Bahrain This Month - September 2019

MOTORING – TECHNOLOGY - ENTERTAINMENT

Since 1997

September 2019 ~ Vol. 23 ~ Issue 9 YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

CHOPPERING ACROSS THE USA HAPPENINGS Comedy Nights Peace Party Oktoberfests

SPECIAL REPORT

An in-depth look at tourism in the Kingdom

DINING

The Best of Adliya

PEOPLE

The art of Isa Abdullah Muscle manipulator Johan Esterhuizen

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Arts

Culture

Clubs

Sports

Interviews

Lifestyle

Dining

Nightlife

Digital Edition

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048

CANCER CASES AND COUNTING DON’T BE ‘1’ AMONG THEM

Bahrain had 1,048 cases* of cancer reported in 2018, covering everything from breast cancer to lung cancer. The number is on the rise. Don’t be part of the statistic. Stay safe. *According to Gibboscan (WHO).

17812000

www.bsh.com.bh

THE TEAM Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton

Bahrain This Month September 2019

Editorial Director Liz O’Reilly Contributors Behnaz Sanjana, Zilia Monteiro, Dick Potter, Bill Grieve Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Romeo San Miguel, Hatem Monem Photography Editor Muna Yousef Staff Photographers Subeesh Kumar N S, Ranjith Mohan Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa Corporate Affairs Director Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Group (Hilal Direct Services) Media Sales RANDA GHAZI HOWAIS randa@redhousemarketing.com ANURADHA MANHAS anuradha@redhousemarketing.com

The only Lifestyle Magazine distributed with the GDN

DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director Lini Reghunath Content Editor Liz O’Reilly Digital Marketing & Social Media Executive Michelle D’Souza Art & Animation Director Hatem Monem Printing Press Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej W.L.L., Bahrain Published monthly by

RED HOUSE MARKETING P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: (+973) 17 813-777, Fax: (+973) 17 813-700 Email: info@redhousemarketing.com www.bahrainthismonth.com © Copyright Reserved 2005-2019 The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. and must not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Red House Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission.

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

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COVER Cover Picture:

Choppering Across the USA MOTORING – TECHNOLOGY - ENTERTAINMENT

Since 1997

George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman

September 2019 ~ Vol. 23 ~ Issue 9 YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

CHOPPERING ACROSS THE USA HAPPENINGS Comedy Nights Peace Party Oktoberfests

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

SPECIAL REPORT

An in-depth look at tourism in the Kingdom

DINING

The Best of Adliya

PEOPLE

The art of Isa Abdullah Muscle manipulator Johan Esterhuizen

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Arts

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Summer’s heat is finally abating and it’s that time of year when all longterm residents start to breathe a sigh of relief and look forward to the balmy cooler days. The change is evident with the re-emergence of outdoor events such as beach and full-moon yoga classes, car boots and more. You’ll find details of these and much more in our comprehensive Happenings section, which is updated throughout the month at www.bahrainthismonth.com – the two outings I’m particularly looking forward to are the Peace One Day Concert, which marks the International Day of Peace, and the performance by China’s Suzhou Ballet Theatre, specially for World Tourism Day. In keeping with tourism appreciation, we have a special feature this month on developments within the Kingdom’s tourism industry. We look at the government initiatives that are encouraging growth and set out the plans for the coming years which aim to propel tourism to the forefront on the national and international stage. We also caught up business development expert, Emre Kirazci, of Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa, who had plenty to say on the subject.

Our other interviewees this month are Dr Susan E Saxton, who is at the head of the newly opened American University of Bahrain; artist Isa Abdullah, whose amazingly lifelike sketches are a treat for the eye; and biokineticist Johan Esterhuizen – don’t know what that is? You’ll have to read all about it.

The dining section this month turns the spotlight on Adliya’s famed Block 338 giving you the rundown on some of the best restaurants available, both new and old. And, of course, Table Hopping brings you several pages of great foodie offers.

In the travel section we head to hidden gem Zadar and hitch a ride on the back of Bill Grieve’s Harley as he heads off on a unique journey across the USA – I must say the pictures, one of which is on the cover, made me feel quite jealous.

As always, we have our regular round-ups of news from the worlds of business and motoring and lots more to make sure we stay ‘Your Guide to a Great Way of Life’.

Culture

Clubs

Sports

Interviews

Lifestyle

Dining

Digital Edition

Nightlife

September 2019 5

Asian Tapas Lounge with an Air Conditioned Zen Garden 935, Road 3830, Block 338, Adliya akaya.bh www.akaya338.com BISTRO

17490004

Issue 265

Contents September 2019 HAPPENINGS

Bahrain This Month previews events happening around the island in September 2019: 15

Art Through The Ages

The Bahrain National Museum showcases five decades of artistic impressions.

22

16

Calling Budding Entrepreneurs

Seedstars World to address the 20 best start-ups from Manama.

18

Tribute Concert

Alex Larke returns to the Dilmun Club with a tribute to Oasis.

20

Laughs With Matt

The Bahrain Comedy Club hosts Matt Reed.

22

18

24

Peace One Day Concert

A musical performance at the Cultural Hall to mark the International Day of Peace.

24

Chinese Ballet Performance

The Suzhou Ballet Theatre will mark World Tourism Day at the Bahrain National Theatre.

26

Brothers in Music

Afro Bros will be performing for the first time in Bahrain at The One Night Club.

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

26

32

INTERVIEWS 31

A Promise of Academic Excellence

Dr Susan Saxton speaks as the president of the newlyminted American University of Bahrain.

32 More

Than Muscle

Lleading biokineticist and specialised exercise therapist, Johan Esterhuizen talks about his outlook on training and fitness.

33

35 Bystander The visit of Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was a huge and important occasion celebrated across the island’s Indian community with events at hotels, the main temple and the National Stadium. Our snappers caught all the action - are you in shot?

www.bahrainthismonth.com

33 Surreal

Sketches

Artist Isa Abdullah astounds onlookers with his lifelike greyscale depictions.

35 Seeing

The Bigger Picture

Emre Kirazci, of the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa shares his thoughts on the country’s tourism sector.

September 2019 7

Issue 265

Contents September 2019 FEATURE

36-38

Tourism in Bahrain 39 Opinion: Pria Mason Talwar

74

Motoring 41

My Life In Cars

Dick Potter shares his passion for motors.

Motoring Bites

42-43

BTM brings you the latest news from the motoring world.

COMMERCE Business Bites

45-46

Dining 49 Uptown

Dining

Behnaz Sanjana samples the special three-course set menu at Furn Bistro.

36

50-51

49

Dining In Adliya Table Hopping

52-57

Technology Gadgets: The newest gizmos in town 60 Computer Games: The hottest games of the month 61 Websites: The coolest sites on the web 62 Apps: Essential apps to try 58-59

Entertainment 64

76 58

64

Hollywood faves: Latest film releases 65 New on TV: Shows to download 66 Music: Top new tunes

Lifestyle What’s New: Must-have products 73 Riding the Dragon: A motorcycle Tour Extraordinaire‌ 74-75 Travel: Zadar, a well-kept Croatian secret 76 Out and About: Museums in Bahrain 78 AD Index and QR Codes 71

60 Connect with Bahrain This Month:

66 www.bahrainthismonth.com

71

Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

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

September 2019 9

bystander

Indian PM’s Visit Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, visited Bahrain and was welcomed by the King of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad

bin Isa Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s PM, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Indian Ambassador, HE Alok Sinha, dignitaries, prominent businessmen and the Indian community in Bahrain

10 September 2019

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

bystander

67th Anniversary

Egyptian Ambassador, Suha Ibrahim Al-Far, held a reception on the occasion of the 67th anniversary of the Egyptian revolution of July 23

12 September 2019

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

— OKTOBERFEST

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*TRADITIONAL GERMAN DRINKS *LIVE BAVARIAN BAND BHD 32 NET INCLUSIVE OF ONE MASS BEER The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel • Residence • Spa Manama / Diplomatic Area, P.O. Box 5243 Manama Bahrain T: +973 17525212 sales.diplomat@radissonblu.com ,

,

radissonblu.com/diplomathotel-bahrain

bystander

Indian Flag Hoisting

The Indian Embassy celebrated Indian Independence Day with a flag hoisting ceremony

14 September 2019

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

happenings

SEPTEMBER 2019-HAPPENINGS

ART THROUGH THE AGES UNTIL OCTOBER

FROM THE ART COLLECTION

NOOKS FULL OF BOOKS

BAHRAIN NATIONAL MUSEUM

One for the art enthusiasts, the Bahrain National Museum engages with the local visual art community to showcase five decades of Bahraini artistic impressions through acquisitions made by the museum since its opening in 1988.

The Art Collection presents a selection of artworks by Bahraini artists and pioneers, highlighting their experimentation and realistic formation, from representational to abstract and photography to sculpture.

The exhibition is open every day except Tuesdays from 10am to 6pm and is free to enter.

Visit culture.gov.bh

TUESDAY FUN SEPTEMBER 3

HIP-HOP NIGHT

Z LOUNGE CLUB

This night offers more than just your typical evening out. Enjoy the best of hiphop, R&B and commercial tunes as you bring the enthusiasm back into your Tuesdays. Expect something varied and unpredictable as you dance the night away from 9pm onwards.

Call 17 814-777.

ONE FOR THE LADIES SEPTEMBER 4

LADIES’ NIGHT

BOOK CORNER

ART CENTRE

Cosy book corners and something good to read?

Yes please! The Art Centre’s book corner is surely a treat for its visitors offering 350 books to choose from on various subjects including visual arts, artists, architecture, culture, design and more.

You can also enjoy some WiFi time. The space is open from 8am to 8pm.

Visit culture.gov.bh

WORKSHOP ALERT

CYBERSECURITY GULF SEPTEMBER SMARTSEC & BLOCKCHAIN CONVENTION 3-4 CONFERENCE CENTRE Get acquainted with the latest trends, innovations and solutions featured by the international cybersecurity and blockchain community at the SmartSec Conference & Exhibition. The twoday event aims to bring the best international professionals together, with a focus on advance threats and smarter solutions. Join in the conference sessions, VIP tours and exhibitions.

Call 17 717-200.

KNOW THE LAW CODA JAZZ LOUNGE

Join this popular hangout for ladies to get your weekend warmed up! Sip through a customised Lipstick Lounge menu featuring special cocktails and house grapes all night long!

Entertainment on the night is second to none with Tarsha Thomas & The Coda JazzKatz starting at 8.30pm, followed by disco house music from guest DJ Eve! Stags pay BD7 at the door, including a free drink.

Call 34 342-828.

www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 5

LABOUR LAW SEMINAR

NOVOTEL BAHRAIN AL DANA RESORT

Every now and then, Bahrain labour law shifts and evolves in interesting and complex ways. Join the growing number of regular attendees who rely on the Labour Law Seminar with confidence. The seminar promises an informative, engaging day in the company of renowned speakers who deliver a practical analysis of current developments in all the critical areas of labour law.

Visit labourlawseminars.com September 2019 15

happenings

CALLING BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS SEPTEMBER 5

SEEDSTARS MANAMA

BY JOVE, IT’S BON JOVI! SEPTEMBER 6

MUHARRAQ

Seedstars World is coming to Manama! The 20 best start-ups from Manama will be invited for a training event delivered by a Seedstars team as well as local and regional mentors.

After working closely with the entrepreneurs, the top eight will be selected to take part in jury interviews with top investors and compete to be crowned the most promising seed-stage start-up of Seedstars Manama 2019.

Start-ups selected to the local jury panel will also be rewarded with a free month of the new Investment Readiness Program. The winning local start-up will join the regional summit, where it will have the chance of selection to join the three-month Growth Program Online and the Global Seedstars Summit, with the opportunity to win up to USD500,000 in equity investment.

You can look forward to an event filled with disruptive tech, inspirational discussions, networking sessions and world-class mentoring on critical issues often encountered in the ecosystem. The event is from 2pm to 8pm and requires prior registration.

Visit seedstars.com

BON JOVI TRIBUTE

GRAND YARD HOUSE BAHRAIN

Born Jovi will be the headlining act at the second anniversary celebrations of Grand Yard House Bahrain.

Hear the tribute band live performing the greatest Bon Jovi, recreating the singer’s energetic live performances.

Now into their 19th year of touring, the group is fronted

by Jon Bon Jovi impersonator Adrian Marx, who has performed all over the world including Bon Jovi’s hometown of Sayreville, New Jersey.

Free entrance and free drinks for ladies on the night! Presale tickets are BD5 for men and BD7 at the door. Dress in smart casuals.

Call 36 255-195 / 33 412-510.

LATIN CELEBRATION SEPTEMBER 7

FESTA BRASILEIRA

ROCK CITY

PANTO TIME…ALMOST SEPTEMBER 6 AND 7

PANTO AUDITIONS

THE BRITISH CLUB

This year’s Christmas panto from Manama Theatre Club will be Beauty and the Beast and auditions are taking part on September 6 and 7.

If you ever thought you might like a get up on stage, panto is a great way to start off and there are lots of different roles, both up front and behind the scenes, available.

The panto will run over four days from December 4 to 7, so you need to be able to commit to those dates. And the auditions are open to kids, from eight to 14 years, at 3pm. Adults get their chance from 5pm onwards.

There are big roles with singing and without, smaller roles and chorus spots as well as backstage positions to be filled.

Email manamatheatreclub.bahrain@gmail.com

Rock City and Finesse band host their first Brazilian night in celebration of Brazilian National Day, with delectable tapas and complimentary selected cocktails. Dance into the night with a special performance by resident band Finesse featuring a lead vocalist from Brazil who will be singing some of the classics. The fun goes on from 9pm to 2am.

Call 33 714-204.

RAYVANNY LIVE SEPTEMBER 12-13

RAYVANNY LIVE IN BAHRAIN

CORAL BAY

Tanzanian musician, songwriter and dancer Rayvanny, will be performing live in Bahrain at Coral Bay. Supporting acts on the night include DJ Wisky, DJ Nesto and DJ Jomex. Presale tickets are BD15 and the price is BD18 at the door. VIP tickets are BD50.

Call 38 844-417 / 36 950-077.

16 September 2019

www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

happenings

TRIBUTE CONCERT SEPTEMBER 13

When? Until October Event? From the Art collection Venue? Bahrain National Museum Visit culture.gov.bh When? Throughout September Event? Art Centre Book Corner Venue? Art Centre Visit culture.gov.bh When? September 2 Event? Bahrain Writers Circle Meeting Venue? Era tower Writer’s workshop by Bahrain Writers Circle starting at 7.30pm.

Call 39 574-795.

When? September 3-4 Event? SmartSec Cyber Security & Blockchain Conference Venue? Gulf Convention Centre Call 17 717-200.

When? September 4 Event? BSPCA Quiz Venue? LNT Adliya Head down with a team of friends and take part in a fun quiz night to raise cash for needy animals.

Call 66 608-901.

When? September 4 Event? Second Circle Poetry Meeting Venue? Mannai Sea Plaza, Juffair Poetry meet up by Bahrain Writers’ Circle for budding writers from 7.30pm.

Call 39 574-795.

When? September 4 Event? Shakers Night Venue? Z Lounge Club Enjoy this free shakers and shooters night for ladies till 11pm.

Call 17 814-777.

When? September 5 Event? Labour Law Seminar Venue? Novotel Bahrain Al Dana Resort Visit labourlawseminars.com When? September 5 Event? Arabian Night Venue? Z Lounge Club Party Arabic style with DJ Guy. Doors open 9pm. Free entry for ladies and couples.

Call 17 814-777.

18 September 2019

OASIS TRIBUTE BRUNCH

DILMUN CLUB BAHRAIN

Alex Larke returns to the Dilmun Club this month with a tribute to Oasis, after performing a sensational homage to the Rolling Stones a couple of years ago. He also blew everybody away with his Britpop set that will be making a comeback this year too.

Alex has become one of the most popular tribute artists. He’s toured the UK and internationally with The Rollin’ Clones. And his talent doesn’t stop with paying tribute to others, his songwriting is also on another level. In 2015, Alex even proudly represented his country at the 60th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, with duo Electro Velvet!

Brunch is from 11.30am until 3.30pm and is BD25.200 for allinclusive, BD14.700 for food only, BD6.300 for children and free for kids under 12 years.

Call 17 690-926.

YOGA BY THE BEACH SEPTEMBER 14

FULL MOON YOGA

WEB SUMMIT

FOUR SEASONS BEACH

Take the pace down, reconnect, reflect and relax as you follow the Full Moon Yoga class under Bahrain’s beautiful skies.

Held on the whitesand beach of the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, these monthly sessions offer the perfect combination of physical, emotional and spiritual healing. Sessions run from 7pm to 8pm. The price is BD6 for spa members and in-house guests and BD9 for others.

Call 17 115-045.

SEPTEMBER 15

AMAZON WEB SERVICES (AWS) SUMMIT BAHRAIN

THE GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN

The Amazon Web Services Summit Bahrain will be bringing technologists together to connect, collaborate and learn about AWS. It will provide attendees with the opportunity to learn how the cloud is accelerating innovation for businesses of all sizes and connect with colleagues and peers, see what digital transformation looks like, and discover how cloud-based skills empower the workforce of today and tomorrow. The summit is from 9am to 6pm.

Visit amazon.com/summits/bahrain

THE YOGA OF AWARENESS SEPTEMBER 17-19

KUNDALINI YOGA MASTERCLASS

THE JAWAD DOME

Discover yourself as you go through this yoga-healing journey of the feminine, masculine and relationship with Amrita Dev, who will conduct three Kundalini yoga masterclasses.

Kundalini yoga practice combines dynamic movement, sound, inward focus, mediations and conscious breathing to balance the body, focus the mind and take you deeper into your authentic self.

Strengthen your nervous and glandular systems, improve your flexibility and facilitate emotional transformation through this workshop.

Learn simple but deep yogic tools that help you to be more fully present and aware in each moment of your daily life.

The workshop timings are 7pm to 8.30pm on September 17 and 18, and from 10am to 11.30am on September 19.

Call 17 008-471. www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

happenings When? September 5 Event? Seedstars Manama Venue? Muharraq Visit seedstars.com When? September 6 Event? Caribbean Night Venue? Z Lounge Club Get a unique taste of relaxing island life at this authentic Caribbean-themed event featuring live entertainment and cuisine from 9pm to 2am.

Call 17 814-777.

VISIONS FROM ABROAD SEPTEMBER 19

TALK AND BOOK LAUNCH

BAHRAIN NATIONAL MUSEUM

When? Septebmer 7 Event? Festa Brasileira Venue? Rock City Call 33 714-204.

When? September 9 Event? Filipino Creative Bahrain Art Exhibit Venue? Oasis Mall Juffair Visit this art exhibit presented by Filipino Creatives Bahrain. There will also be a workshop for kids from 10am.

Visit facebook.com/Filipinocreative-bahrain.

When? September 11 Event? The Big Trivia Quiz Venue? Wembley Lounge Join this popular quiz night starting at 8pm and featuring cash prizes and lots of giveaways.

Free to enter.

Call 33 536-448.

When? September 12 Event? Gossip Thursdays Ladies Night Venue? Wembley Lounge Ladies’ Night every Thursday with resident DJ TinTin from 8pm until 1am at BD3 per person.

Call 33 640-009.

When? September 12-13 Event? Rayvanny Live in Bahrain Venue? Coral Bay Call 38 844-417 / 36 950-077.

20 September 2019

Mona is an expert on Arab visual arts in the modern and contemporary period. Formerly director general of the Institut du Monde Arabe (Arab World Institute) in Paris, France, she currently works as an advisor for the Saudi Ministry of Culture.

Mona has devoted the last 30 years to curating a large number of very important exhibitions whilst supporting and promoting both emerging and established Middle Eastern artists.

Visions from Abroad constitutes the first world view of Arabia as seen by authors and artists with the common characteristic of being born outside the peninsula who were able to venture into the region and return with knowledge of the rare texts and images that form the subject of this publication.

When? September 6 Event? Bon Jovi Tribute Venue? Grand Yard House Bahrain Call 36 255-195.

When? September 7 Event? Board Game Meet-up Venue? Howayte Hobby Store Whether you like trains, Euros, classics, cards, tiles, or big boxes with lots of pieces, Board Game Meet-up could be your new Saturday afternoon fun time.

Starts at 3pm.

Call 17 670-863.

The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities hosts Middle Eastern art expert Mona Khazindar at the Bahrain National Museum for the launch of her newly published book, Visions from Abroad, Historical and Contemporary Representations of Saudi Arabia.

Drawing on both European and Arab sources, it presents images as well as the writings of historians and geographers, such as Ibn Battuta from the Maghreb and Ibn Jubayr from Andalusia, as well as travellers’ accounts of pilgrimages.

Following the talk, the author will sign the book, which is available for sale at the gift shop of the Bahrain National Museum. The talk starts at 7pm.

Visit culture.gov.bh

LAUGHS WITH MATT SEPTEMBER 20

BAHRAIN COMEDY CLUB WITH MATT REED

DILMUN CLUB BAHRAIN

The Bahrain Comedy Club hosts comedian Matt Reed as part of the Dilmun Club’s popular comedy nights. Born and bred in Sunderland, Matt started out in comedy in 2001 as half of the double act Mat & Faron, with Faron Smith.

As cheeky as he is wonderfully brutal, Matt is a welcome addition to any comedy night entertaining the crowd while skillfully destroying any heckler that crosses his path. Not for the faint-hearted, Matt dishes out all styles of material from the delightfully perverse to unique observations and audience interaction.

Doors open at 8pm and tickets are BD10.500, inclusive of a curry buffet and one free pint.

Call 17 690-926.

IT’S TEE TIME SEPTEMBER 21

GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

ROYAL GOLF CLUB

Enjoy a day of socialising and light-hearted competition in the Second Annual Bahrain Rugby Football Club Golf Championship at The Royal Golf Club. The tournament welcomes teams of four and singles can be placed in a team of four if required.

Register, pay and reserve your tee time at BRFC reception. Tee times are reserved on a first-come firstserved basis. The tournament is BD30 per person.

Call 17 695-809.

www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

bystander

Alison’s 50th Birthday

Alison’s 50th Birthday was celebrated at Golden Tulip Bahrain

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

September 2019 21

happenings When? September 13 Event? Oasis Tribute Brunch Venue? Dilmun Club Bahrain Call 17 690-926.

When? September 14 Event? Full Moon Yoga Venue? Four Seasons Beach Call 17 115-045.

When? September 15 Event? Amazon Web Services Summit Bahrain Venue? The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Visit amazon.com/ summits/bahrain

When? September 16 Event? Bahrain Writer’s Creative Workshop Venue? Café Chantilly Call 39 574-795.

When? September 17-19 Event? Kundalini yoga masterclass Venue? The Jawad Dome Call 17 008-471.

When? September 19 Event? Talk and Book Launch Venue? Bahrain National Museum Visit culture.gov.bh

PEACE ONE DAY CONCERT SEPTEMBER 21

CONCERT

United in the language of love and peace, a musical performance will be held at the Cultural Hall, to mark the International Day of Peace.

Organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the musical night stars oud player Saad Mahmood Jawad, who will be accompanied

by Musicians Without Borders.

Saad, who was appointed as Peace Ambassador by the international organisation Peace Without Limits in 2018, will be joined by seven professional players from different nationalities and cultures.

In addition, AlBayarq AlBayda Society and the “Inspire” team will take part in the ceremony, representing peace in their own way.

Saad Jawad is a Guinness Book of World Records holder for continuously playing the oud for a consecutive 24 and a half hours during the Bahrain National Museum’s anniversary last year, as part of the authority’s ‘National Celebrations’ programme. The concert starts at 8pm and is free of charge.

Visit culture.gov.bh

STUDENT EXPO SEPTEMBER 22

THE AMERICAN EDUCATION EXPO

When? September 21 Event? Golf Championship Venue? Royal Golf Club Call 17 695-809.

When? September 21 Event? Concert Venue? Cultural Hall Visit culture.gov.bh

When? September 22 Event? The American Education Expo Venue? Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Visit isnexpo.com

When? September 24 Event? Competitive Energy Systems Symposium Venue? The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence & Spa Visit this symposium addressing the challenges of staying competitive in a changing climate, from 9am to 6pm.

Visit aiche.org.

22 September 2019

SHERATON BAHRAIN HOTEL

If you’re looking for a college or university in the US, The American Education Expo is the best place to help you out.

Meet directly with admissions officers from some of the top colleges and universities and get answers to questions about admission processes, tuition fees and merit-based scholarship opportunities.

The expo is free of charge for students interested in undergraduate, graduate and English programmes. Parents are also encouraged to come and meet the college representatives. You only need one ticket per family. The event is from 6pm to 9pm.

Visit isnexpo.com

When? September 19-21 Event? Bahrain Infection Prevention & Control Conference Venue? Wyndham Grand Manama Join this conference focussing on infection prevention and control, presented by highly professional speakers from 9am to 6pm.

Visit promed-event.com When? September 20 Event? Bahrain Comedy Club with Matt Reed Venue? Dilmun Club Bahrain Call 17 690-926.

CULTURAL HALL

COMEDY IMPROV SEPTEMBER 25

WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY?

THE BRITISH CLUB

The UK’s premier improv comedy troupe have taken the comedy world by storm. Now, ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?’ brought to you by The Noise Next Door, comes to The British Club.

Eleven-time sell-out superstars of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and one of the country’s most sought after comedy club headliners, The Noise Next Door, leave audiences everywhere in awe of their lightningquick wit and totally original comedic talents.

They have been performing their own distinctive brand of off-the-cuff comedy together since they met at university.

Taking audience suggestions, the cheeky and charming quartet transform them into fantastically funny scenes and songs in the blink of an eye with a perfect blend of ludicrous characters, witty one-liners, epic stories and explosive physicality.

The Noise Next Door have appeared on BBC One, BBC Three, ITV1, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 4, they were nominated for a Chortle Award in 2014, and have performed alongside the likes of Michael McIntyre, Al Murray, and Harry Hill.

Having received standing ovations in front of corporate dinners, the British forces, secondary school students and even fans at ‘Download’ heavy metal music festival, they are also one of the most versatile acts in the business.

Tickets cost BD18 from thelaughterfactory.com and the event is strictly for over 21s.

Call 17 728-245. www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

bystander

Indonesian Independence Day

The Indonesian Embassy conducted a flag hoisting ceremony to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

September 2019 23

happenings When? September 25 Event? Whose Line is it Anyway?

Venue? The British Club Call 17 728-245.

When? September 26 Event? Oktoberfest Venue? The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa Call 17 713-000.

When? September 27 Event? White Beach Party Venue? Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Call 17 115-500.

When? September 27 Event? Ballet Venue? Bahrain National Theatre Visit culture.gov.bh.

FESTIVE SPIRITS SEPTEMBER 26

OKTOBERFEST

Don’t miss out on the biggest annual folk festival in town! Oktoberfest is back at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa with the entertaining Lasterbacher Musikanten band. Tickets are priced at BD26+++. Doors open at 7.30 pm for an 8.30pm start.

Call 17 746-412.

PARTY ALL NIGHT SEPTEMBER 27

WHITE BEACH PARTY

When? September 28 Event? Social Entrepreneurship 101 Venue? Diplomatic Area Call 39 923-370.

When? September 28 Event? Car Boot Sale Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club Head down to the Rugby Club if you’re in search of a bargain or just want to do some good by shopping to raise funds for Bahrain Animal Rescue Centre (was Dogather’s Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre). The centre is waiting to move to new premises and funds raised will help with construction as well as towards the daily running of the facility. Want to sell your own stuff? Tables, which are provided with chairs, cost BD10. The event runs from 11am-2pm and entry is 500 fils.

Call 39 801-393.

When? September 30-October 3 Event? Global HSE Conference and Exhibition Venue? Gulf Convention Centre Visit globalhse.org When? October 4 Event? Afro Bros Live Venue? The One Night Club Call 33 366-659.

24 September 2019

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY

Get dressed up in your best all-white togs, head down to the whitesand Four Seasons Beach and join DJs Evo, Cossta, Nacim and Soufee for September’s hottest summer beach party. It’s like Ibiza, Bali and Bahrain all rolled into one!

The party starts at 3pm and runs till midnight. Entrance is BD10 for ladies, BD15 for men and tables are available from BD250 inclusive of a bottle of premium spirit and mixers. Entrance is free for spa members.

Call 17 115-500.

When? September 27-28 Event? GroovyKids Yoga Teacher Training Venue? Namaste Bahrain Call 17 591-565.

When? September 28 Event? The Colours of Life Poetry Festival Venue? Riffa Views International School Call 39 574-795.

THE GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION & SPA

CHINESE BALLET PERFORMANCE SEPTEMBER 27

BALLET

BAHRAIN NATIONAL THEATRE

In celebration of World Tourism Day and in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, the Suzhou Ballet Theatre will present an unforgettable gala on the Bahrain National Theatre stage through a series of dance pieces such as Chopin’s Poem, Tang Yin, The Nutcracker and Tchaikovsky’s Giselle.

Suzhou Ballet Theatre, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Suzhou New Era Group, was established in 2007. Led by artistic directors Ying Li and Jiabin Pan, the theatre includes company members who come from major ballet companies and dance academies in China.

Performances include a Chinese version of Romeo and Juliet, new productions of Coppelia, Carmen, Cinderella and Swan Lake, a special mice version of The Nutcracker, original productions of Legend of Beauty and Tang Yin, and countless other exceptional pieces. The event is open for ages eight years and above and starts at 8pm.

Visit culture.gov.bh.

MAKE A CHANGE SEPTEMBER 28

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP 101

SPACE 340, DIPLOMATIC AREA

The Lab presents Social Entrepreneurship 101; From Values to Changing the World.

Get the lowdown on social entrepreneurship and how you can make a dent in the world through an entrepreneurial approach with Tariq Al-Olaimy of 3BL Associates as your host for the night.

You will learn the basics of social entrepreneurship, its enterprise models, and its role in economic development through global and regional case studies. If you want to innovate with people and the planet in mind and don’t know where to start, this night is for you.

The event is from 6pm to 8pm and is free to attend.

Call 39 923-370. www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

bystander

Palestinian Eid Al Adha

On the occasion of Eid Al Adha, Palestinian Ambassador, Taha Abdul Qader, and his wife held a celebration at their home in Juffair

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

September 2019 25

happenings

YOGA TRAINING SEPTEMBER 27-28

GROOVYKIDS YOGA TEACHER TRAINING

NAMASTE BAHRAIN

Due to popular demand, this highly acclaimed 30-hour training programme returns to Bahrain for the second time.

Learn what works and why, learn a sequence that you can teach repeatedly, and discover how to vary it easily.

Incorporating simple breathing techniques and songs into practice, learn what a well-balanced kids’ yoga movement class is about, accompanied by theory and practice, with a free GroovyKids® Yoga demo class at the end.

You will gain knowledge and insight into your strengths and thought patterns and will come away ready to teach kids yoga anywhere. The focus is on equipping a teacher to make a curriculum of classes so they can create a complete year in a school or studio and enabling you to understand more deeply why yoga is not just for Indian people in the Himalayas or super-fit girls on Instagram, but for every kid in the world who wants to do it. The workshop runs from 9am to 5pm and has various price packages. No previous experience needed to participate.

Call 17 591-565.

RHYMES IN RIFFA SEPTEMBER 28

THE COLOURS OF LIFE POETRY FESTIVAL

RIFFA VIEWS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

The Colours of Life is the annual poetry festival organised by The Second Circle, a sister group of the Bahrain Writers’ Circle (BWC). The BWC owes the concept, character and energy of the festival to founder David Hollywood’s vision and dedication.

The first Colours of Life was held in 2012 and featured 15 poets representing almost as many nationalities: Bahrain, Malaysia, the USA and Canada, India, Ireland, Yemen and the Netherlands. The poets recited and performed around 60 pieces that ranged in mood and emotion from white and black through grey, purple, lavender, blue, red, gold and rust to yellow and green all the way back to white. The troupe included Bahraini poets who presented Arabic poems.

Since then almost every year, except in 2014, the BWC has held the unique Colours of Life Poetry Festival. It is perhaps the only bilingual (Arabic and English) poetry presentation in Bahrain that includes a multicultural, multi-ethnic cast of poets from a wide variety of countries including, this year, Bahrain, Britain, Canada, Germany, India, Malaysia, Pakistan and Yemen – 20 poets featuring 34 poems. It may well be the only poetry festival on the island that includes musical and visual accompaniment to the works.

The Colours of Life Poetry Festival will be held at the school’s LEVEL 5 – a unique non-profit professional learning centre that hosts a myriad of learning experiences for students, educators and the wider community to create, collaborate and grow.

For a full listing of the events and workshops, check out www.thelevel5.org/ bahrain.

Admission is free. Parking is available. All guests to please bring their CPR/ID card for entrance.

Visit www.bahrainwriterscircle.net 26 September 2019

KEEPING STANDARDS HIGH SEPTEMBER GLOBAL HSE 30-OCTOBER CONFERENCE 3 AND EXHIBITION

GULF CONVENTION CENTRE, BAHRAIN

The International Global Health, Safety, Environment Conference and Exhibition is themed under HSE Excellence - Efficiency, Resilience and Sustainability.

The workshop provides attendees with the opportunity to take a dive into the insights of health, safety and environment as they hear from 100+ global industry leaders, about the future of HSE culture across industries around the globe. The workshop has about 150+ companies participating and 1,200+ industry delegates.

Visit globalhse.org

BROTHERS IN MUSIC OCTOBER 4

AFRO BROS LIVE

THE ONE NIGHT CLUB

Afro Bros will be performing for the first time in Bahrain at The One Night Club. Giordano Ashruf and Rashid Badloe, better known as the “Afro Bros”, are a DJ duo based in Arnhem, The Netherlands, playing in both Tomorrowland weekends and all major clubs around the world. The duo began their journey in music in 2006 working for nightclubs promoting parties and are constantly churning out various music styles including Latin house, Afro house, Moombahton, house and urban. Their hits include Energie (with Ronnie Flex & Frenna), Sua Cara, Come Again, X, Kiiken Mag and Dubbelfris.

Call 33 366-659. www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

bystander

Romanov Grand Opening

Russian restaurant, Equal Romanov, held its grand opening in Adliya

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

To view more images, scan the QR code

September 2019 27

bystander

Modi Temple Visit

A construction programme for the Shreenathju Hindu temple in Manama was officially launched by Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, during his recent trip to Bahrain – the first official visit by an Indian PM to the Kingdom.

Bob Thaker, President of Thathai Hindu Merchants Community (THMC) – an expatriate business association comprising more than 80 organisations from the trading, construction, contracting, education and hospitality segments in the Kingdom – revealed details of the project.

The BD1.6 million upgrade includes the development of a 4,180sq/m, three-storey structure on the temple site. A section of the existing temple will be retained while the rest will be demolished and rebuilt to give 80 per cent more capacity for devotees.

The new structure will also include a community events hall with capacity for 500 people to host weddings and other ceremonies; a museum, showcasing the history of the Thathai Bhatia community in Bahrain; a library and knowledge centre; kitchens; and a staff area.

Project completion is expected in 2021 and the development will be funded by members of the Thathai Bhatia community – a group of Indian Hindus with origins in Jaisalmer Rajasthan – in Bahrain.

A contractor for the project will be named later this year and Bahraini Mazen Al Omran is working as a consultant for the development.

28 September 2019

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

bystander

The Past Masters

The Past Masters played covers of Eric Clapton, Bad Company, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Allman Brothers and more at The Exchange, Ramada by Wyndham Bahrain

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

To view more images, scan the QR code

September 2019 29

bystander

K Lounge Re-opening

A grand re-opening ceremony was held for the K Lounge at The K Hotel To view more images, scan the QR code

Jazz Night The K Lounge held a Jazz Night featuring Tamar and Adel To view more images, scan the QR code

30 September 2019

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

interview

A PROMISE OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Dr Susan E Saxton is the new boss lady in town, wielding her professional prowess as president of the freshly-minted American University of Bahrain (AUBH).

BEHNAZ SANJANA

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rmed with a Master’s Degree in Law, doctorates in Human Services, Psychology and Organisation and Management, as well as a Master’s of Science in Business Administration, Finance, it is an understatement to say that Dr Saxton perfectly fits the bill to oversee the running of the new AUBH. “I joined academe over 25 years ago, and have a strong background in business and education,” she says. “This is very important for the head of a university, to understand the faculty’s creative teaching styles, as well as the mechanics, technology, finance and operation of the institution.” Having worked with worldrenowned educational establishments, her combined skillsets enable her to give this role her best shot.

Supported by her team, she is all set for AUBH’s opening this month. “We will initially offer four-year degree programmes at the Bachelor level in Business Administration [for finance, management and hospitality management], and in Science [for industrial and computer engineering, and multimedia design].

When the discussion veers towards the university’s campus, it sparks a twinkle in the erudite scholar’s eye. “I haven’t seen a campus in Bahrain like the one we’ve built,” she says. ” This American-style campus is designed to give students a holistic experience – a place where they can learn, be mentored by their faculty, get peer support, and can take part in various social and extracurricular activities. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Our auditorium will see eminent speakers address our students and students themselves presenting to the university community.

Features like water designs adorn the campus’s landscape and add to the unique, positive learning environment.”

I joined academe over 25 years ago, and have a strong background in business and education.”

The AUBH campus boasts academic and student life buildings, a contemporary library, a sports centre with a large gymnasium, a football field and student commons. Technologically advanced classrooms, seminar and case study rooms and group study spaces support active and collaborative learning environments. The building structures are smartly designed to maximise energy efficiency. An inaugural run around the campus will precede the start of the very first semester, to imbibe into students the

importance of physical activity, teamwork, being good winners and graceful losers.

Speaking of the faculty, Dr Saxton says: “We hand-picked professors who are well-versed with the unique American teaching methods and standards, which focus on critical thinking, negotiation, problem-solving, professionalism and good communication. The idea is to have our students not only be technically competent, but also have soft skills important for work life.

This is what we mean by imparting a wellrounded educational experience. From over 2,500 resumes, we have chosen the best experts to teach in their respective streams at our university. We also have a high calibre of qualified Bahraini staff in the operational area.

“Going forward, I would like AUBH to partner with regional companies on incubators, accelerators, joint programmes and short courses on topics of interest to students and the community. We will have career fairs where we will encourage students to get involved in staging the event itself, because the campus will also be their home. By celebrating local festivities, we aim to be a full-fledged member of the community here.”

The AUBH campus has a capacity of 4,000 students, and, in the future, will offer short courses in fintech, data sciences, Artificial Intelligence, and English among others, to benefit the wider community.

September 2019 31

interview

MORE THAN MUSCLE

J

ohan gives a cheeky grin and his eyes twinkle as he discounts the philosophy of ‘No Pain, No Gain’. “People often try to self-assess their training needs and end up doing needless exercises that consume time and energy with no real benefit, often resulting in injury,” he says. “A good physical trainer will always carry out an initial assessment, agree a training programme and set up a monitoring system to measure progress. Appropriately qualified trainers may even make dietary recommendations and structure a diet plan to complement the training programme and the individual’s needs.”

Explaining what a biokineticist is, in the realm of physical training, Johan makes the comparison of a skilled car driver combined with a skilled motor mechanic – having studied and worked as a physical trainer he also has the added knowledge of human movement science. He says: “A far deeper understanding of human anatomy and clinical movement science allows me a great insight into appropriate and real training methods and movement applications to maximise any training necessary to meet an individual’s requirements and goals.”

Many individuals want to train and get fit but don’t get the proper guidance to start with and end up tired out, physically injured, mentally disillusioned and simply give up. “This doesn’t surprise me at all – I don’t blame them,” says Johan. “Fitness training today is a scientific jungle and the first thing you need in any jungle, 32 September 2019

is a good guide. Bahrain has a wide variety of qualified, experienced and good trainers and, as in any competitive industry, the best are normally with the best so when looking for a fitness guide – get the best you can afford.

“I am always skeptical of low-cost physical training – quality performance always costs a bit more…but pays off enormously” Johan’s Tips to Get Started • Make a mental commitment to start a healthy lifestyle and train, and then do it.

• Look around and join a reputable gym or seek out a qualified personal trainer that fits your budget.

• Talk to your friends and do your research online, look for special deals and good offers.

• Consider ease of access, parking and opening hours – nothing is worse than poor access, lack of parking or long driving distances to get to a training session, especially in traffic.

• Look for value for money – location, facilities, the best equipment, trainers available in-house, free classes and, of course, costs.

• Ask to attend a free session and talk to the other people training there – you will quickly get a feel for the locale.

Johan adds: “A healthy employee is generally a happy employee and I would like to see companies adding wellness professionals, like personal trainers, to their basic requirements or offerings when they employ people. The added benefits of personal fitness training are proven,

BTM spoke to Bahrain’s leading biokineticist and specialised exercise therapist, Johan Esterhuizen, about his outlook on training and fitness.

and even life insurance companies are looking closely at the beneficial costs of insuring people with a verified health training history and physical training background.

“The question isn’t can you afford to have a healthy lifestyle these days, the real question is can you afford not to?”

Johan is a consulting biokineticist and specialised exercise therapist with UFC Gym in Bahrain.

He can be contacted at johanbio@gmail.com

Biokineticists are humanmovement and exercise specialists, prescribing exercise routines either as preventative health measures or to correct health problems, such as sport injuries, or recovery from diseases or illnesses.

They work closely with doctors and other medical practitioners.They focus on final phase rehabilitation and prescriptive exercise programmes to balance muscle strength and length. www.bahrainthismonth.com

interview

SURREAL SKETCHES

Behnaz Sanjana came away astounded at artist Isa Abdullah’s incredibly lifelike greyscale depictions.

I

f it were a monochromatic world, Isa Abdullah’s sketch of a sparrow would flutter away from the page and Bob Marley would push back his dreadlocks and break into One Love, smoke still snaking from his cigarette. The pencil artist is used to people becoming awestruck with his work.

“My talent is a gift I was born with,” says Isa, who holds a full-time position at Bahrain’s Royal Protocol Office. “I started sketching as a hobby after I finished school, when I had some free time at home.”

And the artist has never looked back, improving and refining his work with each piece through experimentand self-study.

Sketching to him is second nature. “Sometimes I sketch while sitting with friends or when I take breaks from work. All I need is a piece of charcoal and shading pencils,” he says. One of his works, a detailed close up of a man’s eye, has the addition of blue ink from the ubiquitous ball pen, but the result is incredible.

From his very first picture of a horse, Isa went on to sketch cars, and then human faces and birds. Every picture that he chooses to replicate has a certain element that draws his attention to it and compels him to sketch it. “I am fascinated by how a bird clings to a perch, or, like in my picture of Bob Marley, the way his fingers hold the matches. Besides the fact of course, that he was one of my favourite singers; I’m a big fan!”

While youthful female faces usually attract the attention of artists, Isa likes to draw aged faces. “I like the challenge of drawing an old face. It has so much more detail in the features and the eyes.” His favourite, and arguably his best work thus far, is a close-up of a man’s face, in which he says he managed to show the gleam in the eyes using the play between light and dark.

The exceptional artist has versatile fingers that also fashions delicate wooden models of various aircraft and houses. “I recently made a model of an island for a friend using simple things like ice cream sticks for the structures and bristles from cleaning brushes for the roofs. The people, boats and trees are of course made using a specialist machine,” he explains.

Engaging in art is his form of meditation. “When I’m alone in my room, sketching, I am transported to a different world, which is mine alone. I could say I lose my mind in art, but I also find myself in it.”

Isa has no qualms imparting his skills and knowledge to others. “Knowledge is to be shared.

What I perceive a certain way, someone else may portray in different light, which is important as well.”

His next goal is to design a structure for a roundabout in Bahrain. Looking at the prototype of his vision, he says: “The concept signifies the mast of a ship, as the sea has always been such an important element in Bahraini culture. One day, my idea will be on a roundabout, Inshallah!”

Isa shares his creations on his Instagram account @isa.abdullah and @isa012art.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

September 2019 33

bystander

BSPCA Charity Quiz

BSPCA held a Charity Quiz Night at Wembley Sports Lounge, Premier Hotel Juffair

To view more images, scan the QR code

Inauguration of Enaya

The management of Bin Hindi Group held the official inauguration of Enaya Professional Car Care at Enaya in Riffa Wadi Al Sail

BTM JULY 19 - brunch vertical 2.pdf 19/06/2019 16:08:52

FRIDAY PARTY BRUNCH C

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CM

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CY

CMY

WITH PARTY DJ & LIVE MUSIC

DJ TIN

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LARGE INTERNATIONAL BUFFET & SELECTED BEVERAGES - 12.30PM TILL 4.00PM -

K

4TH FLOOR, PREMIER HOTEL, JUFFAIR 33640009 - 33536448

34 September 2019

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

interview

SEEING THE BIGGER PICTURE E mre joined Sofitel Bahrain in mid-2017 as director of sales and marketing, bringing with him robust experience from working with globally-renowned hospitality brands in the Middle East. “My previous role was in Dubai as director of global sales for FRHI Hotels and Resorts, under which come the brands Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel,” says the Turkish national.

In a challenging economic environment, Emre’s expertise has added not only to the company’s top line, but also to Bahrain’s tourism industry. “With my team, I had the opportunity to spearhead the successful collaboration between the world’s leading tourism company, Coral Travel, and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) last year,” he says.

“As a result, Russian tourists have contributed BD7 million to Bahrain’s economy in the last travel period between October and May. We are proud to have pioneered this fruitful networking after diligent efforts.

“I have also introduced Coral Travel to local destination management companies and other hotel brands in Bahrain. In order for the industry to grow, our mindset should be one of complementing, and not competing against, each other.”

Sofitel Bahrain has worked hand in hand with the BTEA to establish Bahrain as the hot new locale for Indian destination weddings. Of the 18 weddings that have taken place in 20182019, eight have been proudly hosted by the picturesque property in Zallaq, as will five out of the six of those due to take place by the end of 2019. “We are extremely grateful for the wholehearted support of the BTEA, and are proud to be working with the most able event managers and wedding planners to ensure ultimate success,” he says.

Emre believes it is the human asset that sets the property apart from the rest. “Our staff are our ‘heartists’ and brand ambassadors, whose dynamism, eagerness to work and proactive approach has brought us success in the last www.bahrainthismonth.com

Foresighted business development expert, Emre Kirazci, has set the ball rolling for growth at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, as well as contributed to Bahrain’s overall tourism sector.

BEHNAZ SANJANA

Sofitel Bahrain’s Sales and Marketing Team

two years,” he says. “When the Sofitel Bahrain is the stage for a wedding, our staff are at the command of the host families and their guests.

All departments work in close cooperation to deliver an unsurpassed experience of luxury.”

As food is a big factor in the success of an Indian wedding, Sofitel offers only the very best. “Celebrity Indian chef, Javed Qureshi, is our executive sous chef for all Indian functions.

Guests get the most phenomenal flavours that suit various preferences and tastes,” he says.

Of course, when the event is of such a grand scale, the challenges are higher peaks to scale. Emre says: “Indian hospitality service standards are amongst the most impeccable in the world. Our clients are high-net-worth individuals with refined tastes and equally high expectations. A marriage is a matter of great pride and the most important day in the couple’s life together, and we completely understand that. We leave no stone unturned to comply with their every wish, whatever it may be. No matter what the outcome, we are appreciated for our dynamic response, enthusiasm, flexibility and genuine approach to solving problems.

“2019 has been a great year this far and we are optimistic about the future.”

September 2019 35

bahraintourism

In a difficult regional market, Bahrain is doing its best to diversify the economy with tourism seen as an increasingly attractive and important income generation stream.

A new exhibition centre has been long awaited

CHASING THE TOURIST DOLLAR L

atest available figures, for the first quarter of 2019, show the Kingdom welcomed 3.2 million visitors, up 3.1 per cent on the same period in 2018 which, itself, saw a sixper-cent increase on 2017. Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) aims to grow this number to 15 million over the next three to four years.

It’s a goal that HE Zayed Al Zayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, is confident can be achieved through the government working in partnership with the private sector. And this is already in process with the increase credited, at least in part, to various government initiatives such as the relaxation of entry visa rules a few years ago coupled with investment in infrastructure and encouragement of business travel.

The ‘Bahrain Ours. Yours.’ campaign was launched by Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) in 2016 with the goals of: supporting investment in tourism infrastructure; protecting and increasing tourist arrivals (KSA and regionally); launching Bahrain Tourism internationally; unifying Bahrain’s tourism and hospitality sector under a single proposition; and increasing foreign direct investment in tourism.

Developments that will have a huge impact 36 September 2019

include the expansions of both the airport and the Saudi causeway and the construction of the long awaited new national exhibition centre.

Earlier this year it was reported that work on the airport was 80-per-cent complete with opening scheduled for the third quarter of 2019.

The USD1.1 billion project will see a new

passenger terminal which will take the facility’s capacity to 14 million travellers per year. The development is timely in light of a surge in passenger numbers last year to 9 million.

And, according to Telecommunications Minister, HE Kamal Ahmed, a second airport could be on the cards. He recently told

The airport is expanding along with Gulf Air’s offering

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bahraintourism

King Fahd causeway to get an upgrade

reporters that even the new airport is expected to reach its capacity limit by 2030. If the government’s economic growth plans hit their targets, he hopes a new airport could be ready by 2034.

With passenger traffic on the King Fahd Causeway hitting an all-time high earlier this year, plans are in process for the new USD4 billion King Hamad Causeway which will run alongside the existing road and will take both vehicle and rail traffic.

The contract for the long-awaited new Convention and Exhibition Centre Expo City project, next to Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, was awarded in May, at a cost of USD208 million. Work is expected to get underway in the coming months. With 10 halls and a built area of 149,000sq/m, it will dwarf the existing exhibition centre and is key to BTEA’s efforts to establish the Kingdom as a prominent meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions (MICE) tourism destination.

In the private sector, the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain has also just announced the opening of a major new events space, The Arena, which will host weddings, conferences and more.

In its bid to attract greater numbers of visitors from outside the GCC, a number of new BTEA Tourism Offices have been launched in recent years. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Burial mounds newly UNESCO listed

September 2019 37

bahraintourism

The iconic Raffles brand is coming to the Kingdom

In June it was announced that the representative office in Germany witnessed an increase in the sales of travel agencies by 59 per cent and a 17 per cent increase in the number of tourist trips in comparison to the same period last year.

In India travel agency sales were up 690 per cent and total arrivals rose by 32 per cent. And the Russian office reported an increase of 728 per cent from travel agencies, with trips up by 107 per cent and arrivals up 101 per cent compared to the same period last year.

In May, BTEA CEO, Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, revealed that more than 10,000 visitors from Russia had been attracted in the previous six months through a charter programme with Coral Travel – which operates charter flights from Moscow. Total expenditure attracted, at that time, was more than BD7 million.

Another BTEA initiative to promote Bahrain as an ideal exotic weddings destination has been backed up by a series of roadshows and event participations which has borne fruit in the form of several ‘mega-weddings’ from the Indian sub-continent with more planned for the coming months. These events typically boast upwards of 500 guests and the festivities last three or four days representing a huge boost to the local economy.

Venues such as Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain and the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay are regularly booked out for the wedding parties and the venues work closely with BTEA which helps ease the whole process by liaising on issues such as visas, flights with national carrier, Gulf Air, and activity programmes to showcase Bahrain’s rich heritage.

On the hotel front, the Kingdom’s four- and five-star properties have seen a rise in occupancy rates on last year – 53 per cent in the five-star sector and 46 per cent for the four38 September 2019

stars, compared with 50 per cent and 42 per cent, respectively.

This has led to a return of cautious optimism and Sheikh Khaled has revealed that there are 22 new hotels scheduled to open over the course of the next four years, to meet the demands of Bahrain’s growing tourism sector.

The operators include Hilton Worldwide, The Address Hotels & Resorts and Shangri-La. Refurbishments across the existing stock are also ongoing, such as that at Al Areen Palace and Spa which will relaunch under the Raffles brand after a comprehensive facelift.

In another development targeting the sector, the world’s first underwater theme park was launched off the coast of Amwaj Islands. Just opened to the public, once completed it will cover an area of around 100,000sq/m.

Attractions include the centrepiece, a submerged Boeing 747, as well as a replica Bahraini merchant’s house and artificial reefs, all aimed to attract marine life and make the site a draw for divers and ocean enthusiasts.

Of course, all this activity is not only good for the economy, it is also beneficial to the local population. Up to 1,000 jobs were on offer at the Tourism and Services Career Expo which took place in July. The event was organised by the Labour and Social Development Ministry and positions were available across a range of fields with the 55 participating exhibitors as well as with the ministry itself.

All in all, the future for Bahrain’s tourism sector looks positive with HE Zayed Al Zayani telling meed.com: “We have the fundamentals to be an international tourist destination, from the weather to the location, culture, history and modernity. The people of Bahrain have always been welcoming throughout time. We have always had good feedback from people that visit or live in Bahrain, so we have the right ingredients.”

BTEA supported the Bhatia wedding in April

FURTHER INITIATIVES • A planned VAT automated refund scheme for tourist purchases through Bahrain International Airport.

• Speeded up formalities at the King Fahd Causeway border crossing to reduce congestion.

• Increased flights by Gulf Air to destinations across Europe and, potentially, the USA. • Incubators and business-friendly regulations for both start-up businesses and foreign investors.

• Cruise ships returning for the winter season.

• Increased number of tour guides available.

• New universities, such as British University of Bahrain and American University of Bahrain, attracting regional students.

• Registration of Dilmun Burial Mounds bringing the Kingdom’s tally of UNESCO sites to three. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bahraintourism

Pria Mason Tanwar

VISITORS ARE ALWAYS GOOD FOR BUSINESS

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business, with its relative simplicity, can be easy to understand and explain. You have a product or service that is available for sale at a given value. At the other end, there are people who want that same product or service and are willing to pay the said price for the same. This is how the business starts to make money. But an economy is a far more complex system – however, the basics of what govern it are the same.

The economy itself is the core offering. All the variety of business activities that operate within that economic system i.e. banking and finance, goods and services produced or traded, hospitality services, healthcare and education, support this core offering. Each of these business activities has a multiplier impact on the economic system and allow it to earn enough money for business and welfare activities.

For the Bahraini economic system, hospitality offers tremendous potential. This stems from the ability of tourism to impact a very large number of factors of economic activity. This is true for every economy, but for Bahrain, its unique geographic position and global diaspora of population make it a very interesting destination.

For every tourist attraction and,every hospitality service established to support them, www.bahrainthismonth.com

the impact is manifold. It creates employment at the construction stage as well as for implementation. It provides an avenue for locals to spend local currency thereby enabling currency churn. For locals, this means that the overall quality of life improves. In addition, the emotional and social benefits of having avenues for leisure activities have significant intangible benefits.

Beyond locals, the benefits simply multiply.

As people from other countries visit, local currency gets exchanged for foreign currencies. This has a stabilising impact on the economy and reduces its dependence on just one currency to maintain economic activity.

When foreign currency is exchanged, it also adds to the money supply in the local economy because cash that was not generated in Bahrain is being spent and, thereby, added to the Bahrain economic system.

With each addition of hospitality and tourist attractions, usually, global brands offering hospitality services begin to enter the country.

This sets off an increase in tourist activity which, again, increases interest in the country.

Global brands often mean that not only is employment generated, but local talent that’s hired is usually offered international training thereby expanding the skill sets of the population. This can have a spin-off as local

talent goes on to establish hospitality ventures of international standards in the Kingdom.

As foreign visitors and international businesses increase, the social interaction with foreign cultures increases. As money is exchanged between Bahrain and other countries, the foundation of international economic relations strengthens significantly.

As tourist activity rises, the fundamental infrastructure of the host country is better utilised. Transport services, healthcare, local shops – they all benefit. Airlines witness better traffic movement and connectivity improves, which helps all business activity.

Keynesian economic theory says that to stabilise an economy, the state sometimes needs to simply dig trenches and fill them up to generate employment and initiate economic activity. The idea is supported broadly by either of two economic principals i.e. either you wait for demand and supply infrastructure and services for the same; or, you build the infrastructure, offer the services and then invest in marketing to create the demand. For tourism, it must always be the latter. Perhaps, the way forward is to build the hotels and tourism structure, and then fill them up.

You can follow Pria on Instagram at money_ cues or visit http://www.i2d-consulting.com to know more about her professional experience.

September 2019 39

Get your favourite partner anytime at www.redhousemarketing.com

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MOTORING THIS MONTH

REGIONAL ORDERS OPEN, p42

NEW MODEL ARRIVES, p42

MY LIFE IN CARS Dick Potter channels his inner grumpy old man.

H

ope your summer has been great so far dear readers? Many of you are possibly still away; I have not been, yet. This is very possibly why you would be forgiven for assuming that this month’s installment has been compiled by a grumbling Victor Meldrew! However, please, do read on!

There are few of us without our personal ‘grumbles’ whilst driving. Over the summer period I have noticed that many of my individual peeves were particularly salient – I’m not suggesting there were any coincidences to this but, well, here goes!

Went to see the Lion King movie last week – nope, never too old to see that – got to the mall and… well, we’ve all been there: the car park is packed (it always is), and some inconsiderate driver of a huge SUV is taking up two spaces. I assume that’s because he couldn’t manage to navigate his precious motor between the lines. There are doubtless other reasons also. Perhaps another nearby inconsiderate driver could scratch his paintwork.

One vehicle, one parking space, thank you!

On another occasion, inching along in very slow traffic, stopping and starting on Shawarma Alley, I stopped an extra few seconds to allow a driver to reverse out from side parking into the traffic flow. Well, the volley of beeping that induced from drivers behind me! As if that wasn’t bad enough. You guessed it, the ungrateful *insert word of choice* didn’t give me a second glance as he entered the traffic! If someone makes room for you to join in during heavy traffic, give them a nod or a wave. That sort of recognition shows goodwill and might encourage them to be courteous in the future. www.bahrainthismonth.com

To those indecisive drivers crawling around, very visibly using their phones, as they check Google Maps – for the umpteenth time – please pull over and get your bearings. Thanks.

Please don’t tailgate us so we speed up and move over to let you around only for you to slow down again.

It’s annoying. Please drive at a safe distance behind other drivers, i.e. me!

Although you may feel it polite, there is absolutely NO need to stop unsafely in the middle of the road anywhere to let a pedestrian cross. However, don’t run someone over at a pedestrian crossing either.

It also makes me grumble when sitting in a traffic queue, at traffic lights or a roundabout to have another driver, who clearly perceives his time to be more important than mine, drive to the front of the queue and try to nudge in. Alas, he is, often as not, allowed in. This only serves to encourage others. Even worse are those drivers who use the emergency lane to bypass the queue.

This one’s especially for my missus… and all other passengers: please don’t slam the door when you exit a vehicle. A slight push suffices. I read somewhere that Uber drivers are known to give their fares lower star ratings if they slam the door getting out.

This one’s especially for me… we all have places to go. The road doesn’t belong to you or me. Whatever your personal grumbles are behind the wheel, breathe in, breathe out and let them go!

A BRIGHT IDEA, p43

NEW SUPERCAR LAUNCHED, p43

View more info online

Wishing you all grumble-free driving! dick@redhousemarketing.com September 2019 41

motoring news

REGIONAL ORDERS OPEN

A

udi dealers in the Middle East are now accepting orders for the Audi RS 5 Sportback. The five-door, high-performance model combines exceptional design and high everyday usability with maximum performance.

The model features an extended wheelbase, short overhangs and a long, wraparound engine hood with power dome; 19-inch forged wheels come as standard.

Finished entirely in black, the interior of the new Audi RS 5 Sportback is richly and functionally equipped while offering space for five people.

The inner values of the RS 5 Sportback also impress with power and efficiency. The 2.9 TFSI V6 biturbo engine produces 331kw. Its maximum torque of 600Nm is available between 1,900 and 5,000rpm and it accelerates to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds on its way to an optional top speed of 280 km/h.

RECORD BREAKER

P

orsche has set new standards for four-door, all-electric sports cars on the 20.6-km Nürburgring-Nordschleife course. Sitting behind the wheel of a pre-series Taycan, test driver Lars Kern conquered the legendary track, famously known as the Green Hell, in seven minutes and 42 seconds.

“Our electric sports car demonstrated the reproducibility of its performance as part of a strenuous test involving 26 successive acceleration runs from zero to 200km/h. Then it completed 3,425 kilometres within 24 hours in Nardò and now the record at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife,” says Stefan Weckbach, Vice President Product Line Taycan. “Numerous factors contribute to this performance. These include the chassis systems that react within a fraction of a second as well as the outstanding aerodynamics.”

JOIN AN ELITE FAMILY A l Haddad Motors has an exclusive offer on the MercedesBenz Certified Pre-owned C-Class enabling you to join an elite family at an unbeatable price that includes several added benefits.

The Certified Pre-owned 2019 C-Class is now available at a starting price of BD17,995 and comes with a BD200 lifestyle voucher from City Centre Bahrain as well as a three-month gym membership at the Le Méridien Hotel City Centre Bahrain fitness centre.

All Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned vehicles include the remainder of the five-year manufacturer warranty and are put through rigorous checks looking into the mechanical, technical, electrical and safety aspects to ensure that they are in excellent condition.

All maintenance and servicing on these Certified Pre-owned C-Class vehicles has been carried out by Mercedes-Benz technicians using genuine parts.

For information call 17 785-454 or visit https://mercedesbenzme. com/bahrain/en/.

42 September 2019

NEW MODEL ARRIVES

V

olkswagen Bahrain has welcomed the new 2020 Passat with three offerings of different variants and prices to suit a wide range of customers.

More than eight years ago, Volkswagen completely overhauled the midsize sedan to include more interior space and modern comforts, combined with the company’s signature fun-to-drive nature. Building on this success, the new Passat of today offers more of what matters to the modern customer; a bold design, upgraded technology and enhanced access to convenience and driver-assistance features.

While the 2020 Passat retains the underpinnings of the previous model, it has been completely restyled. A dynamic coupe-like roofline, dramatic “tornado” line, and dominant grille give a bold new look.

Standard slim LED headlights and taillights come along with more prominent Passat badging that runs the width of the rear boot.

The vehicle comes in a range of colours including white, grey and blue metallic, silver, and black pearlescent. www.bahrainthismonth.com

motoring news

MARQUE INTRODUCES ADVANCED SUV

T

he new-look Ford Edge redefines the mid-size SUV segment with a vast array of driver-assist technologies designed to keep you safe. It is the company’s first SUV to feature a full suite of CoPilot360 features, including Evasive Steering Assist and Post-Collision Braking on premium models.

The Edge also comes equipped with a powerful and efficient 2.0litre EcoBoost engine while the sporty Edge ST gets a 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 for ultimate

T

he Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) has awarded the Genesis Essentia Concept with a Gold International Design Excellence Award (IDEA) for Automotive and Transportation – alongside RedDot and iF, IDEA is recognised as one of the world’s top design awards.

The Essentia Concept, which was first unveiled at the New York International Auto Show in March 2018, is the Genesis brand’s first electric Gran Turismo (GT) concept car. It was recognised for its interpretation of the “Athletic Elegance” design paradigm, while providing a vision of future Genesis product performance and technology.

The battery-electric Essentia Concept features a luxurious look with a simple, clear and sleek exterior design and a custom-tailored interior.

“We aim to show Genesis brand DNA through designing to reshape the landscape of the existing luxury car design,” said Sang Yup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of the Global Genesis Design Center. “This is the foundation of our design philosophy, ‘Athletic Elegance’.”

A

n all-new Ultimate Series McLaren supercar, focused on the exhilaration of pure, open-top driving, was announced at the recent Pebble Beach Concours.

The as yet unnamed model is a two- seat, open cockpit roadster that will be the latest offering in McLaren’s range-topping Ultimate series line of supercars that includes the P1, Senna and Speedtail.

Strictly limited to just 399 examples, and due to be available next year, the roadster will differ

performance.

With a new look and a host of new features as standard equipment, the new vehicle is the company’s most technologically advanced SUV ever produced.

It has launched in the Middle East with a choice of engines: the 250hp 2.0-litre EcoBoost inline four cylinder for Ambiente, Trend and Titanium models, and the 335hp 2.7litre twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 for the all-new Edge ST performance SUV.

A BRIGHT IDEA

from both the McLaren Senna’s focus on being the ultimate road-legal track car and the Speedtail’s high-speed aerodynamic efficiency by offering the purest distillation of road-focused driving pleasure and an unrivalled sense of driver connection with the surrounding environment.

Classical roadster proportions, elegant sweeping lines and low-profile dihedral doors all reflect the car’s singular purpose as a thrilling road car dedicated to the love of driving.

NEW SUPERCAR LAUNCHED

F

IMPRESSIVE SALES FIGURES www.bahrainthismonth.com

rench automotive manufacturer, Peugeot, has posted a substantial period of growth in the GCC for the first half of 2019, with a 61 per cent year-on-year increase.

Peugeot’s sales success in the region is thanks, in part, to the growing popularity of its award-winning flagship SUV – the 3008 – as well as the recently launched premium saloon, the Peugeot 508.

Rakesh Nair, MD at parent company Groupe PSA GCC, says: “We are operating in challenging market conditions, yet despite an overall decline in new car sales in the region we are very encouraged to see such a significant year-on-year growth. Since expanding our operation in the GCC, we’ve seen the brand go from strength to strength. In Q1 this year, we posted record-breaking sales results with a huge growth of 143 per cent compared to the same period last year.”

September 2019 43

bystander

Women’s Summer Brunch

To view more images, scan the QR code

A Women’s Summer Friday Brunch was held at Saraya Restaurant, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

Eid Al Adha Brunch

An Eid Al Adha Arabic Brunch was held at Saraya Restaurant, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

44 September 2019

To view more images, scan the QR code

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

business bites

Hi-Tech Expansion Plans

Leading Bahraini retailer Al Jazira has automated its warehouse with Infor to support rapid expansion.

The supermarket operator is growing quickly. It currently has eight stores and is the exclusive distributor for top brands including Heinz, L’Oreal, McVities, Pinar, Hero, Mazola and Volvic in Bahrain. The company also has a fast-growing food services business.

To facilitate growth, the senior management team identified a need to automate the warehousing operation to gain full inventory visibility and management and achieve greater operational efficiency and oversight.

To achieve these aims, Al Jazira has deployed an Infor WMS solution. With the help of Infor CloudSuite WMS, Al Jazira will gain greater visibility into inventory, orders, equipment and staff which will increase the company’s ability to manage stock more efficiently while providing greater insights into the performance of individual products and offerings, and helping the company to develop strategic plans more effectively.

NEW RETAIL BANKING HEAD The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has appointed Subah Abdullatif Al Zayani as Head of Retail Banking. He has 12 years’ experience and will lead ongoing efforts to innovate NBB’s retail operations to gain increased market share and further elevate the customer journey.

Subah will also concentrate on enhancing the delivery of marketleading financial products and services across the bank’s digital platforms and branch network, which remains the largest in the Kingdom.

He says: “I’m extremely proud to join NBB at this exciting time of growth and transformation. With a strong team in place and a vision and strategy that puts customers at its heart, I am confident that we can continue to enhance the value proposition that keeps NBB at the forefront. This includes further diversifying our product and service offering, strengthening efficiency and fast-tracking the adoption of modern, digital services – all of which continue to make banking more rewarding and seamless for customers of NBB.” www.bahrainthismonth.com

A PARKING PROPOSITION Bahrain Real Estate Investment (Edamah), the property arm of the Kingdom’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, has successfully acquired 36.6 per cent of the shares in the Bahrain Car Parks Company, a publicly-listed company on the Bahrain Bourse, which specialises in the construction, development and management of parking lots.

At its recent AGM, Bahrain Car Parks Company voted the appointment of a new board for the next three years, with Amin Ahmed Salem Alarrayed, Edamah’s CEO, as chairman.

He says: “In line with our strategic plans, we are seeking to develop additional projects and renovate existing ones, as well as modernise facilities available to the general public managing them all in line with international standards and best industry practices. We continue to take into consideration how to respond to the current needs of the market by tactically selecting development projects to stimulate economic growth and enhance the fabric of the Bahraini community.”

Edamah is currently working alongside Bahrain Car Parks Company to build a 600-vehicle, multi-storey parking facility at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC).

Regional Appointment Sabre Corporation, the global technology provider to the travel and tourism industry, has appointed Aditya Varma as a regional director for Sabre Travel Network Middle East (STNME) based in the region’s headquarters in Bahrain.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the aviation and travel industries, he will lead the sales operations and customer relationships for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar, key growth countries for Sabre in the Middle East. He is tasked with managing customer relationships, as well as identifying and executing commercial and new sales opportunities to help accelerate growth in the region.

Aditya joins Sabre from Travelport where he was the regional manager for distributor markets in the Middle East & South Asia. He says: “It’s such an exciting time to join Sabre when the level of innovation and diversification across the travel industry is at its peak.

Sabre is undergoing a remarkable evolution and I am looking forward to helping increase our customers’ footprint in the region.”

September 2019 45

business bites

CEO Lauded

Hassan Jarrar, the CEO of Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB), the leading provider of integrated Sharia compliant financial solutions in the Kingdom, has been named ‘Best Banking CEO - Bahrain’ by International Finance Magazine (IFM).

This award was given in recognition of the instrumental role he has played in the growth and development of the banking sector.

Since taking over the leadership of BisB, he has dedicated his efforts to enhance the bank’s position in the finance industry; he has successfully established noteworthy partnerships while keeping the bank in tune with the latest industry trends and driving digitisation.

He says: “I am truly honoured to have won this award. This is a recognition of all the effort and hard work of the entire BisB team so this award goes to them. I am merely an ambassador.”

MAJOR ROAD UPGRADE

Work has begun on a major, multi-million-dinar expansion of the Shaikh Zayed Highway, with the first phase running from December 16 Highway to Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway and from the western roundabout of A’ali to Shaikh Isa bin Salman Highway.

Scheduled to take two years, once completed the BD23.4 million expansion, which is being financed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, will increase the highway’s capacity to 80,000 vehicles per day, with a peak-hour capacity of 6,000, according to the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry.

As well as expanding the highway to three lanes in each direction, four roundabouts will be converted into intersections with traffic lights. Lighting, signage, drainage and landscaping will also be upgraded.

The first work got underway on December 16 Highway with the closure of one lane in both directions between Muharraq Avenue and Al Esteqlal Highway.

New Conference Facility The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain has announced the debut of its new Arena in partnership with the Maestra Group. The new 43,000sq/ft conference and exhibition facility is capable of hosting global conferences, large receptions, award ceremonies and weddings as well as bespoke meetings.

The new Arena facility adds to the resort’s existing MICE offerings, which include two boardrooms, two grand ballrooms, and numerous intimate meeting spaces, totalling more than 90,000sq/ft.

Overseen by award-winning design, technical and scenic production specialist, Maestra Group, the venue is set to be the most sought-after space in the region. Boasting a capacity of 4,200 people and an instinctive design means it is capable of hosting a variety of events including international trade shows, car launches, weddings, seminars and music concerts; due to its adaptability and functionality, no two events will be the same.

46 September 2019

SUPPORTING SPORT As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, VIVA Bahrain has partnered with the Bahrain Tennis Federation as its Gold sponsor taking forward its long-term commitment to support community development and sustainability programmes aimed at building a better and healthier community. With sports and wellbeing one of the core pillars of VIVA Jusoor, this collaboration will enable the company to extend its presence into a new field in addition to backing other sportrelated events and clubs. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Re-opening of Home Centre Under the patronage of Sheikh Hisham bin Abdul

Rahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Governor of Capital Governorate, and in the presence of Hassan Abdullah Al Madani, Deputy Governor of the Capital Governorate, a ceremony was held for the re-opening of the newly renovated Home Centre store in City Centre Bahrain

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

To view more images, scan the QR code

September 2019 47

bystander

InterContinental Friday Brunchism

A Friday Feast was held at the InterContinental Regency Bahrain with a large spread of buffets across three venues: Selections, Medzo and Legendz restaurants

Rainforest’s First Anniversary Rainforest Lounge celebrated its first anniversary with entertainment from The Tribe Band and DJ Zack

48 September 2019

To view more images, scan the QR code

To view more images, scan the QR code

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

G N I DIN onth this m

ADLIYA DINING, p50

SCHOOL IS COOL, p52

UPTOWN DINING Behnaz Sanjana found customary crowd-pleasers on Furn Bistro’s special three-course set menu, but they provided solace to the soul with every bite.

There was a positive vibe eddying around at Furn Bistro at The Westin City Centre Bahrain. The snug ambience had families dining after a shopping spree at the mall, and couples sharing the evening over a quick, yet sophisticated, midweek meal. The three-course set menu that the outlet offers is a popular choice, and I couldn’t wait to get started.

From options in starters, main course and dessert, guests can choose one from each category.

I decided to begin with a hearty Potato and Leek soup, which was the ‘soup of the day’. The velvety smooth potage was a pleasant surprise, the humble potato being taken many notches up in flavour with the mild sharpness of leeks and a light garnish of paprika. Being the health-conscious eater that he is, my dining companion chose to whet his appetite with Fattoush. The quintessential Middle Eastern salad was a jumble of crisp greens, crunchy pita, cucumber, radish and pomegranate oozing juice with every bite. I liked that the dressing was the right balance, not too sour, yet not boringly flat.

For mains, my partner chose Pan-Seared Safi fish, sayadia rice and gravy. What struck me at first bite of the filleted fish was how well it was seasoned; a sign of a chef who knows his job well. It sat on a bed of expertly browned rice, each grain separate and bursting with a caramelised flavour.

I ordered the Chicken Tagine with white rice. To be honest, www.bahrainthismonth.com

when the friendly stewardess opened up the colourful tagine, what met the eye was a homely stew of chicken and potatoes.

But the aroma that wafted out belied its modest appearance.

With the first morsel, my mind was transported to a Moroccan mama’s kitchen. Cooked in its own juices, the chicken on the bone was as tender as could be and bursting with flavour.

Olives lent their tang, apricots and prunes their sweetness, coriander leaves a lemony freshness and potatoes a perfect thickness to the gravy. I could have polished off the tagine, if not for the aforementioned soup and a huge bite (or three) of my partner’s fish.

The last leg of the set menu was dessert and, from the four choices, we went for Um ali and Kunafa between us. Again, Furn took these Arabic staples and put its own distinctive twist to them. The Um ali had a generous garnish of crunchy almond flakes and crushed pistachios, through which one could just about see the golden speckled top of the dessert. The soft, yielding pastry in its creamy base was spiked with rose water and was an ideal finish to a delicious meal. We turned our attention to the kunafa, which was everything this sweet favourite should be. Light and slightly stretchy in the interior, with a coat of crackling golden vermicelli on the outside, basted with warm sugar syrup.

At just BD12 per person, or BD16, with a glass of grape added on, this three-course set menu is great value for money.

I went home satiated enough to slip into sweet dreams of Furn Bistro’s Khaleeji delights.

TIME TO CELEBRATE, p54

WEEKEND THERAPY, p57

View more info online

Call 17 171-441 or follow @furnbahrain on Instagram September 2019 49

adliyadining

Adliya’s ‘eat streets’ are narrow one-ways, perennially crowded with slow-moving traffic during hungry hours, where acquiring parking space is a test of patience. But it’s all worthwhile once you meld into the funky, groovy vibe of this hip district, where dining establishments stand shoulder-to-shoulder, each different from the other in cuisine, décor and price.

Buffalo Wings and Rings

Y L L E B THE 8 3 3 K C O L B F O d n o y e B … and

O

n one of the peripheries of Adliya stands The Terminal, a new, sleek-looking parking facility that might be just what you need to be on time for that fancy dinner reservation some day.

But if your agenda is at the diagonally opposite Gulf Hotel Bahrain, you won’t need it, of course. Two of the upscale dining outlets here bear the magic touch of Michelin-starred chefs, no less. Chef Vineet Bhatia has lent his signature to Rasoi by Vineet, the Indian finedining restaurant; and La Pergola by Perbellini presents the culinary prowess of Italian maestro, Giancarlo Perbellini. Other noted outlets are China Garden, Royal Thai and Margarita Mexicana. Sato is a favourite for Japanese delicacies and Zahle has a vivacious Lebanese atmosphere.

Down the road, the less ostentatious, but charming Ramada by Wyndham Bahrain has Le 50 September 2019

Jardin Restaurant and The Exchange – An English Pub to its credit. While the former is a pleasant eatery offering a revamped menu, the pub is busy all week thanks to its attractive theme nights.

The Palace Boutique Hotel’s The Orangery is favoured for its Victorian elegance and delicious food. Masso, frequented for its seasonal menus replete with cold cuts, prime steaks grilled to perfection, cheeses, and dishes full of freshness and flavour, is another staunch favourite.

McGettigans is known for its yummy pub food and drinks to be enjoyed while sitting in the outdoor garden, watching live sport or shaking a leg to the beats from the live band and DJ.

IRISH

ASIAN

Think Irish, think pubs. Adliya has its fair share of watering holes, but JJ’s Irish Restaurant is the oldest and, arguably, the most popular one in town. Speaking of the Emerald Isle, Irish Village is a newly opened little hamlet serving a variety of cuisines in an Irish ambience, while

Adliya does good justice to the broad term ‘Asian cuisine’. Beginning with Indian food, Lanterns Lounge and Restaurant serves the maharaja’s grub, altered just enough to please the international palate without taking away from its rich essence. Pair your dishes with

Upstairs Downstairs

www.bahrainthismonth.com

adliyadining some grape or malt, and your taste buds will thank you for it. Bambu India Gate restaurant is just as popular, for its authentic flavours and friendly service. Mumbai Spices, staying true to its name, serves lip-smacking Indian street food specialities, while new entrant on the block, The M Restaurant, serves quality Indian and international fare.

Going further East, David’s Stir Fry Crazy has many a Southeast Asian food lover swear by its authentic flavours. While Monsoon is ideal for a special meal, decor wise as well as for exquisite Oriental delights, outlets like Beijing and Hong Kong always satisfy with a simple, no-fuss Chinese meal that’s easier on the wallet. For Thai spice, sit within the traditional ambience at Thailand, or at the small, but mighty, Banana Leaf.

Akaya Bistro transports you to the Izakayas of Tokyo, to enjoy impeccably presented fare, either in the airconditioned Zen Garden, or at the Janguru lounge indoors. Meisei is another old-time favourite that always makes for a pleasant Japanese dining experience.

Da Rae Jung is the venue to familiarise yourself with the Korean taste spectrum. Don’t miss the kimchi and fried dumplings.

EUROPEAN French, Italian, Spanish, Greek – Adliya has it all. Upstairs Downstairs is an iconic venue, where many an islander has fond memories of family and friends bonding over delectable food. Expert chefs and warm service staff are the bonus to the delicious continental-style preparations accompanied by great music.

When anybody mentions Parisian panache, Café Liliou springs to mind first. Its kitschy-chic ambience and delectable desserts make the waiting time worthwhile. Next door, Coco’s serves to-die-for dishes to hungry patrons. Be prepared to be on the waiting list for a table any day of the week. Some of the relatively newer establishments serving continental classics (some with a Middle Eastern twist) are Florence La Maison Méditerranéene, My Café,

Mahonia

Madeleine, and the iconic Angelina Paris, where you must try the celeb-status MontBlanc and L’Africain hot chocolate. Across the road, retro Greek kouzina, Attic, offers eccentric cocktails and fantastic food that will take you to one of Greece’s breezy islands.

Moving over to Italian pizzazz, Adliya has no dearth of outlets serving pasta and breads drizzled with olive oil and sundried tomatoes.

But, Oliveto has stood the test of time by providing guests with the real taste of Italy, minus the unnecessary fanfare. Cico’s, Café Italia and Mino’s are all well known for pizza and pasta done just right.

MIDDLE EASTERN For a taste of Arabic fare, Al Bindaira Café is one of its kind for food and décor. Shoo Fee Maa Fee brings Lebanon to Bahrain, while Parsian brings you authentic Persian cuisine.

For a quick bite of kebab and a shawarma or two, Al Abraaj Restaurant or Lebanese Oven do justice to their prices. Dar Zowayed, known for great Khaleeji cuisine, claims to be a melting pot of Indian and Levantine gastronomic influences in a contemporary setting.

MEXICAN Say olé at Senor Pacos as you chow down on nachos with guacamole and other typically Mexican bites while you sip on chilled margaritas and enjoy the party atmosphe. An

equal favourite is Casa Mexicana, while the newer Calexico has its own loyal following of Tex-Mex foodies.

CARNIVORES’ CLUB The Foundry goes heavy metal on premium meats that you are bound to revisit sooner or later, and The Meat Co. still stands strong with the best quality meats accompanied by flavoursome sauces and sides. Torino Restaurant and Lounge is another venue serving certified Angus beef and prime cuts..

Made in America, Buffalo Wings and Rings has come to Bahrain to show foodies how finger-licking good chicken wings, burgers and Tex-Mex specialities are done. Slider Station is touted to be the only conveyor belt burger joint in the world for gourmet sliders, state-side bites, and desserts from its dedicated Cocoa Room.

ECLECTIC CUISINE Equal Romanov is a brand new outlet serving delicacies from Russia in a quintessentially elegant setting. Viola is a Caribbean oasis boasting modern renditions of island specialties like Sticku Jerk Salmon, Caribbean satays and Dominican goat curry, all seasoned with love and fiery jerk spices. Brazil Rodizio Grill and Lounge is for when the mood calls for robust South American flavours.

CELEBRATORY Mahonia is a stunning concept restaurant that offers haute dining in the form of five-, sevenand ten-course degustation menus. Each course is a unique and genius proposition, a harmony of taste, texture, scent, sound and presentation. Fancy food and ambience!

NEW CAFÉS

The Exchange - An English Pub

www.bahrainthismonth.com

For a pick-me-up in the form of hot or cold beverages and quick bites, Dose Café does a stellar job. And the modish 11:11 Make A Wish brews single-origin coffee beans from Rwanda; its Spanish Latte comes highly recommended.

September 2019 51

tablehopping

When? September 14 Event? Viva La Vida Brunch Fiesta Venue? Cantina Kahlo, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain A brunch fiesta featuring traditional dishes, live stations, irresistible sweets and festive décor for BD23, including soft drinks, or BD36.500, including selected beverages.

E Call 17 586-499.

When? September 14 Event? Incredible India Brunch Venue? re/ Asian Cuisine, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay India’s most famous dishes get the signature Wolfgang Puck twist. Among many other specialities, look out for palak paneer turnovers and crispy masala dosas, all priced at BD32, including soft drinks, or BD44, including premium beverages.

E Call 17 115-046.

When? September 27 Event? Oktoberfest Brunch Venue? Bahrain Bay Kitchen, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Think Kalbsbratworst, Spargel, Erdbeerschnitte and Schnitzel washed down with the best of German hops and ales for BD30, inclusive of non-alcoholic drinks, or BD43, inclusive of selected beverages.

E Call 17 115-500.

When? September 27 Event? Okbtoberfest Summer Friday Brunch Venue? Saraya, Fiamma & Rivaaj Restaurant, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Celebrate all things Deutsch with a “wunderbar” feast for BD25 per person, inclusive of a selected beverage.

E Call 38 885-789.

When? Every Monday Event? Flavours of Mashawi Venue? Tapas Bar & Restaurant, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Treat your taste buds to a unique Arabic culinary experience and enjoy the tastiest grilled delights freshly cooked for you on the special live cooking stations by the sea. Cost is BD20, inclusive of unlimited soft drinks, or BD25, inclusive of selected beverages.

E Call 38 885-789.

52 September 2019

G N I PP

O g H n i E n i L D r e TAB b tem

Sep

SHIPS AHOY! Put on your corsair hats and brunch like a pirate with your mateys at the Pirates of the Caribbeanthemed brunch on September 6 from 12.30pm-4pm for BD25 per person, inclusive of a selected beverage. The spread will be laid out at Saraya, Fiamma and Rivaaj restaurants at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. Savour the tastiest selection of dishes, courtesy of the ‘Black Pearl’ and wash ‘em down with some thirstquenching cocktails from the ‘stranger tides’ as you jam to the latest live musical hits on deck by Latin Son. The kids’ corner will offer little pirates a jolly good time with plenty of fun games and activities. Those between six and 12 years enjoy a 50-per-cent discount.

Call 38 885-789.

SCHOOL IS COOL On September 6 , Bahrain Bay Kitchen at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay welcomes you to the Back to School brunch, to mark the end of summer and kids returning to the classroom, from 1pm-4pm.

Kids and adults alike can have a final celebration of the holidays before the routine starts by joining the carnival atmosphere of this merry event, great food and even better entertainment included, of course.

Young ones get a special goodie bag to take home.

The buffet is priced at BD30, inclusive of soft drinks, or BD43, inclusive of selected beverages. Children below five years eat for free, those between six and 12 years get 50-per-cent discount.

Call 17 115-500.

FOUR AT A TIME A FANTASTIC DEAL

Every Monday, relish not one, but four of the best pasta recipes from various regions by Chef Giancarlo Perbellini every Monday with the pasta degustation at La Pergola, at The Gulf Hotel, Bahrain, for only BD10+++. The menu features a selection of delicious pasta - spaghetti with pesto and calamari, homemade gnocchi with tomato and basil, and deconstructed lasanga moderna with beef ragout to name a few.

Call 17 713-000.

Mercure Grand Hotel Seef has a very special Buy 1 + 1 Free offer on its Al-Sofra Friday Brunch held at Neyran Restaurant throughout September. The buffet costs BD12++, including soft beverages, and runs from 12.30pm-4pm. It’s the perfect place for your weekend family outing, and an exceptional culinary experience in the heart of Seef! Savour an assortment of Mediterranean dishes, along with locally inspired favourites to satisfy all those cravings.

Call 17 584-400.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

tablehopping When? Every Wednesday Event? Ladies Nights Venue? An Nada Lounge, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Ladies enjoy unlimited selected beverages from 9pm-midnight.

E Call 17 533-533.

When? Every Thursday Event? Seafood Night Venue? Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain Indulge in a buffet of fresh oysters, prawns, Lobster Thermidor, Sushi, clams, fresh filleted fish and mussels cooked to your liking, for BD25, including soft drinks and water, or BD31, including selected freeflow beverages.

E Call 17 171-144.

When? Thursday, Friday Event? Asian BBQ Venue? Thai, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Gather your family and friends to enjoy Asian barbecue favourites featuring a sumptuous selection of fresh meat skewers grilled to perfection from the à la carte menu.

E Call 17 586-499.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE MEXICAN REVELRY Who doesn’t love ceviches, tacos, tortillas and quesadillas? With these on offer it must be the annual celebration for the Mexican Día de la Independencia at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay’s Bahrain Bay Kitchen on September 13. This spectacular buffet will also include indulgent dishes like the 16-hour spiced lamb stew, slowroasted ribs and king fish fajitas, and costs BD30, inclusive of soft drinks, or BD43, inclusive of selected beverages. Children below five years eat for free, while those between six and 12 years get 50-per-cent discount.

Call 17 115-500.

The Amazon Jungle Summer Friday Brunch will be on at Saraya, Fiamma and Rivaaj restaurants at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, on September 13 from 12.30pm-4pm. Take your taste buds on a culinary journey full of delightful flavours and uncover an array of tasty dishes that the Amazonian jungle holds, for BD25 per person inclusive of a selected beverage. The celebrations will be amped up with live musical hits by Cuban band, Latin Son. Little ones will also enjoy their own rainforest experience in the kids’ corner with lots of fun-filled activities and games to indulge in, at a 50-per-cent discount for six to 12-year-olds.

Call 38 885-789.

September 2019 53

tablehopping When? Every Friday Event? Extended Friday Brunch Venue? Al Murjan Ballroom, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain A sumptuous array of chef’s special delicacies, a lively atmosphere, entertainment and a delightful selection of drinks for BD38, including unlimited beverages.

E Call 17 460-017.

When? Every Friday Event? Fish Market Brunch Venue? La Perle, Novotel Bahrain Al Dana Resort Enjoy a seafood brunch for BD17, inclusive of soft drinks, or BD27, inclusive of unlimited selected beverages. Military / Navy personnel get 20-per-cent discount.

E Call 17 298-008.

When? Every Saturday Event? Tex-Mex Brunch Venue? View Restaurant & Lounge, Novotel Bahrain Al Dana Resort Experience live Latin entertainment and Mexican flavours for BD17, inclusive of soft drinks, or BD27, inclusive of unlimited selected beverages.

Military / Navy personnel and ARAMCO employees get 20-percent discount.

E Call 17 298-008.

FRIDAY FUN OCEANIC DELIGHTS Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain lays out a sumptuous seafood buffet every Monday featuring the freshest catch of the day at Al Murjan Ballroom from 7pm-11pm. Experience a unique medley of extremely succulent seafood delicacies as you partake in the best selection of popular and traditional dishes. On the buffet table is a vast range of aquatic delicacies, from sushi, sashimi, seafood dim sum, tempura, oysters, slipper lobster and tiger prawns to popular fish such as grouper and red snapper. The talented team of chefs will prepare your favourite catch, just the way you like it, for BD25 per person, including soft drinks and water, or BD30 per person, including unlimited selected grape, malt and soft drinks.

Call 17 460-017.

Treat your family and friends to a delicious Friday brunch from 1pm-5pm at Brasserie Royale at the Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain. Savour an array of delectable options from seafood and sushi to delicious pastries for BD27 per person with soft drinks, or BD35, with selected beverages, while the DJ keeps the beat flowing all afternoon.

Youngsters will love their dedicated buffet and the special activities organised by the Bulbul Kids Club team exclusively for them! Diners get complimentary access to the pool and beach.

Call 77 707-070.

A SUPER OFFER TIME TO CELEBRATE From September 1-30, Margarita Mexicana at The Gulf Hotel, Bahrain, will host the Molcajete promotion for lovers of Mexican fare. Guests can enjoy a selection of beef, chicken, meat or shrimp in a traditional Molcajete with homemade corn tortillas. In celebration of Mexican Independence Day, Mexican nationals will get a free Margarita by presenting their CPR on September 16, 2019.

Call 17 713-000.

Join chef Tahir Guneysu to kick off a wonderful weekend as he preps a coastal splendour, featuring an impressive array of delightful seafood delicacies every Thursday, from 7pm onwards at Neyran Restaurant at The Mercure Grand Hotel Seef. This seafood buffet costs BD12, inclusive of soft beverages, and comes with an enticing Buy 2 + 1 Free offer. Guests have the option of enjoying two glasses of selected beverages per person, for BD14.

Call 17 584-400.

BRISK LUNCH As part of Business Lunch at Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain’s Baharat restaurant, enjoy a selection of Middle Eastern and Indian fusion cuisine and food prepared in an open kitchen. The buffet concept features a tandoor and indoor grill, and is priced at BD16. The Soup and Salad buffet costs BD7. Kids aged six-12 dine at half price. The buffet is on from Sunday to Thursday, from 12.30pm-3pm.

Call 17 171-144.

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www.bahrainthismonth.com

tablehopping

AN IDEAL FRIDAY BRUNCH Discover Bahrain’s Sweetest Brunch at Baharat restaurant at the Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain every Friday from 12.30pm until 4pm and be prepared to indulge in a sensorial and savoury experience priced at BD28, including soft drinks and water, or BD40, including selected free-flow beverages.

Guests enjoy live music from the Twin Band. Book for over 10 people and receive a 20-per-cent discount. Children aged six to 12 dine at half price, below sixes go free.

Call 17 171-144.

JUST CHILL Espressamente Illy Café at Sheraton Bahrain Hotel serves a daily special lunch menu at BD5, inclusive of soft drinks or water.

The outlet is open from 7am-10pm.

Try the Summer Coolers promotion, where you can buy any two coolers and get one absolutely free. Enjoy the taste of Nutella Frappuccino or Mocha Frappuccino both for BD3, and Are you In for BD5, daily at Espressamente Illy Café. These will truly be moments to freeze in memory!

Call 17 533-533. www.bahrainthismonth.com

September 2019 55

tablehopping

LET’S EAT CAKE Furn Bistro and Bakery at The Westin City Centre Bahrain offers Cake By Weight, where you can enjoy a selection of delicious cakes available to purchase by weight, whether you’re looking for a huge slice of deliciousness or just a tasty little treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Head down to Furn today for five flavours available from Thursday to Saturday and one flavour from Sunday to Wednesday, between 3pm-11pm.

The delectable selection of delicious cakes crafted by skilled culinary hands are available at Furn Bakery to be enjoyed in the unique ambience of the Rotunda.

Call 17 171-441.

START THE WEEKEND RIGHT Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain’s Thursday Night Out is all about great food, great friends and a great weekend. Relish prime US beef, unlimited exotic cocktails, ales and grapes and gourmet food cooked to perfection at Al Murjan Ballroom from 7pm-11pm. To set the perfect mood for an eventful night, the resident DJ will be playing tunes as guests dine. The evening is priced at BD34, including unlimited beverages.

Call 17 460-017.

SINGAPORE SWING Fancy something unique and lip-smackingly delicious? Head to Waves Seafood Restaurant at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain to taste the Singaporean Crab in Black Pepper Sauce. The restaurant guarantees that you will be delighted with the succulent black pepper crab, one of the most popular ways to serve crab in Singaporean cuisine.

The dish is available every day, and is priced at BD9.

Call 17 531-122.

ESPECIALLY FOR YOU TEA IN STYLE Take a break with Afternoon High Tea at Cappuccino, the chic lobby café at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain.

Experience a unique afternoon treat featuring tea selections with delightful sweet creations every day of the week between 3pm-6pm, priced at BD6.415 for two hot beverages.

Call 17 531-122.

56 September 2019

Enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch and dinner along with the option of a lavish à la carte menu at Al Safir Restaurant, located at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel. The lunch buffet is on from 12.30pm-3.30pm. Dinner runs from 7.30pm-11.30pm. Both meals are priced at BD10+++.

Guests with the Entertainer voucher can take advantage of the Buy 1 Get 1 free offer.

Call 17 533-533.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

tablehopping

AN EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE Located on the purpose-built Reef Island, Lagoon Moon Floating Restaurant at the Reef Clubhouse & Lagoon Beach is perfectly positioned overlooking the panoramic view of Bahrain’s skyline and in close proximity to the city’s business and shopping district of Manama. This dining concept is a unique one on the island, inspired by the centuries-old tradition of Bahrain. Embark on a classy culinary journey, beginning with a boat ride from the marina dock across the lagoon to your destination, the floating restaurant, and create memories with your loved ones as you witness the striking view of the Reef Clubhouse. Enjoy the peaceful calm of a daytime visit with a wide selection of beverages and food from an international menu, or spend the evening with your loved ones and experience culinary sensations combined with relaxing music.

This is a novel way to enjoy casual dining and feel as if you were on a cruise. The restaurant is open every weekend from noon to 10pm.

Call 77 900-700.

EVERY DAY IS SUNDAE The ultimate summer treat awaits you at The Ritz Gourmet Lounge, located at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. The outlet offers decadent flavours of your favourite frozen dessert from 2pm-6pm on weekdays, and noon to 6pm on weekends. Just scream for ice cream and you will be brought refreshing sweetness to cool you down from the heat, for BD7. Among the tasty offerings are delicious options like Nutcracker (nuts), Club Tropicana (tropical fruits), and Ebony and Ivory (chocolate).

Call 17 586-499.

WEEKEND THERAPY A POSH AFFAIR Experience the Degustation Dinner at Plums, at The RitzCarlton, Bahrain, every day from 7pm–11.30pm to experience a sensory journey through a five-course tasting menu with optional blind beverage pairing. This meal is perfect for culinary enthusiasts and couples or friends seeking an exciting dining experience. It is priced at BD45 per person, or BD65 per person, inclusive of the blind beverage pairing.

Call 17 586-499.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Spread across three venues, the InterContinental Regency Bahrain’s Friday Brunchism is not just a brunch, but a lifestyle; a plethora of experiences wherein guests can enjoy a large buffet spread, live food stations, live entertainment, kids’ activities and much more. Every week, the brunch will bring you something new to experience, be it in the form of art, music or fashion, there will always be something new to look forward to. In cooler months, the weekend festivities will spill out around the pool area. This extravagant spread awaits diners from 12.30pm-4pm, and is priced at BD22, inclusive of soft drinks, or BD32, inclusive of selected beverages.

Call 17 227-777.

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gadgets

GADGETS

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

SONY α6300 CAMERA

The camera boasts an unrivalled 4D FOCUS system that can lock on a subject in as little as 0.05 seconds, the world’s fastest autofocus acquisition time. Additionally, the α6300 has 425 phase-detection autofocus points that are densely positioned over the entire image area, another world first, and it can shoot images at up to 11 frames per second with continuous autofocus and exposure tracking.

Available from www.amazon.com

RUBIK’S CUBE SAFE

CYGNETT GOSTICK

Featuring a universal yet secure L-shaped cradle for your smartphone or GoPro camera, the GoStick lets you comfortably trigger your shutter button with the remote control that neatly attaches to the stick, or hide it in your hand for professional style shots. The collapsible tripod enables hands-free photos anytime, anyplace.

Available from www.red5.co.uk

Perfect for all Rubik’s Cube fans, the Rubiks Cube Safe is a fully-functional cube that you can not only play normally with, but hide your valuables inside. You need to turn the three middle layers in a particular direction, chosen by yourself when you first use the cube, to access the contents within.

Available from www.red5.co.uk

SONY SWR12 SMART BAND 2

The Smart Band 2 pairs with your smartphone to give you notifications on the go. It has a gentle vibrating alert and optional coloured LEDs to let you know when a call or message is incoming. You can change the vibration strength or light colour for different notifications too, so you can decide whether to reach for your phone or not. Crafted from smooth silicone, it can be worn around the clock.

Available from www.amazon.com

58 September 2019

www.bahrainthismonth.com

gadgets

SPIGEN S350 APPLE WATCH NIGHT STAND

This stand is made from scratch-free plastic and is packed with smart functionality. It features a bottom lip that cradles your watch on its side for stability no matter whether the strap is open or closed.

There’s also an exact charger cut-out so that you can precisely charge your device while cradled.

Available from www.amazon.com

MIND SWORD

This sword is great for impressing your friends and family! Lots of tricks can be performed with this sword, from levitating it to your hand to pulling it out of a bottle with the power of your mind. It’s easy to use and once you have mastered the trick, it’s impossible to put down.

Available from www.red5.co.uk

LIGHT UP PIN ART

This gadget can transform your artistic creations into indoor mood lighting in an instant. Make a relief with your face or hands and then place your pin art on to the frame and the backlight board will let vivid colours shine through your designs. With six colour settings, you can let your sculpture move through blues, purples and greens in an awe-inspiring sequence or set it on a single colour to create an atmospheric glow.

Available from www.red5.co.uk

STORMTROOPER BOOKENDS

These two officially licensed Stormtroopers are poised and ready for battle, waiting for any cheeky book thief to pop out from around the corner. As they have been specially trained in the art of book protection and guidance, they will make sure all your reading material is looking neat and tidy. Each figure is hand-painted and made from solid resin with a metal base and with their sturdy construction they make a perfect solution for any Star Wars fan’s messy shelf.

Available from www.red5.co.uk

eREADER PILLOW

The base of the pillow is filled with microbeads which mould to whatever you put it on, which is great when reading from your lap as it will mould to your leg shape giving maximum comfort. On the top of the pillow is a supportive ledge which keeps your device secure so it won’t slide off. Handy pockets are also included to store all of your accessories and there is even a cord holder for your charging cable.

Available from www.amazon.com

www.bahrainthismonth.com

September 2019 59

games

GAMES

VERDICT:

A disappointing spin-off.

RATING: WHAT IS IT?

Wolfenstein: Youngblood is a co-op experience from the studio behind the critically acclaimed Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus. Set in 1980, 19 years after BJ Blazkowicz ignited the second American Revolution, Youngblood introduces the next Blazkowicz generation to the fight against the Nazis. Play as one of BJ’s twin daughters, Jess and Soph, as you search for your missing father in Nazi-occupied Paris.

GAMEPLAY

Players can complete the game with another player or with an artificial intelligence substitute, with much more fun to be had with the former.

Unlike the other games in the series, Missions can be completed in a non-linear order, and players can unlock new gear and abilities as they progress in the game, which is the best aspect. There are too many upgrades to get them all without playing exhaustively, so specialisation does matter. You can focus on buffing up your health and armour maximums, intensify your melee damage, gain the ability to pick up and upgrade heavy weapons, and more.

GRAPHICS

The game’s level designs are adequate but similarly pale shadows of what’s come before. The best example is seeing vestiges of a parade that immediately recall Wolfenstein 2’s Nazi parade scene in New Mexico – which has to be a deliberate callback – but without any of the liveliness. Beyond that it’s largely a collection of high-tech Nazi facilities and war-torn city blocks, distinguished mostly by good use of multi-storey structures to double-jump around on.

ETHERBORN

Etherborn is an elegant leap in the gravity-puzzle genre, an environmental puzzle platformer built on exploring and understanding gravityshifting structures.

Travel through beautiful and exotic locations, where each level is an organic puzzle to explore, manipulate and shift gravity on in order to decipher the way forward.

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KILL LA KILL: IF

You control Satsuki Kiryuin as the main protagonist of this game, and proceed along with the story while battling against various characters. All scenarios are completely new and fully supervised under the watchful eyes of the original scenario-writer, Kazuki Nakashima. You will be experiencing the story unfold from the perspective of Satsuki Kiryuin, the rival of the original series’ protagonist Ryuko.

TETRIS EFFECT

Named after a real-world phenomenon where players’ brains are so engrossed that images of the iconic falling Tetris blocks linger in their vision, thoughts, and even dreams, Tetris Effect amplifies this magical feeling of total immersion by surrounding you with fantastic, fully threedimensional worlds that react and evolve based on how you play. Music, backgrounds, sounds, special effects – everything, down to the Tetris pieces themselves, pulse, dance, shimmer and explode in perfect sync with how you’re playing. www.bahrainthismonth.com

websites

websites

SITE: www.readingfriends.org/ RATING: VERDICT: A useful and informative site which will help

JJ’s Microphone Madness

To view more images, scan the QR code

A night of Microphone Madness Karaoke was held at JJ’s Irish Restaurant

children to read.

WHAT IS IT?

Reading Friends is a subscription-based site that covers the fundamentals of learning to read. Sign up for a free 14-day trial and create accounts for multiple kids. All text can be set to a special dyslexic font and the visitors’ centre lets parents get a sense of the kinds of games available. The more activities children complete, the more coins they will collect, which can be used to ‘buy’ further activities.

THE GOOD

Parents can access progress reports that give some basic information about how their children are progressing. The themes and activities help liven up learning thanks to their friendly and fun nature, including songs, search games and multiple-choice questions.

THE BAD

The main negative is that you will have to pay a small subscription fee once your free trial is over. Also, the mode of gameplay can get quite repetitive, so children might become frustrated or bored if they use it for too long.

www.notpron.org/notpron/

This is an intriguing website that will pass plenty of time as you try to solve its head-scratching puzzles. There are 140 levels that require you to carefully observe the surroundings displayed on the screen and do the necessary to proceed further in solving the riddle. This requires both logical and out-of-the-box thinking.

www.forgotify.com

Nobody can deny that Spotify is one of the best places to discover music. However, the vast catalogue favours popular artists and what people around the world are listening to.

Fogotify, on the other hand, helps you discover artists who are not that popular but produce great music. A cool place to discover new music and artists who deserve more of the limelight. www.bahrainthismonth.com

September 2019 61

apps

APPS REVIEW BTM BRINGS YOU THE LOW-DOWN ON THE LATEST AND GREATEST APPS ON THE MARKET.

APP: 1WEATHER RATING: VERDICT: Arguably the best weather app around.

WHAT IS IT?

1Weather meets all your weather needs in a simple, beautiful package. Track and view weather forecasts and current conditions for ‘My Location’ to get real-time updates wherever you go, or add any location you choose. Whether you want to check the temperature, precipitation forecast, Doppler radar or simply keep up with the current phases of the sun and moon, 1Weather has you covered.

THE GOOD

It features a simple, paginated design that shows you the current weather, forecast for up to 12 weeks, a radar, and other fun stats.

Along with that, you’ll get a fairly decent set of lightly customisable widgets and the standard stuff like severe weather notifications and a radar so you can see the storms approaching. Perhaps its best feature is its minimal design which just shows you the weather (and fun facts, if you want).

THE BAD

The ads can be quite intrusive and annoying to click away, but there is an option to remove them permanently for a nominal fee.

APP: POCKET MODE Do you often find that your phone does things in your pocket without your permission? Pocket Mode is designed to prevent that. The app uses the proximity sensor to detect when it’s in your pocket, after which it’ll lock down your screen and other sensors, ensuring that you don’t pocket dial your friends and family.

BOUNCER Bouncer is a security app with a unique premise. The app lets you grant temporary permissions to applications. So, for instance, you can let Facebook access your location long enough to check into a place, and Bouncer disables the permission once you leave Facebook. This is a great way to use all of the features of a social media app without digging into your settings to disable those permissions or giving those apps permanent access to your information.

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www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Rodeo Soft Opening

An official soft opening was held for Rodeo Bahrain at The Juffair Grand Hotel

Seminar by “The Demolition Man”

Alistair “The Demolition Man” Overeem presented a seminar at UFC Gym, Al Raya Mall

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

September 2019 63

film releases

HUSTLERS

S E I V MO Genre: Drama, Crime Release Date: September 13 A crew of savvy former strip club employees band together to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients. The group of strippers, led by an aging dancer and an ambitious single mother, lie, steal, and hustle dozens of wealthy men during the late-2000s financial crisis. A journalist covering the story for a magazine interviews one of the ringleaders and tries to figure out where it all went wrong. The film was inspired by an article published by New York Magazine.

Downton Abbey Genre: Drama Release Date: September 20 This British historical period drama film is the continuing story of the Crawley family, wealthy owners of a large estate in the English countryside.

The film is set in 1927–1929, and features a royal visit to Downton Abbey by King George V and Queen Mary, which is the cause of a stir among the family and their servants alike. The royal extravaganza includes a spectacular parade created with period-precise costumes, cannons, horses and white-tie wining and dining.

Rambo: Last Blood Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller Release Date: September 20 He has lived in a world of death and watched people he loved die; you’d better not mess with Rambo! The sequel is the fifth and final movie in the Rambo action series that first began in 1982 with First Blood. Sylvester marks the last chapter of the legendary series, going up against a Mexican cartel in this one. Watch Rambo confront his past and unearth his ruthless combat skills to exact revenge in a final mission.

It Chapter Two

Ad Astra

Judy

Genre: Horror, Thriller Release Date: September 20 As adults, most of the OG Losers’ Club have moved away from Derry, forged careers and got married. But the horrifying It returns 27 years later to pick off the next generation of kids in Derry – meaning that the original kids, who are now all grown up, have to stay true to their word and take It on all over again.

Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Drama Release Date: September 20 Brad Pitt stars as an astronaut who travels to the outer edges of the solar system to find his missing father. Twenty years after his dad left on a one-way mission to Neptune seeking extra-terrestrial intelligence, Roy McBride travels through our solar system to find him. He uncovers extraordinary secrets .

Genre: Musical, Drama Release Date: September 27 Legendary American singer and actress Judy Garland, played by Renée Zellweger, arrives in London in the winter of 1968 to perform a series of sold-out concerts. This biographical drama film about Garland’s life is an adaptation of the Olivier and Tonynominated West End and Broadway play End of the Rainbow.

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tv releases

FANCY SOME CHILL-TIME AT HOME? Check out the latest TV series to hit your screens.

Diagnosis

GLOW: Season 3

After a triumphant Season 2, GLOW is returning for another round of heartfelt, poignant, hilarious, knock-down-drag-out spectacular storytelling. Stars Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin and Marc Maron lead the ragtag ensemble in tackling the crew’s next chapter, a stage show in Vegas. Will Sam and Ruth be able to maintain a friendship after the former’s advances were spurned by the latter? Ruth is about to enter a long-distance relationship with moustachioed cameraman Russell, so the door for anything romantic with Sam looks like it is now firmly closed.

Dear White People: Season 3

For Season 3, viewers pick back up with the students of Winchester as they start embracing new challenges (and romantic prospects). Sam (Logan Browning) is still grieving from the sudden death of her father and trying to figure out what is going on with the Order of X finale. Meanwhile, a charismatic new professor starts shaking up campus life.

The Boys

The black comedy stars Jack Quaid as Hughie, a young man whose girlfriend is accidentally killed by a superhero in a world where superheroes abuse their powers and are anything but good role model material.

Karl Urban stars as the leader of the Boys, a group hell-bent on exposing the superheroes, known as the Seven, for what they really are.

The Boys also stars Chace Crawford, Simon Pegg, Laz Alonso, Tomer Capon, Karen Fukuhara, Antony Starr, Dominique McElligott, and Nathan Mitchell. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Dr Lisa Sanders has attempted to explain unknown medical issues in her New York Times Magazine column, also called Diagnosis, for 15 years. She is also involved in this new series which follows various patients on their respective journeys toward finding a diagnosis, and potentially a cure, for their mysterious illnesses.

From a six-year-old child coping with sporadic paralysis hundreds of times a day to a relatively young veteran losing his memory, the reel showcases several of the different medical mysteries – and, through social media, the series plans to give the afflicted some much-needed answers.

Detective Pikachu

Carnival Row

Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne star in this show centred on a Victorian fantasy world filled with mythological immigrant creatures. Feared by humans, they are forbidden to live, love or fly with freedom.

Amongst them, a human detective and a fairy rekindle a dangerous affair and the city’s uneasy peace collapses when a string of murders reveals an unimaginable monster.

Ace detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son, Tim, to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry’s former Pokémon partner, wise-cracking, adorable super-sleuth Detective Pikachu. Finding that they are uniquely equipped to work together, as Tim is the only human who can talk with Pikachu, they join forces to unravel the tangled mystery.

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music

MINI MANSIONS

– GUY WALKS INTO A BAR...

The band’s third album presents singer/multi-instrumentalist Michael Shuman’s ill-fated, whirlwind relationship with his ex-fiancée as a joke with a giddy setup – and a painful punchline.

The steep rise and fall of this romance honed Mini Mansions’ already sharp songwriting, and the first half of Guy Walks Into a Bar… is as immediate and irresistible as love at sight. From the slow-motion, disco-tinged prologue of We Should Be Dancing to the fizzy piano pop of I’m in Love, these songs are made out of the addictive adrenaline and endorphin rush of a new relationship.

OF MONSTERS AND MEN

VERDICT:

An incredible, melancholic release.

WHAT’S THE STORY?

The first posthumous release from Soundgarden after frontman Chris Cornell’s death is Live From The Artist’s Den, a hefty set documenting a concert originally aired on PBS’s long-running series during its sixth season in 2013. At the time Soundgarden gave their Artist’s Den concert at the Wiltern in Los Angeles, they were three years deep into their reunion and in the midst of promoting their 2012 comeback album King Animal. All this means is that the stars aligned for Soundgarden to give a two-and-a-half hour concert where they dug deep into their outstanding catalogue.

WORTH A LISTEN?

The setlist doesn’t skimp on the hits, but they’re strategically placed, surrounded by deep cuts (the group digs out Blind Dogs, a song they contributed to the soundtrack of The Basketball Diaries in 1995) and material from King Animal. All the unexpected song selections help give the album a slight edge that contrasts with the exceptionally polished presentation. The band wears its middle age well, sounding focused and more exacting than in the ‘90s, yet still undeniably vigorous. That Soundgarden sustains that energy throughout a marathon is a testament to their strength as musicians and that Live From The Artist’s Den maintains its interest throughout its two and a half hours is a testament to the depth of their catalogue.

66 September 2019

Four years after the release of their hardened sophomore effort, Beneath the Skin, Iceland’s Of Monsters and Men return with Fever Dream, a reinvigorated change of pace that gives the band a shimmering synth pop makeover. Stepping away from the folksy anthems that broke them across the globe, the quintet have absorbed bright synths, programmed drums and beat loops, resulting in a surprisingly satisfying hybrid.

– FEVER DREAM

THE CHATS – GET THIS IN YA!!

Australia’s The Chats gained viral fame in 2017 with their cheeky slacker anthem Smoko. A bit of a novel throwback to early-’80sstyle punk, the song caught attention online buoyed largely by a humorously game lo-fi video that showcased the trio in all their glory. Now their first album is on the shelves and it’s a cracker. These are quickly recorded songs with a raw energy that consistently works, primarily because of the Chats’ sublimely boneheaded sense of self-aware humour and their garage-band swagger, rather than any strong technical abilities. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

RCO Summer Camp

The Royal Charity Organisation’s Secretary General, Dr Mustafa Al Sayed, visited the RCO Summer Camp in Ramli Mall to congratulate the participants and review their activities. The Summer Camp has been supported by Lulu Hypermarket since 2013 and each year over 100 orphans under the care of the RCO are beneficiaries

DJ CN Williams Returns

DJ CN Williams returned to Cavallo Club, flying in from Dubai for a night to remember!

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The Soul of Pearl

An event titled The Soul of Pearl was held at The Exchange - An English Pub at Ramada by Wyndham Bahrain www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

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September 2019 67

bystander

Independence Day Breakfast Hotel Manager, Kumar

Ashwani, hosted a breakfast at Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa to celebrate India’s Independence Day

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AMAIU Anniversary of IEEE Programme AMA International University

celebrated the first anniversary of the launch of its Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers programme

68 September 2019

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bystander

Independence Day Celebration

Delmon International Hotel celebrated India’s Independence Day at Cafe Sayah

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BIS Presentation

Chartered Accountant, Dr Girish Ahuja, a tax expert from India, gave a presentation at Golden Tulip Bahrain on the topics of the Indian budget, impact on NRIs, investment scenarios and succession planning

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September 2019 69

bystander OTHER EVENTS

The American Mission Hospital held a free medical checkup at the Al Dair Charity Society for the community of Al Dair.

Group CEO Julia Maria Tovey attended the event and, on behalf of American Mission Hospital, donated 17 wheelchairs

Ebrahim K Kanoo conducted its second blood donation drive, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, at Ebrahim K.Kanoo training centre. The event was initiated to support local community initiatives and shed light on the different approaches to support the healthcare sector. More than 100 staff members from across all of Ebrahim K. Kanoo’s divisions participated in the event and donated 90 units of blood

Al Rashid Group organised a blood donation drive at Oasis Mall in Juffair.

More than 80 people attended. The drive was organised in association with the Ministry of Health, Salmaniya Medical Complex Blood Bank

Ebrahim K Kanoo welcomed the winners of the 2019 Ebrahim K Kanoo Award for Engineering Excellence at its corporate office in Manama.

Created in partnership with the University of Bahrain’s College of Engineering, the award is part of the company’s commitment to bettering the lives of the youth of the country and helping them realise their full potential through academic and internship opportunities A press conference was held at Wyndham Grand Manama to announce Health & Hygiene Protector products have been launched officially in Bahrain.

Amir Younus, Executive Director of Health & Hygiene UK, Michael Laurier, Chief Executive of Symphony Environmental Technologies UK and Mina Leonora H Villarba, Crystal International Canada LLC USA Chairperson and Chief Executive, attended the event

INJAZ Bahrain announced the conclusion of its unique ‘Tech Valley’ programme for the year 2019 with the participation of 58 top students. In partnership with Tamkeen and the Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance, the programme was tailored with the aim of supporting young Bahraini talent to navigate the next wave of technologies and prepare them for their future in an evolving digital age

70 September 2018

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what's new

WHAT’S NEW

PEARLESSENCE Huawei’s popular flagship P30 series presents a new, limited edition colour, Huawei P30 Pro Pearl White. Inspired by the flowing movement and clear essence of the clouds that reflect salt flats, this new colour is one of the most stunning additions to the range’s colour spectrum. Along with this stunning variation, users can enjoy the phone’s award-winning features and powerful hardware, making it the perfect gift to capture every unforgettable moment.

Available at selected retailers

NEW AND IMPROVED Panasonic’s latest full HD integrated camera, the AW-HE42, boasts a wide range of interfaces. This camera offers significant improvements in lensing, stabilisation and interfacing to prior Panasonic models in this class, available in both black and white versions. It is designed to produce highquality video and offers precise control and movement, ideal for highly demanding remote productions, and for complex IMAG applications.

The four types of output interfaces and the genlock function support smooth, large-scale shooting with multiple cameras.

Available at leading retailers

BE FLOORED

PERFECT PAIRING Roberto Cavalli’s Deep Desire is an exclusive limited edition that brings together the Signature and Uomo lines. This duo of fragrances is a tribute to pure and vivid passion, to the magnetic attraction that bespeaks a total communion of the souls. Signature’s mesmerising Oriental floral fragrance perfectly symbolises the complex and exciting nature of human passion. Uomo’s Oriental spicy fragrance is a masterpiece, a true study in the art of seduction.

Availale at leading retailers

The Rug Company, founded in 1997 by Christopher and Suzanne Sharp in London, is the leading manufacturer for rugs in the world. Famous for craftsmanship by handmade artisans, innovative designs, artist collaborations and exceptional quality; each rug produced is a precious piece of art. The Jungle Edit allows you to incorporate a piece of nature in your home with exotic and glamourous pieces.

Available at www.therugcompany.com

MINI, BUT MIGHTY Swedish beauty tech brand, Foreo, has created the ultimate solution for clean, glowing skin with the bestselling Luna mini 2. For the most effective cleanse of your life, all you have to do is power on and apply to your wet face with a hydrating cleanser. The savvy device removes 99.5 per cent of all dirt and oil, provides a customised clean with eight different intensity settings, doubles as an anti-aging facial massager, has three different zones to cater to all skin types, delivers 300 uses from a single charge, is 100 per cent waterproof and is eco-friendly.

Available at foreo.com and at Sephora outlets www.bahrainthismonth.com

September 2019 71

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travel

RIDING THE DRAGON A motorcycle Tour Extraordinaire…

Riding across the USA, donning a Bahrain shirt, cap and with the Kingdom’s colours held aloft, Bill Grieve describes an incredible journey with a group of motorcycle enthusiasts from New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland and the United States.

P

lanet Chopper is the only company worldwide operating tours on custom motorcycles. Based in New Zealand and Virginia, USA, the company provides arranged tours for riders from all walks of life, who want access to well organised group events in these countries.

Quality motorcycles, organisation, planning and support services are provided and the rides extend over 10 to 12 days taking in wellknown landmarks, tourist spots and popular riding trails like the “Back of the Dragon”, a nail-biting ride of 32 miles with 438 curves, through the Appalachian Mountains in Southwest Virginia, and the awesome “Tail of the Dragon” with 318 curves in 11 miles of superb tarred road.

“It’s like riding with The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” Every person in the group brings something special and all that is required is a sense of adventure, personal discipline and a positive attitude. The organisers lay the groundwork and provide the trip infrastructure and support, each member on the ride provides the rest. It can be hard work and when things go awry, as they sometimes will, a positive attitude makes the difference between a problem and a solution.

“10 Days of riding that will change your life” Coming together at the Woodlawn base in Virginia, USA, the old-style roadhouse atmosphere, pool table, loft dormitory and mechanical workshop make you realise that you are a part of something very special.

Before the trip commences there is a briefing on distancing, signalling and general www.bahrainthismonth.com

handling. The journey quickly extends into a series of interest, fuel and food stops, as well as incredibly scenic legs providing a full experience of riding through some of the most picturesque areas in the USA. On our ride, dubbed the “Slay The Dragon, Swig The Shine” tour, we rode the lush local area first, visited Matthews Living History Farm to experience local live Bluegrass music, looped through various towns of interest and stayed at renowned motorcycle hangout – The Riders Roost.

After winding through mountainous routes, we visited the famed Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum, housing some of the world’s rarest bikes.

And one highlight of the trip was sampling live music at the world’s country music capital – Nashville, Tennessee – not to mention my first US motorcycle rally in Sturgis, Kentucky, which was a truly unbelievable, eye-opening experience.

This was an epic life-changing ride that can never be forgotten, filled with good memories, positive experiences and new friends...a ride that everybody who can, should...

If you are a motorcycle rider from the Middle East and want to enjoy the trip of a lifetime, then this is for you. All responsible riders are welcome.

Scan the Code to read the full article.

www.planetchopper.world Contact: ben@planetchopper.world Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ PlanetChopper/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ planetchopper/ September 2019 73

travel Clockwise from left: Sea Fountain at sunset; Restaurant Groppo; Solar photovoltaic cells of the Greeting to the Sun; Zadar Old Town; Saharun Beach; Promenade coastline view.

74 September 2019

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travel

ZADAR A well-kept Croatian secret.

S

ituated on the Adriatic Sea, Zadar is Croatia’s fifth-largest city, but also one of its most historic. In fact, its past is somewhat turbulent, having crumbled by the fifth century AD and then been further devastated by an earthquake. Zadar has seen foreign conquerors, natural disasters, occupation, but, impressively, a great deal of reparation from which it has now blossomed into a lively hidden gem of Croatia.

During Alfred Hitchcock’s travels in 1964, he wrote: “Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world, more beautiful than the one in Key West, in Florida, applauded at every evening.” Still relatively undiscovered, Zadar offers more than just its beautiful sunsets.

On the western point of the Zadar peninsula is artist Nikola Bašić’s fantastic monument Greeting to the Sun, a 22-metre glass disk layered with solar modules underneath. These and the chrome rings surrounding the ‘sun’ absorb light energy and work as a small solar powerhouse. But that’s not all, they also produce a show of light that radiates a rainbow hue and the attraction is used as a public dancefloor Craving a beach getaway? One of Croatia’s only white sand beaches is Saharun, a short ferry ride from Zadar and pleasantly empty during the late summer months. If you’re wowed by Hitchcock’s praise for the sunsets of Zadar, amplify the experience of watching one by the turquoise shallows that only seem to go a deeper and deeper blue stretching out from Saharun.

Stroll through the Old Town of Zadar and breathe in the spirit of its antiquity while joining in the lively nightlife at The Garden lounge bar.

Grape is part of Croatia’s history, with production dating back 2,500 years, so you might enjoy a popular drink known as gemišt which combines white grape and soda or Bevanda which is based on red.

Feast on Zadar’s seafood cuisine at the trattoria-style restaurants within its ancient walls. These include: Restaurant Groppo, Kornat and Bistro Gourmet Kalelarga, the latter also serves some excellent gastro dishes and grape pairings.

The waterfront promenade, Riva, plays ‘music’ that is really the sound of the waves pushing air through underwater pipes which run along it. Also a work of Nikola Bašić, this mesmerising attraction is called the Sea Organ. It’s a treat to visit as the sun goes down.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

September 2019 75

out & about

A DAY AT THE

MUSEUM

National Museum of Bahrain

Aside from its thriving entertainment and leisure industries, plus a modern cosmopolitan landscape to boot, the Kingdom of Bahrain is also home to an array of timeless archaeological gems, a flourishing contemporary art movement, as well as a rich heritage which can be traced back more than 5000 years. So if you find yourself with some time on your hands, and fancy a day filled with cultural exploration, the following places are most definitely worth checking out.

La Maison Jamsheer

Located on a prime waterfront spot in Manama stands the architecturally-splendid National Museum of Bahrain. From its 1988 opening, it has continued to breathe life into the Kingdom’s unique heritage, such as the ancient Dilmun civilisation, the early pearl trade, and the discovery of oil in 1932. One of the museum’s greatest highlights is the Hall of Graves, which contains burial mounds dating back to the Dilmun Empire— complete with their skeletal insides! On a more casual note, the museum café offers stunning views of the National Theatre; parking is easy; and there is also a gift shop for those wishing to purchase a memento at the end of their stay.

On a simpler note, the French-Bahraini Cultural Centre, la Maison Jamsheer, is located in a well-preserved traditional house behind Muharraq’s Sheikh Hamad Mosque. The result of a collaboration between the Sheikh Ebrahim Centre and the French Institute, la Maison Jamsheer hosts a variety of French-Bahraini lectures, art exhibitions and cultural events.

Busaad Art Gallery The Busaad Art Gallery, another hidden pearl amongst the dusty Muharraq thoroughfares, is home to the works of internationally-acclaimed local artist Ebrahim Mohamed Busaad. Converted into a gallery in 2014, this once traditional Bahraini house displays approximately 40 years of Busaad’s work — ranging from his Arabic calligraphy, canvas paintings and sculptures, to his impressive selection of modern art.

Qal’at al Bahrain Another must-visit archaeological treasure is the Qal’at al Bahrain— aka the Ancient Harbour and Capital of the Dilmun Civilisation.

Located in the Seef district of Manama, this UNESCO world heritage site comprises a 39ft tell which holds the mysteries to seven civilisations dating back to 2300 BC, as well as the imposing figure of the Qal’ at al-Burtughal, or Portuguese fort. Evenings, when the site is lit up, one is able to contemplate 4000+ years of history juxtaposed against the modern skyline of the capital—a truly majestic sight!

76 September 2019

Bahrain Military Museum Alternatively, for those wishing to indulge in a spot of military history, there is always the Bahrain Military Museum.

Located in a two-storey building near Riffa souk, this small yet compact gallery does an impressive job of showcasing the Kingdom’s military heritage. Featuring a range of military paraphernalia including a 1991 SCUD missile from the Kuwait War, a selection of battle-themed wall-paintings, and a medley of life-like mannequins… all with accompanying sound effects… the museum is an ideal place for military aficionados as well as for kids wishing to brush up on their history class. www.bahrainthismonth.com

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

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Hotels & Serviced Residences

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Atiram Hotels (Premier Hotel) . . . . . . 34 Golden Tulip Bahrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Ramada Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Ramee Grand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Sofitel Hotels & Resorts . . . . . . . . . . IFC Swiss-Belresidences Juffair . . . . . . . 14 The Arch Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel . . . 13 The Westin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC

Medical & Dental Services Bahrain Specialist Hospital . . . . . . . . . 4

Others Joz Salon & Spa (Toni&Guy Hairdressing) . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Restaurants & Cafés Akaya Bar & Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 BWR Restaurants Bahrain . . . . . . . . . 23 Crystal White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Elite Crystal Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Equal Romanov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Maki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 The Lanterns Restaurant & Lounge . 55 The Westin (Furn Bistro & Bakery) . IBC Upstairs Downstairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Motoring Al Haddad Motors (Mercedes-Benz) . 3

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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

Ramada by Wyndham

Sofitel Hotels & Resorts

● Amwaj Islands Market, Amwaj ● Aseel Supermarket, all outlets ● Babasons Market, all outlets ● Lulu Hypermarket, all outlets ● Mega Mart, all outlets ● 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 Arch Hotel

78 September 2019

The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel

Upstairs Downstairs

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

Join us a for a 3-course set menu available during lunch and dinner at Furn for only BHD 12 net per person.

For more information and reservation, please call +973 1717 1441