YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE
BD 2.000 (SR 20)
January 2013 ~ Vol. 17 ~ Issue 1 www.bahrainthismonth.com
Power Play
The Tempest
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Featured This Month:
Insurance Options | Security Systems | The Kingdom’s Cafés
HAPPENINGS ~ DINING ~ ARTS SCENE ~ CLUBS & SPORTS ~ KIDS’ EVENTS ~ AFTER DARK ~ SAT TV
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17 - 25 Jan 2013 ART | MUSIC | FOOD
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www.alaaliartfest.tv watch art live!
Contact : 17 007270 / 17 581000, E-mail: info@alaaliartfest.com
Issue 185
Contents January 2013 Cover Story:
23 Return of the Single Seat In the path to a seat in F1 there’s a well-documented route to getting there; a one-seat, entry-level racing series is
23
important to realise such ambitions.
Happenings: Bahrain This Month reviews events happening around town during the month of January 2013:
24
48
23 Promoting Local Talent: New BIC-inspired racing series 28 All That Jazz: Artist Sigrid Gloerfelt on display 30 Art Fest: Creative minds at Al Aali Shopping Complex 32 Scottish Fever: Celebrating Robert Burns 34 Kingdom Kicks: GCC football tournament 23-34 Calendar: Events during January
Spotlight:
48 The Heart of the Matter Pam Kamal outlines First Aid Box’s plans to install automatic external defibrillators at all major public sites
52
around the Kingdom.
64
Business:
51 Adapt to Change Arthur Carmazzi, respected international speaker, shares his secrets on effective change management, and what businesses need to do to stay competitive.
54
108 Bystander At BTM we celebrated national days with our neighbours from Qatar and our friends from Japan and Thailand. There was plenty of festive cheer to take in, with Christmas tree lighting and carol singing at many of the Kingdom’s leading hotels. We had some fun at the VIVA Karting track and discovered how to really run a hotel, courtesy of Basil Fawlty.
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52 Staying the Course Abdul Karim Bucheery, chief executive officer at BBK, speaks to Bahrain This Month about the bank’s outlook for 2013 and their investment plans.
54 Innovation on a Plate Seeking to expand his footprint on the local scene, restaurateur Amer Zeitoun explains how fusion cuisine is at the heart of modern dining.
January 2013 3
Issue 185
Contents January 2013 Destination Report:
60 Amazing Indonesia This land of more than 17,000 islands has everything a
60
tourist could wish to experience, from tropical rain forests to sun-drenched beaches and oceans of culture.
Downtime: 63 Family Matters: The ‘son of Beckham’ looms 64 Gadgets: Everything about Apples 66 Music: Feel-good rock 68 Computer Games: Smashing shots 69 Websites: Too much for the brain! 70 Apps: Splicing up the battlefield 71 Movies: All about guardians and hobbits
68
75
Motoring: 73 Urban Revolutions: The new Peugeot 208 is here 75 Wheels: BMW X6 M 76 Showcase: Mitsubishi Fortis
Dining: 79 A Million Milkshakes: What’s up at The Lagoon Park 80 Happenings: Where to dine this month 81 Showcase: The Ritz Gourmet Lounge 83 Feature: Cafés in the Kingdom
After Dark:
81
109
91 Veld Festival: Six international musicians in town 92 Happenings: Where to be seen this month 95 Showcase: The Dublin turns four
Showcase: 97 Insurance: Are you protected, financially 103 Security Systems: Protecting your assets 107 What’s New: Instant engineering 108 Marketplace: Latest products and services 28
32
117 WIN WIN 119 AD Index 120 Last word 34
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January 2013 5
The team
Bahrain This Month January 2013
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), Simi Kamboj
Welcome to the New Year! As a perennial optimist I am hoping for the best and looking forward to an improved environment in the Kingdom over the coming 12 months. There is so much our little island has to offer for those who live here, and beyond, and I’m sure that its appeal will continue to resonate in 2013. The range of events that kick off the year is an indication as to why the Kingdom is held in such high regard. There’s a leadership conference to discover how best to manage change, an arts festival over at Al Aali Shopping Complex and a brand new motoring racing series in the works at the Bahrain International Circuit. La fontaine centre for contemporary arts hits the ground running with an exhibition from Swedish artist Sigrid Gloerfelt and the Bahrain International Exhibition and Conference Centre yet again hosts the Autumn Fair towards the end of the month. You can also take in a book fair, engage local inventor Ebrahim Hameed at the Bahrain Science Centre and catch a comedy show at the InterContinental Regency Hotel. The monthly shopping market on Amwaj Islands presents an opportunity to hunt for bargains. In our business section we talk to the BBK CEO, Abdul Karim Bucheery, about his outlook for 2013 and when he expects to see a palpable upturn in the Kingdom’s economic performance. We also speak to local restaurateur Amer Zeitoun about his plans to expand his operations within the local dining scene, and beyond, over the next year. Pam Kamal, proprietor of First Aid Box, tells us about a project to place automatic external defibrillators throughout the Kingdom, in every school, sports facility, shopping mall, business and beauty salon; in fact, everywhere that people tend to congregate. There’s a sprinkling of the ‘new’ in dining pages with the opening of The Ritz Gourmet Lounge. Our consumer reports this month feature insurance and security systems; the latter, of course, has become topical as the government plans to push through legislation to make it mandatory for all business to install CCTV networks on their premises. This might seem somewhat Orwellian; it is, though, what we might find in any major city anywhere else in the world. So, here’s to the New Year and the great way of life the Kingdom has to offer!
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
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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.
• Views expressed in this magazine by journalists
and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month. Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001 ISBN 1 899 348 09 3
Cover
Cover Picture: Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest. YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE
BD 2.000 (SR 20)
January 2013 ~ Vol. 17 ~ Issue 1
George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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Power Play
The Tempest
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Featured This Month:
Insurance Options | Security Systems | The Kingdom’s Cafés
HAPPENINGS ~ DINING ~ ARTS SCENE ~ CLUBS & SPORTS ~ KIDS’ EVENTS ~ AFTER DARK ~ SAT TV
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January 2013 7
Tel. 17.564444 - Fax. 17.564466 email: phodecor@batelco.com.bh Seef district, facing Ritz Carlton Entrance - Palace Palms Bldg.
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Qatar National Day Celebrations HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Thamer Al-Thani, Qatari Ambassador hosted a reception to mark the National Day of Qatar. The reception attended by HE Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Foreign Minister, HE Abdulla Abdullatif, Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs, HE Ali Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, HE Khalifa Al Dhahrani, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, diplomats & VIPs was held at the Gulf Convention Centre, Gulf Hotel
HE Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, HE Khalifa Al Dhahrani, HE Ali Saleh Al Saleh & HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Thamer Al-Thani at the cake cutting
HE Abdulla Abdullatif, Altheya & Mazin
Qays Zu'bi, HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Thamer Al-Thani & Dr Dhafer Al Umran
HE Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Capital Governor
Admiral Millar & Fuad Kanoo
HE Shaikh Hisham & Nabeel Ajoor
Caitlyn, Ahmed Jawahery, Admiral Millar & Scott
Dr Dhafer Al Umran & Shaikh Ibrahim
Qays Zu'bi & Dr Yousef Mashal
Anwar, Hussain, Alex & Ehsan
Stephen & Hind
Amisa & Fatima
Abdul Karim & Rashid
10 January 2013
Intisar & Fatima
Jano
Reema & Mohammed
Jalil Al Ansari & Mubarak Najem
HE Ghasan Moshen Hussain
HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Thamer Al-Thani & Khalid Al Zayani
Zuhair & Alan
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Thai King's Birthday Celebration HE Vichai Virasirikul, Thai Ambassador and the Royal Thai Embassy hosted a reception to mark the 85th birthday anniversary of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand and the National Day of the country. The reception attended by HE Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Foreign Minister, HE Ali Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council, HE Khalifa Al Dhahrani, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, diplomats & VIPs was held at the Crowne Plaza's Bahrain Conference Centre
HE Ali Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council with Rashida & Hussain Tadayon
HE Vichai Virasirikul greets HE Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Foreign Minister
Anoop Kewalram, Nabeel Ajoor, Abdulla Juma, HE Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Foreign Minister & P.B. Higgoda
HE Vichai Virasirikul & HE Khalifa Al Dhahrani, Speaker of the House of Representatives
Jalil Al Ansari & HE Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Capital Governor
HE Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, HE Khalifa Al Dhahrani, HE Ali Saleh Al Saleh & HE Vichai Virasirikul with diplomats at the cake cutting ceremony
Govardhan, Anil, Sakri, Shameer & Prasert
A. Srisawasdi, Paween, Saram, Nong, Suchalarat & Suriya
Joseph, Jagath, Linda, Jimmy & Khimyong
12 January 2013
Wendy & Henny
Dr Dhafer Al Umran
Steven, Weena & Enna
Samai, Phen, Ariyanan & Areerath
Jaap Vaandrager
Ebrahim Al Kooheji
Sirinat, Mujalin & Rungtina
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Japanese Emperor's Birthday Celebration HE Shigeki Sumi, Japanese Ambassador & his wife Tomoko Sumi hosted a reception to celebrate the Japanese Emperor's birthday last month. The event which was attended by HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, advisor to His Royal Highness the Prime Minister, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, HE Sameera Rajab, Minister of State for Information Affairs, members of the diplomatic corps and VIP guests was held at the Al Ghazal Ballroom, Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa
HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa & HE Shigeki Sumi with members of the diplomatic corps
Mala Kumar, Tomoko Sumi, HE Shigeki Sumi & HE Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador
Paween, Kanyarat & Witchu
CDR Kondo, Nobuko & Akiyama
Adel, Sameera, Jennifer, Sharifa & Abdulla Juma
Fatima, Zahwa & Layla
14 January 2013
Tomoko Sumi, Abdul Hameed Kooheji & HE Shigeki Sumi
Matt, HE Shigeki Sumi & Micah
Hassan & Reem Jarrar
Nabeel Ajoor & Stephanie Williams
Zahra, Majida, Faika & Fatima
Tomoko Sumi, HE Shigeki Sumi & Dr Dhafer Al Umran
Mohammed Dadabhai, HE Shigeki Sumi & Jawad Y. Al Hawaj
Nils & Ian
Nasser & Sameera
Yousaf & Aisha
Yoshio & Abdul Jabbar
Ratne, Nor & Ameera
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AWA Cherry Tree Trot 2012 Over 2,000 people flocked to the Bahrain International Circuit to attend the American Women Association’s (AWA) largest charity event, the Cherry Tree Trot 2012. The Cherry Tree Trot raises funds for 35 Bahraini charities supported by AWA including the BSPCA, Bahrain Mobility International, Hope Institute, Rehabilitation Institute for Autism (RIA), elderly homes and the Friendship Society for the Blind.The event featured 2 km, 3 km, 5 km and 8 km races for able-bodied participants for which trophies were awarded to the winners. The main event was a 2 km race for the mentally and physically challenged children and adults who were supported by volunteers and students from leading private schools
Daham, Salah & Awatif
Deepa, Pukar & Yougal
Faisal, Jarna, Jummy, Rita & Theresa
Mariza & Megan
Christine with participants
Rosalind & Gabriella
Noor & Nawar
Sue & Naz
Naunain & Amal
16 January 2013
Osama, HE Thomas Krajeski, US Ambassador, Bonnie Krajeski, Ahmed Al Janahi, Admiral Fozzie Miller & Tosin
Hala & Kim
Anne
Jarna & Razan
Elizabeth, Charis, Sarah & Amanda
Farah & Zaika
Tracy, Lena & Silvia
Ahmed
Layla
Rita, Jummy & Shaima
Kia & Nabeel
Mark
Dipak & Indra
Ahmed
Mar & Prince
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Bangladesh Victory Day Celebrations The Bangladesh Embassy held a celebration to mark the Victory Day of Bangladesh. This day celebrated on December 16th, marks Bagladesh gaining independence after a nine-month war with Pakistan in 1971. A large number of community members attended the colourful celebrations that was held at the Chancery of the Bangladesh Embassy in Ghufool last month
HE Mohammed Ali Akbar, Bangladesh Ambassador & Mehdi Hassan
Fahima, Pooja, Ishrat, Nusrat & Suha
Bithy, Farha, Farah & Nadia
Mohidul
Aklima, Ruhi & Tamanna
Rayhan, Mohammed, Raihan, Maruf, Aslam & Ammar
Naima, Manna, Ismail, Noyan & Nadeem
Aysha
Mohammed
Saima
Bangladeshi community members
Abdul Khader, Mohidul, Mohammed & Mahin
Rezaur & Abul Kashem
18 January 2013
Naima, Sumaiya, Zarrin & Ruksana
Rafia & Nishat
Akhim
Abdul Basha & Rezaur
Fatima
Fareeda
A traditional dance performance
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AR 9500 • info-line 17179854
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Awali Caledonian Society St Andrews Ball The Awali Caledonian Society held its annual St Andrews Ball for members and guests at the Bapco Club in Awali last month. The event was attended by HE Iain Lindsay, British Ambassador, HE Thomas Krajeski, US Ambassador, society members & guests
The Awali Caledonian Society committee - Paul, Charles, Nancy, Alistair, Jan & Donald
Ron, Julia, HE Thomas Krajeski, Bonnie Krajeski, Bridget Lindsay & HE Iain Lindsay
Boxtones, Lynn & Edna
Carrie & John
Nicol & Nancy
James, Fiona & Emily
Glenda, Charles & Nancy
Bill & Bill
Mick & Fiona
Patrick, Barbara & George
Donald, Dena & David
George & Martine
David & Audrey
Freola, Daniel, Gary & Amanda
Lynda, Niki & Sue
Yan & Liz
HE Thomas & Bonnie Krajeski
Ron, Alison & Alistair
20 January 2013
Amanda & Nancy
HE Iain Lindsay & HE Thomas Krajeski
Susan & Charles
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Cadillac ATS 2013 Car Launch National Motor Company, (NMC) sole distributors for Cadillac vehicles in the kindom held a launch for the 2013 Cadillac ATS. The all-new Cadillac ATS embarked on an epic journey by road from the famed Nßrburgring Nordshleife in Germany to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit in the United Arab Emirates, to demonstrate the reliability, performance and comfort of this luxury car. Ending the European tour in Istanbul the Cadillac ATS then hit the desert roads of the Middle East, arriving in Riyadh, KSA, followed by Bahrain, Kuwait and Doha, Qatar. The launch was held at the Riffa Golf Club, and was attended by NMC managament, guests and members of the media
Martino Picotti, Rodney Davies & John Nugent
Fahad & Sangeeth
Christelle & Fadhel
Ghassan Almahal, Ghassan Rabie, Abdulla Alwedaei, Martino Picotti & Simon Austin
Nayyer & Fuad
Rija, Barlas, Hussain Maki, Keith Fernandes & Hussain Iqbal
Khalid & Emad
Greg & Pauline
22 January 2013
Aziz, Keith, Hussain, Fahad & Hussain M
Abdulla & Ahmed
Adel & Reem
Mayukh
Muhamed
Siba
One of the models at the event poses with the Cadillac ATS
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happeningsthismonth When? January 19 | Event? Formula Middle East | Venue? BIC
Return of the Single Seat! A new motorsport challenge will give young aspiring racers the chance to demonstrate their talent on an international stage. An exciting racing initiative will start this month in the Kingdom, designed to give talented drivers a chance to succeed. Formula Middle East, the brainchild of Motorsport Asia and the Bahrain International Circuit, is hosting a junior single seating championship to allow young racers the chance of showcasing their abilities in a tried and tested package. The event, first established by Motorsport Asia in 1996, is now being launched in Bahrain. The series is based around the FB02 car, which has been running successfully since 2003 — firstly as Formula BMW and since 2010 as the JK Racing Asia Series. The identically prepared cars will give each contender a fair chance, furthered by the comprehensive training and intensive support programme that each driver will undergo. The single team set-up will be structured to enable the costs to be brought down significantly, while maintaining the same level of support to the drivers that they would experience in a multiple team arrangement. “We have always been involved in creating the most professional and high-level development categories to support young emerging talents on their way up the motorsport ladder,” says David Sonenscher, CEO of Motorsport Asia. “I am delighted that we will be able to continue this in the Middle Also this month
East, a region that is crying out for a credible platform for young drivers looking to start a career. For me it’s quite simple, all the drivers are driving for the best team now and they will all have the same chances and quality of equipment.” The single team setup will be constructed in such a way as to enable the costs to be brought down significantly, whilst still maintaining the same level of support to drivers that they would experience in a multiple team set up. Formula Middle East will consist of 19 races run over six weekends in the 2013 season, with the first race scheduled for January 19. The season is intended to be run in both Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Aiming to deliver a great leap forward in the search for the region’s racing talents; each round will receive extensive TV coverage with a 30 minute program for each race being broadcast to over 100 countries around the globe. “A professionally run single-seater championship catering to our young but extremely talented drivers is what’s missing today,” adds BIC chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa. “This new initiative gives them a venue to develop their skills and compete against other drivers their own age and skill level, but at the same time have fun. There is a load of untapped potential both across the Middle East and Asia. Hopefully these guys can come up in this event and use it as a stepping stone to greater things in the future.” E Visit www.bahraingp.com.
28 x Arts & Culture - 32 x Clubs & Societies - 34 x Sports & Recreation
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Storm Clouds If you have missed Shakespeare for Kids’ previous presentations of Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet and a Midsummer Night’s Dream then treat your senses with their latest production. The British theatre group is back in town and this time they are performing a kidsfriendly adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s most popular works, The Tempest. The mystical, magical and mysterious musical is a romantic comedy about revenge, a father’s love for his daughter and the misuse of power. The show runs from January 26-28, at the Cultural Hall. E Call 17 566-509.
January 2013 23
happeningsthismonth When? January 23-31 | Event? Autumn Fair | Venue? BIECC
When? January 1-3 Event? Book fair Venue? BIECC Bookworms are in for a treat at the Al Ayam Cultural Book Fair. E Call 17 617-734. When? January 1-31 Event? Science activities Venue? Bahrain Science Centre A series of activities to celebrate local inventor Ebrahim Hameed. E Call 17 686-466. When? January 5 Event? Amwaj Shopping Festival Venue? The Lagoon The gorgeous weather calls for a fun-filled family day out. E Call 17 713-716.
Roll Up! Roll Up!
When? January 5 | Event? Amwaj Shopping Festival | Venue? Amwaj Lagoon
When? January 16 & 17 Event? Comedy show Venue? InterContinental Regency Hotel Start the new year with a laugh as three legends of standup hit the stage. E Call 36 663-509.
When? January 23-31 Event? Autumn Fair Venue? BIECC Get your comfy shoes on for the highly anticipated shopping extravaganza. E Visit www.theautumnfair.com. When? Throughout 2013 Event? Manama Capital of Arab Tourism Venue? Various locations Support a series of exhibitions and activities to celebrate the capital city. E Visit www.moc.gov.bh.
24 January 2013
Shopping Bonanza When? Throughout 2013 | Event? Manama Capital of Arab Tourism | Venue? Various
When? January 19 Event? Formula Middle East Venue? BIC Check out a new motor racing initiative that will get your adrenaline pumping. E Visit www.bahraingp.com.
Now in its 24th edition, the Autumn Fair is Bahrain’s largest and most popular consumer products show. This annual exhibition consistently attracts over 200,000 shoppers from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia whilst also acting as an important sourcing venue for distributors and agents in the Gulf region. A wide range of products will be displayed during this nineday extravaganza, offering something for every type of shopper and buyer. Get ready to browse arts and crafts, beauty products, shoes, specialty foods, electrical goods and appliances, home decoration items, leather accessories and garden products including plants and flowers and lots more. You will find stalls and sellers who have been at previous editions of the fair as well as new sellers. Over 700 companies are expected to exhibit from over 20 countries. The event will be open daily from 10am to 2pm and in the afternoon from either 4pm to midnight or midday to midnight. Ladies will have a chance to shop without the disturbance of men on the mornings of Sunday 27 January and Monday 28 January. Check the event website for confirmed timings. E Visit www.theautumnfair.com.
Manama Capital of Arab Tourism Following Manama’s 2012 success as the Capital of Arab Culture, Bahrain’s city has been selected as Capital of Arab Touism 2013. The year-long calendar will focus on four successive themes: culture, sport, leisure and green tourism. The line-up will include exhibitions, workshops and contests, in addition to the Bahrain Fine Arts Expo, Spring of Culture, Heritage Exhibition, Bahrain Summer, Ta’a Al-Shaba and Bahrain International Music Festival. E Visit www.moc.gov.bh.
This month heralds the start of the outdoor Amwaj Shopping Festival at the Lagoon. The family shopping bazaar will have stalls and fun activities for all ages to enjoy. There will be many exhibitors displaying all manner of goods from beautiful hand-crafted jewellery, to artworks, to clothing. Soak in the cool weather and finish your shopping spree with a bite to eat at one of the Lagoon’s many restaurants. Following January’s event, the festival will be held every first Saturday of the month. If you would like to sell at a future bazaar you must register the BD40 fee a minimum of five days before each Saturday. E Call 17 713-716.
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happeningsthismonth When? January 26 | Event? Amwaj Marina Market | Venue? Amwaj Islands AMWAJ MARINA MARKET
A Fair for All The island’s favourite shopping extravaganza is back again offering you good food, music and a ton of retail therapy. The Amwaj Marina Market is kicking off its third season this month, taking outdoor shopping to a whole new level. Offering visitors a unique and fun bargaining experience, the market has become a weekend staple for families on the island. Goods on offer this month include clothing, vintage accessories, furniture, handmade jewellery, delicious cupcakes and crepes. If you are on the lookout for items to spruce up your home, then the assortment of traditional arts and crafts is just what you need. Shoppers can also get a bite to eat from the number of delicious food stalls available at the venue. For those who are simply looking to take advantage of the amazing winter weather, the event is a great excuse to head out and enjoy the stunning Amwaj Marina views. As always, there will also be special treats for the little ones with a host of games and activities lined up. The Amwaj markets are scheduled to be held throughout the cooler season on the last Saturday of each month, weather permitting. Stalls are rented out for a competitive price and can be shared so if you have innovative ideas you want to share with the world, this is your chance. E Email info@amwaj.bh.
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VIVA Media Karting Challenge VIVA Bahrain has launched an exclusive ‘VIVA Media Challenge’ program, that has been specially designed for media partners of the company to participate in a series of thrilling and challenging activities which will be organized during the year with a different theme each time. Kicking off the program this year was the ‘VIVA Media Karting Challenge’ held at the worldclass VIVA Karting Track in Sakhir, which attracted participation from 15 teams. VIVA Bahrain CCO, Andrew Hanna, also attended the event that was held last month
Action from the track
Ahmed & Ash
26 January 2013
Fawaz, Saleh & Kumar
Abi, Pooja & Karla
Mariam
Sayed
Sharif
The winners on the podium with Andrew Hanna, 2nd from left
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happeningsartsculture When? January 12-20 | Event? Exhibition and concert | Venue? La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Arts
When? January 1-12 Event? Group exhibition Venue? BFH art gallery Eleven artists use different mediums to express the meaning of ‘walls’. E Call 17 102-600. When? January 1-17 Event? Festival Venue? Seef Mall Join in on a poetry festival featuring artists from around the GCC. E Call 17 582-888.
All that Jazz Music and art are essentials to any cultural society. We find the best of both this month. There’s no better way to deepen your appreciation for creative talents. To evoke your creative senses, the first line-up of events for the year is an exhibition featuring the works of popular Swedish artist Sigrid Gloerfelt. Titled Impermanence, the featured works are contemporary like no other, usually portraying a white background with splashes of colour and pencil scribbles. The painter has lived in a bewildering array of countries. Growing up between Sweden, Morocco, France and Spain and having studied visual and plastic art in Florence and London, she has exhibited in Switzerland, South Africa, Germany and Lebanon. Jazz it up Adding a musical note to the opening night of the exhibition will be a performance by famed British blues singer Dana Gillespie. A master of rhythmic subtleties with purity of intent, Dana will be accompanied by Joachim Palden on the piano. He is an electrifying musician with numerous international performances under his belt. The multi-award winning diva has been touring the world as the true ambassador of the risqué blues. With over 60 albums to her credit, a self-styled music festival in Mustique Island and hit shows in London’s West End, Dana is truly an international superstar. The singer has also performed at the
28 January 2013
historic Edinburgh Festival as well as many other musical events throughout Europe, the Middle East, India and beyond. However, Gillespie wasn’t always the blues queen she is now. After recording her first album at the age of 15, her music evolved from folk in the ‘60s to Bowie-esque glam-rock in the ‘70s and finally developed to the raunchy in-your-face tunes she performs today. “I discovered the blues when I went to the American Folk Blues Festival in 1962 and also to see The Yardbirds at the Marquee Club. I was in my early teens and hadn’t heard anything like it before — blues wasn’t easily available in the UK back then,” explains the singer. The art exhibition opens on January 12 at 6pm while the concert starts at 8pm. Tickets for the exhibition and concert are priced at BD25 and at BD35, including dinner. Keeping in line with the ‘new year, new you’ concept, La Fontaine is also bringing in one of the most sought-after yoga experts in the region. Valerie Jeremijenko, founder, owner and director of Yama Yoga Studios in Doha will hold a one-day workshop on January 20. The yoga guru will also share her experiences at a talk to be scheduled some time in the month. “Valerie infuses her classes with compassion, humour and intelligence. She is also a writer, having put together a very interesting book about people she met during her yoga journey, which will also be up for discussion,” says La Fontaine founder and owner, Fatima Alireza.
When? January 1-31 Event? Exhibition Venue? Naqsh Gallery Calligraphy is at centre stage in a series of exhibitions by Bahraini artists. E Call 17 591-313. When? January 5-31 Event? Exhibition Venue? World Beat Fitness Café Aila Asu showcases her autumnthemed art in her first solo exhibition in Bahrain. E Call 17 612-576. When? January 6-9 Event? Competition Venue? Various locations Stay alert as the winners of the house decorating competition are revealed. E Call 17 744-433. When? January 12-20 Event? Exhibition and concert Venue? La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Arts Indulge in contemporary paintings by Swedish sensation Sigrid Gloerfelt. E Call 17 230-123. When? January 15-31 Event? Exhibition Venue? Al Bareh Art Gallery Hussein Madi features a unique collection in his first-ever solo exhibition. E Call 17 717-707. When? January 16-31 Event? Exhibition Venue? Bahrain National Museum Local artists feature their latest pieces at the 38th Annual Fine Arts Exhibition. E Call 17 689-494.
E Call 17 230-123.
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happeningsthismonth When? January 17-25 | Event? Art festival | Venue? Al Aali Shopping Complex
AL AALI SHOPPING COMPLEX
Cultural Melting Pot Visit a leading mall in the Kingdom this month for a chance to meet some of the most creative minds in the Kingdom.
30 January 2013
Kick off the new year with one of the island’s largest and most anticipated art events. Art Fest 2012 showcases works from over 70 of the Kingdom’s artists over the course of four days. This year, thanks to overwhelming demand, the annual exhibition has been extended to nine days with an even bigger roster of participants. The event is ideal for anyone interested in art. Visitors can meet the creators of the fabulous pieces, take part in workshops to boost their own skills, and network within the artistic clique of Bahrain. Both established and upcoming artists from across the island are invited to showcase their talents as well as sell their work. A host of creative disciplines will be displayed including painting, sculpting, fashion design, music, photography, calligraphy and pottery. During the extravaganza, the Al Aali Shopping Complex will be transformed into a canvas, creating a live gallery with different forms of art. The idea is to inspire and enthral visitors while providing the unique opportunity to witness some of the Kingdom’s finest creative minds. Also, in an effort to inspire others, different workshops will be
held throughout each day of the event by renowned artists. Visitors can sign up to participate in a whole range of classes to receive expert guidance and learn new techniques. Budding photographers are offered an opportunity to showcase their skills through the event’s exciting photography competition. You can showcase your own talent and submit your best works. Art Fest 2013 additionally explores the idea of food as an art form. An open-for-all food carving and cake decorating competition are highlights of the festival’s calendar — perfect for all arty chefs. Some of the well-known artists who participated last year included Abbas Al Mousawi, Abdul Rasool Alghayb, Mariam Khalil Janahi, Ella Prakash, Aziz Qasim, Mahmood Al-Mulla and Haider Akbar Haider Ali. Many of these artists have shown their support and have already signed in for the 2013 edition. Organisers are looking to raise funds through the sale of pieces with 20 per cent of the proceeds being donated to various charitable causes in the country. E Call 39 323-696 or 39 994-858 or visit www.alaaliartfest.com.
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happeningsclubssocieties When? January 24 | Event? Burns Supper | Venue? Royal Golf Club
Poetic Tribute One of the oldest and most established societies in the Kingdom pays homage to Scotland’s bestloved writer.
One of the oldest and most established societies in the Kingdom pays homage to Scotland’s best-loved writer. Although Scotland is in no lack of icons, one particularly stands out from the crowd and is celebrated every year around the world. Though he is neither a political figure nor a leader, he has become the county’s foremost hero through a simple deed — writing poems. Scots on the island gear up for another celebratory feast dedicated to the life and work of Robert Burns. Being an institution of the Scottish lifestyle, guests can expect a full-on traditional experience at The Burns Supper. Throughout the night, poems will be recited, songs will be sung and speeches will be given all in the spirit of the literary legend. In line with the customary concept of the evening, an array of national dishes and delicacies will be served including specially imported haggis, neeps and tatties. Also, as in any Scottish affair, there will be no shortage of traditional beverages. Demanding a semi-formal dress code, the open-to-all dinner starts after 7.30pm. The background story Bringing a little piece of Scotland closer to home, The Awali Callies, as they are called, is one of the oldest clubs in the
32 January 2013
Kingdom. The seeds of the society date back to 1935 when an impromptu function was held by founding members. However, their first official event was to celebrate St Andrew’s night in 1936, an affair that is still yearly held by the society in the form of a ball. The Caledonians, being very keen in preserving and promoting their heritage and traditions hold a number of special events each year to celebrate their anniversaries. As a non-profit society, they are big on donations and contribute to a number of both local and Scottish charitable organisations. “This being our first event of the new season, we will also be running our annual fundraising horse racing night in April and will then decide which charities we will be working with by the end of the year,” says society chairman Andy Mcalpine. The poet born in 1759, considered to be not only Scotland’s but one of the world’s greatest lyricists, is still commemorated annually. Burns’ most famous work includes Auld Lang Syne and A Red, Red Rose. His other poems were known for their political and civil commentary. Having written his very first poem after he fell in love, Burns is also well known for the 300 or more songs he wrote celebrating both love and friendship. Most of hispoems were written in Scots, documenting and celebrating their tradition and culture with expressions of farm life as well as class and religious distinctions. E Call 36 557-655.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
happeningssportsrecreation
Kicks for the Kingdom Alison Coldridge Eight countries will compete on Bahrain’s turf as the region’s top football competition returns to the Kingdom this month. The new year will begin in a big way for the Kingdom as the Gulf Cup of Nations returns to Bahrain for the fourth time. The 21st edition of the region’s most prestigious football tournament will be held in the country after a decision by the Gulf Co-operation Council. The eight nations consist of Kuwait, UAE, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Yemen, Oman and Bahrain. The countries will unite to compete on the pitch in an effort to secure the top spot. Each team will have a squad of up to 35 players. The opening game is expected to be played to a packed venue when Oman take on Bahrain at the National Stadium at 7:15pm on January 5. Eleven consecutive matches will be played out between all eight countries before the top four teams make it to the semi-finals. The cup’s ultimate game will be played at the National Stadium on Friday January 18 at 5:45pm. You can view the entire list of matches on the competition’s website, as indicated above. Tickets can also be purchased on the website or at various venues around the Kingdom. All of the matches are scheduled to be held in the two largest sporting facilities on the island — the National
Stadium located in East Riffa and Khalifa Sports City in Muharraq. Whilst the latter was constructed last year, partly to host this event, the former has been renovated and updated. Both feature electronic scoreboards, commentating cabins, stations for media and TV channels and other technical elements that will ensure the professionalism of the event. The event comes as a joint effort of many of the country’s top sporting associations. The Bahrain Football Association has naturally played a large part in cementing the arrangements, as has the Supreme Council of Youth and Sports. However the majority of the planning and overseeing has been completed by the event’s specially formed committee, directed by Ahmed Al Nuami. In attendance at every match will be the cup’s trio of mascots: Jameela, Farhan and Samhan — three camel footballers. A sporting nation The event will boost the Kingdom’s status as a host of big sporting events and will be followed in the remainder of the year by similar high-profile events. In February the annual Sailing Arabia race will take off from Bahrain’s shores and the following month the Kingdom will host the third GCC Women’s Games. E Visit www.gulfcup21.bh.
When? January 5-18 Event? Gulf Cup of Nations Venue? National Stadium and Khalifa Sports City Stadium The 21st edition of the region’s most prestigious championship gets underway. E Visit www.gulfcup21.bh. When? January 7 Event? Golf series Venue? Royal Golf Club Get ready for another round of the Monday Madness Golf Night Series. E Email golftevents@ theroyalgolfclub.com
When? January 10 Event? Gymnastics show Venue? Al Nejdawi Gymnastics Centre The Al Nejdawi championship brings together the region’s best gymnasts. E Call 33745-228. When? January 12-19 Event? Training course Venue? Bahrain Olympic Committee A level-one course kicks off the National Coaching Programme. E Call 17 821-200.
When? January 5-18 | Event? Gulf Cup of Nations | Venue? National Stadium and Khalifa Sports City Stadium
34 January 2013
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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Little Picasso’s Art Competition A number of children participated in the annual Little Picasso's Art Competition that was held at the Seef Mall last month. The theme for this year's event was “BahrainNuna”, which is the first line of Bahrain’s national anthem. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the General Directorate of Traffic’s Car Seat Campaign in order to give 500 car seats to low-income Bahraini families
Faika, Joan, Lynne, Sawsan & Najah
Tony, Joan & Mahin
Shaikha Hind opens the art competition
Sunita, Aparna, Shaun & Amanda
Mariza, Rhea, Lubina & Tahera
Likhit
Esra
Haneel
Aditya
Pratik
Abdulrahman
Ella, Sana, Aditya, Adaah, Hassan & Mahin
36 January 2013
Harold & Lynne
Enas
Sasi & Pradeesh
Shilpa & Lirit
Yomna, Fatin & Leena
Sadanandan, Avinash, Roshna & Lalitha
Roshna
Fatimath
Daulat, Poonam & Francisca
Myra & Fatima
www.bahrainthismonth.com
T: +973 17 22 77 70 F: +973 17 22 66 55 email: roubens@batelco.com.bh
bystanderthismonth
Mercedes Benz GL 2013 Launch Mercedes Benz Bahrain dealers Al Haddad Motors unveiled the new 2013 GL in Bahrain last month. The launch ceremony, which was held at the Al Haddad Motors showroom in Tubli, was attended by company officials, media representatives and a number of guests
The new GL-Class Mercedes Benz
Imran, Graeme Newport & Arif
Graeme & Mark
Ali
Lido, Melvin & Boy
Hardev Singh, Abdulla Al Haddad & Salman
Nabeela & Qadisa
Fatima, Gopal, Ryan, Jamal & Maarli
Steve & Jeff
Samra & Aqsa
Jaser & Dr Ali
Nasreen, Zahra & Dr Faiza
Muhannan
Fatima & Batool
Tamim
Jason
Rotary Club Of Adliya Dinner The Rotary Club of Adliya hosted a social evening and dinner for members and guests at the Hong Kong Restaurant in Umm Al Hassam last month
Yana, Iro, Sajida, Nijad & Zoher
38 January 2013
Amal & Alex
Hasan & Nasreen
Nina & Jameela
Khalid, Angella, Julian & Mazin
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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HE Iain Lindsay Hosts Christmas Carols Evening HE Iain Lindsay, British Ambassador and Bridget Lindsay hosted 500 members of the British community for Christmas carols in their garden on Thursday 6th December. The British School of Bahrain choir and the Manama Singers performed during the evening. Charitable donations made on the evening will be donated to the RIA Centre and the Alia for Early Intervention Centre. The event coincided with the 110th birthday of a British presence on the Ras Al Raman site, with the establishment there of the British Political Agency, the forerunner of the Embassy, on 6th December 1902
Bridget Lindsay, Debra Dixon & Russ Dixon
Susan, Elspeth & Reck
Embassy staff perform during the evening
Kids enjoying the Christmas carols
The Billington family
Malcolm & Elaine
Hina, Arran, Julia, Charlie, Nicki, Chrissie & Mark
Tim, Diane, Suzie, & Mike
Kev, Jan, Martin & Kristine
The British School of Bahrain choir
40 January 2013
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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Emirates Honors Top Agents in Bahrain and Dammam Emirates honoured its top agents in Bahrain and Dammam at an award ceremony and gala dinner held at the The Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa. In addition to more than 250 travel agents, the function was attended by senior executives from Bahrain Airport, Authority of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Interior and representatives from Bahraini and Saudi media Yousif, Aziz, Reema & Al Bannai
Madhu, John, Chander & Bobby
Juan & Kannan
Layal, Reema Al Marzooqi, Aziz Gilitwala, Director, Dadabhai Travel, Adil Al Ghaith, Rasool Ghuloom, GM Dadabhai Travel Saudi Arabia & Cheryl
Sajjad, Binu & Farzan
Alya & Susana
Mahmood & Sherif
Khalid & Khalid
Yousif, Ibrahim & Hossam
Nitin & Suhaib
Reema & Hatim
Ahmed & Wisam
Maqbool, Yousif & Al Bannai
Hussain & Shabbir
Mirza, Nabeel, Mazher & Talat
Adil Al Ghaith, Reema Al Marzooqi & Emirates employees in Bahrain with representatives of ‘Outstanding Performance’ agents in Bahrain
42 January 2013
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Before
After
Before
After
bystanderthismonth
The K Hotel Christmas Tree Lighting The K Hotel in Juffair held a Christmas Tree lighting at the hotel lobby during the festive season
Luisa & Jehan
Sahar
Maya, Hakima, Yara, Mohamed & Yousif
Ray & Ayla
Zain & Faith
Bianca, Jenifer & Bea
Yen, Kyla & Mae
Andrina & Pamee
Michelle, Isabella & Novel
Maria & Mae Ann
Grets, Sha & Maricar
Bala & Vikas
Joanna & Gerald
Amwaj Marina Market season 3
Saturday, January 26
10am - 5pm
The Amwaj Marina, Amwaj Islands
For more information or to book a table for January’s market, please email info@amwaj.bh
Amwaj Islands @amwajislands Amwaj Islands
44 January 2013
www.amwaj.bh
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Gulf Hotel Christmas Tree Lighting The Gulf Hotel brought in plenty of festive cheer with the lighting of the hotel's Christmas tree. Santa was also present much to the delight of the kids that attended the event
Greg, Christophe, Joanne & Pippa
Naoki, Christophe, Didier & Imbi
Windy, Taliya & Yasmeen
Good ole Santa
Tania & Sophia
Cherrylynn, Rod & Kenzie
Steve & Paul
Maria & Zahra
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Collin & Lereina
Anni, Patty & Daithi
Maisoon & Julia
Sara
January 2013 45
bystanderthismonth
Mรถvenpick Hotel Christmas Tree Lighting To start the festive season, Mรถvenpick Hotel Bahrain held a Christmas tree lighting reception at the hotel last month. Santa Claus was also on hand to give the kids plenty to cheer about
Theresa & Jihan
Heinz & Alfred
Santa with some kids
David, Bless, Henry & James
46 January 2013
Maria, Sabreen, Ria, Hamza & Sumaya
Nizar, Julia, Sumaya & Salman
Sami, Rose & Helen
Rocio & Claudio
Rene, Khalid & Klaus
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The Diplomat Christmas Tree Lighting The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa held a Christmas Tree lighting and Gingerbread House decoration at the hotel lobby during the festive season
Franie & Megan
Muneera & Alya
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Cherry, Francesco, Panos Panagis & Kopila
Rhyanna
Abdulla
Steve, Fred, Adrian & Alex
Aerin
Loryal
Grayson
Olivia
Lila, Sofia & Serine
Amna, Yaqoob, Raha, Hanadi & Adam
January 2013 47
spotlightthismonth
The Heart of the Matter xxxxx We provide training in CPR and defibrillation and are promoting automated external defibrillators, or AEDS, to be readily available in local locations
Sarah Kinch & Pam Kamal
Most people think that sudden cardiac arrest relate only to those who are old, overweight or unfit. However, shocking statistics show that this isn’t the case; everyone is at risk.
48 January 2013
A group of first aid trainers residing in the Kingdom are working tirelessly to help decrease the shocking amount of premature deaths due to cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike people of all ages, races, gender and body tye; worldwide statistics suggest that annually approximately half a million people die due to this, more than breast cancer, lung cancer and AIDS combined. The trio of ladies, of Bahraini training organisation First Aid Box, are passionate about raising local awareness of the tragic loss of so many lives. They particularly encourage the implementation of one device that has the ability to save those who go into cardiac arrest. “We provide training in CPR and defibrillation and are promoting automated external defibrillators, or AEDS, to be
readily available in local locations,” explains Pam Kamal, proprietor of First Aid Box. “They should be in every school, gym, sport’s institute, shopping mall, business, beauty salon, dental clinic…the list is endless.” An AED is a small, lightweight simple-to-use device which can analyse a person’s heartbeat via pads attached to the chest. “It will deliver a shock via these pads to attempt to restart the heart if someone has a sudden cardiac arrest,” Pam adds. “It’s completely safe to use and guides the user with clear visual and oral instructions. There is no need to worry that you will cause more harm by using the device as the AED will only shock if it recognises the need to.” The success rate of the device is extraordinary. With CPR alone the survival rate is just five per cent. But by using a defibrillator within the first five minutes the chance of survival can be increased by a further 65 per cent. “Just as every public space must have a fire extinguisher installed, there should also be an AED,” says Pam. “Persuade your employer to purchase a defibrillator for your workplace. Encourage your child’s school to install one. But above all, know where the nearest AED is and you could save a life.” In addition to encouraging the placements of AEDs, the group, comprising of Pam, Sarah Kinch and Vicky Honar, conduct first aid tutorials for companies, schools and those who wish to learn the skill. They raise awareness of the two causes of sudden cardiac arrest, cardiac myopathy, from which as many as 1 in 500 children may suffer from this condition in which the heart muscle is unusually thick. Commotio Cordis, a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating effectively following a relatively low-velocity impact to the chest. “Our initiative is doing well as more people are realising the need to be prepared for cardiac arrest situations,” Pam adds. “Facilities such as World Beat Fitness Centre, Seef Mall, British School, St Christopher's School and Tatweer update staff yearly in CPR and have installed an AED. The devices recommended by First Aid Box are not prohibitively expensive — we are talking about costs a little higher than a computer!” E Email firstaid@batelco.com.bh.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Opening hours: 11.00 - 20:00 daily
Holland Pavilion Let’s work together! Stand no. 1E31-1F31 The Dutch Consulate in Bahrain have organised a "Holland Pavilion" at the Gulf Industry Fair 2013 taking place 15 - 17 January in Manama, Bahrain. We’re proud to welcome 14 Dutch organizations including MH Hydraulics, KLM, VDL Groep, Imtech Industry International, Hydro-Flex Hydraulics, D-TEC, J Flags, VANEX, Euroboor, All-Packs International, ROVC, and TGS to the Holland Pavilion. These highly skilled and very innovative Dutch companies are looking forward to meeting regional business partners and market opportunities and therefore would be delighted to welcome you to the Holland Pavilion in mid January 2013. www.hollandtrade.com
businessthismonth When? January 8-9 | Event? Conference | Venue? Diplomat Radisson Blu
Adapt to Change The ability to adapt is a crucial skill for leaders and managers. The right set of tools, skills and leadership is needed to be able to make appropriate decisions to overcome the impact of change. The concept of change management is growing in importance today. The First GCC Leadership Conference: Secrets of Change Management aims to introduce this concept as a crucial skill a leader must possess. The theme is unique, being the first in the region to address implementing change management across organisations, businesses and cultures. Attendees will be provided with the know-how and skills to overcome change and will leave understanding how to lead groups towards positive goals and success. HE Dr Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza, Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs, will be the event’s patron while the conference will be headed by leadership guru Arthur Carmazzi and other certified trainers. Expert local and regional speakers will present experiences in implementing change management on a macro-economic level and organisational level while presenting models of success within the GCC region. Discussed topics will include developing high impact change teams, characteristics of a leader and how to manage a crisis. Organised by Expressions Marketing Communications, the event is expected to attract over 200 participants. The conference will Also this month
be supported by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society and the United Nations Industrial Development Programme. The Electricity and Water Authority along with the National Oil and Gas Authority as well as Tamkeen’s labour fund are also among the supporters. Top leadership guru Ranked as one of the global top ten most influential leadership speakers, Carmazzi has 21 years’ experience specialising in psychological approaches to leadership and corporate culture transformation. The renowned motivational keynote speaker trains in the Asian region using innovative techniques and tools that have been acknowledged by some of the world’s greatest corporations. Arthur is also a bestselling author with book titles that include Six Dimensions of Top Achievers, Colored Brain Communication Field Manual, Identity Intelligence, Lessons from the Monkey King and Psychology of Selecting the Right Employee. The Corporate Culture Evolution Evaluation is another initiative under Carmazzi’s belt. These tools have been implemented across a variety of human resources and leadership disciplines by numerous multinationals to generate greater efficiency of human capital. The unique structure of Arthur’s training tools and methods have earned him and his directive communication methodology accreditation from the prestigious American IInstitute of Business Psychology. E Call 17 744-898.
When? January 7 & 8 Event? Conference and exhibition Venue? Gulf Hotel Tamkeen reveals its programmes to empower entrepreneurs in Bahrain. E Call 17 383-333. When? January 8 & 9 Event? Conference Venue? Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Learn how to implement change management at this specialised conference. E Call 17 744-898. When? January 15-17 Event? Fair Venue? BIECC Attend the region’s annual business-to-business exhibition for the industrial sector. E Call 17 299-123. When? January 16 & 17 Event? Conference Venue? Gulf Hotel The GCC Plant Design and Optimisation Conference explores power generation. E Visit www.gccplantdesign.com. When? January 20-23 Event? Summit Venue? Gulf Hotel Discover expert solutions and alternatives to meet the rise in energy demands. E Visit www.lngbahrain.com.
52 x Interview
www.bahrainthismonth.com
January 2013 51
businessinterview
Abdulkarim Bucheery
Staying the Course Simi Kamboj The banking and financial services industry has so far weathered the ongoing storm well. Only innovation and sound business practices can fuel the much desired growth, believes Abdulkarim Bucheery.
52 January 2013
There’s a sense of contentment in Abdulkarim Bucheery as he looks back at the past year. Having navigated his bank through some of Bahrain’s more turbulent years, the BBK Chief Executive is positive that the Kingdom is well past the bottom of the trough and the market has now stabilised. “The economic cycle has been negative for over five years now. I’m convinced that it’s now a matter of only six to nine months before we’ll be out of the current cycle,” he observes. Regardless of the economic climate, more banking licences were issued this year, endorsing the view that Bahrain has the right fundamentals, which cannot be easily duplicated in the region, he argues. The banking sector’s contribution to the Kingdom’s GDP will continue to remain under pressure for some time, primarily due to limited opportunities for deploying cash and partly due to the high oil prices giving a fillip to the energy sector. But he is convinced that the sector will continue to remain an important component of the Kingdom’s economy. At BBK, Abdulkarim has managed to grow the business across all segments during the course of 2012. He’s also scouting opportunities for expansion and remains actively involved in new businesses in Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia. BBK’s results speak for themselves. The bank’s net profit for the third quarter of 2012 doubled to BD 8.8 million as against BD 4.0 million for the same period last year.
Growth potential As we quiz the BBK CE over his strategy during the turbulent times, it emerges that the past three years have been characterised by prudent measures, diversification as well as service innovation. Deploying excess liquidity was one of the toughest challenges in a volatile economic climate and Abdulkarim insists that his investment team is not sitting idle. By the end of 2012, BBK’s investment portfolio had turned positive, thanks to timely investments in the right instruments. “Since the beginning of 2010, we consciously exited from European markets and are now invested in high-yielding assets in the regional markets. Our investment portfolio has grown twice its size this year. We’ve also switched from European lenders to regional players,” he notes. In the course of 2012, the bank’s market share in Bahrain went up across almost all segments. BBK ranks among the top three contenders in retail banking while it claims the largest market share in corporate banking. Customer deposits grew by 30.3 per cent during 2011 to reach BD 2,076 million, making BBK the leader in cash reserves among local banks. Perhaps what is most heartening for Abdulkarim is the sight of consumer confidence gradually returning to Bahrain. BBK recorded a considerable growth in consumer loans in 2012. It has also witnessed a remarkable growth in credit card
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utilisation, signalling increased consumer spending, another encouraging sign for the economy. Taking a cue from the improved market sentiment, BBK would like to expand its loan portfolio further, but given the small size of the Bahrain market and the intense competition among all players, it is now looking elsewhere for growth, tapping the regional markets. The bank is currently setting up its third branch in India, which is due to open in early 2013 and has requisitioned the Indian regulators for a fourth branch in New Delhi. Through its various subsidiaries, such as Invita and Credimax, the bank is foraying into the regional markets. BBK’s joint venture with Geogit BNP India has resulted in a subsidiary BBK Geogit Securities, which provides the bank’s client base the opportunity to diversify their holdings through investments in the Indian stock market. Another BBK affiliate is expected to launch a business in Kurdistan by mid-2013. Business maybe looking up, but Bahrain’s growth continues to be suppressed by its negative credit rating, which has proved a major dampener. “Our negative rating raises the cost of borrowing for institutions unnecessarily. The political situation is not such as to warrant such harsh measures from the rating agencies. A reputation built over so many year will take many more to climb back to 2011 levels,” he laments. Innovative offerings In a market saturated with finance options, it is becoming crucial for banks to pay close attention to customer needs. Through the course of 2012, BBK has strived to stay ahead of the curve by launching innovative products and services almost every other month to address specific market segments. In December, the bank launched the Al Wajaha, an exclusive banking proposition for its most discerning customers. As well as enjoying preferential rates on fixed deposits and loans, overdraft facilities and reduced fees on select banking services; they are offered the Visa Infinite debit card, which entitles them to travel benefits, multiple-trip insurance and access to emergency medical services. Customers are also automatically provided with a Priority Pass card, giving them access to over 600 airport lounges in over 300 cities worldwide. Recently, BBK achieved the distinction of being the first bank to launch banking services for special needs customers. “From training 25 personnel in sign language to communicate with the hearing-impaired customers, to providing ramps at BBK financial malls, we’re trying our best to meet the needs of the special needs customers. It is a small segment, nevertheless, it’s important to us,” says Abdulkarim. Training its sights on the corporate and institutional customers, the bank has introduced an Internet-based cash management platform that enables clients to initiate multiple types of payments and view all their account-related information from their offices. The BBKCashlink service is geared towards clients who want to better manage their cash flow by being able to initiate ‘just-in-time’ payments and accelerate their receivables from locations all over the world. Mobile and telephone banking are other areas where BBK has invested significantly in recent years.
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xxxxx The economic cycle has been negative for over five years now. I’m convinced that it’s now a matter of only six to nine months before we’ll be out of the current cycle
Heartfelt commitment In the realm of social responsibility, BBK has perhaps been the most visible financial institution at the forefront of community support. From providing regular contributions towards humanitarian causes and charities to sponsoring longstanding projects all on its own, BBK is noted for its CSR activities. The bank remains a top sponsor of the Crown Prince Scholarship Programme, one of the best educational programmes for deserving youngsters in the Kingdom. Last year, BBK launched the Kingdom’s largest and most advanced health centre in Hidd. Built over an area of 6200 square metres, the BD3.9 million facility comprises 26 family physician clinics and six dental clinics in addition to a nursing department, a theatre for minor surgeries and a medical treatment room. In addition, there’s a section for mobile units to provide care for elderly patients as well as emergency and ambulance services. Abdulkarim concedes that he is inclined to support long-standing projects that are selfsustaining in the long run and cater to the needy and special needs population. One of his favourite projects is the Iqra library, which the BBK has funded in Muharraq and in the far flung Malkhiya village. “Iqra in Arabic means ‘to read’ and we want to assist children by offering them the right environment for nurturing their reading habit and by creating a cultural recreational area for them, especially in the remote villages. The Malkhiya project is the second in, hopefully, what will become an Iqra chain across Bahrain,” he believes. BBK continues to support initiatives that promote education in Bahrain; it is sponsoring the rebuilding of the Al Khalifiya library in Muharraq’s heritage zone, the oldest establishment of its kind in the Kingdom.
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businessinterview
Innovation on a Plate xxxxx Kuwaitis and Bahrainis are among the few Middle Eastern nationals who have a well refined palate. They are well-travelled, discerning and more open to new dining experiences
Amer Zeitoun
Simi Kamboj The world of fusion gourmet cuisine is awash with countless possibilities. Serving up for the refined palate in Bahrain is Amer Zeitoun.
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Brothers Amer and Oliver Zeitoun are kindred spirits on the subject of contemporary gourmet cuisine. Inspired by Nobu’s fusion concepts and the exotic ambience of Buddha Bar, the family launched Maki in 2002, introducing over 150 Japanese-inspired dishes in a relaxed lounge-style setting. Ten years later, the chain boasts six restaurants across Kuwait, Beirut and Bahrain. With his martial arts training and penchant for Japanese cuisine, Amer himself is more of a Japanese spirit than Middle Eastern. “I believe Japanese cuisine is one of the best because it is very creative and healthy. The Japanese in general are brought up to be very hospitable and friendly; hence hosting and service is almost impeccable at restaurants in Japan.” Amer holds that food is all about memories and that good food should evoke great memories. “Other elements have their place, but for dining to be a great experience, the food should be the star of the show.”
Maki was Oliver’s brainchild and the elder sibling remains the bedrock in the kitchen, experimenting and developing recipes, while Amer, along with younger brother Oussama, runs the business. Amer is aware that fusion food is tricky territory and can fail miserably unless the chefs know what they’re doing. “Fusion food doesn’t mean combining two global ingredients randomly. The chef should be able to balance the different flavours and textures so that the end result is homogenous, tasty and pleasing to the senses,” he says. In business, the success of fusion cuisine rests on a number of factors, not least of which is the cultural diversity of potential clientele. On that account, Amer is not too worried about Bahrain’s culinary sophistication. “Kuwaitis and Bahrainis are among the few Middle Eastern nationals who have a well refined palate. They are welltravelled, discerning and more open to new dining experiences,” he feels. Going forward, Amer has ambitious expansion plans, which include franchising Maki across Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait. He’s also had interest from Japan to launch Maki in Tokyo and is awaiting a suitable offer. Having succeeded with fusion Japanese, Amer has trained his eyes on a new concept. He is awaiting the right opportunity to bring his second brand, Zeebrgr, to Bahrain next year. Contrary to the name, Zeebrgr is a contemporary restaurant featuring flagship gourmet burgers, with a fusion twist, and other international dishes. “Zeebrg aspires to be a lounge where customers relax and listen to music while enjoying their gourmet meal. We're exploring options in Bahrain and given the right location and offer, will bring the brand over soon,” he says. The brothers are also dabbling with other fusion concepts, which might be rolled out over time. In the long run, Amer hopes to see regional players Maki and Zeebrgr as brands that are globalised, much like the food they offer.
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bystanderthismonth
Christmas Tree Lighting At Sofitel A Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony was held at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, marking the beginning of the festive season. The event was attended by around 100 guests including members of the media and inhouse guests. A choral choir from Sacred Heart Church enchanted guests with Christmas carols and Santa paid a surprise visit
Bert Plas, Mirna & Charbel
Elena, Ayden & Kim
Selina, Mariam & Lina
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Michel, Ulysse & Lani
Fulya, Jassim Al Zayani & Tamara
Henry & James
Evans & Debbie
Millie & Alfie
Monica, Mirna, Christy & Carol
David & Bless
Stephen & Wei
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Bahrain City Centre’s Winter Wonderland Bahrain City Centre’s Winter Wonderland brought an authentic winter experience complete with a life-sized igloo, giant gingerbread house and a host of fuzzy winter characters, the Bahrain City Centre’s winter village gave children and families a unique opportunity to have some frosty fun during the festive season
Safwat, Doaa & Adam
Christin & Yel
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Lori, Dipti, Ahmed, Duaij & Wafa
Dipti, Wassim & Lori
Umesh, Irisha & Sangeetha
Raed & Wael
Ryan & Michael
Kate
Sara & Mariam
Angie
Noora
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bystanderthismonth
If Walls Could Talk Art Exhibition Under the patronage of HE Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, a contemporary art exhibition titled "If Walls Could Talk" was held at the Bahrain Financial Harbour's Fine Art Gallery last month
Rawia, Yasmin & Jenine
Mercedes
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Frances Stafford, HE Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa & Yasmin Sharabi
Amaris, Nadeem, Yamil & Mark
Hanin & Ahmed
Denise & Michael
HE Abdul Nabi Al Sho'ala & Abdul Hussain Dawani
Nermin
Jenine, Michel & Maura
Abdul Hussain & Henny
Frances
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Gulf Hotel Reception The Gulf Hotel hosted a Christmas reception for the hotel's key clients and business partners last month. The event was held at the hotel's Typhoon outlet
Tim, Ian & Vince
Ron, Ashley & Travis
Zuhair & Hazel
Santa with Leah, Addie & Khalid
Michele & Sonja
James, Sam & Imbi
Richard, Keiron & Val
Mo & Zuhair with Santa
Cristina, Akeel & Riina
Mobeen, Sunil, Mahwaish, Stacey, Mrinal & Jobin
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January 2013 59
destination
Discovering Indonesia JAMES CLAIRE Following tsunamis, earthquakes and the Asian financial meltdown, it would seem many of us have forgotten to add modern, amazing Indonesia of the new millennium back onto our travel itineraries.
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While tens of thousands from Bahrain visit countries such as Thailand and Malaysia each year, less than a thousand took the opportunity to visit Indonesia in 2011. A recent tour of three Indonesian provinces, courtesy of the Indonesian Embassy, would beg to suggest that we are all missing out on an amazing vacation destination and a business goldmine. An overview Indonesia’s population of more than 230 million is 85 per cent Muslim while Hindu, Catholic and Protestant religions are also embraced. Enjoying a youthful 50 per cent under the age of 30 and consisting of over 300 different ethnicities, this nation is diverse in many, many ways. Bali may be the most famed destination within the country and demands a definite side trip. However, Indonesia has far greater offerings with some 17,000 islands, leaving plenty to explore. Indonesia today is a healthy, vibrant and exciting country striving hard to forge its way into modernity. While appreciating its heritage, it is determined to prove itself after having suffered at the hands of the British, Dutch, Portuguese and Japanese who all occupied the country at some stage. In many parts the history is apparent and the diversity of its occupiers is all too clear.
The view While the country has cities built with towers of glass and metal, it also has a vast wealth of natural resources and miles of untouched scenery. History abounds and the beauty of nature calls on any tourist willing to take the time to appreciate its offerings. Enjoy the emerald green of rice paddies in the low-lying sea level belts of West Java to the rich lushness of tea and coffee plantations 2000 feet above sea level as you cross the Bogor Puncak Pass. Walk the crater ring of Mt Tangkuban Perahu; one of the country’s 150 volcanoes, 75 of which are still active. Dip in the warm Lake Singkarak where fish nibble at your feet. You could also walk through native village areas and view amazing natural waterfalls or simply amble along the village roadway where villagers allow you to pick cocoa pods from their front yard and share tea with them in their home. While Indonesia is slowly growing its tourism industry outside Bali, it has already been found by those living in countries close by. Malaysians, the number one tourists to Indonesia, have found the shopping inexpensive and are mesmerised by the landscape which offers something different around every corner.
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MUST VISITS Jakarta The capital is a sprawling, modern city of 12 million people where cars compete on the roads with thousands of motorbikes. Begin your city tour at the National Monument in Medan Merdeka Park. It stands 137 meters high and is topped with a 50kg pure gold flame. Taking 14 years to build, this monument is testament to the Indonesian people’s national pride over their independence. Take the time to enjoy the elevator to the top viewing platform from where you can see the palaces of the President and numerous embassies. West Java Part of a greater country, this is a place of adventure from surfing, golfing, hiking in unspoiled forests and along volcanic craters, as well as canoeing down rapids. Located west of the country’s capital, West Java is a relaxing but slightly lengthy bus journey into a tourists’ paradise. A multitude of volcanoes, active and dormant, offers breathtaking scenery opportunities. Factory outlets in Bandung put forward sensational savings. Beaches and canyons are not far away. West Sumatra Fly into Padang and use it as a base for further exploration of this sensational province. Travel north to Bukittinggi to see the Sianok Canyon or ‘Grand Canyon’ of Indonesia and have fun with the playful monkeys as they eat from your hand. At the centre of this city is Big Ben, a 26 metre high clock tower built in 1926 as a gift from the Dutch Royalty. Venture into the Japanese tunnels of World War II built in 1942. Traditional housing in Sumatra is a must-see and Pagaruyung Palace rebuilt after a fire is one of the best examples. Many of the kind can also be seen in Koto Baru village where inhabitants still live in the traditional pointed-roof dwellings. Nature calls loudly in West Sumatra too with Harau Valley Nature Reserve 134 kilometres from Padang offering waterfalls, 500 metre sandstone cliffs and valleys which echo the slightest noise. Filled with nature and tropical plants, the reserve is worthy of a day trip by itself and best explored by foot and without the pressure of time.
Sianok Canyon
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Mt Tangkuban Perahu
THINGS TO DO Shopping Malaysians have long realised the amazing deals this Muslim enclave offers for shoppers. For those seeking a dual-country vacation, consider a stop in Malaysia prior to the short flight to Indonesia. Bandung in West Java offers amazing textiles, many hand-woven. Batik print clothing is one of the cheapest and one-of-a-kind pieces that you can buy here. Denims come at a steal too. Volcanoes up close Indonesia lies on the famed ‘ring of fire’ in the Pacific Ocean and has no fewer than 150 volcanoes within its borders. Despite the often unpleasant smell of sulphuric gases emanating from deep within the craters, many of the volcanoes such as Mt Tangkuban Perahu are easily accessible and worthy of a half-day visit. Mountaintop views, cool hilly climates and views inside a volcano never get tiring. Eco-Indonesia To give children and adults a true education of produce and agriculture and what sustainability means in an up-close-and-personal style, Indonesia in a single day can offer tea plantations, cocoa farms, corn and rice fields, waterfalls, sustainable fishing ponds, coffee plantations, volcanoes and beaches. Few countries offer diversity of nature as easily accessible as Indonesia. Take a trip through the Bogor Puncak Pass and stop to see why this country is the number one exporter of tea and ranks second in coffee. Mini styles Take a day trip to the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, where homes, arts and the culture of all 33 provinces and ethnicities of this island nation are on show in luxurious garden surrounds. Covering 17,000 islands would be impossible. This park gives you a glimpse at the diversity of the country in a single day. Mini does not however refer to the sites you will see which are full-size replicas of the traditional homes of Indonesian provinces. In this case, ‘mini’ refers to seeing the entire country in a day. Showing the diverse styles of homes that are colourful and life-size offers a peek into those areas where tourists do not typically venture. Ancient temples While much is written of the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, little is mentioned of the Hindu and Buddhist temples of the ancient world hidden for centuries inside Indonesia. Borobudur are the Buddhist temples in Central Java that are just as impressive. These giants, hidden for centuries under volcanic ash and within tropical forests, are today an amazing site and worthy of a visit. It can be accessed by a short flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, where the temples are a short bus ride away.
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downtimethismonth
Family Matters elma bartholomew It’s impossible to turn a blind eye to the Beckhams when they’re all you can see in the media globally these days — you know, because they aren’t popular enough already. It isn’t unusual to see Papa Bear and Mama Bear of the pack all over the news at least once a week if not every day. However, what caught our interest was the 10-year-old in the family. Unlike his father, who has been reason for many a car crash because of billboards around the globe that portrayed him in nothing but briefs for H&M’s bodywear range, Romeo Beckham proves that he is all for clothes. In fact, he prefers designer wear. At least, that is what we gather from his toothy grin in the latest Burberry campaign. Parading a complete outfit too grave to be in the boys’ section, the second-oldest son of David and Victoria Beckham is clad in the label’s iconic beige trench coat with the check print lining. Several debates had risen regarding his introduction to studio lights and cameras at such an early age. His campaign was compared to many banned ads like that of Dakota Fanning’s Marc Jacobs’ “Oh, Lola!” banner. Although she was 17 at the time, it was her childish looks that betrayed her. However, what people fail to realise is that this is a lad promoting the kids’ range of the brand using his natural boyish charm to support the overall theme. What is possibly wrong in that? Some others argued that he is far from the need for money and Also this month
it is unjust that he has found his way to the top so soon in life. For a boy who was accompanied by his nanny and security guards, how is it even a matter of money? After all, wasn’t he handpicked by Burberry CEO Christopher Bailey himself when he noticed Romeo’s sense of style and love for fashion? Let us try to ignore the fact that Bailey and the campaign’s photographer Mario Testino are good friends of the Beckhams. Once a Spice Girl, “Posh” didn’t hit the right cord with the media as she proved to be her grim self at the Viva Forever reunion held last month. It was bad enough that she appeared late to the event, and then she chose to turn it into a family affair. Many would claim that she was trying to say that she’s better settled than her four ex-band mates, while others might think she isn’t out of her “look what I’ve got” phase. With or without VB, the girls had a lot of fun and they’ve got a stream of photos to prove it. A similar venture preceded Romeo’s strut with Baby Spice’s five-year-old son, Beau, being the new face of Argos. The fact that Emma designed the range of clothes might have helped. Also in line, waiting to turn 17, is Kaia Crawford who headlined a Versace Junior photoshoot earlier this year. There’s no disputing her supermodel lineage, but mother Cindy Crawford has chosen to keep her girl away from the limelight until she’s old enough to avoid age-related criticism. We’ve concluded that even though they’re the first to whine about paparazzi, celebs aren’t afraid to put their offspring in front of the cameras when there’s something to publicise.
Strap up
Instead of producing ‘one size/colour fits all’ models, Lance camera straps gives the customer complete control over the buying experience. You pick the style, colour, accent rings and length and Lance does the rest.
Off to the races
CarBot is the world’s first micro-robotic race car that can be controlled with a smartphone. An action-packed toy, it offers four great play modes. Get into the driver’s seat and test your automotive skills.
64 Gadgets x 66 Music x 68 Computer games x 69 Websites x 70 Apps x 71 Movies
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January 2013 63
downtimegadgets
How 'bout them Apples? We’re giving in to the Apple World mania this month. Naturally, their latest phone is on top of our list. We also hit upon some amazing accessories to go with the buy.
Editor's pick! Sleek design
The iPhone 5 boasts a remarkably slim design that still makes room for a larger display and a faster chip. A bonus is that it doesn’t sacrifice battery life. It’s hard to believe a phone so thin could offer so many features including an 8MP iSight camera built into its beautiful aluminum body. Available at Viva outlets and other leading stores.
Feel the beat
JBL’s new line of audio docks has been designed for use with Apple’s new iPhone 5 and devices equipped with Apple’s latest Lightning connector. The OnBeat Micro is a portable speaker dock providing up to five hours of playback on a pair of batteries.
Seen it all
The GoPano micro 360º lens adapter has been designed to record everything around you simultaneously. It then enables you to go back into your recorded video and choose any perspective or angle to view at any point in time.
Rumor has it Wild and free
Another noteworthy Kickstarter project is the XensrCase 3D tracking case for extreme outdoor sports enthusiasts, which has been created to provide users with exact jump height, rotations, speeds and full 3D motion statistics in real time for movement, including jumps and tricks.
It might not have hit the shelves, yet the OCDock is a gadget to look out for from Kickstarter. It is designed to integrate your iPhone with your iMac. Made from high-grade aluminum, it integrates with the base of your iMac or Apple Thunderbolt.
Catch the action
Transform your iPhone into a rugged outdoor action camera with the Mophie Outride equipped with a wide-angle lens. It provides a 170 º viewing angle to capture high-quality photos and videos while being protected by an anodised aluminum bezel.
64 January 2013
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Strum a chord
Guitar maker Fender has partnered with Apple to create a new USB-equipped guitar in the form of the Squier Stratocaster, which has been designed to be used with the Garageband iOS software. It offers novice guitar players an easy way to record music directly.
Stay on track
Zensorium has introduced a new device called TinkĂŠ, which has been designed for iOS devices to help you monitor your cardio-respiratory health and stress levels. It uses optical sensing technologies to capture blood volume changes to diagnose your health.
Hard copies made easy
Lantronix launched a new version of its XPrintServer in the form of an office edition. It is designed specifically for business users looking for a simple iOS printing solution, without the need to download any applications, install software or purchase any further hardware.
Watching over you
The Wallet TrackR, as the name reveals, helps you keep your wallet close. It provides a Bluetooth link to your iPhone or iOS device from your wallet and alerts you whenever it falls out of range. When altered, it shows you the last known place it was located.
The right key
Saving lives
If you find that the battery of your new Apple iPhone 5 runs out of juice, you might be interested in a new case called the Mojo Hi5 Powerbank. Maintaining the slim design, it even allows you to remove the additional 2500 mAh battery when not required.
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The Belkin iPad mini keyboard has well-spaced physical keys and connects wirelessly to a tablet via Bluetooth. The battery should last about 155 hours on a single charge. When not in use, it acts as a case.
All gadgets are available online.
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downtimemusic
Feel-Good Rock Guitarists are taking over the music scene and singing is as daring as it has ever been. We have a look at the folk and indie zones of rock compositions.
Phillip Phillips
OF A TH LB E U M M ON TH
The World from the Side of the Moon RATING:
WHAT’S THE STORY? The most recent
American Idol, Phillip Phillips is yet another guy with a guitar trying to prove his skills beyond the highly lit stage. Like some of his predecessors, the 22-year-old chose against the world of pop music. On the reality show he made it quite apparent that he wasn’t one to conform to the system. The World from the Side of the Moon proves that this wasn’t a gimmick. His natural warm tone and lyrical skills show his true side, which is little different from what was seen on TV.
WORTH A LISTEN?
This is what you call raw music. Phillips doesn’t completely drown himself in the catchy melodies and stirring lyrics. He leaves space for future improvisations, which is expected of someone who is just too good at live performances. Each song works perfectly with every other on the album. The careful renditions are flawless, yet in the first listen they might sound all too similar. Let us hope he finds his way to stardom because if this ‘idol’ vanishes like many others, we really will miss out on some great talent. The words in his song reveal maturity — surprising for someone of his age. It is entertaining, thought-provoking and captivating.
Free Energy
VERDICT: The ridiculously long title might be easy to forget, but his voice isn’t. TOP TRACKS: Gone, Gone, Gone, Drive Me and So Easy.
Love Sign
If you didn’t know any better, you’d think you were listening to an unfound rock sound from the ‘70s. Free Energy expands their boundaries a bit more than Stuck on Nothing in their sophomore album. Love Sign conveys the refinement that the band has gone through in terms of ideas, lyrics and guitar riffs. You’ll find dance numbers like they’ve never done before. They are perpetually on relaxation mode; it transcends to some extent through their music.
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Everything Everything
Arc
Arc is the second studio album by British indie pop band Everything Everything. Less on the rock side than its preceding songs, Arc sticks to its signature quirkiness. It’s all still there, Jonathan Higgs’ trademark falsetto and their hip-hop synth beats.
Tegan and Sara
Heartthrob
Bands these days cannot be thrown under a single title and it might be time to take off the tag ‘indie’ from the twin singersongwriters. One thing that remains unchanged is the existence of strong songs. Closer has a pop goodness to it that gets aired almost daily.
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downtimecomputergames
Smashes and Shots From the living dead to flying a pelican, we’ve seen it all this month in the gaming world. Find out which games have got us hooked.
TH GA E ME M ON TH
Bionic Commando (PC, PS3, Xbox 360)
OF
One of Capcom’s all-time great franchises returns with this re-envisioned modern version of Bionic Commando. Continuing the story 10 years later, you are once again playing the role of Nathan Spencer, a highly decorated government operative.
Halo 4 (Xbox 360)
All Zombies Must Die! (PC, PS3, Xbox 360) RATING:
WHAT IS IT?
The spiritual successor to Burn Zombie Burn! is an arcade roleplaying game, where killing as many zombies as possible is top of the to-do list. Reload your shotgun, sharpen your sword and rev that chainsaw; Deadhill town is teeming with zombies, and it’s your job to put them down. The fate of humanity rests in the hands of four unlikely heroes: Jack the gamer, Rachel the girl, Brian the geek and Luxo the alien. Go it alone or enlist the services of up to three like-minded chums to survive the zombie apocalypse.
The only thing better than the gorgeous graphics in Halo 4 is its sound design. The weaponry continues to work in absolute harmony, each gun with its own purpose. The highlight is that you finally get to fight with the Spartans. This edition is paced better than any recent first-person shooter.
GRAPHICS:
The cast works well with the visual styling of the game. The graphics might take a little getting used to. Still, the blend of cartoon-style drawings and earliest stages of the slasher genre of movies make for an interesting vibe. It gives the brain chompers a home ground of sorts. Unlike its predecessor, AZMD! is comprised of several richly detailed areas in terms of location and layout. The sense of space is quite realistic.
GAMEPLAY: The base combat mechanics of gaming house Doublesix’s previous production has been adopted. AZMD! has faced expansion in every other field to offer a deeper experience overall. For those who have played twin-stick shooters before, getting a grip on the control scheme should be a walk in the park. Others can pick it up quickly too. The distinguishing factor is undoubtedly the addition of RPG-Lite elements like experience points gained when completing missions and killing packs of the undead.
VERDICT: What seems familiar eventually gets repetitive. Monotony aside, it plays well.
68 January 2013
Anarchy Reigns (PS3, Xbox 360) This is a heavy-hitting, action-packed multiplayer brawler that puts players in the middle of the battle simultaneously. The game includes a diverse range of multiplayer modes to provide different challenges, including tag team battles and Battle Royal, where you can challenge others in a full-on fight for victory.
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websites
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DRIVE THE BEST THIS SEASON
Brainpop.com RATING:
WHAT IS IT?
Founded in 1999, BrainPOP creates animated, curricular content that engages students, supports educators and bolsters achievement. In traditional, blended and ‘flipped’ learning settings, this website supports individual, team and whole-class learning. All their resources are fully supported by BrainPOP Educators, which is a free teacher community.
THE GOOD: At school and in informal learning environments, their
characters help introduce new topics and illustrate complex concepts. Their mixer tool lets users tailor their assessments to meet all students’ needs. A great fit for mobile learning and ‘Bring Your Own Device’ classrooms, BrainPOP’s educational apps have been downloaded more than 1.5 million times and lauded in countless reviews. It is easy to use, with no downloading, installation, or special hardware required.
THE BAD:
Apart from the occasionally lengthy loading time, there is hardly any fault to pinpoint. Although some topics are full of choices, a few have a limitation in variety. The design could use up a little more space as the central clutter can get distracting.
VERDICT: One of the best educational websites available.
Across the Middle East and Around the Globe
Americanbookreview.org The American Book Review is an award-winning, internationally distributed publication that appears six times a year. It specialises in reviews of frequently neglected published works of fiction, poetry, and literary and cultural criticism.
Moreintelligentlife.com More Intelligent Life is the online version of Intelligent Life, a lifestyle and culture magazine from The Economist. The website offers not only content from the print edition, trickled out over the course of its shelf-life, but also the Editors’ Blog.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Bringing you the latest models of cars to travel through the Pearl of the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain. And not surprisingly, great deals to grab followed by 24/7 customer support. Call: +973 1723 1156 Airport Branch: +973 1732 1306 E-mail: info@national-bahrain.com
www.national-bahrain.com
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downtimeapps
This Means War From helping a fish escape its net to shooting a man in the head, we’ve been trying it all in the app world. What we thought could be useful is the photo and video ‘slicer’.
E TH
TH PS ON AP M
OF
Chasing Yello Yello and his mischievous seven-year-old owner, Mathilda, return in this endless runner game for iPhone and iPad. This time Yello’s impish owner lets him have a taste of freedom in a local wild creek where he must jump and dive over obstacles such as rocks, logs and even piranhas in order to escape her fishing net. Featuring simple tilt and swipe controls, players must help little Yello navigate through the environmental dangers of the creek while collecting as many stars as possible, which can be used to purchase in-game power-ups and unlock goals.
Predators RATING:
WHAT IS IT?
Splice puts you in total control, so you can assemble video clips, music, photos, visual effects, text, audio mixing, and creative expression, along with exacting synchronisation of sound effects and voiceovers. With an exclusive scrub and timeline feature that is intuitive and easy to use, gathering the raw materials to make your movie has never been easier.
THE GOOD: Splice is not a mere video editing app. It offers the most sophisticated
exclusive features of any app out there. Its special features include control and mix for multiple audio tracks, and precise synchronisation of sound effects and the narration track. The simple, easy-to-use ‘drop-and-drag’ feature for assembling video clips and photos and the ability to add music from iTunes or other music sources are helpful as well. The app also offers the ability to add sound effects, visual effects/filters, transitions and text. You can position text anywhere on-screen. It also offers the timeline editor overview and default editor/clip filter.
THE BAD:
It is preloaded with music and sound effects which is actually a little annoying as it does not allow you to add your personal songs. There have been complaints about the app crashing too often and graphic issues aren’t uncommon either.
VERDICT: It’s rough around the edges.
70 January 2013
Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour The action first-person-shooter game is back on the smartphone with a new chapter to push the boundaries of mobile gaming even further. In the wake of nuclear warfare, the only chance to avoid global devastation is in the hands of the few elite soldiers who must track down and rescue the world’s leaders from a frighteningly familiar terrorist group. Feel the chaos of the battlefield with console-like graphics, lifelike animations and dynamic objects. It costs a whopping USD6.99 though.
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movies
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey RATING: DIRECTED BY: Peter Jackson STARRING: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage
THE PLOT:
This is the story of Bilbo Baggins’ adventures, the one that he writes for his curious nephew Frodo. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, he finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield and is swept into a quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Their journey will take them into the wild, through treacherous lands swarming with goblins and orcs, shape shifters and sorcerers.
WORTH WATCHING? Keeping aside the money-wringing
attitude of the team that has split a single book into three parts, the first movie of the trilogy is certainly worth the watch. At least it is for a fan of the franchise. It is advisable to enter the cinema hall with a bundle of patience because this movie is needlessly lengthy.
VERDICT: There’s no good reason to overlook this fantasy movie.
Life of Pi Not everyone might find it remotely real. This is a tale of cultures, religions and traditions as much as it is about survival and humanity. It is doubtful that Life of Pi will leave the mind of its viewers any time in the near future. They weave you through the story so well it might as well have been you on that boat with a tiger.
Rise of the Guardians You might as well buy a pair of 3D glasses if you’re heading to the cinema this month. This one is as visually dazzling as the former two flicks. It’s hard not to smile throughout the film. including the quieter parts. Don’t disregard Rise of the Guardians as a ‘children only’. You will be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
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January 2013 71
motoringthismonth
The Urban Revolution Peugeot is renowned for creating some of the most sought-after sporty hatchbacks around the world; the all new 208 models are no different. The new ‘supermini’ icon is with us; Zayani Motors has officially launched the latest Peugeot innovation in the Kingdom. The 208 Active and Allure models are advanced versions of the 207 that witnessed tremendous success in the market over the last few years. Showcasing more than a generation’s leap, this series set new standards in the small car segment with its design, innovative architecture and modern power trains in addition to outstanding driveability, road holding and comfort. With a floating radiator grill, signature lighting and boomerang-shaped rear lights, every detail has been developed to work in harmony with the overall volume. The compact vehicle has been completely rethought in terms of instruments and controls and is designed to transform the everyday life of its driver and occupants. The 208 is now breaking previously established codes and offers a new unforgettable driving experience. Design elements such as remodelled seating, a smaller steering wheel and the raised position of the instrument panel create a more intimate relationship in which the car feels like an extension of its driver. The vehicle has become easier to handle; its user-friendly features and intuitive style propels both driver and passengers into the modern world. Also this month
75 x Wheels
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A closer look The five-door Allure model comes with 16-inch Black Diamond alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, a six-speaker sound system, a USB/deported jack plug as well as Bluetooth and other controls on the steering wheel all as standard. A variety of optional equipment is also on offer which includes the panoramic glass roof with a manual curtain, speed limiter, cruise control and dynamic leather seats. An LED mood and ceiling lights package and halogen elliptical module headlights can also be added. Both agile and efficient, the 208 mirrors the way technology has changed. It is completed with improved aerodynamics for a new generation, cutting down on weight and carbon emissions. With a five-star NCAP crash rating, the latest range from Peugeot benefits from a high level of primary safety features including six airbags backed by its impressive road-holding, instrument panel and cruise control — all created to offer the safest drive. Stylish, feline-inspired design features, performance, individuality and innovation are the five elements that embody the French automakers, adding to their distinctive appeal. Built in accordance with the most modern international standards, the Peugeot showroom at Zayani Motors features a state-of-the-art facility where all customers can witness and experience exclusivity, sophistication and progressiveness that is associated with the world’s most prestigious brands. E Call 17 703-703.
When? January 3, 4 and 31 Event? Drag championship Venue? BIC Be part of one of the most popular racing championships in the Kingdom E Call 17 450-000. When? January 14 and 28 Event? Drag and drift Venue? BIC Push your car to its limits at the unique drag and drift experience E Call 17 450-000. When? January 17-19 Event? Auto X Championship Venue? BIC Watch as drivers navigate their way through obstacles to reach the finish line. E Call 17 450-000. When? January 26 Event? Track Xperience Venue? BIC Find out the best features of the Evolution X, Genesis, Caterham G7 and the V8. E Call 17 450-000. When? January 30, 31 Event? National Racing Festival Venue? BIC Catch a whole weekend of the greatest local motoring championships. E Call 17 450-000.
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AHMED ZAYANI & SONS
Grand Moments The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers with refinement and features that can be appreciated both on and off the road.
So far, the 2013 model has captured more than 30 awards from an array of opinion-leading organisations making it the most awarded SUV ever. The improvements to the interior, in terms of design, as well as the new engine are both game-changers in beating the opposition to garner top spot amongst critics. “With the attention to detail that has been paid to smoothness, quietness and refinement, the 2013 model offers fantastic levels of comfort and luxury,” says Godwin D’Cruz, sales and marketing manager at Ahmed Zayani & Sons. “The design is lean and agile, with large wheels and a wide track emphasising its powerful, capable stance. Refinements throughout the Grand Cherokee’s spacious interior create an environment that exudes quality and precision, as well as comfort.” The Laredo This model takes to the road with the hushed ride of a stealth machine, thanks in part to double-dash construction and surrounding acoustic glass. Standard interior amenities abound within its soft touch interior. All you have to do is carry the key in your pocket, purse or briefcase and the standard keyless ‘enter-n-go’ feature automatically unlocks the doors and allows you to start the engine. The Limited The Limited puts power behind an efficient performance, earning nods for horsepower and driving range. The four wheel drive and vehicle management system help to gain passage, whether you choose to travel on roads covered with mud, sand, or rocks. The available air suspension system allows you to lower the vehicle 40mm below normal ride height for easier entry, exit and loading.
74 January 2013
The Overland With the Overland, the most beautiful of adventures has begun. A unique and detailed design blends with an entirely modern character. The result, you arrive at the pinnacle of luxury, appointed with advanced amenities and fully realised Jeep brand capability. Its impeccable road manners can be compared to the smooth and controlled ride of a luxury sedan. With virtually thousands of detailed treatments, hand-stitching, chrome-fittings and softly sculpted comforts, the summit transports all who enter to a place above any other. The SRT8 It’s the most powerful, technologically advanced, highperformance Jeep vehicle ever built. This elegant machine turns heads as quickly as it turns corners. Its aggressive profile resembles a high-performance sports car with its facial intakes, LED daytime running lights, body-colour grille with black mesh and chrome inserts.
E Call 17 238-822.
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wheels
A Driver’s Drive DAVID M. ROBERTSON Three little letters are all you need to know about the BMW M option; when applied to the X6, you get power with a capital ‘P’.
Model BMW X6 M Model year 2013 Engine type V8, 4.4-litre engine Displacement 4,398 cc Horsepower 555 hp @ 6,000 rpm Torque 680 Nm @ 5,650 rpm Transmission 6-speed automatic transmission Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 4.7 seconds Top speed 250 km/h
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The sporty BMW X6 is a high-performance Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV); when you add in the ‘M’ option, then you know you are in for a driving experience to savour. The M package, in essence, takes the notion of a ‘sports’ vehicle and makes it even sportier. Jump inside the sleek-looking X6 M and head straight for the iDrive and look for the M Dynamic Mode — or three little letters that spell MDM. Then switch off the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). This mode is designed, primarily, for driving on a racing track and not for use on public roads. With DSC disabled, the X6 M affords the driver unsurpassed cornering speeds and controlled drifting. In this mode, the point at which DSC intervenes to stabilise the car is significantly delayed, which increases drive slip for both longitudinal and transverse dynamics at all speed levels. This does not impact on safety; it is just a means to increase driving pleasure. To fully appreciate the impact I had an opportunity to drive — to be more precise, be driven by a BMW expert from Germany — around the Bahrain International Circuit with everything switched off. This is an exercise in driving at the limits where the driver really is in control of the vehicle! When it came my turn to take the wheel, the average speed might have been somewhat slower, but the experience was no less enjoyable. Courtesy of Euro Motors, the exclusive distributor for BMW in the Kingdom, I was offered the latest edition of the X6 M to cruise around town. Having previously driven a standard X6 model, it is easy to understand the power difference. In fact, if you want to buy an M version, I’d recommend taking out the equivalent non-M version first so that you can subsequently appreciate the power of ‘M’.
The 2013 X6 M is powered by a newly developed V8 highperformance TwinPower Turbo engine; the world’s first power unit with a common exhaust manifold encompassing both rows of cylinders. BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system is naturally geared to the specific power and performance characteristics of the X6 M, with Dynamic Performance Control as a standard on this model. Interacting with the vehicle’s special suspension is the Adaptive Drive and the new Servotronic power steering. This ensures a driving behaviour typical of an M model; it combines unique stability with precisely controlled steering qualities all the way to the highest level of driving dynamics. As a result this model sets new standards in this segment in terms of acceleration, lateral dynamics, steering behaviour, stopping power and efficiency. Oh, the interior’s as equally high tech and impressive as what you will find under the hood. I was just enjoying myself too much to pay much attention to anything other than soaking up the pleasure from sitting behind the steering wheel! E Call 17 750-750.
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motoring
ZAYANI MOTORS
New and Improved The Mitsubishi Lancer is an all-time favourite in the Middle East and the motoring giant is offering enthusiasts a special treat with a revved up version of the much loved sedan
The Lancer Fortis, known as the Galant Fortis in Japan, comes with an upgraded sporty look, accentuated both in the exterior and interior. The Bahrain This Month team took the 2013 model for a spin and it has exceeded our expectations. The sedan comes with a brand-new engine that is more economical, featuring an auto-stop feature. Launched as a sporty sedan, Fortis delivers when it comes to high and wellbalanced levels of safety, comfort and environmental performance. Style matters The brand aimed to create a new model distinguished by a design that can be immediately identified as a Mitsubishi and they did just that by featuring their hallmark inverted-slant nose with a trapezoidal grille. The exterior design creates a body with vibrant looks and a strong road presence, using proportions comprising a large cabin wrapped in sporty, widestance styling. The interior also achieves a balance between comfort and safety levels and a design distinguished by edgy lines.
76 January 2013
Designers of the household Japanese motoring giant have created a roomy space supported by a wide stance, wrapped in the sporty exterior styling that accents the fender flares. The high-design quality is further enhanced by the painstaking attention given to the detailing and to achieving a pleasing contrast between its muscular surfaces and character line. Inside, a bowed dashboard creates a sense of roominess while the detailing is designed for optimum driver operability and visibility. The use of silver accents in the instrumentation, climate controls and steering wheel further enhances the car’s uptown look. Sculpted front seats with side supports and cushioning are intended for optimum location and support. The rear seat uses large cushions that engender a sense of being comfortably cocooned. Features that enhance passive and impact safety include a seven-airbag SRS system, adaptive front lighting that improves the driver’s field of vision at night and rain-sensitive auto wipers. E Call 17 703-703.
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KIA MOTORS
Revamped Look The eagerly-awaited launch of the 2013 Kia Sorento sports utility vehicle introduces a fresh new look, with a premium appeal.
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Although most people connect Kia with small cars, the all new seven-seater SUV is making giant strides in its class and has broken sales records in North America. The 2013 model has been re-engineered with a new body shell, enhanced power trains for better fuel economy with lower emissions and an overall improved ride. The handling and interior have also been tweaked with additional conveniences to safety features. During the last decade, Sorento has earned widespread media and public acclaim and attracted thousands of customers to Kia, who had not previously considered the brand. Last year, the SUV ranked as the best-selling Kia model in the United States for the second consecutive year. Looking at the latest model, it is evident that the brand designers have paid attention to owners’ feedback. The result is a vehicle which is not just a cosmetic exercise but represents a major step forward for the popular automaker. Its 3.5-litre engine generates phenomenal power which is due to Kia’s innovative power-to-weight ratio. Auto lights, front and rear parking assist sensors, four sensor ABS brakes, traction control, hill start assist and hill descent hold functions help drivers guide this sporty SUV safely. Responding to customer requests, an innovative flex steering
system has been added to the new 2013 model. Drivers can now choose between rigid flexibility for high speed driving, soft for city driving and super soft for off road rides on rough terrain. Most SUV’s are not known to be frugal on fuel, but the new ECO mode, standard on all models, helps optimise the airconditioning and deliver outstanding mileage. With the upgraded Sorento, Kia has created a car that will be recognised as an ‘exciting all-rounder’ with a broad, premium appeal to a diverse group of consumers. It also comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, lowering the running cost. Safety standards Kia Motors makes the safety of people using its products and other road users a top priority and invests heavily in research and development systems to maximise occupant protection. In fact, when it was introduced in 2009, the new generation Sorento was awarded a five-Star Euro NCAP safety rating. With the 2013 edition, Kia engineers have revisited the exterior structure and equipment to ensure that only the highest safety standards are delivered. E Call 17 408-000.
January 2013 77
bystanderthismonth
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience A number of people enjoyed a night of comedy as internationallyacclaimed show Faulty Towers the Dining Experience was held in Bahrain. This globe-trotting show, now with a London West End residency, was held at the InterContinental Regency Bahrain. stop. The cast for Bahrain featured Amanda McKay as Sybil, Geoffrey Reczek as Manuel and Kevin Whittle as Basil. With only a third of the show scripted, everything stayed fresh and funny as Basil, Sybil and Manuel served up madcap mayhem and a 70s-inspired three-course meal
Basil
Manuel
Sybil
Imran & Zainab
Caroline, William & John
Cindy, Angelina & Jennifer
Layla & Charlie
Julie & Ramy
Mike, Kevin & Irina
Megan, Twinky & Shelley
Nishel & Pam
Ali & Ajit
Sadia & Sana
Noor & Nazia
Kingdom Match Race Sailing Event 2012 The 2012 Kingdom Match Race Sailing Event was held at the Bahrain Sailing Club near Al Jazayer Beach in Zallaq last month. Twelve teams in total, representing eight countries participated in the five day event. The event was organised by the Bahrain Maritime Sports Association for the 10th time and is sanctioned by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) and was sponsored by several companies from the private sector including, Omega, Bapco and Banagas
Dr. Abual Qassim Abbas Shirazi
The winning team Russia 'A' with Ahmed Shirazi, left & Mohammed Shirazi, right
The race in progress at the Bahrain Sailing Club
78 January 2013
Ahmed Shirazi & Dr. Abual Qassim Abbas Shirazi with officials
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diningthismonth
Kim Kardashian at the launch
Everyone’s a Star Elma bartholomew What the stars are wearing is no secret, but to find out what keeps them in shape is a little trickier. With the new venue recently opened in Riffa, we have a peek into their diet preferences. Perhaps the world’s most famous milkshake bar, Millions of Milkshakes has found its newest home at The Walk in Riffa. The launch was the only thing people could speak about for a good couple of months. After officially opening the store, guest of honour and celebrity Kim Kardashian, as per the venue’s tradition, blitzed her signature milkshake, which is now on the menu for all to taste. Now that the buzz of the event has fizzed, we got a chance to sample some of the world-renowned malts. Behind the counter The concept of this shake venue could not get any simpler. Walk in and design your very own milkshake. That’s right, you point and ask them to throw whatever you’d like into the blender and they blitz it up for you. They have over 50 toppings to choose from, any of which can be blended with a choice of ice cream, non-fat yoghurt or non-dairy ice cream. Here, the focus is on you and your palate. From healthy options like protein boosts and cereals to guilty pleasures like candy and chocolate, they’ve got it all. Millions of Milkshakes is all for sundaes tailored to your tastes. Also this month
If you can’t think of anything on the spot, opt for the celebrity milkshakes. Kim chose to call her own a special blend of strawberries and bananas, with a dash of whipped cream. A celebrity hot spot with a long list of actors, musicians and athletes from all over the world lining up to create their own signature shakes. The brand’s outlets have seen the likes of Miley Cyrus, Lindsay Lohan, Leonardo DiCaprio, Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani, Pamela Anderson, Shaquille O’Neal and many more. Millions of Milkshakes is the brainchild of media mogul Sheeraz Hasan, with the first and most popular branch having opened its doors in California in 2008. In a year of its launch, it came to be known as one of the fastest growing restaurant chains in the USA. Hollywood is here Sitting in the venue, it is possible to feel a little like you’re in a blender yourself. The candy-pop theme and the sea of bright colours make it obvious that they’re catering to the younger crowd, specifically those smitten by the stars of the big and small screen. The funky setting and hip selection of music add to the dollhouse effect. Those lining up for their daily dairy fix are entertained by plasma screens around the venue that showcase the latest Hollywood news. Although a likely miss for adults, Millions of Milkshakes is no doubt going to be a retreat for the teens of Bahrain. E Visit www.millionsofmilkshakes.com.
When? January 6 Event? Food promotion Venue? The Ritz Gourmet Lounge Follow French traditions; try their special pastry and sorbet. E Call 17 586-499. When? January 6-February 21 Event? Food festival Venue? Silk’s, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain Save your appetite for the special kinds of fondue. E Call 17 460-000. When? January 9 Event? Restaurant launch Venue? Baharat, Kempinski Ixir Hotel Arabic cuisine has never before been seen in such a glamorous setup. E Call 17 171-000. When? January 23-31 Event? Food promotion Venue? Baisan International Hotel The dining outlets here celebrate National Pie Day for a whole week. E Call 38 317-010. When? January 29 Event? Theme night Venue? Al Wasmeyyah, Golden Tulip Hotel At BD13.500++, join the French soiree and enjoy exquisite dishes. E Call 17 535-000.
80 x Happenings - 83 x Cafe Feature
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diningf&bhappenings
In The Culinary World
From new venues to theme nights, there is no shortage of dining events this month. We will be trying every food festival in town.
Theme nights The new year comes with a new menu at Trader Vic’s as it presents innovative bar bites. Keeping the favourites, the chef adds freshness to the menu, alongside their legendary cheese balls and beef cho cho. At Bushido, there’s an exciting new wine list to keep you impressed. Aside from their favourite bottles, guests can now also enjoy a selection of new beverages ranging from BD20 to BD30. Their “warriors” are ready to suggest ideal combinations that complement your fabulous dish and enhance your Bushido experience to new heights. Al Wasmeyyah Restaurant, in Golden Tulip Bahrain Hotel, has two theme nights throughout the month. Every Wednesday from 7-11pm, they offer the best of seafood in a buffet spread priced at BD13.500++, including a complimentary beverage. Every last Tuesday of the month, they host a French soiree. Discover authentic flavours from various regions of France at the same price. Ramee International Hotel in Juffair is one venue that never gets tired of introducing food promotions. It’s Mirchi Restaurant hosts a chaat counter every Friday for dinner. Their platter, an all-time favourite, stays on the recently revised menu.buy a lobster dish at Fareast Seafood Restaurant and a get a free beverage to wash it down.
Live to eat Enjoy the “Galette des Rois” in The Ritz Gourmet Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa. The day of the three kings on January 6 is a special tradition in France and to celebrate this occasion they delight you with an almond crisp puff pastry served with fruit sorbet. Throughout this month, they will also offer daily-baked Arabic pastries such as baklawa, ossmaleeyeh, katayef walnut, cheese kunafa and mamoul dusted with their own special mix. Situated on the stylish ground floor of Kempinski Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre, Baharat will officially open its doors to the public on January 9. It will feature an eclectic array of Middle Eastern and Oriental dishes, including mouth-watering selections of appetisers, grills and a delectable array of desserts to delight the sweet tooth. With monolithic counter designs, live cooking stations, saj and tandoor ovens and private dining areas, complete with live entertainment including a belly dancer and a large terrace to enjoy a wide selection of shisha flavours, Baharat promises to deliver an exceptional culinary experience in the new year for the whole family. The Mövenpick Hotel goes all out this year with all kinds of food festivals. Prepare for a Swiss gourmet feast from January 6-February 21 when you join them Tuesday-Sunday for a night of fondue from 7pm onward at Silk’s restaurant at BD 12.500++ per person. Sample the varied delights of the classic Swiss cheese fondue. Meanwhile, Baisan International Hotel hosts a weeklong pie promotion to commemorate National Pie Day on January 23.
New venue Al Safir Hotel has finally opened the doors to its latest dining outlet, Yalla Yalla. As is obvious from the name, this venue focuses on Arabic cuisine and the kitchen brigade is led by head chef Zaher Al Kurdi who is assisted by Arabic chef Roshedy Elkhouly. The drinks on offer are a special mix of coffees. Try out their breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet or have a go at their a la carte menu. A take away menu is also available. Speaking of revamps and expansions, we hear that Aroma Café in Seef Mall is planning on introducing more VIP rooms with full entertainment packages.
80 January 2013
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THE RITZ-CARLTON BAHRAIN HOTEL & SPA
Era of Tranquillity velvet upholstered Napoleon chairs and sofas are inviting. Classic, gold-framed paintings decorate the ceilings in the main dining areas; wall-mounted Murano glass lamps and an indirect lighting concept complement the decor. The highlight of the 74-seat restaurant is the shisha terrace lounge. Guests can sample exotic and newly composed flavours like Meduse Beach, Eden’s Apple or Karkade Mist, all served in oversized contemporary Meduse pipes.
The newest jewel in the crown of the wide selection of dining venues at a leading five-star hotel in Bahrain opens its doors after six months of intense renovation.
The famous Swiss hotelier Cesar Ritz, referred to as the “king of hoteliers and hotelier to kings”, partnered in the late 19th century with Auguste Escoffier, a well respected French chef known for his ‘haute cuisine’. A head chef of restaurants located in several Ritz hotels at the time, his cooking style is described as elaborate and fancy. Inspired by the golden age of these two pioneers, The Ritz Gourmet Lounge embraces their heritage in international hospitality with a dedicated menu influenced by some of Escoffier’s world classics served in a splendid, royal ambience. “We are always looking into creating exceptional guest experiences and bringing something unique to our hotel,” says Mark Neukomm, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa. “With the newest edition of our very much anticipated The Ritz Gourmet Lounge, we not only offer the best of homemade French-influenced delicacies celebrating the heritage of one of the two most influential personalities in the hotel business but also a stylish al fresco shisha experience at our especially designed terrace lounge.” A charismatic aura Situated in the hotel’s arcade, this venue boasts authentic French interior design, reminiscent of the Belle Epoque. The decor is inspired by Parisian tea rooms and features wooden panels, marble flooring, rich furniture and classic curtains. The Ritz Gourmet Lounge incorporates a colour scheme of beige, dark red and green, and there is a wide spread of gold leaf applications in almost every piece of furniture. The rich
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On the menu Menu options are divided into five different segments — breakfast, homemade ice cream compositions, Arabic Lounge with mezze, Arabic refreshments and shisha, and the main menu. This consists of starters, soups, salads and tartines as well as sandwiches, panini, desserts and afternoon tea. Enjoy Escoffier’s signature dishes such as Peach Melba, Belle Helene or Strawberries Romanoff. Beluga Caviar served the traditional way with blini and sour cream can be sampled as well. Imported leaf teas from Sri Lanka, China and South America are on offer from the tisane trolley, freshly cut in front of the guest and served in silver pots. For those who would like to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee, crusty breads with French butter and sea salt, or just a light snack, you can stay connected via complimentary Wi-Fi provided in the lounge. It is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7am till midnight. E Call 17 586-499 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/bahrain In the kitchen “It’s a great pleasure for me to work in the highest patisserie level of creativity and to implement a new era of pastry cuisine for our guests at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain,” says Antony Fernandez, executive pastry chef at the hotel. Antony brings with him an extensive international background from leading luxury hotels and pastry shops in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France and Jamaica over the past 20 years. He started his profession in 1993 as certified pastry chef, baker, ice cream maker, chocolatier and confectioner. During his career, chef Antony has received several accolades, especially in the field of artistic showpieces. The French native brings with him a strong knowledge of leadership as well.
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HOUSEBOAT RESTAURANT
A Journey to the East With outdoor dining being popular this season, it would be a shame to miss out on the Asian cuisine at a unique venue in the heart of Amwaj.
82 January 2013
When Khulood Malallah decided to open her own restaurant in 2010, she could not think of a more ideal name for the venue. Houseboat, situated at The Lagoon in Amwaj Islands, is inspired by a trip to Kerala in India and her dining experience on board one of that region’s houseboats. Offering the exotic flavours of the subcontinent and other FarEastern nations to which she has travelled, Khulood’s venue takes you through a culinary journey. Whether you are in the mood for Japanese, Thai, Chinese or Indian cuisines, she has got it all under a single roof. The country is not short of Asian diners, but it is safe to say that the array of signature dishes available here is what sets Houseboat apart from its competitors. Soon after its opening, this one-of-a-kind venue found a strong fan base that has been increasing day by day. Sheltering over 100 guests at a time, the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining areas. No matter where you are seated, a splendid view of the lagoon is guaranteed. The openair lounge offers a grand yet intimate setting. With the splendid weather and occasional showers, it’s hard to believe that you are in the Middle East. Close your eyes and you can almost drift away to Asian backwaters wrapped in greenery. In order to stay authentic to taste, the kitchen brigade consists of chefs that handle their own native cuisines. This team has been proving their gastronomic skills from when the
venue first opened its doors. The menu thus boasts traditional dishes from each region, all with a unique twist that showcases their passion for the cuisine. “From time to time, we like to give back to the customers to show our gratitude for their appreciation of our fare,” says Khulood. “We then provide surprise gifts and vouchers while they dine at our venue. This also applies for those who order our food from home regularly.” With such a large seating capacity, it is only natural that the venue often finds itself playing host to corporate lunches, family get-togethers and birthday parties. In these cases, Houseboat offers set menus on request. Another feather in its cap is the catering service. “We can put up a spread for small to large gatherings. Whether you require an outdoor or indoor setting, our dedicated catering team promise the best dining experience for your guests,” she adds. Recently given a facelift, the menu now boasts variations of patrons’ favourites and has new additions as well. Try out the exquisite items on offer; if the names don’t ring a bell, the pictures on the side should help you decide. There are plans to introduce cuisine-specific theme nights in the near future. Following popular demand, Khulood has started working on a new branch that is set to open in Adliya’s restaurant district in the second half of the year. E Call 16 010-321.
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cafefeature
In the Mood for Coffee Elma Bartholomew Whether they are hidden jewels or one found around every corner, a coffee house is never too far. One common feature in these venues is that they are always packed, proving the nation’s fascination for the café culture.
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Wander into one of Bahrain’s cafés and you’ll discover that these atmospheric spots, which strike a curiously enchanting balance between a buzzing bar and a laid-back coffee shop, are somehow more than the sum of their parts. These venues exude a warm, friendly cosiness that is so quintessentially Bahraini. Here at Bahrain This Month, we have a weak spot for cobblestone streets, table umbrellas, roasted coffee, and people-watching. Check out some of our favourite cafés and they might soon be yours too. Cinnabon & Seattle’s Best Coffee You don’t need a map to spot a Cinnabon outlet; all you need to do is follow your nose. The intoxicating Indonesian Makara cinnamon, fresh-baked dough and signature frosting makes Cinnabon home to some of the world’s best cinnamon rolls and all sorts of other goodies. Are you in the mood for a yummy drink to go with your Cinnabon goodies? Then you have to try one of their signature beverages. Be warned; you will be spoilt for choice. Their first specialty beverage, the Mochalatta Chill is a favourite to this day, combining coffee, chocolate and ice so you can drink your cares away. Since 1970, Seattle’s Best Coffee has been satisfying coffee lovers’ demand for their daily caffeine fix, fuelled by the simple notion that everybody deserves a more enjoyable coffee experience. A new branch will soon start functioning out of YumYum Tree in Sanad. E Call 17 725-717.
Costa Coffee Creating great coffee is an art that takes time and skill to perfect. And with 40 years of experience, Costa likes to think that they’ve done just that. In that time they’ve discovered the finest beans, equipment and techniques to make sure that every cup makes the grade. Imagine sitting in your favourite branch (as there are several across the Kingdom), sipping your favourite coffee. With their carefully created range of food, this wonderful image has an amazing taste too. Starting from January 15, you can have a shot of their new coffee in glasses that remind you of our traditional cafes in the Kingdom. The short coffees from the Corto range are served in smaller glasses and are specially extracted. You can choose from the three black, classic and mocha versions. E Call 17 179-790.
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diningcafefeature can take a bit of Maya chocolates home with you with the outstanding varieties of pralines, truffles and other chocolates in the retail section. If an elixir can be defined as a substance to cure all illnesses, then Maya’s range of hot chocolates need a doctor’s prescription. Just one sip from any of these luscious beverages will psychologically free you from all ailments. E Call 17 583-368. Tilly’s Café Tilly’s revitalised the gastronomic environment by introducing its renowned Mediterranean cuisine and has become an icon for fresh, tasty food with excellent service and a location like no other. A casual and relaxed dining café within the serene area of The Jawad Dome, this venue will capture your heart with its English, Italian, French and Japanese cuisine. Be it the prawn tempura, sushi or burger, Tilly’s surely will be a pleasant dining experience for you and your loved ones. E Call 17 691-358.
Dome Café For over 20 years, Dome has been obsessed with sourcing, roasting and brewing the world’s finest coffee. This fixation extends to their diverse menu, created with a passion for delicious flavours and dependable quality. Add in the European feel of the café, with their domed ceilings, wood panelling and comfortable leather chairs, and you’ll understand why there’s no place like Dome. Boasting two branches, one in Juffair and the other in Seef, this venue is all for tea in the winter months. A speciality of this venue is that you’ll find no tea bags here. Their tea is brewed from whole, loose leaves, producing a more complex beverage. E Call 17 810-180. Esquires Coffee House Great coffee is what they do; every cup conforms to the most exacting standards. However, their promise doesn’t end there. Esquires serve great coffee with the aim of then being able to assist worthy charities and community groups to raise muchneeded funds. Because they are so passionate about the quality of the experience they deliver to the customers, a vital ingredient to providing that excellence is guaranteeing all their coffee is FairTrade Organic and blended and roasted fresh in New Zealand. The coffee beans are ground fresh to your cup every time using the latest in barista technology to ensure maximum freshness and flavour. They have also introduced nine new flavours of tea and five kinds of wraps. Look out for a new branch in Riffa. E Call 77 177-600.
T-Spoon T-Spoon, an exclusive boutique café located on the ground floor of Kempinski Grand Hotel Bahrain City Centre with direct access from the mall, boasts of an elaborate afternoon tea every day from 2-6pm. It features the finest selection of teas and coffees from around the world, and in particular, the finest tea library. This consists of leaves and infusions of fruit teas and organic teas carefully selected to offer an extensive menu to accompany a delectable array of cakes and pastries handcrafted in-house by the hotel’s pastry chef, Clement Raybaud. E Call 17 171-000. World Beat Café Opened in 2009, World Beat Café is an oasis of calm where visitors can linger over a pot of whole leaf tea, organic coffee or a freshly-pressed juice, and maybe even something from the treats section. To celebrate her love of art and creativity, she created an art gallery series where the walls are decorated with beautiful works by local artists. For winter, they serve all hot beverages like soya latte, cappuccino, espresso, American coffee and hot chocolate too. In addition, they are the first café in Bahrain to offer fresh brewed Yerba Mate, a popular South American hot beverage, which besides a great energy lift provides health benefits as well. They also have a fine selection of tchaba designer teas. E Call 17 612-576.
Maya La Chocolaterie Maya La Chocolaterie is a unique chocolate bar concept focused on the pure delicacy and passion of serving exquisite chocolate products. From the moment you enter, you are whisked away with the scent of pure chocolate emitting from the huge chocolate churning drums in the corner, with a full array of desserts to be served in the shop from fondues to waffles and a wide selection of hot chocolates and cocoainfused teas. Not only is Maya a dessert venue but today you
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COSTA COFFEE
Desserts in a Cup
With winter at its peak, a leading coffee house has the perfect beverages to keep you warm through the season.
Costa believes that winter is the season to treat yourself. So until January 14, they continue to serve their special drinks: black forest hot chocolate and festive caramella. The two indulgent drinks are brimming with flavouring syrups, whipped cream and sauce. January 15 marks the launch of their new coffee range — Corto. The short coffees are served in smaller glasses and are specially extracted. Available in black, classic and mocha versions, the trio is perfect for those who like their coffee strong. Worlds apart At Costa, you are guaranteed the perfect break with handmade coffees, great ambience and friendly service. A blend you mustn’t miss out on is the much-admired Mocha Italia, which is made from the best beans carefully picked from around the world. The coffee house persistently maintains a tricky balance between sweet and bitter flavours while giving out intoxicating aromas. This sets the coffee house apart from its global and local competitors. While the incredible tastes are for all to share, their recipes shall forever remain a secret. The venue is also popular for its munchies. Have a go at their healthy sandwiches, quiches, muffins, cookies, cakes and other pastries. A brand that is of the faith that only the best quality of food can accompany the best kind of coffee, Costa makes sure that all products are made from premium ingredients only. Watch out for two new stores set to open this month, including the first Costa drive-through in the Kingdom for those on-the-go caffeine addicts. E Call 17 179-790.
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diningf&bhappenings RAMADA HOTEL BAHRAIN
Food for Thought
The new year has ignited a fresh spark in the kitchens of a popular hotel in the Kingdom. They’ve got three months of amazing food promotions for the country’s gourmands.
Having positioned itself as one of the Kingdom’s most enduringly popular hotels, Ramada Hotel Bahrain is respected for its outstanding service. With its established reputation, convenient location and unmatched facilities, the hotel offers a wealth of benefits that are guaranteed to make your experience a relaxing and memorable one. It’s a venue that has got everything for discerning travellers and local guests alike. Dinner and a show Le Jardin Restaurant is known for its inviting ambience and provides the perfect setting for a romantic candlelit dinner. The venue offers an extensive à la carte menu. Enjoy an array of tasty soups and salads, delectable entrees and delicious desserts. However, it is most popular for its three-course dinner and sumptuous breakfast buffet. If you’d like to add live entertainment to this tempting spread, head over to The Exchange Restaurant & Pub. This well-liked venue is ideal to catch up on your favourite sports while you indulge in great food and enjoy the performance by their resident band. Both venues serve South American festive dishes this month in keeping with the upcoming Rio Carnival 2013. Tastes like more Soon after, Ramada Hotel Bahrain sets you in the spirit of romance with their Valentine’s Week specials in February. March is an equally eventful month in the dining scene with the burger lovers’ promotion. Enjoy mouth-watering juicy patties that are made to order all through the month. E Call 17 742-000.
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Meat Co. Bahrain Relaunch The Meat Co. Bahrain held a reception to mark the re-opening of the restaurant located in Adliya
Ahmed & Anca
Ahmed Boss, Nawaf, Farouk, Hussein, Louise & Maya
Dana, Shaikha, Jehan, Amy & Beth
Abdulla Fakhro & Hussein
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Indira, Diana, Irina & Alex
Dalia & Emzi
Mo & Anna
Riina & Imbi
George, Pauline & Saad
Bradley & basil
Dee & Bill
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MAKI RESTAURANT
Good as New
For those who are into contemporary fusion Japanese cuisine, a restaurant located in the World Trade Centre delivers an amazing experience.
When? 15th of every month | Event? Food festival | Venue? Maki Restaurant
Over the short period of time that it has graced the culinary scene in the Kingdom, the award-winning restaurant Maki has familiarised its fans with remarkable Japanese fusion cuisine. Changing the notion of fine dining by bringing a new style of gastronomy characterised by a relaxed, inviting and hospitable atmosphere, this venue has brought to Bahrain the perfect entertainment and culinary experience. With an impressive array of dishes that range from salads, appetisers, maki rolls, special sushi and sashimi and exceptional main dishes, it has definitely left a positive mark on the community of foodies, especially those who have a soft spot for fusion cuisine. Signature dishes such as the Moda salad, named after its location, include fresh goat cheese and torch-flamed mixed fresh mushrooms. The suha ume maki puts forth succulent salmon, crunchy filo prawn tempura and zesty yuzu flakes. The fusion shots, on the other hand, are perfect for sharing. They boast delicious prawn tempura and special sauces. New on the menu Guests can come in on every 15th of each month at 8pm and enjoy a dinner experience appropriately named 15 Magical Moments of Fusion. They will get to sample 15 diverse maki dishes while sipping on various complimentary premium wines that pair perfectly with each item. Indulge in all of this for a mere BD15++ in the midst of breathtaking ambience, hospitable service and sophisticated music. E Call 17 522-733 or 36 999-102.
LANTERNS RESTAURANT
Bring on the Spice!
This newly-opened Indian restaurant in Adliya is more than just tempting; the ‘old’ has been enhanced by the ‘new’ to deliver up a fine dining experience.
It is considered impolite in the Indian culture to refuse a snack, let alone a full meal. So, leave your excuses outside the gates of the newly launched Lanterns outlet in the heart of Adliya. Well loved in the Kingdom since the opening of its first branch in Budaiya in 1987, the Indian restaurant has spread it wings and found a location closer to its devotees. The 800-square metre venue has more add-ons than its forerunner. These include a dedicated lounge area that features the signature truck bar in a brand new design, a garden area for outdoor dining and a rooftop lounge. The striking interiors and traditional setup, which create a casual atmosphere and a mystical ambience to dine in, are replicated in the new venue. Handpicked artefacts from across the Indian subcontinent give it an authentic aura. Celebrating India The team at Lanterns introduce dishes that unveil the genuine flavours and dining habits of Indians, which are largely influenced by the local produce in each region and their cultural differences. Much like its architecture, the subcontinent’s cuisine varies from Mughal to modern and exhibits English to Portuguese influences. “The challenge is to unlearn everything about traditional Indian cuisine and be open to experiencing modern flavours of fusions like seared scallops with coriander, raw mango and almond flavouring, mille feuille of masala crab or gnocchi with cumin and pomegranate,” managing director Lalit Kapur says. E Call 17 590-591.
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Maki Bahrain - 15 Magical Moments of Fusion Cuisine Maki Restaurant at the World Trade Centre held a dinner for a number of guests to showcase the restaurant's “15 Magical Moments” experience. The dinner featured fifteen sample courses of various staple favorites from Maki’s bountiful menu of inventive dishes
Omran, Amer Zeitoun & George
Amer, Shub & Tamim
Hakim, Jassim Al Zayani & Amer
Micki, Marian & Luiza
Lamis, Loredana & Indira
Pauline, Gregoire, Melissa & Noel
Luis, Maria & Claudia
Juan & Pedro
Daniela & Alejandra
Hot In The City Theme Night Bizarre Lounge, at Kempinski Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre launched it's Hot in the City theme nights last month
Natalia
Punnet Singh, HS Lamba & Sanjeev
Roza, Natalia & Nina
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Maya & Sari
Lauren & Selena
Paul, Pauline & Saad
Cedric, Rami & Elias
Mai
Catherine & Michelle
Kalbernatten
Elma & Stella
Apple
Sophie
Layla
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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 Tony Roma's
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 17 870-070
Asian Chin Li Chop-Chop Tea House Curry Country Hot Wok House Boat Kontiki Meisei Memories Mo Kan Monsoon Nu Asia Panasia
17 717-717 17 178-701 17 537-555 17 178-083 16 010-321 17 525-455 17 007-770 17 178-646 17 360-000 17 749-222 17 587-171 17 721-600
Rosa Verge Skyw@lk Café World Beat Café
13 667-777 17 363-999 17 612-576
European Block 338 Camelot Coco’s Cyprus Taverna Déjà Vu L’Avenue Mezzaluna Paul Café Sizzlers Zytoun
17 710-338 17 717-745 17 716-512 17 716-316 13 657-770 17 567-222 17 742-999 17 172-321 17 716-999 17 298-471
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
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 Med La Mosaique Olivo’s Brasserie Rimal Saraya Saveur 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 17 171-000 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 Cascada Le Jardin Neyran Palm Parsia Ramee Bistro Ramee Café Red Café Savoy Café Temptations (EGH) Temptations (ESH) Tiffany’s
Papaya Peppers Rice Bowl Thai Chi Tian Wok Yum Chow!
17 697-105 17 717-808 17 179-600 17 179-747 17 717-080 17 636-415 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
17 750-777 17 339-508 17 696-031 77 177-660 17 369-165 17 582-259 17 532-538
Indian Aachi’s Chettinad Kitchen Akbar Asha’s Clay Oven Copper Chimney Curry Tree Hyderabad House It’s Mirchi Lanterns Moti Mahal Mumbai Spices Nattinpuram Nirvana Papadom Spices The Yellow Chilli
17 233-110 17 296-660 17 179-751 17 717-008 17 728-699 16 030-662 17 720-031 17 727-230 17 590-591 17 825-333 17 382-255 17 290-600 17 589-318 17 564-434 17 531-122 17 580-480
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
17 290-945 17 002-490
Lebanese Abd El Wahab Al Areesha Al Arz Al Hamra Palace Beyroute 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
17 524-579 17 369-269 17 811-511 17 580-600 17 746-431 17 555-989
Al Abraaj Al-Bokhari Leewan Al Khor
17 178-090 17 311-186 16 010-666
Melh Alzad Taza
17 311-170 17 784-997
17 131-111 17 725-414 17 296-660 17 224-000 17 280-111 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
Mexican Casa Mexicana Margarita Mexicana Senor Paco’s
17 715-521 17 746-462 17 725-873
Middle Eastern
Totally Fish Waves
17 179-757 17 531-122
Shawarma Shawarma Express Zahlawiya
17 729-922 17 710-051
Steak Houses 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 Orchid Thai Royal Thai Shada Thai Express Thailand Wang Thai
17 715-775 17 744-171 17 715-094 17 593-940 77 040-454 17 312-006 17 746-421 17 721-155 17 506-070 17 717-040 17 710-771
Turkish Anatolia Iskenderun Grill Kosebasi
17 690-601 17 292-950 17 172-322
Italian Bice Ristorante Café Italia Caffe Spasso Carino’s Italian Grill Castello Cico’s Ciro’s Pomodoro Cucina Italiana 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 Vapiano Veneto
17 533-666 17 744-774 17 822-274 17 587-878 17 697-552 17 713-710 17 534-567 17 001-317 17 636-363 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 17 723-818 17 491-391 17 680-967
Japanese Bushido Edo Frangipani Fuji Sushi Bar Hakisushi Kei Maki Mirai Sato Sugoi Sumo Sushi & Bento Sushi 101 Yo! Sushi
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Arirang Da Rae Jung
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 17 360-360 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 Golestan Isfahani Parsian Persian Garden Takht Jamsheed Tehran Grill
Korean
17 583-555 17 290-945 17 582-422 17 533-336 17 725-638 17 533-450 17 522-733 17 713-113 17 746-429 17 178-084 17 718-090 17 822-274 17 583-373
Moroccan Momo Le Marrakech
17 180-659 17 003-273
Pizza Domino's Little Caesars Margherita Pizza and Pasta Metro Pizza Papa John’s Pick a Pizza Pizza Express Pizza Hut Pizza Inn Pizzabella The Pizza Company
17 826-222 17 179-400 17 723-133 17 794-000 17 581-516 17 720-929 17 742-299 17 711-113 17 811-666 17 827-133 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 Elevation Burger EZ Take out Burger Fatburger 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 17 587-828 17 241-111 17 131-414 17 178-084 17 243-115 17 727-887 17 711-111 17 717-542 17 178-436 17 221-722 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.
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Club F1 9th Anniversary Celebrations Club F1 at the Metropolition Hotel held a party to celebrate the outlet's 9th anniversary last month. The event was attended by the Ramee Group management and a number of guests
Suresh, Rana, Antony, Ashish Shetty, Shantharam Shetty, Naveen, Thomas, Naresh & Varghese
Ashok with Metropolition staff at the cake cutting
Lyssa, Marian & Myra
Sophia & Sweety
Samer, Hesham & Ashish
Mahmood, Zuher & Mustafa
Idris
Janice & Hussain
Mo & Le
Ashok & Varghese
Business Club Meet & Greet The Crowne Plaza Bahrain hosted its Business Club Meet & Greet for its bookers and key clients at the Spices Restaurant last month
Maria & Ramesh
Vinni, Shalini, Jaycee, Pascal Eggerstedt & Ashraf
Eric & Priya
Johnson, Abha & Shajahan
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Satheesh
Rashid, Ebrahim Al Kooheji & Mohammed
Moosa Ali & Ahmed
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afterdarkthismonth When? January 31 | Event? Music festival | Venue? Marina Club Sharam Jey
Clarita De Quiroz
Adrian Sina
Mr Saxobeat
Basshunter
Alex Mica
It’s All about the Music! ELMA BARTHOLOMEW If you thought the festivities are over, you couldn’t be more wrong. A leading event management company reels in six top artists for the biggest musical fest Bahrain has seen. Luxury Events Management heats up the 2013 winter music season with VELD Music Festival. Featuring an unprecedented, globally acclaimed musical line-up, this touches down in the Kingdom at Marina Club on January 31. Fans of a wide range of electronic music and talent can expect to revel in the DJ sets of today’s biggest names. Collaborating with the biggest stars and labels in electronic dance music, VELD is the culmination of the world’s top talent and show producers, all ready to redefine festival-goers’ expectations. Renowned for exceptional entertainment and hospitality, Luxury Events brings together a roster of world-class talent in one place, under one dynamic brand. This celebration promises to be the electronic music highlight of the year, and is looking forward to solidifying Bahrain as a cultural music mecca for the masses. The suspects When it comes to dance music most people tend to automatically switch off and think of repetitive, unenlightened, brain-poaching drivel. However there are still a few DJ-producers out there who continue to burn the light bright Also this month
and keep striving to push sound forward, onward and upward and find a way to take it and relate it to the masses. This is one thing Cologne’s Sharam Jey does best. Basshunter, considered one of the biggest commercial dance artists in the world, is a winner of a Grammy, two MTV awards and two Teen Choice titles. He signed his first contract with Extensive Music/Warner Music in 2006, releasing his first single Boten Anna. In Scandinavia, the song became a hit instantly and was the first ever Swedish language song to reach number one on numerous charts around the world. Joining him is Alex Mica of Dalinda fame, seen by many as the new revelation of Romanian dance music. The song got more than two million views on YouTube in a month, winning itself a place in the record of smash hits of 2012. He even set a record with the track by being the first receive a concert request within a week of its release on the video-sharing website. You can’t have Romanian music in Bahrain without a bit of Akcent in the midst of it all. Adrian Sina is flying solo this year. Watch out for his single Hold On. You’ve heard Alexandra Stan sing Mr Saxobeat. You can now find out for yourself what she’s on about because Mr Sax is joining the crew too. The musical extravaganza gets a jumpstart from the spell of electro mixes with Clarita De Quiroz. Her music is the result of many things. Raised in Scotland to Filipino/Spanish and Dutch/ Irish parents, as a child of the ‘80s, it’s no wonder that her music sounds the way it does. E Call 33 126-616.
When? January 18 Event? Theme night Venue? Club Buffalo, Ramee California Boogie nights make a comeback; are you ready to dance? E Call 17 826-001. When? January 26 Event? Anniversary party Venue? Dublin, Ramee Palace Celebrate four years of its success with an all-night bash. E Call 39 736-547. When? January 31 Event? Tribute act Venue? JJ’s Irish Restaurant & Pub Amy Winehouse and Pink fans have a show to look forward to. E Call 39 329-083. When? January 31 Event? Music festival Venue? Marina Club Six top artists find their way to Bahrain, for an unforgettable night. E Call 33 126-616. When? January 31 Event? Theme night Venue? Bizarre Lounge, Kempinski Ixir Hotel The fashionistas cannot wait to see who wins the grand prize. E Call 17 171-000.
92 x Happenings
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Get the Party Started The Veld Festival isn’t the only gig this month. Find out what the nightlife venues across the Kingdom has to offer in January.
Vicky Jackson
If February is not too cold, Mai Tai will be the place to be after work. What’s better than a trendy alfresco experience to relax after a long day? The bartenders will warm you up with fabulous cocktails. The chef will surprise you with a fabulous buffet featuring all the best international cuisine, every Monday from 6-9pm at BD10 per person. Ladies, it’s time to glam up. Once the weather gets warmer, they offer a great selection of complimentary drinks for the women. To make your night even more perfect, the venue serves free bar bites from a selection of favourite mini-dishes. Visit every Sunday from 6-10pm. The intimately stylish Bizarre Lounge in Kempinski Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre is proud to host its Hot in the City theme nights every Thursday, culminating in an outrageous fashion finale party at the end of the month on January 31. Featuring luxury fashion and beauty brands, spirited cocktails and a chance to win some fabulous prizes each week, with a grand prize for the most fashionable woman of the month, this is every fashionista’s dream come true. Ladies, buy one beverage to get one free from the special menu. At Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain eating is an unforgettable
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experience for it involves a certain ritual and everyone has to get involved. There’s a place for theatre at the Flamingo Bar table, for instead of watching the chef do his usual cooking, a group of eight to 12 guests will be provided with hats and aprons and will be juggling with their Italian or Arabic menus, while enjoying cooking their penne al dente or their mixed grills to perfection. It’s spontaneous; it’s fun. It’s the perfect way to spice up a private gathering. Tribute act Vicky Jackson is well known throughout the entertainment industry as one of the finest acts available and her Amy Winehouse and Pink Tribute Show has been going down a storm in the UK and Europe, attracting bookings from as far a field as Bahrain. She continues to be the number one tribute to the late British jazz superstar, and has perfected the movements and mannerisms that make this Amy Winehouse tribute stand out from the rest. The gig includes all her hit songs, including Rehab and Valerie. Vicky has also been performing her Pink tribute since 2008. Featuring all the hits from the early R&B-inspired days of the star to her biggest hits and everything in between, she has it all covered. Fans of the divas could rush to JJ’s Irish Restaurant & Pub on January 13 where she will deliver a tribute to two of the most popular international singers, Amy Winehouse and Pink. Tickets for the night are at BD4. New in town Enigma at Ramee Windsor Tower Hotel sees a new Filipino band of eight members called Mystyx. Having kicked off their tour in Bahrain late last month, they are joined by new in-house DJ Worship. Another new mixologist showcasing his skills to the island’s partygoers is Dan Georgeson who started DJing professionally in the UK in 2005. After a sevenmonth spell in Oman, he takes up the residency at Rocky’s Café in Ramee International Hotel. Club Buffalo welcomes Deluxe once again and helping them rock the show is DJ Goose from the UK. The venue hosts a ‘boogie nights’ theme party on January 18 while neighbouring nightclub Bedrock throws a ‘winter graffiti’ party on January 17. DJ Worship
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Guns N’ Roses Tribute Band Guns 2 Roses, billed as the biggest 'GNR' tribute band in history performed an an array of hits by the legendary rockers. The show took place at Club Buffalo, Ramee California Hotel, Juffair Antony, Sandeep, Shelley & Bryan
Joao & Paula
Pinky & Bryan
Quintanilla & McFace
Members of the band
Jose & Maria
Hasan, Manjunad & Hamoody
Brock & Bowser
Slash!
Chris & Angela
Shane, Dr Khan & Mrs Khan
Mazi
Hussain, Shelley & Yaser
Block 338 Talent Night Block 338 Restaurant, Lounge & Garden held a talent night which featured performances by the Beiged Band, Narice, German singer, actress & poet, Mansour, singer & keyboardist and Mohammed Najeeb Al Kooheji, vocalist, lyricist & composer
Aleena & Devi
Deepali & Bhavna
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Kaz
Hisham, Nadia, Amani, Noof & Yara
James, Ali, Abdulla & Yaqoob
Leena, Sara & Mrinal
Ali & Roy
Edden, David, Herson, Noel, Ian & Dhel
Mo, Dana & Noor
Troy & Criss
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afterdarkhappenings
RAMEE PALACE HOTEL
Join the Party It’s another exciting start to the year at Dublin Club with the resident band handing over the reins to Evolver, fourth anniversary celebrations and more birthdays.
It will be the end of an era for Crash Motion as a five-month residency comes to a close on January 14. Don’t miss out on your chance to catch the musical maestros before they leave. As with any finale, there is always a fresh start and this time it will be with a band that has fond memories of Bahrain from the last time they were here. Evolver is back in town, revealing a few new faces alongside your old favourites. Starting on January 15, they build on the success they enjoyed the last time they performed in Dublin. Janelle is back leading the show with her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence, with the silky smooth Rasheed and debutant Marie-Eve completing the front line. Felix and Alex return ready to fire the crowd up on lead
RAMEE CALIFORNIA HOTEL
Back with a Bang! Deluxe is a band that was not only tried and tested by Bahrain’s party crowd, but also loved and missed. They are back in the Kingdom to rock your world.
EvolveR
guitar and bass, respectively. New to the band, although definitely not to the live entertainment scene, are Terance on keys and Kip on drums. This new line-up will blow your mind, with experience of playing thousands of gigs between them in venues from Atlantic City to Taiwan. You can be sure that the next few months will be a blast. On January 18, it is in-house DJ Conny’s birthday. Come down and join in the celebrations. He may even play a song or two. On January 26, it’s the official four-year anniversary party for Dublin Club — an evening of first-class live entertainment, free cake, bubbly for all and a chance to win some great prizes. E Call 39 736-547 or visit Facebook.com/Dublin Club Bahrain. Led by Pat Chavez, Deluxe graces the stage at Club Buffalo once again after a break of seven months. Fresh from their stint of launching a brand new club at Abu Dhabi, the septet is excited to be back in the Kingdom and is all praises about the nightlife scene here. Gemma Grayce, the pop star amongst them, returns to prove her skill and pumps out all the latest hits with her powerful voice. Considered the spirit of the group, Angel Daniels shares the limelight as lead vocalist. She weaves together the diverse talents of each member to showcase an incredible show night after night. “We guarantee some awesome entertainment and the audience can expect to be enthralled by the raw edge of each performance,” Pat says. “People are attracted to the gig where performers and audience are on fire. It’s just about hearing them approve of the way we play their favourite songs.” Although Club Buffalo has a focus on country, its walls have had their share of rock, pop, rap, R&B and even jazz. “In Bahrain, we can do a lot more heavy metal than we did elsewhere. The people here are more open to various styles of music and the lack of confinement allows us to showcase more aggressive tracks. We love to perform here as we feel freer to express ourselves and exploit the diverse talent in each member,” he added. The band cannot be more grateful for its audience and the intimate setup that allows them to mingle with the crowd, on and off stage. E Call 17 826-001.
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January 2013 95
reportinsurance
The Risk of the Unknown Life throws many unexpected things at all of us. While we usually can’t stop these things from occurring, we can opt to give our lives a bit of protection.
You’ve worked hard to build a solid financial footing for you and your family, so you want to be sure that everything is protected. Accidents and disasters can and do happen, and if you aren’t adequately insured, it could leave you in financial ruin. You need insurance to protect your life, your ability to earn income, and to keep a roof over your head. Should a disaster happen, insurance is meant to give us some measure of protection, at least financially. There are numerous options available and many financial experts tell us that we need to have these policies in place. Yet, with so many options, it can be difficult to determine what insurance you really need. Purchasing the right insurance is always determined by your specific situation. Factors such as children, age, lifestyle and employment benefits are all points to consider when planning your insurance package. Assess your life and your needs and think about what you need to protect. You may need to consider the following types of insurance. Life Insurance The greatest factor in having life insurance is providing for those you leave behind. This is extremely important if you have
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a family that is dependent on your salary to pay the bills. The idea is to give your family a financial cushion, one that will help them regroup. When estimating the amount of life insurance coverage you need, remember to factor in not only funeral expenses, but also mortgage payments and living expenses such as loans, credit cards and taxes. It is smart to consider child care and future college costs. Bahrain National Life (bnl) is a subsidiary of Bahrain National Holding (bnh) and the only local company specialising exclusively in providing a range of life and healthcare products for both businesses and individuals. In 2011, they linked up with Fidelity, one of the largest fund managers in the world, to launch Unit Linked Insurance Plans. So when you take out a plan, part of the money goes directly into the Fidelity Units and part provides for life insurance and disability benefits. They have 14 funds spread in different asset classes around the world. This is an effective way to regularly save money. Allianz Takaful offers solutions, not just products. They provide innovative savings, protection, retirement, health and general takaful solutions to its customers in this region.
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reportinsurance Health Insurance This type of insurance coverage pays for medical and surgical expenses that are incurred by the insured. Health insurance can either reimburse you for expenses incurred from illness or injury or pay the care provider directly. It is often included in employer benefit packages as a means of enticing quality employees. Without proper health insurance, an illness or accident can wipe you out financially and put you and your family in debt for years. It may be the most important type of insurance you can own. Studies declare that most families are a severe illness away from bankruptcy. MetLife Alico, has been helping people and businesses in Bahrain with their insurance needs since 1961. Throughout, they have continuously sought to nurture talent, respect local cultures and promote the diversity that characterises the Bahraini society. They understand the needs at the heart of the community and through agents, brokers, banks and direct channels, they tailor their extensive product offering to the unique needs of individuals, families and businesses of all sizes. Long-term Disability Insurance Becoming disabled can have devastating financial implications by stripping you of your ability to make a living. While some people can get by without working for a few months by tapping into their savings, few people can afford to stop working altogether for an extended period of time. That’s where long-term disability insurance can help you. These policies provide you with income for a long period of time. Most people who have longterm disability insurance get it through their employers, although you can buy individual long-term disability insurance on your own. Arig is well positioned to do just that and as a well established and leading specialist reinsurer in the Afro Asia region, it has the enhanced understanding
and ability to service the region’s insurance industry. It is our aim to respond promptly and effectively to our clients’ needs and so provide the support that is essential to succeed in the market. Arig has been a trusted risk partner for over 30 years and is a publicly traded company owned by over 6,000 private and institutional investors and listed on the stock exchanges of Bahrain and Dubai. Offering a broad range of products and services, Arig is a reinsurer that has built its reputation on stable security, the expertise of its people and their focus on our customers’ needs. Focusing on the dynamic economies in our area we are committed to giving clients the kind of dedicated attention that can only come from a top class reinsurer that is based in the region. Auto insurance If you own a vehicle and ever let it out of the garage, you must have auto insurance. Depending on the value of your vehicle and your state’s requirements, the type of automobile insurance you should carry will vary. AXA Gulf is the largest non-life international insurer in the Gulf region with more than 500,000 customers. It has also won the titles of “Insurer of the Year” by MENA Insurance Awards and is the winner of the CAR Middle East people’s choice award for “Car Insurer”. While insurance is expensive and certainly takes a chunk out of your budget, being without it could lead to financial ruin. Always check with your employer first for available coverage, as this will probably be where you will find the most economical way to of securing coverage. If your employer doesn’t offer it, obtain multiple quotes from several insurance providers. Schedule times with advisors like Nexus Advice who are aware of the offers and privileges available at various insurers and can help you decide which package is most suitable for you.
Child Education Scheme by Medgulf Allianz Takaful, especially for you.
Medgulf Allianz Takaful B.S.C. (c), P.O. Box 31397, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, Phone: +973 - 17 568 222 Fax: +973 - 17 582 114, C.R. No. 66716, info@medgulfallianz.com.bh, www.medgulfallianz.com.bh
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reportinsurance Nexus CEO Mahmoud Nodjoumi with general manager for Bahrain, Emanuel Lantzos at a recent gala event.
NEXUS FINANCIAL SERVICES
Watching Over You
Not everyone is blessed with a gift for managing their finances. This is why it is often wise to stay informed and seek guidance.
Nexus Group is one of the largest financial advisers in the region offering a composite suite of insurance, savings and investment products to both corporate and individual clients from a range of international and domestic providers. As an independent organisation, they meet your needs with carefully selected solutions from the world’s foremost financial services and insurance companies. It has over 370 qualified professional consultants and is supported by 90 dedicated staff in the Middle East region and offers a broad range of licensed products from regulated providers. Established in 2006 by Mahmoud Nodjoumi, founder and CEO, through a management buyout of the distribution arm of Zurich International Life that had been in the region since 1989, Nexus comes with over 20 years of experience in the GCC. Operations are also located in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Lebanon. They excel in the provision of life insurance, savings plans, group medical and life programmes as well as various classes of commercial insurance, including employee benefits. On the table As one of Bahrain’s largest insurance brokers, Nexus Financial Services offer consumers and businesses all classes of insurance cover and products from both local and regional insurers to international insurance providers. These include retail insurance products such as motor, health, travel and home contents. It also offers commercial insurances such as property, engineering, marine and all risks. “The demand for personal financial planning services and products such as family protection insurance in addition to
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education fees, retirement and investment planning have made it our core business for many years now,” says Emanuel Lantzos, regional director and general manager. As more employers are looking to enhance benefits to their key staff, the role of the employee benefit (EB) insurance specialist is becoming more apparent. “We now offer a range of EB benefits such as Group Life, Group Medical, Group Accident and Critical Care, Gratuity Funding and Group Pensions. These will be major growth areas in the coming years,” he affirms. Outstanding service For the fourth time in six years, Nexus has been the recipient of the Personal Lines Broker of the Year at the Insurex Awards, which are recognised as one of the insurance industry’s leading events rewarding excellence across the GCC industry sector. All our advisers hold the award in financial planning from London’s Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and have been approved as Unit Linked Investment Adviser status from the Central Bank of Bahrain. “Our insurance providers such as Zurich International, MetLife Alico, Axa and MedGulf Allianz are proud to be associated with one of Bahrain’s premier insurance and financial planning advisers,” says Emanuel. To further enhance their service to clients, the Bahrain operation has relocated to a more conveniently located and spacious office. There are also improved training and meeting facilities with increased visitor car parking. ”This will enable Nexus to hold educational cliet seminars in-house,” he adds. E Call 17 511-766.
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Stephen Wagstaff (center), with AXA staff at the new BCC shop
AXA INSURANCE
Widening Presence With the opening of its fifth retail shop at the Bahrain City Centre, AXA Gulf is offering customers wider access to a raft of insurance products and services.
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As one of the biggest and the leading non-life international insurers in the Middle East, these are exciting times for AXA. In December, the insurer opened a new retail shop at the Bahrain City Centre (BCC). The new shop offers a strategic and accessible location for greater customer convenience and provides a one-stop destination for a variety of retail insurance solutions — part of AXA’s mandate to extend its world-class service backed by unique insurance solutions. The BCC branch is open from 10 am until 10 pm every day of the week. Company officials note the new store is part of an ambitious expansion strategy, which will see the insurer widening its geographical footprint across the Kingdom as well as in the Gulf over coming months. “We are extremely pleased to extend our retail footprint around Bahrain, enabling us to be closer to our customers,” notes Stephen Wagstaff, country manager for Bahrain. “The extended opening hours of our shops allows a greater choice of timings for our customers and fits better around their own schedule rather than the traditional 8 till 4 structure.” AXA’s servcies include its robust and comprehensive motor perfect, travel smart and home comfort products, as well as those covering golf, health, life and ersonal accident. The insurer has launched a slew of products in recent months, reinforcing its market leadership and competitive advantage in
the insurance sector. Its online medical provider locator service makes it possible for customers to access the medical provider network on Google maps from the convenience of their computer or smart phones. The new ‘priority repair’ service for customers who have an accident enables repair work to commence at the designated garage as soon as the claim is reported to the AXA certified workshop. The insurer’s ‘motor fleet secure’ is designed to insure fleets of cars and commercial vehicles and is ideally suited for small to medium-sized fleets of three or more vehicles. Also launched earlier last year was the Personal Accident policy with its Well Being feature and a bouquet of enhancements for products catering to the SME segment. With the opening of the latest store at the BCC, AXA is now spread across several convenient locations within the Kingdom. However, the timings vary depending on the location. For instance, the Seef branch is open from Sunday through Thursday between 8am to 4pm. The Nakheel Centre in Saar opens from 8am until 8pm from Saturday and Thursday, while the Ramli Mall branch is open from 10am to 8pm from Saturday until Thursday, and between 10am and 8pm on Fridays. The shop at Lulu Hypermarket in Hidd remains open between 10am until 8pm from Saturday to Thursday; on Fridays, it is open from 10am to 4pm. E Call 8000-1060.
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Sharp TV & Refrigerator Launch Sharp Middle East FZE and Rouben's Store W.L.L. held a reception to mark the launch of the Sharp 80 inches AQUOS LED TV and the new Double French Refrigerator at the Crowne Plaza's Bahrain Conference Centre. Kenji Okunaka, deputy managing director of Sharp Middle East FZE hosted the presentation and the event was attended by Rouben Store officials and guests
R.D. Rouben, Kenji Okunaka, Yasmeen, Amal & Sudhir
Sudhir, Amal, R.D. Rouben & Kenji Okunaka with the Sharp 80 inch AQUOS LED TV
The Sharp Double French Refrigerator
Altaf
Kenji Okunaka
Abhineeth, Yasmeen & Kenji Okunaka
SKAL Club Dinner The SKAL Club hosted its Christmas dinner at the Kempinski Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre last month
Mohammed Buzizi, Ismail, Hisham & Mirza
Ramzi, Saad & Daniel
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SKAL Club members & guests
Lepa, Imbi & Ian
Holden, Paola & Sadiq
Hisham, Aisha & Brian
Stephen & Sandra
Jano & Aqeel
Mr Al Halwachi & Siham
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reportsecurity
Safety First
Security is a priceless long term investment and choosing the right scheme is one of the most critical decisions you can make as a home or business owner.
With the rise in crime rates around the world, installing a professional security system to protect both your personal and business life has become a necessity. Whether to defend military, commercial or private perimeters, security is a basic operational necessity that cannot be overlooked. Today’s technological advancements allows for international brands to develop a new breed of networked solutions for all your individualised needs. The available high-tech systems in the market combine performance, sophistication and functionality into a compact unit. This means that the days where you had to break the bank for a single surveillance camera are long gone and now, a fully-protected property is only a phone call away. Bahrain This Month magazine walks you through the number of effective ways you can protect your possessions, assets and most importantly, your loved ones. CCTV Your commercial property houses a wide range of valuable items and equipment which is essential to keep your business running. Investing in a round-the-clock surveillance is one of the best ways to ensure that your operation will never be jeopardised. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) has advanced its way with cutting edge technologies to bring you all you require to secure
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your grounds. Installing a CCTV camera not only steps up your security and protection for your business, but it can also be used in your home. The surveillance equipment acts as a major deterrent to thieves and provides you with peace of mind that you are protected. The convenience and efficiency of the system makes it popular for all kinds of applications. Today, they are widely used by individuals, shopping malls, banks, airports and by local authorities. The types of networks in which CCTVs can be used range from analogue to wireless and IP to Vista. For further information: Yusif Bin Yusif Fakhroo; Y. K. Almoayyed & Sons; Mohammed Fakhroo & Bros Access control Access Control is the security feature that can limit who can access resources in a particular operating system. Implementing this restrain offers you, the business owner, the ability to permit or deny the use of an object or file by any employees or individuals. Access control also allows you to determine who can log on to a given system, what an authorised user can do and can even identify what a certain user has done. For further information: Mohammed Fakhroo & Bros; Yusif Bin Yusif Fakhroo; Y K Almoayyed & Sons.
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reportsecurity Convoy jamming This system is used to moderate the threat of attack by remote controlled explosive devises while travelling by vehicle. Jammers are placed at various points on a convoy vehicle in order to increase the coverage of radio frequency jamming efficiency. The equipment will then prevent the detonation of a bomb by any radio transmitted audio or digital signal. For further information: Yusif Bin Yusif Fakhroo. Intruder alarm As more people experience break-ins and burglaries, it is important to do everything in your power to protect your possessions. The peace of mind that a burglar alarm can offer will mean that you never have to worry about the threat of vandalism. Remember, the cost of investing in a quality alarm is nothing in comparison to the damage that could be caused by an intruder who may not only be looking to steal but to also cause harm. For further information: Y. K. Almoayyed & Sons; Mohammed Fakhroo & Bros. Voice alarm Voice evacuation systems have proven to be essential in the safe management of buildings in an event of an emergency. A voice message informs occupants exactly what to do using clear, easily understood, pre-recorded messages to ensure that even untrained personnel are evacuated quickly and efficiently. The system integrates with any fire alarm. The equipment can be installed in all offices, factories, warehouses, shops, sports stadiums, cinemas, theatres, schools and public buildings. For further information: Y. K. Almoayyed & Sons. Motion sensors If you are looking for a simple way to provide your house or office interior protection, a quality motion sensor is your best bet. Used mostly for personal purposes, a motion sensor can be an essential part of your home security system.
Fire protection Why take the risk of not investing in a fire alarm or smoke detector especially when fire can destroy your property in just a matter of minutes. Quality fire safety solutions brings your company the benefits of protecting lives as well as bringing you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your valuable assets remain safe. You can choose from fire detection devices, extinguishing or suppression systems, fire fighting equipment or public address devices. For further information: Yusif Bin Yusif Fakhroo; Y. K. Almoayyed & Sons; Mohammed Fakhroo & Bros. Data protection To a company owner, losing data or access to it basically means losing business; this makes data protection services essential to all entities. Data protection methods can range from technical support, managed services, data security, backup services and annual maintenance services. For further information: Yusif Bin Yusif Fakhroo; Y. K. Almoayyed & Sons.
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MOHAMMED FAKHROO & BROS
A Safer Future
When it comes to protection, be it from simple to sophisticated systems, one of the most recognised retailers in the Kingdom has you covered.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Among the many brands distributed by Mohammed Fakhroo & Bros is the internationally acclaimed brand, Bosch. The German manufacturers provide state-of-the-art security expertise by combining innovation, quality and reliability. The specialised products include interactive TV solutions and versatile digital signage as well as light fittings for institutional use. Home and business owners can also find a range of multimedia systems that include video-conferencing, electrical tests and measurement equipment as well as electrical and industrial calibrators. For ultimate customer convenience, the company’s security engineers and consultants work together with clients to ensure their involvement in every phase of developing a design. The company has built strong relationships with industry leaders around the island, serving a number of five-star hotels and luxury apartments. Other major brands under the trading establishment’s operations are Philips, Locatel, Beamex, Polycom and Micrometrics. Their professional system division serve up top-of-the-line technologies like CCTVs, access control, fire and intruder alarms and public address systems. Parking barriers, UVSS, audio-video equipment and IPTVs are also all offered. Established in 1958, the company has grown to become among the biggest and most reliable household names in Bahrain. Offering a host of products and services, the company specialises in consumer electronics, domestic appliances and lighting products. By also providing both medical equipment and building materials, their list of clientele includes established construction and health facilities. E Call 17 712-002.
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Z Club Nights The Z Club at the Pars International Hotel was buzzing during the weekends, as the outlet welcomed their rocking new band The Blur
The Blur
Pop, Uday & Danny
DJ Guy
Mona, Nancy & Cary
Nicky & Lee
Mick & Jon
Pop & Chaichana
Danny, Liza & Zee
Apel, Shen & Diza
First Motors, the exclusive dealers of Hyundai, recently announced the appointment of David Valentino Benjamin as the new Service Manager. Seen here are, Raed Mu’ti, general manager, First Motors, left, and David Valentino
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Mo & Mansoor Mindshare, a media agency dedicated to innovative brand development for its clients, was recently honoured with 9 Awards at the Gemas Effie MENA Awards 2012 , making it the most awarded agency not only amongst media agencies but also creative agencies. The ceremony took place at the Armani Hotel in Dubai last month. Seen here, some members of the Mindshare team celebrating their victory
The Capital Governorate began an initiative - The 'Decorate your house or building' competition to celebrate His Majesty King Hamad's accession to the throne. Residents, companies and public sector organisations in Manama are being encouraged to decorate their homes and buildings for a chance to win the grand prize of BD5,000, under the slogan 'The Kingdom's Heart'. Seen here at the announcement are, HE Shaikh bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Capital Governor & Mohammed Salahuddin, technical committee head, Capital Governorate
Dariyush Postwalla, a British School student recently won the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) sponsored 21st International Painting Competition on the Environment titled "Green Communities' for the West Asia. He travelled to Brazil to receive award at a ceremony presided over by Nick Nuttall, communications director UNEP, Theodore Oben Children and Youth Program Specialist, and other UNEP officials as well as senior representatives of Bayer and Nikon, the principal sponsors of the event. Seen here, Dariyush with his winning entry
Bang & Meme
The Royal Golf Club junior golfers who participated in the VIVA Junior Order of Merit Series which took place on the Club’s Wee Monty par 3 course were also honoured at a prize-giving ceremony and barbecue. Seen here, Taimur Malik, under 12 Champion receiving his prize from Ulaiyan Alwetaid, CEO of VIVA BBK, Bahrain’s pioneer in retail and commercial banking, recently announced the names of the November monthly Al Hayrat prize winners of $75,000. Seen here are, Standing, left to right, Nada Bubshait, marketing communications manager; Aisha Al Hassan, marketing assistant; Iftikhar Ahmed, winner; Reinaldo Moarry, head of retail marketing & husband of winner Badriya Ali Hajih. Sitting, left to right, are the winners, Nasreldeen Hamdar, Mariam A.Aziz, Wedad Al Haji & Badriya Ali
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Feeling Small The Galaxy S3 mini brings the high performance, intuitive ease of use and nature-inspired design of the Galaxy S3 to an elegant, compact smart phone with a 4-inch screen. Its display offers a generous viewing experience in brilliant colour and clarity. Available at all leading retailers.
What’s New Edited by Maryam Toorani
Instant Volume Revlon’s PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara turns up the dramatic effect by creating glamorous, expressive, big volume lashes from every angle. The unique reflecting formula helps them look magnified and multiplied with no clumping or flaking. Available at leading retailers.
Aviator’s Watch Setting a new benchmark in modern aviation watches is the limited edition range from Charmex’s CX Swiss Military. The collection is dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and is rightly named Hurricane. Available in four dial colours of silver, black, red and arctic blue, the watch also comes in a luxurious wooden gift box. Available at A La Mode outlets.
Paris Amour Bath and Body Works introduces an ode to Parisian fragrances with a signature collection — From Paris, with Love. The three unique fragrances are inspired by delectable treats of local patisserie, floral fragrances from the corner flower stand and the sophisticated beauty of city lights at night. Available at Bath and Body Works outlets.
Engineered Luxury Porsche has unveiled a new masculine fragrance that fuses the quality of the brand into one avant-garde bottle. The scent, titled Titan, is a distinguished woody citrus scent that lingers on the skin all day long. Available at leading retailers.
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marketplace
ASIA JEWELLERS
Classic Renewals One of the most quintessential watchmakers has revived and updated an iconic design giving it a contemporary and chic twist.
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If you are a fan of Officine Panerai’s Luminor Marina range, you will love the new 42mm size that is now available in the latest Luminor Marina 1950 3 Days Automatic. Choose between the two versions available: the sportier one in steel (PAM00392) or the more elegant style in red gold (PAM00393). The new size of the case has not changed the classic proportions of the model, which was originally inspired by the watches created by Panerai in the 1940s for the commandos of the Italian Navy. Like its predecessors, the timepiece boasts a bridge with locking lever, which helps to ensure a high degree of water resistance and also protects the winding crown from accidental shocks. The crown operates a convenient setting mechanism by which the hour hand is rotated in one-hour steps in either direction, also adjusting the date correspondingly, without interrupting the running of the watch. The dial, simple and quintessential in its iconic design, has a sandwich construction to ensure maximum clarity and legibility
both under water and in the lowest lighting conditions; two superimposed discs contain a layer of Super-LumiNova which shines through cut-outs in the upper disc corresponding to the hour markers and numerals, providing exceptional visibility. While the design of the watch is closely linked to the history of the brand and inspired by it, the choice of materials and the manufacture P.9000 calibre demonstrate Panerai’s continuous commitment to research and development into the best technical solutions. The movement is the automatic P.9000 calibre, completely designed and executed by the Panerai manufacture in Neuchâtel. It has a power reserve of three days and it is driven by two spring barrels wound by an oscillating weight which operates in both directions. The calibre is 13¾ lignes and 7.9mm thick, with 28 jewels and a balance wheel which oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. E Call 17 535-344.
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PHOENICIA DÉCOR
Please Be Seated Light up your home with Italian flair as a new collection arrives in one of the Kingdom’s luxury home stores. Come along to the Seef showroom to view what’s on offer.
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Phoenicia Décor is celebrating the new year in style. The home furnishing store has introduced a whole range of collections to its showroom, providing a wealth of options for anyone planning to give their home a much-needed makeover. The store is filled with Italian designs ideal for any living space or individual taste, but overall the theme presented is a modern one, with statement pieces that will effortlessly glide into any contemporary home. Seating options are abundant, as everyone needs a house fit to entertain guests and relax in comfort. If you prefer to inject pops of colour with smaller decoration items, opt for a white seating arrangement. Simply use cushions and throws in your chosen colour scheme to complement the wall or floor hues. Alternatively, select a bright and colourful sofa set; Phoenicia Décor has a lime green corner arrangement on display with separate seating units enabling you to arrange the structure to suit your space. A two-seater red style is ideal to cosy up on for nights in front of the television; it can be reassembled to act as a bed for any guests you may have to stay. Team your chosen range with vases, lamps or wall hangings for a truly stylistic space. E Call 17 564-444.
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marketplace
BOCONCEPT
Interior Revival Update your home to suit your ever-evolving taste. Shop for high-end collections at a fraction of the original price as one designer interiors brand celebrates the start of 2013 with a sale.
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January means one thing; it’s sale time! Head to BoConcept where the designer home furnishings showroom in Seef will be offering discounts across the entire range. You will be able to purchase that elegant range you’ve been lusting after for months for just a smidgen of the original price, meaning that you can create the interior haven that you’ve always dreamed of. Sleep in style with the elegant Limo bed, designed by Morten Georgsen. Choose between different sizes, colours and headboards and hide your mess with one of the under-bed storage systems. With the Limo range you have the option of under-bed drawers or shelves, depending on whether you want to hide your belongings or put them on display. The elegant Mezzo sofa provides spacious seating and luxurious comfort. The sofa is characterised by the slim seat cushion that features exclusive stitching details. Adjust your seating comfort and relax in different ways by adjusting the smart and easy-to-use comfort cushion that is attached to the back cushion. Achieve utmost comfort by choosing the extra-large resting unit and enjoy the extra padding on the armrests. The Mezzo sofa is a modular sofa concept where you can choose between 16 different seating units and two different leg colours. Best of all, it is available in more than 90 different fabrics and leathers to suit your existing decor.
The Ottawa collection is a complete collection for the dining room with smooth, sensual details and great functionality. The range, designed by Karim Rashid, is inclusive of all your dining furniture necessities and the table, cabinet and sideboard are available in white lacquer and light oak. Play with different colour combinations on the sideboard or the legs. E Call 17 564-319, email info@boconcept-bh.com or visit www.boconcept.com.
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ROCHE BOBOIS
Home Make-over Inject fresh life into your home in coordination with the new year. Select singular statement pieces or full sets to rejuvenate tired rooms and dull spaces. If your home furniture is looking a little peaky, it may just be time to replace it with perkier alternatives. Use the new year’s arrival as an excuse to re-do some areas of your house that are in dire need of revival with stylistic and modern pieces that will make a huge difference. Don’t be afraid to experiment with contrasting colours and bright futuristic ideas. The Astrolab Dining Table is a truly forward-thinking item; the glass-topped table features a skeletal design depicting a mechanical movement complete with turning cogs. Accompanied by six bright red chairs, the set becomes the focal point of any room and flaunts the homeowners contemporary taste. If you are enticed by this type of styling, you will love the Nuage armchair range. The circular chairs don’t require companionship and are available in lime green, hot pink or plum purple to spice up any dark corner. For a design that is still just as colourful but slightly less revolutionary, opt for the Infrarouge corner sofa. The red unit is spacious with a deep back and room for at least five adults to comfortably lounge. You can transport your house guests to France by filling a room with a vintage-style dresser from the Dubois Commode range. The stylistically weathered units are available in three retro colours and will suit any living space. If you are an avid follower of fashion, drape your home in Italian design with the Rythme sofa covered in Missoni fabrics. The eclectic set is put together with contrasting patterns and hues sitting side by side for a truly fashionable finished look that will be the envy of all your guests. Continue the modernity theme in the bedroom with the Elica bed. Crafted in top-quality black leather, the large bed oozes comfort and is available with a matching bench. E Call 17 582-901.
Astrolab dining table
Elica bed
Rythme sofa
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January 2013 111
diningf&bhappenings
CORAL BAY
Cooking Outsourced The festive season has put our cooking skills on overdrive. Give it a rest this year; let Coral Bay’s culinary team take over.
Situated on the clear waters of the Arabian Sea, Coral Bay is the ultimate destination for relaxation, adventure, entertainment and absolute enjoyment. Formerly known as Coral Beach Club, this is a marina, a beach, a fully-equipped health club, a relaxing lounge and the home of the island’s most acclaimed Lebanese restaurant all under a single roof. It is also hosts Bahrain’s legendary Formula 1 parties. What most people don’t know is that this venue also excels in catering. For memorable get-togethers The kids’ menu at Karma Lounge offers birthday party classics along with some of Coral Bay’s very own specialties. The delicious food, which is all homemade with no preservatives or additives, comes in unique presentation styles for dine-in birthday bashes. It can also be packed in canapé boxes so it’s easy to transport to the entertainment venue. The only finger you’ll have to lift is one to open the lid. Karma’s canapé menu offers innovative finger food that’s guaranteed to satisfy the most discerning of guests. Using unique flavour combinations and the freshest of ingredients, it has been designed by their chef to give you the perfect catering solution for your next cocktail night, corporate event or just a house party. Whatever the occasion, Coral Bay can assist you in creating lovely combinations from their hot, cold and sweet bite-sized
112 January 2013
meals to suit your event’s theme and setting. All items are sold in portions of 24 and have a special presentation for both in-house and outside catering. Meanwhile, their Lebanese venue Rayés offers an Oriental menu which includes a large selection of Middle Eastern region spreads, from salads, cold and hot mezze, freshly baked bread, innovative main courses and delicious desserts. Too busy to bake You can now order and enjoy a full range of cakes, served whole or in slices, at any celebration. Enough for 15 persons, these delicacies are freshly baked without any artificial flavours or preservatives, to give you the perfect home-baked experience. That’s not all Coral Bay has to offer. Take advantage of the variety of corporate lunch options. They have everything from gourmet club sandwiches, mini rolls, wraps and pitas to mini cakes and muffins. All of mouth-watering sandwiches are slathered with their signature home-style chutneys and spreads. Especially designed for working lunches, boardroom meetings and tea breaks, the corporate catering items are easy to serve and eat thanks to the simple packaging that eradicates the need for any crockery. E Call 17 312-700 or 33 745-547.
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Nezar Banabeela
VIVA BAHRAIN
On-the-Go Connection Companies in the Kingdom are being offered a host of solutions to meet their local and global connectivity needs.
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With developments in communication technologies and their influence on the productivity and efficiency of the corporate world, the demand for mobility services is at an all-time high. Following the success of their business division, and in line with their aim to empower corporations in the Kingdom, Viva has launched a brand-new range of mobility services. The initiative is aimed at bringing innovative products tailored to meet the needs of the commercial sector. Latest handsets and smart devices, competitive voice and data packages, along with fast mobile broadband to empower those on the move, are all on offer. Customers can also enjoy an array of data connectivity as well as advanced ICT solutions. For ultimate convenience, the packages are available as 12-, 18- and 24-month contracts where corporations can enjoy unlimited calls to all Viva numbers all day, every day, on all plans. “We offer a variety of unique plans that provide the best value for business, smartphone users with unlimited Viva-to-Viva calls, free devices, bundled data and minutes to other operators,” explains Nezar Banabeela, Viva CW and EO. These add-ons also include unlimited data and Blackberry service as well as up to 90 per cent discount on selected international calls. Recognising each organisation has its own specific needs, the telecommunication giants have developed a collection of connectivity products and services that customers can benefit
from not only to achieve better value for money but also to enhance their operations. “Enterprises and SMEs have different targets ranging from the size of the company to their objectives. We have a dedicated professional account management team that meets with them to understand their specific needs and jointly assess the best telecom solution based on their current and future plans,” says Nezar. The innovative new packages benefit all kinds of entities ranging from small to large enterprises and governmental authorities. Tailor-made, the packages have no limit to the number of users or types of ventures. “All customers are important to us and as such it is imperative that we meet their standards and provide them with the right products and services, including mobility, dedicated internet access, local and international connectivity and advanced ICT solutions,” he states. Viva’s clients can enjoy limitless advantages, including simple and flexible plans to address their mobility needs of voice, messaging, data, roaming and next-generation technologies as well as cost reduction, enhanced communication and access to the Kingdom’s fastest network, amongst many others. “We strive to provide exceptional customer service whilst establishing long business relationships with all our current and future clients,” says Nezar. E Call 34 128-128 or visit www.viva.com.bh.
January 2013 113
marketplace ROUBEN’S STORES
From Bigger to Biggest Industry giants partner up to launch two record-breaking brand-new products for the luxurious home owner.
Going into a 50-year partnership, Rouben’s Stores and Sharp have typically taken the lead in introducing new technologies to the Kingdom. The duo brought in Bahrain’s first microwave ovens, colour TVs, calculators and also the country’s very first LCD TV. This year, the pair is showcasing two new firsts, and definitely the biggest, with the all new 80-inch Aquos LED TV and the Double French Refrigerator. Size matters The full HD Japanese-made panel provides more than twice the screen area of an average 55-inch TV. It features Sharp’s fourth generation Quattron technology for better 3D viewing and a system that decreases blurring during fast-moving videos. It also boasts advanced Wi-Fi capabilities, which are further strengthened by the brand’s smart interface, allowing customers to enjoy applications such as Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. The interface also allows customised preferences, thus permitting users to send photos, music and videos wirelessly. The new Double French Refrigerator, on the other hand, carves a niche in the high-end luxury kitchen segment with its bigger size, attractive functions and impressive specifications. Featuring four doors, the refrigerator boasts a touch panel control and eco-friendly long-lasting LED lighting. It offers a total of 724 litres of useable capacity for food and beverage storage and is also equipped with hygiene-promoting technologies. E Call 17 227-770.
bystanderthismonth
JAC Motors Launch Under the patronage of HE Dr Hassan Fakhro, Industry and Commerce Minister, new car dealership JAC Motors has been officially launched in Bahrain in a ceremony at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa. The launch, by Auto-o’s, a division of Bahrain Commercial Services Co., was attended by HE Li Chen, Chinese Ambassador & Faisal Jawad, chairman, Bahrain Commercial Services, officials, VIPs and the media The new JAC Sedan which was launched
Faisal Jawad & HE Dr Hassan Fakhro
Ahmed & Shubbar
114 January 2013
Sujoy & Ram
Karim Jawad & Noor
Guo, HE Li Chen, Faisal Jawad & Goutham
Philip, Veer Pandya, Jawad & Venkateshan
Gray Xu
Nadeem Ahmed
Abbas Hussain
Seby, Naveen & Sridhar
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Dr Akram
BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL
On Your Knees Bahrain This Month sat down with specialist orthopaedic surgeon Dr Akram Al Hasani of the Bahrain Specialist Hospital (BSH) to learn more about a degenerative
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Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint disorders and mostly affects those above the age of 40. Known as the ‘wear and tear’ arthritis, its causes can range from ageing bones to previous injuries and even obesity. “If the cartilage around the joint breaks down and wears away, the bones rub together causing drastic discomfort. A bone growth may form around the joint; ligaments and muscles become weaker and stiffer,” says Dr Akram. Generally, the pain associated with arthritis develops gradually. The joint may become stiff and swollen, making it difficult to bend or straighten the knee. Decreasing range of motion and weakness in the knee results in “locking” or “buckling” and can be viewed as a sign or symptom of trouble. Many patients report that changes in the weather also affect the degree of discomfort from arthritis. “Another red flag is the development of Baker’s cyst. The cyst itself is harmless but sometimes causes a painful collection of joint fluid behind the knee,” continues the expert. Although OA tends to run in families, it can still affect anyone. Risk factors include being overweight and regular playing of sports. Also, for those over 55 years of age, it is more common in women than in men. At BSH, the expert team performs physical examinations that
focus on a patient’s walk, the range of motion in the limb and joint swelling or tenderness. X-rays can also help reveal joint space narrowing, bone spur formation at the joint margins or subchondral cyst formations. Treatment varies from patient to patient and can range from non-surgical procedures to medications, depending on the severity of the case. In its early stages, arthritis of the knee can be treated with simple lifestyle modifications like exercise and diet along with supportive devices. Usually, pharmacologic therapy is the first-line solution. BSH has also treated many patients using injections of hyaluronic acid. Several types of drugs can be used in treating arthritis of the knee. The use of naproxinod is effective in relieving pain and is less likely to increase blood pressure and is safer for the gastrointestinal in comparison with Ibuprofen, DiclofenacCelecoxib-etoricoxid. The compound of naproximiod seems least harmful to cardiovascular events or myocardial infraction or stroke. If there still is no improvement, then surgery might be needed. “Technology is actually very advanced in this field of medicine. A recent German study confirmed that the use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory injections reduces the loss of cartilage,” explains the specialist. E Call 17 812-000.
January 2013 115
bystanderthismonth
BBK Launches Al Wajaha Banking Account BBK, Bahrain’s pioneer in retail and commercial banking, announced the launch of Al Wajaha, an exclusive banking service which has been carefully tailored to meet the banking, travel and lifestyle needs of the most discerning customers. In addition to the premium range of banking services and benefits, Al Wajaha offers a Visa Infinite debit card, a first in Bahrain. Al Wajaha was launched at a press conference held at BBK’s Main Branch in Manama last month
Meena & Axel
Ghazi Ahmed, Head of Al Wajaha, Shaikh Rashid Al Khalifa, general manager, Business Group, Abdulkarim Bucheery, BBK chief executive & Axel Hofmann, assistant general manager, Retail Banking, address the media
Ali & Mohammed
Maram & Munya
Abdulkarim Bucheery with guests
Isuzu D-Max 2013 Launch Isuzu Motors Limited and MotorCity Holding Company held a launch for the new generation Isuzu D-Max 2013 at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC). The launch was followed by a 4x4 off road track driving experience
Huwaida, Layal & Bisan
Bashar Darkazalli & Fawaz Kanoo pose with the Isuzu D-Max 2013 vehicle
Akira Odagaki & Fawaz Kanoo
Mathew, Zaid, Fawaz Kanoo, Bashar Darkazalli & Satish
Arun Kumar
Citroën C4 Aircross Launch Under the patronage of HE Dr Hassan Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce MotorCity Holding Company held a launch for the new Citroën C4 Aircross at the Bahrain City Centre The all-new Citroën C4 Aircross
Joe
116 January 2013
Waleed Kanoo & HE Dr Hassan Fakhro
Vivek, Satish, Bashar Darkazalli, Waleed Kanoo, Hani & Sunil
Khalid
Karnam
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winwin
Bahrain This Month gives readers an exclusive chance to win watches from Sharif Group.
RCBahPrimavera ad BTM2.pdf
1
12/23/12
AD SEEK
To win, all you have to do is correctly answer the questions below.
1
2
3
8:08 PM
Where is the Arts Fest being held? ___________________________ How old is Dublin, at Ramee Palace Hotel? ___________________________ Where can you find Sigrid Gloerfelt’s works? ___________________________
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 : Shiv Kumar Waiba Second Place : Catherine Capilla Third Place : Analyn Maraggay
Last month’s solutions
1.
1. Bahrain City Centre 2. Sleeping Beauty 3. British School of Bahrain
4
When is the leadership conference? ___________________________
4. Removal of the gall bladder surgery 5. Amwaj Marina 6. Range Rover 7. White 8. Paul Café
5
Who runs BBK? ___________________________ C
M
Y
6
Which car did we test drive this month? ___________________________ CM
MY
CY
9. Predators 10. Venice
2.
Ad Seek 1. HSBC Bank 2. Lulu Hypermarket 3. Da Rae Jung Restaurant
Child Educa Scheme by Medgulf Alli Takaful, esp for you.
4. Sofitel Luxury Hotels
CMY
7
Where did we visit this month? ___________________________
8
Who manages Maki restaurant? ___________________________
9
What is our App of the month? ___________________________
K
10
Who is Antony Fernandez? ___________________________
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Name:
Address:
3.
Telephone:
Email:
cpr:
Entry deadline is January 15. The winner will be selected at random. Please include your full name, CPR number, address and telephone number, and mail to: Win Win, Bahrain This Month, PO Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.
4. January 2013 117
Bahrain 44 | Bahrain 55 | Bahrain sport 1 | Bahrain sport 2
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advertisersindex
Joz Group Staff Party
Fashion Emporio Armani . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
The Joz Group and the Joz Salon & Spa hosted its annual staff party at the Ramee International Hotel's banquet hall last month
Financial Institutions AXA Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Others
MedGulf Allianz Takaful . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Nexus Financial Services . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Iris, Nawal & Aysha
Nawal Joz
Imran
BoConcept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Dream Body Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Coral Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Gajria Electronics (Touchmate) . . . . . . . . 46
Roche Bobois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Gulf Industry Fair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Hotels & Luxury Apartments
Leadership Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Juffair Fitness Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Pars International Hotel . . . . . . . . . . .71,93
Mohd Fakhro & Bros (Bosch) . . . . . . . . 105
Ramada Hotel Bahrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Radio Bahrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Ramee California Hotel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Roubens Store (Sharp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Ramee Palace Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
The Tempest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
The K Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
VLCC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Spa . . . . . . . . . . 6
Shahid, Raffiq & Ashraf
Al Aali Shopping Complex . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Amwaj Marina Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Change Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Jewellery & Watches
Mohammed
DNATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Home & Furnishings Phoenicia Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11
Riza, Annamhae & Suaad
Zayani Motors (Mitsubishi). . . . . . . . . . . 29 Zayani Motors (Peugeot). . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
BBK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IFC
Andrea
Motor City (Citroen) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 National Car Rental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Restaurants & Cafés Block 338 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC
Asia Jewellers (R Weil) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Casa Mexicana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Sharif Group (A La Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Costa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Medical & Dental Services
Jim’s Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Bahrain Specialist Hospital . . . . . . . . . . 49
Motoring
Houseboat Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Lanterns Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Maki Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Ahmed Zayani & Sons (Dodge). . . . . . . . 21
Telecommunications
Euro Motors (Land Rover) . . . . . . . . . . . . BC
Life Telecom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Kia Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
VIVA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
BTM retail sales outlets
Aman, Asad, Nawal & Asif
BAHRAIN THIS MONTH, your guide to a great way of life, is available at the following selected outlets:
Ann, Buena & Lourdes
Sunata, Jennifer & Eman
● 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 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.
● BooksPlus, all outlets ● Burhama Cold Store ● Classic Shop, Bab Al Bahrain ● Elite Supermarket, Hoora ● Supermarket, Awali ● Jawad Supermarket, all outlets ● Jim’s Restaurant ● Mega Mart, all outlets
Photos Nawal & Flavia
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Nawal & Mohammed
Copies of most pictures depicted in this publication (and some which aren’t) are available from National Photo Services, Gudaibiya 17 742-955.
January 2013 119
lastword
Hikikomori
JAMES CLAIRE
In technological advancements, the world has come a long way quickly. However, what have we truly gained for ourselves other than less space, less time, less freedom and less emotion?
120 January 2013
I recently travelled and decided to leave my cell phone in the hotel. It took days to forget about it. Every ring tone on the streets, in taxis and on the metro, I would jump to find my phone. I could not lose the nervous connection and be free, to enjoy life and not be bullied by an electronic gadget. How did our parents survive when the only phones were in their house or office? Were they less productive having to be tied to where a phone sat? Are we better off now that work follows us 24/7? Imagine my state of joy — no car, no phone and no laptop. I can’t remember the last time I felt so liberated to enjoy life and to just interact with what God gave us. The digital age, the excitement of online gaming, the need to find new friends, the immediacy of downloads and the “what I want, I want it now” e-generation is turning people into empty shells. Look around and you see isolated people linked to their phones. We have no fear connecting to strangers online, yet we have lost the most social thing of all — the art of conversation. In the words of Albert Einstein, “It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” To think he lived far before the time of the modern gizmos. I know friends who answer the phone in short bursts of “yes,” “no” and “okay” and then hang up. They are scared to talk, far too busy and frightened they’ll be asked something they can’t Google first. Yet these same people will email me long emails or texts. Ask someone to be your friend on the street and they’ll run
a mile looking at you as if you are weird, a loser, a social misfit or an outcast. Yet on social networking sites, click “add friend” and nine out 10 people will “accept” you simply because your fake photo looks nice. It’s a strange reality when having 500 friends online makes you a ‘somebody’ when you can never hold a real-time conversation with most of them. The Japanese call the act of social withdrawal “hikikomori”, which means pulling away or confining oneself from society. I wonder if we are heading in that direction. As technology makes us housebound, we are getting more unfit. What’s the point of all this technology if it kills us because of sedentary lifestyles? Not long ago, I looked at my parents as nomads of modern society with no computers, iTechnology or cell phones. Their friends are the postman and the next-door neighbour. They talk in real time. How many of us know the name of the postman or our neighbours? How many of us care? The happiest people I have ever met are those too poor to buy this modern technology or know it exists, like those in the favelas of Brazil, rural villages of the Philippines and countryside of Peru. They also seem to be thinner people. In Western society, the correlation between weight gain and technology began with the remote control. While our televisions have become thinner, we have all gotten fatter. Being connected is supposed to mean feeling humanity, compassion and love, not disconnecting from reality altogether or allowing it to kill us.
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