DINING - TECH - MOTORING
Since 1997
MARCH 2019 ~ Vol. 23 ~ Issue 3 YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE
F1 GRAND PRIX WEEKEND
SPRING OF CULTURE RETURNS
Get ready to party
All the acts and events
TRAVEL
Go Montenegro
PEOPLE
Enas Asiri
INSURANCE WHIZ
BUFFETS AND BRUNCHES
Janet Craven
BAHRAIN IRISH SOCIETY ORTHO EXPERT
Exploring the island’s favourite way to dine
Dr Dilip Malhotra
SPOTLIGHT ON BEACHES www.bahrainthismonth.com Arts
Culture
Clubs
Sports
Interviews
Lifestyle
Dining
Nightlife
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THE TEAM Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton
Bahrain This Month March 2019
Editorial Director Liz O’Reilly Contributors Behnaz Sanjana, Dick Potter, Zilia Monteiro Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Romeo San Miguel, Hatem Monem
Wow, March is certainly a bumper month on our little island. In fact, there’s so much to do, we could barely fit it all into the extended Happenings section that covers more than 60 great events. It’s the return of the annual Spring of Culture with big-name stars, exhibitions, films, fun activities for kids, workshops, walks and more. You can download the full calendar of events at www.bahrainthismonth.com And, as if that wasn’t enough, we’re also looking forward to the three-day party that is the Gulf Air Bahrain F1 Grand Prix. We’ve got a round-up of all the trackside entertainment and details of the superstar DJ performances. Aside from these mega events, there are also exhibitions, nightlife and charity beanos to be enjoyed. You’ll find all the details in the Happenings section. Our interviewees this month are a diverse group. Janet Craven, of Bahrain Irish Society, tells us what’s in store for St Patrick’s Day weekend. Enas Asiri chats about her journey to become Bahrain’s only female insurance company boss. And Dr Dilip Malhotra’s tale of the big disappointment of his long career is one that will shock. The big feature this month is Buffets and Brunches – one of the highlights of island living. From special events for Paddy’s Day and Mother’s Day to the regular Friday feasts, we’ve got you covered with more than 40 options to choose from. And in the Table Hopping pages, we’ve included a mini round-up of the F1 brunch events so far announced. We’ll be updating that throughout the month on www.bahrainthismonth.com as more news reaches us. As always, we have our regular round-ups of news from the worlds of business and motoring and the Technology and Entertainment sections reveal the latest in gadgets, games, music, films and more. This month’s Out and About pages may come as a surprise to anyone who’s ever moaned about the lack of beaches on the island, as we’ve managed to round up several spots where you can get the sand between your toes. If you don’t fancy a trip to Bahrain’s coast, perhaps European jewel Montenegro is more your cup of tea. Find out in our travel pages. Whatever you’re doing in March, make sure to check us out online for your regularly updated guide to a great way of life at www.bahrainthismonth.com
Photography Editor Muna Yousef Staff Photographers Subeesh Kumar N S, Ranjith Mohan Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa, Kadhu Kadambari Corporate Affairs Director Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar
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COVER Cover Picture:
Spring of Culture DINING - TECH - MOTORING
Since 1997
MARCH 2019 ~ Vol. 23 ~ Issue 3 YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE
F1 GRAND PRIX WEEKEND
SPRING OF CULTURE RETURNS
Get ready to party
All the acts and events
TRAVEL
Go Montenegro
PEOPLE
Enas Asiri
INSURANCE WHIZ
BUFFETS AND BRUNCHES
Janet Craven
BAHRAIN IRISH SOCIETY ORTHO EXPERT
Exploring the island’s favourite way to dine
Dr Dilip Malhotra
Gulf and international subscriptions available on request. SPOTLIGHT ON BEACHES www.bahrainthismonth.com Arts
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Culture
George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman
Clubs
Sports
Interviews
Lifestyle
Dining
Scan this QR Code to subscribe to the digital edition of the magazine.
Digital Edition
Nightlife
March 2019 5
Issue 259
Contents March 2019 HAPPENINGS
Bahrain This Month previews events happening around the island in March 2019: 16-17
Economic Development Board
Major Spring of Culture events from the EDB.
Japanese Beats
18
16
Japanese traditional drum performance.
Eastern Music
20
The magic of Haïdouti Orkestar. 22
An Enchanting Performance
An evening with tango pioneers Maestra Gladys Fernández and Luis Signoretti.
Musical Marvel
24
Award-winning Taiwanese-American pianist, Steven Lin, in concert.
Brazilian Carnival
26
22
26
Celebrate just like the Brazilians at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.
Hot of the Press!
28
Business spotlight with publishing industry veteran Ravi Raman.
Art Across Borders
30
Art fair showcasing some of the best in Bahrain’s traditional and contemporary arts. 32
Kids’ Theatre
UK productions aimed at younger audiences. 34
U2 Tribute Party
A treat for fans of the Irish rockers.
40
42
Party Bahrain Style
36
Introducing a new music festival. 38
Festival of Colours
The Indian celebration of Holi comes to Coral Bay 40
Bahrain F1 Grand Prix
Trackside acts to keep racing enthusiasts entertained. 42
The Big Names
The major performers heading to BIC over race weekend.
47
48 Bystander Our photographers have had a busy month with lots of events from special dinners and new business launches to nightlife, cultural and dance performances, weddings and anniversary celebrations. Did your pic make the cut?
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Visit www.bahrainthismonth.com for a comprehensive list of daily events.
INTERVIEWS 47
Insuring the Future
Enas Asiri, Bahrain’s first lady of insurance.
48 Is
Patience a Virtue?
Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Dilip Malhotra.
49 Janet
Craven
Bahrain Irish Society boss on St Patrick’s Day and more.
March 2019 7
Issue 259
Contents March 2019 COMMERCE 50-51
58
Business Bites
Motoring 55
My Life in Cars
Dick Potter shares his passion for motors. 56-57 Motoring
Bites
BTM brings you the latest news from the motoring world.
FEATURE 58-61
Buffets and Brunches
The big round-up of the islands best brunches plus specials for Mother’s Day and St Patrick’s Day.
57
63
Dining Food Review Nirvana
63
Liz O’Reilly checks a special Indian pairing offer. 64-68
Table Hopping
Dining deals and gossip from around the Kingdom.
Technology 72-73 Gadgets: The newest gizmos in town 74 Computer 75
Games: The hot games of the month
Websites: The coolest sites on the web 76
Apps: Essential apps to try
Entertainment
68
84
77
Music: Top new tunes
78 New
on TV: Shows to download
Hollywood faves: Latest film releases
79
Lifestyle 80 What’s 82-83
84-85 86
72
New: Must-have products
Out and About: Bahrain’s best beaches Travel: Go Montenegro
AD Index and QR codes
74 Connect with Bahrain This Month:
79 www.bahrainthismonth.com
80
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www.facebook.com/bahrainthismonth www.twitter.com/BHThisMonth www.instagram/bahrainthismonth www.YouTube.com/bahrainthismonth
March 2019 9
bystander
Skal Dinner Members of SKAL International 370 held their monthly dinner at The K Hotel
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Ambassador, HE Alok Kumar Sinha held the Indian Universities’ Alumni @ Indian Universities’ Alumni @ Bahrain Indian Bahrain event at India House
Al Abraaj New Restaurant
Al Abraaj Restaurants Group opened its newest branch in Uptown Village in Budaiya 10 March 2019
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bystander
Dance Show
The Bahrain Ballet Centre held a Disneythemed dance show at the Cultural Hall
Chinese Acrobatics
The Chinese Embassy and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities hosted the Chinese Guangxi Acrobatic Art Troupe who performed at the Bahrain Cultural Hall in celebration of the Chinese New Year and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Bahrain
Bahrain India Society Celebrations The Bahrain India Society celebrated Indian Republic Day and its 10th Anniversary at Elite Resort & Spa
12 March 2019
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Anniversary Celebration On the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the AMH Amwaj Medical and Wellness Centre, Dr George Cheriyan, corporate CEO and Chief Medical Officer and Julia Tovey, group CEO held a cake cutting ceremony
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Kavalani & Pancholia Wedding Komal Kavalani and Harsh Pancholia’s wedding celebration took place at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, honoured by the presence of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and other esteemed dignitaries
14 March 2019
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MAJID AL MUHANDIS 14 MARCH
SHERINE ABDEL-WAHAB 14 MARCH
PLAYING FOR CHANGE BAND 16 MARCH
STEVE WINWOOD 28 MARCH
JASON DERULO 05 APRIL
MR. ADAM ALMATY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
22 - 23 MARCH
SARAT LIVE 12 APRIL
happenings
MARCH 2019-HAPPENINGS SPRING OF CULTURE
The festival hosts more than 40 events taking place across the Kingdom. The 14th edition begins with a series of Pop-Ups, free, family fun, street theatres that pop up in different public locations throughout the festival. And, among this year’s festival highlights are a series of concerts organised by the Economic Development Board and held at the purpose-built Bahrain Bay Open Air Theatre.
MUSICAL CHANGE MAKERS MARCH 16
PLAYING FOR CHANGE BAND
Bahrain Bay
A unique fusion of influences and talents in constant evolution since 2008, the Playing For Change Band features musicians from more than seven countries united on one stage and is a tangible representation of Playing For Change’s mission to connect the world through music. Performing to sold-out audiences globally, this is the moment when melody transcends the darkness and shows us the light. Be there to enjoy this magical performance! From 7pm. Ticketed event. Suitable for ages eight years and above.
ROCK ON MARCH 28
MAGICAL JOURNEY MARCH 22-23
MR ADAM, ALMATY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Bahrain Bay
Mr Adam invites you on an exciting musical journey through his life. The whirlwind of events on the stage, performed by 17 young and ambitious musicians and actors from Kazakhstan, will catch you. You will find yourself plunging into an evening of magic combing modern technology, high art classical music with storytelling and spectacular visual content. A new reality is created in front of your eyes. The world of Mr Adam. A world that anyone can relate to, where everyone is welcome. From 7pm. Ticketed event. Suitable for ages eight years and above.
BLASTING THE BAY STEVE WINWOOD LIVE
Grammy award-winning rock icon Steve Winwood takes to the stage with his soulful voice treating fans to favourites from his time with the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and Blind Faith before going on to perform his ‘80s solo hits. He is a primary innovator of rock ‘n’ roll, who has helped create some of its most celebrated achievements. A virtuoso musician who surrounds himself with one of the best backing bands in the business, this promises to be a great night. From 8.30pm. Ticketed event. Suitable for ages eight years and above.
16 March 2019
Visit www.springofculture.org for the full calendar and details of ticket sales.
Bahrain Bay
APRIL 5
JASON DERULO LIVE
Bahrain Bay
Multi-platinum-selling artist Jason Derulo promises to rock the bay with a heart-thumping set including some of his favourite hits such as Ridin’ Solo, Whatcha Say and Trumpets. With a barrage of dancers, tight routines and a huge number of contemporary pop hits, fans can look forward to a memorable night. From 8.30pm. Ticketed event. Suitable for ages eight and agove.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
BAHRAIN FIRST APRIL 12
SARAT LIVE
For the first time in the Kingdom, Kuwaiti/ Bahraini khaleeji hip-hop duo Daffy and Flipperachi will perform an official concert at the 2019 Spring of Culture Festival. Joined on stage by DJ Outlaw, a live band, and a dance crew, the
Bahrain Bay show is set to deliver top-notch quality entertainment and a setlist featuring the duo’s biggest hits. The performance will also feature the pair’s label mate, Saudi-based rapper Lil Eazy. From 7pm. Free.
The Bahrain Bay theatre pre-show platform has offered the opportunity for many new Bahraini talents to perform as openers for international celebrities. And the outdoor café has opened a window for home and small businesses to showcase their start-ups as part of Spring of Culture’s community outreach programme.
POP-UP PERFORMANCES
POP-UP PERFORMANCES
UNTIL MARCH 2
MARCH 7-9
GHANA ACROBATICS
Various
SULKY M1
Various
Free street theatre from Mother Africa promising mindblowing acrobatic tricks, music and lots of fun. Timings:
March 1
March 2
Saar Mall 4pm Seef Mall Muharaq 6pm The Avenues 8pm
Nakheel Centre Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Park
4pm 6pm
POP-UP PERFORMANCES MARCH 14-16
THE GREAT WOLYNSKI
Various
Street theatre from Argentina, the one and only ‘Great Wolynski’ combines circus, theatre and music. Join this free family show and be part of this improvised comedy. Timings:
Street theatre from the Netherlands, the Sulky M1 has a hilariously clumsy driver. While attempting to impress the love of his life, suddenly, his little car fills with smoke. He performs all sorts of crazy acts, in an attempt to make a good impression, but all his attempts go drastically awry to the amusement of the audience. Timings: March 7 Nakheel Centre 4pm and 7pm March 8 The Avenues 6pm and 8pm March 9 Amwaj Lagoon 5pm and 7pm
March 14 Riffa Palms
4pm
March 15 Nakheel Centre 5pm El Marcado Mall Janabiya 8pm
March 16 Amwaj Lagoon 4pm Saar Mall 7pm.
MORE THAN JUST A FESTIVAL
talent of young Bahrainis by running Spring of Culture continues to invest in developing the opment Board in collaboration with Devel mic Econo the by ored specialised workshops spons Authority and local art galleries. ition the Ministry of Education, Bahrain Tourism and Exhib for various governmental and social The Community Programme organises several workshops Bahrain University, The National tion, Educa of try Minis the with institutions in cooperation other community centres. and led, Disab for Bank of Bahrain (NBB) Rehabilitation Home of charge, unique artistic and cultural The SOC Education programme continues to offer free the Kingdom. experiences open to art and culture enthusiasts across previous years, Ministry of Education art Following a series of successful sand art workshops in sand sculpture artist, Sudarsan ned renow lly ationa teachers who studied with the intern an exciting sand art workshop for Pattnaik, will kick off the education programme with in. families on the seashore of Qalat Al Bahra Bahraini Jaffar Hamza and open to There will also be a calligraphy workshop conducted by teenagers and adults are welcome. Download the full calendar: -spring-of-culture-festival-bahrain https://www.bahrainthismonth.com/updates/news/14th
www.bahrainthismonth.com
March 2019 17
happenings
SPRING OF CULTURE 2019
FOLK MELODIES ONGOING MARCH 16 & 30, APRIL 13 & 27
MUSICAL CONCERTS
DAR AL RIFFA
Dar Al-Riffa hosts a series of musical concerts accentuating the rich tapestry of Bahraini folk music. Dar Al-Riffa is a conservation and rehabilitation of the original structure within the old neighbourhood, and includes a contemporary extension to accommodate larger performances and residency spaces.
JAPANESE BEATS MARCH 3-4
JAPANESE TRADITIONAL DRUM PERFORMANCE
CULTURAL HALL
The Taiko ensemble, Miyabi, is a Japanese music group, where the powerful sound of the Taiko is combined with other Japanese instruments such as Shinobue (Japanese flute). The group covers not only traditional Japanese tracks, but also extends its repertoire into modern, recent pop music. They have performed in several countries in Europe and Africa, where they showcased a taste of Japanese culture.
ART EXHIBITION MARCH 3-30
MUSIC FROM AZERBAIJAN
NOOR MARWA RASHID AL KHALIFA
ART CENTRE
MARCH 4
SH. EBRAHIM BIN MUSICAL EVENING: MOHAMMED CENTRE FOR GOCHAG ASKAROV CULTURE & RESEARCH
Explore the works of Bahraini artist Marwa Rashid Al Khalifa, the second place winner at the 44th Annual Fine Arts Exhibition in 2018. A contemporary artist who uses different techniques to create unique artworks, she is recognised for her paintings, drawings and, most recently, her photography and light installations.
The Azerbaijani mugham music genre is featured in this season’s programme with young Azerbaijani artist Ghochag Askarov, along with three other musicians, presenting a concert showcasing this traditional Sufi genre. Askarov has toured since 2009, ever since winning the Traditional Music Festival in Samarkand, the largest festival of spiritual and traditional music in the world.
ORIENTAL SILVER SCREEN MARCH 6, 13, 20 & 27
JAPAN FILM FESTVAL
BAHRAIN NATIONAL MUSEUM
The Embassy of Japan in the Kingdom, in cooperation with Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, will hold the Japan Film Festival 2019, supported by the Japan Foundation. Films to be shown are: March 6: Sing My Life March 13: The Vancouver Asahi March 20: A Living Promise March 27: A Sparkle of Life 18 March 2019
www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
SPRING OF CULTURE 2019
EASTERN MUSIC MARCH 7
KOREAN COSTUME EXHIBITION
HAÏDOUTI ORKESTAR
CULTURAL HALL
The magic of Haïdouti Orkestar will take you on a Gypsy tour from Serbia to Turkey, and even further towards the East, into the repertoires of Azeri, Kurdish, Syrian and Armenian music. On stage, the Haïdouti cultivates the art of the meeting of cultures and sounds. Discover the cross-energies of these French, Balkan and Oriental artists, full of talent, who promise joy, dreams and thrills!
HANBOK: KOREAN TRADITIONAL COSTUME, IN TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE PERFORMANCES
BAHRAIN NATIONAL THEATRE
Time-honoured Korean performances reflect highly important colour traditions to the customary Korean dresses, called the Hanbok, whose elegant lines and flexibility are highlighted through these traditional performances, as well as the significant influence of Confucianism such as hiding women’s skin and delicate motions. This exhibition is an opportunity to understand the variety and beauty of the Hanbok.
STRIKING SONG
WORKS OF ART MARCH 12-31
MARCH 9-MAY 5
PATHWAYS – RESMI AL KAFAJI
ALBAREH ART GALLERY
Resmi Al Kafaji describes Pathways as a word and an artistic concept. He explains that one often embarks on a journey not knowing where the final destination might be, much like how he begins his paintings. The monochromatic watercolour and mixed media pieces that make up Pathways reveal Al Kafaji’s gentle curiosity. In his artist statement, he describes how he often has no preconceived idea of how a completed work will look when he begins to paint. In an act of trusting surrender, he allows his brush to become ‘…a walking stick that leads him to where he was meant to arrive’. Al Kafaji’s works are in the collections of various museums in Italy, Jordan, Iraq and in private collections in Europe and the Middle East.
MAJID AL MUHANDIS & MARCH 14 SHERINE ABDEL-WAHAB
BAHRAIN BAY
Iraqi singer and composer Majid Al Muhandis, whose success in the Arab world has earned him the titles of “the Engineer of the Arabic song” and “Voice of Diamond” joins forces with Egyptian singer, actress, TV host and personality and former judge on MBC’s The Voice Ahla Sawt, Sherine Abdel-Wahab, to ignite Bahrain Bay with a repertoire from their past and latest albums.
UNIQUE CHAMBER MUSIC MARCH 14
ARCIS SAXOPHON QUARTET
CULTURAL HALL
Comprised of four young musicians from Munich – Claus Hierluksch (soprano saxophone), Ricarda Fuss (alto saxophone), Edoardo Zotti (tenor saxophone) and Jure Knez (baritone saxophone), the Arcis Saxophon group possess a charismatic and authentic stage presence that sets audiences aflame with their spark-throwing enthusiasm and burning passion for this rare form of chamber music. 20 March 2019
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happenings
SPRING OF CULTURE 2019
AN ENCHANTING DANCE MARCH 15 SPRING OF CULTURE 2019 CALENDAR When? March 2 Event? Inauguration of the Manama of Al-Gosaibi Venue? Freej Al-Fadel - Manama The legacy of the poet, Ghazi A-Gosaibi, is recalled by the Shaikh Ebrahim Centre through this project.
When? March 2 Event? Northern Farmers of Bahrain Tour Venue? Meeting Point: Qal’at Al Bahrain
TANGO LIVE
EDUCATIONAL TOUR
LA FONTAINE CENTRE OF CONTEMPORARY ART
Tango pioneers Maestra Gladys Fernández and Luis Signoretti have worked together over the years in developing tango in Italy and the Middle East. They have also conducted master classes for high-level tango dancers in Brussels, Belgium. Both students of the ‘Milongas’ – the great Tango master of Buenos Aires, they unite to showcase the beauty of tango live, celebrating the launch of the exhibition Spark!
Join a tour to the beautiful farms around Qal’at Al Bahrain, where you will learn about local agriculture and traditional methods of farming.
When? March 9 and 23, April 6 and 20 Event? Dar Al Muharraq Venue? Building 1068, Road 1617, Block 216, Muharraq
MARCH 16-APRIL 15
A Moroccan poet and writer, Abdulrahim Al-Khassar was selected in 2010 by the Hay Festival and Beirut39 as one the foremost Arab writers under the age of 40. He regularly participates in Arab and international literary gatherings, and his works have been translated into several languages.
When? March 16 Event? Majlis Talk Artist Books – Interactive, Portable, Personal, Unique Venue? Memory of the Place: Bin Matar House A roundtable discussion on a unique artistic format. The interaction will be moderated by Camille Zakharia. 22 March 2019
MUHARRAQ
The Pearling Path Walkathon will gather participants from different age groups who will start the walk from Al-Ghous House in the south of the island of Muharraq, to the Seyadi Majlis in the north, covering a total distance of 3.5km. Along the walk, information on the Pearling Path as Bahrain’s second UNESCO World Heritage site will be available, highlighting the history and story of each historical house and its relation to the Pearling narrative. The meeting point is Al Hala Club parking at 8.30am.
SPARK!
LA FONTAINE CENTRE OF CONTEMPORARY ART
Spark! is a multi-media exhibition by Ali Abayoglu, using unorthodox materials manipulated into objects of art. The exhibition will show how everyday materials can take on a new life and spark the imagination. Ali’s fascination with everyday objects goes back to his childhood when his father used to tell him the stories of where, by whom and how glass was first made. Those stories sparked within him an interest in seeing the beauty of glass, metal and other daily objects, influencing his trajectory as a multi-media sculptor. Where others see waste, Ali sees the potential for beauty. His sculptures represent the rebirth of what we take for granted and discard.
When? March 11 Event? I Banged The Drums To Sing And War Broke Out Venue? House of Poetry Ebrahim Al Arrayed
This lecture by Dr Dheya Abdullah Khamis Al Kaabi provokes the question of western travellers to the Arab region especially during the era of colonial dissolution.
PEARLING PATH WALKATHON
INTRIGUING EXHIBITION
Live performances highlighting the various styles of the uniquely Bahraini Fjiri tradition.
When? March 13 Event? Belated Travellers and the Passion for Travel in the Age of Colonial Dissolution Venue? Al Khalifya Library
MARCH 16
A TRIBUTE IN SONG AHMED EFAT - A TRIBUTE TO ABDEL CULTURAL MARCH HALIM HAFEZ HALL 21 ACCOMPANIED BY THE ARAB MUSIC ENSEMBLE
AN AESTHETIC PROJECT MARCH 19
STUDIO ARAD BAY PROTECTED 224 AREA AND PARK
An exhibition that represents a shared vision between the Supreme Council for Environment and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities to create an open, multipurpose space in the heart of Arad Bay Protected Area and Park, Studio 244 is set to be a space for cultural, communal and creative activities serving the visitors of the park. It consists of a number of units on the waterfront including a multipurpose hall to host exhibitions, talks, workshops and two artists’ residencies. Studio 244 aims to highlight the significance of the site as a natural reserve and enrich visitors’ experience through the programmes and events offered.
In commemoration of the passing of Abdel Halim Hafez in March, singer Ahmed Effat presents a musical evening where he will perform the late singer’s classic masterpieces. Accompanied by the Arabic Music Ensemble, the event is organised in cooperation with the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in the Kingdom.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Lulu’s Farmers’ Market
The Farmers’ Market at Lulu Hypermarket Saar Branch, showcasing local famers’ fruits and vegetables, was inaugurated by HE Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, secretary general of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development
www.bahrainthismonth.com
To view more images, scan the QR code
March 2019 23
happenings When? March 18 Event? Political Islam and the Issue Of Gender Equality: The Discourse Of Forced Acclimation And Plight Of Practice by Amal Moussa Venue? Sh. Ebrahim Bin Mohammed Centre for Culture & Research Tunisian poet, writer and critic Dr Amal Moussa boasts a rich experience in prose and poetry with numerous poetry books to her name, some of which have been translated into foreign languages.
When? March 24 Event? Conversation on Hawar: Preservation and Development Venue? Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage
The Arab Regional Center for World Heritage will echo the global conservation efforts through a week-long programme of events to highlight Hawar Islands, their importance and ways to preserve their outstanding natural heritage.
SPRING OF CULTURE 2019
MUSICAL MARVEL MARCH 22
STEVEN LIN: CULTURAL ROMANTIC HALL REVOLUTIONARIES
A concert by award-winning Taiwanese-American pianist, Steven Lin, presenting the classic works of some of the all-time masters who changed the trajectory of music forever: Beethoven, Liszt and Schumann. Lin deftly performs thanks to his innate abilities and broad musical interests, which allow him to move with ease between concertos, recitals, chamber music, and more.
THE TASTE OF EXPERIENCE
BAHRAIN NATIONAL MUSEUM
FILM SCREENING A NIGHT OF ARABIC CLASSIC FILMS: SAFAR BERLIK (1967)
QAL’AT AL BAHRAIN SITE MUSEUM
The story of the film focuses on the situation in Lebanon when it was under Ottoman control. Adla (played by Fairouz) lived with her grandmother in the village of Mashta Aldeeb and was about to get engaged to her beloved Abdo. While on his way to buy the engagement ring, Abdo was taken by the Ottoman forces as a slave labourer, prompting Adla to go look for him.
24 March 2019
ABDULLAH AL-ZAYED FOR BAHRAINI PRESS HERITAGE
Lebanese journalist Giselle Khoury has been the host of the talk show Al Mashhad on BBC Arabic since 2013. She became a familiar name in the Arab media scene thanks to the numerous talk shows which she prepared and presented, including Hiwar Al-Umr on LBC, Bil Arabi and Studio Beirut on Al Arabiya. She serves as president of the Samir Kassir Foundation.
ALONGSIDE YOU - BAHRAIN MARCH MUSIC BAND CONDUCTED BY 28 MAESTRO KHALIFA ZAIMAN
This book launch and a thought-provoking forum focussed on music celebrates the rich experience of the artist Khalid Al-Shaikh by discussing his artistic output from a different angle and how the impact of his style and his music resonated in the recipient’s conscience. The forum’s guests are artists Khalid Al-Shaikh and Mohamed Haddad, and it will be moderated by the artist Khalid Al-Rowaie.
MARCH 28
MARCH 25
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND THE STATE OF MEDIA IN THE ARAB WORLD GISELLE KHOURY
SONG OF REMEMBERANCE
BOOK LAUNCH AND FORUM 26 MARCH
THE WORLD OF MEDIA
BAHRAIN NATIONAL THEATRE
In the minds of the Arab world and specifically in the Gulf region, the phrase “Alongside me – or – by my side” is associated with the emergence of the artist Khalid Al Shaikh in the music industry through his breakthrough song, Alongside You. This special performance celebrates his journey throughout the music industry. Bahraini icon Khalid Al Shaikh is considered as one of the most distinguished Arab artists who have shaped the identity of modern Arabic song. His unique artistic sensibility enabled him to collaborate with all types of voices and create new kinds of music compositions.
A UNIQUE SINGER 29 MARCH
SCOTT BOOTH
CULTURAL HALL
Scott Booth has created a unique concoction of six-string finger-picking, a complex rhythmic guitar percussion laid over pulsating and distorted yet silky crescendos, which is akin to electronic trance and Balearic Ibiza house, defying the typical expectations of what an acoustic singer/songwriter can do, and leaving the audience in awe of the complexity of it all. www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
AFTER BRUNCH PARTY MARCH 1
When? March 1 Event? Conleath McGeary Venue? JJ’s Irish Restaurant Call 33 843-005. When? March 1 Event? Desi night Venue? Brazil Rodizio Grill & Lounge
Shake it off at this Bollywood party starting at 9pm with DJ Nirmal behind the decks. Entrance fees apply.
CONLEATH MCGEARY
Here’s an after brunch party not to miss with entertainment from Conleath McGeary, at JJ’s Irish Restaurant. Here is a man you need to see live as McGeary takes the stage by storm with his hard-hitting lyrics, catchy choruses and electric live performances. Supporting entertainment comes from AaronWolf and Wildcard band. The party starts at 5pm and is priced at BD5 for men from 6pm and BD3 for ladies from 9pm. Call 33 843-005.
BRAZILIAN CARNIVAL MARCH 1
VIVA BRAZILIAN BEACH PARTY
When? March 1 Event? Saif and Sound Venue? Klub 360
Party to the tunes of DJ Saif and Sound live at KLUB 360, supported by MC FEZ and DJ Wisky. Doors open at 7pm. Entry is BD10 for men and ladies go free.
Call 33 360-300 / 36 025-360.
When? March 1 Event? Family Open Day Venue? Royal Golf Club
Call 17 750-777.
When? March 1 Event? Half day retreat: Horse Riding and Yoga Venue? Dumistan
Enjoy a morning of yoga, horse riding, relaxation and healthy food in nature at Prime Stud in Dumistan. Limited spaced, fees apply.
Call 33 721-333.
When? March 1-2 Event? Bahrain Pop-Up Market Venue? Hamala Hills
Get your latest buys from this market selling fashion, clothing, accessories, cosmetics, food and more. Starts at 4pm and runs still 11pm.
Call 37 119-590.
When? March 2 Event? BBQ Beach Series Venue? Coral Bay
Miami events and Coral Bay presents the BBQ beach series every Saturday from noon to 6pm.
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay
It’s time to celebrate a carnival just like the Brazilians, as the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay hosts a family-friendly carnival brunch followed by an after-brunch beach party. Wear your most creative outfits and join in the fun as you let the vibes of Brazilian fiesta take you away. At the brunch you can savour the tastiest Brazilian delicacies as you sip on some of the best caipirinhas. DJs Evo, Cossta and Ramy are among the entertainment acts at the beach party, along with Brazilian Samba dancers who will make the experience all the more authentic. Brunch guests are entitled to free access to the beach party which starts at 2pm and runs through till midnight. Entry without brunch is BD10 for women and BD15 for men. Call 17 115-500.
Call 33 449-218.
Family Open Day full of games and activities. Register in advance for free entrance or pay BD2 on the day.
JJ’s Irish Restaurant
MUSICAL TREAT MARCH 1
BUMM
Wyndham Garden Rooftop
Dress to impress and get free entrance to Bahrain Underground Music Movement’s latest scene at the Wyndham Garden, featuring DJ Ramy, Ahmed Zainal, Sandra Knight, Mysterioo Arif and YOFO. Entrance is free for guest list before 11pm, after which it is BD10 at the door. Call 37 777-845.
EXHIBITION OPENING MARCH 2 -APRIL 2
JODIE BAKER PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION
Bahrain Medical Center
Well-known, locally based photographer, Jodie Baker, will be the artist of the month at the Bahrain Medical Center. Her exhibition features 24 visuals from Bahrain and around the world, photographed and gently hand edited by Jodie herself. The exhibition opens at 7pm. Call 38 352-723.
Call 35 431-458 / 35 978-780. 26 March 2019
www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings When? March 1 Event? Viva Brazilian Beach Party Venue? Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Call 17 115-500.
BACK TO THE USSR MARCH 2
When? March 1 Event? Giggles Season 2: Nishant Tanwar Venue? Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa
BACK TO THE USSR – A NIGHT OF RUSSIAN FUN
SUNDAY FUNDAYS CODA Jazz Lounge
MARCH 3
SANDI THOM & THE RHYTHM KINGS
Calexico
This talented stand-up takes to the stage for an evening of laughter. Parents can take advantage of a kids’ zone and nanny service. Tickets are BD6.
Call 33 259-981 / 36 677-719.
When? March 1 Event? BUMM Venue? Wyndham Garden Rooftop Call 37 777-845. When? March 2- April 2 Event? Jodie Baker Photography Exhibition Venue? Bahrain Medical Center Call 38 352-723. When? March 2 Event? Back to the USSR – A Night of Russian Fun Venue? CODA Jazz lounge Call 33 948-777. When? March 2 Event? Mega Yard Sale Venue? Bapco Club, Awali
Awali Ladies Hospitality Group hosts its mega yard sale. Rent a table for BD10, entry is 500 fils. The event is from 11am to 2pm.
Russian residents in Bahrain, prepare yourselves for a night of home-style fun as Coda Jazz lounge takes you back to the USSR! Talented guest singer, Natalia, from Cavalli Club Dubai, will entertain audiences with popular Russian hits supported by DJ EVE on the decks. Ladies be ready to be festooned with some lovely spring gifts as you party for free! Call 33 948-777.
SHASHI THAROOR SPEAKS MARCH 4
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SPEAKER SERIES
Skyline Lounge, Capital Club
Sunday sessions at Calexico have gotten more eventful with Sandi Thom and The Rhythm Kings taking the reins. The multi-platinum Scottish singer / songwriter has six acclaimed studio albums, and has charted at number one in the UK, Ireland and Australia. These sessions are not to be missed as this talented lady has supported superstars such as the late George Michael and The Who, to name a few. She will be joined by the best of Bahrain’s talent to bring to you a soulful, bluesy, and utterly funky vibe. Sessions start at 9pm and arefree entry. Visit 17 666-644.
HOT OFF THE PRESS! MARCH 7
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Skyline Lounge, Capital Club
Call 66 981-666 / 39 255-885.
When? March 2 Event? Ladies’ Night Venue? Club 11, The Arch Hotel
Ladies enjoy free drinks from 8pm to 1am with entertainment from DJ Tiger and DJ Shoni.
Call 17 116-611.
When? March 2 Event? Ladies’ Night Venue? Envy, Premier Hotel
Ladies enjoy drinks, cocktails or grapes from 8pm to midnight with entertainment from the Greyray Band from Thailand.
Call 17 811-811.
When? March 3 Event? Sandi Thom & The Rhythm Kings Venue? Calexico Bahrain Visit 17 666-644. When? March 4 Event? International Business Speaker Series featuring Shashi Tharoor Venue? Skyline Lounge, Capital Club Call 17 100-100. 28 March 2019
Floccinaucinihilipilificaiton anyone? That would leave some ears and eyes puzzled, but not the genius of obscure words, Dr Shashi Tharoor. An award-winning author of 18 books of fiction and non-fiction, the literary guru will address members and guests of the Capital Club’s International Business Speaker Series. Dr Tharoor is a second-term Indian Member of Parliament representing Thiruvananthapuram and chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs. He has served as Minister of State for human resource development and for External Affairs in the Government of India. During his nearly three-decade-long career at the United Nations, he served as a peacekeeper, refugee worker and administrator at the highest levels including as undersecretary general during Kofi Annan’s leadership. The talk starts at 6.30pm. Call 17 100-100.
Bringing the latest and freshest from the publishing industry is Ravi Raman, associate publisher of Vogue Arabia, as he speaks at the Capital Club’s Business Spotlight session. Ravi is a media industry professional, with more than two decades of content strategy, revenue generation, brand marketing and team leadership experience. He is the former senior vice president of Khaleej Times, the UAE’s oldest English newspaper, and vice president and associate publisher of Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East. There he successfully set up the operations for the launch of the print and digital assets, growing the operations across the GCC. He has been part of several industry forums, and speaker panels. As a TEDx speaker, his talks focus on disruption, innovation and how leaders, companies and societies can embrace change. Call 17 100-100. www.bahrainthismonth.com
BTM full page march 2019.pdf 22/02/2019 13:06:01
St Patrick’s Party Brunch Friday 15th March
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wembleylounge
happenings When? March 6 Event? Taste of Tantra Venue? Women’s Wellness Centre Bahrain
Find love for yourself at this workshop, which covers various techniques to re-energise the body, mind and soul. The session is from 6pm to 7.30pm.
Call 37 770-014.
When? March 7 Event? Business Spotlight featuring Ravi Raman Venue? Skyline Lounge, Capital Club Call 17 100-100. When? March 7 Event? Ace Hood Venue? Park Regis Lotus Hotel
BET nominee, Ace Hood, will perform live at The One, supported by DJ Epic and DJ Shortman from 8pm to 2am.
READY TO DANCE CARNIVAL WITH LEANDRO DA SILVA
MARCH 7
Meisei
Liven up your carnival celebration at Meisei with Italian-Brazilian DJ and producer Leandro Da Silva. Playing at festivals and gigs around the world, in India, Japan, Europe and more, Leandro now comes to the island to bring us some of his Beatport chart-topping releases such as I Love House Music. Find his sounds and more info on his own label Black Lizard Records. The party starts at 8pm. Call 17 007-770.
ART ACROSS BORDERS MARCH 7-10
ARTBAB 2019
Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre The art scene in Bahrain anticipates the arrival of the Art Bahrain Across Borders exhibition as it kick-starts this month, under the patronage of HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King Hamed bin Isa Al Khalifa. Now in its fourth edition, the art fair showcases some of the best in Bahrain’s traditional and contemporary arts. A virtual reality corner will be one of the highlights this year, exploring private museums from around the world. The event will also feature engaging panel discussions and debates with cultural leaders, fintech, blockchain, AI and VR specialists looking at the global art market. Visit artbab.com
Call 33 366-659 / 33 536-446.
When? March 7 Event? Soundscapes presents Lee Burridge Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art
Join this musical night featuring the legendary Lee Burridge. There’s limited space and entry is BD20, starting at 8pm.
Call 17 230-123.
When? March 7 Event? Carnival with Leandro Da Silva Venue? Meisei Call 17 007-770. When? March 7-9 Event? 2nd Annual Unfold Art Xchange Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre
HOUSE OF ANGELS MARCH 8
HOUSE OF ANGELS – A WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL
SHADY RECORDS EVENING CODA Jazz Lounge
MARCH 8
KUNIVA & SWIFTY MCVAY
Crowne Plaza Bahrain
A Community of over 40 cultural leaders, fintech, blockchain, AI and VR specialists from almost 20 countries will come together through a series of panel discussions and debates to foster greater knowledge-sharing and future collaborations in the global art market.
Visit unfoldbrics.art
When? March 7-10 Event? ArtBAB 2019 Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre Visit artbab.com When? March 8 Event? House of Angels – A Women’s Day Special Venue? CODA Jazz Lounge Call 34 342-828. 30 March 2019
Celebrate International Women’s Day with an amazing show from one of the UK’s finest live acts featuring Haifa Jordon on vocals, DJ Cat La Chapelle and Elara on saxophone, collectively known as The House of Angels. Ladies enter free with two complimentary drinks. Gents pay BD10 inclusive of a drink. Call 34 342-828.
From the multi-platinum selling group D12, Kuniva and Swifty McVay will be performing all their hits as well as from their upcoming solo release My Brother’s Keeper, in Bahrain. They will be joined by special guests, the legendary Obie Trice, DJ Arson and The Mystro. Tickets start at BD15 available at Virgin Tickets. VIP packages available. Doors open at 7pm. Call 17 531-122. www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings When? March 8 Event? 9th International Family Fair Venue? The British School of Bahrain
Running from 10am-3pm this promises to be a great family fun day out with games, activities, lots of things to amuse the little ones, school showcases and, of course, great grub. Enjoy.
Call 17 610-971.
When? March 8 Event? Kuniva & Swifty McVay Venue? Crowne Plaza Bahrain Call 17 531-122. When? March 8 Event? Walkathon Venue? Dohat Arad Park
Rotary Club of Adliya in collaboration with Women’s Crisis Care International hosts a walkathon in celebration of International Women’s Day. Join the cause at a BD4 entry fee, including a T-shirt. The event runs from 8am to 10.30am and there is no set distance to cover, rather a coming together for a good cause.
Call 38 263-691.
When? March 9-April 13 Event? Kids’ Drama Workshops Venue? The British Club Bahrain
A fun workshop for kids aged eight to 12 years. Sessions run from 11am to 12.30pm. BD35 for members and BD45 for nonmembers. Register before March 6 to participate.
COMEDY PLAY MARCH 9-12
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Popular Shakespearean production Much Ado about Nothing, produced and directed by Olivier award-winning producer, Paul Taylor-Mills, is coming to Bahrain’s Cultural Hall. Brought to you by Entertainment +, the upbeat and accessible adaptation transports one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies to modern day. This abridged version features the notable traditional set moments and modernday pop songs to make the experience both informative and relevant, keeping Shakespeare’s work enjoyable for all. Much Ado About Nothing will make you laugh, but will also make you fall in love with the world of William Shakespeare with all his wit and creativity. Paul Taylor-Mills directs an outstanding, sparkling, and memorable production. He manages to capture the audience with 12 very talented actors all coming from the UK. The voices, the acting, the wit and more, Much Ado like never before. He says: “What’s amazing is, that for a play that was written some 400 years ago, how the human behaviour is still very recognisable. What happens when you feel betrayed; what happens when you fall in love; what happens when you are tricked into believing something. William Shakespeare definitely had his finger on the pulse of human behavior and it is still very recognisable how people behave in these situations.”
Cultural Hall
Show timings are at 6.45pm on March 9, 8.45am and 11.45am on March 10 and 11.30am and 6.30pm on March 12. Tickets, priced BD16, are available at Alosra supermarkets and Havajava Café inside Manazel. Call 39 616-858.
MARCH 9-12 MARCH 9-12
THE CAT IN THE HAT
Have you seen a cat with a red and white striped hat with plenty of tricks up his sleeve? Lo and behold, with the Email manamatheatreclub. trickiest of tricks and the craziest of ideas, he can turn a rainy bahrain@gmail.com afternoon into an amazing adventure! Head over to the Cultural Hall to find out what else this naughty cat is up to as When? March 9-12 Event? Much Ado About Nothing he takes you by surprise. Venue? Cultural Hall Based on the much-loved book by Dr. Seuss, The Cat In The Call 39 616-858. Hat is a lively and engaging first theatre experience for young children. When? Until March 9 Event? Nostalgia: An exhibition From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appeared around the door, Sally and her brother knew that of Glass Sculptures Venue? Albareh Art Gallery the cat in the hat was the funniest, most mischievous Call 17 717-707.
Cultural Hall
cat they have ever met! Mum will have a lot to find out when she gets home….! Join in the fun and find out what the cat and the kids are up to on March 9 at 11am and 4pm, on March 11 at 9am, 10.45am and 4pm, and on March 12 at 9am. Tickets to this fabulous show, which is brought to you by Entertainment +, are available at Havajava Café in Manazel and family packages of BD50 for four tickets can be bought at Alosra Supermarkets. Special school packages are also available. Tickets at the door are priced at BD14. Call 39 616-858.
When? March 9-10 Event? Celebrating Art: Painting Competition Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain
A live painting competition for shortlisted artists vying for prizes. The event starts at 8am on both days.
Call 17 580-000.
When? March 9 Event? AfroBEATS Festival Venue? Wrangler Call 34 674-888 / 36 212-529. 32 March 2019
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
DJ and Promoters Party
A party organised by DJs and promoters working together for the first time in Bahrain was held at the Premier Hotel, Coda Jazz Lounge
www.bahrainthismonth.com
To view more images, scan the QR code
March 2019 33
happenings When? March 11 Event? Bahrain Writer’s Circle Monthly Meeting Venue? Era Tower
Writers meet at the fifth floor party hall at 7.30pm to network and exchange ideas.
Call 39 574-795.
When? March 13 Event? Bahrain Writer’s Poetry Circle Meeting Venue? ARTDIVANO Gallery
Poetry writers’ monthly meetup session.
Call 39 574-795.
When? March 13 Event? The Big Trivia Quiz Venue? Wembley Lounge
Wembley’s Big Trivia Quiz, every Wednesday starting at 8pm hosted by local legend DJ Ian Fisher.
Call 33 640-009.
When? March 14 Event? U2 Tribute Party – St Patrick’s Day Weekend Venue? Sherlock Holmes Bar & Restaurant Visit pay.gulfhotelbahrain.com When? March 14-15 Event? St Patrick’s Day Ball Venue? The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Visit bahrainirishsociety.com
ART EXHIBITION UNTIL MARCH 9
AFRICAN VIBES
NOSTALGIA
Beautiful glass sculptures will light up the room at the Albareh Art Gallery, in a solo exhibition by Jamal AlYousif, titled Nostalgia. The sculptures are AlYousif’s attempt to render physical that wistful feeling, that bittersweet ache for times past, and the people who used to populate those days. In giving form to that nostalgic feeling, he hopes to preserve his memories and the feelings that they evoke in him, something he feels becomes more elusive with time. AlYousif has participated in exhibitions for over four decades, showing his work in Bahrain, Japan, China, Kuwait and Qatar, and his pieces feature in a number of private collections. Call 17 717-707.
MARCH 14
When? March 15-17 Event? Dog Training Course Venue? Delmon Boarding Kennels & Cattery
When? Until March 16 Event? Capital Spring Carnival Venue? Adhari Park
The event is from 4pm to 11pm and features a family carnival, live acts, bazaar, face painting, henna, cartoon characters, competition and prizes. Free entry.
Wrangler
Sherlock Holmes Bar & Restaurant
If you love U2 then you won’t want to miss this. U2UK perform the U2 show, the ‘best of U2’, featuring a mesmerising, charismatic and energetic performance from the band that is rapidly gaining a reputation for producing one of the best live shows around. The show features all of the greatest U2 songs from their greatest ever albums and live shows, packed into a stunning two-hour performance encapsulated by spectacular projected visual imagery and lighting effects that will rock you to the soles of your feet! If you love U2, are looking for a great night out, or just love live music, and want to feel part of an amazing show then this is the one for you. It might just be you ‘Bono’ pulls out of the crowd!! This evening is first come first serve. Entrance is just BD10 inclusive of a free selected beverage. Visit pay.gulfhotelbahrain.com
Call 36 769-292 / 36 378-377.
When? March 15 Event? Bahrain Reggae Beach Festival ft. Mitchel Brunings Venue? Coral Bay Call 17 312-700.
AFROBEATS FESTIVAL
AfroBahrain and Miami Events present the first of its kind Afrobeats festival with Ugandan born international artist, Eddy Kenzo who is best known for his 2014 release Sitya Loss. The event is hosted by DJ Wisky and supported by DJ Nesto. Early bird tickets are BD10. Doors open at 8pm. Call 34 674-888 / 36 212-529.
U2 TRIBUTE PARTY – ST PATRICK’S DAY WEEKEND
Join this fun-filled party playing your favourite Bollywood tunes. Doors open at 9pm. Rates apply.
Call 39 717-609.
MARCH 9
U2 TRIBUTE PARTY
When? March 15 Event? Desibel Venue? Wyndham Garden
Join a three-day search and tracking course for dogs with world-leading dog trainer and behaviourist John Rogerson. The event runs from 9am to 4.30pm.
Albareh Art Gallery
ST. PADDY’S BALL MARCH 14-15
ST PATRICK’S DAY BALL
The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel It’s time to paint the island green as the Bahrain Irish Society celebrates its annual ball marking the day of Ireland’s patron, Saint Patrick. The evening features local entertainment as well as artists from Ireland, to keep you dancing through to the wee hours. Tickets are priced at BD50 for members and BD55 for guests inclusive of drinks at reception followed by a sumptuous buffet. Visit bahrainirishsociety.com
Call 33 750-101 / 33 097-088.
34 March 2019
www.bahrainthismonth.com
EXPERIENCE MEETINGS EXPERIENCE S U C C E S S
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL +973 17 525 200 EMAIL BQT.DIPLOMAT@RADISSONBLU.COM
happenings When? March 16 Event? Playing for Change band Venue? Bahrain Bay
Support this global music initiative at the 14th Spring of Culture Festival from 7pm to 2am. The event is free of charge.
Call 39 900-630.
When? March 16 Event? Mother’s Day Talent Show Venue? Alia for Early Intervention & Alia National School
Annual talent show for kids and parents from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
Call 17 730-960.
When? March 18 Event? Bahrain Writer’s Creative Workshop Venue? The Juffair Grand Hotel
REGGAE TRIBUTE REGGAE BEACH FESTIVAL
MARCH 15
Get ready to party at the Bahrain Reggae Beach Festival, tribute to the king of reggae, Bob Marley, featuring the Voice of Holland Mitchel Brunings with the Nazareth Band. Mitchel will be performing live reggae classics, with his band for the first time in Bahrain. Early bird tickets are BD5 for ladies and BD10 for gents. Doors open at 3pm for a 4pm start that will run until 1am. Call 17 312-700.
HORRIBLE HISTORIES MARCH 18-20
BARMY BRITAIN
Call 39 574-795.
When? March 18-20 Event? Barmy Britain Venue? Cultural Hall Call 39 616-858. When? March 19 Event? Meet ICT conference Venue? Gulf Convention Centre
Bringing the top businesses and ICT professionals together to acquire different insights and share expertise, starting at 8am.
Call 17 717-200.
When? March 19 Event? BITEX Venue? Gulf Convention Centre Visit eventbrite.com
When? March 22 Event? 108 Surya Namaskar for Spring Equinox Venue? Gravity Village
Celebrate the start of spring with 108 Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) at Gravity Village’s outdoor gym in Zallaq. Free entry.
Call +96893801698.
When? March 22 Event? Bahrain Rocks Venue? The Dilmun Club Call 17 690-926. When? March 22 Event? Rangeela Holi Colour Festival Venue? Coral Bay Call 36 677-719. 36 March 2019
Cultural Hall
All the way from London’s West End comes Barmy Britain the fun educational theatre production from the Horrible Histories series. Brought to you by Entertainment+, the historical comedy show by Birmingham Stage Company is based on the bestselling works of children’s author Terry Deary. True to its name, Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain showcases some of the barmiest moments in British history, highlighting events and individuals that shaped the nation. Encapsulating three of Deary’s popular books, Rotten Romans, Terrible Tudors and Vile Victorians, the show motors through the past, giving young children, as well as older kids, an entertaining insight into British history, in the most memorable and creative way. It’s a great family production for five years and upward. In addition to being factually bang-on, this marvellously conceived show is witty and entertaining, with clever performances and amusing sound effects. Whether you’re a history lover or loather, audiences are guaranteed to be laughing from start to finish. Rates are BD14 per person with an in-store special offer only available at Alosra supermarkets when you buy four tickets. Special offers available for schools. Tickets are also available at Havajava Café inside Manazel. Call 39 616-858.
A writer’s workshop to get your creative juices flowing.
When? March 22 Event? Fun Run Venue? Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve Call 39 132-102.
Coral Bay
PARTY, BAHRAIN STYLE MARCH 22
BAHRAIN ROCKS
The Dilmun Club
TECHNOLOGY TRENDS MARCH 19
BITEX
Gulf Convention Centre
The latest trends in technology will be showcased at the Bahrain International Technology Exhibition, alongside the MEET ICT Conference, which will bring all ICT companies under one roof. Bahrain’s position as the Middle East’s most liberal information and communications technology (ICT) market, along with excellent infrastructure, has encouraged many ICT companies to base their regional headquarters in the Kingdom. BITEX aims to bring together the ICT community for business building as well as researching for more powerful solutions in the sector. The exhibition runs from 8am to 11pm. Visit eventbrite.com
A new music festival, from the people who brought us TribFest, celebrates the best talents in Bahrain and gets underway this month with 10 bands promising 10 hours of live music. Local favourites The Tax Dodgers, Kushari, Wired, Rule, Paul Gray, Motor Militia, Cactus, Must, Burn and the Past Masters will entertain audiences for just BD10 from noon to 10pm. This sounds like a great day out and a chance to support local live music. Call 17 690-926. www.bahrainthismonth.com
1st March to 31st March
happenings When? March 28 Event? Formula 1 Ferrari Beach Party Venue? Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Call 17 115-044.
WILDLIFE RUN MARCH 22
FUN RUN
FESTIVAL OF COLOURS Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve
MARCH 22
RANGEELA HOLI COLOUR FESTIVAL
Coral Bay
When? March 28-31 Event? Bahrain Grand Prix 2019 Venue? Bahrain International Circuit Visit bahraingp.com When? March 29 Event? The DogFather Rescue Centre Fundraiser Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club Call 39 629-889. When? April 5 Event? Ziad Bourji live Venue? Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa
Arabic concert featuring Lebanese superstar, Ziad Bourji. Book your tickets inclusive of a gala dinner. The show runs from 9pm to 3am.
Call 39 117-112 / 17 636-363.
It’s time to stretch those calves for some running fun at the Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve. Whether you choose to do the 3km, 4km or 5km, the event gives you the options to run or walk or do both. Participate in all three events and you stand an even higher chance of winning cash prizes from a draw, which will be held on the day. Every participant will walk away with an event T-shirt, a race number, a medal at the finish line and a certificate of completion. Early registration is BD10 per event for ages six years and above until March 18. Registration on the day is BD20 per run. The event starts at 2pm. Call 39 132-102.
PETS FUNDRAISER
F1 PARTY FEVER MARCH 28
FORMULA 1 FERRARI BEACH PARTY
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay
Feel the need, the need for speed! Get into the mood for excitement and speed ahead of the Formula 1 2019 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix with this racethemed beachside party, which runs from 8pm to 2am. Call 17 115-044. 38 March 2019
Get ready to be painted in festival hues as the biggest Holi celebrations in town kick off at Coral Bay this month. The annual season of colours event hosts DJ Rink, the number one female DJ from India, who will have you dancing to her Bollywood tunes all night long. Enjoy 12 hours of non-stop live music by local DJs, dance performances, live dhol and bhangra sessions, desi food stalls, a matka competition, colour pool and more. Kids will also have a zone for themselves. Buy your tickets in advance at BD5 for individuals and BD3 for kids aged three to 12 years. Kids under two go free. This year promises a lot of attractions for the entire family! Call 36 677-719.
MARCH 29
THE DOGFATHER RESCUE CENTRE FUNDRAISER
Bahrain Rugby Football Club
Join Sandi Thom and other brilliant musical acts, Paddy Wall, Faith Adu, DJ Mysterioo Arif and Ahmed AQ AlQasim for a night of entertainment at the much-loved Bahrain Rugby Football Club. Entry is free for members and BD2 for non-members. All profits go to The Dogfather’s Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. The event starts at 6pm. Call 39 629-889. www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings F1 F1 F1>>>
FORMULA FUN MARCH 28-31
FORMULA ONE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
LIVE
Bahrain International Circuit
Look no further for your entertainment fix this month as the Formula One season brings it all to your doorstep with live performances, circus acts, extreme sports and enthralling concerts from the best in the industry!
ENTERTAINMENT Rainbow Carnival is a team of colourful and upbeat roaming stilt walkers. They are a fabulous, bubbly and fun walkabout group that will certainly put a big smile on kids’ faces. With their bright outfits and sunny personalities, these stilt walkers are guaranteed to make everybody laugh.
Here’s one for the kids to look out for – Dr Bubbles! His spectacular show starts with gentle, modest and romantic bubbles synchronising with the music, evolving into a fantastic, wild, magical and impressive show.
Welcome to the world of Steve and Tom’s Circus Entertainment, the best of the best street acts from the UK. This fun-loving duo are experts in circus bike action, snazzy juggling, fabulous diablo and comedy that will surely draw laughter and excitement from everyone. Steve and Tom are both multi-talented stilt walkers, jugglers and circus masters. Don’t miss their jaw-dropping shows! Steam Ladies is the latest funky creation with dancers on stilts playing with large wind-sleeves, wearing funky costumes, which recall both past times and also the future, linked to technology and innovation. Classic Circus on ....... Parade! This amazing and colourful Circus Parade is nothing short of wonderful. Their accompanying musical box invites everyone to share a smile or dance with them. They are bubbly, quirky and fun to be with. Join the parade and don’t forget to take a snap with them!
Watch out for some fun illuminated costumes with moving parts like Ferris wheels and roundabouts, firebreathing dragons and inflatables, brought to you by Walking Funfair / Oakleaf Stelzenkunst. 40 March 2019
For centuries people have asked themselves: is there life on other planets? If there is, what do they look like? At last the mystery has been solved. It has been proven: extraterrestrials do exist! One of them has landed on Earth: The Men-Alien. With four heads and four legs, all day long it noses around and touches everything as if too curious to its surrounding. Is it dangerous? Come find out for yourself!
Energetic Batucada, composed of young talented musicians, will animate audiences of all ages with their rhythms. The combination of good music and colourful costumes creates a fascinating group, beautiful to look at and great to listen to. Look out for the magnificent Tricolour Walkabout acts on stilts, with their showstopping, impressive and unique outfits. With proud and graceful movements their action is certain, their charm, wit and drama make them the most astonishing sight to behold. Rainbow Ballet has been delivering outstanding shows, extravagant acts and exceptional stage performances since 2003. Each performance is unique, featuring glamorous and colourful costumes. Rainbow Ballet group is composed of professional actors expert in dance and performing arts from Berlin, Germany.
There will also be a huge range of other entertainment including funfair rides, a Ferris wheel, kids’ activities, loads of food stalls and trucks and pretty much everything else you would expect from one of the island’s biggest weekends of the year. Visit bahraingp.com www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Cinepolis Opening A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was held by Cinépolis for its first theatre in the Gulf Region at Atrium Mall, Saar
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Join us at Trader Vic’s and Trader Vic’s Mai Tai Lounge for the grape event of the season!
Come and take advantage of our justarrived, exclusive selection of brand new grapes, hand picked by our very own sommelier at specially selected prices. Offer valid on bottles only from Saturday to Wednesday
OUR OPENING HOURS
• Lunch: Noon - 3:00PM *Last Order: 2:45PM • Dinner (Weekdays): 7:00PM - 11:30PM *Last Order: 11:15PM • Dinner (Weekends): 7:00PM - Midnight *Last Order: 11:45PM
OUR MONTHLY LINE UP
• Live Band: From Cuba (Riviera Band) 9:00PM – 12:45AM • Ladies' Night : Every Tuesday from 7:00PM to 11:00PM at Trader Vic’s Mai Tai Lounge • Jazzy Nights : From Bahrain (Ahmed Alqasim) 9:00PM – Midnight Live Band (First Sunday of the Month) • Dress code: smart casual or full traditional attire required at all times (no flip flops, no slippers or sandals, no sleeveless shirts, no baseball caps, no sportswear and no sweatpants).
For reservations call: 1758 6555 Email: reservations@tradervics.com.bh
www.bahrainthismonth.com
March 2019 41
happenings F1 F1 F1>>>
THE BIG NAMES MARCH 29
MARTIN GARRIX LIVE
Bahrain International Circuit
Superstar DJ and producer Martin Garrix will be one of the highlight acts at this year’s Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. Headlining festivals around the world, Garrix is sure to produce an outstanding concert here in Bahrain, with hits like Animals, Don’t Look Down, Like I Do and more. Garrix has risen to global stardom in pop and electronic dance music circles, founded a label, mentored other artists and won the number one spot in DJ Mag’s Top 100 three times in a row. He has collaborated with other megastars such as Tiesto, Usher, the late Avicii and Dua Lipa. Garrix is only the first of a number of A-list artists who will be performing at BIC at this Grand Prix. Catch him live in concert from 9pm until 11.30pm. Visit bahraingp.com
THE BIG NAMES MARCH 30
KYGO ON THE DECKS
Bahrain International Circuit
World-renowned Norwegian producer, songwriter, DJ and music marvel Kygo, will be a major star attraction at the Formula One. Kygo has the honour of being the fastest artist ever to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify and has already amassed 25 global chart hits in just three years. He shot to fame in 2015, having been crowned Spotify’s Breakout Artist that year, with global hits including Firestone (featuring Conrad Sewell) and Stole The Show (featuring Parson James), which was certified gold or platinum in 16 countries. His first album, Cloud Nine, debuted at number one on the iTunes Dance Albums Chart, receiving global acclaim from critics, with Rolling Stone calling it “unfailingly gorgeous”. In 2017, Kygo landed on the cover of Billboard magazine, reflecting his colossal success. His single It Ain’t Me with Selena Gomez reached Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has amassed over 608 million Spotify streams to date. In September of last year, he released his Stargazing EP, which included new tracks Stargazing, This Town, and a collaboration with U2 entitled You’re The Best Thing About Me, rounded out with It Ain’t Me and First Time. His latest album, Kids in Love, debuted at number one on Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic albums chart. You can catch him performing live at 8pm. . Visit bahraingp.com
Check th.com ismon s th in a r bah re F1 events a. o ed m m r for fi n o c they are
THE RACING Formula 1’s teams and drivers have already begun their preparations for the start of the new season with winter testing in Barcelona, Spain. Early indications point towards another hotly contested championship, and the potential for another humdinger of a Bahrain Grand Prix is “Limitless”.
The 57-lap sprint in the heart of the Sakhir desert will mark the 999th World Championship race in the history of the top flight. It is being held as part of the landmark 15th season of BIC and it will be the sixth time it is taking place under BIC’s state-of-the-art floodlights as a night race.
The world championship gets underway in Australia on March 17, with Bahrain following as the second of 21 rounds, giving the drivers everything to race for.
Aside from Formula 1, the weekend’s programme will also include racing from the FIA Formula 2 Championship and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East.
42 March 2019
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
The M Restaurant An inauguration celebration was held for The M Restaurant in Adliya
Republic Day of India
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Lulu Hypermarket, Dana Mall celebrated the Republic Day of India by showcasing Indian cultural food stalls, crafts, clothing and hosting community activities, cultural dance performances and a fashion show. The event was inaugurated by HE Alok Kumar Sinha, Indian Ambassador, accompanied by Juzer Rupawala, director of Lulu Hypermarket Bahrain & Egypt Region
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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March 2019 43
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Networking Lunch
Bahrain British Business Forum held its Business Networking Monthly Lunch Meeting at The Gulf Hotel Conference Centre
Launch of RAM 1500 Behbehani Brothers launched the all-new RAM 1500 at Jumeirah Royal Saray, Bahrain
RCM Regular Meeting
The Rotary Club of Manama held its regular meeting at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain with US Ambassador, HE Justin Siberell, speaking on the topic of the strong relationship between Bahrain and the US
44 March 2019
Daffer Al Umran hosted a dinner for the outgoing Brunei Chargé Al Umran Dinner Party Drd’Affaires at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain’s China Garden
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Al Afandi Properties
Al Afandi Properties in association with Royal Family Boyz held a business launch party for real estate agent - Sayed, at Wyndham Garden Manama
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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March 2019 45
bystander
Toshiba Press Conference
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Y.K. Almoayyed Electronics & Home Appliances held a press conference for Toshiba at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain
Spa Event The Diplomat Radisson
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Blu Hotel hosted a cosy client spa event
Valentine’s Lunch
Movenpick Hotel Bahrain held a special lunch buffet for invited guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day 46 March 2019
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www.bahrainthismonth.com
INTERVIEWS
INSURING THE FUTURE
Enas Asiri
Enas Asiri is the first woman to take charge of a major Bahrain insurance company. Here, she explains the story so far… Enas is general manager of Bahrain National Life Assurance Company (bnl), a specialist in life and health insurance plans. She has held the post for 18 months following 10 years in the reinsurance industry with Arab Insurance Group (Arig). With an initial background in medical education, she holds a BSc in Occupational Therapy, from Queen Margaret University, UK; an MBA, from the UK’s University of Strathclyde; and is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute (FCII), UK. She also lectures part-time at Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) – Insurance Centre. Though she has risen to great heights in her sector, insurance was not always the plan. She explains: “Like many insurance professionals, my career in insurance was not planned. I come from a medical educational background, and joining the insurance industry was supposed to be a temporary stop during my job-hunt phase, post-graduation. However, my interest slowly grew in this field and I consequently decided to remain and specialise further; complementing my medical educational background with business and insurance academics required to excel in life and health insurance operations.” Enas began her journey as part of a Graduate Development Programme before choosing to specialise in life and health insurance. She started out in technical life underwriting and progressed to a leadership role heading the health operations at Arig before joining bnl. www.bahrainthismonth.com
On advice for others, she says: “The key to my success was, and continues to be, commitment to excellence – which is only achieved, in my opinion, by combining three things: the gaining of knowledge and experience; training and qualifying and positive attitude.” And, while admitting that being a woman in senior management can be challenging, she is quick to point out that things are changing and people are beginning to look to ability rather than gender. She says: “Assuming a key position in any organisation is challenging, regardless of gender. Being a woman in this position adds to the challenge, no doubt. This is an international notion across various sectors; not unique to Bahrain nor the insurance industry. While this is certainly changing, the male:female ratios are not yet equal, which does put more pressure on women in key roles to prove their capabilities. “That said, my personal experience has been very positive as I have worked with professionals who appreciate talent, ambition, intelligence, commitment and are interested in placing the right person with the right skills in the right position, regardless of gender.“ Clearly dedicated to the insurance sector, Enas says the most interesting aspect of the profession is how dynamic the industry is; and how much room there is for growth and bringing about change. “There will always be risk; there will always be the need to reduce the risk; there will always be a new way to do so – this is where innovation comes in. The development of new ideas and products is always highly appreciated.” And she is enthusiastic about attracting and mentoring other young Bahrainis into the sector saying: “bnl is characterised by relatively young personnel with an average age of 32, and a high Bahrainisation percentage at 83 per cent. I ensure my direct involvement in delivering on-the-job training: one-to-one and/or group training sessions as appropriate; training needs analysis; and the selection of appropriate training programmes both practical as well as academic.” For the future, Enas feels changes in both attitudes and legislation will keep the market vibrant. She concludes: “The insurance sector is undoubtedly booming in the region, including Bahrain, due to many socioeconomical factors as well as regulatory changes. The younger generation is now appreciating the value of family protection, saving as well as pension plans, more than just relying on the social and family support systems which have traditionally formed an integral part of Bahraini culture. This is expected to result in an increase, though not significant, in life insurance penetration levels in the local market. The government’s direction towards the introduction of the mandatory health insurance programme will have a significant impact on the demand as well as the operations of health insurance in Bahrain.”
this month
Is Patience a Virtue?, p48
Going for Green, p49
View more info online
March 2019 47
interview
One of the country’s most senior and distinguished orthopaedic surgeons, Dr Dilip Malhotra, speaks to Liz O’Reilly about life in Bahrain and a new beginning following the one disappointment of his long career.
Dr Dilip Malhotra
IS PATIENCE A VIRTUE?
D
r Malhotra was a small-town boy; he received his schooling on a remote Indian island. However, he considers the Andaman and Nicobar Islands among the most beautiful places and would urge readers to visit at least once. After finishing school and under-graduation, he made it to the country’s most prestigious Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, India. He undertook further specialised training in the UK before coming to the Kingdom to work at the International Hospital of Bahrain (IHB), on a one-year contract, in February 1988. His family joined him and his two sons were educated on the island before heading overseas to become orthopaedic surgeons themselves. He says: “I am very happy in Bahrain, it has been good for me and my family. My wife also enjoyed her time here tremendously, participating in various social and charity events. Being a keen sportsman, I was also able to pursue all my sporting activities”. Dr Malhotra has to his credit several papers published in international orthopaedic journals. One of his research works has been acclaimed internationally and is referred to as the ‘Malhotra Classification’ which has mentions in many orthopaedic text books. 48 March 2019
I am very happy in Bahrain, it has been good for me and my family.” The eminent surgeon stayed at IHB for 29 years. However, for the last 16 months of his employment he went unpaid! In February 2017, Dr Malhotra took the decision to join his long-time friend and colleague, Dr Jamal Saleh, at the OrthoCare Centre, a full-service orthopaedic clinic offering X-ray, physiotherapy and minor procedures such as casting and joint injections with necessary surgeries carried out at nearby accredited hospitals, including the recently opened Al Salam Hospital in Sanad, with which the clinic is co-owned. When Dr Malhotra left IHB he was denied 29 years of indemnity. And, despite a successful court case brought by him and around 30 colleagues against the hospital, the monies, running into hundreds of thousands of dinars, are still unpaid. The case is currently in the Court of Execution.
Dr Malhotra says he is most concerned about the hundreds of colleagues who were left in dire financial straits through non-payment of salaries and indeminties. He explains: “I feel guilty. When I left, because I was the most senior person there, many other people left. If I had not stayed so long, perhaps some of my colleagues would have left earlier – some, who got out in the early days of the financial problems, did get paid. “Why did I stay? I suppose some sense of loyalty. I kept thinking things would get better. There had been times over the years when the wages had gone unpaid but things always improved. IHB was a good private hospital. I would say, for many years, the best in Bahrain; we treated many of the elite. But this time, things went from bad to worse.” The hospital was eventually closed by the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) in mid-2018 due to non-compliance issues. At the time, the reason given was for remedial maintenance. It has never re-opened. “I hope that the concerned authorities would take appropriate action at the earliest, to ease the suffering of the IHB employees, and the relevant embassies would ensure that the pending dues would also reach their respective citizens who have since left the island,” says the doctor. www.bahrainthismonth.com
interview
In the run up to St Patrick’s Day, BTM caught up with Janet Craven, chairperson of Bahrain Irish Society, to learn about her role and coming events.
Janet Craven
LIZ O’REILLY
GOING FOR GREEN How long have you been in Bahrain? And what made you become involved with the Irish Society? I will be here four years in April. When I arrived in Bahrain, I joined the ladies Arabian Celts football team. It was a fantastic place to get involved with like-minded people. There I met James Kennedy, who was the then chairperson of the Bahrain Irish Society (BIS). He had been in the role for five years and felt it was time to hand over the reins to someone new. He, along with another committee member, cornered me one evening and asked if I would like to take over. With their support, and that of the incoming committee, I took over running the BIS in September 2015 and have loved every day since. The society has always prided itself on being ‘inclusive not exclusive’, do you have a lot of non-Irish members? Yes, this is very much the ethos of the BIS. We are expats in a wonderful country which has taken us in and given us a home. The Irish are known for being open and inclusive and we definitely carry this though in all we do in the BIS. We have members from around the world, the only caveat being that only Irish people have voting rights at the AGM. People are drawn by the fun and diverse events we hold every year. We have also started to be more proactive in engaging different companies to provide discounts to our www.bahrainthismonth.com
People are drawn by the fun and diverse events we hold every year.” members. We are getting some really positive feedback about this. With St Patrick’s Day, Ireland’s national day, coming up, there are lots of events planned. Can you tell us what’s in store? Oh yes, yes. This is an action-packed weekend all over the world and it will be no different here in Bahrain. The weekend will be opened with our infamous St Patrick’s Day ball on March 14. This is an exclusive black-tie event that begins at 6.30pm and often continues until 9am the following day! We have two bands playing, one of which we have flown in from Ireland, called The Harleys, and the other is a very talented local Bahraini band called The Oracle Project. We also have a dance act coming from the Ukraine and the evening will be topped off with a DJ. Friday, March 15, will see our band jump over to JJ’s to perform another night of amazing music. Entry will be free for BIS members. The Saturday is a family fun day and music event at the Rugby Club.
The ball is one of our many events that sell out each year. We on the committee believe it is the small details that make a big difference. We really do put so much thought and effort into how we present the ball and the entertainment that we provide. This year our theme is “Irish Sport” where we will break the room up into four and decorate the tables with its given sport. We believe the guests love this different aspect to our ball. We try to make it fun and entertaining at the same time. The menu is personally selected by the committee and we hold up to three food tastings to ensure that all food is suited to the Irish palate! The feedback year on year has been amazing and it is what keeps us wanting to improve each year. This year we have had requests for tickets from Saudi, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait and even a few people fly back from Ireland to attend. Aside from the weekend’s activities, what does the Irish Society do throughout the year? We try to hold events that will be supported by the members. These range from barbecues and quiz nights, to brunches and charity events. We love to give a little back to the island we call home and do this through organising and/or supporting charity events. We support the BSPCA, Friendship of the Blind and Migrant Works Association, we also organise beach clean-ups and dog walks. We hope to expand our charity work in the coming year. March 2019 49
commercebusinessbites
Tackling Money Laundering Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) has announced the appointment of Mohammed Mattar as the new money laundering reporting officer (MLRO) within the bank’s Compliance Department. With 13 years of experience in the antimoney laundering (AML) field, he will be in charge of establishing and maintaining the bank’s AML/CFT (combatting the financing of terrorism) policies and procedures, ensuring BisB complies with AML law and any other applicable legislation and regulations. In addition, he will be the bank’s main point of contact in respect of handling internal suspicious transactions reports. Mohammed holds a master’s degree in finance and a number of professional qualifications including Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), the highest international professional certification in this field.
5G Is Coming
Cinema Chain Makes GCC Debut Cinépolis, the world’s fourth largest cinema exhibitor, opened its first GCC operation in Bahrain at the Atrium Mall, Saar. Founded in Mexico in 1971, Cinépolis boasts more than 338 million guests and 5,707 screens worldwide. Bahrain expands the company footprint to 16 countries. The movie theatre features 13 screens, including Bahrain’s first-ever Junior theatre and 4D E-motion viewing experience, as well as two large format screens, MacroXE with Dolby Atmos, object-based sound, and a range of seating options all of which include rocking leather chairs and fully reclining leather seats, along with gourmet food and drink options.
Havier Steps Up
Following the successful and first commercial pilot of 5G technology in the Kingdom in June 2018, VIVA Bahrain announced the completion of 5G readiness in key locations across the island. The company is now the first operator in the Kingdom to enable adoption of 5G service and is planning further rollouts across the country. The newly upgraded network will ultimately enable customers to enjoy super-fast internet and smart
technologies driven by the Internet of Things including virtual reality, ultimate real-time gaming, 3D 8K video, as well as providing a platform for artificial intelligence and connected cars. VIVA says its early adoption of 5G technology, despite the current limited availability of devices and services worldwide, is driven by its vision to spearhead the digital transformation of Bahrain and the telecommunications landscape.
Dell EMC, part of Dell Technologies, has appointed Havier Haddad as GM for the Gulf region which includes Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain. In his new role, Havier’s focus will be further strengthening Dell EMC’s commitment to help customers and partners to unlock new enterprise value, developing national capabilities, pursuing innovation and building the momentum in these markets. As a veteran with 20 years of experience in the IT industry, and 11 years of tenure at Dell EMC, Havier has successfully led and driven the channel and distribution organisations across the Middle East, Turkey, Africa and Eastern Europe. He has been with the company since 2008.
Bahraini Boss For Logistics Giant DHL Express has appointed Ali Aryan as the new GM of its Middle East and Africa distribution hub and gateway facility, headquartered in Bahrain. Celebrating 31 years with DHL, Ali is the first Bahraini to hold this important position, and brings with him a wealth of industry knowledge and business-related experience. Ali joined DHL in 1988 as a courier, and since then has held various positions within the company, including customer service and 50 March 2019
telesales in the Bahrain Country Office. He later moved to DHL’s Bahrain Hub where he took up a variety of posts across different departments, rising through the ranks to eventually take on the role of general manager of DHL’s Bahrain Hub and Gateway, which is the company’s main hub in the region. As GM, he is responsible for supervising the hub’s operations and ensuring efficiency and superior quality of service for its customer base. www.bahrainthismonth.com
commercebusinessbites
BTEA Launches Kuwait Office Bahraini Hospitality in UAE
In line with its efforts to attract tourists from across the world, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) officially inaugurated its latest representative office in Kuwait. “The BTEA strives to promote the Kingdom of Bahrain’s tourism, leisure and hospitality sectors, providing a fertile ground for foreign investment. Through the inauguration of our representative office in Kuwait, we aim to establish relationships with Kuwaiti tour operators and travel agencies in order to promote Bahrain as a leading tourist destination that continuously hosts various events and festivals that are suitable for all age groups,” said BTEA CEO, HE Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa. Bahrain welcomed 328,850 visitors from Kuwait in 2018 with 247,959 tourists accessing the Kingdom through the King Fahad Causeway, 80,822 through Bahrain International Airport and 69 through the Khalifa Bin Salman Port. Other than Kuwait, the BTEA has also launched representative offices in the Saudi Arabia, India, France, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom.
The Kingdom’s own Gulf Hotels Group is exporting Bahraini hospitality with the opening of its first UAE property, Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay in Dubai. After a soft opening some months ago, the official launch was held under the patronage of HH Dr Shaikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan, who was vice chairman of Gulf Hotels Group in 1995/96 and chairman from 1997 to 1999. The four-star property has 270 rooms and suites as well as two luxury penthouse suites. Guests can also enjoy Club Lounge benefits, business
centre, swimming pool, gym and a choice of six dining options that include Café Délices, Al Waha Restaurant, Naisa Oriental Restaurant, Sports On 4, The Canal Lounge and The Other Office Karaoke. Garfield Jones, Gulf Hotels Group CEO, said: “The opening of Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay represents the first step in the group’s strategy to expand hospitality operations into the MENA region, and we are aiming to follow up with further expansion both in the UAE and neighbouring GCC countries.”
Thai Group Coming to Bahrain Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is marking the start of 2019 with a strategy to expand in the GCC market. The plan includes opening six new hotels across Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC markets, in a step counted as a first of its kind for the group’s growth in this region. “The GCC is one of the most increasingly important markets for our portfolio, and we are delighted to introduce our unique brand of Thaiinspired, gracious hospitality in new destinations in this market,” said Prateek Kumar, regional VP – EMEA region. Among the Dusit hotels slated to open in the GCC this year are: Dusit Resort and Spa Lagoona Beach, Budaiya, Bahrain; and dusitD2 City Centre Bahrain. www.bahrainthismonth.com
March 2019 51
bystander
Corporate and Media Cocktail Party
The K Hotel held a “Corporate and Media Cocktail Party� at Kolors Restaurant
Mahindra Launch
Mohammed Jalal and Sons held a launch ceremony for Mahindra Cars at City Centre Bahrain
52 March 2019
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Grand Hotel Seef introduced its Al Sofra Friday Al Sofra Brunch Mercure Brunch at Neyran Restaurant
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54 March 2019
Beach Festival
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa held a La Plage Beach Festival
www.bahrainthismonth.com
MOTORING
this month
The Next Best Thing, p56
My Life in Cars DICK POTTER After last month’s article on driving or polishing, I thought I’d hit you with more of a “tech-ie” piece this month! If you have shares in Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft (VW) on the Frankfurt stock exchange you may, over the next few years, be laughing all the way to the bank or wondering what on earth went wrong. You see, Volkswagen has recently committed USD48 billion George Washingtons of faith. The reason? Strategic development and outfitting of 16 factories globally in an attempt to win the electric car race over the next five years. Naturally, this kind of expenditure makes the money market men sit up and pay attention. Apparently whenever a manufacturer unveils a new electric car, the market wonders if it is a "Tesla Killer”. Tesla continues to be the pioneer and market leader on electric cars for style, battery power and price. It appears that Volkswagen is not so much putting the money into developing an electric car ‘range’ per se. No, rather it is developing a 'skateboard' which is essentially the chassis/platform known as the Modularer Elektrobaukasten (MEB). This MEB will form the building block for the 50 or so models that VW and its holdings of Audi, Skoda and Seat have planned by 2025.The idea of platform sharing is simple really; if cars could share the same chassis this would obviously save huge amounts of money in consolidation of design and production costs. Understandably then, the MEB concept for electric vehicles is now a massive focus of VW. The company has been the leading manufacturer in design and production costs of vehicles for the last four years and plans to continue this for electric cars. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Indeed, its MEB chassis may become as synonymous in the market as Hoover is to vacuum cleaners or Google to search engines. To achieve this VW is in talks with other manufacturers to use the MEB. For example, Ford, which recently announced a global alliance with VW. If other manufacturers ally similarly, this will be radical as the other manufacturers who use the VW MEB could concentrate on body, electronics, infotainment and autonomous systems. Conversely, the losses VW could potentially face would be staggering, in the unlikely event that the electric car market does not thrive. Furthermore, VW, with the huge market share, could be financially impacted on vehicle recalls. If VW can get other manufacturers under licence for the MEB, then it can mitigate and they would be huge or “huger”, not only in sales but in aftersales, service and spares. Also, interestingly, each vehicle’s electronics and data could ascend into the VW 'Cloud' (VW is in partnership with Microsoft). Information could be stored there for updating applications and facilitating the transfer of performance information between owner, maker and service agents. It is thought that VW cars on the MEB chassis will turn profitable by about 2021. This will be greatly assisted by the number of hours to build a typical electric vehicle being reduced by a whopping 35 per cent from that of a combustion model. A VW spokesman claims a typical car currently takes 26-32 factory hours to build, but the MEB system will take only 16. VW says it plans to reduce this further to 10 hours, resulting in their being able to offer a model by 2023 for an estimated USD20,000. Right then, where’s the number of my stock broker in Frankfurt?
Irresistible Wheels, p56
Design Goes 3D, p57
Great Going, p57
View more info online
March 2019 55
motoringnews&launches
Prestigious Recognition
Biker Lessons
Infiniti’s VC-Turbo engine has been recognised in WardsAuto’s 10 Best Engines of 2019, owing to its industryleading variable compression technology. Editors of the esteemed automotive business intelligence service spent two months testing and evaluating 34 engines, and the VC-Turbo in the all-new INFINITI QX50 proved to be among the finest. Impressing judges with the fuel economy of a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, and the convincing performance of a V6, the VC-Turbo is evidently one of the most powerful engines on the market. It takes the power and strength of a sprinter and couples it with the efficiency and endurance of a marathon runner. The engine transforms on demand and based on the input of the drivers. Instantly adapting to their needs, the VC-Turbo lets them harness the exhilarating performance of 268hp and 380nm at 4,400rpm of torque. The new QX50 is available across the Middle East.
Motorbike enthusiasts in the Kingdom have another outlet to channel their passion for motorsports as a new motorbike academy opens its doors to the public. Adiby Racing Academy offers a comprehensive, three-days-a-week programme to bring novice riders up to a professional level. The curriculum is focused on mastering the basics on a mini-bike, which consumes less energy and resources, and can be done in a limited space. The skills learned translate perfectly onto full-sized bikes, as riders learn vehicle control, balance and racing techniques. The sessions also include rigorous safety training and a specialised fitness regime. Riders will also be kitted with custom-made protective gear. Sessions are offered three times a week, on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and lessons are suitable for ages seven and up.
Irresistible Wheels
The Next Best Thing 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, that 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 next month. All vehicles were equipped with level four self-driving technology, as defined by the SAE international standards. This allows the car to safely drive itself without any human input, referred to as ‘mind off’ autonomy. The demonstration started in Seoul, to begin the journey to Pyeongchang. Entering the highway, the vehicles moved in response to the natural flow of traffic. They executed lane changes and overtaking manoeuvers, and navigated toll gates using a wireless expressway payment system. The NEXO fuel cell electric SUV can drive more than 600km on a single charge, which takes approximately five minutes. 56 March 2019
The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé, available at Al Haddad Motors, merges the presence of an SUV and the agility of a coupé all in the contemporary luxury of a MercedesBenz. The GLE Coupé is a fusion of racing-bred tenacity and finely tailored luxury. Beneath the arching rooflines and muscular shoulders, you’ll experience a mix of verve and versatility not found in ordinary SUVs and not possible in traditional coupés. Sleek, sensuous and selfconfident — what defines a Mercedes-Benz coupé is not just its body, but its soul. And among SUVs, nothing reveals true depth of character with an unmatched breadth of capabilities like the star in its grille. From its aggressive stance to its muscular shape, the GLE Coupé is a new breed of thoroughbred performance. Visit the Mercedes-Benz showroom in Tubli and test drive the phenomenal Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé to find out more.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
motoringnews&launches
New at The Helm Manfred Bräunl (55), previously VP marketing at Porsche China Motors, will assume the role of chief executive officer at Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE (Free Zone Establishment), starting from March 1. Bräunl will lead a team of 52 professionals who support the brand’s operations across 20 countries with 21 importers and 65 Porsche facilities in the GCC, Levant, Africa and India. The organisation, which was established in 1999 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, provides Porsche customers with the best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand’s 70-year history of manufacturing exclusive sports cars. Detlev von Platen, member of the executive board for sales and marketing at Porsche AG, says: “Manfred Bräunl can optimally use his decades of worldwide experience in marketing and sales for premium automotive manufacturers in order to further strengthen our position in this growth region.”
Design Goes 3D Ford is the first automaker to work with Gravity Sketch – a 3D virtual reality tool that enables designers to create more human-centric vehicle design. Designers trade in their sketchpads for a headset and controllers to become immersed in virtual reality, imitating gestural interactions through motion tracking that replicates sketching with pen and paper. Traditional automotive design begins with a 2D sketch that’s then scanned to produce a high-quality illustration. Once these renderings are evaluated, a few
are translated into data using computeraided design software to create a 3D model. That model is transferred into a virtual reality environment for further evaluation and to determine the design’s feasibility. This can take weeks, meaning designers need to be extremely selective about which designs make it to the 3D modelling stage. Gravity Sketch allows designers to speed the process from weeks to hours, skipping the 2D stage and working with a 3D model from the beginning.
Great Going
Design Wins Hyundai Motor Company has been recognised for its cutting-edge vehicle design at the world-renowned iF Design Award 2019 for the fifth straight year. The Palisade and Le Fil Rouge concept vehicles each won the Automobiles/Vehicles category at the eminent competition in the global automotive industry. Hyundai’s record streak this year marks another milestone for the company, which continues to make strides in making premium cars affordable and available for customers worldwide. The award acknowledged Hyundai’s new flagship SUV, Palisade, a premium three-row sports utility vehicle which debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year. Another win went to Hyundai’s Le Fil Rouge concept car, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show 2018. The company’s G70.Seoul 2017 and the Essentia Concept vehicle also picked up awards at the prestigious event. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Ferrari announced its consolidated preliminary results for the fourth quarter and 12 months ended December 31, 2018. Shipments totalled 9,251 units in 2018, up 853 units or 10.2 per cent, versus the prior year. This achievement was driven by a 19.6 per cent increase in sales of the 12-cylinder models (V12), while the eight-cylinder models (V8) grew by 7.3 per cent. Growth in shipments occurred across all regions: EMEA grew 13.1 per cent, Americas increased by 6.7 per cent, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, were up 12.6 per cent and the rest of Asia Pacific was up 7.8 per cent. Net revenues for 2018 increased to EUR3,420 million, up 0.1 per cent at current currency and up 3.2 per cent at constant currency.
March 2019 57
buffets&brunches
Bon Appétit!
One of the highlights of being an islander is most definitely the variety of gastronomic feasts in the form of the buffets and brunches available across a plethora of hospitality venues. BTM rounds up the very best spots where you can go and sink your teeth in to a cornucopia of food, plus those venues celebrating exclusive events in the month March. ST PATRICK’S DAY BRUNCHES Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay On Friday, March 15, from 1pm-4pm, join in for an exuberant Irish atmosphere and celebrate with some quintessentially Irish dishes like Boxty and Irish Stew, as well as a Bailey’s dessert station and Irish coffees. The spread is priced at BD30.300, inclusive of soft drinks, or BD42.400, inclusive of selected beverages. Call 17 115-500. Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa The St Patrick’s Grand Friday Brunch will be staged on March 15 from 12.30pm-4pm, full of mouth-watering culinary delights and outstanding live entertainment. Dress up in shamrock green and enjoy an exclusive 20 per cent discount on your brunch package, which otherwise costs BD32, inclusive of soft drinks, or BD36 with selected beverages. Call 17 636-363. Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain Deck yourself out in green and celebrate 58 March 2019
Ireland at Baharat restaurant’s St Patrick’s Daythemed brunch on March 15 from 12.30pm-4pm for BD28, including soft drinks and water, or BD40, including selected free-flow beverages. Book for more than 10 people and receive a 20 per cent discount. Call 17 171-144. Mövenpick As well as the hugely popular weekly brunch, you can celebrate Irish festivities throughout the St Patrick’s Day weekend. Taste delicious international dishes, including Irish specialities, such as Irish Breakfast, Irish Stew, Guinness Pie, salmon fish cakes, Colcannon potatoes (Champ), Guinness Braised Lamb Shanks, potato soup, green macaroons with vanilla ice cream, Baileys sauce and spiced apple cake. There’ll also be entertainment all the way with the live DJ and a European Band preforming popular Irish tunes. The brunch, on March 15, is priced at BD36 with unlimited premium beverages. Call 17 460-017. Crowne Plaza Bahrain Eat, drink and be Irish at the fun-filled St Patrick’s-themed brunch on March 15 running from 12.30pm at La Mosaique and The Harvesters Pub & Terrace. Well known as having a great atmosphere, expect to step it up for this
The K Hotel
special occasion with themed food and drinks as well as Irish tunes from the resident band. Call 17 531-122. Wembley Lounge During March, watch out for the ever-popular St Patrick’s Celebration brunch at this stylish venue at Atiram Premier Hotel. There will be top live tribute acts too. Do make prior reservations to avoid disappointment. Call the venue for more details. The lounge’s regular Friday Party Brunch is also known to be a lavish affair. For BD21, guests can have great tasting food, some good old-fashioned fun with live music, plus a hint of karaoke to take them into the evening. Ladies can enjoy additional complimentary house drinks after 6pm. Call 33 640-009. ART Rotana Discover the lavish spread of excellent dishes, brilliant live cooking stations and unlimited drinks in honour of St Patrick to commemorate his arrival to Ireland, all at the hotel’s Choices Restaurant & Terrace. Priced at BD25 including soft drinks and juices, or BD36 including house beverages, the fare will be laid out from 12.30pm-4pm on March 15. Call 16 000-111. www.bahrainthismonth.com
buffets&brunches CARNIVAL VIBES Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay This year marks the sixth annual, family-friendly Brazilian Carnaval Brunch 2019, organised by Bloco Bahrain. This extravaganza will be hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay on Friday, March 1. Dress up creatively and join in to savour the best Brazilian cocktails and delicacies, and dance along to indigenous music from noon-4pm. Advance purchase tickets cost BD30, including food and unlimited drinks (cocktails, grape, malt and soft drinks). Guests get free access to the hotel’s beach party later that day from 5pm onwards. Call 39 262-222.
St. Patrick’s Brunch - Sofitel
MOTHER’S DAY BITES Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Treat your mum to a special Mother’s Day Garden Brunch on March 22 to experience savoury international dishes for everyone to enjoy under the beautiful blue skies of Zallaq, accompanied by top-notch live entertainment. The price is BD32, inclusive of soft beverages, or BD36, with selected beverages, from 12.30pm-4pm. All mothers receive a loving 25 per cent off. Call 17 636-363. Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain Celebrate Bahraini Mother’s Day this year on March 21 from 7pm-11pm with a simple and stylish Mother’s Day Seafood Night at Baharat Restaurant. Your mum will be entitled to a 50 per cent discount on this special day. The buffet costs BD25, including soft drinks and water, or BD31, including selected free-flow beverages. The offer is valid for a minimum of three people. Call 17 171-1441.
20 per cent off the bill from 4pm-11pm. The offer runs fron March 19-21. There are also special cakes on offer at Cappuccino on the 21st and Waves is offering 20 per cent off on family dinners (max four people) on the same evening. Call 17 531-122. ART Rotana On March 22, take your mother out for a lavish Friday brunch at Choices Terrace, where you can enjoy an extraordinary spread of popular dishes and live cooking stations in an indoor garden setup. The fabulous in-house band will play the greatest hits, and flowers will be gifted to all mothers dining in. The brunch will be on from 12.30pm-4 pm, and is priced at BD25, with soft drinks and juices, or BD36 with house beverages. Call 16 000-111.
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Experience the magic of the Rio Carnival in Bahrain at Saraya, Fiamma and Rivaaj restaurants, which will feature the Rio Carnival Grand Friday Brunch on March 8 from 12.30pm-4pm. Delight your taste buds as you savour a mix of authentic international delights and live Cuban melodies for BD32, inclusive of soft drinks, or BD36 inclusive of selected beverages. Wear your favourite carnivalthemed costume to avail of an exclusive 20 per cent discount. Call 17 636-363. FAVOURITES Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Bahrain Bay Kitchen’s Friday Spring Fair Brunch, that will be staged on March 1, 8, 22 and 29, from 1pm-4pm, is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of the ideal temperatures and fresh air while tucking into a delightful
Ramee Grand Hotel, Seef The hotel’s beautifully designed all-day dining restaurant, Lemon Tree, is regularly home to a much loved Friday brunch for a unique culinary experience. The venue invites guests to a special Mother’s Day brunch on March 22 to savour delicious delicacies and decadent desserts featuring international and Oriental choices. Call 36 897-377 or 33 244-290. Crowne Plaza Bahrain Celebrate Bahraini Mother’s Day with a special dinner with your mum at La Mosaique and get www.bahrainthismonth.com
Bahrain Bay Kitchen Spring Brunch - Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay
March 2019 59
buffets&brunches Friday at La Med - Ritz Carlton, Bahrain
The Domain Bahrain
brunch menu of deliciously healthy dishes. The afternoon is priced at BD30.300, inclusive of soft drinks, or BD42.400, inclusive of selected beverages. Call 17 115-500. On Saturdays, discover the impeccable brunch at re/Asian Cuisine by Wolfgang Puck, from 12.30pm-3pm. Soak in the immersive views from the 50th floor and feast on mouthwatering Asian selections such as Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns, Wok Fried Shrimp Dumplings and Brisket Wontons for BD32, including soft beverages, or BD44, including premium beverages. Call 17 115-046. The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain The ocean’s finest bounty is served at Les Fruits de Mer at the hotel’s La Med outlet on Mondays from 7pm-10.30pm. Relish your favourite catch of the day prepared in a variety of ways – grilled, steamed, fried or poached – from the buffet spread and live cooking stations. The meal is priced at BD25 including soft beverages, or BD30 including selected beverages. La Med also hosts a lavish Friday Brunch from 12.30pm-3.30pm, where guests can indulge in delicious international specialities, along with live cooking stations and a sumptuous sweets buffet for BD30, including soft drinks, or BD38, including selected beverages. Brunch Fiesta is on at Cantina Kahlo every Saturday from noon-4pm for BD23, including soft drinks, or BD36.500, including selected beverages. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a delicious assortment of Mexican classics, yummy drinks and heavenly desserts, while you sway to the synthesised beats of the Mariachi. Call 17 586-499. Mercure Grand Hotel Seef The hotel’s Al-Sofra Friday Brunch, priced at BD14++ (with or without selected beverages), is a firm family favourite. On offer are hot and cold appetisers and salads, delicious intercontinental dishes and delectable desserts 60 March 2019
Bahrat - Le Meridien City Centre Bahrain
to treat your taste buds, as well as live entertainment from 12.30pm-4pm. Call 32 000-621. Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Relish a sumptuous buffet spread for breakfast, lunch and dinner along with an option of a lavish à la carte menu at Al Safir Restaurant. Breakfast costs BD10.500+++, and runs from 6.30am-10.30am. Lunch is on from 12.30pm-3.30pm, while dinner is laid out from 7.30pm-11.30pm, both priced at BD10+++. The restaurant accepts the Entertainer voucher (Buy 1 Get 1 free offer). On International Women’s Day, March 8, all women dining at Al Safir get a 50 per cent discount. Call 17 533-533. Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain The Sweetest Brunch — one of the oldest and award-winning brunches at Baharat Restaurant — indulges guests with a sensorial and savoury experience for BD28, including soft drinks and water, or BD40, including selected free-flow beverages, accompanied by live music. The fare is laid out every Friday from 12.30pm-4pm. Book for more than 10 people and receive a 20 per cent discount. Call 17 171-144.
Wyndham Garden The newly revamped Friday Brunch at Café Mosaic, Wyndham Garden Manama in Juffair allures you every week with a lavish buffet and delightful amazing view of Bahrain skyline. Enjoy the buffet complemented by live cooking stations, seafood grills, a sumptuous choice of desserts and soothing live music. The friendly staff are on hand to create a memorable experience, while children can have fun with special entertainment. The priced is BD12++, with soft drinks, or BD22++ with selected beverages. Children under six eat for free. Call 66 316-666. The K Hotel The Friday brunch at Kolors restaurant is now bigger and better, where beautifully displayed canapés greet you at the entrance. The live pasta and tempura stations whet your appetite for the enormous sushi bar, salads and mezze. The main course comprises scrumptious Arabic, Chinese, Italian and Mexican preparations, while guests can choose from a range of fresh fish, rock lobster, king prawns, mussels and crabs – prepared to their liking. Dessert includes pies, cakes, fresh crêpes and a fantastic chocolate fountain. This lavish gastronomic offering is available at BD14.500++, inclusive of soft drinks. Selected beverages can be enjoyed at an additional cost of BD7++. Call 17 360-000. Coral Bay Rayes is touted to offer the finest Lebanese cuisine on the island and has a spectacular location to boot; situated right on the waterfront overlooking the marina with the Muharraq skyline rising off in the distance. The outlet offers a lip-smacking brunch every Friday from www.bahrainthismonth.com
buffets&brunches
noon-5pm, priced at BD14++. Kids dine at half the price. Call 17 312-700.
Ramee Grand Hotel, Seef
Crowne Plaza Bahrain Enjoy themed Russian cocktails at the Absolutely Fabulous Friday Brunch. You’re guaranteed great vibes, good food and fun music all round; all you have to do is supply the good company. The brunch runs from 12.30pm-4pm every Friday and is priced BD33 with unlimited selected beverages. Call 17 531-122. Royal Golf Club Links restaurant hosts a delicious, new Brunch De Salsa featuring the best of Spanish cuisine every Thursday night from 7pm onwards. Enjoy a fabulous selection of dishes accompanied by unlimited beverages. The meal costs BD24 for club members and BD26 for non-members, inclusive of selected beverages. The soft drinks package costs BD18. Call 17 751-262.
Friday – delicious fare, perfectly poured drinks and a jovial ambience. Enjoy a great selection of house beverages and an impressive buffet featuring signature roasts as well as a choice from the a la carte menu. The afternoon is priced at BD20++, with unlimited soft drinks, or BD30++, with unlimited house beverages. Call 17 000-415.
Calexico The Fri-Yay Brunch at this Adliya eatery is on from 12.30pm-4pm, and is priced at BD15++, inclusive of food and soft drinks, or BD25++, inclusive of food and selected beverages. It’s a great venue to enjoy award-winning street food with a decidedly South American flavour and superb cocktails. Children under 10 years eat for free. Call 17 666-644.
Brunch, every Friday. Enjoy delectable dining and drinks for BD27++ from 1.30pm-5pm. Call 17 100-346.
The Domain Bahrain The Legendary Friday Brunch is on at Le Sauvage on the 34th floor of the towering hotel every Friday from noon to 4pm. This ‘grown-up’ and lively brunch is priced at BD19++, including soft drinks, BD27++, including selected beverages, or BD36++ including premium beverage brands and pairing. Call 16 000-000.
Lanterns The Budaiya branch of this much-loved chain of restaurants sets out a sumptuous spread for just BD6.900 over the two days of the weekend. On Fridays, the buffet is on for lunch, from noon-4pm, and dinner, from 7pm-11pm. On Saturdays, the buffet is available for lunch only. The price includes the food; all drinks are to be paid for as per your order. Call 17 590-591.
Jumeirah Royal Saray Give your weekend an element of sophistication at The Terrace, which features the Petit
McGettigans This brunch from noon-4pm at the popular outlet in Adliya ticks all the boxes for a fabulous
Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Guests can enjoy a wide selection of international dishes and live cooking stations at this big brunch which runs from 12.30pm-4pm. Options include Italian, seafood, Asian cuisine, grills, a carving station and a dessert corner. The price is BD32 per person including selected beverages. Kids aged six to 12 years pay half price and under sixes eat free. Call 39 945-208. The Dragon Hotel & Resort Head to Muju at The Dragon for brunch in a stunning setting overlooking open water through the venue’s glass façade. This is one of the island’s most pocket-friendly spreads at just BD14, with soft drinks, or BD18 with selected beverages. Call 16 033-833.
Al Sofra Friday Brunch Mercure Grand Hotel Seef
www.bahrainthismonth.com
March 2019 61
bystander
114th Anniversary of Rotary International
The 114th Anniversary of Rotary International was celebrated at La Med, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. Additional images supplied by Edward Meneses
Farmers’ Market
The annual Bahrain Farmers’ Pop-up Market supporting local agriculture and traditional Bahraini arts and crafts was held at The RitzCarlton, Bahrain’s Croquet Lawn
62 March 2019
To view more images, scan the QR code
www.bahrainthismonth.com
DINING
this month Chef Mahipal
Time Out at Trattoria, p64
A Meaty Treat LIZ O’REILLY I must confess that, much as I am trying to reduce my meat consumption, I’m simply not there yet. So, trying out the kebab promotion at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s Indian eatery Nirvana was right up my street. To be fair, they do have a veggie option and I did give it a go, but to be honest, kebabs, for me, are all about the meat. The Tandoori Jugalbandi promo is BD30 for two and involves a selection of kebabs and breads paired with Indian hops – Jugalbandi actually means pairing. We went at lunchtime, when it’s a great quick in-and-out option, but the offer is on from noon to 11.30pm on Wednesdays and well worth a try. At this point, for those who don’t know, a little about Nirvana. Like all the Ritz restaurants, it’s tastefully decorated. Indian friends tell me it’s like an upmarket Mumbai (or, as they insist, Bombay) eatery; this can’t be bad. The seating is plush and comfortable. Lighting discreet but more than adequate to see what’s on your plate; music subdued but pleasing; and staff, friendly and knowledgeable. First to arrive at the table was a basket of poppadoms. This is usually one of my favourite parts of the whole Indian experience. But, since I’m still on the New Year health kick, I was prepared to forego the deep-fried deliciousness until our waiter pointed out that, as if made just for me, there was a selection of fried and baked. Happily, I actually preferred the spicy, crunchy baked version with their accompaniments of chutneys and minty yoghurt. Onto the main plates and our mouths watered at the sight of lamb kebabs dukkah – the name refers to the spices in which the kofta-type dish is cooked. Between www.bahrainthismonth.com
myself and my dining companion, we managed to identify, we think, sesame seeds, cumin, mint and a nut of some kind. Chef Mahipal smiled, but did not share his secrets! Suffice to say, whatever it was, it was darn good and my pal was so impressed that she even finished up the one I had left on my plate (that health kick again, I’m afraid). A minced chicken with jalapeño option followed. I have to admit, I found this one a little bland and was more than happy when it was followed by big, juicy, tasty prawns. Lightly coated in slightly sweet sticky sauce, reminiscent of sweet chilli, they were cooked to perfection and, with their dense meatiness, extremely filling. The veggie option of tandoor cooked broccoli and paneer looked good and tasted even better – and it was great fun to take advantage of the open kitchen to actually see it heading into the tandoor minutes before it arrived on our plates. If you’ve ever wondered what the Indian version of cauliflower cheese might taste like, this is it. I’m a big fan of the Western version, so to try the delightfully fresh broccoli and paneer straight from the oven and again with the benefit of aromatic spices, really added to our foodie experience. We ended the meal with the signature chicken dish Nirvana Tikka Kebab. Piquant, piping hot and tender – it’s no wonder this has become one of the restaurant’s specialities and it’s something I could happily have eaten alone with just the basket of assorted nans that accompanied it. A word to the wise. These sharing portions look small but at the end of our meal both myself and my companion were more than replete and the addition of the ale pairing left us both so relaxed that I wished I’d booked the afternoon off.
MichelinHidden on theGems, Menu, p70 p66
F1 Grand Brunch, p67
Plant-Based Flavours, p68
View more info online
March 2019 63
tablehopping
TIME OUT AT TRATTORIA – LIZ O’REILLY
When? Every day Event? Bistro-Inspired Lunch Venue? CUT by Wolfgang Puck Steakhouse, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Explore the flavour-focussed lunch menu and expect bistro-inspired indulgence that complements the pace of your lunch break. E Call 17 115-044. When? Every day Event? Arabic Afternoon Tea Venue? Furn Bistro and Bakery, The Westin City Centre Bahrain Enjoy the unique ambience of the Rotunda and the specials in the Furn bakery display. E Call 17 171-441. When? Every day Event? Bread Promotion Venue? Furn Bakery, The Westin City Centre Bahrain Enjoy a 50 per cent discount during happy hours on the entire bread display after 6pm. E Call 17 171-441. When? Every day Event? Special Lunch Menu Venue? Espressamente Illy Café, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Enjoy a lunch menu at BD2.900++, inclusive of water or soft drinks. E Call 17 533-533. When? Every day except Monday Event? Tomahawk Steak Venue? Flames Steak & Seafood Restaurant, ART Rotana Enjoy a glorious 1kg Tomahawk steak grilled to perfection along with two of your favourite sauces, assorted vegetables, potatoes and a selection of mustards for BD46++ for two guests. E Call 16 000-111. When? Every Sunday Event? Sundown Grill Venue? Plums, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Satisfy your steak cravings with three of the best cuts – US Black Angus, Australian Kobe Wagyu and Irish grass-fed — together served with a side salad, truffle fries, creamed spinach and sautéed mushrooms. E Call 17 586-499. 64 March 2019
The chance to let someone else do the cooking on press week is always welcome. And when that someone is a professional and the dinner in question is at Trattoria at the Wyndham Garden, literally three minutes’ drive from our Juffair office, it’s all the better. I really like the ambience of this traditional Italianstyle eatery, the red and white checked table cloths and old grape bottles imprinted with special offers and pressed into service as quirky info bearers on the table. Admittedly, it was quiet when we stopped by on a weekday early evening, taking advantage of the 7pm-9pm Happy Hour. But, I’ve been here at weekends and it is bustling. For starters, my friend chose beef carpaccio, which came with a twist. The chef explained that he sears the outside to seal in the juices before the quick freezing which allows the wafer-thin slices to be carved. My dining companion declared the flavour to be excellent but wasn’t sure about the departure from the norm,
finding the two different textures somewhat disconcerting. I had Zuppa De Mare – a rich, creamy soup, bursting with juicy chunks of seafood and flavour. My main course contained the evening’s piece de resistance – truffle wedges with Parmesan and rocket. I have to admit I am a bit of a truffle fiend and to come across big, fat, steaming-hot potato chips with the added bonus of truffle oil. Well, suffice to say, I scoffed all the wedges and actually saved for later the beautifully cooked tagliata de manzo – beef fillet flavoured with aged balsamic vinegar and thyme – that accompanied them! My friend was equally happy with her osso buco which, though not quite falling off the bone, was deliciously flavoursome and tender. Dessert was a sweet pastry tart packed with crème patissiere and topped with fresh fruit – another triumph that sent us away happy. Happy Hour? It certainly was for us.
THE VEGAN WAY Whether you are, or want to become, vegan or just want to get more wholesome veggies into your diet, this could be the one for you. On March 3, Plant Café is hosting its second masterclass with vegan chef Richard Havarti. Designed to inspire you in the kitchen and give you more confidence when it comes to cooking delicious vegan food, participants will learn tips, tricks and great recipes designed to help you make nutritious and delicious food quickly and easily. The class covers: roasting; creating gorgeous greens; making delicious flavour-boosting sides; the principles of sautéing and a decadent chocolate dessert. The class takes place from 5.30pm-8pm and, as it’s interactive, spaces are limited.
LIFE’S A BEACH Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa has opened a new beach bar, Le Bar De La Plage; nestled amid the sandy beach and palm studded gardens, it’s a chilled-out bistro with a panoramic view of the turquoise sea, bound to elevate your experience in the most decadent setting. Serving beach bites and beverages there’s also a live pizza oven for toasty hot pies. www.bahrainthismonth.com
tablehopping When? Sunday- Wednesday Event? Turkish Business Lunch Buffet Venue? Mercure Grand Hotel Seef Enjoy the best business lunch featuring traditional Turkish delicacies ranging from grills to everyone’s favourites, Baklava and Kanafeh to name a few, for BD5.500. E Call 32 000-621. When? Sunday-Thursday Event? Business Lunch Venue? Baharat, Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain Enjoy a buffet with a selection of Middle Eastern and Indian fusion cuisine, featuring a tandoor oven and indoor grill, for BD16. E Call 17 171-144. When? Every Monday Event? Ladies› Night Venue? Harvesters Pub & Terrace, Crowne Plaza Bahrain Ladies enjoy four complimentary selected beverages from 9pm–1am. E Call 17 531-122. When? Every Monday Event? Steak Night Venue? McGettigan’s, Adliya For BD20, two guests can each choose a cut of meat and one of three sauces from the Steak Night menu, as well as a bottle of house grape. E Call 17 000-415. When? Every Monday Event? Enrico’s Pasta Fiesta Night Venue? Rosso, ART Rotana Treat yourself to a night full of Italian love, with over 12 different types of freshly-made pasta with Chef Enrico’s secret family recipes, priced at BD8++ with a welcome drink. E Call 16 000-111. When? Every Tuesday Event? Taco Tuesdays Venue? Cantina Kahlo, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Gather with your friends for a taco feast at your favourite Mexican cantina. Choose from 10 varieties of tacos to excite your senses for BD22 per person, inclusive of one special beverage. E Call 17 586-499. When? Every Wednesday Event? BBQ Night Venue? Baharat, Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain A stylish yet rustic barbecue experience showcasing ribs and Wagyu prime rib steak for BD19, including soft drinks and water, or BD26, including selected free flow beverages. E Call 17 171 144.
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FESTIVAL OF COLOURS Head to Spices at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain for an evening of colours and celebration at the special Holi event with a DJ playing Bollywood numbers and an exquisite buffet featuring all the traditional Holi favourites. Timing is 9pm-11pm and the price is BD10 with soft drinks. Call 17 531-122.
NEW YORK IN BAHRAIN
Black Tap, the popular New York concept loved around the world for its award-winning burgers and ‘Instafamous’ CrazyShake milkshakes, is now open at Jumeriah Royal Saray. Famous for its ultra-cool vibe and great American luncheonette experience, the Bahrain incarnation features all the brand’s popular craft burgers, urban style décor and legendary CrazyShake milkshakes. In addition to its much-loved menu of burgers that include the classic All-American and the Greg Norman – a Wagyu beef special with house buttermilk-dill dressing, blue cheese and arugula – Black Tap will also be rolling out seasonal CrazyShake creations to complement its three global best-sellers: The Cotton Candy Shake, The Sweet n’ Salty and The Brooklyn Blackout. Call 77 707-070.
MICHELIN ON THE MENU Experience the epitome of French fine dining as Michelinstarred chef Arnaud Dunand Sauthier becomes the latest in Capital Club Bahrain’s series of superstar gastro guests. Chef Arnaud is the chef de cuisine at Le Normandie at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, a restaurant that has been renowned throughout Asia since its establishment in 1958. Known for its contemporary French cuisine, excellent service and luxurious ambience, Le Normandie is among only four establishments in the city to receive two Michelin stars. Chef Arnaud’s philosophy is to source only the freshest ingredients from around the world. His menu is mainly inspired by his home in the French Alps and his dishes are the imprints of his culinary identity as portrayed in his signature dishes: Caviar Osciètre et Oursin – caviar, sea urchin and potato with Champagne sauce, and Pigeon Miéral de Bresse – roasted pigeon, endive, pear and cocoa. He will be at the Signature Grill on the 52nd floor from March 5-7. Call 17 100-100 or 32 236-464.
HOLI HAI Head to Mövenpick’s much-loved brunch and discover Holi, the festival of colours, in style – with mouthwatering food, refreshing drinks and foot-stomping beats from the resident live band and DJ! Welcome the happiest day of spring, with this annual Indian festival, celebrating the joy of friendship and equality for all. The coloured powders used during Holi represent happiness, love and the freedom to live vibrantly. Take this opportunity to cover yourself and your friends in messy, colourful fun! Brunch runs from 12.30pm-5pm and costs BD36 including premium beverages. Call 17 460-017.
LIMITED EDITION The Lobster and Crabs Friday Brunch returns to Flavours on 2, Downtown Rotana. But grab it quick, this special is only running till the end of the month. Select your own fresh seafood at a live cooking station that’s beyond imagination featuring a huge selection of your favourite lobsters and crabs. There’s also a selection of freshly-grilled food for meat lovers and a buffet including Oriental, Asian, Western dishes and a wide selection of sushi and sashimi followed by the sweets display. The Lobster and Crabs Friday Brunch runs from noon till 4pm and costs BD22 including juices and soft drinks, or BD32 with unlimited house beverages. Call 13 119-999. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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tablehopping
PUCKER UP Celeb chef Wolgang Puck is back in town for an uber-luxe F1 pre-race party at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay on March 29. Take the vibes outside with live cooking on The Lawn featuring an array of South American-themed dishes and ingredients, all served up to the tune of a dynamic music performance. Running from 8pm till 2am the price is BD69 per person. Call 17 115-044.
RACING REPAST C
Recharge your batteries ready for the big racing weekend, at The RitzCarlton, Bahrain’s La Med, with a sumptuous buffet of international specialities, along with live cooking stations and a sumptuous sweets buffet after an electrifying Race Day Beach Bash the night before. A perfect opportunity to replenish for Bahrain’s ultimate car racing championship. Brunch is BD30 with soft drinks and BD38 with selected beverages. Call 17 586-499. M
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F1 GRAND BRUNCH Celebrate the spirit of the Grand Prix with an extraordinary Formula 1 Grand Friday Brunch, on March 29, at Sofitel Bahrain. Dash your way through delectable offerings of international gastronomic treats geared to satisfy all your cravings, while the Cuban band enthralls you with a Magnifique set of live performances. Show support to your team by dressing up in your favourite F1 team gear and get a whopping 20 per cent off your F1 brunch package. Children can also join the celebrations with their special kids’ corner, keeping them engaged in various fun activities. The price is BD32 inclusive of soft drinks and BD36 with selected beverages. Kids aged six to 12 years pay half price. Call 17 636-363.
TASTE THE RACE Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain will be staging a Formula 1-themed brunch on March 29, where you can feed the need for speed with a sumptuous buffet, various cooking stations and more all in a special race day atmosphere geared up with live music from Twin Band. Tuck in for BD28 with soft drinks or BD40 including selected free flow beverages. Book for 10-plus people and receive 20 per cent discount. Call 17 171-144. Keep an eye on www.bahrainthismonth.com for more F1 dining events as they are announced. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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tablehopping When? Every Wednesday Event? All You Can Eat Pizza Venue? Teatro Downtown, Downtown Rotana Bite into limitless oven-fresh pizzas which are prepared on demand for just BD7++. E Call 13 119-999. When? Every Thursday Event? Sushi Night by the Beach Venue? Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Experience a selection of sashimi, nigiri and maki in the all-you-caneat sushi nights by the white sand beach, while resident DJ EVO plays live to evoke a cool beach-side vibe. E Call 17 115-500. When? Every Friday Event? Family Breakfast Venue? The Ritz Gourmet Lounge, The RitzCarlton, Bahrain Enjoy the new family breakfast option, available for sharing by up to four guests. The set menu costs BD27. E Call 17 586-499. When? Every Friday Event? Ladies› Friday Venue? Al Safir Restaurant, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Ladies can enjoy an international buffet lunch or dinner at the restaurant every Friday at a 50 per cent discount on the food only. E Call 17 533-533. When? March 7 -8 Event? Rio Carnival Festa Venue? Tapas Restaurant & Bar, Sofitel Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Savour a wide range of flavourpacked dishes from around the world on the buffet, with live cooking stations complemented with live entertainment. The buffet costs BD15, inclusive of soft beverages, BD20, inclusive of selected beverages, or BD40, inclusive of the Grand Friday Brunch and Tapas Rio Carnival on March 8. E Call 17 636-363. When? March 14-22 Event? Holi Festival Venue? Rivaaj Restaurant, Sofitel Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Enjoy a culturally rich dining experience with a range of authentic Indian treats in a royally lavish setting to celebrate the traditional Indian festival, Holi, for BD15, inclusive of soft beverages, or BD20, inclusive of selected beverages. There will be live Bhangda performances on March 21. E Call 17 636-363. When? March 20-21 Event? Persian New Year (Nowarus) Venue? Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Enjoy the taste of the special Persian dishes to make the most of the New Year. E Call 17 533-533. 68 March 2019
A SWEET ADDITION Bahrain’s own degustation restaurant, Mahonia, has welcomed pastry chef Enric Moreu Parreño. Hailing from Spain, Enric began his culinary training at the Hofmann Culinary School in Barcelona, one of the gastronomic capitals of the world, where he achieved his Master Pastry Degree. He then moved to London where he took a position at the famed Belgravia hotel, The Goring, in its Michelin-starred signature restaurant, The Dining Room. During his time in the UK Enric made a cheesecake for the British Queen and met the Queen along with the Duchess of Cambridge the night before her wedding to Prince William. Returning to his native Barcelona, he worked in multiple award-winning restaurants such as Disfrutar, known for its avant-garde cuisine, Els Brancs, and OneOcean Club, among others.
At Mahonia, Enric loves the fact that he has both the creative freedom and the resources to express his culinary artistry, making Mahonia his ultimate playground – in the gastronomic sense. A spokesman says: “Enric is more than just pastry he is all things sweet – and the master of our Seven Signature Mahonia Artisan confectionery. These are each infused with a different spice – from the trade routes to Bahrain (India to the Middle East to Asia): pistachio, cardamom, chilli, saffron, ginger, tamarind and wasabi.”
RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL From a new face to a familiar one; popular bar boss Stevie George is back at Wembley Lounge, much to patrons’ delight. Stevie left mid-2018 due to health issues and says he is still recovering from something which triggered a huge weight-loss. “I’m half the man I used to be,” he says with a smile on his face. “If I knew the secret, I would write a book and make a fortune, but sadly my doctor still does not know the reasons and the only advice I have received is to eat healthy and visit the gym – but not at the same time.” Well-known as “the home of live sport”, Wembley has a pub-grub-based international food menu and a party brunch every Friday. Stevie’s main focus is to re-establish the venue’s standing as the best place to watch live sport, and the reputation of the Friday brunch as a good-old fashioned party afternoon which you can enjoy with friends and family. A revised food menu is currently in production with some additional classics being added, and a slight change in the layout of Wembley is planned for the summer months.
A TASTE OF ITALY
Head to Primavera at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain to indulge in some true Italian flavours at the Venetian Carnival taking place on March 7 under the watchful eye of chef de cuisine Vincenzo Nigro. You’ll experience a feast of textures and flavours in a four-course set menu paired with a Venetian beverage selection, all for BD35 per person.
PLANT-BASED FLAVOURS Starting from mid-March, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay will be offering the Folia plant-based menu, developed by renowned US chef Matthew Kenney, founder of Plant Food, and HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal – possibly the Arab world’s most famous vegan and animal welfare activist. The initiative aims to highlight truly ethical, wholesome and plant-based dining. A treat for carnivores too, dishes transform vegetables, fruits, nuts, herbs and spices into unforgettable feasts. www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
JJ’s Karaoke
To view more images, scan the QR code
JJ’s Irish Restaurant presented its Microphone Madness karaoke event at its Adliya premises
Beyonce Tribute
To view more images, scan the QR code
JJ’s Irish Restaurant presented “Crazy in Love” - a tribute party featuring Lauren as Beyonce
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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bystander OTHER EVENTS
The Arab Bank held its Annual Staff Gathering at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain
The International Brands & Franchise Expo 2019, organised under the patronage of HE Shaikh Khaled bin Humood, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority was held at the International Exhibition & Convention Centre
The Capital Club hosted the Michelin-starred Chef, Nicolas Min Jørgensen, from Restaurant Substans in Aarhus, Denmark, known for his ultra-seasonal and Nordic style cuisine
The House of Travel held an in-house product day for its staff with representatives from partners: My Fatoorah, Cruise Master Dubai, The Bicester Village Shopping Collection, Royal Caribbean International, Dnata Representations & GSAs (Land), Holidays by Fly Dubai, Disney World and Rail Europe who presented their respective products and services
The British Ambassador, HE Simon Martin, and his wife Sophie, hosted a reception at the British Embassy Gardens on behalf of Innervate UK, for the launch of its Bahrain office
Majid Al Futtaim announced the grand prize winner of a brand new luxury Lexus LX570s – Sports Line 2019 as part of City Centre Bahrain’s celebration marking its 10th anniversary
To view more images, scan the QR code SKAL International Bahrain Club hosted a dinner at La Pergola by Giancarlo Perbellini in The Gulf Hotel Bahrain, in appreciation of Fuad Kazerooni and Abdulla Abokhamseen for their support and contribution to the club’s successful development
70 March 2019
A press conference for Hublot was held at The Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, Cut Bar & Lounge
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander OTHER EVENTS
The Bahrain Airport Services Company honoured more than 110 staff, who participated in the Bahrain International Airshow 2018
The Embassy of Japan, in cooperation with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, organised a lecture on Archaeological Excavations at Wadi Al-Sail, at the Bahrain National Museum
A press conference for the Bahrain International Garden Show 2019 was held at the Bahrain International Convention & Exhibition Centre
The Bahrain Airport Services Company honoured a group of employees for their selection as ideal employees of month
A Rotary Awareness Day was held at the Golden Tulip Hotel with Abdulla Juma speaking about his long experience with the Rotary Club of Sulmaniya.
Alistair Burt, the UK Minister for the Middle East, visited Bahrain and hosted a press roundtable at the British Embassy
City Centre Bahrain hosted a birthday party for Playsy
www.bahrainthismonth.com
The first ever Italian language course taught in higher education in Bahrain was inaugurated at the Royal University for Women in the presence of Italian Ambassador, HE Domenico Bellato
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technologygadgets BTM brings you the latest gadgets to push your technological buttons.
SunFriend Wearable UV Tracker
Wear-N-Write
SunFriend is a new wearable tracker for more balanced sun exposure. It is best used before using UVB blocking sunscreen or covering up, and lets you see how much sun you are getting each day. It also shows you how intense the sun is by taking a real time UV Index reading. Use it daily to get a healthy amount of sun – enough to get optimal vitamin D, but not so much that you burn or damage your skin. Available at amazon.com
Perfect for those who always find it difficult to take notes on the go, the Wear-N-Write has been specifically designed for busy people who often need to record information quickly. This quick and easy-touse notepad has a flexible writing surface and can be contoured around the arm. Also includes a dry erase pen to scribble your notes with. Available at wearnwrite.com
H20 Ninja Full Face Snorkelling Mask
GlowBelt This gadget is the world’s first self-retracting LED safety belt for fans of the great outdoors and general fitness enthusiasts. Compact, lightweight and bright, the belt pulls out from a small case and can be worn as a sash or belt. Equipped with 13 LEDs, the Glowbelt can be seen over 200m away to make your presence known. Available at amazon.com
Using advanced technology, this mask allows you to breathe underwater as easily as if you were on land. Comprised of two parts, the snorkel piece remains above the water as you swim and explore while the actual mask gives you a clear view underwater. The built-in air transport system provides you with an airway as opposed to holding any air itself. The mask also doesn’t allow any water to seep in even when the snorkel portion is fully submerged in the water. Available at h2oninjamask.com
TravelCard Charger The TravelCard is a portable Smartphone charger that fits in your wallet. Now, there’s no need to get that sinking feeling when you’re waiting on an important call and your battery power is in the red. Compatible with all Android models and iPhone 5 onwards. Available at travelcardcharger.com
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www.bahrainthismonth.com
technologygadgets
Smart Planter Grow your kitchen herbs indoors and with style by using the Smart Planter. It will let you know when your plant needs water with the help of the ‘flower’ indicator. You’ll always know when to water them and won’t be perplexed as to whether they are growing in a healthy way or not. The planter also uses an innovative cotton wick irrigation system which allows you to maintain proper moisture for your plant. Available at amazon.com
UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit One for the avid campers among you. The kit includes 12 Titan matches, three replaceable strikers, a waterproof case and cord. These are the superheroes of the match world, they’re windproof and burn up to 25 seconds in duration. Titan matches also stay lit under water and in gale force winds! The 4.5in tall case is waterproof, floats in water and has an integrated striker holder Available at amazon.com
Aquabot Water Bottle
Portable Door Alarm Wedge
Be it for hydration, cooling or cleaning yourself during a hot summer afternoon, this gadget covers all bases. It can spray over a distance of 25 feet and has a shower, stream as well as mist pattern. You can use the variable flow control trigger for a flow of water gushing towards you and enjoy an impromptu shower on the go. The bottle is also easy to drink from. Available at lunatecgear.com
This device gives you added security when wedging the door during sleep. Those who live in shared accommodation may crave a little privacy, or those who live alone may wish to sleep easier. The wedge slips under the inside of a door so that any unwanted visitors will set off a 130dB alarm alerting neighbours and preventing the door from being opened. Available at amazon.com
Graava Action Camera Graava is the first video camera that uses artificial intelligence to identify and automatically edit the best moments of your footage. This will later enable you to share them on your social media channels. Simply select the desired length of the final video and let Graava edit your footage. Available at graava.camera
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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technologygames
Kingdom Hearts 3 Verdict: A fantastic ending to the landmark trilogy. Rating:
What is it?
Kingdom Hearts 3 is the third game in the beloved RPG series and features a mature Sora who sets forth on an adventure with Mickey, Donald and Goofy through new and legendary Disney worlds. Believing light and darkness must remain in balance, Master Xehanort seeks to spark war against the ‘tyranny of light’ to restore equilibrium. In an effort to undermine Xehanort’s plot, Sora, Donald and Goofy search for seven guardians of light and the ‘Key to Return Hearts,’ while King Mickey and Riku search for previous Keyblade wielders.
Gameplay
Gameplay is similar to its predecessors, with fast, fun hack and slash combat. Each world offers a specific gameplay element, such as first-person shooter Gigas mechs in the Toy Story world, downhill sledding in the Frozen world, and naval, underwater, and aerial combat in the Pirates of the Caribbean world, which also features numerous smaller islands at sea which can be explored. The Gummi Ship also returns as a means of travel between the different worlds of the game, with an exploration mechanic adding to the traditional Space Invaders-esque shooting.
Metro Exodus
Metro Exodus is the third game in the postapocalyptic shooter series based on the novels of Dmitry Glukhovsky. It blends deadly combat and stealth with exploration and survival horror in one of the most immersive game worlds ever created. Flee the shattered ruins of dead Moscow and embark on an epic, continent-spanning journey across postapocalyptic Russia in the greatest Metro adventure yet. The story spans an entire year through spring, summer and autumn to the depths of nuclear winter.
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Graphics
The assortment of Disney locations to fight in and explore in Kingdom Hearts 3 is made up of seven stunning recreations and expansions of beloved worlds. The worlds of Monsters, Inc., Big Hero 6 and Pirates of the Caribbean in particular are gorgeous delights. There is some impressive parity with the 3D animated films, and it’s all backed by beautiful orchestral takes on the movies’ classic themes.
Anthem
Anthem is a shared-world action-RPG, where players can delve into a vast world teeming with amazing technology and forgotten treasures. The world is also filled with savage beasts and ruthless marauders where Freelancers are called to defeat the forces plotting to conquer humanity. Up to four friends can unravel the world’s mysteries and take on its most fearsome challenges together.
Far Cry: New Dawn
Set in a breathtaking post-apocalyptic world 17 years after a global nuclear catastrophe, Far Cry: New Dawn brings players into a wildly beautiful and radically transformed Hope County, Montana. Life has begun to emerge from the chaos, but the survivors now face a new threat – the merciless Highwaymen and their leaders The Twins, Mickey and Lou. To push back this devastating threat, players must help the Survivors grow stronger, craft a makeshift arsenal and form unexpected alliances to fight for survival in a dangerous new frontier. www.bahrainthismonth.com
technologywebsites VERDICT:
A fascinating look at the development of the modern world.
Site: http://world.time.com/timelapse/ Rating: What is it?
Ever wondered how climate change and human evolution has changed the world over the past three decades? This website shows a time-lapse of places such as the Columbia glaciers, Amazon forests, Dubai and Las Vegas; captured through three decades of satellite photography.
The Good
It’s very difficult to realise how much the world around us is affected from the ground level. However, even just 30 years later, the planet is vastly different and it’s amazing to see it from above via these photographs. From the mark of human destruction left on the rainforests and glaciers to the awe-inspiring technological constructions of Dubai, you will be lost for hours.
The Bad
The major negative is that there isn’t more content. With the amount of satellites taking images of our planet constantly, it would be cool to use this tool anywhere in the world rather than selected locations. It would also have been cool to have some written information rather than just images.
http://projectalexandria.net/ Project Alexandria is essentially the Google of books. It’s basically an extensive search feature for books of all kinds, and also acts as a recommendation tool for book lovers. Enter the book title or your favourite author’s name to get up to
five recommendations based on similar books.
http://everestavalanchetragedy.com/mt-everest-journey.html Scaling the heights of Mount Everest is a dream for most people in the world. However, for almost all of them, the opportunity will never present itself. Fear not though, because with this site you can take a virtual 3D trip that scales the height of the behemoth. It features a 360 view for every metre of the summit, plus information www.bahrainthismonth.com
panels, high-resolution photography and in-depth information about the various stages. March 2019 75
technologyapps
Apps Review BTM brings you the low-down on the latest and greatest apps on the market.
App: ifttt Rating: Verdict: Handy app to make sure you’re set for the day. What is it?
Ifttt stands for ‘if this, then that’, which allows you to make thousands of commands, also known as ‘recipes’, such as sending you an SMS if it’s about to rain or to automatically post a link to your blog on your Facebook page at any given time. No programming skills are required. While you can create your own commands from scratch using what boils down to a ‘choose from the listed options’ interface, ifttt also lets you browse recipes that other users have created and made public.
The Good
The app is extremely simple to use. You might assume that the recipes would require some technical wizardry, but they don’t. It uses icons and large text to make the recipes completely easy to create, and supports integrations with dozens of other apps and services.
App: RockMyRun
The Bad
The app doesn’t have a very good way of notifying you if there’s a problem with one of your recipes, and occasionally you have to be extremely exact with what you’re asking, which can be frustrating.
App: Rewind - Automatic Time Tracking Perfect for data junkies, this app keeps track of where you’ve been and for how long. Have you ever wondered how much time you spend at work or at home? How about at your favourite coffee shop or restaurant, or the gym? With Rewind, you can easily know this information without even thinking about it as it tracks everything in neatly-presented graphs and charts.
If you enjoy running with music, especially new music picked to match your activity, RockMyRun is the app for you. This fitness app plays music and changes the tempo based on your footfalls or heart rate, while also keeping track of your runs. It also lets you set the tempo of a playlist, if you’d rather try to make your feet keep up with the music, and the app comes with a variety of genres. 76 March 2019
www.bahrainthismonth.com
entertainmentmusic
Ariana Grande – Thank U, Next What’s the story?
Three months after the August 2018 release of Sweetener – her fourth album, delivered in the wake of the 2017 tragedy at Manchester Arena – Ariana Grande released Thank U, Next, a clever pop song celebrating how each ex turned her into a better person. The refrain of “one taught me love, one taught me patience, and one taught me pain” quickly turned Thank U, Next into something more than a hit: it was a meme, eating up all the pop-cultural oxygen at the end of 2018, confirming Ariana Grande’s position as the pre-eminent pop star of the moment.
Worth a listen?
This time, Grande is swaggering with the confidence that comes with unquestioned stardom.This freedom can be heard in Thank U, Next, which flips heartbreak into empowerment. Grande does delve into explicit darkness more than she did on Sweetener – ex-boyfriend Mac Miller’s death haunts the album, specifically surfacing on Ghosting – but she never loses sight that this is a pop album, designed to provide a soundtrack for good times as well as the bad.To this end, Thank U, Next benefits from its quick execution. Conceptually, the album feels slighter than Sweetener, which was designed to be a grand statement, but the loose ends and crass commercial cul-de-sacs
scattered throughout Thank U, Next seem human – perhaps she’s appropriating several cultures on 7 Rings, yet its celebration of healing heartbreak through consumerism suits a singer who also urges a crush to break up with a girlfriend just because she’s bored.
Verdict: A brilliant effort from the world’s biggest pop star.
Shorts
Bob Mould – Sunshine Rock
Panda Bear – Buoys
The Lemonheads - Varshons 2
Sunshine Rock on one hand looks back to past glories, blending the melodic sensibilities and pop shadings of Sugar with the sheer velocity and unrelenting guitars of Hüsker Dü. But with these songs, Bob Mould is clearly writing in the here and now, often dealing with the challenges of relationships as his 60th birthday becomes faintly visible on the horizon. Mould has never been a stranger to self-doubt, and on songs like Lost Faith and Thirty Dozen Roses, he bitterly confronts himself for his failings and shows little mercy. For a change, though, he spends much of this album striving to be a better man and appreciating the good things that life and love have given him.
Complex ruminations on death and family have been at the core of Panda Bear’s work from the start, and those themes continue here. Master delivers its optimistic lines gently, like a parent speaking patiently to a child, and album closer Home Free wades through waves of delay as the band sound like they’re running from the inevitable passage of time. Though the album is a step in a different direction, the path might be circular, leading back to where they began. The relatively empty arrangements take a few listens to latch on, but their openness showcases the band’s gifts for honest, fearless songwriting.
Varshons 2 – delivered a swift decade after its predecessor – sands down the rough edges and sounds altogether warm and cosy. The only time there’s a hint of underground squall is a vigorous cover of the Eyes’ TAQN (its speed countering the intent of the lyrics) and the gnarly electric guitar threaded through a version of Lucinda Williams’ Abandoned. Lead singer Evan Dando’s honeyed voice is remarkably no worse for the wear; his voice doesn’t sound weathered, it sounds broken in, wrapping itself easily around songs he clearly knows by heart. Dando remains a sensitive, nuanced interpreter and The Lemonheads sound amiable and charming: the best college band you could imagine stumbling upon on a Saturday afternoon.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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entertainmenttvreleases
Fancy some chill-time at home? Check out these latest TV series to hit your screens.
Russian Doll
Sex Education
Emmy-nominated actress Natasha Lyonne stars in this comedy-drama series as Nadia, a young woman who is on a journey to be the guest of honour at a party in New York City. But she gets caught in a mysterious loop as she repeatedly attends the same event and dies at the end of the night each time – only to awaken the next day unharmed as if nothing had happened.
Socially awkward high school student Otis may not have much experience in the lovemaking department, but he gets good guidance on the topic in his personal sex ed course – living with mum Jean, who is a sex therapist. Being surrounded by manuals, videos and tediously open conversations about sex, Otis has become a reluctant expert on the subject. When his classmates learn about his home life, Otis decides to use his insider knowledge to improve his status at school, so he teams with whip-smart bad girl Maeve to set up an underground sex therapy clinic to deal with their classmates’ problems.
Lorena
This Giant Beast That is the Global Economy
From executive producer Jordan Peele, this four-part docuseries investigates the events of 1993, where Lorena Bobbitt sliced off her husband’s privates after years of abuse. John and Lorena Bobbitt’s stories exploded into a 24-hour news cycle. She became a national joke, her suffering ignored by the maledominated press. But as John spiralled downward, Lorena found strength in the scars of her ordeal.
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This docuseries brings the smart, stylised storytelling of Adam McKay’s The Big Short to a quirky and compelling exploration of the global economy. In each episode, host Kal Penn – with the help of some celebrity friends – answers a burning question like: How can I launder a bag of dirty cash? How scared should I be of a rubber apocalypse? And is it easier for bad people to get rich?
You
What would you do for love? For a brilliant male bookstore manager who crosses paths with an aspiring female writer, this question is put to the test. A charming yet awkward crush becomes something more sinister when the writer becomes the manager’s obsession. Using social media and the internet, he uses every tool at his disposal to become close to her, even going so far as to remove any obstacle – including people – that stands in the way of getting to her.
The Widow
Georgia Wells, played by Kate Beckinsale, has her life turned upside-down when she receives a phone call that her husband has died in a plane crash in the Congolese jungle. Three years later and still haunted by the past, she has cut herself off from her previous life but is pulled back after seeing her supposedly deceased husband on the news. The thriller will take her “into the depths of the African Congo, where danger and revelation will greet her at every turn,” as she stops at nothing to get to the truth about the past.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
entertainmentfilmreleases
Movie Mania Tyler Perry’s A Madea Family Funeral
The Hole in the Ground
Garden Party Massacre
Genre: Comedy Release Date: March 1 In what has been announced as the final episode in the Madea series, Tyler Perry is back as the sassy, grey-haired senior, whose one-liners have earned a loyal following over 10 films. The plot involves a joyous family reunion which becomes a hilarious nightmare as Madea and the crew travel to backwoods Georgia, where they find themselves unexpectedly planning a funeral that might unveil unsavoury family secrets.
Genre: Sci-Fi Release Date: March 1 Said to weave suspense, terror and supernatural folklore, this first feature outing from writer-director Lee Cronin tells the story of Sarah and her young son Chris who move to the Irish countryside. Their new home is next to a forest that hides an enormous sinkhole. One night, the young boy vanishes. He returns seemingly unharmed but, as his behaviour grows increasingly disturbing, Sarah begins to fear that the boy who has returned may not be her son at all.
Five Feet Apart
The Informer
Dumbo
Genre: Romance, Drama Release Date: March 15 Based on the novel by Rachael Lippincott, the film stars Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse as teen cystic fibrosis sufferers who meet at the hospital, where they spend so much time due to their shared condition. Attraction between the two is instant and, as their feelings deepen, it becomes ever harder to maintain the safe distance necessary to stave off infection. Rebellious Will (Sprouse) rails against his ongoing medical treatment but Stella (Richardson) inspires him to live life to the fullest. Can they continue when even a single touch could be deadly?
Genre: Drama Release Date: March 21 Special Ops soldier Pete Koslow, having been honourably discharged, finds his world is turned on its head when he is jailed after getting in a fight to protect his wife. Spotting his potential, the FBI offers the chance of early release by becoming an informant and using his covert skills in an operation to take down The General, the most powerful crime boss in New York. But things don’t go as planned and a sting results in the death of an undercover cop leaving Pete caught between the mob and the Feds.
Genre: Spoof Horror Release Date: March 12 A hit with the critics, with echoes of Shaun of the Dead and the like, Garden Party Massacre is a fast-paced, wacky spoof that promises laughs aplenty. A backyard garden party family gathering provides the backdrop as things go hilariously awry with the arrival an unexpected guest who’s armed with a pickaxe and a seriously bad attitude. Expect “a madcap brew of murder, mirth and mayhem.”
Genre: Comedy Release Date: March 27 The remake of a classic, Disney’s new liveaction feature film introduces Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell), a former circus star who finds life completely changes when he returns from the war. Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists Holt to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when Holt’s children (Parker and Hobbins) discover that Dumbo can fly, things begin to get both interesting and, possibly, scary.
All release dates shown here are for the US. Keep a lookout for Bahrain showings. www.bahrainthismonth.com
March 2019 79
lifestylewhat'snew
What’s New
Love Your Skin L’Occitane’s Mon Amour gentle soap is a 50g shea milk soap wrapped in kraft paper decorated with a beautiful floral design. This extra gentle soap works to cleanse and soften your skin and delights with its very subtle – but very exquisite – scent! Available at L’Occitane.
Eye Eye Captain Tom Ford’s Spring/Summer19 collection has reinvented its classic go-to pilot design to present a slimmer, modern and fresh look in line with the new season. The newly introduced pilot style has updated the bridge to a thin top bar at the temple to hold lenses which are not just rounded or oval but also redefined to a sharp semi-square shape. They can be worn by both men and women and come in various colours. Available at Tom Ford boutiques and major retailers.
Click Click Canon Middle East has launched the EOS RP – a small, light and practical full frame mirrorless camera, for advanced amateurs looking to take a step-up. Ideal for travel, landscape and portrait photography and videography, the EOS RP promises greater potential opening up all the benefits of the EOS R System – including the world’s fastest autofocus. It is Canon’s smallest, lightest full frame digital interchangeable lens camera to date. Available at Sharaf DG.
Queen of the Waves Don’t be fooled, they’re actually for guys. The latest collection from funky swimwear brand Vilebrequin goes on a musical world tour from the beaches of St Barths to Tulum and Phuket. We love these board shorts which pay tribute to Queen’s 1979 Japan Tour. Available at vilebrequin.com
Arm Candy For SS 2019, Longchamp releases its classic lines in belt bag versions. The round belt pouches showcase chic, laid-back curves. Cavalcade takes you on a hippie-chic journey with emerald or cognac suede or all-over panther print with a green Longchamp horse to add a finishing touch. Available at longchamp.com
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bystander
Indigo Opening A fiesta was held to celebrate the opening of the restaurant Indigo in Adliya
To view more images, scan the QR code
Breakfast With Legends
Hemant Joshi hosted a ‘Breakfast With Legends’ at his premises in Nass Garden including the couple from India, Dr Prakash and Dr Mandakini Amteat, who are legends in the field of humanitarian contributions
Fund Raising Breakfast
The Aisha Yateem Family Counselling Centre, part of The Bahrain Young Ladies Association, held a fund-raising New Year breakfast at the Turkish restaurant, Emirgan Sutis, The Avenues
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lifestyleoutandabout
Life’s a BEACH
Bahrain is often maligned as an island with no beaches. But, in fact, there are several…if you know where to look. BTM rounds up spots both private and public where you can get the sand between your toes.
Lagoona Beach Resort
into the sheltered lagoon in front of the club. Entrance is BD4 which also allows use of the bar and restaurant. Call 17 700-677.
PRIVATE Coral Bay A sandy beach and large pool with a swim-up bar plus access to food from the venue’s various restaurants make this a favourite relaxation spot. You can indulge in the full spectrum of recreational facilities, such as boating and numerous types of water sports. There are also regular events held on the beach which is open daily from 9am to 8pm. Entry is BD8 on weekdays and BD10 at weekends. Kids aged five to 12 pay BD5 during the week and BD8 at weekends. US military pay BD5. Call 39 777-701. Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay A 160-metre expanse of white sand beach curves along the private island’s sun-drenched southern shore. Set amidst lush landscaping, staff offer everything from fresh fruit skewers and refreshing beverages, to an array of highend sun care products and a chair-side sunglasses cleaning and repair service. Food is served directly on the beach and after dark, the space hosts torch-lit events. Entry is BD25 on weekdays and BD50 at weekends. Book a 60-minute spa treatment during the week and enjoy complimentary beach access. Call 17 115-000. Lagoona Beach Resort Lagoona Beach is a luxury resort and spa in Janabiya which boasts a great sandy beach offering a huge range of recreational activities 82 March 2019
Coral Bay
from waterskiing and wake boarding to Seabreacher – a unique vessel that can dive, jump and roll like a dolphin. Just five minutes’ drive from the Saudi causeway and open daily from 8am to 8pm, a day pass costs BD15, BD10 for kids up to 12 years, under-fives go free. Call 16 630-000. The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain A gorgeous crescent of white sand beach where attendants will bring you cold water to stave off the heat. There are sunbeds and shades and also a private island. Long recognised as one of the island’s best beach venues, access is via Royal Beach Club membership or through day passes priced at BD25 per person for weekdays and BD50 per person for weekends. Call 17 580-000. Bahrain Yacht Club A members’ club but open to the public. There’s a decent-sized sandy beach, from which dolphins can sometimes be seen cruising past, as well as a pool and recreation area. There is also the option to hire canoes and paddle out
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa A true getaway, while still on the mainland, the beach at Sofitel is glorious dark sand and looks straight out to sea, well away from any development. There’s also a large pool with a kids’ entertainment area and a recently opened beach bar serving bistro-style snacks. Day passes cost BD15 during the week and BD30 at weekends. Kids aged four to 17 years get a 50 per cent discount and under-fours go free. Call 17 636-363.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa
www.bahrainthismonth.com
lifestyleoutandabout ISLANDS Al Dar Islands Take a water taxi from Sitra out to Al Dar and experience island life for real. There’s a 400m sandy beach, huts and chalets to hire, kids’ zone, activities area, food and bar, dolphin watching, fishing trips and more – or you could just take the rays! Don’t forget, you’ll need your passport or ID when you’re leaving Bahrain. Tickets, including the boat ride, are BD5 on weekdays and BD8 at the weekend. Kids aged five to 15 pay BD2 and BD4. Call 17 704-600. Hawar Islands Lots of native wildlife, including one of the world’s biggest colonies of Socotra Cormorants, make this a great place for nature lovers. However, if you just want a beach break, you can enjoy that here too. There’s a hotel which offers all-inclusive stays with a welcome bus tour, water sports, swimming pools and slides, meals and boat transport. Or you can also take a day trip from Durrat Marina on Friday and Saturday for BD20 per person. Call 17 641-666.
Hawar Islands
Al Dar Islands
Jerada A real desert island this. Jerada is actually a tidal sand spit, which disappears at high tide – so, you’ll definitely need to know the right times to go. You’ll also need a boat to get there, private if possible, but there are a few companies offering trips. The water around it is crystal clear and shallow and it’s a perfect place to cool off on a hot, sunny day. Just make sure you bring provisions as there really is nothing there!
Jerada
bad
Karba
Budaiya Beach Park Dry Dock
PUBLIC Budaiya Beach Park Lots of entertainment and a nice, usually clean, beach. There’s a kids’ play area and ball courts nearby plus a view of an island palace. This beach is very popular with local Bahrainis and can become quite crowded at weekends and holiday times but access is free and there’s a good stretch of sand and open water. Abu Subh Beach Also known as Diraz Beach, this a long stretch of sand where you will find good parking, kids’ play area and mobile trucks selling food, ice www.bahrainthismonth.com
creams and more. Quiet early morning, it is popular with dog walkers and runners. Also, a favourite haunt for locals and there’s a great family atmosphere at weekends. Karbabad Just at the back of the busy Seef district and facing Nurana Island, this stretch of beach is not so much a place for swimming but does have a great range of evening and weekend entertainment from bouncy castles to quad bikes a. It’s also popular with the local horsey fraternity so you may well see members of the Bahrain Cowboys there and, on very special days, you might even spot the animals of Bahrain’s mounted police taking a dip.
Beach
Dry Dock Beach A smallish stretch of sand in the industrial area at ASRY, this is popular on weekends with both migrant workers, who live nearby, and locals from Hidd and the surrounding areas. It’s more of a picnic spot but people do take to the water sometimes, particularly early morning. It’s a nice relief from the built-up area round about. When using public beaches please be aware of modesty requirements and be prepared to cover up in T-shirt and shorts, even when swimming. March 2019 83
lifestyletravel Clockwise from left: White sand beaches; Letrika Caffe; Tara River Bridge, Durmitor National Park; Visit Budva Old Town; The Bay of Kotor; Local speciality, priganice donuts.
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lifestyletravel
Go MONTENEGRO One of Europe’s best kept secrets, this is another 2019 holiday hotspot, and it’s not hard to see why. Montenegro is a Balkan country with rugged mountains, medieval villages and a narrow strip of beaches along its Adriatic coastline. And at, roughly, three and a half hours’ driving time from the coast to the border with neighbouring Serbia, it’s possible to see a great deal on a short visit. The Bay of Kotor, resembling a fjord, is dotted with coastal churches and fortified towns such as UNESCO-listed Kotor and Herceg Novi. Durmitor National Park, home to bears and wolves, encompasses limestone peaks, glacial lakes and the 1,300m-deep Tara River Canyon – the longest and deepest in Europe. Check out Lipa cave in Dobrosko village, on the outskirts of the former capital, Cetinje. And pay a visit to the nearby mausoleum dedicated to Petar II Petrovic Njegos, poet, philosopher and former Montenegrin leader. You’ll have to climb 461 steps to get there; when opened in 1974, it was the world’s highest mausoleum. A grape growing region, there are several vineyards to visit along the coast, many of which offer tasting sessions. And, with lakes and canyons aplenty, Montenegro is also a great destination for active sports such as hiking, canyoning and white-water rafting. The capital is Podgorica, which, though not a popular tourist city, does have things to see and do. The old town is worth a wander but limited due to extensive bombing towards the end of World War II. Check out the remains of the Ribnica Fortress and neighbouring Ribnica Bridge, which dates back to the Roman era. Back across the river is New Town, which is where you’ll find the capital’s thriving café culture. However, most visitors forsake Podgorica in favour of Kotor with its stunning surroundings, abundance of ancient churches and thriving arts and culture scene which sees events running throughout the summer. One place to visit, according to travel blog mywanderlust.pl is the Letrika Caffe bar, a small art café that’s a cosy coffee spot during the day and party central with live music and DJs at night.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
March 2019 85
lifestyleadvertisersindex
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Fashion & Footwear
Motoring
Max . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC
Al Haddad Motors (Mercedes) . . . . . . 3
Home & Furnishing
Others
Phoenicia Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Al Afandi Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Al Haddad Motors-Mercedes Benz
Atiram Hotels-Premier Hotel
Bahrain Specialist Hospital
JJ’s Irish Restaurant
Berlitz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Hotels & Serviced Residences
Economic Development Board (Centre
Atiram Hotels (Premier Hotel) . . . . . . 29
Entertainment Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Elite Crystal Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Joz Salon & Spa (Toni&Guy
Fraser Suites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Hairdressing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Ramee Grand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Juffair Fitness Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Sofitel Hotels & Resorts . . . . . . . . . . IFC
Lulu Hypermarket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Arch Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Siam Pavilion Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
for Culture & Development) . . . . . . . . 15
The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel,
Joz Salon & Spa-Toni & Guy
Maki
Middle East Hospital
Residence & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Restaurants & Cafés
The Four Seasons Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . BC
JJ’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
The K Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Maki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Miam Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Medical & Dental Services
The Lanterns Restaurant & Lounge . 65 Trader Vic’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Bahrain Specialist Hospital . . . . . . . . 19 Middle East Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 53 Royal Bahrain Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Ramee Grand
BTM retail sales outlets Royal Bahrain Hospital
Sofitel Hotels & Resorts
BAHRAIN THIS MONTH, your guide to a great way of life, is available at the following selected outlets:
● 24-Seven Minimart, all outlets
● Muntaza Supermarket, all outlets
● 24 Hours Market, all outlets
● Other leading Cold Stores and News Stands
● Al Hilal Bookshops, all outlets ● Al Jazira Supermarket, all outlets ● Alosra Supermarket, all outlets ● Amwaj Islands Market, Amwaj
The Arch Hotel
● Aseel Supermarket, all outlets ● Babasons Market, all outlets ● Lulu Hypermarket, all outlets ● Mega Mart, all outlets
The Four Seasons Hotel
● Metro Markets, all outlets ● Midway Supermarket, all outlets
All Gulf Daily News home subscribers receive a complimentary copy of BTM. You can also subscribe directly by visiting www.bahrainthismonth.com For subscription enquiries and back issues of BTM, call 17 813-777.
Photos The K Hotel
86 March 2019
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. www.bahrainthismonth.com
LUXUMPTUOUS / lux-ump-shu-us / noun
The luxurious setting and scrumptious variety of cuisine available at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Some things are better understood once experienced. A truly unique indulgence every Friday at Bahrain Bay Kitchen where the aroma of flavour rich dishes blend perfectly with the melodical sounds of live entertainment at our themed brunches. Add complementary access to Kids For All Seasons and you’ll need a whole new word to describe your weekend. Experience it yourself Reservations: (973) 1711 5500 fourseasons.com/bahrain