Bahrain This Month - December 2011

YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

BD 2.000 (SR 20)

December 2011 ~ Vol. 15 ~ Issue 12 www.bahrainthismonth.com

A Tumultuous Year

Moving to the Future

Featured This Month: www.bahrainthismonth.com

Speed Weekend Festive Fare New Year’s Eve Parties

HAPPENINGS ­ ~ DINING ~ ARTS SCENE ~ CLUBS & SPORTS ~ KIDS’ EVENTS ~ AFTER DARK ~ SAT TV

LIGHTINGOFOF THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTING THE CHRISTMAS TREE HOUSE TREE&&GINGERBREAD GINGERBREAD HOuSE DECORATION EVENT DECORATION EvENT

6 December 2011

6 December 2011 Spend a day of laughter, joy and fun and games Tuesday, 06th December 2011 in the hotel’s lobby for an unforgettable time. Join us and sing along with all your Spend a day of laughter, joy and fun andYou gamescan Tuesday, 06thbuyJoin for an unforgettable start for to theonly Festive8Season.

Christmas carol favorites. even a us gingerbread house BD December 2011 in the hotel’s lobby for an unforgettable Come and take part in the tradition of the lighting of our and we will provide your children with complimentary goodies, icing and sweets time. Join us and sing along with all your Christmas carol spectacular Christmas Tree with over 5000 twinkling lights! by Haribo, favorites.

You canNestle/Smarties even buy a gingerbreadand houseTiffany for only 8 biscuits for decoration.

BD and we will provide your children with complimentary

EARLY CHRISTMAS BRUNCH 23 December 2011 12:30 – 16:00 Enjoy a pre - Christmas Friday brunch buffet, located in the ballroom of the hotel, where different restaurants come together to offer the very best of traditional dishes for 22 BD per adult

Enjoy group activities from 2 pm till 8.30 pm.

goodies,us icing andan sweets

by Haribo, Nestle/Smarties Join for unforgettable start toand the Festive Season. Come and take part in Tiffanytradition biscuits for decoration. the of the lighting of our spectacular Christmas Tree with over 5000 •Early bookings advisable due to high demand for the event. twinkling lights!

Enjoy group activities from 2 pm till 8.30 pm.

•Early bookings advisable due to high demand for the event.

CHRISTMAS EVE 24 December 2011

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER 19:30 – 23:30

Enjoy our traditional Christmas Eve Festive Dinner; located at Mondo, the Italian restaurant of the Hotel

Appetizer:

Home cured salmon with and prune compote and fig chutney

Soup:

Cream of Jerusalem artichoke, spiced up cinnamon cookie

Main course:

Free-range turkey, duck fat & rosemary roasted potatoes, Brussels sprouts, chipolata sausages and chestnuts or Pan-fried fillet of sea bass with Swiss chard, mushroom fondant and truffled beurre blanc

Desserts:

Christmas pudding on rum berries (also avalible without rum) flambee, Vanilla bean ice cream and Devonshire clotted cream Cheese platter with soda crackers Coffee and tea infusions Christmas cookies

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER Saturday, 24 DecemberEVE 2011 CHRISTMAS

DINNER

Saturday, 24 December 2011

BD2525 BD netnet PER PERSON PER PERSON

CHRISTMAS DAY

CHRISTMAS DAY

Sunday, 25 December 2011

BRUNCH BUFFET Sunday, 25 December 2011

12:30 – 16:00

BRuNCH BuFFET

12:30 the – 16:00 On 25th of December our sensational Grand Ambassador Ballroom Christmas Brunch will be filled withGrand allAmbassador the traditional Christmas trimmings.

On the 25th of December our sensational Ballroom Christmas Brunch will be filled with all the Entertainment traditional Christmas trimmings. Entertainment comes from the resident band The Coconuts for you to dance along and comes from the resident band The Coconuts for you to dance along and make make merry on the dance floor. merry on the dance floor.

The Diplomat Christmas Day Brunch promises to be a great Christmas treat for all ages

The Diplomat Christmas Day Brunch promises to be a great Christmas treat for all ages Tickets are BD 25 net per person Kids under the age of 12 years eat for free

Tickets are BD 25 net per person Kids under the age of 12 years eat for free BRUNCH BUFFET Sunday, 25 December 2011 at 12:30 pm

BD 25 net PER PERSON

The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel is hosting the Fire & Ice Ball at the Grand Ambassador Suite.

Be inspired by the great decoration and let us entertain you. Our very special guests the Boxtones back in Bahrain for this special night at The Diplomat. Celebrate in style the way it should be and start 2012…with friends.

Tickets are BD 75 net per person incl dinner buffet and selected beverages.

Book now: +97339945208 radissonblu.com/diplomathotel-bahrain

Issue 172

Contents December 2011 2011 Annual Review:

57 Making Sense of 2011 A momentous year if ever there was one! As we reflect on what has transpired we look to the future and how we can

64

feel good about ourselves as we head into 2012.

Happenings: Bahrain This Month reviews events happening around town during the month of December 2011:

23

60

23 Fitness Day Out: An invitation from ‘Woman This Month’ 26 Speed Weekend: Plenty of action down at the BIC 34 Sculpturing Wonders: Creations from nothing, literally 38 Name Your Plant: Competition in the garden 40 Broadway Arrives: All about guys and dolls 42 Netting the Ball: The ladies showcase their skills 23-46 Calendar: Events during December

Diplomatic Talk:

94 Strong Fundamentals The Thai ambassador to the Kingdom, Vichai Varasirikul, reflects on a year of challenges back at home, and draws

100

94

strength from the past.

Business:

100 A Woman of Means Nasreen Sururi has been making waves in the e-commerce world with a ground-breaking electronic payment system designed by Ashazi, the company she runs.

102

193 Bystander At BTM we celebrated our own 20th anniversary in style, with a night out at Bushido. We also took in national days for Oman and Turkey and witnessed the launch of the four-door Ferrari, the FF. There were pirates, the French, the Irish and a bed race to enjoy as well. Halloween, Diwali and a selection of birthday parties ensured we were kept busy.

102 Reclaiming the Home Ground Getting into a market segment first always pays dividends if you can successfully exploit the opportunity, which is exactly what Medhi Jawad Hussain has done at Everest Trading.

Discover Bahrain:

104 Prince Khalifa Park As Prince Khalifa Park opens to the public, we preview what visitors will find at this latest attraction to the Kingdom’s recreation destinations.

BTM December 2011 7

Issue 172

Contents December 2011 Destination Report:

106 A Roman Adventure Gulf Air heads to one of the most ancient of capital cities in

106

104

129

Europe this month — Rome. We take a peek at what to expect from this Italian masterpiece.

Downtime: 121 Crashing Metal: A rock icon delivers 122 Gadgets: HD lifestyle 124 Young Achiever: Rickshaw Run 126 Music: Era of spells 129 Computer Games: Batman in unchartered waters 133 DVDs: Changing cars 134 Websites: Hooked on gossip 135 Movies: Immortal Tintin 136 Sat TV: Gearing up for benefits

Motoring: 147 Extended Luxury: Rolls-Royce Ghost 148 Showcase: Jeep Compass 149 Test Drive: MINI Coupé

Dining: 151 Breakfast time: McDonald’s on cue 152 Happenings: Where to dine this month 154 Festive Fare: Our menu of options 170 Restaurant Listing: Find your ideal venue

149

154

After Dark: 171 Happenings: Pre-festive season parties 173 New Year’s Eve: Where to be seen on the night 176 Showcase: Ministry of Sound celebrates 182 Venue Listing: The ‘in’ places to be

Showcase: 34

38

40

205 206 207 208

42

183 What’s New: Arabian luxe 184 Marketplace: Latest products and services

WIN WIN Tarotscope AD Index Last word BTM December 2011 9

The team

Bahrain This Month December 2011

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 Alison Coldridge Elma Bartholomew

Dear Readers,

Staff Writer Maryam Toorani Contributors James Claire (dining)

The end of a tumultuous year is in sight; a year none of us expected back in January, which now seems a long time ago. In the more than 32 years I have resided in this land I call home, I’ve experienced many ups and downs along the way. This past year, though, has probably been the most emotionally draining.

As 2011 draws to a close we start to think about the festive season; thoughts of close family and friends come to the fore. In particular, I think about the children.

Unlike previous editions of First Word, I will keep this one short.

Whatever issues we may have faced over the past 10 or so months, as adults we owe it to our children to put aside any differences we might harbour, to find the common ground around which to pull together and build a brighter future.

Anything less and we will have broken the unwritten covenant that governs us as parents and custodians of the present — we cannot allow our own prejudices to permeate the lives of the next generation.

So, my wish is that we spend time with our families this month, assess what is important to us and commit to restoring the great way of life the Kingdom has to offer, and has done so dating back to the time of Dilmun.

Bystander Editor Anil Ravi Shankar Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Dalal Al-Sabbagh, Romeo San Miguel, Rodolfo A. Reyes Jr. Staff Photographers Shankar Kunhambu, Subeesh Kumar N S Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa Personnel Manager Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Sales Manager Mayukh Majumdar Media Sales Marise Prata Dos Santos 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 (Jersey) Ltd. P.O. Box 641, No. 1 Seaton Place St., Helier Jersey JE48JJ, Channel Islands, U.K.

George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman 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 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.

Cover

• Views expressed in this magazine by journalists

Image: picturearabia.com

and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month.

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

Cover Picture: National Day — a time to unite and move forward.

YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

BD 2.000 (SR 20)

December 2011 ~ Vol. 15 ~ Issue 12 www.bahrainthismonth.com

A Tumultuous Year

1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24

Moving to the Future

Gulf and international subscriptions available on request.

Bahrain This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide Featured This Month: www.bahrainthismonth.com

Speed Weekend Festive Fare New Year’s Eve Parties

HAPPENINGS ~ DINING ~ ARTS SCENE ~ CLUBS & SPORTS ~ KIDS’ EVENTS ~ AFTER DARK ~ SAT TV

Join us on Facebook If you are wondering what this image to the left is, or the one on the front cover, it’s a QR code.

To find out how to use these, read page 204.

www.facebook.com/bahrainthismonth

BTM December 2011 11

STYLED BY MODA MALL

bystanderthismonth

Oman National Day Celebration HE Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Amiri, Omani Ambassador hosted a reception to mark his country's National Day. The event attended by HE Abdulla Abdullatif, Foreign Ministry UnderSecretary of Foreign Affairs, members of the diplomatic corps and VIP guests was held at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa

HE Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Amiri

Abdulla Juma & HE Abdul Nabi Al Sho'ala

Jassim Al Zayani & Yousef Al Saleh

Stephanie Williams & Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Amiri

HE Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Amiri & HE Abdulla Abdullatif at the cake cutting ceremony

Eric, Oniea, Samya, Candida & Charles

Aysha, Wijdan,Esraa & Bashayer

Ahmed & Kabeer

Claus, Sadiq, Joerm & Marlies

14 December 2011 BTM

Thamar & Tariq

Maria & Sabreen

Adnan, Kishore Kewalram & Claus Buchi

Oniea & Riyad

Nabeel Ajoor

Istqlal, Eman & Guhaina

Ebtisam & Najla

P.B. Higgoda

Nasser Alarayedh

Khalid Kanoo

Bjarne

Zainab, Sabreen & Zainab

Ahmed

FASHION & ACCESSORIES • Al Dana Cloaks • Al Othman • Agent Provocateur • Bottega Veneta • Burberry • Burlesque • Ce Soir • Class • De Lis • Dior • Dolce & Gabbana • Emporio Armani • Fawzia Al Nafea • Fendi • Gucci • Hermes • J Boutique • Kenzo • Lanvin • Louis Vuitton • Marc Jacobs • Marina Rinaldi • Max Mara • Muse • Nashil • Roberto Cavalli • Ruzan • Sergio Rossi • Sufana • Tod's • Tulle • Valentino • Versace • Vogue • Anya Hindmarch (opening soon) MEN FASHION • Almaz • Atraba Fashion • Cash Boutique • Ermenegildo Zegna • Pal Zileri • Tamima • Via Veneto CHILDREN FASHION • Atelier De Courcelles • Baby Fair • Jeunesse Parisienne • Moda Bimbi FINE JEWELRY • Asia Jewellers • Audemars Piguet • Bahrain Jewellery Centre • Blancpain • Breitling • Cartier • Chanel Fine Jewelry • Chopard • De Beers • Dior • Omega • Piaget • Rolex • Tiffany & Co. • Van Cleef & Arpels • Patek Philippe (opening soon) JEWELRY • Al Fardan Jewellery • Al Mahmood Pearls • Al Majid Jewellery • Al Mannai Jewelers • Al Mudaifa Jewellers • Al Zain Jewelers • Ahmed AlWazzan Jewellery • Christophi Jewellery • Jewel House • Joyau Jewelers • Sharif • Taqi Jewelers LIFESTYLE • Al Wazzan Optician • Dunhill • Heels • Mont Blanc • Pairs • Philip Charriol • S.T. Dupont • Vertu • Yateem Opticians BEAUTY • Al Hawaj • Atyab Perfumes & Gifts • Reehat Al Atoor • Syed Junaid Alam RESTAURANTS & CAFES • Abd El Wahab • Costa Coffee • Lina's • Maki • Patisserie Valerie • BiCE (opening soon) HOME ACCESSORIES • Ali Al Ghareeb • Al Oraifi Gallery • Avant Garde Jewels • Bang & Olufsen • Bradran • Collectible • Crystal Palace • Jolie Maison SERVICES • Budget Rent A Car • Etihad Airways • Heads Up Salon • Joz Beauty Salon • Kuwait Finance House • Martinizing Laundry • Menatelecom • The Travellers Travel Agency

Bahrain World Trade Center, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain www.modabwtc.com • Telephone: +973 1753 5140 facebook.com/modamall Twitter.com/MODA_Mall

bystanderthismonth

Turkish National Day Celebrations HE Ahmet Ulker, Turkish Ambassador hosted a reception to mark the 88th Anniversary of the Proclaimation of the Republic of Turkey. The reception held at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa was attended by HE Abdulla Abdullatif, Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs, diplomats and VIP guests

Fikret Turkes, Dr Dhafer Al Umran, HE Ahmet Ulker & Sofyan Almoayed

HE Ahmet Ulker, Shaikh Mubarak & Shaikha Fajer

HE Ahmet Ulker & HE Abulla Abdullatif with diplomats at the cake cutting ceremony

Cumali, Feyza, Mehmet, Begun & Tolga

Younes, Karim & Abir

Ahmed, Abdulla Juma, Kameshi & Aref

Orkide, Sebahat, Seref & Semina

16 December 2011 BTM

Shahafeez & Nadia

Shanjida, Savasman & Esson

Graham & Carmen

Chris, Akiyama & Belknap

Stephanie Williams & HE Ahmet Ulker

Bert Plas & Fulya

Yasmin & Nazli

Ashwin & Anwar

Kardelen

Hadi Al Alawi

Anil

Jassim Al Zayani

Sheikh Mohammed

Mr & Mrs Mukhareq

www.boconcept.com

Urban Nordic Design since 1952 With more than 250 stores in the world’s big cities, we have come a long way since two Danish craftsmen founded BoConcept back in 1952. But our commitment is the same.

Based on the Danish design traditions of simplicity and functionality, we create furniture that is not only beautiful, but useful too. That is how we started. And that is how we work today.

BoConcept Bahrain Showroom 269 · Al Seef 428 · Next to Ritz Carlton Hotel and Spa · PO Box 20104 · Tel: +973 17564211 · Fax: +973 17564212

bystanderthismonth

UN Day Reception Peter Grohmann, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative hosted a reception to mark UN Day at the Al Ghazal Ballroom, Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa. The event was attended by HE Abdulla Abdullatif, Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs, diplomats and VIP guests

Nejib Friji with Mr & Mrs Peter Grohmann

Nejib Friji & HE Abdulla Abdullatif

Sameer & Jeanie

HE Abdulla Abdullatif, Peter Grohmann & Nejib Friji with diplomats at the cake cutting

Eman, Khoulod, Huda & Khulood

Faisal, Marjan & Yahya

Mrinalini, HE Iain Lindsay, British Ambassador & Doris

Sameera, Mr Abdul Salam & Khalid Kanoo

Joern, Alexandre, Christophe, Tania & Rupert

Hind, Lina, Nijad, Laith & Khoulod

18 December 2011 BTM

Milena & Abir

Hisham

Mala & HE Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador with Mr & Mrs Grohmann

Fayzeh, Younes & Najlaa

Aida & Dr Fathallah

Dr Maria

Abbas, Samar & Adeela

Mark Neukomm

Faizan

Nancy

bystanderthismonth

Ferrari FF Launch Ferrari’s new FF, the company’s most powerful, versatile four-seater ever, as well as its first ever four-wheel drive car was unveiled to a large number of clients, VIPs, guests, and media during a special event hosted by Euro Motors, the sole Ferrari dealer in Bahrain. The event was held at The Sakhir VIP Tower at The Bahrain International Circuit in presence of the officials from Ferrari Middle East and Africa & Euro Motors

Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa

Pietro Innocenti & Dominique

Pietro Innocenti & Zayed Al Zayani address the media

Laurent Madore & Paul Yates

Meher & Ghita

Another view of the Ferrari FF

Shaikh Salman & George

Pietro Innocenti & Zayed Al Zayani with the stunning Ferrari FF

Khalid

Rifat & Maya

Ibrahim Al Haji, Hani Al Aali, Shaikh Salman Bin Isa Al Khalifa, Sayed Saeed, Abdul Mohsin Ibrahim, Pietro Innocenti, Hussain Karimi & Zayed Al Zayani

Majeed Al Sadik, Zayed Al Zayani, Paul Yates, Erica Yates, Mrs Al Zayani, Miss Al Zayani, Rashid Al Zayani, Majid Al Zayani & George Middleton

Members of the Ferrari Owners' Club

20 December 2011 BTM

Maurizo

Meher Parakh, Nadia Swan & Ghita Mejdi

bystanderthismonth

Wheelathon At The BIC The eight annual charity Wheelathon was held at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) last month.

The event was organised by St Christopher's Cathedral and shared proceeds with local charities including the RIA education centre and the Think Pink breast cancer campaign. A large number of people participated in the event, which included the Fancy Dress Hospital Bed Race and the wheelathon, where competitors went around the circuit using any non-motorised mode of tranport

David

Rev Chris, Tricia, Reem, Elizabeth & Andrew

Ibn Nafees staff members

Shahad, Ahmed, DJ Ali & Ahmed

Gabriel, Emma & Tony

A. Rahman, Aysha, Fatima & Shiras

Gopi, Samya & Sridevi

22 December 2011 BTM

Hale Ruttenden

Mai & David

George & Oliver

Louisa & James

Lea

Anna, Kathleen & Shauna

Mavis & Lewis

Colby & Divini

Gavin

Allen & Michel

Sarah

Richard & Linda

Puna

William

Alvin

Nicola

Jess

Nicole

Zaira

happeningsthismonth When? December 10 | Event? Woman This Month’s Fitness Day Out | Venue? InterContinental Regency Health Club

Turn Up, Take Part, Feel Great!

Free fitness classes, goody bags and heaps of helpful advice. Everything you need to look great this December!

We all know how the pattern works by now. During the month of December we gorge ourselves on cholesterol-rich foods, celebrate gatherings with a hearty toast or two and laze around soaking up every bit of the festive atmosphere. Then, come January, we resolve to turn it all around.

We lament the muffin top of fat that sticks out over our trousers and chide ourselves for being out of breath when climbing a flight of stairs. We tell ourselves that we’ll have to live in the gym for the next couple of months in order to get back into shape. Wouldn’t it be great, though, if we were motivated enough to start the health kick early, so that when we do allow ourselves the odd day off to enjoy the delights that December has in store for us, it won’t make too much of a long-term impact on our bodies?

Well, for the women of Bahrain, Woman This Month is here to help. The magazine has organised a special, day-long event, taking place at the InterContinental Regency Health Club, which promises to equip you with all the tools for keeping on top of your fitness regime throughout December.

Turn up to the Woman This Month Fitness Day Out and you will have the opportunity to experience a number of free fitness classes — there will be everything from salsa and zumba to karate and power abs! What is more, throughout the day there will be a variety of presentations, talks and demonstrations from fitness experts about the latest and most Also this month

World days Celebrate these world days this December…

When? December 1 Event? World Aid’s Day Why not raise money for those suffering from this fatal disease.

When? December 4 Event? Hug Day Give everyone you love a big hug to show them you care.

beneficial fitness and health products to hit the market.

There will be a supply of snacks and refreshments, courtesy of the Regency and you can spend as long or as little time as you want browsing the various stalls and talking to the experts between classes. Entry to each class will be on a first come, first serve basis, so turn up nice and early to avoid disappointment. Stick around in the evening, or pop back at your own leisure, as there will be a DJ and a couple of performances from special guests after all the classes are finished.

A full schedule of the day’s events will be published on the Woman This Month Facebook page and website in the lead-up to the event, so keep checking for updates. Whether you want to discover a new and exciting way to get the body of your dreams or you are just looking for tips for keeping abs toned and thighs taut, the Woman This Month Fitness Day Out has everything you could possibly need.

Please note that this is a women’s only event.

E Visit www.womanthismonth.com/fitnessdayout.

When? December 5 Event? Volunteer Day Consider those who volunteer throughout the world and see how you can help.

When? December 10 Event? Human Rights Day See how you can help those who are mistreated and unprotected.

When? December 13 Event? Ice-Cream Day Ignore the fact that it’s December and gorge on the world’s coldest dessert!

When? December 20 Event? Go Caroling Day Unleash your Christmas spirit through singing festive tunes.

When? December 21 Event? Look on the Bright Side Day Think of all of the good things you have going on in your life.

34 x Arts & Culture - 38 x Clubs & Societies - 40 x Teens & Kids - 42 x Sports & Recreation

BTM December 2011 23

happeningsthismonth

When? December 3 Event? BSPCA Designer Day and Christmas Fete Venue? Dilmun Club Grab some new clothing bargains as well as Christmas items.

E Call 39 249-685.

When? December 16 and 17 | Event? Shopping festival | Venue? Amwaj Lagoon

Diva Festival

When? December 7-8 Event? Female Entrepreneur Exhibition Venue? Bahrain International Circuit See how the achieving women of Bahrain are making their money.

E Call 17 417-180.

When? December 8 Event? Festive mini souq Venue? World Beat Fitness Center Find some crafty items and unique presents ideal for Christmas.

E Call 17 612-576.

When? December 9 Event? Car boot sale Venue? Rugby Club Snap up some bargains and proceeds will go to the Dogfather rescue centre.

E Call 33 363-352 or 39 629-889.

E Call 36 226-440.

Charitable Rummage

When? December 16-17 Event? Shopping festival Venue? Amwaj Lagoon Try out the newest shopping festival and see what you can find!

E Call 36 226-440.

When? December 16-17 Event? National Day weekend Venue? Seef Mall Mall visitors can express their love for Bahrain through art.

E Call 17 582-888.

When? December 21-24 Event? Carnival weekend Venue? Seef Mall Play on traditional carnival games and there are hundreds of prizes up for grabs!

E Call 17 582-888.

24 December 2011 BTM

When? December 9 | Event? Car boot sale | Venue? Rugby Club

When? December 10 Event? Woman This Month Fitness Day Out Venue? Regency Fitness Club Free fitness classes, goody bags and heaps of helpful advice.

E Visit www.womanthismonth. com/fitnessdayout.

When? December 10 Event? Amwaj Marina Market Venue? Amwaj Marina Head to this outdoor market for good buys and a good time.

E Call 16 030-605.

After its successful opening-weekend last month, the Diva Festival at Amwaj is continuing this month to entice in all shoppers. You can enjoy the tranquility of the Lagoon and its amenities whilst browsing stalls selling a huge array of products with great deals. Jewellery, children’s clothing, Christmas handmade products, sweets, artwork and much more will be available to buy whilst a live band provides the musical accompaniment.

There will also be entertainment for the little ones to enjoy and plenty of refreshments. If you’re a budding entrepreneur, it’s a great opportunity to participate and showcase your products to a wide market. The shopping festival is a monthly event which will run until April and each month will adopt a specific theme that the products sold will centre around.

This month the theme is fashion and heritage music with a strong emphasis on a national theme to tie in with National Day. So expect lots of stylish items to be calling your name and you may also find yourself educated in the field of cultural music.

Providing the weather permits a sun-filled sky, the second edition of the event is set to be bigger and better than the first with more stalls, more entertainment and more fun.

A car boot sale is the best possible solution for making space before Christmas. Clear through all of your belongings and decide what your kids no longer play with, what is no longer used and you will find you have a whole lot more room for new toys, games and books when all of the Christmas presents are unwrapped!

The Second Chance car boot sale costs BD5 per car, and all the proceeds will go towards Tony the Dogfather’s rescue centre in Saar. If you don’t fancy selling then pop along for the morning and have a hunt around for some items. Remember what they say — one man’s junk is another man’s treasure…

E Call 33 363-352 or 39 629-889.

When? December 8 | Event? Festive mini souq | Venue? World Beat Fitness Center

When? December 1 Event? Bahrain Women Day Venue? Throughout the Kingdom A celebration and recognition of women’s work in Bahrain.

E Visit www.scw.gov.bh.

Christmas Souq The World Beat Fitness Center is hosting a festive souq — perfect for purchasing some beautiful handmade products and just in time for Christmas. Numerous vendors will be set up throughout the centers reception and café for you to browse at your will; shop for Aspiga sandals, ceramics, handmade greeting cards, gems and jewellery and clay artwork. There will also be regular fitness classes ongoing throughout the morning, so feel free to don your exercising attire and join in!

The café will also be open with healthy refreshments for there and then, or organic products to take home with you. In a nutshell, it’s a social morning fulfilling everyone’s ‘good for you’ needs; fitness, shopping, socialising and healthy delicious treats!

E Call 17 612-576.

happeningsthismonth

Christmas Tree Lighting and Carol Singing

When? January 6-7 | Event? Speed weekend | Venue? Bahrain International Circuit A full grid of Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo race cars

When? December 3 Venue? Mövenpick Hotel The hotel unveils its eco tree, constructed entirely from plastic bottles.

E Call 17 460-000.

When? December 8 Venue? Andalus Lounge, Gulf Hotel Head to the Andalus Lounge for carols, Santa and, of course, the tree!

E Call 17 713-000.

When? December 8 Venue? Sofitel Bahrain Join Sofitel’s staff in the lobby to light their huge Christmas tree.

E Call 17 636-331.

When? December 8 Venue? Golden Tulip Hotel See Santa, drink egg-nog, eat cookies and see the lights be switched on.

E Call 17 535-000.

When? December 10 Venue? The British Club Join in or listen to the festive favourites whilst relaxing by the poolside.

E Call 17 728-245.

When? December 10 Venue? Elite Grand Hotel Come along at 7.30pm for Christmas songs and merriment.

E Call 17 313-388.

When? December 12 Venue? Elite Resort and Spa The unforgettable Elite Choir will be performing classic carols.

E Call 17 313-388.

When? December 15 Venue? The K Hotel Feast on goodies, enjoy listening to caroling and meet Santa Claus.

E Call 17 360-000.

When? December 15 Venue? The Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Spa Listen to the choir and enjoy refreshments as the Christmas lights are switched on.

E Call 17 580-000.

When? December 19-24 Venue? Crowne Plaza Hotel Sing along with traditional and modern carols at 6.30pm every day.

E Call 17 531-122.

When? December 23 Venue? Al Bander Hotel & Resort Enjoy festive refreshments whilst the lights are turned on.

E Call 17 701-201.

26 December 2011 BTM

BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT

Full Throttle The Bahrain International Circuit has a busy couple of events planned with three racing championships lined up for motor fans to enjoy.

The return of the Speed Weekend will see drivers battle it out in two of the most popular racing categories in the region, the WGA Supercars Middle East and the BIC 2000cc Challenge.

The two championships are the household names of the Speed Weekend but the talk of the town is the all-new Maserati Trofeo JBF RAK, the most recent regional series that will see a packed grid of drivers.

“Speed Weekend has been one of our more popular attractions over the past couple of years, with members of the public flocking to Sakhir eager to get a taste of the very best of regional racing,” says Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, chief executive officer at the Bahrain International Circuit.

While the WGA championship will see its third round in the season and the 2000cc challenge will see its fourth round, the new Maserati Trofeo series will be looking to make a huge impact at the event, in its second round, and establish a name for itself within the region’s motorsport scene.

The cars are being supplied and maintained by Maserati, ensuring identical performances, and a full grid of twelve Maserati GranTurismo MC Trofeo race cars will hit the track

through free practice and qualifying sessions. Then will come the ultimate battle over two 30-minute-long races with the promise of some electrifying action throughout the weekend.

The Maserati Trofeo series consists of six-weekend, 12-race programmes across the Middle East region with races taking place at Formula One circuits in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, plus Losail in Qatar and the Dubai Autodrome.

Top class racing enthusiasts can take in the intense racing action from the stands while others can enjoy the wide variety of activities on hand across the circuit’s paddock or simply just enjoy the downtime amidst the circuit facilities.

“With the superb line-up of three top championships along with a wide variety of family-friendly entertainment, we are confident that there is plenty to look forward to in what will be another memorable occasion for all, the kind that are only possible at the BIC,” adds Shaikh Salman.

To make the weekend festivities all the more family friendly, arts and crafts stations, pot painting, wooden car making, a water walker, a bouncy castle and a wide array of carnival games offering prizes will all be on hand, making for an atmosphere that can be enjoyed by all. Tickets will start at BD7 for adults and BD3.5 for children aged 15 years and younger.

E Call 17 450-000.

Magic and illusion pure. Breath taking dance performances, international band and DJ, party all night long. Enjoy the Moulin Rouge dancers and the fantastic Illusion show at Bahrain’s prime venue. Gala buffet dinner including unlimited selected beverages staring from BD 50.000++. Take advantage of our special New Year’s package including, dinner and overnight stay in one of our luxurious rooms are starting from BD 185.000++ per couple. Book your ticket now with the F&B department and be amazed!

Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain P.O.Box 24009, Muharraq Town, Kingdom of Bahrain Phone +973 17 460 000, Fax +973 17 460 001 www.moevenpick-bahrain.com

www.moevenpick-hotels.com

New Year’s party

magical shows.

happeningsthismonth When? April 17-19 | Event? Health and Wellness Expo 2012 | Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition and Conference Centre

HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO

Here’s to Your Health!

How healthy are you really? An exhibition next year will educate you on wellbeing and holistic lifestyle practices to help make your life a whole lot healthier.

28 December 2011 BTM

Next spring, the Health and Wellness Expo 2012 is returning to Bahrain to help you spruce up your life. The Kingdom will be welcoming industry experts from all over the world to promote the difference that a healthy lifestyle can make in one’s day-today living.

The event will increase awareness for all residents of the GCC on the issues surrounding wellbeing as well as providing exhibitors a platform to achieve maximum exposure for their brands, gain networking opportunities and increase revenue.

The event premiered last year and was a resounding success.

International and regional exhibitors participated including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, India, Thailand and Cyprus with all kinds of buyers, retailers, importers, exporters, distributors and doctors of all sectors.

This year will see an even wider range of exhibitors ranging from the top hospitals and heath care facilities to hotels and the best in fitness and spa centres. A whole wealth of products and services are set to be exhibited, which the whole family can benefit from. There will be natural skincare products showcased and aroma treatments, health care diets and products, fitness and exercise, mind and body and nutrition plans for children.

Visitors will not only learn about the latest brands and products and educate themselves with a number of scheduled seminars and workshops. Special side activities will also be

available including a massage zone (which sounds heavenly), kids’ health games, fitness exercises, and also a healthy cooking zone with local chefs instructing.

Aside from the main stage and demonstration area, exhibition goers can also participate in the health screening activities and enjoy a number of healthy food samplings at live cooking stations. There will also be lots of great competitions to enter and prizes up for grabs, such as free membership vouchers and spa weekends for two.

Industry professionals, on the other hand, can meet fellow industry colleagues and suppliers, attend workshops, generate new leads for their businesses, consolidate business connections, demonstrate their products and launch new ones.

Calling all food lovers The event will also be running alongside the Food and Hospitality Expo where organisers are expecting to attract in visitors from all over the region.

This will be the fourth Food Expo and the event is the Kingdom’s largest gathering of food, beverage and hospitality industry professionals. The event will bring together an international audience of buyers, retailers, distributors and food and beverage professionals. This year will also see live cooking stands, local chefs cooking, and a wide range of activities for the entire family. E Call 17 558-894.

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happeningsthismonth When? December 7 and 8 | Event? Female entrepreneur exhibition | Venue? Bahrain International Circuit

Accomplished Women This month marks Bahrain Women’s Day, a celebration of women’s achievements here in the Kingdom which shall be presented at an exclusive exhibition.

HRH Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and Supreme Council for Women Chairperson and HRH Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander

As part of the celebrations for Bahrain Women’s Day 2011, the Supreme Council for Women is organising an exhibition titled ‘Young Women Entrepreneurs’. The event will celebrate accomplished women in Bahrain under the theme ‘Bahraini Women in Economic Development, Partnership and Dedication’.

Those taking part in the exhibition are all under the age of 45 and the event will highlight the competencies of these young Bahraini women in the field of entrepreneurship. Creative ideas and distinctive works from the social, commercial and educational sector will be showcased.

Each woman participating is a Bahraini national and possesses at least five years experience in running a business. Further criteria were put in place to ensure that each participant is worthy of being involved, such as the holding of a distinctive award, a contribution towards supporting social issues that serve society and the ability to overcome obstacles.

Other celebrations Many companies will also be paying heed to Bahrain Women’s Day by recognising the female staff members’ contributions.

One such company is LMRA, who is asking all female staff to wear pink to an exclusively female event where each attendee will be presented with a gift.

E Call 17 417-180.

bystanderthismonth

De Beers Diamond Seminar De Beers Jewellery hosted an exclusive event for a number of guests to give them an insider's guide to diamonds by Andrew Coxon, President of the De Beers Institute of Diamonds.

The event also featured De Beers' High Jewellery Collections and was held at the Capital Club, Bahrain Financial Harbour last month

Dr Mary, Dr Beulah & Cmdr David

Helen & Al Waleed

30 December 2011 BTM

Andrew Coxon & Josh

Rohit Raina with Mohammed, Abdul Hameed & Mohammed Ahmed Kooheji

Bala, Renzo & Collin

Thomas & Duncan Sinclair

Abdulla & Laila Kooheji

Mohammed & Dalia

Berk

Maria

Asha & Adam

happeningsthismonth When? December 10 | Event? Amwaj Marina Market | Venue? Amwaj Marina AMWAJ MARINA MARKET

A Twist on Shopping With this season’s first outdoor Amwaj Marina Market heralded as a great success, the organisers set their sights on creating an even bigger outing this month.

Great street food, outdoor fun and some incredible thrift shopping ARE only a small portion of what you will find at the Amwaj Marina Market this month. The first market of the season, held last month, drew in 800 visitors of various nationalities from all over Bahrain.

It featured a variety of goods that range from paintings and frames, photos, clothing, jewellery, shoes, children’s books, home electronics, furniture, traditional arts and crafts and seasonal decorations. Visitors could pick up some of their weekly food essentials at the organic fruits and vegetables stall from Al Ghalia Farms, plus baked goods, burgers, pizzas and smoothies.

Market-goers had the opportunity to see the ACES Taekwondo School perform several shows throughout the day, while the little ones enjoyed the bouncy castle and kiddie rides. There are also ‘Once upon a Story Time’ and art and craft stations from Studio Ceramics and Imaginarium Art. Pet owners were pleasantly surprised with a Pet Arabia stand where their furry friends also got the royal treatment with a photo shoot.

This month promise more fun and surprises for the entire family. The outdoor markets are scheduled to be held throughout the cooler months on the first Saturday of each month, unless a public holiday and, of course, weather permitting.

E Call 16 030-605 or 16 030-607.

bystanderthismonth

Amwaj Marina Family Bazaar The Amwaj Marina family Bazaar was held at the Amwaj Marina last month. A wide assortment of products and merchandise was on display, from frames, paintings, clothes by local designers, jewellery, shoes, pet products, flowers, handmade accessories, to DVDs and home electronics. There were stalls selling food and plenty of entertainment for kid

Tye, Sophie, Ronnie & Joyce

32 December 2011 BTM

Ronnie & Lucy

Pesus & Rahala

Molly & Pippa

Noora & Lamia

Gaye

Wendy & Dan

Dima

Sara & Zeyad

Ahmad with Sky

Alyssa & Marije

Bianca

Dr Reinhold

Erin

Tel. 17.564444 - Fax. 17.564466 email: phodecor@batelco.com.bh Seef district, facing Ritz Carlton Entrance - Palace Palms Bldg.

happeningsartsculture When? December 18–January 10 | Event? Sculpture Symposium | Venue? National Museum Ali Al Mahmeed

Sculpturing Wonders Ending the year on a high, the Ministry of Culture will be hosting the fifth Bahrain International Sculpture Symposium for three weeks of all things art.

34 December 2011 BTM

The Ministry of Culture’s ‘Sculpture Symposium’ will be an unmissable event for all those who take an interest in art.

Located outside the National Museum, you are invited to gaze in awe as a group of 16 renowned Arabic artists create something from nothing — quite literally. The artists will each create an art piece entirely from a block of marble, right in front of your eyes.

This year’s symposium marks the fifth event of its kind, since its conception in 2002. It was originally introduced by founder of the Bahrain Arts Society and Hend Gallery owner Ali Al Mahmeed, after he visited a similar event in Lebanon and was inspired to build on it here in Bahrain. As the symposium’s general commissar, he believes the Ministry of Culture have made the symposium a major event in Bahrain’s calendar.

“It’s an art event which is not to be missed. It showcases the talent of Arabic artists and how, even under the pressure of members of the public watching, they can create complete masterpieces. It’s a great chance for the people of Bahrain to see the talent that surrounds them,” he says.

This year, in celebration of the events launching Manama as the Arabian Cultural Capital for 2012, only Arabic artists will take part. The group of selected artists will include four

Bahrainis, five Arabs from the GCC and seven from other Arab countries.

During the course of the event, the museum doors are open for any visitors who wish to see firsthand how the artists go about their masterpieces. “One of the main advantages of the event being outdoors is that people can come and see the artists at work and see the work that goes into the process of how a piece of art is made from a block of stone within days,” explains Ali. Only natural marble will be used as the medium this year and the 2.5- to 3.5-metre long blocks will be pre-ordered by the artists from Oman.

The final display of the sculptures will be held on the January 10 in the museum itself in conjunction with Manama the Arabian Cultural Capital for 2012 events, where both the Prime Minister and the Minister of Culture will be present.

The sculptural pieces of the previous four symposiums are now still displayed in or around the National Museum and include works of international artists from all over the globe, and the pieces from this exhibition will also be on show after the exhibition ends.

E Call 17 590-551.

happeningsartsculture When? December 26 – January 4 | Event? Exhibition | Venue? Bahrain Arts Society

Artistic Script

When? December 9 Event? Music show Venue? Indian School A fund-raiser for the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation with Indian celebrities.

E Call 39 633-919.

Well known Bahraini artist Abbas Yousif will be showcasing his latest works this month for all to view. Abbas usually uses a number of mixed media for his exhibitions, but this time he has opted for acrylic and printing oil along with a collage of papers and fabrics.

No specific subject was set for the artworks; instead the pieces freely reflect the beauty of the Arabic script combined with vivid colours at their best, aesthetically pleasing, form.

Abbas is a prolific artist, but recognises the talent of upcoming artists also, “There is an increasingly enlarging generation of artists in Bahrain, each with distinct vitality and dedication. I aim to encourage all of these artists to continue developing their experiences to build Bahrain’s artistic scene,” he says.

When? December 12-26 Event? Various events Venue? Shaikh Ebrahim Center/Poetry House The Shaikh Ebrahim Center brings you three nights of music, poetry and culture.

E Call 17 322-549.

When? December 14 Event? Exhibition Venue? Al Riwaq Gallery The opening of ‘Colourful Manama’ by Ebrahim Bashmi and Karim Al Arrayedh.

E Call 17 717-441.

E Call 17 590-551.

E Call 39 633-919.

36 December 2011 BTM

When? December 18-January 9 Event? Art exhibition Venue? National Museum Arab artists take part in this annual sculpture symposium event.

E Call 17 590-551.

When? December 9 | Event? Music concert | Venue? Bahrain Music Institute

When? December 9 | Event? Music Show | Venue? Indian School Auditorium

Charitable Notes A music fund-raiser is being held to support the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation (BSSF). The Melodic Meet 2011 will feature a number of well-known Indian stars, including popular playback singer Kalpana Ragahvendra, famous south Indian singer Franco and disability dancer Paul Pandian. Kalpana, who is the daughter of famed Indian actor, T. S. Raghvendar.

“With this music show we hope to raise sufficient funds to use for the various disabled sports activities in and around the region,” says BDSF general secretary Mohammad Nammi. The tickets will be BD2 per person and the show will start at 7.30pm.

When? December 8, 9, 15, 16 Event? Market 338 Venue? Block 338, Adliya Al Riwaq Market 338 is a crowd favourite, head down for a fun day out.

E Call 17 717-441.

Seasonal Affair The Bahrain Music Institute’s annual concert is always a great way to spend an evening, for anyone who with a love for music and this year, the event is tipped to showcase a wide variety of both music and talent. Aside from their classical and seasonal performances, visitors can expect to hear pop, jazz, Latin and Arabic music.

The line-up includes performances from students, teachers and a combination of both with an aim to provide a platform for the musicians to share the music that they love. Doors open at 4pm with and admission is free.

E Call 17 721-999.

When? December 25 Event? Musical Christmas Show Venue? Bahrain Music Institute Enjoy a wide variety of instrumental performances from students and teachers.

E Call 17 721-999.

When? December 26–January 4 Event? Exhibition Venue? Bahrain Arts Association View Arabic script masterpieces

by Bahraini painter Abbas Yousif.

E Call 17 590-551.

happeningsclubssocieties When? December 1-January 14 | Event? Gardening competitions | Venue? Bahrain Garden Club, Juffair

When? December 1-January 18 Event? Gardening competitions Venue? Bahrain Garden Club, Juffair Show off your gardening skills and get growing this month!

E Call 17 727-625 or visit www. bahraingardenclub.com.

When? December 2 Event? Hash House Anniversary Ball Venue? The British Club Don your black tie outfit and dance the night away to a live band.

E Visit www.bahrainhash.com.

When? December 9 Event? Festive fund-raiser Venue? Bapco Club An evening of music, food and drinks to raise money for the Cat Society.

E Call 39 958-457.

Plant Your Name!

When? December 15 Event? Talent management workshop Venue? Royal Golf Club Join the Bizladies in this interactive and educational event.

E Email bahrain@bizladies.org.

Alison Coldridge The Bahrain Garden Club has sprung into action for two major competitions being launched this month for all who love to weed, pot, trim and prune.

We are relishing in much cooler weather, which means the Kingdom’s gardens are finally able to flourish and produce delicious fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to luscious flowers and plants. So it’s time to get outdoors and get potting!

The Bahrain Garden Club (BGC) is holding two competitions this month for all members, and non-members to take part in.

Both events seek to achieve the objective of the BGC by assisting in preserving the environment, maintaining beautiful surroundings and building awareness of agriculture.

Competition one: Most Beautiful Garden in the Kingdom The first event, which is already open for entrees, is the annual ‘Most Beautiful Garden in the Kingdom’ competition.

Remarkably, this year marks the 47th edition of the competition which has been running every year since the BGC began.

Anyone can enter their garden into the contest, with the following elements judged; the landscape, diversity of plant elements, green surfaces, flowers, a variety of trees, the use of an irrigation system, attention to quality of plants and fertalisers used.

There will be numerous prizes offered to the top gardens in each category such as: the best kept container garden, best kept lawn, best kept display of shrubs and trees and the best kept experimental garden. An addition to this year’s competition is an eco-friendly element. A sub-competition will also take place to award the best display of an environmentally-friendly garden and also a small garden photography exhibition. The closing date for all entries is on January 6.

38 October 2011 BTM

When? December 11 Event? Debating contest Venue? Crowne Plaza Hotel Improve your public speaking with the Bahrain Toastmasters Club.

E Email info@bahraintoastmasters.org.

Competition two: Floral Exhibition and Experimental Gardening The second competition has been created for schools to assist in educating them about the importance of tending for a garden. Children, together with their classmates and teachers, can try their hand at growing and manipulating plants, vegetables and flowers. The contest has been created in the fairest way possible, with different categories for ages, schooltype, and ability.

There is also a wide variety of categories for the product entries including the creation of a miniature garden, a plant grown from beans in a pot, flower arrangements and vegetables grown in a garden.

The floral exhibit and experimental gardening competition will be held on January 14, with the exhibition open to the public from January 16-18 and a presentation of the winner’s trophy’s will be held on February 9 and 11.

So give those little ones a trowel and let them test the soil!

E Call 17 727-625 or visit www.bahraingardenclub.com.

When? December 24 Event? Christmas Eve party Venue? The British Club Sit down to a three-course candlelit dinner accompanied by a live band.

E Call 17 728-245.

When? December 31 Event? New Year’s Eve party Venue? The British Club Party your way into the New Year with live entertainment and a disco.

E Call 17 728-245.

When? December 31 Event? New Year’s Eve party Venue? The Country Club Party your way into the New Year and enjoy the buffet menu dining.

E Call 17 593-593.

happeningskidsteens When? December 6-9 | Event? Guys and Dolls Musical | Venue? St. Christopher’s School

When? December 2 Event? Drawing competition Venue? Al A’ali Shopping Complex Let kids get in touch with their creative sides and see Bahrain through their eyes.

E Call 17 825-757.

When? December 3 Event? Bahrain Junior Open Venue? Royal Golf Club Kids can try out their golf swing in some friendly competition.

E Call 17 750-777.

When? December 3 Event? Under-12 soccer tournament Venue? Arsenal Soccer School The really young kids have a chance to show their skills.

E Call 17 561-615.

Broadway Comes to Bahrain The musical that took Broadway by storm in 1950 will be brought back to life by the students of St. Christopher’s School as they sing their hearts out to Guys and Dolls.

Following their widely successful take on Les Miserables, the talented group of students at St. Christopher’s School have opted for something a little more comedic and will be taking to the stage next month with arguably one of the biggest musical productions ever created, Guys and Dolls.

Having started rehearsals for the musical in September, the production team has upped the ante with 50 cast members on stage and a further 200 supporting other major aspects of the show including the backstage crew, orchestra and hair and makeup.

The audition process was a vital stage to the show’s success.

Music director Ken Haggarty has been precise in selecting the right actors, paying attention to the chemistry between the lead characters, their sense of comedic timing and the ability to hold a melodic line. The famous lead roles of Sarah Brown, Sky Masterson, Adelaide and Nathan Detroit will be played by Palmyra Matner, Alexander Farrell, Robyn Durnford and Ellis Cowling respectively.

As the internationally-known musical was a show written for adults, the students had to face the challenge of maintaining a physical and emotional maturity to pull it off. “The other big challenge was the sheer number of rehearsals. To produce a

40 December 2011 BTM

professional performance takes a lot of work; there are no short cuts to success,” says Ken. The team have left no stone unturned and no detail missed.

The principal actors had to work hard on their New York accents and the crew went all out on the stage sets.

The stage scenery were specifically built for the show and construction commenced in May; costumes were also no exception as each was individually made and tailored to truly capture the nature of the 1940’s New York period. “The set looks fantastic and there actually are a few surprises for the audience!” exclaims Ken. The show will last for two hours, consisting of a traditional mix of dialogue, dance and music with a total of 30 songs performed.

Reaching new heights every year with their productions, the St. Christopher’s annual musical events have rightfully become a fixture in the Kingdom’s performance calendar.

“We’re content to add to Bahrain’s performance reputation by staging a show that is for the whole island, not just for our school. Audiences who saw our production of Les Miserables will appreciate that we aim to entertain everyone in the community. Guys and Dolls will be a fun, uplifting and entertaining night out, for the whole family,” explains Ken. The production team includes music directors Ken Haggarty and Billy Goldring, director Tony Thomas, producer Gillie van der Eyken and choreographer Kathryn Beck.

E Call 17 788-101.

When? December 6-9 Event? Musical Venue? St Christopher’s School Get the full Broadway experience with this adaptation of Guys and Dolls.

E Call 17 788-101.

When? December 9 Event? BSPCA Charity Cup Venue? Arsenal Soccer School A festive fund-raiser for teams with under-10s and under-12 ages.

E Call 17 561-615.

When? December 10 Event? Children’s Christmas party Venue? The British Club The kids can dance and party the day away in celebration of Christmas.

E Call 17 728-245.

When? December 17 Event? Junior tournament Venue? Royal Golf Club The little ones take to the course in celebration of National Day. E Call 17 750-777.

When? December 18-22 Event? Winter kid’s camp Venue? Studio Ceramics Keep the kids arty and occupied this holiday at this seasonal craft week.

E Call 17 599-026.

happeningssportsrecreation When? December 11 | Event? Charity netball tournament | Venue? Dilmun Club

When? December 3 Event? Day/Night Golf Venue? Awali Golf Club Play seven holes by day and seven holes by night with luminous balls.

E Call 17 756-770.

When? December 3 Event? Horse riding championship Venue? Bahrain International Endurance Village Who will emerge as the winner of this prestigious contest?

E Call 17 836-199.

When? December 5 Event? Soccer championship Venue? National Stadium Soccer talents battle it out for the Sh. Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup. E Call 17 689-569.

A Competitive Aim Alison Coldridge The Bahrain Netball League has a festive sporting treat ready for you to watch this month, acting as the interval to an already successful season.

Christmas is celebrated by the DHL Bahrain Netball League (BNL) with a festive fund-raiser held this month. The event is a great chance to support the all-female netball teams and see what women really are made of in the sporting world!

The festive event will see the BNL team members show their skills on the court whilst raising money for local charities. Open to all of the netball league members, the participants will pay a small fee to enter the competition, and players can also be sponsored by friends, family and onlookers to ensure as many funds as possible are raised.

Titled as the ‘tinsel tournament’ the game will definitely have a festive feel; “The tournament will be complete with celebratory treats for both those playing and watching, including seasonal mince pies and mulled wine,” outlines Helen Edwards, the event’s organiser.

Game heads on for the new season This season has seen an upsurge in action in the BNL with eight teams participating in over 20 games already played over the last two months, as part of the 2011/2012 season.

42 December 2011 BTM

The BNL, affiliated to the Gulf Netball League, is one of the oldest netball leagues in the Middle East and all of the teams and games are based around the expatriate clubs including the Dilmun Club, The British Club and the Bahrain Rugby Football Club.

Aside from the adults’ teams, the BNL also offers children the chance to learn a new sport and to have fun getting fit. “As well as the league, we also run junior netball, which is held at the Dilmun Club every Wednesday and the Rugby Club every Thursday. The kids love taking part and friendly competition is always in attendance!” says Helen.

The BNL is also gearing up and training relentlessly for the Inter-Gulf 2012 tournament. Earlier this year, the DHL first team finished an impressive third place in the 25th edition of the tournament, held in Dubai, and this year the league is going all out to ensure another great placing.

“Two highly qualified coaches are going to be brought over from Hong Kong to work with the squads during a weekend in January 2012. The focus of the weekend will be on skills and match play and not fitness. Fitness will be the responsibility of the individual player. We will also hope to organise a friendly training match at some point during the preparation for the tournament,” explains Kate Knapton, Bahrain’s Inter-Gulf coordinator for the 2012 event.

E Visit www.netballbahrain.com.

When? December 9 Event? Tennis championships Venue? Indian Club Final matches and prize-giving for the 63rd edition of the tournament.

E Call 39 276-481 or 39-408-667.

When? December 9 Event? Bahrain Marathon Relay Venue? All over Bahrain Organised by the Bahrain Round Table. Starts 10am at the BIC. E Visit www.brt1.net.

When? December 10 Event? Soccer tournament Venue? Arsenal Soccer School The adults and staff take to the pitch to show the kids how it’s done.

E Call 17 561-615.

When? December 11 Event? Charity netball tournament Venue? Dilmun Club The DHL Bahrain Netball League plays a festive and fund-raising tinsel tournament.

E Visit www.netballbahrain.com.

When? December 12 Event? Half Iron Man triathlon Venue? Durrat Al Bahrain A fund-raising event including a 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike ride and 21.2 km run.

E Call 39 132-102.

When? December 12 Event? Sprint triathlon Venue? Durrat Al Bahrain Watch or take part in a 750 m swim, 20 km bicycle ride and a 5 km run.

E Call 39 132-102.

happeningssportsrecreation When? December 3 and 24 | Event? Horse riding championships | Venue? Bahrain International Endurance Village

Skillful Galloping The Royal Bahrain Endurance Team will be taking to the tracks for two championships this month. Firstly, on December 3 the High Highness Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa Endurance Ride will take place. This race contains a distance of 100 km for local stables and a FEI international ride with a distance of 85 km.

The second racing event will be held on December 24 and is in slightly belated celebration of National Day. The championship, titled the ‘National Day Endurance Ride’ is for seniors and offers two distances; 85 km or a considerable lengthier 120 km for the more advanced riders.

E Call 17 836-199.

A special competition in celebration of National Day has been lined up for all Royal Golf Club, Bahrain Golf Club and Awali Golf Club members.

Round one of the tournament will take place on December 16 at 7am and 12 noon. Round two will take place the next day with a 7.30am shotgun start for the final round and scramble. Each competitor will receive a goody bag and the winning pair will receive a trophy and golfing equipment. E Call 17 750-777.

44 December 2011 BTM

When? December 16 Event? Cross Island race Venue? Across the Kingdom An exhilarating race from the south-east to the south-west of Bahrain.

E Call 36 876-876 or 39 192-411.

When? December 16 Event? Cricket tournament Venue? Hanainiya Grounds, Riffa A one-off seven-a-side tournament in celebration of National Day. E Call 39 673-769.

When? December 16 and 17 Event? National Day Tournament Venue? Royal Golf Club A golf tournament where all participants will receive a goody bag.

E Call 17 750-777.

When? December 17 Event? Cross country golf Venue? Awali Golf Club Teams of four will compete on a specially designed alternative course.

E Call 17 756-770.

When? December 16 | Event? Cross Island race | Venue? Across the Kingdom

When? December 16 and 17 | Event? National Day golf tournament | Venue? Royal Golf Club

Celebratory Golfing

When? December 12 Event? Try-a-Tri Venue? Durrat Al Bahrain Open for 11 years and above a 300 m swim, 10 km bike ride and a 3 km run.

E Call 39 132-102.

When? December 23 Event? Christmas Hamper competition Venue? Awali Golf Club Try your hand at a festive 18-hole strokeplay competition.

E Call 17 756-770.

Run the Island

This month brings the race for which the Bahrain Road Runners are probably best known — the Cross Island race. It’s an exhilarating run from the south-east of Bahrain to the south-west, which takes the participants from coast to coast, through desert terrain and past beautiful scenery. With the cooler weather it’s far more achievable for many to complete and in previous years huge numbers of participants have entered.

This year, to spice the race up a little more, the organisers have added a ‘coast to coast’ element, which forces you to start with your fingers touching the sea water at the start line and end the race in the same way — although, if at the end you feel like diving in to cool off, by all means go for it!

E Call 36 876-876, 39 192-411 or 36 980-088.

When? December 24 Event? Senior Ride Venue? Bahrain International Endurance Village The Royal Bahrain Endurance Team rides in celebration of National Day. E Call 17 836-199.

When? December 25 Event? Christmas Cracker Venue? Royal Golf Club All are welcome to take part in a round of golf on Christmas Day. E Call 17 750-777.

When? December 28-30 Event? GCC Open Badminton tournament Venue? Indian Club More than 100 players are expected to take part in this competition.

E Call 39 966-023.

happeningssportsrecreation When? December 9 | Event? Bahrain Marathon Relay | Venue? Start and finish at the Bahrain International Circuit

Go Team!

The Bahrain Marathon Relay is a great way to take part in a friendly, competitive team race whilst raising money for causes in need. Just don’t let go of the baton…

It’s that time of the year again when everyone in Bahrain is invited to enter the Bahrain Marathon Relay. The annual sporting event is always a great success and raises large amounts of money for various charitable causes both across Bahrain and internationally.

Last year, the event raised an astonishing BD30,000 for local charities.

The race is designed with 16 legs of three kilometres and starts and finishes at the Bahrain International Circuit. It is open for both keen runners and anybody willing to give it a go, as each stretch isn’t very far. The top 20 teams are made up of serious runners and the top ten teams are inclusive of international runners. However, the majority of teams enter for the dual result of raising money for needy causes and having fun.

The relay is once again being organised by the Bahrain Round Table Society, who exist for the main purpose of giving back to the community with fund-raising events such as this one. The money raised from this year’s marathon will go to charities including the Downs Syndrome Society, Isa Town Charity Fund and the Fellowship Society for the Blind.

Now the weather is beautifully cool, it’s a lovely day for a fun-filled team race or just to enjoy cheering on all of the participants. So, either get registered and get running or sponsor someone running and head along on the day to support them. E Visit www.brt1.net.

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MINI Celebrates 10th Anniversary As one might expect from a brand such as MINI, they came up with something different to mark the 10th anniversary of operations in the Middle East. A convoy of more than 100 MINIs from around the region, including four from Bahrain, congregated in Abu Dhabi to embark on a drive to Dubai. Once there, members of the media and the public were invited to experience the latest MINIs for themselves at the Dubai Autodrome. There were also displays of vintage MINIs and live performances to entertain the crowd

Beat Antennae perform

Bahrain’s MINIs get set for the convoy drive

MINI on two wheels

Sarah Klippert, Middle East MINI manager, and Fabio Cannavaro cut the 10th anniversary cake at the Dubai International Motor Show

46 December 2011 BTM

An artist paints a MINI

MINIs through the ages

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Malaysian Ambassador's Eid Dinner HE Ahmad Shahizan Bin Abd Samad Malaysian Ambassador and the Malaysian Club in Bahrain, hosted a dinner for members the Malaysian and diplomatic community and a number of VIP guests to celebrate Eid Al Adha. The dinner was held at his official residence in Jasra last month Shahafeez, HE Ahmad Shahizan & Ahmed Haji Jumat

Nadia, Nor Hayati & Rosita

Mohammed, Hassan, Mohammed & Amirul Lea, Shahafeez & Doris

Syasya & Sundus

Diana & Mohammed

Nawaal, Fadzila, Junaida & Yasmeen

Amelie & Zarina

Salima & Sofiya

Amna, Rafia, Awin, Hajar & Aifa

Alia, Zaitoon & Ayob

Rafqi & Thatree

Rina

Mazlan, Diyanah & Nadia

Hajar, Nawaal & Rafia

Doris, Buddi & Lea

Zul

Mohammed & Asmunir

Bahrain India Society Lunch The Bahrain India Society hosted a lunch in honour of HE Vayalar, Ravi, Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs and Civil Aviation, Government of India, at the Al Murjan Room No 2, Mรถvenpick Hotel.

The lunch that was sponsored by Bahrain Air was attended by HE Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador, Ibrahim Al Hamer, Bahrain Air managing director, and Bahrain India Society board members

48 December 2011 BTM

HE Vayalar Ravi, 8th from left with HE Mohan Kumar, 6th from left, Ibrahim Al Hamer, 5th from left & Bahrain India board members

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Think Pink Gala Ball The Seventh Annual Think Pink Gala Ball was held at the Gulf Hotel's Convention Centre to raise funds for Think Pink's breast cancer awareness campaign and to buy a digital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine for Salmaniya Medical Complex. The gala ball remains one of the main fundraisers for the charity every year

Julie Sprakel & Tariq

Lulwa, Doris, Joy, Deema & Amin

Daniel, Emma, Tori & Dean

Lamees & Karim

Garfield, Faisal Kanoo & Ron

Hazel, Lucy, Angela & Naomi

Sadie, Lucy, Joy, Paula, Hannah & Tanya

Brandon, Natasha & Mo

Jill, Garfield, Elgar, Vonny, Vicki, Jules & Ron

Sandra & Zeenat

Dr Stan & Hilde

Corinne, Karim & Aimee

Julie Sprakel, Think Pink Bahrain founder & chairwoman, 3rd from left with Think Pink committee members

50 December 2011 BTM

Jacob, Debbie, Wendy & Fred

Kristi & Jaanika

Mary & Sam

Anita & Isabel

Justeen & Adel

Beverley & Anne

Mel, Kevin & Eimear

My sweet B没ches de No毛l

PAUL on facebook paul-bahrain.com/facebook

Products available from 15th December.

More information is included in our complete Festive Season product guide, available at any PAUL shop.

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Bahrain Irish Gaelic Games The Bahrain Duty Free Middle East Gaelic Games was staged at Bahrain Rugby Football Club (RFC) in Saar. The event was organised by the Arabian Celts Gaelic Football Club in association with the Bahrain Irish Society, and was one of the highlights of the annual Bahrain Irish Festival

Mrs & HE Iain Lindsay, British Ambassador & Caroline

Padraig, Steph & Adrian

Nicola & Geraldine

Orla, Cliona & Aiofe

Tim & Paraic

Maeve, Kirsten & Keilan

52 December 2011 BTM

Paul & Kevin

Hannah, Becky & Grace

Sinead & Fino

Sinead & Reanda

Gavin & Ann

Aslan band members

Susan, Steve, Rose & Priza

Davin, Caroline & Smeila

Linda & Tina

Cirara & Joanne

Derek, Steve & Esmeralda

Amy & Charlene

Sara & Ginra

Helen & Jess

Dwayne & Lucy

Aoife

Amanda & Tessa

Aisling

Emily

Annie

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French Week 2011 Launch Reception French Week 2011 held by the French Embassy and Bahraini French Business Club, in conjunction with Alliance Francaise de Bahrein was launched at an exclusive reception attended by HE Yves Oudin, French Ambassador, diplomats and VIP guests. The reception was held at the InterContinental Regency Hotel

Michel & Steve

Erika & Najib

Huda, Momo & Megan

HE Yves Oudin

Hisham, Claus Buchi & Dr Khalid

54 December 2011 BTM

Mirela, Redha, Carolina, Herve, Janine, Christiane & Sadaf

Steve & Henry

Ali Hassan, Ebrahim Al Ameer, Abdul Hussain Dawani & Khalid Kanoo

Alessandra, Nicholas & Gesche

Andrea, Vanessa, Dawn, Shandra & Pauline

Ali, Mai, Lynne & Hassan

Mohamemd & Abdulla Juma

Gerard & Joelle

Marie & Amy

Kiki & Raymond

Hilary & Viviana

Nada, Sarine & Joelle

Alexandra & Martine

Nuriel & Claudine

Waleed Sharif

Mona Almoayyed & Adel Fakhro

Hassan

Nabeel Ajoor & Jean

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Pirates In Bahrain At Lost Paradise An international act combining acrobatics, pyrotechnics, dance and gymnastics was unveiled with the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park (LPOD) being over run by pirates.

More that 3,000 visitors attended the fantastic 'Pirates in Bahrain' which was performed four times a day at the water park last month

Yanal, Yousef, Alma & Ali

Shilpa, Adam Page & Jalam

Pin, Malou & Paul

Bridget & Betsy

Edubiel

A pirate with a flag takes a dive

Joycie, Froy, Zia, Debbie, Fuji, Zeny & Garry

Edgar, Paul, Aldrin & PJ

56 December 2011 BTM

Issa & Tatyana

Sonny, Garry, Ayen & Hazel

Pirates ahoy!

Rizza, Maksim, Joseph, Yen, Karla & Mannix

Mohammed, Mohammed, Abdulelha, Murthada & Mohammed

Luna, Anae & Noora

Asim

Abdulaziz, Essa, Darion, Isa & Isa

Hussain, Ayoob & Nabil

Martin, Oliver, Poyony & Farn

annualreview

Making Sense of 2011 Bahrain Financial Harbour

DAVID M. ROBERTSON What a year this has been!

Whoever would have thought 12 months ago we would have had our lives turned upside down so dramatically in such a short period of time.

Historically, our annual review has reflected the recent past and what the future might hold. This year there has only been one story — the unrest that followed from what were initially peaceful demonstrations to mark the 10th anniversary of the National Action Charter.

For the first six weeks of the year, a sense of optimism had started to flow through our veins as we started to cast off the shadows of the financial downturn and economic slowdown that accompanied it. Little did we know that a lone protestor in Tunisia would set fire to himself, ignite the region within which we live and deliver unprecedented turmoil.

As the months have passed the world that we knew has evaporated, a long-distant memory and an increasing recognition that life will never be the same again. There is only the future, with uncertainty that only a fear of the unknown can unleash.

All around us we can see the physical scars; the road blocks where once there were none and, most poignantly, the closed Al Farooq Junction. This silent hub now stands as a daily reminder to all those who drive past it of the innocence we have lost, exacerbating our insecurities over the future in equal measure. Those of us in business can also see the financial scars; where once we envisioned profit, now we think more of survival.

What we don’t see are the internal scars; the debilitating impact that the unrest has had on our minds. Our mental health has taken a beating; doctor after doctor that Bahrain This Month has spoken to recants the same tale — the

number of patients suffering from depression has skyrocketed.

Some doctors suggest that, now, 50 per cent of all the people they see show signs of depression caused by anxiety, up from less than 10 per cent a year ago.

Carbon dating democracy Around the Middle East we have seen a year of unprecedented change, with North African countries sweeping aside decadeslong governments. Close to home, the United Arab Emirates has taken further steps along the path to democratic reform.

Half of the seats in the 40-seat Federal National Council (FNC), an advisory council that aims to forge closer links between its rulers and the people, were sought by 468 contestants. The pre-selected electorate of 129,000 voters, around 12 per cent of the local population in the emirate, was nearly 20 times as many as could vote in the country’s first elections in 2006.

Turnout, however, was a disappointing 36,000 voters (28 per cent of those eligible to vote), and only one woman was elected. The other 20 members of the FNC are appointed and the body only has advisory powers.

But, where does that place the UAE and other countries in the region on a democracy timeline?

The first official parliament — the Model Parliament — in the United Kingdom (UK) was initiated in 1295 by King Edward I, often referred to as ‘Longshanks’ and probably more popularly known as the ruling monarch in the film [ITALS] Braveheart. For this parliament, all peers — lords, including the bishops and some abbots — were invited individually, by name; and every city and county was asked to choose (elect) two members to represent it in parliament. This process became known as the calling of the ‘Commons’, hence the alternative name through which parliament is known today, the House of Commons.

In 1341, the Commons met separately from the nobility and clergy for the first time, creating what was effectively an Upper Chamber (later known as the House of Lords) and a Lower Chamber. This method of government is referred to as a bicameral legislature.

Democracy in the United Kingdom, though, is more commonly regarded as taking shape during the 17th century; in a recent speech the current UK prime minister, David Cameron, talking about the UK riots in August this year, commented that after 400 years of democracy the country has still not got it right.

What really gave impetus to democracy, however, was the industrial revolution in the 19th century. Two factors are often seen as the bedrock to the establishment of a more plural society that is sustainable and offering a natural system of checks and balances.

The first of these was a growing and more affluent middle class, who became the primary drivers for political reform in the middle of the 1800s. Up until this point, calls for change had predominantly come from what we would call today

BTM December 2011 57

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xxxxx Our mental health has taken a beating

‘activists’ (for instance, those seeking the abolition of slavery) and ‘disadvantaged’ minorities.

Across much of the Western world today, we are seeing a reaffirmation of the political awareness of that middle class, with a string of demonstrations against an increasingly austere economic outlook. This indicates the status quo is out of sync in relation to the generation of personal wealth, an issue over which the middle class has traditionally held very strong views.

A local perspective was offered by the chairman of the UAEbased Emaar Group, Mohamed Ali Alabbar, in an interview with Sky News earlier this year. “.. people in this region (The Middle East and North Africa), I don’t think are interested in democracy, [they] want a decent quality of life, homes for their families, good education, good health care and a decent job with the ability to dream of a better life.”

It’s a view that might not resonate uniformly across generations and with those outside the region, but Alabbar does explain the trade-off when aspirations are not met.

The second key element behind reforms at the time was a more competitive political process, through two more clearly defined political parties — the Conservatives and the Liberals.

The National Unity Gathering, to the extent that it eventually transforms itself into a political society, offers the prospect of a different competitive political environment within the Kingdom.

Perhaps against its will, and probably in part responsible for the ‘headache’ experienced by many this year, the middle class in the Kingdom has become more politically aware — and active — than has previously been the case. Everywhere you

go around town, people are talking ‘politics’ in a way never envisoned before.

In a sense this should not be something over which we should feel ‘depressed’; it is something to be proud of, and about which we should feel good. A maturing of the political process, through which all nations pass on the ‘democracy’ road, should give us confidence that a more plural system will reflect people’s aspirations and is more likely to be both sustainable and successful.

One marker on any democratic timeline for which the Kingdom can take great pride is the rights it affords to women.

It took around 300 years for women to get the right to vote in the UK; in Bahrain this right was given on day one, when constitutional reforms were enacted at the beginning of this century. Equally, in municipal elections, all property owners, irrespective of nationality, are allowed to vote and to have a say over the charges/taxes they are required to pay.

Much as we might not like it, we live in a world of on-line immediacy where time is often not seen as an option. We have no option but to move on but at least we can do that in the knowledge that the experiences of 2011 have delivered a greater sense sense of responsibility towards both ourselves and the society in which we live that we can carry into 2012.

In our annual review pages this year, we take a look at a couple of the major sectors within the local economy, how they contribute to our economic well-being and what we can expect to see in the coming years ahead.

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Emma Radek Coffee Morning Emma Radek hosted a coffee morning for a number of friends at her residence in Zinj

Wafa, Hans & Emma Radek

Allison, Hans, Roland & Anita

Eskindar & Hans

Nawaf, Hans & Mathews

Jerry, Tik, Esky, Emma & Betty

Sophie & Susanna

Mesu & Masty

Fitsum & Letti

Netsy & Frey

58 December 2011 BTM

Marietta, Esky, Beverly, Claude, Malika, Emma & Heaven

Marta

Helen & Maria

annualreview Abdulkarim Bucheery

Broadening the Remit Banks in Bahrain will need to focus more on cross-border opportunities if they’re to maintain the growth momentum in an increasingly challenging business environment, believes Abdulkarim Bucheery.

60 December 2011 BTM

The banking and financial services sector forms the core of Bahrain’s economy, emerging as the single largest contributor to Bahrain’s GDP in recent years despite a downturn in the global financial markets. With 408 banking and financial institutions, the financial services sector accounts for around 27 per cent of Bahrain’s GDP and has total assets amounting to US$198.61 billion.

Of this, wholesale banks, including overseas banking units and investment banks, command a sizeable chunk, around US$132 billion, while retail banks account for US$67 billion.

Islamic banks account for US$24 billion of the total pie. Saudi Arabia remains the largest investor in terms of deposits in Bahraini banks, investment firms and wealth managers, mostly housed in offshore centres.

Bahrain’s unrest from earlier this year may not have had much impact on the operations of the banking sector but, with the downgrade of the Kingdom’s credit rating, the financial implications for the industry will be far-reaching.

“The main challenge for banks will be to keep the high quality of their portfolio intact,” observes Abdulkarim A. Bucheery, CEO of BBK and chairman of Bahrain Association of Banks.

Since the beginning of the crisis, most retail banks have been trying to ease the pressure on their consumer clients.

“Most banks, including BBK, have introduced a host of initiatives to help our consumers restructure their loans. The government allowed us to offer repayment ‘holidays’ of up to three months to our clients to help them through the crisis,” he says.

“Similar assistance to the SME sector has provided businesses the required breathing space. Going forward, banks will need to be even more prudent and make higher provisions for their difficult clients, whether consumers or corporates.”

xxxxx The corporate and commercial banking sectors have shown growth this year owing to the prudent policies of Bahrain’s banks

annualreview Foreign Direct Investment into the Kingdom has slowed down, but he hopes this is a temporary blip. With the government announcing the biggest-ever budget this year, there’ll be substantial room for infrastructure projects in priority sectors. For all the negative short-term implications, the confidence shown in the Kingdom’s banking sector during the crisis was a positive sign for Abdulkarim.

“The corporate and commercial banking sectors have shown growth this year owing to the prudent policies of Bahrain’s banks. Most have posted strong results on the back of a prudent investment portfolio. Our level of deposits is much higher. In fact, I’d say most of the banks are now suffering from excess liquidity,” he notes.

The strong institutional interest in Bahrain’s first seven-year Sukuk of US$750 million issued this November has confirmed investors’ confidence in the Kingdom, particularly in view of the volatile market backdrop, he believes.

Significant milestones Bahrain benefitted from a head start as the financial centre of the Middle East due to the presence of Eastern Bank, now Standard Chartered Bank, which commenced operations here in the 1920s. The real explosion in the financial services came a few decades later in 1976, when Citigroup moved US$2 billion of its Middle East and offshore assets from Beirut to Bahrain following the civil war in Lebanon. Other banking and investment groups gradually followed, enabling Bahrain to metamorphose as the financial hub of the region.

The establishment of Bahrain Monetary Agency in 1973 laid the groundwork for a world-class regulatory regime, which remains the most advanced in the region. As developed economies gear up to comply with Basel III, the new global regulatory standards on bank capital adequacy and liquidity developed in the wake of the global financial crisis, Bahrain is already there, Abdulkarim points out.

“The Basel III norms prescribe that institutions maintain a capital adequacy ratio of 8 per cent, whereas in Bahrain, the CBB had long prescribed 12 per cent. We’re ready for Basel III, we just need to provision for some more shock absorbers.”

Bahrain’s local talent pool is significant; the financial services sector employs around 14,137 personnel, of which 66 per cent are Bahraini nationals. According to Abdulkarim, the inception of the Bahrain Institute for Banking and Finance in 1981 has been critical to Bahrain’s long-term success as a financial centre.

“The wealth of human capital resources in Bahrain is noteworthy. Locals are not only running the banks here, we also export talent to the rest of the GCC,” he points out.

As the banking system matures over the years, the diffusion of automation and evolution of the electronic platform has meant that banks are now able to offer an advanced and comprehensive range of products and services, simplifying banking. The strength of the banking sector is also underscored by the ability of Bahrain’s banks to collectively finance megaprojects.

Even in the midst of the crisis earlier this year, the proliferation of financial institutions continued. Eleven new licenses were issued this year, including conventional banks, investment firms, representative offices and brokerage firms.

Several banks, such as India-based Canara Bank, have expanded their retail network in Bahrain during 2011.

62 December 2011 BTM

New vistas The consumer lending portfolio of most banks shrank during the year as people refrained from borrowing amidst an uncertain political and economic environment. Faced with a stagnant loan portfolio and intense competition in the local market, banks were forced to cut interest rates and come up with attractive offers.

Personal loan interest rates were slashed from seven per cent last year to 4.9 per cent, while return on deposits rose to four per cent in some banks compared to 1.5 percent in the past. The difference between interest rates on deposits and loans currently stands at only one per cent, the highest ever in Bahrain’s banking sector. Needless to say, the low rates squeezed profit margins.

Business lending remained sluggish during 2011, primarily due to the private sector’s reluctance to invest in new opportunities and expansion. In absence of any opportunity in the local market, banks will need to look at the regional markets to deploy their excess liquidity, believes Abdulkarim.

“For a market this small, Bahrain is definitely overbanked. As the banking system matures and reaches saturation point, we will need to concentrate on cross-border opportunities if we’re to maintain this growth momentum,” he asserts.

For BBK, a substantial part of its growth will now come from outside Bahrain. The bank will soon announce a joint venture with a major player in Kuwait. During the course of this year, BBK has infused US$45 million of capital into its operations in India and will further expand its branch network there.

“People will continue to remain the main asset for banks and we’re no different. Whenever we see the need, we will employ fresh graduates purely based on their merit and qualifications,” he maintains.

Opportunities in Islamic finance Perhaps the most significant milestone in Bahrain’s financial sector has been the development of Islamic finance, which has established a strong foothold in the Kingdom.

At the moment there are 26 Islamic banks and 19 Islamic insurance companies (takaful) operating in the Kingdom, which represents 12 per cent of the country’s banking assets.

Talks are on for a merger between Bahrain Islamic Bank and Al Salam Bank and the deal is expected to be finalised during the coming year. “We have too many Islamic Finance businesses and services, all of which remain fragmented,” notes Abdulkarim.

“Consolidation is a healthy sign for the market for it means stronger banks with bigger balance sheets, offering a wider range of products and cheaper services. Bigger institutions benefit from economies of scale while having the capabilities of putting a cap on expenditure.”

Quoting a recent report by Deutsche Bank, the global debt crisis may help Islamic finance to nearly double to US$1.8 trillion in assets by 2016 as stagnant corporate lending pushes institutions to seek alternative financing to traditional methods. Retail banking, project finance and Islamic trade finance are also expected to show significant growth as the global Muslim population grows and the GDP of Muslim countries outpaces global GDP. The Islamic Megabank, Istikhlaf, which is backed by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), is set to launch in the first quarter of 2012. Set to be incorporated with authorised capital of US$10 billion and paid up capital of US$3 billion, Istikhlaf is set to be a ‘game changer’ for Islamic finance since it will compete with global banks for major infrastructure projects and long-term financing.

In addition to providing liquidity, it will also act as a clearing bank and a lender of last resort. Crucially, it will also employ at least 600 people in Bahrain, cementing the Kingdom’s status as the hub of Islamic banking in the Gulf.

8 mm

annualreview

On the Road to Renewal Having successfully arrested the decline of its lone oil-producing field, Bahrain is set to witness some big-ticket investments in its oil and gas sector over the coming years.

In spite of efforts to diversify its economy, Bahrain still relies heavily on oil and oil prices. Income from oil-related business accounts for over 70 per cent of the government’s budget.

As the Kingdom now makes renewed efforts to revamp its energy sector, more than US$20 billion is expected to be pumped into developing the oil and gas sector over the next 20 years. This includes an investment of US$15 billion in the development and modernisation of Bahrain’s flagship Awali oil field, a project termed the Bahrain Field Phased Development Project (BFPDP). Another US$5 billion is estimated to be spent on expansion and modernisation of the Bapco refinery at Sitra.

The BBC sometimes refers to Bahrain as an ‘oil rich’ nation in its reporting on the Kingdom; the reality is rather different. The investments in the energy sector over the coming years are designed to raise the Kingdom’s oil production to around 110,000 barrels per day (bpd) and double gas production to 2.5 billion standard cubic feet per day. At these levels, the Kingdom will be able to meet local demand for energy in the short- to medium-term.

These are production levels, even with a significant stretch of the imagination, that one would have difficulty assigning an ‘oil rich’ label to a country. A more appropriate comment would be to suggest that Bahrain is an energy scare country within an extremely rich energy region.

A rough start Perhaps the biggest challenge faced by Tatweer Petroleum during the course of 2011 lay in arresting the steady decline in Bahrain’s oil production. The Awali oil field in Bahrain is the

64 December 2011 BTM

oldest in the region, having been discovered back in 1932. The field had experienced many years of production decline before Tatweer took over operations in December 2009. The main operator of the oilfield, Tatweer oversees a consortium of international experts including US-based Occidental and UAE’s Mubadala who have been signed on to overhaul the field using the latest technology under a development and production sharing agreement.

Following a raft of production enhancements programmes, the decline was finally reversed. Oil production went up from 32,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the previous year to 40,000 barrels bpd in 2011. The gas production averaged around 1.3 billion standard cubic feet per day from the onshore Bahrain field.

Over the next five to seven years, the government has ambitious plans to triple production from the Awali field, to at least 110,000 bpd, around which production will remain stable until 2028. This would mean that the Kingdom would be assured of an indigenous oil supply at least for the next 15 years while it looks to secure gas supplies overseas.

Meanwhile, Bapco has successfully completed the drilling of three gas wells as part of a US$100 million programme that is intended to boost natural gas production in Bahrain by an additional 500 million cubic feet per day. The project which involves drilling a total of eight new deep gas wells in the Khuff gas reservoir, aims to meet the Kingdom’s growing demand for natural gas for power generation and local industries until 2014. Besides the eight new wells, it envisages the further development of five previously-drilled wells at the same reservoir.

annualreview Offshore progress The government has offered all four of its offshore blocks to international companies for exploration and production of new offshore fields. During the year, good progress was made by Bapco and its international partners, Thailand-based PTTEP and Occidental Petroleum Corporation. Under the Field Phased Development Project, 17 oil wells were drilled in 2010 and 43 oil wells drilled in 2011.

Bapco and Occidental have identified several hydrocarbon prospects in Block 1 and an experimental well is being drilled here. Teams from Bapco and PTTEP have jointly identified a hydrocarbon prospect in the South Jarim area of Block 2. In Block 3, Occidental is drilling its second commitment well after finding non-commercial quantities of gas in its first exploratory well in the Jurrasic Hanifa Formation.

While Occidental expects gross gas production from Awali to rise to 1.6 billion cubic feet per day by 2014, Bahrain could actually double its gas output by delving deeper. The government has signed an agreement with Occidental for deep gas exploration. This will involve drilling under the existing oil fields to explore gas reserves at depths ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 feet.

Augmenting supply Bahrain seeks to gradually ramp up its present refining capacity of around 262,000 bpd. A master plan drawn up for the expansion of Bapco’s refinery seeks to enhance its competitiveness while maintaining the profitability and sustainability of its downstream business. Once implemented, the refinery project will see processing capacity expanded from the present 260,000 bpd to around 400,000 bpd by 2018.

Bahrain is also in talks with oil giant Saudi Aramco for construction of a new pipeline of more than 100 kilometres between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Expected to cost approximately US$350 million, the new pipeline will carry around 350,000 bpd of crude between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to replace the existing one that carries 230,000 barrels.

Over the years, Bahrain has been in talks with Iran and Qatar for securing gas supply, but not much progress has been made.

Talks with Iran are now frozen after the two countries disagreed on the price and the government is now considering importing gas from Turkmenistan or Russia.

As part of its plans to secure its long-term energy requirements, the government is open to the import of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which would entail the development of a gas receiving terminal and pipeline infrastructure to deliver gas to the end users.

National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA) has already conducted the feasibility study for the Kingdom’s first LNG receiving terminal and the government will pick the winning bidder for a $1 billion project by the end of this year.

The LNG project envisages the construction of a ship unloading system complete with LNG storage tanks, a ‘regasification’ and send out system, marine works, a jetty and other associated works. Once realised, the Kingdom hopes to solve its power outage during the summer as well as have adequate energy for its planned industrial expansion. Above all, it will enable Bahrain to become the region’s hub for petroleum and associated logistic services.

66 December 2011 BTM

xxxxx Over the next five to seven years, the government has ambitious plans to triple production from the Awali field, to at least 110,000 bpd, around which production will remain stable until 2028

Untapped potential downstream Environmental concerns remain the key behind every decision made by the National Oil and Gas Authority, in line with the global move towards cleaner and higher quality products. The government believes Bahrain must look for opportunities to upgrade products and increase revenue, as well as minimise carbon emissions.

Bapco is currently commissioning new plants under a US$1 billion modernisation programme designed to reduce the sulphur content to enable it to meet current environmental standards.

Long active in the traditional areas of refining, extraction and marketing of oil production, Bapco has now decided to foray into uncharted territory — the manufacture of petroleum products.

This year saw the inauguration of Bapco’s US$450 million lube oil plant with which Bahrain seeks to develop an international and local market for its own very brand of lube oil.

This plant will annually produce around 400,000 metric tons of grade III high-viscosity index lubricant base oil, a raw material for finished lubricants used in high-performance vehicles.

The project is part of Bapco’s joint venture with Finland’s Neste Oil and Nogaholding.

Bapco will be working closely with the automobile industry to develop the local market for its own brand of lube oils in the coming years. The company has set up a team to develop a retail business within its marketing division.

As the refining and petrochemical industries grows at a rapid pace, Bahrain seems to have realised the need to leverage the latest technology so that the Kingdom can compete with the best in the industry — but in a cost-effective, efficient and environmentallyfriendly manner.

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Awaiting a Makeover Mohamed Buzizi

Bahrain is on the road to recovery as the year draws to a close, but there remains the bigger challenge of improving the Kingdom’s image internationally, in order for the hospitality sector to flourish.

68 December 2011 BTM

The hospitality and tourism sector is a crucial dimension of Bahrain’s economy — a factor that not only impacts the Kingdom’s ability to generate trade and investment, but international goodwill as well.

An industry that was already hard-hit by the economic downturn three years ago, tourism was hammered further by the turmoil of earlier this year. As business events and conferences finally start to pick up towards the end of the year, weekends are fairly busy again with GCC travellers slowly but not surely coming back to the Kingdom.

Mohamed Buzizi, a veteran of the local hospitality industry, would like to think there’s been a recovery, but what concerns him most at this point is that Bahrain has not rolled out its PR machinery yet.

“I’d say we are doing better in comparison to the spring and summer earlier this year, but recovery is a very slow process.

Now is usually the peak business season and that’s been a norm for decades. Average occupancy at five-star hotels this time of the year usually ranges between 70 to 80 per cent, but we’re far behind this year,” he notes.

Mohamed became the first Bahraini and Gulf national to attain the position of general manager in a five-star hotel in 1980. Since retiring from Bahrain Hotels Company (BHC), now Gulf Hotels Group (GHG), he heads Air Transport and Tourism Services (ATTA), a consultancy that advises, carries out research and acts as a facilitator in areas of tourism, travel, hospitality and air transport. At ATTA, a substantial part of his business comes from organising and managing events, conferences and technical exhibitions. Looking back, 2011 will be remembered as a year of pain for Bahrain’s hospitality industry, which witnessed a drop of 30 to 40 per cent in its annual turnover as international arrivals nearly froze for most part of spring and summer.

Besides dealing an economic blow, the slump has had a negative impact on Bahrain’s reputation abroad. Through the major part of this year, Mohamed has been fielding queries from apprehensive clients abroad who want to know how safe the destination is before they decide on holding their events.

“There remains this negative perception about Bahrain internationally and it’s something we cannot control. The most effective step the government can take to kick-start 2012 on a positive note would be an intensive image-building campaign, promoting Bahrain as a financial hub and a secure investment destination. The EDB has recently been arranging road shows and visits to the US and some European countries, where it has been successful in attracting some new projects to Bahrain. This effort should be appreciated by all and we need more of these. This needs to be a continuous exercise; merely booking some slots on BBC, CNN or other news channels will not serve the purpose,” he opines.

Events like the GCC Games and Jewellery Arabia might help bring visitors to Bahrain, but the Kingdom should aim for bigger international events if it wants to make a comeback on the business and investment map. Once overseas visitors have been in Bahrain, Mohamed believes they will be the Kingdom’s spokespersons abroad, since word of mouth publicity works best in this business.

There's no denying the fact that since the incepton of King Fahad Causeway, Bahrain has been receiving at least three to five million visitors a year, be it the Saudis or the expatriates living in Saudi, complimented by the rest of the GCC countries, which use the Causeway to visit Bahrain. "Unfortunately, this captured market has now been affected by the turmoil in Bahrain. The priority here is to recapture this market due to its importance and proximity," he points out.

annualreview Generating fresh ideas Forever competing against newer destinations and offerings in the region, Bahrain will, in the long run, need to develop a quality product that is typically unique to the Kingdom. For this, expertise can be sought from international consultants working in this field.

“We need an international expert with a proven background and track record in developing tourism infrastructure, to act as advisor to Bahrain and bring in fresh ideas. Competition is

Government push in packaging

OPENING SOON

The tourism industry is sure to find its footing in three to five years’ time, in sync with the next economic upturn, Mohamed believes.

"Our earlier efforts to emulate the "Visit Asia" promotion of the Far East countries did prove successful, but ultimately, our efforts went astray because we did not receive the full government support, not only from Bahrain, but also from other GCC states. Though the issue has been discussed by among Bahrain hoteliers and travel agents as well as our counterparts from other GCC countries, and we're all in favour of of ‘packaging' the region internationally, but our efforts failed due to lack of official support."

Mohamed is not sure whether there’s a viable market for the large number of hotels coming into supply over the coming year, but he is confident that the present situation can only improve with time.

“In this industry, we live in hope always. What happened in Bahrain is nothing compared to the chaos in other countries that witnessed the ‘Arab Spring’. We are safe and we live in peace. Hopefully, 2012 will be a better year and Bahrain will go back to being the ‘Island of Smiles’,” he hopes.

leave the rest to us

SM

Tel: +973 17296660 email:info@ramadapalacehotel.com www.ramadapalacehotel.com 70 December 2011 BTM

tough here. This expert can evaluate what Bahrain currently offers and what the rest of GCC offers and then identify a unique niche that will set the Kingdom apart from other destinations in the region,” suggests Mohamed.

“Bahrain may not be able to execute large-scale projects, but it can put to use some of its existing infrastructure. For example, the Formula One circuit at the BIC could be used throughout the year to hold more events.”

The tourism and hospitality industry never tires of voicing its concerns in every meeting with top government officials, he maintains. "If the comments and suggestions put forward a long time back were implemented, Bahrain would've been in a much better position than it is now compared to other GCC states. We should be active and not reactive,” he asserts.

Service is not servitude Mohamed points out that he joined the Gulf Hotel as a trainee and gradually rose through the ranks, before retiring from BHC, the hotel’s owning firm, as managing director 35 years later.

During his tenure in the 1980s, Bahrainis accounted for around 25 per cent of the hotel industry personnel in the Kingdom and the Gulf Hotel won accolades for more than 12 straight years for its high percentage of Bahrainisation. These numbers deteriorated with the expansion of the economy and the industry lost the locals to other sectors like banking and financial services where pay packages were bigger and working hours better.

“I don’t blame the people who left then, but that doesn’t mean we cannot recruit more Bahrainis now. The industry will see further expansion with the opening of new hotel properties and Bahrainis should be part of this growth,” he maintains.

The sector also suffers from poor perception among Bahrainis, as service is increasingly confused with servitude.

Mohamed recalls his trips to secondary schools as chairman of the Council for Catering and Hotel Training, where he organised sessions to familiarise students with the industry.

“We’d tell them about the hospitality industry, the future there and talk about the job security and climbing the ladder,” he notes. “We’d tell youngsters to use the job as an international passport wherein they could find employment in any country across the world, irrespective of their nationality or origin.

Sometimes, we told them to visit the hotel to talk to our Bahraini staff and see for themselves whether they were happy.”

The council also aired television commercials supporting the hotel management school in Muharraq and the campaign worked to an extent in getting the message across to parents.

If the hospitality industry is to attract Bahraini talent again, it needs to have a tailor-made awareness programme introduced through the ministry of education at the school level.

For instance, SKAL International Bahrain has announced two scholarships for Bahraini students at the University of Bahrain to study tourism but did not received even a single applicant.

“A strong awareness campaign and education at schools might help in restoring the image of the hospitality industry; this is essential to attract Bahrainis to enrol here,” he believes.

xxxxx The most effective step the government can take to kick-start 2012 on a positive note would be an intensive image-building campaign, promoting Bahrain as a financial hub and a secure investment destination

BTM December 2011 71

annualreview

Finessing a Niche Alba smelter

JOEL INDRUPATI/ TARA HENARI A prime mover in the aluminium sector, the Kingdom’s prime mover status as the location of first regional smelter is now shifting to the downstream market.

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With 45 per cent of its output supplied to the domestic market, Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), one of the world’s largest aluminium smelters has, quite clearly, contributed to the development of a huge downstream aluminium sector, within the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The large and growing size of this downstream sector can be staggering when one considers the fact that Alba produces more than 870,000 tonnes annually. And, even though almost half of Alba’s output is going to the local market, the demand for the raw material is such that many of Bahrain’s downstream manufacturers are now also importing from other smelters in the region.

One such manufacturer is Bahrain Aluminium Extrusion Company (Balexco). Its CEO, Jassim Al Seyadi, says, “The principal raw materials for us are the billets and logs, and they are procured from Alba, Bahrain. But quite recently, we have started purchasing small quantities from Qatalum, Doha, as well.”

A host of downstream players in Bahrain, by importing raw material, are giving a new impetus to Bahrain’s aluminium sector. They are producing a wide range of products, most of which are being exported, bringing in foreign revenue.

GARMCO, Midal Cables, BWP, Bamco, Balexco, Aluwheel, and Bahrain Atomization, are all among those companies that are growing fast, and are hungry for raw material. And Alba, and other smelters in the region, are trying hard keep in pace with the demand from these downstream producers in Bahrain, which shows that the government’s economic planning of the 1960s is paying off.

Origins of the prime mover Energy costs are nearly 20 per cent of the total costs of any aluminium smelting industry; the raw materials, manpower, equipment and other costs make up the remaining 80 per cent. So, with Bahrain’s plentiful supply of gas, and with the government’s keen interest to shift from excessive reliance on oil, setting up an aluminium smelter seemed the wisest thing to do.

A consortium of international aluminium users, therefore, chose Bahrain to locate a smelter; in May 1968, Alba was incorporated. Very soon, in January 1969, a contract was signed for the construction of a smelter with a designed capacity of 120,000 tonnes per year. But today, Alba, from its five lines, produces more than 870,000 tonnes annually. That is more than seven times the original output when it began.

During their recent announcement of Alba’s support to Gulf Industry Fair (GIF 2012) to be held in Bahrain in February 2012, Laurent Schmitt, Alba CEO said, “Alba continues to stimulate the growth of the downstream aluminium sector in Bahrain and is performing well internationally, by continuously intensifying its efficiencies to record production increases of 8.4 per cent in 2011 over the same quarter last year and improved margins against tough competition.”

That Alba is stimulating the growth of downstream aluminium sector, as a prime mover, is evident from that fact that the sector grew much faster than the economic planners had envisaged.

Downstream developers Extrusion, rolling, casting, fabrication and recycling are the major downstream manufacturing activities, and the companies that sprung up in Bahrain since the 1970s are all in these and allied areas.

In 1973, almost immediately after Alba started operations, Bahrain Atomizers International (BAI) was formed to produce atomised aluminium powder and pellets that are used in manufacturing paints, vehicle spare parts and in steel industries.

Shortly afterwards, in 1977, saw the formation of two companies that are now among the major players in this sector — BALEXCO and Midal Cables. Both these companies began to regularly buy a part of Alba’s produce to manufacture aluminium products for not just Bahrain, but to meet world demand.

Midal Cables is now even reaching abroad. In recent years its managing director, Hamid Al Zayani, has signed many major deals, including one with Abu Dhabi Basic Industries Corporation for the establishment of a $100 million aluminium rod and conductor plant as a joint venture at Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone in Taweelah in UAE. Another Midal Cables deal is with Tomago Aluminium, of Australia, for a long-term hot metal supply agreement where, with an Australian based partner, the company plans to build a AS$ 30 million aluminium products manufacturing facility in Hunter, creating 290 jobs there.

The Gulf Aluminium rolling Mill Company (GARMCO), a Gulf joint venture in which Bahrain holds 38 per cent, commenced production in 1986 and produces rolled products, recycled foil, circles, aluminium coils, amongst others.

GARMCO’s CEO, Dr Adel Hamad A Rehman Hamad, says with pride, that “GARMCO has been classified as a niche player for

general purpose products which constitute about 2 per cent of the world’s total supplies of FRP (Flat Rolled Products).

GARMCO sells its products of coils, sheets and circles to 2,200 customers over 45 countries.”

The company has 23 subsidiaries from sales offices, services centres and manufacturing plants worldwide. It employs 1,000 employees, out of which 720 employees are in Bahrain. It has achieved an 85 per cent Bahrainisation rate, and has its own training centre.

Aluwheel, a vehicle aluminium wheel manufacturing company, commenced production in Bahrain, in 1993. And, today, the company’s capacity has grown to over 750,000 wheels and 12,000 wheel alloys. Products are distributed to vehicle manufacturing plants in Europe, such as BMW and VW, and to Far Eastern markets.

In 1996, Bahrain Alloy Manufacturing Company (BAMCO) was established to produce aluminium alloys of different proportions of silicon for the use in vehicle spare parts and cast products. Products of this company are now marketed in Europe, Asia and in the Far East.

With GARMCO, Midal Cables, BWP, and Balexco, BAMCO is among the top five downstream companies in the Kingdom.

Industry thoughts Jassim Al Seyadi, CEO, Balexco feels, “The aluminium industry is one of the strategic sectors that had helped to diversify the country’s income base and it has generated employment opportunities for the local Bahraini workforce.”

xxxxx The principal raw materials for us are the billets and logs, and they are procured from Alba, Bahrain. But recently, we have started purchasing small quantities from Qatalum, Doha, as well Very interestingly, he continues, “It is estimated that for every employment in the upstream aluminium industry, four additional employment opportunities are created in the downstream sector. And it is estimated that 65 per cent of the work force are Bahraini nationals in the aluminium sector as a whole. So, we see a bright future for aluminium because the GCC region has a cost advantage in terms of cheaper energy sources.

The growth of the downstream industry is a fact, but for sustained growth, some industry experts indicated there is much still that needs to be done.

Jacynthe Côté, the CEO of the world’s biggest aluminium company, Rio Tinto Alcan, reiterated the region’s at ARABAL 2011, the annual gathering of the aluminium smelters of the Arab World, held at Muscat. In her keynote address she said, “The Middle East clearly possesses an enviable platform upon which to build a world-class aluminium industry. But going forward we must demonstrate that we also have the vision and the will to capitalise on these strengths by creating the conditions necessary to sustain growth.”

BTM December 2011 73

annualreview Hassan Al Majed

Industrial Movers JOEL INDRUPATI/ TARA HENARI The Hidd area has been transformed in recent years by the establishment of three major sites to boost industrial activity in the Kingdom.

“It’s a complete make-over,” exclaimed an astonished visitor when he saw the Hidd Industrial Area, north east of the Kingdom of Bahrain, after a gap of five years.

As someone who was a resident of Bahrain — working at ASRY, the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard company, one of the earliest in that area — he was completely taken by surprise at the sweeping changes in Hidd in just the last five years or so.

Al-Hidd, which was a place of fishing and pearl diving industries until half-a-century ago, is now almost unrecognisable as a bustling industrial area.

And it is not just this one visitor who was returning to Bahrain, but anyone who is following the industrial growth in the region will be surprised at the speed and the seriousness with which the government, the investors, the builders, and their customers, have been working here.

Operations at the Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP), Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP), Bahrain Logistics Zone (BLZ), Bahrain Investment Wharf (BIW), have been progressing with great speed, and several foreign investors have set up shop here, from which to access the region.

Most of these developments have been a part of the government’s long-term vision to offer foreign investors, infrastructural facilities that would attract businesses; and make Bahrain a regional hub providing excellence when it comes to shipping, packaging, storing, transporting, and several other logistic services, in this Hidd Industrial Area.

Executing on a vision The speed at which the developments have been completed here is astounding. For instance, BIW was established in 2006.

But now, in just about five years, the deputy CEO of BIW, Yazan K Haddad says:

74 December 2011 BTM

“BIW had planned, designed and completed successfully the entire development, by concluding the construction of the required infrastructure for any type of light and medium industrial facility that would like to set up business within the BIW in particular, and the Kingdom of Bahrain in general.”

And, if construction of the infrastructure is one part of the story, the other important part is attracting the investors to set up shop here. Yazan K Haddad adds, “As of now, BIW has been able to lease out more than 96 per cent of the plots to local and foreign industrial investments. The goals BIW established are continually being achieved as we always endeavour to establish and achieve new plans for the development.”

Despite the economic upheavals around the world, the vision of the local government is steadily being realised.

A growing port General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) manages the KBSP and BLZ, both situated here. And the director general of GOP, Hassan Al Majed says, “Over the past two years we have witnessed significant growth in Bahrain’s maritime activity, and KBSP has been a crucial component in attracting increased trade volumes to the country.

“The Kingdom of Bahrain has continued to experience an increase in shipping and maritime activities since the commencement of operations at the KBSP in April 2009. There has been positive business growth at KBSP and planning for further infrastructure development continues at KBSP, BLZ and the Mina Salman Port.”

Hassan Al Majed continues, “Operational performance at KBSP has improved in terms of efficiency achieved by the port operator: APM Terminals, Bahrain. The GOP has enhanced the level of security, safety and surveillance standards and has taken over complete control of the management of the Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) at the harbour towers.

“On the infrastructure side, the second phase of dredging the main approach channel to KBSP has started. We are also in the process of tendering a large project to operate a bulk materials terminal at Mina Salman, a project that has been devised after consultation with our public and private sector stakeholders.”

He also adds that the growing efficiency of the port is a result of investment and effort that is in line with Bahrain’s Vision 2030. “Our investment in KBSP has provided world-class facilities. And this, along with our favourable customs regulations and proximity to logistics processing areas, make it one of the most cost-effective and efficient ports in the region.

“By attracting investment from international companies that are targeting the region, and by providing greater employment opportunities for the local population, KBSP is contributing significantly towards realising Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 by spurring the country’s development and fuelling its expansion while embracing the principles of sustainability, competitiveness and fairness throughout.”

Attracting the best Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP) is another new high quality, 247-hectare Business Park that has been developed by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, which has attracted large foreign businesses to Bahrain. One of the many manufacturing facilities set up here is that of Kraft Foods.

xxxxx Over the past two years we have witnessed significant growth in Bahrain’s maritime activity, and KBSP has been a crucial component in attracting increased trade volumes to the country If you pick up a pack of Kraft cheese, or Tang orange drink mix, from any of Bahrain’s supermarkets and hypermarkets, chances are that you will see printed on it that it is packaged in Bahrain, at the Kraft Foods facility in the BIIP at Hidd.

The fact that one of the world’s largest food companies saw it attractive to set-up shop here is indicative of the favourable business climate of Bahrain.

The manufacturing plant inside the BIIP is one of Kraft Foods’ largest facilities in the Middle East, with an approximate production of 60,000 tonnes. And the products manufactured here are distributed to many countries in the region.

And also fully set-up at BIIP are over 15 other well-known companies such as Oriental Press (printing and publishing), Maskati Bros (paper and plastic products), Halwachi (snack foods processing), UNEECO (electricity panels), Bahrain Prism (glass manufacturing), Creative Design (furniture design) and even a National Institute for Industrial Training. And work on 20 more facilities is underway.

In 2008, when Majeed Al Zeera, the president of the Oriental Group Holding, announced that the company would invest US$24 million in plant and machinery for its new printing complex at BIIP, people found it hard to believe.

Today, operations are in full swing, which is four times the size of their previous facility.

In October 2011, Siemens, a global leader in technology, announced the launch of its Bahrain facility at BIIP. Dr Hassan Fakhro, Bahrain’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, inaugurated the new facility which is built to enhance services for the steel and aluminium industry in the Middle East.

“One year on from the announcement that Siemens in Bahrain would establish a service centre to facilitate the Middle East’s steel and aluminum industry and help to reduce downtime of machines for maintenance and repair, the company has officially launched the facility.”

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BTM December 2011 75

annualreview Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa Center For Culture and Research

Cherishing the Past SHAUNA NEARING LOEJ Bahrain has a vast cultural history spanning over 7,000 years according to archaeologists and researchers. Preserving this heritage is the ambit of the Ministry of Culture.

Over the past 40 years or so, Bahrain, whose name means Land of Two Seas, has sought ways to cherish its unique history while uncovering and preserving its cultural relics.

These progressive initiatives are revealed when you walk through the doors of the island’s pre-eminent museums and can been seen throughout the Kingdom’s natural surroundings from the ancient forts to the burial mounds. Preserved for the people and future generations, a look at these cultural treasures is a time well spent.

Museums of life The Bahrain National Museum, located on the waterfront facing Al-Fatih Highway, is home to the most comprehensive archaeological evidence of the Kingdom’s rich past spanning thousands of years. Within the GCC, Bahrain is regarded as being significantly ahead of its neighbours in taking steps to record and honour its past.

The museum was purposefully built to house the country’s burgeoning collection of cultural artefacts and to preserve cultural heritage. Inside the expansive two-storey building, which opened in 1988, are six themed halls housing its permanent collection that feature the island’s most important collection of archaeological artefacts unearthed in digs over the past fifty years.

Coins, seals, pottery, jewellery and historical documents are some of the artefacts which piece together Bahrain’s ancient history; even reconstructed ancient burial mounds are on display complete with skeletal remains and an array of gravesite artefacts. The popular tableau exhibits brings us to more recent history highlighting local customs and traditions

76 December 2011 BTM

still maintained throughout generations of Bahrainis.

Nestled in the small walking streets of the old capital of Muharraq is a truly fine example of bringing Bahrain’s history to life. The Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa Center For Culture and Research has restored the traditional homes of some of Bahrain’s most significant cultural figures of the past such as namesake, Shaikh Ebrahim, a prominent figure in the fields of education, culture and the social sciences.

Opened in 2002, the centre consists of ten distinctive houses dedicated to their past residents who were leaders in music, journalism, poetry and pearl trading. Other houses feature artisans at work with traditional handicrafts, a children’s library and a café all within walking distance of each other, except for the Poetry House, which is located in Manama. Traditional Bahraini architecture from wooden shutters and stained glass windows to benches and doorways are revived to magnificent form. Each house does an exceptional job of capturing the life and times of its great cultural dwellers and furthering their legacies through the extensive array of activities the center offers.

xxxxx Preserved for the people and future generations, a look at these cultural treasures is a time well spent

The pristinely restored Shaikh Isa Bin Ali House, located in central Muharraq, is an excellent model of traditional local architecture from the nineteenth century. Home of the longest serving ruler of the country, Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa from 1869 to 1932, the structure is characterised by a still functional traditional wind tower and massively thick walls designed to keep its inhabitants cool. Small wooden doors and intricate archways open to courtyards and to the many rooms regally decorated with wall carvings.

Situated in the Diplomatic district, Beit Al Qur’an offers insight into Bahrain’s religious heritage through a distinguished collection of the Qur’an from around the world.

The outside of the building is intricately engraved with Quranic verses and a distinctive minaret decorates Beit Al Qur’an or the Qur’an House.

Inside is an impressive cultural museum showcasing a rare and notable collection of the Qur’an and other Islamic manuscripts. The entrance hall is marked with high ceilings and a small mosque with a remarkable circular stained glass ceiling. The museum also features a lecture hall, a library as well as the Kanoo School for Quranic Studies.

The most recent initiative to promote Bahrain’s cultural heritage is the Bahrain National Charter Monument located in Sakhir. Built in honour of the 2001 National Action Charter where the majority of voters pledged support for the King, the museum focuses on past and present achievements of the country. The names of the 220,000 voters are carved on the exterior of the museum.

Inside the state-of-the-art circular style museum is an interactive experience exploring recent history and culture.

Although unveiled by His Majesty in 2010, the museum is not yet open to the general public.

Beyond museums; preserving history In addition to the great archaeological digs of the 1960s, Bahrain has gone to great lengths in recent years to restore its cultural relics from the forts, temples, mosques and protecting the burial mounds.

In 2005, the Bahrain Fort on the northern shore near Karranah became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands

as the island’s most significant archaeological finding for the amount of history it covers. The fort was built in the 14th century by the Portuguese; however archaeologists found layers of continuous human occupation of the site from the Dilmun, Tylos and Islamic civilisations from around 2300 BC up to the Portuguese occupation. The recent addition of a museum enlightens visitors about the fort and its history.

The Arad Fort located in Muharraq is a 15th-century fort, built in Islamic style was a strategic defensive fortress.

Extensive restorations in the 1980s used traditional materials such as coral stones, lime, gypsum and date palm trunks to maintain the authenticity of the original structure. What we see today is an impressive model of how to bring the past into the present as the fort is often used as the backdrop for many of the island’s cultural events.

Perched on a cliff overlooking east Riffa, the 19th century Shaikh Salman Bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort is an architectural splendour representing Islamic military and local building methods of the area at the time. Compared to other local forts, the Riffa Fort was wholly built by local Bahrainis using local materials such as desert stone, lime, gypsum, clay, palm trunks and mangrove poles. Wooden chamber doors are intricately carved while typical local-style benches decorate the three main courtyards. Although built for military purposes as the battlements reveal, after securing the island the fort was primarily used as a residence for the royal family. In the late 1980s, restoration work began on the fort until late 1993 when the fort opened to the public.

Burial mounds Ancient burial mounds dating from the Dilmun period are believed to be the largest prehistoric cemetery in the world and have provided invaluable historical insight from the artefacts found in and around the graves. Over 17,000 burial mounds have been discovered although many have been destroyed over the years. The burial mounds are found in many villages around the island from Saar and Shakura to Janabaiya and Hamad Town. Those dotted throughout Al A’ali village in particular are excellent examples of preserved mounds and also include royal burial mounds.

Historic mosques Al Khamis Mosque in the northern area of Manama is one of the oldest mosques in the Gulf region believed to have been built over 1,300 years ago during the Ummayad caliphate.

Inscriptions found at the site indicate the foundation was laid in the 11th century. Standing gracefully with its characteristic 25-metre high twin minarets, the mosque is believed to have been rebuilt twice over the 14th and 15th centuries with only one wall remaining of the earliest mosque.

Another noteworthy historical mosque on the island is the Siyadi Mosque in Muharraq built in the 19th century. The mosque’s unique minaret towers over the restored Siyadi House from the same period and home of former pearl merchant Ahmed Bin Qassem Siyadi.

The Barbar Temple in Barbar Village, like the Bahrain Fort, provides an interesting insight into ancient civilisation in Bahrain. Excavations by Danish archaeologists during the 1960s revealed three temples built on top of one another at varying intervals in time with the first temple believed to have been built around 2000 BC. The artefacts found at the site such as the seals from the Dilmun period are housed in the Bahrain National Museum.

Ancient temples have also been found in Saar and Diraz.

Al Khamis Mosque

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A Year of Success INTERCOL

In celebration of National Day this month, Intercol pays tribute to the Kingdom and looks back at the year’s achievements and what is to come.

78 December 2011 BTM

One of Bahrain’s leading conglomerates, International Agencies Company Ltd. (Intercol), takes great pride as Bahrain proudly celebrates its 40th National Day, pledging its support to the Kingdom to work towards greater achievements and progress further into development.

“I wish all Bahraini citizens years of prosperity. Backed by its workforce, Intercol is always here to help the Kingdom of Bahrain in its future plans,” says Ali Al Wazzan, deputy director.

Since its establishment in 1957 by the late Ali Abdul Rahman Alwazzan and Sadiq Mohammad Al Baharna, Intercol has continued to strive for development, economic progress and excellence. Today, the organisation represents more than 200 corporations involving IT, telecom, marine and technical services, consumer products, health care, insurance, air and sea freight, logistics and warehousing, advertising, public relations and travel.

The year 2011 proved to be filled with milestones where during the first quarter, Intercol secured the distribution and sales of IMER mixers and batching plants with Le ORU — OMER Italy, one of Italy’s most prolific companies involved in construction and concrete equipment. The company also secured the exclusive distribution of OceanLED products and materials in marine lighting. Intercol also established a joint venture with Special Technical Services Company, an Oman-

based company that specialises in the fabrication, construction and maintenance services for oil and gas.

The second quarter marked the beginning of a series of historic deals with King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH), to supply state-of-the-art radiology equipment; specifically, the first positron emission tomography scan for oncology patients in Bahrain.

The third quarter of 2011 saw a second deal to supply KHUH with artificial breathing equipment, transport incubators and disinfectants. Through its Science and Industry division, a Nokia Care Service Centre in Exhibition Road was also launched. This centre was designed and implemented in accordance with strict Nokia branding and customer service guidelines.

Finally, the last quarter witnessed the final milestone of the year when the company again secured a two-fold deal with KHUH for the supply of tabletop sterilisers and accessories, from Getinge Sweden, and also the provision of infusion therapy products, from Fresenius Kabi France.

As Bahrain enters its 39th year of independence, the organisation remains confident that it will continue to play an important role in the Kingdom’s development. With its years of experience and keen business acumen, backed by its young and skilled staff, Intercol is set to meet the challenges of the coming years. E Call 17 825-757.

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annualreview Ullas Venkat and Iqbal Hasan Khanyari

MASHREQ BAHRAIN

For Your Benefit The last year has seen Mashreq Bahrain progress both internally and externally to ensure customers receive the best possible financial services and assistance.

80 December 2011 BTM

Mashreq is one of the UAE’s leading financial institutions and has progressed both in a number of ways throughout the course of 2011.

The first nine months of 2011 saw Mashreq winning awards that recognised its ongoing efforts to offer innovative and convenient products and services. The latest accolades include Best Call Centre of the year and the Best Islamic Window from The Banker Middle East Industry Awards 2011 for Mashreq Al Islami.

Moreover, the bank was awarded the ISO 9001:2008 certification by the British Standards Institute (BSI) for its operations group.

All in all, the last 12 months saw a transformation in terms of organisational strategy in Bahrain. The focus shifted from a mass market retail bank to providing corporate banking and value propositions to two distinct retail segments namely SME and Wealth Management.

Additionally Mashreq have also developed three current account propositions namely ‘Value’, ‘Premium’ and ‘Platinum’ for the three SME segments to suit the transactional needs of the clients.

The company has made great in roads into the corporate banking arena. Corporate banking services were launched in Q4 of 2010 within Bahrain and have made remarkable progress in this area. Also offered is a wide range of corporate banking solutions to Bahraini clients ranging from simple trade and working capital to treasury and capital markets products. High end clients have also been offered sophisticated solutions and capital market execution. Currently a team of relationship managers and customer servicing officers cater to the large corporate clients, and Mashreq is looking forward to growing this business and team gradually.

Helping entrepreneurs Within the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, Mashreq offers services for micro, small and medium enterprises. For micro and lower SME clients, the company successfully launched small business loans services with a maximum loan amount of BD30,000 and maximum tenor of 48 months. This can be made available to any business that has successfully completed three years in operations and has recorded an annual sale of minimum BD150,000 in the previous 12 months.

Currently, Mashreq is working on a programmed trade and working capital solution for the small enterprises having an annual sale between BD500,000 and BD1 million; this will be a partially secured product depending on the outcome of the credit evaluation of the client’s financials. This is expected to be rolled out sometime in early 2012.

Their wealth management clients are termed as ‘Mashreq Gold’. There has been considerable development in this area which saw the introduction of a range of products and services.

Earlier this year, Mashreq teamed up with MetLife ALICO to offer a range of protection solutions for clients including international savings plans, whole life, capital plus, sure future education, sure future retirement, sure future savings, lifetime income single premium and health care solutions.

Another key achievement was being able to secure approvals to offer fixed income securities and bonds. A range of international and regional bonds are offered with attractive yields over medium- to long-term tenor.

Managing your wealth

E Call 17 504-417 or 17 504-415 or visit www. mashreqbank.com.

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In town or out on the open road, you will be surprised by the sensation of well-being when at the wheel of the new Citroën C4. It benefits from the very latest innovations in safety and an excellent braking system, while roadholding is remarkable in all circumstances.

The new Citroën C4 takes driving pleasure to a new level.

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Tel : 17 736 222 www.motorcity.com.bh

annualreview

NASS CORPORATION BSC

A Construction Artwork Nass Corporation, one of Bahrain’s leading companies, shows its expertise with the completion of the Prince Khalifa Park, a major new public facility.

82 December 2011 BTM

This month sees the opening of a wonderful new public park located at the Hidd end of the third crossing to Muharraq. The Prince Khalifa Park is visually-splendid with an impressive array of facilities and amenities inclusive of something for everyone.

The company behind the success of the project is Nass Contracting, a subsidiary of Nass Corporation, who used eight other Nass Group companies for the project completion. With over 40 years of experience in major construction projects, Nass Contracting have a steadfast reputation for quality service, and the Prince Khalifa Park is a solid sign of this as is the fact that the company completed the project one month ahead of schedule.

The construction work includes the centerpiece which is the observation tower, shopping arcade, restaurant, food court, café, Jet Ski station, substation and the marina with fuelling facility. All of these elements were designed to make the park more impressive and exciting with activities such as a skate park and the opportunity to hire bicycles.

Nass Landscapes beautified the park by planting a huge variety of trees including palms, ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers and large lawn areas. The landscaping was created specifically with Bahrain’s harsh environment in mind.

Nass Electrical Contracting Company was behind the entire lighting and electrical elements within the park. This team made it possible for the park to be as enjoyable after sunset as during the day.

Nass International Trading installed the rare outdoor observation elevator that features a highly impressive panoramic view of the beach and is fully equipped with air conditioning. Safety elements are also included such as a backup battery to ensure an uninterrupted power supply. The

design of the observation elevator was created to improve energy saving and offer comfortable riding to its users. Nass International Trading also provided the dumbwaiter which is installed within the restaurant and provides a method to carry objects or food items from the kitchen floor to the service floor.

Artland Interior, a division of Nass Group, attended to all external and internal timberwork and joinery — in particular the gazebos, pergolas and timber bridges. Delmon Ready Mix supplied all the concrete and Delmon Precast provided the architectural precast items and street furniture. Finally, Nass Asphalt supplied the asphalting materials.

The Prince Khalifa Park is a wonderful asset for Bahrain built by a Bahraini company, and is just one of the projects that the Nass Group of companies has undertaken. The Arad Bay Recreational Area, also in Muharraq and also built by Nass Corporation, has proved to be a great success and is a very popular destination for families looking to spend time in the open air in a safe and attractive environment.

E Call 17 725-522.

PreLaunch-Flyers Front_Brkfst_19.1x26.2.pdf

1

11/27/11

8:59 AM

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bystanderthismonth

LuLu Hypermarket Hidd Opening Under the patronage of HE Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, a ribbon cutting was held to mark the opening of The LuLu Hypermarket in Hidd last month. The event was attended by HE Dr Hassan Fakhro, Industry & Commerce Minister, Yusuffali M. A., LuLu Group managing director, dignitaries and a number of invited guests

HE Shaikh Khalid & Yusuffali M.A.

HE Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa cuts the ribbon watched by dignitaries & VIPs

Puranik & Vijay

Varghese, Soman & Ashok

Juzer, Anand & Mustafa

Ashraf, Shakham & Sathar

Hamid, Mohammed & John

Mathew & Sunder

Khaleem

Bongiyo Samaj Celebration The Bongiyo Samaj held an event to celebrate Bijoya Sammelani at the Baan Saeng Thai in Adliya last month. The event featured music, dance, recitation and drama, showcasing the traditions and culture of Bengal

Chandan

Mreegakshi, Nanda & Mayukh

Capt.Pinaki & Madhumita

Members at the event

84 December 2011 BTM

Sudeb & Deepsikha

Sanghamitra

Rumpa & Rajiv

Amit Pal & Swapan Banerjee

Camelia

A traditional dance being performed

bystanderthismonth

Citibank Amwaj Islands Branch Opening Under the patronage of HE Rasheed Al Maraj, Central Bank of Bahrain Governor, Citibank held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of its Amwaj Islands Branch last month. The branch opening at the Lagoon Mall was attended by Mazin Manna, Citi Bahrain CEO, Citi CEO of Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) Alberto Verme; Middle East CEO Atiq Ur Rehman; Consumer Business for the EMEA region CEO Marc Luet; Citibank Bahrain Consumer Banking Head Navneet Kampani; guests and Citi staff members

Cutting the celebratory cake

Faiza, Ganesh, Lamees & Ashwini

Faiza, Mazin Manna & Ashwini

Saurabh, Mayukh & Sonik

Mazin Manna with staff

86 December 2011 BTM

HE Rasheed Al Maraj & Alberto Verme cut the ribbon

Sonik

Navneet Kampani, Mazin Manna, Jamil Al Mahtrook & Suad Kanoo

Marc Luet & Yousif Hassan

Amit, Navneet Kampani, Atiq Ur Rehman & Nader

Hussain Bawchi, Lamees Al Abbas & Fahad Rafea

Suad Kanoo & Alberto Verme

Alberto Verme & HE Rasheed Al Maraj

Citi staff members

Lamees & Nadera

Monika, Nadeem & Harpreet

Imran & Saurabh

New 2.0L 6-Speed MIVEC engine Pedal Shifts Gears Bluetooth with voice command Choice of 2WD and 4WD Versions Medium option Panoramic Sunroof

Find us at @ZMinfo

Find us at Zayani Motors Bahrain

Sitra, Tel: 17 703 703 - www.zmotors.com

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RHM 20th Anniversary Celebration Red House Marketing (RHM) celebrated 20 years of business in the kingdom last month. RHM today publishes Bahrain This Month, Woman This Month, the Bahrain Map and Pocket Guide and Bahrain Hotel and Restaurant Guide, as well as Bahrain Desert Times and MWR Guide for the US Navy base and Bahrain Air's in-flight magazine Reesha. To mark this historic occasion, a celebration was held at Bushido restaurant, Seef district, that was attended by around 400 guests, including diplomats, VIPs and RHM staff members

John, Jo, Anne & George Middleton, Lynne & Maeve

Neils, Wafa, Dr & Mrs Al Saffar

Mai, Lavina, Esky, Natasha & Alison

88 December 2011 BTM

HE Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador, Mala Kumar & George Middleton

Mohammed, Abdul Hussain & George

George & Anne

Poonam, Kishore, Nabeel & Nasser

Anceeta, Sumaya, Lavina & Shani

Kostantinos Pallikaropoulos & a guest

George Middleton & HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Thamer Al Thani, Qatari Ambassador

Debbie, Lynne, Anne & Mohammed

David & Bless

Victor Smirnov, Russian Ambassador & Vera

George, Dr Paul Balles & Claus Buchi

Irina, Lulwa & Biliyana

Kamala, Bjorne & Armi

Dee, Alessandra & Marise

Anita & Yadi

Debbie & Jaffar

Hans, Emma & George

Mr & Mrs Mehdi Hasan

George, Adnan & Samer

Rasila & Surya

Mayukh & Nanda

Marion, Heinz, Claudia & Lalith

Karan, Sonali & Sayed

Serena, George & Denzil

Shabana, Anceeta & Madhuram

Hamid & Sameer

Shantharam, Venkatesh & Arathi

Mehdi, Shelley, Elena, Rowena, Gemma & Omran

Father Felicio with his flock!

Rita, Megan, Wendy & Heather

Lakshman & Preeti

Arthur & George

Tikdem, Esky, Mary, Mekdes & Jerry

Vijay & Bharti

Wafa, Neils, Charmain & Michael

Raymond

Raj & Shantini

Surmitha & Prakash

Jano

Kareem & George

BTM December 2011 89

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Ahmed Haji Jumat & Agus Salim

George, Shantharam & Ashalatha

Waleed & Bambi

Shoba, Dr Kalyan & Ria

Martine, Alexandre & Marise

Rupert, Natasha & Clint

Fred, Heather, Lisa & Wendy

Sally, Adel & Pumpkin

90 December 2011 BTM

Mandeleine, Fr Felicio & Henry

Layla & Charlie

Loida, Rodolfo, Vijit & Elma

Dee & Alessandra, Marise, Mauricio & Walter

George & Samson

Amal, Naima & Jawad Y. Al Hawaj

Zeenat, Madeleine, Kiki, George, Nasreen, Henny & Anisa

Thomas, Shani & Antony

Mohammed, Jerry, Mandana & Rahul

Aboul Kheir

Elham & Maryna

Anna, Mo & Warren

Yagna & Hanar

Banu & Vincent

Saurabh

RHM 20th Anniversary Celebration

Rachel, Jill, Garfield & Amy

Mehdi, Masood & Gemma

Alessandra, Soha, Hisham & Reema

Nanda Kumar & friends

Anil, Abdul, Nishad & Rodolfo

George, Hamid, Meher, Rashida & Hussain

Jennie, Nasreen & Dr Fakhriya

Momen, Wafa & Denet

Rohit, Lini & Marise

Palaavi & Stephen

Nadia & Moyez

Acelia & Lavina

Alexia & Ori

Claudia & Marion

Shandra, Marco, Maya & Romano

Greg, Svetlana & Deepa

Diana & Cyril

Rodolphe

Romy

Esky & Cleo

George

Ashley

Panos & Doris

Sabu

Mike

Lynette

Megha

Ingrid

Laura

Amrita

Ashok

BTM December 2011 91

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Jane & Arnel Halloween Party Jane hosted a kids Halloween costume party at her residence in Mahooz. Parents of the children were also encouraged to dress up and join in the fun Jane, Arnel, Izo & Juano

Henry, Bless, David & James

Cai, Mark, Clariza & Mai

Jannie & Avalon

Xabier & Alyesha

Kevin & Chris

Ching & Letty

Bel & Mhegan

Lily & Filipe

Chris & James

Jenny & Lily

Kids at the event

Rayan & Rania

Cess, Renzo, Bless, Kristy & Rose

Adam

Yazid

Jayden

Mazahir

Manfred & Meenatchi Engagement Party Manfred & Meenatchi celebrated their engagement by hosting a party for a number of friends at the Dilmun Club last month

Khalid, Rashid & Yousif

92 December 2011 BTM

Manfred & Meenatchi

Meenatchi & Peter

Sheeba, Shajith & Saptha

Raisa & Damien

Bernd & Manfred

Iman & Majed

Pramod & Emeline

Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre

17-19 April 2012

Food & Beverage Technology • Food Processing Technology • Ready to Eat Products • Beverages and Soft Drinks • Health and Organic Foods • Frozen Foods • Fine Dining • Bakery

Showcasing Bahrain’s Food and Hospitality sectors and hosting exhibitors from all over the GCC.

Organised by

Supported by

Sponsored by

Media Partner

Official Carrier

For further details please contact Amal Abdulla, Senior Sales Officer on Tel: 17558898. Mobile: 33879969, or email: amal@beca.bh Anas A. AlAmer, Senior Sales Officer, Bahrain Exhibitions & Convention Authority (BECA), E-mail: anas@beca.bh, Direct line +973 17558854، Direct Fax: +973 17555513

www.foodexpbh.com

diplomatictalk H. E. Vichai Varasirikul

xxxxx His Majesty the King has worked tirelessly and devoted his life to aiding the development of the Kingdom and the improvement of the Thai people’s livelihood, placing people at the centre of all developmental endeavours.

Strong Fundamentals Thailand celebrates an important milestone this month, the seventh cycle birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Thailand's National Day.

Bahrain This Month talks to the Thai ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, H. E. Vichai Varasirikul, following a momentous year for his country, both politically and economically.

BTM: How does Thais assess the contribution of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej since his coronation on 5 May 1950?

H.E.: For more than six decades, His Majesty the King has carried out his duties and responsibilities both as a constitutional monarch in accordance with the country’s constitution and as a Thai king in keeping with the traditions and deep-seated beliefs that have evolved over the seven centuries of the country’s existence.

Throughout the years, His Majesty the King has worked tirelessly and devoted his life to aiding the development of the Kingdom and the improvement of the Thai people’s livelihood, placing people at the centre of all developmental endeavours.

BTM: What would you say has been the guiding the principle behind the way in which His Majesty has conducted his role?

H.E.: His Majesty has remained faithful to a statement he made during a Royal address at Commencement Ceremony, Kasetsart University Auditorium, on 19 July 1974. “…It is extremely important to encourage and help people to earn their living and support themselves with adequate means, because those who are gainfully employed and self-supporting are capable of meaningfully contributing towards higher levels of development…”

94 December 2011 BTM

BTM: To the outside world, Thailand would appear to be a democracy that has matured during the last year. How is this seen within Thailand?

H.E.: Despite recent political challenges, Thailand has emerged stronger and more united after the general elections held in July 2011, which produced the highest voter turnout in the country’s history. The enthusiasm shown by the Thai people during the elections reaffirms the country’s commitment to participatory and multi-party democracy and its aspiration to achieve a full-fledged democracy.

On its part, the government is committed to fulfilling the democratic aspirations of the people and will be expediting political reform, whilst ensuring broad based public participation. It will also foster harmony and pursue reconciliation with a view to furthering the political, economic and social development of the country.

BTM: How has the Thailand economy recovered from the global financial crisis?

H.E.: Thailand’s dynamic economy has shown remarkable resilience due to the country’s strong fundamentals: a growing market based upon a rising middle class, an open and flexible approach to investment and global markets, a strategic location with extensive infrastructure and a service-oriented culture, and a highly skilled and dedicated workforce supplying both creativity and productivity.

With its progressive foreign investment policies, Thailand’s commitment to free and open markets and the implementation of policies geared to further raise the country’s competitiveness will help secure Thailand’s place as a key player in the ASEAN community and as a regional hub for international trade and investment.

BTM: How is Thailand recovering from the recent flooding that attracted worldwide attention?

H.E.: Thailand has a long reputation as one of the top tourist destinations in the world. With its stunning landscapes, diversity, rich cultural heritage, world-class cuisine and developed infrastructure, the visitors to the Kingdom are returning as the floods have subsided. The celebrated hospitality of the Thai people leaves a lasting impression on international travellers, and will keep them coming back year after year.

bystanderthismonth

Nescafé 'Show Em What U Got' Grand Finale After pre-screenings, auditions, eliminations, and the semi-finals, the grand finale of the Nescafé’s ‘Show ‘Em What U Got was held at the Cultural Hall near the Bahrain Museum. The show brought together a number of different talented performers; musicians, vocalists, dancers and novelty acts who competed for the top three spots

Persia & Andrea

Khalid & Anne

Baraa & Ahmed

Nassib, Sari, Reema & Ayman

The judges - George Middleton, Adel Al Hubaishi, Victoria Sheban & Shawqi Al Zayani

Salman, Yahya & Mahsen

Patrick & John

Zuhair

Dhiya, Salman & Kate

Lanie & Ria

Khulood, Heba & Hanan

Sara

Ibrahim & Mohammed

Aida, Connie & Sara

Heba

Abdulaziz

Abdulla

Nasser & Abdulla

Feel the Beat team members

Baraa, Zuhair, Adel, George, Victoria & Mr Zayani with the winner of the singing catergory

96 December 2011 BTM

Khorrami & Ahmed

Ahmed & Mahmood

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bystanderthismonth

DJ David Vendetta At Bushido DJ David Vendetta, well known French DJ treated fans to some groovy House music along with violinist Micah at Bushido, Seef district DJ David Vendetta

Micah

Sme & Fred

Fahad & friends

Milena, Angela & Mantana

Denise & Redha Roy, Rhizlaine & Aref

Safoora & Laura

Yen, Steve, Rob, Ann, Cathy & Rea

Zeina & Demet

Zitouni & Linda

Najah, Najwa & Hassan

Charles & Nezar

Parakshit & Bobby

Fawaz & Hadi

Britney Spears Tribute At Dublin Dublin, at the Ramee Palace Hotel in Juffair played host to a Britney Spears tribute act last month

Thomas, Shantharam Shetty & Antony

Jeremy & Jared

Britney Spears

Joan & Charlie

Sneha, Neal & Pratik

Jacob, Annie, Jenny & Ozzie

Suz & Aunee

98 December 2011 BTM

Varghese with Britney & her backing dancers

Omar with Britney & her backing dancers

Sukesh, Shivganesh, Viswanath & Ullas

Bassam & Britney

Ali

businessthismonth When? December 14 | Event? Young Entrepreneurs Forum | Venue? BCCI Bait Al Tajjar headquarters

Empowering Youth Bahrain will play host to an event aiming to shape the Kingdom’s future by investing into its most powerful tool — the youth sector.

Starting your own business may be a great endeavour, but with the right stimulation and mentoring, it isn’t such a tedious task.

A forum held this month in Bahrain aims to help young entrepreneurs assert and gain the required power to create their own business, which will ultimately build upon and boost an entire county’s economic opportunities and movements.

The first Young Entrepreneurs Forum was held last year and brought about an awareness that created the current wave of interest from Arab youth to becoming businessmen and businesswomen.

The Second Young Entrepreneurs Forum, titled ‘Start Your Venture’, will provide an opportunity to address mechanisms and ways by which to achieve the utmost benefit by young Bahrainis’ capabilities and potentials in the private sector.

The forum is organised by Tamkeen, which continues to invest in Bahrain’s youth. A goal of Tamkeen’s is to enhance the Kingdom’s overall prosperity, which is deemed achievable with the help of forums such as this. The initiative understands the importance of assisting the youth, in order to achieve a better future.

“This forum seeks to realise many objectives pertaining to the development of youth capabilities while boosting their Also this month

entrepreneurial potential,” explains Tamkeen’s senior manager, Mohammed Bucheeri.

Shedding light on the prospects and discussing the challenges entrepreneurs can face, the forum’s topics will aim to enhance the youth’s role in society in line with the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.

“This forms part of the leadership and government’s ongoing concern to help elevate the Bahraini human capital that is the focal point of our Kingdom’s prosperity in implementing all economic and social development strategies,” says BCCI board member and Tamkeen vice-chairman Khalid Al Amin. “We are focusing on developing one part of a multi-faceted spectrum of programmes and activities that the Youth Business Committee in the Chamber will roll out going forward,” Khalid adds.

The organising committee believes that young entrepreneurship can act as a major catalyst towards economic development and hopes that the event’s programs will help pave the way to encourage more of the Kingdom’s youth to take on their own projects.

To date, having invested more than BD140 million in more than 70 projects that targeted more than 50,000 Bahraini nationals and organisations, Tamkeen’s main objectives are to support Bahrainis to become the employees of choice, and to support high quality private sector job creation and helping the private sector cope with the impact of labour market reform.

E Call 17 383-327.

Charitime winning team

Start-up Winners Batelco has announced the winners of Start-up Weekend Bahrain, for budding entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas, held at the end of last month.

Charitime was declared the winner, with Student Tube taking second place and Paycell the third spot. The top three teams have walked away with BD4,000, BD2,000 and BD1,000 respectively.

Ten teams worked over the weekend to develop a winning business model.

The final presentations by Tenmou, the Bahrain Business Angel Company, with a view to allocating BD 20,000 funding to develop and launch the business.

100 x Entrepreneur - 102 x Interview

BTM December 2011 99

businessentrepreneur

A Woman of Means Nasreen Sururi

“I believe my participation in the event added value to my profile and motivated me to give more, push myself further and ensure my company thrives,” says Nasreen.

The event was significant for women within the region as it clearly promoted their achievements within the working world.

“Even though I did not win the award as the competition was extremely high, I am very honoured to have been nominated.

I am glad to be a model for other young female, and male, leaders who plan to follow the same path,” adds Nasreen.

The event was a great opportunity to highlight the growing number of female entrepreneurs in Bahrain, and throughout the entire region. “I was proud to represent the women of Bahrain, particularly the female entrepreneurs, as it is a tough market to break and I wanted to give hope to other career-driven women like myself,” explains Nasreen.

Facilitating e-payments The company, Ashazi, is a regional Internet payment service provider, which Nasreen believes is the leading payment service company in the Middle East and North Africa.

“Since the company’s conception in 2009, we have dominated the regional market with the services available.

Ashazi offers electronic payment services to merchants and financial institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the entire GCC region,” Nasreen outlines.

Ultimately, Ashazi provides customers with a secure payment page when purchasing items online. Once integrated into an e-commerce site, their payment page handles sensitive customer information allowing a safe and secure way to shop online.

Ashazi also offers merchants multicurrency credit card acquiring services in collaboration with regional and international banks, establishing a wide range of connections, with both regional and international partners, and will help you to identify the most suitable solution for your business.

The company has operations in Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Kingdom and endeavors to maintain a growing global network of partners worldwide, to cater to the international needs of its customers.

E Call 17 874-490.

Young female entrepreneur Nasreen Sururi is at the head of an established e-payment service which prompted her nomination for an exclusive achievement award.

100 December 2011 BTM

The last few years has seen Ashazi — an e-payment technology company — grow from strength to strength under the watchful eye of its Bahraini managing director, Nasreen Sururi.

In fact, Nasreen’s work has been so successful that Nasreen herself recently participated in the 2011 Women in Leadership (WIL) forum, held in Abu Dhabi at the end of November. Due to her enterprise Nasreen was nominated for a WIL Achievement Award within the category of Best Woman Initiative (Private Sector).

xxxxx Since the company’s conception in 2009, we have dominated the regional market with the services available

businessinterview

Reclaiming the Home Ground Bahrain’s first hygiene company renews its commitment to the marketplace as it celebrates 20 years of operations amidst a challenging environment.

As the first player to venture into the hygiene market back in the early 1990s, Everest Trading had a first mover’s advantage. The company commenced operations with the distribution of US products from Rochester Midland. It gradually expanded into total hygiene solutions in Bahrain.

The setup in Bahrain was quite primitive those days, recalls Mahdi Jawad Husain, managing director.

“Awareness about health and hygiene was yet to develop and people didn’t expect much besides the basic services,” he observes. Capitalising on its head start, Everest is now the leading distributor of cleaning, hygiene and health products in the Kingdom, commanding over 60 per cent market share.

Mahdi Jawad and son Masood

It represents world-class brands such as Kimberly Clark, Vectair Systems, Technical Concepts and Klindex, to name a few. Everest’s clients include some of Bahrain’s leading hotel and establishments such as the The Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Spa, Seven Leisure group, The Sheraton Hotel, Bahrain City Centre and Seef Properties in addition to top private hospitals, universities and government ministries.

A service proposition A number of players are now active within the hygiene segment, but what sets Everest apart is the range of its products and quality of service. The company has over 2,500 clients with whom it has contracts for supplies and services - with regular visits to every client to manage the relationship.

Mahdi says that Everest surpassed all adversities including very stiff competition and all its strategies. "But we owe it to our loyal customers who supported and believed in us".

“At present, most of our old clients have started coming back to us as the company’s work ethic speaks for itself. We may not be the cheapest player, but our service remains unmatched in Bahrain,” he says. Even when business was under pressure earlier this year, the company didn’t reduce its staff count.

“Our employees have job security and ultimately, this translates into better performance,” he notes.

In view of the market scenario he has deferred his expansion into Saudi Arabia, which is now scheduled for 2012.

Signature scents

xxxxx We may not be the cheapest player, but our service remains unmatched in Bahrain 102 December 2011 BTM

In recent times, Mahdi’s son Masood has been seeking to expand into various product lines within the hygiene segment, with a slant towards lifestyle offerings.

Companies are increasingly opting for signature scents to enhance their brand and provide a heightened sensory experience and Everest has decided to capitalise on this. It has secured the GCC dealership for a scent diffusion system that will be launched in January.

“The system uses 'sub micron microdiffusion' technology which provides the most effective and safe fragrance diffusion. The product comes in assorted forms - a portable scent diffuser for enclosed spaces like a hotel lobby or a scent diffuser that works over the central air system, depending on the client’s requirements,” he explains. The scent solutions have already generated a warm response in Bahrain, with leading five-star hotels and retailers showing interest.

Being a Bahrain-based business that is family owned, Mahdi believes his commitment towards his clients is different. “At the end of the day, Bahrain is our home. We have to ensure that it’s clean, serviced well and smells good too!” he says. E Call 17 276-211.

discoverbahrain

The Perfect Park A new park in Muharraq will provide a green utopia for people of all ages to enjoy. Sea views, a waterfall and a boating lake are just some of the enjoyable features to take part in.

104 December 2011 BTM

This month will see the opening of the Prince Khalifa Public Park, a community-driven venture named after His Royal Highness the Prime Minister. The unveiling of the BD7 million park is set to coincide with the National Day festivities taking place throughout Bahrain.

The park holds the unique advantage of boasting a stunning sea view, in addition to offering all of the amenities one would expect from a park. The sloping lawns and luscious landscaping will make it a wonderful place to enjoy the cooler weather, have a picnic and play ball games.

The land covers an astonishing 80,000 sqm and is complete with many enhancements. An eight m wide interlock paved pathway winds its way around the entire length of the bay, providing a picturesque strolling route of 3.1 km. There is plenty of seating along the walkway for those who need a rest, plus a recreational garden including kiosks, gazebos and pergolas as well as a large children’s play area and equipment to keep the little ones busy.

Many unique features are installed in the park, including a cascading waterfall to admire and dip your toes in, plus an artificial lake complete with pedalo boats to rent for a truly quaint park experience.

Two footbridges will lead into the park; one over the Khalifa Al Kabeer Highway and the other over the Arad Highway. As well as a convenient pedestrian entrance to the park, the bridges will provide expansive and exposed views on either side, for you to soak in your surroundings. There is also ample parking with room for 400 cars, so you shouldn’t have to find an alternative place to leave your vehicle.

Shopping amenities will also be available, including snack bars to indulge in when you or the kids feel peckish. Street lighting will be in operation for those nighttime runs and CCTV to ensure your safety at all times. The park will also include a viewing tower, to offer a complete view of the city, and a restaurant.

The project to sculpt and create the beautiful park began last September, approved by the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning and carried out by MSCEB. It is located conveniently and will be open all day, every day, and to any one who wishes to enjoy it. The park is a part of a large-scale project to refurbish, build on and improve the recreational amenities for both families in Bahrain and visitors to the Kingdom.

destinationreport

A Roman Adventure This is the place where it is said the best museum is the city itself. Rome is simultaneously artistic, historical, vivacious and languid and holds some of the best sites in the world.

The food. The history. The shopping. The art. Rome will awaken and captivate every sense, no matter how long the duration of your stay. Gulf Air has made this intriguing city accessible to all with the launch of four flights per week from Bahrain.

With a civilisation that dates back 3,000 years, the Italian capital is perhaps too plentiful in sights to see and places to visit. It is home to some of the most famous art in the world, boasts a city within a city and let’s not disregard the pizza, pasta and gelato!

Forget about overindulging and gaining some pounds, as you should expect to be exhausted in Rome; the city is full of cobbles, steps and hills to counteract en route to your destination.

Fast traffic and booming industries balance perfectly with the lethargic Italian attitude to life, as the city that oversleeps welcomes everybody to witness its many beauties.

La dolce vita (The sweet life) The wonderful thing about Rome is its ability to constantly surprise. You can walk the same meandering streets numerous times and stumble upon something new each time. This is partly due to the businesses evolving in the city, as new artists, fashion designers and musicians are constantly discovered and exposed, but also there is simply so much to soak up you cannot possibly see everything in one visit.

Rome isn’t just about the sights but instead the people, the cuisine and the lifestyle. Just as you take time to enjoy famous landmarks, be sure to enjoy a bowl of spaghetti whilst being serenaded by a charming Italian.

Colosseum

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Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain The Fontana di Trevi is a beautiful baroque fountain which incorporates many marble statues to create a scene of towering Roman gods; it is an impressive site of sculptural genius. If you fall in love with Rome, throw a coin into the fountain - it is said that if visitors do this then a return trip to the city will occur.

Colosseum Step into the colosseum and you can almost envisage the cheering crowds as the gladiators prepared themselves to race. This ancient amphitheatre is probably the most known site in Rome and still retains a large amount of its original structure. It is the largest Roman colosseum ever built and boasts a seating capacity of over 50,000 when it was built in 80 AD. The Roman Forum If you want a clear idea of Roman architecture and living space, the forum is the place to go.

The towering column formations surround a complex of ruins; temples, basilicas and arches are in abundance hinting at what this old meeting place once looked like.

Vatican City The Pope’s home is bounteous to say the least. At the centre is St Peter’s Basilica, with its double colonnade and a circular piazza in front bordered by palaces and gardens. It is the largest religious building in the world and displays a rich assortment of baroque and renaissance art from the likes of Michelangelo and Raphael.

Sistine Chapel

Sistine Chapel Arguably one of the most famous places in the world, the Sistine Chapel is best known for the vaulted ceiling which is entirely covered by the artist Michelangelo’s famous frescoes. The chapel is today also used as the site of the Papal concave.

Borghese Gallery Take time to visit this stately museum that safeguards an incredible collection of baroque and renaissance paintings and marble sculptures. Located inside gardens of the same name and housed in an expansive villa, it is a beautifully green and serene area of Rome to enjoy.

Jewish Catacombs Rome’s oldest duo of catacombs is quietly tucked away under the Park of Villa Torlonia, in the north-east of the city. Descend a series of stairs to reach the catacombs, which extend for more than 13,000 square metres, and gaze at the spectacular coloured frescoes which cover the walls and ceilings.

Spanish Steps This famed staircase was built in the 17th century to connect the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Square) to the French church on top of the hill. There are a total of 137 steps over twelve different flights which are built in an irregular yet symmetrical structure. Both tourists and locals gather on these steps constantly; so expect it to be crowded!

Vatican City

Gulf Air now flies to Rome four times a week; call 17 335-777 or visit www.gulfair.com for further details.

BTM December 2011 107

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Bahrain German Friendship Society Dinner A dinner presentation was organised by the Bahrain German Friendship Society for members and invited guests at the Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain.

Mumtalakat Holding Company Chief Executive Talal Al Zain was the guest speaker at the dinner, where he  presented the latest developments at Mumtalakat and its objectives and visions for the future

Talal Al Zain

Andreas, Khalid, Tareq Wafa, Talal Al Zain & Abdul Hamid Hatim

HE Karim Al Shakar, Tareq, Paola & Dr Dhafer Al Umran

Sadiq & Jano

Olivia, Khalid & Alex

Lulwa & Deema

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Sarah & Martina

Paola & Tareq Wafa

Fouad

Waleed Sharif

Andrzej Tusinski

IAA Business Luncheon The IAA Bahrain Chapter hosted a business lunch for members and guests at the Al Riffa Ballroom, InterContinental Regency Hotel. The guest speaker at the event was HE Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, President, Information Affairs Authority

Abdul Majeed, Ronnie Middleton, Anwar Abdul Rahman, James McDonald & Cyril Mouawad

Mark, Badie, David & Andre

Vineeth, Maha, Madeleine & Sawsan

Rashid Abdulla & Dr Mustafa Al Sayed

Samya & Zainal

HE Shaikh Fawaz

Irina & Lulwa

Sameera

Khamis Al Muqla

Akram Miknas

George

Sarita

BTM December 2011 109

downtimecomputergames

Swashbuckling Suspense 2011 has proved to be a great year for sequels and the wait to the final quarter proved to be well worth it with Fifa, Batman and Call of Duty. We spotted a few more that could be added to that list.

Uncharted 3

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There’s a reason most gamers gave it a perfect ten. This is so exceptional that it is hard to imagine a game being better. From start to finish, single player to multiplayer, this game is almost flawless. The characters, graphics, sound and story are all top notch. Be prepared to play one of the finest in the gaming world.

The Elder Scrolls V

Forza Motorsport 4 (Xbox 360) RATING:

WHAT IS IT?

Forza 4 is an ode of sorts to the automobile world. It was an attempt to create the world’s best and most comprehensive racing sim which has succeeded in a way. The game embraces car culture from all over the globe without a disproportionate focus on vehicles from just one country. It captures the cult of cars better than any racing game before it.

Featuring the same kind of thrilling freedom the series is known for, along with excellent visuals and soundtracks, Skyrim is a rare kind of intensely personal, deeply rewarding experience, as it is one of the best role-playing games yet produced. However, you might be left slightly unsatisfied.

GRAPHICS:

The first thing you’ll notice about this new edition will be the improved visuals. Its new image-based lighting model makes the cars look perfectly seated within tracks. The car models themselves are also hugely impressive. They look as good in motion as they do while stationary. The frame rate is smooth. Forza 4 doesn’t just look and feel better, it sounds better too. There are new sounds for collisions, wind rush and more.

GAMEPLAY:

Forza 4 feels more authentic than ever. Turn in is sharper and the feeling of grip is well-translated. The lock-to-lock steering rate has been increased dramatically and a simulation steering option has been added. Forget slow and soggy steering rates. The braking upgrades are unbelievable.

With a tweak on your artificially intelligent opponent, the races are closer than you’d hope for and ultimately more satisfying. Car levelling has been changed too. In Forza 4, the player builds manufacturer specific levels called ‘affinity’ levels.

VERDICT: With changes that are too welcome, there’s no going back to Forza 3 now.

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The Legend of Zelda Remarkably, this Zelda game captures a grandness and scope we haven’t seen since the 2D era. It advances combat and control in the most significant way. This is the Wii game we’ve been waiting for.

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Cars 2 RATING: DIRECTED BY: John Lasseter, Brad Lewis STARRING: Owen Wilson, Michael Caine

THE PLOT:

Star race car Lightning McQueen (Wilson) and his pal Mater head overseas to compete in the World Grand Prix race. But the road to the championship becomes rocky as Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Cars 2 takes the studio into unexpected new territory by bringing its familiar characters to a spy thriller complete with secret weapons, sinister villains and clandestine agents calling frantically for backup.

WORTH WATCHING? More than visiting metropolises, the

movie does what Pixar calls “car-ifying”. It recreates these places in a remarkably detailed way, as if cars were the people who built and lived in these cities.

It also makes entertaining and inventive use of the 3D technology. With a plot that includes life-and-death action sequences, thrilling auto races and panoramic scenic vistas, the opportunities for enhanced perspective are considerable.

VERDICT: It’s cute. The kids will love it. You might too.

The Change-Up This body-swap formula comedy stars Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds as two buddies. Secretly they envy each other’s lives, and one stormy night weird karmic forces switch their identities.

Typical! There are a few tired laughs to be had, but it is mostly predictable.

Larry Crowne This is an inside-out movie, acceptable around the edges but hollow and shockingly unconvincing at its core.

When that core is two of the biggest movie stars around — Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts — it’s an especially dispiriting situation.

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downtimewebsites

Get Hooked OF

E IT NTH O EBSM W THE

There are several websites that you’ve bookmarked that are usually safe for work premises as they can pass off as research. Here are three websites that have been ranked the most addictive of 2011.

Despair.com RATING:

WHAT IS IT?

At Despairt, Inc., they have a dream — to help crush yours. And now the dream has come true — as nightmares so often do. As an antithesis to motivational posters, this site takes inspirational photography and captions it with negative and cynical slogans. The effect is splendid, and is guaranteed laughter in offices everywhere. In fact, you might want to show this site to your co-workers.

THE GOOD:

They are well-known for their cynical and ironic items which parody the grandiose imagery and solemn language of motivational accessories. For example, they define meetings as situation where “none of us is as dumb as all of us”. According to them, the secret to success is to know who to blame for your failures. They even say dreams are like rainbows, only idiots chase them.

THE BAD: The very existence of such a thing could be considered

wrong. After all, this Texas-based firm produces posters and souvenirs that satirise the motivational indoctrination common in corporate environments.

Like we always say, if you don’t have a good sense of humour, try not to tread these grounds. Warning: this is a pessimist’s playground.

VERDICT: Here is sarcasm and cynicism, made beautiful.

Totallylookslike.com Visual people will absolutely love this. As the title suggests, the website showcases random associations of images from around the world — vegetables that resemble people, gargoyles that resemble pets, and celebrities that resemble wanted criminals. Submit your own, if you feel like it. At the very least, you’ll be mesmerised by some of the curious combinations at this photo blog. You even get to vote for the week’s best.

Even better, this is a part of a bigger network of funny websites. Before you know it, you’ll have spent all of your working day smiling at the screen.

Fafarazzi.com It’s all your favourite gossip blogs in one place. They’ve got hundreds of posts every hour with photos, videos and more. You don’t just observe pop culture; you can also ‘play’ pop culture against your friends and the world in games based on celebrity gossip or reality tv shows. Chat it up, unleash the snark, and create your entertainment profile. If you’re an addict of celebrity gossip, then you will absolutely revel in fafarazzi.com.

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movies

The Adventures of Tintin RATING: DIRECTED BY: Steven Spielberg STARRING: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig

THE PLOT: Having bought a model ship, the Unicorn, for a pound off

a market stall, Tintin is initially puzzled that the sinister Mr Sakharine should be so eager to buy it from him, resorting to murder and kidnapping to join him and his gang as they sail to Morocco. He has bribed the crew to revolt against the ship’s master, drunken Captain Haddock who tells Tintin a legend from over three hundred years ago. The quest to save the treasure unveils through this adventure-filled movie.

WORTH WATCHING?

There is plenty of spectacle and activity. There is something flat and robotic and a little bit aimless about the movie. The opening credits, which playfully pastiche the original drawings with simplicity and wit, are actually more interesting and exciting than what follows.

The extended bike chase in Morocco makes the trip to the cinema worth it.

VERDICT: Fans of the comic may be disappointed. It’s entertaining nonetheless.

Immortals It makes you scream “Why?” dramatically. If you’re the lot crushing on Henry Cavill, you won’t be disappointed. For those in the hope of a good movie, walk away. The action sequences might be gory but are thrilling. Do not expect good acting skills; and the lack of continuity could make you homicidal.

Arthur Christmas How does Santa deliver all those presents in one night? The answer: Santa’s high-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole. But at the centre of the film is a story about a family in a state of comic dysfunction and an unlikely hero, Arthur, with a mission that must be completed before Christmas morning dawns.

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Red Tag Store Opening A ribbon cutting was held to mark the opening of the new Red Tag Store at the East Riffa Market last month

Nasser, Red Tag country head cuts the ribbon

Lamya, Layla, Sameer & Nasser

Lamya & Deepa

Staff members with Salman

Anwar & Mohammed

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Michael & Fareeda

Mrinal & Sameer

Abdul Aziz

Mohsin

Usman

Zara

InterContinental Regency Poolside Soiree A number of guests and media representatives attended a poolside soiree hosted by James McDonald, general manager, InterContinental Regency Bahrain last month Roshan, Mr & Mrs James McDonald & Luca

Shadi, Ayman, Christa, Noor & Mohammed

Bless & David

Rob & Di

Shoukkath & Ashraf

Heather & Rick

Zee & Michael

Abdul Wahab & Abdulla

Sasi & Suresh

Mathias, Dessa & Hans

Irina, Vera & Irina

Rheja & Ahmed

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New CrediMax Building Launch Under the patronage of HE Rasheed Al Maraj, Central Bank of Bahrain Governor, Bahrain's e-payment and credits card company CrediMax held the official opening of its new headquarters in Seef last month. The event was attended by senior members of staff from CrediMax and its parent company BBK

HE Rasheed Al Maraj cuts the ribbon

Ahmed, Sami Jalal, Abdulla Janahi, Jalal M. Jalal, Hassan & Ibrahim

Ebrahim, Madan, Mohammed Isa & Ebrahim

Shaikh Rashid & Riyad

Khalid, Suad & Mohammed

Jerry, Ebrahim, Mandana & Waleed

Eman, Jenan & Noor

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Ahmed & Shaikh Hisham

Abdulkarim Bucheery, Murad Ali Murad & HE Rasheed Al Maraj

Mahar, Ali, Mohammed & Khalid

Mohammed, Olivier, Amira & Michel

Sara & Ali

Abdulkarim Bucheery & Abdulrahman Fakhro

Mohammed & Mohammed Salahuddin

Amira, Abeer & Khalid

Mahmood & Yasser

Shaikha & Manar

Ali

Mohan & Ronnie

Bangladesh Embassy Eid HE Mohammed Ali Akbar, Bangladeshi Ambassador & his wife Nasreen Akbar hosted an Eid party for members of the Bangladeshi community at the Bangladesh Embassy last month

Mohammed, HE Mohammed Ali Akbar & Mehdi

Anwar & Nadia

Mehdi & family

Zubaida, Zarin & Nishat

Jahangir & Abdul Bashar

Radia, Nasreen & Nadia

Farzala & Fatima

Farha, Nadia & Nahid

Redoy, Palisha, Zanatul & Mohammed

Rahima, Fatima & Salina

Rina & Farah

BTM December 2011 113

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Lalchand Gajria Diwali Lalchand Gajria held a Diwali open house to celebrate the Festival of Lights. The open house held at Lalchand's residence in Gajria Tower in Sanabis was attended by HE Ali Saleh Al Saleh, chairman of the Shura Council, and a number of VIP guests

Khalid Al Amin, HE Ali Saleh Al Saleh, Ranjit Gajria, Lalchand Gajria & Yousef Saleh

Hassan Obaidi, Shawqi Fakhroo, Ranjit, HE Abdul Nabi Al Sho'ala & Vijay

Mr Nonoo, Ranjit & Sofyan Almoayed

Abdul Wahab & Jawad Al Hawaj, Lalchand, HE Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador & Vijay

Dhanraj, Vijay & HE Mohan Kumar

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Zahra & Ranjit with Mr & Mrs Lalchand Gajria

Lalchand Gajria & Farouk Almoayyed

The Boloors

Jawad Al Hawaj, Lalchand, Hassan Kamal, Mr Kamal, Ranjit & Vijay Bhatia

The Boloor & Gajria families

HE Ali Saleh Al Saleh & Vijay Boloor

Abdulrahman Fakhro

Bharti, Zahra & Poonam

Sharif Ahmadi & Parikshit

Zahra & Ranjit

Bharti, Mala Kumar & Natasha

Khalid Kanoo

Mr Sharif

Mohammed Salahuddin

Mr Zainal

Junaid For Perfumes Launch Hajar Oud Fragrance

Find something different...

Junaid for Perfumes held a launch of their all-new fragrance for men called 'Hajar Oud'. The launch was held at the Awali Ballroom, Sheraton Hotel

Seham & Obaid

Baqer & Mohammed

Sari, Esky & Mohammed

Dom & Rami

Ribal & Eman

Seham, Fahad Jaweed, Ali Jaweed & Obaid

Hassan & Khan

Marise

Mohammed

Shop at the

2 Hours Roy & Pradeep

FREE Basement Car Park for Shoppers

Azmiya & Safiya

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Bahrain India Society Lunch The Bahrain India Society hosted a lunch for members and guests at the Gulf Hotel's Convention Centre last month. The event was attended by HE Essam Khalaf, Works Minister, HE Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador, HE Abdul Nabi Al Sho'ala, Bahrain India Society board members and captains of industry

HE Essam Khalaf & Raj Damani

Kishore Kewalram, Khalid Al Zayani & Soman Baby

Farouk Almoayyed, Hala Almoayyed & M.T. Mathew

Ebrahim Salahuddin, Mohammed Asheer, Mohammed & Mazen Al Umran

Ashok Shetty, Manoj Bhatia, Anoop & Babu Kewalram

Abdulla Al Suwaidi, Robert Grey & P.S. Balasubramanyan

Abdulrahman Morshed & Panos Panagis

116 December 2011 BTM

Raj & HE Mohan Kumar

Vijay Boloor & HE Abdul Nabi Al Sho'ala

Mohammed Salahuddin & Peter

Mahmood Al Soufi

Biju, Debbie, Sumeet, Tim, Helen, Sajith & Zeina

Thamer Salahuddin, Faisal Juma, Abdulrahman Juma, Mohammed Salahuddin, Khalid Al Zayani, Raj & Yajur Damani

Indu Kumar, HE Abdul Nabi Al Sho'ala & Radhakrishnan Pillai

Huda Sangoo & Hemant Patel

Jayashankar & Jayesh

Vilas, Balachandran & Vijay

Varghese Kurian

M.T. Mathew

Zoe Terrace Party Zoe's Restaurant in Adliya hosted its Forever Music Forever Party Night at the Zoe Terrace last month

Eyad, Tony & Bob

DJ Youss

Sarah, Tony & Nermin

Liban & Serkan

Eman, Nada & Yasmin

Rajeev, Burak, Gizem & Vivek

Christophe, Ahmed, Abdul, Sue & Francis

Charmain, Kareen, Michael, Elham & Marina

Saeed, Tahani, Marwah & Chadi

George & Yasmin

Eranda

Dalia & Jacob

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Jawad Fashion Division Staff Party The Jawad Fashion Division held its annual staff party at the Coral Bay last month

Ayisha, Priya, Anitha, Sridhar & Mudreka

Waheeda & Hussain

Mark

Imteyaz & Steve

Prijoe & Ali Toobli

Gauri, Aslam, Jemimah & Liwi

Murali, Kalai & Firsad

Leo, Bing & Mariam

Claire, Maya & Samira

Faiyaz, Sujo & Mohan

Buddmika, Diwas & Bassim

Lovern, Jasmine & Tessie

Fatima & Ameena

Aysha & Khatoon

Yasar, Raj Kumar & Fawzy

Naeem, Neil, Manzar & Kareem

118 December 2011 BTM

Tessie, Ann, Jemimah, Maya, Lea, Liwi & Vicky

A. Rahman, Bassim, Salik, Nelson, Dipok, Dennis, Anzilo & Shahul

Tara, Marisol & Queenie

Hassan & Ali

Vinod

Fadel

Roy

Halloween At The Warbler The Warbler at the Ramee Baisan Hotel on Exhibition Road held a Halloween Horror party last month

Francesca

Emily & Freya

Amy, Kristina, Ana & Nikki

Mohammed

Joshua & Yousif

Horrific Beauties!

Jaber & Mohammed

Vishal

Samantha & Seema

Peter & William

Guests at the event

Amy, Wees & Nikki

Poison Ivy & The Joker

BTM December 2011 119

TO ADVERTISE CALL: (+973) 17 564250 - (+973) 39 477727

downtimethismonth Metallica

Crashing Metal Elma Bartholomew After ages of rumours making the rounds, Metallica finally showed up in the Middle East, and, boy, was it a night to remember.

While the rest of the world might shrug at the thought of another Metallica concert, you could almost hear the heartbeats of thousands of people in Abu Dhabi and India speed up at the first announcement confirming their visit. After all, this tour was the first time they stepped foot on this side of the globe, and needless to say, they made up for the rather long wait in almost no time.

No matter which part of the Middle East it is, there is one common factor between the different countries — when they host an event, there’s just no way to outdo them. The Yas Arena in Abu Dhabi has set the standards for the rest of the region with the mind-blowing success of this event, which was more than just a wish come true for its fans. The excitement seeped through the city, playlists were revisited, instruments were picked up and the fanaticism was reborn.

Bassist Rob Trujillo admits the band was impressed by the venue even before they had seen it. Once they finally set foot onto the arena, they were amazed by the architecture, calling it ‘futuristic’.

“It’s really great to be doing things for the first time. It keeps things fresh,” he said on their decision to visit new countries.

Ripping through a blistering ‘greatest hits’ set, touching on all Also this month

aspects of the band’s three-decade career, from its thrash metal beginnings to the increasingly polished yet equally powerful sounds of later years, Metallica seemed to be testing the metal fans of the Middle East. The ensuing roar must have proved them worthy of the tour as the night only got better after the opening tracks.

It is not an easy task to bring such legends, host such an ecstatic night and get away with zero complaints. India proved this true with disappointing organisation skills with unfortunate glitches like postponing the gig, angry fans, property destruction and the eventual cancellation of the show in the capital city of Delhi.

However, Bangalore was fortunate enough that the band did not connect safety concerns in one town with another and India was graced with an epic night with a turn-up of nearly 50,000 people at Palace Grounds. Things went awry here as well with several fans being robbed of their personal belongings kept at the entrance including passports, thanks to the incompetent security force that was allegedly a part of the scam.

I wonder how much would go right or wrong if Bahrain was to host such a big show. We have proved our skills with major events before. Would I be hoping for too much to see them perform live on this island?

“I want to celebrate the performance and embrace the power of the audience, and I want to be on stage and look at their faces and see their happiness,” Trujillo told the press.

I look forward to the day they will be talking about Bahrain’s crowds, that day where ‘nothing else matters’.

122 Gadgets x 127 Music x 129 Computer games x 134 Websites x 136 Satellite TV

Easy Conferencing

The Polycom UC Board improves communication and collaboration in video conferences by allowing meeting participants to leverage their existing video display screens and mobile devices as interactive whiteboards for video collaboration.

Uber Time Master

Citizen introduces Eco-Drive Satellite Wave, a limited edition watch with a totally new time-keeping system. This next generation timepiece searches for the closest of the 24 navigation satellites that orbit Earth for ultra-precise timekeeping.

BTM December 2011 121

downtimegadgets

HD Lifestyle We’re going crazy over cameras and tablets this month. With amazing innovations like never before, who wouldn’t?

What noise?

Beats by Dr Dre headphones have quickly catapulted themselves to popularity. The range now has an upgraded model in its ranks — the Beats Executive — fitted with a luxury metal finish and clever noise cancellation technology.

Steer away

The SteelSeries SRW-S1 is a gaming wheel that is compact and highly intuitive. It could be used for pretty much any top flight racing game. What it has in its favour are lots of buttons for fine-tuning pretty much everything.

A tough life

Panasonic may not be the first brand you think of when it comes to tablets.

But with the Toughpad A1, the company offers an android tablet built to last no matter what you do for work or play. The name says it all.

Editors pick!

Rolling tablets

Countless new tablets have surfaced through the year; the Motorola Xoom 2 Moto is the latest addition to the market. Bigger than a majority of its rivals, it boasts a 10.1-inch display, but it also packs in plenty of other features.

Let’s get loud

The new Pioneer X-SMC3-S is a sleek-looking stereo system that works with your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad to deliver music to the whole room using Apple’s Airplay feature that lets you stream music from iDevices wirelessly.

122 December 2011 BTM

Zooming in

Even Canon’s high-end DSLR models look like toys compared to the new Canon C300 cinema camera. Granted, half of that is because of the ludicrously large-looking lens, but we’re certain it will deliver enviable results.

With a bang

There isn’t a better time to buy speakers. The Libratone Live and Lounge speakers are the latest to appear in a market full of funky docks and woofers. These, however, offer simplistic styling, perfect to complement minimalist décor.

Hydrophilic gizmo

Seeing triple

If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, the new Swann Freestyle HD video camera could be the perfect device. It has a perspex housing to help keep it safe from knocks, drops and even water

Like 3D televisions, 3D cameras are gradually finding their way into stores.

The Lumix DMC 3D1 uses dual lenses capable of shooting high definition 2D and 3D videos and photos.

It can even focus on two subjects simultaneously.

Warm up

Heaters aren’t a place you’d expect to see cutting-edge industrial design, which is why the AM04 Dyson hot fan heater is a surprise conversation piece. For home design purists, the sci-fi heater can also double as a fan in warmer months.

Turning green

The new high-end HP Envy laptops are stunning. Redesigned from the inside out, and coated in brushed aluminium, they more than look the business. The line is HP’s highest-end range; it features some terrifically meaty specs.

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ECC Charity Dinner Dance The Ecumenical Conference of Charity (ECC) held its annual fund-raising dinner dance for members and guests at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf Convention Centre.

Proceeds from the event held last month will directly benefit the needy in Bahrain

Chris & Tricia

Frank, Denzil, Serena, Oswald, Shalini, Erwin & Sharon

Swasti & Dr Mehta

Val, Trevor & Teresa

Esther, Anna, Lynne, Trisha & Marie

Guiller, Isabel, Nilda & Tito

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Anne & Rod

David, Jessy, Divya & Manoji

Rehna, Sulo, Helen & Muriel

David, Yvonne, Steve & Nikki

Michel, Ted & Oliver

Dr Beulah, Cmdr David & Norman

Fel & Jen

Claudia, Pedro & Daniela

Nancy & Arun

Marietta

Beverley

Noel, William, Prasad, Loyd, Vellon & Andy

Rawya & Karim

Charlie & Yasmine

Pastor Appu & Lali

Steve & Luth

downtimeyoungachiever

Take One for Diabetes In probably one of the wildest rides of their lives, three men became the first Arabs to participate in the ELMA BARTHOLOMEW infamous Rickshaw Run.

The idea is simple. You leave behind all forms of civilisation, head to foreign ground with little more than the clothes on your back and use an auto rickshaw to cross the terrains of India — from Meghalaya to Rajasthan to be specific — in only two weeks.

After watching the Mongol Rally on the National Geographic channel, Hisham Shehabi, Tariq Al Olaimy and Hisham Ali found out that the same organisers were planning a Rickshaw Run in celebration of World Diabetes Day. A few clicks later, without giving it a second thought, they were registered online. After three weeks of being on the waiting list, they booked their flight to New Delhi.

Seeing that blue is the official colour of the campaign and that camels are native to both the Arab region and the state of Rajasthan, where the finish line was going to be, the trio dubbed themselves as ‘The Blue Camels’. When asked why they decided to do this, they unanimously answer, “For adventure, friendship, tourism, adrenaline rush, diabetes, great food and great people.”

Those ideals, short of lack of sleep, vehicle breakdowns and stolen items, summed up their once in a lifetime adventure.

The event has built up a reputation as one of the most ridiculously fun quests in the name a good cause. Held three times

a year — around the New Year and in spring and the autumn — the official charity of the race is the Frank Water Projects which provides clean drinking water to rural areas in India.

“A part of the funds we raised will be donated to diabetes awareness projects conducted in coordination with the Bahrain Diabetes Society,” says Hisham Shehabi.

During the course of the run, the 73 participating teams had the unique opportunity to visit hospitals and diabetes centres in the region. “Learning the major issues caused by diabetes in India was very enlightening. It also was a great way to get in touch with the natives of each city, to learn from them, and to share our experiences with diabetes in Bahrain,” he adds. “It was a great opportunity to enhance relations between Bahrain, the GCC and India in the field of fighting diabetes.”

Keeping aside all praises for the mission, they admit that they would not try it again next year only because they look forward to trying out new ventures. After having gone through two weeks of breakdowns, accidents, language barriers and monsoon showers, these three youngsters have come out of their Indian experience enlightened, humbled and with a first hand knowledge that an auto rickshaw might not be the best vehicle created!

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BSPCA Dog Walk The Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) held a Doggie Dawdle, a four kilometre sponsored dog walk to raise funds for the society's new Animal Welfare Centre (AWC) last month. Hundreds of dog lovers and their four-legged friends participated in the the walk near the society's new site at Askar

Sara with Alfie

Wesan, Jude & Samar

Monica, Meeraal & Rhea

Arun, Joyce, Nigel & Nagaraj

Akshay & Jaya with Archie

Danielle

Mariam

Michaela & Tamara

Rhea with Samson

Tejas

The Diplomat Hotel team

Charlie & Layla

Abilash, Olivia, Keira, Nina, Craig, Bobby & Mike

Casey with Elliot

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Kevin & Marcel

Kealan & Aisling

Alya & Manar with Bentley

Kanak & Kalash

Faeiola

downtimemusic

An Era of Ear Plugs It seems like the dark side has taken over this month with new releases from legends like Megadeth and Nickelback. We also find out what makes Rihanna’s latest album so controversial.

Megadeth

Th1rt3en

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RATING:

WHAT’S THE STORY? With a self-explanatory title, the thirteenth CD from a group that remains incapable of recording a boring album even at their worst does the sole favour of not trying to fit into the shoes of younger men.

Whatever success Megadeth has reaped can be directed toward one man — Dave Mustaine, the riff machine.

Th1rt3en is the follow-up to 2009’s widely lauded Endgame and showcases their ability to pen smart, concise and powerful metal anthems and their precision in technicality. However, it veers from its signature razor-sharp hooks. Mustaine and Megadeth stand tall among a small handful of genre-defining bands and as a result, a new album is always (for better or worse) going to be compared to the rest of their catalogue upon release.

WORTH A LISTEN?

This album can be considered an unremarkable affair. Some songs including the title track do stir the senses, but elsewhere much of it is a quiet burn rather than a sudden rush. Fans of the group may miss the twists of previous albums. It’s a shame that Th1rt3en is not quite as compelling as the man who created it.

If this is what you get after a two-year wait, you might end up thinking you could wait a little longer if it allowed them time to perfect the tracks before actually launching it.

VERDICT: Not a bad album, but not one for the ages.

TOP TRACKS: Sudden Death, Never Dead.

Nickelback

Here and Now

In an era of average music and forgettable tracks, Nickelback doesn’t sound so bad. Who are we kidding? They are easily the inspirational torchbearers of post-grunge. But, their dream to be rock stars gets the best of them in their seventh studio album. Although producer Mutt Lange polishes a few excellent riffs, the lyrics actually sound quite silly. The band might have grown, but the crew seems to have forgotten to grow up with it.

Rihanna

Daughtry

Talk That Talk

Break the Spell

The build-up to her sixth album reached fever pitch before it finally released. Rihanna is as titillating as she’s ever been, teasing her audience in more ways than one.

This is a showcase of frontman Chris Daughtry’s powerful voice. It gives the band room to evolve musically while aiming to satisfy its many fans.

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Infiniti G25 Car Launch Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons, sole distributors of Nissan vehicles in the kingdom held a launch for the all-new Infinity G25 automobile. The launch was held at the Bahrain International Motor Show that was held at the Bahrain International Circuit

The all-new Infinity G25

Sandeep Mathur, Natasha & Karthik

Kangoo Jumps Launch Kangoo Jumps, low impact rebound sport shoes, was launched at the K Hotel in Juffair last month

Kangoo Jumps shoes

Sari & Ahmed

Marina, Alina & Siana

Mari & Cora

Denisa, Samar & Hamad

Ayman & Yasser

Chorie & Endang

Shireen Birthday Party Shireen celebrated her birthday with a number of her friends at her residence in Budaiya last month

Bubbles, Shireen & Laquisha

Dalya, Shireen & Fiona

Eshan, Yousif, Ale, Joe, Coach & Shireen

Shireen, Ale, Salonee & Andy

Remy, Ale, Andy, Salonee & Amie

Shireen, Mathilde & Fazaa

Salonee & Shireen

Service Excellence World Cup Skill Contest The Service Excellence World Cup Skill Contest for Technicians and Service Advisors was conducted by Almoayyed Motors at their service centre in Sitra last month

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This year’s competition will reward Service Advisors and Technicians for their ability to :Effectively conduct the service write-up process (Service Advisors) & Correctly diagnose service conditions and make repairs (Technicians) This year’s winners of the SEWA were Krishnaraj and Mohammed Ali who will represent the dealership for the regional championship in Dubai. Present at the price distribution ceremony were Mr. Declan McClusky, Automotive Group General Manager, Venkatesh Goud, General Manager & the Ford Team

downtimecomputergames

Becoming Batman Ahmed Al Nasheet The second Batman video game release has the gaming world in a flutter; fast-paced action meets with our long-standing comic superheroes for the ultimate battle of good versus evil.

Batman is probably every child’s hero. He is the ultimate avenger who healthily turned all of his fear and anger to his advantage, making him a mighty superhero.

Rocksteady answered the prayers of kids worldwide with the first Batman game Arkham Asylum which was arguably the only successful superhero game ever made.

More than most superheroes, Batman is defined by his limits, and so was Arkham Asylum.

Although the first game was enjoyable, Rocksteady didn't fulfill fantasies. As a game player, I wanted to have access to a world that I could swoop over, protect and be the vigilante that everyone loves. Two years after the first game Rocksteady came back with another adventurepacked game which fixed a lot of the problems that players faced playing the first game.

Batman: Arkham City will please all Batman fans. The software designers combined an awesome combat system, smooth movement, steady gliding and defined graphics for both the city and the characters. Rocksteady took the core of the former game and used the same Unreal engine so that the gameplay looks refined and more polished, making the movements of the character feel much lighter.

What makes Batman: Arkham City unique is neither the graphics nor the gameplay but instead the incredible skill of the voice acting for the characters. Kevin Conory, who is the voice actor for Batman, and Mark Hamill, who is the voice of the Joker, bringS the game to life. Rocksteady enhanced the game further with incredible music and sound effects, making you really feel as if you are in the game.

More infamous characters are also present in the game, including the feisty Catwoman and loyal sidekick Robin. You can opt to play as any one of the characters and prove your fighting worth with impressive and skillful moves, and follow the evolving narrative for each character.

Play as the Dark Knight himself and fight the villains you have grown up reading about such as Two Face, Mr Freeze and the Penguin whilst saving Gotham City.

This game fulfills all of your childhood superhero dreams and lets you ‘become’ Batman.

It doesn’t matter if you select to play games for the storyline, graphics, gameplay or sound because Rocksteady really have created a winning game that successfully combines all of these attributes. Simply put, it’s an action-packed way to spend a few hours and is a must-buy for all comic fanatics and real gamers.

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Rasila & Surya Savani Diwali Party Rasila & Surya Savani hosted a party for a number of friends to celebrate Diwali, the Indian 'Festival of Lights' at their residence in Budaiya Surya & Rasila

Vijay & Anoop

Veena & Bharti

Saanvari & Mihika

Dr Ram & Joyce

Anu, Kiran & Vantana

Shahrazad, Rasila & Shubha

Javid & Matin

Sughra

Surya & Shane

Himanshu & Akshay

Nalin, Gopika & Karan

Jayshree, Bhavana, Rasila & Sangeetha

Manijeh, Percy & Kanika

Ryan Anish Mathew 1st Birthday Party Ryan Anish Mathew, son of Anish Mathew and Asha Anish celebrated his first birthday with family & friends at Marmaris Hall, Seef

Ryan Anish Mathew

Jolly, Ryan, Jacob & Annin

Anish, Ryan & Asha

Ryan with his grand parents Gracy & Mathai

Ryan cutting his cake

Ryan with parents & friends

Mikael's 1st Birthday Party Mikael Askari, son of Mohammed & Sana Askari, celebrated his 1st Birthday at the Askari Apartment in Tubli

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Mikael

Mohammed & Sana

Happy Birthday

Mikael & friends

downtimecomputergames

The World of Drake

Ahmed Al Nasheet Nathan Drake is back and facing his most ultimate mission yet — the unearthing of a lost city. He must toughen up to overcome all of the challenges he faces in order to end victorious.

Anyone who knows the name Nathan Drake will be unable to contain their excitement over the release of the latest chapter of the franchise, Unchartered 3: Drake’s Deception.

The popular series is still created by the original software company — Naughty Dog. The newest instalment retains a lot of the previous features while adding additional elements making this one of the best releases of the year.

Unchartered 3 involves a new kind of storytelling that will change your view of video games forever. From the opening scene until the final fight you will find yourself completely enwrapped in the moves, fights and story. The world was first introduced to this franchise with a game called Drake's Fortune which set the bar high for what third-person adventures on the PlayStation 3 should be like. After two years from the first game of the series, Naughty Dog launched Unchartered 2: Among Thieves, which was full of improved graphics and added a multiplayer feature to the series. Unchartered 2 was one of the most popular games of 2009.

The third game of the series is also an adventure game and has many similarities to the others.

The cast of characters remain including, of course, the main man Nathan Drake and his old pal, or mentor, Victor ‘Sully’ Sullivan. In this new chapter the duo are looking for a lost city and they face many challenges to find and reach it. On top of the narrative element, the game boasts incredible graphics and great gameplay.

Upon the completion of the camping you will have the chance to experience one of the best multiplayer experiences out there with the Unchartered 3 Multiplayer. Unchartered 2 introduced competitive and co-op modes for the series, and the new version takes the whole experience to another level by improving the multiplayer mechanic and gave us something special.

Naughty Dog worked for around four years to build this game and it was time well spent. For a long time gamers looked to the Unchartered franchise as a one-player game or a game worth buying just because of the reputable single player camping mode but not any more.

All of the old gameplay modes remain online such as Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag but Naughty Dog enhanced the playing options with fun features to play including Boosters and Kickback — both are bonuses you achieve for completing the objective of the game.

As an overview, the characters, voice actor, graphics, sound, music, multiplayer and most of the entire story are hands down the crème de la crème of video games.

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Swashbuckling Suspense 2011 has proved to be a great year for sequels and the wait to the final quarter proved to be well worth it with Fifa, Batman and Call of Duty. We spotted a few more that could be added to that list.

Uncharted 3

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There’s a reason most gamers gave it a perfect ten. This is so exceptional that it is hard to imagine a game being better. From start to finish, single player to multiplayer, this game is almost flawless. The characters, graphics, sound and story are all top notch. Be prepared to play one of the finest in the gaming world.

The Elder Scrolls V

Forza Motorsport 4 (Xbox 360) RATING:

WHAT IS IT?

Forza 4 is an ode of sorts to the automobile world. It was an attempt to create the world’s best and most comprehensive racing sim which has succeeded in a way. The game embraces car culture from all over the globe without a disproportionate focus on vehicles from just one country. It captures the cult of cars better than any racing game before it.

Featuring the same kind of thrilling freedom the series is known for, along with excellent visuals and soundtracks, Skyrim is a rare kind of intensely personal, deeply rewarding experience, as it is one of the best role-playing games yet produced. However, you might be left slightly unsatisfied.

GRAPHICS:

The first thing you’ll notice about this new edition will be the improved visuals. Its new image-based lighting model makes the cars look perfectly seated within tracks. The car models themselves are also hugely impressive. They look as good in motion as they do while stationary. The frame rate is smooth. Forza 4 doesn’t just look and feel better, it sounds better too. There are new sounds for collisions, wind rush and more.

GAMEPLAY:

Forza 4 feels more authentic than ever. Turn in is sharper and the feeling of grip is well-translated. The lock-to-lock steering rate has been increased dramatically and a simulation steering option has been added. Forget slow and soggy steering rates. The braking upgrades are unbelievable.

With a tweak on your artificially intelligent opponent, the races are closer than you’d hope for and ultimately more satisfying. Car levelling has been changed too. In Forza 4, the player builds manufacturer specific levels called ‘affinity’ levels.

VERDICT: With changes that are too welcome, there’s no going back to Forza 3 now.

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The Legend of Zelda Remarkably, this Zelda game captures a grandness and scope we haven’t seen since the 2D era. It advances combat and control in the most significant way. This is the Wii game we’ve been waiting for.

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Cars 2 RATING: DIRECTED BY: John Lasseter, Brad Lewis STARRING: Owen Wilson, Michael Caine

THE PLOT:

Star race car Lightning McQueen (Wilson) and his pal Mater head overseas to compete in the World Grand Prix race. But the road to the championship becomes rocky as Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Cars 2 takes the studio into unexpected new territory by bringing its familiar characters to a spy thriller complete with secret weapons, sinister villains and clandestine agents calling frantically for backup.

WORTH WATCHING? More than visiting metropolises, the

movie does what Pixar calls “car-ifying”. It recreates these places in a remarkably detailed way, as if cars were the people who built and lived in these cities.

It also makes entertaining and inventive use of the 3D technology. With a plot that includes life-and-death action sequences, thrilling auto races and panoramic scenic vistas, the opportunities for enhanced perspective are considerable.

VERDICT: It’s cute. The kids will love it. You might too.

The Change-Up This body-swap formula comedy stars Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds as two buddies. Secretly they envy each other’s lives, and one stormy night weird karmic forces switch their identities.

Typical! There are a few tired laughs to be had, but it is mostly predictable.

Larry Crowne This is an inside-out movie, acceptable around the edges but hollow and shockingly unconvincing at its core.

When that core is two of the biggest movie stars around — Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts — it’s an especially dispiriting situation.

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downtimewebsites

Get Hooked OF

E IT NTH O EBSM W THE

There are several websites that you’ve bookmarked that are usually safe for work premises as they can pass off as research. Here are three websites that have been ranked the most addictive of 2011.

Despair.com RATING:

WHAT IS IT?

At Despairt, Inc., they have a dream — to help crush yours. And now the dream has come true — as nightmares so often do. As an antithesis to motivational posters, this site takes inspirational photography and captions it with negative and cynical slogans. The effect is splendid, and is guaranteed laughter in offices everywhere. In fact, you might want to show this site to your co-workers.

THE GOOD:

They are well-known for their cynical and ironic items which parody the grandiose imagery and solemn language of motivational accessories. For example, they define meetings as situation where “none of us is as dumb as all of us”. According to them, the secret to success is to know who to blame for your failures. They even say dreams are like rainbows, only idiots chase them.

THE BAD: The very existence of such a thing could be considered

wrong. After all, this Texas-based firm produces posters and souvenirs that satirise the motivational indoctrination common in corporate environments.

Like we always say, if you don’t have a good sense of humour, try not to tread these grounds. Warning: this is a pessimist’s playground.

VERDICT: Here is sarcasm and cynicism, made beautiful.

Totallylookslike.com Visual people will absolutely love this. As the title suggests, the website showcases random associations of images from around the world — vegetables that resemble people, gargoyles that resemble pets, and celebrities that resemble wanted criminals. Submit your own, if you feel like it. At the very least, you’ll be mesmerised by some of the curious combinations at this photo blog. You even get to vote for the week’s best.

Even better, this is a part of a bigger network of funny websites. Before you know it, you’ll have spent all of your working day smiling at the screen.

Fafarazzi.com It’s all your favourite gossip blogs in one place. They’ve got hundreds of posts every hour with photos, videos and more. You don’t just observe pop culture; you can also ‘play’ pop culture against your friends and the world in games based on celebrity gossip or reality tv shows. Chat it up, unleash the snark, and create your entertainment profile. If you’re an addict of celebrity gossip, then you will absolutely revel in fafarazzi.com.

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movies

The Adventures of Tintin RATING: DIRECTED BY: Steven Spielberg STARRING: Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig

THE PLOT: Having bought a model ship, the Unicorn, for a pound off

a market stall, Tintin is initially puzzled that the sinister Mr Sakharine should be so eager to buy it from him, resorting to murder and kidnapping to join him and his gang as they sail to Morocco. He has bribed the crew to revolt against the ship’s master, drunken Captain Haddock who tells Tintin a legend from over three hundred years ago. The quest to save the treasure unveils through this adventure-filled movie.

WORTH WATCHING?

There is plenty of spectacle and activity. There is something flat and robotic and a little bit aimless about the movie. The opening credits, which playfully pastiche the original drawings with simplicity and wit, are actually more interesting and exciting than what follows.

The extended bike chase in Morocco makes the trip to the cinema worth it.

VERDICT: Fans of the comic may be disappointed. It’s entertaining nonetheless.

Immortals It makes you scream “Why?” dramatically. If you’re the lot crushing on Henry Cavill, you won’t be disappointed. For those in the hope of a good movie, walk away. The action sequences might be gory but are thrilling. Do not expect good acting skills; and the lack of continuity could make you homicidal.

Arthur Christmas How does Santa deliver all those presents in one night? The answer: Santa’s high-tech operation hidden beneath the North Pole. But at the centre of the film is a story about a family in a state of comic dysfunction and an unlikely hero, Arthur, with a mission that must be completed before Christmas morning dawns.

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downtimesatTV WHEN? OSN First, December 20

MOVIES

The American Academy Award winner George Clooney stars in the title role of this suspense thriller, filmed on location in Italy. A lone hit man is forced into hiding after his last job went awry. Jack (Clooney) is on his own, an American in Italy, and vows that his next job will be his last. That isn’t going to be so easy for someone who is used to working hard and getting the job done. Jack has broken rules, and making friends while on the job is about to put him in more danger than ever before. An adaptation of the 1990 novel, A Very Private Gentleman, this flick is directed by Anton Corbijn.

SERIES/SPECIALS

The Unforgettable In this unique and exciting drama series, Poppy Montgomery stars as Carrie Wells, an enigmatic former police detective with a rare condition that makes her memory so flawless that every place, every conversation, every moment of joy and every heartbreak is forever embedded in her mind.

It’s not just that she doesn’t forget anything, she can’t; except for one thing [DASH] the details that would help solve her sister’s murder. When a tragedy brings her back in touch with her ex-boyfriend (Dylan Walsh), now an NYPD detective, he convinces her to use her incredible memory to help solve big-city crimes. Despite her conflicted feelings, she decides to permanently join his unit as a detective solving homicides, most notably the unsolved murder of her sister. All she needs to do is remember.

WHEN? OSN Cinema, December 5.

Dear John Soon after John (Channing Tatum) and Savannah (Amanda Seyfried) fall madly in love, their relationship is put on hold. Two weeks would change their lives forever.

Watch if their relationship survives the test of time on December 29 on OSN Cinema/ OSN Movies HD.

Hung (Season 3) Back for another season, the former high school sports legend Ray is back on track but this time with competition from another young talent.

Follow him on OSN Comedy Sunday to Thursday starting from December 19. You will soon realise that it was well worth the wait.

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Breakout Kings (Season 1) Prepare for some fast-paced action featuring a squad of US marshals teaming up with former fugitives in exchange for getting time off their sentences. Find out what happens next in this suspense-filled show on OSN First from December 3.

Enlightened (Season 1) Catch the new offbeat HBO series starring Laura Dern as Amy, a self-destructive health and beauty executive.

Follow her footsteps as she picks up the broken pieces of her rather muddled life, on OSN First starting December 19.

Public Enemies Follow Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Marion Cotillard on December 21 on OSN Premiere in a story of the legendary Depression-era outlaw John Dillinger (Depp), the charismatic bank robber whose lightning raids made him the number one target of the FBI.

Golden Tulip Dinner The Golden Tulip Bahrain hosted a dinner reception for all members of the hotel's Ambassador's Club bookers (Corporate clients) at the poolside last month Mahdi, Anja, Abdulla & Michel

Jose, Sayed & Anish

Paulina & Jean

John & Alma

Abbas, Glyze & Abdulla

Abdulla with the Al Hawaj team

Nina & Sunny

Michael & Helen

Khaled, Rachel & Philomena

Amal, Rawan & Yasmin

Abbas, Hassan & George

Pan Asia Restaurant Soft Launch Pan Asia hosted a dinner party to mark the soft launch of the restaurant located in Umm Al Hassan

Alaa Matar, Ravi Preet Singh & Shatru

C.H. Rahim, Dr Mohammed & Dr Abdul Ghaffar

Alavi & Hakim

Majed, James & Dr Ravi

Dr Sahadulla, Boban, Dr Mohammed & Jacob

Anto, Pratheep, Saidhu, Surjit & Mahesh

Ashraf, Ranjith, Manzoor & Ghazali

Mukunth, Prins & Abi

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Indukumar & Prakash Bhatia Diwali Mr & Mrs Indukumar P. Bhatia & Mr & Mrs Prakash I. Bhatia hosted a Diwali open house for a number of VIPs and well-wishers at their new residence in Tubli last month

Mala, Indu Kumar, Farouk Almoayyed & Kamlesh

Mala & HE Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador

Lakshmanan

Prakash & Pallavi

Othman Al Rayes, Abdul Rahman & Wajeh Baqer

Dawood Salah & Abdul Rahman Abdulla

Manal

Bhavika & Kanishka

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Sachi & Sanjana

Nadia & Pallavi

Mohammed & Wahid Al Khateeb

Nawaf & Waleed

Lalchand Diwali Party The Lalchand family hosted a Diwali party at their residence in Mahooz to celebrate the Indian 'Festival of Lights' last month.

The party was attended by HE Ali Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council & VIPs Sami, Shawqi Fakhroo, Zainal, Mohammed, Lalchand, Jayant, Rajiv & Vishal

Hassan Obaidi

Mohini & Lalchand Rajiv, Jayant, Farouk Almoayyed, Lalchand & Vishal

Anu & Jayant

HE Abdul Nabi Al Sho'ala & Abdulrahman Fakhro

Abdulla, Abdul Aziz & Nawar

HE Ali Saleh Al Saleh & Yousif Saleh Al Saleh

Deepa & Vishal

Khalid Kanoo

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Manoj & Yogesh Bhatia Diwali Manoj & Yogesh Bhatia hosted a Diwali open house to celebrate the 'Festival of Lights' at their residence in Tubli. The party was attended by HE Ali Saleh Al Saleh, Shura Council Chairman HE Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador, a number of VIPs and well wishers

Manoj Bhatia & HE Ali Saleh Al Saleh

Snehlata Bhatia, Mala Kumar, HE Mohan Kumar, Bharat Bhatia, Yogesh Bhatia & Harsha Bhatia

Hassan Kamal & Dr Tawfiq Almoayyed

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HE Jehad Bukamal

Adel Maskati

Huda Sangoor

Bharat Bhatia, Manoj Bhatia, Abdulrahman Al Ammadi, Hameed Rahma, a VIP guest, Yogesh Bhatia & Sameer Al Zayani

Urvashi Bhatia, Afnan Al Zayani, Snehlata Bhatia, Harsha Bhatia, Manoj Bhatia, HE Jehad Bukamal, Yogesh Bhatia, Tariq Bukamal, Sameer Al Zayani, Bharat Bhatia, Jessica Bhatia & Hemant Bhatia

Mahalakshmi Arangetram Raghavan & Savitha held their daughter Mahalakshmi Bharatnatyam Arangetram (debut performance) last month. Nayantara, a disciple of Kavita Sanjay, performed at the Ramada Palace Hotel. The event was attended by HE Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador, the chief guest, Mr Abraham, chairman of Indian School, Arun Kumar Sharma, principal of New Millenium School, Shri Amballikuttan, Director of IIPA & a number of guests

HE Mohan Kumar lighting the lamp

Mahalakshmi & her great grandmother G.Thulasi

Mahalakshmi on stage

Savitha, Mahalakshmi & Raghavan

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Mahalakshmi with Guru Kavitha Sanjay, vocalist Priya, violinist Biju & Ganeshan, mridangam player

Mahalakshmi with grand parents Venkataramani & Sundari from her fathers side

Mahalakshmi with grand parents Sundaram & Jayalakshmi

Mahalakshmi with Uncle Bala, Aunt Kritika & Cousin Aditya

Roopa & Narmada

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Off New Arrivals

Daily Timings 10am to 10pm BTM December 2011 141

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Ajay & Rashmi Sharma Diwali Open House Ajay & Rashmi Sharma hosted a Diwali Open House at their residence in Palace Garden 1, Saar. The event held last month was attended by HE Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador VIPs and number of friends

Madan, Ajay Sharma, Vikas, Rohan Sharma, HE Abdul Nabi Al Sho'ala & Rashmi Sharma

Shefali & Rohan with Mr & Mrs Om Prakash

Barka & Yashvi

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Mrs Ramesh Sharma, Mala & HE Mohan Kumar, Ajay & Rashmi

Kareena, Mobeena & Nomi

Arpita & Rashmi

Rashmi with Amita & Anirudh Tyagi

Ramesh, Arunita, Rashmi & Sunita

Ram & Kannan

Kiran

Costa Coffee Award Ceremony A Bahrain Costa Coffee contestant, Ace Valino won the title 'Champion of Champions' at an annual 'Barista of the Year' grand final in London. He was also awarded a 10-day trip to Brazil. A special award ceremony was also held where Faisal Jawad handed over the trophy to Ace at the Costa Coffee Outlet in Bahrain City Centre

Ace Valino & Faisal Jawad

Ali, Faisal Jawad, Noor, Abbas & Murooj

Junaid Kader, Ali Al Mansoor, Abbas Hussain, Ace Valino, Faisal Jawad, Murooj Jawad & Kuswai Maulona

Shabana, Alessandra & Marise

Deepak, Ahmed, Lara, Junaid, Ace, Kuswai, Sabir & Suresh

Lara, Ace & Sabir

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Mhegan's 5th Birthday Party Mhegan celebrated her fifth birthday with her parents and a number of friends at McDonalds last month

Andy Chris, Bel & Mhegan

Mhegan with her cake

Henry & James

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Elina, Sofia, Mhegan, Elina & Sean

David, Chris, Bel, Anita, Heinz & Bless

Bless, Felipe, Lily & Bel

Mhegan & Sofia

Raffy, Kathy, Mira, Bless, Tina & Anita

Sean

Ford Middle East and Almoayyed Motors, the Ford and Lincoln dealer in Bahrain, presented the latest 2012 line-up from both brands to a host of key fleet customers at a special preview meeting in the Kingdom. Ford and Almoayyed Motors also honoured Speedy Motors, Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo & Budget Rent-A-Car during this event for their long term association with the brand. Seen here Faisal Kanoo & Benty Jose being honoured by Mohammed Almoayyed, Declan McClusky & Venkatesh Goud Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has now received Green Globe certification for 20 Middle Eastern properties, meaning that the international hotel group has become the leading hospitality company in the region in terms of measuring and monitoring its environmental and social performance. Seen here are, Heinz Krähenbühl, general manager Mövenpick Bahrain & Balaji Narayan with the certificate

GOPIO (Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin), the world’s largest Indian Diaspora has elected Sunny Kulathakal from Bahrain as its Executive Vice President for next two years.

It is for the first time in the history of GOPIO that an NRI from Middle East has been elected tothis post. Indian Ambassador in America HE Nirupama Rao was the chief guest of the Biennial Convention of GOPIO last Saturday at the Renaissance Hotel, New Jersey, USA Seen here are, GOPIO Chairman Inder Singh, Sunny Kulathakal, Senior Vice President Dr. Piyush Agrawal & President Ashok Ramsaran at the oath taking ceremony As part of its ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, national carrier Gulf Air joined hands with the ‘Think Pink Bahrain’ movement for the third consecutive year, to raise breast cancer awareness in the Kingdom. A sponsorship agreement to support this cause was signed at the airline’s headquarters in Muharraq by Gulf Air Deputy Chief Executive Officer Maher Al Musallam and Think Pink Chairwoman Jules Sprakel. Through the sponsorship, Gulf Air will support the Think Pink Bahrain team to travel across the carrier’s network and do research that would help bring an end to this deadly disease affecting millions of people around the world. Gulf Air also participated in a number of the campaign’s events, such as the Think Pink Gala held last month Mindshare MENA recently hosted their 2nd annual Mindshare Media Summit 2011 in Dubai in the presence of a number of prominent speakers. The theme for the summit was “Inspiring ideas for connected consumers “ Seen far left, Samir Ayoub, CEO of Mindshare MENA region welcomes delegates to the summit, and on the left, delegates on a break

BTM December 2011 145

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Halloween At JJ's Irish Restaurant JJ's Irish Restaurant presented a 'Halloween Spooktacular - A Tribute To Michael Jackson last month. The event featured the music and moves of Ben – A tribute to Michael Jackson, arguably one of the best tribute shows on the international circuit that had everyone thrilled!

Angela, Lucy, Natalie & Kim

Owen, Joe & Kent

Ben as Michael Jackson

Kate, Don & Natalie

Stasia, Amanda & Gloria

Lucy & Angela

Kate & Chris

Hannibal & Tony

Michi & Aaron

Fati

Pinky, Sasha & Kay

Mila & Patrick

AJ & Kat

Internations.Org Get-Together InterNations - a trusted Network & Guide for Expats in Bahrain held a get together for members to mix and mingle with fellow expats and global minds. The event was held at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa last month Ibrahim, Burak, Gizem, Daniela, Sherif & Demet

Michael & Charmain

Andrea & Rachel

146 December 2011 BTM

Anna, Panos Panagis & Alina

Chantal & Ibrahim

Alina, Anwar & Emma

Mr Alami, Ben & Mr Huelsmann

Charmain & Aziza

Rick & Donata

Susan & James

Pranesh

Vladi

motoringthismonth

Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase

Extended Luxury Like Rolls-Royce models that have gone before, the Ghost Extended Wheelbase stands true to the finest values and principles encapsulated by this famous brand.

Euro Motors is proud to report the latest addition to its stable of iconic motor vehicles, the extended wheelbase edition of the Rolls-Royce Ghost.

“Ghost Extended Wheelbase is the latest Rolls-Royce in a range of pinnacle luxury cars. It is a model of outstanding design and unrivalled luxury, with ride and handling credentials underpinned by the best in engineering expertise,” says Majid Al Zayani, marketing manager at Euro Motors.

“This new ‘Roller’ delivers all the poise and dynamism enjoyed by discerning Ghost owners, with the indulgent experience of an extended wheelbase car. It is the very best of both worlds.”

Instantly recognisable as a Rolls-Royce, the Ghost Extended Wheelbase is the latest beautiful model to proudly carry the famous Spirit of Ecstasy hood figurine, a mascot celebrating her centenary in 2011. And like its predecessors, it stands true to the finest values and principles encapsulated by this famous brand; supreme quality, effortless performance and the very pinnacle of automotive luxury.

Hand-built in Goodwood, England, Ghost Extended Wheelbase is striking and agile. Its capacious interior comes courtesy of an increase in 170 mm length over the already ample interior space that rear-seat passengers enjoy in Ghost.

A panoramic sunroof is a standard addition, enhancing the interior ambience, bathing occupants in natural light.

The combination of interior space and performance present the Also this month

best of both worlds to the world’s most discerning customers, without any hint of compromise. Ghost Extended Wheelbase retains the dynamic prowess upon which the Ghost reputation has been built, yet promises to tempt even the most ardent of drivers out of their front seat, to savour the passenger experience.

Designed for carriage in style “For Ghost Extended Wheelbase we set out to emphasise the air of calm confidence and discretion achieved through the thoughtful balancing of attributes so typical of Rolls-Royce: An interior awash with natural light, cosseting occupants in luxury yet shielding them from the hustle and bustle outside,” says Alan Sheppard, interior designer at Rolls-Royce.

However, there was a focus for a more contemporary, informal design to broaden the appeal of the Rolls-Royce brand. The result was Ghost, a breathtaking design, creating simplicity out of complexity, a theme that follows in Ghost Extended Wheelbase.

An extended test drive The image of a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce sedately transporting its passengers to accomplish their daily routines does not quite fit with taking Ghost Extended Wheelbase for a quick spin around the F1 track at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Nevertheless, whether sitting in the cockpit yourself or sitting in a rear seat with a fully-trained BIC instructor at the helm, the essence of luxury is not dissipated one iota. Whether it’s a casual drive or a ‘mad’ dash, the power and performance of the Ghost Extended Wheelbase is to be enjoyed. E Call 17 750-750.

When? December 15 and 21 Event? Test and tune Venue? BIC Watch the sparks fly as vehicles tune-up for the next round of drag racing.

E Call 17 450-000.

When? December 16 Event? Open day Venue? BIC See how fast your car can go with the BIC’s open for all Open Track Day. E Call 17 450-000.

When? December 17 Event? Track experience Venue? BIC Be driven in four of the BIC’s top cars while getting tips from your instructor.

E Call 17 450-000.

When? December 21-23 Event? BDRC Venue? BIC The Bahrain Drag Racing Championships hosts its third round.

E Call 17 450-000.

When? December 23 Event? National sprint round Venue? BIC Motorheads, brace yourselves for round four of the 2000 CC National Sprint.

E Call 17 450-000.

148 x Showcase - 149 x Wheels

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AHMED ZAYANI & SONS

More Than Compact The new Jeep Compass 4x4 heralds an exciting future for the iconic Jeep brand, whose future, as it celebrates its 70th anniversary, has never looked brighter.

148 December 2011 BTM

A wide range of new products, including the global awardwinning all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, have reinvigorated the brand; Bahraini car buyers will see a further example of this in the shape of the sleek new Jeep Compass.

“The Jeep Compass takes many of its styling cues from the Grand Cherokee, winner of more than 30 global awards since its launch; it has undergone a comprehensive redesign both inside and out, enhancing its appeal to a wide customer base,” says Jeffrey Barrett, general manager at Ahmed Zayani & Sons.

“As the brand’s first compact SUV, the Compass brought the authentic Jeep experience to a new segment of customers and now in its latest form, it’s set to continue attracting yet more new drivers to the brand. Jeep’s unique DNA embodies a spirit of adventure, the authenticity of the original 4x4 and mastery of every type of terrain, both off- and on-road; this continues to be at the heart of every Jeep.”

Competing in the rapidly expanding compact SUV segment, the new Compass combines all-wheel-drive capability and functionality with incredible value, putting it within the reach of hatchback owners who want to trade up. These buyers don’t need a ‘hardcore’ four-wheel drive, but want the styling, image and practicality of an SUV. The Compass allows them to have just that with the authentic Jeep experience thrown in for good measure.

At the other end of the scale, the Compass offers a credible 4x4 to buyers who are downsizing from larger models. The Jeep name has unrivalled credentials in this segment and the Compass now has a true premium feel thanks to the improved quality of its new interior and Grand Cherokee inspired looks.

Throw in the high levels of specification you’d normally expect in larger cars, plus a five-year (or 100,000 km) extended warranty and the competitive price (starting at just BD8,500), it makes sense to consider owning a Jeep.

Coupled with a tasteful interior and refined ride and handling characteristics that excel in all conditions, the Compass offers a unique blend of premium styling, capability, efficiency and value that is unmatched in the compact-SUV segment. It comes with the proven, fuel-efficient 2.4-litre World Engine that delivers 172 hp and 224 Nm of torque, linked to a six-speed CVT transmission.

The Jeep Compass also offers an array of clever features that consumers will appreciate whether commuting to work, driving in challenging weather conditions or exploring new trails or out-of-the-way places.

AM/FM/MP3/CD Player with six CD changer, power sunroof, power mirrors and windows, premium leather bucket seats, power adjustable driver’s seat and keyless/illuminated entry. A leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, 4WD lock, electronic stability control and front and rear fog lamps are just some of the many features that make the Compass the perfect compact SUV. Attractive interest rates are currently available at Ahmed Zayani & Sons along with low EMIs; there are also exciting prizes to be given away when you visit the showroom.

E Call 17 238-822 or 36 848-944.

Road Warrior DAVID M. ROBERTSON

As if the MINI brand lacked an attitude, the latest addition to the family is brimming with assertiveness, delivering a clear statement of intent.

Model MINI Cooper Coupé Model year 2012 Engine type 1.6-litre, four cylinder Displacement 1,598 cc Horsepower 122 hp @ 6,000 rpm Torque 160 Nm @ 4,250 rpm Transmission Six speed manual gearbox Acceleration 0 to 60 mph: 9 seconds Top speed 204 km/h

An opportunity to spend an afternoon test driving a number of MINIs around the Dubai Autodrome was simply a chance too good to pass up. The star of the show was undoubtedly the latest, and fifth member of the family, the MINI Cooper Coupé.

Quite what the designers who engineered the first MINI off the production line during the 1950s would have made of this incarnation of the British motoring icon is anyone’s guess.

What’s certain is the functional ‘affordable’ car of the past has morphed itself into a road warrior of the present.

On a racetrack what you want is a vehicle with a manual gearbox; none of this automatic convenience on these occasions is in order, thank you! Waiting to be kitted up with a suitable level of protection — a helmet! — the executive from MINI directing members of media to their vehicle was keen to point out an impressive fact. In testing at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany, a racing version of the coupé sped around the track faster than any of its more illustrious competitors.

With its low centre of gravity and relatively lightweight frame, the coupé was never likely to be a slouch around the autodrome; any off-track manoeuvres were purely the result of driver ‘error’.

Hugging the track and cornering as if one were doing no more than flicking a switch, this MINI was extremely stable, allowing you to drive aggressively within your own comfort zone.

This is down, in no small part, to the precise Electric Power Steering, the standard-fitted DSC stability control system, powerful brakes and measures which are designed specifically to optimise torsional rigidity.

wheels

Built for performance The latest generation of four-cylinder petrol engines, chassis setup, weight distribution and aerodynamic properties of the coupé are all focused on delivering optimum performance. As a result, the new car radiates the brand’s hallmark go-kart feeling with a whole new depth of intensity and achieves the best performance statistics ever recorded by a volume-produced MINI. Innovative styling At first glance the innovative design is apparent with its flat silhouette and ‘helmet roof’, offering the coupé a sporty and individual appeal. In addition to the integral roof spoiler, an active rear spoiler optimises airflow at higher speeds.

The coupé is also the brand’s first model to adopt a three-box body structure, best seen through the strikingly stepped rear end.

Its distinctive lines are expressed in the customary MINI design language and reflect the unmistakable DNA styling of the brand.

MINI is available in the Kingdom through Euro Motors, the exclusive distributor for the brand.

E Call 17 750-750.

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Diva Festival At The Lagoon The first Diva Festival was held at The Lagoon, Amwaj Islands last month. A number of visitors enjoyed the shopping stalls, entertainment and kids shows that was held at the monthly event Mohammed Sayyar, Reem Ayoob, Dr Abdulla Mansoor, Dr Hassan Jaafer & officials from the Ministry of Industry & Commerce at the opening ceremony

Raida, Maha & Noora

Mariam & Azhar Najla, Noof & Mariam

Stephanie

Amina, Siba & Sara

Rashmi & Sunuj

Nisha & Joelle

Lalas, Buddy & Khalid

Elaine

Dina & Aiysha

Housexy 2011 Bahrain saw the return of Housexy with resident DJ James Murray, loaded with the latest dance floor tracks from his recent Ministry of Sound and Housexy world tour. The event was held at the Karma Lounge, Coral Bay last month DJs James Murray & Miled

Mima, Emma & Natasha

Hussain, Mohammed & Hemi

150 December 2011 BTM

Halima, Chantel & Tom

Tina, Azza & Stacey

JC, Karim & Rana

Irina, Lubo, Gani & Suhaib

Dilan & Sinead

Kate, Naomi & Amanda

Elaine & Jay

Dessi & Ayman

DJ Ibbi, Jen & Nabil

diningthismonth

Egg muffin

Wake Up with Breakfast If you are on the hunt for the island’s best breakfast, then McDonald’s will give you a tasty reason to wake up!

Good on-the-go breakfast is not easy to find, especially if you are after something warm, filling and nutritional! McDonald’s may be the solution to your early dining woes now that the restaurant’s international breakfast menu has arrived here in Bahrain. It features an expansive selection of breakfast options including healthier alternatives and delicious warming meals and snacks.

Six of its restaurants across the Kingdom will feature the breakfast menu, meaning you will never be left hungry throughout the morning again!

McDonald’s has worked hard to introduce the new early menu as part of the company’s strategy to satisfy the growing needs of their valued customers.

The savoury menu is full of variety and aims to cater to everyone’s morning meal needs.

It includes fresh eggs, sausages, hash browns, hotcakes, plus a large delightful variety of McMuffins that are sure to cater to customers’ different tastes.

These have traditionally been a customer favourite around the world and are a quick, hassle-free breakfast that anyone can enjoy on the go. In particular, the sausage McMuffin has been an international favourite for many years and now everyone in Bahrain can try its delectableness.

There are various meals you can select, such as the Big Also this month

Breakfast Value Meal inclusive of a beverage and food or you can just grab a few snacks to go. Drinks include aromatic premium coffee and a range of quenching orange, apple and tropical juices.

“We have introduced the breakfast menu in order to cater to existing and new customers; there is a very strong working culture here in the Kingdom, and people tend to skip breakfast simply because they have no time to make it themselves,” says Abdulla Fakhro, director of Fakhro Restaurants Co. As always, the McDonald’s breakfast menu prices are extremely affordable, giving everyone the option to select McDonald’s as their go-to for breakfast. “The introduction of the breakfast menu gives our customers who are on-the-go a chance to enjoy a satisfying breakfast quickly and at great prices,” adds Abdulla.

Studies have shown that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and skipping breakfast slows down the body’s metabolism. McDonald’s hopes that with the introduction of their new breakfast menu, more and more people will be able to enjoy this important meal at a great price and from a restaurant that is trusted for its quality and great taste.

The exciting new breakfast menu is served from 6am to 11am and can be found at the fast food restaurant’s branches in Exhibition Road, Juffair, Saar, Bab Al Bahrain, Tubli and Sakhir.

When? December 1-31 Event? Food festivals Venue? Gulf Hotel Call in to find out more about their shrimp, duck and ribs BBQ promotions.

E Call 17 713-000.

When? December 1-31 Event? Festive platters Venue? Crowne Plaza Hotel Three venues in this hotel have cooked up scrumptious platters to suit every palate.

E Call 17 531-122.

When? December 2, 9, 16 Event? Advent brunch Venue? Mövenpick Hotel The festive version of their ever-popular Friday brunch is simply irresistible.

E Call 17 460-000.

When? December 2-26 Event? Afternoon tea Venue? T-spoon, Kempinski Grand Hotel Enjoy an afternoon tea with friends over European seasonal delicacies.

E Call 17 171-000.

When? December 15-31 Event? Festive treats Venue? Paul Restaurant & Bakery Succumb to a selection of French sponge rolls, macaroons and fresh bread.

E Call 17 172-321 or 17 580-073.

E Call 17 221-722.

152 x F&B Happenings - 154 x Festive Fair - 169 x Theme nights - 170 x Restaurant Listings

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Try Something New December is all about great food and good times.

Here is a list of what is new in the dining scenario on the island.

New venues A number of new restaurants have mushroomed and they’re already attracting a good footfall. Elevation Burger in Seef Mall has come out with a myth-busting concept by serving healthy burgers.

You figure. The mall has also seen the launch of Pinkberry’s Seef branch and of Stick House, a dessert venue serving handcrafted popsicle sorbets that are 100 per cent natural.

Meanwhile, Ramada Palace has opened the doors to Orchid Thai, where Thai cuisine undergoes a modern twist before it sees its way to your table. We are also excited about Cucina Italiana in Juffair where the décor itself is reason enough to pay a visit.

New menus We’ve waited for this for far too long and it is finally here.

McDonald’s has introduced its breakfast menu for those who simply want to start their day on a happy note. Rocky’s Café in Ramee International Hotel has launched its new Italian Fiesta menu. Check out the tempting offers by Paul patisserie.

Cooking lessons Camelot has a gift for you this festive season in the form of Chef Bertrand. If you can’t decide what to make for the Christmas feast, take his class on December 3 where he

152 December 2011 BTM

increases your culinary knowledge by teaching you to make everything from cookies to the main course.

Prepare for an adventure on December 17 at the Central Market as he guides you through the secrets of picking the finest ingredients that enhances the taste in your meal. Remember, space is limited.

BUSHIDO

Japanese Flair

We’re all familiar with the divine tastes and ethereal ambience Bushido has to offer as an extraordinary Japanese restaurant.

Bahrain This Month caught up with the brain behind its fine cuisine.

According to executive chef Chong Yoong Kiong, his input into Bushido’s success is not limited to the creation of the menu.

Heading kitchens around the world for almost 18 years, he is completely dedicated to the broad world of Japanese flavours apart from his specialisation in Western cuisines.

He says he has put his heart and soul into Bushido right from its initial stage and shares his success with the efforts of his assistants, chefs Goh and Danny, who keep the teppanyaki rooms filled with entertainment of the knife-wielding kind. We had the privilege to speak with him and discuss his love for Bushido.

BTM: What according to you, makes Bushido unique?

Chong: The whole experience, definitely. Right from when you enter till you exit Bushido, it is the only one of its kind in the whole of Bahrain to boost such a splendid venue, capacity, atmosphere, and, of course, food.

Chong Yoong Kiong

BTM: How have you tried to break through the stereotype of ‘Japanese cuisine means sushi’?

Chong: Through continuously sharing knowledge about Japanese culture and food with customers and the staff themselves, we have slowly but definitely helped people realise that Japanese cuisine does not only depict sushi but also a vast array of cooking styles like the teppanyaki, robata grill, tempura and others.

BTM: Name a few dishes that are signature to Bushido.

Chong: Well I would say the Bushido salad is truly unique to this restaurant. It consists of avocado, baby corn, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, gourmet leaves and crispy salmon skin served

with our signature herb dressing. The Bushido roll would be another exclusive preparation. This is a reverse roll with shrimp tempura and asparagus topped with spicy tuna, white fish and jalapeno. The grilled king prawns with miso egg mayo is a winner on its own leaving people craving for more. Teppanyaki black cod in vegetable sauce has won plenty of hearts.

BTM: What is your favourite part of cooking?

Why do you enjoy it so much?

Chong: My favourite part would definitely be customers’ satisfaction. Palates are very individual. As long as you use your passion to cook, there will always be someone who appreciates it. However, what I enjoy most is passing down what you have learnt to juniors who are eager to learn, seeing them grow to be somebody who is recognised for their talent.

It’s just like drawing. The new lads are like a piece of blank paper. You have to write on them first, which is to give them your knowledge. Secondly, you teach them how to draw, which is to cook. And lastly, you have to allow them to paint the drawing, which is allowing them to create food of their own style. This is my greatest factor of enjoyment.

BTM: What can guests expect for the New Year?

Chong: We have finalised on an exciting menu for those welcoming 2012 at Bushido. It boasts a fusion of flavours with unique recipes created exclusively for the occasion. Special ingredients have been imported directly from Japan to guarantee the unique quality that is signature to Bushido.

E Call 17 583-555.

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diningfestivefare

Our Christmas Menu

Every weight watcher knows that December is the month to hide away all those diet plans. We tell you where to go for that lavish feast you’ve been waiting for all year.

Feature This Month

Not knowing where to go for that extravagant meal is no longer something you need to worry about. Here’s a round-up of what your favourite venues have prepared for you this December.

To begin with, the chefs at Bushido have planned out an innovative menu especially for the occasion which boasts an interesting fusion of flavours. Meanwhile, Camelot Restaurant brings forward a twist to traditional festive fare.

The mini-castle takes you to Parisian boulevards on Christmas Eve. Trader Vic’s is inviting as it is. But when you know they’ve got some oven roasted and stuffed tom turkey waiting for you, it’s hard to stay at home.

Stand-alone restaurants have a charm of their own; challenging them are some of the oldest and most popular hotels in town. Harvester’s Pub and Terrace at Crowne Plaza joins other venues at the hotel with festive platters all through December. The restaurants have an extensive buffet spread arranged only for you featuring the finest seafood and Indian cuisine. Diggers, the Australian pub at Delmon International will host an impressive brunch on Christmas Day. Apart from pubs which are proving to be at par with most fine dining outlets, a thrilling culinary experience seeks your presence at The Diplomat Radisson Blu. Mövenpick Hotel

have gone the extra mile to accommodate all of their patrons and will celebrate Christmas Day twice with a grand buffet on December 23 as well. Those who have been in Bahrain long enough will know better than to miss the special meal at The Golden Tulip as they are going festive crazy on Christmas Day. The frenzy spreads throughout The Gulf Hotel where the whole venue has transformed into a winter wonderland.

Keeping up with the good spirits and helping you stay jolly on December 24 and 25 is InterContinental Regency, with the set menu at each of their dining outlets; get your tickets to a creative gastronomic treat inclusive of bubbly. Ramada Bahrain has chosen to show off its chefs’ skills through their turkey preparations. Mercure Grand adds on to your dining options with a huge spread of scrumptious dishes.

For those of you who have kids to worry about, The K Hotel in Juffair has taken their needs into consideration and word goes that they even get to meet Santa and receive gifts.

The Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel has a whole lot of events lined up for younger guests starting from icing gingerbread cookies while you lose yourself in their luxurious buffet. Cherish this festive season with the memorable dining experiences they all have to offer.

155 x Crowne Plaza - 156 x The Gulf Hotel - 157 x InterContinental Regency - 158 x Mövenpick Hotel - 159 x The Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel 160 x The Diplomat Radisson Blu - 161 x Trader Vic’s - 162 x Paul Cafe - 163 x The Golden Tulip - 164 x Delmon International - 164 x Days Hotel 165 x The K Hotel - 166 x Camelot Restaurant - 166 x Mercure Grand Hotel - 167 x Ramada Hotel Bahrain

154 December 2011 BTM

CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN HOTEL

Seasonal Delights Get ready for a series of seasonal fun and exciting offers that are designed to get you fully in the spirit of the month.

Indulge in Waves Seafood Restaurant’s great variety of seafood. You can choose from their display of the daily catch and have it cooked in their speciality Arabic or Southeast Asian styles or simply grilled to your liking. You could also select from the chefs’ splendid culinary delights in the à la carte menu. Relish the flavours of India through the mouth-watering four-course set dinner with a delightful blend of spices prepared by the Indian specialty chef at Spices Indian Restaurant. This meal is priced at BD9.950++. Both venues will offer dinner from 7pm-12am on December 24.

Christmas Day lunch Come along with your family and friends to enjoy the warm, friendly and festive atmosphere at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain as they bring forth exciting lunch offers on December 25 from 12.30-4pm.

A marvellous display of seasonal favourites, along with free-flowing bubbly, awaits you at La Mosaique Restaurant and Harvesters Pub & Terrace.

There will be a supervised kids’ corner where younger guests are taken care of and can enjoy a range of fun activities including meeting and receiving gifts from Santa Claus, performances by a magician and face painting.

Enjoy your lunch as our choir serenades you with Christmas carols. The lunch is priced at BD25++ per adult and BD12.500++ for children. It would be wise to book early. At Spices Indian Restaurant, you can savour a delectable four-course set dinner at just BD9.950++.

New Year’s Eve dinner Feast on a lavish international buffet at La Mosaique Restaurant with your family and friends, as you welcome the New Year together. Get your tickets to eat all that you can stomach including unlimited selected beverages for BD15.950++.

You could also start your year fresh at Waves Seafood Restaurant. Dine with them and experience the finest seafood preparations. Swig a complimentary glass of the finest bubbly to start the celebration. Spices Indian Restaurant welcomes you to celebrate the last day of 2011 with a special four-course set dinner that sports the aromatic and authentic flavours of India at BD14.950++. All three celebratory dinners can be enjoyed from 7pm to 12am.

New Year’s Eve celebrations Party the night away at Harvesters Pub, with their in-house band called Section One, and bid farewell to 2011 with all your friends at an entry fee of BD10.

The New Year’s Eve ‘1001 Nights’-style ball promises to be the biggest night of the year at Crowne Plaza. Get a chance to win an exciting prize for the best themed costume of the night. Doors open at 8pm for a cocktail reception, followed by dinner from 9pm onwards with live music, a DJ and unlimited beverages. Tickets are BD70. Tables are available for couples and mixed groups only. Dress in formal or themed-attire and book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Festive Platters Spread the season’s cheer throughout December with the festive platter of mixed snacks that you can share with your friends at Harvesters Pub & Terrace for only BD10++. Treat your family and friends with the succulent mixed tandoori grills served with the signature salad at Spices Indian Restaurant at only BD9.950++.

E Call 17 525-800, 17 525-888 or 17 531-122.

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GULF HOTEL

A Magical Experience Every year, the Gulf Hotel offers the best entertainment on the island when it comes to celebrating Christmas and New Year. This year, it gets better.

Glittering decorations in abundance, outstanding dining options featuring all the Christmas specialties and amazing New Year’s Eve entertainment are all concepts commonly linked with Gulf Hotel this time of the year. This time around, the magic starts earlier than usual with the customary tree lighting ceremony on December 8 and welcomes you to join the fun as their walls echo with traditional carols. The event starts at 5.30pm at the Al Andalus lounge. Stay in to meet Santa Claus and join in on the four-course dinner that follows in Fusions restaurant at the price of BD25++.

The chefs here treat all the mums on the island with their children’s favourites like Christmas logs, pumpkin cakes, mince pies, chocolate truffles and even roasted turkey. Pick it up yourself or get it delivered to your home. Be a part of all the fun from a new angle and take advantage of their special stayin packages including rooms, entertainment, special amenities and surprises starting from BD119++ for double occupancy.

Christmas frenzy The festivities continue on December 24 with an amazing choice of traditional dinners from all around the world with set menus. The festive meal at Fusions, Pergola, Royal Thai and Margarita Mexicana comes at BD16++ including an impressive selection of wines. If you’d rather spend your time trying out various delicacies, move to Al Waha restaurant

156 December 2011 BTM

where they have a lavish buffet on offer at BD16++.

Celebrate Christmas Day with the amazing lunch party that the hotel will throw for its loyal customers in the ballroom at BD22 per person inclusive of beverages. It will be filled with music, presents, bubbles and food, whilst a more traditional buffet will be hosted in Al Waha at BD22.

Add BD4 to that if you’d like to keep the drinks pouring in.

Santa Claus pays a second visit to every guest in the room.

Why wouldn’t he? In such a beautiful environment, anyone would want to keep coming back for more.

Shout out for 2012 The buzz returns a week later, on December 31, as Gulf Hotel flaunts its vibrancy in all its food and beverage outlets, each showcasing their unique way of welcoming the New Year.

Don’t miss the special night at Zahle with its breathtaking live Lebanese show. The Arabic themed party is priced at BD65++ inclusive of drinks. Check out what’s happening at any other outlet at BD34++.

Relax on the first day of 2012 at Al Waha restaurant, which will offer an amazing New Year’s brunch at BD22 and BD26 (including drinks).

E Call 17 713-000, 17 715-773 or visit www. gulfhotelbahrain.com.

INTERCONTINENTAL REGENCY HOTEL

In Good Spirits If you are looking for a magical way to spend this festive season, we suggest you set your sights on InterContinental Regency Hotel who never disappoint.

Whether you are in search of a luxurious getaway, on a lookout for the place to party or simply want a change of scene, InterContinental Regency promises to captivate, charm and enchant you all through December.

Fine dining options Specialised in Italian cuisine, Medzo’s menu presents a reflection of striking aromas and essences, combining the vast diversity of the Italian culture and heritage with a vibrant, innovative gastronomic approach. This month, you have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in true Italian style with menus starting at BD25++ inclusive of specially selected unlimited Italian wines and soft drinks, together with a welcome bubbly on arrival. On December 31, you can savour the specially set menu at BD40++ with the same privileges for drinks.

A favourite among Bahrain’s diners, Legendz Steakhouse offers a charming and elegant dining experience, featuring an array of premium meat cuts, grills and signature specialties, complemented by a wide collection of international wines. Among Bahrain’s premier steak houses, this venue welcomes diners with a range of delicious set menus at BD29++ on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The New Years’ Eve package, priced at BD30++, is inclusive of unlimited selected beverages and soft drinks together with welcome bubbly upon arrival.

Take this opportunity to spoil yourself or indulge with family and friends in one of the city’s most elegant and sophisticated restaurants. Offering a variety of cuisines from around the world, Selections is their all-day dining restaurant featuring culinary treasures of Europe with hints of Asia and Middle East.

Giving you a complete dining experience is their sumptuous buffet served for breakfast, lunch and dinner, complemented by an à la carte menu. At BD19++, you can dig into their special Christmas buffet on December 24 and 25. Add BD10 ++ for open bar privileges inclusive of unlimited selected beverages.

Check out their New Year’s Eve set menu inclusive of unlimited selected beverages, a welcome glass of bubbly or a fresh juice at BD30++. You can join the countdown party at Downtown from any of the three fine dining venues at an extra cost of BD10++.

Chic and stylish Downtown is the perfect setting for a chilled out night of silky jazz tunes together with an eclectic mix of soul, rhythm and blues. Featuring a wide range of international dishes accompanied by an impressive selection of wines and signature cocktails, this lounge creates a unique and memorable atmosphere for all guests.

Dance on down to Downtown, one of Bahrain’s ultimate party venues this festive season where the entertainment doesn’t stop with their live band performing nightly. They welcome you to a magical Christmas Eve party with a wide choice of free flowing beverages and live entertainment to ensure you see in Christmas Day in style.

Ring in the New Year at Downtown, with a cool and chic atmosphere, innovative food, free flowing drinks including bubbly, live entertainment, a hip DJ and many more surprises throughout the night; this is the place to be. Start 2012 the right way! E Call 17 227-777.

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MÖVENPICK HOTEL

Do a Double Take Christmas is too much fun to be limited to a single day. Who is to say they’re wrong if Mövenpick would like to celebrate it more than just once?

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Most of us wanted to celebrate the special day with the popular Christmas brunch at Mövenpick Hotel that reaps success year after year. For those of you who are thinking you’ve still got time to book your seats at their outlets, you’re wrong. They’ve been completely booked on December 25.

But Mövenpick is not the kind of hotelier that leaves you disappointed. We bear good news to all those who missed the boat; they have taken the extra effort to introduce the same exquisite brunch two days in advance.

That’s right. On December 23, you can enjoy the same tastes at the same price of BD29++ at the same venues with the same offers. This includes a free flow of festive beverages, a 50 per cent discount on passes for children between the age of 6 and 12, and a free pass for kids below six years. Swing to the mystical tunes of Christmas carols by the choir. Don’t waste time thinking; there are people booking their tables while you read this.

Take your mother away from the kitchen for a change so she can share the spirit of togetherness too. Treat her to an unforgettable evening with her dear ones with the gala dinner buffet on December 24 at BD18.200++ including unlimited rounds of drinks.

They will host a festive version of their ever-popular Friday brunch to commemorate Advent on December 2, 9 and 16 with traditional treats like egg nog, marzipans and gingerbread cookies at BD23.200++. This family-oriented event has plenty in store for the kids from gifts and cookie decoration to a whole corner to themselves. You can also get your personalised turkey preparation packed and ready to go at BD6++ per kilo.

Let the show begin!

Mövenpick Hotel will be bringing back the ‘70s on December 31. The venue completely transforms to suit the era in terms of decor, dance and music. Bring on the colour to complement the disco theme. Prepare for one wild night as they host a Moulin Rouge show. It might sound tempting enough already but this isn’t the biggest performance of the night.

Lo and behold — the Lui Illusion show! They are flying in from Europe to perform in Bahrain for the very first time exclusively for you. Filling the walls of this hotel through its three venues, this group of performers will leave you spellbound. There isn’t a festival without music and that’s just what you’ll be surrounded by owing to the European band, Friends, and international guest DJs. Passes are priced at BD50++ for Flamingo bar, BD54++ for Silk’s Restaurant, and BD58++ for seats at the gallery; get into your costumes, indulge in the gala dinner buffet and party from 8pm to 2am. The countdown will be more than you can handle. Are you prepared to spend a memorable night at Mövenpick Hotel?

Driving after all that frenzy might be too daunting. Take advantage of their special room packages of BD185++ for two persons; tickets to the party comes for free. Wake up to a full-fledged brunch buffet on New Year’s Day and dig in at a price of BD29++. It’s all about extravagance this month at Mövenpick Hotel.

E Call 17 460-000.

KEMPINSKI GRAND & IXIR HOTEL

A Culinary Affair

Gingerbread Cookies Located on the ground floor of the Kempinski Grand Hotel with direct access from the mall, T-spoon is home to confections and cakes. From December 4-26 you can enjoy a special festive afternoon tea, priced at BD12.5++ person, which has been created by the hotel’s executive pastry chef, Alexander Haebe.

All the seasonal favourites are included on the menu, including baumkuchen, stolen, magenbrot, fruit cakes, panettone, pralines and a festive punch.

Join us for some festive fun and ice some gingerbread cookies with your kids this holiday season, priced at BD5++ for gingerbread cookies including three icing colours.

Alternatively, you could try making gingerbread cookies at home using this recipe created by Alexander Haebe.

Ingredients: 500g honey 80g brown sugar 400g all-purpose flour 350g rye flour 8g baking powder

2 egg yolks (separate) 8g baking soda 3g salt 5g lemon peel

If made into 15g cookies, this mixture is enough for 100 cookies.

Get into the mood for the season as the Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre serves up a series of veritable festive treats throughout December.

Saveur, the all-day fine dining restaurant at the Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel, is the place to head for a truly festive experience.

Throughout the month, from December 4-24, the restaurant offers a three-course lunch or dinner priced at BD18++ per person, and BD12++ per child between 6 and 12 years.

Festive fare Join in the Christmas cheer on December 25 with their special buffet brunch, from 11am-4pm, with live entertainment and children’s activities to keep the younger ones busy. The pricing for adults is BD45++ per person, with selected alcoholic beverages, and BD30++ for non-alcoholic drinks only. Children between the age of six and 12 years-old will each be charged at BD12++; those aged five and under can dine for free.

If you’d rather celebrate at home, order and collect your family’s freshly roasted Christmas turkey from the hotel on December 24 and 25 together with traditional accompaniments at BD56 for five to six kilos that serves 10-12 persons and BD75 for seven to eight kilos that serves 15-18 persons.

Instructions: l Heat honey and sugar until dissolved at maximum of 80 degrees Celsius. l Chill to 40 degrees Celsius and add the two varieties of flour. l Store in fridge for at least 72 hours. l Mix baking soda with one egg yolk and mix the second egg yolk with baking powder and add to the dough mixture separately with ginger spice. l Add all remaining ingredients and mix well. l Roll the dough and cut into festive shapes. Glaze with milk and bake at 170 degrees Celsius for eight-12 minutes until golden brown. Cool at room temperature. l Icing can be made from sieved icing sugar, lemon juice and a few drops of food colouring to make a thick consistency and piped from a bag onto the cooled cookies.

New Year’s Eve A lavish buffet is on offer to bring in 2012, together with live entertainment. Pricing is BD55++ and BD40++ per adult for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage packages, while the price for children between 6 and 12 years-old is BD12++ per child.

Also on offer is a New Year’s all-day breakfast, until 3.30pm, to celebrate with the family that has specially been prepared by the hotel’s team of chefs.

E Call 17 171-000, visit www.kempinski.com/Bahrain or email reservations.bahrain@kempinski.com.

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THE DIPLOMAT RADISSON BLU HOTEL, RESIDENCE & SPA

A New Year, a New Look

A host of exciting events are taking place at The Diplomat Radisson Blu hotel that are certain to delight and surprise the most discerning of guests.

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Those of you who haven’t stepped into the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa lately have more than one reason to pop in and feel the difference. Things have changed, beginning with the stunning new entrances that set the mood upon arrival with its contemporary look and distinctive blue lights that offer a shimmering welcome to visitors.

In the spacious lobby, you will often find the hotel’s new general manager, Panos Panagis, chatting to visitors and guests and reinforcing the “Yes, I can” spirit of service that the venue is famous for. Through his fresh approach, he manages to maintain its heart and soul despite all the nuances that have been introduced recently.

Patrons of ‘the Dip’, as some like to call the hotel, know that there is no better day than Friday to see the true spirit in its hospitality and entertainment. Their ever popular Friday brunch continues to be one of the best in Bahrain and there are a few surprises that await you in every visit. On Friday evenings, the Kontiki restaurant dances to the sounds and vibes of salsa ensuring the party mood continues throughout the night.

Foodies in the Kingdom have all reason to rejoice as their exquisite Italian restaurant, Mondo, has reopened its doors with the launch of its exciting new menu carefully designed by executive chef Raimund Braun.

New Year celebrations With 2011 drawing to a close, the hotel is gearing itself up for its famous New Year’s Eve spectacular gala ball which this year is themed as “Fire and Ice”. Amidst all the new additions that have made an appearance, it would be nice to welcome back some old favourites as well.

Believe it or not, the hugely popular band, The Boxtones, is back on the island and they’re here to make sure that the last night of the year goes out with a bang. With a repertoire of rock and pop classics, the group has been the resident band at the hotel before; many of us still have good memories about some great evenings where they rocked the stage and you joined the buzz on the dance floor.

The Diplomat has been known for fun evenings, great parties and was always a place to get together. Keeping this image alive, the new team here plans to bring back some good times with this grand event on December 31. It will certainly be a night to remember, as The Boxtones will be a part of an endless entertainment and party on into 2012.

Are you ready for an intriguing comeback? Well, you better be because parties like this don't come around too often.

E Call 17 531-666.

TRADER VIC’S

Join the Carnival Charge up your spirits this December at Trader Vic’s like it’s the last celebration of your life, as you celebrate the end of this year and the start of 2012.

Trader Vic’s opens its doors to a whole month of festivities like never before. Highlighting its tropical roots this FrenchPolynesian venue kicks off the season on December 6 by undergoing a major festive makeover throughout the restaurant, including its bar lounge area. Setting a backdrop that complements the celebrations to follow is their first grand step toward days of unlimited fun.

Known for its tempting traditional fare, the restaurant hasn’t drifted too far from their best feature — great food. In fact, they have perked up the menu with Christmas specials from around the globe. While chicken, duck and goose hold sway in much of Christmas dinners; turkey has its place — right at the top.

And that’s just what they’ll be serving at this one-of-a-kind eat-out from December 19-26. Give in to the tenderness of the oven roasted and stuffed tom turkey on offer because this is the perfect time of the year to spoil yourself, and nothing quite cuts it like juicy meat.

The only thing that will steal your attention from your plate on Christmas Day will be their six-member Cuban band, Riviera, who will spread their vibrant energy during lunch from 12-3pm with classical Christmas songs.

The long-awaited party Be prepared to sway through New Year’s Eve as Trader Vic’s hosts the party of the year, at BD75 per person. The tickets are inclusive of selected beverages from their extensive range of red and white house wines, beers and cocktails. On a night like this, why settle for anything less than the best. Buy yourself a drink from their choice of premium sprits, wines and champagnes as you bid farewell to a memorable year and welcome a new one filled with hope.

A cocktail reception will be held at the Boathouse bar where Trader Vic’s signature ‘Tidbits’ will be served along with assorted canapés and sushi between 7 and 8pm. A gala dinner shall follow in the Tahiti Island, their main dining area where guests will be treated to a live performance by the resident band till 11.45pm. It’ll be hard to remain in your seats with their upbeat Latino rhythms. A guest DJ will soon follow to surprise the guests with dizzying tracks as they countdown to the New Year.

With its private lagoon, incredible view, unique ambience, amazing food and innovative cocktails, it’s hard to resist ending the year at Trader Vic’s on December 31. Remember, booking will only be confirmed by purchasing tickets at the reception. Don’t miss out on what could be one of the best nights of your life.

E Call 17 586-555.

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diningfestivefare PAUL RESTAURANT AND BAKERY

Tempting Traditional Treats 'Tis the time to be merry and what better way to bring on the joy than celebrating this special festive season with the wonderful fare from the ovens of Paul.

The artisan bakery and pâtisserie definitely knows more than a thing or two about how to make the most joyous occasion even more glamorous with exquisite treats prepared by their skilled pastry chefs and master bakers. After all, looking back to a history of over 120 years, it is only natural to know best about offering delicacies which match the spirit of the season.

As is custom, Paul Restaurant and Bakery showcases a variety of Bûches de Noël, the traditional French festive soft sponge rolls, filled and decorated with delectable cream and finished off with inimitably beautiful decoration. If they aren’t reason enough to visit the bakery this month, their outstanding selection of macaroons that have become favourites across the world should do it.

Chocolate ecstasy Fight your way in for a taste of the exclusive chocolate mini macaroon assortment on offer, which comprises six different

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combinations of flavours promising a truly unforgettable experience. Neither forgetting its roots as a family baker, their specialty breads will be available as well. For those who just want to purely focus on their time with friends and family over the holidays, Paul brings forward the option of catering platters and large cakes. This is perfect for a host who wishes to impress — without the fuss in the kitchen.

Whether you’re at their branch in Seef Mall or Bahrain City Centre, make sure to pick up a complete festive product guide for a hassle-free way of planning what you’d love to bring to the table. There’s just one catch. You’ll have to wait till December 15 for them to launch this exceptional range.

We hear they’ve got five different kinds of bûches.

Choosing one over another is a decision you’ll regret.

Go ahead and pamper yourself; get them all!

E Call 17 172-321 (Bahrain City Centre) or 17 580-073 (Seef Mall).

GOLDEN TULIP HOTEL

In The Festive Spirit Enjoy the tastes of the season at one of the Kingdom’s best-known hotel, with a reputation for good food and a great ambience in which to relax with family and friends.

Al Wasmeyah Restaurant is not a new name to Bahrain’s diners and with years of experience in successfully catering to the varied palates in the country, it is a venue well worth the visit.

We can’t blame you if you find it difficult to decide which day would be best to dine here. With such exciting theme nights almost every night of the week, who wouldn’t be?

Their newest introduction will take you to the land of Cajun and Creole cuisine. Indulge in traditional Louisiana dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, crayfish, oyster and much more. Try out ‘Southern comfort’ every Tuesday.

If you are a seafood fanatic, enjoy the freshest fish, lobsters, prawns and squids with a live BBQ grill and a sushi corner apart from the classical preparations every Wednesday.

The weather this month makes it sinful to stay indoors especially when they host the great American BBQ every Thursday.

Experience a great night out with friends and family amongst an authentic plethora of the American taste. Munch on those juicy ribs and slice up the best meat cuts till your belly bursts.

Why not soak in the Parisian culture on every last Sunday of the month with ‘La Soiree’ where executive chef Daniel Mast takes you to his hometown with French flavours cherished around the globe. The best part of these theme nights is that they take it easy on your pocket at a standard price of BD20.

Christmas bells It isn’t Christmas till you see that glint in your kids’ eyes. Make this a memorable month and bring your little ones to the Golden Tulip on December 8 as they plan to welcome the true festive spirit with a bunch of exciting games, entertainment, great food and an appearance by the big man himself — Santa Claus.

Walk in at 4pm and let them be a part of all the excitement at BD6 per child. Stay until 6pm and join your family in the customary tree lighting with a live choir, Christmas cookies, mulled wine and egg nog.

What better way is there to celebrate Christmas Day than to share a meal with your dearest? Their popular brunch is going festive crazy this December 25 from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. At BD30, dig into an extensive array of traditional dishes like the roast turkey with all its trimmings and other exciting goodies.

Farewell, 2011!

With a night full of temptations including a lavish buffet and an open bar, Golden Tulip invites you to their New Year’s Eve party — The Red Ball — where you can dance the night away with the wicked tracks played by the guest DJ from 8.30pm-3am at BD42. Soak up the first day of 2012 with friends and family at their lavish brunch buffet from 12.30pm to 4.30pm at BD30.

E Call 17 535-000.

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diningfestivefare DELMON INTERNATIONAL HOTEL

Seasonal Splendour To revive the memories of the festive period, the Delmon International Hotel has come up with innovative ideas that are simply irresistible.

DAYS HOTEL

European Delights Escape from the buzz and celebrate this season in a comfortable venue sharing traditional festive fare with your dearest ones at Days Hotel.

The Grill Restaurant is renowned for its BBQ buffet every Thursday which not only satisfies your desire for good food; it’s also is an ideal choice for a night of casual dining. They aim to make the most of the joyful days of Christmas with their themed culinary experience titled ‘Taste of European Delights’.

If all you want this festive season is warm and friendly hospitality hoping to try something different, then look no further and enjoy the gastronomic adventure this restaurant has to offer.

The scrumptious dishes prepared using authentic recipes from England to Greece will make it to your table be it for the Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day lunch, New Year’s Eve dinner or New Year’s Day lunch.

Four-star facilities This four-star international hotel, a franchise under Wyndham International, offers a suitable venue for business functions, meetings, conferences, private gatherings and festive celebrations alike. The amenities here include conference and banquet halls which are both equipped with full services including free WiFi throughout the hotel. They can accommodate a group of 10-80 guests. Apart from a business centre, the hotel is also home to a fully-equipped fitness centre and swimming pool.

Strategically located, Days Hotel boasts 64 luxurious rooms, each with a captivating view of the azure sea and marina that effortlessly set the mood for a relaxed and tranquil stay.

E Call 17 290-555 or visit www.daysinn.com.

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This December, there’s a lot going on at Delmon International Hotel, beginning with the good news that guests can now enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the venue.

Those who take advantage of their special package for a family room, for two adults and two children, are entitled to a free luncheon at any of their outlets between December 15 and 30. Alternatively, celebrate National Day with the brunch at Al Hamra Palace Restaurant from 11am-4pm with live entertainment on December 16 and 17.

Make Christmas Day count with the brunch at their Aussie pub, Diggers, from 11am-4pm. The live entertainment continues and wine shall pour endlessly. New Year’s Eve will see their resident band, The Sound Impact live in action, apart from sumptuous canapés and bubbly.

End the year in high spirits, at Al Hamra Palace Restaurant which offers live entertainment, unlimited beverages, authentic mezze and a salad buffet with hints of an Arabian night. Invite the New Year with their most extravagant event of 2011 — the poolside gala. Groove to the beats of a live band and the tracks spun by professional DJs all through the night.

Get tickets in advance and indulge in a live barbecue with juicy grills, tandoor, salads, curries, mouth-watering desserts and a sparkling beverage at midnight. For those of you who can stomach it, Café Sayah offers a midnight express buffet.

If you’d rather spend the festive period in the comfort of your homes, don’t fret about kitchen duties. Delmon International’s team is all geared up to attend to your catering needs.

E Call 17 224-000 or 39 276-355.

THE K HOTEL

Tastes of the Season Just can’t decide where to take your family to dinner and meet friends for brunch this month? Look no further than The K Hotel in Juffair.

Christmas calling Enjoy a lavish Christmas Eve dinner with your partner and the whole family at Klouds Restaurant or Mo Kan Restaurant. Feel the spirit of the season with their specially prepared set menu for BD14++ per person from 7-11pm.

Are you planning a perfect Christmas brunch? Do you want to bring the kids out and take pleasure in scrumptious dishes and fun games? How does the fact that they get to meet Santa Claus to collect their gifts sound to you? At The K Hotel, they have got it all.

Their extravagant Christmas brunch offers your favourite dishes like roast turkey with seasonal trimmings and more.

Experience the true spirit of the season with Christmas carols and kids’ entertainment. And guess what? They treat the children to a surprise visit from Santa Claus who will be coming in with a bag of gifts. So, what are you waiting for?

Book your table now for the perfect day out from 12.304.30pm at Klouds Restaurant at BD19.5++ with special discount for kids.

Hello, 2012 Welcome the New Year with a twist and enjoy culinary delights at The K Hotel from 8pm onwards. Eat as much as you can at Mo Kan Asian Fusion Restaurant or Klouds Restaurant. Drink beverages at Champions Sports Lounge or The K Lounge on December 31 as the place is all yours for just BD65.

For those who want to skip the alcohol and would rather treat themselves to some good food and great varieties of mocktails, they can enjoy it for just BD30. Hurry up and purchase your tickets now before it’s too late.

Celebrate the first day of the year with them and delight in their grand New Year’s brunch from 12.30-4.30pm at BD 19.5++ inclusive of unlimited selected beverages. While kids from six to 12 years get a 50 per cent discount on their passes, those under six years can eat for free. There is no better way to start 2012 than indulging in a day of splendid entertainment and delicious dishes with your near and dear at Klouds Restaurant on January 1.

E Call 17 360-000 or visit www.thekhotel.com.

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diningfestivefare CAMELOT RESTAURANT

A French Affair Camelot has been bringing the best of France to you for a while now. But for Christmas and New Year, they seem to be taking things a step further.

MERCURE GRAND HOTEL

A Grand Celebration There’s something for everyone this December at Mercure Grand with unbelievable offers that will suit the needs of every guest.

Mercure Grand Hotelhas always made the most of the season in all its years of serving the Kingdom and its guests with their amazing offers. On December 31, they choose to welcome the New Year in style.

Casa Bar picks up its game and transforms from the usual relaxing ambience to an extravagant venue that will host all you need to make the night memorable. Join artists Ahmed and Nahla as they put on a special live performance as part of the jubilant celebrations. This is just the tip of the iceberg. They promise you an evening filled with a variety of entertainment in respect to music and dance. Completing the gala event is the sumptuous international buffet on offer. Add sparkling beverages to that as the whole crowd counts down to the New Year. There is just no better way to spend the last day of the year than with friends and family; this is just what Mercure Grand offers to all its guests.

Operating under the Accor chain of hotels since 2005, Mercure Grand Hotel Seef offers 120 Suites (72 one-bedroom suites and 48 two-bedroom suites). It is only a few steps away from three of the most popular malls in Bahrain — Seef Mall, Al A’ali Shopping Complex and Bahrain City Centre.

The hotel features a restaurant, two bars, meeting rooms; and a health club, sauna, and steam room. Apart from private parking spaces, it also boasts massage facilities, a gymnasium and a swimming pool. E Call 17 584-400 or visit www.mercurebahrain.com.

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This December, Camelot takes you to, not one, but two culinary destinations of France. First stop — the glitzy, glamorous, and ‘oh so festive’ Paris on Christmas Eve with an authentic Parisian menu fit for any discerning French palate. Next stop — Lyon with homage to the famous Paul Bocuse, godfather of French nouvelle cuisine.

Christmas and New Year’s at Camelot Chef Bertrand has prepared a five course feast inclusive of all the trimmings like oysters, roasted goose with chestnuts and roasted potatoes, foie gras, Bûches de Noel and so much more. You’ll have the predictable dose of cheeses and salad. Ending this luxurious endeavour is a treat for the sweet-toothed with petits fours and coffee. Save the date — December 24. This night will be extra special owing to the live performance by a jazz trio.

On December 31, don’t just settle for a good meal, have an amazing one at Camelot with the ‘Homage à Paul Bocuse’ menu which is a tribute to one of France’s most famous chefs and the ambassador of modern French cuisine, Paul Bocuse.

The team at this mini-castle dedicates this New Year’s Eve to the culinary wonder with an ode in the form of a five-course menu not to be missed by any gourmand. Rare ingredients are being flown in from Lyon. Each item on the menu has a special Bocuse story attached to it. Devour a baba soaked in kirsch with pistachio icecream to put an end to this French affair.

Camelot is picking up the tempo this New Year’s Eve with a live Jazz Funk band followed by a DJ to keep the festive mood swinging well into the New Year. What better way to welcome 2012 than with the best that food and music have to offer. E Call 39 977-540.

RAMADA HOTEL BAHRAIN

A Jolly Good Time Home away from home, Ramada Hotel Bahrain has so much to offer during this month of festivity. We tell you why you mustn’t miss Christmas in this abode of joy.

It’s that wonderful time of year again when customary holiday greeting cards are sent out to loved ones to spread the holiday cheer. The Christmas season fills our hearts with joy with days that bring bouts of happiness. Get wrapped in the excitement of it all and treasure the magical sights, enigmatic sounds, inviting aromas, and luscious tastes all under one roof.

Gobbling down Ramada Bahrain already proved their culinary skills with their Thanksgiving specials last month. Those of you who missed it needn’t fret. Hop onto their “Turkey Express” where they offer the delicious, traditional preparation with all the trimmings and stuffings at BD58 and, even better, it serves 10. It’d be wise to book in advance to avoid disappointment. If you’d rather stay close to your dear ones and away from the kitchen, you will love to know they deliver; just like Santa does best!

Christmas comes but once a year; its special moments become everlasting memories when spent at your very favourite restaurant with your near and dear. Enjoy Christmas Eve with their exquisite buffet and a glass of bubbly at Le Jardin from 7-11pm at BD18. Nothing makes Christmas Day more memorable than joining your family for Le Jardin restaurant’s extraordinary brunch which will be on offer from

11am-3pm at BD16. Expect a visit from Santa who will add to your Christmas delight and make your day complete.

Starting afresh To usher in the festive spirit, come and splurge in the hotel’s activities of fun and excitement; make welcoming the New Year a grand affair. Begin with the buffet from 7pm-11pm at BD 22 at Le Jardin Restaurant on December 31.

The excitement has only begun as The Exchange Restaurant and Pub grooves into 2012 with a New Year’s Eve package which unfolds itself at a fee of BD22. You will be entitled to a goodie bag, two beverages, the exclusive ‘chef’s surprise platter’ and a chance to win exciting raffle prizes. At 1am, Ramada’s signature goulash soup will be served with lots of snacks. Meanwhile, the resident band Episode shall keep you entertained with some upbeat live music all through the night starting from 9pm.

It doesn’t end there. Ramada’s treat continues on New Year’s Day at Le Jardin Restaurant from 11am-3pm where you can indulge in their brunch for BD12.500 with a drink. Come celebrate the season with Ramada Bahrain as they shower their love and good wishes upon you for a happy and peaceful year ahead.

E Call 17 742-000 (reservations) or 39 294-769 (catering).

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diningf&bhappenings CUCINA ITALIANA

Buon Appetito!

There’s a new venue in town that’s all set to introduce Italian cuisine exactly how it should be — in the Italian way!

There really is no better way to describe Cucina Italiana, a restaurant newly launched in Juffair alongside Bennigan’s, than ‘truly unique’. With an unshakable passion for the Italian lifestyle from the cuisine to its décor and even their culture like never seen before, this bistro brings class and style to casual dining.

“We have tried to get the rustic side of Italy to Bahrain and this doesn’t stop with the wood-fired pizza and freshly-made pasta,” says Kieran Moore, consultant chef, who has created the menu from scratch with extensive research and understanding based on several trips to the country.

“There is a lot of dedication, hard work and detailing that has gone into everything from the floors and fabrics to the walls and the crockery.” You’ll know he’s right when you see the popular Godfather scene chiselled into one of the walls that serves as the backdrop to a grand table seating up to 18 diners. The leaning Tower of Pisa drilled onto a wall at the entrance and the image of Pavarotti sprayed onto another set the theme for the venue almost effortlessly. Speaking of the menu, food simply doesn’t get better than the traditional favourites they have to offer including scrumptious lasagnes and desserts. The chef recommends their braised lamb, marinated chicken and pork, which is cooked for 12 hours and then glazed with maple syrup.

“Cucina Italiana brings a twist to the true essence of Italy. We believe that it is all about the experience and allow customers to lay back, relax and enjoy an unpretentious, comfortable dining scenario,” Kieran adds. Apart from cooking classes with the chef in their open kitchen, the restaurant also offers catering and delivery services. E Call 17 001-317 or visit www.cucinaitaliana.com.bh.

RAMADA PALACE HOTEL

Thai Finesse

A new Thai restaurant has arrived on the island along with aromatic scents and mouth-watering tastes to lure every hungry diner in.

Adding to its current repertoire of dining options, the Ramada Palace Hotel is opening a Thai cuisine-only restaurant this month. The hotel already boasts Indian, Arabic and Lebanese restaurants and the new cuisine will offer hotel guests and diners an exclusive taste of the Orient.

Orchid Thai will present diners with only the finest modern Thai cuisine. The restaurant’s menu shows great attention to detail through the range of meals to select from, as well as a definite fusion of quality native delicacies with modern touches. You will be exposed to the exemplary taste of Thai food while eating within a tranquil and luxurious setting.

Careful consideration has also been given to the restaurant’s wine list, which contains numerous wine options; each has been specifically selected to complement the cuisine. The waiters will even suggest an exact bottle to accompany the dish you choose.

Couples, small groups and large parties are all welcome — Orchid Thai will accommodate all manner of diners to ensure you have the most enjoyable time possible. You can eat both lunch and dinner at the restaurant; lunch hours are from 11am until 3.30pm and dinner from 6.30pm until 1am.

E Call 17 312-006.

168 December 2011 BTM

themenights Theme? Couples night Venue? Brenigan’s Restaurant Tucked within Budaiya, this venue is bound to impress.

E Call 17 593-593.

wednesday Theme? Meat Room Venue? La Mosaique Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Choose any cut you like and have it cooked to perfection.

E Call 17 531-122.

sunday Theme? Indian Night Venue? Skyw@lk Café, Marriott Apartments Spice up your taste buds with their mouth watering Indian buffet.

E Call 17 363-999.

Theme? BBQ Night Venue? Mövenpick Indulge in a wide selection of fine meats including the churrasco.

E Call 17 460-000.

Theme? Sizzling Sirloin Venue? Sizzler’s Restaurant It’s time you found out why their steaks are so popular.

E Call 17 716-999.

Theme? Italian Night Venue? Brenigan’s Restaurant It’s everyone’s favourite cuisine.

It’ll soon be your favourite venue.

E Call 17 593-593.

Theme? Sunday Roasts Venue? Sherlock Holmes, Gulf Hotel Who knew they were open for lunch? We’re enthused!

E Call 17 713-000.

monday Theme? Gulf night out Venue? Gulf Hotel A splendid pool-side dinner is available at BD17++ with discounts for early birds.

E Call 17 746-412.

Theme? Curry Club Venue? Sherlock Holmes, Gulf Hotel Every week they cook up a curry from different parts of the world.

E Call 17 713-000.

Theme? Seafood Night Venue? Silk’s Restaurant, Mövenpick Sushi, prawns, lobster, oysters — seafood buffet at its best.

E Call 17 460-000.

Theme? Moules et frites Night Venue? Camelot You know their wines are great; now try their mussels and fries.

E Call 17 717-745.

Theme? Family Day Venue? Sizzler’s Restaurant Searching for a place to dine out with the kids? Look no further.

E Call 17 716-999.

Theme? Seafood Night Venue? Brenigan’s Restaurant It might be far from the city; but it’s well worth the visit.

E Call 17 593-593.

Theme? Sushi Night Venue? Cocoon Lounge Sample one of eight fresh, sumptuous platters of sushi.

E Call 17 827-600.

tuesday Theme? Italian Night Venue? Skyw@lk Café, Marriott Executive Enjoy their “La Famosa Notte Italiana” with delicious food.

E Call 17 363-999

Theme? Italian Night Venue? Medzo, InterContinental Regency Travel through the tastes of Tuscany with a free flow of wine.

E Call 17 208-308.

Theme? Italian Night Venue? Silk’s Restaurant, Mövenpick Eat as much as you like of any kind of fresh pasta and pizza.

E Call 17 460-000.

Theme? Seafood Night Venue? Al Wasmeyyah Restaurant, Golden Tulip Are you in love with seafood? So are they and they’ve got it all.

E Call 17 535-000.

Theme? Seafood Night Venue? Sizzler’s Restaurant We love their grilled hammour.

The mixed platter is a must-have.

E Call 17 716-999.

Theme? Seafood Night Venue? Al Waha, Gulf Hotel You can’t have enough fish in a day — nor crabs or clams.

E Call 17 713-000.

friday

Theme? Italian Night Venue? Sizzler’s Restaurant A true foodie can’t have enough pasta; especially from here.

E Call 17 716-999.

Theme? Fish on a Friday Venue? Sherlock Holmes, Gulf Hotel They’re going back to the British tradition with interesting menus.

E Call 17 713-000.

Theme? Barbeque Night Venue? Casa Bar, Mercure Grand A live BBQ counter boasts meat and seafood done to perfection.

E Call 17 584-400.

Theme? Dinner Buffet Venue? It’s Mirchi, Ramee International Try the Mirchi platter with the most succulent kababs.

E Call 38 381-615.

thursday Theme? Steak Night Venue? Silk’s Restaurant, Mövenpick Stick a fork in juicy Angus steaks and scrumptious salads.

E Call 17 460-000.

Theme? Suds USA Creole Venue? Al Wasmeyyah Restaurant, Golden Tulip Check out how the Louisiana cuisine is a blend of influences.

E Call 17 535-000.

Theme? Smokes and Grills Venue? La Brasserie Restaurant, Elite Resort and Spa Dining by the pool sounds good, doesn’t it? Load up on barbecues.

E Call 17 313-326.

Theme? Legendary Degustation Venue? Legendz Steakhouse, InterContinental Regency The five course gourmet menu here is to die for.

E Call 17 227-777.

Theme? Seafood Night Venue? La Mosaique Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Eat the freshest catch cooked any way you like till your belly bursts.

E Call 17 531-122.

Theme? The Grape Escape Venue? Camelot Wine tasting has never been more entertaining than it is here.

E Call 17 717-745.

Theme? Seafood Night Venue? Rimal, Al Areen Palace and Spa Experience a unique culinary excursion across the seven seas.

E Call 17 845-000.

Theme? Couples Night Venue? Sizzler’s Restaurant A romantic night out? Your meal includes a bottle of wine.

E Call 17 716-999.

Theme? Great American BBQ Venue? Al Wasmeyyah Restaurant, Golden Tulip Whether you like it medium or rare, it will be there!

E Call 17 535-000.

Theme? Lunch Buffet Venue? Fareast Seafood Market, Ramee International There isn’t better news for a true gourmand than a lobster promotion.

E Call 36 359-548.

Theme? All Day Breakfast Venue? Camelot Eggs made the way you love them; home-made waffles and more.

E Call 17 717-745.

saturday Theme? Sushi Fest Venue? Mo Kan Restaurant, The K Hotel Pamper your palate and taste a great selection of sushi at half price.

E Call 17 360-000 or 39 162-139.

Theme? All Day Breakfast Venue? Camelot Try the pancakes if you loved the full English yesterday.

E Call 17 717-745.

Theme? Saturday Brunch Venue? Sizzler’s Restaurant Overslept on Friday? Worry not.

Try the brunch here.

E Call 17 716-999.

BTM December 2011 169

restaurantlisting American Bennigan’s Burger Lounge Burger Wisconsin Chili House Chili’s Franks a Lot Fuddruckers Hard Rock Café Johnny Rockets Ric’s Kountry Kitchen Ponderosa Steak Escape T.G.I.Friday’s Tony Luke’s

European 17 813-750 77 055-772 17 594-458 17 580-045 17 581-221 17 811-970 17 742-266 17 291-569 17 566-565 17 725-550 17 580-552 17 178-464 17 179-041 17 494-940

Asian Bambu!

Chin Li Chop-Chop Tea House Curry Country Hot Wok House Boat Kontiki Memories Mo Kan Monsoon Nu Asia Papaya Peppers Rice Bowl Thai Chi

17 714-424 17 717-717 17 178-701 17 537-555 17 178-083 77 033-444 17 525-455 17 178-646 17 360-000 17 749-222 17 587-171 17 697-105 17 717-808 17 179-600 17 179-747

Block 338 Camelot Coco’s Cyprus Taverna Déjà Vu L’Avenue Le Pain Quotidien Mezzaluna Paul Café Sizzlers Zytoun

17 710-338 17 717-745 17 716-512 17 716-316 13 657-770 17 567-222 17 179-734 17 742-999 17 172-321 17 716-999 17 298-008

Filipino Bahay Kubo Borakay Chuckay Fast Food Flamingo Kowloon Lutong Pinoy Quick Stomach Swan Lake Tops

17 231-996 17 514-400 17 532-250 17 231-106 17 224-357 17 295-540 17 232-382 17 291-655 17 237-768 17 277-665

Fusion Fusions L’Ile

17 746-427 17 845-000

Indian Aachi’s Chettinad Kitchen 17 233-110 Akbar 17 296-660

Nando’s Rendezvous Salad Boutique The Crepe Café Upstairs Downstairs Zoe

17 825-339 17 178-712 36 664-427 17 820-722 17 713-093 17 176-400

International (5 Star Hotel) Al Safir Al Waha Al Wasmeyyah La Mediterranee La Mosaique Olivo’s Brasserie Rimal Saraya Selections Silk’s

17 524-538 17 746-425 17 535-000 17 580-000 17 531-122 17 525-214 17 845-000 17 636-410 17 227-777 17 460-055

International (4 Star Hotel) Café California Café Marisol Café Sayah Chaq’s Grill Fusion Café Grand Café Il Giardino Klouds La Brasserie La Café Le Jardin Neyran Palm Parsia Ramee Bistro Ramee Café Red Café Savoy Café Temptations (EGH) Temptations (ESH) Tiffany’s

17 826-001 17 701-201 17 224-000 17 290-555 17 811-688 17 727-230 17 583-388 17 360-000 17 313-333 17 810-555 17 742-000 17 584-400 17 296-699 17 814-777 17 290-600 17 297-000 17 296-660 17 827-999 17 565-888 17 558-888 17 716-999

Iranian

Tian Yum Chow!

17 717-080 17 744-900

Brazilian Brasa de Brasil Brazil Rodizio Grill

17 582-225 17 826-686

Chinese Beijing Chinese China Express China Garden Ching Foli Hong Kong Magic Wok Shanghai Hut Soie Spice Nice

17 717-969 17 717-439 17 746-423 17 564-424 17 722-199 17 728-700 17 506-070 17 292-988 17 533-533 17 713-603

Café Restaurants Café T Camille’s Sidewalk Café Delifrance Esquires Le Bateau Le Chocolat Lina’s Café Rosa Verge Skyw@lk Café

17 750-777 17 339-508 17 696-031 77 177-660 17 369-165 17 582-259 17 532-538 13 667-777 17 363-999

Asha’s Clay Oven Copper Chimney Curry Tree It’s Mirchi Lanterns Moti Mahal Mumbai Spices Nattinpuram Nirvana Papadom Spices The Great Kabab Factory

17 179-751 17 717-008 17 728-699 16 030-662 17 727-230 17 590-591 17 825-333 17 382-255 17 290-600 17 589-318 17 564-434 17 531-122 17 690-629

Indian/Pakistani B-B-Q Delights Chutney’s

17 564-282 17 591-259

International East West Cuisine Flair Healthy Calorie Jim’s Restaurant La Fontaine Links Little Chef/Wholesale Mei n Yu Muju

17 210-012 17 212-900 17 369-399 17 710-654 17 230-123 17 751-262 17 595-950 16 010-160 16 039-800

Golestan Isfahani Parsian Persian Garden Takht Jamsheed Tehran Grill

17 718-090 17 822-274 17 583-373

Korean Arirang

17 290-945

Lebanese Abd El Wahab Al Areesha Al Arz Al Hamra Palace Café Blanc Carla’s Lebanese Bistro Leila L’Sultan Mashawi Lebanese Grill Qasr Al Sultan Grill Rayés Saj Express Shoo Fee Ma Fee Yamin Jana Zahle Zayt Zaytoon

Mexican Casa Mexicana Margarita Mexicana Senor Paco’s

Totally Fish Waves

17 179-757 17 531-122

Shawarma Shawarma Express Zahlawiya

17 729-922 17 710-051

Steak Houses 17 311-111 17 725-414 17 296-660 17 224-000 17 100-069 17 697-687 17 711-772 17 567-222 17 506-070 17 179-500 17 312-700 17 365-055 17 311-280 16 033-800 17 746-417 17 312-222

17 715-521 17 746-462 17 725-873

17 524-579 17 369-269 17 811-511 17 580-600 17 746-431 17 555-989

Klouds Le Relais De Venise Legendz Plums The Butcher Shop & Grill The Meat Co

17 360-000 17 567-222 17 227-777 17 580-000 17 172-323 17 742-080

Thai Baan Saeng Thai Banana Leaf Hash House Lanna Thai Muay Thai Royal Thai Shada Thai Express Thailand Wang Thai

17 715-775 17 744-171 17 715-094 17 593-940 77 040-454 17 746-421 17 721-155 17 506-070 17 717-040 17 710-771

Turkish Anatolia Iskenderun Grill

17 690-601 17 292-950

Kosebasi

17 172-322

Italian Biella Café & Pizzeria Café Italia Caffe Spasso Capri Carino’s Italian Grill Castello Cico’s Ciro’s Pomodoro Fiamma Gusto

Italiano Justapasta La Pergola La Taverna Medzo Mia Mia Mino’s Pizzeria Mondo Nino Oliveto Pastarito Ristoranti Prego Primavera Roma Romano’s Macaroni Grill Terrazza Bistro Veneto

17 178-703 17 744-774 17 822-274 17 697-707 17 587-878 17 697-552 17 713-710 17 534-567 17 636-414 17 695-556 17 581-919 17 506-070 17 746-419 17 229-979 17 227-777 17 564-414 17 744-777 17 525-484 17 566-555 17 716-747 17 179-300 17 751-263 17 580-000 17 725-885 17 506-070 17 360-000 17 680-967

Japanese Bushido Edo Frangipani Fuji Sushi Bar Hakisushi I Love Sushi Kei Maki Mirai Sato Sugoi

170 December 2011 BTM

Sumo Sushi & Bento Sushi 101 Yo! Sushi

17 583-555 17 290-945 17 582-422 17 533-336 17 725-638 17 300-610 17 533-450 17 522-733 17 713-113 17 746-429 17 178-084

Middle Eastern Al Abraaj Al-Bokhari Leewan Al Khor Melh Alzad Taza

17 178-090 17 311-186 16 010-666 17 311-170 17 784-997

Moroccan Momo

17 180-659

Pizza Little Caesars Metro Pizza Papa John’s Pizza Express Pizza Hut Pizza Inn Pizzabella Speezza The Pizza Company

17 179-400 17 794-000 17 581-516 17 742-299 17 711-113 17 811-666 17 827-133 17 826-222 17 811-830

Polynesian Trader Vic’s

17 586-555

Seafood Afandi Far East Seafood Market Fish Market La Marine La Mer La Perle Seafood Market

17 849-111 17 727-230 17 701-201 17 595-775 17 636-411 17 298-008 17 533-336

Quick Service Restaurants Burger King Burgerland Chickey’s DQ Grill & Chill EZ Take out Burger Hardee’s Herfy Jasmi’s Kentucky Fried Chicken Kudu New York Fries McDonald’s Pollo Campero Tasty Bite

17 506-070 17 713-778 17 257-778 17 506-070 17 241-111 17 711-112 17 243-115 17 727-887 17 711-111 17 717-542 17 178-436 17 811-812 17 161-716 17 714-972

Eating Out listings Note: Whilst every effort is made to cover all leading restaurant outlets in Bahrain, the details listed are based upon replies to our survey. BTM cannot accept any responsibility or liability for inaccurate information: we recommend you check with the restaurant to reconfirm their listing.

afterdarkthismonth Tone Depth

Michal Breeth

A Show to Remember Can’t wait till the end of the month to party? Well, you needn’t. Here are some exciting DJ nights not to be missed as we head into a New Year.

After the huge success of the FTV Party in September with DJ Ravin, Bushido wants to surprise you again by taking FTV nights to the next level with respect to the music, set-up and entertainment. Featuring smooth house music tunes, party anthems and contemporary music, this night will go beyond anything the venue has done in the past. The party will feature international DJs Tanja La Croix and Abel Ramos, chic models and a glamorous fashion show.

The Secret Garden show combines elements of dance and fashion performances. The Bulgarian girls’ aim is to escape the commercial forms of dance and turn the night into a superb experience for the audience. Be prepared to enter fairy land on the night of December 8.

Remember to don your finest white clothes. Regular tickets cost BD20 inclusive of one drink; VIP passes cost BD40 inclusive of two drinks. E Call 17 583-555.

Losing control Cocoon Lounge knows how to keep its loyal crowd happy.

Flying in international DJs at least twice a week, this venue knows how to throw a party. This month you can catch Coll Selini from Netherlands on December 7, Smashing Sebastian who is a DJ-producer in the genre of eclectic and house on Also this month

December 9, Tone Depth whose releases have rocked dance floors worldwide on December 14, and Michal Breeth who is filled with the spirit of electronica on December 16.

Damian landed himself on the official roster for Salvacion, Ibiza Republik in 2009, and this year he has been signed up as a resident DJ for the official Bora Bora World Tour roster. He has also set up his own electronic music studio here in Bahrain where his style of groovy percussive, tech house productions has been released on his own label — Casa D’Costa. Be part of the Ibiza drive with Damian D’Costa on December 23.

With music in his blood and funk in his soul, Charl’s raw energy and talent has taken him from top London clubs to festivals in Cape Town and DJ residencies in Dubai to guest slots in Ibiza, Miami and now Bahrain. Catch him live on December 21.

Cocoon has always been a favourite owing to its complete lounge experience. Find out how it stands out in Bahrain’s nightlife scenario.

New faces, new sounds Windsor Tower introduces a new six-member band from Manila, Rocks Again, at its nightlife venue, Enigma. Their music will be complemented by the upbeat tracks spun by new in-house DJ Melvin. Another Filipino band has made an appearance in town. Crazy Nuts plans to rock the parties at The Warbler in Baisan International.

Damian D’Costa

When? December 8 Event? FTV party Venue? Bushido Two international DJs, chic models and a glamorous fashion show.

E Call 17 583-555.

When? December 8 Event? Tribute act Venue? JJ’s Irish Restaurant Oasish is back after popular demand at JJ’s Music Hall.

E Call 39 329-083.

When? December 9 Event? After brunch party Venue? JJ’s Irish Restaurant The return of JJ’s after brunch party, with Truebrit on stage.

E Call 39 329-083.

When? December 15 Event? DJ night Venue? The Warbler, Baisan International Are you a fan of Austin Powers?

Dress up and drink all you can at BD12.

E Call 17 290-600.

When? December 19 Event? Karaoke Idol finals Venue? JJ’s Irish Restaurant Find out who wins the title at the grand final.

E Call 39 329-083.

172 x Happenings - 173 x New Year’s Eve - 181 x Theme nights - 182 x Venue listing

BTM December 2011 171

afterdarkhappenings JJ’S IRISH RESTAURANT

Signing Off in Style This month, two back-to-back parties bring this year to a fitting close.

Following the huge success of their previous performance, JJ’s Irish Restaurant are pleased to welcome Oasish — a tribute to one of the UK’s biggest bands. Formed in 2004, they have travelled in Europe, Africa and the Middle East as well. They create a musical experience so tight and responsive that you’d be hard pushed to get the same atmosphere unless you were actually watching the real Oasis.

So there you have it — the finest you are ever likely to see performing just for you in the JJ’s Music Hall on December 8.

The doors open at 8pm and the show starts at 10pm. Tickets will be available on the door a week in advance from Coral Bay, Camelot Restaurant and JJ’s Irish Restaurant for BD5 for gents; ladies can walk in for free.

Karaoke Idol finals December 19 will see the grand stand off between the finalists of one of Bahrain’s best-loved talent show event — Karaoke Idol.

Having kicked off last month, people have been battling for some stage time every Monday since November 7. The last round will take place on December 12; two finalists from each round will fight for the title on December 19 where they will sing their heart out for a chance to get closer to that wad of cash. The winner will be awarded BD700 plus studio recording time and the chance of a lifetime to perform live on stage with a back-up band. The runner-up will be awarded BD200, and the second runner-up will win themselves BD100.

Karaoke is a riot for contestants and audience alike. So, come on down to JJ’s and root for your favourites. E Call 39 329-083.

Oasish

bystanderthismonth

Aslan Performance At JJ's Tying in with the Gaelic Games Festival, also known as the Irish festival weekend, JJ’s Irish restaurant, in collaboration with the Bahrain Irish Society, presented Aslan, an Irish rock band from Dublin, for the first time in Bahrain Aslan during their performance

Maria & Ciara

Gippo, Touchy Pheley, Bobster & The Fro

Michelle, Annette, Carol, Jennifer & Dee

Ivana, Wanda, Truei & Summer

Joan & Aisling

Ruth & Carina

172 December 2011 BTM

Sally & Andy

Aisling & Judith

Sara & Mary

Kelly & Caroline

afterdarkhappenings

New Year’s Eve

Happenings Venue: Wrangler | Location: Best Western Juffair | E Call 17 827-600.

DJ Poison Ivy comes down from Germany to prove worthy of her title as the Queen of Crunk.

Venue: Muju | Location: Dragon Resort & Hotel | E Call 16 031-111.

It’s the Ibiza reunion here with three DJs, a vocalist, a trumpet player and a percussionist!

Venue: Enigma | Location: Windsor Tower | E Call 17 297-000.

Couples pay BD30 and others BD20 for the Hollywood-style Shake It Up 2012 party.

Venue: Zodiac | Location: Elite Grand | E Call 17 313-364.

Ring in the New Year at the celestial lounge with unlimited drinks and canapés at BD30.

Venue: Rocky’s Café | Location: Ramee International | E Call 17 727-230.

A beach party is perfect to fight the cold in style. Men drink up at BD25, ladies at BD15.

Venue: Trader Vic’s | Location: The Ritz-Carlton | E Call 17 586-555.

Sway to the tunes of the Cuban band, Riviera and guest DJs at BD75 per person.

Venue: The Exchange | Location: Ramada Bahrain | E Call 17 742-000.

Get a goodie bag, win raffle prizes and move with the music by Episode at BD22.

Venue: Ballroom | Location: Diplomat Radisson Blu | E Call 17 531-666.

One of your favourite band returns for one night on December 31 — The Boxtones.

Venue: Flamingo | Location: Mövenpick Hotel | E Call 17 460-000.

You will be spell-bound by the live performances they have organised at BD50++.

Venue: Champs | Location: Best Western Juffair | E Call 17 827-600.

The Electrolites, a band from the UK, shows you how to party in style at a BD10 entry fee.

Venue: Casa Bar | Location: Mercure Grand | E Call 17 584-400.

Let the good times begin with live musical performances and a round of sparkling drinks.

Venue: Shift 7 | Location: Elite Resort & Spa | E Call 17 313-364.

Party with a view of the city at midnight for BD35 for gents and BD25 for ladies.

BTM December 2011 173

afterdarkhappenings

Venue: Dublin | Location: Ramee Palace | E Call 17 811-688.

Get your groove on ‘Austin Powers style’ at BD25 for gents and BD20 for ladies.

Venue: Match Point | Location: Ramee Palace | E Call 17 811-688.

The Pattaya Phantom theme party offers a three-course menu and a beverage at BD10.

Venue: JJ’s Irish Restaurant | Location: Adliya | E Call 39 329-083.

It’s all about The Money at this Irish pub on December 31. Get tickets at BD10.

Venue: JJ’s Music Hall | Location: JJ’s Irish Restaurant | E Call 39 329-083.

Venture upstairs to catch the final leg of the Ministry of Sound 20:20 tour at BD10.

Venue: Granada Ballroom | Location: Al Bander Hotel & Resort | E Call 17 701-201.

Lose yourself in their drinks selection, and the belly dance, folklore and shadow shows.

Venue: Ballroom | Location: Golden Tulip | E Call 17 535-000.

Indulge in an evening full of temptation at this black tie party at BD42 from 8.30pm-3am.

Venue: Club Euphoria | Location: Ramee International | E Call 17 727-230.

Be a part of their spectacular party with endless rounds of booze at BD25 and BD15.

Venue: Champions Sports Lounge | Location: The K Hotel | E Call 17 360-000.

The place is all yours at BD65 with unlimited drinks pouring in to pick up your spirits.

Venue: Silks Restaurant | Location: Mövenpick Hotel | E Call 17 460-000.

At 54++, be mesmerised by the illusion show that spreads magic all over the hotel.

Venue: Davy Crockett’s | Location: Hotel Diva | E Call 17 810-555.

Don’t miss their biggest party this year with the show-stopping band, Seven Senses.

Venue: Saveur | Location: Kempinski Grand Hotel | E Call 17 171-000.

Raise a toast to the year ahead at this new hotel with live entertainment at BD55++.

Venue: Cosmo Sports Lounge | Location: Ramee International | E Call 17 727-230.

Get two bullfrog pitchers, sangria and a three mile island or two beer buckets at BD18.

Venue: Downtown | Location: InterContinental Regency | E Call 17 227-777.

Shell out BD45++ for an ecstatic night at the lounge with a free-flow of wine and bubbly.

Venue: Lobby/Gallery | Location: Mövenpick Hotel | E Call 17 460-000.

At BD58++, enjoy a live Moulin Rouge performance, a gala buffet and unlimited drinks.

174 December 2011 BTM

Venue: The K Lounge | Location: The K Hotel | E Call 17 360-000.

Drink all you can at BD65; for those who are opting against alcohol, party here at BD30.

Venue: Kicks | Location: Hotel Diva | E Call 17 810-555.

It’s never too cold for beachwear. Say Aloha to 2012 at BD20 (men); BD10 (women).

Venue: Good Fellas | Location: Ramee Palace | E Call 17 811-688.

The ‘Dirty Secretz’ masked ball adds mysteriousness to the night; unlimited drinks at BD15.

Venue: Ballroom | Location: Elite Crystal | E Call 17 313-364.

Drink up regular beverages and indulge in light finger foods all night at BD40 per person.

Venue: Latin Quarter | Location: Pars International | E Call 17 814-777.

Sabor Latino and DJ Arvin combine to create rhythms you just can’t resist dancing to.

Venue: Harvesters | Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel | E Call 17 531-122.

Say goodbye to 2011 with a bash at this pub for an entry fee of BD10 per person.

Venue: Club Buffalo | Location: Ramee California | E Call 17 826-001.

The Mardi Gras carnival is in town! Wear flashy costumes and extreme make-up tonight.

Venue: Sherlock Holmes | Location: Gulf Hotel | E Call 17 713-000.

This English pub takes you through a European-style celebration this year at BD34++.

Venue: The Warbler | Location: Ramee Baisan International | E Call 39 098-607.

It’s the final countdown. Win prizes for the funkiest costume; watch a thrilling fire show.

Venue: Ballroom | Location: Sofitel | E Call 17 636-363.

Celebrate the beginning of 2012 at BD25 inclusive of a glass of bubbly at midnight.

Venue: Al Noor Tent | Location: Elite Resort and Spa | E Call 17 313-364.

Authentic Arabic live entertainment awaits you at a price of BD40 per person.

Venue: Z-Club | Location: Pars International | E Call 17 814-777.

The hotspot of parties is back with a bang. Groove to the beats of guest DJs all night.

Venue: Bedrock | Location: Ramee California | E Call 17 826-001.

Bring on the velvet, preferably in red or purple, for the Entourage 2011 masquerade ball.

Venue: Typhoon | Location: Gulf Hotel | E Call 17 713-000.

Entertaining is their forte. Enjoy the great music and fun accessories in store at BD34++.

Venue: Poolside | Location: Delmon International Hotel | E Call 17 224-000.

Invite the New Year with their gala by the pool with tracks spun by professional DJs. Venue: Ballroom | Location: The Ritz-Carlton | E Call 17 586-499.

Dance the night away with the DJ at BD25++ including a midnight champagne toast.

Venue: Bahrain Conference Centre | Location: Crowne Plaza | E Call 17 531-122.

Join them for the cocktail reception followed by their 1001 Nights style ball at BD70.

BTM December 2011 175

afterdarkhappenings JJ’S IRISH RESTAURANT

Party of the Year

DJ Sam

The Money

JJ’s Irish Restaurant is all geared up to party away to the next year with the two powerful shows — Ministry of Sound’s 20th Anniversary World Tour and the popular UK band, The Money.

176 December 2011 BTM

When seeking high quality live entertainment, we usually look towards the leaders of this industry segment in Bahrain — JJ's Irish Restaurant. But that’s on regular days. What happens on extra special nights such as New Year’s Eve? This year, JJ’s has a line up that’s second to none, well expected from the kings of entertainment.

Sound it out New Year’s Eve just isn’t the same without the thumping bass, sophisticated sounds and vocals of the world’s biggest and most famous clubbing brand, Ministry of Sound. Add a remarkable show by The Money and you’ve got the biggest party of 2011 right here at JJ’s Irish Restaurant.

September 21, 1991 is a date firmly fixed in the history of music. Ministry of Sound opened its doors to become the first club dedicated to house music. To this day, sound is what epitomises this brand. The importance of super hi-fi sound has

not diminished and neither has the passion for dance music in all its forms.

For two decades, Ministry of Sound has created the moments people live for and are still going strong. This year, Likwid Productions exclusively hosts Ministry of Sound 20:20 world tour in Bahrain, to celebrate its 20th anniversary in style. It is more than just special when Bahrain gets to host the final leg of the grand tour. After entertaining hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide, the tour ends on a high, and what better way than to do it at JJ’s Music Hall on New Year’s Eve. If that makes you wonder what’s happening at JJ’s Irish Restaurant, we’ll tell you what’s going on. After a huge sell-out UK and European tour, the popular band, The Money, face their next challenge and welcome it with open arms — the JJ’s stage. Can they keep it together for the most discerning of crowds? There’s only one way to find out. Join them for the sensational live performance on this eventful night.

This group is a finely crafted, harmony-driven, slick and stylish indie/rock chorus machine. Combine the painfully honest and gut-wrenching songwriting expertise with a fearsomely charismatic frontman by the name of Paul ´Stav´ Mylonas, and you have a modern, original, infectious and catchy sound.

Tickets to the party will be available on the door although advance purchase is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. These can be received from Coral Bay, Camelot Restaurant and JJ’s Irish Restaurant for BD10. The ticket price includes entrance to both JJ’s Irish Restaurant and JJ’s Music Hall on the evening of December 31.

E Call 39 329-083.

HARD ROCK CAFÉ

A Rocking New Year The Bahrain branch of the internationally-famed Hard Rock Café is heading into the New Year with a big bash to rival all others.

Bahrain’s musical diner, Hard Rock Café, entices you with many deals, offers and celebrations this festive season. The international venue now boasts over 172 outlets worldwide, one of which we are thrilled to have here on our island.

Come down to the café on a Wednesday to listen to some grooves from the in-house live band. They are sure to get you up and dancing, especially after a few of the drinks the venue has on offer.

Take advantage of a special beer promotion which is currently ongoing — pay BD 7.5 for a pitcher of beer to split with friends and receive complimentary starters. There are also various promotions on the range of merchandise items.

Rocky’s Café

RAMEE INTERNATIONAL HOTEL

Spoilt For Choice

New Year attraction Also, if you are undecided where to celebrate the arrival of 2012, head to Hard Rock for a New Year’s Eve party which you will definitely enjoy. A special menu has been put together inclusive of copious options for three-course dining.

Choose between sushi, cheese rolls, calamares frittos and various salads as starters, and then select any of the 12 mouthwatering main courses to follow — available are meats and fish dishes as well as vegetarian options.

Finally, polish your New Year’s Eve dinner off with a special 2012 cake, or a fruit salad, coconut cake or cream caramel.

E Call 17 291-569.

There’s just so much happening at Ramee International Hotel in December, it’s hard to keep track of it all. Don’t fret; here’s a list that can help.

Every day is a festival at the hotel with unbelievable promotions that reel you in. The new Italian fiesta menu at Rocky’s Café is the first thing that you ought to try.

If you’ve still got the space to chomp away, the steaks and sizzlers must appeal to you. After all, it entitles you to a free selected beverage. Get a 20 per cent discount on food from 4pm to 9pm and get a pitcher of bullfrog at BD10.

Come Thursday, you can drink till you drop at BD15 (unlimited selected beverages). This offer continues at their White Christmas party where you can indulge in a three-course festive dinner at BD12 with a glass of wine. Bring in the New Year in your beachwear as Rocky’s Café transforms into a typical coastline on December 31. Unlimited selected beverages come to men at BD25 and at BD15 to the women.

Club Euphoria gears up with crazy parties on December 24 and 25 with their ‘Not So Silent Night’ party with selected drinks packages of BD15 for gents and BD10 for the ladies. The BD8 bullfrog promotion continues all month.

Following the beverage offers of Rocky’s Café on New Year’s Eve, this club hosts a spectacular party all through the night on December 31.

Those walking in with their kids can welcome 2012 at the hotel’s banquet with a trip to the past, as the venue is themed along ‘80s fashion and fun, from 7.30pm-2am. Pricing is BD12 for adults and BD6 for the younger guests. E Call 17 727-230.

Hard Rock Café

BTM December 2011 177

afterdarkhappenings PARS INTERNATIONAL HOTEL

Entertainment Central Sabor Latino

From great service to never ending entertainment, the Pars International has everything to make your stay in the Kingdom of Bahrain one to remember.

One step into this four-star hotel and you can already feel yourself being spirited away into a world of hospitality. Pars International offers you well-equipped guest rooms, all of which are decorated in warm, contemporary tones and offering a haven of comfort and modernity. Along with a choice of spacious deluxe and standard rooms, they also offer a range of executive suites for those who wish to indulge in the best of comfort, service and style.

On a roll When it comes to dining and entertainment, guests are simply spoilt for choice. Grab your much-needed mug of coffee at Parsia by the lobby which remains open all day and all night.

Dig into their fine festive fare on Christmas Eve. Alternatively, try their Lebanese restaurant, Rogina.

We might not have the luxury of long holidays this time of the year unlike our Western counterparts. For those of you who have had a hard day at work, Latin Quarter, on the first floor, is the place you are looking for. The stylish outlet features a mix of Latino and European cuisine as well as interesting signature cocktails to wash all that stress away. Loosen up those tense muscles and get dancing because the night is always young at this abode of Colombian treats like the resident band, Sabor Latino. Join them throughout the festive period and bring in the

Simple Notes

New Year with live entertainment by resident DJ Arvin. With a toast of champagne at midnight and lots of surprises, this venue is without doubt the place to be.

The party never ends If you don’t feel like some salsa, why not chill at their American pub, Boomers? Located just off the lobby, this venue sports minimalist interiors. It’s the magic concoctions brewing behind the bar that will grab your attention. Here, you can also catch all your favourite sports live on their specially-installed giant screens or you could play a round of pool with your mates.

In-house band Simple Notes will get you grooving to their beats in no time. Get ready to shake up the dance floor on December 24 and 31 with some unbelievably pumped-up tracks.

The recently refurbished Z Club, also on the mezzanine floor, has climbed up the charts of best nightlife venues owing to its amazing parties. This venue is perfect for those looking to dive into a world of fun, dancing and socialising. Fetch those tickets to their biggest parties on the eves of Christmas and New Year where international DJs will get you moving to a blast of songs from the genre of club music. Complimentary champagne will be offered at midnight to welcome 2012.

E Call 17 814-777.

Parsia

178 December 2011 BTM

DJ Arvin

RAMEE PALACE HOTEL

Make it Count

If you’re looking for a place to party hard throughout the festive season, you can put an end to that quest. Dublin Club in Juffair is the place to be.

With daily promotions, fun-filled events and a rocking live band, it’ll be January before you remember what you did last night.

December 24 is Santa’s Grotto at Dublin, a chance to dance the night away with the big guy and his elves before they head back to the North Pole.

Resident band Evolver and in-house DJ Bass will provide the entertainment for the evening. So, get ready for some festive fun and frolic. A traditional Christmas three-course meal including a beverage awaits you at BD10. That’s right; we’re talking full roast turkey dinner here. Those who prefer refreshments of the liquid variety can avail of the unlimited beverage offer at a sleighbusting BD15. For those of you who can handle the pace, the party starts all over again on Christmas Day. Hello 2012!

New Year’s Eve is going to be a wild one at this American-Irish pub. The ‘New Year’s Eve Baby Yeah-An Austin Powers Groovy Gig’ promises to be a party to remember. Celebrate the arrival of 2012 with Evolver as your favourite characters from the Austin Powers series perform from 9pm till late in the night.

Get down with Foxy Cleopatra as the bells ring in the New Year.

Win the right to drink till you drop at BD25 for gents and BD20 for ladies. Entrance only tickets are also available for those who aren’t the kind to chug all night. Don’t miss out on their biggest and last party of 2011. Make sure to get your tickets early to avoid a night of sulking.

Evolver

E Call 39 736-547 or follow Dublin Club Bahrain on Facebook.

BTM December 2011 179

afterdarkhappenings RAMEE CALIFORNIA HOTEL

RAMEE BAISAN INTERNATIONAL HOTEL

If you’re looking for ways to make the last month of the year more special than it already is, visit Ramee California’s happening nightlife venues, Club Buffalo and Bedrock.

Baisan International is more than just one of your favourite nightlife venue, The Warbler. Find out what’s happening at the hotel this month.

Parties Gone Wild A Festive Buzz

A Californian Christmas Hop into the season’s costume and walk into the Wild West themed Club Buffalo on December 24 for the “Buffalo Christmas shoot your eye out” party. Indulge in a three-course dinner with a complimentary beverage at BD10 or drink till your belly bursts at BD15. Move with the rhythms of DJ Johnny Bailo and American band Deluxe who will also rock the party on December 25 when international beer comes at just BD2 until midnight.

They are bringing in the biggest carnival of New Orleans to Bahrain — Mardi Gras! It’s all about extremes. So when you get dressed, think flashy and gaudy. The ‘all you can drink’ packages lasts from 8pm-12am and come at BD20 for ladies and BD25 for gents. The gala dinner buffet at BD10 is served with a glass of red or white wine. Don’t forget that these guys are big on prizes and giveaways.

Back to the future It’s time to bring on the snow at the prehistoric-themed discotheque, Bedrock, as they will have a winter ball carnival on Christmas Eve. Gents can drink till they drop at BD15 while the ladies chug as many cocktails as they please at BD7. Resident DJs Aldwin and Jett Suarez will spin the best of hip-hop, R&B and house all night long.

Their masquerade ball on December 31 means one thing — velvet, and lots of it! Women, charge toward the bar and claim your drinks at BD15; men, add BD5 to that price for the same privilege. This hangout is also more than generous when it comes to giving gifts.

E Call 33 731-000, 39 369-845, 33 724-076 or 36 131-020.

180 December 2011 BTM

Ramee Baisan International offers great deals to keep guests happy and satisfied all through the month. Book room packages online from their website to win a BD10 dinner voucher.

Nattinpuram, capturing the true essence of the Indian state of Kerala, takes you to a new world whether you are seated in a traditional houseboat or in the main restaurant. This unique venue will host a series of events for Christmas and New Year including a lavish buffet; your tickets give you the chance to win gifts through an exciting raffle draw. They have also set up a kids’ corner where they can enjoy amidst mountains of chocolates and gifts.

The Warbler, one of the most popular pubs on the island built as a replica of the UK in the sixties, is known for its mouthwatering steaks and pies, inimitably great live entertainment, and the large screens for sport lovers. Introducing their new high voltage band, Crazy Nuts, this nightlife hotspot will rock your night and take you to 2012 in high spirits. Be part of a raffle draw and take advantage of special drink packages as they crank up the volume on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The four-star hotel is strategically located on Exhibition Avenue taking into consideration the convenience of those in town for business and leisure. Ensuring the vision and mission of ultimate guest satisfaction is the newly appointed assistant general manager, Rana Siladitya.

E Call 17 290-600 or 39 205-771.

themenights Theme? Beat the Barman Venue? Davy Crockett’s, Hotel Diva Roll the dice higher than the barman to get free beverages.

E Call 17 810-555.

Theme? Quiz Night Venue? Kicks, Hotel Diva Ladies receive five Kicks pounds at the door to redeem five drinks.

E Call 17 810-555.

Theme? Karaoke night Venue? Champs, Best Western Sure it’s a sports bars; but singing isn’t an evil. Or is it?

E Call 17 827-600.

Theme? Hoteliers’ Night Venue? Barcode, City Center Hotel This is a night dedicated to the hotel and services industry.

E Call 33 477-088.

Theme? Dollar Giveaway Venue? Davy Crockett’s, Hotel Diva Present five DC dollars to get five selected drinks from 8pm-1am.

E Call 17 810-555.

Theme? Beer fest Venue? Karma lounge, Coral Bay Poolside parties don’t get better than with DJ Sami.

E Call 39 777-701.

Theme? Microphone Madness Venue? JJ’s Irish Get in the spotlight and relish in your four minutes of fame.

E Call 17 717-370.

sunday Theme? FBI Night Venue? Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza It’s half the price for all in the food and beverage industry.

E Call 17 531-122.

Theme? The Generation Game Venue? Kicks, Hotel Diva Spin the wheel; hear tracks from the decade it lands on.

E Call 17 810-555.

Theme? Guitar Hero Venue? Davy Crockett’s, Hotel Diva Your chance to be a rock star; get on stage, prove yourself E Call 17 810-555.

Theme? Lucky Night Venue? Casa Bar, Mercure Grand Choose a colour; win free drinks all night.

E Call 17 584-400.

Theme? Bullfrog Night Venue? Rocky’s Café, Ramee International Hotel It’s the drink of the day; get pitchers of the white spirited demon.

E Call 34 014-860.

Theme? Quiz Night Venue? JJ’s Irish Are you smarter than a DJ? Prove it to win great new prizes.

E Call 17 717-370.

Theme? Beer Night Venue? Club Buffalo, Ramee California Get international beer for just BD2 until midnight.

E Call 17 826-001.

monday

Theme? Shooters and Shots Venue? Club Buffalo, Ramee California Down jagerbombs and Sambucas at BD2 all night long.

E Call 17 826-001.

tuesday Theme? Karaoke night Venue? Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza It’s all about music and cocktails; buy one, get one free.

E Call 17 531-122.

Theme? Couples’ Night Venue? Latin Quarter, Pars International The lady is welcomed with a drink. Buy two, get one free.

E Call 17 814-777.

Theme? Double-up Tuesdays Venue? JJ’s Irish Make your drink, spirit or mixer, a double for only BD1 extra.

E Call 17 717-370.

Theme? Wine tasting Venue? Vintage Wine Bar, Gulf Hotel Introducing table-side wine tastings accompanied by canapés.

E Call 17 746-461.

wednesday Theme? Pitcher Night Venue? Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza At their price, there’s no stopping at one pitcher tonight.

E Call 17 531-122.

Theme? Open Wednesday Venue? Club Buffalo, Ramee California Warm up for the weekend and drink all you can at BD15.

E Call 17 826-001.

Theme? Vinotherapy Venue? Vintage Wine Bar, Gulf Hotel A new approach to wine-tasting; it is partly a spa experience.

E Call 17 746-461.

Theme? Mad Wall Street Night Venue? Downtown, InterContinental Regency Unbelievable prices for drinks during the band’s intermissions.

E Call 17 227-777.

thursday Theme? Unlimited Drinks Venue? Rocky’s Café, Ramee International Drink till you drop at BD15. Be part of a night of sheer fun.

E Call 34 014-860.

Theme? R&B Night Venue? Cocoon Ladies raise your glasses for free bubbly all night long.

E Call 17 827-600.

Theme? Double Trouble Venue? Kicks, Hotel Diva Enjoy doubles for the price of singles.

E Call 17 810-555.

Theme? Cocktail night Venue? Davy Crockett’s, Hotel Diva Begin the weekend with freshly made cocktails from 5pm-10pm.

E Call 17 810-555.

Theme? Party fever Venue? Wrangler Pay BD11 and drink the night away.

Gulf Air girls get free entrance.

E Call 17 827-600.

Theme? Thirsty Weekend Venue? Bedrock, Ramee California Get unlimited sprits with mixers, beer or wine at BD15.

E Call 17 826-001.

Theme? Hawaiian Night Venue? Boomers, Pars International Dance to the live performance by Simple Notes.

E Call 17 814-777.

Theme? Cuban Night Venue? Latin Quarter, Pars International Ladies get unlimited mojitos on the house till midnight.

E Call 17 814-777.

Theme? Wine Compound Venue? Vintage Wine Bar, Gulf Hotel Meet other wine lovers for a truly interactive experience.

E Call 17 746-461.

friday Theme? Karaoke Night Venue? Kicks, Hotel Diva We hear they’re serving a brunch to die for. The singing begins at 5pm.

E Call 17 810-555.

Theme? Pink Fridays Venue? Bushido Lounge Ladies, enjoy a night out; win a pair of Louboutin shoes.

E Call 17 583-555.

Theme? The Friday Affair Venue? Club Buffalo, Ramee California DJ Johnny and resident band Deluxe keep you dancing all night.

E Call 17 826-001.

saturday Theme? Bullfrog madness Venue? Wrangler The blue levy is on the loose; buy one and get one free.

E Call 17 827-600.

Theme? Gastro brunch Venue? Polo Lounge Gastro Café, The Palace Pub-grub never tasted better.

Explore their tricky cocktails.

E Call 34 003-754.

Theme? Karaoke Night Venue? Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza Buy one cocktail of your choice; get a second absolutely free.

E Call 17 531-122.

Theme? Spiritual Saturdays Venue? Davy Crockett’s, Hotel Diva Ladies receive complimentary house spirits from 8pm-2am.

E Call 17 810-555.

Theme? Salsa Night Venue? Casa Bar, Mercure Grand Put your dancing shoes on for their Latino dance classes.

E Call 17 584-400.

Theme? Crazy Crew Night Venue? Downtown, InterContinental Regency Flash your crew ID; get 50 per cent off your drinks from 9pm.

E Call 17 227-777.

Theme? Jammers Night Venue? Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza Guests get the chance to jam with the live band.

E Call 17 531-122.

Theme? Mid-week madness Venue? Wrangler Buy one get another free from 7pm-12am.

E Call 17 827-600.

Theme? Fabulous Fridays Venue? Davy Crockett’s, Hotel Diva Wait for the sound of the klaxon when prices dive to just BD1.

E Call 17 810-555.

Theme? The K-Factor Venue? Kicks, Hotel Diva Join them for Karaoke night; ladies get free drinks.

E Call 17 810-555.

Theme? Mexican Night Venue? Latin Quarter, Pars International Get tequilas and margaritas at low prices. You’ll be asking for more.

E Call 17 814-777.

BTM December 2011 181

venuelisting Bar Boomers Champs Diggers Enigma Fiddlers Green Maguire’s Moodz Club

17 814-777 17 827-600 17 224-000 17 297-000 17 525-263 17 716-999 17 849-111

bystanderthismonth

Laurice Halloween Party Laurice hosted a spooky Halloween party at her residence in Budaiya last month

Disco Bedrock Club Euphoria Pulse Discotheque Tabasco Charlie’s Twister

Arthur & Laurice

Manuela & Aggi

Karen & Helena

Janan, Alina & Alfia

Iana & Chris

Jane, Laurice, Debbie, Jacqueline, Greg, Sherri & Sarah

17 826-001 17 727-230 17 827-999 17 224-242 17 296-660

Lounge Bar Amber Bar An Nada Barcode Brazil Lounge Burlington Club Bushido Casa Bar Champions Lounge Cocoon Lounge Déjà Vu Downtown Flamingo Bar It’s Trendy L’Bar Latin Quarter Le Bellevue Muju Shift7 The Boatyard Bar Trader Vic’s Typhoon Vertigo Vintage Wine Bar Zodiac Lounge

17 636-419 17 533-533 33 477-088 17 826-686 17 580-000 17 583-555 17 584-400 17 360-000 17 827-600 13 657-770 17 227-777 17 460-056 17 727-230 17 567-222 17 814-777 17 298-008 16 039-800 17 313-333 17 701-201 17 586-555 17 746-395 17 845-000 17 746-461 17 565-888

Ada & Chris

Ameen & Sarah

Night Club Club Mynt Glamour Lounge Tempo Wrangler

17 814-777 17 827-999 17 296-699 17 827-600 Loysan, Sandra & Kiara

Pub Restaurant Club Buffalo Club F1 Davy Crockett’s Dublin Harvesters Henry’s Café JJ’s Irish Kicks Rock Bottom Café Sherlock Holmes The Exchange The K Lounge The Warbler

17 826-001 17 296-464 17 810-555 17 811-688 17 531-122 17 716-999 17 717-370 17 810-555 17 727-230 17 742-450 17 742-000 17 360-000 17 290-600

Lynette & Arthur

Priya, Arthur, Esky & Papa G

Marise, Janet & Anne

Arthur & Tony

Ryan, Freeda & Lloyd

Sports Bar Chillers C. Club Cosmo Lounge Good Fellas Legends Olympic Sports Bar Polo Lounge Shooters Tracks Sports Bar

17 296-660 17 535-000 17 727-230 17 811-688 17 826-001 17 290-600 17 725-000 17 296-699 17 531-122 Pierric & & Anil Anil Pierric

182 December 2011 BTM

Tony, Karen, Gelly, Pirgit, Lynn, Ayesha & Rita

Laurice & Giselle

Alluring lashes

What’s New Edited by Alison Coldridge

Dessange Paris has launched the Infini mascara which is designed specifically to lengthen lashes for the most seductive look.

A supple and comfortable texture extends the lashes endlessly and is non-irritant ensuring perfect party eyes.

Available at Dessange.

Luxe time

Boldly gold

Festina’s bold Chrone Bike watch is the ultimate declaration of masculinity.

Packed with numerous mini dials and features, it boasts a classic leather strap and quirky luminous orange pointers. A great idea for his Christmas present, perhaps?

Available at A La Mode.

These chunky gold bangles are just the trick to amplify any outfit, and serve particularly well as adornments to any party get up.

Stack them up together for an ever-bigger statement and show that you’re the most stylish of them all.

Available at Versace.

Docking speakers These advanced JVC speaker docks allow the simultaneous plug-in of both iPad and iPhone.

Sporting an AM/FM tuner, the VJ5 has six apartment-blending colour options, USB port and ability to rip MP3s from a built-in CD drive.

Available at Gajria Electronics.

Arabian scents Inspired by the Arabian world, Sephora has created two exotic scents — Ruby for women and Sapphire for men. Ruby is a floral and sensual essence with top fruity notes whilst Sapphire features musky tones for a sophisticated scent.

Available at Sephora.

BTM December 2011 183

marketplace

Hermes

Dolce & Gabbana

MODA MALL

AW11 Trends Moda Mall is a fashionista’s haven combining all of the most luxe brands under one roof, and with a complete price range on products. If it’s a new outfit you’re after, the season’s styles are in visible abundance; plush fur, opulent fabrics, quirky prints and warming hues, for both men and women. For just one outfit-shaping accessory, opt for a chunky and bold statement piece to pitch you ahead in the style race.

E Call 17 535-140 or visit www.modabwtc.com.

184 December 2011 BTM

Fendi

Versace

Hermes

Dolce & Gabbana

BTM December 2011 185

marketplace ASIA JEWELLERS

Intricate Beauty

de Grisogono is still a relatively young brand; yet that has not held it back from delivering an exceptional masterpiece.

Jewellery, accessories and timepieces from the de Grisogono collections are all luxe and unwavering in style.

Each stone is cut to create not just an exceptional piece, but a perfect piece. The setting techniques are exact, a craft which has been passed on from the original founder Fawaz Gruosi to each de Grisogono jewellery-maker ensuring the reflection of creativity, excellence and glamour that the brand maintains.

Powerful line, powerful women As one of the first cmpanies to successfully launch the black diamond, de Grisogono has a prestigious name to uphold which it is achieving with remarkable aplomb.

Their pieces have adorned the skin of many prolific figures, recently displayed on supermodel Irina Shayk, the girlfriend of Cristiano Ronaldo; Irina recently opted for a statement ring and emerald chunky drop earrings at Cristiano’s Golden Boot Award ceremony.

E Call 17 581-444.

186 December 2011 BTM

BBK

On-the-Go Banking BBK is keeping on top of what customers need with the launch of a new mobile banking service that allows transactions to be carried out on the move.

In order to keep customers entirely safe in the knowledge that their bank account is as it should be, BBK has launched a new mobile banking service. This launch enables customers to bank whilst on-thego, and demonstrates the bank’s desire to keep pace with the changing technologies in today’s world. The new service also proves a commitment towards customer convenience and complete satisfaction.

The new mobile banking service will allow any retail banking transaction to be done instantly from a mobile phone anytime and anywhere. It comes with the highest level of security so you can rest safe in the knowledge that you and you alone can access your finances. As an added positive, the service is free of charge for all BBK customers.

Customers will be able to perform almost all the online banking services from the convenience of their mobile phones, including simple functions such as balance enquiries and account transactions, and more complex transactions such as CrediMax card payments for the customer’s card or other accounts, transfers, Al Hayrat Top Up, cheque book and callback requests.

Customers can even conduct household tasks such as telephone, electricity and water bill payments through the mobile service proving that it really is the most convenient method of banking and payments. If a customer needs to withdraw cash, simply locate the nearest ATM/CDM or BBK branch from the same mobile service.

The service is very easy to use and can be used on any mobile phone which boasts Internet services. BBK customers can simply visit m.bbkonline.com via their web-enabled mobile phones to access the mobile banking service. All they need is their customer ID and existing ePIN prior to using this service, which can be obtained by contacting BBK customer services. Upon successful login, the system will show the menu options available for the customer. From here, it is up to the customer which option they decide to take!

The mobile banking service will allow customers to save time and effort and it aims to add value by giving them protected, private and fast access to their accounts.

Continuous innovation BBK is committed to offering the best services and options for customers. Through leveraging research, technology and foresight, BBK aims to constantly bring customers superior products and services, to ensure a financially healthy and more secure future. With 40 years of achievement, the bank prides itself on maintaining a status as a worldclass bank which incorporates next generation technology — such as a mobile banking service.

E Call 17 207-777.

BTM December 2011 187

marketplace JAWAD SUPERMARKET

Expanding Choices Continuing their drive to offer only the best products in the market, Jawad Supermarket reveals major future expansion plans.

188 December 2011 BTM

The Jawad Supermarket opened its first store in 1960 and has maintained a high level of success in the last 50 years. Today, it’s arguably one of the leading retailers in the market with a guarantee of always stocking brands that customers want, whilst offering quality, freshness and friendly service.

The company currently boasts two supermarkets, one at Barbar and the other at Nwaidrat in addition to an impressive 37 convenience stores scattered throughout the Kingdom.

Jawad Supermarket now also run the two subsidiaries of the supermarket; Jawad Express and 24 Hours Market.

The range of products caters to the cuisine wants of all nationalities, stocking a wide range of imported groceries as well as locally farmed fresh fruits and vegetables, meats of all varieties, baked goods, cheeses, salads and herbs and plants.

The company’s number of convenience stores is divided into two categories based on their sizes, with five larger stores acting as mini supermarkets and the others being considerably smaller in size and mainly located at petrol stations, residential areas and office complexes.

“At our supermarket and selected convenience stores we do offer home deliveries and we also provide carhop services at a few of our stores,” says business head Wafeia Almatawa. “We carry out all different kinds of promotions during the year. We have regular promotions which are market days where there are special promotions on fresh items up for grabs. Other promotions we conduct are season and occasion-based and

theme-based — for example at the moment we have many Christmas products available,” Wafeia adds.

You can rest assured that each of the stores will be stocked up with the best of the festive season’s offerings, and you can depend on the multinational, customer-friendly staff to make your shopping experience all the more easy and enjoyable.

“Our focus is always on introducing new import ranges to satisfy varied customer interest and to retain customer loyalty, which is of utmost importance to any successful business store.

For this festive season, we have made sure we have as many internationally-loved products as possible to please all of the customers,” explains Wafeia.

More convenience Additionally, you will be pleasantly surprised to know that the group will be opening up two more convenience stores before the end of the year.

“We have major expansion plans for the next year. The group plans to open a third supermarket in Zinj by early 2012; we will also be opening five more convenience stores in other various locations. Given our minimal presence in Qatar — which is just two convenience stores operating in the same brand as 24 Hours Market; we are looking into opportunities to expand the business there,” Wafeia confirms.

E Call 17 692-940.

ALMOAYYED FURNISHING

Sleeping in Style

Simple opulence compactly sums up Almoayyed Furnishing’s new bedroom collection, with a stunning range of furnishing options for every living space.

When furnishing your bedroom, it’s crucial to create that sanctuary where you can completely unwind to get a good night’s sleep every night. Almoayyed Furnishing’s new bedroom collection aims to help you do just this, but with the added design enhancement of utmost luxury — and at the most affordable prices.

The new collection includes an expansive collection of styles.

There are the more traditionally designed furniture pieces or opt for a look of ultra-modernity if you desire that more contemporary and ahead-of-time look.

With its integration of textured PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) in animal prints, the new collection exudes a sense of creativity and complexity resulting in a sleek look for that ever-so sophisticated ambience.

In addition to being steadfastly good value, Almoayyed Furnishing’s bedroom items are all highly functional, giving you plenty of storage space for all of your belongings. The bedroom furnishings are all crafted from chipboard with PVC upholstered headboard, rail and wardrobe.

For ease of use, special features have been manufactured on the wardrobes, including a sensor LED light and easy glided door with semi-automatic lock. Available in walnut, oak, bronze and white there are plenty of options to create the ideal bedroom you have envisaged and to fit your living space’s existing décor.

Visit Almoayyed Furnishing’s showroom in Sehla to view all of the styles and designs available. E Call 17 400-004.

BTM December 2011 189

marketplace

LULU HYPERMARKET

Shopping Bonanza Lulu Hypermarket, the largest retail chain in the region and in the Kingdom, has opened its fourth hypermarket in Hidd, setting new benchmarks in excellence and size.

190 December 2011 BTM

A new store opening has proven to be a milestone for the internationally-known Lulu Hypermarket chain. The newest outlet is the 98th store, an impressive achievement indeed for the company. Well located to serve the Muharraq, Hidd and Amwaj residential areas, the store will also be the biggest retail presence for upcoming townships such as Diyar Al Muharraq.

The 500,000 square feet of total space and 300,000 square feet of hypermarket is spread over four floors, the Hidd branch aims to exude variety, quality and excellence in customer service to the Muharraq Governorate. The hypermarket is aesthetically designed and every minute detail — from the lighting, to the décor, to the store layout — has been carefully planned bearing in mind the needs of customers.

The store’s fashion section is stacked with the latest highstreet trends across apparel, accessories and footwear for all age groups and the whole family. There is a colourful school supplies section, a department for home accessories, home fabrics, décor and furniture. The electronics section showcases everything from state-of-the-art home theatre systems to laptops and mobile phones.

As for grocery shopping, the freshest fruits and vegetables from around the world are available plus the best cuts of meat and a wide range of local and imported fish. In addition, the new branch also serves exotic cheeses and specialty breads from around the world. The bakery section is also a must-visit

complete with its own specialist team and ovens offering freshbaked goodies from cakes to doughnuts, muffins and savoury puffs and pastries and, of course, delicious aromatic bread.

You can also rest safe in the knowledge that all of the produce you buy has been cooked whilst maintaining the highest standards of hygiene. A dedicated team of professionals responsible for just this are in place, and the store will have some of the best practices with regard to food safety, waste disposal and quality control.

Lulu’s popular hot food section will stock a wide range of popular ready-to-eat foods including pizzas and pastas, fried snacks and sandwiches, biryani and curries as well as kebabs and grills. Cuisines range from delicious Arabic, Indian and Continental cuisine to offer shoppers the most expansive range of produce possible.

Besides the hypermarket, the store will soon welcome a range of specialty store brands such as A La Mode, Zohoor Alreef, Shades International Optics, Rasasi Perfumes, Hour Choice and so much more. There is also the added attraction of a trendy multi-cuisine food court which will soon feature wellloved names such as Rice Bowl, Little Caesars, Jasmis and Yogberry Frozen Yogurt to name just a few. Fox Amusement Centre provides a safe and recreational play area to keep the children busy.

E Call 17 181-777.

PHOENICIA DÉCOR

A Design Koncept Phoenicia Décor’s Koncept Furniture collection invites you to make your home a Koncept design place with a range of sleek and sophisticated furnishings.

Contemporary, stylish and functional, Koncept Furniture provides the solution to your entire home furnishing woes. The brand creates designs for a modern lifestyle to fill any room of your home in addition to office-space furnishings.

The Plazz 360 Retouch TV unit and double-sided wall cabinet both take up a limited amount of space and are visually pleasing as well as providing a focal point for any living space.

Both are available in espresso glossy white and walnut glossy white, depending on your existing décor.

Koncept Furniture abides by three aims; to provide modern and lively styles with elegant designs that match today’s lifestyle, to provide functional and value products and to

provide individual furnishings that are like no other. The collection manufactures new age furniture for open-minded generations that have highly individual personalities and confident characters, which are looking to match their wise selection.

Moreover, a wide variety of similar wall cabinets and unique pieces of furniture are also available at Phoenicia Décor, located within the Seef area. Numerous designs, collections and styles are housed under one roof for you to browse at your pleasure to find inspiration for your home furnishings.

With Phoenicia Décor, you can make your house into more than just another home. E Call 17 564-444.

BTM December 2011 191

marketplace

ALOSRA SUPERMARKET

Seasonal Treats Bringing the magic of a winter wonderland to the Kingdom, Alosra Supermarket heightens the festive season with an array of seasonal surprises.

192 December 2011 BTM

The holiday season is in full swing meaning it’s time to stock up the freezer, fill the fridge and deck the halls with festiveness for the whole family to enjoy. Alosra Supermarket has packed its shelves full of treats and goodies to suit every fancy, meaning that Christmas shopping is a smoother event than usual, and all you need is under one roof. Seasonal favourites fill the store, so be prepared for a true overload of festive merchandise.

To make you feel right at home this Christmas, the store will be bringing in specially sourced fresh and artificial Christmas trees, fragrant poinsettia and mistletoes; transform your world into a festive fare with Alosra’s brilliant selection of exclusive tree ornaments and accessories. You will find wide assortments of holiday décor to brighten the holiday season making it easy to get your home ready for a Christmas or New Year’s party!

Also available is a multitude of beautiful gift baskets bursting full of an exclusive selection of goodies including scrumptious sweet treats and candy canes in different sizes and flavours — the perfect stocking fillers.

Within the supermarket’s bakery department, shoppers will also find home baking products for all your baking and cooking

needs this season. It’s always a good idea to stock up on cake, brownie and cookie mixes for those last minute visits from friends and family. Alosra has also imported in a wide range of traditional desserts including rich Christmas puddings and pies as well as tantalising home-made cakes.

If you have a cocktail party planned, or simply need some snacks on hand, pick and choose from a variety of cheese and crackers, or why not sample the special canapé tray that can be made-to-order to suit your unique tastes and requirements.

You can also order a range of poultry, meat and deli products by simply filling in a short form to ensure your order is ready to collect when you need it. If that isn’t enough, Alosra can also cook a whole turkey to perfection for you and even have it ready for pick up on Christmas Eve. Preparing a Christmas spread this year really is easy!

Head to the Saar, Amwaj or Durra branch and discover great ways of adding the festive spirit to your holidays. The supermarket promises an exciting line-up of seasonal surprises throughout the entire month, so be sure you don’t miss out.

E Call 17 697-558, 16 033-773 or 13 359-011.

BOCONCEPT

Urban Designs Looking to revamp your home in the coming year?

Then, visit the brand new interiors store at Seef that offers the perfect décor solutions.

Morten Georgsen

BoConcept, located near Ritz Carlton and Spa, makes modern furniture available to the urban-minded customer. It creates home furnishings for people who seek the trendiness in all aspects of life. Their designs are customised, coordinated and affordable — customised because the products can be fitted to the dreams and needs of each customer, coordinated because they consider every little detail, and affordable because they want to spoil you by offering you great value.

The man behind it all Morten Georgsen, who owns a Spanish design firm, has been designing and developing wall units, tables and other pieces of furniture with BoConcept since 1992. Among his designs are the Volani wall system, the Occa table system and the Amari collection.

“What good is beautiful design if it never gains widespread acceptance? Reproducibility and cost-efficiency are keywords in the design process,” he explains.

This designer takes up the challenging task of creating furniture based on customers’ needs as they become more demanding and conscious of the advantages in each purchase.

He accommodates BoConcept’s core values of simplicity and functionality in his pieces. “What good is it if a piece of furniture is beautiful but not functional? International design is very often created on the basis of a ‘suffer for beauty’ motto.

Why, when you can have both?” he asks.

His aim is not to change peoples’ lifestyle but to complement it. This is expressed in the increasing number of multifunctional designs such as the coffee table that can be raised to allow people to eat or work in front of the TV and the ultra-flexible Lecco wall system which fits in almost any room in the house, including drop-down doors for easy access to workstations, filing cabinets and sliding doors to hide the TV when not in use.

To Morten Georgsen, great design is a long process from the initial idea, the development phase and to the final product. His team comprises architects and designers from around the globe who share the BoConcept philosophy of creating simple designs that are functional and appeal to people everywhere.

“Basically, great design is about making things work without compromising on design and affordability,” he concludes.

E Call 17 564-211 or visit www.boconcept.com

BTM December 2011 193

marketplace IBN AL-NAFEES HOSPITAL

Care for Your Health The obstetrics and gynaecology department has expanded its services to become the premier private provider of women’s health services.

Two doctors have recently joined the obstetrics and gynaecology team at Ibn Al-Nafees Hospital (INH), elevating its prestigious service higher. The first is Dr Mahnaz Keshavarzian, a British consultant with 30 years’ experience in the United Kingdom and Saudi Aramco, and secondly Dr Mangala Sundari, who is a well-known specialist in Bahrain with over 20 years’ experience previously at Salmaniya Hospital.

Both doctors bring with them plenty of experience and proven methodologies to the department, along with the latest techniques in their respective specialties. The department’s two highly experienced resident physicians, Dr. Chethana Raj Kumar and Dr. Jonathan Jovie also offer 24-hour on-site coverage seven days per week for deliveries and any emergencies.

Additions have also been made on the services in the department including a dedicated Sunday morning infertility clinic (with first consultation free of charge), a dedicated room for minor gynaecological procedures and a program of ante-natal exercise classes offered through the INH physiotherapy department. Three spacious delivery suites are situated within the delivery ward and are all fully equipped with the latest technology, including neo-natal resuscitation by experienced neonatologists staffed with a complement of highly-trained and experienced midwives to assist in delivery.

Some of the general services offered by the department include family planning counselling, infertility management including AIH and IUI, ante-natal and post-natal care, pre-natal diagnosis by blood test and amniocentesis, ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration, a full range of laparoscopic surgical procedures and all major gynaecological surgeries.

E Call 17 828-230 or 17 828-215.

Dr Mahnaz Keshavarzian

NEXUS FINANCIAL SERVICES

Offering a range of independent financial services, Nexus Group uses a broad spectrum of licensed products developed by regulated insurance providers to ensure you feel safe and satisfied with your finance schemes.

Currently, you can receive extensive financial advice that covers savings, retirement planning and educational plans, as well as general insurance requirements for vehicles, boats and home contents, and the full range of insurance needs required by businesses.

Moving forward, Nexus intends to implement a host of new and valuable client propositions, including further development in employee benefits and health insurance utilising authorised products developed by regulated providers.

There are also plans to extend the company beyond its existing locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Bahrain and Lebanon, to include Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

“Our achievements so far have been impressive, but the best is yet to come. This company is going to grow in leaps and bounds. We are committed — not for today, not for tomorrow, but for a long future,” explains Mahmoud Nodjoumi, CEO and founder of the Nexus Group.

“We started this business passionately, with devotion, and with a plan. We build relationships with our customers by giving them the best advice, the best unbiased independent solutions and developing their trust in us. We will continue to put our customers first as they are the reason we are able to build the future of our business,” says Mahmoud.

Sound Advice Nexus Group is your one-stop solution for certified financial advice and services and will assist you with any economic conundrum you are faced with.

Mahmoud Nodjoumi

194 December 2011 BTM

E Call 17 511-777.

FAKHRAWI STORES

A New Age of Watches A new and contemporary timepiece collection from Rado ensures you look suave, sophisticated and always on time!

The new Rado True Thinline Collection is entirely comfortable to wear day-in, day-out whilst acting as the perfect stylish accompaniment to any outfit. The watch is designed so that it is very light and elegant, with a depth of as little as 4.9mm and weighing just 38g — this watch’s beauty and precision is a fusion of functionality and style.

The Rado True Thinline is a perfect accessory for the growing trend of “bleisure” — the merging of business and leisure — and the clear move away from excess. The high level of comfort and the incredible weightlessness of the high-tech ceramic used in the watches enable them to handle the schedules of modern multitaskers with ease. A unique ability to adapt quickly to changing temperatures equips the watch to perform faultlessly no matter what the situation.

The design is easy to wear with long-sleeved business shirts and also acts as perfect equipment for very strenuous sports thanks to the wipe-clean surfaces for the easy removal of perspiration.

Each of the watches is created in black and white, punctuated by rose gold-coloured or diamond details. The black pieces express sophistication and elegance, while the white counterparts make a statement of modern purity.

There are two different sizes of case plus a choice of a hightech ceramic or rubber bracelet to accommodate differing style statements and lifestyle needs.

The collection can be found at Fakhrawi Stores, who offer Citibank credit card holders a zero per cent easy instalment plan on various Rado collections — valid until July 2012.

WWW.RADO.COM

E Call 17 581-882.

AL AALI MALL, TEL: 17 581-882

Rado_Ad_BahrainMagazine_191x125mm.indd 1

23.11.11 15:31 2011 195 BTM December

marketplace CITIBANK

E-Convenience A new and refreshed website for Citibank Bahrain aims to open up a whole new level of convenient banking for customers, straight from the comfort of the home.

Navneet Kampani

Citibank Bahrain is launching a new rebranded website to offer customers a more enriched banking experience.

The bank already holds award wins for its previous website, including the Pan Awards Academy’s Best Visual Website Award (2010) and Best Internet Bank by Global Finance, but the renovated website aims to be an even better resource for customers.

The new website aims to be a resource centre whereby customers can access a full array of Citibank products and services in addition to educational tips, latest news and banking information. With its intuitive user interface, customers can navigate the website and make online transactions conveniently.

The website also offers new advanced features and smart solutions through a secure gateway such as paying bills, transferring funds, viewing recent statements and managing and tracking the finances, all without leaving the home screen.

Navneet Kampani, consumer bank head commented, “Bahrain is witnessing a rapid pace of digitisation across channels. The launch of our new website is in line with our digital strategy of e-delivering information at a click of a button and providing a secure and convenient banking platform for our customers. In light of our recent launch of transactional notification facility, CitiAlerts, we are proud to announce the launch of the new re-branded website that supports our vision to provide innovative solutions and further strengthen our commitment to be the best digital bank in Bahrain,” says Navneet.

E Call 17 582-484.

YATEEM CENTRE

Christmas Surprises The holiday season is here meaning lots of presents need to be sourced and purchased. A one-stop inclusive shopping mall is just what you need.

If you are worried about where to go, what to get and how you can find something unique, then Yateem Centre just may be the place you are looking for.

Jewellery is always well received; whether you are after luxury pieces or more affordable items there is a wide choice with the eight jewellers in the centre. If you are after a present for an active person then visit any of the four sports shops at Yateem to source the perfect gift from a wide range of exercise gear, clothing and accessories.

Quality cosmetics and perfumes are also in abundance, as well as most youthful shops and outlets selling health care products. If it is a more intimate present you have in mind, then one of the lingerie boutiques are sure to have just the trick.

For the men in your life who always seem to need clothes choose from leather jackets or sharp fashion or even something a bit more casual. Alternatively, opt for those geeky gadgets that men always seem to love, which can be found in any of the many electronic shops. Otherwise, Bahman Bros has been serving up outrageous counter-culture for years and continue to do so, electronic games are guaranteed winners, and children’s clothes are sure to please.

While you are at the mall, take a break from your shopping and relax over a meal or coffee and don’t worry about the time you spend, as the first two hours parking are free.

E Call 17 215-615.

196 December 2011 BTM

YUSIF BIN YUSIF FAKHRO

Fine Home Cooking Home owners have depended on La Germania cookers for years, to create the perfect home cooking that everyone can enjoy.

Yusif Bin Yusif Fakhro stores happily stock the Italian cooking creation, the La Germania, which promises to create a culinary treat every time it is used!

Created originally by the Bertazzoni family, the company has continued to make high quality La Germania cookers for more than 100 years, from within the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.

This region is a great culinary centre that is world famous for its delicious pasta, parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar.

In this area of Italy, people love to eat; dining is a festive event and conversation includes special menus and recipes passed down through the generations. To cook any sort of dish, such as sauces, meats, fish, traditional pizza and risottos, generations of Italians have relied on La Germania by choosing it for their home.

Designed for people who want the best in their appliances, the brand offers a wide range of kitchen products created for the extreme demands of household use and meticulously engineered with rugged and lasting construction.

With a sheer dedication to performance that distinguishes them from other competing brands, La Germania ensures that their collections exudes quality and integrity giving the utmost attention to detail to give the highest level of performance and understated elegance.

Perfected over generations Francesco Bertazzoni first saw wood-burning cooking stoves arrive on the railway from Austria in Guastalla, his home town.

Until then, he had been an engineer making precision weighing machines; instead he decided, with his son Antonio, to make stoves just for local use.

The family built their first factory in 1909. After World War I they began making cooking stoves on a much larger scale and launched a new brand name, La Germania.

The first gas hob unit appeared in 1953, and was soon followed by the first gas stoves, that were further perfected in 1958 with the addition of an oven. Exports started in 1959, and over the following decades sales boomed.

Today, La Germania is known and appreciated in 60 countries around the world and Bertazzoni’s heirs, firmly at the head of the enterprise, have never forgotten their roots, remaining specialists in the very personal craft of cooking. In fact, each appliance is designed for people who care about cooking, combining performance and function with different styles for different tastes.

Well-engineered and designed to fulfill all the demands of the modern home, these are cookers to be trusted. The range is extensive and includes freestanding gas and electric cookers, builtin gas and electric hobs, and built-in ovens. E Call 17 408-150.

BTM December 2011 197

marketplace RESIDENCE INN MARRIOTT

Staying Inn

UPTOWN VILLAGE

One of a Kind

An exclusive 80 suite property, this is the perfect place to relax and recharge when on an Uptown Village is the ideal shopping and dining destination for exclusivity and variety. Full of new extended business trip or a weekend with the family. ventures, you will certainly find something you like.

Budaiya Highway’s newest shopping location is the glamorous Uptown Village. Inspired by Mediterranean architecture the site is visually beautiful and unique to Bahrain, as are all of the shops and dining facilities it boasts.

The last few months at Uptown Village have seen many of the shops open, displaying the true array of exclusive options to cater to all tastes and ages. From art galleries to burgers to an Italian Motorcycle showroom due to open in February, there is something that will appeal to all visitors.

Dining options presently open include Turkey Hill, an ice-creamery that offers a host of frozen and non-frozen treats, and Burger Wisconsin which claims to be home to the world’s best burgers. In Chutneys you can indulge in traditional tandoori, curries, shish kebab and much more in a fine dining ambience, and at Mini Delights you can purchase the most exquisite desserts.

There are plenty of alternatives to dining such as Lavish, a nail and beauty centre offering treatments, full beauty makeovers and massages.

Y Maison is stocked full of exclusive Italian hand-carved furniture, Flo Motionwear sells fashionable and functional fitness wear and Carousel is full of an expansive range of educational and creative toys and books.

Alternatively, check out the two art galleries — Naqsh, which showcases international artists’ works and Artisana, opening soon, which will display exclusive art from both local and international artists plus unique home décor items.

E Call 36 362-596.

The property to open in Juffair will be the first Residence Inn-branded property in the Middle East. It will feature a total of 80 units, 26 studios, 17 one-bedroom suites, 35 two-bedroom suites and two threebedroom suites that are all as spacious as they are stylish.

“We’re thrilled by the continued expansion of our presence in Bahrain and are excited to introduce our third lodging brand in the country, giving travellers a growing choice in accommodation when they visit the country,” says Ed Fuller, president and managing director for international lodging at Marriott.

Located adjacent to the Marriott Executive Apartments in an attractive suburban neighbourhood, the Residence Inn which is a short walk away from the popular Al Fateh Mosque, is already popular among international visitors and upwardly mobile Bahrainis. Designed for stays of five days or more, each suite will have a fully-equipped kitchen and separate living area, a flatscreen TV and state-of-the-art Internet connectivity.

A special feature is the lobby with its club-like atmosphere and a coffee lounge that serves a hot breakfast buffet every morning. It also hosts a business centre including a 20-square metre meeting room and a ‘grab and go’ kiosk/market.

Among the recreational amenities are an outdoor swimming pool and a health and leisure club with men’s and women’s lockers with separate sauna and a whirlpool.

“I would like to thank our owner Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman Al-Khalifa, managing director of International Trading and Investment Co. He and his team have been instrumental in developing a great product for us to work with,” adds Sam Van Campenhout, general manager for both properties.

E Call 17 362-900 or visit www.ResidenceInnManama.com.

198 December 2011 BTM

Wonderland Collection Moonflower Collection ASIA JEWELLERS

Futuristic Timekeeping RSW is consistent in its production of innovatively designed timepieces that stop you in your tracks and make a statement.

RSW, a brand of Rama Watch, imposes a futuristic vision within the watch industry. Contemporary artistic styles define the brand with watches that are new, exciting and atypical. The brand’s identity is strong and recognisable; iconic industrialised patterns and materials are used to style the timepieces ensuring that the design becomes as important as the functionality of the watch.

Their watch designs cannot be described as classic; instead they are unabashedly bold and futuristic designs to adorn any contemporary’s wrist.

The Moonflower range was created to give women a contemporary watch option. Simply speaking, it’s a jewel

watch which is bold and chunky and is ideal as an alternative to additional jewellery. The case is large, circular and encrusted with sapphire crystals which leave only a small portion of the watch face visible at one time. The design is inspired by meteorite and aims to step away from the industrial, rough and structured masculine styles from RSW. Alternatively the Wonderland collection, although still extremely forward-thinking, is infinitely sleeker. The face is elongated and slim and boasts a distinctive design; strips of metal are placed across the face and is available either plain or glamourised and garnished with delicate rows of crystals. E Call 17 581-444.

BTM December 2011 199

marketplace ROYAL BAHRAIN HOSPITAL

Medical Breakthrough

Dr Ravi Preet

THE HOME STORE

Complete Living Specialising in superior contemporary furnishings which are entirely affordable, it is simple to give your home a new look for the New Year at The Home Store.

Located within The Bahrain Mall, The Home Store is a convenient stop for all who need a quickfix décor solution or indeed an entire living space makeover. Everything you need is housed on two floors under one roof.

You will find furniture to fill every room of the house; there are complete dining room sets in all manner of styles, armchairs, corner sofas, leather sofas and coffee tables to adorn your living room and kitchen essentials such as high stools, chairs and units. On the upper floor there is a multitude of bedroom furnishings, for both children’s and adults’ rooms, plus everything you need to decorate an office space or study. You can even find garden furniture which is definitely needed during the welcomed cooler weather we are currently experiencing!

If you are after some little odds and ends to give your rooms an additional lift, then head to the lower floor and choose from numerous decorative options including candles, glassworks, paintings, sculptures, faux plants and other knick-knacks to spruce up an empty corner. To cosy-up your lounge or bedrooms, browse the soft furnishings section which has rugs, cushions and beddings of all shapes, sizes and styles.

The Home Store is also the perfect one-stop for festive present inspiration — you can never go wrong with an opulent vase or luxuriously-scented candle!

E Call 17 556-001.

200 December 2011 BTM

Although still fairly new to Bahrain’s market, the Royal Bahrain Hospital has quickly developed into a household name as a medical service provider.

Celebrating its first anniversary in January, the Royal Bahrain Hospital (RBH) has achieved great success and a positive response from the community in a short period of time.

To date, RBH has seen, advised and treated 25,000 patients — around 120 per day and the hospital’s medical team has performed 500 surgeries.

The hospital’s chief operating officer, Dr Ravi Preet, explains that the hospital’s success is due to its main priority — providing unwavering quality care to patients. “I think the reason we have made quite a big impact is because we value our patients, making sure to give high quality services at affordable rates. At, RBH, we put great emphasis on ethical medical practice,” says Dr Preet.

In September, the hospital opened up a delivery ward which has so far carried out 25 deliveries and has also started the only endoscopic spine surgeries in the region.

Still looking to further enhance its services, RBH plans to invest in more state-of-the-art technology and equipment backed by expertise from all around the world.

“We have started out reach programs offering preventive check-ups including cardiac and diabetic programs, and plan to open up two clinics in Riffa and Hid in the near future. Being a sister branch of the KIMS group, our end goal is to be the leading health care provider in the entire Gulf region,” the doctor adds. E Call 17 246-800.

Dr Waiel Alani

BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL

Unpleasant Experiences Many marijuana users would argue that it has no negative health effects; Dr Waiel Alani suggests otherwise.

Cannabis — formally known as marijuana — is obtained from the Indian hemp plant cannabis sativa, a hardy, aromatic annual herb. Although the most commonly used illicit drug in the world, a shocking 2006 report of the UN Office of Drug Control stated that cannabis was used by an astounding 162 million people at least once in 2004.

The exposure of the drug in today’s mainstream media gives many youngsters the idea that the effects of cannabis are pleasant and in fact heightens a person’s creative flow.

When smoked, the drug begins to affect users almost immediately, peaks at 30 minutes and can last for one to three hours and does give a sense of relaxation, happiness and sleepiness. But what many don’t know is that around one in ten cannabis users have unpleasant experiences, including confusion, hallucinations, anxiety and paranoia. These feelings are usually only temporary but as the drug can stay in the system for some weeks, the effect can be more long-lasting than users realise.

“The health problems related to frequent and durational use of cannabis use include chronic sore throat, emphysema-like symptoms, accelerated heart rate, increased blood pressure, reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of blood leading to increased risk of heart failure, lowered immune system response, depression,

anxiety, and personality disturbances,” explains Dr Waiel Alani, consultant psychiatrist at Bahrain Specialist Hospital.

There has been strong evidence that cannabis may interfere with a person's capacity to concentrate, organise oneself and other people and use information — this may last several weeks after use causing particular problems for students.

“Cannabis users are more likely to leave work without permission and spend work time on personal matters or simply daydreaming. Users themselves report that drug use has interfered with their work and social life,” says Dr Waiel.

Researchers found that those who smoked regularly and had smoked before driving were more likely to be injured in a car crash. These studies suggest that there is a clear link between early cannabis use and later mental health problems in those with a genetic vulnerability — and that there is a particular issue with the use of cannabis by adolescents.

Dr Waiel reiterates the importance of educating the youth towards the dangers of substance abuse. “Awareness toward cannabis illegal use is critical in the preventive programs and national plans. Governments are not able to manage this problem alone so national strategies and laws are important to reduce the risks of this problem,” he warns.

E Call 17 812-000.

BTM December 2011 201

marketplace DIET DELIGHT

A Healthier Lifestyle

A new healthy living concept has emerged in Bahrain, which aims to help you and your family keep to a nutritional diet plan and achieve an ideal body weight.

If you are feeling bloated, lethargic or just generally unhealthy, then a new business in Bahrain is an ideal solution to placate your woes.

Diet Delight is all about helping you lose weight in a good way, with a weight-loss plan that is healthy and — shockingly — still full of food!

The company, located in the Diplomatic Area, encourages simple and gradual ways to ‘eat great and lose weight’, and better yet you don’t have to worry about planning your meals and sourcing out the ‘right’ food to eat. A structured 30-day plan is provided from the dieticians, which offers three customised meals and two snacks a day that are delivered straight to your home. The meals will be varied and extremely nutritional to help you live a better and healthier life.

Frequent weigh-ins will let you know how you are doing and the Diet Delight staff will always be on hand, either in person or on the phone, especially if you enter a difficult period. In fact, excellent customer care is the main aim of the company and their main goal is to maintain high standards and expectations whilst providing constant motivation and education.

Diet Delight is the brainchild of Hala Mohammed Alkhaldi, a professional clinical dietician who adheres to safety and customer satisfaction as her top priority.

E Call 17 534-499 or visit www.diet-delight.com.

bystanderthismonth

The Thaker Family Diwali Party B.C. Thaker & D.C. Thaker hosted a Diwali party to celebrate the Indian Festival of Lights at their residence in Hoora last month

The Thaker family

Farouk Almoayyed & Yousif Amin

Jahad & Dilip

Khalid Almoayed, Othman Sharif & Bob Thaker

Krishna, Diplip Thaker & Ramu

202 December 2011 BTM

Bob, Manar & Sunita

Abdul Rahman, Bob & Waleed Sharif

Bob, Asha & Sunita

Mohammed

AMBASSADOR STORES

A Sporting Timepiece

A unique collection has been created collaboratively between watch brand Seiko and Barcelona’s football club — the result, a sophisticated sportsman’s collection.

Watch brand Seiko has partnered with FC Barcelona to create a unique and luxurious sports watch — ideal for all those who like to keep time during the game.

The new Sportura FC Barcelona Chronograph (FCBC) is a unique timepiece presented as a testimonial to the partnership between the timepiece and football heavy weights. The watch is one of the 14 models in Seiko’s leading sports watch collection, Sportura, all of which feature both quartz and kinetic movements.

As every sportsman knows, it is the attention to fine detail that makes the difference between a good performance and a great one, and the same can be said about the creation of a sports watch.

In addition to being practical and easy to use, the Sportura FCBC watch is sleek and classic in design. It features elongated curved lugs that wrap around the wrist with a close and comfortable fit, so there is no risk of it slipping off the wrist whilst playing sport. The entire design of the watch is incredibly accurate, something which Seiko is renowned for; the cone-shaped chronograph buttons have a wide surface area to ensure precise operation and the chronograph minute hand has a ‘pointer’ shape to ensure that the correct number is easily read at a glance.

The watch boasts all the qualities of a first-class sports watch and for the true Catalonian, a discreet FC Barcelona emblem is found on the dial and case back and the red and blue colours of FCB are featured in the sub-dials and leather strap.

The current UEFA champion’s league title defenders were each presented with their own watch by Seiko. FC Barcelona president, Sandro Rosell, showed great excitement towards this new venture.

“We were very pleased to welcome Seiko as a sponsor of FC Barcelona earlier this year and we are delighted to see how our partnership is growing in every corner of the world. The new Seiko FC Barcelona watch is beautiful and the club is proud to wear it,” Sandro commented on the venture.

Seiko’s partnership with FC Barcelona began this spring when they were appointed as the club's ‘watch partner’ for an initial three-year term. Although watchmaking and football are entirely different industries, both Seiko and FC Barcelona have proven their dedication and perfection to their industry for many years. From the collaboration has emerged a watch that is ideal for both sporting amateurs and professionals to wear.

With 130 years of history designing and manufacturing watches, Seiko holds the skill and experience to design and build, in–house, each component of every type of watch. FC Barcelona also takes a similarly long-term approach to building its teams, developing many of its finest players through their youth academy, La Masia. E Call 17 225-513.

BTM December 2011 203

listingsthismonth Arts Culture Art Galleries Al Riwaq Art Gallery Albareh Art Gallery Arabesque Art Gallery Art Lounge Ella Art Gallery

17 717-441 17 717-707 17 722-916 17 580-522 17 292-815

Art Galleries & Framing Bahrain Art Framing Centre 17 717165 Lamarkiz Framing & Gallery 17 596-284

Arts & Cultural Groups Alliance Française 17 683-295 Bahrain Arts Society 17 590-562 Contemporary Art Society 3 9224-002 Historical & Archaeological Society

17 727-895 La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art

17 230-123

Crafts Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre Crafts Centre Gallery Celebrations L’Atelier Art Lounge Things-To-Do

17 611-900 17 254-688 17 595-791 17 599-030 17 590-409

Dance

Ballet Centre Ballare School Futureshape Studio Salsa Bahrain Sampaguita Club Victoria Dance Centre

17 693-232 17 300-021 17 590-088 3 9676-349 3 9106-589 3 987-6215

Drama, Film and Theatre

Bahrain Cinema Club 17 725-959 Dilmun Amateur Dramatics 17 690-926 Folk Poetry Society 17 761-000

Indian arts & culture

Institute for Performing Arts 17 231-717 Kalabhavan Bahrain Institute 17 717-271 Konkan Singers Club 17 243-511

Islamic Culture Al Bayan Society Beit Al Quran Discover Islam

17 645-156 17 261-555 17 531-400

Literature

Folk Poetry Society Pakistan Urdu Literary

17 761-000 17 776-629

Museums

Al Hayat Museum Al Oraifi Museum Currency Museum National Museum Oil Museum

Other Societies

Awali Caledonian Society Bahrain Irish Society Bahrain Welsh Society Royal Society of St. George

3 6366-458 3 9800-511 3 9467-310 3 9726-329

Business Associations American Chamber Comm.

Australian Association Bar Society Bankers’ Society of Bahrain British Business Forum Businessmen’s Association French Business Club

17 580-516 3 9206-432 17 725-665 17 728-003 3 9651-755 17 229-009 17 748-999

Language Courses Alliance Française Berlitz The British Council

17 683-295 17 827-847 17 261-555

Other Associations Baloch Club Garden Club Pakistan Association Skal International Bahrain

17 292-231 17 727-625 3 9415-200 17 22-4050

Sports Recreation Aerobics

Coral Beach Club 17 312-777 Curves Fitness Clinic for Women

17 691-496 Ez Fit SportPlex 17 692-378 World Beat Fitness Centre 17 612-576

Athletics/Running

17 721-999 17 728-791 17 642-119 17 794-898

Netball Club

3 9911-848

17 786-969 17 599-026

Public Speaking

Manama Toastmasters Club 3 9451-182

American Women’s Assoc. 17 685-882 Australasian Women (AWG) 3 8395-803 Awali Ladies Association 17 678-947 Business Women’s Society 17 721-188 Discover Islam Ladies 17 531-400 Hamad Town Women’s Association

17 422-005 International Ladies Group 17 729-128 Pakistani Women’s Assoc. 17 710-944 Young Ladies Society 17 262-237 Young Ladies Toastmasters 17 626-237 Women’s Society 17 826-777

204 December 2011 BTM

3 9601-789 17 271-257 17 254-257 17 251-878 17 255-517 3 9019-462 3 9603-564

3 8357-181 3 9911-848 17 262-143

Pottery

Social Clubs

Bhatia Mitra Mandal Kannada Sangha Karnataka Social Club Keraleeya Samajam Shree Nayrana Cultural Shri Gujarati Samaj Tamil Social Association

British Club Netball Dilmun Netball Club Filipino Club Basketball

Awali Photo Society 17 764-468 Bahrain Photography Club 17 590-551

Clubs Societies Ladies Clubs

Other Indian clubs

Hash House Harriers Bahrain Road Runners

Photography

Bahrain Pottery Society Studio Ceramics

17 753-666 17 690-926 17 262-143 17 291-527 17 258-520 17 278-245 17 593-593 17 253-157 17 231-354 3 9455-207

17 290-101 17 535-112 17 547-700 17 298-777 17 753-475

Music

Bahrain Music Institute Classic Institute of Music Manama Singers Sar Music Centre

Bapco Club Dilmun Club Filipino Club Marina Club Pakistan Club The British Club The Country Club The Indian Club The Sri Lanka Club The Young Goans Club

17 862-620 3 6992-288

Ball Games

Bowling

Awali Bowling Centre

17 753-666

Cricket

Awali Cricket Club

17 756-959

Equestrian

Awali Riding Club Riding School Shakhoora Riding Centre The Country Club

17 756-525 17 690-448 17 591-103 17 593-593

Football & Rugby

Ez-Fit SportPlex Rugby Football

17 692-378 17 695-809

Golf

Awali Golf Club Royal Golf Club

3 9444-885 17 450-000 17 780-011

Marine Sports Sailing Club Yacht Club

Martial Arts

Mind Games

Bridge Club Bahrain Scrabble League

17 713-080 17 242-641

Dessange Health Club La Fontaine World Beat Fitness Center

17 713-999 17 230-123 17 612-576

Filipino Club Tennis Group Table Tennis Club Tennis Club The Country Club

3 9527-587 17 729-756 17 729-561 17 593-593

Pilates

Racket games

Snooker

Jimmy’s Snooker/Billiards 17 71 6-147

17 836-078 17 700-667

Aces Taekwondo Academy 3 9658-741 Al Ahli Karate School 3 9659-510 Bahrain Karate Center 17 612-576

Ghassans Gym Fitness Plus Physique Fitness Centre World Beat Fitness Centre 24-hour Fitness

17 695-911 17 593-593 17 694-646 17 612-576 17 716-999

Bahrain Wellness Centre Bayoga Centre Meditation Centre Physiotherapy Centre World Beat Fitness Centre

17 795-961 39 460-996 17 712-545 17 722-012 17 612-576

Bodyline Spa Coral Beach Club La Fontaine Spa Massage Centre

17 793-932 17 312-777 17 230-123 17 264-064

Ann Beauty Center and Spa Bellacura Beauty Lounge Dessange Spa Futoon Beauty & Fitness Pineapple Spa Profile Fitness Centre Wellness Resort Zoya Beauty Centre

17 623-704 17 697-950 17 713-999 17 777-994 17 712-000 17 727-766 17 795-961 17 740-800

Banyan Tree Resort & Spa Crowne Plaza Health Club Golden Tulip Health Club Gulf Hotel Health Club Le Mirage, Diplomat Hotel Regency Fitness Centre RJ’s, Ramee Int'l Hotel Sheraton Fitness Sporting Club, Ritz-Carlton The Gym, Mövenpick Hotel

17 845-000 17 531-122 17 535-000 17 713-000 17 531-666 17 227-777 36 270-302 17 524-570 17 580-000 17 460-000

Art of Living Foundation

39 653-007

Fitness Gyms

Health Spas (Women only)

Meditation Centres

Health Clubs (Hotels)

Kids Fitness Centres

Children’s Health Academy of Specialised Sports (CHAOSS) 17 592-096 17 566-566 My Gym Bahrain

QR Codes: On-The-Go Reading

National Associations

Amateur Athletic Association 17 684-905 Badminton & Squash Fed. 17 292-662 Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation 17 836-199 Basketball Association 17 741-010 Bowling Association 17 822-077 Chess Federation 17 252-133 Cycling Association 17 650-079 Disabled Sports Federation 17 789-191 Endurance Federation 17 836-199 Football Association 17 729-563 Handball Association 17 720-321 Hockey Association 17 253-209 Maritime Sports Association 17 836-078 Martial Arts Association 17 650-676 Mind Sports Association 17 340-016 Shooting & Fencing Assoc. 17 750-006 Snooker Association 17 825-301 Swimming Association 17 680-867 Table Tennis Association 17 729-393 Volleyball Association 17 271-139

Teens Kids Athletics Road Runners

Dance

Cricket

Ez-Fit SportPlex SLC grounds, Riffa

17 692-378 17 276-134

Ez-Fit SportPlex Rugby Football The Country Club

17 692-378 17 695-809 17 593-593

Football & Rugby Horse Riding

You can now read Bahrain This Month while you are out and about, from the comfort of your own phone — just simply download a free app which allows you direct access to the online magazine. Both iPhone, iPad2 and BlackBerry users can enjoy this simple convenience by following these simple steps;

iPhone/iPad2 users 3 6992-288

Ballet Centre 3 9676-349 Victoria Dance Centre 3 9876-215 World Beat Fitness Centre 17 612-576

Step 1: Search for i-nigma on the Apple app store Step 2: Download i-nigma on your iPhone or Pad, free of charge Step 3: After downloading is complete, click on the i-nigma icon Step 4: Finally, simply scan the QR code to be directed to a page on the designated page on the web

Awali Riding Club 17 756-525 Dilmun Club 17 692-986 Riding School 17 690-448 Shakhoora Riding School 17 591-103 The Country Club 17 593-593

Marine & Sailing Sailing Club Yacht Club

Martial Arts 17 756-770 17 750-777

Karting

Gulf Speed 1 Kart Zone Silver Go Kart

Bin Jamal Taekwondo Center 3 6222-892 Delmon Taekwondo School 3 9689-659 Futureshape Studio 17 592-019 Ghassan’s Style Kickboxing 3 9458-293 Karate Centre 3 9247-769 Taichi & Wushu Center 17 813-856 Japan Karate Association 17 591-237 Marina Club 3 9690-008 Reza Martial Arts Centre 17 694-646 Shotokan Karate 3 9626-211 Yong Quan Tha Chi 3 9667-624 Zen-Do Bahrain 17 611-909

17 700-677 17 700-677

Aces Taekwondo Academy 3 9658-741 Al Ahli Karate School 3 9659-510 Al Hala Sports Club 3 9966-139 Balouch Club 17 292-231 British Club 17 728-245 Delmon Tae Kwon Do School 3 9689-659 Taichi & Wushu Centre 3 6437-931

Health Fitness Fitness Gyms

Al Gosaibi Gym Coral Beach Club Dessange Health Club Ez-Fit Sportsplex

17 293-221 17 312-777 17 713-999 17 692-379

BlackBerry users Step 1: Search for ‘QR Code Scanner Pro’ in the Blackberry app world, either online or directly from your phone Step 2: Download the app, free of charge Step 3: Click on the application and scan the code Step 4: On scanning, you will be directed to site referenced in the QR code There are two QR codes used this issue; on the front cover, on First Word (page 11).

winwin

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

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To win, all you have to do is correctly answer the questions below.

1

2

3

Who was nominated for a WIL Award? ___________________________ When is the Health & Wellness Expo held? ___________________________ When is Amwaj Marina Market held? ___________________________

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

Who got it right?

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!

Bahrain This Month received 58 entries last month, 49 of which answered all the questions correctly. Congratulations to everyone, particularly our three winners: Winner : Leneesh Valappil Second Place : Neeta K. C. Third Place : Asha Ponniah

1.

Last month’s solutions 1. Panos Panagis 2. November 22-26 3. A hotel

4

Who is the Thai ambassador?

GOLDEN TULIP new yearvADV. ___________________________

4.

Ramada Hotel Bahrain

22.pdf 1 Bayumi 11/20/11 5. Ahmed

4:23 PM

6. Bushido 7. Joe Jonas

5

Who runs Everest Trading? ___________________________

6

Where is Oasish performing? ___________________________

8. Porsche Cayman R 9. Rocky’s Café or Dublin 10. Rome

2.

Ad Seek 1. Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel 2. Cartier 3. bni 4. Flair

7

Who is Breaking the Spell? ___________________________

8

What car did we test drive? ___________________________

Address:

Which new Italian restaurant is opening? ___________________________

Email:

9

Name:

3.

Telephone:

cpr:

LIGHTING THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTING THE CHRISTMAS Which new parkOF is OF opening this 10 month? &&GINGERBREAD TREE HOUSE TREE GINGERBREAD HOUSE ___________________________ DECORATION EVENT

Entry deadline is December 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.

DECORATION EVENT

6 December 2011

C 6 December 2011 Spend a day of laughter, joy and fun and games Tuesday, 06th December 2011 in the hotel’s lobby for an unforgettable time. Join us and sing along with all your

EARLY CHRISTMAS BRUNCH 4.

23 December 2011 12:30 – 16:00 Enjoy a pre - Christmas Friday brunch buffet, located in the2011 ballroom BTM December 205 of the hotel, where different restaurants come together to offer the very best of traditional dishes for 22 BD per adult

tarotscopethismonth

Sagittarius Nov 22 – Dec 21

Money could be tight this December and a few of you may find yourselves turning to friends or relatives for assistance. In some extreme cases you may even be forced to re-evaluate your current living situation and a lot of this is down to the fact that you are living outside of your means. You cannot prolong the inevitable and getting yourself back onto a more manageable path should be your priority. You need to take a plan of action into 2012 with you rather than this cloud of illusions or you are setting yourself up for a major fall. It is well within your abilities to turn the situation around but the first thing you need to do is face up to the reality. On a lighter note, a young child will give you reason to celebrate when he or she presents a faultless school report. Despite everything else that is going on ensure you make a fuss out of this achievement.

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

Capricorn December 22 – January 18 TGood things come to those who wait and there is no denying you have had to be patient! This month will see that patience rewarded, especially for those of you who have been feeling a little neglected on the romance front. A growing friendship with someone of the opposite sex is going to bloom into something more substantial and as this is something you are really keen to progress, you are not going to hold back in any way, which is a good thing. Often your sign is accused of being cold and locking away feelings that others more openly express. That isn’t the case. You just need to trust someone before you open up completely.

Card of the Month —The World Aquarius ­January 20 — February 18 For a lot of people, drawing swords in their reading can signify challenges and obstacles. However, as an Air sign, you will embrace these challenges and turn them to your advantage, with spectacular results. On the work front this will mean a possible change to how you currently do things but that is in no way a bad thing, although there will be colleagues or staff members who might not share that view. Your home life is also set for a radical overhaul when a relative comes to you looking for temporary accommodation following a troubling split in a relationship. This will put pressure on your living environment and your own partnership but again, try to turn this to your own advantage.

Card of the Month — The Three of Swords

206 December 2011 BTM

Pisces February 21 – March 20 Whenever The Devil makes an appearance in someone’s draw it immediately warns of temptation being laid in your path and your sign is often easily led, so beware this month Pisces. You could be drawn into a complicated web that will be difficult to emerge from! The signs seem to indicate issues in one of two areas: relationship or work, with both requiring your serious attention. If you have designs on a relationship then make sure you know everything about the person before you take anything forward, no matter how enthusiastic he or she may seem. They are holding back a secret and it is something you need to uncover because it will change the way you view matters going forward.

Card of the Month — The Devil

Aries ­March 21 – April 20 The last month of the year and you will look back on 2011 with a great deal of satisfaction and many reasons to feel even more positive about the approaching 2012. When you think about how far you have come in the last twelve months it should spur you on to even greater achievements; if you have learnt nothing else it is that you need to have more belief in your own abilities. Sometime around the 15th you will receive news by email of a colleague who plans to visit at Christmas and this brings with it challenges as well as a degree of curiosity on your part. You have the feeling something is wrong and once you get the sniff of a secret, there’s no one better than you to weed it out.

Card of the Month — The Nine of Cups

Taurus April 21 – May 20 If you have plans to expand on the business front then take stock of your situation this December and consider all options before deciding on your course of action. Where there are others involved who will be affected by such changes, ensure you get feedback and talk to anyone and everyone first. Collaboration — not always something that sits comfortably in your thinking — is the word to embrace if you want to continue your good progress into 2012. On the health front, you will see a troubling problem finally put behind you for the New Year and this will lighten your mood generally, which has been slightly soured because of this issue.

Card of the Month — The Ace of Coins

GEMINI May 21 – June 22 You are not the kind of person to live their life in fear but of late you have struggled with a lack of self confidence and this has seen you miss out on several opportunities as a consequence. If you are honest you will know the reason behind your problem and the best way to deal with it would be to speak to someone in a professional capacity for help.

There is no shame in your suffering and the good news is that it can be easily treated so long as you are committed to the cause. On the relationship front, a few of you will have embarked on something new in the last few months and the good news here is that matters are going from strength to strength.

Card of the Month —The High Priestess

Cancer ­June 21 – July 20 You might find yourself getting really frustrated by a work colleague’s persistent desire to gossip but that frustration will turn to anger this month when you suddenly get wind of your private life being talked about in a manner that suggests someone has betrayed your confidence. You have two issues here. The first is to suppress what you know is not true and that means confronting the chief gossip. It won’t go down well but if you state your case clearly then you should get your message across. Of a more pressing nature is who may have revealed certain secrets about you. Immediately you have a person in mind but facing up to that reality is an uncomfortable one and yet it is one you cannot avoid indefinitely.

Card of the Month —The Five of Coins

advertisersindex leo July 23 — August 22 We all make mistakes in life. It’s part of what makes us human.

However, you are going to regret one of your own this month because the chances are that it will have far-reaching consequences. The problem is that you have lost sight of the ball in a business project and this could be for any number of reasons, although the likelihood is that it is connected to a romantic interest. There’s nothing wrong with indulging your heart but when it impacts on your profession and in this case directly into your pocket, you may need to reassess the situation. It isn’t too late to make amends but if you don’t do it soon then the damage will be a lot worse than you can handle.

Card of the Month — The Fool

Virgo August 21 – September 22 December is all about indulgence and temptation for you Virgo, as you decide to throw caution to the wind — a big deal for your normally disciplined sign — and grab what you want with both hands. Things will really take off after a chance conversation in the office leads to a rise in the chemistry between you and a colleague you have been attracted to for some time now. This one exchange will make your mind up on the course you take and when you both meet again at a Christmas party events seem destined for an inevitable conclusion. What you need to deliberate over in advance is where you might want such a union to go from here because there doesn’t appear to be much room for a long-term relationship.

Card of the Month —The Seven of Cups

Libra September 21 – October 21 After the difficult times you experienced in November, you can expect things to be a little quieter for you in the run-up to Christmas and you should try to take advantage of the opportunity to relax because it is something your sign doesn’t often do. Everyone needs to recharge their batteries and with several new projects on the horizon for 2012, you should get yourself into the best shape possible for the New Year. To say that you can sometimes be hyperactive would be an understatement, so learn to chill out.

Card of the Month — The Six of Swords

Scorpio October 22 – Noveember 21 Last month I made mention to you of a former love interest reappearing in your life and it would seem that a few of you did not heed my warning not to invest too much time in them particularly seriously. Consequently you could find yourselves in a tricky situation this month and for some of you there is even the uncomfortable scenario of a potential love triangle to have to deal with. You are pretty good as a sign at getting yourself out of difficult situations but this could end up being one bridge too far for a few! On a lighter note, there is the chance that a jovial comment made around a sporting wager is picked upon by a work colleague and you could find yourself drafted into the local squash team.

Card of the Month —The Hanged Man

Scarlett Johansson

Jennifer Connelly

Ben Stiller

FAMOUS Sagittarius THIS MONTH

Fashion & Footwear Peacocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

Financial Institutions BBK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Citibank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Mashreq Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73,75 Nexus Financial Services . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Home and Furnishings Almoayyed Furnishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Bo Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Phoenicia Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 The Home Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Yusif bin Yusif Fakhro (La Germania) . . . 10

Hotels & Luxury Apartments Crowne Plaza Bahrain Hotel . . . . . . . . . . 35 Days Hotel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Delmon International Hotel . . . . . . . . . 117 Golden Tulip Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Gulf Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 InterContinental Regency Hotel . . . . . . . 31 Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel . . . . . . . . . 21 Mercure Grand Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Pars International Hotel . . . . . . . . .133,173 Ramada Hotel Bahrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Ramada Palace Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Ramee Baisan Hotel (The Warbler) . . . 179 Ramee Palace Hotel (Dublin) . . . . . . . . 175 Residence Inn, Marriott . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel. . . . . .4-5 The Dragon Hotel & Resort . . . . . . . . . 101 The K Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Jewellery & Watches Ambassador Stores (Seiko). . . . . . . . . . IBC Cartier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC Chanel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC-1 Fahrawi Stores (Rado). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Sharif Group (Rochas) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Medical & Dental Services Bahrain Specialist Hospital . . . . . . . . . . 49

Ibn Al Nafees Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Royal Bahrain Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Motoring Ahmed Zayani & Sons (Jeep) . . . . . . . . . 53 Budget Rent-A-Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 E. K. Kanoo (Toyota) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Euro Motors (MINI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Motor City (Citroen) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Zayani Motors (Mitsubishi). . . . . . . . . . . 87

Other Advertisers Al Ghalia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Alosra Supermarket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Amwaj Marina Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Ashazi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Bahrain City Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Bahrain International Circuit. . . . . . . . . . 59 Boots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Dessange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95 Diet Delight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Everest Trading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 Gajria Electronics (Olympus) . . . . . . . . . 144 Health & Wellness Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Intercol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Jawad Supermarket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Lulu Hypermarket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Moda Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13,15 Nass Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Picture Arabia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Radio Bahrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Uptown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Yateem Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Restaurants and Cafés Aroma Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Block 338 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Bushido . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Café Italia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 Casa Mexicana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 Cucina Italiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Hard Rock Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 McDonald’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Paul Bakery & Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Trader Vic’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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

● Miami Cold Store, Adliya

● Al Hilal Bookshops, all outlets

● Midway Supermarket, all outlets

● Al Jazeera Supermarket, all outlets

● Park Supermarket, Mahooz

● Alosra Supermarket, Saar

● Waitrose Supermarket, Amwai

● Bab al Bahrain Souvenir Shop

● Other leading Cold Stores and

● BooksPlus, all outlets

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.

● Burhama Cold Store ● Classic Shop, Bab Al Bahrain ● Elite Supermarket, Hoora ● Supermarket, Awali ● Jawad Supermarket, all outlets ● Jim’s Restaurant ● Mega Mart, all outlets

BTM December 2011 207

lastword

A Personal Empathy JAMES CLAIRE Why is it that I empathise with myself at this time of year? It seems such an odd experience, when it is the season of giving and embracing others.

208 December 2011 BTM

I spend my time at this point of time happily looking toward to another year without regard for much, other than work and money. Yet I know I will stand solemnly on the 23rd or 24th December, with the right piece of music playing in my iPod, only to discover tears welling in my eyes.

Is it that the summit, the zenith of yet another year, that pangs my heart with remorse? As I start to remember those loved and lost ones, do I start to recall what Christmas was like in my youth?

Surely not! I am fast heading towards being 50; life has been good to me. I pass as a thirty-something in the good looks department! What’s to grieve or feel remorse for?

Don Cupitt, the famed English philosopher once stated, “Christmas is the Disneyfication of Christianity.” And I kind of agree.

Anything Hallmark has a card for seems to have become an animated overture for a real occasion, and slipped from ‘serious’ to ‘serious waste of money’ within my own lifetime.

Most of the holidays I remember with joy as a child now mean little to me.

Easter is just for kids with its chocolate, eggs, bunnies and Easter egg hunts; Valentine’s I know shun — either I need to send out too many cards or none, and every year the names are different.

Halloween is supposed to be about free candy. But I was born in a country where it did not exist, so it doesn’t really rate on my calendar of yearly events either. And birthdays I have long forgotten; my mother said she only need look in the mirror to be reminded of her age. But if she is as old as she looks, then she really had kids too late in life!

So, perhaps it’s not Christmas, perhaps it’s the close proximity of it, to the end of the year that tugs my heart down.

There is a realisation that, despite how hard I worked all year, yet again there are innumerous tasks of work and life still yet

to be accomplished. Perhaps I am reminded at this time of year how old I do feel, inside. Single, the wrong side of 40, and as another year simply passes me by yet again, the woman of my dreams still eludes me.

Do people on other calendars, who do not celebrate Christmas, feel the same pangs of regret, remorse and a similar lack of accomplishment at this time of year?

Is it a Western feeling? An antipodean one or one instilled into us from birth being told that, “’tis the season to be jolly,” and when we aren’t, we question why?

Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States, (1872-1933) stated, “Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”

Of the modern Christmas spirit, one of my colleagues says he is still excited on opening every seasonal card that there is cash inside. There rarely is, though, yey hope springs external!

The young gun, Mr Twenty-something, tells us his grandmother sends hundreds of dollars inside every one of his Christmas cards as she is ageing and needs to get rid of it all before she goes. I’m hoping to become her friend on Facebook before next Christmas and just pray she hangs around a few more after that to send me some.

For whatever reason, Christmas or New Year for me is a time of reflection, wanted or not. I can’t help it!

Perhaps if we all take the time to reflect upon the year that has just passed and make a promise to ourselves to do better in the next, to feel more for others, to assist those in need, to be better people and to call home more often, then the world would be a better place. But that would be to deny history; we just seem to make the same mistakes over and over again.

But whatever you think, though, just think it to yourself. I get the feeling that if you talk about this stuff out loud, it becomes a New Year’s resolution, and no one ever sticks to them!