Bahrain This Month - August 2014

INDIA IN BAHRAIN | SUMMER COOLERS | GCC FOOTBALL OLYMPICS

www.bahrainthismonth.com

YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

THE BAHRAIN

August 2014 ~ Vol. 18 ~ Issue 7

SUMMER FESTIVAL

BLIPP AND WIN SEE P.73 FOR DETAILS

Arts

Culture

Clubs

Sports

Interviews

Lifestyle

Dining

Nightlife

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Issue 204

Contents August 2014 COVER STORY Bahrain Summer Festival

23

Live it up at the festival which returns for sixth year and rejoice in a bigger and better cultural display from artists from home and around the world.

23

HAPPENINGS

Bahrain This Month reviews events happening around town during the month of August 2014: 23

Bahrain Summer Festival:

A potpourri of events to celebrate summer 26

Local Talent:

Ella Prakash talks about her new exhibition 26

Photography Exhibition:

Marvel at the works of Abdulla Al Khan

26

36

28

On Target:

The Bahrain Olympics Football team is ready

INTERVIEWS 35

Party Central

Warren Stalls gives us an insight to the functioning of the entertainment industry.

36

35

40

The Best of Hospitality

We speak to Herve Peyre about the new hotel in the market — Swiss-Belhotel.

38

A New Business Venture

Following its acquisition, Travelex has chalked up plans for expansion in the region.

40

Building a Niche

Joyce Hughes has persevered over more than 30 years to protect the Kingdom’s animals.

38

85

42

Minding the Mind

Dr Ram Vatwani explains why the practice of listening to patients is vital to curing them.

Bystander This month we celebrated national day with the French. There were a bevy of car launches, including those from Chevrolet and Rolls-Royce. We were invited to the opening of Bayti Restaurant in Manama. You can see a round-up of the Iftars and Ghabgas that were hosted around town. There was a number of interesting art exhibitions that we visited during July. www.bahrainthismonth.com

This three-step graphic explains what you need to do to Blipp any page in this issue with this symbol.

July 2014 5

Issue 204

Contents August 2014 INDIA IN BAHRAIN

46 HE Dr Mohan Kumar, the Indian ambassador, talks

business in Bahrain 48

A Closer Look:

On retailers and restaurants from India.

46

52-56

Showcase:

Megamart, Lanterns Restaurant, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa and more…..

LIFESTYLE

63 JJ’s Irish Restaurant & Pub celebrates its

15th anniversary

64

Destination Report:

To Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific

Blipp This Month:

FC Connect with Bahrain This Month online 46

JLR Backseat Chat:

Jaguar Land Rover Backseat Chat with HE Dr Mohan Kumar 66

64

Rolls-Royce:

The Wraith experience 73 Win a return flight to Oman

63

Motoring: 66

Wheels:

Rolls-Royce Wraith 67

Showcase:

Euro Motors and Ebrahim K Kanoo

Downtime:

Gadgets: The latest gizmos in the market 75 Music: A look at local talent 76 Computer Games: In the heat of war 77 Websites: Creating your own websites 78 Apps: In the end, it’s all a game 79 Movies: On apes and romance

70

66

98

Summer Coolers:

85 Where to find the best summer drinks and treats

this season

87

Showcase: Costa Coffee

Dining:

A Year Later: Kojo opens a second outlet 84 Happenings: Dining promotions around town 88 Showcase: TGIF’s new wraps 83

75

76

Showcase:

What’s New: Bagging the perfect watch 98 Marketplace: Latest products and services 97

Regulars:

WIN WIN Tarotscope 111 AD Index 112 Last Word 109

110

78 www.bahrainthismonth.com

79

July 2014 7

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For more details visit: www.bdb-bh.com

THE TEAM

Bahrain This Month August 2014

Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Email: george@bahrainthismonth.com Publishing Director David M. Robertson Editorial queries: editor@redhousemarketing.com Editorial Consultant Dr. Paul Balles Assistant Editors Elma Bartholomew, Ankita Mamgain, Zilia Monteiro Features Editor Maryam Toorani

Dear Readers,

Contributors James Claire, Simi Kamboj Bystander Editor Anil Ravi Shankar Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Romeo San Miguel, Rodolfo A. Reyes Jr.

Staff Photographer Subeesh Kumar N S Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa, Katherine Lao Personnel Manager Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Media Sales Marise Prata Dos Santos, Hilary James Sales Manager Sanhita Kar Marya Circulation Manager Fawaz Al Balooshi Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Rafeeq Mohammed, Gopal Arul Kumar, Epegenio Tempra Jr. Distributor Al Hilal Corporation Photography Picture Arabia: andrew@picturearabia.com Printing Press Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej W.L.L., Bahrain

Published monthly by

RED HOUSE MARKETING P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: (+973) 17 813-777, Fax: (+973) 17 813-700 Email: info@redhousemarketing.com www.bahrainthismonth.com © Copyright Reserved 2005-2014 The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. and must not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Red House Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission.

•

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

COVER Cover Picture:

International street dance sensation, Blaze, will perform during the Bahrain Summer Festival.

Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001 ISBN 1 899 348 09 3

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INDIA IN BAHRAIN | SUMMER COOLERS | GCC FOOTBALL OLYMPICS

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George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman

YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

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THE BAHRAIN

August 2014 ~ Vol. 18 ~ Issue 7

SUMMER FESTIVAL

BLIPP AND WIN SEE P.73 FOR DETAILS

Arts

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Ramadan together with summer was always going to be an interesting experience; a quieter than usual Holy Month did not, however, dampen the camaraderie and spirit of the many Iftars and Ghabgas held around town last month, as our Bystander pages bear testament.

On an uncomfortably humid day last month, I had the luxury of driving a Rolls-Royce Wraith, as well as witness the launch of the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II. The Wraith with its striking look and subtle power offers a new dimension for this iconic brand.

Our India in Bahrain report celebrates the 67th anniversary of the subcontinent’s Independence Day by taking a look at India’s presence in the Kingdom. From business links and social clubs to a review of the Indian cuisine offerings and fashion outlets across the island, there’s an Indian touch to much of what we see and do.

In addition, the Indian ambassador, Dr Mohan Kumar, goes for a drive in a Jaguar XJ in this month’s Backseat Chat. He discusses the future of ties between the Kingdom and India as well as offers an insight into his role as an ambassador.

Warren Stalls, a well-known face around the Kingdom’s entertainment industry, tells us what it takes for a party to be successful in our Interviews pages. We also speak to Abdul Rahman Al Jowder and Mahmood Al Reefy, founders of Spades Studio. This facility offers commercial photographers the platform to maximise their skills without having to leave the country to source the requisite equipment to do so.

A new addition to the skyline of the Kingdom is Swiss-Belhotel.

General manager Herve Peyre tells us why the hotel’s rooms have sold out before its launch during Eid. If you are looking for a quiet break, then enter our Blipp & Win competition and get yourself on a flight to Oman, courtesy of Oman Air. In our Summer Coolers report you can find out where to treat yourself with a refreshing drink while you take a break from the sweltering heat.

From frozen yoghurts to ice creams, an endless choice of flavours abounds around town.

Wherever you go during the course of the month, take time to enjoy the great way of life that the Kingdom has to offer. Eid Mubarak!

Culture

Clubs

Sports

Interviews

Lifestyle

Dining

Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

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

Nightlife

August 2014 9

bystander

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa & Khalid Almoayed

Khalid Almoayed Majlis Khalid Almoayed played host to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, diplomats and a number of well wishers at his majlis in Riffa during the Holy Month of Ramadan

HE Christian Testot, French Ambassador, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa & Khalid Almoayed

Sofyan Almoayed & HE Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Shura Council Chairman

Sadiq Dawani & HE Hideko Sumi, Japanese Ambassador

Khalid Almoayed & HE Dr Dhafer Al Umran

Mohammed Dadabhai

Ahmed Jawahery

10 August 2014

Dr Tawfeeq Almoayed

Timothy Pounds, Khalid Almoayed & Vice Admiral John Miller

Abdulrahman Almoayed & Ahmed Bin Hindi

Jawad Y. Al Hawaj

Sofyan & Khalid

Jaap Vaandrager & Holger Tillmann

HE Abdulla Juma, Ali Yateem, Khalid Almoayed, Bhagwan Asarpota & Manoj Bhatia

HE Khalifa Al Dhahrani, Speaker of Parliament

Khalid Almoayed & HE Hassan Saif

Emad Almoayed & Dr Mustafa Al Sayed

Abdulwahab Al Hawaj & Osama Almoayed

Mohsin & Suhail

Mohammed Malim

Sameer Dawani

Aymen Almoayed

Bob Thaker

www.bahrainthismonth.com

COLOURING

your life

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bystander

Faisal Jawad & HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa

HE Shigeki Sumi, Japanese Ambassador

Faisal Jawad Majlis Faisal Jawad played host to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, diplomats and a number of well wishers at his majlis in Adliya during the Holy Month of Ramadan Jean Christophe Durand, Faisal Jawad, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa & Vice Admiral John Miller

Faisal Jawad & Vice Admiral John Miller

Ameer Jawad & Holger Tillmann

Dr Nazar Al Bahrana & Faisal Jawad

Hameed Jawad & Ali Al Mansoor

Ameer Jawad & Faisal Jawad welcome HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa

Timothy Pounds, Mohammed Salahuddin & Jawad Habib

Faisal Mansoor & Abbas Hussain

Kareem Jawad, Dr Sadiq Abdulla, Dr Abdul Rahman Khalifa, Faisal Jawad, Dr Abdulla Al Hawaj, Abdulwahab Al Hawaj, Dr Faisal AlMosawi & Hassan Lari

Fadhel Abbas, Monther Jawad Al Basri, Sayed Hussain Syed Adnan & Muzahem Jawad

12 August 2014

Shawqi Fakhro and Dr Sadeq Abdulla

Kareem & Hassan Jaafar Jawad

Dr Mansoor Al Jamri

Dr Hasan Alradi

Abdulwahab & Dr Abdulla Al Hawaj

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

HE Christian & ZeinaTestot

French National Day Reception

HE Abdulla Abdullatif Abdulla & Timothy

HE Christian Testot, French Ambassador & Zeina Testot hosted a reception to mark the French National Day. The reception attended by HE Sameera Rajab, Minister of Information, HE Abdulla Abdullatif Abdulla, Undersecretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomats and VIPs was held at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa HE Sameera Rajab, HE Christian Testot & HE Abdulla Abdullatif Abdulla cut the celebratory cake

HE Christian Testot, Zeina, Vicky, Aysha & Bahia

Rick, Kale & Peter

Maeva, Hakim, Kamel & Amel

Donatella, Donald & Pamela

14 August 2014

Dr Abdulrahman & HE Karim Al Shakar

Florence & Fanny

Jameela, Dr Jihan, Mala, Zeina, Mary Pat & Tomoko

Ibrahim Assaf, HE Christian Testot & George

Carla, Zeina & Rodolphe

Aurelie, Safa & Alice

Prem, Nirmala & Charles

Nicolas, Emilie, Meghan & Sherm

Brigitte, Nicolas & Brigitte

Olivier, Cyril & Pierric

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bystander

Karla & Gregory

VIVA Media Ghabga VIVA Bahrain hosted a media ghabga during the Holy month of Ramadan at the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa’s Al Khayma tent.

The event was attended by Ulaiyan Al Wetaid, VIVA CEO, senior management of VIVA, members of the media and guests

Jamal, Andrew Hanna, Shaikh Ziyad, Ghassan, Ulaiyan Al Wetaid, Saad & Nezar

Elie, Tony, Sherif, Alaa & Ghassan

Abdali & Akil

Chelsea

Imran

Reem & Abeer

Fatima, Pooja, Pearl, Areej & Hiba

Ahmed & Patric

Melanie, Sandra, Rhopora, Gorgeous, Karen & Star

Crowne Plaza Iftar The Crowne Plaza Bahrain hosted a media Iftar at the hotel’s Mosaique Restaurant during the Holy Month of Ramadan Ahmed & Priya with members of the media

Mr & Mrs Gopal

16 August 2014

Anne, George & Priya

Bambi & Charlie

Said, Ahmed & Eyad

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Dora's Pirate Adventure

Summer of Colours

Tickets are sold at Virgin Mega store and online

HOTLINE: 80008089

bystander

Bahrain Youth To Business Forum AIESEC in Bahrain held a Bahrain Youth to Business Forum at the Gulf Hotel’s Al Dana Hall last month. The event in association with Bahrain Development Bank & GCCIX aimed at connecting young leaders and businesses around relevent topics to Bahrain and the world, generating actionable ideas and thoughts about the future Officials & participants at the event

Tom & James

Carlotta, Hanif & Mujtaba

Walaa, Duaa, Noof & Sara

Ahmed & Aysha

18 August 2014

Xiao Tan, Yang Yang, Selen & Kang Li Wang

Ahmed & Hussain

Batool, Eman & Walaa

Jordan, Kristi & Nora

Alaa, Nadia, Zahra & Marwa

Eman & Teresa

Shahd & Hala

Hussain, Ameer & Shaima

Julia & Faizal

Zainab, Ghufran & Fatima

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Nawaf & Hamid Al Zayani

Jawad Y. Al Hawaj

Basma & Lubna

Yasmin & Maisa

Rolls-Royce Ghost II Launch Euro Motors, exclusive dealers for Rolls-Royce automobiles in the Kingdom held an exclusive launch for the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II. The launch was held at the Grand Foyer, Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa Khalid Al Zayani, Shaikh Jaber, HE Iain Lindsay, British Ambassador & Salah Al Said

The stunning Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II

Hussain, Jamal & Helmi

Our Bahrain Photography Exhibition Opening

Dena & David

Fatima, Khulood & Mariam

Mark

Tamara & Darryl

Fifty images by amateur photographers showcasing Bahrain went on display at Al Riwaq Art Space, Adliya. They are the result of a month-long social media campaign on Instagram called Our Bahrain, which was launched in support of the Be Free Centre's Instilling Universal Knowledge Programme.

The initiative teaches children how to tackle and overcome social issues and money from photograph sales will be used to support it Anina, Aarav, Lejo, Anup, Suveej, Stella & Stany Antony, Elma, Komal & Abey

Organisers, Maryam & Elma with Fernanda & Cecelia

22 August 2014

Kayan, Kaizad, Jerestine & Behnaz

Mustafa & Khalid

Patrick

Mazen & Rima

www.bahrainthismonth.com

HAPPENINGS

this month

Play It Loud, p26

Dora’s Pirate Adventure

Fun Summer Spectacles July 31-August 30 | Cultural festival | Various locations The heat is on as this festival comes into play, with a string of events planned throughout August to keep the whole family entertained.

Live it up at the Bahrain Summer Festival and rejoice in a bigger and better cultural display from artists from home and around the world.

Returning for a sixth year, the celebrations are held under the theme of ‘Summer of Colours’ as part of the Year of the Arts and Manama: Capital of Asian Tourism year-long schedule of events and activities.

“Every year, the Bahrain Summer Festival seeks to make beauty our enduring language through which other nations identify and associate with us. We are engaging with the world’s culture in all its forms, and sowing the seeds of joy in everyone through this festival,” says Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa.

The festival continues its longstanding tradition of featuring outstanding acts from the worlds of music, literature, art and theatre, showcasing a range of entertaining shows that celebrate human achievement and facilitate cultural exchange between nations.

Summer offers Whether you are a visitor to the island or a resident, several hotels around town offer discounts on room rates and services during the festival period. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Crossing Boundaries, p28

TAKE AN EYE BATH Nakhool City Programme

Nakhool and Nakhoola, the popular mascots of the festival, invite kids and their families to Nakhool City at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC). The venue is packed with shows, games and interactive workshops, with artists from across the globe focusing on entertainment, learning and development.

Nakhool City is open daily from 11am to 6pm throughout the festival.

Call 33 566-579 or email nakhool2014@moc.gov.bh .

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August 2014 23

happenings

Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy

Blaze

The high-voltage international street dance sensation Blaze will crank up the power and energy of the festival on August 16-17 at the BIECC. A cast of 16 street dancers from around the world will pop, lock and break dance their way across the island to music from the likes of Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Kanye, David Guetta and Snoop Dogg.

Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy is inspired by nature and brought to life by an international cast of soaring aerialists, spine-bending contortionists, acrobats, jugglers and musicians, with spectacular costumes and visual effects that bring the jungle setting to life. Shows run from July 31 to August 2 at the BIECC. Kids are in for a family musical fun romp as they join Dora the Explorer and her friends in Dora’s Pirate Adventure from August 7-10 at BIECC. The interactive voyage takes you through Treasure Island, where kids can help solve puzzles and navigate Dora’s way in pursuit of the Pirate Kitties and the ultimate pirate treasure, all while avoiding the pesky fox Swiper.

Freej

Abood’s Dream, the all-new UAE-produced show is a tale featuring the antics of the hero character Abood, who ends up in a fantasy adventure while looking after his grandmother’s pet canary which, by the way, lives in a fish bowl. Abood is joined by the beloved grandmother of the animated show Freej as he meets new friends and learns valuable lessons along the way in this traditional family theatre experience with a local cultural twist. The show runs from August 21-24 at the BIECC. A second concert at the festival comes from musical prodigies Chico & the Gypsies, the latest project of Jahloul ‘Chico’ Bouchiki, co-founder of the legendary band The Gypsy Kings. The group will perform flamboyant Spanish flamenco and rumba-infused traditions on August 26 at the BIECC, using the music to promote tolerance and understanding.

Chico & the Gypsies

Ilham Al-Madfai

Award-winning Iraqi artist Ilham Al-Madfai performs his signature blend of Western rhythms and Eastern folk songs at the cultural hall from August 13-14.

Accompanied by his band, Madfai fuses Oriental, Latin and jazz tunes.

24 August 2014

www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings

Everybody Salsa!

Express yourself by dancing to Latin beats as you face the intensity of Cuban music at the salsa party of the year.

August 27-30 | Dance festival | Al Bander Hotel & Resort

Salsa De Bahrain, a bunch of enthusiasts of the dance form, is bringing back the Bahrain Salsa Festival for a second year. The event includes the Bahrain Salsa Boot Camp, where participants learn to share their passion for salsa by working with qualified and trained professionals.

Doubling up on the number of performances and artists, this year defines just how much interest this style has accumulated on the island. Ali Madan, the festival’s organiser who has been instrumental in popularising the dance in Bahrain, has been organising salsa shows for the last 10 years.

“The festivalm which is in its second year, attracts 40 artists from across the globe — from Spain, Italy, the USA, the UK and Colombia, alongside nine DJs, three live bands and 50 workshops on various dance styles,” says Ali. “We are around 230 salsa regulars on the island. We even have people promoting the event across the GCC states of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia Qatar, the UAE and Oman.”

The four-day festival runs an extensive programme, beginning with a welcome party at The K Hotel on August 27 from 9pm to 2am. The workshops will be conducted on the rest of the days running in to nightly parties, which last until the early hours of the morning. The event concludes in a grand finale at the Gulf Hotel’s Sherlock Holmes.

Early bird passes are encouraged for those who wish to attend all days.

Tickets are being sold for individual party nights as well.

Visit www.bahrainsalsafestival.com.

Play It Loud August 1 and 27 | Live concert | Alumni Club and Gulf Convention Centre

The island bounces into the live music scene after last month’s slumber. Gear up for an exciting line-up of visiting artists and some home-grown metal mania.

Calling all rockers, punks and metal-heads this month is the Kingdom’s own rock fest — the Sanitarium. Join the mayhem with some of Bahrain’s most promising rock acts and head bang into delirium on August 1 at the Shaikh Isa Cultural Hall near the Alumni Club in Adliya. This year’s line-up includes Local Metal Giants, Motor Militia, Bloodshel, The Machine Gun and The Experiment. Tickets can be bought at Room 2 Rock in Adliya or Hamala.

Sanitarium was started in 2010 by a group of local musicians, who thought they needed a platform to play their kind of music. What began out of a void is now an annual meeting point for the region’s rockers.

Later in the month, American musical prodigy Darrius Willrich makes his debut in the Kingdom along with a stellar comedy act by stand-up artist Celebrity, who opens the show. The two take the stage at the Gulf Convention Centre on August 27.

Darrius is widely popular across Europe and America. His music is available in Spain, France, Germany and the Netherlands. In 2010, he performed in Rio de Janeiro to a sold-out crowd that sang along to his songs at Viaduto de Madureira for the city’s Valentine’s Day celebration. In the past, he has opened for Macy Gray, Tyrese, Mavis Staples, Earth, Wind & Fire and Frank McComb.

Call 39 775-095 or visit www.quietstormentertainment.com.

Darrius Willrich

26 August 2014

Celebrity the Comedian

www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings

On Target

Throughout August | Tournaments | Bahrain National Stadium

After winning last year’s Under-23 Gulf Cup, the Bahrain Olympics Football team is ready to take on another challenge.

The battle ground is set for the GCC Olympic Teams tournament, which will take place at the end of August in Doha. Bahrain’s Olympic team players are trained under the guidance of coach Adrian Whittread and assistant coach Ali Amer.

The players will undergo a one-week camp in Turkey from August 1-8 and play two friendly matches against teams from Turkey and Kuwait.

Three friendly matches will be held in Bahrain against Egypt, Palestine and Pakistan on August 16, 20 and 25 respectively.

Bahrain will defend their title after winning last year’s edition, which was held on the island for the first time. The red team will play in Group B along with Saudi Arabia and Oman. Group A will include Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE. “We are quite confident in Bahrain’s team, who are all professionals from various local clubs, especially after their success last year,” says Turki Abdulla, the team’s manager. “However, we must not get ahead of ourselves as all the teams are exceedingly strong in their own way. Last year’s win just gives us more incentive to practise harder and be more prepared for our game.”

On August 24, the team will play against the Riffa Club.

Call 17 685-775.

Crossing Boundaries August 6-10 | Exhibition | Ella Art Gallery Fashioned with creative intelligence, techniques and profound meanings, artist Ella Prakash tells us what her latest works are all about.

lines, surrealistic shapes, perspective designs that are painted with soft colours, light and dark, displaying playful elements of mass, volume and texture.

For long-term Bahrain resident Ella Prakash, an idea is just the beginning. What follows is the creative genius itself.

“When you start painting, you always have a base idea of what your finished work should be,” says Ella. “You should prepare yourself for many alterations of your base idea. Once your mind has decided to steer your thoughts, you start to unravel emotions and strokes that you never thought you could express.”

Ella embraces abstraction figures in her next exhibition titled ‘The Passion of Cubism’. The 24 works, all acrylic on canvas, are displayed at the Ella Art Gallery in Adliya. She recollects herself being one of the first Indian artists to practise this style of art in Bahrain many years ago.

Influenced by the works of world-celebrated greats, such as Georges Braque, Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee, Ella began to develop a figurative style of her own. Her present work displays the symmetrical beauty of the universe encapsulated in the form of a woman. The paintings carry a message drawn with mystical

International recognition She has recently been selected as one of the artists to watch out for by award-winning art incubator Debut Contemporary in London, alongside a number of museum-level artists from all over the world.

28 August 2014

“Ella’s work over the past years has witnessed a tremendous growth and development of her practice. The latest works on show in London have had a great deal of positive feedback and interest by some of London’s leading art collectors,” says Samir Ceric, Debut Contemporary founder and chief executive officer.

Email info@ellagallery.com. www.bahrainthismonth.com

The all-new C-Class.

Reflecting your mindset.

You’ve got all it takes. The all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class with a refined, modern interior and innovative technology, is the perfect match for those who know exactly where they’re headed. www.facebook.com/pages/Mercedes-Benz-Bahrain

bystander

Shaikha, Omran & Rowena

Yousif with Dr Nader & family

AlMosawi & AlSaffar Graduation Party The AlMosawi family & the AlSaffar family hosted a graduation party for their daughters at the Gilgamesh Ballroom, Golden Tulip Hotel

Najwa, Fatin & Layal

Maha, Sawsan, Herminia & Rola

AlMosawi & AlHaddad families

Razan & Saraya

Jaleela, Layal, Esmat & Adeela

Sameera & Abbas

The Kazerooni family

Fatin & Mahmood

The AlAbbas family

The AlSaffar family

30 August 2014

Hanin, Noor & Zain

Aqeel Almosawi & family

Firas, Shaikha & Mohammed

Osama & Maysoon

www.bahrainthismonth.com

NOW OPEN

Juffair

bystander

Junaid Perfumes Launch

Marise with Mohammed Atif

Fahad & Tawfeeq

Zahra & Zahra

Majid & Mansoor

Junaid Perfumes, the leading perfumers in the region, launched two new luxury perfumes, 'J Essance' for woman, and 'Taraf' for men at the Mercure Hotel in Seef district last month Tawfeeq Al Rayash being honoured by Fahad Junaid

Lamya Matooq

Layla with Fahad Junaid

Baqer Abbas & Fahad Junaid

Khushboo & Akash

Fatima & Layla

Sharifa, Khushboo & Mrs Waleed

Khushboo & Akash Mathur Wedding Reception Khushboo & Akash Mathur celebrated their wedding reception with family & friends at the Capital Club, Bahrain Financial Harbour Ranjana, Khushboo, Akash, Kishore & Karan Megchiaini & Akash

Geeta, Vicky, Yousif, Khushboo & Akash

32 August 2014

Mohammed & Hind

Kishore & Madan

Ahmed & Dr Waheeb

Baboo Kewalram

Ajay

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Limited edition

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bystander

Um Yousif & Yousif

Roland & Hilary

Mohammed & Ahmed

Lujain & Fatin

Abdul & Ahmed

Azer & Fulood

McDonald's Smile Of Bahrain Gergaoon McDonald's Bahrain hosted a Gergaoon for the children of The Smile of Bahrain Foundation at their Arad Branch. The Smile of Bahrain Foundation is dedicated to bringing joy and support to children with Cancer & their parents

Soubah Al Zayani, Isa, Dunia & Ameer

Safa, Layla & Manar

Marjan & Maryam

Zubaida Noor

Simon Austin & Ebrahim Al Shaith

Omran Khayami

Hussain

Chervolet Tahoe & Yukon Launch National Motor Company, sole distributors for Chervolet vehicles in the Kingdom held a launch for the 2015 Chervolet Tahoe & Yukon at the National Motor Company showroom in Sitra The 2015 Chervolet Tahoe

Rayan poses with the 2015 Chervolet Yukon

34 August 2014

Mohammed, Saher & Nader

Ahmed, Abdulla, Nazer & Bayan

Sayed Hassan & Sayed Abdulla

Ernie & Amina

Simon & David

www.bahrainthismonth.com

INTERVIEWS Warren Stalls

Exploring New Vistas SIMI KAMBOJ The entertainment industry in Bahrain has remained club-centric and monotonous for a long time. Fresh ideas are the only way to energise the market that urgently needs revival, believes Warren Stalls.

An island destination like Bahrain could do much more to bring in tourists, if only the organisers were to show some ingenuity rather than blindly copying the concepts of others. For instance, the Kingdom has so far overlooked family entertainment, a segment that event organiser and promoter of Candee Beach brand, Warren Stalls, has trained his sights on.

Over the coming year, Warren will be introducing fresh concepts that include openair weekend festivals and carnivals for families, which will become annual features on Bahrain’s events calendar.

“We’re working on the concept of a Love and Happiness Carnival, showcasing the best of different countries and cultures that reside within the GCC. The three-day event will be held in an open-air venue with tents flying flags of various countries, in addition to different arenas for cuisine, live performances by entertainers plus games and shows for children,” he says.

The event, which aims to draw a footfall of 30,000 to 40,000, will require substantial planning and will be rolled out across Bahrain, Dubai and Qatar over the next three years.

The 37-year-old South African moved to Bahrain in 2002 in order to open a French restaurant. Ever since his first Formula One party featuring seven international DJs found success, Warren has remained a top player in the Kingdom’s event circuit. www.bahrainthismonth.com

this month

Best of Both Worlds, p36

“Bahrain is a unique mix of liberal values and conservative culture. What we need are good beaches, or at least one big beach that people look forward to frequenting. People don’t mind paying for beach facilities, but then that beach should not be a mere 10-metre stretch,” notes Warren.

He suggests that in addition to investing in tourism infrastructure that is centrally located, the government could work with event companies on performance-based incentive schemes that will motivate private operators.

“Hotels need to be original and inventive, investing more in quality entertainment options.

Instead, everyone is doing the same old things — brunches and tribute acts — which have been running for years,” he notes.

A self-motivated and positive person, Warren says he is sometimes disheartened by the lack of originality among industry players as well as an unappreciative public, which takes his work for granted.

“People tend to think that parties just happen.

After having a good time, they go home without realising how much hard work went into an event or the losses that organisers incur if things don’t go according to plan,” he says.

Warren was the only organiser who held parties during the unrest of 2011, when people stayed home fearing for their safety, driving a blow to the island’s nightlife and the country’s economy. He says he did it just to keep the market ticking and the local business afloat.

“If there’s one thing I believe in, it’s that people need to go out and enjoy themselves.

Entertainment is important, no matter what the circumstances are around you. In fact, it is more so when the circumstances are challenging,” he adds.

Making a Commitment, p38 Nurturing Talent, p40

Minding the Mind, p42

August 2014 35

interview

Herve Peyre

Best of Both Worlds The cityscape receives reinforcement in the form of a brand-new hotel that aims to set a gold standard in the four-star category. Spearheading the project is general manager Herve Peyre.

36 August 2014

With millions being invested to give the tourism industry a boost, the Kingdom is all set to welcome stellar additions to its skyline. One of them is the 28-storey Swiss-Belhotel located in the heart of Seef district. Herve Peyre, the general manager at the hotel is at the helm to bring the international brand to the Middle East, eagerly looking forward to the hotel’s much-anticipated launch.

“The objective is to set a new benchmark in the four-star segment. This won’t be too difficult to achieve as we offer a great product, highest standard of service and are brilliantly located,” says Herve.

“We aim to establish a new niche, which is the upscale four-star category.”

Herve thinks this is an exciting time to enter Bahrain and is not daunted by the existing competition.

“A lot of new hotels are coming up in the market and that is good news for everyone. What works well for us is our positioning, which is a bit exclusive. We are focusing on high-end services at great value. You will notice that there aren’t many upscale four-star hotels in Seef and that’s where we come in,” he adds.

Swiss-Belhotel targets both leisure and business travellers. Replete with modern-day facilities, the rooms and suites are spacious with breathtaking ocean and city views. This hotel promises five-star infrastructure and facilities at four-star prices.

The hotel is in close proximity to both Seef Mall and City Centre Bahrain, the island’s favourite shopping hubs that offer an exciting variety of entertainment and leisure activities.

“We decided to open during Eid as there’s a great influx of tourists in the country and it’ll be great to introduce our brand-new product,” explains Herve.

A hospitality group based in Hong Kong, SwissBelhotel International is now expanding in the rest of Asia and the Middle East, with over 50 hotels in Indonesia and upcoming properties in Doha, Kuwait, Riyadh and Dubai.

“What we bring to our customers is a combination of Swiss service and Asian hospitality. There is a certain standard and consistency that will be maintained with a personalised touch,” Herve notes.

Call 66 310-000. www.bahrainthismonth.com

interview

Errol Fonseca

Making a Commitment SIMI KAMBOJ Having been acquired by a regional investor, the world’s largest foreign exchange specialist is betting big on the region MEIAT markets.

38 August 2014

Travelex has chalked up aggressive plans for expansion within the MEIAT region. “It’s an exciting time for us,” comments Errol Fonseca, Travelex Head of Retail, Middle East, India, Africa and Turkey region.

“Given that our business is largely airport-driven and this is the only region in the world where new airports are being built, aircrafts are being purchased and customer traffic increasing, we’re investing heavily in the coming years,” he says.

The Middle East is a relatively new market for the British foreign exchange player, which started operations in Bahrain exactly a decade ago. However, in recent years business within the region has been growing between 20 to 25 per cent annually and Travelex now has a network of 135 stores in the region, 28 of them in Bahrain.

Despite its small size, Bahrain is a significant territory which holds potential for further growth, believes Errol. “We’ve improved our footprint having five stores at the airport and expanded our presence downtown, with a new store in Budaiya last month.

Even during the crisis in 2011 we stayed put and with our robust distribution set-up were able to offer customers comfort and convenience. We’ve added five stores here since 2011,” he notes.

For Errol, the challenge lies in rolling out the digital platform and launching innovative products for customers in the region creating a market differentiation

and customer retention. The company recently made an acquisition and launched operations in Turkey and will foray into new markets in the region soon.

Customer CARE Retail foreign exchange is the mainstay for Travelex, which operates in 28 countries globally with 1,500 stores and 1,200 ATMs. As a global player with international standards, the company doesn’t believe in getting into price wars. Rather, it has focused on adding value to the customers, which enables them to come back for superior care.

“We encourage people to spend more so that we can give them a higher benefit on commission and exchange rates, which creates a major uplift in the value for the customer. Our products are unique and we even offer to buy back left over currency from customers at the same rate,” says Errol.

As a company with a global footprint, Travelex has to ensure that it can deliver a consistent brand experience and seamless service at all its stores across the world. Its latest customer programme, CARE, reflects this ethos.

“CARE has four elements that are crucial for engaging with customers. These involve connecting with the customers, asking for their feedback, making recommendations and exchanging information with them,” says Errol. www.bahrainthismonth.com

interview

Abdul Rahman Al Jowder and Mahmood Al Reefy

Nurturing Talent A versatile facility with equipment for hire, the Spades Studio is designed to be a creative hub for professionals and amateurs alike in Bahrain.

40 August 2014

Spending on media and entertainment may have risen to record levels in the region, but when it comes to infrastructure for the media sector, things haven’t kept pace with this growth. Commercial photographers in Bahrain struggle to find the right venue and equipment in order to work in a professional manner.

It is to address this gap that Abdul Rahman Al Jowder and Mahmood Al Reefy teamed up to build Spades Studio, a sprawling 4,000-square feet facility opening in Hidd this month. Catering for the advertising and media sector, the 300-square metre space houses two studios, a photographers’ lounge and an office in addition to storage space for equipment.

“As motor sport enthusiasts, it has always pained us that large automobile brands do not localise their advertisement and media campaigns. Most car makers engage agencies to shoot their campaigns in studios in the US and Europe, which doesn’t resonate with audiences in the Middle East,” says Abdul Rahman, co-founder.

The 26-year-old art director along with long-time friend Mahmood Al Reefy researched the idea for three years, sounding out professional photographers in the region before they started designing the facility.

“In order to shoot a car, you need a massive amount of space, preferably one you can drive into.

Also, the lighting and reflections need to be just right. Product photography is challenging enough, but car photography — where one deals with an

enormous and ultra-reflective object whose surfaces seem to bend in every direction — is a different ball game altogether,” notes Mahmood, a marketing professional.

As Bahrain’s first multi-use photography studio, Spades will offer space for portrait and commercial photography suitable for subjects such as cars, boats, furniture, food and even construction equipment. The studio will provide a ‘members only’ space, hiring cutting-edge equipment in advance to keep an even footfall throughout the year. The duo has the support of Bahrain Development Bank for the land in Hidd, while business angels Tenmou have infused cash in return for a 20 per cent stake in the venture.

“We aim to provide both professional photographers and amateurs with the infrastructure they need. We’ll organise regular workshops and photographyoriented events, bringing some big names to Bahrain on a regular basis,” enthuses Abdul Rahman.

Members will be promoted and their work showcased on the company’s social media platforms.

Once the Hidd facility is launched, the young Bahrainis reckon they’ll manage to break even in two years. They will then begin work on the second phase of their venture, which involves launching similar facilities in other countries in the region.

“We have contacts in the GCC and know of many talented photographers who work with limited resources. Once the concept has worked here, we’ll replicate it in Saudi and Kuwait,” says Mahmood. www.bahrainthismonth.com

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interview

Minding the Mind eight years ago. Of all the medical conditions he deals with, Alzheimer’s disease stands at the forefront, with fresh cases emerging every month, some aged 55 or younger.

Alzheimer’s initially manifests as loss of recent memory, and over time can lead to complete dementia, where the past memory is fully erased, leaving the brain in the dark.

“Family members often do not bring the patient to medical attention in the initial stages, which is a pity because good medications are available. Once the patient has advanced, the damage is irreversible,” he notes.

Another condition gaining prominence in the GCC is multiple sclerosis. Bahrain has around 150 patients and the numbers are rising. This is a debilitating condition affecting the white matter of the brain in people as young as 30 years. There are multiple symptoms. Eventually, the person can get paralysed and become debilitated for life.

“Given that treatment is expensive and lifelong, this places a huge burden on our healthcare resources,” he says.

Whereas different people react differently to their diagnosis. Management of a disease is made easier where patients come to terms with their condition and are willing to cooperate.

Recently, multiple sclerosis patients in Bahrain have formed a support group, which meets regularly to exchange information and share experiences.

Dr Ram Vatwani

SIMI KAMBOJ Diseases of the body give much grief; but when the mind starts to deteriorate, life can truly turn upside down. Senior neurologist Dr Ram Vatwani dwells on brain disorders that keep him busy.

42 August 2014

The intricacies of the human mind have always fascinated Dr Ram Vatwani and for this reason the sexagenarian doctor cannot conceive quitting his practice.

“There’s nothing more fascinating than studying the human mind and the behaviour patterns of people. It gives me great satisfaction to unravel the ‘main fuse box’ of the human body,” says Dr Ram at his Zinj clinic.

As the first neurologist in private practice in Bahrain, Dr Ram has made his home here for the last 23 years and was conferred Bahraini nationality

An active mind Average human beings use about 10 per cent of their brain cells, leaving the rest dormant. People who are mentally alert are likely to resist the degeneration that results from age.

“Activities, such as reasoning, abstract thinking, debating and solving puzzles, improve the brain’s working capacity. Other parts of the brain, which are usually dormant, get activated. This compensates for the loss of the brain tissue destroyed by old age,” says Dr Vatwani.

This means that people who work well past retirement have better odds of beating dementia.

Being an old-school physician, who trained in the ‘80s before the onset of scanning equipment, Dr Vatwani prefers to listen to the patient’s story before looking at the clinical reports.

“Doctors who rely too heavily on clinical investigations will be clueless in cases where the patient’s scans are normal. It’s important to listen to a patient’s story, but not many are willing to do it. For this reason, there are so many diagnostic centres, but very few good doctors,” the expert adds. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Ali Yateem, Ali Al Sairafi & HE Vichai Varasirikul, Thai Ambassador

Al Arayedh Majlis Nasser Al Arayedh played host to a number of dignataries, diplomats and well-wishers during the Holy Month of Ramadan at the Al Arayedh majlis in Segaiya

HE Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of Shura Council, Yousef Al Saleh, Nasser Al Arayedh & Kamal Al Saleh

Nasser Al Arayedh & HE Jameel Ali Humaidan, Labour Minister

Shaikh Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Sameer Nass & Nasser Al Arayedh

Ali Al Asfoor, Mohammed Isaq, Nasser Al Arayedh & Abdulaziz Al Shaikh

Nasser Al Arayedh, HE Mohammed Siraj, Jordanian Ambassador, HE Shigeki Sumi, Japanese Ambassador & HE Dr Dhafer Al Umran

AbdulHussain Dawani, Ali Al Taweel & HE Dr Ahmed Rasheed Al Dulaimy, Iraqi Ambassador

Hameed Al Zayani, Khalid Al Zayani, HE Dr Ahmeed Al Dulaimy, HE Taha Abdul Qader, Palestinian Ambassador & Nasser Al Arayedh

Abdulaziz Kanoo, Nasser Al Arayedh & Mubarak Kanoo

44 August 2014

Samer Al Arayedh & Wajd Al Madani

Mr Al Buanin, Rashid Al Buanin, Sayed Makki & Ebrahim Zainal

www.bahrainthismonth.com

india independence

A Special Supplement Commemorating India's 68th Independence Day

46 Backseat Chat Indian ambassador to the Kingdom, Dr Mohan Kumar, speaks about his plans for strengthening ties between both countries.

48 Indian Influences From restaurants to fashion apparel, the Indian presence in Bahrain is not a subtle one. We take a closer look at the businesses and social groups.

Commercial Index Al Noor International School.................................... 50 Bahrain Cinema Company......................................... 51 Gajria Electronics....................................................... 49 Lanterns Restaurant..................................................... 54 Megamart...................................................................... 53 Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa.......................................... 55 State Bank of India...................................................... 51 The Raymond Shop...................................................... 48

www.bahrainthismonth.com

August 2014 45

india independence

JAGUAR LAND ROVER

Backseat Chat

From a young foreign services recruit in Chennai, this ambassador has represented India in trade negotiations and diplomatic forums around the world.

46 August 2014

www.bahrainthismonth.com

An ambassador’s life constitutes a great variety of experiences. Although there are many privileges, being a diplomat is not always a case of plain sailing; there are also the constant assignments that take you away from home.

Yet His Excellency Dr Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador to Bahrain, represents the world’s largest democracy and a significant portion of the Kingdom’s population with great efficiency and pride. With over 30 years of experience in the diplomatic service, he has served as India’s lead negotiator in international trade forums relating to textiles and for intellectual property rights and services.

This month, as we focus on India in Bahrain, he joins George F Middleton to talk about his career, memories from his travels and the poignant moments in his life — within the comfort of a Jaguar XJ. George: You’ve lived in a number of countries and each experience must have made a marked impression on you. However, what does being the Indian Ambassador to Bahrain mean to you?

HE: I think, first and foremost, it means being a public servant in the true sense of the word. My main job here is to try and protect and promote the interests of the expatriate community we have here. But it also means trying to connect both countries; trying to be a bridge.

George: There have been significant exchanges between Bahrain and India over the last year. How do you see bilateral relations developing between the two countries in the near future?

HE: I’ll have to begin by saying that the landmark visit by His Majesty King Hamad has laid the foundation for a truly remarkable relationship between the two countries.

A number of agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed; now people like me and my counterpart in Delhi, and the establishment both in Indian and in Bahrain, will have to implement those. So, I actually foresee an exciting time.

George: Indians, according to official estimates, constitute approximately one-fourth of the Kingdom’s population. How has your interaction been with the Indian expatriate community of Bahrain?

HE: You know my main constituency, if I may put it that way,

The Jaguar XJ is available at Euro Motors, the official distributor for Jaguar Land Rover in Bahrain

www.bahrainthismonth.com

is the more modest sections of the vast Indian expatriate community. So we have a mechanism for that. I have an open house once a month to address any problems.

HE Dr Mohan Kumar with George F Middleton

George: Your Excellency, the construction of the new Indian Embassy in the Seef area started last year. How is this going to affect India’s diplomatic presence in Bahrain?

HE: I am happy to say that construction has begun and we hope to have a full-fledged embassy building, spread across 6,000 square metres at a cost of BD3,000,000, and it should be up and running by 2015. But to answer your question, I think it will be a symbol and it will stand testimony to the wonderful relationship between the two countries. And I hope it will be a matter of great pride for the Indian community here. We even hope to have an auditorium for 500 people in the chancery so that local Indians can use it.

George: I understand that you met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Could you recount what that experience was like?

HE: I think, as with all men of his stature, two or three things strike you immediately. The calm demeanour of this great man, the fortitude and, more than anything else, he smiles a lot. ‘Tejas’ is a Sanskrit word for luminance and that’s what hits you instantly when you come in contact with him. It is the sparkle in his eyes which I think comes from profound wisdom.

George: You work 12-hour days; when you do get time to relax, how do you and the family spend time together?

Do you have any special interests?

HE: Music can be very relaxing and travel is another thing that we both (the ambassador and his wife) share a passion for, so that also helps us relax. As for me, I am really fond of reading. And then there’s hardly any Indian who’s not fond of cricket or Bollywood; I like both, so those are some of the other things I enjoy.

BLIPP THIS PAGE TO: WATCH BACKSEAT CHAT INTERVIEW WITH HE DR MOHAN KUMAR EXPLORE THE JAGUAR XJ VIEW JAGUAR XJ IMAGE GALLERY CONTACT EURO MOTORS

August 2014 47

india independence

India in Bahrain Ankita Mamgain As the 400,000 strong Indian expatriate community marks their 67th Independence Day, we take a closer look at how the subcontinent has become an inseparable part of the Kingdom.

The Indian community, a crucial component in the Kingdom’s progress over the decades, has become an integral part of Bahrain’s vivid social fabric. From established business leaders to the hundreds of workers that reach these shores in search of a better life, many Indians although still attached to their roots now proudly call Bahrain their home.

Political amity The political ties between the two countries received a boost with HRH King Hamad’s visit to India earlier this year. Bahrain is an important partner for India, with nonoil bilateral trade in 2012-13 exceeding USD1.3 billion. The Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom HE Dr Mohan Kumar foresees exciting times ahead. As the two nations work towards boosting business and investments, exchanging expertise and avoiding double taxation, a memorandum of understanding establishing an India-Bahrain High Joint Commission has been signed.

48 August 2014

www.bahrainthismonth.com

In addition, the Confederation of Indian Industry will establish an office in Manama to increase its presence in the region, and will work closely with the EDB to bring business delegations to each country and highlight investment opportunities. A USD255 million data centre is being set up in Bahrain, the first of its size in the Middle East, which will employ more than 500 professionals in the IT sector. This visit is estimated to have brought USD450 million dollars of new investment into Bahrain.

In the market Roaming the streets of Manama, one can see the extent of the Indian invasion into the Bahraini marketplace. The blinding brilliance of the Gold City is hard to ignore. The complex houses many stores selling

www.bahrainthismonth.com

HRH King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa with President Pranab Mukherjee

traditional Indian ornaments. Some are even trusted names from back home. Malabar Gold & Diamonds offers certified gold and diamond jewellery that appeals to modern tastes and has a classic charm.

In the apparel arena, one sees a vivid array of colours and textures as soon as you enter the souq with scores of sari shops lining the streets. One can find an exhaustive range of traditional Indian wear for men women and children at Lulu Hypermarket. There’s respite for men who only shopped at their trusted Raymond store back home. The menswear company opened The Raymond Shop in Manama souq, offering their signature fabrics and tailoring services.

A well-known name in the electronics segment Gajria Electronics opened in 1948. They are one of the leading

August 2014 49

india independence

Delhi Spices

distributors of the latest gadgets, communication devices and electronics in the Kingdom.

Another great Indian story of Bahrain is that of Shantaram Shetty’s. He arrived in Bahrain in 1995 and today sits atop one of the biggest hospitality groups in the region. After establishing a strong hold in the fourstar segment the group forayed into the five-star luxury realm with the Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa in Seef.

For many Indians, the annual trip back home meant returning with cases full of Indian spices and other ingredients. However supermarkets like Lulu Hypermarket and Megamart stock a wide range of Indian products that are available at great prices. Even the Indian banking segment is well represented here with the State Bank of India opening its branch in the Kingdom.

50 August 2014

The social milieu India’s diversity is mirrored in the expatriate community in Bahrain. Trying to hold on to their roots, they have formed a number of clubs and associations that help them keep the customs and traditions alive.

Established almost a century ago in 1915, The Indian Club is the oldest and largest expatriate club in Bahrain. Situated in the heart of Manama, the club boasts an impressive strength of over 1,500 members. The club hosts all major national and regional celebrations and is most known for its annual May Queen beauty pageant and various sports tournaments.

The Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam is the largest unifying body for those belonging to ‘God’s own country’ on the island. Vishu and Onam festivals are the highlights of their calendar and are celebrated with great fervour and pageantry. Members enjoy facilities like a library, multipurpose hall, badminton and table tennis courts, and indoor games.

What took birth as a small sewing club in 1956 consolidated into the Indian Ladies Association. This club of 150 ladies organises the gala Dandiya festival each year and fundraisers for various local charities, including Project Sneha. Among the other 32 registered and 68 unregistered socio-cultural Indian clubs are Bahrain Kannada Sangha, Bongiyo Samaj Social & Cultural Association, Karnataka Social Club, Maharashtra Cultural Society, Shri Gujarati Samaj, Tamil Social and Cultural Association-Bahrain and Young Goans Sports Club.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Masala Magic There’s hardly a corner of the world untouched by the flavours of Indian cuisine. Here are some places in the Kingdom that you can head to the next time you crave a curry.

Flavours of Indian cuisine have firmly established themselves as part of global gastronomy. Around the world, people happily forget the cutlery on the table and indulge in the pleasure of eating tikka masala and korma with their hands.

With almost one-fourth of its population consisting of Indians, Bahrain has its fair share of Indian restaurants, serving authentic recipes from various regions of the country. Boasting working class grub shacks to fine dining venues, the island does like its food with a bit of masala.

The scores of eateries lining the streets of Gudaibiya and Manama offer comfort food, reminiscent of the kitchens back home. Gowrikrishna, Saravna Bhavan and Sangeetha serve quick meals that are scrumptious and extremely light on the pocket.

When you’re in the mood for some street food, get spoilt for choice at Asha’s in Manama or Mumbai Spice at The Bahrain Mall. There are many mid-range venues like Copper Chimney, Hyderabad House, PanAsia, Moti Mahal, Peppers and The Yellow Chilli that serve the quintessential dal makhni, butter chicken and paneer dishes to be ordered with a variety of naans and rice.

Offering a fine dining experience are restaurants like Rasoi at Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, which serves contemporary Indian recipes in plush

environs. Nirvana at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Spa and Akbar at Ramada Palace are known for the live ghazal entertainment on offer.

Lanterns Restaurant & Lounge, with branches in Adliya, Budaiya, Riffa and Durrat al Bahrain, dishes out tandoori delights and creamy koftas in its eccentric milieu which transforms from a roadside dhabha to a palace in the beat of a Bollywood number.

Working Hours: Main branch and Riffa branches : 8.00 am to 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm Bab-al-Bahrain branch : 9.00 am to 2.00 pm and 3.00 pm to 6.00 pm Cash Transactions are closed before 30 minutes.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

August 2014 51

india independence MEGAMART

Quality and Convenience

Known for an eclectic variety of products available at competitive prices, this supermarket has launched a new outlet in Segaya.

With over eight stores across the Kingdom, Megamart is one of the most popular supermarkets in Bahrain.

Their latest store opened its doors last month in Segaya at the new Al Hayat Shopping Centre. The supermarket is spread across 24,000 square feet and boasts a variety of brands and products sourced from all around the world.

“Staying in line with our business objectives, we strive to offer variety, convenience and quality at a reasonable price,” says RV Waghnani, general manager of Megamart.

The new store is centrally located and serves as the neighbourhood mart for the residents of Zinj, Um Al Hassam and Segaya. Al Hayat Shopping Centre offers a quiet atmosphere in which to shop with ample parking space, including a basement parking lot, and the added advantage of easy road access.

The well-designed aisles can accommodate many trolleys, making the shopping experience easier, with improved mobility. Additionally, there are five checkout points, ensuring smooth payout and exit.

Megamart Segaya stocks products from a variety of countries at extremely competitive prices. The store is one of the biggest importers of products from Australia, UK, Europe, Asia and South Africa.

“We pride ourselves on the fresh produce, sourced both locally and from abroad,” says Waghnani. “In addition to fruits, vegetables and packaged foods, we have an extensive variety of local and imported dairy products and meats.”

Megamart’s bakery is known to produce the best of fresh breads, pies and pastries every day. The fully equipped in-house bakery at the new branch is already a huge hit with its customers. The store has a salad counter with different varieties of salads to choose from.

The delicatessen has a large menu of dishes and sells pre-marinated cuts of meat and kebabs as well.

In addition, you can find electronics, stationery, dinner sets, kitchenware and other household products at the supermarket.

Customer comes first “If you are not able to find a particular product, our managers will be happy to assist you and can even order the product if it’s not available in the store. You will be informed when we receive the item,” says Raju.

During this initial phase, the store offers a number of special discounts, promotions and deals on products so that you get the best value on your purchase.

Call 17 003-061 or email megamartseg@babasons.com.

52 August 2014

www.bahrainthismonth.com

india independence LANTERNS RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

Infusing Fresh Flavours

Immerse yourself in this restaurant’s thematic spaces which reflect the moods and colours of India; prepare to dine with a new menu this month.

Indian cuisine is diverse; embracing this variety is the Lanterns Restaurant & Lounge, with a new set of menus designed to be served after Ramadan. Nestled in the bustling streets of Adliya and Budaiya, this diner boasts impressive ethnic interiors indicative of an elaborate Indian experience. The Adliya venue has become a popular destination due to its outdoor garden, the BBQ grill and the lounge upstairs. The Goa Lounge, with its private roof-top dance floor, bar and DJ, hosts several party nights during the week. These include High Heels Night on Wednesdays, Shoot the Night on Thursdays and Gentlemen’s Night on Fridays.

Both venues feature live entertainment, Monday through Saturday, to entertain you while you dine.

On Thursdays, there’s a dinner buffet starting from 7pm, while a lunch buffet on Friday and Saturday starts at noon. Jampacked with delicious dishes, Lanterns offers new additions to its Indian fusion cuisine, beverage selections and chef’s specials. The restaurant serves more than just the expected northern Indian favourites.

Throughout the week, you can enjoy the ‘busy bee’ lunch for BD6.900 per person. The Maharaja buffet served daily, ensures you feast like a king with a mix of vegetarian, non-vegetarian, traditional condiments and sweet dishes for BD9.900 per person.

The restaurant chain has now chosen to expand its reach by opening two more outlets during the course of the year, in Juffair and Riffa.

So, wherever you are in the Kingdom, you will soon have a Lanterns restaurant right next to you. i Call 17 250-999 (Budaiya) or 17 590-591 (Adliya).

Lanterns Lounge & Restaurant (Adliya), Tel. 17246777 or 17250999

Website: www.lanternsrestaurant.net 54 August 2014

Facebook: LanternsLoungeBahrain www.bahrainthismonth.com

RAMEE GRAND HOTEL & SPA

The Taste of India Celebrate the vibrant aromas and flavours of Indian food as you dine with the luxury of a five-star service at this restaurant.

Savour a contemporary fine dining experience of traditional flavours of India at Rasoi, located at the Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa. The restaurant’s offerings make you want to indulge in the diversity of Indian cuisine as it takes you on a culinary journey with its extensive buffet display, open exhibition kitchen and live cooking areas.

“Indian cuisine encompasses a wide variety of regional varieties. Given the range of diversity in soil type, climate and occupations, these cuisines vary significantly from each other and use locally available spices, herbs, vegetables and fruits,” says Shantharam Shetty, the Ramee Group general manager. “Indian food is also heavily influenced by religious and cultural choices and traditions.”

Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat lover, the business lunch deal starting at a price of BD6, features several dishes to cater to every palate. Rasoi is open for lunch from 12.30pm until 3pm and serves dinner from 6.30pm until 11pm.

All-time favourites Indulge in signature dishes prepared by the chefs at any time of the day.

Rasoi is known for its tandoori vegetarian delights stuffed with mixed nuts, mint and cheese served with fig chutney. Try the seafood platter with salmon, prawns and crab served with crab chutney.

The bhetki macher, or pan-seared sea bass with crispy okra, is a musttry. Those with an appetite can indulge in imliwali (tamarind) chicken or slow-cooked lamb shanks served with a traditional biryani. Soothing tunes from a live ghazal band while you dine create the perfect atmosphere to relish the sophisticated blend of Indian flavours.

Call 17 111-973 or email rasoi@rameegrandbahrain.com.

The Indian Aroma

www.bahrainthismonth.com

August 2014 55

india independence THE RAYMOND SHOP

The Complete Man

This apparel group offers complete wardrobe solutions for men, which includes top-of-the-line brands, at its premium retail stores in the Kingdom.

Incorporated in 1925, Raymond is the leading producer of worsted suiting fabric in the world, with a production capacity of 42 million metres of wool and wool-blended fabrics. A pioneer in the textile and men’s apparel business in India, the group has six state-of-the-art textile plants and four garmenting factories in India and Europe. Raymond’s focus of innovation has yielded path-breaking fabrics from the ultimate in fine pure wool to wool-blended with exotic fibres, like Cashmere, Mohair, Angora and Casein. Raymond has always provided customers with world-class products and exports its suiting fabric to more than 55 countries across the globe, including the USA, Canada, Japan, and in nations in European and the Middle East. The Raymond network started with a small corner shop in Ballard Estate, Mumbai, around five decades ago. It has grown to be the largest retail store in India, with over 700 stores in prime locations in over 200 cities in the country.

The brand’s products are retailed through The Raymond Shop, which retails Raymond fabric and menswear brands— Park Avenue, Parx, Raymond Premium Apparel and ColorPlus. The Raymond Shop has 45 outlets overseas in the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Malaysia. All brands from the Raymond Group portfolio are well entrenched in the market and are sold through multi-brand outlets in the Middle East. In the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Raymond brand is represented by Kumar’s WLL in their showrooms at Exhibition Road, Al Hoora and Al Hadrami Road in Manama. i Visit www.woolatraymond.com.

bystander

Arpita & Anil

Karina

Sanjay

Mala & Ashalatha

HE Dr Mohan & Mala Kumar Dinner HE Dr Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador & Mala Kumar hosted a dinner party for a number of friends at their residence in Saar HE Dr Mohan Kumar, Mala Kumar, Neeta & Puneet Ashish

Priti, Mala, Lakshman & HE Dr Mohan Kumar

56 August 2014

Sunita & Dilip

Meenakshi, Mala, Navneet, Radhika & HE Dr Mohan Kumar

Shantharam

Paddy

Shailaja & Sunita

www.bahrainthismonth.com

BD 16,790/Starting from

• 5 Years/100,000 kms Maintenace Service • 5 Years Roadside Assistance • 5 Years Home to Home Service • 5 Years Service Courtesy Car

• Lifetime Warranty • Lifetime Dedicated Service Advisor • Buy Back Value Guarantee

www.1stmotors.com

17 121 121

Available in 3.8L V6 GDI engine with a maximum output of 315ps and a 5.0L V8 GDI engine with a maximum output of 413ps.

Experience the innovative safety technology, striking design and inspired craftsmanship of the All-New 2015 Hyundai Genesis.

Luxury driven by performance.

bystander

Redha, Huda & Noora

Essam

Sama, Sahar & Abdul Khader

Yousif

Bahrain Summer Festival Press Meet Under the patronage of HE Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister of Culture a press conference was held to announce the details of this year's Bahrain Summer Festival. The event was held at the Bab Al Bahrain Mall

Dr Elie Flouty, HE Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa & HE Shaikh Khalid bin Hamood Al Khalifa, Under-secretary for Tourism

Musicians at the event

58 August 2014

Amy & Laura

Alanoud & Maryam

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Paper ad_253x94mm.pdf

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7/22/14

12:59 PM

St Christopher’s Summer Ball St Christopher’s School held its annual Summer Ball for students at the Crowne Plaza’s Bahrain Conference Centre

Phoebe, Lucy, Nick, Sarah & Sophie

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Kirsty, Hannah & Shaikha

Hannah, Iris & Grace

Y

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Shannagh, Anne-Marie & Sarah

Jack, Sam & Jasper

Mrs & Mr Rowark with Mrs Keeble

Wendy & Ed Goodwin

Main Avenue 1, Block 204, (Near Oasis Centre) Muharraq, Kingdom of Bahrain Ph: 1700 0210, Mob: 3396 8096 Maryam & Zubia

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Munther, Amy, Marc & Lynn

info@bmc-bahrain.com - www.bmc-bahrain.com

August 2014 59

bystander

Hannane & Marise

Cathryn, Imogen & Stan

Euro Motors Media Ghabga Euro Motors, the exclusive dealer and distributor for Jaguar Land Rover in Bahrain, hosted a media ghabga during the Holy Month at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa.

The band entertains the guests

Mohammed with Zayed R. Alzayani

Bless & David

Nouf & Lulwa

Sarun & Johni

Josh & Nada

Ayoob & Hamad

BABY * KIDS

176 402 62 madreandpadre

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bystander

twenty4 Store Opening A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to mark the second store opening of thriving value fashion outlet, twenty4. The store was opened at Emna Mall in Riffa last month

Eliyas Saleem opens the store watched by officials

Khalid Al Emadi, Saleem Eliyas, Sameer & Khalid

Be the first to experience

Swiss-Belhotel Seef From BD 55++ including breakfast for single or double room occupancy

Hilary & Savya

Nilo, Chris & Jonathan

Facilities: 149 Guest Rooms and Suites • Ballroom and Meeting Rooms • Fitness Center and outdoor Swimming Pool Hairdressing Salon & Spa • Swiss-Café (all-day dining restaurant) Outdoor Terrace with city views • Cafeccino (lobby café) Faiza & Hala

Ahmed Fakhroo & Sameer

STAY & WIN!

FOR

24

HOURS

Tel: (973) 6631 0031 Junaid & Jason

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Salah & Ismail

April 2014 61

bystander

Zain & Alaa

Tariq, Salwa & Sara

Eman

Batelco Corporate Ghabga Batelco’s Enterprise and Government Division hosted a number of its business customers to a Ramadan Ghabga banquet at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf Convention Centre Abdulla, Mohammed & Ahmed

Ahmed & Hisham

Adel Daylami & Rashid Abdulla

Fatima & Noor

Hassan, Ahmed, Khulood, Hussain & Tawfeeq

Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa

Abdulrahman

Aditya, Anurag & Sarosh

Shaikh Mohammed bin Ishaq Al Abbasi & Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Rashid Al Khalifa

Muhanned Buhindi

The Awadi Family Majlis The Awadi family played host to a number of well-wishers during the Holy Month of Ramadan at the Awadi family Majlis in Juffair

Yousif Al Awadi, Khalid Almoayed & Ebrahim Al Awadi HE Abdulla Juma & Mohammed Al Zayani

Abdul Latif & Shaikh Ali Al Awadi

62 August 2014

Mohamed Al Awadi

Abdulrahman Juma

Ismaeel, Abdulkareem, Razal & Jawad

Tareq Al Awadi

Jaffer Haji

www.bahrainthismonth.com

lifestyle

When? August 29 | Event? Anniversary | Venue? JJ’s Irish

In High Spirits

The history It started with the construction of the venue itself, with over 80 per cent assembled in Ireland, shipped over and then pieced together in Bahrain. The result is a venue reminiscent of its roots, embracing its location in one of the busy streets of Adliya, where late night partygoers head over for a dose of fun.

“This was a mammoth task, but many will agree it was worth every bit of effort,” says www.bahrainthismonth.com

Destination, p64

Siyana. “That’s how much heart and soul JJ’s puts in everything. We are leaving no stones unturned when it comes to celebrating our 15th birthday this year on the island.”

Live entertainment The annual birthday bash of this unique venue is a must-attend event. Sing along with British tribute act, BoyBand Legends, who will perform live during the celebrations this month. The trio of pop singers will belt out tunes from your favourite boy bands, such as Backstreet Boys, Westlife, Boyzone, Take That, N’Sync, Blue, New Kids On The Block, Boyz2Men, 5ive and East 17.

Feast until you pop Sharing a hearty meal is a tradition of the Irish.

Do some justice to the night and eat as much as you want and drink until you drop.

Remember the Irish saying, “Festa anocht agus gorta amarach”, which means ‘a feast tonight and a famine tomorrow’.

After Dark,Gadgets, Downtime p80 p70

“In Ireland, we say ‘cead mile failte’ or ‘a hundred thousand welcomes’. That’s exactly how you will feel during your visit to Bahrain’s largest and only authentic Irish pub,” says Siyana Koycheva, manager at JJ’s Irish Pub & Restaurant.

Completing 15 memorable years in the Kingdom, the local favourite has plenty to celebrate on August 29. Opened in July 1999, JJ’s Irish quickly built a reputation for quality food and drinks, and attracted a gathering of dedicated visitors for its entertainment — especially its regular karaoke nights!

Motoring, p66

Ramee International, p80

This home-grown Irish pub and restaurant rejoices in 15 years of fun memories with a mega birthday bash!

this month

Entrance to the event is BD5 and advance bookings are recommended. i Call 39 329-083.

Ramee Grand, p81

August 2014 63

destination

Nature Meets City The Hong Kong Island skyline is a sight to see — a concrete jungle that speaks of power and development like no other city in the world.

64 August 2014

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Situated on the southeast coast of China, the city is set among beautiful natural surroundings and yet still has all the benefits of being one of the world’s leading financial, banking and trading centres. The dynamic island is a land of ferocious contrasts and if this is your first time to town, we suggest you brace yourselves.

Beneath the intimidating exterior of sky-high buildings, and what may feel like a chaotic lifestyle, beats the heart of a culture rich in history. Here you can find the delights of modern living alongside an abundance of reminders of a historical past. Whether you visit the better known highlights like the stunning Ocean Park, the fantastic viewpoint of Victoria Peak or the beautiful Repulse Bay, Hong Kong is certain to exceed your expectations.

The Victoria Harbour, a prized iconic landmark, is framed by one of the world’s most famous skylines and it never fails to make you catch your breath. Always bustling with activity, the harbour must be experienced during the day and at night. The bay, which is the third largest in the world after San Francisco in the United States and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, is the perfect spot to unwind and people watch after a long day.

An exciting ferry ride is another way to enjoy the area.

Dubbed by National Geographic as one of the 50 places to visit during a lifetime, the Star Ferry is considered a heritage and cultural treasure and is a symbol of the island nation’s history and rise to prominence during the 20th and early 21st centuries.

Known to be Asia’s culinary capital, restaurants serve everything from local comfort food, like congee, noodles and rice, to international specialties, like French, Italian and Greek cuisines. Hong Kong dimsum is undoubtedly the best in the world, which is a must-eat along your travel and is usually served from early morning until about 5pm. It is delicately shaped, bite-sized and stuffed with light seasonings.

No trip to the Pearl of the Orient is complete without a cup of milk tea, one of its most popular snacks. Hong Kong style milk tea is strong in flavour but a bit bitter in taste. It is particularly mellow and fragrant.

Hong Kong’s shopping scene is renowned world over for the range of goods on offer, and in the countless ways you can find and buy them. Whether you’re a ‘mallster’ or a market hound, there’s plenty to choose from in Asia’s world city. Besides local brands of Hong Kong, nearly all international brands of clothes, decorations, shoes and handbags are available. The products here are diverse,

but the price is much lower than that in other countries.

The best spots to hit are Tsim Sha Tsui Harbor City, DFS Shop, Central Prince’s Building, The Landmark, Pacific Place and the Causeway Bay. Hong Kong’s many industries are leaders in their field, including telecommunication, technology, transportation and entertainment. So it is only natural that the electronic world of the city is second to none in the region. Technology stores are in abundance and range from latest hi-tech gadget markets to ordinary homeappliance stores.

Disneyland may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of China, but Hong Kong does have one and your trip is not complete without a visit. It is located on Lantau Island, just 12kms east of the Hong Kong International Airport.

Although it is smaller in size than Disney parks elsewhere, it offers great attractions including a rollercoaster, stage shows and boat rides. Must-see attractions include Flights of Fantasy Parade, a sky-high celebration with your favourite Disney characters, Mickey’s PhilharMagic in which Donald Duck relives the most memorable moments of Disney’s animated films in 3D and of course, the thrilling space mountain.

Another attraction that a family trip is not complete without is the Ocean Park. Regularly ranked as one of the top theme parks in the world, the aquatic-based venue is located in Aberdeen on the southern coast of Hong Kong Island and is easily accessible by taxi and bus.

Visit www.cathaypacific.com for more information on flights to the amazing city of Hong Kong.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

August 2014 65

motoring

Driving Scottish Spirit George Middleton Last month, I had the pleasure of spending a few hours alone in a RollsRoyce Wraith, experiencing the luxury and performance that only one of the world’s most exclusive vehicles can provide.

BLIPP THIS PAGE TO: EXPLORE ROLLS-ROYCE WRAITH EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF DRIVING A WRAITH CONTACT EURO MOTORS

66 August 2014

Stylish design and craftsmanship certainly feature throughout every inch of the Rolls-Royce Wraith. In many ways, it seemed to be a more compact and less formal version of the Phantom.

This two-door ground-breaking vehicle enjoys the distinction of being not only the most powerful car in the company’s history, but also the nearest thing to a sports car it has ever produced.

One could certainly imagine 'rappers' from California (or Bahrain for that matter) casting off their Bentleys for the Wraith, which in fact is a Scottish dialectal word for ‘ghost’ or ‘spirit’, keeping it well within the company’s stable of product identity.

Stepping into the vehicle via the extra-long, rear-hinged coach door, I was unsurprised by the level of technical sophistication which one would expect from the brand. The 10.3-inch high-definition multimedia display offers synchronised Bluetooth capability, multiple-menu-option visual display, satellite navigation and more.

Twenty-first century technology is cleverly and effectively packaged in a 20th century style. Cabin space in the car is generous up front and just about acceptable in the rear — unless you are couriering your kids. This is definitely a car to drive yourself, rather than be driven in.

In the heat of the summer, the option of electronically cooling the driver and front-seat passenger was most appealing. The conditioning controls were only at one-third of their capability, despite the temperature outside.

A windscreen display option allows the driver to see the speedometer and selected dials displayed ahead while driving without the need to look down. The seat leathers are smooth and soft while the wood panelling running throughout the

vehicle is highly reminiscent of an exclusive boardroom or a luxury super yacht, something that most owners would be familiar with.

Power for this car comes from a 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12, which produces 624hp — enough to make it to 60mph in four seconds, according to Rolls-Royce. The response on the accelerator is immediate and dynamic, giving you the impression that even more power is available if you need it.

The ultimate in comfort and style is the only way I can describe the experience of cruising along Manama’s highways in the Wraith. You get a sense of invincibility and style with very little drama. Even the warning alarms seem contained and under control. This car is solid, stable and smooth as it seems to float on its air suspension. Even on non-tarmac roads, there is very little disturbance to affect the journey.

This is a car that was designed to be driven quickly, easily and responsively. At BD150,000, you won’t be able to find anything superior to it in style and performance in Bahrain.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

EURO MOTORS

Rewarding Customers This automobile dealership leads the way with the first customer rewards programme in its industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Euro Motors has made retail in the automobile industry far more rewarding. The dealership believes it is important to recognise and reward customers for their business.

For the first time in the Gulf region, an automotive dealer has introduced a customer loyalty programme which allows buyers to gain and redeem points across the various divisions of Al Zayani Investments Group.

Starting for now with Euro Motors representing BMW, MINI, Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Maserati, Jaguar and Land Rover, the programme will eventually lead to partnerships with key venues across the island. This allows customers to maximise the return and rewards from the money they spend at Euro Motors on prestigious brands in the car industry.

“Our focus has always been and remains on finding meaningful ways to engage and deliver the very best experience for our customers. We want to recognise and reward our customers in a real and tangible way,” says Nawaf Al Zayani, managing director of Euro Motors.

The introduction of the Intaleq Loyalty Programme is a key innovation to this customer commitment. It will reward customers with a percentage of any money spent with Euro Motors.

This will then be credited to the customer’s Intaleq account, which can be used at the dealership for additional products and services.

Enrol to Intaleq All Euro Motors’ existing customers can apply immediately. New customers can enrol after their first purchase of a product or a service.

Just take a few moments to complete an enrolment form. Submit it to the staff once you are done. Your membership pack will be sent to you by post, inclusive of your personalised card, a quick guide, your web page log-in details and the programme’s dedicated contact details.

Use your personal code to log into your account. Your Intaleq card is your gateway to all the benefits and rewards of the programme, so always make sure you present it to the staff to ensure your points are credited to your account. Enrol now and enjoy your rewards.

How it works For every dinar you spend, your Intaleq account will be credited with one point (Klick) which is equivalent to one per cent of every 100 dinars. The more you spend the more rewards you will get. Your Klicks will be your currency to purchase parts, lifestyle accessories and merchandise. You can use them to pay for your service or even use them as down payment for a new car. i Call 17 750-636, email intaleq@euromotors.com.bh

or visit www.intaleq.com.bh.

August 2014 67

motoring

MOTORCITY

Thrill of the Drive This model’s recent facelift has resulted in a refreshed style with a sharper front end, making it one of the most sought-after cars in its segment.

68 August 2014

Bahrain’s SUV market is not just one of the fastestgrowing vehicle segments, but it’s also one of the most competitive. With this brand-new model, the competition has just got stiffer! The 2014 SsangYong Korando is an SUV that expresses the fusion of urban driving with outdoor adventure.

With a fresh, updated look, the model features projector headlights with a black bezel and LED position lights, and a grill the same colour as the vehicle body along with chrome moulding. The new design boasts a roof rail and signal lights on the mirrors. These innovative changes add to the strong and sleek appeal of the upgraded model.

The back end has also been altered to contribute to the unique redesign. A C-shaped guide light, representing the identity of the brand, has been introduced in the rear combination tail light. The embossing of the Korando lettering stands out and is accented by a rear spoiler.

Further accentuating its sophisticated look are the side panels of the vehicle, which are manufactured using a diamond cutting method. Along with its newly designed 18-inch wheels, the exterior reflects a dynamic style that is unique to this model.

Pioneering features have been introduced in the passenger compartment, matching the luxurious and

sporty style of the vehicle. These features maximise driving comfort. The smooth drive is evident as soon as you start the engine.

The clean, chic style of the instrument panel is perfectly balanced by the natural and subtle, non-glossy wood grain, creating a classy atmosphere that is rarely found in other vehicles in its class. The power train has been optimised to improve efficiency, which offers the driver an excellent and economical driving experience. Powered with a 2.0-litre, 149hp engine and six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, the SUV can tow loads of up to 2,000kg, which is the highest in its segment.

Drivers are spoilt for choice as the Korando comes in two trim levels. In addition, high-end equipment, such as projector headlights, eco-cruise control and rear parking sensors, is included.

Offering music enthusiasts a thrilling ride, the model is equipped with a six-speaker audio system, steering wheelmounted controls and the biggest storage space in its class, with up to 1,312-litre capacity. The latest safety systems include the tyre pressure monitoring system, dual airbags, anti-lock braking system and anti-theft system. i Call 17 621-162 or visit www.motorcity.com.bh. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Anwar & Abdul Wahab

Alaa, Yaqoob & Mohammed

Supercars Club Arabia Iftar Supercars Club Arabia hosted a charity Iftar for members & guests in support of orphans. The Iftar was held at the Tea Club, Amwaj Lagoon Ryan, Fayadh & Auf

Abdulla, Shaikh Salman & Ebrahim

Some of the kids with Yaqoob & Alaa

Sheetal, Nita & Rupal

Mo & Ali

Omar

Anju, Urvi & Joanne

Shoaib

Puneet & Neeta Singh Farewell Party Puneet & Neeta Singh hosted a farewell party for a number of their friends prior to their departure from the Kingdom Sabina, Puneet & Neeta Singh with Jyoti & Bharat Keval & Jennifer

Richard, Lloyd, Keval & Anil

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Damien

Suresh, Milan & Nitin

Anu, Rajeev, Kamalesh & Tanya

Shebani & Jassi

Jaya & Suraj

July 2014 69

gadgets

Gizmo Update The Middle East has been introduced to an array of new gadgets. We take a look at everything from air purifiers and cameras to smartphones and tablets.

Editor's pick!

In-house dance party

Be the DJ at Your Party with Sony’s new MHC-V6D’s powerful sound experience.

The all-in-one sound system comprises world-class technology. The sound pressure horn technology amplifies the acoustic experience. Enjoy the DJ music effects, LED speakers and party chain feature.

A touch more connected

The Acer Iconia One 7, a portable 7-inch tablet with Intel Inside, is the ultimate go-to device for anyone who wants fun on-the-go. The price makes it compelling for families, children, first-time users and anyone on a strict budget.

Extra performance

The Nokia Lumia 630, available in both Dual SIM and Single SIM variants, and the Nokia Lumia 635, with 4G capability, are the first Lumia devices running Windows Phone 8.1 in the region. They deliver an unrivalled affordable smartphone experience.

Innovative design

Ascend P7, the new 4G LTEenabled smartphone from Huawei, comes with an array of innovative features, ultrafast connectivity and easier navigation. It boasts a 5-inch full high-definition display, and 8MP front-facing and 13MP rear-facing cameras.

Simply captivating

LG G3 provides consumers with a user experience more ambitious than anything offered before. Its innovative laser auto focus enables the G3 to capture a moment even in low light by measuring the distance between the subject and the camera using a laser beam.

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www.bahrainthismonth.com

Ultra-high definition

Samsung has introduced its 4K technology to its latest monitor, allowing users to enjoy the same quality on their work machine. The UHD590 monitor offers 64 times the colour of a conventional monitor, allowing you to enjoy content at its best.

A perfect match

The Tissot T-Race Touch combines the great qualities of two amazing pieces — T-Race and Racing-Touch — while transmitting an essence of athletic youth and dynamism. The aluminium touch and the advantage of being very light, make it perfect for a sports watch.

Print your memories

Create a lasting memory of your special moments by printing your images with the new easy-to-use Selphy CP820 from Canon. The enhanced connectivity brings photos to life in an instant. Snapshots can be printed directly from your smartphone or wireless camera.

Cordless phones

The KX-PRW110 from Panasonic combines a sophisticated design with an advanced state-of-the-art smartphone connect functionality. It is the perfect choice for business professionals, offering a very unique horizontal lay-down style handset for an easy grab.

Clean air technology

Airocide, developed by NASA, is a filter-less air purification system. It is capable of eliminating virtually 100 per cent of harmful gases emitted by products around the home.

It eliminates mould, fungi, viruses and bacteria that cause allergy symptoms.

Enjoying downpours

The Grohe Rainshower family provides everything you need to realise a superb shower experience. Comprising an extensive range of rain showers, it includes a stylish hand spray, a complete shower system and a stateof-the-art head shower.

All gadgets are available online. www.bahrainthismonth.com

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downtimegadgets gadgets

Techno Talk This month’s collection of gadgets comes from Lulu Hypermarket, where you can find the most competitive offers on the latest products.

Samsung Galaxy Tablet

Put unlimited entertainment in your hands with this little gadget. From design to display and exclusive features, this tablet has it all.

Philips DVD Home Theatre Philips 40-inch LED TV

Unlike conventional TVs, this innovative model from Philips is easy on the eyes. Offering clear and crisp quality with no blur, this is a perfect addition to any movie enthusiast’s home.

Experience the world of cinema at home with a powerful surround sound system. This DVD system’s contemporary design complements any living space.

Samsung 48-inch LED TV

This full-HD TV allows you to enjoy crystal-clear viewing. The modern design is coupled with amazing connectivity features to give you an unmatchable experience.

Sony PS3

The 2014 FIFA World Cup is over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some competitive football of your own. Get exciting packages from Lulu Hypermarket to enjoy your Sony PS3.

Lulu Hypermarkets can be found at Dana Mall, Hidd, Ramli Mall and East Riffa 72 August 2014

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Bayti Restaurant Opening

Damien, Bashar Al Hassan, Sharif Ahmadi & Abdulrahman Abdulla

Rajesh

The Bahrain Family Leisure Company held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the launch of Bayti Restaurant, situated near Kids Kingdom in Manama Abdul Latif Al Aujan cuts the ribbon in the presence of board members & officials Jan Gutzmann & Suresh Surana

Abdul Latif, Abdul Latif Jr., & Abdulla Al Aujan

Ron Peters & Adel Kanoo

Renjith Pillai & Pauly K.T.

May

GT & Ghina with Peter Lyons

Miraya & Rashida

Hamad

Syed

Ali & Manoj

TCBY New Ramadan Flavours Launch TCBY held an event to mark the launch of its Ramadan Flavour Specials in collaboration with Baked by T. The event was held at the TCBY outlet in Isa Town last month

Luma, Layla, Tala Bashmi, Hana & Fatema Adel, Ali, Ibrahim Bashmi, Yasser, Mahmood & Faisal

Lathifa, Summer & Tala

74 August 2014

Yara, Daliah & Kalli

Noof & Noor

Daliah, Wafa & Layla

www.bahrainthismonth.com

music

Indie Goes Mainstream The indie artists are pushing their genre to take over the radio while the pop legends remain in control of what’s on the people’s playlists.

X Ed Sheeran

M T BU ON ALTHE M

OF

What’s the story?

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After the phenomenal success of his full-length debut album, x, Ed Sheeran comes back with his cleverly titled sophomore album, x (pronounced multiply) — a dazzling display of radiant, often hip-hop-indebted folk-pop. Written while reflecting on the many life changes that came with his overwhelming rise, the English singer-songwriter recorded it with legendary producer Rick Rubin.

The Man is a heart-searing rap confessional that finds the young Elton John protégé assessing the risky balance between love and career, while Photograph is a honeyed, wonderfully arranged highlight whose windswept melody is delivered with Sheeran’s weightless, trademark falsetto.

Worth a listen?

Sheeran infrequently lets his songs breathe freely, packing each second of every song with syllables even when he’s not spitting bars. However, that overeagerness will likely be tamped down as Sheeran continues to polish his impressive craft. x finds a hungry artist doing everything possible to elevate to another level, simply by abiding by his instincts.

After arriving on the US pop scene with an offbeat folk ballad, Sheeran is expanding his profile on his own terms and it seems to work.

VERDICT: After three years of waiting, fans can finally enjoy the sweetness of Ed’s vocals.

Top Track: Sing and Photograph.

A.K.A Jennifer Lopez J.Lo has decided to give her music a shot of adrenaline in A.K.A. The album is a rousing declaration of vitality. I Luh Ya Papi is one of the most playful Lopez tracks since Jenny from the wBlock, while the sensual deephouse pulse of So Good packs a sleek, hypnotic energy. Rappers like Iggy Azalea and Rick Ross make appearances. Featured rappers are abundant.

Iggy, T.I., Rick Ross, and Nas are among the emcees that provide an edge. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Eyes Tiny Hassan Bin Shams aka ‘Tiny’ is a Bahrain-born singer-songwriter. His first EP, Eyes, produced by Maximummalek, will hit the digital market soon. He gave us an exclusive listen of what’s coming. The EP offers a variety of pop and R&B tracks that reflect Tiny’s personal emotions.

Ultraviolence Lana Del Rey The spine-tingling magic of Lana Del Rey’s Ultraviolence lies in the album’s striking suddencontrast moments, as on West Coast, when her cool detachment wells up into a wail of emotional anguish.

Lana offers a hypnotic set of darkly tempered songs like Ultraviolence.

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games

Attacking Heat Waves H

Shovel Knight

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Summer offers a lot to gamers, who do not hit the beach that often. We give these games a try for a glimpse of the best that the season has to offer.

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This is an incredible game that respects and recreates the fundamentals of gaming’s roots.

It draws its inspiration from Zelda 2, Megaman, Mario 3 and Ducktales. Nevertheless, the game has many creative concepts to form its own identity.

Guacamelee!

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam Reborn What Is It?:

Set in an era called Universal Century, mecha (giant robots) known as Mobile Suits are used to wage war across land, sea, air and space. Featuring characters and Mobile Suits from the legendary franchise, Dynasty Warriors: Gundam Reborn takes the series to a new level of futuristic action with new graphical additions, gameplay features and scenarios ripped straight from the Gundam universe. Experience the thrill of piloting Mobile Suits and relive famous Gundam scenes in an action-packed thrill ride.

This is a solid platformer filled with puns and references to well-known games. Fans of beat ‘em ups won’t be disappointed, being able to violently thrash enemies into each other with strings of combos. Ultimately, the game is just like the original, with a couple of added tweaks — this is a good thing!

Graphics:

Graphically, the game looks good on the PlayStation 3, with the developers tweaking their existing engine to create a very lifelike Gundam universe. The gaming environments are varied and diverse. The game has an animated feel to it that matches the various incarnations of movies and TV series.

Gameplay: Much like its predecessor, Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3,

exploding the enemies is a crucial element of the gameplay. Cause enough damage to a foe before its health bar reaches zero and it’ll detonate, hurting any of its allies that are caught in the blast.

As you can imagine, blowing tens of enemy suits up at once results in bigger explosions that chain together, potentially wiping out whole fields of opposition in just a few well-executed moves. Every attack, whether it’s ranged or not, connects with satisfying sound effects.

VERDICT: It may not offer the gaming industry anything new, but it does offer a relatively fun space game with larger than life battles.

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Sniper Elite 3 Sniper Elite 3 continues the story of elite OSS sniper Karl Fairburne during World War II. The game has its moments, but they are too few and far between. Every so often you’ll find yourself enjoying it, but that soon fades as you enter a pattern of shooting hundreds of dudes until you can move forward and snipe again. www.bahrainthismonth.com

websites

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WooRank.com What Is It?

Every day, more than 30,000 companies rely on WooRank to analyse their websites and receive clear, actionable insights into how they can be optimised. Its easy-to-use Web-based software generates instant website reviews. These include valuable data combined with a list of comprehensive tasks. In turn, WooRank helps businesses and online marketers achieve higher search engine rankings, convert more visitors into customers, keep track of their competitors and get more return on their digital marketing investments.

The Good:

You can sign into WooRank, add or remove extra users and upload reports — all in one click. In less than 10 seconds, the WooRank makes a deep website review and provides a report with personalised tips to improve a website. This could include social media, mobile optimisation, usability, SEO, marketing and competitor analysis.

The Bad:

The initial analysis will give you a summarised report almost instantly.

However, to see your full list of recommendations and further detail in some categories, WooRank will prompt you to register.

VERDICT: Simple, fast, reliable and beautiful.

Jimdo.com Jimdo is one of the easiest ways to create a website. With a simple, intuitive interface, Jimdo enables anyone to create a unique website with a blog and online store. Its mission is to put the power of website creation into everyone’s hands. You can create your home on the web.

Edicy.com Edicy can serve your web pages in every visitor’s preferred language, without them even asking. You need to do the translating yourself.

Once you’ve created your translated pages, they all sit in the same site structure. www.bahrainthismonth.com

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apps

It’s All a Game We could use a game or two on our phone to kill time and for the sake of harmless competition with friends.

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Spaceteam Spaceteam is a cooperative party game for two to four players who shout technobabble at each other until their ship explodes. You’ll be assigned a random control panel with buttons, switches, sliders and dials. You need to follow time-sensitive instructions, which are being sent to your teammates as well. So you have to coordinate before the time runs out. Also, the ship is falling apart.

And you’re trying to outrun an exploding star.

Cat Physics What Is It?

Join the cats in their favourite midnight ball game — Cat Physics! The objective is simple. Pass the ball from one cat to another. Don’t be fooled though. The task includes flip boards, glass windows, trap doors and other obstacles.

There are around 100 clever puzzles to solve, cosy midnight backdrops and jazzy background music. If you complete puzzles using different solutions, you get increased replay value.

The Good

This is one of the coolest games around. It makes you think and provides hours of fun.

From the aesthetics and the puzzle design to the feeling of progression and how smoothly the cats grab the ball, this game is a really great physics-based puzzler. The little bonus of cats meowing when you tap them is appealingly cute. The game is simple and yet it’s challenging. The soundtrack is great, too!

The Bad

Removing ads comes at a cost. Doing so enables you to have more fun with the game.

One hundred levels isn’t a lot for an avid gamer. You do wish there were more challenges to complete once you’ve reached the end of the road. If you’re playing the free version, then expect to see annoying ads fill nearly half the screen.

VERDICT: It’s a fun-filled game that keeps you engaged.

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Monster Hunter Freedom Unite This is an excellent game that may require some time for newcomers to the series. It offers plenty of monsters to hunt, skills to learn, items to collect and equipment pieces to create. The cycle may turn off some gamers, but those who stick will have enjoyed one of the best iOS games of the year. www.bahrainthismonth.com

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movies

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes DIRECTED BY: Matt Reeves STARRING: Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Andy Serkis

The Plot:

The film is a sequel to the successful Rise of the Planet of the Apes. A growing nation of genetically evolved apes is threatened by a group of human survivors of a devastating virus that was unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species.

Worth Watching? If the movie resembles anything, it’s a Shakespearean tragedy, with its complex web of allegiances and weighty themes of revenge, mercy, loyalty, and, of course, what it means to be human. It is primarily a visual experience and on that front it’s spectacular and sophisticated.

Both the forest settings and post-apocalyptic San Francisco are rich in detail and atmosphere.

VERDICT: It may lack its predecessor’s lofty ambitions, but once the bullets, spears and hairy fists start flying, you’ll be too locked in to care.

The Fault in Our Stars This is a truly heartbreaking movie that has a stellar cast, script and chemistry. The story, humour and direction are AAA. It is one of the saddest movies in recent years, being able to stand alongside My Sister’s Keeper. The Fault in Our Stars is a very satisfying movie that will bring you to tears.

22 Jump Street With wit and self-mockery, 22 Jump Street brings ‘bromance’, satirical action scenes and a good dose of laughter. The script is smart, bordering on improvised banter, and it neatly pokes at popular culture. www.bahrainthismonth.com

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afterdark

Party All Night Long

Vision band

Push your limits of partying with the new acts going on around town.

Here’s a bunch of venues to club-hop your way through the weekend.

Ramee International Hotel Reinvigorating the nightlife scene at Rocky’s Café is the latest in-house live band, Vision, which will keep you dancing to RnB, hip-hop, pop, disco, reggae, house music and the latest chartbusters every night from 9pm onwards.

“Rocky’s sets the standard for an exciting nightlife in Bahrain and is focused on meeting the needs of the region’s large and ever-growing market of leisure and entertainment,” says Naveen Narayanan, the hotel’s general manager. “This is a place where people meet in style for a unique party atmosphere.”

DJ Angel from the UK spins a progressive blend of house, rock, hip-hop, new age, funk, electro and Motown.

With an America-themed decor, this club takes you back to the ‘60s and ‘70s with real Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Chevrolet cars and other vintage artworks.

Look out for the venue’s promotions on food and beverages to get the most out of your night. The dining section offers American and Continental fare; the Angus beef steak is a must-try. i Call 39 413-677 or email rockyscafe@rameehotelsbahrain.com.

Ramee California Hotel Club Buffalo at the Ramee California sports a new sevenmember Canadian band called Sugar Mash, which makes a debut performance at the start of Eid. Having performed around the world, the band says they are ready to conquer the Wild West-themed saloon and Bahrain’s nightlife scene.

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Sugar Mash

“The band’s multitalented musicians will melt your heart with their strong vocal ballads, powerful energy and mighty charisma,” says Antony Hurtis, the hotel’s manager.

Cheer like a rockstar as Sugar Mash takes you on a live music journey. Catch them while they play every night at 9pm. Bedrock, the neighbouring night club at the hotel, also features a new band, from Thailand, called Museum. i Call 39 688-207 or 36 131-020. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Ramee Monroe Hotel & Suites Gside Collection starts a brand-new chapter in the live band circuit as it takes the stage at The Hub at Ramee Monroe Hotel. Backed by live musicians and using canned instrumental music, the female trio of Lyn, Mary and Reena will deliver classic retro favourites and soulful ballads.

“Versatility is one of their major assets. They are sure to make each evening one you will truly enjoy as they capture your heart through music,” says Anil VK, the hotel’s food and beverage manager. “Gside’s collection envelops years of instrumental and entertainment artistry into an ultimate stage experience with an inspiring mix of ingredients that always adds up to a packed dance floor.”

Don’t miss their performances every night alongside resident DJ Ryan from 9pm to 2am. The club also runs weekly promotions and regular theme nights. i Call 36 289-383.

RAMEE GRAND HOTEL & SPA

A Place to Unwind Food, fun and entertainment are all you need to make a night eventful.

Pamper yourself with more than just the usual when you visit this venue.

Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa’s club, Ibrida, is at the core of Bahrain’s nightlife entertainment and has steadily become the venue to look forward to every evening. If you haven’t yet experienced Ibrida, then don’t miss the opportunity. Weekend revellers can dance the night away and the afterwork crowds can unwind while sipping on special drinks prepared by the club’s expert mixologists.

“Ibrida has all it takes and more, setting new trends in the mixology and clubbing industry in the entire region,” says Shantharam Shetty, the Ramee group general manager. The club’s dining section serves prime US and New Zealand steaks and authentic tastes of Asian sushi, maki and teppanyaki handcrafted by Japanese chefs flown in straight from the heart of Tokyo.

The venue has also been an entertainment hub for a variety of acts in collaboration with international and local artistes. Make your way to the fun at Ibrida between the hours of 9pm and 2am. Ladies’ nights are hosted every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, with free selected beverages.

Gside

Live entertainment Revving up the party at the Ramee Ibrida is the new resident four-member band, Celebration. These musical talents produce a sophisticated blend of vocals with an extensive repertoire of the latest dance music, pop, R&B, hip hop, rock and simply the hottest and most popular classic hits and party songs around. Party-goers can dance the night away to DJ Joshua Cove. The venue is open from 9pm until 2am. i Call 17 111-999 or email ibrida@rameegrandbahrain.com.

DJ Angel

www.bahrainthismonth.com

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bystander

Tareq & Marwa

Abdulla & Mohammed

K Hotel Ramadan Iftar The K Hotel in Juffair hosted an Iftar party for a number of guests at the Klouds Restaurant during the Holy Month of Ramadan

Abdulla, Mohammed, Bilal & Abdulrahman Paola, Karim & Tareq

Randa, Hodan, Hilary, Farheen, Bilal & Sanhita

Yousif & Yasir

Zuhair, Vijay & Omran

Employee of the Month (LPOD) - Sandanand Gupta, with LPOD managers

Al Areen Integrated Iftar Party Al Areen holding, Al Areen Palace & Spa and Lost Paradise of Dilmun staff heldtheir company Iftar at the Al Nadwah Ballroom, Al Areen Palace & Spa. Present were the company officials and staff Cake cutting for all July birthday celebrants Deveraj

Employee of the Month (Al Areen) Subeesh with Pierre

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Employee of the Month (Al Areen) - Hassan awarded by hotel manager Mr Pierre

Soghra, Hani & Lenin

Cristina, Vanessa, Princess & Michelle

Cherryl

www.bahrainthismonth.com

dining

this month Dining Happenings, p84

Summer Coolers, p85

Kojo Restaurant

Costa, p87

The Japanese Way zilia monteiro Savour the taste of authentic Japanese cuisine at a fine dining restaurant where meals can be shared in the traditional way.

Kojo Japanese Restaurant, well-known within the city limits of Durrat Al Bahrain, opened in May last year and within six months its success led to the inauguration of a second outlet in a commercial complex at Zayed Town.

The venue is hard to miss as it can be spotted from the highway, inviting passers-by who are looking for a quick food stop. It also offers a takeaway service for those in a real hurry.

Kojo serves fine authentic Japanese cuisine, with its own twist on contemporary fusions, in a modern setting.

The interiors are everything one can expect to find in a typical Japanese dining scenario, bringing the Far Eastern tourist spot to the Kingdom’s shores.

For those who enjoy dining in a more intimate setting, the Zayed Town location has five in-built dining booths for families and private gatherings.

Laid out with traditional tatami mats, you can be sure to enjoy every meal like an aristocrat.

Kojo’s sushi bar is an attraction to those who www.bahrainthismonth.com

prefer to enjoy food fresh off the counter.

Making good sushi is a feat that comes with years of practice and experience.

The mild Tokyo roll, which is a tuna avocado mix finished with a home-made sauce, is a signature dish worth trying. The smoked lava maki made of crispy fried shrimps, also served with a home-made sauce, is a local favourite.

Indulge in a teppan combination of seafood, chicken, beef and vegetables with the saltysweet teriyaki flavour.

Dishes are priced individually, but there are sushi and sashimi combinations to give you a sample of both flavours. Sushi can be served à la carte with a combination of maki and rolls of your choice, with condiments on the side.

Round off your meal with a choice of desserts, ranging from fried ice cream served with fresh fruits.

A delicacy worth trying is the green tea or matcha ice cream, which is a popular flavour in Japan, perfect after a traditional meal. The restaurant is open from Saturday to Friday for lunch from 1pm to 4pm and for dinner from 7pm to midnight at both locations.

Call 77 009-997 (Durrat Al Bahrain) or 17 449-055 (Zayed town).

Slice This month, make sure you try out this new venue’s fresh take on pizzas and home-made style specials.

Pizza Empress by Mr Slice is gaining momentum as the new local fast-food favourite in Adliya. Having started a month ago by chef Errin Stone, the restaurant offers a quickbite to soothe hunger pangs. Dine in, take-away or simply order from the comforts of your home with a home delivery service for that last-minute pizza party.

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dining

Food is the Word Craving for a different dining experience, but don’t know where to look?

Keep up with the latest deals around town on food, drinks and theme nights.

Rayes Restaurant at Coral Bay offers a weekly deal that combines a health fix and tempting treats. The salad bar offers over 10 varieties of fresh cold mezze and Lebanese salads from Sundays to Wednesdays. You can choose from three main courses and an assortment of desserts for only BD4.900++ per head.

Take a break from cooking during the week and head over to the Elite Resort & Spa on Wednesdays to add some Spanish zing to your week with a Paelleras Night. The buffet is for BD12 per person. Thursdays’ treat is a grill buffet dinner, also for BD12. Chill out on Saturdays with musical entertainment and a barbeque at BD9 per person before the busy week sets in.

Get your ponchos and sombreros on for a Mexican tortilla promotion

throughout the month of August at the Sheraton Hotel Bahrain. Soie Restaurant hosts a shrimp promotion form 7pm to 11.30pm for the month, from Sundays to Fridays.

Keizo at Al Areen Palace & Spa hosts a Sushi Night every Wednesday with 50 per cent discount on a selection of dishes. Saffron restaurant at the venue runs a fun character breakfast every Friday and Saturday with a brunch, kids’ activities and free access to the swimming pool. Adults dine at BD12++ and kids for BD6++. Children under six years can dine for free.

InterContinental Regency Hotel refreshes customers’ palates with new food and beverages at their outlets. There is a new healthy option for kids as well. Legendz Steakhouse features a new celebrity chef from Australia — David Bell.

bystander

Opening Of Photography Exhibition Titled Kerala

Strathclyde Ramadan Ghabga

Under the patronage of HE Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister of Culture, a photography exhibition titled 'Kerala' by Abdulla Al Khan was opened at the Bahrain National Museum

Strathclyde Business School hosted a Ramadan Ghabga for alumni and guests at InterContinental Regency's Al Thuraya Tent

HE Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa & Abdulla Al Khan

Abdulla Al Khan

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Dr Abdul Latif Kanoo & Mahmood

Khalid Al Zayani & Akram Miknas

Ravi, Elvin, Alex, Manos & Ron

Tim

Sadia, Milushka & Nariman

Nafees

www.bahrainthismonth.com

summer coolers

Feeling Parched?

Fruity, sweet, tart and sparkling — cool summer sippers are a necessity for every occasion this month. We look for some of the best venues where you can find your favourite quencher and take a long sip.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Under the scorching summer sun, it’s hard to have anything that isn’t cooling. Making summer bearable are a number of venues across the island. From ice creameries to cafés and juice parlours to frozen yoghurt stands, they’ve all got a special concoction this season to help you brave the sweltering heat. Suddenly, slurping doesn’t seem so wrong.

From lemonades that are best enjoyed on a porch and fruit juices to old-time refreshers like sodas and floats, we find them all tucked away within the eateries of Bahrain. We also spotted some fun frothy treats for children and some great iced teas— the official taste of summer. There is an abundance of caffeinated coolers and cold, creamy shakes as well.

Sweet haven No one would judge you if you lived in TCBY until spring arrives (or after). Whether you’re in the mood for handscooped or soft serve, you’ll find yourself lost in a world of flavours in this froyo heaven which has launched a new branch in Isa Town. Invent your own smoothie or simply select the classic yoghurt and top it with all your favourite berries.

The irresistibly tangy, light and refreshing Pinkberry offers the perfect balance of sweet and tart. No matter how much you’ve already eaten, these little bowls of deliciousness leaves you wanting more. FreshBerry, as an alternative, is working towards opening up its very own café along the restaurant strip in Juffair.

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summer coolers

A newbie in the market that has been stealing the scene is Purple Swirl. You’ve got to try the Taro flavour, which is quite the summer treat. An added bonus is that you pay by weight. Make your own dessert at any of their pop-up venues across the Kingdom.

It doesn’t need to be summer at Caribou Coffee for a patron to take a dive at their coolers which are also available in ‘lite’ versions for weight watchers. Just like its smoothies, the snowdrifts here are big hits among those with a sweet tooth.

Creamy indulgence If summer allows one thing, it’s ice cream— by the bucket. Check out the latest additions in the range of icy temptations at Baskin-Robbins. Build your own treat by mixing up your favourite flavours.

Those with a sweet tooth keep coming back to Marble Slab Creamery, with their loyalty card, of course; get it stamped with every five purchases to get one absolutely free.

If you’d like to see some skills behind the counter, watch out for the staff at Cold Stone Creamery as they fling your scoops in the air before they get mashed up with your choice of toppings.

Get the juice Beat the heat with cool summer drinks. With both fruit drinks as well as creative twists on classic lemonade and blended margaritas, there is a collection of refreshing drink recipes for you to try this season.

Ashraf’s Café has been getting a lot of footfall owing to its popular drink— the miracle juice. Find out what the fuss is about by dropping in at the café in Hoora. Their unique combos are a must-try.

Aroma Café offers a fresh take on virgin margaritas and mojitos, with exciting new flavours. Try the mango and strawberry versions for a refreshing sip of summer.

The InterContinental Regency has a range smoothies and ice cream sandwiches that are on offer daily at the hotel’s dining venues. Indulge in creamy goodness this month with these sweet treats.

Ice breakers The new Costa Ice menu at Costa Coffee now has more flavour than ever. If it’s too hot for your favourite coffee, just try it over ice— poured or blended, it’s up to you! If you’d prefer a boost with something fruity and refreshing, Costa’s fruit coolers are just the ticket. Need a bit of zest in your life? Pick up an iced lemonade. Or for something truly rich and decadent, the creamy coolers will hit the spot. The top two drinks to watch out for are the caramel latte cooler and the coffee cooler; both come with Costa’s signature Mocha Italia cream. The green tea, lime and mint cooler is a hit with loyal customers.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has an interesting array of drinks on offer. Try out their coffee ice blended range. Get the ultimate kick by adding chocolate-covered espresso beans. Kids needn’t miss out on the fun. They can have the coffee-free range with the same flavours.

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www.bahrainthismonth.com

COSTA COFFEE

Hand-crafted Coffees Just one per cent of the world’s production of coffee is good enough for this coffee brand to choose from. Find out what goes into each cup.

Every cup of coffee at Costa must be freshly ground to the right consistency to ensure the prefect extraction of the flavours and aroma.

Costa stores around the world use specially designed Italian espresso machines and every coffee is handcrafted by highly trained baristas.

Not only are they experts in making a perfect coffee with speed and precision, time and time again, but each barista brings his or her personal flair and creativity to every cup. In addition to the hot favourites, the baristas handcraft glamorous and refreshing ice cold coffees and coolers for the summer. An annual competition is held globally to find the Costa ‘Barista of the Year’ in order to recognise the pride, passion and personality of its people.

Unique blend The roastery team at Costa Coffee ensures that each outlet uses only the cream of the world’s coffee crop. Only the very best coffee available can go into the creating of the unique taste and aroma of the Costa Coffee Mocha Italia Blend.

Mocha Italia mixes both Arabica and Robusta coffee beans to create its unique blend. Arabica beans provide a delicate, fruity, citrus flavour, while Robusta beans provide more powerful, earthy, chocolate-like flavours, adding body to the espresso. Mocha Italia is blended to get the best out of both types of beans to maximise the coffee taste for customers.

The roasting process is extremely important as it draws out the aroma and flavour of the bean.

Costa Coffee uses a unique system based on 30 years of roasting experience. All coffee is packaged within 20 minutes of leaving the roaster to ensure maximum freshness. i Call 17 179-792 (City Centre Bahrain) or 17 580-139 (Seef Mall).

www.bahrainthismonth.com

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dining TGI FRIDAY’S

All Wrapped Up There’s more to this casual dining restaurant than big, bold flavours.

This restaurant’s mission is to remind its guests of all the good times — especially with this summer promotion.

TGI Friday’s offers great food and amazing drinks at all of its locations around the globe, including the two in Bahrain. Thanks to this dining venue you no longer have to wait until Friday to indulge in juicy burgers and steaks, grilled seafood and refreshing mocktails.

This month, TGI Friday’s celebrates an all-time favourite — wraps!

The promotion is sure to exceed the expectations of Bahrain’s diners.

Whether it’s Asian flavours or classic combinations, these wraps will have you coming back for more.

That’s a wrap!

Priced at BD4, the Philly cheesesteak wrap is made of pita bread stuffed with sautéed and seasoned Philly steak, peppers, onions, mushrooms and layered American cheese. Vegetarians can enjoy the veggie wrap for BD3. This is a warm pita bread stuffed with sundried tomato mayonnaise, fresh lettuce, carrots, avocados, mushrooms, tomatoes, olives, and Swiss and Colby cheeses.

The grilled chicken wrap comes at BD3.750. Indulge in juicy fire-grilled chicken breasts with shredded Romaine lettuce, sundried tomato mayonnaise, pico de gallo, olives, cucumbers and feta cheese. Available at the same price is the Szechuan steak wrap.

Slices of a choice steak are sautéed with sesame oil, peppers, onions, carrots and mushrooms, and then wrapped in a pita bread with hoisin sauce and pilaf rice.

All wraps are served with crispy seasoned fries. Wash down your meal with any of their new drinks for BD1.500. The choices are strawberry passion tea, tropical raspberry tea, triple berry smoothie and mango passion smoothie. i Call 17 179-041 (City Centre Bahrain) or 17 827-044 (Juffair).

GOLDEN TULIP HOTEL

New on the Menu Having reeled in a new chef to head the kitchen, this five-star hotel sees a lot of changes on the menu. Take a look at the new food promotions at its dining venues.

Kent Brothwell was selected by chef Anton Mosiman at the Dorchester in London to do his apprenticeship at the age of 16. Now in his 38th year in the hotel industry, with the last 18 as executive chef, Kent heads the kitchen brigade at Golden Tulip Hotel.

Having been in the Middle East for many years, he has specialised in Mediterranean fare. As he enjoys cooking fusion dishes, this executive chef feels at home with most cuisines.

Celebrating food The Golden Tulip Hotel has been a landmark in Bahrain for many years.

With the introduction of different themes, the hotel aims to please clients with a great dining experience.

From Sunday to Thursday, the hotel hosts a business lunch from noon until 3pm for the working crowd. A diner can indulge in food and nonalcoholic beverages for BD7.500++.

Every Wednesday, the five-star hotel organises a seafood night for BD12.500++. From 7pm until 11pm, Bahrain’s gourmands can indulge in the finest and freshest seafood and shellfish, prepared exactly the way you like it.

The Arabian night, held every Thursday from 7pm until 11pm, is popular with the locals and expats alike.

A great way to kick off the weekend, this food festival is a great opportunity to try traditional favourites of the region — for BD8.500++.

Bahrain’s residents are familiar with the Friday brunch at Golden Tulip Hotel. Held from noon until 4.30pm, this is a must-try for every food enthusiast in the Kingdom. For BD16.500++, you can try some of the best dishes this hotel has to offer. i Call 17 535-000.

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www.bahrainthismonth.com

RAMADA HOTEL BAHRAIN

Summer Living

SHOO FEE MA FEE

Igniting a Flame There are few better ways to spark friendships than sharing a meal together.

This venue offers a unique setting for a relaxed evening with friends.

Your perfect summer break need not be too far away from home; you could find it in the comfort of this hotel.

Ramada Hotel Bahrain understands that summer is the time of year to present attractive offers for both leisure and business travellers.

“With its reputation, location, professionalism and unmatched services and facilities, Ramada offers a wealth of benefits that are guaranteed to make your summer stay and experience relaxed and memorable,” says Hans Radek, general manager at the four-star hotel.

Book, stay and pay for some of the best available rates. Ramada Hotel Bahrain offers a variety of services that the whole family can enjoy — free wireless Internet connection, complimentary coffee and tea making facilities, electronic in-room safety locker, iron and ironing board, and a large bottle of mineral water. Bask in the summer sun and relax by the Oasis swimming pool as you order an array of cocktails, mocktails and snacks.

After a refreshing afternoon dip in the pool, hang out with friends at The Exchange Restaurant & Pub. Feast from a wide range of specialty dishes along with your family and friends while watching your favourite sport.

Celebrate evenings with the discount on selected beverages during ‘Happy Hour’ from 5pm to 7pm daily. The new resident act, Sugar n Spice, livens up the night with music from Tuesdays to Sundays starting from 9pm.

So what are you waiting for? Double up your summer fun at Ramada Bahrain!

Shoo Fee Ma Fee is a Lebanese restaurant nestled within the Adliya café avenue, with a name that translates to ‘What’s up?’. Somewhat hidden from view but well worth finding, this venue offers the perfect setting to enjoy an authentic Lebanese meal with friends.

Everything about this restaurant is modern, from the two-storey structure to the cuisine on offer. The venue boasts a mixture of indoor and outdoor dining areas. Shoo Fee Ma Fee is bright and open, and offers plenty of space for private gatherings.

Whether it is steaming-hot breads or oven-fresh pizzas, you can draw comfort from knowing that everything you eat is freshly prepared at the venue.

Bright shades of red, green and yellow decorate the furnishings and walls, while large glass windows bring in light during the day. Tall ceilings, staggered decks, al fresco settings and a courtyard offer a different dining experience for each visit.

If you’re looking to share a meal in this fine eatery with a loved one, the ambience and cuisine generate that extra spark for a special occasion. If you do not want to dine in, bring the Shoo Fee Ma Fee experience into your home with their home-delivery service. i Call 17 311-280.

i Call 17 742-000 www.bahrainthismonth.com

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bystander

ILA Art Exhibition

Ashalatha & Florine

Nalini, Mona & Samar

Nivedita & Mala

Sushmita, Bhavana & Usha

Shirley & Marietta

Hina, Manju & Thanuja

The Indian Ladies Association (ILA) organised the Assisted Art Exhibition, which featured work by children with special needs at its Sneha Centre.

The exhibition was held at the Bahrain Arts Society, Budaiya Mala Kumar opens the exhibition

Naz, Vidhi, Somya & Lisa

90 August 2014

Julie, Helena & Beatriz

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bystander

Lilian & Lynne

Gulnar

Abdulrahman Alwazzan & Jenny

Jenny's Baby Shower Lynne Alwazzan and her sister Norma held a baby shower for Norma's son Michael & his wife Jenny who are expecting their first baby

Michael, Jenny & Norma Rose

BTM_Special_Outlined_August2014.pdf

Jenny & Michael

1

2014/07/09

Chantel & Jenny

9:41 AM

Mahin & Jenny

Jade, Jenny & Huda

Ali & Mai

Suda, Jenny & Aneisha

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

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bystander

Ekram & Dalia

Amali, Clanda & Lesel

Azadea Staff Iftar The Azadea Group hosted a staff Iftar during the Holy Month of Ramadan at the Abd El Wahab restaurant in Moda Mall Alain, Pierre & Lucien Maher & Sadika

Amro, Ibrahim, Munia, Jamal & Alain

Baha & Mohamed

Dom & Grace

Farid & Elie

Hanine

www.jfcbahrain.com

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bystander

Nada, Marwa & Amina

Euro Motors Launch of Intaleq Loyalty Program

Paul Yates & Shehab

Euro Motors launched its Intaleq customer loyalty programme that allows customers to gain and redeem points across the divisions of Al Zayani Investments Group. Officials announced the new programme during a press event held at Royal Golf Club in Riffa last month Nawaf Al Zayani & Paul Yates Charlie & Hannane

Ayoob with Anthony Raymond

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Hera, Lubna & Basma

David

Emad

Hatim & Natarajan

Peter

Salah

August 2014 93

bystander

Filimena & Safa

Giovanna & Chad

Ramee Grand Staff Iftar The Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa in Seef held a staff Iftar during the Holy Month of Ramadan. At the event they were introduced to Michele Magrone, the new general manager of the hotel

Gilbert, Prasad, Michele Magrone, Nishandra, Cynthia & Antoraj Nenie, Ramesh & Marina

Shantharam Shetty & Michele Magrone

Antoraj, Shantharam Shetty & Bhaskar

Claire & Michele

Abdullah & Sajan

Om & Narae

MONDAY TILL SATURDAY

It’s your Night LADIES

94 August 2014

U N S L BE EL IM VE EC IT R TE ED AG D ES

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bystander

Salman, Abdulla Al Haddad & Steve

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Launch Al Haddad Motors, sole distributors for Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the Kingdom held an event to mark the launch of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class at the Al Haddad Motors showroom Abdulla Al Haddad, Salman, Graeme Newport & Imran

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Mohammed & Ali

Zainab, Shaima & Wafa

Sarun, Joel & Basil

Ali

August 2014 95

bystander

Hilary & Ross

Gulf Hotel Media Iftar

Yasmin & Zilia

Gulf Hotel hosted a media Iftar during the Holy Month of Ramadan at the hotel's Al Waha Restaurant

Sallyann, Lereina, Belle, Carina, Aiza, Mohammed Jawadi & Yasmin Zuhair & Mohammed

Jan Gutzmann & Greg

Monir, Simon, Anwar & Ajmal

Manohar

Bong & Anggy

Khawla, Mahmood & Suhair

Rashda, Amaar & Farheen

Madhiha

Rawya, Amal & Zarina

Tooba

Oman Air Ghabga Oman Air hosted a ghabga for a number of guests during the Holy Month of Ramadan at the Al Safir Hotel's Ramadan Tent

Eric, Steve, Candy, Sana, Ahmed, Dixon & Fahad

Dixon, Nimmy, Nimi, Charles, Sijith, Leslie & Siraj

96 August 2014

Rheju, Eric, Suheb & Stephen

www.bahrainthismonth.com

What’s New Edited by Maryam Toorani

Travel in style

A man’s aroma Eau de Cade from L’Occitane is an intense, luminous fragrance that exudes sheer, steadfast masculinity. The brand uses oil with aromatic notes supported by woody accords, which anchor the fragrance in authenticity.

Available at L’Occitane.

Tumi, the leading international brand of premium travel, business and lifestyle accessories, honours its heritage of design excellence with the launch of Alpha 2.

Updated with innovative technologies, Alpha 2 stands as a true modern classic in both design and function.

Available at Tangara.

Adaptable chic Whether you are on the beach in St Tropez or at a cocktail party in Miami Beach, the timeless Cruise Original collection from Technomarine is perfect for any occasion, thanks to its ingenious interchangeable strap and covers.

Available at A La Mode.

Fabulous or fearsome?

The answer is both. One thing’s certain, Le Pliage Madballs — Jeremy Scott’s latest limited edition of Longchamp’s iconic foldable travel bag — is set to start a style debate. Available at Jashanmal.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Body improvements Hula, Hayati and Dolphin products have a new healthcare concept through its range of machines that intensifies the functions of the human body, like improving blood circulation.

Available in Gajria Electronics.

August 2014 97

marketplace PUMA

Kicking Off in Style

Born to win The blue and lime green Cup kit is to be worn by Arsenal away from home in Cup competitions, including the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup. The design symbolises the desire for innovation and progression that has driven the club through its history. This outlook resulted in Arsenal being the first team to ever wear numbers on shirts and the first club to have stadium floodlights so the team could play at night.

There’s a firm focus on youth development as well that has become synonymous with the club. This jersey combines diagonal blue stripes with a twist of lime green on the body panels and the sleeve cuff tips, bringing a youthful and fresh look and a tailored button-down collar.

This football season Arsenal players hit the field in a completely new look as its kit partner unveils three different jerseys.

98 August 2014

Arsenal supporters across the world are lining up outside the Puma stores as three brand-new jerseys have been launched for the football club. The Home, Away and Cup kits have unique designs inspired by Puma’s core values, which also reflect the spirit of the club. These kits are part of the ‘Future, Forever, Victorious’ story that underlines the Puma and Arsenal campaign — Stronger Together.

“We have looked forward to this launch for some time,” says Björn Gulden, chief executive officer, Puma. “I’m sure Arsenal fans around the world are excited by the kit designs as well as the training and fanwear collections. It is a privilege working with Arsenal, not just because of the stature of the club, but also the integrity of its people.

I am sure this is the start of a long and prosperous relationship for both Puma and Arsenal.”

On and off shore The Home kit, based on the theme ‘Forever’ stays true to the traditional red and white Arsenal colours that first appeared in 1933. The crew-neck shirt has a classic red body with heat transfer tapes running down.

White contrasting sleeve tips on the cuffs, a design detail also seen on the Away and Cup shirts. It is a representation of the strong and loyal fan base Arsenal has built over the years.

The theme of the Away shirt is ‘Victorious’. Designed in the iconic yellow and navy blue colours, it was worn by Arsenal during some of their most famous victories away from home. These shades are inextricably linked with some of the Gunners’ greatest moments, including the 1971 and 1979 FA Cup wins, and the title victory at Enfield in 1989. This V-neck shirt features heat transfer tapes running down the body and blue contrasting sleeves with yellow and red tipping on the cuffs. www.bahrainthismonth.com

“The new kits have impressed the players, especially because of the story behind them,” says Mikel Arteta, the club’s star player. “Puma has done an excellent job with the design. It’s a great start to this new season and we are hungry to progress and bring more silverware to Arsenal and our fans.”

“We like the performance innovations Puma is creating for our playing and training kits and we have real confidence in the support they will give us as our technical partner,” adds Arsène Wenger, manager of Arsenal FC. Optimum performance The performance shirts that the players will wear on pitch feature Puma’s new football apparel innovation — the PWR ACTV technology. This combines athletic taping and compression within the apparel to help players maximise their output.

The ACTV tape is strategically placed within the garment to provide micro-massages on the skin, working with the human body to provide players with a faster, www.bahrainthismonth.com

more effective energy supply to active muscles. The replica shirts feature breathable underarm mesh inserts and Puma dryCELL moisture management technology.

They have the same design as the on-pitch shirt worn by the Arsenal team, but have a more relaxed fit.

The Home and Away replica kits and a full collection of fanware are available for fans to purchase now online and in Puma stores. The Cup kit will be launched in-store and online later this month.

Looking back One of the leading sports brands, Puma designs, develops and distributes sports footwear, apparel and accessories around the world. For over 65 years, it has established a history of making products that cater to some of the fastest athletes. The company offers performance and sport-inspired lifestyle products in categories such as football, running, training and fitness, golf and motor sports. These are distributed in more than 120 countries. i Visit www.brand.puma.com and www.ArsenalDirect.com.

August 2014 99

marketplace Kooheji Jewellery

Pure Perfection To create a bejewelled Utopia, this premium jewellery house presents some breathtaking pieces. Take a look at the latest collection.

Kooheji Jewellery celebrates the spirit of Utopia, a brand from Italian-based jewellery manufacturer Gaia SpA, and it shines through in this exquisite pearl collection. It presents a fine pair of earrings, sparkling with Kooheji’s high-quality diamonds. Dangling in its white gold setting, Tahiti pearls add timeless magnificence — an integral part of the Gaia brand’s DNA. Featuring oval-shaped pearls set in certified white gold, the earrings make graceful adornments during the day and seamlessly transform into statement pieces that add glamour at night.

With a classic charm of its own, this collection which is painstakingly crafted in pavé sets has an allure that is impossible to ignore. With its elegant design, this collection is a fitting tribute to the modern woman who is both suave and sophisticated while possessing an unmistakable sense of her own inimitable style.

The Utopia Pearl Collection is a line that exudes contemporary glamour. Featuring earrings, necklaces, pendants and rings, the range provides a selection of pieces that complement all moods.

Refined aesthetics Established in 1997, Utopia is the premium jewellery line of Gaia SpA, an Italian company that has been operating internationally for over 70 years. They are known for creating and distributing jewellery made with precious stones, diamonds and high-quality pearls, especially South Sea and Tahitian Pearls.

The concept behind Utopia revolves around inventiveness, design and perfection. The raw materials come together with outstanding craftsmanship and as a result of centuries-old Italian goldsmith tradition.

What makes this brand unique is the exclusivity of the collections, guaranteed by the refined aesthetics of the jewellery — the result of extensive and focused research done by its team of designers.

Utopia collections are special because they are directly distributed, with emphasis on establishing and maintaining a close and active collaboration between company and concessionaire.

Present in major European markets with selected dealers in every major city, the brand has strengthened its distribution in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and the US. In Bahrain, Kooheji Jewellery is the exclusive distributor of the brand. i Call 17 530-411 or visit www.kooheji.net.

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ASIA JEWELLERS

Opulence and Innovation An uncanny balance of futuristic ingenuity and classic aesthetics, this timepiece is an ode to luxurious elements and intricate craftsmanship.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Born out of a legendary alliance between gold and titanium, the Golden Bridge Automatic watch from Corum pushes the boundaries of timewear technology and aesthetics. The design strikes a stellar relationship between contrasting hues, transparency and an exceptional mechanism, resulting in this new interpretation of an iconic contemporary haute horlogerie model.

Known to break away from conformity and caution, the company created a major stir in the ‘80s by presenting its Golden Bridge Baguette movement. This incredible mechanical calibre defied the laws of horological kinetics. It continued to evolve and once again made the news when it released its tourbillon version. In 2011, the spectacular automatic development, featuring a linear oscillating weight, was released.

Riding the same innovative momentum that left an indelible imprint on watchmaking almost three decades ago, Corum now presents a new interpretation of its legendary Golden Bridge. Combining this fabled movement in gold with a sophisticated case in titanium, the new Golden Bridge Automatic demonstrates the wide range of skills cultivated by the brand over the years.

From the mechanical complexity of this movement to the powerful design of the grade-five titanium case, the watch is an expression of multiple competencies.

Dressed in a contrasting black colour that accentuates the gold movement, it plays the alchemist by revealing its subtle architecture.

The watch is transparent from all sides when not worn, but turns opaque once secured to the wrist. The secret of this fascinating orchestration lies in a striated metallic decoration on the sapphire crystal case back. This transparent structure creates a play on perspectives, concealing and revealing the exterior elements of the watch.

Lending timeless opulence to the piece are the hour markers made of gold, attached to the sapphire dial, enhancing the overall depth effect. The open worked hands lend a light, airy touch.

At the centre of this optical artistry lies Corum’s exclusive CO313 calibre, an automatic linear-winding baguette movement. Equipped with a platinum linear oscillating weight along with a slipping spring mechanism, this mechanical masterpiece beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and enjoys a 40-hour power reserve. This 194-part movement also features a variable-inertia balance, guaranteeing longterm high precision.

The main plate and bridges are in 18K red gold, adorned with a hand-crafted vertical guillochĂŠ motif providing a delightful visual accompaniment for the linear motion of the oscillating weight. Exuding a confident and selfassured air, the new Corum Golden Bridge Automatic comes with a black crocodile strap fitted with a titanium pin buckle bearing the Corum key. i Call 17 535-344.

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marketplace

VIVA

Spirit of Giving This leading telecommunication company welcomed Ramadan by celebrating the true spirit of the Holy Month with a new initiative.

VIVA Iftar Sa’em is an initiative led by VIVA Hands volunteers aimed at distributing Iftar food boxes for the less fortunate to break their fast. Having visited a number of labour camps and neighbourhoods throughout Bahrain, the project is part of a host of additional community activities that include the distribution of water bottles at major mosques during taraweeh and qeyam prayer times.

The telecommunication company reached out to families in need by providing them with food parcels containing essential food items.

“The VIVA team has been actively participating in the distribution of Iftar Sa’em; the response we have received has been overwhelming. It’s a testament to the true spirit of Ramadan,” says Ulaiyan Al Wetaid, VIVA CEO. “The experiences we have been living are truly memorable and we hope that the activities we have planned continue to have a genuinely positive impact on the community at large.” i Call 124.

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African acrobats

THE LOST PARADISE OF DILMUN

Everyone’s Invited This summer break, spend a day of splash and sun with the family at one of the Kingdom’s most popular amusement destinations.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

The Lost Paradise of Dilmun (LPOD) rolls out an exciting array of events and activities this summer. The water park presents a cooling oasis that provides a muchdeserved treat after the long month of Ramadan; it is replete with rides, great food and entertainment.

Developed by the Al Areen Holding Company, the water park covers an overall area of 77,000 square metres with a built-up area of 45,000 square metres.

Enjoy the wave pool, while the kids make sand castles at the beach.

Those looking for more action can take the family raft ride, the tallest ride in the park that spins and speeds down the long, winding chute before splash landing into the pool below. If this doesn’t excite you, then head to Boomerango. The giant pendulum-style slide features slides all the way down and then defies gravity by sliding all the way back up!

The Kids’ Rainforest, with its water hoses, buckets and mini slides, keeps the little ones engaged and entertained for hours. At any point if you think you’ve spent all your energy, float along the Lazy River, bobbing gently through the caves and waterfalls. There’s also a therapeutic spa pool where various jets soothe your muscles. Enjoy a drink or a light snack at the pool bar.

You can also have a lunch break at LPOD’s restaurant.

Entertainment central In addition to the rides, LPOD is known to organise fun fêtes and live attractions; this month is no different.

Entertainment continues with live bands and renowned artists. Check out the amazing African acrobats, flown in all the way from Kenya. they perfom throughout August, three times a day.

All Saturdays of the month include exclusive, familyfun mornings, when the park invites you and the kids from 8am to 11am for a number of activities and entertainment. These include face painting, clowns, fun with LPOD mascots Delma and Delmo, henna, balloon twisting, art and craft, and a special Zumba treat for the entire family. The waterpark opens for public from 10am till 7pm on weekdays and till 8pm on weekends.

The design and architecture of the water park recreates the grandeur of the Dilmun period, with over 500 unique stone sculptures.

There are dancing water fountains, lush green patches, gurgling streams and thatched shade structures that provide a great backdrop for the thrilling waterslides and pools. The various elements come together seamlessly to create a desert oasis for you to enjoy. i Call 17 845-100.

August 2014 103

marketplace BAHRAIN MEDICAL CENTER

Medical Excellence This new healthcare project aims to establish itself as a leading centre that provides outstanding medical care in the Kingdom.

Bahrain Medical Center (BMC) located in central Muharraq is a new, stateof-the-art hospital that boasts a number of medical and surgical specialties and caters to diagnostic, nursing and day care needs of patients.

“We follow evidence-based medicine. Our doctors have been carefully selected, based upon their training, experience, friendliness and professionalism,” says Vipin K Kandathil, general manager at BMC. “We aspire to deliver the highest standards of clinical care. At BMC, we work as a team and our staff is trained to take care of the customers as their own kin.”

The various departments at the hospital include general medicine, dentistry, paediatrics, gynaecology, orthopaedics, sports medicine, physiotherapy, dermatology and rehabilitation. In addition, the centre offers a broad range of advanced diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical services to meet the needs of physicians and their patients.

The fully equipped laboratory is available 16 hours a day. The radiology centre conducts digital X-ray and ultrasound examinations. There is a minor operation theatre, where small procedures can be carried out.

Additionally, BMC offers home care services that include doctors’ visits, nursing care and physiotherapy; a strict privacy and confidentiality policy is followed.

BMC has a computerised system for maintaining medical records, test reports, imaging results and other information. This is available to the physicians electronically and helps them in effective diagnosis and treatment.

“Our mission is to provide quality health care services for all people in a friendly and comfortable environment at affordable rates,” says Vipin.

The hospital is open from 7am until 11pm, from Saturday to Thursday. i Call 17 000-210.

OMAN AIR

Among the Best

The US-based global business news website Business Insider has placed this airline in its Top 10 list of the world’s best airlines for flying economy class.

Oman Air achieved ninth place in the list of best airlines according to Business Insider, beating many of the best-known giants of the aviation industry in areas such as passenger experience.

The airline’s long-haul economy class experience offers markedly high levels of space and comfort, outstanding service and superb in-flight technology. This includes mobile phone and Wi-Fi connectivity, large personal entertainment screens, live satellite TV and the latest movies and music.

“When these services are combined with traditional Omani hospitality, we are confident that our passengers can enjoy the very best that 21st century air travel has to offer. We are proud and delighted that Business Insider has recognised the outstanding quality offered by Oman Air and has listed us as one of the 10 best airlines in the world,” says Salim Al Kindy, acting chief executive officer of Oman Air. The Business Insider World’s Best Airlines list was compiled using the criteria of the quality of the passenger experience and the airline’s punctuality. The passenger experience was assessed using data supplied

by Skytrax, the independent airline quality experts.

It covered categories like seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, service efficiency, and cabin safety standards.

The airline currently flies from its base in Muscat to 43 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and East Africa.

The Business Insider accolade comes just one month after Oman Air was named ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline Economy Class’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline Best Business Class Airline’ at the World Travel Awards 2014. i Call 17 500-020.

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SWIMS

Shoes for Leisure

Slipping on and taking off shoes has not been easier.

Comfort is the priority for this footwear brand that belongs in beach cities.

Talal Y Fakhro

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Designed in Oslo, Norway, Swims loafers are classic yet modern. Known for their functional and comfortable characteristics, these shoes are perfect for those who look for durability and versatility in their footwear.

The complete collection features a range of colours and variety of styles that enable you to wear them to the beach and to the office. In Bahrain, this funky brand is available at Seef Mall through Fakhro Clothing.

“It all started when I received a gift package with Swims footwear. Unfortunately, the size didn’t fit me. This resulted in the inspiration to bring the brand to Bahrain and give everyone immediate access to the variety of designs, colours and sizes that Swims has to offer,” says Talal Y Fakhro, founder and managing director of Fakhro Clothing.

Loafers were originally developed in Norway and Swims, hailing from the same country, specialises in durable rubber and mesh variants. Stylish and practical,

they are perfect for holidays and boating since they are non-slip and fast-drying.

“My objective was to design a loafer I could wear in the ocean so that I don’t scrape my feet on rocks or coral; a loafer to wear by the pool or on the deck of a boat and not slip; a loafer I could wear for gardening; a comfy loafer I could wear to walk around a beach town in shorts instead of my flip-flops,” says Johan Ringdal, designer and co-founder of Swims. “The Swims loafer is the product of my own experience, my appreciation of functional design and my fascination with improving old classics.”

The outer sole is moulded with natural, durable and flexible anti-slip rubber. The shoes are anti-bacterial and have odour-resistant insoles. Each pair boasts ventilating gills around the shoe base.

The non-marking, anti-slip sole makes it perfect for boats or yacht decks. The built-in drainage makes them water compatible. The breathable nylon-mesh material makes Swims loafers machine washable. What’s your excuse not to fetch a pair? i Visit www.swims.com.

August 2014 105

marketplace JUNAID PERFUMES

Twice the Charm A leading fragrance manufacturer in the region has launched two new perfumes — J Essance and Taraf.

Throughout its existence in the market, Junaid Perfumes has remained a pioneering force in the perfume industry. Its two new perfumes — ­ J Essance and Taraf — are proof of why the brand deserves its leading position. Renowned as it is for combining Arabian traditional aromas with modern French fragrances, the latest creations are valuable additions to the brand’s collection. “Taraf consists of the finest blend of components to render the definition of luxury into a scent. And that is the impression you get when you first see it,” says marketing executive, Fahad Jaweed Junaid.

Its feminine counterpart, J Essance, is a unique fragrance that has been designed for the classy woman who is aware of her strength and her instincts.

“J Essance was designed as a stimulus for the senses. Contemporary luxury meets youthful elegance in the packaging, which is an eye-catching masterpiece,” says public relations manager Lamya Matooq.

Established in 1910, Junaid Perfumes is one of the oldest perfumers in the GCC and has significantly grown in reputation and stature over the years.

Today, the company operates over 120 exclusive retail outlets across the world. Combining experience and innovation for over a century, the perfume retailer has distinguished itself through its oils, perfumes and incense.

Some of the exotic creations include the Taariikh Gold collection, Ibdaa, Hadeel, Sahar and Saraab. Each one of these scents possesses a unique feel and look that adds to the exclusivity of the brand.

The company has succeeded in positioning their products as distinctive and unique fragrances of high quality. Each creative creation is placed in exclusively designed bottles combining tradition, classy elegance and authentic shapes. Throughout its existence in the market, Junaid Perfumes remains to be a pioneer in the perfume industry, carrying along a family legacy of perfection. i Call 17 737-007.

yateem centre

Effortless Shopping It’s summertime and the days are laid-back. Find simple joys in the heart of Bahrain’s capital city.

The days of fasting are over; Eid celebrations have passed. The smell of summer still fills the air. While children enjoy what’s left of the holidays, there lurks the thought of going back to school.

Now is the time to try out the newest brand of sports gear to hit the island — Peak Sports. One of China’s largest sports gear manufacturers, the brand has launched its first Middle East store in Bahrain.

The shop can be found in Yateem Centre and features a full range of sportswear at attractive prices.

Peak Sports originally specialised in basketball and sponsored star players from around the world. To emphasise its heritage, pictures of dominant figures wearing the brand are showcased in-store.

“Adidas has established a firm position in the market with their strong brand identity and fantastic discounts in this location. Setting itself up in direct competition with the Adidas clearance store at Yateem Centre is a bold move by Peak Sports,” says Andrew Petty, the mall’s manager.

Drive down to the Manama Souq or make your way on foot to catch a glimpse of what lies in wait for you at the store. The basement car park offers your vehicle shelter from the sun while you shop.

There has been a rush of new shops that have opened and are worth a visit — Al Adil Trading specialises in spices and flour from the Indian sub-continent; fashion from Oppo-Caps and Total for Men; the new photo studio of Al Hassanen Digital; a vastly expanded business service centre from Immediate Printing and the new full-sized Yateem Opticians with an extensive range of frames and sunglasses.

Visitors can also celebrate the reopening of the food outlets. Explore the variety on offer at Saffron Suq and Al Osra Restaurant or indulge in burgers from Jasmi’s. For a quick pick-me-up, drop by Costa Coffee. i Call 17 205-615.

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bystander

Mohammed & Hameed

David & Mo

Batelco Media Ghabga Batelco hosted a media ghabga at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa during the Holy Month of Ramadan

Osama, Madeleine, Rashid Abdulla, Mohammed & Abdulla Hilary & Fawaz

Alan Whelan

Laila, Orayb & Beverley

Noor

Gopal & Charlie

Osama, Abdulla & Muna

Nabeel Kanoo & Sami Jalal

Megan & Mary

Ebrahim Zainal & Mohammed Salahuddin

Jalal Family Majlis The Jalal family played host to a number of friends and well-wishers that visited the family at their majlis in Adliya, during the Holy Month of Ramadan

Mohammed bu Rashid, Sami Jalal & Reimand Sadiq Dawani

HE Abdulla Juma & HE Dr Sadiq Shehabi, Health Minister

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Ahmed Jalal, Khalid Almoayed & Sami Jalal

Sharif Ahmedi

Bashar Al Hassan

Ahmed Jalal & Fuad Kanoo

Steve Harrison & Nabeel Ajoor

August 2014 107

bystander

David & Bless

Bwayne & Catya

Sheraton Media Iftar Sheraton Bahrain Hotel hosted a media Iftar on first day of Ramadan at the hotel's Awali Ballroom

Kumar, Rash, Rozario & Adhikari Lulwa & Latifa

Marise, Bambi & Leslie

Ayman & family

Anurag

Waleed & family

Gordon

Edwin & Pratik

Fatima & Momen

A.A. Bin Hindi Ghabga A.A. Bin Hindi held their annual staff ghabga at the Four Seasons Hall in Adhari Park during the Holy Month of Ramadan

The Bin Hindi family

Aravind, Shafi, Thomas, Asgar, Ayyappan, Fayas, Fawas, Shyju, Tom, Jassem & Arun

108 August 2014

Shah

John

Zainab, Fatima, Zainab & Hind

www.bahrainthismonth.com

winwin Bahrain This Month gives readers an exclusive chance to win watches from Sharif Group.

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AL

M

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Last month’s solutions

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Winner : Zenaida Chavez Second Place : Abdul Azadb Third Place : Cheryl Gaso

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Bahrain This Month received 58 entries last month, 49 of which answered all the questions correctly. Congratulations to everyone, particularly our three winners:

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Who is the general manager of Swiss-Belhotel? ___________________________

Who got it right?

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What is the Euro Motors loyalty programme called? ___________________________

HINT: You can find the answers in this issue of BAHRAIN THIS MONTH.

EX

2

Which model of the Rolls-Royce did we drive? ___________________________

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1

This is a fun game for all readers. Each of these pictures is taken from advertisements in this issue of BAHRAIN THIS MONTH. All you have to do is identify the ad and mark your answer below each ad clipping. So test your observation skills, and you may be a winner!

3. The Lagoon Park, Amwaj Islands Which new SUV is available at Starting from BD 16,790/E K Kanoo?

5. Moda Mall Experience the innovative safety technology, striking design and inspired craftsmanship of the All-New 2015 Hyundai Genesis. ___________________________ 6. Ferrari California T

4. Christian Testot 4Luxury driven by performance.

Available in 3.8L V6 GDI engine with a maximum output of 315ps and a 5.0L V8 GDI engine with a maximum output of 413ps.

7. Nasser Al Arayedh

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Where can you find Swims footwear? ___________________________

8. Tariq Al Murbati 9. Around Me 10. Discover Islam

2.

Ad Seek 1. Lulu Hypermarket

2. twenty4 For how long has JJ’s Irish been 5 Years/100,000 kms Maintenace Service • Lifetime Warranty 3. Life.easy/Life Easy 6• • 5 Years Roadside Assistance • Lifetime Dedicated Service Advisor in the Kingdom?

4. Sumo Sushi & Bento • 5 Years Home to Home Service • Buy Back Value Guarantee ___________________________ • 5 Years Service Courtesy Car

7

Who did we take for a ride in the JLR Backseat Chat? ___________________________

Name:

17 121 121 www.1stmotors.com

Address:

3.

Telephone:

8

Where can you find Peak Sports? ___________________________

Email:

CPR:

9

What is our movie this month? ___________________________

10

What is the name of Ella Prakash’s exhibitionh?

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Entry deadline is July 15. The winner will be selected at random. Please include your full name, CPR number, address and telephone number, and mail to: Win Win, Bahrain This Month, PO Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.

4.

Be the first Juffa to ex August 2014 109

tarotscope

LEO

July 21 – August 21 For many of you there is the definite sense that love is in the air this month. Since the latter part of July heralded the start of Leo, it might coincide with you being at your best and well equipped to portray yourself to any potential partner in a positive light. On the work front there could also be a pay rise to look forward to and every possibility that a new position, that you will be keen to accept, opens up. Just make sure you do your homework and manage to cover everything you are expected to know; while you are more than suited for the vacancy, only careful preparation will ensure you are in with a chance.

Card of the Month — The Sun For a detailed, personalised Tarotscope reading, contact Raphael by email: raphael@tarotscope.org.uk

VIRGO August 22 – September 21 You are closing in on the final stages of a long-term project that has helped redefine you, both as a person and as a forerunner of what you do in the work arena. However, what you may not have truly accepted is how you take yourself to the next stage. This will be the main dilemma for many as you seek to define a role that will sustain and also develop you for the latter part of the year and beyond. Knowing your demanding nature, you will need assurances that where you move next will be of greater value to your career. That might not be as easy to achieve as it sounds. On the health front, you could find yourself back at the doctors for a condition you felt had been treated but which is back with a vengeance!

Card of the Month — Eight of Pentacles

LIBRA September 22 – October 21 No matter how hard you try, it seems the shadow of temptation hanging over you won’t go away unless you learn to restrain yourself and resist. Otherwise, you could end up being drawn into a spiral that sees you losing everything you have worked so hard to achieve. Careerwise, an opening could develop in a field that you are particularly interested in but you will have to be at your best to beat the opposition. You should think carefully about your strategy rather than just racing in and hoping to discover a solution. A romantic interest that started in June could really turn serious this August; make sure you’re not treading on someone else’s toes before you make your move Card of the Month — Knight of Wands 110 August 2014

SCORPIO October 22 – November 21

Problems with love rear their head again for you and it could be that you are about to struggle with a few issues that are not going to be solved overnight. There is no question that you are at the end of your patience when it comes to a relationship, because a partner is simply dragging their feet when it comes to making their mind up on where they want to take things. How much longer can you afford to ignore matters? It is making you look a fool. On the work front, you could be pressed into a difficult corner over certain practices that are deemed somewhat inappropriate. If you have been conducting yourself in an inappropriate manner, then you had better change, and quickly!

Card of the Month — Strength

SAGITTARIUS N ­ ovember 22 – December 21

This month there are going to be a lot of headaches for you to address and many of them will be of your own making. Time and again you have refused to accept the advice put before you in relation to a family matter; now you have reached the point where everything is about to blow up in your face. When the dust settles it is not going to be any good trying to find someone to point the finger of blame at and, if you have any sense, you will try to make amends rather than continue with the fight. On the work front, things could be slow but you are not helping the cause yourself; it might be time for you to inject a little more urgency into proceedings. Card of the Month — Four of Swords

CAPRICORN D ­ ecember 22 – ­January 21

You could find yourself at crossed purposes this month as you enter a period of the year that throws more obstacles than opportunities in your path. The best practice you can undertake is one of patience and serenity; don’t allow anyone to ruffle your feathers because, although you might be up for a fight, you are not going to be strong enough to win any battle that you might embark upon.

On the health front people could be alarmed by the loss of weight you have suffered and you may need to look at matters. You might be taking a new diet you’re become obsessed with just a little too far. Not all food is the enemy, you know! Card of the Month — The Chariot

AQUARIUS January 21 – February 20 Talking yourself up at work when you don’t really deserve the praise could land you in hot water this month, so be careful what you say. There are certain people just waiting to pounce on the wrong words and you may not be able to dig yourself out of any hole you create. Thinking that you are indispensable will only lead to tears in the end, so try to be a little more reserved and keep your thoughts to yourself. When the time comes for people to notice your achievements, they will do so of their own accord. On the romance front, you may find that what started out as the perfect relationship is starting to display a few cracks. It may be that you are going to have to face facts and accept that no one in life is without fault. If you don’t, you could be looking forever!

Card of the Month — The Emperor PISCES February 21 – March 20

Many of you may not be feeling at your best right now and it wouldn’t do you any harm to get a quick check-up and see if there is anything internal that needs to be looked at.

You have recently been under a lot of pressure and there is no question that you could do with a little break. Once you’ve had yourself checked out, why not consider a couple of weeks away to recharge your batteries? On the home front, you could find yourself in hot water over a politically incorrect comment concerning a family member and it is going to take a serious effort on your part to put it right. If you’re expecting to be forgiven by offering a few flowers and simple apology then think again. Card of the Month — The Pope www.bahrainthismonth.com

advertisersindex ARIES ­March 21 – April 20

Your progress in a newly developed career is proving positive; the good news is that the best is yet to come. You have already enjoyed great success but this is mainly from simply having dipped your toe in the water. So much more awaits you and over the next few months you will see your star rise even higher. On the relationship side of your life, a slight dip in July will now have been completely overcome and you will be back on track with greater confidence. In some ways it will feel like starting over again and that sense of freshness may well help you make an important decision before August finally passes. Card of the Month — The Star

TAURUS April 21 – May 20

It’s been an unpredictable road when it comes to finances over the last few months; fortunately the up-and-down seesaw that represents your monetary affairs looks set to even itself out. This will allow a lot more balance and stability to be injected back into your life. Those of you who may have been feeling somewhat drained can also take heart from the fact that your spirits will be significantly raised over the coming weeks by a positive outcome in the workplace. Your long-term ambitions have stalled somewhat because of other distractions but, now more than ever, you will feel enthused and ready to propel yourself to the next level. Card of the Month — The Page of Swords

GEMINI May 21 – June 20

After a difficult July you can look forward to a more balanced and rewarding August, with all areas of your life set to benefit from the turnaround in your fortunes. First up is the improvement you will notice in a relationship. A partner or loved one is likely to respond well to your increased efforts to get things, which were hampered by outside forces last month, back on track. Financially, things will also get better as additional work and increased revenue will boost your coffers and allow you a little more disposable income. Healthwise, a new eating regime will see you feeling a lot better, so don’t slip back into old routines that were at fault. Card of the Month — The Queen of Pentacles

CANCER June 21 – July 20

Family is at the forefront of your mind this month and you may need to make some difficult decisions when it comes to a young child who has been the subject of much concern for you over the last few months. Taking matters into your own hands could be the only solution. But, if you don’t make things happen soon, you could end up struggling with quite a few external problems that will result in a setback as a consequence. Now is the time for you to be selfless and think of others. Financially, you could see your stock rise when it comes to an investment that suddenly turns in your favour, and there is every indication you could enjoy a prosperous summer.

Card of the Month — Eight of Cups

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Mila Kunis

Jennifer Lawrence

Daniel Radcliffe

FAMOUS LEO THIS MONTH

Financial Institutions

Others

Bahrain Development Bank . . . . . . . . . 8

Al Noor International School . . . . . . . 50

Bahrain National Holding . . . . . . . . . . 23

Alliance Française . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

State Bank of India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

AMA Sports (PUMA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 Bahrain Cinema . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Hotels & Luxury Apartments

Gajria Electronics (Touchmate) . . . . . 49

Golden Tulip Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Home Electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Ramada Hotel Bahrain . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

JJ’s Irish Restaurant & Pub . . . . . . . . 21

Ramee Baisan Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Ramee Grand Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . 55, 94 Ramee Monroe Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Ramee Palace Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Swiss Belhotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Jewellery & Watches Asia Jewellers (R Weil) . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Kooheji Jewellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Sharif Group (Pierre Cardin) . . . . . . . 13

Medical & Dental Services Bahrain Medical Centre . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Motoring

Juffair Fitness Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Junaid Perfumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Kumar’s Group (The Raymond Shop) 48 Life Easy Commercial Services . . . . . 50 Lost Paradise of Dilmun . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Madre & Padre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Megamart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Oman Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Primedia International . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Summer Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Swims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Yateem Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Restaurants & Cafés Aroma Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Casa Mexicana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Al Haddad Motors (Mercedes-Benz) 29

Costa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Ebrahim K Kanoo (Toyota) . . . . . . . . . 33

Lanterns Restaurant & Lounge . . . . . 54

Euro Motors (BMW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC

Shoo Fee Ma Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC

Euro Motors (Jaguar) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

T.G.I.F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

First Motors (Hyundai) . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Y. K. Almoayyed & Sons (Renault) . . 15

Telecommunications

Y. K. Almoayyed & Sons (Nissan) . . . 57

VIVA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC

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

● 24 Hours Market, all outlets ● Al Hilal Bookshops, all outlets ● Al Jazeera Supermarket, all outlets ● Alosra Supermarket, Saar ● Bab al Bahrain Souvenir Shop ● BooksPlus, all outlets ● Burhama Cold Store ● Classic Shop, Bab Al Bahrain ● Elite Supermarket, Hoora ● Supermarket, Awali ● Jawad Supermarket, all outlets ● Jim’s Restaurant ● Mega Mart, all outlets

● Miami Cold Store, Adliya ● Midway Supermarket, all outlets ● Park Supermarket, Mahooz ● Waitrose Supermarket, Amwai ● Other leading Cold Stores and

News Stands All Gulf Daily News home subscribers receive a complimentary copy of BTM. You can also subscribe directly by visiting www.bahrainthismonth.com For subscription enquiries and back issues of BTM, call 17 813-777.

Photos Copies of most pictures depicted in this publication (and some which aren’t) are available from National Photo Services, Gudaibiya 17 742-955.

August 2014 111

lastword Playing cricket in the street

Survival!

I Survived!

JAMES CLAIRE The doctor told me the other day that, if I did not lose weight, I would not survive into later years, to enjoy my retirement.

112 August 2014

Later years! I’m lucky I survived this long, and it has nothing to do with my weight!

Born in 1969, I am a child of free-loving radicals; a mother, for example, who enjoyed spirited beverages and smoked the occasional cigarette. I never asked if she gave up for the important nine months of my production, but I highly doubt it. Nothing was dangerous back then.

As an infant I enjoyed toys, a cot and a nursery brightly decorated in lead-based paints with walls made of asbestos. I was put down to sleep and no one watched over me; we certainly did not have baby monitors.

My father’s car was modern for its day; I can tell you, though, it was in the early 70s, before airbags and child car seats and drink driving was not illegal. I was lucky to survive that at all!

Around the house there were no childproof locks.

Medicine bottles where toys; so, too, were old film cases. We played with chemistry sets that actually worked, yet I still survived.

I climbed trees around our house and those of our neighbours and when I got stuck on the roof of the garage, or fell and hurt my leg, wrist and head, did I sue or blame someone else or head for litigation?

Actually, I survived everything and took the blame for my own mistakes.

At school we shared lunches, drank from taps and cans with our friends and kissed the girls, and made a few cry. Yet none of us came down with anything worse than a crush.

There were home-made go-karts without any brakes. Our bikes had them, yet we still occasionally fell off or went over the handlebars when they were applied too firmly. We played cricket and football in the middle of the street with garbage bins as wickets and goals. Yet we never got hit by cars. We survived.

We left home by ourselves to walk to school in a world before neighbourhood watch programmes or community policing. Father had a car but he worked in an opposite direction; yet we never went off with strangers, never got abducted and always got to our destination.

We played at school and we played until it was dark. Even then it took a good yelling from mum to come inside. We ate dinner, did homework and then fell into bed.

There was no sitting in front of computers playing games; such activities weren’t yet in fashion and a cell phone was a distant dream. A friend was a friend and we visited their home. We talked and played in real time, people across the ocean remained a mystery and future travel was just that — something for when we were older.

We probably overate, but it was exercise, walking and playing that kept us fit. Only one girl in our primary school was termed large, and she really did have a medical condition.

We ate worms, got into fights, chased dogs and played with tools and hammers, and garden things.

Yet, in all the years I heard my mother yelling, “You’ll poke an eye out with that,” I never did.

My mother, somehow, simultaneously worked two jobs; my father, too. My sister and I spent our days at school and it was not until dinner that we all came together again around the table as a family. We did not text or call each other ten times a day; at home there was no phone, so it would never have mattered.

We lived a simpler life, a more dangerous life without modern-day health and safety regulations, and without people who feel it is their prerogative to safeguard others. Yet, somehow, we survived.

All those who must have been born in or around the 50s and 60s, my generation, are now the leaders of modern industry and technology. They are the innovators who created amazing new toys and modcons from visions we had in our heads; from playing cowboys and Indians, shooting toy guns, from reading books not ruined by political correctness and by watching very-low-budget sci-fi films without all the special effects.

We took those dreams and fantasies, and all that freedom, and created a modern world of wonder for ourselves.

It makes you think, though, what is this generation going to create, considering their lack of wanderlust, in their safety-cushioned over-protected existence?

According to my doctor, anyway, I won’t survive to find out!

I’m off to run around the house with scissors; I’ve survived everything else! www.bahrainthismonth.com

Come in. Sit down. Have a nice meal.

t +973 17311280 f +973 17311281 bldg.175 rd. 2608 adliya 326

Shoo Fee Ma Fee Restaurant

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WELCOME TO INTALEQ Intaleq is Euro Motor’s Loyalty programme exclusively designed for our valued customers.

It is our way to thank and reward you for being part of our successful business.

Enroll now and be part of this unique programme which allows you to earn points and benefits custom made to make your motoring experience an enjoyable and rewarding one.

For more information

Call 17 750 750