turned into a white wonderland, will create the perfect atmosphere to celebrate while the very talented singer Banah, and her seven-piece band, will have you dancing till the early hours. The price is BD80, including soft drinks, or BD90, with selected beverages. Seating is in tables of 10 and smaller groups may join mixed tables. Call 77 707-070.
WEMBLEY LOUNGE
MÖVENPICK BAHRAIN Mövenpick is excited to host a spectacular evening of formal elegance and glamour with its Casino Royale-themed New Year’s Eve party. Start the evening with the distinguished drinks reception to enjoy a refreshing martini, like Agent 007. Entertainment on the night is supported by a troupe of Bond dancers performing fantastic routines and classic hits in their stylish gowns and costumes that only a ‘Bond’ girl would wear. To add to the celebration, the DJ will be spinning popular party tracks to welcome the New Year on a musical note until 2am. Prices from BD64, including selected beverages. Book your table through BTM here: http://bit.ly/MPbhNY20. Call 17 460-000.
THE HARVESTERS PUB AND TERRACE
Join Wembley Lounge as it celebrates the arrival of 2020, with a fun filled ‘Back to School’ theme featuring resident DJ TinTin with old school music, party games and much more. Tickets are BD18 per person for an allinclusive beverages package from 9pm till 2am. Call 33 640-009.
THE GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION & SPA Mark the end of year with five amazing acts that will take your breath away from magic to aerial performances and show-stopping dancers! The countdown has already begun for this extravagant party. Regular price is BD60 per person. Call 17 713-000.
CELLAR 59, ART ROTANA Bring in the New Year with a bang at the New Year’s Eve Royal Casino Party at Cellar 59. Highlights of the evening are sets by DJ Boudi and two guest DJs. Entrance is BD20 with one complimentary welcome drink. Special drink packages are available. Guests dining at the hotel’s restaurants will have complimentary entrance to this party on the same night. Dress code applies. Call 16 000-111. 34 December 2019
www.bahrainthismonth.com/events
挀愀猀椀渀漀 爀漀礀愀氀攀
洀漀瘀攀渀瀀椀挀欀⸀挀漀洀⼀戀愀栀爀愀椀渀
happenings
SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA One of the most popular New Year’s Eve celebrations in Bahrain includes a grand firework display and live Oriental show. The concert will be headlined by the Lebanese singing sensation, Bassem Yehya, along with entrancing musical trio, Vio. Brace yourselves for the return of comedian, Bassem Feghali, who promises an evening full of laughter, going well beyond the stroke of midnight! The night will also feature a host of entertainment including one-manshow Robert, along with exotic belly dancers, and a grand gala dinner. Get your gold ticket at BD70, premium ticket at BD90 and platinum ticket at BD120. Call 38 885-789 / 36 222-927.
CORAL BAY Miami events and Stadium Rockerz presents an outdoor dance gathering ‘New Year’s Neon Glow’. Get ready to raise your hands up with illuminating glow sticks and to witness a magical midnight display of fireworks. The evening features an exclusive lineup of international DJs, great music and party vibes and an open bar from 6pm onwards. Tickets at pre-sale are BD20 for gents and BD15 for ladies, inclusive of unlimited beverages. Different rates apply on the day. Book your ticket through BTM here: http://bit.ly/CoralBayNY20 Call 17 312-700 / 38 810-055.
INTERCONTINENTAL REGENCY TRADER VIC’S Five DJs, three stages, one venue and a night you won’t forget! Celebrate two grand moments as you ring in the New Year and mark the 20-year anniversary of Trader Vic’s in Bahrain! Various ticket prices apply. Call 17 586-555.
Celebrate 2020 New Year’s Eve at InterContinental Regency Bahrain in the golden style of the 1920s. Join this glamorous evening party including a sumptuous gala dinner, unlimited beverages and a live dance show for BD70 per person. Early bird offer applies at BD59 per person for bookings before December 15. Call 17 227-777.
ALTO BUSHIDO BY BUDDHA BAR Bushido’s long-awaited New Year’s Eve event returns to paint the town red. On the last night of the year, DJs Jackson and Momo will count down to 2020 in the most spectacular and typically Bushido manner for the most memorable way to start the new year! Call 17 583-555.
CASA LOUNGE Salsa your way to an exciting and extraordinary start to 2020 at Casa Lounge at the Mercure Grand against a scintillating backdrop of the Seef skyline with a mesmerising New Year’s Eve live Latin show to complete your night. Entry is BD10 or BD20 per person including selected beverages until 1am. Call 17 584-400.
Get ready for the most electrifying New Year’s Eve party ever thrown at Alto! Ring in 2020 from the 25th floor of Downtown Rotana, while overlooking stunning views of Manama. Alto will feature delicious craft cocktails, exclusive grapes, delectable food, party favours and the best entertainment, including special guest DJ Danielle Danielle Hanna, from Beirut. Enjoy party favours and complimentary bubbly at midnight. Walk-in tickets are BD20. The event is from 8pm till 2am and the dress code is formal Call 17 210-550.
THE DIPLOMAT RADISSON BLU HOTEL, RESIDENCE & SPA Experience a fantastic New Year’s Eve in the Grand Ballroom of The Diplomat Radisson Blu as four world-class tribute artists – Queen, Coldplay, Prince and James Brown – plus international DJs entertain you till the early hours! The evening features a gourmet dinner with unlimited free-flow beverages and is BD55 for adults, BD30 for kids up to 18 years, BD20 for kids up to 12 years and kids under six go free. Doors open 8pm until late. Call 39 945-208.
For more details and updated events visit https://www.facebook.com/events/564253087662422/
36 December 2019
www.bahrainthismonth.com/events
bystander
Bahrain Jazz Fest
The third edition of the Bahrain Jazz Fest was held at the Royal Golf Club. The open-air music festival featured 13 international and local artists and musicians
Global Customer Appreciation Week
On the occasion of Global Customer Appreciation Week, Marriott International held an evening of celebration with a glimpse of Spain at The Westin City Centre Bahrain
To view more images, scan the QR code
38 December 2019
www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery
saarmallbahrain www.saarmallbahrain.com
BAHRAIN NATIONAL DAY
YEARS
Saar Mall congratulates the leadership and the people of Bahrain on the occasion of Bahrain’s national Day
You are invited to join us for a festival that includes the following program
bystander
Sigi’s Birthday
A party for Sigi was held at Reef Clubhouse & Lagoon Beach
Craft Fair
American Women’s Association held its annual charity Snowflake Craft Fair at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa
Eat & Play Darts
Bulls Eye Bahrain presented an evening to eat, drink and play darts with the stars of the sport at The British Club
40 December 2019
www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery
interview
FORGING AHEAD BTM’s chairman and publisher, George Middleton, chatted with world-renowned celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck, whose signature restaurants have wowed diners at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. What kept you from your usual visit to Bahrain during Formula 1 this year? I was involved in an experience of a lifetime during the Formula 1 this year. How often does a kid from Austria, who never went to high school, go to Harvard? I took the course in owner/president’s management; the OPM. We had business people from all over the world partaking in it. And it’s just like regular college, you know, eight or nine people living together, each having their own bedroom. At least we didn’t have bunk beds! And we talked about case studies, about what’s going on [in the world], so it was a great experience. The good thing is I learned a lot and met people from all over the world. Though, because I’m in the restaurant business, I do meet friends from all over. What made you decide to open up your restaurants in Bahrain? We were looking at Dubai to start something there, but then we were shown the Four Seasons project that was still coming up at the time. And I thought it looked great. So, we flew down here and we saw that the people were really nice. Everybody has such a different attitude, which is warm and genuine. Absolutely empowering, compared to Dubai. Then we met the Sheikh at his farms. It’s really fantastic that somebody has grown all www.bahrainthismonth.com
this produce in the middle of the desert. It is absolutely great. We also went to the fish market here. And I saw that Bahrain is much more a community place, where people who live and do business here could enjoy our restaurant. And I think it turned out really well for us. Have you noticed any changes in the market? The first year was difficult for us to attract enough customers because it is a little bit intimidating. But the Four Seasons in Bahrain is not your average Four Seasons in, say, Austria. I think this is probably the nicest Four Seasons Hotel I have been in. And I told Isadore Sharp, who is the founder of the Four Seasons, that his best property is in Bahrain – from the rooms to the facilities and food service. With our Asian outlet and Cut, I think it’s a great mixture of restaurants. Are there any plans for further expansion? My team is in Saudi, as that would be a natural expansion from here. Saudi is undergoing significant cultural and social change, which I think might be good for us. How have you brought success to the business in Bahrain, even while being located in Los Angeles?
Chef Wolfgang Puck
You know, it all comes down to the people in the end. It helps when you have people like Brian [Becher], Josh [Wetshtein] and Fabio [Marques], who are also interested in the business side of things. I can find a lot of chefs who are very good cooks, but they don’t care about the business side. They say: “Oh, somebody else is going to take care of that.” But they are the ones cooking, buying the food and overseeing the kitchen. We really manage our restaurants. I don’t just send our partners a chef, you know? I’m involved in the restaurants myself because, for the brand, it’s really important. I know people in this business who just lend their name and then have the hotel operate it. They might train the chef from the hotel who comes and works with them for a while. But, for our brand, it is important to pay attention to all our restaurants. There are people like Brian who have been with me for 12 years or so. They know the culture of our organisation. I am always urged to expand, but if I do not have similar talent, how can I expand? You have to have the right people on your side.
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December 2019 41
interview
MUSICAL ROOTS personal connection before composing, and all the pieces on the album reflect stories and achievements that have touched me very deeply. For example, I was moved to tears when I watched the Youtube video of the incredible speech Malala gave at the United Nations and musical ideas began to flow very quickly. If you haven’t seen it please go and check it out online. As far as the plight of refugees goes then, yes, like all decent people I hope, I do take it very personally. We could all so easily find ourselves in the same situation one day and I think the first response from us, both as individuals and countries, has to be one of compassion and respect.
Acclaimed British-Bahraini jazz trumpeter, Yazz Ahmed, talks memories, inspirations and getting back to her island roots. LIZ O’REILLY
How did you first become involved with jazz music and what touched you about this specific genre? I’ve always loved music. My mother played a huge variety in the house, everything from Mussorgsky to Burning Spear, but my true gateway into jazz was my maternal grandfather, Terry Brown. He was a professional jazz trumpet player in the ‘50s, and performed with British jazz legends such as Tubby Hayes, Ronnie Scott and John Dankworth. Later he became a record producer. I loved the music he shared with me and his tales of life on the road. He also gave me my first trumpet lessons. It’s the freedom of expression in jazz and the personalities the musicians reveal through their improvisations that got me hooked. Your music has been described as ‘psychedelic Arabic jazz’. Would you agree with that description and, if yes, how would you explain/describe your sound to someone who has never heard it? Some of my music can be described as ‘psychedelic Arabic jazz’, perhaps especially when I play live with my quartet. There are no musical limits when I’m on stage with my band. We explore all possibilities, weaving in and out through Arabic maqams, mixing belly dancing, jazz and drum and bass grooves, experimenting with electronics, reacting to one another through improvisation. The music can become quite hypnotic, casting a spell over the listener and taking them on a sonic journey into their psyche. Despite leaving Bahrain at just nine years old, the Kingdom is clearly still a strong influence. 42 December 2019
Photos by Seb JJ Peters
You left Bahrain for the UK as a child. What are your memories of the island? My memories are all about happy times with my family, swimming outdoors (it’s much too cold in England!), riding my BMX in the desert, big parties with all my aunts and cousins at my grandfather’s house, delicious food and the music.
Have you done a lot of research into your Arabic heritage in order to weave it into your music? During my early 20s I became more aware of my mixed heritage and wanted to revisit the sounds and flavours I had left behind. Thanks to some funding I received from Birmingham Jazzlines, I was able to visit Bahrain for a study trip to learn about the traditional music of the island. I met with a wonderful flautist, Ahmed Al-Ghanem, who introduced me to the pearl divers from Muharraq and gave me some very useful reading material on the theoretical side of the music. Reconnecting with my Bahraini roots, looking within, trying to work out who I am, has helped me to develop a musical language which resonates with my growing sense of identity.
What’s next for you? I have a really fun collaboration with UK electronic artist, Hector Plimmer, coming up in the spring, and I’m also working on releasing an EP with my side project, Electric Dreams, which will feature tracks recorded live during our recent shows. Are we likely to see you back in Bahrain any time soon? I hope to come and perform again soon, but there are no plans at the moment, except for a trip to see my family this winter.
Your latest album Polyhymnia has just been released (is it available in the region on vinyl?) and is very much a tribute to powerful/empowering women. How personal are the things that influence your music – for example women’s empowerment in this case or the plight of refugees on A Shoal of Souls? Yes, Polyhymnia is available on vinyl and can be ordered on Bandcamp. I always need to feel a spark of www.bahrainthismonth.com
— NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
A T B L— U A NIGHT YOU WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER! T U E S D A Y , 3 1 ST D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 EXPERIENCE A FANTASTIC NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE GRAND AMBASSADOR BALLROOM D Y B IR EARL F F O 10% H 5T RE 1 O F E B 019 2 MBER DECE
*DOORS OPEN:8:00PM *DRESS CODE: FORMAL DRESS *BHD 55 NET PER PERSON INCLUSIVE OF SELECTED DRINKS The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel • Residence • Spa Manama / Diplomatic Area, P.O. Box 5243, Manama , Bahrain T: +973 17531666 info.diplomat@radissonblu.com
radissonblu.com/diplomathotel-bahrain
interview
LEADING LADY Mariam Jumaan, the newly appointed Chairperson of the Bahrain Council for Regulating the Practice of Engineering Professions (CRPEP), told Bill Grieve about her career journey. Mariam Jumaan
You qualified in engineering back in the 1980s, an unusual field for women at that time. What made you pursue this discipline? I started my engineering studies in 1977, after receiving a scholarship, and completed a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from McGill University in Canada, graduating in 1983. We were a class of 54 with just four females, so even in Canada at the time the number of females in engineering was small. Electrical engineering was the natural choice for me because I loved mathematics and physics. How were you received by your fellow students at McGill? We were a tightknit student body, especially because the stresses of engineering studies made us work closely together. I was embraced completely by my peers and I am still in touch, almost 35 years later, with some of the friends I made then. On returning to Bahrain, you joined the Electricity and Water Authority where you stayed for 25 years moving up the ranks. What do you consider your most important achievements? I was with EWA for 25 years, the largest part of my career. I started as a graduate engineer and was Director of Planning & Studies when I left in 2008. Probably my biggest achievement was when I led and successfully completed the government side of the project which involved the first private power plant in Bahrain. I was also responsible for planning and developing a lot of the high voltage 220 and 66kV transmission networks on the island.
new metro service. Please outline some of your works. When I was at EDB we were responsible for coordinating with government entities to set out their Strategic Initiatives to support the National Economic Strategy and Vision 2030. At the time, I also headed the EDB team coordinating with the Ministry of Housing on the first privatisation project on public housing, and again achieved successful commercial close. On creation of the Ministry of Transport, I was brought in by the new Minister to become Undersecretary for Land Transportation, where I was responsible for all land-related and peripheral support infrastructure. And, there again, I led the successful completion of the project for appointing a new bus operator. The guidance and support provided by our country’s leadership and also that of the executive management in the ministry gave us the environment and opportunity to achieve and succeed. Attaining the post of Undersecretary was a big achievement for me as it was, at the time, the highest position reached by a female engineer in government. You have now retired. What prompted this decision? It was very stressful towards the end and I thought it was time to move on and do the things closer to my heart – and I love
engineering; the CRPEP role allows me to continue working in the engineering space. You have also recently been appointed chairman of the CRPEP. Please tell us about the organisation, its history, membership functions and mission. The CRPEP is the Council for Regulating the Practice of Engineering Professions. It had its beginnings in 1982 when regulation became necessary. It regulates the engineering field ensuring that all engineering companies and individual engineers are licensed and properly qualified. All practising engineers, whether in the private or public sector, have to be licensed by the Council. What are your ambitions and intentions for the role moving forward? I want to make sure we support the engineering community and ensure standards are upheld. We want to ensure the safety of the community by making sure we have appropriately licensed and regulated engineers across the full spectrum. I want to get people to understand the importance of proficient professional qualifications that the engineering community understands and appreciates. I became a Chartered Engineer, and subsequently a Fellow of the IET when that was something not many people knew about or appreciated. Mariam with colleagues
You’ve also done stints with the EDB and as Undersecretary for Land Transportation and Post. Developing a strategy for public land transportation must have taken a great deal of work. We’ve recently seen the introduction of new bus services and reports of bidding for a 44 December 2019
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interview
AN EYE ON THE FUTURE Wyndham known. So, we spend time in conferences, meeting people, talking to the press and giving them a good understanding of who Wyndham is and what we stand for. Also meeting owners, one of the first things I said was that I needed to meet most of our partners, owners and GMs in the region. And you know what? Today, 18 months later, I can tell you that I’ve accomplished about 60 per cent of that. But there’s more to do. The region is so big, you only can do so many things in a day or a week or a month. There are several Wyndham properties in Bahrain, any further developments planned in the Kingdom and How many properties are in your portfolio? Well, in my portfolio in Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia and Africa, I’ve got about 470 properties. Overall the group has about 9,200. So, we are the world’s biggest franchisor of hotels. I think I’ve got in my region about 55 per cent of the world’s population, including India with 1.2 billion people, so, it’s a very diverse portfolio. You’ve been in your current role around 18 months. What did you set out to achieve in this initial period? And, have you managed it? The challenge with Wyndham is that we have 20 brands and a lot of people know our individual brands such as Ramada, Days Inn and Super 8, but Wyndham is a relatively new company in EMEA. So, one of the things I said to my team was that we have to make 46 December 2019
the wider region? We’ve got five properties [one Wyndham Garden, a Wyndham Grand and three Ramada by Wyndham hotels]. We are one of the biggest hotel companies in Bahrain. We have great teams, we are working with very good owners. Bahrain has been good to Wyndham, very good in terms of revenues, welcoming us, giving us opportunities to grow, welcoming our guests, welcoming our brand. And, of course, we want to do more. That’s what we’re here for today. Saudi is a whole new ballgame isn’t it? I mean the announcements from the Crown Prince and the changes he’s making, I think it caught everybody by surprise. More chains have established a presence in Saudi in the last year than in decades. I think Saudi is going to be the biggest surprise of all.
Dimitris Manikis, President and Managing Director (EMEA) for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts chats to Bill Grieve about his role, future plans and… funky specs.
Wyndham Garden Manama is (or was, on opening) the biggest hotel in this brand worldwide – what drove the decision for such a significant investment in Bahrain’s relatively small market? The owners, Mannai Properties; they saw in Wyndham a good partner to do business with. I think the European and US business in Bahrain is very important, especially with the base here. If you look at the numbers, the occupancies, it has proven to be a very successful move. So, for us, I know that Bahrain might look like a small market, but look at the numbers. The final question and being cheeky, your quirky glasses are a trademark across the industry. What’s the story? It’s a true story that only a few people know. So, I’m 25 years old. I’m going to university in the UK. I wake up one day and half my hair is on the pillow. I started losing my hair and I panicked. It was 1986 and bald people were not trendy back then. So, I went to the doctor and told him my story. I told him how horrible I felt about losing my hair. I was thinking, what about girls? I’m going to be bald, what am I going to do with my life? So, he said: “I’ve got the answer.” I’m thinking, fantastic; he’s going give me a pill. My hair is going to grow back. He said: “Listen, you’re losing your hair. It’s in your genes. There’s no cure. Try to live with it, but listen to me. Go buy real bright, colourful [glasses] frames.” And I did. I’ve now got 20 frames from purple to red, from red to pink, and I’ve never looked back since then. It’s unbelievable. That deflection of focus. Everybody says: “I love your glasses”. Nobody says: “Oh my God, you haven’t got any hair”.
Scan the code to read more from Dimitris.
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bystander
Gajria Diwali
Lalchand and Ranjit Gajria held a get-together at Gajria Tower to celebrate the festival of lights
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December 2019 47
bystander
Inauguration The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance officially inaugurated its Master’s Programme in Financial Technology, in collaboration with Strathclyde Business School
Investors Summit
Tenmou held the MENA Angel Investors Summit 2019 at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain
Party A party was held at Brazil Rodizio Grill and Lounge to celebrate Vijay Boloor’s birthday and to bid farewell to Dr Krishnan who is leaving the island
Business Forum
The Bahraini Turkish Business Forum and Bilateral Business Meetings was held in cooperation with Bahrain Businessmen’s Association and Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society, with the support and coordination of the Commercial Counsellor of the Turkish Embassy 48 December 2019
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bystander
Mazda 3 Launch
International Motor Trading Agency unveiled the new Mazda 3 at its showroom in Tubli
Remembrance Day
To view more images, scan the QR code
The British Embassy hosted a Remembrance Day service at its premises
STACK THAT 15% OFF
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50 December 2019
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advertorial
FIND YOUR FIKA Celebrate a perfect Nordic coffee moment with Nespresso this festive season
I
t’s the season to celebrate with nearest and dearest and share special, indulgent moments together.
This holiday season, Nespresso has designed its iconic end-of-year range around indulgent Nordic moments. Incorporating the growing Scandinavian-inspired cultural trends of Hygge and Fika, Nespresso is encouraging its customers to put the busy festive season on pause, for a moment’s connection with a friend or family member. In partnership with renowned Danish designer, Louise Campbell, Nespresso has launched a range of Limited Edition Original and Vertuo coffees and accessories, taking design and flavour inspiration from the Nordic countries. There are four unique, indulgent flavoured coffees, two black coffees and a range of Limited-Edition accessories. As part of Nespresso Original, the Nordicinspired range includes two new indulgent flavoured coffees: Variations Nordic Almond Cake Flavoured and Variations Nordic Cloudberry Flavoured. Based on traditional Nordic ingredients and influences, the almond cake version features a combination of biscuit and vanilla aromas, with a Livanto base, inspired by the traditional Norwegian cake, Kvæfjordkake. The Cloudberry cup offers the delicate, tart taste of cloudberries, which grow in the extreme climates of the Nordic countries. The coffee has all the roundness of the Livanto base with a sweet, jammy fruitiness and a hint of acidity. For those that want to stay true to the original long black, Nordic Black coffee is also available to purchase. It is an aromatic African and South
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American Arabica blend in which elegant, sweet fruity notes combine with a smooth and lingering cereal aftertaste to create a light-bodied, long, black coffee with a medium intensity. Louise Campbell’s Scandinavian influences are demonstrated in the design of the Limited-Edition capsules, sleeves, and accompanying accessories. The Nespresso Nordic-inspired range perfectly reflects the Nordic trend of stylish minimalism with traditional influences of nature, as seen in designs which illustrate the many layers of the Nordic culture and landscape. The collection is completed by a new permanent range of travel mugs, plus two Limited Edition types of PIXIE Cups and a View Cube. Each accessory elevates every coffee moment, making for the perfect festive gift this holiday season. In addition to the series of capsules and accessories, a Limited Edition Essenza Mini metal machine comes in a modern silver colour, designed to complement modern kitchen designs. The Essenza Mini provides the perfect Nespresso coffee experience and adds a stylish look and feel to any contemporary kitchen. So, go and celebrate the joy of Nordic indulgence this festive season with Nespresso, by sharing a coffee and a special connection with a loved one during the busiest time of the year. The range is available at Nespresso Boutique Level 1, City Centre Bahrain, Nespresso Booth, Gate 5, Seef Mall, Nepresso Booth, 1st floor, Seef Mall Muharraq, Customer Care Tollfree 80 001-999 or online at www.buynespresso.com/bh/en
December 2019 51
festive feature Sound of Silence
Sign of a Gentleman
Cotton handkerchiefs and silk pocket square Ctshirts.com
Bose Quiet Comfort wireless headphones
The Gift of Time
Watch Gang gift card lets him choose his own timepiece
Bose.com
Watchgang.com
GIFTS FOR HIM
The Force is Strong Star Wars poster set Etsy.com
Partner, dad, son, brother, mate; you’ll find something to suit all the men in your life here.
It’s The Nuts
Santa nutcracker M&S
Top Tipple
Socks featuring his favourite drink Uncommongoods.com
Designer Travel
Porsche carbon backpack
Loud and Clear Wi-Fi UltraBoost Techmsx.com
Through Porsche Centre Bahrain
Bar in a Box
Yum Yum
Delish: Eat Like Every Day’s the Weekend cookbook Goodreads.com
52 December 2019
Say His Name
Elk Ridge personalised engraved pocket knife Forevergifts.com
Moscow Mule cocktail kit
DIY Helper
Amazon.com
Magnetic wristband screw holder Amazon.com
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festive feature Sleeping Beauty Silk eye mask
In The Genes
Slipsilkpillowcase.com
DNA testing kit from 23andMe 23andme.com
Good Vibes
Affirmators! 50 affirmation cards Knockknockstuff.com
Take Note
Monogram journal
r e h r o f s t f i G will love your life opping in s ie d The la ing on our sh m is everyth ur only proble at. list. Yo who gets wh g choosin
A Girl’s Best Friend
Sparkling Eyes
Merry Metals holiday makeup collection Sephora
Consciously Cool H&M Conscious Collection evening jacket H&M
Jolie Poupee earrings from Korlof Paris Korloff Bahrain through AJM Kooheji Group
Anthropologie.com
Hit The Slopes Bogner ski kit Net-a-porter.com
Crazy Cat Lady
Glass infuser tea cup with lid and strainer Amazon.com
Scent of Christmas
Mandarin, clove and cinnamon candle, diffuser and pot pourri M&S
Hear Ye
Apple earpods
Available at good electronics retailers
Ele Friends
Elephant tote from Boss x Meissen (donation to Elephants for Africa) Hugoboss.com
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December 2019 53
festive feature Listen And Learn Linkimals Smooth Moves Slothe – 2019 top toy Fisher-price.com
Pics On Paper Cannon mini printer
Funky Plug-ins Funny-face stickers for charger blocks
Leading electrical retailers
Uncommongoods.com
Welcome Little One Hallmark year-dated wooden pull toy Amazon.com
Twinkle Twinkle Sparkly party skirt H&M
Speaking in Code Artie the Coding Robot – 2019 top toy Codewithartie.com
Gifts For
Kids
From tots to teens, we’ve got something for everyone. Let It Snow Festive robin snow globe
Rockin’ Rudolph Red-nosed reindeer festive sweater
Stinky Treats Bag of Reindeer Farts cotton candy
M&S
H&M
Bagoffarts.com
The Car’s The Star Taking the tree home hanging ornament M&S
Monkey Business OranguTwang – 2019 top toy
Portable Sounds Sony splash proof speaker Amazon.com
Amazon.com
54 December 2019
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festive feature
Crack On
May The Force‌
Bath crackers Bubble T
LightSaber chopsticks
Crazy Family?
Amazon.com
Relative Insanity party game Amazon.com
Pretty Things No matter how old, we all love a Christmas Stocking.
Festive Garden body oil and shower foam L’Occitane
Sustainable Shaving
Bulldog bamboo razor
Christmas Wishes
Bulldogskincare.com
Scented Mini Wish candle M&S
Yuletide Yuck
Lab Goo Rainbow Slime Bluefrogtoys.co.uk
Picture Perfect
Smartphone projector from Luckies of London Amazon.com
Bah Humbug
Donald Trump festive socks Etsy.com
Surprise Inside
Teen Hit
Pura Vida mix-and-match bracelet (a portion of the money goes to local artisans) Purevidabracelets.com
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Money soap, wash your hands to reach the cash Etsy.com
Mythical Creature
The original Melting Unicorn game Amazon.com
December 2019 55
festivefeature
WHILE YOU AWAIT SANTA CHRISTMAS EVE DINING Tuesday, December 24
FESTIVE DELIGHTS SILKEN CELEBRATIONS Join in the festive spirit of Christmas Eve at the Mövenpick’s new Silk’s Restaurant for a special culinary treat with a four-course gourmet dinner that celebrates seasonal flavours and features decadent dishes. The meal is priced at BD34, inclusive of selected beverages, sparkling, egg nog, mulled grape and festive music to put you in the Christmas mood. Call 17 460-000.
A MEMORABLE XMAS EVE Relish a delightful dinner lavishly presented in the award-winning Italian restaurant, Fiamma, at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. The festive-themed buffet, with traditional dishes and an inimitable atmosphere, is priced at BD30, inclusive of soft beverages and a welcome drink. Call 38 885-789. 56 December 2019
Bahrain Bay Kitchen at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay will host dinner featuring live entertainment and culinary delights such as roast turkey, New Zealand lamb leg confit, orange-glazed Barbary duck, slow-roasted Australian Wagyu beef rump, and a variety of fresh seafood. Sweet treats include traditional Christmas pudding, fruit cake, a vanilla chocolate Yule log, linzer torte and the like. The meal is priced at BD30, inclusive of soft drinks, or BD43, inclusive of selected beverages. Call 17 115-500.
EAT AND BE MERRY Taste an array of exquisite seafood delights on the buffet with special festive additions, or order your seafood from live cooking stations prepared to your liking, perfect for a special festive meal with the whole family at Crowne Plaza Bahrain’s La Mosaique Restaurant. The dinner is priced at BD20, with water and soft
beverages, or BD 28, with the beverage package. Call 17 531-122 / 39 242-391.
A FITTING FEAST The Jumeirah Royal Saray will host a gala dinner buffet on December 24, and lunch on December 25. Begin with fresh exotic seafood, sushi or an extensive Charcuterie & Terrine station of cured meats such as beef bresaola, and duck and pistachio paté. Indulge in delicacies like seared foie gras, beef Wellington, a classic turkey, tagliolini and fresh black truffle and much more. End with homemade pecan pie, chocolate cake Yule log, Christmas pudding or gingerbread cookies amongst others. Both meals are priced at BD36, including soft beverages, or BD48, including selected beverages. Little ones will be delighted by Santa’s visit on December 25. Call 66 720-026. www.bahrainthismonth.com
festivefeature
A MAGICAL SEASON
A THEATRICAL XMAS EVE
Selections, Medzo and Legendz Steakhouse at the InterContinental Regency will host an after-sunset Christmas Eve Brunchism, priced at BD22, with soft drinks, or BD32, with selected drinks. Call 17 227-777.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a lavish five-course set menu at Teatro, located at Downtown Rotana, and enjoy along with live entertainment for BD19, with juices and soft drinks, or BD31, with selected beverages. Call 13 119-999.
MAGICAL MOMENTS
A GOURMET AFFAIR
Enjoy a specially curated set menu infused with traditional delicacies and relive the Yuletide magic at Neyran Restaurant, at the Mercure Grand Hotel Seef, for BD16, inclusive of two selected beverages. Bask in the Christmas glow throughout a festive evening packed with jolly good ambience and a glittering view of the city. Call 17 584-400.
Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit at 25N 50Eatery at The Grove Hotel & Conference Centre. Choose from a wide variety of salads and desserts from the buffet, and your mains from the head chef’s delightfully curated à la carte menu, for BD15 per person, including soft beverages. Call 16 035-640 ext. 5844
VEGAN-FRIENDLY FEAST
FESTIVE CHEER
A Christmas Party set menu will be available at Cico’s Italian Reastaurant from December 1 onwards, with delicious vegan options introduced. The menu can be prepared for a minimum of 10 guests, with advanced reservations, and costs BD12, or BD19, with unlimited Italian house grape. Call 17 713-710.
Indulge in a lavish Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet at Al Waha Restaurant, located at The Gulf Hotel, Bahrain. The spread will include the season’s special roast turkey and all of your holiday favourites, for BD16 per person (excluding beverages). Prices are exclusive of service charges and taxes. Call 17 713-000.
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December 2019 57
festivefeature
ONCE THE PRESENTS ARE OPENED CHRISTMAS DAY December 25
NOEL NOEL! Partake in the Grand Christmas Brunch, full of culinary delights highlighting the chefs’ most fabulous creations — from live cooking and carving stations and large seafood and prime rib corner, to a delectable array of heavenly desserts at the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s Grand Foyer. The gala meal is priced at BD55, including selected beverages, along with live musical entertainment, festive activities, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Call 17 586-499.
YULETIDE CELEBRATIONS Experience the true meaning of Art de Noël with the legendary Grand Christmas Day Brunch at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. Choose from the exceptional buffets featuring international and traditional favourites, while carollers keep the Christmas spirit high and Santa gives out gifts. This family affair spans indoors, and outdoors in a special marquee, offering a charming and elegant atmosphere, and is priced at BD49, inclusive of selected beverages. Call 38 885-789.
FAMILY FRIENDLY CHEER Enjoy a sumptuous brunch of lip-smacking savoury and sweet goodies, as well as live music and fun-filled activities for the young ones at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence and Spa’s Al Fanar Hall. The lavish spread is priced at BD34 58 December 2019
per person, inclusive of selected drinks. Call 39 945-208.
EXTENDED HAPPINESS Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain is pulling out all the stops to make your day a special one with the Extended Christmas Brunch at Silk’s and The Gallery. Indulge in an incredible festive feast, with dishes from around the globe. The chefs will be on hand to rustle up all of your favourite dishes to deliver a perfect culinary experience, priced at BD43, inclusive of selected beverages and sparkling. Take advantage of the early bird offer of BD39, if you book and pay by December 10. There will be live cooking stations, music from the resident Latino band and DJ, and a sack of gifts from Santa Claus. Call 17 460-000.
A JOLLY DINNER Experience a magical evening of handcrafted cocktails and elegant plates by executive chef Brian Becher and team at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay’s CUT By Wolfgang Puck. Indulge in a four-course menu against striking panoramic views of the Manama skyline, priced at BD55, or choose from the à la carte options. The dinner will be staged on December 24 and 25. Call 17 115-044.
A FAMILY CELEBRATION Selections Restaurant at the InterContinental Regency will stage a Christmas Family Day lunch, priced at BD15 for the soft drink package, or BD22, including mulled grape. Call 17 227-777. www.bahrainthismonth.com
festivefeature EAT AND BE MERRY
A WONDERFUL TIME
Baharat Restaurant at Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain will stage a merry Christmas Brunch, full of traditional delicacies for everyone in the family to relish. The meal costs BD28 per person with soft beverages, or BD36 per person, with selected beverages. Call 17 171-441.
Christmas Day Brunch at La Mosaique and The Harvesters Pub & Terrace at The Crowne Plaza Bahrain will be full of holiday cheer, featuring traditional favourites, live cooking stations, free-flowing festive drinks and live music by the resident band, all for BD33 at both outlets. Call 17 531-122.
A MERRY BRUNCH
FESTIVE SPLENDOUR
Bahrain Bay Kitchen at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay invites you to an unforgettable brunch featuring traditional gastronomic delights, for BD44, inclusive of soft beverages, or BD55, inclusive of selected beverages. The brunch will be complemented with festive tunes from carollers and vibrant entertainment by the Smooth Mood Project DUO. Santa Clause will be visiting with plenty of presents to share! Call 17 115-500.
Bring along family and friends for a festive-themed selection of treats at the 25N 50Eatery, located at The Grove Hotel & Conference Centre. Make the most of this joyous season with delicious fare priced at BD17+++ per person, including soft beverages. Call 16 035-640 ext. 5844
A GRAND AFFAIR Unwrap a festive feast in a beautiful setting as you enjoy the live band, jolly Santa Claus and fun activities for the whole family at the Gulf Hotel, Bahrain’s Gulf Convention Centre. The lavish afternoon meal is priced at BD32 per person. Call 17 713-000.
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CHOICEST DELICACIES Celebrate the occasion at ART Rotana’s Christmas Day Brunch at Choices Terrace, at the venue’s extraordinary indoor garden. Savour a traditional festive feast along with enticing live cooking stations for BD38, for the soft drinks package, or BD48, with unlimited premium drinks. The in-house band will perform the most popular songs and carols of the festive season while the kids enjoy games, activities and gifts from Santa. Call 16 000-111.
December 2019 59
festivefeature
START THE YEAR RIGHT
NEW YEAR’S DAY January 1 NEW YEAR’S TREAT Celebrate the New Year in style and enjoy a festive buffet of international specialties at the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s La Med. Be entertained by the sounds of a musical duo as you enjoy the first day of the New Year with family and friends, for BD30, including soft beverages, or BD38, including selected beverages. Call 17 586-499.
ON THE RIGHT FOOT The Jumeirah Royal Saray will host a Detox Brunch Buffet at Brasserie Royale, so that you can start off the New Year with the right food to please your palate. Enjoy the beautiful ambience in tranquil surroundings and indulge in a sumptuous buffet and live cooking stations accompanied by relaxing live music, all for BD36, including soft beverages, or BD48, including selected beverages. Call 66 720-026.
ENJOY DAY ONE The fun resumes as does the delicious food on New Year’s Day at The Grove Hotel & Conference Centre’s 25N 50Eatery. Relax, kick back and let the festive feast continue, for BD15 per person, including soft beverages. Younger guests can enjoy complimentary 60 December 2019
access to Mini G’s kids’ club, where loads of activities await them. Call 16 035-640 ext. 5844
TASTY BEGINNINGS Start the New Year with family and friends at ART Rotana’s Choices Garden Brunch, complete with various live stations and a wonderful selection of international dishes plus live entertainment from resident Cuban band Soneando. The brunch costs BD25, including soft drinks, or BD36, including the selected drinks package. Call 16 000-111.
A NEW BEGINNING Surface from the revelry of the night before with a New Year’s Day Recovery Brunch at Al Waha Restaurant at the Gulf Hotel, Bahrain. Recover your appetite and your senses in the perfect way to kick-off 2020, priced at BD25 per person, inclusive of selected beverages. Call 17 713-000. www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Wizkid Concert
Wizkid performed live at Coral Bay
To view more images, scan the QR code
Health and Wellness Centre Slim Thai Super Star Thai Concept’s soft launch was held at Coral Bay
To view more images, scan the QR code
To view more images, scan the QR code
Halloween
Coral Bay Resort held a Halloween Pool Party 62 December 2019
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bystander
Asarpota Diwali Bhagwan Asarpota celebrated Diwali at his home in Tubli Kavalani Diwali Colourful Diwali celebrations were hosted at the Kavalani residence in Saar
Bhatia Diwali Harsha Bhatia held a get-together at her home in Tubli to celebrate Diwali
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December 2019 63
bystander
Discover Ethiopia
The Ethiopian Honorary Consulate in Bahrain held a Discover Ethiopia event at InterContinental Bahrain with a live coffee ceremony, cuisine, tourism trade and investment opportunities
German Cocktail Reception
German Ambassador, HE Kai Boeckmann, and his wife Samira Rofa, held a cocktail reception accompanied by a music sampling of the German rock band Treptow at the ambassador’s residence in Saar
64 December 2019
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MOTORING THIS MONTH
2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo Tributo test, p66
Electro Meccanica Solo
MY LIFE IN CARS
Dick Potter tells us what’s in store for 2020.
Tesla Roadster Mahindra Deals, p67
D
ear readers, ‘Newsflash’, the Festive Season will soon be upon us. If you’re stuck for present ideas, perhaps one of the 2020 new cars, as detailed below, might suffice? Now — another newsflash — the number of cars produced is shrinking, with small car numbers, in particular, diminishing rapidly. It seems buyers prefer SUVs instead. Indeed, steadfast car models like the Chevrolet Impala and Ford Taurus are being discontinued, with the Ford Fiesta reportedly bowing out at the end of the current model year. However, that does make way for the new models and, you guessed correctly, their commonality is, ‘Electric’ all the way Santa baby. I’ll start by introducing the new kid in town, or rather name in the industry. A Canadian company called Electra Meccanica intends to commence sales of its new three-wheel single-passenger EV called Solo by year’s end. Hmmm, ‘The Trotters’ anyone?! Its styling does look a tad strange but it will start at just USD16,250, so, cheap as the proverbial chips. It boasts a 100-mile range, a top speed of 132km/h, and its battery pack can fully charge on a 220-volt circuit in three hours. Standard items include an LED instrument cluster, Bluetooth audio system and a heated seat. What more could you want in a car? The missus’s favourite manufacturer, Porsche, is set to launch its first-ever electric drive. To be called the Taycan – derived from two terms of Turkic origin which, apparently, means “soul of a spirited young horse”; it’s touted as an ultra-sleek battery-driven fourdoor sports car. Porsche intends the Taycan to reach around 96km/h in 3.5 seconds with a range of more www.bahrainthismonth.com
than 482km on a full battery. Mini is also launching a new fully-electric Cooper SE coupe. Its electric motor will produce 181 horsepower with a 0-96km/h time at 7.3 seconds. Trials on the European test cycle have rated it to run for 234268 kilometres; that’s not bad at all. Next up, Volvo. The brand intends to debut a new line of performance-minded electrified models under the Polestar sub-brand, that will offer its cars on a subscription basis online. To be built in China, the first model expected to hit the streets will be the Polestar 1 – there will be a Polestar 2, also. It’s a sleekly cast sporty plug-in hybrid coupe with two electric motors and a 2.0l turbo and supercharged gasoline engine driving the front wheels. They generate a combined 591 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, with an estimate electric-only range of around 150km. Finally, Tesla, the forerunner in future-thinking cars. Tesla promises rocket-like performance from its fullyelectric Roadster and claims it will be the fastest car on the planet, and one that can seat four at that. It’s said to make the leap to 96km/h in a sudden 1.9 seconds, with a highly illegal top speed of 402km/h. Its operating range is claimed to be as much as 998 kilometres on a charge. The Roadster starts at USD200,000, with prospective owners asked to put up a USD50,000 reservation to be among the first to own one. So, if you have a few dollars remaining from the festive shopping, maybe pop it on that Roadster reservation?
View more info online
Happy Electric driving all, dick@redhousemarketing.com December 2019 65
motoringtestdrive
A TRIBUTE TO THE
TRIBUTO Dick Potter checks out the latest model to wear the prancing stallion badge. what on earth are you looking backward for?! It did amuse me to see the F8’s Top Gear review which claimed: “Software overload slightly pollutes the pure Ferrari experience” Really? Grasping at straws there guys? They also wrote: “It’s heinously expensive.” Fair enough, it is priced at a third of a million dollars (and to this you can add options) but you do get a massive amount of car. Alas, woke this morning and that Groundhog Day hasn’t recurred. So, with less than a month till Mr Claus pays a visit, if he can’t get an F8 into my stocking, perhaps he might arrange for me to have a few hours at the BIC in one? That’s where I could really pay tributo to the F8!
R
emember that great movie Groundhog Day? The one where Bill Murray kept waking up to the same day, day after day? Well, I would have loved one of those days just recently. To be precise, on the day I got to test drive the Ferrari F8 Tributo. Due to its (unsurprisingly!) heavy test schedules, I was allocated only 30 minutes to give this lovely creature a spin around Seef and the Financial Harbour area – in lunchtime traffic! Oh well, mustn’t grumble, any amount of time with a Ferrari is gratefully grabbed. Thirty minutes however gave me scant opportunity to test a fraction of the F8’s staggering drive potential. There was, of course, the ubiquitous sheer enjoyment of sitting in it, listening to it and admiring every facet and, of course, being admired – or was it perhaps the Ferrari getting the admiring glances?! Do I really need to write that the F8 Tributo is a tribute to its 710 horses, 3.9 twin-turbo V-8 engine which was previously voted international engine of the year? No? Good-well done you lot. Not surprisingly then, Ferrari took the aforementioned engine from the track-focussed 488 and beefed it up even more. Improved 66 December 2019
power combined with reduced weight...wow! Sadly, the F8 could be one of the last V-8s to come off the assembly line at Maranello – apparently, they’re going to switch their engine focus to V6s. On the road, the Tributo promises to rocket you from 0-60 in less than three seconds. Less than five seconds later, you’ll be chugging along at 124mph and you can rack up a top speed of 211mph. This is, of course, if you’re not in the Seef or Financial District, at lunchtime. Inside and out, the F8 Tributo’s styling is a further evolution of the 488 GTB. Sporting a new headlight array, joined by quad taillights – Ferraris just look better with four lights in the rear – and a louvred back windscreen, its reminiscent of the iconic F40. The F8 has, unbelievably, more aerodynamic style than those which came before. In the interior, evident improvements include round air vents shaped like jet nacelles, a new generation smaller steering wheel and a seveninch touch screen for the shotgun rider in this rocket to provide, if possible, additional thrill. It’s difficult to say anything negative about the car really. The louvres in the rear window can restrict rear visibility a tad, but, hey, that’s easily resolved, you’re driving a Ferrari, so,
Happy driving dick@redhousemarketing.com
www.bahrainthismonth.com
motoring news
SPECIAL SEASONAL OFFERS
M
A
SERVICE CENTRE UPGRADE
l Haddad Motors has launched its newly renovated state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz service centre which was unveiled by the German Ambassador, HE Kai Boeckmann, alongside the company’s Chairman, Rasool Al Haddad, and other members of the senior management team. The facility, located in Salmabad, was refurbished in line with the Mercedes-Benz MAR 2020 concept. Al Haddad Motors is working towards the implementation of the concept, starting with the service centre and continuing with the Mercedes-Benz showroom. MAR 2020 is a new concept aimed at enhancing the customer experience by eliminating the traditional purchasing experience and implementing a digitalised and personalised experience.
ohammed Jalal & Sons Automotive, the exclusive dealer of Mahindra vehicles in Bahrain, has announced special end-of-year offers on its 4x4 XUV500 model and Scorpio pickup featuring unrivalled prices as well as two years’ free full service and free insurance, and five years’ direct manufacturer warranty. Mahindra vehicles are characterised by their durability and strength. The full-option XUV500 seven-seat model specifications include a four-cylinder 2200cc twin-turbo engine, ABS brakes, airbags, Italian leather seats, parking sensors with camera, seven-inch coloured screen, GPS, Bluetooth, cruise control and front and back A/C. As for the Mahindra Scorpio pick-up model, customers can choose between front wheel drive or four-wheel drive and four- or two-door options. Check them out at the company’s showroom and book a test drive.
TO THE MAX
T
he all new D90 from Chinese brand Maxus is now available at Motorcity. The model is the company’s first attempt at building an upscale SUV and was developed and customised based on customers’ feedback, which took into consideration the driving experience of luxury and sports SUVs. The D90 is equipped with a 2.0T turbo-supercharged 225hp engine, complemented by a six-speed automatic transmission and 4WD system. It adopts a family-friendly interior with simple central console and stylish independent LCD screen, as well as a large display screen. The new model offers five-, six- and seven-seat configurations and is equipped with advanced safety features such as the lane departure warning system, 360-degree camera system, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, electronic handbrake/auto hold, automatic emergency braking, adaptive LED headlights and LED taillights, eight-directional adjustment power seats for driver and passenger with memory function and lumbar support massage and ventilation. The starting price is BD9,500 excluding VAT.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
EXTREME MOTOR ING
T
he new Nissan X-TREMER – a special edition X-TRAIL – has arrived in the Middle East. It’s an expansion of the flagship X-TRAIL crossover range and the all-wheel drive vehicle, which has a 2.5l engine, is updated with a bespoke exterior design for a dominating presence on the road. The front and rear profiles have been updated with a new bumper embellished with a dark grey garnish while the side profile has been updated with new 18-inch black alloy wheels and a dark grey side sill garnish. To complement the crossover’s overall dominant character, there are also black roof rails and side door mirrors. The new X-TREMER also comes with Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) features such as the Intelligent Around View Monitor and Intelligent 4x4 that add practicality for owners and make life on the road safer. Available in a segment-leading choice of 10 exterior colours, the special edition also comes with the option of black and beige fabric interior. Exterior colour options include red, orange, blue, gold beige, dark olive, dark brown, silver, grey, white and black. December 2019 67
bystander
Gulf Property Show
The official opening of the Gulf Property Show 2019 was held at The Avenues and conducted by HE Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority
Service Centre Opening Al Haddad Motors held the opening of its newly renovated service centre in Salmabad, inaugurated by German Ambassador, HE Kai Boeckmann, and the Al Haddad management team
To view more images, scan the QR code
550th Birth Anniversary The Indian Embassy organised an event to commemorate the 550th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji 68 December 2019
www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery
Shines. Even when it’s dirty. The new GLE. One glance and everybody knows what it is capable of with a design that cause a stir. The Mercedes-Benz SUVs. All Kinds of strength. Book your test drive and discover the GLE.
Al Haddad Motors, Kingdom of Bahrain. Tel: 17785454 marketing@alhaddad-mercedesbenz.com, www.bahrain.mercedesbenzme.com
business bites
EMBRACING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Bank ABC has launched ila Bank, foraying into the digital, mobile-only banking space. Beginning with Bahrain, with a roadmap to take it across the MENA region, ila reflects the bank’s commitment to drive the financial services sector to the next frontier, combining technology with a human-centric design to redefine banking for the next generation. Arabic for the word ‘to’, ila promises to propel its users from where they are, ‘to’ where they want to be, enabling their long-and-short-term goals and aspirations though an extremely personalised approach to banking and financial management, aided by cutting-edge technology and sophisticated data analytics. ila has also created quality jobs and internships for young Bahraini professionals – more than 80-per-cent of ila employees are Bahraini and 84-per-cent are under 40.
EXPERT ON BOARD
REWARD FOR INNOVATION
VIVA Bahrain has been recognised with the ‘Most Innovative Service of the Year’ award for VIVA Cash at the CommsMEA Awards. This recognises VIVA Cash as a ground-breaking application offering consumers the very latest secure and convenient digital mobile wallet technology for everyday payments with a value-added service of domestic and international remittances. An integrated digital payment solution, VIVA Cash is the only mobile wallet solution that addresses both the banked and unbanked population that includes low-income groups. Through its collaboration with banks, remittance companies, financial service providers and big merchants, VIVA Cash continues to provide several digital money opportunities for all income groups. 70 December 2019
Dr Harnek Rai, consultant in minimal-access gynaecology and urogynaecology, has joined the obstetrics and gynaecology team at the Royal Bahrain Hospital. Having practised in the UK for the past 16 years, he has more than 25 years of experience in his field. Dr Harnek qualified from Ninewells Hospital and Medical School in Dundee, UK, and obtained his minimal-access experience, and undertook a fellowship, in Sydney, Australia. He was also awarded the Fellowship of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecology, London, in 2009. His speciality lies in managing and treating various conditions, including female urinary incontinence, vaginal prolapse and minimal-access surgery for endometriosis, hysterectomy, prolapse surgery, ovarian cysts and ectopic pregnancy. He also specialises in investigating and managing various menstrual issues. Book an appointment with him through www.royalbahrainhospital.com, the RBH app, call 17 246-800 or WhatsApp 32 181-810.
NEW HR MANAGER
Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier, has appointed Mohammed Fakhroo as Senior Manager Human Resources Operations to look after one of the airline’s main business units which is responsible for the airline’s entire people management and development strategy. Based at the company’s Bahrain hub, he joins the airline with vast experience in the field of HR management and holds a Masters of Business Administration as well as professional certifications from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in the United Kingdom. Committed to invest in its Bahraini workforce and their career development, Gulf Air is a leader in the Kingdom’s Bahrainisation programme, providing the opportunity for local talents and experienced personnel to work across the business. www.bahrainthismonth.com
business bites
A GOOD INVESTMENT Bahrain-based alternative asset manager Investcorp has announced that it has closed a USD45 million investment in Nephrocare Health Services Private Limited. Founded in 2010 by Vikram Vuppala and Kamal D Shah, NephroPlus is a dialysis service provider in India and has the largest network of dialysis centres in the country. It hosts 140,000 dialysis sessions per month in 196 centres across more than 115 cities in India. The primary capital raised in this round will be used towards organic growth in India and taking NephroPlus to other markets, starting with Southeast Asia. Investcorp said NephroPlus aspires to build a regional network of dialysis centres spanning India and selected countries in Asia and the Gulf region.
A NEW BEAUTY Chinese telecomms giant, Huawei, has unveiled the HUAWEI Y9s, a smartphone that boasts both a modern aesthetic design and outstanding specifications making it the flagship phone in the entry-level market sector. Equipped with an ultra-wide angle 48MP AI Triple Camera to deliver outstanding photography, the new model also features a 6.59-inch HD FullView display and perfectly integrated front-facing pop-up camera for a boundaryfree viewing experience. With looks to match the outstanding specifications, the design is inspired by the concept of ‘time aesthetics’. Available in two styles; ‘Breathing Crystal’ and ‘Midnight Black’ the HUAWEI Y9s combines nature’s beauty with modern craftsmanship in a stylish design that sets a new standard for entry-level smartphone aesthetics. Huawei’s products and services are available in more than 170 countries and are used by a third of the world’s population.
LEADING BAHRAIN’S FINTECH
Bahrain FinTech Bay (BFB) has announced the appointment of Khalid Humaidan as the new chairman of the board, succeeding HE Khalid Al Rumaihi. Humaidan, who is also the Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, brings a wealth of experience in the financial services industry, having previously served as Head of Global Markets MEA for BNP Paribas. His experience and leadership will be instrumental in helping grow BFB’s ecosystem and strengthening Bahrain’s position as the region’s leading fintech hub. He said: “I am pleased to join Bahrain FinTech Bay, which is a key pillar of our fintech ecosystem. As Bahrain embarks on an ambitious digital transformation journey, organisations like Bahrain FinTech Bay are instrumental and play a central role to the development of non-traditional sectors.”
TECH FORWARD
Kanoo IT has been recognised by the prestigious Bahrain TechAwards for its ‘K-Property Management’ software. The awards aim to honour companies that deliver competitive advantage and business success through innovative implementation of information technology inside and outside the Kingdom. The software is a comprehensive real-estate management tool for modern businesses. From booking services and paying installments to handling rentals and payment gateways, KPM delivers stressfree property management functionality, with Kanoo IT’s dedicated aftersales support. www.bahrainthismonth.com
December 2019 71
commerce
Financial expert Pria Masson Tanwar looks at how we spend our festive funds.
FINANCING THE SEASON OF
I
JOY AND GIVING
n a world of diversity across almost every suited will be within the budget allocation to December, it’s due at the start of your billing aspect of life, neutrality is often a coveted the receiver and it’s an easy decision. cycle. Until the ‘due date’ and if you pay by the state. Globally, one of the few, or perhaps However, there often comes a time when the due date, there is no interest payable. But, any the only, opportunity that provides a neutral relationship is very valuable. Wherein budgets delay and the three per cent interest rate space is the end of year festive season. may be low but intentions, emotions and, becomes payable from the start of the billing Whether one celebrates Christmas or not, the sometimes in the case of corporate gifting, the cycle. When you realise it’s payable, it’s end of year and new year celebration is a need to make an impression, is very high. In already at six per cent interest rate. And this worldwide event. But, like almost all special these scenarios it’s easy to dip into budgets compounds monthly with every delay. The gift, occasions, events bring with them a certain and reserves or, of course, pay through your the investment and all that comes with it, may underlying stress to do right, to experience and credit card (which is like taking a loan) to or may not be as valuable in its benefit to you share the right amount and, of course, to gift as finance the season of gifting. as the building burden it brings. a way to express the role of the relationship, A credit card payment is essentially an Festive seasons are about experiences, no professional or otherwise. unsecured loan with a 20-day grace period. It doubt, and experiences often do cost money. But Gifting is often considered as an investment sounds like an easy way to experience the keep in mind this – the very people you are in a relationship. However, like any investment, holiday without burning an actual hole in your taking the loans for or stressing your finances financing that decision adequately and valuing it pocket – but it’s far more dangerous because for may, if given a choice, choose to see you correctly is almost critical. For clarity here, few people understand the actual dangers. For with less stress through the rest of the year when I say gift, I am solely referring to the a credit card payment, as you delay the rather than experience whatever it is you are material gifts or any experience that you gift repayment, the interest charged rises trying to finance. Clichés are clichés for a reason someone that you have to spend money on. So, exponentially and there is legal recourse – they hold true. Happiness, joy and laughter are lets break down why we gift and how that available to the bank. You might think that it’s free. So, gift that freely. Anything that costs process can add to or deplete us in the long run. just BD500 but if it was billed in, say, money, needs a rational mind and reasonable, In the process of gifting there tangible benefit. Perhaps, Amount (BHD) % Interest recognising that could be your is a giver and a receiver. The Payment Due 500 giver will evaluate the receiver gift to yourself this season. in terms of preferences, habits Amount Due by Due Date 500 0% et cetera and finalise what to Amount Due In first month of delay 530 6% You can follow Pria on give. However, between those Amount due in the second month of delay 546 9% Instagram at money_cues or two steps is the crucial inherent visit http://www.i2d-consulting. Amount due in the subsequent cycle 562 12% com to know more about her step of budgeting. In a healthy * for illustrative purposes only; actual rates could differ financial scenario, the gift best professional experience. 72 December 2019
www.bahrainthismonth.com
BAR BITES EXTRAORDINAIRE Liz O’Reilly checked out the new flavours at one of the Kingdom’s favourite hotels.
G N I DIN onth this m
NOT JUST WINGING IT, p74
I
t’s no secret that the Mövenpick Hotel has recently had a major facelift of pretty much everything from the guest rooms to the dining outlets. So, I was very happy to go along for a look and to check out the menu at the new Xenia Bar, which used to be Flamingo Lounge. Firstly, let me say, it’s unrecognisable. The bar has moved, the décor has gone from lounge-style to very much an intimate bar atmosphere and there’s music every night with both DJ and house band, who take the show out onto the, also upgraded, terrace on Wednesdays. The menu too has undergone a drastic overhaul with every option new from the kitchen. And there’s a great range of cocktails and mocktails as well as some very impressive special beverage options. I started off with a selection of appetisers. First to the table was the extensive Antipasti Board which featured finely-sliced prosciutto, wood smoked Black Forest ham and chorizo, the deliciously smoky and spicy sausage perfectly complementing its milder counterparts. Next up came a trio of mini burgers featuring patties made from Prime Angus Beef, barbecue chicken and succulent prawns. I must admit, I was not overly keen on the idea of a prawn burger but, in truth, this was a pleasant surprise – the seafood was minced with herby seasoning to really bring out the flavour and, of the three, this was definitely my favourite; though I had several bites of the equally tasty others, just to be sure. Crispy coated salted calamari with fresh lemon and a lemon herb mayonnaise – what can I say? If you like squid, and I do, this is probably some of the best on the island. Salty and lemon sparky, tender, flavourful flesh, with not a hint of over cooking or rubberiness, nestling in a crunchy outer shell. I would go back for this alone and, had I not been saving space for the main course, I could have eaten an indecent amount – reason enough for a return visit, I reckon. For my main course, though hardly distinguishable www.bahrainthismonth.com
LET YOUR HAIR DOWN, p75
MEDITERRANEAN DELIGHTS, p76
since the starter portions are so generous, I went for corn-fed chicken from the grill with mushroom sauce and steak fries. Unlike regular mushroom sauce, this had a strong hint of piquant roasted garlic, elevating it several valuable notches. This is pub grub…but not as we know it. It takes some skill to cook a chunky chicken breast well, getting the outside skin crisp without allowing the flesh beneath to become hard and the centre tough. The chef achieved all three – crispy skin, tender flesh and a centre as melting and juicy as you could wish for. All-in-all a bit of a triumph. Throughout my meal I munched on a crunchy Caesar Salad with greens fresh enough to give that almost justpicked smell and taste. Unfortunately, I had to forego dessert as there was simply not enough space. Instead I took a quick tour of Silk’s restaurant. The changes here are really quite special. Pale hues with gold accents give a real feeling of luxury while the glassed-in terrace, which overlooks the garden with views out to the water, is Mediterranean in feel and is sure to prove a favourite, particularly during the cooler weather.
BRUNCH PARTY , p79
View more info online
December 2019 73
dining
Behnaz Sanjana rounded off her weekend with a cracker of a meal at Buffalo Wings and Rings in Adliya.
NOT JUST WINGING IT N
ot your quintessential American eatery, Buffalo Wings and Rings is a creative cross between an American diner and a contemporary restaurant and sports lounge. The brand hails from Cincinnati, Ohio, and serves the food that the land of the Stars and Stripes is renowned for. As if to prove a point, Born In The USA was on the playlist as I stepped into the warm, no-fuss interior, and my senses were ready to explore more. The menu is an extensive one. The repertoire downstairs is also served upstairs in the lounge, with the addition of selected beverages. My meal kicked off with Buffalo Shrimp. Each coated crustacean had three elements to it – juicy shrimp, a light coating and Bam Bam sauce, which is named so probably because it gives a one-two punch of subtle sweetness with the acidity of rice vinegar. On the side were gigantic onion rings fried in a pepperspeckled batter, and ranch sauce. Chicken Ranch sliders followed; a delicious patty sitting neatly in a toasted bun. Next came the dish that this restaurant takes most seriously, with an entire page in the menu dedicated to it – the chicken wings. Picking from the various choices available, I went for the traditional variety, bone in and all, doused in Crazy sauce in a medium hot intensity, with curly fries (yum!). You can test your chicken-wings-mania meter with X-Hot, Atomic or 1 Million spice levels; I dare you! As the writing on the wall (literally) tells you to shun table manners, I locked up my prudish alter ego and tucked in with my fingers. The 74 December 2019
sticky-sweet, roasted garlic-infused barbecue flavours were so worth it. I enjoyed the crisp air that wafted in from the large, open window, from where one can appreciate the vibrance of Adliya. But it was not as crisp as the Tacos that followed. Wellflavoured chicken, lettuce, cheddar and diced tomato with squiggles of sour cream atop were packed into a crunch of a semi circle. But it was the hot sauce that took the taco to a whole new level of sass. Caramel Apple Taquitos certainly scored a run for the meal, with a fine balancing act between warm, tart green apple enveloped in crunchy pastry, and the sweetness of vanilla ice cream. The new Friday Unlimited Brunch here is next on my agenda, which is a family affair wherein kids eat free, and enjoy face painting,
activities and meeting mascot Chef Buffalo. Wings Frenzy on Tuesday offers wings by the piece, which means you can taste a variety of flavours, at heavily discounted prices. Food items are discounted by 50-per-cent from noon to 6pm on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Sports fans can catch up to six games on the giant screens upstairs and, if you’re dining with kids in tow, there’s Play Station to keep them entertained on the ground floor. Buffalo Wings and Rings is not only about heartily upsized American fare, but upsized flavour as well – just perfect when you want to chill out in an easy-going space, with great food and drinks to boot. Call 17 104-994.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
tablehopping
G N I P P O g H n i E n L i D r e TAB b m e c e D LET YOUR HAIR DOWN Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain’s Silk’s Restaurant hosts Flaming Thursday, a great place to meet with friends. Join in for the hotel’s newly innovated theme night every Thursday to enjoy a great range of grills, flamegrilled meat and sizzling skillets all in one place. The delicious food and the resident band will get you into the weekend mood. The evening is priced at BD34, inclusive of unlimited premium beverages. Call 17 460-000.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA From December 1-31, teatime at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain will be a grand affair for the festive season at the Lobby Lounge and Ritz Gourmet Lounge, between 3pm and 7pm. Enjoy traditional scones and pastries with your favourite tea variety complemented by a selection of festive treats priced between BD25-BD29. Bubbly options are available at Ritz Gourmet Lounge only. Call 17 586-499.
December 2019 75
tablehopping
DECEMBER
When? December 1, 14, and 21 Event? Ritz Kids Gingerbread House Decorating Class Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Let little hands learn how to make and decorate gingerbread houses while the in-house pastry chef provides tips and tricks over a fun teatime set up for BD20 per child. E Call 17 586-499. When? December 7 Event? Gingerbread house making event Venue? Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain Delicious gingerbread houses with all the tools and goodies to decorate them will be provided, for BD12 per child. Grown-ups can enjoy their own sweet counter with Christmas beverages. E Call 17 460-000.
SEASONS GREETINGS Partake in the Grand Festive Friday Brunch at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa on December 20, featuring a host of traditional festive delicacies complemented by carollers filling up the air with festive vibes. This immersive, unforgettably exquisite culinary affair, 12.30pm-4pm, is priced at BD40, inclusive of selected beverages. Father Christmas will also dash through to distribute special gifts to all the children on this joyous occasion as you dance along to live music. Call 38 885-789.
MEDITERRANEAN DELIGHTS On December 19, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence and Spa will stage Cichetti, an unlimited selection of tapas, hot and cold hors d’oeuvre, a glass of spritz, and live music by Damir, all for BD12 per person. The dazzling spread will be laid out at Mondo restaurant, from 6pm-10pm. Call 17 531-666.
When? December 12 Event? Cocktail At Sunset Venue? Kontiki, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Try out a selection of well-crafted cocktails and assorted dim sum for BD12 per person. E Call 17 531-666. When? December 19-23 Event? Festive Afternoon Tea Venue? The Gallery Lobby Lounge - ART Rotana Relish in a lavish dessert buffet with your choice of drink from a selected beverage menu for BD8. E Call 16 000-111. When? December 20 Event? Grand Festive Al Sofra Friday Brunch Venue? Neyran, Mercure Grand Hotel Seef Dive into a world of delightful Christmas favourites, international flavours and Yuletide desserts for BD14, with soft drinks, or BD18, with selected beverages. E Call 17 584-400. When? December 22-28 Event? Festive Afternoon Tea Venue? The Gallery, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain A quintessential afternoon tea experience with a festive twist full of delicious teatime delicacies for BD19 for two persons. E Call 17 460-000. 76 December 2019
GUEST CHEF DINNER Celebrated Jordanian guest chef, Moeen Abuzaid from New York City, alongside executive chef Brian Becher, will be hosting two unique dinners at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Chef Moeen’s passion and drive is evident in his style of ‘de-luxe’ cuisine. On December 19, at re/Asian Cuisine, the chefs will explore the application of traditional Arabic flavours in the realm of Asian cuisine. On December 20, at CUT, there will be a product-driven menu with a modern Arabic flair devised to wow guests. The meals are priced at BD60, including a welcome drink, from 7pm-11.30pm on both days. Call 17 115-044.
AN INCREDIBLE PLATTER From Sunday-Wednesday, make the most of the Thali offer at the Adliya, Budaiya and Riffa branches of Lanterns Restaurant. For BD5, enjoy a generous portion of the chain’s popular signature dishes. The vegetarian thali includes samosa or potato cutlets, palak paneer, dal makhani, vegetable curry, aloo gobhi, paneer makhani, chopped salad, biryani rice, papad, naan and ras malai or gulab jamun. The non-vegetarian version has chicken tikka, dal makhani, palak paneer, vegetable curry, chicken makhani, mutton roganjosh, chopped salad, naan, biryani rice, raita, papad and ras malai or gulab jamun. Visit www.lanternsrestaurant.com
www.bahrainthismonth.com
tablehopping When? Until December 23 Event? Noodles and More Noodles Venue? Royal Thai, Gulf Hotel Bahrain A wide range of noodle varieties, sauces and preparations from Thailand can be chosen from the à la carte menu. E Call 17 713-000. When? Until December 25 Event? Turkey at Your Doorstep Venue? Furn Bistro, The Westin City Centre Bahrain Enjoy a turkey with all the trimmings, costing BD70 for 10kgs. Orders to be placed 48 hours in advance. E Call 17 171-441. When? Friday-Sunday Event? Afternoon T, Venue? The Library, The Merchant House, Bahrain A new high tea offering traditional English recipes as well as spices and flavours of the region. E Call 16 671-000.
AUTHENTICALLY NORTH WESTERN SEAFOOD SOIREE
Take a trip though the North Western frontier of India as chef Pramod prepares the traditional kebabs which the region is famous for at Spices Restaurant, at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain. The lipsmacking fare is available from noon to 11pm. Call 17 531-122 / 38 987-167.
Every Monday, indulge in a wide selection of seafood dishes at Poseidon’s Kingdom hosted at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence and Spa’s Olivos restaurant. The buffet is priced at BD15 per person, and will be laid out from 6pm-1pm. Call 17 531-666.
When? Every Friday Event? Mexican Party Brunch Venue? La Mosaique Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Bahrain Indulge in authentic Mexican delicacies and beverages for BD31, with unlimited selected beverages. E Call 17 531-122 / 39 242-391. When? Every Saturday Event? Lazy Legendary Lunch Venue? Legendz Steakhouse, Intercontinental Regency Bahrain Savour the chef’s special selection of dishes at your table, for BD19, or BD29, with selected beverages. E Call 17 227-777. When? December 5 onwards Event? Shrimp Festival Venue? Wok Station, Galleria Mall A special à la carte menu with soup, various appetisers, and main course – all with shrimp. E Call 77 570-570. When? Upto January 15 Event? Festive Takeaways Venue? Jumeirah Royal Saray Relish succulent turkeys (mustard honey glazed or apple and honey glazed) with all the trimmings and a delightful selection of festive sweets at home. E Call 66 720 026. When? Ongoing Event? Christmas Roast Take Away Menu Venue? Downtown Rotana Savour a hassle-free traditional festive dinner at home with roast USA turkey crown and traditional trimmings for BD25. E Call 13 119-999. 78 December 2019
AL FRESCO DINING Indigo Rooftop Restaurant at The Merchant House, Bahrain offers a distinctive ambience for a refreshingly different Friday Brunch on its beautiful rooftop garden terrace. The muchacclaimed chef, Robert Shipman, has created an exciting menu, pairing interesting flavours and ingredients that are authentic to both Mediterranean and Asian cuisines, such as Poached Eggs served with Salsa Verde, Grilled Halloumi, Salmon Avocado Roll and Seabass Sashimi. The brunch costs BD28, with soft drinks, or BD38, with selected beverages. Call 16 671-000.
HOLIDAY BRUNCH Baharat Restaurant, at Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain, will lay out a Pre-National Day Brunch on Friday, December 13, from 12.30pm-4pm, for BD28 per person, with soft beverages, or BD36 per person, with selected beverages. Bahraini nationals enjoy a 50-percent discount. Call 17 171-441.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
tablehopping
BRUNCH PARTY The Harvesters Pub & Terrace at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain throws The Number One Bahrain Party Brunch to turn your Friday into a rock concert. Priced at BD33, inclusive of beverages, enjoy a daylong celebration of life with great food and ample free-flow beverages, while the in-house band will entertain you with new and old school classics. Call 17 531-122 / 39 920-163.
IN PATRIOTIC SPIRIT National Day Dinner will be hosted at Furn Bistro, at The Westin City Centre Bahrain, on Monday, December 16, from 7pm-11pm, where guests can indulge in Ouzi and traditional Bahraini dishes, for BD12. Bahraini nationals enjoy a 50-per-cent discount. Call 17 171-441.
AFTERNOON FESTEAVITY Take a midday respite in the luxurious comforts of The Palm Lounge at the Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain, from December 4 onwards, from 1pm-7pm, Saturday to Wednesday, and up to 8pm on Thursday and Friday. Enjoy warm scones with clotted cream and house-made chocolate spread, savoury bites, Christmas-inspired patisseries and more. Complete the afternoon with your choice of hot beverages, priced at BD25, for two people. Call 66 720-026.
AN ARABIAN FEAST Every Friday, InterContinental Regency Bahrain’s Selections Restaurant offers the delicious flavours of the Levant brought to you in an array of authentically prepared Arabian dishes. Relish dishes like whole lamb Ouzi and enjoy live musical performances for BD16, from 7pm to 10.30pm. Call 17 227-777.
SUPER SATURDAYS Discover the perfect Saturday Brunch at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay’s re/Asian Cuisine by Wolfgang Puck. Soak in the immersive views from the 50th floor and feast on mouthwatering Asian selections like Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns, Wok Fried Shrimp Dumplings and Brisket Wontons. The spread will be on from 12.30pm-3.30pm, for BD32, including soft beverages, or BD44, including premium beverages. Call 17 115-046.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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bystander OTHER EVENTS
BMMI Shops held its annual grape tasting fair, Ultimate Uncorked, at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain
The British Council held the annual Study UK Fair and School Tour 2019
The Bahrain India Society held a seminar with guest speaker, HE Essam Bin Abdulla Khalaf, Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning
The Italian Embassy hosted Professor Marco Ruffini at an exhibition titled Leonardo Da Vincci: Art, Science and Natural Wonders
Bahrain-Japan Business and Friendship Society, in collaboration with Bahrain Authority of Culture and Antiquities, and the Japanese Embassy, under the presence of Japanese Ambassador, HE Hideki Ito, held a Qalat Al Bahrain cultural event
A Mediterranean Food Adventure with Chef Claudio Dieli was held at Brasserie Royale, Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain
Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa held a cake mixing ceremony
Sacred Heart School Bahrain held a grand reunion event
80 November 2018
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bystander OTHER EVENTS Rotary Club Manama held its November meeting with guest speaker Dr Simon Galpin, Senior Advisor formerly Managing Director of Economic Development Board, talking on the topic of digital transformation US entrepreneur, Ingrid Vandebveidt, gave a speech on Technology as the Great Equaliser and enabler to Global Business Success at AmCham’s luncheon at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay
Lunch with Huawei was held at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay
Atiram Premier Hotel held a cake mixing event at Wembley
The 12th Interhotel Basketball Charity League was held at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain
The British School of Bahrain hosted three Chelsea Pensioners at its campus in Hamala
Sony Pictures International Releasing, Empire Entertainment and Vox Cinemas held the premiere of Charlie’s Angels at Max, Vox Cinemas, The Avenues
www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery
Upstairs Downstairs Restaurant held a Halloween Party
The American University of Bahrain hosted Jaison Morgan, a globally recognised industry expert in the field of incentive engineering, and CEO of CommonPool
Al Afandi Real Estate celebrated its first anniversary at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain
An exclusive media gathering to testdrive the all-new 2020 Toyota GR Supra was held at Cafe Caprice, Zallaq Springs
November 2018 81
gadgets
GADGETS
BTM brings you the latest gadgets to push your technological buttons.
DJI OSMO MOBILE
The Osmo mobile allows you to make videos you shoot on your smartphone look more smooth, professional and ready to share. You can use intelligent functions to track your subject, capture stunning motion time-lapses, and ensure that your video doesn’t look shaky! Available from www.dji.com
PUNKT. MP02
The more our phones do, the more they demand of us. Sometimes it’s good to take a break. But until now, the only alternative to using your smartphone has been the kind of phone you find at the back of a drawer. The Punkt. MP012 is a stylish, well-crafted mobile phone which focuses on simplicity. Make phone calls and send texts. That’s all. Available from www.punkt.ch
CARDBUDDY DELUXE
We take our phones everywhere we go, and taking an extra wallet or card case can be a hassle to remember. With the CardBuddy you can take everything you need wherever you go! Available from www.cardbuddywallet.com
82 December 2019
SEEK COMPACT THERMAL IMAGE CAMERA
Have you ever wanted to add thermal imaging capabilities to your iPhone? This gadget lets you turn any iPhone or Android smartphone into a thermal imaging camera. This could be an excellent way of determining and identifying machines which have a possibility of overheating so you can get them out of your house or office! The camera captures over 32,000 temperature data points and uses infrared technology which means that you can use it at night or during the day. Available from www.amazon.com www.bahrainthismonth.com
gadgets
MYKRONOZ ZEWATCH4 SMARTWATCH BLACK
The ZeWatch4 from smartwatch experts MyKronoz sports the perfect balance between understated Swedish style and up-to-the-minute technology and features. Within its stylish black exterior lurk such highlights as contactless payment, a step counter, a full colour touchscreen, voice control, up to three days of battery life and more. Available from www.mykronoz.com/eu/en/
WEWOW PHONE GIMBAL STABILISER
THE MIGHTY MUG – THE MUG THAT WON’T FALL OVER.
Whether you’re working on a desk or at school, having a mug that falls over is something nobody wants. While it seems like some sort of magic is going on, the Mighty Mug does what it is said to do: it just doesn’t fall over. Available from www.themightymug.com
MISFIT RAY
The ultimate in wearable technology, this gadget will help you to reach your health goals and stay motivated 24 hours a day. The minimal and versatile tracker monitors your steps, distance, calories burned, activity and sleep duration and quality. Pair up with your smartphone via Bluetooth to receive vibration alerts for calls, texts and alarms, as well as controlling the camera and music on your phone. Available from www.red5.co.uk
This is a digital gyroscopic stabiliser for your phone, helping you to take incredibly smooth video and photos on the move with ease. Just clip your phone into the two-axis gimbal, power it up and the proprietary brushless motors and 64-bit processor will kick into action, correcting any movements at 20,000 times per second. It’s the world’s first handheld phone gimbal to feature 360-degree rotation in both the pitch and roll axes, which allows you to switch between all sorts of creative shooting angles on the fly, with no jarring transitions. Available from www.red5.co.uk
ANIMAL SPEAKERS
These pint-sized rechargeable Animal Speakers are bursting at the seams with cuteness. Delightfully small but surprisingly powerful, don’t let their doe-eyed expressions fool you, as these 2W Bluetooth speakers are not just sweet, they’re also full of impressively rich sound quality and audible power. There’s also a built-in microphone function tucked into the exterior, making them easy to carry around. Available from www.red5.co.uk www.bahrainthismonth.com
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games
GAMES
WHAT IS IT?
Death Stranding is an action game set in the US during the aftermath of a cataclysmic event, which caused destructive creatures from a realm between life and death to begin roaming the Earth. The story follows Sam Bridges (played by Norman Reedus), a courier tasked with delivering supplies to the fractured and isolated colonies that remain, and reconnecting them via a wireless communications network.
GAMEPLAY
The player is evaluated by delivery recipients based on their performance (including via ‘likes’ similar to social networks), on criteria such as whether the cargo was delivered, and if it is intact, among other factors. These merits are, in turn, used to level up the player’s statistics (such as stability and weight capacity) and increase their standing with individual locations and characters (which can improve rewards). As players expand the coverage of the network, they can access maps of areas and use blueprints to produce consumable items and structures including ropes, bridges and power generators, used for charging battery-powered equipment.
GRAPHICS
The game is sustained by consistently sublime artistry and ingenuity, both great and small. There are imposingly large waterfalls and monolithic man-made structures, boss enemies big enough to go toe to toe with any of the giants from other games, and an in-game weather system that allows you to predict rain patterns up to 30 minutes in advance, which is crucial in order to plot your routes safely.
STAR WARS JEDI: FALLEN ORDER
Cal Kestis – one of the last surviving members of the Jedi Order after the purge of Order 66 – is now a Padawan on the run. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is an action-adventure game set after Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. Develop your Force abilities, hone your lightsaber techniques, and explore the ancient mysteries of a long-lost civilisation – all while staying one step ahead of the Empire and its deadly Inquisitors. 84 December 2019
VERDICT:
An utterly bizarre postman simulator.RATING:
CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE
The game puts you in the role of highly-skilled Tier One operators in an incredibly raw and gritty narrative affecting the global balance of power. The new Modern Warfare delivers an emotionally charged and intense campaign that shines a light on the changing nature of modern war. Beyond the gripping singleplayer campaign, expect a unified narrative experience and progression with the online multiplayer and co-op functionality.
NEED FOR SPEED HEAT
Hustle by day and risk it all at night in Need for Speed Heat, a white-knuckle street racer where the lines of the law fade as the sun starts to set. By day, Palm City hosts the Speedhunter Showdown, a sanctioned competition where you earn Bank to customise and upgrade your high-performance cars. At night, ramp up the intensity in illicit street races that build your reputation, getting you access to bigger races and better parts. But stay ready – cops are waiting and not all of them play fair. www.bahrainthismonth.com
websites
websites
SITE: www.dinosaurpictures.org ancient-earth#240 RATING: VERDICT: A fascinating geographical resource.
Tamar & Pieter
Tamar and Pieter got together to rock at LNT GastroPub
To view more images, scan the QR code
WHAT IS IT?
If you want to find out how the earth looked a couple of million years ago, then Ancient Earth Globe is a great resource. It uses historical data based on geographic analysis to recreate scenes. Once it generates, you can turn the globe around to see how the continents were set up during that time.
THE GOOD
The site is a fascinating insight into how the modern world was formed via continental drift and biological intervention. Not only that, but there are detailed written descriptions of each period to give context to each period.
THE BAD
Some elements of this visualisation are not adjusted for time, such as the cloud and star positions. The main annoyance is that the globe on screen rotates on an axis with no way to pause it, which means constantly clicking and dragging to stay on the same spot.
www.ancient.eu
If you love history, this is your one-stop shop to learn everything about our past. From ancient kingdoms to epic wars, you can find everything here. There are tremendously detailed articles with plenty of imagery to bring the ancient world to life.
www.findtheinvisiblecow.com
It’s a ridiculous website, but a lot of fun. The cow is hidden somewhere on the page, and you need to find it. All you can hear is the sound of the cow. As your mouse cursor gets closer to the cow, the music gets louder. Click at the point where the noise is loudest, and it will reveal the cow. It’s silly but surprisingly addictive.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
December 2019 85
apps
APPS REVIEW BTM BRINGS YOU THE LOW-DOWN ON THE LATEST AND GREATEST APPS ON THE MARKET.
APP: ALARMY RATING: VERDICT: The most efficient wake-up ever!.
WHAT IS IT?
If you have a habit of skipping your morning alarm, this is one of the must-have apps for your device. Alarmy has a unique way to break your morning laziness by laying out puzzles and challenges before you can snooze that annoying music.
THE GOOD
You can set the difficulty level of the challenges as per your preference, just in case you need to engage the brain quicker. The useful app also features a photo mode where you can turn off the alarm by clicking a snapshot of a registered place.
THE BAD
The app seems very resistant to allowing you to click on the notification to turn off the alarm. In addition, the ‘mute during missions’ feature doesn’t work and the alarm always puts itself on max volume no matter what you set it to and doesn’t allow you to turn it down while it is going off.
APP: SMS ORGANISER SMS Organiser is made by Microsoft and the app turns out to be a great help when it comes to efficiently managing the loads of unwanted texts that people receive all day. You get everything from a tabbed interface, dark theme, intelligent sorting, reminders about bookings, PNR status, SMS backup and restore, and much more. 86 December 2019
APP: MX PLAYER This video player supports almost all the primary video and audio file formats. It packs a lot of features, including editing of subtitle timeframes, fast forwarding and volume control gestures, gestures for zooming in and out of a video, on-screen kid lock and many more. www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Fiestas De Los Muertos Four Seasons Beach held its Dia de Muertos extravaganza
Ammar’s Birthday Party
Malaysian Ambassador, HE Agus Salim bin Yusof, and his wife Wani threw a party to mark their son Ammar’s first birthday
Horror Night The K Hotel held a Horror Night to mark Halloween
www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery
To view more images, scan the QR code
To view more images, scan the QR code
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bystander
Kidz Halloween The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain held a Kidz Halloween Party
To view more images, scan the QR code
Mediaeval Party A mediaeval-themed dinner party was held at Camelot
Monsterific Halloween Party Swiss-Belresidences Juffair held a Monsterific Halloween Party
To view more images, scan the QR code
88 December 2019
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S E I V MO
film releases
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Comedy Release Date: December 13 Taking up where the last installment finished, unknown to his friends, Spencer kept the pieces of the Jumanji video game and one day repairs the system. When his friends Bethany, Fridge and Martha arrive, they find Spencer missing and the game running. They decide to re-enter Jumanji to save him. Spencer’s grandfather Eddie and his friend Milo Walker inadvertently get sucked into the game too.
Jumanji 3 – The Next Level Genre: Musical, Fantasy Release Date: December 20 A stellar cast, including Taylor Swift, James Corden and Idris Elba, takes on this production of the hugely popular Andrew Lloyd Webber stage show of the same name. Over the course of a single night, a tribe of cats come together to choose one of their number to transcend to the other side and be reborn.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Cats
Genre: Sci-fi, Action, Adventure, Fantasy Release Date: December 20 The final episode of the nine-part Skywalker saga sees the surviving Resistance facing the First Order once more, a year after the events of The Last Jedi. Members of the Resistance are also reckoning with the past and their own inner turmoil as the ancient conflict between the Jedi and the Sith reaches its climax.
Bombshell
Little Women
Spies in Disguise
Genre: Biography, Drama Release Date: December 20 A very much ‘of the moment’ subject, in line with the ‘Me Too’ movement, Bombshell stars Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie as a group of women who take on Fox News head Roger Ailes, who resigned in July 2016 following allegations of sexual harassment, to fight against the toxic atmosphere he created at the network.
Genre: Drama Release Date: December 25 Based on the much-loved Louisa M Alcott book of the same name, the long-awaited film tells the story of four sisters, Amy, Jo, Beth and Meg, as they come of age in America in the aftermath of the Civil War and stand by each other through difficult and changing times.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family, Sci-Fi Release Date: December 25 Super spy Lance Sterling (Will Smith) and scientist Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) are almost exact opposites. Lance is, as you would expect, smooth, suave and debonair. Walter is not. A crisis forces the unlikely duo to team up for the ultimate mission – that sees Lance transformed into a brave, fierce, majestic… pigeon!
www.bahrainthismonth.com
December 2019 89
music
Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders Get the Money
It took Taylor Hawkins nearly a decade to record his third album with the Coattail Riders but, to be fair, his main gig as the drummer of the Foo Fighters kept him busy. To his credit, Hawkins essentially picks up where he left off, creating a retro-rock fantasia out of his favourite parts from his favourite old LPs. Queen remains his main touchstone and Roger Taylor himself stops by to lend vocals to an album-closing Shapes of Things. The fun of Get the Money is how Hawkins spins through a number of different sounds and styles from the classic rock era. The elements are familiar, but Hawkins assembles fuzz guitars, glam beats, New Wave synths and operatic harmonies with flair and wit, turning Get the Money into a giddy journey to the past that’s remarkably devoid of nostalgia.
Steel Panther Heavy Metal Rules
Verdict:
A nostalgic release to celebrate the icon.
What’s the story? Last Christmas is a seasonal romantic comedy loosely based on the 1984 Wham! hit of the same name, which is the reason why its accompanying soundtrack is effectively something of a hits collection for George Michael and Wham! Not that all of Michael’s big songs are here. Pointedly, his finer solo moments – Father Figure, Careless Whisper – are nowhere to be found and neither are such exuberant Wham! hits as I’m Your Man or Freedom.
Worth a listen? The track listing leaves Last Christmas strictly in a sweet, sentimental lane, one that takes the occasional goodspirited silly detour (karaoke favourites Faith and Wake Me Up Before You Go Go are both here). By design, this leans heavily on Michael’s work from the ‘90s and that does tip the scale slightly toward sophisticated upscale music, which also suits the Emilia Clarke-starring Paul Fieg film just fine. For Michael diehards, there is one reason to get the album: the previously unreleased This Is How (We Want You to Get High), a nuanced Latin-tinged soul number dating from Michael’s last years. Equal parts confessional and inspiration, the song doesn’t quite jibe with the vibe of the rest of Last Christmas, but it’s a nice little gift for Michael fans still in mourning.
90 December 2019
A big factor on your opinion of parody act Steel Panther will certainly come down to your sense of humour. If you like the lowbrow variety, then this latest set will certainly raise a smile from immature minds. The band continue to write hits as good as – if not better than – the ‘80s hair metal acts they so effectively pastiche. Ultimately, a Panther album flies or falls on the strength of its choruses and the sharpness of the punchlines. As reliably entertaining as they are in the flesh, the band’s last three albums never quite scaled the heights of 2009’s remorselessly great Feel The Steel. Happily, Heavy Metal Rules is easily their strongest record since then and boasts several of the smartest and funniest songs they have ever written.
Matt Valentine Preserves
Matt Valentine is no stranger to psychedelic sounds. Assembled from eight years of back-filed recordings, Preserves goes off the deep end into a pool of demented funk, wild-eyed guitar freakouts, and layered, druggy walls of confusion and bliss. Elements move in and out of the picture with such slippery motion that it can be hard to grab on to any one idea or sound before it disappears, but understanding or processing the album doesn’t seem to be the point. Catching what they can from the thick (and occasionally frightening) grooves of Preserves is all Valentine could possibly ask of his audience when it comes to an album this perfectly damaged. www.bahrainthismonth.com
tv releases
FANCY SOME CHILL-TIME AT HOME? Check out the latest TV series to hit your screens.
The Irishman
This new Martin Scorsese epic stars Robert de Niro as Frank ‘The Irishman’ Sheeran, a man with a lot on his mind. The former labour union high official and hitman learned to kill serving in Italy during the Second World War. He now looks back on his life and the hits that defined his mob career, maintaining connections with the Bufalino crime family. In particular, the film focuses on the part he claims to have played in the disappearance of his life-long friend, Jimmy Hoffa, the former president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, who mysteriously vanished in late July 1975 at the age of 62.
The Report
Starring Adam Driver, this film tackles the true story of one man’s investigation into the CIA’s adoption of torture techniques in the aftermath of 9/11. Not only does it give viewers a good look at the agency’s attempts to conceal this fact from the American public, but it also provides a captivating and suspenseful rendition that’s sure to entertain.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
The End of the World (Season 2)
This British black comedy took many by surprise when it first released two years ago and it finally returns for another round. Season 2 sees the return of Alyssa and James and a new character called Bonnie. The three get up to mischief again with some fantastic tense scenes demonstrating the best in British comedies.
Brittany Runs a Marathon
Based on a true story, Brittany Runs a Marathon centres around Brittany Forgler (Jillian Bell), a hard-partying New Yorker who visits a doctor’s office to score some Adderall only to be told that she needs to lose weight. Faced with expensive gyms and fitness studios, Brittany decides to take up running to get the job done. Her journey, however, becomes much less about the weight, and much more about her own personal transformation.
The Devil Next Door
The harrowing documentary series sees a grandfather living the American dream get pulled back to court in Israel accused of being the infamous Nazi camp guard known as Ivan the Terrible.
Comrade Detective
A brilliant bit of conceptual comedy, Comrade Detective is introduced as a long-lost Romanian cop show from the Soviet era, in which a pair of detectives spout Socialist propaganda while chasing designer-jeanswearing, cheeseburger-eating capitalists. The series was filmed with Romanian actors but dubbed in English by an all-star squad that includes Channing Tatum, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jenny Slate, Nick Offerman and Mahershala Ali. December 2019 91
bystander OTHER EVENTS
SKAL International Bahrain held a dinner function at Jashan Restaurant, Wyndham Garden Manama
Pakistan Urdu School held the Annual Day for its senior section
Vinny Aseeja, Business Development and Operations Head of Joz Group, held a Diwali celebration
In line with its efforts to further strengthen the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as an ideal destination for weddings and celebrations, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority hosted a familiarisation trip for four leading wedding planners from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia
JJ’s Irish Restaurant held a 24K Bruno Mars tribute after-brunch party
Under the patronage of HE Dr Majid bin Ali Al-Nuaimi, Minister of Education, the opening of the Bahrain 8th Annual ELT Conference was held at Crowne Plaza Bahrain
US Ambassador, HE Justin Siberell, visited The Al Ansari Group headoffice
As part of Discover America Week 2019, US Ambassador, HE Justin Siberell, visited the offices of US company Sabre Travel Network
92 November 2018
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WHAT’S
green
what's green
BTM takes a look at the latest easy-touse, planet-friendly products.
WRITE RIGHT Cut back on paper waste with the Rocketbook Everlast reusable spiral notebook. The glossy paper works with special Pilot Frixion erasable gel pens, which come in several fun colours. The ink takes about 10 seconds to dry, but won’t smudge after. Erase as you go with the pen tip, or clear a whole page quickly with a damp cloth (included). The Rocketbook app enables you to scan and save your notes in PDF form to multiple cloud storage services or email, and can also convert your handwriting into text. Available at www.amazon.com
BAG IT The produce bags that you use to weigh and price your fruits and veggies at supermarkets seem flimsy and lightweight, but they still contribute to the world’s burgeoning plastic problem. Flip and Tumble reusable grocery bags are made from polyester and are machine washable. The sheer mesh lets you see what's inside. Ultra-lightweight, super durable, smartly sized and versatile – they are an absolute green must-have. Available at www.amazon.com
CLEAN ENERGY POWER
GET SMART
With its compact size and high solar efficiency, the BigBlue 21W foldable solar charger panel bag is ideal for camping, hiking, climbing or any outdoor activities. Using Fast Charging Technology, its built-in intelligent chip provides steady current when charging. The attached micro USB cable is suitable for almost all Android devices and some DSLRs. Apple users need an extra compatible cable. The charger’s special PET polymer surface protects your waterproof solar panel and your devices from occasional rain or wet fog. www.ibigblue.com
The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller allows you to save 30-50 per cent on your monthly water bill. Run sprinklers in your garden, view upcoming schedules, and observe your estimated outdoor water usage. Rachio creates tailored smart schedules based on the specific needs of your lawn, including plant type, soil type and sun exposure. Exclusive weather intelligence plus automatically skips unnecessary watering with features like rain skip, wind FinalStraw is a practical alternative to plastic straws. skip, freeze skip. Just download the easy-toIts foldable, stainless steel design is made to last a use mobile app to connect the controller to lifetime, encased in a 100 per cent post-consumer recycled Wi-Fi Control from anywhere. It is plastic case. The case is the length of a smart phone and can compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, be hooked on to your keychain. The dish-washer safe product is free apple HomeKit️, nest, and more. from industrial chemicals found in regular plastic straws and comes with a Available at www.amazon.com squeegee to clean it. It is also accompanied by five information cards that detail the movement against plastic, to be left along with the bill at eating establishments. www.finalstraw.com
SIP RESPONSIBLY
www.bahrainthismonth.com
December 2019 93
travel
On The Piste
St Anton am Arlberg is one of Europe’s best resorts for serious skiers and, with some of the most challenging runs in the Alps, it’s definitely not for beginners. The first ski club in the Alps began here in 1901 and it has 280km of terrain with heights reaching 2,800m providing excellent off-piste opportunities. Less accomplished skiers can take a bus to the nearby slopes of Lech and Zürs. St Anton is accessible by train and there are great reasonably-priced hotels and lively après ski in the bars, clubs and restaurants.
Much loved by a posh clientele, Kitzbühel gives Switzerland’s glamorous highend resorts a run for their money with its luxury hotels, designer boutiques and top-of-the-range restaurants. Walled and frescoed, it is known as one of Austria’s loveliest towns boasting a long season from October to May. There are runs suitable for skiers of all levels and, for those who really aren’t interested in skiing, the town has plenty to keep them occupied. 94 December 2019
www.bahrainthismonth.com
travel
With, probably some of the earliest skiing in Europe, Austria is a long-time favourite for its excellent powder coupled with great runs and, of course, fab après ski
You might recognise Sölden as the setting of 2015 Bond movie, Spectre, but there’s more to this often-overlooked resort. Sölden has some of Austria’s most reliable snow welcoming skiers almost all year round. There is also something for every level of expertise from beginners to off-piste. For sure, it’s not one of the prettiest resorts but the social life more than makes up for it.
Mayrhofen has great terrain parks and vast open snowfields on the higher slopes, making it a favourite with both skiers and boarders. And, even better, it has been described as some of the best value skiing in the Alps. Offering three gondolas and a slope equipped with cameras, so your exploits can be caught on video, the area is fun for pretty much all levels of expertise. There’s also an outstanding après-ski scene which is topped off by the annual weeklong Snowbombing festival event in April.
High slopes mean guaranteed snow and great skiing at Ischgl, in the Eastern Alps. However, this resort prides itself as much on its parties as its powder and is the place to go if you want a ski break that will probably leave you needing a holiday on your return. Check out the infamous Hotel Elizabeth with its legendary nightlife scene and the resort’s Top of the Mountain concerts which attract international artists such as Muse and Lenny Kravitz. www.bahrainthismonth.com
December 2019 95
bystander
Sofitel’s Halloween
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa held its Annual Halloween Beach Party
To view more images, scan the QR code
Friday Brunch A Superhero Grand Friday Brunch was held at Saraya Restaurant, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa
96 December 2019
To view more images, scan the QR code
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Bahrain Edition
BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | LOCAL ISSUES
December 2019 | Issue 201 | BD2 / SR20
FESTIVE FASHION
Looks for day and night
FOOD HIDDEN GOODNESS FOR KIDS
BEAUTY Using facial acids Party faces
LADY TOASTMASTERS On what’s in it for them
WELL-BEING Love your liver
www.womanthismonth.com
97
FASHION | festive looks
Chloe Festive
Jimmy Choo
H&M
Carolina Herrera at Matchesfashion
Givenchy at Matchesfashion
HIGH-END HIGH TEA
W O H S E AL TH
STE
98
December 2019
de Grisogono karen Millen Mango
CHRISTMAS PARTY
Tutus Kurniati
Paula Ka
rate play, celeb ‘s o t t u o e m a o az Sanjan he stars c t n h n e e B h w m o e or on cue fr ay-time do rtorial style. Take a d a t. ’s it r e e limeligh el sa h t v Wheth le b a t r x g e n o ks t ies in oliday loo the festivit curated h
www.womanthismonth.com
COS
Mango
Massimo Dutti
de Grisogono
Roberto Cavalli
FASHION | festive looks
www.womanthismonth.com
GLITZY CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
J Mendel
Aquazzura
de Grisogono
Marchesa
NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA
December 2019
99
BEAUTY | festive looks
SHIMMER AND SHINE
Behnaz Sanjana's guide to looking festively fabulous for the endless partying that awaits. The masters of makeup and all things beauty have unleashed the glitter with great gusto this holiday season. If you’re not aiming for the ‘shiny disco ball’ look, choose one feature to sparkle-up – eyes, lips or cheekbones. Or, break all the rules and switch on full gleam. It’s the end of the year; anything goes! Either way, you’ll be dazzling on the dancefloor.
STARRY EYES If your regular eyeshadow palette has a couple of iridescents that you have ignored through the year, now’s the time to give them your full attention. Using a good glitter primer is non-negotiable for all-night staying power, and do complete the drama with a set of false eyelashes and winged liner. Layer your eyeshadow shades as usual, and then use a small, flat brush to pack on the shine all over the mobile area of the lid. Because ‘tis the season, mature eyes can pull off a little shine without worrying about exaggerating fine lines. Play with a subtle sheen only on the centre of the lid and the inner corners of the eyes as the last step of your eyeshadow application. L’oreal’s La Petite Mini Eyeshadow Palette does a fair job for a steal, or go all out with Huda Beauty’s Obsessions Precious Stones Eyeshadow Palette.
HIGHLIGHT YOUR BEST FEATURES Depending on the tone of your outfit and the rest of your face, a warm gold or silver frost highlighter can add that oomph appeal to your overall look. You don’t even need to sit through a gazillion tutorials to master the art of highlighting with tact. Highlighter lets the high points of the face – cheekbones, temples, cupid’s bow (just above and below the lips) and bridge of the nose – catch and reflect the light, catapulting you to glam goddess status. It also serves to better define your bronzer and contour, if you have wandered into that realm of skill. A cream highlighter like Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette is sure to grab attention.
PIXIE DUST LIPS
Nothing screams ‘Christmas’ like a bold, red lip. This eternally sophisticated colour transforms easily from office to social gatherings quite effortlessly. And with faithful pigments like Givenchy’s Rouge Graine 37, from the beauty maison’s newest Le Rouge Deep Velvet line, you’ll be the diva at any do. If you’re more glitter glitz than a red-lip gal, thank NARS for the new Disco Dust lipsticks that the brand unveiled in the run up to the holidays. One swipe of any of the metallic, highpigment shades, and you’re the life of the party.
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GO TO (TINSEL) TOWN
To rank really high on the sparkle score, body glitter is the way to go. Fenty Beauty has a wide range of body luminisers and shimmer powders for you to warm up the shoulders and the décolletage when you’re in your strapless number. NYX Face and Body Glitter does a good job getting the party started too.
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BEAUTY | tips
A how and why to use face acids.
THE SCIENCE IN
SKINCARE Behnaz Sanjana
Y
es, there are acids for your face. No, not the ones from back in chemistry class, with their snaking fumes and repugnant odours. We’re talking chemical exfoliants that react with the skin to loosen up dead cells and other trapped gunk revealing smooth, glowing, baby-soft skin. Of course, there’s your trusty walnut scrub, but a physical exfoliator just cannot beat the uniform results of a chemical one, not to forget that grainy scrubs can leave delicate facial skin with micro-tears. Play with the strength and concentration of various facial acids to either get a mega dose in a peel (to be done at the dermatologist’s, very sparingly), or a mini dose to be used in everyday cleanser, serum or toner. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are water soluble and can fix texture, pigmentation, pores or a lacklustre complexion. Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), are oilsoluble and can dive deep into pores to banish the blemishes. Take your pick depending on what your skin needs most. Glycolic Acid – Naturally found in sugarcane, tomatoes, pineapples and papaya, this popular AHA has the smallest www.womanthismonth.com
molecular structure compared to its peers, and penetrates the skin for deeper exfoliation. It can smooth the skin, while reducing fine lines, hyperpigmentation, dark spots and uneven skin tone, and is touted to be the gold standard of chemical exfoliation. Lactic Acid – A mild exfoliator with larger molecules, it’s most agreeable to beginners and those with sensitive skin. Found in yogurt and some fruit sugars, it’s ideal for eliminating acne, discolouration and diminishing wrinkles, but without any irritation. Salicylic Acid – A BHA, found in willow bark,
it will exfoliate the top layer and also target the sebaceous glands down in the pores, clearing the blocks that create whiteheads and blackheads as well as helping fade the pink marks left over from old pimples. Mandelic Acid – Derived from bitter almonds, this is an exfoliating agent that’s less irritating to the skin, it is commonly recommended in peels instead of glycolic acid. Kojic Acid – Produced by bacteria used in the fermentation of rice, it’s a popular ingredient in Asian skincare products thanks to its whitening and anti-aging properties. It's very irritating to skin - but also very effective. Ascorbic Acid – This is the most stable and effective form of vitamin C in skincare, found in, you guessed it – citrus fruit. As a serum, it is most effective as an antioxidant to penetrate the skin barrier to fight premature lines and ageing. Hyaluronic Acid – This will hydrate the skin to give it a plump, healthy look. It draws moisture to the skin for a glowing look through the day, and can sooth and smooth the skin. December 2019
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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
Poppy Ball
The Bahrain British Business Forum, in cooperation with the British Business Association from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, held the Poppy Ball with Chelsea Pensioners as guests of honour. The ball was held in support of the Chelsea Pensioners Appeal, Earl Haig Pensioners Fund, and the Bahrain Children and Mothers Welfare Society
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the Patronage of German Ambassador, HE Kai Boeckmann, the Bahraini-German Reception Under Business Network Reception was held at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain
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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
Exclusive Fashion Show The Italian Embassy held an exclusive fashion show by Bencivenga at Capital Club Bahrain
Tiziana Terenzi Perfume Launch
Al Hawaj held the official launch of Tiziana Terenzi Perfumes in the presence of renowned co-founder and perfurmer Paolo Terenzi and Italian Ambassador, HE Domenico Bellato, at Niche Garden, Seef Mall
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Devji Aurum To view more images, scan the QR code
Devji Aurum at Jewellery Arabia 2019
December 2019 103
PEOPLE | interview
BEING YOUR BEST SELF
Key players at three ladies’ Toastmasters clubs in Bahrain tell Behnaz Sanjana how being part of the non-profit organisation can lead to a positive change in personality and help to maximise potential. ANGELS TOASTMASTERS CLUB The club conducts sessions in English every second and fourth Saturday of the month at the Park Regis Hotel in Juffair. Vice President of Public Relations, Leeba Rao, joined in October 2015. “My purpose was to beat my fear of speaking in public or in a group,” she says. “I can now voice my opinion, which I couldn't before joining.” Leeba also held the same role in 2016. “It wasn't difficult as I have very supportive and encouraging members who are always ready to help and guide. You just have to show your willingness to do the job,” she says. She describes
ALASIMA FEMALE TOASTMASTERS CLUB Zahraa Yousif holds the position of Vice President of Public Relations at the bilingual club that conducts meetings in Arabic and English. She has been a member of Toastmasters since July 2014, and her aim was to develop leadership and communication skills, which she now helps other ladies of the Bahraini community to do. The club meets twice a month at Capital Society of Islamic Culture. “Once members are comfortable speaking in front of their own clubs, they can speak at the area, division and district levels,” says Zahraa. “I’ve learnt new skills by accepting new responsibilities. There were challenges, but I was lucky to be surrounded by knowledgeable, creative Toastmasters who have always helped me.” She believes that being a Toastmaster helps build good relationships, and can greatly reduce stress and anxiety in one’s life. “Communication skills are the key to developing friendships and building a strong social support network. Members develop leadership skills and confidence in public speaking," she says.
her journey with Toastmasters as an amazing learning experience filled with fun and positive energy to take back home after every meeting. “This is a platform where you get to meet people from varied backgrounds, who are culturally different, but come together with the same vision. It leads to great social interaction. New members are mostly shy, introverted, unable to stand for themselves, but after a few months I have seen them become more bold, ready to speak up and even ready to debate on any topic,” she says. Follow @angelstoastmasters on Instagram
COMMUNICATE TO ACHIEVE (C2A) This English-language club is a relatively new one and Vice President of Public Relations, Nisha Ranga, has been with it since June 2019. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Friday of the month at the Ahlia University campus. “I was looking to enhance my leadership qualities, improve my communication skills, learn the life skills of being patient, understanding and tolerant towards others’ actions and reactions,” says Nisha, who sums up her purpose as overall personal development. Although she joined only a few months ago, she can already see some changes in herself. Nisha believes that it is important for a woman to join an organisation like Toastmasters. She says: “Women are born thinkers and speakers. But the tuning of what to speak and how to speak comes when you join Toastmasters. Toastmasters teaches us how to plan and deliver constructive thoughts. One learns to focus one’s thoughts and improve one’s overall personality.” Follow @C2ATMC on Facebook
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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
Photography Exhibition
Italian Design Hub held a vernissage of Loredana Mantello’s Darkness and Light photography exhibition at the Promoseven Building
Art Exhibition
An exhibition of Veronique’s paintings titled ‘My Favourite Islands’ was held at the Capital Club
Dilstock The Dilmun Club presented its new Rock Festival Dilstock, comprised of tributes to five legends of Rock from different genres
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December 2019 105
LIFESTYLE | opinion
OVERCOMING AUTISM Ouiam Charkani El Hassani tells the story of an inspiring young man and her message to others is ‘Ahsan made it and so can you’!
I
t’s estimated that one in 68 children are now diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum disorder, and yet, this diagnosis remains as misunderstood as ever. It’s called the Autism Spectrum because autism actually covers a wide scope of complex disorders in brain development. Included are Asperger’s Syndrome, ‘classic’ autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, among others. While Bahrain is one of the most childfriendly countries; for youngsters with special needs, it’s a whole different story. We simply do not live in a society that is generally accommodating, or even accepting of, those who are not ‘neurotypical’.
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While they did what they could, from researching every aspect of the condition, to finding special schools and organisations that could help their son, reality hit hard when Ahsan was 15. The special school he attended declared an age limit, and he could no longer continue there. His parents hired two life coaches, Anandi Sailesh and Kay King, who worked with him in daily one-to-one sessions. And, over seven years of hard work and persistence, Ahsan has shown significant improvement.
However, success stories do exist. Such as that of Ahsan, the kid who defied autism, and proved to himself and to society that kids with special needs can be independent, productive and efficient members of the community.
At just 18, with the help of one of his coaches, he wrote a cookbook and managed to sell it at various bookstores. He finished not one computer programming course, but two! He is a talented caricaturist (thanks to his art teacher), and, with the help of his extraordinary mother, he has managed to get a few internships and a job opportunity!
Ahsan is 22 years old, his parents discovered that he was autistic when he was just three, and that’s when their challenging journey began. Ruqia Zulfiqar and Zulfiqar Ahmed had to brace themselves for what was to come: physically, mentally and financially.
Ahsan was offered an internship, and a potential career, by the global fast food chain McDonalds. Abdulla Adel Fakhro, Director of Fakhro Restaurants Co, and GM Ahmad Jaser explained that the company is keen to offer opportunities to those with special needs.
December 2019
They currently employ 14 other people with disabilities, who all took part in intensive programmes and specially tailored training, to help them get accustomed to the outside world and to the workplace. And Ahsan’s work is meticulous with zero mistakes, according to his supervisor. If you have a child with special needs and would like to explore opportunities for them, make sure to register with the Ministry of Labour and Bahrain Down Syndrome Society, as they try to offer training and internship opportunities. It’s also a good idea to contact companies either in person (visit their HR department) or via email. The struggle for families of special needs kids is far from a walk in the park. It’s a neverending journey and they need every bit of support they can get, so let’s help and do our share to make this world a better place for everyone. Let’s spread the word that, if given an opportunity, people with special needs can prove how talented and capable they are. Chanelmama
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LIFESTYLE | food
Kid-Friendly Kale
Fish fan and pescatarian recipe developer Razan Al Arabi is certified in cuisine techniques by Le Cordon Bleu, London, and in nutrition for everyday living by London’s College of Naturopathic Medicine. This month she’s come up with a healthy and fun recipe for your little ones. She says: “I’ve sneaked kale into the home-made pesto. The recipe is salt-, spice- and garlic-reduced to accommodate for children. The textures are blended and choke proof and the pine nuts are optional in case of allergies.
KALE PESTO PASTA AND FISH FINGERS (Kids’ Recipe) Ingredients: HOMEMADE KALE PESTO PASTA
1-2 garlic cloves 2 tbsp olive oil 3 tbsp water 1 bunch basil (mint is a substitute) ¼ bunch kale ¼ cup of pine nuts (skip in case of allergies) ½ tsp sea salt 200g penne pasta
FISH FINGERS
1 tsp paprika powder 1 tsp garlic powder 1-2 tbsp olive oil I used Al Osra supermarket’s ‘Supervalu’ brand fish fingers (pack of 10). They are made of real cod fish, and are preservative-, colouring- and additive-free. They also have added B1 and B3 vitamins along with iron. www.womanthismonth.com
Method
Boil the penne pasta on a high heat for 15 minutes until soft (skip the salt; kids’ food should be salt-free because sodium hinders kidney development). Mix the kale pesto ingredients together in a blender until smooth and choke proof (½ a tsp of natural sea salt is okay for flavouring). Mix the pesto in with the cooked and drained pasta. Season the fish fingers with paprika and garlic powders. Pre-heat the oven to 180˚C and place the seasoned fish fingers in an oven dish with olive oil. Cook for 15 minutes. Serve the pesto and fish fingers together.
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LIFESTYLE | well-being
It’s all very well partying like there’s no tomorrow, but the liver pays for all that rich food and drink. This festive season, give this vital organ a thought, writes Behnaz Sanjana.
LOVE YOUR LIVER W
e eat right and exercise (well, at least we try to) being mindful of the health of our heart, brain, gut, bones and muscles. But did you know that without the liver functioning optimally, you’d be done for? There’s a reason it’s called the live-r. Here’s a quick guide to all things hepatic. Firstly, where is it? The liver sits in the upper right of the belly, just under the rib cage and on top of the stomach. Everything that you eat and drink passes through it. What does it do exactly? - Cleans up the blood by fighting infections and removing bacteria from the bloodstream - It makes bile, a yellow or orange fluid that breaks down fats, allowing them to be digested and absorbed - Makes protein for blood, and cholesterol to help transport fats through the body - Stores and releases glucose and iron - Regulates blood clotting - Converts vitamins, nutrients and medicines into substances that our bodies can use.
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So, what could go wrong? Liver disease can be inherited or may show up as an autoimmune disease, but one’s lifestyle can also cause this organ misery: Excessive drinking – The liver breaks down spirits into substances that can damage the liver cells. Heavy drinkers develop fatty liver disease, where excessive fat in the liver causes its inflammation and scarring. This results in liver degeneration, it can develop into cirrhosis and may even be fatal. Contracting an infection – Parasites and viruses, commonly Hepatitis, reduce liver function. Hepatitis A is contracted through contaminated food or water, while B and C are from coming into contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an already infected person. Obesity – The liver can get overwhelmed with all the excess blood sugar and cholesterol it needs to tackle, making it store fat in its own cells. The fatty liver tissue becomes
Persistent damage to the liver results in scarring (what is medically called cirrhosis), which can lead to liver failure, a lifethreatening condition. Cirrhosis can ultimately lead to liver cancer and failure, and the only cure involves a liver transplant.
inflamed, resulting in cells being damaged and destroyed, finally leading to cirrhosis, which prevents normal function. How can I protect my liver? - Drink in moderation. When in a situation of all-night revelry, alternate your tipple with a tall glass of water. It aids the liver to do its work of flushing out the toxins. - A liver-friendly diet includes loads of green leafy vegetables, healthy fats, garlic, fibre and coffee (yay!). - Beware of the long-term effects of certain drugs. For example, acetaminophen, a painkiller found in hundreds of drugs, can harm the liver.
Milk Thistle, turmeric and dandelion root and beetroot are all excellent liver supporters. Fresh sugar cane juice is an ideal medicament for those with a compromised liver, as its alkaline nature helps maintain low acid levels in the body and helps strengthen liver function.
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