TEST DRIVE | TRAVEL | WHAT’S NEW
March 2018 ~ Vol. 22 ~ Issue 3
YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Exclusive! James Arthur in Bahrain Happenings
• Spring of Culture • Bahrain Comic Con • Bahrain For All Festival • Holi Events
Interviews - Faisal Khalifeh
Talking Solar Power
- Ahmed Alqasim
BUFFETS & BRUNCHES
Jazzing It Up
- Tanzeel Khadir Telling Tales
Best Options Around Town
Arts
Culture
Clubs
Sports
Interviews
Lifestyle
Dining
Nightlife
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Issue 247
Contents March 2018 COVER STORY Ready to Rock Bahrain
47
BTM had a quick chat with chart-topper James Arthur to find out what to expect from his visit.
HAPPENINGS
Bahrain This Month previews events happening around town during the month of March 2018:
20
18-19
Economic Development Board
Major musical events organised by EDB. 20
Sound and Vision
The story of Bahrain as told through the Qal’at al-Bahrain. 22
Qanun Pioneer
Musician Maya Youssef’s musical concert. 24 Korean
Concert
The Sookmyung Gayageum Orchestra’s musical repertoire. 26 Songs
26
32
of Culture
A selection of patriotic and Arab songs. 28 V
for Vendetta!
The superstar French DJ David Vendetta in Bahrain. 30 Spotlight
on Malaysia
A special week of Malaysian activities and promotions. 32 It’s
the Pit
Pitbull tribute act comes to Bahrain. 34 Anniversary
Celebrations
The much-loved Meisei turns five. 35 Major
Bahrain Debut
Presenting Bahrain’s first Comic Con. 36 A
Medical Miracle
The West End smash hit takes the stage this March.
36
49
38 In
the Genes
The first conference for the genetics network in the Arab world. 40 Fun
for Everyone
The Bahrain For All festival returns. 42 Grand
Prix Nights!
Coral Bay to host two big-name guests over F1 weekend. 44 Interiors
Shopper Comes to Bahrain
The popular décor exhibition gets a new look.
50
53 Bystander This issue captures major happenings on the island, such as the welcome reception for the new US ambassador and a joint event by the French and German embassies for the Élysée Treaty anniversary. Our snappers were also seen at various other gatherings around town, including the Ky-Mani Marley concert as well as restaurant and club openings.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
48
INTERVIEWS A Bright Future
Faisal Khalifeh talks solar power.
49
Jazzing It Up!
Ahmed Alqasim shares his love for jazz.
50
Her Story
Tanzeel Khadir’s online initiative.
51
Looking to the Future
52
A Safe Pair of Hands
Ignace Bauwens on the hospitality industry in the region. Dr Tarek Mulhem talks about his expertise.
53
Leading with Empathy
Pasquale Baiguera’s passion for his profession. March 2018 3
Issue 247
Contents March 2018 FEATURE Keep It Cool 54-55
BTM rounds up the best in air conditioning.
58
Motoring 57
My Life in Cars
Dick Potter shares his passion for motors. 58 Reignite
Your Senses
The latest additions from Mercedes-Benz. 61 A
Majestic Presence
The new SsangYong Rexton impresses with looks and value. 63 A
Super SUV
A look at the compact JAC S3. 64-65 Motoring
Bites
BTM brings you the latest news from the motoring world on the island.
64
72
Downtime
66-67 Gadgets: The newest gizmos in town
68 Music: Top tunes Games: The hot games of the month 70 Websites: The coolest sites on the web 71 Apps: Essential apps 72 Movies: New releases
69 Computer
Buffets and Brunches 74-85
The best spreads and brunches in town.
Dining 86-87
90
94
Transcending Borders
Miam speaks a traditional language with an international accent. 90
Food at Your Fingertips
Talabat catering to all your delivery needs. 92
Hidden Gems in Bahrain 93-94 Table Hopping
Dining gossip from around the island.
Showcase
What’s New: Must-have products 96-104 Marketplace: Latest products and services 105 Business Bites 95
95
71
Travel 106-107
Short Hop – Cyprus
Regulars 110 Tarotscope
72 www.bahrainthismonth.com
95
111
AD Index WIN
112 WIN
March 2018 5
THE TEAM
Bahrain This Month March 2018
Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Email: george@bahrainthismonth.com Editorial Director Liz O’Reilly Editor Apple Sharma Contributors Behnaz Sanjana, Dick Potter, Bill Grieve
Welcome to this month’s edition, in which there is so much going on, it’s hard to know where to start. The annual festival, Spring of Culture, is back with big events happening across the island. Organisers are making the most of the new outdoor venue, Bahrain Bay, to host star names such as Rita Ora and James Arthur, from the UK, Ragheb Alama, from Lebanon, and the Kingdom’s own much-loved rockers, Likwid, who’ll be performing alongside some guest star friends. Across the island, there are more than 40 other Spring of Culture events from exhibitions and music to street theatre and kids’ activities; you’ll find details in our Happenings pages and regular updates online at www.bahrainthismonth.com. Outside of Spring of Culture, there are several ways to mark the Indian festival of Holi. The Colour Run returns to Amwaj. And the nightlife scene is heating up with international DJ performances from Gordon Edge, who also plays a mean trumpet, and returning favourite David Vendetta, among others. Our interview section includes a chat with former Bahrain resident James Arthur, ahead of his live concert. And we also caught up with Ahmed Alqasim, who’s a member of Likwid and a stalwart of the island’s music scene. With the recent opening of several new properties across the Kingdom, Ignace Bauwens, Wyndham Hotel Group regional vice president Middle East and Africa, was happy to tell us his thoughts on the region’s hospitality industry. And Tanzeel Khadir shared the story behind popular Facebook page 100 Bahrain Stories. In the Motoring section, Dick Potter got a pleasant surprise behind the wheel of the latest offering from Rexton and there’s news of goings on across the sector. This month’s big dining feature is Buffets and Brunches – something of which the island has a more than abundant supply. Whatever your taste and budget, there’s something to suit. The new brunch at the Al Safir Hotel and Tower certainly got Liz O’Reilly’s seal of approval should you be looking for a recommendation. The dining section also includes a new introduction – Hidden Gems – those little spots that only we locals know. Our guest reviewer, Bill Grieve, will be checking out a new one each month; let us know at www. bahrainthismonth.com if there’s somewhere you think he should visit. As always, there’s plenty to read and even more online throughout the month. We’re your tech-savvy guide to a great way of life.
Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Romeo San Miguel, Hatem Monem Photography Editor Mona Abdul Jabbar Staff Photographers Subeesh Kumar N S, Ranjith Mohan Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa
The only Lifestyle Magazine distributed with the GDN
Corporate Affairs Director Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Media Sales Randa Ghazi Howais Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Group (Hilal Direct Services) Printing Press Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej W.L.L., Bahrain Published monthly by
RED HOUSE MARKETING P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: (+973) 17 813-777, Fax: (+973) 17 813-700 Email: info@redhousemarketing.com www.bahrainthismonth.com © Copyright Reserved 2005-2014 The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. and must not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Red House Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission.
•
Views expressed in this magazine by journalists and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month. Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001 ISBN 1 899 348 09 3
COVER Cover Picture:
James Arthur George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman
TEST DRIVE | TRAVEL | WHAT’S NEW
Gulf and international subscriptions available on request. Bahrain This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide
YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE March 2018 ~ Vol. 22 ~ Issue 3
1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24
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Exclusive! James Arthur in Bahrain Happenings
• Spring of Culture • Bahrain Comic Con • Bahrain For All Festival • Holi Events
Interviews - Faisal Khalifeh
Talking Solar Power
- Ahmed Alqasim
BUFFETS & BRUNCHES
Jazzing It Up
- Tanzeel Khadir Telling Tales
Best Options Around Town
Arts
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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Clubs
Sports
Interviews
Lifestyle
Dining
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Nightlife
March 2018 7
bystander
Shaikh Abdulla & Mohammed Kooheji
US Ambassador Welcome Reception
VADM John Aquilino
To view more images, scan the QR code
The US Embassy organised a reception to welcome US Ambassador to Bahrain, HE Justin Siberell, and his family. Senior government officials, diplomats, dignitaries, prominent businessmen and invited guests attended the event. HE Justin Siberell, HE Zayed Alzayani, Shaikh Hisham & Farouk Almoayyed
Karina, HE Justin Siberell & Qays Zu’bi
Samira, Arnavaz & Emeline
Laura, HE Cécile Longé & Sophie
VADM John Aquilino, Laura, Franchesca & Joe
HE Justin Siberell & Samuel
Afnan
Majid Zayani & HE Alfred Simms-Protz
Esky, Abdulrahim Fakhro & HE Agus Salim bin Haji Mohammed Dadabhai & Juzer
Rajni, HE Simon Martin & HE Dr A S U Mendis
Rasha, HE Shaikh Azzam Mubarak Al Subah, HE Mohammad bin Yusuf & Amal
Mona Almoayyed & Adel Fakhro
8 March 2018
Shaikh Hisham & Col Mohammed
Ghazi
Silvia, Mr and Mrs Sameer Abdulla Nass & HE Humbert Vincent Buemi
HE Domenico Bellato & Amin
Hatai
William
www.bahrainthismonth.com
ABDALLAH AL ROWAISHED & NABIL SHUAIL 09 MARCH
MAJID JORDAN 02 MARCH
LIKWID & FRIENDS 17 MARCH
JAMES ARTHUR 23 MARCH
ALL THE EVENTS WILL BE HELD AT 8:30 PM BAHRAIN BAY For ticket sales and more information visit www.springofculture.org
RAGHEB ALAMA 30 MARCH
bystander
Discover America Week
Sigi & Serina
Amir
Laura & HE Domenico Bellato
Hadi
Anna & Kosta
HE Alfred Simms-Protz
As part of the US Embassy’s Discover America Week 2018, HE Justin Siberell hosted a reception designed to highlight American products. Arnavaz, Shireen, Amin & HE Justin Siberell
Perwin, Laura & Arnavaz
Megan & Christian
Pasquale
Mary & Anna Marie
Claire
Thomas
Haig, Qays Zu’bi & Vivian
Annual US Alumni Reception The American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain hosted its third annual reception in honour of the alumni of American universities and US Embassysponsored exchange programmes at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Shaikh Mohammed, HE Justin Siberell, Hussain & Raihan
Khalid, Rashid, Abdulrahman, Hatim & Noaman
10 March 2018
Craig, Mohammed & Karan
Liana & Barry
Zahra & Noor
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Friday Brunch
EVERY FRIDAY 12NOON - 4PM A Fine Selection of Brunch Favorites! FOOD & SOFT DRINKS BD 15 ++ FOOD & SELECTED BEVERAGES BD 25 ++ There is nothing more comforting than waking up to a lovely, laid back brunch on the weekend. Cafe Mosaic brings together its best to create an irresistibly lavish brunch. Exclusive Kids Korner. Top Tunes from UK Resident DJ, Jason Joy from 4 pm only at Player’s Lounge
Take a journey through our festive fare of Brazil Opens from 7: 00 p m to 2: 00 a m Chu rrasca ria: All you ca n eat BD 21++ Via Brasil Bahrain
viabrasilbah
For a unique Italian experience, Trattoria will take you through a culinary trip to Italy. Pasta | Pizza | Spaghetti | Lasagna Lunch - 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Dinner - 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm TrattoriaBahrain
trattoriabah
Book your table now, call +973 6631 6666 | Email at fnb@wyndhamgardenmanama.com Building 65, Road 4003, Block 340, Juffair P.O. Box 13220 | Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: +973 6631 6666 | Fax: +973 6631 6667 info@wyndhamgardenmanama.com wyndhamgardenmanama.com
bystander
Hussain Dawani & Jamal Fakhro
55th Anniversary of the Elysée Treaty The Embassies of France and Germany in Bahrain celebrated the 55th Anniversary of the Elysée Treaty with a joint event including a head-turning classical concert by the Karlsruher Konzert-Duo and a cocktail dinner at the French Residence, attended by Bahraini officials and members of the diplomatic corps.
Perwin, Reinhard Armleder & Dagmar Hartmann
HE Alfred Simms-Protz & HE Cécile Longé
HE Dr A S U Mendis & Amin
Amal, Perwin & Ayten
12 March 2018
Mazin
Hans
Walid
Anne, HE Cécile Longé & Claudine
Marco, Carla, Sandra, Alessandro & HE Domenico Bellato
Dr Mohammad Mubarak bin Daina, Abdulla Juma, Abdulrahman Rashid Boumajeed & Jalil Al Ansari
Sherine & Lilian
Dominique
Lydia, Sophie, HE Simon Martin & HE Kiyoshi Asako
HE Taha Abdul Qadir, Rihab & Jean-Philippe
Basim & HE Koo Hyun-Mo
Georges
Macha
Pascal
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Jalil Al Ansari, Ebrahim Zainal & Abdul Hamid Kooheji
Fumy
A Taste of Japan The Japanese Embassy and Japan Livestock Products Export Promotion Council held a demonstration seminar and sampling of Wagyu beef at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. HE Kiyoshi Asako & Keiko
Adel Kanoo & HE Kiyoshi Asako
Frankie, Junior & Brian
Alatansha, Toshiaki Namba, Nasser Al Arayedh, HE Kiyoshi Asako, Nabeel Ajoor, Hideaki & Yoshi
Rosita
Hany, Dr Omar & Dr Dalal
Lee & Park Junhee
Korea-Bahrain Healthcare Forum The Korean Embassy organised the 2018 KoreaBahrain Healthcare Forum at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa. Dr Cheriyan & HE Koo Hyun-Mo
Dr Koray & Hussain
14 March 2018
Lee Young-Chan
Tahira & Anisa
Dr Lee Min-Won
Bong Cho & Hyoseb Kim
Yong Miung & Hwang Hyung
Dr Lubna & Sherin
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Harmony Maker
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Puglia, Italy
bystander
Svetlana
New Car Launch Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Bangladesh Embassy, Mehdi Hasan, and wife Shanjida, hosted a dinner for guests at their residence. Mehdi & Shanjida
Fatima Al Asfoor, Abbas Shirazi, Sausan Shirazi & Felix
Fateha
Raya & Sausan
Samar & Fatima
Aytaan
Namrin & Nilanthini
Khogaraj & Lin
Ruslan
To view more images, scan the QR code
Porsche Centre Bahrain launched the new Cayenne and Cayenne S during an exclusive event at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain.
Social Dinner
Roelof, Kornelis & Colin
Dr Abual Qassim Abbas Shirazi
Araceli, Matthew & Steve
Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa
David
Ratna
Geg
Hublot Roadshow Bahrain Jewellery Centre held the Hublot Geneva Days 2018 novelties Middle East roadshow at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Sreejith, Noushad, Rumena, Josie, David, Ahmed & Iqbal
16 March 2018
To view more images, scan the QR code
www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
SPRING OF CULTURE OUTDOOR THEATRE AT BAHRAIN BAY LIVE SOUNDS
MARCH 2
LOCAL FAVOURITES MAJID JORDAN LIVE
BAHRAIN BAY
As the annual cultural festival returns to the island, BTM rounds up the major musical events organised by the Economic Development Board. Majid Al Maskati, originally from Bahrain, teamed up with Jordan Ullman in Canada creating Majid Jordan duo. Majid explains: “I was studying in the business programme at University of Toronto and Jordan was an economics major. Neither of us really loved what we were taking but we both shared a passion for music and artistic expression. We met on my 21st birthday but didn’t collaborate till months later when we ran into each other on campus.” Their first single, Hold Tight, was made overnight in a dorm room and the Canada-based duo released their self-titled debut album in early 2016 to critical and commercial success, cracking the Top 10 on the R&B charts before kicking off their first tour. Now Majid is back in Bahrain for a one-off performance and looking forward to showing Jordan his homeland for the first time. He says: “This is a dream come true. To bring Jordan back to my country, where I grew up, based off of our own success, is something I have looked forward to for a long time. He took me in like a brother in Canada, this is a favour I have always hoped to return.” The duo’s minimal yet soulful sound stands on its own, drawing listeners in with catchy and slick beats. During their first round on the road the pair impressed fans with serious swagger and slayed stages big and small with the one-two punch of Majid’s sensual croon and Jordan’s cutting-edge production skills. Majid says fans can expect: “A once in a life time home-coming show. I’ve been representing Bahrain all over the world and now I get to bring all that love home. What a dream!” Time 8.30pm. See the full exclusive interview with Majid Jordan online at www.bahrainthismonth.com
MARCH 17
LIKWID & FRIENDS
BAHRAIN BAY
After releasing their debut album in 2016, the unique Bahraini band, Likwid, have become well known for writing and performing songs from many different genres, including classic rock, blues, smooth jazz, reggae, funk and Latin. Likwid will feature other Bahraini artists who have made a name for themselves as their special guests, making ‘Likwid & Friends’ a special evening not to be missed. For more information check out the band at www.likwidband.com. Suitable for eight years and above. Time 8.30pm. Free event.
TV TALENT JAMES MARCH ARTHUR LIVE 23
BAHRAIN BAY
KUWAITI CLASSICS
MARCH 9
ABDALLAH AL ROWAISHED AND NABIL SHUAIL LIVE
BAHRAIN BAY
Kuwaiti musicians Abdallah Al Rowaished and Nabil Shuail honour the audience with a performance of songs from their past and latest albums. Time 8.30pm.
18 March 2018
After winning X Factor 2012, singer-songwriter James Arthur went on to score the biggest selling X Factor single of all time with the BRIT Award-nominated Impossible. Back in full force, his album released last year, Back From The Edge, gave him a second number one single with Say You Won’t Go, making James the first ever X Factor act to have two singles selling more than a million copies each in his homeland. For more information visit www.jamesarthurofficial.com and make sure to read our exclusive Q&A with the star on page 47. Time 8.30pm. www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings SUPERSTAR SINGER
MARCH 30
RAGHEB ALAMA LIVE
BAHRAIN BAY
Superstar Lebanese singer and composer Ragheb Alama rocks Bahrain Bay, performing a mix of songs from new and old albums. Appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador in West Asia, the icon’s success comes from his tasteful music and his drive in raising awareness and aid for humanitarian causes. Find out more about the artist at www.ragheb-alama.com. Suitable for age eight and above. Time 8.30pm. Tickets for Bahrain Bay events are sold online through WWW.SPRINGOFCULTURE. ORG . For more information on the festival events, information booths are located at The Avenues — Bahrain, Bahrain Airport arrivals hall, Saar Mall, Seef Mall, Muharraq and Seef District.
OTHER EVENTS The Spring of Culture Community Programme, sponsored by the Economic Development Board, organises several technical workshops for various governmental and social institutions in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the National Bank of Bahrain Rehabilitation Home for Disabled, Salman Culture Centre and other community centres. For the third time, the programme is hosting the internationally renowned sand sculpture artist, Sudarsan Pattnaik, who will present a five-day workshop on the beach. The Outdoor Café at Bahrain Bay, a
ABORIGINAL ART EXHIBITION, MARCH WARLUKURLANGU 17 - MAY ARTISTS 16
LOVE AND DEATH LA FONTAINE CENTRE OF CONTEMPORARY ART
After a successful exhibition in 2009, La Fontaine teams up once again with the Warlukurlangu Artists of Yuendumu, Australia, showcasing their famous acrylic paintings and limited edition prints. The non-profit organisation’s members are known to produce gloriously coloured artworks and have supported the Aboriginal community of Yuendumu since 1985. The artists are recognised as some of the founders of the Australian Aboriginal desert art movement, often called ‘dot painting’, and have been exhibited the world over. Time Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6.30pm. www.bahrainthismonth.com
collaboration between the EDB and Tamkeen, returns to open doors for home and small businesses to showcase their start-ups as part of Spring of Culture’s Community Outreach Programme. The diverse range of events can be found on www.springofculture.org/community. Spring of Culture continues to invest in developing the talent of young Bahrainis by running specialised workshops sponsored by the Economic Development Board in collaboration with local art galleries. Visit www.springofculture.org/talent for more information.
APRIL 8-22
EXHIBITION, ENCHAINED DYADS BY ANNIE KURKDJIAN
ALBAREH ART GALLERY
Two themes are central to the development of human civilizations. One is death, which gave rise to religion. The other is reproduction as an embodiment of life and continuity. This gave rise to eroticism. Through her art, the Lebanese artist attempts to query life and death, in other words, religion and eroticism, and reflect on their current state far removed from their early beginnings as central to humanity. Time Saturday-Thursday 10am-2pm and 4pm-8pm. To keep up to date with events, ticket information, venues, and much more, download the Spring of Culture mobile app available for iOS and Android. 19 March 2017
happenings
SPRING OF CULTURE 2018 SOUND AND VISION
ONGOING TILL END OF APRIL
THE SOUND AND LIGHT SHOW
QAL’AT AL-BAHRAIN
The story of Bahrain as told through its most renowned site, the Qal’at al-Bahrain. An interactive and moving audiovisual experience which will take the audience on a guided journey from the past to the present and back. Runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. English version 6pm, Arabic 7pm. Tickets required, purchase by phone on 17 786-484 or 39 127-899.
TRADITIONAL MUSIC
CULTURAL CLASSIC
MARCH 1
SUFI SONG WITH KARIMA SKALLI
CULTURAL HALL
MOHAMMED
MARCH 1 TILL MOHAMMED BIN FARIS END OF APRIL BIN FARIS BAND MUSIC HALL
The concert offers a soothing blend of classical tunes and modern infusions that highlight the exquisite melodies and eloquence of the great Arab poets, coming together in a cultural and artistic declaration that affirms the collective love that bonds our souls. It also emphasises the deep-rooted ties between Morocco and Bahrain with culture playing the central role in forging new cultural beginnings. Free, seated event.
Set sail with the musical sounds of the Mohammed bin Faris Band in a lyrical voyage telling tales of a pearl diver’s life. Thursdays. Free event.
STREET LAUGHTER
MARCH 1
THE CLOWN BEAT, STREET THEATRE
FOLK MUSIC HIGHLIGHT
VARIOUS VENUES
MARCH 3 & MUSICAL 17, APRIL 14 CONCERT & 28
BUILDING 2608, ROAD 368, BLOCK 903, EAST RIFFA
Following great success in 2017, Argentinian performer Edgar Groll returns to Bahrain with more surprises in a wild circus show based on modern clown techniques. Join the dynamic act and enjoy live music from instruments such as the accordion and clarinet. Thursday, March 1, 4pm, Nakheel Centre. Friday, March 2, 4pm, The Avenues — Bahrain; 7pm Riffa Palms. Saturday, March 3, 4pm, Seef Mall Muharraq; 7pm, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park, Hidd. Free event.
The Dar Al-Riffa Al-Oda will host a series of musical concerts that highlight the rich tapestry of Bahraini folk music. The newly inaugurated Dar Al-Riffa Al-Oda comprises the conserved and refurbished original Dar in the old neighbourhood of East Riffa along with a contemporary extension that can accommodate larger performances and residency spaces, with the ultimate aim of enhancing Riffa’s intangible heritage and the folk singing specific to that area. 20 March 2018
www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
SPRING OF CULTURE 2018 QANUN PIONEER
FABRIC OF SOCIETY SHAIKH EBRAHIM BIN
MUSICAL MOHAMMED CENTRE MARCH 5 CONCERT, MAYA FOR CULTURE & YOUSSEF RESEARCH A Syrian qanun player and musician, Maya Youssef is the daughter of Syrian writer Hassan Sami Youssef. She began learning to play instruments at the age of 10, and joined the Higher Institute of Music after graduating from high school, to focus solely on the qanun. During her studies, she formed – along with her female colleagues – the first female group called ‘The Syrian Oriental Women’s Takht’, but was forced to leave after graduation as she had to travel. She continued her musical career as a qanun soloist and has recorded several works that combine Oriental and Western styles. She has also co-written the soundtracks of many television dramas. Free event.
ICONIC CARTOONS EXHIBITION, THIS ART MARCH 7-31 COMPASS WILL ALWAYS CENTRE POINT TO PALESTINE BAHRAIN
MARCH 6-29
LEARNING EXPERIENCE
MARCH 8-10
BIG EATS SMALL, STREET THEATRE
VARIOUS VENUES
What happens when you put a BIG hungry creature with a tiny vulnerable one? The laws of nature dictate that the fittest will survive. Watch two scientists come head to head as they try to answer this scientific dilemma. The site of their experiment? The ruthless concrete jungle, New York, and at the heart of their experiment is a BIG cat and a small bird who are different and brave enough to challenge the laws of nature! The result? A whole lot of adventure and learning! Thursday, March 8, 4pm, Nakheel Centre. Friday, March 9, 4pm, Riffa Palms; 7pm, Saar Mall. Saturday, March 10, Qal’at al-Bahrain Site Museum, 4.30pm and 6.30pm.
22 March 2018
ALBAREH ART GALLERY
Faika Al Hasan’s new paintings remain thematically faithful, characteristic of her ongoing examination of the human condition. Drawing upon the nostalgia for the raw unbleached cotton used for the bedding of her childhood, she adopts fabric as a visual trope. In black and white, this exhibition is a meditation on the role fabric plays in one’s life: as clothing offering modesty and protection, as a container holding one’s possessions as one flees hardship to make a new life elsewhere, where, once unpacked, the fabrics come out to make a new home. Free entry.
THE SCOTTISH PLAY
MARCH 8-9 The exhibition sheds light on Jerusalem – the permanent Capital of Islamic Culture – and features works by iconic cartoonist Naji Al Ali. The works of the late Palestinian artist will be on display for the first time in Bahrain presenting topics of the occupation of Palestine and Jerusalem in a series of cartoons that Al Ali produced from early in his career until his assassination in 1987. Free entry.
ART EXHIBITION, WEAVES FROM ASHES
S4K’S MACBETH
CULTURAL HALL
William Shakespeare’s classic story of how a noble Scottish warrior becomes king after hearing the prophecies of three witches – how he murders his way to the crown and fights to the death to try to keep it – becomes a musical thriller guaranteed to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. S4K Music Theatre’s Julian Chenery and Matt Gimblett’s cleverly crafted adaptations create Shakespeare that is genuinely for everyone, brilliantly blending the original text with lively modern dialogue and music. Tickets available at Alosra supermarkets.
BAHRAINI TRADITIONS MUSICAL BUILDING 1068, PERFORMANCE, ROAD 1617, MARCH 10 BLOCK 216, DAR AL MUHARRAQ MUHARRAQ Live performance highlighting the various styles of the uniquely Bahraini Fjiri tradition, a mystical genre that traces its roots back to the island’s pearling legacy. Free event. www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
SPRING OF CULTURE 2018 SCULPTURAL REDEMPTION
KOREAN CONCERT
KHALIL MEMORY OF THE PLACE: MARCH 11 EXHIBITION, AL HASHIMI, BIN MATAR - APRIL 26 PARADISE LOST HOUSE
KOREA SOOKMYUNG CULTURAL MARCH 14 GAYAGEUM HALL ORCHESTRA
In his first solo exhibition since 2011, the artist explores the idea of a lost paradise through sculptures that address man’s relationship with the land and sea and the possibility of redemption. Free Entry.
Bahrain Bay
EGYPTIAN FILM NIGHT
MARCH 15
MOVIE NIGHT, SITT AL-BAYT
QAL’AT AL-BAHRAIN MUSEUM SITE
Directed by Abo El Seoud El-Ebiary, the 1949 film stars Faten Hamama (in the role of Elham) and Emad Hamdy (Nabil). After getting married, Elham moves in with Nabil at his mother’s house. Problems arise between Elham and her motherin-law who believes Elham is an intruder who has become the new Sitt Al-Bayt ‘lady of the house’. Free event.
In collaboration with the Korean Embassy, the Sookmyung Gayageum Orchestra presents its wide-ranging repertoire of music played entirely on the gayageum, Korea’s iconic 12-stringed zither-like instrument – from traditional Korean music to hits by the Beatles, South American folk songs, and even a break-dance-style rendition of Pachelbel’s Canon. Established in 1999, the orchestra has set a new benchmark in the local cultural scene and brings the distinct sounds of Korean music to all corners of the globe.
A MAGICAL TALE MAGIC DRINK, MARCH 15-17 THE STREET THEATRE
VARIOUS VENUES
The Magic Drink is a play inspired by the Italian theatrical form of Commedia dell’Arte. Watch the traditional characters of Commedia tell a fastpaced story about a doctor who invents a magic drink. Everyone wants this potion, beginning a series of comic conflicts that are resolved with a twist! This cast of five uses masks and the body to tell an interesting original story directed and created by Yuliya Stelmashonok. Thursday, March 15, 5pm, El Mercado Mall; 8pm, Adliya, Block 338. Friday, March 16, 4pm, The Avenues — Bahrain. Saturday, March 17, 4.30pm and 6pm, Amwaj Lagoon.
FLOWERY FUSION CONCERT, THE MARCH 16 RIGHT FUSION Franky Flowerz, on saxophone, is joined by Ahmed Ayoob featuring didgeridoo, djembe and mouth harp, Roland Shera on keyboard and guitarist Jason. The event celebrates the opening of the Warlukurlangu Artists Exhibition. Concert starts at 8pm, priced at BD30+ includsive of dinner. Call 17 230-123.
24 March 2018
LA FONTAINE CENTRE OF CONTEMPORARY ART
Bahrain Bay
A FITTING TRIBUTE HABIB, MARCH 19 PARWEEN JASMINE NIGHT
SHAIKH EBRAHIM BIN MOHAMMED CENTER FOR CULTURE AND RESEARCH
Journalist and poet Parween Habib is joined by Syrian artist Ronahi Mamo in a special evening of song commemorating the late great Arab poet Nizar Qabbani, ‘Jasmine Night’. Qabbani is widely considered one of the leading figures in Arabicpoetry in the 20th century, with an exceptional legacy spanning more than 50 years. Free event. www.bahrainthismonth.com
ANNOUNCEMENT EXCITING CHANGES AS PART OF CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO ENHANCE OUR PROPERTY AND SERVICE, WE ARE CURRENTLY IN PROCESS OF REFURBISHING ALL OF OUR HOTEL GUEST ROOMS, AND THE GOOD NEWS IS THE HOTEL LOBBY AND ALL DAY DINING OLIVOS RESTAURANT IS NOW READY TO SERVE YOU!
NEW FOR YOU! THE DIPLOMAT RADISSON BLU HOTEL • RESIDENCE • SPA radissonblu.com/diplomathotel-bahrain info.diplomat@radissonblu.com Manama / Diplomatic Area T: +973 17531666
happenings
SPRING OF CULTURE 2018 SONGS OF CULTURE JERUSALEM ARABIC MUSIC MARCH 22 ENSEMBLE
CIRCUS MAYHEM CULTURAL HALL
The Jerusalem Arabic Music Ensemble presents a selection of patriotic and Arab songs, as well as sweet instrumentals that embody the beauty of Arab cultural heritage. Consisting of teachers and students from the Oriental Music Department of the Institute, the ensemble was established by the National Institute of Music to mark the proclamation of Jerusalem as the 2009 Capital of Arab Culture.
SOUNDS OF ITALY
MARCH 25
DUO ETNOPOLIS
CULTURAL HALL
BOOKS GALORE ARAD FORT
The 18th Bahrain International Book Fair is a biennial event that showcases publishers and booksellers in all subject areas under one roof. Suitable for all ages.
CLASSICAL CHAMBER CULTURAL MARCH 28 MUSIC HALL PERFORMANCE Classical Italian and European chamber music masterpieces performed by the dynamic young Italian artists and fellow graduates of the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory of Music in Turin, mezzosoprano Laura Capretti and piano virtuoso Francesco Maccarrone, whose combined supreme talents present an exceptional show that will delight all lovers of the genre. 26 March 2018
VARIOUS
THEATRE EXHIBITION SCENAMADRE, THEATRE EXHIBITION
BAHRAIN NATIONAL THEATRE
In celebration of World Theatre Day, this display is curated by the Accademia Albertina di Belle Arti in Torino, Italy. It features a collection of models that illustrate the history of theatre set design and highlights the story of scenic architecture in the world of theatre, scenography and stage design. Ages eight and above. Free event.
POWERHOUSE AMERICANA
MARCH 31 EUROPEAN CLASSICS
THINGAMABOB, STREET THEATRE
With an internationally renowned blend of circus, invention and humour, PanGottic brings to life a giant ballslinging, self-exploding piece of handcrafted gadgetry, inspired by the famous Rube Goldberg machines and Heath Robinson contraptions. Be part of the mayhem as our intrepid inventor risks nerve-wracking failure to bring you one perfect chain reaction — with a little help from his little assistant. March 22, 4.30pm, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park; 8pm, Adliya Block 338. March 23, 5pm, Saar Mall; 7.30pm, El Mercado Mall. March 24, 5pm and 7pm Nakheel Centre.
MARCH 27-MAY 27
Duo Etnopolis features the internationally renowned Italian violin wizard, Luca Ciarla, and extraordinary accordion player, Antonino De Luca, to present some of Ciarla’s most popular tunes, which draw on the familiar sounds of the Italian and Mediterranean folk traditions. Suitable for age 10 and above. Free event.
18TH BAHRAIN MARCH 28 - INTERNATIONAL APRIL 7 BOOK FAIR
MARCH 22-24
MARY MCBRIDE BAND
CULTURAL HALL
Powerhouse singer Mary McBride and her band, including John Kengla on guitar, Jon Spurney on guitar and piano, Wijnand Jansveld on bass, and Mark Stepro on drums, take audiences on a roller coaster ride with their fiery blend of country, gospel, blues and old school rock ‘n’ roll. McBride has released multiple widely acclaimed albums and the band has performed thousands of live shows in more than 30 countries. Suitable for ages 10 and above. Free event. www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
V FOR VENDETTA! DAVID VENDETTA MARCH 1 DJ PERFORMANCE
When? Ongoing till June 30 Event? Al Fann, Art from the Islamic Civilisation Venue? Bahrain National Museum An exhibition showing the great and multifaceted nature of Islamic culture through the spectacular al-Sabah collection from Kuwait. E Call 17 298-777.
APOLLO LOUNGE
Apollo Club Bahrain proudly presents the superstar French DJ, David Vendetta, who is well known for his electronic dance music and rhythms that’ll take you to the next level of partying. This house DJ and producer has been crafting big-hitting electronic sound bombs for more than a decade. Hit records from his album Rendez-Vous came in the form of Love To Love You Baby and Break For Life which not only stormed the French national charts but also have in excess of 3 million hits on YouTube. Its successor, Vendetta, featured collaborations with the crème of the crop in vocal talent such as Luciana with Make Boys Cry and with Tara McDonald on I Am Your Goddess. Tickets are BD20 on the door for men, ladies go free. Call 33 629-243 or 17 827-999.
When? Ongoing till April 26 Event? Naseem Initiative Project Venue? Various Activities around the island in support of the campaign’s antibullying initiative. E Visit www.byfs.org. When? Ongoing till September 20 Event? The Stamp Seal: Hallmark of Dilmun and its Hidden Art Venue? Bahrain National Museum An exhibition tracing the importance of Dilmun as a trading and cultural entity, explored through the intricate seals which were part of daily life. E Call 17 298-777.
GERMANY TO BAHRAIN
MARCH 1
DOWNTOWN VIBES
INTERCONTINENTAL REGENCY BAHRAIN
Vibes will present 2elements all the way from Germany to deliver an excellent set amidst cool vibes with gorgeous people, chilled drinks and amazing music. The evening kicks off at 8pm with DJ Andy Collins on the decks followed by 2elements, taking over with some unreleased material to reveal. Having played the likes of Space, El Divino, Eden and Bora Bora in Ibiza, as well as some of the world’s other biggest clubs, 2elements promises a huge set to keep you dancing till the wee hours. Entry is free by Guestlist till 11pm and after 11, BD10. Call 36 396-333 or 39 664-522.
HOLI FUN
HOLI MOLY COLOUR MARCH 2 HOLI FESTIVAL
ADHARI PARK
It’s that time of year when venues across the island celebrate the Indian festival of Holi offering everyone a chance to join in with a great colourful party. Head to Adhari Park for a day of coloured powders, fun rides and great food. Entry BD5, colour kits start at BD10 for one kit, one snack and two rides. Call 39 995-877 or 33 070-097. 28 March 2018
When? Ongoing till March 7 Event? 44th Annual Fine Arts Exhibition Venue? Arad Fort Annual exhibition celebrating the creativity and ingenuity of the Kingdom’s artistic community. E Visit www.culture.gov.bh.
MARCH 2 HOLI COLOUR PARTY
NOVOTEL AL DANA RESORT
Experience what claims to be “the best Holi in Bahrain, an event which you won’t forget for a long-long time”. Holi fever will be at its peak in Novotel Bahrain Al Dana Resort. From unlimited organic colours, lip-smacking food such as pani pori, shawarma, momos, chaat and more, and live dhols to a rain dance, this party promises to be insane. DJs from various genres are lined up for the event to play for six hours straight. Put on your whites, and get ready to be splashed all over. Entry BD5. Call 37 771-276.
When? Ongoing till March 20 Event? Between Muharraq and Seville Venue? Bahrain National Museum A collaboration between Bahraini artist Ebrahim Bussad and Spain-based Orientalist artist Elisabeth Bolza, creating an artistic dialogue connecting east and west. E Call 17 298-777. When? Ongoing till March 31 Event? Life Journey Exhibition Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art New pieces from accomplished artist Fereshte Shishine. E Call 17 230-123. When? Ongoing till March 6 Event? Bahrain Food Festival Venue? Bahrain Bay Various activities including food stalls, entertainment and street artists. E Visit www. bahrainfoodfestival.com.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Ultimate India Festival Lulu Hypermarket Bahrain held its Ultimate India Festival in celebration of the Republic Day of India at its premises in Galleria Mall.
To view more images, scan the QR code The ribbon-cutting ceremony
Mamta, HE Alok Kumar Sinha & Juzer
Saji & Gopi
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Kaleem & Binu
Piyush, Richa, Vineetha & Sunitha
Anand & Renu
Anvitha, Jinu, Nayanika & Ramya
March 2018 29
happenings
GETTING STARTED
SPOTLIGHT ON MALAYSIA
MARCH 3-10
MALAYSIA WEEK
VARIOUS
The Embassy of Malaysia is giving Bahrain residents the chance to experience some of the best the Asian nation has to offer with a special week of activities and promotions showcasing the country’s produce and traditions. Wyndham Garden Hotel will be running a Malaysia Week promotion in Café Mosaic from March 2-6 with delightful bites for all to try. From March 4-10, Al Jazira supermarkets in Zinj, Juffair, Adliya and Riffa will be showcasing and running special offers on Malaysian foods. The Capital Club will host a project presentation on Iskander Malaysia – the country’s southern development corridor in Johor – on March 5. Swiss-Belhotel Seef is hosting a Malaysia Festival at its Swiss Café from March 8-10. The country’s embassy will have stalls and more at a Malaysian Food Bazaar taking place from 2.30pm-5.30pm on March 10. And also on March 10, there will be a Malaysian property presentation at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. visit www.kln.gov.my
FOR ANIMAL LOVERS OUR STRAYS MARCH SAVE (SOS) BIRTHDAY 2 CELEBRATION
FOUR PAWS VETERINARY CLINIC
SOS aims to get animals off the streets, rehabilitated, socialised and ready for rehoming. Celebrate, love, adopt at the organisation’s first anniversary party featuring face painting, animal reiki, speciality snacks and drinks, handicrafts, free vet checks and a chance to meet animals looking for their new homes. Running 3pm-7pm. Call 39 348-581. 30 March 2018
STARTUP MARCH 3-8 BAHRAIN WEEK
VARIOUS
Startup Bahrain Week will feature five events, four competitions and more than 30 speakers from Bahrain and the region. The week’s events will be organised in five different venues around the Kingdom and are expected to attract more than 2,500 participants from around the world. It will serve as an open platform for the start-up community to discuss experiences and challenges, as well as to showcase the services offered by incubators and accelerators to start-ups. The week will begin with the first GCC Game Conference, on March 3 after the GCC Game Jam. The conference, hosted by Bahrain Polytechnic and organised by INFINITEWARE, will feature several respected game developers from around the region. It will include the announcement of the Game Jam competition awards. Rowad, the entrepreneur programme provider, will host a majlis on March 4, at Alto, Downtown Rotana, featuring Walid Mansour, of MEVP Funds, and Elie Habib, of Anghami. Both will discuss the experiences and challenges of their startup journey. On March 4 and 5, CH9 and YoStartups will organise ‘My Startup Bootcamp’ to provide aspiring start-ups an intensive bootcamp that delivers a complete overview on what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. In the heritage houses of Muharraq, on March 6, Thinkers & Doers will conduct ‘Follow The Leaders’ – a full day of business meetings, panel discussions, lively sessions, inspiring talks, debates, workshops, masterclasses and prizes for best start-ups. Unbound, in partnership with the Bahrain EDB and supported by StartUp Bahrain, will bring its globally established, award-winning innovation festival to Bahrain during the week. It will celebrate the Kingdom’s commitment to fuelling a digital future for the MENA region. The two-day event will be held at Bahrain International Circuit on March 7 and 8 and will feature an Innovation Expo, a pitch competition and a hackathon. On the sidelines of Unbound, American Express Middle East will organise Hack @ The Track, a hackathon powered by AngelHack to encourage the development and adoption of digital payment solutions. visit www.startupbahrainweek.com.
When? March 1 Event? Chinese New Year Celebration Venue? Meisie Meisei marks the Chinese New Year with dragon dancing and a performance from DJs Mysterioo Arif and Salime. E Call 17 007-770. When? March 2 Event? Bahrain Full Marathon Venue? Sofitel Bahrain, Zallaq Join in with one of the oldest marathon events in the region. The Bahrain Road Runners Marathon predates the London Marathon! It was inaugurated in 1979 to celebrate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Bahrain. E Visit www. brr.bh. When? March 2 Event? UB40 Tribute Brunch Venue? Sherlock Holmes, Gulf Hotel Sherlock Holmes is back once again with the UB40 Tribute Band Brunch (Rats In The Kitchen) to make sure you have a great fun Friday. E Call 17 713-000. When? March 2 Event? Dogfather’s Garden Party Venue? Dogfather’s Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, Saar. Head down for a fun day from 11am-4pm with live music, barbecue and stalls, plus a chance to meet some of the animal residents. E Call 39 629-889. When? March 2 Event? Pisces Birthday Celebration Venue? Cellar 59, ART Rotana Cellar 59 is celebrating all Pisces this month on March 2, with a complimentary bubbly and cake for all birthday celebrants. DJ Amm will turn the heat up with English house music and R&B. E Call 16 000-111. When? March 3 Event? Parenting Workshop Venue? To Be Confirmed This workshop, organised by Little Village, will feature lectures from experts in speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and nutrition. Venue will be provided upon registration. Free for Little Village parents, BD10 for others. E Call 13 104-746.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
advertorial ZALLAQ SPRINGS
Major Rentals up for Grabs This real estate company’s prime property announces leasing opportunities. Zallaq Springs, a one-of-a-kind sanctuary in Bahrain, located in the heart of Zallaq, announces prime leasing opportunities for local and international retailers and food and beverage (F&B) tenants across the Kingdom. It will feature shops, restaurants and a drive-through café. Prospective tenants have an exclusive opportunity to express their interest in being part of the Zallaq Springs family of retailers, as it reaches its completion stage of development in April. Before proceeding with the development, Zallaq Springs conducted a survey to understand the needs of the large population of the Southern Governorate that spreads across a modest 480sq/km area. Key segments surveyed in Zallaq pointed out that healthy and nutritional all-day dining options with specific emphasis on breakfast and brunch are missing, athletes need more walking and bike trails, and students want to unwind at coffee shops in a relaxing environment. “Zallaq Springs would like to select distinct tenants that would make it a destination worth visiting with friends, family and acquaintances, while addressing the strategic needs of the community,” says Fahad A Rafeea, deputy CEO – head of leasing, Al Zallaq Real Estate Company. “We are offering retailers an opportunity to increase their brand exposure through the uniqueness of this property’s features and being a part of a landmark
Fahad A Rafeea
project in the Kingdom. They may reach out to me directly to discuss any leasing requests or contact us via our social media platforms, as we aim at being accessible and selecting the perfect tenant mix. We are further pleased to announce that we have already leased spaces to Shakespeare & Co., Coffee Republic, Be Rehab, N SPA and Pet Arabia, with more exciting F&B concepts to be revealed soon.” Call 17 203-056, email zallaqsprings@alzallaq.com or visit www. zallaqsprings.com
Priya & Meher
Mercedes-Benz Showroom Reopening Al Haddad Motors held an event to celebrate the reopening of its Mercedes-Benz certified pre-owned showroom.
To view more images, scan the QR code
Abdulla Al Haddad & Rasool Al Haddad
Chris, Abdulla, Brian, Rasool & Imran
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Kunal, Mayank & Ashish
Ebrahim & Ahmed
Hassan & Mohammed
March 2018 31
happenings
IT’S THE PIT
PARTY BY THE POOL
MARCH 9 PITBULL TRIBUTE
CLUB LIV
GORDON EDGE MARCH 9 TRUMPET/DJ SET
AZURE FOUR SEASONS POOLSIDE
When? March 6-7 Event? Middle East Geosciences Conference and Exhibition Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre Something for every interest in the future development of the Middle East’s hydrocarbon resources. E Call 17 550-033. When? March 8 Event? Rita Ora Live Venue? Bahrain Bay A late addition to the Spring of Culture calendar, the singer and actress will electrify the stage on her first visit to the Kingdom with chart toppers such as R.I.P and How We Do. E Visit www.springofculture.org
Head down to Club Liv at Juffair Gate Hotel for a night to remember as Mr Worldwide, Pitbull, comes to Bahrain in the form of one of the world’s premier cover acts. Expect all the hits from Timber to International Love, Piensas and more. With a career spanning 15 years to fit in, there are sure to be some classics on the menu. Pre-sale tickets BD10 for men, ladies BD5. On the door, men BD15, ladies BD7. Call 66 600-025.
One of the island’s most stylish poolside parties is back for its season opener. Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay in collaboration with Coda Jazz Lounge presents Ibiza resident Dj and trumpet man, Gordon Edge, who will be showcasing his live elements from the party island to the shores of Bahrain accompanied by local favourite Damian D’Costa. Ladies enter free till 11pm, BD10 after. Gents BD20 including two drinks. Call 66 939-668 or 66 678-666.
THESE COLOURS RUN BAHRAIN MARCH 9 COLOUR ME RUN
AMWAJ MARINA
Make sure to book your place in advance for the big fun colour run, which is now an annual event in Amwaj. Known as the happiest run in Bahrain! The most spectacular, most colourful event of the year. Color Me Bahrain celebrates happiness, health and individuality. Get covered in a cloud of colour from head to toe and join in the fun. Distances are 1km for kids aged three to 13 years and 5km for 14 years and upwards. www.brr.bh
R D BURMAN AND KISHORE KUMAR MUSICAL TRIBUTE
CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN
This event is a musical tribute to the genius of one of Bollywood’s greatest singers Kishore Kumar. His son, Bollywood singer Amit Kumar, the family’s torchbearer, will be the chief performer bringing to life the man who was the voice of artists such as Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar and many more. He will be belting out all the memorable and timeless tunes of yesteryear in a show held under the patronage of Bahrain Exhibitions and Tourism Authority as part of the I Love Bahrain initiative. Tickets BD5 to BD15. Call 66 906-991 or 36 506-626. 32 March 2018
When? March 9 Event? Colour Festival Rang Barse Venue? Adhari Park It’s the fifth edition of Rang Barse 2018 Colour Festival at Adhari Park. Tickets — BD5 with two rides, BD3 in advance. E Call 33 259-981 or 66 335-597. When? March 9 Event? Charity Run Venue? Water Garden City, Seef New date for this run in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Patients Society. E Call 39 132-102.
INDIAN ICON TRIBUTE
MARCH 9
When? March 8 Event? Introduction to Self Defence Venue? Life Fit In recognition of International Women’s Day, SheFend is offering a free introduction to self defence and personal safety for women and girls. From 10am-11am. E Call 36 226-968.
When? March 10 Event? Workshop Venue? Oliveto Learn a new form of calligraphy merging Arabic and Chinese. Price BD30 including light lunch. E Call 39 919-093. When? March 10 Event? Pop-up Shop Venue? Clubhouse Ashbiliya Garden Compound, Saar Pre-loved Labels Bahrain hosts a one-day sale of gently used items, from designer gear to high-end high street. The event runs from 11am-6pm. Entry is free. E Call 39 092-132.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Healthy Women’s Month Check-up Package BD65 Consultation and Procedures: • • • •
Specialist Consultation ECG Pap Smear Ultrasound
Lab Tests: • • • • •
Complete Blood Count with Differential (CBC) Electrolyte Panel (Chloride, Bicarbonate, Random Glucose and Potassium) Liver Panel (Albumin, Bilirubin, ALT, AST and GGT) Lipid Panel (Cholesterol, LDL, HDL and Trigycerides) Kidney Function Panel (Urea and Creatinine)
•
Urine Analysis
To stay healthy, remember to have a full examination at least once a year Valid during March 2018 only
Bahrain Specialist Hospital
Juffair: Main Line: 17812000 Appointments: 17812222 Emergency: 17812111 Fax: 17812012 Email: bshinfo@bsh.com.bh www.bsh.com.bh
BSH Clinics - West Riffa: First floor, Bldg: 767, Road: 1221, Block: 912 Tel: 13381338 Clinics Manager: 32180821 Email: bshclinics@bsh.com.bh
happenings
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
MARCH 14-16
THREE-NIGHT BIRTHDAY PARTY
When? March 12 Event? Bahrain Writers’ Circle Monthly Meet-up Venue? Juffair Grand Hotel Coffee Shop Join in for discussion with likeminded people. E Call 39 574-795.
MEISEI
Meisei is turning five! Join the crew for a long weekend of celebrations starting on March 14 with a special Salsabor ladies night. They’ll keep the party going on March 15, with a spectacular birthday bash to kick-start the weekend and a celebratory masterpiece — a giant birthday cake to mark the occasion! The party doesn’t stop there; the grand finale will be held on March 16. Guests can enjoy world-class food and live entertainment from visiting artist Sarit on his golden trumpet over all three nights. Call 17 007-770.
When? March12 Event? Poetry, Rawda Al-Haj, Two Niles From The Ink of the Poem Venue? House of Poetry: Ebrahim Al Arrayed E Visit www. shaikhebrahimcenter.org.
A FUNKY NIGHT ANNIVERSARY MARCH 15 AURORA WITH MIKE LE FUNK
CUT BY WOLFGANG PUCK
CUT presents Aurora’s First Anniversary supported by Vibes for a prestige event that brings together the coolest crowd on the island at the most glamorous lounge in town, CUT Lounge with it beautiful terrace and breathtaking view of the Bahrain skyline. On the decks will be international DJ producer Mike La Funk all the way from Germany, supported by DJ Detour. The dress code is glamorous and entry is free by guestlist until 11pm and BD10 per person afterwards (couples and mixed groups only). Call 36 906-900 or 36 396-333.
ART FOR ALL
MARCH 15-18
ART BAHRAIN ACROSS BORDERS
BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION CENTRE
Art Bahrain Across Borders 2018 — Bahrain’s premiere art fair — invites everyone to come and witness a spectacular event featuring international galleries, Bahraini artists (in the ArtBAB pavilion), educational talks and workshops on art and the opportunity to see marvellous works first-hand. The event is set to wow visitors with a unique video installation, embracing more than half of the exhibition hall. Like a forest of moving imagery, the ‘Floating World’ installation will feature 32 large-scale suspended projections – 6m wide – screening video films by internationally renowned artists, such as Alice Cattaneo (Italy), Beat Streuli (Switzerland), Cao Fei (China), Cornelia Parker (UK), Cristina Lucas (Spain), Dean Kelland (UK) and many more alongside Bahraini documentaries. Entry is free. www.artbab.com
CANINE CAPERS ST PATRICK’S MARCH 16 BSPCA DAY DOG WALK
BSPCA ASKAR
It’s that time of year again. Dust off your walking boots, polish up your pooch’s lead and head on down to the AWC in Askar for a fun morning out at the BSPCA St Patrick’s Day Dog Walk. Bring your pooch with you or borrow one of the shelter dogs to take a walk and raise lots of much-needed funds. It costs BD10 to participate and register your dog. If you don’t have your own dog, give the AWC a call to reserve one. On the day, the registration desk opens at 9.30am and the walk itself begins at 10.30am, with a 2km walk for the younger children and 4km for older kids and adults. There’ll be a prize for most sponsorship raised, with funds going towards the upkeep of the shelter and the neutering programme. Since it’s likely to be warm, there’ll be plenty of paddling pools for the dogs to cool off as well as drinks and a yummy barbecue. Call 37 733-415 or 66 608-901 or register at www.bspca.org 34 March 2018
When? March 13 Event? Bahrain Writers’ Poetry Circle Meeting Venue? Art Divano, Andalus Garden Chats and help with likeminded people. E Call 39 574-795. When? March 14-15 Event? Bahrain Property Brokerage Expo Venue? Bahrain Convention Centre, Crowne Plaza Bahrain Annual real estate platform where sellers and buyers can meet under one roof, includes developers and major project agents. E Call 39 693-390. When? March 16 Event? Bahrain Farmers’ Market Pop-up Venue? Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Head down to the resort’s croquet lawn from 8am-2pm to support local agricultural and Bahraini arts and crafts. A traditional Bahraini breakfast is served for BD4. E Call 17 580-000. When? March 17 Event? Car Boot Sale Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club Time for a spring clear-out? One person’s trash is another’s treasure, so load up the car with your unwanted items and head down to the rugby club for a sale in aid of Tony the Dogfather’s Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. Entry is 500 fils. BD5 per car. Set up 8am. E Call 39 801-393. When? March 19 Event? Bahrain Writers’ Creative Workshop Venue? Juffair Grand Hotel Coffee Shop Ideas and hints to take your writing to the next level. E Call 39 574-795.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
MAJOR BAHRAIN DEBUT
MARCH 16 - 17
BAHRAIN COMIC CON
Around 20,000 visitors are expected to turn out for Bahrain’s first Comic Con featuring film previews, game and cosplay competitions, star guests, live entertainment and more. Comic Con is an entertainment and comic convention, based on the San Diego Comic Con, which began in 1970 when a group of comics, movie and science fiction fans banded together to stage the first convention. For the Bahrain event, confirmed Hollywood and local movie studios, which will be previewing their unreleased new films, include Vox Cinemas, Cineco, Fox Studios, 20th and 21st Century Fox, Shooting Stars, Warner Bros, 4 Star Films, Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures and Disney, Marvel and Lucas Films. WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) has partnered with the organisers to present the WWE Experience at Bahrain Comic Con, and Daniel Bryan, WWE Superstar and SmackDown Live general manager is one of the star guests.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Others include, celebrity voice actors Charlet Chung and Chloe Hollings, both from the world’s number one game, Overwatch, as well as cosplayers the Frost Sisters, Anna Faith and Lexie Grace Carlson, who are rated in the world’s top five. Guests from the world of TV and movies include Joe Keery — Steve Harrington (Stranger Things); Jerome Flynn — Bronn (Game of Thrones); Adam Burn, who designed concepts and key scenes for Wonder Woman; Mohammed Al-Turki, producer of 99 Homes, Arbitrage and many more; and Krzysztof Soszynski - UFC fighter and movie actor in Logan. There will be official e-sports tournaments including: FIFA, with prizes including tickets to the 2018 World Cup; Counterstrike; Blizzard (Overwatch);
BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT
Activision (Call of Duty); Tekken; Dragon Ball Z and League of Legends. There’ll also be the chance to view rare museum collectibles. Exclusive content promised at the Cinematic Experience includes Ready Player One, Jurassic Park/Jurassic World, Tomb Raider, Pacific Rim 2, Avengers Infinity War: Part 1 and many more. Throughout the weekend there will be various activity sessions, celeb Q&As and live entertainment to enjoy in this first for Bahrain. www.bahraincomiccon.com
March 2018 35
happenings
A MEDICAL MIRACLE
MARCH 17-20
GEORGE’S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE
THE CULTURAL HALL
Entertainment+
Entertainment+ is a huge fan of all the works of Roald Dahl and is absolutely delighted to announce that it will be bringing this West End smash hit to Bahrain this March. Performed by the Birmingham Stage Company and adapted for the stage by award-winning children’s theatre director David Wood, this acclaimed production has already proved a sell-out not just in the UK, but also in the UAE. The hero of the story is George — a little boy who lives on a farm with his mum and dad, and his horrible grumpy grandma – who is rather strange and tells him she’s a witch! One day, while left alone with grandma, George decides he’s had enough of her bullying medicine. He sets about making one of his own – with extraordinary results. An absolutely brilliant tale that stays true to Dahl’s wonderfully imaginative story, audiences are in for a huge treat. Watch out for amazing sets, the incredible growing grandmother, gigantic farm animals and, of course, lots of Roald Dahl songs and rhymes, which fans will be delighted to hear. This interactive show brings Dahl’s magical story to life for children and adults of all ages. It’s a must-see family event that’s suitable for ages four and above. Show times: March 17, 11.30am and 5.30pm. March 20, 11.30am. Tickets are on sale at Alosra supermarkets and Havajava café, inside Manazel. 36 March 2018
Call 17 566-509 or 39 616-858 or email entertainmentplusint@gmail.com
Reviews “Phil Clark’s production revels in Dahl’s anarchic vision and its own furious energy. David Wood’s adaptation gradually makes the young audience deliciously complicit in George’s outrageous experiment. This is a very nicely put together affair that celebrates the anarchy of Dahl with great gusto and naughty sense of fun.” The Guardian. “The BSC’s adaptation of George’s Marvellous Medicine is cacophonously good fun. An exceptionally pungent and effective piece of child theatre. It’s a riot!” Time Out. “Staged in a beautiful farmhouse set, with impressive puppets, amazing special effects and great magic tricks up its sleeve, George’s Marvellous Medicine perfectly demonstrates that children’s theatre is very rarely as simple as one might expect. A wickedly mischievous tale!” Society of London Theatre Reviews. www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
IN THE GENES
MARCH 17-18
CONFERENCE ON HUMAN GENETICS, EPIGENETICS AND PERSONALISED GENOMICS
ARABIAN GULF UNIVERSITY
Princess Al Jawhara Al Ibrahim Centre for Molecular Medicine and Inherited Disorders at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), in cooperation with the Federation of Arab Scientific Research Council, is organising the first conference for the genetics network in the Arab world as part of the activities of the Arab Genetic Research Association, which is based at Princess Al Jawhara Centre. The conference will attract the participation of prominent speakers from countries such as the US, New Zealand, Canada and Japan as well as various Arab countries such as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan and Jordan. The conference will present papers and conduct panel discussions on the recent developments in personalised genomics and genome patterns among Arabs. It will also shed light on eigenetics and its role in the interaction between genes and diet in the development of chronic diseases, for the first time in the Arab world. A workshop on strategic planning will be organised by the Arab Genetics Research Association on the sidelines, in a move to establish a strong, productive and effective network for genetics research and education in the Arab world. Call 17 239-999.
RHYTHM OF LIFE
MARCH 21 - APRIL 30
PETER RUSHTON EXHIBITION
MARCH 1STOFCONFERENCE INTERNAL 22-24 MEDICINE
IN TOUCH CLINIC
APPS EXPO GULF HOTEL
The Arabian Gulf University is organising this event at which 40 speakers from across the world will present the most important issues and topics related to the branches and specialisations of internal medicine in the GCC countries. The conference aims to support the capabilities of doctors and to inform those interested about the latest therapeutic developments. Thirty experts from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Egypt, Sudan and the US will be speakers, while more than 240 doctors, specialists and researchers in internal medicine from the region are expected to participate in the event. Eight specialised sessions will be held over a three-day period, equalling 24 accredited hours. The conference is expected to produce significant recommendations that will find innovative treatment solutions for diseases prevalent in the GCC. Call 17 239-999. 38 March 2018
When? March 26 Event? Time To Shine – 70s’ Car Wash – Retro Party Venue? The Harvesters Pub & Terrace, Crowne Plaza Bahrain Dig out your old platforms and baggy pants and prepare to get down to some 70s’ classics. E Call 17 531-122. When? March 28-31 Event? Al Hawaj Clearance Sale Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre Cut price cosmetics, perfumes and handbags and electronic items. E Call 17 230-088.
A showcase of a selection of Peter’s mixed-medium paintings spanning the course of more than 10 years – throughout his time in the Middle East. Peter has been living in Bahrain for 17 years and his works have been shown in London, Italy, Kuwait and Bahrain. His pieces vary in style, ranging from abstract expressionism, to photographic realism, to figural work and even air-brushed works. The colour and tones are inspired by the environment of the region, from the area’s rich culture and natural resources, to the busy streets of modern Gulf society. He also depicts intimate moments witnessed between family and friends and reflects on the changing relationships between man and nature. Call 38 327-191.
MEDICAL FORUM
When? March 23 Event? American Fun Day Barbecue Venue? Royal Golf Club (RGC) American Chamber of Commerce hosts a traditional American barbie. A fun day for all the family with kids› activities, raffle prizes, music and entertainment for all ages. Tickets available from RGC reception and on the door. E Call 17 751-266.
EDTECHTEAM
MARCH GOOGLE APPS FOR 23-24 EDUCATION SUMMIT
ST CHRISTOPHER’S SCHOOL
Experts will be coming to Bahrain with tips and guidance on how to use Google for Education tools effectively. This is a really interesting way to learn about how technology can be used to make lessons fun, while benefiting students of all ages. And all educators are welcome. This event is open to the whole community, and to anyone who would like to learn about the latest trends in education technology. Call 17 605-000.
When? March 20-22 Event? Edutex Bahrain 2018 Venue? Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Centre The exhibition aims to provide the best educational opportunities for all students’ learning and continued education needs, bringing thousands of potential students face to face with the best colleges, universities and institutions locally and internationally. E Call 36 086-266.
Click here for updated happenings or to share your own event details.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Al Safir Hotel & Tower Brunch Al Safir Hotel and Tower launched its Friday family brunch at its premises in Juffair.
David
Seema, Ahana & Yibali
Pratima
To view more images, scan the QR code
Shantaram Shetty, Asha Shetty, Vijay Shetty & Veena Shetty
Manohar, Harbilasha, Asha, Shantharam, Venkatesh, Aarif & Rajesh
Valentine’s at Apollo
Mamta, Dheeptha & Rajesh
Karima & Ramesh
Chris, Ace & Ofel
Apollo Club Lounge held a Valentine’s party with Brazilian DJ, Karine Larre, at its premises in Al Safir Hotel and Tower, Juffair. To view more images, scan the QR code DJ Karine Hannah, Simone & Rebecca
Husam & Nassuma
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Cinthia, Sladja & Ana Paula
March 2018 39
happenings
FUN FOR EVERYONE PRINCE KHALIFA BIN SALMAN PARK, HIDD
BAHRAIN FOR ALL
MARCH 30
More than 55,000 people from 40 local and expat communities will take part in the upcoming ‘Bahrain For All’ festival. Performances representing the Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Filipino, Jordanian, Ethiopian, Thai, Bangladeshi, and Egyptian communities, among others, will be showcased for visitors. Special needs children from RIA Institute and Hidd Rehabilitation Centre will also put on shows. Tamkeen is the strategic partner of the sixth edition of the festival, which will focus on bridging gaps between Bahrain’s communities and supporting local entrepreneurs, with over 250 market stalls dedicated to Bahraini businesses and productive families. It will also offer a range of live shows, including performances by local DJs and MCs. Organiser Nivedita Dhadphale says: “This
year, we’re offering a special platform to promote Bahraini entrepreneurs. We are happy to be able to give them such an opportunity where they can market and sell their products as well as engage more closely with our diverse communities.” Bahrain For All was first held in 2013, with coordination and support from the Court of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. More than 40 embassies, clubs, societies and organisations, including 12 directorates of the Ministry of Interior (MOI), and almost 250 market stalls, participated in last year’s festival, which received more than 50,000 visitors. Children with special needs, women’s groups, and senior citizens’ societies are invited every
year to promote the festival’s message of unity. This year’s event, which runs from 2pm-10pm, has the support of the Ministry of the Interior, the Muharraq Governorate and the Muharraq Municipality and Municipal Council. It is being sponsored by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, among others. Call 36 335-000.
THE BIG ONE
APRIL 5-8
FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
The island’s biggest event of the year returns with entertainment galore both on and off the track. Among the attractions will be a trio of extreme rides, including a Reverse Bungee, a SCAD (Suspended Catch Air Device) Freefall and a Sky Coaster. There will also be entertainment throughout each of the three days at the Circus Stage, with roaming acts, street musicians and dancers. Kids will enjoy a giant tented play and
BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT
activity area. And big-name act, Carlos Santana, has been confirmed for the Friday night with rumours of an appearance by Ricky Martin on one of the other evenings. The race itself will start at 6.10pm and, with Bahrain’s position early in the calendar, the drivers have everything to compete for. www.bahrain-grand-prix.com
F1 KICK-OFF
APRIL 5
SIGN UP AND DIVE IN BEFORE THE TRACK FT MIKE WILLIAMS
OLIVETO
Vibes is back to Oliveto to kick off F1 Weekend! Vibes and Oliveto will host world number 60 in the DJ Mag top 100, Mike Williams, for the first time in the Middle East, with support from DJ Andy Collins. The Oliveto chefs and mixologists will delight your palates with a selection of Formula 1-themed delicacies and exquisite drinks as you soak up the atmosphere of this world-beating sound. Tickets BD15 for gents and BD10 for ladies. Call 36 396-333. 40 March 2018
APRIL 20
RAFT RACE
AL BANDER HOTEL & RESORT
Registration is now open for this year’s raft race – the annual water-based fundraiser organised by the Rotary Club of Sulmaniya. This year’s theme is Saving the Environment and the day is always great fun with activities, entertainment and good food. Teams of eight rowers can be either men, women or mixed and the entry cost is BD375 per team. Official registration forms must be received no later than March 26 and spaces will be allocated on a first-com-first-served basis. Open practice sessions will be available from March 6. Call 17 728-227. www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
GRAND PRIX NIGHTS! Coral Bay
APRIL 5 & 6
GRAND PRIX WEEKEND
CORAL BAY
DJ Ferry Corsten
For more than a decade this beachside resort has hosted legendary parties and this year’s F1 weekend sees two big-name guests continuing that tradition.
On April 5, superstar DJ Ferry Corsten kicks off the Grand Prix weekend in style. Well known for producing many pioneering trance tracks, he has been consistently ranked in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs poll from 2004-2017. With seven full-length studio albums under his belt and multiple gold records to his name, his most popular tracks include Punk, Out Of The Blue, Rock Your Body Rock, and collaborations with the likes of Betsie Larkin and Nat Dunn. Hailing from Rotterdam, Netherlands, Ferry Corsten’s career is exemplified by a passion for music that began as a hobby and spiralled into a full-blown profession. Today, his skills lie in his ability to coax the maximum emotional impact from electronic dance music of all genres. From his New World Punx project with fellow 42 March 2018
trance pioneer Markus Schulz, to his FULL ON live show concept, whereby he melds different styles of dance music by playing back-to-back sets with his cherry-picked roster of DJ/ producer friends and a state-of-the-art stage set-up, through to his hotly anticipated new live show and tour concept ‘Ferry Corsten presents Gouryella’, he continues to excite. And having played all the big-name festivals from Tomorrowland to Dance Valley, as well as clubs such as Amnesia, and arenas such as New York City’s Madison Square Garden, this is an artist for whom the possibilities are endless. His show promises to be one of the highlights of the big race weekend. Pre-sale prices: ladies BD10, gents BD12 – limited tickets only! The second day of the resort’s epic 2018 Grand Prix Weekend, sees Coral Bay turning to hip-hop and R&B with an American Grammy Award winner, hip-hop hype man, promoter and radio personality famed for his raw, loud voice – Fatman Scoop. Isaac Freeman III, better known under his Fatman Scoop moniker, is a hip-hop artist
Fatman Scoop
probably best known for the chart hit Be Faithful. He received the nickname after appearing as an ice cream man in the Fugees’ video for Killing Me Softly. Stylistically, he is loud, repetitive and boisterous — great fun. His first appearance as a solo artist was on Timbaland & Magoo’s Drop in 2001, but it wasn’t until 2003 that the single Be Faithful was a massive hit on the club circuit and topped the UK charts. Over the years, he has released various singles but it was his appearance on hits such as Mariah Carey’s It’s Like That and Missy Elliott’s Grammy Award-winning Lose Control that brought further chart success. And he has continued to collaborate with the likes of Bob Sinclar, LL Cool J and Skrillex. He is a multi-award-winning and nominated artist, who promises a night of great fun and cool music. Pre-sale prices: ladies BD10, gents BD12 – limited tickets only. Call 66 668-801 or 17 312-700. www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
INTERIORS SHOPPER COMES TO BAHRAIN
APRIL 24 - 26
INTERIORS EXPO
BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION & CONVENTION CENTRE
Get all your décor needs catered for under one roof as this popular exhibition returns with a brand-new look. Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE) will be taking the growing GCC interiors market to a new level with its Interiors Expo, which will have the addition of Interiors Shopper. The exhibition will take place from April 24 to 26, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister of Bahrain, at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre. “We have repositioned our Gulf Interiors Exhibition to its new home, which will be simply called Interiors,” says HCE managing director Jubran Abdulrahman. “This change has been taken as a result of years of experience in the market promoting the burgeoning GCC’s homegrown interior brands. Regardless of tastes and styles for our homes or offices, we all just consider this to be an expression of ‘interiors’.” “The new segment, called Interiors Shopper, provides an innovative sale outlet, which is quite simply the showcase for all things related to décor, furnishings and design for sale at discounted prices,” adds exhibition director Ahmed Suleiman. “Interiors Shopper will provide small and large companies and designers an outlet to sell their interiors products directly to the 8,500 visitors that visit the expo,” says Jubran. The exhibition will continue to lead an innovative platform to showcase creative and 44 March 2018
modern luxury products for the home or commercial spaces. Features will include a bargain outlet section for visitors to buy designer furniture and furnishings as well as art and décor from around the world. Interiors Expo’s strategic sponsors, Hempel Paints, will be using the show’s platform to debut a new product in the market that will change the perception of interior paints. Bahrain’s home-grown talents, such as Fatima Al Ansari Design and Execution and Mobilia Uno, have returned to showcase their offers and services. International companies that will debut at the show for the first time include World Tricot – France, JK Cement – UAE, and Tanatel Furniture Company – Saudi Arabia, to name a few. “Over the years, we have seen an increasing number of the products coming to our exhibitions under the mark ‘Made in the GCC’,”
says Jubran. “The creative industry sector including furnishings, materials and designs is a growing economic sector across the GCC. Excitingly, in Bahrain, we are seeing a growing pool of creative talent in the interior design sector. We are committed to promoting homegrown talents at the Interiors Expo, where visitors will see local manufactures and designs alongside international brands, under one strategic brand – Interiors.” The new virtual home for Interiors can be found at interiorsexpo.net The Interiors Expo takes place alongside two other major exhibitions – Gulf Construction Expo and Gulf Property Show, continuing the success of the only integrated B2B and B2C platforms for the construction, interior and property sectors in the Northern Gulf. Call 17 299-123 or visit www.interiorsexpo.net www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Ahmed Mohammed Yateem, Abdul Aziz & Mohammed Hussein Yateem
Noman & Salman
MIAM Grand Opening
Mr Vaziri, Bassem & George
Dr Bashar
Joe
MIAM Bakery-CafĂŠ and Restaurant held an exclusive ceremony celebrating the grand opening of its premises in Galleria Mall, Zinj. Prominent businessmen, invited guests and the media attended the event. Ribbon-cutting under the patronage of Mohammed Hussein Yateem in the presence of Joseph Thomas, Noman & Timmy
Rayed Ghuloom & Lovy Joseph
John Iype, Joseph Thomas, Soman Baby, Timmy & Pappan
Nada Malik & Noman
Kunal & Ali
46 March 2018
Mariam & Shooq Haddad
Shiva, Pooja & Kunal
Radwan
Juzer
Ali Barhoon & Zulfikar
Fatima
Ahmed Rayyash
Batool Dadabhai
Natalia, Ahmed & Betul
Jose Peediakal, Riya, Rahul & Nimmy
Top row: Jyoti & Ruhi Seated: Farah, Mansi & Freeda
Monica & Sahar
www.bahrainthismonth.com
INTERVIEWS
Fast Facts Born: March 2, 1988 From: Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, UK Won: Ninth series of UK’s X Factor in 2012 with 53.7 per cent of the vote. Charts: First single Impossible debuted at number one in the UK charts and went on to sell 2.5 million copies worldwide. Awards: American Music Awards New Artist of the Year, 2017. Book: Back to the Boy released in 2017 is his autobiography which talks of early struggles. Charity: Impossible, a cover of the Shontelle song, was a charity single raising cash for Together for Short Lives. Ambassador: Represents UK mental health charity SANE.
this month
A Bright Future, p48
Jazzing It Up!, p49
Her Story, p50 James Arthur
READY TO ROCK BAHRAIN As he prepares to visit Bahrain BTM had a quick chat with charttopper James Arthur to find out what to expect. You spent part of your youth in Bahrain, do you have fond memories of the island? I really do! I had such a lovely experience in Bahrain when I was growing up and I’ve been so excited to go back ever since.
time, to what do you attribute your success – what is it about your sound that people love? Ah that’s very kind. To be honest, I don’t have the answer to that. I just like to create music that people can relate too. I also like to be different and push the boundaries a bit.
Are there any friends still here that you’re hoping to catch up with? A few people I do yes. But it was so long ago now and I haven’t seen them since, so would be great to catch up with them now.
Who are your influences and how does this show in your music? I have so many musical influences it’s hard to just narrow it down to one. I take influence from all genres; country, hip-hop, gospel and rock. When I perform on stage I like to show elements of it all. But me and my band really rock out and have a good time on stage.
Since your X Factor triumph, you’ve gone on to become one of the most successful X Factor winners of all
You were recently named New Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards – congratulations, a
www.bahrainthismonth.com
huge achievement. How did it feel? Were you surprised? It was amazing. For any British artist to have some kind of recognition in the US is an amazing achievement and very rewarding. What’s in store for the future? Do you have new music in the pipeline? I’m currently in the studio now working on my new album [released later this year]. It’s a different sound to my previous work but I like to experiment, so I hope people will like it!
Looking To The Future, p51
View more info online
What can your Bahrain fans expect? Do you have any message for them? I cannot wait to perform for you Bahrain. That place always holds a special place in my heart and I’m excited to finally be back! March 2018 47
interview
A BRIGHT FUTURE APPLE SHARMA Renewable energy is the way of the future. Forward-thinking Faisal Khalifeh is making it a reality with his solar power enterprise, the first of its kind in Bahrain.
T
wenty-five-year-old Faisal is as dynamic in his demeanour as in his business sense. He developed an interest in solar power during his time at the University of Toronto, where he took courses in system installation, system design, economics and environmental studies. “That’s where I first got interested in the subject,” says Faisal. “After I graduated, I did courses on the side in solar energy, just out of my own interest. I wasn’t looking to pursue it. Then, when I moved back to Bahrain in 2015, I started looking at it as a possible business. At first, we wanted to bring the panels in from other countries and install them here. But we studied the feasibility of manufacturing and saw that we could do it and be competitive, quality and price-wise, so we just dove in.” That leap and foresight resulted in Solar One, Faisal’s own company, which he founded with the support of his father. “It was something I was discussing with my father a lot,” he says. “Because we have the infrastructure and our family is an industrial family, he encouraged me to go towards manufacturing.” Solar One became the first and only solar panel manufacturing facility in the Kingdom and recently won the Start-up of the Year category at the Bahrain Award for Entrepreneurship, in November 2017. Already expanding its business, Solar One aims to increase its current production of 60,000 solar panels to 90,000 panels by next year. “The solar panels can be installed anywhere, including factories, warehouses, farms, offices and homes,” explains Faisal. “Anywhere that’s using electricity, you can use it. Our solar panels are fully customisable; we do different sizes, shapes and power capacities and even different colours.” Obviously, solar energy offers many environmental benefits for the country and 48 March 2018
contributes towards combating global climate change. However, the average man also stands to gain from free and clean energy. “The Ministry of Electricity has just introduced net metering. So, if you install a system on your roof, any extra energy can be pumped back into the grid and you receive credit on your electricity bill,” explains Faisal. With such advantages over conventional energy, one wonders why Bahrain has not tapped into solar energy sooner. “Electricity has always been so cheap compared to other countries,” says Faisal. “But electricity prices are rising and the government is also making a strong push now towards renewables as part of its economic development goals.” Faisal is quick to credit the government with the support it provides to the development of renewable energy projects. “The government is doing a great job of setting its vision for the country and then introducing the right policies and giving people the tools they need to reach that vision,” says Faisal. “They’re backing up their talk and helping us to develop our business and the industry in Bahrain in many ways, which is really great.” However, Faisal adds that it’s not been all plain sailing. “One of our main challenges was the lack of awareness,” he says. “It’s a completely new industry, so a lot of our meetings are educating the client on the benefits of solar energy versus the costs. Thankfully, with the ministry’s new policies and the introduction of net metering, it makes solar much more attractive.” Faisal is optimistic for the future of solar power in Bahrain. “I think the residential solar sector will grow because people will see the same paybacks that companies are seeing,” he says. “In my own house, we’ve reduced our
Faisal Khalifeh
electricity consumption about 30 to 40 per cent, and we’re talking to real estate developers to see how we can add value to their properties by installing similar systems. We’ve also started working with the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunication to develop a prototype solar system to power their advertising boards and lighting in bus shelters.” Though he clearly has his hands full, Faisal still manages to find time for his hobbies. “Between the gym and football, I try to read whenever possible,” he says.
Energy consumption in a household of seven people
www.bahrainthismonth.com
JAZZING IT UP! APPLE SHARMA Bassist and singer-songwriter, Ahmed Alqasim, shares his musical journey and his love for jazz.
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here is a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ about Ahmed as he plays his seven-string bass guitar and renders Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World. You instantly realise that he has a passion for jazz. Music has been a part of Ahmed’s life since his childhood, as he grew up with his parents listening to Arabic classics and the likes of Umm Kulthum, Abdel Halim and Fairuz. “It sparked an interest in music from a very young age,” he says. “I was always into musical activities, whether it was singing or playing an instrument.” He joined a band in high school and, as his confidence grew, so did his musical ambitions. He began playing with different bands and various genres of music. “I was an active performing musician from ‘97 – I was 15 years old,” he says. Ahmed initially played popular Arabic songs and then flamenco music with a group of close friends. “We started what was called the Bahrain Flamenco Band, and we were quite lucky to get a slot to open the Bahrain International Music Festival in ‘98,” he says. “That was quite nerve-wracking – I was 16.” Life took a slightly different turn after Ahmed graduated from university with a Bachelor’s degree in banking and finance. But even with a nine-year stint in the banking sector, he never stopped being a musician, saying: “I was living a double life – banker by day and a musician by night.” Unable to ignore his musical calling, he left the banking world in 2014, and hasn’t looked back since. Juggling two hats, Ahmed performs solo under AQ’s Jazz Experience and also has his own group – Likwid, named after a club they used to play at. “I think those days definitely defined us as musicians, or made us grow into the musicians that we are today,” he adds. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Ahmed Alqasim
“Likwid is not jazz, per se. We don’t care about being categorised or playing a specific genre as much as playing good music.” Ahmed has performed at various venues across the island – restaurants, hotels and music festivals, including the first Bahrain Jazz Festival and the Bahrain International Music Festival, amongst others. “Likwid is our creative outlet,” he says. “It’s where we sit down, write our own music and compose our own songs. Our debut self-titled EP was released back in October 2016, to coincide with our performance at the Cairo Jazz Festival.” Although Likwid’s genre is ‘alternative’, Ahmed’s own musical style resonates more with jazz. “I think what attracted me to jazz were its complexity and mainly its spirit – the musicians give each other space, time and freedom to express themselves,” he says. And when it comes to jazz vocalists, Ahmed believes that one requires a lot more skill to sing jazz as opposed to any other genre. Artists who’ve influenced his style of vocal jazz are Al Jarreau, Kurt Elling, Bobby McFerrin, and other greats such as Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett and Ella Fitzgerald. His favourite jazz musician is Chick Corea. Apart from Ahmed’s parents, who’ve been his biggest supporters, he draws inspiration to create music from his personal experiences, as well as his idols, including Bahraini icon and percussionist – Mirza Al Sharif. Ahmed regularly performs as a session player with the Bahrain Music Orchestra, and has
recorded with various Arabic superstars including Rashed Al-Majed and Abdul Majeed Abdullah, saying: “I love the spirit of collaborating in general, and I think that is definitely the direction that musicians should take, because to stay in your own bubble nowadays just doesn’t work.” In the process of finishing a second EP, Likwid recently performed at Saudi Arabia’s first jazz festival, and are gearing up for an upcoming Spring of Culture event, Likwid & Friends, on March 17. Ahmed also plans to put together a jazz project, which will feature a couple of his original compositions. Looking to the future, he says: “I hope to one day become Bahrain’s jazz ambassador to the world.” Between rehearsals and jamming, he enjoys spending time with his family and his white Labrador, Candela, doing charity shows for the needy and animal welfare, and anything that takes him out to sea. March 2018 49
interview
HER STORY Behnaz Sanjana chats with Tanzeel Khadir, whose Facebook initiative captures a kaleidoscope of one hundred lives on the island.
B
orn and raised in Australia, this is Tanzeel Khadir’s second stint in Bahrain. “When we got the opportunity to return to Bahrain around four years ago, I got a lot of questions, like if I would be allowed to drive or wear what I wished to in Bahrain,” says Tanzeel. “People outside this region have stereotypical ideas about what life is like here. In the West, people expect you to assimilate with their culture. What I have found in Bahrain is that every culture has the opportunity to live as it would back home, to a large extent. This is a special thing to be celebrated.” This prompted her to initiate 100 Bahrain Stories, a page on Facebook featuring short write-ups on one hundred different people from varied walks of life on the island. “My initial readers were from Australia and they loved it,” she says. “It served as an eye-opener for what life is like in Bahrain, demystifying the typecast that this society is sometimes set in.” Her first few stories were very brief, but once she saw interest growing, she started to include more details, adding: “I don’t go over 600 words, so people can read an engaging summary of someone’s life in around two minutes.” When asked why she doesn’t include any names in her stories, she explains: “I wanted to maintain a level playing field for all the hundred people, without them being labelled in any way.” She is keen for readers to focus on what is being said, instead of slotting her subjects in some category of their minds. There’s not one, but a couple of light bulb moments that led to 100 Bahrain Stories. “There was a vendor who once sold me the best 50 March 2018
Tanzeel Khadir
mangoes I’ve ever had,” she remembers. “I noticed how jovial and cheerful he was on the streets, in summer. Then at an ice skating rink I met an unlikely skater – a typical, middle-aged gentleman from Islamabad. I wondered what their stories were and wanted to know more.” Her endeavour started with people she knew, then later she began interviewing people referred to her by a good friend. After chatting with them, she summarises their life’s narrative, and shares it with them to ensure they’re happy with the outcome, before it goes public. Many of her stories are particularly gripping, leaving the reader’s thoughts rife with imagination. For instance, one lady narrates how it took her seven days to reach Bahrain by ship, and another native nonagenarian speaks endearingly about his trade and how he keeps records of interesting information about the world we live in. Tanzeel says: “The one that changed the readership level is story number 17, of a lady who had lived in Bahrain since the ‘70s. She was packing her bags to go away for
good, as we spoke. Her story captures her nostalgia, as she gave me a firsthand account of history.” The project that this former legal professional started back in December 2015 is nearing completion. “I have met my hundredth subject, and I am very excited to post that story,” she says. Tanzeel aims to turn 100 Bahrain Stories into a book. “On Facebook, it’s hard to scroll back and see the very first stories I posted,” she says. “Secondly, it will be a celebration of all these one hundred amazing people, and will say something about the diversity in Bahrain. “I took on this project to give my life a bit of routine, and also to teach my two young girls that it’s important to be involved in something that you truly believe in, outside your duties of career or home. Very often, the stories move me, by the way they’re expressed. This experience will always stay with me, and I hope they will touch the heart of my readers as well.” www.bahrainthismonth.com
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE BEHNAZ SANJANA Ignace Bauwens shares his insights about the hospitality industry in the region, how it has evolved worldwide, and what his hotel group is doing to accommodate the future.
W
ith 34 years of experience in hospitality, Ignace, Wyndham Hotel Group regional vice president Middle East and Africa, is an industry stalwart. He joined the conglomerate in November 2016, and has since been moving forward the group’s strategic expansion in the Middle East and Africa. “In the last two years, we have opened four hotels in Bahrain – the Ramada Manama City Centre, Ramada Hotels and Suites Amwaj Islands, Wyndham Garden Manama in Juffair [the world’s biggest Wyndham, Garden, and the very first in the Middle East with 441 rooms], and the latest entrant, Wyndham Grand Manama,” he says. “With six hotels in all, and a total room inventory of 1,191 we’re the largest global operator in Bahrain.” Despite international and regional challenges in the last decade, Ignace is optimistic about Bahrain’s future vis-à-vis the hospitality and tourism sectors. He believes the region has great potential that can be tapped into with some smart planning and mutual effort. He says: “Today, we are quite dependent on leisure tourism, which amounts to 75 per cent of Bahrain’s hospitality business. To avert this risk, we need to focus on bringing in more business travellers, as well as attract people beyond Saudi Arabia and the GCC. “The next step is developing the MICE www.bahrainthismonth.com
Ignace Bauwens
[meetings, incentives, conventions and events] business. I’m happy to note that Bahrain has major plans in expanding this sector in the coming years, starting with investing in expansion of the airport to increase its capacity and offer improved connectivity.” He states the necessity of introducing budget airlines to open up possibilities for people to travel more, as has happened in Europe. His third pointer is forging a solid partnership between the private and public sectors for common goals to be defined, fine-tuned and eventually achieved. “We must also keep in mind that global travel is changing,” he says. “We need to shift and adapt to suit emerging markets like India and the Far East. Today’s millennials travel spontaneously, more frequently, and for shorter periods. Affordability, clean, functional rooms, Wi-Fi connectivity, grab-and-go breakfast are what they want. Our mid-scale brands like Wyndham Garden and Ramada or economy brands like Days Inn, come into play here for their international appeal, safety and cleanliness. This is why our midscale lifestyle brand, TRYP by Wyndham, is doing so well in the UAE.” Talking about the newly opened Wyndham Grand Manama, Ignace says: “We are not an upper upscale name with 500 hotels in the world. We are very specific in the selection of
our destinations and properties. The fully halalcompliant Wyndham Grand Manama is an architecturally superior structure, which perfectly fits the brand. We are welcoming guests daily, and are already hosting large events and conferences. Advance bookings for our double-heighted ballroom on the top floor, with fantastic views of the island, are already confirmed before its opening in March.” The group has ambitious plans for the future. “As a leading operator of hotels worldwide, we will be happy to join forces with the authorities to get the hospitality sector booming again,” says Ignace. “Going by basic economics, we need to increase the demand over supply for us to succeed.” He also thinks that the group’s MICE brand, Dolce Hotels and Resorts, would be a perfect fit with a new convention centre in Bahrain, adding: “We have a Wyndham Garden opening in Dammam and Ajman later this year.” Ignace believes that for a hotel to be successful, it needs to have a soul, one that is made up by its people. “Whether it’s a mid- or top-scale property, I cannot emphasise the importance of investing in people enough,” he says. “We must hire people with the right attitude and teach them the skills, not the other way around. In a 24x7 industry, things are bound to go wrong. From the valet, room attendant to the manager, how the staff handles difficult situations makes up a guest’s experience.” March 2018 51
interview
A SAFE PAIR OF HANDS Liz O’Reilly meets the island’s newest obstetrics and gynaecology consultant to hear about advanced techniques.
A
rab-German Dr Tarek Mulhem undertook his training in Damascus and then went on to practise medicine in Germany. With 12 years of experience under his belt, he has specialised in gynaecology and obstetrics for many years and his particular area of interest and expertise is complicated cases and the use of the latest minimally invasive techniques. He explains: “Minimally invasive surgery has many benefits such as shorter length of hospital stay and less likelihood of infection. If at all possible, it [keyhole surgery] is always preferable to opening the abdomen except in cases where this cannot be avoided for the patient’s health and safety.” In the gynae field, Dr Mulhem focuses particularly on management of ovarian cysts, fibroids, ectopic pregnancies, pre-cancerous diseases of the cervix and vulva, abdominal and vaginal surgeries and diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy. He says: “In these areas, 90 per cent of patients can be dealt with through minimally invasive procedures, though it might be that you will start an operation and find that you need to go for more detailed surgery.” In the area of obstetrics, Dr Mulhem is extremely specialised in both regular and complicated deliveries and Caesarean sections. He also conducts obstetric and Doppler ultrasounds and offers expert postpartum care following both normal and highrisk pregnancies. He decided to come to Bahrain Specialist Hospital in order to experience a new environment and develop both his own skills and the department. He hopes to stay on the island for many years and says: “So far, I am really enjoying it. I think there are many possibilities here. This minimally invasive kind of surgery is not a new field but it 52 March 2018
Dr Tarek Mulhem
is one that is rapidly developing and an area which I am keen to develop. “As I said, I would like to help make this option more of a ‘norm’ than something unusual. It is a type of procedure that is very suitable for many types of surgery, but it’s not the most commonly used option and I would like to see that change.” Now in its 15th year of operation, Bahrain Specialist Hospital (BSH) is a highly specialised medical centre providing the latest in medical
and surgical services by experienced consultants and specialists, using the latest technologies with state-of-the-art medical equipment and systems. BSH is housed in purpose-built and designed modern premises overlooking a sea view. It is the first hospital in Bahrain that attained the Joint Commission International accreditation (JCI) and the only private healthcare facility that was inaugurated by His Majesty King Hamad bin Salman Al Khalifa, the ruler of Bahrain. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Pasquale Baiguera
LEADING WITH EMPATHY Pasquale Baiguera, talks to Behnaz Sanjana about his professional experience and passion for the hospitality industry.
P
resently the general manager of Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain, young Pasquale, while growing up in Milan, was professionally headed for the finance industry. But his father’s bid to teach him the value of money earned by his own merit made him venture into hospitality. “At 19, I wanted to go on holiday on my own,” says Pasquale. “My father told me that I’d have to fund my vacation myself. So, I took up a temporary job as night concierge at a hotel to earn some money.” He liked the work so much that, after he finished school, he returned to working in hotels and has never looked back since. He says: “I started off as telephone operator, went on to front office and the rooms division, and have been general manager for hotels around Europe and the Middle East for the past 17 years. “My last posting was in Beirut with the Mövenpick chain. I am just about nine months old in Bahrain, which is the eighth post in my 35 years of experience in hotels, my longest stints being in Prague, Dubai and Beirut.” Pasquale believes that he has arrived in Bahrain at an interesting time for the industry. “A lot of new hotels have opened, which means more competition,” he says. “The challenge www.bahrainthismonth.com
keeps you working to remain the preferred hotel in Bahrain. There are many activities and initiatives taken by the government for supporting our industry, so I’m sure things will be looking up in the long run.” On a personal front, Pasquale says that moving to the Kingdom has perhaps been the most pleasant and smooth transition he has ever made. “The people are so friendly, helpful and welcoming,” he says. “Formalities like acquiring the visa and driver’s licence, and finding accommodation have been fairly easy. Because Bahrain has touched my heart, I don’t feel like an outsider.” He is all set to oversee major changes at the popular five-star hotel, with the property slated for renovations in the near future. “The rooms, lobby and food and beverage outlets will have a new look soon. Gallery, which is our all-day coffee shop, will get a new concept and layout, and also a new name,” he says. “A hotel is a micro-world on its own that works 24 hours a day, all year, unlike a typical office. We work long hours and need to be present very early in the mornings or late into the nights for events like our theme dinners, VIP arrivals and check-outs or large banquets. So, it is important to motivate staff to work in
such a high-pressure environment. As a company, Mövenpick has always had a very strong work ethic. Respect for people is one of our core values – whether they are our guests or employees. If the staff is happy, we can be sure the guests will be happy.” Pasquale is proud to note that, despite ample job opportunities in the market, the hotel has a very low staff turnover rate, saying: “We not only take good care of our employees, but also empower them to go the extra mile and add a personal touch while interacting with guests. With a high number of repeat clientele, guests feel comfortable seeing familiar faces every time they visit us. In fact, some of our staff have been with us since the inception of the hotel. We work in a friendly, family environment.” He attributes his success to his quest for learning, and adds: “This has been true starting from my first job as a teenager. Even today, one needs to adapt to different people and places irrespective of past experience.” With a democratic, yet firm and decisive management style, he is much respected by those who work with him. “I don’t want people to work well out of fear or because I’m around,” he says. “I want them to do so because it is the right thing to do.” March 2018 53
airconditioningfeature
Keep It Cool
With the weather starting to warm up, it’s time to dust off your air conditioning units and get ready to beat the heat. BTM rounds up the best deals around town and the top companies that offer them. The Kingdom’s burgeoning landscape has seen an increase in the rise of buildings, hotels and residential properties. And this has had a direct impact on the nation’s air conditioning (AC) needs, as the country witnesses considerable growth in the residential construction sector. The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) continuously develops technical specifications for air conditioning and refrigeration equipment to reduce energy consumption, which helps reduce gaseous emissions, particularly carbon dioxide, in turn benefiting the environment. In a recent news, the Supreme Council for the Environment signed an agreement with Tamkeen (Bahrain’s labour fund) to provide training to technicians working in the cooling and air-conditioning field in keeping with the country’s licensing regulations and legislation. According to research (www. researchandmarkets.com), the Bahrain air conditioner market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5 per cent during 2017-2023. The centralised air conditioner segment has been the fastest and best performing in the Bahrain market, followed by the split segment. Amongst the end-user applications, sales of air conditioner units in the residential sector accounted for the largest revenue share in the Bahrain air conditioner market. That said, with the EWA’s new electricity regulations, more and more consumers will 54 March 2018
start opting for products that not only keep their spaces cool and purified but also require less power. The island offers a plethora of options in terms of AC providers that store top-of-therange products and service your every need, be it for your home, office or business. Yateem Air Conditioning Located in Gudaibiya, the company provides a full range, from single window units to commercial systems for shopping malls and office towers. It stocks new high-efficiency Carrier units for central AC systems that can reduce electrical consumption by up to 30 per cent. It also carries its own brand, Climatic, which offers window ACs, mini-split AC units and a wide range of household products. New products include high-efficiency units with the latest refrigerant gas and increased energy efficiency ratios. Yateem Air Conditioning is renowned for its impeccable after-sales service. Awal Gulf With showrooms located in Sitra and Hoora, Awal Gulf is a homegrown air-conditioning and refrigeration and original equipment manufacturer for a number of multinational brands, including Aqua Chill, Frizcool, Universal Air, Marshal and Pearl. It offers an extensive range of products, from single units of 0.75 ton of refrigeration (TR) up to 100TR. It provides custom-built units of more than 100TR capacity as well. The line-up of items includes window air conditioners, mini-split units (wall, ceiling, floormounted, cassette and free-standing), central package units, ducted split units and double-skin
air-handling units. You can also find chilled water fan coil units, variable multi-split units, heat pump chillers, dedicated fresh air units, roof tank water coolers and chest freezers. Gajria Electronics Part of the Jawad Business Group, Gajria boasts ‘value for money’ brands, such as Chigo and Nikai, which offer easy-to-install units, providing customers with the best possible service and comfort. The product line includes a wide range to suit your every air conditioning need, from wall split type to floor standing, window, dehumidifiers and portable ACs, available through various retail outlets across Bahrain and its showrooms in Hoora and Yateem Centre. The company has regular sales during the summer, so keep an eye out in the coming months. AJM Kooheji The company is the dealer of LG Electronics, which is one of the global leaders in air conditioning and air quality systems. LG offers innovative products with modern features including fast cooling, energy saving, low noise, smart diagnosis and precise temperature control. The LG showroom in Sehla has a separate area for air conditioners, including wall mounted splits and window air conditioners, so head down to take advantage of some great offers. Various other retailers, such as Sharaf DG, sell air conditioners online, so before the summer heat kicks in, don’t forget to check out the options available when making that allimportant purchase! www.bahrainthismonth.com
YATEEM AIR CONDITIONING
Sensible Spending This reputable air conditioning (AC) company is taking every measure to be in line with the Kingdom’s new AC regulations, whilst keeping its customers’ homes and wallets healthy. We are all aware of the increases in living costs in Bahrain, a matter that remains very close to our hearts and hurts our wallets and purses. Increased charges for water and electricity have been implemented and new regulations on energy efficiency and performance requirements for new AC equipment have also been applied. According to the Electricity and Water Authority, 49.5 per cent of all electrical appliance consumption in Bahrain is through the use of air conditioners, and the new regulations are being put in place with the aim of reducing this figure. The positive effects these changes will have upon the environment are fully supported by Yateem Air Conditioning, which already stocks new high-efficiency Carrier units for central AC systems that can reduce electrical consumption by up to 30 per cent. The installation of UV-C
www.bahrainthismonth.com
lights will also cut energy costs and ensure clean indoor air quality, reducing illness and odours. Yateem Air Conditioning is here to help and to ensure its valued customers receive the best and most appropriate AC units for their specific needs, on time, and with peace of mind – taking pride in its aftersales service, which is second to none. Call 17 253-177.
March 2018 55
bystander
Bob Marley Birthday Celebration Ky-Mani Marley, son of the legendary Bob Marley, performed live at Coral Bay celebrating the late icon’s 73rd birthday.
DJ Teddy Jam, Madan & DJ Shortman
Richee & Ricky
To view more images, scan the QR code
Ky-Mani Marley
Natali & madan
Richi
Peter
AT & Sha Nadeen & Jamal
Christopher, Josh, Hasan & Naveen
Pauline, Fawaz, Mo, Joe, Ali & Jawaree
Maria, Neena, Siyana & Ronnie
Monika, Natalie & Natalia
56 March 2018
Sultan, Hassan & Sultan
B Blackraw & Kelly
Jenny & Monna
Robert, Nici, Diane, Tamera & Andrew
Noora & Hussain
Murad & Jamal
www.bahrainthismonth.com
MOTORING
this month
Reignite Your Senses, p58
My Life in Cars
A Majestic Presence, p61
DICK POTTER Most cars are designed quite well, and modern vehicles are built better today than ever before, getting great fuel mileage and lasting 150,000 miles or more with minimum maintenance. Sadly, some design stuff on cars makes me wonder if the guys in suits designing cars ever fully put themselves in the shoes – or seats even – of the driver they hope will buy them. Maybe that’s an idea to ensure that all features operate as they should do and are as efficient as design intended? Over my many years of driving, both owned and rented cars, I have come across what I can only describe as bad design and confounding engineering. If you have had any of the experiences with a vehicle with some of these ‘features’, you have my sympathy! The other day I found, as many other drivers do, that my car battery was flat. By flat I mean like Holland. No problems, I think, pop the bonnet to get to the battery and get the charger in place. Alas, to pop the bonnet required a modicum of electrical power! Eventually, thanks to YouTube, I discovered how best to get inside the bonnet to the battery sans electricity. Another of my cars has the battery located under the rear seat. To give or receive a jump-start requires skills akin to Michael Collins on Apollo 11 manoeuvring to dock with the Lunar Module. Now you'd think they'd at least make the battery easy to get to – you KNOW the battery will fail before the car wears out! Centuries ago, I owned a Fiat X19. The boot was opened by a lever/wire arrangement to the lock. The wire broke; in short, I had to dismantle half the car for access into the boot to replace the wire. www.bahrainthismonth.com
A Super SUV, p63
With numerous rental cars, I have, over the years, spent forever trying to establish how to open a bewildering array of fuel caps. I think they are deliberately placed in the most obtuse place, just to confound drivers like me! A few years ago, I rented a BMW – it took 10 minutes to figure out how to start it. The friend I was travelling with, who had, perhaps unwisely, dispatched me to the rental company for collection of the car, thought I'd gotten lost. I had, at least mentally! Renting a Peugeot car once, I couldn't open the boot. Had I been able to locate the lever, I’m sure I would have been able to open it. Eventually, I found a dealer showroom and was introduced to the elusive lever. It was inside the ‘zero’ of the ‘205’ model number. Now who would have guessed? Anecdotes from friends on this subject revealed some of the more amusingly idiotic designs. One of the more memorable ones was a German car with the cup holder placed next to the GPS controller. Hey, car designers, coffee and electrics – maybe not the best bedfellows?!
View more info online
Any funny car experiences from your side? Email me at dick@redhousemarketing.com March 2018 57
motoring
AL HADDAD MOTORS
Reignite Your Senses The latest additions from this German marque possess both panache and prowess, and are available in the Kingdom as an irresistible offer! Experience performance in its most astounding form with the MercedesBenz AMG C 43 Coupé and Cabriolet. With its strikingly good looks and unbeatable performance, the AMG C 43 is a force to be reckoned with. The AMG C 43 Coupé and Cabriolet come with the AMG body styling that includes, the unique diamond radiator grille with chrome pins that nestles the Mercedes-Benz star; Sports Direct-Steer system; and AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted titanium grey with high-sheen finish. As for the interior, the AMG C 43 has a three-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel, with a flattened bottom section and heavily perforated grip areas as well as AMG brushed stainless steel sports pedals. It also comes with sporty seats that not only look good and stylish but also offer optimum lateral support, perfect for long rides and sharp turns. The AMG C 43 is equipped with the DYNAMIC SELECT controller which has a range of different driving programmes – comfort, eco, speed, speed+ and individual – as well as the 9G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. The combination of the DYNAMIC SELECT controller and the 9G-TRONIC PLUS ensures an optimal driving experience as it helps in rapid gear shifts and fuel efficiency as well as smooth operation of the vehicle. Al Haddad Motors, the authorised general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in the Kingdom, is now offering an exclusive deal on the AMG C 43 Coupé and Cabriolet. Customers have a choice of either an ‘AMG 4’ or ‘AMG 3’ package deal, both of which cover a range of services that include service select, Supagard protection, window tinting and more. The starting price for this unbeatable offer is BD33,664.
Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Cabriolet
Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Coupé
Call 17 785-454, visit www.bahrain.mercedesbenzme.com or follow Instagram @alhaddadmotors, Twitter @MercedesBenzBAH, and Facebook @ alhaddadmotors.mercedesbenzbah 58 March 2018
www.bahrainthismonth.com
One car. Endless possibilities. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Imagine yourself behind the wheel. Choose a road. Anywhere. With the Mercedes-Benz C-Class the possibilities are endless. Starting from
BD19,339
Al Haddad Motors, Kingdom of Bahrain. Tel: 17785454 marketing@alhaddad-mercedesbenz.com, www.bahrain.mercedesbenzme.com
bystander
Amanda, Armi & Farheen
Media Mocktails The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain held its first media mocktail of the year at Plums restaurant.
To view more images, scan the QR code
Jean-Paul, Bassam, Soufiane & Christian
Moya & Georgina
Mehgi & Jeremy
Farmers Market The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain held a Farmers Market Pop-Up at its croquet lawn.
To view more images, scan the QR code
Hendrix, Wayne, Poonam, Ally & Bella
Sherryl & Mito
Adeline & Rie
Omar & Mahmood
Nooria
Frosina, Jamil & Pervaiz
Naradan, Ducansa & Wiansa
Habib
Seminar and Dinner The Bahrain India Society organised a presentation on highlights of the Indian budget followed by dinner at the Elite Grande Hotel. Mohammed Dadabhai & Amresh Acharia
60 March 2018
Vijay, Amresh, Raj, Prasanth, Denzil & Indhu
www.bahrainthismonth.com
motoring
A Majestic Presence DICK POTTER The fourth generation of this striking new SUV impresses with both looks and value.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
At first sight, my impression of the SsangYong Rexton was that the FBI or DEA were staking out the Capital Club carpark. Such was its presence. Majestic and large, its gleaming granite façade grabbed me from the start. A peek inside revealed seven seats, enough for the entire SWAT team! This fourth generation Rexton is larger than the previous models and the current flagship SUV of SsangYong. Interestingly, this Range Rover-rivalling SUV – size-wise at any rate – is expected to help build sales for the Korean manufacturer across the globe. It is also a bid to compete with its Korean sisters, Hyundai and Kia. The boys in suits – well, the CEO to be specific – expect to flog 10,000 SsangYong vehicles in the UK alone. Global production is expected to increase to a whopping 500,000 vehicles a year. The Rexton, available in a five-seat model also, combines off-road capability with a revised ergonomically comfortable interior. Its basic formula hasn’t changed, a 4x4 body-on-frame utility vehicle. The primary advantage of this method of construction – it is fairly anachronistic after all – is strength. The vehicle is constructed mainly for off-road driving – handy in this part of the world – and towing. It’s certainly beefy with a 2.2-litre direct injection, turbocharged (225bhp) engine. Its advanced highstrength steel ensures safety to occupants and complements the vehicle’s power to weight ratio. The drive from Motorcity to Adliya proved an interesting one, for a change, as I discovered the wide range of features and explored the excellent info system. The retractable side mirrors, as large as a television screen, were a particularly favourite feature of mine. This lovely vehicle had a lot of features you would expect to find on a much more expensive model. The
boot – a gigantic one – has remote control opening, and push-button closure. The first time I encountered this feature, it was on a far pricier SUV. Thumbs up from me, SsangYong. The cabin interior is pretty faultless – a 9.2-inch HD touchscreen with CarPlay and Android Auto. Furthermore, the double stitching on the quilted leather seats would not be out of place on a Ferrari! These supremely comfortable seats would also absorb the impact of any choppiness, occasionally associated with body-on-frameconstructed vehicles, not that you’re likely to experience this on the highways of Bahrain! From the driver’s seat, the vehicle’s lofty height provides a sense of invincibility and safety, in addition to providing a commanding view of the road. For the vertically challenged, the climb in is assisted by a side-step, I hasten to add. On the road, it’s quiet and it swaps cogs fairly smoothly. If selected, manual changes can be made via a thumb switch on the gear lever. The sensors and warnings were another story, however. Buzzers, beeps and ding-dongs galore! On the bright side, they can be disabled and, on a long journey, they might prove as useful as they are designed to be, especially if your auditory faculties are in any way waning. As far as value for money goes, though, the Rexton is excellent in comparison to other SUVs currently on the market. So, whether you’re ferrying that SWAT team to their latest stakeout or taking the whole family and granny to the souq, this SUV ticks both boxes. Positives: Too many to mention – features and gadgets, space, warranties, value for money. Negatives: Previous allusions of lack of street cred for the brand – this offering should go a way to silence those critics. March 2018 61
bystander
Genet, Adan & walu
Ebru & Linda
Coffee Morning The Association Francophone de Bahrein held a coffee morning event featuring Ethiopia with Esky Dubois at the Swiss-Belhotel Seef. Esky, Shiraz & Claudine
Ilhem, Yomna & Bochra
Hiwot & Genet
Marguerite, Samara & Isabelle
Amal, Naja & Catherina
Isabelle, Michele, Maryse & Annabel
www.jfcbahrain.com
62 March 2018
www.bahrainthismonth.com
motoring
JAC MOTORS
A Super SUV
JAC S3
This stylish new model combines practicality, performance and plenty of on-board technology.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Bahrain Commercial Services, the Kingdom’s JAC dealer, recently launched the S3, a compact SUV that has been built with urban young customers in mind. Gone are the days when new drivers were forced to drive battered old rust buckets, now they can cruise around in style without breaking the bank. The S3 is a sleek-looking model with chrome accents that give a subtle yet substantial nod to its sensational selection of available features. Keyless entry, Bluetooth, MP3 player, air conditioning, power windows and steering, rear camera, LED headlights, navigation and tyre pressure monitoring systems are just some of the highlights. Safety is an important factor and this model is designed to keep driver and passengers secure. It has a rigid body made with high-intensity steel and is also equipped with Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Power Advanced Steering, ABS Brakes (which prevent skidding and help you maintain steering control under hard braking conditions) and Hill-start Assist Control – making it ideal for most terrains. The S3 also has an accurately calibrated front Mac-
Pherson suspension and higher responsiveness, ensuring a smoother driving experience. Meanwhile, eccentric type front shock absorbers reduce the horizontal force, improving their lifespan, and the transverse stabiliser bar improves the rolling stiffness of the vehicle’s suspension. Inside is just as impressive. The centre console ensures everything is clearly laid out and easy to use and the leather-wrapped steering wheel is equipped with a multi-function button to adjust the multimedia and cruise control system. Under the bonnet is a 1.6-litre engine that generates 118bhp and 155 Nm of torque. Parking is simple and hassle free thanks to the rear camera and parking sensors – and finding a space to slot into is easy thanks to the car’s compact dimensions. The S3 also has an impressive amount of storage space. You can easily fit a couple of large suitcases in the boot and still have room for your weekly shopping. The vehicle is attractively priced at BD4,500 all inclusive and on-road. Call 17 270-270. March 2018 63
motoringnews&launches
World Premiere
The Perfect Finish
The Porsche motorsport department will be presenting Weissach’s newest development at the Geneva Motor Show: the 911 GT3 RS, the most powerful seriesproduction 911. The motorsport-inspired chassis, and the four-litre, six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine at 520hp, push the car to new limits. This high-performance vehicle is based on the 911 GT3, further refined to combine the performanceorientated engine, with a running-gear set-up featuring re-calibrated rear-axle steering designed for maximum driving dynamics and precision. The 911 GT3 RS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 312 km/h. Following the launch of the 911 GT3 and the 911 GT2 RS, this latest release will see Porsche present its third GT road-approved sports car within a year. The new 911 GT3 RS is now available to order in Bahrain, with a starting price of BD68,000.
Bentley recently added its first new veneer in five years – Liquid Amber – to its collection. This is the brand’s seventh exclusive veneer option. New veneers are an extremely rare occurrence in Bentley interiors. Liquid Amber is sourced from the American red gum – or American sweet gum tree – which grows along the rich, moist soils of the Mississippi wetlands in the southeastern states of America. Bentley sources only the highest quality trees, and harvests the veneer just twice a year due to restricted access across the wetlands. The wood undergoes a natural smoking process, which takes several weeks, to give it a deep, rich brown lustre while maintaining the warm, red hue. The veneer is then transported 4,500 miles back to the team of experts in the Bentley woodshop in Crewe, where it is examined alongside the six other carefully chosen veneers available exclusively to Bentley customers.
A Record Year
Flawless Perfection
BMW Group Middle East is celebrating another positive year in sales, despite a tough economic environment. Sales were driven by the continued popularity of the brand’s top-end cars as well as the introduction of new generation models. In total, 31,788 BMWs and MINIs were sold in 2017. The BMW 7 Series, BMW’s flagship model for the Middle East, had its most successful 12 months ever in the region. A total of 5,297 7 Series were sold, contributing to 18 per cent of all BMWs sold in the region in 2017. The BMW M760Li model saw outstanding sales in its first ever year and customer demand exceeded production capacity in the region. It was also a very positive year for the new BMW 5 Series, which had a sales boost of 56 per cent in 2017 compared to the previous year. The X models were the most popular, contributing to around 55 per cent of total sales, with the BMW X5 being the top-seller. Looking ahead to 2018, customers will see the first-ever BMW X2 and the new BMW M5 arrive in March. The latest BMW M3 CS and the BMW i8 Coupé, the BMW i8 Roadster and the BMW X4 will come to the market later in the year.
The wait for the anticipated arrival of the new mould-breaking RollsRoyce is finally over as the marque confirms its new motor-car will be called Cullinan – an all-new, high-bodied car that would redefine luxury travel. The story of how this new Rolls-Royce came to be named Cullinan is itself one of the pursuit of perfection. Like the diamond, the RollsRoyce Cullinan has undertaken a fascinating journey. From the searing deserts of Africa and the Middle East to the freezing snows of the Arctic Circle; from the grassy glens of the Scottish Highlands to the towering canyons of North America, the designers, engineers, craftspeople and artisans of The House of Rolls-Royce have shaped, tested and polished this unique motor-car to eliminate any flaw and make it ‘Effortless, Everywhere’. Cullinan is the second Rolls-Royce to sit atop the company’s recently announced all-new proprietary aluminium spaceframe ‘Architecture of Luxury’. Unique and unequalled in its brilliance, every facet of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan scintillates.
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A First Look The Ferrari 488 Pista will be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. It’s the successor to Ferrari’s V8-engined special series – the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia and 458 Speciale – which have received critical acclaim for their performance and undiluted handling. The Ferrari 488 Pista marks a significant step forward from the previous special series in terms of both sporty dynamics and for the level of technological carry-over from racing. Compared to the 488 GTB, the new model weighs an impressive 90kg less, which, when combined with the largest ever increase in engine power for a special series car, results in a new benchmark for Ferrari’s V8 sports cars. Its engine is the most powerful V8 in Ferrari history and is an extreme evolution of the turbo unit that won the overall International Engine of the Year award titles in both 2016 and 2017.
The Way of the Future A fleet of Hyundai’s next generation NEXO fuel cell electric cars, fitted with autonomous technology, has successfully completed a self-driven 190km highway journey in Korea. It was the longest distance covered by a self-driving vehicle on Korean roads and included travel at speeds of up to 110km/h, the maximum allowed. Three NEXO models took part in the drive, with the next-generation fuel cell electric SUV scheduled to be released in Korea this month. All vehicles were equipped with level four self-driving technology, as defined by the SAE international standards, allowing the car to safely drive itself without any human input, referred to as ‘mind off’ autonomy. The vehicle can drive more than 600km on a single charge, which takes approximately five minutes. The model boasts world-class system efficiency of 60 per cent, durability equivalent to internal combustion engine-driven vehicles and a load space of 839 litres.
Trial Run Nissan Motor Co Ltd and DeNA Co Ltd will begin a field test of Easy Ride, the robo-vehicle mobility service being developed by both companies, on March 5. Easy Ride is envisioned as a mobility service for anyone who wants to travel freely to their destination of choice in a robo-vehicle. During the field test, the participants will be able to travel in vehicles equipped with autonomous driving technology along a set route, between Nissan’s global headquarters and the Yokohama World Porters shopping center, in Japan. Nissan and DeNA will also test Easy Ride’s unique service functions. Using a dedicated mobile app, passengers can input what they want to do via text or voice and choose from a list of recommended destinations. An in-car tablet screen will show selections of nearly 500 recommended places of interest and events in the vicinity. Additionally, about 40 discount coupons for retailers and restaurants in the area are available for download on the participants’ own smartphones. The companies aim to launch Easy Ride in a limited environment at first, and then introduce a full service in the early 2020s. www.bahrainthismonth.com
A New Entry The new MG RX5 compact SUV is now officially on sale across the Middle East. Customers can choose MG Motor’s new ‘hero SUV’ from a collection of four well-equipped models, and two available powertrains, with prices starting at around USD14,200 (depending on the market). The new MG RX5 will appeal to a range of customers across the region, especially younger buyers looking for value for money in a stylish, technologically advanced package that allows them to stand out from the crowd. Equipped with a 1.5T petrol engine and 7-speed automatic gearbox, the MG RX5 is available as entry level STD or mid-range COM models. The more powerful 2.0T powerplant is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox and is offered for either COM or top-of-the-range LUX trim levels, with the latter featuring All-Wheel Drive. March 2018 65
gadgets BTM brings you the latest gadgets to push your technological buttons.
Wahoo TICKR Heart Rate Monitor
Fidget Cube This heart rate monitor is compatible with iPhone and Android, and gives you a real-time heart rate with training zones and calories burned visible on your smartphone or tablet. It works with multiple fitness apps and pairs directly with the Apple Watch. Available at www.amazon.com
Back when fidget spinners were all the rage, Antsy Lab came up with a clever idea to make something similar, although slightly more stimulating. The Fidget Cube is an unusually addictive, high-quality desk toy designed to help you focus at work, in class or even at home. With this, you can click, glide, flip, breathe, roll and spin, all in one. Available at www.antsylabs.com
Book of Light
Professional Action Cam
This is a perfect gift for book lovers and anyone who enjoys reading at night, providing you with a soft, ambient light that’s diffused by the pages and helps you sleep. It’s great for use as a night-light, and easily rechargeable via micro USB (not included). Available at www.menkind.co.uk
This miniature camera shoots in high definition, is waterproof, and attaches easily to a helmet, harness, bike or other vehicle. With a built-in 2-inch LCD display, it lets you capture the most daring moments of your life and all the action of your outdoor adventures. Available at www.menkind.co.uk
Mini Massage Cushion This multi-use mini massager utilises four pressure points for a rotation massage with optional ‘heat mode’ should you have any aches you want to soothe. The cushion can be used on any part of your body, making it portable, revitalising and relaxing all in one. Available at www.menkind.co.uk
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Fruit Infuser Water Bottle Safe to use and leak proof, this infuser water bottle is an excellent way to stay hydrated throughout your day. No need to buy expensive flavoured bottle beverages when you can make your own with ease. Simply add fruit, water and any other flavourings you want for a delicious and healthy beverage. Available at www.amazon.com
Mission Multi-Cool Using ‘Cools Instantly When Wet’ technology, Mission Multi-Cool is a wrap perfect for your active lifestyle. It’s chemical-free, provides UPF 50 protection from the sun, and helps defend against dust, debris and wind. To activate the cooling technology, soak it, wring out the excess and snap three times. Can be worn in more than 12 ways, including as a headband, scarf, hood or facemask. Available from www.amazon.com
3 in 1 Cable This awesome charger cable has USBC, micro-USB, and lightning ports, and charges a wide variety of devices all in one. It’s perfect for versatile charging, especially if you have multiple devices on the go and want to save socket space. Available at www.menkind.com
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Ice Stones A solution to all your cold drink problems, these ice stones keep your beverage ice cold and undiluted for longer. Simply place them in the freezer for a few hours and then add to any cold drink, such as a delicious iced coffee or tea. They help to retain great flavour and come in a set of nine soapstone cubes. Available at www.amazon.co.uk
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music
Franz Ferdinand – Always Ascending What’s the story?
In July 2016, it was announced that Nick McCarthy, one of the band’s founding members, was taking a break from the band to spend more time with family and focusing on side projects. Then it was announced in May 2017 that two new members had joined the band: Dino Bardot, former guitarist for Scottish indie rock band 1990s, and music producer Julian Corrie. Corrie joined the band for the recording sessions of this new album, while Bardot joined after recording was completed.
Worth a listen?
Since the release of their debut, Franz Ferdinand have teetered between the raw A decent but uninspired entry into the catalogue. post-punk that won them acclaim and attempts to broaden that sound. Always Ascending arrives at a ripe time for them to experiment. This is the band’s most electronic-leaning album yet, and there are times when this new direction shines. The title track transforms the band’s familiar dance-punk into gleaming space disco that feels like a leap into the unknown. Too often, though, the album is surprisingly uninspired. Lazy Boy might be a self-referential take on the style that made the band famous, but it’s hard to appreciate this cleverness when the results feel so slight. Similarly, songs about finding freedom from self-imposed restrictions (Paper Cages) and discovering your true friends (Finally) aren’t as exciting as they should be. With its mix of intriguing sounds and occasionally underwhelming songwriting, Always Ascending feels more like a first effort than the band’s actual debut did. As it stands, it’s a somewhat shaky but promising start for the revamped Franz Ferdinand.
Verdict:
Shorts
The Monochrome Set – The Maisieworld Since they re-formed in 2010, The Monochrome Set have been running at a creative pace that’s easily the equal of their early, fondly remembered days of the early ‘80s. 2018’s Maisieworld is another fine example of what makes the Set so fun and enduring. The songs rollick and roll with a loose-limbed, good-natured feel, and it’s impressive that the members of the band sound as spry and lively as they do, not because of their age, but because they are cranking out albums at a very speedy clip. 68 March 2018
MGMT – Little Dark Age Little Dark Age isn’t likely to make anyone totally happy. Whether it’s the goofy sound effects on When You Die, the spoken word sections of She Works Out Too Much, or the trippy vocals of James, there are lots of things happening that would serve to shock the casual listener out of a playlist-induced trance. The reason fans of MGMT’s psych-pop mix may be unhappy is that the record isn’t weird enough, instead appearing to be making sure the album fits into trends instead of bucking them. Whether it’s the R&B synthwave of Days That Got Away, the new wave strut of the title track, or the soft rock jangle of Me and Michael, almost every song on the album sounds like a version of a song that was done better by someone else.
The Wombats – Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life The Wombats’ latest album features much of what has endeared the Liverpool trio to fans; especially vocalist/guitarist Matthew Murphy’s literate, tongue-in-cheek selfawareness, which remains firmly intact. “You could give an aspirin the headache of its life,” he croons on the opening Cheetah Tongue. Musically, the band is in crisp form, delving into a swirling batch of postpunk-tinged anthems, many punctuated by Murphy’s wiry guitar, drummer Dan Haggis’ kinetic rhythms, and bassist Tord Øverland-Knudsen’s driving, club-ready bass grooves. www.bahrainthismonth.com
games
Shadow of the Colossus Verdict: A stunning, modern remake. Rating:
What is it?
Shadow of the Colossus is an action-adventure game developed by Bluepoint Games for PlayStation 4. It is a remake of the original PlayStation 2 game using ultra-high definition art assets. The developers remade all the game’s assets from the ground up, but the game retains the same gameplay from the original title aside from the introduction of a new, improved control scheme.
Gameplay
Progression through Shadow of the Colossus occurs in cycles. Beginning at a central temple, the player seeks out and defeats one of 16 colossi, and is then returned to the central point to repeat the process again and again. Each colossus is a gigantic foe that at first seems impossible to surmount. You are left with nothing but your weapon and your wits, and the great joy of the game is figuring out how to subdue and then scale the giant monsters and solve the puzzle.
Celeste
Celeste is a single-player platformer about climbing a mountain. Journey through more than 250 stages, across striking areas like an abandoned city, ancient ruins, precarious cliffs and a haunted resort. You’ll be battling your inner demons as much as the environment in your fight to finally reach the summit. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Graphics
The game is stunningly gorgeous, with some of the most breathtaking environments and monsters ever seen in a game. Each of the 16 beasts has a unique look and design, with the scale beyond almost any other game in the genre. The world itself is vast greenery littered with stone ruins, lakes cliffs and other vistas, which you must traverse either on foot or on your trusty steed, Agro.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Dragon Ball FighterZ features endless spectacular fights with its all-powerful fighters. It maximises high-end anime graphics and brings easy-to-learn but difficult-to-master fighting gameplay. Build your dream team and sharpen your skills to master high-speed tag combinations. Engage in ranked matches, interactive lobbies, six-player Party Match play or enjoy the story campaign. Challenge others to beat your time.
Metal Gear Survive
Metal Gear Survive is a survival action-adventure game set in an open world environment and played from a third-person perspective. It features a cooperative multiplayer mode, in which the player can be joined by up to three other players to explore the game’s world and to complete missions. It can also be played solo, with the player being accompanied by three AI teammates, which the player can give orders to. March 2018 69
websites
Verdict: An informative, creative site.
Car Club Meet
Site: www.bigthink.com Rating:
The Volkswagen and Audi clubs organised their first car meet together at Marassi Beach.
What is it?
Humeid & Nicholas
It’s a place which shares ideas and insights from the most successful people around the world. You won’t get life-hacks here, but you will get real information. You will learn from the mistakes of others and their successes too.
The Good Salman & Omar
A good place to read content from people who know what they are talking about. This isn’t a website where angst-ridden teens or mid-life-crisis housewives vent their frustrations; but rather a forum for the people who have been there and done that in their professional lives.
Emad & Craig
The Bad
The site doesn’t use space as well as it should, with large, blocky links to articles rather than an easy-to-read list of categories. It’s easy to tell that it was designed for the tablet generation rather than those using laptops or computers.
www.laughingsquid.com Kanishk, Nithin & Jithin
Mohsin & Ali
Abdul Rahman
70 March 2018
Ali
Yousif & Abdulla
Mohammed Ali, Khalid & Ahmed
Laughing Squid is one of the most creative blogs to check out. You can find all sorts of highly visual posts about art, culture and technology on this site, most of which are photos and videos. It’s updated with several new posts a day featuring the newest, freshest content. Posts are kept pretty short too, making it perfect for browsing casually.
www.ancient.eu If you love history, this is your one-stop shop to learn everything about the past. From ancient kingdoms to epic wars, you can find everything here. It is a great site for history buffs and casual observers alike. www.bahrainthismonth.com
apps
Apps Review BTM brings you the low-down on the latest and greatest apps on the market.
What is it?
BrainWave Tuner is an integration of advanced electroencephalography theory and considerate, humane operating design. The most distinctive feature of BrainWave Tuner is that the wave sound is specially designed to cater to users’ unique needs. With different wave patterns, users can relax their body and mind and stimulate their thought. Once tuned in, the brain will be closed into a quiet status and become calm. The wave strength can be changed from weak to strong to achieve the best effects.
The Good
All programmes are free and there are no in-app purchases. It is easy to use, provides a worthwhile number and variety of brainwaves, and all you need to do is download them, which happens automatically the initial time you press play for each brainwave. Plus, there are adjustable settings for each brainwave, which consist of a slider for intensity of brainwave, and an on/off switch for ambient sounds that, when switched on, displays a list of sounds to choose from.
The Bad
It’s dangerous to exercise or sleep while using BrainWave Tuner, or do any dangerous activity whilst it is playing, as it will distract you and potentially cause dizziness. Also, it’s not guaranteed to work for everyone, you won’t know till you try it.
App: Pocket
Do you often find yourself reading when you are supposed to be doing something else? If so, Pocket will be useful to you. Next time you are forced to stop reading an interesting article on the web, you can save it in the Pocket and read it later. Such articles can be read in offline mode too. 71 March 2018
App: BrainWave Tuner Rating: Verdict: A superb app for mental therapy. App: Comixology
If books are not your cup of tea, but you really enjoy comics, then Comixology is the perfect app. As the name suggests, it has a huge library of either free or cheap comics and graphic novels. Although the experience is digital, it is as close as it gets to actually reading a comic. www.bahrainthismonth.com
movies
Latin Festival Havana Café organised a Latin Festival to celebrate its opening at El Mercado.
To view more images, scan the QR code
HE Orlando Requeijo Gual & Ali Zayani
Film: The Post Rating:
VERDICT: A fantastic historical insight.
Directed By: Steven Spielberg Starring: Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Sarah Paulson
The Plot
Set in the early 1970s, The Post depicts the true story of The Washington Post journalists and their attempts to publish the Pentagon Papers, classified documents regarding the 30-year involvement of the United States government in the Vietnam War. HE Orlando Requeijo Gual & Dora
Cesar & George
Haya & Abdulla
Hotline & Khalifa Al Zayani
Heather & Michael
Worth Watching?
It’s testament to the genius of Steven Spielberg and his technical mastery that The Post’s crucial moments bring audiences a tempered and personal take on a controversy that shook the globe. Meryl Streep plays Katharine Graham with all-too-convincing anxiety, as a woman in power struggling to adjust to her role as publisher. She slyly outmanoeuvres the chauvinistic bankers and politicians who dismiss her and her paper. Tom Hanks stars as Ben Bradlee, editor at The Post. His idealism and hunger for the truth is infectious, dangerously spreading first to his colleagues and then to his audience. This is a film made at the perfect time by the perfect cast and crew, which means there’s little room to dislike anything. Any time the pace starts to slip, or the dialogue edges on pretension, someone from the film’s wealthy bank of talent comes to the rescue with a subtle and poignant save.
Ahmad, Sawsan & ali
Winchester
Sapfo & Oriol
Ludmila, Amalia & Igor
Mohammed, Abdul, Rashid & Fuad
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Inspired by true events, on an isolated stretch of land 50 miles outside San Francisco, sits the most haunted house in the world. Built by Sarah Winchester (Helen Mirren), heiress to the Winchester fortune, it is a house that knows no end. Constructed in an incessant mania for decades, it contains hundreds of rooms. To the outsider it looks like a monstrous monument to a disturbed woman’s madness. She is building a prison, an asylum for hundreds of vengeful ghosts, with a score to settle.
Black Panther
Marvel Studios’ latest offering follows T’Challa who, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his place as king. But when a powerful old enemy reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king, and Black Panther, is tested. www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Wembley Brunch Atiram Premier Hotel held a Friday brunch at Wembley.
To view more images, scan the QR code
Luke, Julia & Tony
Hevi & Sanel
Ravi, Prakash & Shithin
Melanie & Michael Scott & Emily
Mark & Angela
Mam, Michael & Nathan
Emily & Laura
Lisa, Isabelle & Neil
John, Princess, Guido, Bibin & Jennifer
Friday 16th March
BD21 NETT per person
- 12.30pm until 4.00pm - large international buffet selection - live cooking stations, salads and main courses - lots of live music and a hint of karaoke -
- Ladies Night Drinks from 6pm -
e best h t f o e n o s a “Regarded gion� e r e h t n i s e h brunc 4th Floor, Juffair - Tel: 17811 1811 STEVE: 3364 0009 / 3353 6448 www.bahrainthismonth.com
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buffets&brunches
Superb Smorgasbord Buffets and brunches have a special place in the hearts (and palates) of culinary connoisseurs on the island. What are weekends, or even weekdays, for that matter, without gorging on lip-smacking treats, accompanied by music and entertainment in a stylish environment?
BTM brings you a round-up of the best hotspots popular for their lavish gastronomic repertoire. THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN Savour and relish an extensive range of plated specialties cooked to perfection by chef Mahipal Singh at Nirvana’s Weekend Brunch, every Friday and Saturday from noon to 4pm. Feast on an exquisite selection of Indian dishes and embark on a dining adventure rarely enjoyed outside India, for BD16++ for adults and BD7++ for kids aged four to 12. On March 21, La Med will host a special Mother’s Day Dining and Afternoon Tea from noon to 3pm. The lunch buffet costs BD25++ per person. Call 17 586-499. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY Bahrain Bay Kitchen lays out a Saturday brunch from 12.30pm-3.30pm, offering a wide selection of Arabic favourites, such as lamb ouzi, cold mezes and much more, for BD16++ including soft beverages. Shisha on the terrace costs BD12++. Call 17 115-500. The CUT Brunch serves chef Wolfgang Puck’s favourite dishes every Friday from 12.30pm-3.30pm for BD24++ with soft drinks and coffee, or BD34++ with selected beverages. Call 17 115-044. 74 March 2018
SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA Saraya Restaurant has an award-winning Grand Friday Bunch from 12.30pm-4pm, with a tempting selection of international delicacies. Create special moments with your choice of indoor and outdoor seating, while children enjoy with their very own special arrangements. Starting from BD36 inclusive of soft beverages, 50 per cent off for children between six and 12 years, and kids under six dine for free. Call 17 636-363. LE MÉRIDIEN BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE The Sweetest Brunch is on at Baharat every Friday from 12.30pm-4pm for BD26 including soft drinks and water, or BD38 including selected free flow beverages. A stylish yet rustic barbeque experience is on the terrace of Baharat every Wednesday from 7pm-11pm for BD18 including soft drinks and water, or BD24 including selected freeflow drinks. The seafood buffet is on Thursdays, for BD24 including soft drink and water, BD29 including selected free-flow of beverages. Call 17 171-144. MÖVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN Silk’s restaurant lays out a seafood buffet every Monday, with the freshest catch of the day
from 7pm-11pm. A vast range of aquatic delicacies, from sushi, sashimi, seafood dim sum, tempura, oysters, slipper lobster and tiger prawns, to popular fish, such as grouper and red snapper, can be enjoyed for BD24, or BD29 including unlimited selected grape, malt and soft drinks. Call 17 460-017. SHERATON BAHRAIN HOTEL Al Safir’s Chocoholic Friday Brunch offers a ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Free’ promotion on the buffet, featuring live cooking stations, seafood items, cold cuts, international main courses, plus an extravagant selection of desserts and a crepe station with loads of chocolate. This spectacular feast is priced at BD28 inclusive of soft drinks, or BD34 inclusive of unlimited selected beverages, and BD10 for children. Call 17 533-533. ART ROTANA, AMWAJ ISLANDS Escape from the city with a heavenly indoor Friday Garden Brunch, every weekend at Choices Terrace, from 12.30pm-4pm. It offers a spectacular spread of delicious dishes along with superb live cooking stations. The beverage section offers unlimited drinks. There’s live entertainment by the in-house band and a kids’ area for children. It costs BD20 with soft drinks and juices, or BD34 www.bahrainthismonth.com
both for BD18. Fridays see an internationalthemed buffet serving the great flavours and cuisines of the world, for BD13. All prices exclude beverages. Call 17 531-122. RAMEE GRAND HOTEL & SPA Asian Nights are on at Lemon Tree every Thursday, from 7pm-11pm. The lavish buffet includes Thai, Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese cuisines. The meal costs BD11 per adult with soft drinks, or BD16 with a free flow of selected house beverages. Call 17 111-999.
including house beverages. Kids six to 12 years pay BD10, and those below six years dine for free. Relish an astonishing spread of satisfying courses, live cooking stations along with a marvellous Irish section on March 16 for Saint Patrick’s Day Brunch. Call 16 000-111. CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN La Mosaique Restaurant stages Asian Night with the very best of South East Asian specialties from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, China and Japan, every Saturday for BD13. Italian Night is on every Sunday, with authentic Italian pastas, fresh sauces, pizzas and much more, for BD13. The buffet on French Night, every Monday, offers fabulous dishes like beef bourguignon, fresh salads, cheese and much more, at BD13. The restaurant arranges a Seafood Night on Tuesdays and a steak night on Wednesdays,
WYNDHAM GARDEN MANAMA Café Mosaic has a lavish buffet every Friday from noon to 4pm, with multiple choices from all over the world. Little ones can enjoy plenty of activities in the Kids Korner. Food and soft drinks cost BD15++, or BD25++ with selected beverages. Call 66 316-666. THE K HOTEL A fantastic spread of culinary delights takes centre stage at Kolors restaurant, featuring exciting live food stations. The new K Friday Brunch has a rotating menu and is priced at BD14.500++ per person, including soft drinks. Selected beverages are available at an additional BD7++. Call 17 360-000. DOWNTOWN ROTANA The award-winning all-day dining restaurant, Flavours on 2, offers a lunch buffet from 12.30pm-3.30pm for only BD9.500++ per person. The open-style kitchen and the live cooking stations give a dynamic atmosphere to the restaurant. Call 13 119-999.
ATIRAM PREMIERE HOTEL Enjoy a delicious Friday brunch at Wembley Sports Lounge, from 12.30pm-4pm, priced at BD21 inclusive of selected drinks. An extensive range of international cuisines includes live carvery and cooking stations, seafood grills, salads, pasta, desserts and much more. There’ll be a special brunch on March 16 to celebrate St Patrick’s Day for the Shamrocks and Shenanigans party. Call 33 640-009 or 33 536-448. AT REEF RESORT Pool Delight, the restaurant with direct pool access at this brand-new resort, is a bright, lively and interactive outlet that offers lavish breakfast and lunch buffets with diverse international fare, including fresh pizza from a show oven. The venue makes for a picturesque location for a laid-back Friday brunch. Call 13 110-110. LANTERNS RESTAURANT Lanterns is renowned for its exceptional Indian cuisine and signature buffets, which offer a selection of live stations including grills, stir-fry, pasta and delicious curries complete with sweet desserts. Some of the house and chef specialties include Lanterns’ most popular signature curries, a mixture of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Also available are a variety of Chinese and Indian options, along with a salad bar, cold mezes and more. Enjoy the restaurant’s signature buffets at its branches located in Budaiya, Adliya, Riffa and Juffair with each offering its own variety of choice. The Weekend Grand Feast Buffets are held every Friday and Saturday from noon to 3pm for lunch, and every Thursday and Friday from 7pm-11pm for dinner. Visit www.lanternsrestaurant.com AROMA RESTAURANT AND CAFÉ This eatery in Seef, serving Mediterranean and Khaleeji cuisine, has a Saturday Brunch Buffet for only BD6.500, from noon to 4pm. Call 17 582-711.
View more info online
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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bystander
Maisa & Batool
Rashad
Art Exhibition Bahrain Artistic Frames Centre held an art exhibition of the artists Abbas Al Moosawi, Khalil Al Hashimi, Mariam Fakhro, Haider Ali, Haider Al Shaybani & Mahdi Al Jallawi. The event was held under the patronage of HE Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.
To view more images, scan the QR code
The ribbon-cutting ceremony
Abbas Al Moosawi, Shaikh Rashid & Khalil Al Hashimi
Ali, Shabbir, Ruqaiya, Shaikh Rashid, Ruqaiya, Ebrahim, Mustafa, Quaid, Munira & Jumana
Fareeda, Zeenat & Noora
Haider Ali
Mahdi Al Jallawi & Christian
Haider Al Shaybani
Mariam Fakhro
Jalil Al Ansari, Ebrahim Sharif & Yousif Salahuddin
Team Bahrain Artistic Frames Centre
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www.bahrainthismonth.com
buffets&brunches
SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA
Offers Galore! The exciting month of March brings with it equally enticing brunches and promotions, at this luxurious five-star property, that will have you coming back for more.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
The popular Magnifique Half Board offer, at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, returns with a 24-hour checkout policy designed for you to extend your getaway in a luxurious oasis. Enjoy this incredible deal and surround yourself with a breathtaking view of the sea, while indulging in a complimentary breakfast and dinner for two in the renowned Saraya restaurant, all for the price of BD99. The offer includes two children under the age of 12 and has been extended to March 31. The hotel is also introducing an exciting culinary journey into South Asian zest and spices, with a novel and traditional Indian-inspired cuisine, at the new and upcoming restaurant, Rivaaj, which will hold its soft opening this month. Explore a gastronomic experience like none other, as you savour Indian ingredients and techniques with an Arabian essence. Located on the ground floor next to Saraya, the exciting Rivaaj will cater to all who crave authentic Indian fare with a special twist of flavours. To top the month off, Sofitel Bahrain welcomes all to marvel at and enjoy two special Grand Friday Brunches. One is inspired by the luck of the Irish, for St Patrick festivities on March 16, where guests will be able to enjoy a culinary wonderland of gratifying dishes and entertainment, to fill your Friday with all kinds of luck and good fortune. The St Patrick’s Brunch comes with an attractive rooms package offer, where guests can book the brunch and room for only BD125. First 10 bookings will be automatically upgraded to the exclusive Club Millésime lounge. The other feast, on March 30, welcomes you to jump into an eggs-iting Easter-themed brunch that’ll have you participate in an eggs-ilarating scavenger hunt to crack some thrilling gifts around the hotel. Both brunches consist of live cooking stations and
live entertainment, with special arrangements for children to ensure that you and your family create magnifique memories. Complete this whimsical month by embarking on a ‘Pique-Nique In the Park’ with your family and loved ones, every Saturday, for the price of BD10 each. Relish a selection of appetising sandwiches, homemade muffins and home-baked pound cake, while enjoying the outdoor greenery and refreshing beverages from a special à la carte menu. What makes March most valuable is marking a day dedicated to appreciate and celebrate mums. And to treat them, Sofitel Bahrain is offering a week of Mother’s Day celebrations, from March 16-23, with an exclusive 50 per cent discount to all mothers dining at any of the hotel’s award-winning restaurants. There will also be Mother’s Day rooms packages available during this week. Fiamma is introducing a flaming new menu, crafted by the skilled Italian chef Marco, who will be adding some fiery dishes with authentic traditional essence, designed to tantalise your taste buds. Tapas is also presenting an exciting addition to its burger promotion, with the Burger Promo V2, which starts from March 19 and is valid for both takeout and dine-in. Discover the juiciness of the Moroccan, the Portobello and the Deconstructive collection of burgers, put together to intensify your satisfaction, with double the size. Finally, Pashawat welcomes guests to ‘Burn and Earn’ on Mondays with its special draw at the end of the Lebanese dining experience. Place your bill in a bowl and get a chance to redeem the exact amount spent on your bill, on any day other than Thursdays. Call 17 636-363. March 2018 77
bystander
Emily & Nithin
Ryan & Tina
Gemma & Wesley
Bev Fest The Bahrain Rugby Football Club and BMMI held a bev fest at the club’s premises. Shannon & Steve
Marwan, Alicia & John
Mohammed, Yousif & Shiva
Zakiya & Mandy
Cameron, Adam & Joe
Jean & Paul
Kate, Hana & Sharif
Mikey & Thomas
Bhaskar & Adel Mohammed
InterNations Event InterNations hosted a social gathering at Russo’s restaurant and lounge. Hanane & Leo
Jack, Maggie, Tariq & George
78 March 2018
Kathleen & AJ
Catherine & Maddy
Ali & Lee
Ria & Thys
Andriy & Cyril
www.bahrainthismonth.com
buffets&brunches LE MÉRIDIEN BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE
Flaming Fabulous
This restaurant gives you a reason to look forward to a midweek outing, thanks to its skilfully grilled meats, tasty salads and exquisite desserts, says Behnaz Sanjana.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Winters in Bahrain are synonymous with barbecue nights all over the island – be it in the vastness of the desert, a garden, or even your very own balcony or backyard. There’s something about the heat from the glowing charcoal, the smoky aroma of grilled meats and biting into hot grills in the nippy air that makes the experience so wonderful. Weekday nights, however, are not meant for going through the hassle of marinating your ingredients, keeping a diligent eye on the pit and cleaning up after. That’s when Baharat’s Barbeque Night comes in. This cosy restaurant at Le Méridien Bahrain City Centre fires up the grill every Wednesday, allowing you to kick up your heels and enjoy charred treats with family and friends. And that’s just what I did one Wednesday evening, not so long ago. The venue’s ambience bears the exotic aura of the Middle East, bathed in dull gold with ebony accents,
yet living up to the Parisian lineage of the hotel. The restaurant stages a lovely spread indoors, comprising an impressive range of appetisers, breads, cheese and dessert. The Mediterranean seafood salad, Portobello mushrooms, beetroot moutabel and the muhammara were a riot of colour, and the moreish roasted vegetable roll with pesto was unique on the palate. Crabs, mussels and clams sit on ice, to be eaten with fresh vegetables and pickles. I made a beeline for the wild rice and mushroom soup, the whole-hearted flavours of which immediately warmed me up. My partner relished the tortilla soup with chicken. All the live barbecue action was outdoors, under the ink-blue sky. I thoroughly enjoyed all the varieties of potato – baked in foil jackets, triple-fried, and roasted baby spuds. Close by was a gleaming chunk of roasted beef. Its exterior was well-seasoned with spices and generously strewn with rosemary; its interior a rosy pink, just as it should be. A selection of sauces – barbecue, Béarnaise, mushroom and mustard – are most suitable accompaniments. At the far end of the outdoor space was a sight that was both amusing and clever. The open bonnet of a car served as the pit for the meats that were sizzling away on the red-hot grill. A chiller held a variety of cuts of beef, lamb, chicken and fish to chose from. We opted for a small sampling of each of them (but of course!) and try as I might, I cannot pick a favourite. The tender chicken taouk and drumsticks were mildly spiced and the salmon fillet and kingfish steak looked and tasted excellent. I polished off the succulent lamb kebabs and chops before you could say “Barbeque Night at Baharat”. The highlight of the dessert buffet was a pink chocolate fountain beckoning us with cake and fruit on sticks. There’s plenty for anyone with a sweet tooth – blueberry cake, vanilla and strawberry napoleon, pistachio and vanilla cakes, egg custard tart, mango mousse, chocolate brownies, baked almond tarts, apple pie and more. The strawberry trifle – a sweet amalgamation of pineapple, white chocolate and strawberry sponge – and the sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce were winners in my book. The nearly-burnt caramel flavour of the latter was just heavenly! With a couple more precious months left till balmy weather eludes us, I’m going to feign fatigue at the end of as many Wednesdays as I can, to keep returning for the chargrilled goodness and sweet treats that this theme night offers. Call 17 171-000. March 2018 79
dining AL SAFIR HOTEL & TOWER
Brunch Debut Liz O’Reilly visited this new launch for a happy surprise. When I heard that Al Safir’s new Friday brunch was taking place in the Apollo Club Lounge, I was slightly concerned at the prospect of loud music and a dark, crowded feeling. I need not have worried. Making full use of the glass wall overlooking the swimming pool area, where a shawarma station had been set up, the management had created a light-filled but still intimate space – ideal for either a date lunch or a family get-together. And the music, a mix of classical and jazz, took a back seat to our lively conversation. The array of food on offer was mouthwateringly good — a bread station complete with home baked rolls, Danish pastries and doughnuts; a live omelette station; various different pastas, all cooked to your liking in front of you; an extensive selection of shellfish, sashimi, tataki and loads of salad options. The mains, too, offered a huge variety,
including laksa, chicken tikka masala, shish tawook, roast beef and many more. Some of the standouts for me were a salad dish of beetroot with orange segments – an unexpected flavour mix that combined perfectly – and apple chaat – sliced apple lightly sprinkled with chaat spices, again surprising but no less satisfying. For my main course I chose grilled fish but I couldn’t resist adding a liberal helping of shish tawook. It’s one of my all-time favourite dishes and the Al Safir version did not disappoint
Carlos & Fatima
Encanto Lounge Opening Encanto Lounge hosted a party to celebrate its soft opening at Al Safir Hotel and Tower.
80 March 2018
Call 17 827-999.
Lynda & James
James & Paola
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Hani & Jason
Supri & Natasha
,offering juicy chunks of tender chicken, seasoned to perfection. My companion does not eat meat and staff were quick to suggest various veggie and fish alternatives. But, to be honest, I think she was saving her appetite for the dessert section. A little of virtually everything found its way onto her plate and I can honestly say I have never seen this woman either so smiley or so quiet! A definite hit; I will be back.
Chris, Dama & Awan
Frank & Sara
Derek
Neelu & Karan
Antonio
Debbie & Rob
www.bahrainthismonth.com
buffets&brunches
Lemon Tree
RAMEE GRAND HOTEL & SPA
The All-Rounder A popular eatery at this sophisticated hotel has something in store for everyone.
82 March 2018
The elegant Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, ideally located in the commercial Seef district, is a luxurious home away from home for tourists and residents alike. Whether you seek high-end accommodation, worldclass dining, an exuberant night out, or end-to-end banqueting solutions, this establishment has it all under one roof. Lemon Tree, the property’s all-day dining restaurant, is a stylish eatery offering a tempting array of culinary options to guests. Located on the ground floor, the venue has earned a reputation as one of the Kingdom’s most prestigious places for casual fine dining in a child-friendly environment. It features an open, interactive kitchen and appeals to a wide range of international tastes by offering palate-pleasing flavours and textures drawn from the very best of Mediterranean, Indian, Arabic and Asian cuisines. The diner hosts Asian Nights every Thursday, from 7pm to 11pm. The lavish buffet includes Thai, Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese cuisines, accompanied by a free-flow of selected house beverages. The spread is a celebration of quintessential Asian food culture, featuring an abundance of unique tastes that are a result of using the finest Asian-inspired ingredients. This multi-sensory gastronomic experience is put together by a team of the nation’s finest and most influential chefs, who use traditional and novel methods to infuse their food with delicious and balanced flavours. The meal costs BD11 per adult with soft drinks, or
Kumar Ashwani - Director of Sales and Marketing
BD16 with a free-flow of selected house beverages. The hotel’s signature outlet also stages the Friday Family Brunch in a laid-back and elegant atmosphere. Friends and families can kick up their heels and enjoy a relaxed time from noon to 4pm. The buffet showcases cuisines from all over the globe, as well as hot favourites like pasta, sushi, sashimi and fresh fruit. It features a live cooking counter and a tempting chocolate fountain. Children can fill their stomachs with special, delicious treats laid out at the dedicated kids’ buffet. The brunch is priced at BD13++ per adult with soft drinks, or BD18++ with a free-flow of selected house beverages. Call 17 111-999 or email fnbreservation@ rameegrandbahrain.com www.bahrainthismonth.com
11BD Net
(includes softdrinks & juices)
16BD Net
All you can eat & drink (includes selected house beverages)
N A I AS T H G I N
30 % DISCOUNT FOR ALL OUR INHOUSE GUESTS
EVERY
THURSDAY 7PM TO 11PM
bystander buffets&brunches ATIRAM PREMIER HOTEL
Make Like the Irish Live entertainment at the venue
Experience a glorious cultural occasion with foot-tapping music and great fare at one of Bahrain’s popular party destinations. Celebrate St Patrick’s Day with great gusto at the Shamrocks and Shenanigans party on March 16, at Wembley Sports Lounge, located on the fourth floor of Atiram Premier Hotel, in central Juffair. It’s the time to enjoy a tipple of the ‘black stuff’, as everybody turns Irish for a day (or two!). The package offering unlimited food and selected beverages is priced at just BD21. The revelry kicks off at 12.30pm and carries on until 4pm. An extensive range of international cuisines includes live carvery and cooking stations, seafood grills, salads, pasta, desserts and much more. If you opt for the unlimited drinks package, you can guzzle limitless malt, a variety of spirits, as well as red, white and sparkling grape at the exclusive terrace bar, which also serves an assortment of house cocktails. This makes it
one of the best brunch drinks packages on the island. Prior booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Enjoy live music, with the DJR Trio performing all the top hits – old and new. You will also have the chance to sing your favourite songs with the band, for some fun karaoke. The party is followed by Ladies Night from
6pm to 8pm, which means girls can enjoy three additional complimentary selected drinks. Wembley is open daily from noon to 2am, so you can visit with your friends and experience the establishment’s fresh attitude to food, sports and entertainment. Call 33 640-009 or 33 536-448.
Malaysian Street Food Preview
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Sheraton Bahrain Hotel held a Malaysian street food menu-tasting event for the media at Soie restaurant. Cristalyn, Ian & Leslie
Georgina & Farah
Thomas, Cristalyn & Edwin
Student Farewell A farewell for students of class 12 under The New Indian School management was held at the school’s auditorium. Chairman Dr TT Thomas, director Dr V Gopalan, principal Gopinath Menon, vice principals, head teachers, members of the staff and students of grade 11 and 12 attended the ceremony. Mahmood, Sara, Hanoof, Zainab & Mariam
84 March 2018
Yousif, Sara, Hanoof & Danial
www.bahrainthismonth.com
AT REEF RESORT
Your Tropical Haven in Manama
Sunset Saloon
This resort is fast becoming one of the Kingdom’s most sought-after destinations for complete relaxation of mind, body and soul.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Located on Reef Island, just off Bahrain’s northern shore in the heart of Manama, Reef Resort is an easily accessible haven of tranquility. With scenic views of the lagoon, it provides a welcome break from the routine of city life, with its 11 two-bedroom villas, 51 luxurious suites and 40 deluxe rooms. There is a plethora of dining options available at the resort. With direct access to the poolside, Pool Delight is a bright, lively and interactive restaurant that offers lavish breakfast and lunch buffets with a diverse international fare, including fresh pizza from a show oven. This is an ideal venue for a Friday brunch, as well as an apt location for corporate events, banquets, conferences and weddings. Chocolaterie, with its stunning, white and dark interiors and lagoon backdrop, is a lobby café perfect for coffee mornings and sophisticated Arabian and English high tea. Indulge in custom-made, signature chocolates, freshly baked pastries, light gourmet fare and speciality coffees by day, and watch it transform into a fabulously elegant lounge by night. Fine Café offers stylish and refined café dining. The wooden interiors mingle with earthy colours, creating an elegant space that is captivating by night. The à la carte menu displays an exquisite blend of Mediterranean cuisines with a focus on fresh and healthy cooking. Tokyo Reef is a contemporary Japanese restaurant that flaunts a menu rich in creativity, history and Japanese culture. The vibrant energy of this restaurant exudes from the bar which serves freshly prepared sushi, sashimi and maki, in addition to other authentic Japanese fare. Shisha Lounge promises impeccable Mediterranean
hospitality, offering an indoor lounge setting, with private enclosures, as well as a relaxed outdoor terrace overlooking the pool. Apart from exotic flavoured shishas, the tempting menu comes with an enchanting twist of the Levant, to include an assortment of Lebanese grills and Arabian desserts. The Sunset Saloon affords a breathtaking view at dusk over the lagoon, and is a haven for those seeking to enjoy premium grape and cigars in a refined setting. The resort is home to the Reef Aqua Spa, with separate sections for men and women. Guests can be pampered, groomed and styled in a warm and friendly atmosphere here, by a professional team of therapists, beauticians and fitness trainers. A ladies’ hair and beauty salon is located within the female section, offering Elemis products – the UK’s leading skincare line. The sauna, steam, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, as well as the fitness studios have dedicated areas for men and women and are fully equipped with the best amenities one can get. There are two outdoor, temperature-controlled swimming pools – a 5,000 square metre infinity-edged adult pool and a separate sand pool for younger guests. Flanked by lush palm trees and gardens, they feature a sandy beach. Snacks and drinks can be ordered around the pool from Kids Re-treat. An enthusiastic team of hosts and guides conducts engaging activities for young guests in the two carefully designed kids’ play areas, located in safe and exclusive zones. Call 13 110-110. March 2018 85
DINING
this month
From London with Love, p88
Food at Your Fingertips, p90
Transcending Borders Hidden Gems, p92
View more info online
86 March 2018
There’s a fresh new eatery that speaks a language of gastronomic tradition with a modern, international accent. The name ‘Miam’ translates to ‘yummy’ in French, and that’s just the type of food that diners savour at Miam Bakery-Café & Restaurant, located in Galleria Mall, Zinj. This chic eatery aims to offer a new concept for welltravelled connoisseurs of fine fare, who value and appreciate timeless elegance and authentic flavours, a notion conveyed by a beautiful world map hanging on a prominent wall of the venue. The idea behind the restaurant’s concept is symbolised by its mascot, the robin, a bird that doesn’t really belong to any particular land, and is known for easily adapting to its environment. Likewise, the food at Miam is not confined within territorial borders. A spokesperson for the restaurant says: “Miam does not have a nationality; the food here is a mix of favourites from across the globe. The idea is to bring to our guests the best-loved dishes of the world, and to even be challenged at how well we make it! Ultimately, what brings people together here is the fantastic quality of food.” The restaurant has a classic touch of an Ernest Hemingway era that’s romanticised in today’s age, but least so in a gimmicky way. It has been lovingly conceptualised and brought to the public after ensuring that everything – the food, the furnishings, the warm and friendly service and the intangible vibe that it exudes – ties together perfectly. With its Neo-
classic décor, heavenly aromas floating in from the bakery and simple, delicious food, it provides clientele with a homely feeling, a far cry from the usual stiffness of fine dining. The restaurant is abuzz with patrons right from breakfast in the early mornings to dinner in the evenings. Some diners are known to get so comfortable in the cosy space that they walk in for a hearty breakfast, sit through a leisurely lunch and leave only after an invigorating afternoon tea. Seventy per cent of first-time patrons have become regular customers, and herein lies the real reward for the establishment. www.bahrainthismonth.com
The outlet endeavours to stage various themes and food festivals on a regular basis, to keep things new and exciting for patrons’ palates. “Besides what is already on the menu, we will have new surprises every week and offer daily specials outside of the menu, as we want to tap into many other regional delicacies to satisfy the curious tastes of our customers,” says the restaurant spokesperson. At Miam, one can savour a quiet meal within the calming interiors, or relish a brilliantly blended, aromatic coffee al fresco, enjoying the urban bustle of the adjoining highway. An extensive range of gourmet dishes awaits, showcasing handpicked ingredients of supreme quality. Everything, from the breads to the pastas and dressings, are freshly made in-house. Old recipes are spruced up with a tinge of contemporary craft to bring out the best in them, offering the noticeable taste of longstanding tradition all the while. Breakfast includes continental, Bahraini, Mexican and Mediterranean comfort food, to start the day right. The appetisers for lunch and dinner comprise tried-and-tested treats like mac and cheese, salmon cakes and Arayes, as well as novel dishes like the Avocado Prawns Tower. The soups and salads will have you tucking in guilt-free, for their wholesome ingredients – the colourful quinoa salad is one not to be missed. You are sure to be bowled over with the sheer variety of main courses, seafood and rice specialities, steaks, sandwiches, burgers as well as pastas and pizzas. The full-fledged bakery offers some of the best baked goods in town. The ovens here dole out 30 varieties of breads every day, including charcoal, quinoa, semolina, saffron onion, gluten-free and
www.bahrainthismonth.com
other unique assortments. Also available are scones, muffins, zattar focaccia and the likes. Dishes like Miam’s fruit burger have garnered attention for their innovation and creativity. The seasonal fruit-, berry-, and cream-filled creation has made quite a statement, being healthy, yet sinfully tasty. The multi-textured offering is so versatile that it can be enjoyed at any time of day – for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The venue’s first floor resembles a quaint scene right out of a picture book. The glasswalled space is punctuated with artistic wrought iron furniture, cheerful plants and rustic terracotta tiles. With a window looking into the state-of-the-art bakery, it is equipped to host children’s parties, where kids can have fun making their own cupcakes and
other easy treats. Miam seeks to be an active part of the melting pot that is Bahrain. It believes in the significance of giving back to the community that embraces people from various walks of life, so that nobody feels like a foreigner – a sentiment that is deep-seated in philosophy of the restaurant. It looks forward to planning many a charity event in the future, to do good for the society that has given it such recognition and adulation. With original flavours that customers keep coming back for, an endearing ambience and a service with a smile, this restaurant is set to join the list of culinary gems in Bahrain. Call 17 536-377.
March 2018 87
dining MAKI
From London with Love Savour exciting new additions from this award-winning restaurant’s London branch, that are sure to garner the same acclaim from critics and guests here on the island. Maki Bahrain introduces five new dishes, which were recently launched at its outpost in London. Enter the 4-Pleasures Maki – as the name suggests, guests will be able to experience four incredible flavours, which are bound to linger in their minds and hearts. This exquisite dish features one maki roll, combining o-toro bluefin tuna, Wagyu beef, foie gras and eel. And if that’s not enough to tantalise your palates, this wonderfully constructed roll is presented in a soy bean wrap, drizzled with several tasty toppings. “We constantly strive to innovate and create new, unique experiences for our loyal fans,” says Maki co-founder and managing partner Amer Zeitoun. “This is at the heart of what we do, and there is a lot of care and love that goes into it.”
4-Pleasures Maki
Another great example is the creation of the Matcha Yaki Udon. Hand-made in the restaurant’s kitchen, and blended with natural green tea powder, this inventive dish comprises Moroccan truffles, white truffle oil and shitake mushrooms – a noodle-lover’s paradise. The other three dishes that were successfully launched in London and have made their way to Maki Bahrain are Grilled Baby Chicken, Uni (sea urchin) Truffle Gunkan Sushi and Filo Ebi (shrimp)
Tempura Shots. Out of these, the first is, by far, one of the most delectable chicken dishes you’ll ever taste. Grilled to perfection and topped with yuzu (Japanese citrus) zest, it comes with a secret, tangy, mouthwatering sauce. Enjoy any of these dishes by booking your table at Maki Bahrain. Call 17 522-733, 36 999-102 or email maki.bahrain@olivermaki.com
Ameena, Mohammed Buzizi & Eliana
SKAL Dinner SKAL International Bahrain held a dinner at Via Brasil, Wyndham Garden Juffair.
To view more images, scan the QR code
Jano, Mohammed, Tareq & Khamis
Ahmed & Hameed
88 March 2018
Sadiq Dawani & Abual Qassim
Fuad, Mohammed & Abdulla
Hisham & Claudia
Michel & Neman
www.bahrainthismonth.com
dining
TALABAT
Food at Your Fingertips Life is easier when this popular online food ordering company caters to all your delivery needs.
90 March 2018
Are hunger pangs not letting you focus at work? Is it too late to whip up dinner at home? Well, there’s no reason any more to worry about how you are going to get your next meal, thanks to Talabat. This online food ordering platform is a convenient companion for your fast-paced lifestyle, helping you to better juggle your everyday schedule. With just a few taps on your smart device or desktop, you can access the largest selection of cuisines and eateries in Bahrain, and satisfy your cravings for the type of food you want to eat. To quickly quieten your rumbling stomach, an order can be placed for immediate delivery, or you can schedule one for later, while being able to modify your selection to ensure it suits your preferences. Whether you are looking for healthy food items, local cuisines, or exotic fare, Talabat has a plethora of options to satisfy your taste buds. Payment can be made online, or in cash upon delivery of your food. Talabat is a true homegrown success story, and a shining example for business start-ups in the Middle East. Over a decade ago, a small group of entrepreneurs launched Talabat in Kuwait. The aim was to create an online food ordering service that gives people access to restaurants in an easy and efficient manner, all from the ease of their home or office. With just a few clicks on the screen, customers could easily order food to be delivered to their location, from a wide variety of restaurants, ranging from global franchises to local concepts. What started as a vision soon turned into a reality and Talabat’s success grew beyond Kuwait and expanded to the rest of the GCC region as well as Jordan. In 2015, Talabat became part of Delivery Hero, the leading global online food ordering and delivery marketplace. Fast-forward to 2017, Talabat became
the largest and most popular food ordering app in the region, connecting users to more than 4,000 restaurants that cater to all palates. “Talabat links restaurants with customers through its platform, offering a win-win solution to both hungry customers and great restaurants, staying true to the brand promise of bringing an amazing takeaway experience,” says Talabat CEO Abdulhamid Alomar. The company has been quelling Bahrain’s hunger from the time it has launched here in 2012, and has been providing a fantastic online food ordering experience ever since. New services have been recently added to the market, such as Talabat GO, the company’s own delivery fleet, bringing a faster and trackable ordering experience to its customers. Visit www.talabat.com/bahrain or download the Talabat App on iOS and Android devices. www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Sherry
Anne
Sumaya
Faye
Ghada
Elham
Lynne
Maheen
AWA Meeting The American Women’s Association held its general meeting at the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain with the theme of Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day combined. Karen, Lubna & Jean
Nabeela, Savi, Angela, Beverley, Sharon & Flora
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Hala, Hatoon & Shaikha Reem
Rose & Georgette
March 2018 91
dining
HIDDEN GEMS IN BAHRAIN
BAAN SAENG THAI by BILL GRIEVE
H
idden away, almost invisible, this Thai culinary treasure trove with lots of parking and easy access might easily be missed when driving down Sheikh Isa Avenue. An authentic Thai chef guarantees a treat of hand-made, fresh and spicy gastronomic delights from real Thai recipes and ingredients that will lure you back regularly. The small, well-decorated and lit entrance displays traditional Thai artwork and a running water feature with beautiful koi carp. Walking up the wooden steps, a strong odour of Thai hardwood and furniture oil brings back memories of old buildings and hotels in days gone by.
The interior will stun you with its enormity and seating arrangements. The staff are traditionally dressed with “Sawadika” welcome patrons on arrival. The expansive dining hall and traditional seating offers almost all configurations in what can only be described as a true Thai environment. The food is outstanding and good value for money but remember “spicy” means “spicy” and the Thai words “pèt mâak mâak” (very spicy) should be used with caution! It would be an error not to try the Tom Yam traditional Thai seafood soup, which is out of this world and almost addictive. One thing is for sure – if you haven’t tried the Baan Saeng Thai restaurant in Adliya, you have missed out on one of the real hidden treasures of Bahrain. Call 17 715-775 or visit www.hotelseashell.com
Laura, Luciano & HE Domenico Bellato
Swiss Fondue Dinner Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain hosted a traditional Swiss Fondue dinner at Silk’s restaurant. General manager, Pasquale Baiguera, welcomed Italian ambassador, HE Domenico Bellato, German ambassador, HE Alfred Simms-Protz and Honorary Consul of Switzerland, HE Humbert Vincent Buemi, along with invited guests. Pasquale, Salman Al Mahmeed, Sumaya, HE Alfred Simms-Protz & Karim
To view more images, scan the QR code Silvia, Perwin & Anne
Management and guests
92 March 2018
www.bahrainthismonth.com
tablehopping
LOVE FROM LEBANON Lebanese casual café concept, Bebabel, made its debut recently at The Avenues – Bahrain. With a spacious, chic interior and ample outdoor seating, Bebabel is the perfect destination for a quick and healthy lunch break, light evening bite, or a cosy dine-in. Diners can enjoy the eatery’s progressive Lebanese cuisine that is globally inspired and prepared with fresh local ingredients, served in a stylish setting. The café serves mezes, tapas, salads and desserts, along with its special breakfast menu. Choose from a variety of Saletti – Bebabel’s healthier take on spaghetti, the shareable ‘Talatas’ – an appetising choice of three hot or cold mezes, or bite into a Tarha – a flatbread that comes in a combination of delicious options. Call 16 670-317.
LEARN ITALIAN COOKING Gather for an intimate evening on March 24 with Michelin-starred chef Oliver Glowig and chef de cuisine Alfonso Ferraioli, the masterminds behind the award-winning Primavera Italian restaurant, from 3pm-7pm. Learn the master techniques of a seasoned chef as you prepare a four-course Italian meal in Primavera’s private kitchen. After the fun session, end the night indulging in your own creations in true Italian spirit! The event is priced at BD45++ with special beverage pairings, or BD35++ with non-alcoholic pairings. The prep, cooking demonstration and a Ritz-Carlton apron signed by chef Oliver Glowig are included. Advance reservations are required. Call 17 586-499.
TREATING MUM
Baharat at the Le Méridien Bahrain City Centre will stage a special Mother’s Day themed Barbeque Night on March 21, from 7pm-11pm. A stylish yet rustic experience awaits you on the terrace of Baharat, featuring barbeque ribs, Wagyu prime rib steak and much more. Enjoy live music from South African duo, The Deux Song. The buffet costs BD18 including soft drinks and water, or BD24 including selected free flow of beverages. Call 17 171-144.
HELLO BRAZIL Take a journey into the vibrant world of Brazilian cuisine and live entertainment at Via Brasil at the Wyndham Garden Manama. This all-you-can-eat rooftop barbeque restaurant uses the Churrasco cooking style and serves unlimited meat cuts. The passadores (meat waiters) come to your table with knives and skewers, which hold various kinds of meat, beef, lamb, chicken and even pineapple. You can choose from a wide selection of salads, hot appetisers and side dishes to complement your meal. Opt for indoor or outdoor seating to enjoy the meat treats. Call 66 316-666.
ONE WITH THE STARS
Join executive chef Brian Becher and his team as the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay celebrates the movie industry’s biggest event – the Oscars – with the Red Carpet Lunch at CUT by Wolfgang Puck, from March 4-11. Come walk the red carpet, savour the celebrity chef’s favourite dishes and feel like a true Hollywood star at the venue. The two-course menu, with tea or coffee, is priced at BD14++. Call 17 115-044.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
When? Ongoing Event? Bao’licious Menu Venue? Meisei Restaurant Enjoy naturally-coloured and uniquely flavoured Bao buns from the menu. E Call 17 007-770. When? Every Day (Excluding Tuesdays) Event? Early Bird Offer Venue? Teatro Downtown Rotana Dine out with a super saver by stopping daily from 6pm to 8pm and get 25 per cent off the bill from the à la carte food menu. E Call 13 119-999. When? Upto March 23 Event? Friday Art Gallery Brunch Venue? Bahrain Bay Kitchen, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Hosted in cooperation with ArtDivano concept gallery and art boutique, this innovative brunch costs BD25++, or BD35++ with selected drinks. E Call 17 115-500. When? Every Thursday Event? Chill & Grill Venue? The Harvesters Pub & Terrace, The Crowne Plaza Bahrain A fun night of good music, malt and barbeque. E Call 17 531-122. When? Every Friday Event? Friday Brunch Venue? Café Mosaic, Wyndham Garden Manama Enjoy a lavish buffet with multiple choices for BD15++ with soft drinks, or BD25++ with selected beverages. E Call 66 316-666. When? March 1-31 Event? Noodles Promotion Venue? China Garden, Gulf Hotel Bahrain Discover Lamian noodles made by twisting, stretching and folding dough in the unique method originating in China. E Call 17 713-000. When? March 11 Event? Indian Cooking Class Venue? Bahrain Bay Kitchen, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Chef Ravneet Manchanda will be inspiring class attendees as he reveals all of his secrets while teaching you how to prepare several classic Indian favourites for BD20++. E Call 17 115-500.
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BRUNCH AT NIGHT The Royal Golf Club has launched the Thursday Night Brunch, where diners can enjoy a fabulous array of tasty dishes at the award-winning Links restaurant, delivered freshly cooked to their table, while enjoying spectacular views of the golf course and live entertainment by Thu Le. The brunch is on every Thursday, from 7pm-11pm, and costs BD26 per person inclusive of unlimited selected beverages, or BD18 with soft drinks. Call 17 751-262.
THE MASTERS COLLABORATE
Leading talents from Bahrain’s culinary scene – executive chef Brian Becher, re/ Asian Cuisine by Wolfgang Puck; chef Pierre Chambon – executive pastry chef, Wolfgang Puck; and chef Michael Sang Kyu-Lee – Remza Group F&B director and executive chef Meisei restaurant – will combine their expertise for a one-of-akind adventure for the senses at Meisei restaurant, Adliya on March 8, 8pm-11pm, for BD39++. In celebration of gastronomic excellence, guests will enjoy a ninecourse tasting menu with two desserts, followed by a special rooftop party. Call 17 007-770.
A SWEET CELEBRATION Be prepared to comfort your longing for authentic French pastries on March 18. Discover the taste of authentic, miniature European pastries prepared by executive pastry chef, Chef Anis, in a never witnessed before Petit Gateaux Festival at Macaron Lobby & Lounge, Sofitel Bahrain Thalassa Sea & Spa. Treat yourself to tempting desserts and indulge in a world of deliciously baked pastries. Call 17 636-363.
SPICE UP THE NIGHT Savour delectable curries and traditional Indian delicacies at the Indian Night, every Thursday at Sheraton Bahrain Hotel’s Al Safir Restaurant, from 7.30pm-11.30pm. Popular dishes include tandoori chicken, lamb biryani, Bengal fish, palak paneer, black dal makhani, naan bread and many more. An Indian duo will entertain you with favourite Indian music, while you savour authentic dishes at just BD10++ per person. Call 17 533-533.
HOP OVER TO BRUNCH
Celebrate a spectacular Easter brunch at Gallery Lobby, Silk’s Restaurant, and Flamingo Bar at the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain, March 30. You can relax while the kids join the Easter Bunny on a giant egg hunt, with face painting, balloon arts with live performance, and music by the DJ. It is priced at BD36, including a live cooking station, buffet, entertainment and unlimited drinks. Call 17 460-017.
SUSHI GALORE Teatro at Downtown Rotana knows how to turn Tuesday evenings into an endless delicious experience. Enjoy authentic Japanese delicacies and tempt your senses with the Infinite Sushi Night, every Tuesday, from 6pm-10pm. Feast on all your family favourites such as Volcano Maki, Lobster Maki, Crispy California Maki, Rainbow Rolls, Yellow Fin Tuna Sashimi, Salmon Nigiri and more, throughout the evening, for just BD15++ or BD22++ including unlimited drinks. It’s all-you-can-eat like never before! Call 13 119-999. 94 March 2018
When? March 16-23 Event? Mother’s Day Celebrations Venue? Saraya, Fiamma, La Mer, Pashawat and Tapas, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa The hotel pays homage to all mothers with a heartfelt 50 per cent off when they dine in at its restaurants. E Call 17 636-363. When? March 16 Event? St. Patrick’s Day Brunch Venue? Gallery Lobby, Silk’s and Flamingo Bar, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain Enjoy Irish delicacies priced at BD36 including live DJ and a European band performing popular Irish songs with unlimited drinks. E Call 17 460-0017. When? March 17 Event? Mom + Me Pastry Class Venue? La Med, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Kids and moms have a fun afternoon of together-time as they bake and decorate a special Mother’s Day pastry with executive pastry chef Jonathon Challenor. E Call 17 586-499. When? March 19 onwards Event? Burger Promotion Venue? Tapas, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Entertain your burger cravings with a juicy and mouthwatering collection of unique burgers. E Call 17 636-363. When? March 20-27 Event? Gulf Night Out Venue? Gulf Hotel Bahrain Enjoy themed dining with a variety of cuisines from 10 fine dining outlets and live cooking stations for BD 19++. E Call 17 713-000. When? March 21 Event? Mother’s Day Venue? Gallery Lobby, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain Spoil your mum with a special bubbly high tea, offering delicious pastries, sandwiches and cakes, priced at BD60 including a complimentary 30-minute massage voucher. E Call 17 460-0017. When? March 21 and 22 Event? Passagiata Venue? Primavera, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Welcome spring with pass-around tastings of the new Spring menu, for BD20++. E Call 17 586-499.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
What’s New Edited by Apple Sharma
Spike and Stud Inspired by geometric patterns, this lolaandgrace bracelet has a strong rock appeal and features unique details – spike with granulation, stud with pavé, easy to handle stretch band. The brand’s cool mix and match sautoirs and necklaces are perfect for layering. Available at A La Mode outlets.
Make an Entrance Hackett London’s new Journey suit for Spring/Summer 2018 is the perfect choice for the man on the move. Anti-bacterial, waterrepellent, resilient, hygroscopic and anti-perspirant, it offers comfort and breathability, comes in a navy and grey colourway. Available at Hackett London, City Centre Bahrain.
Exceptional Timepieces One for Hublotistas in Bahrain – discover the latest Hublot watch collections as it introduces its first novelties for 2018. Different and unique, the varied collection ranges from new Big Bang models to timeless, stylish and artistic Classic Fusions. Available at Hublot Boutique, Moda Mall.
Tone on Tone
Treat Your Mum
Unleash your inner goddess with Sarah’s Secret lingerie. The latest product line includes lacey briefs and bras in matching colours. It has something for everyone – from hipster-style and string panties to push-up, non-padded and T-shirt bras – take your pick! Available at Sarah’s Secret, City Centre Bahrain.
These handbags and trainers by MICHAEL Michael Kors make the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. The vibrant flower applications lend a glamorous appeal to any look. Choose your favourite bag and pair it with the matching sneakers! Available at Michael Kors, City Centre Bahrain. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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marketplace BAHRAIN ARTISTIC FRAMES CENTRE
A Gallery With Legacy This specialist framing company is supporting local artists with an excellent new display space.
Bahrain Artistic Frames Centre (BAFC) marked the opening of a new gallery to showcase local talents with an exhibition featuring some of the island’s and the region’s most creative artists. The launch was performed by Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, honorary president of Bahrain Arts Society and himself a talented artist. Also in attendance was Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Deputy Interior Minister. The light-filled space, located in Hoora’s bustling Exhibition Avenue, proved the ideal venue to showcase the works of Bahrainis classical painter Abbas Al Mosawi, contemporary artist Mariam Fakhro, sculptor Khalil Al Hashimi and photorgrapher Mahdi Al Jallawi alongside Iraqis Haider Ali, a classical painter, and calligrapher Haider Al Shaibani. The VIP guests were welcomed by BAFC directors, Ali Asgar Shafiq and Quaid Johar Shafiq, who said they were thrilled at the show of support from Shaikh Rashid who had worked with their father, centre founder Shabbir Shafiq (pictured left with Shaikh Rashid), in the early days of Bahrain Arts Society. Shabbir Shafiq established BAFC in 1982 but the family business goes back 80 years in India and Ali and Quaid are the third generation following this path. The company now boasts five shops spread across the Kingdom, including the outlet opposite the new gallery, and management says it is proud to support local artists by providing them with a laboratory and workshop area to develop their work as well as space to exhibit their creations. Shaikh Rashid took time to examine the works on display including those by Abbas, whose large canvases take their inspiration from the classic life scenes found in Manama’s old souq. The painter says he is delighted that the new facility will offer local artists a chance to exhibit their works right in the heart of the community. He told Gulf Weekly: “The location is brilliant, being in the centre of Manama and close to the frame shop which is great for artists. Not only will people be able to admire the different styles of work but there will also be an array of events, workshops and lectures for people to enjoy.” Mariam Fakhro is known for her local scenes often depicting homes and village scenes. Declaring herself impressed with the set-up she added that the new facility is just what Bahrain’s thriving art scene needs; more spaces for artists to display their talents. Prize-winning photographer and architect, Mahdi, is famed on the island as the first photographer to have his work featured on the Kingdom’s postage stamps. A member of the Bahrain Arts Society Photo Club, he exhibited his collection of urban fabric and traditional images saying this new medium was typical of those featured in the opening exhibition – each artist taking the opportunity of the new space to showcase nontraditional materials and techniques. 96 March 2018
www.bahrainthismonth.com
“We have been given this chance to experiment and try out new things, thanks to BAFC. If they had not provided us with this gallery, then we, perhaps, would not have been able to express ourselves as artistically as we would want to,� he said. Khalil Al Hashimi, who works predominantly in bronze, stone and wood, also displayed a new material. He recently turned dark Emperador marble from Egypt into what resembles a sail boat that is featured at the 44th Annual Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition. For the future there are plans for free workshops and lectures, led by professionals from both the Kingdom and around the world. Initially classes will feature painting, calligraphy and photography as well as other subjects.
Mob: 36124888; email: raj@bahrainartframing.com www.bahrainthismonth.com
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marketplace
INTERCOL
Creativity Made Easy This compact photo printer offers the creativity you need in a stylish and portable package.
98 March 2018
Designed for compact on-the-go printing, the new Canon SELPHY CP1300 is your definite choice; a wireless compact photo printer, it is the perfect portable lab-quality photo printer for use at home and on the go. Simply print with AirPrint, from your camera’s memory card, or from Facebook and Instagram with the Canon PRINT app, so your memories are ready to share wherever you are. You can even print fun collages with friends from multiple devices with Party Shuffle Print, or 2inx6in photo booth layout prints. You choose the right size for the right photo – from 4inx6in, 2.1inx2.1in square and even sticker paper; they’re all made to last up to 100 years and are even water resistant. And you can take the SELPHY CP1300 almost anywhere with the optional battery pack. With the tilting 3.2in LCD screen, it’s easy to choose, edit and print your favourite photos. And with the optional battery pack, take your SELPHY with you and print from almost anywhere right from your smartphone or memory card. You can also use your camera and SELPHY CP1300 together at your next party to make a photo booth. Take fun shots, then print them in photo booth mode which lets you produce two strips of four images each on 4inx6in paper. Just cut in half for photo strips to present to your guests. With the Party Shuffle feature, all your friends can
send images from their Smartphones to the CP1300 which will combine them into a collage that you can print out and share. Everyone will want a copy! Small and neat, this printer is easy to carry for fast, reliable, lab-quality photo printing anywhere you go. Print up to 54 photos with the optional high capacity battery. Core Features: • • • • • • • •
Dye-Sub Technology allows your prints to last for 100 years and is instantly dry. Print from your favourite device from any room in the house with Wi-Fi. Print straight from your iPhone and iPad with Airprint. The sleek and portable design lets you take your SELPHY almost anywhere. Various print sizes for all your crafting needs, from stickers and square to 4inx6in. Improved user interface with intuitive control with the tilting 3.2in LCD screen. Print from memory cards or USB with ease. Take your printing on the go with the optional battery pack.
The Canon SELPHY CP1300 Printer is distributed by International Agencies Co Ltd. Call 17 727-177 or email canonsales@intercol.com www.bahrainthismonth.com
UNLOCK THE FUN
Get crafty and creative. Print wirelessly, long-lasting photo-lab quality images quickly and easily, from your smartphone or digital camera with the user-friendly SELPHY Compact Photo Printer.
Live for the story_
marketplace THE DIPLOMAT RADISSON BLU HOTEL, RESIDENCE & SPA
New and Improved
Kosta Kourotsidis
One of Bahrain’s favourite hotels has seen an extensive overhaul that is making heads turn.
100 March 2018
The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa welcomed its first guests in the early ‘80s and has a history of hospitality spanning 37 years in Bahrain. Having undergone major renovations, it has a revamped feel and character, and is poised to be the market leader in the country’s luxury hotel segment. “Being located in a prime area of Manama, the hotel has always enjoyed a special status in Bahrain,” says general manager Kosta Kourotsidis. “I’m sure guests will love the enhanced product and a new, sophisticated ambience.” With its refashioned blue and beige interior, the lobby exudes contemporary elegance. Floor-to-ceiling columns, bearing glass panels embossed with arabesque patterns, partner perfectly with the statement hues. It is evident that much thought has gone into sprucing up the place to make it modern and welcoming, including the finer details like the upbeat pipe music that instantly lifts the mood and gives the hotel a classy-chic vibe. “We have added a new outlet in the lobby, called Royal Café, where guests and visitors can have casual meetings, a cup of tea or coffee and a bite to eat,” adds Kosta. The café’s menu offers snacks and beverages, and the display counter holds tempting
pastries to savour. Olivos, the all-day-dining restaurant has been given a complete facelift as well. Guest rooms have been fully refurbished and echo the same cool, blue sentiment as seen at the entrance. “Besides being tastefully appointed, we are very proud that the rooms have been instated with the latest technology,” says Kosta. “They are equipped with IPTVs as also Apple TVs, sensor lighting and bedside docking stations. So, besides having a very pleasing ambience, the rooms also fulfil the technological needs of today’s guests.” Besides anticipating guests’ needs and delighting them with world-class service, the hotel has gone the extra mile to engage with visitors, thereby giving them a ‘home away from home’ experience. One such example is the Blu Route, that contributes to the guests’ wellbeing, even when they are outside their familiar space. “The Blu Route is a mapped-out path around the property’s vicinity that fitness enthusiasts can follow on their smart device when they want to step out for a jog or a walk,” says Kosta. “There are two routes to select from, which can be accessed on Google Maps through the hotel’s website.” Call 17 531-666. www.bahrainthismonth.com
LIALI JEWELLERY
Shop from Liali Boutiqe at City Centre Bahrain. Call 17 178-160 for details. www.bahrainthismonth.com
March 2018 101
bystander
DJ Night
Eric & Mena
Mary, Yoyo & Natcha
Margaret & Waddah
DJ Peekaboo & DJ Rone Jaxx
Atiram Premier Hotel held a DJ night party at Cavallo Club. Enry & DJ Rone Jaxx
Gertrude, Jacquline, Cunegonde, Michel & Jacquie
Enry, Steve, Prakash & Akshay
Ali & Ahmad
Spartan Race The Spartan Race took place at the Bahrain International Circuit.
To view more images, scan the QR code
Ebrahim, Abdulla, Jamal & Mohammed
Vanessa, John, Sandra & Miraya
Zainab & Saad Manal & Ahmed
Ivana
102 March 2018
Freedie & Marwan
Abdul Rahman, Ahmed & Nazer
Esraa & Mark
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Yasmin & Fatya
Corporate Party The InterContinental Regency Bahrain held its annual corporate party at its premises in Manama.
Ali & Mohammed
To view more images, scan the QR code
Jan, Christa & Leslie
Tanya & Kiran
Sara, Abdulla & Natalia
Mohammed, Jan, Hatai & Khalifa Rumeihi
Ruth & Jean Paul
Eunic, Mon & Joel
www.bahrainthismonth.com
March 2018 103
marketplace ROYAL BAHRAIN HOSPITAL
Save Your Pearly Whites
Do you know that visiting an endodontist can save you a whole lot of trouble in the future? The expert from this reputed hospital explains how. Endodontists are dental specialists who perform root canal treatment and other endodontic procedures to treat dental infections, relieve pain and help patients retain their natural teeth without removal. Of the several treatments available, it is vital to weigh your options and their impact on your future dental health and lifestyle. Besides comprehensive endodontic care, the Royal Dental Studio at Royal Bahrain Hospital (RBH) focuses on preventive measures, like early detection and control of caries, prevention of gum diseases and gum care. Tooth decay, if diagnosed in the early stages, can be restored without a root canal treatment. “According to a recent survey by the American Association of Endodontists, 67 per cent of patients worldwide express fear of
pain as their biggest concern even before undergoing a root canal treatment, rather than the treatment itself,” says Dr Arulselvam Stalin, specialist endodontist at RBH’s Royal Dental Studio. Endodontic management is carried out with proper local anaesthesia and advanced rotary endodontic techniques, so that the vast majority of patients feel comfortable during and after the procedure. Taking proper medication (antibiotics or pain killers) and carefully following the instructions of the endodontist helps the teeth subsequently return to normal. Studies show that getting a root canal treatment to save your tooth is a simpler, longlasting solution than having a diseased tooth removed and replaced with prosthesis, which is more complex, time-consuming and less costeffective. Teeth with well-treated root canal fillings and restorations will last for many years, if not a lifetime. There is nothing better than retaining your natural teeth. So, go ahead and preserve your pearly whites.
Dr Arulselvam Stalin
Call 17 246-800, WhatsApp on 32 181-810, book online on www.royalbahrainhospital.com or download the Royal Bahrain Hospital Mobile App on iOS and Android devices.
Zhang & Bruno
Sara
Italian Master Chef Cucina Italian restaurant held the grand final of its fifth season of Italian Master Chef at its premises in Juffair.
To view more images, scan the QR code
Carlo, Laura, HE Domenico Bellato & Ibrahim Warda
Wafa, Nadia, Tim & Manisha
104 March 2018
Ibrahim & Mirna
Jagath & May
Zainab & Anuradha
Hamed
www.bahrainthismonth.com
marketplacebusinessbites
Jobs Outlook Positive The Bayt.com Middle East Job Index Survey has revealed a positive outlook for the job market in the region, with the great majority (86 per cent) of companies saying they will be hiring in the next year, and nearly three quarters (73 per cent) saying they will be hiring in the next three months. Furthermore, more than four in five working respondents (81 per cent) claim that their company has ‘hired new employees in the last 12 months’. The Bayt.com Job Index, released bi-annually and conducted by Bayt.com, is an in-depth study that tracks job availability and hiring trends in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market and provides an understanding of the required skills and qualifications. See further details of the report online at www.bahrainthismonth.com
Record Profits Announced Bahrain Cinema Company (Cineco), which operates 49 screens in the country, announced a record net profit of BD34.70 million for 2017, a huge jump on the BD4.87 million reported during 2016. Earnings per share (EPS) for 2017 were 438 fils as against the EPS of 62 fils in 2016. The remarkable increase in net profit is due to the sale of 50 per cent of the assets of the City Centre Cinema location for BD19.5 million, and also the resultant fair value increase due to revaluation of the remaining 50 per cent of the remaining assets of that venue.
The operating revenue for the financial year ended December 31, 2017, was BD14.84 million compared with BD22.88 million the previous year, down 35.14 per cent due to the income and expenses of Cineco 20, City Centre being accounted in a separate associate company. Commenting on the company’s overall performance, Cineco chairman Dr Esam Abdulla Fakhro says: “Over the years, we have been at the forefront of the entertainment industry in the Kingdom through our provision of constantly evolving, pioneering technology
Dr Esam Abdulla Fakhro
and exemplary services. We have created countless memorable experiences for moviegoers, which in turn consolidates our leading position in the Kingdom. And, as our financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2017 highlights, we have impressively sustained that trend during the past year as well.
70 Years of Culinary Innovation
Hasan Barakat
New Face in Sales The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa Bahrain has appointed Hasan Barakat as its new director of sales and marketing. Hasan, a British-Jordanian national, is a dynamic hotelier with extensive experience in five-star properties across the Middle East and Europe. His recent position was in a group role KATARA Hospitality Qatar. Speaking of the appointment, general manager Kosta Kourotsidis says: “It is great to have Hasan on board during such an exciting time for us. Hasan has a proven track record of delivering results without losing focus on clients’ needs and market developments. His commitment to people development and his skills will make Hasan a great asset to have in our hotel.” www.bahrainthismonth.com
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is witnessing a burst of gastronomic vision and flavour as its parent company, the Mövenpick Group, celebrates seven decades of culinary excellence and innovation. To mark the company’s 70th anniversary, its food and beverage director Europe, Thomas Hollenstein, and his team of chefs, unveiled a menu of seven remarkable dishes that marry the old with the new – popular classics and guest favourites reimagined for the modern palate, inspired by cuisines
and gastronomy trends from around the world. The ‘70 years of culinary excellence’ promotion, available in restaurants at all Mövenpick properties globally from March 10 to April 20, introduces seven inventive dishes that pay tribute to Ueli Prager, who, when founding the Mövenpick brand in 1948, redefined the European restaurant scene and paved the way for a new style of modern hospitality, based on a simple premise: ‘doing normal things in an extraordinary manner’.
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travel Clockwise from left: The island is famous for Lefkaritika; flamigoes flock to the Salt Lake outside Larnaca; ancient temple columns in Kato Paphos Archaeological Park; enjoy local fare at restaurants like 7 St George; pay homage at Aphrodite’s rock; iconoclasts at the Church of St Lazarus.
106 March 2018
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Short hop CYPRUS This island is rich in culture, tradition and retail and at under four hours flying time, it’s a great weekend break option. Cyprus is the ideal destination for the avid shopper. From unique pottery to the famous handmade embroidery, Lefkaritika, silverware and textiles, its many and varied street markets and malls hold something for everyone. There are direct flights from Bahrain to Larnaca, the island’s oldest and third largest city, which sits on the southern coast. Should you decide not to venture further afield, Larnaca offers plenty to see and do. As well as being the home of Lefkaritika, the city is known for Finikoudes Beach, a sandy strip in the centre backed by a palm-lined seaside promenade. Just offshore, the MS Zenobia wreck is a popular scuba diving site. And the ninth-century Church of Saint Lazarus contains the tomb of the saint said to have risen from the dead. Take a trip to the west of Larnaca to Salt Lake, a complex of four salt lakes with a really interesting ecosystem. The nearby Hala Sultan Tekke historic lakefront mosque is an important Muslim pilgrimage surrounded by a gorgeous garden. Head to Paphos, on the island’s south west coast, an area steeped in history and tradition. The birthplace of Aphrodite, there are many sites relating to the cult of the goddess. And, as well as the bustling new city and harbour, there are the ancient ruins of tombs, fortresses, theatres and villas at Paphos Archaeological Park. Eat meze at 7 St Georges Tavern, with the larger-than-life George Demetriades and his sons Ben and Damian at the helm. Avid believers in sourcing locally and seasonally, they grow all their vegetables organically on a small farm nearby. In truth, there is so much to see and do in Cyprus that a weekend is hardly long enough, the Troodos Mountains, in the centre of the island, are worthy of a trip all by themselves. But, if your stay’s limited and you also want to fit in some beach time, then Larnaca and Paphos are good bets and the island is small enough that it’s possible to explore a good chunk of it in just a few days. Remember, Cyprus is split between the Turkish-controlled north and the Greek south. Crossing between the two areas should not be a problem for EU passport holders. Other visitors should check advice before going.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
March 2018 107
bystander OTHER EVENTS
CrediMax chief executive, Yousif Ali Mirza congratulated Sameer Qassim Fakhroo, winner of its 2017 ‘CrediMax Gives You More’ campaign. He took home the grand prize, an Audi A8 model 2018. The Ducati Owners’ Club held its first annual members meeting at the Ducati Experience Centre (BIC) along with the Wheels of Arabia launch of the new Ducati Panigale V4. CrediMax held its annual staff gathering and award event at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.
The German Embassy met with cruise ship passengers from Germany at Bab Al Bahrain.
City Centre Bahrain announced Shuwi Li as the winner of BD5,000 in mall gift cards from its Winter Campaign.
Audi Centre Bahrain organised the Audi Sport Driving Experience at Bahrain International Circuit.
A signing ceremony between Gulf Air Group and Bahrain Duty Free Company took place at Downtown Rotana.
108 March 2018
The Autumn Fair 2018 took place at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre and was inaugurated by the CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, HE Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander OTHER EVENTS
Al Areen Palace & Spa hosted the first HRians gathering ‘The Exuberance of HRians’ in Bahrain. The event aimed to bring together all human resource professionals from different five-star hotels to discuss modern issues and challenges in HR.
Lebanese casual café concept, Bebabel made its debut at The Avenues Bahrain, at a grand opening hosted by Dory Rizk, CEO of Afkar Holding and Babel Restaurants, Lebanon.
The Bahrain SMEs Society organised the National Business Agenda Forum 2018 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel, Manama, Bahrain Bay.
Capital Club hosted a media lunch featuring Latin-American culinary duo, Argentinian Nicholas Lopez and Mexican Sergio Meza, co-founders of Villanos en Bermudas.
The Westin Hotel Bahrain City Centre hosted an exclusive dinner at Furn restaurant.
Bahrain Garden Show held a press conference at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre.
The US Ambassador, HE Justin Siberell, visited Jawad Group restaurant, Papa John’s Pizza, at Amwaj Lagoon with group chairman and CEO, Faisal Jawad, giving a tour of the premises.
The Inter School Cricket Quiz final round by Charu Sharma took place at the Indian School auditorium and was held under the patronage of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Bahrain’s Subway Sandwich Showdown took place as part of a regional community engagement activity.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Wyndham Garden Manama hosted an evening feast of Indian cuisine at its newly opened Jashan restaurant.
March 2018 109
tarotscope
PISCES
Feb 22 – March 20 Health issues will be at the top of the agenda for many of you this month and you need to make sure you see through any medical complaint to its conclusion, rather than leave it to chance. You have been suffering in silence, hoping it will just go away, but, to be honest, you need to get the problem dealt with otherwise it could develop into something far worse. On the money front, you may find that a parent comes to your aid to help you out of a tricky financial situation and you will be pleased to note that, from thereon in, things will be a lot rosier as far as your bank balance is concerned. Card of the Month — Temperance For a detailed, personalised Tarotscope reading, contact Raphael by email: raphael@tarotscope.org.uk
ARIES March 21 – April 20 Love is in the air this month and, for those of you looking for a new relationship, it could come in the form of a strongminded, flame-haired woman or a shy but attractive man. Either way, it is going to prove a very exciting time for your sign, although in more general terms the whole of the month is certainly going to be eventful. Where it goes from here is anybody’s guess but if I was going to place a bet on something long-term happening, I’d be pretty confident of winning the jackpot. Card of the Month — The Six of Pentacles
TAURUS April 21 – May 20 March is going to be all about career for you and those of you who have recently switched jobs are likely to find yourselves revelling in the change. Suddenly, everything you could have wanted from a job will be set out before you and you’ll feel confident and optimistic about the future in a way you may not have felt for some time. On the family front, a relative will approach you for financial assistance, and whilst you might have reason to question the reasons behind their request, don’t be too quick to dismiss their call for help if you can manage it. Card of the Month — The Pope 110 March 2018
GEMINI May 21 – June 20 You should be feeling so much better about yourself and the circumstances you find your life in right now, and yet for many of you, that just doesn’t appear to be the case. Perhaps you’re struggling with internal confidence issues; maybe you just aren’t looking at the bigger picture? Whatever the reasons for your dilemma, the one thing you need to find, and quickly, is some driving motivation. You are currently sitting at the centre of a huge series of opportunities and yet you just can’t seem to grasp the benefits that surround you. Card of the Month — The Lovers
CANCER June 21 – July 20 It’s going to hit you like a thunderbolt this month but you’re suddenly going to realise that the ‘one that got away’ in your life is still a significant factor for you. It will dawn on you when you happen to bump into each other at a forthcoming function and you may have to come to terms with some difficult decisions over how you deal with those feelings. On a separate matter, there could be cause for concern for those of you with children, as a medical condition that was thought to be fairly innocuous turns out to be a little more serious than was first believed. Card of the Month — The Two of Wands
LEO July 21 – August 21 You just don’t seem to be able to escape the conflict a former partner forces upon you – even though you have tried your hardest to keep them as far away from your personal life as possible. It seems that the pair of you are destined to clash in a major way, in part because there are just too many issues from your time together that were never resolved. It might not be something you are too keen to embrace but it could be a necessary evil you just have to face if you’re to reach a satisfactory conclusion to matters. Card of the Month — The Ace of Cups
VIRGO August 22 – September 21 It wouldn’t be unfair to say that you can on occasions be quite a moody person. After all, you are a water sign, and the moon, which makes drawing this card in your reading for the month quite significant, often influences your behaviour. Throughout March your feelings are going to be very erratic and it might be down to the fact that you need a break. Family disputes, a demanding job and the general rigours of everyday life have left your energy reserves a little depleted, and to get yourself back to top form is going to require some time away. Card of the Month — The Eight of Wands
LIBRA September 22 – October 21 You’re likely to find yourselves in a bit of a quandary over an invitation to a party this month, simply because it’s going to clash with another arrangement your partner has already organised. Whoever you disappoint is not going to take it well and the best solution you might have to go with is to make everyone happy and attend both! On the work front you are feeling like a change and now seems a good time as any to start looking around for an alternative. One particular option will present itself to you on the 17th and you shouldn’t be quick to discount it simply because it means considering unfamiliar territory. Card of the Month — The King of Cups www.bahrainthismonth.com
advertisers index SCORPIO October 22 – November 21 You could be forgiven for thinking that the world has been against you over the last few weeks, such has been the number of awkward and potentially disruptive situations you’ve had to face. However, the good news is that most of those fiery issues are now behind you and you can look forward to a period of sustained ‘normality’. What you should consider is how much you might be to blame for what happened and then think about how you can ensure something similar doesn’t reoccur. Card of the Month — The Hermit
SAGITTARIUS November 22 – December 21 If you’re honest, things haven’t been right in a relationship just lately. The time may have arrived for some straight talking and positive action if you care about what you have and want to prevent a long-term partnership from descending into decline. The central issue seems to revolve around a living arrangement that just doesn’t meet your expectations any more and this is leading to a build-up of stresses and pressures that are forcing an overall deterioration of matters. It’s time for you to take control and make some firm decisions. Card of the Month — The Queen of Pentacles
CAPRICORN December 22 – January 21 This month is all about change for many of you. Whether that change demonstrates itself through a new career path, fresh living arrangements or an alternative lifestyle, the fact remains that many aspects of your life will never be the same again come the end of March. You’re a very positive and outgoing sign that needs to feel free and able to express yourself across all areas of your existence, so it just might be that recent events have driven you to take drastic action to drag yourself out of a rut. Card of the Month — The Page of Pentacles AQUARIUS January 22 – February 21 There comes a time in everyone’s life when they must assess what they have in a relationship and then – if necessary – be honest enough to decide that perhaps things aren’t quite what they once were. Many of you will be at this stage in a romance and it could be that you need to accept the situation and not tie yourself to it any longer. Perhaps the time has come to step back and put yourself, rather than anyone else, first. If you feel like you’re not getting the attention you deserve then, whatever the reasons behind this, don’t try and force something that just isn’t there. Live your life and if things are meant to be then they will be. Card of the Month — The Ace of Pentacles
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Justin Bieber
Jessica Biel
Jon Bon Jovi
FAMOUS PISCES THIS MONTH
Fashion & Footwear
Motoring
Al Rashid Group (Sarah) . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Al Haddad Motors (Mercedes) . . . . . 59 Jawad Business Group (Avis) . . . . . . 21
Home & Furnishing Phoenicia Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Others Al Safir Hotel & Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Hotels & Serviced Residences
Bahrain Art Framing Centre . . . . . . . . 97
At Reef Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC
for Culture & Development) . . . . . . . . . 9
Atiram Hotels (Premier Hotel) . . . . . . 73
Embassy of Malaysia . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
National Hotels Co.:
Entertainment Plus (George’s
The Diplomat Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Marvellous Medicine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Ramee Grand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions (Gulf
Sofitel Hotels & Resorts . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Interiors) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Wyndham Garden Manama . . . . . . . . 11
Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions (Gulf
Zallaq Springs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Property Show) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Economic Development Board (Centre
Intercol:IAA (Canon) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Jewellery & Watches
Juffair Fitness Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Kewalram & Sons Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Lulu Hypermarket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Liali Jewellery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC
Yateem Airconditioning (Carrier) . . . .55
Sharif Group (Alpina) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Restaurants & Cafés Medical & Dental Services
Le Meridien (Baharat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Bahrain Specialist Hospital . . . . . . . . 33
Miam Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC
Royal Bahrain Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Coral Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27,43
University Medial Center King Abdullah
Talabat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Medical City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
The Lanterns Restaurant & Lounge . 91
Maki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
BTM retail sales outlets BAHRAIN THIS MONTH, your guide to a great way of life, is available at the following selected outlets:
● 24-Seven Minimart, all outlets
● Midway Supermarket, all outlets
● 24 Hours Market, all outlets
● Muntaza Supermarket, all outlets
● Al Hilal Bookshops, all outlets
● Other leading Cold Stores and News Stands
● Al Jazira Supermarket, all outlets ● Alosra Supermarket, all outlets ● Amwaj Islands Market, Amwaj ● Aseel Supermarket, all outlets ● Babasons Market, all outlets ● Jawad Supermarket, all outlets ● Lulu Hypermarket, all outlets ● Mega Mart, all outlets ● Metro Markets, all outlets
All Gulf Daily News home subscribers receive a complimentary copy of BTM. You can also subscribe directly by visiting www.bahrainthismonth.com For subscription enquiries and back issues of BTM, call 17 813-777.
Photos Copies of most pictures depicted in this publication (and some which aren’t) are available from Red House Marketing, 17 813-777 or email: bystander@redhousemarketing.com. March 2018 111
winwin Bahrain This Month gives readers an exclusive chance to win watches from A La Mode. To win, all you have to do is correctly answer the questions. Hint: You can find the answers in this issue of Bahrain This Month.
Who got it right?
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10
Bahrain This Month received 107 entries last month, all of which answered the questions correctly. Congratulations to everyone, particularly our three winners:
Which Bahraini band will perform at Bahrain Bay on March 17? ______________________________________________
Winner : Luz Sabanal Second Place : Arlene Dumaguit Third Place : Marifate Reyes
Which DJ will celebrate the anniversary of Apollo Lounge? ______________________________________________ Which Korean orchestra is taking part in Spring of Culture? ______________________________________________
Last month’s solutions:
1. Dreamland 2. 30 3. Paul Hardcastle 4. JJ’s 5. Ford Cortina, Mark III, TEM 853M 6. February 23 and 24, Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) 7. BD50 8. BD20 per couple 9. Chef Raman Udas 10. Fattoule
What’s the name of the boy who created marvellous medicine? ______________________________________________ Which car did Dick Potter test drive this month? ______________________________________________ What is the starting price for the exclusive deal on Mercedes-Benz AMG C 43 Coupé and Cabriolet? ______________________________________________
Name:
In which restaurant is Le Méridien’s Barbeque Night? ______________________________________________
Ad Seek:
1. Liali Jewellery
2. Patio/Ramada Manama City Centre
3. Movenpick Hotel Bahrain 4. Talabat
Address:
What is the name of the brunch party at Wembley Sports Lounge on March 16? ______________________________________________
Telephone: Email:
In which year did Talabat come to Bahrain? ______________________________________________
CPR: Entry deadline is every 15th of the month. The winner will be selected at random. Please include your full name, CPR number, address and telephone number, and mail to: Win Win, Bahrain This Month, PO Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.
Where is Miam located?
AD Seek
This is a fun game for all readers. Each of these pictures is taken from advertisements in this issue of Bahrain This Month. All you have to do is identify the ad and mark your answer below each ad clipping. So test your observation skills, and you may be a winner!
1. 112 March 2018
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4. www.bahrainthismonth.com