Bahrain This Month - May 2017

DINING | SHOPPING MALLS | MOTORING

YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Happenings

•Play: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt •Indoor Skydiving Championship •Charity Events

Cosmetic Treatments in Bahrain

Interviews

• Exclusive with Scottish Artist Sandi Thom • Faysal Abdel Gader Mohamed

International Affairs Adviser

• Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa

Latest Trends and Services Offered by Local Clinics and Spas May 2017 ~ Vol. 21 ~ Issue 5

Bahrain Bourse CEO Arts

Culture

Clubs

Sports

Interviews

Lifestyle

Dining

Nightlife

Memories are the one gift you give to yourself.

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Issue 237

Contents May 2017 44

COVER STORY Rocking for Rescue

Exclusive interview with Scottish singer-songwriter Sandi Thom.

HAPPENINGS

Bahrain This Month previews events happening around town during May 2017:

32

24

Art Show

Transcend – art exhibition by international artist Taline Temizian.

26

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

A stage production of Michael Rosen’s award-winning book.

28 Shop

For a Good Cause

The popular Souq Ramadan Charity Bazaar returns.

30 Up

For the Challenge

The first Arab Championship and GCC Cup of Indoor Skydiving.

32 An

26

30

Evening with Football’s Bad Boys

Enjoy a superb event featuring three legendary footballers.

34 Summer

Biathlon

A fun charity experience to raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis patients.

After Dark

36 Soirée

Magnifique

The ultimate beach party – St Tropez style.

38 Arabic

Icon

40 McFly

Alert

The Queen of the Stage, Myriam Fares, live in concert.

JJ’s back to the Future Night.

42 Sounds

34

38

of Blackness

RBMA and HOUSEofAFRIKA Presents Black Motion in Bahrain.

46

INTERVIEWS Advice for Life

48

Market Trader

Faysal Abdel Gader Mohamed shares his experiences of working around the globe.

Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa on the launch of Bahrain Investment Market.

58

48 Bystander This Month’s Bystander pages captured various happenings including the 2017 Formula 1 Gulf Air Grand Prix, early celebrations to mark US Independence Day and the national days of Pakistan and Bangladesh. Our photographers were also at the Rotary Raft Race, Spring of Culture events and many more. Did they snap you?

www.bahrainthismonth.com

50

Lighting Up The Land

Architectural lighting specialist Paolo Guzzini talks about his company’s 30-year association with Bahrain.

52

Value with Vogue

Ivan Styk, territory head at Al Rashid Group, shares his foresight for the company.

54

A New Vision

General manager Naveen Narayan reveals his big plans for Al Safir Hotel and Tower.

FEATURES

57-62 Cosmetic

Treatments

A special feature on cosmetic treatment services in the Kingdom.

64-65 Shopping

Malls

BTM brings you a convenient round-up of all the shopping venues worth their salt.

May 2017 3

Issue 237

Contents May 2017 67

Motoring

Robert’s New Role

BTM chats with Nissan Bahrain’s new general manager.

68

Luxurious Performance Meets Technology

The latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class – stunning and revamped for success.

71

71 A

Unique Adventure

Three BMWs take up the challenge of the endurance rally Allgäu- Orient 2017.

72 Exclusive

Flagship Dealer

Porsche Centre Bahrain offers customers more choice for customising their vehicles.

73 Safety

First

The award-winning Volvo XC90 is as stylish as it is practical.

74 A

Ray of Sunshine

The JAC Motors Sunray is a new van/minibus that is taking the world by storm.

75 Everyone’s

a Winner

Bridgestone has launched a new promotion that saves customers money.

76-77 Motoring

News and Launches

BTM brings you the latest news from the motoring world on the island.

67

87

Downtime

78-79 Gadgets: The newest gizmos in town 80 Music: Top Tunes

81 Computer Games: The hot games of the month 82 Websites: The coolest sites on the web 83 Apps: Essential apps 84 Movies: New releases

87

Dining

Bella Italia!

Charlie Holding reviews Gulf Hotel’s Italian restaurant – La Pergola.

88

Funky Chinese

BTM samples the delectable dishes at Wangs Funky Chinese Eatery.

88

93

92

Growth Is on the Menu

93

Look Forward to Lunch

98

Mexican May Madness

BFLC is set to grow this year with more branches and new concepts.

The Domain Hotel and Spa introduces a new buffet at Figs & Olives restaurant.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in true Mexican style at Casa Mexicana.

101

Ramadan Revelry

The Westin’s swanky Furn Bistro & Bakery is all geared up for Ramadan.

102

Celebrating a Special Time

Enjoy traditional Arabic hospitality at the K Hotel’s impressive Kolors restaurant.

106

104-105

81

Table Hopping

Showcase

What’s New: Must-have products 107-111 Marketplace: Latest products and services 113-114 Business Bites 106

Regulars

84 www.bahrainthismonth.com

80

117 WIN WIN 118 Tarotscope 119 AD Index 120 Last Word

May 2017 5

THE TEAM

Bahrain This Month May 2017

Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Email: george@bahrainthismonth.com Editorial Director Liz O’Reilly Editor Apple Sharma Contributors Charlie Holding, Behnaz Sanjana, Puja Tiwari Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Romeo San Miguel

Photography Editor Mona Abdul Jabbar Staff Photographers Subeesh Kumar N S, Ranjith Mohan Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa

The only Lifestyle Magazine distributed with the GDN

Corporate Affairs Director Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Media Sales Marise Prata Dos Santos, Randa Ghazi Howais Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Corporation Printing Press Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej W.L.L., Bahrain

Published monthly by

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

•

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

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

COVER Cover Picture:

Scottish Artist Sandi Thom George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman

DINING | SHOPPING MALLS | MOTORING

1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24

YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

Gulf and international subscriptions available on request.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Happenings

Bahrain This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide

•Play: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt •Indoor Skydiving Championship •Charity Events

Cosmetic Treatments in Bahrain

Interviews

• Exclusive with Scottish Artist Sandi Thom • Faysal Abdel Gader Mohamed

Latest Trends and Services Offered by Local Clinics and Spas

International Affairs Adviser

• Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa

May 2017 ~ Vol. 21 ~ Issue 5

Bahrain Bourse CEO Arts

www.bahrainthismonth.com

As the weather heats up and we prepare for the arrival of Ramadan at the end of the month, there are plenty of events in store across the island. The fun play We’re Going on a Bear Hunt will be enjoyed by young and old alike; Bahrain Yacht Club is back in the swing after a quiet period with Beach Ball 2017; you’ll find bargains galore at sales to benefit various charities and the island will welcome footballing legends Ray Parlour, Razor Ruddock and John Hartson for an evening of insight and hilarity.

The nightlife scene is packed too. There are international DJ appearances from the likes of Natalie Brogan, Dave Mayer and Joshua Roberts with live musicians accompanying many of them for an eclectic feel. As always you’ll find all the details in our Happenings section.

Our cover star, the Scottish songstress Sandi Thom – she of I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker fame – has set up home of the island and will play a benefit in aid of Tony the Dogfather. We caught up with her for a chat to find out how she got involved.

Our other interviewees this month include Faysal Abdel Gader Mohamed, who shares his experiences from a long career spent with the United Nations, Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the CEO of Bahrain Bourse, who talks about the establishment of Bahrain Investment Market, and Robert Beaty, the new man at the helm of Nissan Bahrain.

With the warmer weather our thoughts turn to indoor activities and retail therapy is certainly a favourite. A special feature this month looks at the Kingdom’s ever burgeoning mall sector outlining what’s on offer at some of the newer destinations as well as the established retail centres.

Our second feature examines the island’s extensive cosmetic treatment options and Dr Olga Shvab, of the recently launched Symmetria clinic, tells us about her inspirations.

In the dining section, Charlie Holding checks out the Gulf Hotel’s Italian eatery, La Pergola, and Behnaz Sanjana gives her verdict on Wangs Funky Chinese Eatery. There’s also news of new menus, new developments and an early look at what’s coming up in the Holy Month at some of our favourite venues.

We have our regular round-ups of motoring and business news as well as movies, music, apps and more, so delve into our pages for your guide to a great way of life!

Culture

Clubs

Sports

Interviews

Lifestyle

Dining

Connect with Bahrain This Month: Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

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

Nightlife

May 2017 7

bystander

The 2017 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix

The 2017 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix was held at the Bahrain International Circuit. Present at the awarding ceremony was His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, who awarded winner, Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari. Gulf Air CEO Maher Salman Al Musallam also handed over trophies, as did Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs, Hisham Al Jowder, and Bahrain Motor Federation VicePresident Shaikh Salman bin Isa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa.

Winners of the race

Mohammed & Santa

HRH The Crown Prince & Ranjith

Mazin Alumran, Hend, Mohammed, Amal, Maysoom & Osama

Mo, Lana, Abdulla, Khalil, Mariam, May & Farahi

Marijke & Arif

8 May 2017

Mo J, Jassim & Sarah

Isa Kooheji, Ameer, Khalid Al Sharif & Mohammed Kooheji

Galina, Vlada, Safaa & Stefania

Yasmina & Deema

Jon, Aidan, Jo, Leo & Steve

Le, Cliona, Clarke, Emily, Candice, Siobhan, Jackie, Janet & Max

www.bahrainthismonth.com

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椀渀昀漀䀀挀愀猀愀挀甀挀椀渀愀戀愀栀爀愀椀渀 挀愀猀愀挀甀挀椀渀愀戀愀栀爀愀椀渀

bystander The 2017 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix

Louise, Rachael & Liz

Mohammed, Maria & Nora

Sara, Balqees, Sara & Ghood

Emran & Christian

Lara & Rana

Afsheen & Nosheen

Ghassan & Ahmed

10 May 2017

HE Alok Kumar Sinha & Mamta

Hanna, Florence & Linh

Sam & Zamq

Fatima, Haifa, Khulood & Asma

Ana Paula & Iasmym

Alison & Alya

Sujay & N Gamdhi

Ali, Nader & Jamie

Santosh, Ahmed & Mariam

Edita & Ghaleb

Paula, Tariq, Marijke & Joao

Osama & Mazin

Billie & Sophia

Fajer & Asma

Hannah, William & Natasha

www.bahrainthismonth.com

BAHRAIN

bystander

HE William Roebuck & Hamad Rashid Al Zayani

HE Hatun Demirer & Ayten

Fareed & Zuher

Panos & Doris

USA Independence Day

HE William Roebuck, American Ambassador, held a reception celebrating the 241st anniversary of the Independence Day of the United States of America at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa. Ministers and senior government officials, diplomats, business people, Shura Council members, members of Parliament, academics, artists, and journalists attended the ceremony.

The cake-cutting ceremony

Christian, Sophie, HE Simon Martin, Paula & Doris

HE Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa

Abdulla Juma & Mohammed Yateem

Todd & Shaikh Khalifa bin Rashid Al Khalifa

Clarke, Jackie & Brad

12 May 2017

HE Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa

Jon, Shiv, Helen & Steve

Steven, Mike & Aimee

Kevin & Abdul Hamid Hatam

Joslyn, Doris & Khulood

Steven & Carla

Shaun, Luke & Shareef

Abbas Saraj, Nasser Al Arayedh, HE Hassan Almadani & Yousif

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

USA Independence Day

Hossein, Maggie, Bart, Janet & Shareef

Tom & Irina

Greg, Kevin & Eugene

Maria & Hanz

HE Dhafer Alumran, HE Shaikh Azzam Mubarak Al Sabah & HE Ahmed Rashid Khatabi

Cynthia & Joyce

Jean, Heather, Michael & Susan

Janu, Sherin, Vicky & Shantini

Ahmed Ajoor, HE Yousif Al Jalal & Nabeel Ajoor

Francoise, Alex & Irina

Tanya, Caroline, HE Alfonso A Ver, Rowena & Omran

14 May 2017

Daniel, Ebrahim Kooheji & Thomas

Manahil & Basim

Sherley & Ali Yateem

Mohammed, Imran & Yazen

Maria & Aline

George, HE Kadri Al Sayeh & Yousif

Nikki & Bonita

Gavin & Dana

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bystander

HE Simon Martin, Jano, HE Amin Sharqawi, Sophie & Panos

Bangladesh Independence & National Day

HE KM Mominur Rahman, Bangladeshi Ambassador, hosted a reception celebrating the 46th anniversary of the Independence and National Day of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa. HE KM Mominur Rahman, Shanjida & Mehdi Dr Mazin Juma, HE Chayapan Bamrungphong & Khalifa Al Rumaihi

Abdul Rahim Fakhro, Jawad Al Hawaj & Abdul Hassan

Bahar & Aimee

Janet & Fawaz

Sanita, Ilora & Arwa

16 May 2017

Nesan & Nilanthini

Mehdi, Steve & Todd

Samrina & Meherim

Rehab & Fatema

Mehdi & Shajida

HE Simon Martin & Sophie

Suhair, Yukiko & Daisuke

Wararoj, Omruthai, Mandy & HE Chayapan Bamrungphong

Hussain & Rashida

Perwin & HE Alfred Simms-Protz

HE Alfonso A Ver & Nasser Al Arayedh

Abdula Hussain Dawani & Abdul Hakim

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Javed Malik, Pakistani Ambassador, held a reception on the occasion of the National Day of the Pakistan National Day HE Islamic Republic of Pakistan at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain.

The cake-cutting ceremony

Hassan, Nadia & HE Javed Malik

HE Dr ASU Mendis & Kevin

HE Fawzi Al-Tahir Abdul’ali, Dr Abdullah bin Abdulmalik Al Shaikh, HE Mohammed bin Youssef & HE Abdullah bin Rashid Ali Al-Medelwi

Mehrunissa & Haya

Yousif, Wajid Khan & Abdul Hamid Hatem

Anne, HE Amin Sharqawi & HE Alfred Simms-Protz

18 May 2017

Reem, Zubia, Batool & Aysha

HE Hatun Demirer & Huda

Dr Mohammed

Marvi & Mobeena

Kai & Abdulla Juma

Buffy, HE Simon Martin & HE William Roebuck

Judith & Faisal Jawad

Nijat, Nomi Rajan, Nadia & Nawal

Daisuke, Shannon, Sami & Khogaraj

Maria, Ghazia, Zunera, Shamaila & Mehmooda

www.bahrainthismonth.com

RAMADAN KAREEM Experience the tradition of the holy month

Immerse yourself in a rich Ramadan experience filled with live Arabic instrumental sounds, traditional coffee, and Furn’s warm ambience, while enjoying authentic local dishes with your family and friends Price: BD18++ Iftar Buffet: Sunset to 8:30pm Gabgha à la Carte: 10pm to 1am For more information or reservations please call +973 1717 1441 @furnbahrain

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bystander

New Car Launch Almoayyed Motors unveiled the new 2017 Lincoln Continental at its showroom in Sitra.

Management and guests at the launch

Mohammed, Khalil, Farooq, Mariam & Mazin Alumran

Thomas & Alex

Mohammed, Zaid, Akram Miknas & Ameer

Sarika, Marise & Mirna

Tanushree & Salman

Mazin Alumran & Amal

India Society held its monthly luncheon meeting featuring a business panel Luncheon Meeting Bahrain discussion on the current real estate scenario in the Kingdom.

Anoob K Ram, Aaref Hijres, Hamid Rahman, Mohammed Kooheji, Kishor K Ram & Ahmed Yousif Ali

Madhav & Thomas

Abdulrahman Juma, Nasser Al Arayedh & Uday Mukundan

20 May 2017

Mishal Alshoala, Raj Damani, Ziad Janahi

Vijay, Bhgvan, Arul, Ratindar, Vicky, KN Singh & Philip

Zuher & Gagan

Jawahari

Vijay & Puranic

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Lunch Reception

Applied Science University (ASU) held a lunch reception celebrating the opening of the College of Engineering in partnership with London South Bank University, UK.

Prof Ghassan & Dr Faiza

Garth, Baha, Ruqaya & Mustafa

Prof Waheeb Al Khaja & HE Simon Martin

Dr Simon & HE Domenico Bellato

Tania & George

Prof Siddeeq, Prof Hosham & Dr Amin

Prof Charles Egbu

Ayat & Jumana

Treaties of Rome Anniversary

Fatima, Edyta, Kasia & Noora

Mirza, Muna & Maria

HE Simon Martin, HE Dr Dhafer Alumran, Jawahari & HE Bernard RĂŠgnauld-Fabre

The Embassy of Italy and the United Nations office with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a workshop to mark the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome at United Nations House.

HE Amin Sharqawi, HE Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, HE Domenico Bellato & HE Simon Martin

Stefano Pettinato & Jehan Restam

22 May 2017

Ugo & Shaikh Mohammed

HE Amin Shaqawi

Prof Pasquale Borea

Prof Hartmut Mayer

HE Mohammed bin Yousuf

HE Ahmed Rashid Khatabi

Ibrahim Assaf

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May 2017. HAPPENINGS KIDS’ DAY

When? Every Wednesday Event? Children’s Activities Venue? Bahrain Mall

The mall is holding a fun day for children every Wednesday from 4pm-6pm. There are games, rides, a play area, and kids can enjoy special BD1 meals at selected food court outlets.

Call 17 558-101.

INDONESIAN FILM FESTIVAL When? May 2-4 Event? Film Screening Venue? Bahrain National Museum The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia will host a film festival in cooperation with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities from 7pm at the auditorium of the Bahrain National Museum. The festival is free and is open to the public. All the movies will be in Indonesian with English subtitles. A different film will be screened each day.

Call 17 400-164 or email Indonesia.manama@batelco.com.bh

DOUBLE-HEADER ACTION When? May 1 Event? Drag and Drift Venue? Bahrain International Circuit Choose between two of the most popular and exciting forms of motorsport today – drag racing and drifting – and then show off your skills. Can’t decide? Then compete in both. This exciting double-header, sponsored by Ebrahim K Kanoo and powered by Motor City, is open to the public. Drivers take part in their own car or on their motorbike, where they can push the limits! It starts at 6pm and entry to the venue is free.

Call 17 450-000.

ART SHOW When? May 2 Event? Art Exhibition Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art Taline Temizian will be presenting an exhibition titled ‘Transcend’. The London-based artist works with multiple mediums including paintings, kinetic and light installation and collages, and signs and processes, which talk about the transcendental state of the heart and it’s relationship to the brain.

The event runs from 6pm to 9pm and her work will be available for purchase.

Call 17 230-123, email info@lafontaineartcentre.net or visit www.lafontaineartcentre.net 24 May 2017

ANIME EXHIBITION AND WORKSHOPS When? May 3,4, 5, 6 Event? Workshops Venue? Words Bookstorecafé The café is holding an anime, manga and comic illustration exhibition alongside a series of workshops. There will be an anime art expo that takes place on May 3 from 6pm to 8pm and again from May 4 to 6 from 10am-6pm.

Workshops by graphic novelist, Anna Thackery, author of The Awakening of Shamal, take place on May 6 from 10am-1pm and again from 4pm-7pm. It costs BD30 for one workshop or BD50 for both, payable in advance.

Email christyleeburton@hotmail.com or call 32 299-793. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

LG New AC Launch AJM Kooheji Group launched LG’s latest family-friendly residential air conditioning solutions equipped with LG’s pioneering technological innovation, known as inverter technology, at an event held at The Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Syed, Sanjeev, CH Lee, Saleem Kooheji, Abrar, Kiran, Saqib, Sanjay & Junaid

Sanjay, Sanjeev & Kiran

Abhishek, Eman & Ismail

Tanvir, Rubel, CH Lee, Basil & Zaffar

CH Lee & Sanjeev

Marise, Sanjeev & Sanjay

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May 2017 25

happenings

WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT When? May 3,6,7,8 Event? Play Venue? Cultural Hall Michael Rosen’s award-winning book We’re Going On A Bear Hunt is brought vividly and noisily to the stage in director Sally Cookson’s fun-filled adaptation, set to Benji Bower’s lively score.

The story started out as an American folk song. Rosen, who heard it, incorporated the song in his poetry shows and subsequently wrote the book based upon it. Since publication, it has never been out of print and each year has been in the 5,000 best selling list. The publisher has stated that the book has attained worldwide sales of more than nine million copies.

The stage production has been particularly popular during its stint in London’s West End and has drawn acclaim from critics. “For me, the magic formula of any family show is to equally appeal to the adults as well as the kids. Thankfully this show does tick that box with several humorous asides and one-liners that had me genuinely laughing out loud,” says Sita McIntosh – www.whatsonstage.com Join intrepid adventurers on their quest to find a bear as they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud. Expect catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure! It is recommended for ages two years and above and tickets are on sale at Alosra supermarkets.

Call 39 616-858 for show timings.

ARABIC CLASSIC FILM When? May 4 Event? Movie Screening Venue? Bahrain Fort Museum Me and My Daughters is an Egyptian movie starring Fayza Ahmad and Salah Thulfiqar. A widower lives with his four daughters and creates strict rules on their social and work choices. When the father receives a reward he decides to invest in a new company but later discovers that he got ripped off and has no money left. The screening starts at 7pm.

Visit www.culture.gov.bh 26 May 2017

BIC 2,000CC CHALLENGE – ROUND 7 When? May 5 Event? Motorsport Venue? Bahrain International Circuit Established in 2007, the BIC 2,000cc Challenge is Bahrain’s most competitive local racing championship, as well as the longest-running circuit racing series in the Gulf. Affordable and fun to watch, it follows very simple regulations. It is the ideal venue for aspiring racers to develop their skills. Enter for a season and get a taste of a highly competitive, professionally run series.

Call 17 450-000.

CHARITY BAZAAR When? May 5-6 Event? Charity Fundraiser Venue? Ramli Mall The 5th annual Tree of Life Society charity bazaar takes place from 10am-10pm. There will be a number of goods and products on sale as well as calligraphy, henna, face painting, games and contests, story telling, coaching sessions and more. Funds raised will go towards supporting orphans and the needy in Bahrain.

Call Shafiqa Almoalem at 38 849-930/ 17 280-280.

DESIGNER SALE When? May 6 Event? Sale Venue? BSPCA Thrift Shop, Budaiya The BSPCA is holding its famous May Designer Sale. Fashionistas be advised, this is a one day only sale and there are lots of luxury branded items on offer at bargain prices, including Roberto Cavalli, Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, Karen Millen, Ted Baker, Coach, Kenzo, Moschino, Escada, Max Mara, Missoni and more. Only the best ladies and gents clothes, handbags and shoes are selected for the sale and items must either still have the tags on or be as good as new to make the cut. In addition, there will be a dedicated room featuring beautiful jewellery and accessories.

Call 17 593-479 or visit www.bspca.org. www.bahrainthismonth.com

uLove Dreamy White

uLove Handsome Brown

Seef Mall Tel. 00973-17581331, Email: osim@yyfakhro.com, Web: http://www.osim.com

uLove Charming Red

uLove Chair Available Now

happenings

LIFE’S A BEACH When? May 6 Event? Beach Ball 2017 Venue? Bahrain Yacht Club

LADIES CHARITY GALA

The Bahrain Yacht Club is hosting the Beach Ball 2017 – a fun day out for the whole family. There will be a beach barbeque, sandcastle competition, kayak races, a pirate fancy dress competition, discounted watersports activities and live music from the Old Street blues band. The event starts at 11am and costs 500fils for the public, children and members enter for free.

Call 17 700-677.

SHOP FOR A GOOD CAUSE When? May 6 Event? Charity Bazaar Venue? La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art

When? May 8 Event? Fundraiser Venue? Ramee Grand Hotel

This event is being held to raise funds for the security team at St Christopher’s School for the month of Ramadan. There will also be an auction to raise money for local children with disabilities and cancer.

Donations are greatly appreciated. The event takes place from 9am to noon and tickets cost BD15. A breakfast buffet will be available.

Call 39 445-156 or 39 461-919.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT Souq Ramadan Charity Bazaar returns to La Fontaine from 4-10pm. This year’s event features a selection of top kaftans and abayas by various designers as well as -fine jewellery, accessories, homeware, baby products and more. There will also be a focus on other businesses including healthy foods and beauty products. Entry is free and a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Aysha Yateem Family Councelling Centre.

Call 36 633-122 or 17 230-123.

LET’S GET TO WORK When? May 8 Event? Seminar Venue? ART Rotana The theme of the seminar is similar to TED Talk. It aims to inspire Bahrainis into seeking alternative careers and eventually 28 May 2017

achieving success. It will be covered live on social media platforms, recorded and uploaded on YouTube for others to benefit from.

It starts at 8am.

Call 33 330-389.

When? May 8 Event? Workshop Venue? InterContinental Regency, Bahrain Individuals and organisations who wish to understand their businesses, their teams and customers in order to serve them in the best way should attend.

The workshop covers the use of 360 Degree Feedback – a system or process in which employees receive confidential, anonymous feedback from the people who work around them. This typically includes the employee’s manager, peers and direct reports.

It is presented by Dr Clare Beckett-McInroy and runs from 8am-3pm.

Call 17 590-135.

When? Every Wednesday Event? Children’s activities Venue? Bahrain Mall E Call 17 558-101.

When? May 1 Event? Drag and Drift Venue? Bahrain International Circuit E Call 17 450-000.

When? May 2 Event? Educational Workshop Venue? CH9, Amwaj This workshop addresses a common problem: how to identify the best market opportunities for innovative products and services. A professor will lead participants through three steps, which help them to discover the true market potential of novel innovations, including understanding why great products can sometimes fail and how to recognise the hidden value of innovation.

E Email sahar.albaharna@ gmail.com When? May 2 Event? Art Exhibition Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art E Call 17 230-123, email info@lafontaineartcentre. net or visit www. lafontaineartcentre.net When? May 2-4 Event? Film Screening Venue? Bahrain National Museum E Call 17 400-164 or email Indonesia.manama@batelco. com.bh When? May 3,4, 5, 6 Event? Workshops Venue? Words Bookstorecafé E Email christyleeburton@ hotmail.com or call 32 299-793.

When? May 3,6,7,8 Event? Play Venue? Cultural Hall E Call 39 616-858.

When? May 4 Event? Movie Screening Venue? Bahrain Fort Museum E Visit www.culture.gov.bh www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Richard Holmes & Paolo Guzzini

Andrea & Rami

iGuzzini Italy Launch

iGuzzini Italy, in conjunction with Al Bait, launched a new Light Experience and Training Centre in Bahrain with a networking reception and series of seminars at its showroom in Hoora. The inauguration was held under the patronage of HE Domenico Bellato, Italian Ambassador, with ribbon-cutting by Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony

Shaikh Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Paolo Guzzini, Shaikh Rashid Al Khalifa & HE Domenico Bellato

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Saba, Angela & Sergio

Shaikha Mai & Shaikh Abdulrahman Al Khalifa

John, Paul, Raju, Shaikh Mohammed & Vinu

May 2017 29

happenings

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MYSTERIES OF BAHRAIN FORT When? May 9 Event? Lecture Venue? Bahrain Fort Museum

When? May 4 Event? Play Venue? Sacred Heart Church, Manama That Cross Made The Difference is a theatrical production that takes place at 7.30pm.

E Call 1725 3598.

Dr Pierre Lombard is the head of the French Archaeological Mission and is in charge of the excavations at the Bahrain Fort Museum site. He is also the adviser for archaeological affairs at the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.

His lecture will focus on the origins of the Tylos gravestones displayed in the site’s museum, the functions of two stone blocks from the Islamic layers and the functioning of the famous ‘toilets’ of the Late Dilmun Palace. The lecture starts at 7pm.

Visit www.culture.gov.bh

When? May 4-6 Event? Kidney Care Exhibition Venue? Indian School Bahrain Thanal Bahrain Chapter is holding the Kidney Care Exhibition with the support of the Ministry of Health (MoH) to raise awareness and arrange free kidney screenings.

E For details, visit www. thanalbahrain.com

AERIAL FOR BEGINNERS When? May 10 (then every following Monday and Wednesday) Event? Aerial Class Venue? Namaste Bahrain If you have been dying to try flying on an aerial hammock, this course is for you. Your body will be supported by a yoga swing suspended from the ceiling.

This is a great way to heal back and neck aches using traction and rediscover yoga poses you have practiced many times before. Bring your sense of humour, inner child and a willingness to break away from your fears.

The first class runs from 10am-11.30am and is for ladies. The second class runs from 6.30pm-8pm and is for men and women.

No previous aerial, acrobatic or yoga experience is

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE When? May 11-12 Event? Indoor Skydiving Championship Venue? Gravity Indoor Skydiving In association with Arab Air Sports Federation and Bahrain Air Sports Federation, Gravity Indoor Skydiving presents the first Arab Championship and GCC Cup of Indoor Skydiving, for Arab nationals only. Be the first to witness the biggest competition Gravity has ever hosted, taste the thrill and watch some of the best Arab flyers in Bahrain. The event takes place from 10am-10pm on both days.

Email zoe@gravitybah.com 30 May 2017

When? May 5 Event? Motorsport Venue? Bahrain International Circuit E Call 17 450-000.

necessary. It is not recommended for individuals with high blood pressure or cataracts, pregnant women or anyone for whom hanging upside down could cause medical complications or discomfort. It costs BD50 for five classes.

Call 17 591-565.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST When? May 11 Event? Portfolio Review Venue? Bahrain Polytechnic

This event is organised by Bahrain Polytechnic’s Bachelor of Visual Design final year students in conjunction with Behance. It aims to offer final year graduating students and aspiring creative professionals an opportunity to pitch their own creative design portfolios and presentation skills to Bahrain’s professional design and creative industry. The event will provide an engaging experience and environment that the students themselves have designed.

Behance Portfolio Review events are held annually in hundreds of cities internationally. The aim is to create a platform to remove the barriers between talent and opportunity in Bahrain. Attendees include designers, industry experts, students and employers.

It starts at 9.30am in Hall 12 at the polytechnic campus.

Call 33 275-936.

When? May 6 Event? Sale Venue? Thrift Shop, Budaiya E Call 17 593-479 or visit www.bspca.org.

When? May 6 Event? Olympic Day Celebration Venue? Bahrain Bay The 2017 Olympic Day, which is celebrated all over the world, will be held in Bahrain on May 6. This year’s event is organised by the Bahrain Olympic Committee in cooperation with Gulf University.

E Visit www.boc.bh/en When? May 6 Event? Beach Ball 2017 Venue? Bahrain Yacht Club E Call 17 700-677.

When? May 6 Event? Souq Ramadan Charity Bazaar Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art E Call 36 633-122 or 17 230-123.

When? May 8 Event? Seminar Venue? ART Rotana E Call 33 330-389.

When? May 8 Event? Fundraiser Venue? Ramee Grand Hotel E Call 39 445-156 or 39 461-919. www.bahrainthismonth.com

81, Palace Avenue, Road No. 339, Block 318, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel.: +973 - 17534354 Fax: +973 - 17535422 Our office location can be followed on the below google pin location.

https://goo.gl/maps/MCvJHKg6j3s

happenings

YOGA WORKSHOP When? May 12 Event? Yoga Workshop Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art Enjoy a yoga session with a difference with Mine Yalcin Fuller from 10am-4pm. This workshop is Mine’s signature offering where the ancient practice of yoga is infused with ceremony, ritual, dance and meditation to release your creative potential, balance your chakras and celebrate your feminine essence.

The event will feature yogic elements of meditation and stretching; and end with relaxation. The afternoon will continue with ritual and sacred dance practices and end with a closing ceremony and integration. All women are welcome and no yoga or dance experience is needed.

The event is for ladies only, priced at BD60 with vegetarian lunch and BD30 for a half day, from 10am-1pm.

Call 17 230-123, email info@lafontaineartcentre.net or visit www.lafontaineartcentre.net

MAKE MUSIC BAHRAIN 2017 When? May 12 Event? Music Venue? Novotel Bahrain Al Dana Resort In the spirit of the French ‘Fête de la Musique’, Make Music Bahrain is a one day-music festival, open to professional and amateur local or foreign musicians. Artists and musicians are performing for free, with the aim of sharing with the public their skills and talent in a festive manner. It runs from 4pm-10pm.

Email leila.de-casimacker@diplomatie.gouv.fr

LANDMARK SPORTING EVENT When? May 17-19 Event? Gulf Sports Expo Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre

AN EVENING WITH FOOTBALL’S BAD BOYS

32 May 2017

When? May 8 Event? Bahrain Writers› Circle Monthly Meeting Venue? Umami Restaurant Get together for a literary evening and meet likeminded people, monthly meetings at 7.30pm.

E Call 39 574-795.

When? May 9 Event? Bahrain Writers› Poetry Circle Meeting Venue? Umami Restaurant Enjoy an evening discussing and reciting poetry with fellow enthusiasts at 7.30pm.

E Call 39 574-795.

When? May 9 Event? Lecture Venue? Bahrain Fort Museum E For details, visit www.culture.gov.bh When? May 10 (then every following Monday and Wednesday) Event? Aerial Class Venue? Namaste Bahrain E Call 17 591-565.

When? May 12 Event? Sports Speaker MENA Venue? The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa Enjoy a superb evening of hilarity, insight and never before heard stories from three of football’s bad boys. Ray Parlour talks about his time with Arsenal and England and the days with Tony Adams and the Arsenal boys. Razor Ruddock is a football hard man and a seriously funny guy.

Hear his stories from his days at Liverpool, Spurs, West Ham and more. John Hartson will tell of his days with Wimbledon’s ‘Crazy Gang’ and his turbulent time at West Ham as well as his spells in Scotland and with Arsenal.

The evening will include talks by all three players, dinner, comedian compere Jerry Earl, an audience Q&A with the panel and prize giveaways. Tickets cost BD30 and the dress code is smart casual.

Call 33 886-952.

When? May 8 Event? Workshop Venue? InterContinental Regency, Bahrain E Call 17 590-135.

For the first time in Bahrain, one event will bring together sports icons, local and international athletes, professionals, organisations and enthusiasts from the GCC and other Arab countries all under one roof. Gulf Sports Expo will showcase the latest products, services and innovations from the world of sports. The event starts at 10am.

Email gulfsportsexpo@hano.events

INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY When? May 18 Event? Workshops Venue? Bahrain Fort Museum To celebrate International Museum Day, Enkiru Kids Club has organised workshops from 8am-8pm. Youngsters can learn more about the historical collection of the Bahrain Fort Site Museum and how to make a Dilmun seal by stencil. There is live music by little artists and the event is in English and Arabic.

Pre-registration is required at www.culture.gov.bh

When? May 11-12 Event? Indoor Skydiving Championship Venue? Gravity Indoor Skydiving E For details, email zoe@gravitybah.com When? May 12-15 Event? Asian Area Congress Venue? Gulf Hotel SKAL International Bahrain 370 will host SKAL’s 46th Asian Area Congress. The three-day event aims to boost the Kingdom’s reputation an international tourism destination.

E Call 33 886 952.

When? May 12 Event? Yoga Workshop Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art E Call 17 230-123, email info@lafontaineartcentre. net or visit www. lafontaineartcentre.net

www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA When? May 18 Event? Opera Recital Venue? Bahrain National Museum

BAHRAIN NATIONAL MUSEUM TALK SERIES

Gianfranco Pappalardo Fiumana will play the piano alongside tenor Roberto Cresca to encourage people to visit the museum as part of International Museum Day. The event starts at 8pm, is free to attend and is open to the public.

Visit www.culture.gov.bh

When? May 24 Event? Lecture Venue? Bahrain National Museum Dr Steffen Laursen, head of the Oriental Department, Moesgaard Museum, Denmark, will deliver a talk on the Danish Mission excavations at A’ali. The event starts at 7pm, is free to attend and is open to the public.

Visit www.culture.gov.bh

SUMMER BIATHLON When? May 19 Event? Biathlon Venue? ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands This fun charity experience aims to raise funds for the Bahrain Multiple Sclerosis Patients Society, which helps patients and families cope with the disease and creates public awareness about the condition.

The Diadora Summer Biathlon is open to men and women aged 16 and above. It comprises a 600m swim followed by a 5km run and can be entered individually or by teams of two.

The Macron Juniors ‘Tri a Bi’ is open to boys and girls aged 12 to 15 years. It comprises a 300m swim followed by a 3km run and can be entered individually or by teams of two.

There is also a 4km walkathon open to anyone aged four years and above.

Each participant (including teams) will receive a T-shirt, a raffle ticket, a Papa John’s value meal voucher (meal served on the day at 6 pm), and a

When? May 15 Event? Bahrain Writers› Circle Creative Workshop Venue? Umami Restaurant Test your creative prowess in a fun setting at 7.30pm.

E Call 39 574-795.

When? May 17-19 Event? Gulf Sports Expo Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre E Email gulfsportsexpo@ hano.events When? May 18 Event? Workshops Venue? Bahrain Fort Museum E Visit www.culture.gov.bh When? May 18 Event? Opera Recital Venue? Bahrain National Museum E Visit www.culture.gov.bh When? May 19 Event? Biathlon Venue? Art Rotana, Amwaj Islands E Call 39 132-102.

participation certificate with individual details/ swim time/ run time and total time (sent through email to each participant/team member). Walkers will receive a T-shirt, a raffle ticket, and a participation certificate (emailed to each individual).

Individual adult and junior entry costs BD10 each. Adult and junior teams cost B10 and walkers cost BD4 per athlete. There will be an assortment of trophies and medals for winners in each category.

Medical assistance and support will be provided by various hospitals en route and there will be a medical team by the beach.

The family-friendly event will have face painting, henna, a bouncy castle, and a DJ playing your favourite music till 8pm. The prize presentation and raffle draw will take place around 6.30pm.

Online registration is open until May 9 at www.adnanevents.org Call 39 132-102.

DEVELOPING YOUNG TALENTED LEADERS When? May 22-23 Event? Workshop Venue? Art Rotana Hotel The purpose of this workshop is to introduce why the messages you’re sending through your individual business presentation and image are vital, and how they shape the service culture of the business you’re in.

The event is aimed at managers of various 34 May 2017

When? May 12 Event? Music Venue? Novotel Bahrain Al Dana Resort E Email leila.de-casimacker@ diplomatie.gouv.fr

organisations, supervisors and young, talented future leaders in the private and public sectors.

It is presented by Luna Hageali, an experienced facilitator with a career experience spanning 25 years globally in the USA, GCC, Lebanon, Europe and Asia in delivering core skills training and providing performance consultancy in various industries.

It runs from 8am to 3pm.

Call 16 000 111.

When? May 19-20 Event? Bahrain Cricket Festival Venue? Bahrain National Stadium Enjoy a fun family Friday with cricket. There will be carnival games for kids, stage performances, street magic and more.

E Instagram #bhraincricketfestival2017 When? May 20 Event? Boutique Sale Venue? Dilmun Club The sale will include designer goods, accessories, toys, home goods and more.

All proceeds will go to the Dogfather’s Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre.

E Call 17 690-926.

When? May 25-27 Event? New Look Expo Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre This exciting three-day event showcases clothing, cosmetics, lifestyle items and accessories.

E Call 16 000-111. www.bahrainthismonth.com

afterdark happenings

Soirée Magnifique

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA

Kick-starting summer mania to welcome the happening new season is the ultimate rave hosted by this world-class hotel.

When? May 4 Event? Fly Me To…St Tropez Beach Party Venue? Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

36 May 2017

Islanders have started filling their social calendars with outdoor parties to make the most of the summer in Bahrain, but one of the most important dates on the list has to be ‘Fly Me To…St Tropez’, the beach party hosted by Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. The fun begins at 6pm on May 4, and will continue until after midnight. The highlight of the revelry will be DJ Natalie Brogan headlining the party. One of UK’s hottest DJs, she has been the opening act for celebrity DJ David Guetta and is a house music sensation in clubs across the globe.

The event is the first in a series of themed beach parties to hit the shores of Sofitel Bahrain, replicating the notorious merrymaking of St Tropez – the Riviera that gifted the beach clubbing scene to the world.

The evening starts on a top note, with high-energy musical and dance performances by supporting acts at sundown. These will be followed by an incredible and not-to-be-missed special set of house mixes by DJ Natalie Brogan, a master in the art of filling dance floors all over the world.

Sofitel Bahrain boasts a perfectly placed, breathtaking private seashore. The stretch of pristine sands, which welcome the warm waters lapping the

shore, can accommodate over 1,000 partygoers.

An authentic luxury brand of the renowned AccorHotels, this exclusive resort is perched on the beautiful Zallaq coastline and caters to both leisure and business travellers looking to unwind amidst views of crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. The French feel of the property incorporates quintessential Bahraini flair, underlining this five-star hotel’s dedication to create a luxurious getaway from the busy metro. It is committed to providing guests with the highest standards of hospitality, characterised by the French art de vivre to create magnificent moments for international travellers seeking an unmatched experience.

The crazy clubbing ambiance of St Tropez will resonate throughout Bahrain over the weekend of this seaside bash. With revellers grooving to the beats in the balmy summer breeze, this is going to definitely be a night to remember.

Tickets cost BD38 inclusive of taxes, five selected beverages and beach bites, and are subject to availability. Party enthusiasts are encouraged to purchase them in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

Call 17 636-363. www.bahrainthismonth.com

afterdark happenings

COOL STRINGS

ARABIC ICON

When? May 4 Event? Sub Zero with Volinist Katie Sharp Venue? Meisei The Bahrain summer is fast approaching but don’t sweat it, Meisei is fully prepared to keep you cool with a range of iced cocktails and frozen drinks. Back by popular demand, the electric Katie Sharp will serenade Meisei guests with her improv violin music long into the evening. A topclass graduate from The Royal Academy of Music in London, Katie infuses her classical training with her passion for contemporary styles both as a solo artist and alongside DJs such as Mark Ronson.

She has opened shows for Sia and Sam Smith and has recorded as backing violinist for Elton John, Rod Stewart, Celine Dion and Beyonce and was invited to perform for the Queen at Royal Ascot. Dine on a feast of award-winning Asian fusion delights and enjoy the party.

Call 17 007-770.

When? May 4 Event? Myriam Fares Live Venue? Coral Bay Known as ‘The Queen of the Stage’ Myriam Fares is a Lebanese singer and entertainer who has enjoyed worldwide success. She has released five albums and set records on the music streaming service Anghami for most-played artist and most-played album for her fifth album Aman. She made her acting debut with the TV show Itiham released in 2014 and has also won numerous awards. Performing in Arabic, it’s said that every Arabic-speaking nation feels she is one of their own. She’s in Bahrain for one night only for what’s billed as a mesmerising show. Tickets from BD45 at togetherinbahrain.com.

Call 17 312-700/66 335-516.

MARKING A MILESTONE When? May 4 Event? Vibes 2nd Anniversary Venue? Gulf Hotel Convention & Spa Events organiser Vibes is celebrating its second birthday with the kind of high-energy atmosphere and fun-loving party crowd you’ve come to expect. This promises to be an evening to remember with the return of Dave Mayer (pictured) from Amsterdam, the international DJ who was at the start of the Vibes journey.

Saxophonist and DJ Franky Flowerz will be warming up with one of his disco/house sessions, and the musical style for the night will be funk and soul moving onto house and adding some nu-disco to keep the dance floor jumping right to the end!

The venue is limited to 250 guests max so go early to avoid disappointment. Free entry till 11pm via guest list. Entry BD10 thereafter.

Call Natalia on 36 396-333.

NEW MUSIC When? May 4 Event? Majaz Album Launch Venue? Alliance Française Finally it’s time for these popular local musicians to release their first EP album and celebrate their fourth year together as a band. They’ll be playing a launch concert including their latest setl ist as well as materials from the album. The opening act is Mohammad Aldoseri and doors open at 6pm.

Call 17 683-295.

38 May 2017

www.bahrainthismonth.com

afterdark happenings

MCFLY ALERT

THE FUTURE’S ORANGE

When? May 5 Event? Back to the Future Night Venue? JJ’s

When? May 5 Event? Dutch Party Sensation Orange Venue? Coral Bay

When? Saturdays Event? Ladies’ Night Venue? Downtown, InterContinental Regency Hotel Girls get two selected cocktails free between 9pm and midnight.

E Call 17 227-777.

When? Wednesdays Event? Ladies’ Night Venue? Wu, ART Rotana Three free drinks for ladies between 5pm and 1am.

E Call 34 575-620.

Did someone say dress-up party? JJ’s is celebrating seven decades of music with band Toxic and DJ Tripz taking you on a roller coaster ride in time promising a taste of everything from the 1950s onwards. Expect anything from the likes of Queen, Cher, Elvis, the Pet Shop Boys, Wham and Britney to Lady Gaga and many others. Dress-up as your favourite artist to get free entry from 5pm, otherwise it’s BD3 for gents.

Call 33 843-005.

The island’s Dutch community and their friends are planning to celebrate with a beach party. Dress in orange, the national colour, and dance into the night with live music from a Dutch band as well as a DJ and a barbecue including Dutch finger food. Tickets are BD32.500 including food and selected beverages.

Call 39 691-322/39 432-959/39 179-149.

When? May 4 Event? Majaz Album Launch Venue? Alliance Francaise E Call 17 683-295.

BRING YOUR BATHERS When? May 6 Event? Jazz Project with Alexandra Bazyak Venue? Café Amsterdam Alexandra Bazyak is a pianist and singer from Moscow, who has given her life to jazz and presents her own arrangements and experiments creating a world-music repertoire including American classics from the likes of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald and Latin beats. She also tackles the latest hits from artists such as Justin Bieber and Cold Play. She will be sharing the stage with

When? May 4 Event? Sub Zero with violinist Katie Sharp Venue? Meisei E Call 17 007-770.

outstanding bassist Jamil, all the way from Brazil. Entry is free but table booking is recommended.

Call 17 007-404.

When? May 5 Event? Melodika Festival Venue? Al Dar Island

40 May 2017

When? May 4 Event? Vibes 2nd Anniversary Venue? Gulf Hotel Convention & Spa E Call Natalia 36 396-333.

When? May 4 Event? Myriam Fares Live Venue? Coral Bay E Call 17 312-700/66 335-516.

BEACHSIDE BOOGIE

Da Basso presents Melodika, a festival held at Al Dar Islands, celebrating a new age of music and art by the beach. The event embraces underground music with headliners Matt Sassari and Jewel Kid, 2, fresh acts who have made names for themselves in the techno scene.

The festival will feature six of the best known local DJs: Fawazo, Mazin Maskati, Daylomar, Hameed, Zone+ & Usif and Captain Tea. You

When? Thursdays Event? Ladies’ Night Venue? Bushido This new ladies’ night now takes place every Thursday.

Dance to the tunes of DJ Albert Mauri and enjoy a variety of the most innovative cocktails in town.

E Call 17 583-555.

When? May 5 Event? Back to the Future Night Venue? JJ’s E Call 33 843-005.

When? May 5 Event? Melodika Festival Venue? Al Dar Island E Call 66 767-375.

can expect a smooth progression of underground music from ambient to deep and finally techno till sunrise.

But it’s not just about the music, Melodika will also have a market for local artists and fashion designers to showcase and sell their work.

Look out for graffiti, party merchandise, streetwear and more from names such as Black Anar, FawazO INK, Exhale from Dubai and many more. Early Bird tickets BD15 including boat ride.

Call 66 767-375.

When? May 5 Event? Dutch Party Sensation Orange Venue? Coral Bay E Call 39 691-322/39 432959/ 39 179-149.

When? May 6 Event? Jazz Project with Alexandra Bazyak Venue? Café Amsterdam E Call 17 007-404. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Cocktail Party

Ilias, Manoj, Vinoth, Jude & Hany

Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre held a cocktail party at its premises.

Dr Mazin

Anna, Bella & Helena

Sayed & Jawahar

Shobi & Mohammed

Tariq & Zee

Khalid & Ali

Mustafa & Basma

Sereen & Mohammed

Shahnaaz & Dipesh

Shahina, Anna & Jacqueline

Juffair Mall, level 4 FREE home delivery

Tel: 17362299 www.bahrainthismonth.com

Visit us: @vesuviobh Designed by:

May 2017 41

afterdark happenings

SOUNDS OF BLACKNESS When? May 7 Event? Wild Turkey Mixology competition Venue? Café Amsterdam See some of the island’s best bar tenders in action as they battle for the title of supreme mixologist.

E Call 35 030-463.

When? May 12 Event? RBMA x HOUSEofAFRIKA Presents Black Motion in Bahrain Venue? Café Amsterdam HOUSEofAFRIKA has gone full force this season with deep-rooted house music, and for this event they’ve teamed up with Red Bull Music Academy to bring you South Africa’s thriving Black Motion, who are making waves internationally with a string of impressive productions. Black Motion came into being in early 2010 – when Robert (DJ Murda) Mahosana and percussionist Thabo ‘Smol’ Mabogwane decided to work together. They had already been producing music separately for years.

This partnership led to string of respectable productions that have been lighting up the dance floors in Southern Africa. Since then, their music has been featured on a number of CD compilations. They’ve worked with names

ALL WHITE NOW

When? May 12 Event? RBMA x HOUSEofAFRIKA presents Black Motion in Bahrain Venue? Café Amsterdam E Call 17 007-404.

such as DJ Oskido, DJ Mthi, QT and award-winning vocalist Bantu Soul, to name but a few. Pre-sale tickets are BD10 from virginmegastore.me and entry on the door is BD15.

Call 17 007-404.

SOUNDS OF SUMMER When? May 18 Event? Summer Sun Splash with Saxophonist Laura Sutherland Venue? Meisei

When? May 17 Event? Salsabor White Party Venue? Meisei Salsabor Bahrain will be holding an extra-special Miss Meisei salsa ‘white’ party. Join in the fun one last time before the summer break and party South American style until the early hours! Ladies can enjoy complimentary sparkling grape from 8.30pm-10.30pm while practising their Latin dance moves.

Call 17 007-770.

Head to Meisei for a rooftop party with saxophonist Laura Sutherland, back by popular demand, to perform live sax improvisation alongside DJ Salime to keep you dancing into the early hours. Laura is known as part of the lively, all-female quartet Saxation, so this promises to be a fun night. Dress code – Hawaiian shirts, garlands and board shorts!

Call 17 007-770.

When? May 12 Event? Sandi Thom & Friends Live Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club The Scottish songstress takes to the stage, accompanied by local musicians, to raise funds for Tony the Dogfather.

E Call 17 695-809.

When? May 17 Event? Salsabor White Party Venue? Meisei E Call 17 007-770.

When? May 18 Event? Summer Sun Splash with Saxophonist Laura Sutherland Venue? Meisei E Call 17 007-770.

When? May 18 Event? Desert Island Disco Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain E Call 17 586-499

PARTY ISLAND When? May 18 Event? Desert Island Disco Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Experience an electrifying evening on the shores of the Ritz private island with an international line-up of live music and DJs featuring Joshua Roberts from the UK performing with a percussionist and supported by electric violinist Neolektra combined with the spectacular performances by a troupe of acrobatic dancers. Tickets are BD25 for members and BD35 for non-members.

42 May 2017

Call 17 586-499 or email rc.bahrz.restaurant. reservations@ritzcarlton.com www.bahrainthismonth.com

INTERVIEWS

ROCKING FOR RESCUE Scottish singer-songwriter Sandi Thom will be performing a benefit in aid of Tony the Dogfather’s Animal Rescue Centre this month. Liz O’Reilly caught up with her ahead of the show to find out more.

ALSO THIS MONTH: 48 MARKET TRADER 52 VALUE WITH VOGUE

Sandi Thom

You’ve previously said you love the island, what makes it special for you?

I am a water baby, I’ve always lived near the ocean ever since I was a little girl. My father was a fisherman growing up and we lived in a beautiful little coastal town in north-east Scotland. Then, when I left home, I always gravitated toward the ocean, living in places like Liverpool, Brighton and, eventually, a threeyear stint in Malibu, California. Plus, Bahrain just seems to have such a great sense of community; we’ve felt very welcomed since we landed here.

I became a patron of HSI [Humane Society International] in the bid to end the dog meat trade in China and other places, which is still ongoing. So it’s something that I’m very passionate about. When we moved here, I learned of Tony through various conversations about my passion for animals and immediately contacted him. What he has done for this long is so amazing, he truly deserves major recognition for his dedication to rescuing animals.

I’m a huge animal lover — I grew up around horses, my mum’s sisters kept many horses and eventually, around the age of 14, I got my own horse. His name was Tigger and he was a former RDA [Riding for the Disabled Association] pony. And I grew up with so many cats and dogs around me, which gave me a greater love and respect for my four-legged friends. This is why I’m so happy my son Logan gets to grow up with his little doggie around him so he can understand and respect his fellow furry friends.

How did you hear about the Dogfather [who cares for hundreds of abused and abandoned animals] and what made you decide to get involved?

I’ve always been actively involved in working with animals wherever I was. In Malibu, I sponsored horses and fostered dogs, which is how I ended up with my little Laddie. In the UK

Will you be introducing any new music; what can fans expect?

On the night, I’ll be playing a range of material spanning all five of my albums including the infamous I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers In My Hair). I’ll also be doing a few covers for the crowd and I may throw some

You’ve been to Bahrain before [there was a much-publicised gig in 2011 for which the singer took some flak], what brought you back this time?

I actually now live here in Bahrain, myself, my husband, our son and little dog Laddie (pictured) moved here in January with my husband’s job [in finance]. So far, I have to say I am loving it!

44 May 2017

new songs in there too!

Fans will see me play what I like to think of as my ‘one woman band’, this is where I play guitar, harmonica, percussion and sing! It’s upbeat and energetic with plenty of passion. I put my heart and soul into my live performances.

The show’s billed as ‘Sandi Thom and Friends’, tell us more?

Wherever I go in the world I love to discover local music and collaborate, so I am hoping to showcase some home-grown Bahrain talent as well as other expat performers. It’s going to be a great mix of traditional and overseas.

Sandi is appearing at Bahrain Rugby Football Club on May 12. Entry is free for members, BD2 for others. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Domain Hotel and Spa hosted a Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner The dinner at its award-winning steakhouse, Le Sauvage.

Najat & Niman

Anna, Fabrice, Najat, Niman, Geraldine, Niall, Bridghe & Thomas

Cynthia, Anders, Patricia & Frank

Marc, Anna & Thomas

Jelana, Bernd, Didi & Viola

Niall, Geraldine & Bridghe

Ingo & Matthias

Matthias, Barbara, Ingo, Isabelle & Fabrice

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interview

ADVICE FOR LIFE LIZ O’REILLY Faysal Abdel Gader Mohamed shares the experiences of a lifetime spent in human development, through the UN, private corporations and, latterly, as Adviser for International Affairs to the Royal Court.

S

udanese-born Faysal now calls Bahrain home, after many years of working around the globe, and says he fell in love with the island as soon as he arrived.

Having initially studied at a university in Khartoum, he took a BSc in economic and political science in Egypt followed by a Masters in development at the London School of Economics. By the age of 29, he received his doctorate from Charles University, Prague, and was doing post-doctoral study and teaching at the black American university, Howard, when he became part of the World Bank’s Young Professional Programme serving in Kenya.

From there, he joined the United Nations (UN) in 1980. He says: “I was always interested in development. I served in Ethiopia and North and South Yemen, which in those days was a communist country. You look at indicators such as education and health, which in areas of great poverty, is often a real challenge.”

He was appointed regional director for the South Pacific and spent six years overseeing UN development programmes in 18 small island nations in Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia before the time came for a change, which was to land him in Bahrain.

He says: “The first day I arrived, in December 1995, I loved it, it was exciting. I was getting used to the protocol but then, forget protocol, there was a very genuine, inside feeling – I felt honesty and I felt truth.

“I came with my family, the next day was National Day and the Emir asked to see me, without me having presented my credentials yet.

He had said to bring my wife too and we arrived 46 May 2017

Faysal Abdel Gader Mohamed

to find him outside. He received us himself and was telling me about the Sudanese working on his garden and as vets for his horses!”

Faysal’s position in Bahrain was as UN regional coordinator responsible for the organisation’s team and covering areas such as the UAE and Oman.

He says: “It was an interesting and challenging time to be in the region, particularly in Bahrain. I went from covering 18 nations to this little island but then I found that literacy was at 99 per cent, there was universal health care and the education system was also good. I asked myself, what is there here for me to do?”

The answer came from UN HQ that his role should be encouraging Bahrain and the wealthy wider region to embrace UN development protocols while, at the same time, investing in poorer nations as part of a global agenda.

“I was able to provide assistance to Bahrain in various areas such as availing of technical expertise from the UN. We worked on the concept of sustainable development – Bahrain has sweetwater in the sea and there are native species here not found anywhere else. It was following on from the Earth Summit in Brazil and everyone was working towards the UN’s

Millennium Development Goals.”

But his role also had a darker side, as the UN Secretary General’s special representative on the UN Special Commission for Weapons of Mass Destruction. Based out of Bahrain, the commission sent inspectors into Iraq to investigate the presence of chemical and nuclear weapons – later cited as the justification for the US/UK invasion in 1998. Of this, Faysal says quietly: “I was disappointed, but my role was purely logistical, getting them in and out. I could not interfere in policies or procedures.”

In 2001, he transferred to Egypt as regional director of the UN Population Fund and he later went on to serve in New York before heading back to Bahrain in 2010, this time to work with the Royal Court.

He says: “The high points of my career have always been when there is receptiveness to assistance – it’s like when a doctor gives you a paracetamol and is delighted to see your condition improve – and I have always found that here in Bahrain, there is openness to advice and also recognition of that help.

“I’m delighted and very proud to be back in Bahrain, using my years of experience in the service of the country.” www.bahrainthismonth.com

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interview

MARKET TRADER With the launch of Bahrain Investment Market (BIM), running alongside Bahrain Bourse and aimed at making it easier for SMEs to access investment funds, Liz O’Reilly sat down with CEO Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa to find out more.

T

he business of the bourse may seem complicated but, in essence, its function is to offer listing and trading services to the public – allowing them to access funding for future growth. Businesses listed on the Mainboard have to meet a long, strict list of criteria to protect potential investors’ interests, and are subject to a whole range of national and international laws.

However, these same safeguards can make it difficult, or in some cases impossible, for smaller and less-established businesses to attract the very capital which would allow them to expand and mature – and this is where Bahrain Investment Market comes into play.

It is a project developed by the Bahrain Bourse team under the stewardship of Shaikh Khalifa, who has been CEO of Bahrain Bourse since 2014 and has many years’ financial experience. He explains: “BIM is aimed at companies in the next stage of development which have an established management structure, viable business plan and demonstrable growth potential. For example, among the eligibility criteria, companies must have a minimum paid-up capital of BD250,000 [or equivalent in other currencies], working capital sufficient for 12 months, a minimum 10 per cent free float, and maintain a minimum of three shareholders. In addition, they must also appoint and retain specialised advisory firms [called ‘sponsors’] which are approved by the bourse.

“There are two main audiences for BIM,” says Shaikh Khalifa. “The first is businesses and entrepreneurs in the GCC and wider MENA region who need capital to further grow and expand, such as fast-growing entrepreneurial ventures and mature family-owned businesses.

48 May 2017

Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa

The second is local, regional and international venture capital and investment firms who would benefit from having a platform that gives them the ability to review different companies in a certain sector and then benchmark them against the index, essentially enabling them to conduct a thorough analysis in a short amount of time to determine whether to invest or not.”

With this increased access, there is, of course, the possibility of greater risk. But Shaikh Khalifa reassures: “Bahrain Investment Market, similar to the Mainboard market, is closely monitored and is underpinned by the Kingdom’s well-established financial regulatory market and infrastructure. Among the measures are mandatory financial disclosure terms and audited reporting done according to accepted global standards such as IFRS and AAOIFI to ensure full transparency and protect investors.

It is also important to note that although this is a high-risk high-reward market, it is a proven model that has been successful elsewhere globally; specifically, London’s AIM and Singapore’s Catalist.”

One thing that does significantly differentiate BIM from its regional counterparts is that businesses can be 100 per cent foreign-owned, something Shaikh Khalifa is keen to stress since, though this can happen elsewhere by special arrangement, it is something that is

enshrined in Bahraini law.

At the operational launch of BIM, KPMG and Keypoint were approved as authorized sponsors. To date, 30 companies have expressed their interest in participating in BIM either as sponsors (specialised advisory firms) or potential issuers (companies wishing to list on the BIM).

And, with a massive growth in new business registrations in recent years, this is expected to grow. Shaikh Khalifa explains: “Figures recently released by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism showed that the number of commercial registrations nearly tripled over the past year, going from 9,000 in 2015 to 26,800 in 2016. This reflects Bahrain’s vibrant local entrepreneurial culture, a key element of any dynamic private sector.

“Bahrain Bourse has seen a rising number of applications from companies interested in listing on the Mainboard market and BIM was created to serve as a stepping stone to potentially get listed on the Mainboard later on.”

But he adds: “We will be selective in the admission process in order to ensure that only the most suitable companies, in terms of size, growth prospects, credibility and management experience, are offered to the public [potential investors]. The focus is on quality of companies rather than quantity.” www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Bahrain Arts Society’s Photoclub members and Financial Centre Development Company, held Bahrain Photographic Festival The the opening ceremony of Bahrain’s first Photographic Festival at Harbour Gate.

Members of the society and guests at the event

Janet, Ritu & Lindsay

Rawan

Sawsan

Amaris & Yamil

Fatima

Sumeet, Wafa & Yousef

Ayat & Sheryl

Tosin

Ali

Nitu & Anastasia

Sheikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research held the opening ceremony for the Photography Exhibition The group photography exhibition entitled “Do you trust me?” at the Bin Matar House in Muharraq.

Guests at the opening ceremony

Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Hanan & Shaikh Salman

Ryan & Ruby

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Loraine & Asma

Wafa Al Ghatam, Perwin & HE Alfred Simms-Protz

Kamil & Elie

Karim & Dagmara

Tamara, Jano & Mohammed

Rasha

Adoul & Motaz

May 2017 49

interview

Paolo Guzzini

LIGHTING UP THE LAND LIZ O’REILLY Architectural lighting specialist Paolo Guzzini visited the island for the launch of an innovative new training facility and BTM caught up with him to talk about his company’s 30-year association with the Kingdom.

I

talian company iGuzzuni is known worldwide for its stunning lighting solutions, in Bahrain you will have seen them in the grounds of Bahrain Bay as well as other notable locations, all sourced and fitted through local supplier Al Bait.

The two companies have worked together for 30 years and Al Bait recently launched the iGuzzini Light Experience and Training Centre at its showroom in Manama. The first of its kind in the Gulf, the installation allows buyers, architects and designers to actually experience lighting in a darkened space giving them a realistic feel for how the pieces will look on the ground.

Developed by Italian specialists, the facility was spotted by the late Shaikh Ali Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, of Al Bait, at the Frankfurt Fair in 2014 and he was determined to bring it to the Kingdom.

Paolo Guzzini says: “This type of installation had been some time in development. When you have a catalogue of more than 10,000 products, of course, you cannot show them all so we wanted to come up with a way for clients and 50 May 2017

designers to see what we can offer and also how it will look once installed. “iGuzzini employs 1,350 people around the world with 23 or 24 companies, all controlled by the mother company, one of which is in Dubai.

But, I am very happy for this installation to be in Bahrain because of the relationship we have with Al Bait.”

That relationship began 30 years ago when iGuzzini in Italy decided it needed to complete its network with a presence in the Gulf. A representative was sent to Bahrain, then the commercial hub of the region, but he arrived during Ramadan. Not realising the significance, he began going through the phone book calling lighting suppliers but it was a Friday and, not surprisingly, no-one answered until he called Al Bait and a staff member called Raju picked up the phone.

Paolo says: “We realised that if someone was there and working on a Friday, during Ramadan, this was the company we should be doing business with.”

The rest, as they say, is history.

Paolo’s official title is vice president and director of iGuzzini illuminazione and he flies around the globe working on business expansion. Prior to landing in Bahrain he had been in Tbilisi in Georgia but he was happy to make the extra journey saying: “I wanted to be here today to mark 30 years of cooperation with Al Bait and the Al Khalifa family. What’s made this partnership so special is the human relationships that have led to continuity and progress, I am the fourth generation of the Guzzini family in this business, Shaikh Abdulrahman is the third generation of his family. Andre Cote of Al Bait has also been essential and we also still deal with Raju, he’s here today.”

To see the new lighting installation for yourself, visit the showroom in Palace Avenue, where plans are underway for further expansion to give each manufacturer its own space allowing buyers the chance to experience the illuminations in a natural setting. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Fatima, Emilia, Fatima & Nitu

John

Evening Reception

HE Simon Martin, British Ambassador, held an evening reception to celebrate the launch of the formal partnership between Strathclyde University and the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) at the British Embassy.

HE Simon Martin, Solveig & Ron Bradfield

Gordon, HE Simon Martin & Sophie

Luai, Peter & Denise

Sharif & Hussain

Bavna, Rohan & Milushka

Dr Abdul Hassan & Ammar Rajab

Kaizad, Farheen & Kunal

Oasis Shopping Festival

Al Rashid Group inaugurated its Oasis Shopping Festival 2017 at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony

Roberto, Michell & Maylyn

Russel, Harmeet, Ivan Styk, Kaizad & Sachin

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Russel & Nirmal

Cathy & Karen

Angela & Betty

May 2017 51

interview

VALUE WITH VOGUE BEHNAZ SANJANA Ivan Styk is the new front runner at the helm of Al Rashid Group in Bahrain and shares his foresight for the ace retail conglomerate.

A

true-blue people person, Ivan graduated in the Slovak Republic with a major in human resources and was drawn by the dynamism of the retail industry to apply what he had studied. “I am very happy to have made that choice 20 years ago, as I love interacting with people, and retail is really about people – those working in the stores as well as our customers,” he says.

In his two-decade-long working life, Ivan has spent nearly 18 years with British retailer Tesco.

“I worked with them in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, the UK and India, fulfilling different roles across different countries,” he explains. “I joined as a back doorman, went on to the shop floor, and became store manager, regional director, and country head of operations.

Through the years, I have dealt with different aspects of the industry – commercial, strategic, supply chain management and distribution.”

Ivan was excited to be offered the role of territory head at Al Rashid Group (ARG) in Bahrain for many reasons. “First of all, ARG is a division of Landmark Group, which is a leading retail and hospitality conglomerate across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. It is a very customer driven, sophisticated, proactive and innovative company, without doubt,” he says.

“Secondly, this role is involved across all brands under the Landmark Group umbrella in the territory, as opposed to overseeing just one or two retail concepts. And also, I was aware of Bahrain’s reputation for being a fantastic country to live in.”

A little over six months into his new role with the organisation, Ivan’s vision for the group’s 52 May 2017

Ivan Styk

scale and operations in the Kingdom has only strengthened in ambition from day one. Not only is he looking to keep up the momentum of the business, but also grow the company’s reach and goodwill on a long-term, sustainable platform. He says: “Being market leaders in Bahrain poses us opportunities as well as challenges. I see opportunity in the area of reaching out to untapped clientele, to offer them our high-quality products and services.

The market in Bahrain is not yet fully penetrated by modern retail, and we aim to do so. Also, as an employer of choice, our focus is to look after our people and engage in the welfare of our community. This will make us an integral part of the community, a respected employer and a beloved brand for one and all.”

Commenting on the challenges that lie ahead, he says: “We are geared up to be more innovative and creative in bringing new ideas on board, thereby presenting customers with the best offers and deals to enrich their lives with quality.”

Ivan goes on to say that he fell in love with the island from the very beginning for its

trademark Middle Eastern hospitality and high standard of living. “A country is not only about its geography,” he adds. “It is the feeling it evokes, one’s interaction with its people and personal experiences. I wouldn’t change a thing about my time here.”

What he does miss about Slovakia is the greenery. “I love skiing, so I also miss the snow, as well as spending more time with my family,” he says. An avid cyclist, he has been spending his free time exploring the newly minted islands of Bahrain on his trusty bicycle, enjoying the sun and sand in a traffic-free zone.

Ivan doesn’t forget to tip his hat to his team, for giving him a warm welcome to Landmark Group. He says: “One needs a lot of support and help to successfully embed in a new country and workplace, but thanks to my fantastic team, it has been a smooth transition.

I am very positive about its prospects in the future. Our brands are recognised for their worth and adaptation to seasonal trends, and we are ready to build on the synergy between our fashion labels and our valued customers, taking it to the next level.” www.bahrainthismonth.com

interview

Naveen Narayan

A NEW VISION PUJA TIWARI This four-star hotel’s new general manager reveals extravagant plans to rejuvenate the already popular property.

T

aking the helm at Al Safir Hotel and Tower, the first ISO certified hotel in Bahrain, Naveen Narayan is all set to take the property to new heights with his expertise.

Having worked all over the GCC, and for brands such as the Taj group of hotels and Leela Kempiniski in India, he has accumulated vast hospitality experience. Formerly managing the eminent Atiram Premier Hotel with great success, he aims to make some major changes at Al Safir Hotel and Tower.

“My prime responsibility is to uplift and bolster the brand in the hotel market,” he says.

“Having been in operation for several years, it is already highly reputed but just needs a push to get itself out there.”

The hotel has 196 accommodations, which include apartments and hotel rooms. An imperial suite on the 14th floor boasts a private swimming pool with stunning views of the city.

In order to breathe fresh life into the property, Naveen is putting his experience into practice by overseeing the opening of three nightlife and leisure outlets.

54 May 2017

“First, we are planning to open a colossal English nightclub, which will be classic with a contemporary vibe,” he explains. “I have opened the likes of Cavallo, Coda and Wembley at Premier Hotel, so I am positive that this is the right move.”

He further elaborates on what the club will look like and what will define its selling point, by saying: “It will focus on quality food and beverages, marketed to an elite crowd. Juffair lacks in terms of sophisticated, classy outlets and this will fill that gap.

“We are ensuring that it is constructed in a way that will not disturb the hotel guests. The opening night will feature a celebrity musician.”

With its prime location, the property has plenty of advantages over its competitors.

“We have a strong sales department that focuses on getting the attention of corporates, families visiting from the GCC and US Navy personnel,” says Naveen.

“The benefit here is that people know about Al Safir, as we cater to all segments. Everything is going well so far, and we reach full occupancy during school holidays.”

The dynamic hotelier also believes that Bahrain has immense, untapped potential in its market.

“There is plenty of scope when it comes to the tourism and business sectors,” he says.

“Ups and downs are inevitable in any market.

Our hotel has a good and clear image in the industry and we have tried to keep up with the standards and quality envisioned for Bahrain’s tourism sector, at all times. This has always been a priority for the directors of our management company, Blue Lotus Properties.”

Talking about his proudest achievement, so far, of successfully establishing the Atiram Premier Hotel, Naveen says: “The team and I worked harmoniously to get the operations up and running. We put it out in the market the right way to get the right crowds in, and I am amazed at the end result.”

With a busy schedule, when he does get some free time Naveen enjoys spending it with his family and cooking. He is also particularly fond of travelling and exploring new places by road.

“I love getting a taste of new cultures and exotic fare,” he says. “This is something I do whenever I find the time.” www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

SKAL Annual General Meeting

SKAL held its annual general meeting at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa. SKAL members at the meeting

Mohammed Buzizi, Hisham, Jano & Mohammed Nass

www.bahrainthismonth.com

CD Singh, George, Mohammed Buzizi, Ebrahim Amin & Huda

May 2017 55

bystander

Latin Festival The K Hotel held a Latin-themed festival at its premises.

Rehana, Lana, Karin, Volker, Shivanand, Khalid Kanoo, Bilal, Tariq, Mathias & Nitai

Vishwa, Reddy, Nitai & Nasir

Volker & Khalid Kanoo

Heather, Shannen & Mathias

Ar & Art Duo

Aziz & Valentina

Beth & Asif

Regina & Volker

Rocky, Alizel & Natasha

UB40 Concert

As part of the 2017 Spring of Culture festival, British reggae band UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue performed live during a concert at the Bahrain Bay.

HE Simon Martin & Sophie

Bayan, Dina, Ghaneya & Ali

UB40 on stage

Marianna & Maria

Marian & DJ

56 May 2017

Fady & Reem

Carolyn, John & Carrie

Michel, Lisa & Yanni

Khawtar & Eman

Nada & Noor

Sophie & Huda

www.bahrainthismonth.com

cosmetictreatments

BEAUTY AT THEIR FINGERTIPS There is an old saying that physical beauty is fleeting. But these days more and more of us strive to look as good as possible for as long as possible and a whole industry has grown up around helping us achieve that. From salons and spas to specialist dentists and cosmetic clinics, Bahrain is well served by the aesthetic industry. We take a look at what’s on offer.

Hair For those blessed with lustrous locks, there’s a plethora of salons all willing to make the very best of them. But if your hair is not your crowning glory, specialists such as Dessange, Joz Salon & Spa, Toni&Guy, Elie & Jean and the Michel Salon at the Diplomat can offer numerous special treatments to make sure your hair really shines. For those suffering hair fall, which is common due to the desalinated water, many of the medical establishments, such as Bahrain Specialist Hospital can offer advice and treatment solutions. And, for men seeking to remedy premature baldness, there are various transplant options such as Middle East Medical Centre and Lad Hair.

Skin There is so much on offer to both beautify and improve the appearance of facial skin, the options can be confusing. Many spas, such as The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain; Vie Lifestyle Lab at The Domain; the spectacular seawater spa at the Sofitel and Four Seasons, among many others, offer treatments ranging from gem facials, using precious stones, to mild peels and electrical magnetic treatments. All are designed to be both relaxing and effective, www.bahrainthismonth.com

imparting a plumped up glow. Specialist salons such as Dessange and Joz offer many similar options with both having partnered with international brands.

The treatments found at spas and salons can offer wonderful short-term solutions but for longer-lasting effects, there are number of medical options and cosmeceuticals to choose from. The recently opened Symmetria, in Tubli, boasts a range of therapies including laser hair removal, anti-ageing treatments, fillers and more. The Denta Derma Rim Bogari Center recently added cosmetology to its services, the German Medical Centre specialises in aesthetic dermatology and laser medicine while the German Skin Care Centre offers treatments for both face and body and Hospitalia by Yara specialises in platelet rich plasma therapies among other things.

For those suffering medical skin conditions such as acne, hospitals including Royal Bahrain, Bahrain Specialist, Al Hilal and American Mission, to name a few, all have extensive dermatology services offering a range of treatments.

In terms of permanent surgical options, plastic surgeons are many and the results can be outstanding. Bahrain Specialist Hospital has a state-of-the-art plastic and cosmetic surgery department, Dr Tariq Hospital, under the direction of Dr Tariq Saeed, is recognised as one of the region’s leading facilities and Dr Gang at Ibn Al Nafees comes highly recommended.

When seeking medical treatments, whether non-invasive or surgical, it is always important to book an in-depth consultation, do your research and discuss realistic expectations of the outcome with your doctor or aesthetician.

Teeth The effect of a bright, even smile cannot be underestimated but it’s not something all of us are blessed with. Dental appearances can be improved with the use of braces, but the days of metal tracks marring teenage faces are long gone. The trend now is for virtually invisible corrective treatments, such as Invisalign braces which can be found at practices such as Seef Dental and Royal Bahrain Hospital.

While veneers, to achieve that perfect smile, are offered at clinics such as Gentle Dental and

by Dr Rim Bogari. There’s also the option to have stained teeth whitened, a service carried out by trained practitioners at most practices.

From hair – improvement, removal or transplant – to skin tightening; from lip augmentation to new teeth, however you choose to improve or retain your looks, there’s certainly no shortage of options on the island to suit virtually every desire and budget. After all, first impressions are lasting and we all want to make a good one.

May 2017 57

cosmetictreatments

The Business of Beauty LIZ O’REILLY Recently arrived on the island, Dr Olga Shvab talks beauty, fashion and being a girly girl.

Dr Olga arrived in the Kingdom in February with the opening of the internationally renowned Symmetria clinic in Tubli. A dermatologist and cosmetologist, her speciality is aesthetic medicine and she performs procedures such as Botox, fillers, facial skin threading and lasers.

She previously had her own practice in her native Moscow and says: “Ever since my childhood I have been involved in beauty. I loved make-up and all things girly and now, as well as my clinical work, I am a model and I also have a fashion blog – I recently did a shoot here at Bahrain Fort for a Russian designer, which will be used in a magazine spread.”

Of the decision to move to Bahrain, she adds: “Moscow is crowded, busy and stressful. Bahrain is beautiful and totally different. I felt it was time for a life change and when the opportunity came to work with such a wellrespected and professional operation as Symmetria, I felt it would be a great opportunity to continue to grow my experience and increase my expertise.”

The multi award-winning Symmetria brand is the brainchild of Greek Dr Nikolaos Metaxotos, a leading specialist plastic surgeon, whose main interest is in minimally invasive cosmetic surgery and non-surgical facial treatments as part of his successful operational model known as the Minimum Intervention/Maximum Effect concept.

Internationally the brand is renowned as a world-class anti-ageing institute but Dr Olga is finding that many of her patients are actually younger women keen to experience the latest treatments espoused by Hollywood.

She explains: “Everyone wants to look like a celebrity. Of course, I can help with great improvements to ageing skin but many of my patients are young women who want the same treatments they see on their favourite stars. Radiesse [a dermal filler] is particularly popular. For example, you can sculpt cheekbones like Angeline Jolie, augment the chin to balance the face or plump the lips a little.

“These girls are already beautiful but they want to improve on their looks and I am very happy to help but, of course, I don’t want to go for unnatural looks – every treatment should make the patient look better, not fake. I use what is known as the Golden Ratio mask to ensure the enhancements stay in proportion and give clients the best possible result.

“Radiesse is one of my favourite products to work with because it encourages the skin to produce its own collagen and results can be seen both immediately and over a period of weeks or months, so patients are also very happy.”

Male clients make up around 30 per cent of the clinic’s patients and they, on the other hand, are more interested in anti-ageing treatments. Dr Olga is an expert in this area too, offering both laser and thread lifting, alongside the filler treatments.

She adds: “Each face is different; you have to look and see what will give the best result for each individual patient and discuss it with them so their expectations are realistic and everyone is happy.”

58 May 2017

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Gulf Hotel held a Gulf Night Out event at Gulf Night Out The its premises.

Charbel, Sameera, Hawra & Ali

Rowena & Omran

Malini, Paola & Ingrid

Graham & Maggie

Noha & Ranya

Marcia & Susan

Hesham & Kawther

Ameera & Ibrahim

Mariam & Majida

Mariam & Fatima

Ali & Ryan

Thai Festival The Gulf Hotel launched its Thai Festival at its premises in Adliya.

Ryan, Namrin, Hathai, HE Chayapan Bamrungphong, Khalifa Rumehi, Rahim & Randa

Raid, Saqib, Hamid, Rahim & Suresh

Arowen, Rowena & Bong

www.bahrainthismonth.com

HE Chayapan Bamrungphong & Rahim

Hathai & Namrin

HE Qi Zhenhong & Jin

Wiyada, Deen, Ryan, Rahim, Charbel, chef Carlo & Wong Tan

May 2017 59

cosmetictreatments

Joie Shiela

DESSANGE PARIS

A Futuristic Facial APPLE SHARMA This extraordinary pampering treatment will not just rejuvenate your skin, it also gives visible results that will make you feel and look like a million dollars!

60 May 2017

Most of us women indulge in regular facials to give ourselves a refreshing and healthy glow. So when I was asked to test one of Dessange Paris Bahrain’s luxurious 111 SKIN facials, I welcomed the treat for a chance to catch up on some ‘me’ time.

At the spa, I was greeted by the warm and friendly assistant spa manager, Joie Shiela, who would be looking after me. She had asked me to come slightly early so I could use the spa facilities. After a relaxing 10 minutes in the steam room and a quick shower, I was ready for my treatment.

Joie started with a consultation, asking me about my lifestyle and skin care routine, and went on to explain the benefits of the 111 SKIN facial.

The 111 SKIN products have been developed by Dr Yannis Alexandrides, an American and European board-certified plastic surgeon who established his world renowned 111 Harley Street clinic in London.

Combining 20 years of expertise in pioneering surgical procedures, the range was clinically engineered with the help of space scientists.

This piqued my curiosity and I was even more intrigued to try this treatment. After assessing my face, Joie recommended the 111 SKIN Y Theorem Reparative Facial. This ultra-hydrating, restorative and age-defending 90-miunte procedure is meant to provide unrivalled antioxidant protection. Focusing on the original healing formula used by Dr Alexandrides at his Harley Street clinic, each product is enriched with the patented NAC Y² and youth-maintaining ingredients, which hydrate, firm and soothe with longlasting results.

Joie started by gently cleansing my skin with Lift Off Purifying Cleanser NAC Y² followed by exfoliation with

Lift Off Exfoliating Cleanser NAC Y², concentrating on areas of concern and leaving it on for a few minutes.

I was then exposed to a gentle steam to prepare for extraction of blackheads and whiteheads, after which Joie used two cotton pads to tone with Daily Orbit Energising Essence NAC Y². It’s a light and refreshing reparative treatment ideal for sensitive skin like mine. She then massaged my neck and face for 10 minutes with Y Theorem Repair Serum NAC Y² and continued with a massage balloon around the eye area and fine lines using Space Defence Bright Eye Lift Gel NAC Y². This already felt divine but when she massaged my neck and shoulders (for five to seven minutes) using Space Anti Age Day Emulsion NAC Y², I was in absolute heaven. Next, she applied the Celestial Black Diamond Bio Cellulose Eye Mask and the Bio Cellulose Facial Treatment Mask. These cooling and comforting masks were left on for 20 minutes while she gave me a hand massage. After removing them, she dabbed my face with tissue to blot any excess moisture and finished by applying Space Defence Bright Eye Lift Gel NAC Y², and moisturising my face with Space Anti Age Day Cream NAC Y².

I’m lucky to be blessed with fairly good skin, but being an ex-smoker I’ve always been conscious about the damage it has caused over the years. Stopping smoking has naturally improved my skin but when I saw myself in the mirror after the facial, I was amazed to see such instant results – I was actually glowing.

Hands down, this truly is one of the best facials I’ve ever had!

Call 17 713-999. www.bahrainthismonth.com

ROYAL BAHRAIN HOSPITAL

Enjoy a Clear Complexion The specialists at this renowned hospital tell BTM how common side effects of acne can be treated.

Acne – the dreaded word for both adolescents and adults – can instill fear in the bravest of hearts. This seemingly harmless skin condition can bring on several complications, including social withdrawal and depressive symptoms, if left untreated.

Timely treatment with medication is the way to prevent any repercussions from acne. The most common consequences are pigmented spots and scars. These occur when pimples heal, or are squeezed or picked. The following procedures help to eliminate marks and blemishes significantly: 1. Chemical peels contain mild exfoliating agents which help to lightly peel the affected area, reducing pigmentation and even pimples.

2. Dermaroller and Fraxel Laser are techniques that micro-injure the skin, which then heals in a proper fashion, generating more

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Dr Reeti

collagen to fill up the scars.

3. Platelet Rich Plasma is a procedure where platelets from the blood, which release a host of growth factors, are injected into the disfigured area. This causes new tissue production and skin rejuvenation.

4. Fat grafting and fillers help to seal deep defects in the tissue, improving the appearance of individual pockmarked areas.

5. Subcision, punch grafting and excision are

Dr Dean

Dr Ramesh

techniques used for deeper damage.

6. Thread lifts and facelift procedures help to tighten the skin, making marks less visible when the skin is stretched.

All effective treatments for active acne and scars are available at the Royal Aesthetic Centre at the Royal Bahrain Hospital.

Call 17 246-800, 17 246-939 or visit www. royalbahrainhospital.com.

May 2017 61

cosmetictreatments

JOZ SALON & SPA

Ancient Healing for Modern Times One of the most popular salons on the island introduces cupping therapy to bring relief to the face, head and neck.

Cupping therapy can be used for a variety of applications from head to toe. Special focuses are the head, neck and face, as these are often areas of pain and dysfunction. Headaches, sinusitis, lymphatic issues, chronic inflammation and recovery are common concerns for many people who come to see massage therapists.

Massage to Facilitate Drainage Joz Salon & Spa uses many traditional and effective massage techniques to gently traction the neck and necessitate upward movement to the occipital ridge (back of the head where the base of the skull meets the spine). Integrating downward movements into massage can enable the drainage of cranial lymph, fluid that circulates throughout the lymphatic system, and add an enormous benefit to soft tissue work.

Look around one day and observe how many people have a puffy face and neck. Some have congestion only above the collarbone, and a few have more severe blockage that has affected their upper thoracic area.

How Cupping Therapy Can Help Vacuum therapies provide a wonderful approach to lymphatic liquefaction and drainage, as well as soft tissue release. Puffyness of the face and body can be due to areas of thickened lymph, which blocks drainage and creates more clogging, much like a jam on the highway results in mile after mile of trapped cars.

As congestion builds, the body’s drainage and filtration system is overwhelmed and slows down, and

62 May 2017

this dense layer of thickened lymph blocks the elimination of deep inflammation via the blood vessels in the skin. Vacuum therapy lifts and separates the layers of the skin and underlying tissue to enable movement of the congestion, and liquefaction can be achieved if deeper heat is brought to the skin surface.

Application of heat before vacuum therapies can also help soften very thick, old blockages. A warm towel wrap or steam on the face and neck prior to treatment works well to begin both liquefaction of lymph and opening of blood vessels in the skin, and it feels great, too.

Either manual cups or a machine can be used.

Lymphatic drainage is the foundation of many facial treatments and massage movements. Masseurs are now incorporating these therapies into bodywork, and working on the face during the session will quickly become a client favourite.

Integrating Cupping Therapy The face, head and neck constitute complex areas of the body, and are naturally prone to dysfunction due to lifestyle habits and events. Integrating these therapies into treatments quickly produces substantial results. Special healing series for any of the conditions mentioned above are a great addition to any salon’s service menu.

Joz Salon & Spa recommends starting with 30-minute sessions twice per week for six to eight treatments, and charts each client’s progress.

Call 17 369-133, 16 031-120, 16 031-126 or 17 756-449. www.bahrainthismonth.com

shoppingmalls

El Mercado

Let’s Go Shopping

BTM brings you a convenient round-up of all the shopping venues worth their salt.

Bahrain is on the brink of a slew of festivities, starting off with the Holy Month of Ramadan at the end of the month. There will be many Iftars, Ghabgas and other social get-togethers that you’ll probably be attending or hosting. To get ready for your social calendar, now’s the right time to slip into a comfortable pair of trainers and trawl the malls.

Our island may figuratively be referred to as a pearl in the Gulf, but it is teaming with fantastic retail arcades. All the major localities, both old and new, have great shopping opportunities to boast about.

Manama Of course, we’ll start off with the capital, which includes the upscale business district of Seef. This densely populated area of the country is seldom quiet.

Weekdays see office workers milling about the place, and weekends see families and friends making the most of the city.

The stalwart of all malls is undoubtedly City Centre Bahrain, claiming the biggest shopping area in the district. Opened in 2008, it houses over 340 brands

Seef Mall Muharraq

64 May 2017

Galleria

including the Kingdom’s largest Carrefour hypermarket, as well as a plethora of dining outlets.

Not only is it a shopaholic’s paradise, it is also a fun destination for the entire family, with recreational services for children and a multiplex showing the latest films.

The second largest, Seef Mall, opened way back in 1997, and still has ardent patrons that roam its spacious corridors. It has a play zone for kids and teenagers and a decent number of dining outlets along with a large food court. Although it has been around for two decades, it regularly attracts new brands. The mall also has branches in Muharraq and Isa Town.

Adjacent Al Aali Shopping Complex is for the wellheeled, housing premium brands within its high-end, sophisticated environs. It is home to fine-dining cafés and restaurants that are always abuzz with food lovers. Likewise, Moda Mall, located in the Bahrain World Trade Centre complex, is the address for worldclass brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Emporio Armani and De Beers, to name but a few.

The first hypermarket on the island, Géant, is at Bahrain Mall, which has over 120 international labels and an extensive food court for its customers.

The Marina Mall, close to Bahrain’s Central Market, is a popular place to enjoy a fun evening, with its colourful kid’s zone and the convenience of familyfriendly retailers to choose from.

Dana Mall offered the first-ever Lulu Hypermarket in Bahrain. It also has a multiplex playing popular cinema releases, besides a vibrant food court, children’s entertainment area and a bowling centre.

Bordering Manama Souq is Yateem Centre, which is www.bahrainthismonth.com

one of the oldest shopping complexes in Bahrain. With its quirky and charming outlets relating to food, electronics, jewellery, sports, handicrafts and lifestyle, it’s proven that old is always gold.

Riffa Wadi Al Sail is a sprawling facility that offers well-known retail brands to consumers. Its huge central atrium lends a unique appeal to its structure. Besides a food court, it also has a cineplex – a convenient service for residents of the neighbourhood.

Enma Mall in East Riffa is a muti-storey shopping centre that strives to give customers a different experience.

Besides the regular crowd-pleasers, it also has unique home décor and lifestyle brands offering something new to shoppers.

Situated at the corner of Mahzorah Avenue and Umm Al Naasan Avenue, this retail haven has 32 outlets spread across three levels. Its anchor stores – Centrepoint, Home Centre, Max, Fitness First and Funcity – are successful at drawing in the crowds over the weekends, but still convenient to access with ample parking space for clients. Another branch is located in Muharraq.

A’ali Ramli Mall in A’ali caters to the suburban neighbourhoods of Bahrain and is a thriving, competitive environment offering residents top international brands. It also has an enormous Lulu Hypermarket, superb eating options and an amusement arcade complete with rides, video games and even a soft play area.

Saar and Janabiya Its locality’s namesake, Saar Mall, injects the fun element into this posh residential neighbourhood. It is known to host various family-centric activities marking the major festivals celebrated in Bahrain. Top-notch brands, restaurants, cafés, banks, an indoor play area, the Big Game Zone, and a mini-cinema for kids and Géant Easy supermarket build its repertoire.

El Mercado is the open-air neighbourhood arcade with a very contemporary design that is home to Alosra supermarket providing fresh produce and groceries to dwellers in the locality. Besides this, it has a number of eateries to choose from, with more in the pipeline, as well as an open kids’ play area.

Juffair Mall

www.bahrainthismonth.com

City Centre Bahrain

Juffair Juffair Mall opened its doors to the public in 2015, and is best known for its Lulu Hypermarket and high-tech Mukta A2 Cinemas. Ample parking space makes the approach in and out of the mall a breeze, thereby saving precious time to shop at the many retailers, relax at the cafés or catch the latest box office hits.

The three-storey Al Raya Mall sets new standards for a high-end retail experience in Juffair. The most prominent outlets here are Alosra, Starbucks, Round Table Pizza, Esquires Coffee House, Pomodorini, Bluefield Burger Company, Purple Swirl and Kojo Japanese Restaurant. A must-visit is the Challenge Chambers real-life escape gaming experience.

Amwaj Islands, Muharraq The Lagoon, a waterside commercial and recreational hub on Bahrain’s chief man-made island, is inspired by international iconic centres. With a picturesque waterway in the middle, it has numerous outlets on either side, and also hosts various social and cultural activities by the canal.

The drive to Dragon City Bahrain may be long, but is well worth it, thanks to the seemingly never-ending labyrinths of novel Chinese goods and services it offers.

Located at Diyar Al Muharraq, shopping here will prove to be a fun, unique experience – it’s Asian-themed ambience and products cannot be found anywhere else in Bahrain.

Zinj The open-plan Galleria mall is the epicentre of activity in the residential locale of Zinj. Besides favoured shops such as Lifestyle, Shoe Express, Sketchers and Olympia, food outlets including Wok Station, Macchiato Café, Yase-Isfahani and Wafflemeister have all carved a reputation as the go-to place at the arcade. Canadian favourite Tim Hortons made its debut in Bahrain here and is popular with both the young and old.

In the Making Mall of Dilmunia, to be built on Dilmunia Island within the Muharraq Governorate, will have a boulevard to provide visitors with the illusion that they are outdoors within a vibrant European cityscape. Visitors will be exposed to the finest labels and food while they enjoy the open-air views of Muharraq.

The Oasis Mall, located in close proximity to the airport, will be opening another branch in Juffair. Construction of the structure is in full swing, and will give local residents the benefit of luxury retail, dining and entertainment.

May 2017 65

bystander

Richard, Bob, Ameera, Veronika & Anett

Roger

F1 Pre-Race Party

The Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, held a glamorous F1 pre-race party with Wolfgang Puck at its premises. Entertainment included The Lion, a six-piece UK band along with internationally acclaimed DJ Jez Pereira.

Gelila Puck, George, Wolfgang Puck, Anne & Alex

Wolfgang Puck & Richard

Roger, Josie, Glory, Vlada & DJ Jez Pereira

BOUTIQUE SALE

Pepe, Naomi & Danielle

Maria & Alexandra

Ali & Angie

Diana, Vlada & Glory

Events and Flowers held its grand Eventi Opening Eventi opening at the Gulf Residence Amwaj.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony

Saturday, May 20th 11am - 2pm, Dilmun Club Entrance Fee: 500 fils

Designer clothes, accessories, toys, home goods, bric-a-brac, and more!

All proceeds will go to The Dogfather’s Rescue and Rehabilitation Center 66 May 2017

Zainab, Dana, Ires, Maria & Vanessa

www.bahrainthismonth.com

MOTORING

ROBERT’S NEW ROLE BTM chats with the new general manager at the helm of this leading automotive dealership.

ALSO THIS MONTH: 71 A UNIQUE ADVENTURE 73 SAFETY FIRST

Robert Beaty

R

obert Beaty – Nissan Bahrain’s new GM – is a relative newcomer to the Kingdom and he is quickly becoming acquainted with the warmth and hospitality the island has to offer.

Having previously worked in neighbouring Saudi Arabia’s motoring industry for six years, the change of pace Bahrain offers is something he can’t praise enough.

He says: “The difference is like night and day in comparison. The way people drive is totally different for one thing, I feel much more comfortable driving here. Another thing I think is great is that the police wave and smile at you. I’m not used to that,but it’s brilliant.”

Since arriving on the island just a couple of months ago, this jovial Geordie is still finding his footing at work but says that, so far, he has been nothing but impressed with the company and the staff.

“The atmosphere is so happy here. The professionalism and skill set of the staff that I’ve met here has blown me away. I’m impressed by how much knowledge they have and use.

“I have staff members who have worked with this company for 40 years and that speaks volumes to me about the culture and security of Y.K. Almoayyed,” he says. www.bahrainthismonth.com

This appointment is a homecoming of sorts for Robert, who has worked with the Nissan brand for most of his illustrious career, one that has seen him rise through the ranks from the bottom to the top.

“Believe it or not, I started off my first job in the motoring industry in the body shop,” he says. “I eventually got promoted and I was petrified because I was only 23. Nissan put me into a management induction training course and I became the youngest service manager in the country at the time.

“It’s a real blessing coming here and working with this company and this brand. It gave me a chance, at my age, to give something back to Nissan and Renault because they, many years ago, started me on my career track.”

Thanks to his own experience, training employees and helping them to develop their skills is something Robert puts a lot of stock in.

“You can give a man a great tool but if he doesn’t know how to use it, he won’t get the best result,” he explains. “This is where the training comes in – I want our employees to challenge themselves, build on their weaker areas and become well rounded.”

And there is certainly no shortage of opportunity to do so at Y.K. Almoayyed.

“Here we have our own training facilities, which makes it easier to access now than ever.

We recently ran a course here and the general feedback from staff was great,” he says.

A slump in the global economy and ongoing political situations has caused a ripple effect, reducing the spending power of many people.

However, Robert sees it as an opportunity to rise to the occasion.

“No matter what the market stimulus is, there are always pockets of resistance and that’s what I look at. Because some people might not have the financial freedom to go for the models they may have wanted to buy in the past, they might downgrade from an SUV to sedan, for example.

“It’s like a game of chess. Pieces are constantly moving but when the automotive market is down, there are always some models where sales actually go up, so that’s what we’re focusing on.”

When it comes to his managerial style, Robert says he hopes to create a happy working atmosphere where employees can always approach him for help.

“I’ve done all the other jobs from after service to body shop and sales,” he says. “I’m more than happy to spend the time one on one to help explain anything the staff have questions about.”

May 2017 67

motoring AL HADDAD MOTORS

Luxurious Performance Meets Technology

This classy coupé blends the beauty of a grand tourer with state-of-the-art technology.

68 May 2017

There’s an undeniable thrill that comes from getting behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz and the latest E-Class is no exception. Stunning to behold and exciting to drive, this model has been revamped for success and, as a result, is bigger and better than ever.

It comes with a choice of three powerful and efficient engines with a range of outputs from 184bhp to 333bhp. Further, low exhaust emissions and comfortable suspensions with selective damping guarantee a sporty driving experience.

New design elements include a reworked front section, AMG body styling and smoother, more

rounded surfaces and contours. Inside you’ll find high-quality materials and finishes coupled with cutting-edge technology.

The exquisite exterior cuts an undeniably athletic profile and its chiselled design expresses confidence, its makers say.

The new model marks a milestone in the evolution of the marque’s design philosophy, characterised by a distinctive front end with low-positioned sports grille and central star, a long bonnet and a muscular rear end.

Equally typical of a Mercedes coupé are the LED taillights, which, in combination with LED multibeam headlights, ensure you can see and be seen. When you open the vehicle, the taillight LEDs illuminate successively from the centre of the car outwards.

Upon locking, the light sequence runs in the opposite direction.

The interior is quintessentially Mercedes. Touch Control buttons in the steering wheel enable the driver to control the instrument cluster and multimedia system using finger swipes without having to take a hand off the steering wheel.

High-grade materials and contemporary colour schemes come together to create a welcoming ambience. The attractive appointments in yacht blue with macchiato beige lend the vehicle a cool, sophisticated look. The model is also available in two new lightwood trim packages in open-pore and highgloss finishes.

Meanwhile, the high-end AMG line features a number of additions, making the vehicle even more dynamic and appealing.

The suspension on the new model offers agility on winding roads and exceptional ride comfort. The coupé comes as standard with Direct Control suspension. Alternatively, it can be equipped with multi-chamber air suspension, including all-round roll/ pitch/heave stabilisation.

Depending on the equipment level, Dynamic Select provides different driving modes, including: Comfort, ECO, Sport, Sport + and Individual.

Other highlights include the Drive Pilot system, which it is not only able to keep the car at the correct distance behind vehicles in front, but, for the first time, it can also automatically follow them at a speed of up to 210kmph.

Call 17 785-454. www.bahrainthismonth.com

The all-new E-Class CoupĂŠ.

Powered by Intelligence.

To find out more, visit our website: www.mercedesbenzme.com/bahrain

Al Haddad Motors, Kingdom of Bahrain. Tel: 17785454 marketing@alhaddad-mercedesbenz.com, www.bahrain.mercedesbenzme.com

bystander

Discovery Launch Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover unveiled the new Discovery at an exclusive event held at the Bahrain Bay. Management and guests at the launch

Bruce

Joelle & Ghassan

Khalid Al Zayani & Jonathan

Lee, Aiman, Said, Frezar & Mo

Mike, Aysha, Ed & Steve

Johnny & Paul

Michael & Heather

Assem Al Haj, Prof Ghassan, Saad & Maan

ASU Job Fair 2017 Applied Science University (ASU) held an opening ceremony for its ASU Job Fair 2017 at its premises.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony Fatima & Mariam

Deepti & Fatima

70 May 2017

Maysoon & Zainab

Adnan & Mohammed

Ahmed, Yousif, Mohammed & Hussain

www.bahrainthismonth.com

motoring

EURO MOTORS

A Unique Adventure

The endurance rally Allgäu Orient 2017 is one of the highlights of this year’s automotive calendar.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

The event starts on May 7 and covers a distance of more than 6,000 kilometres, making it one of the longest endurance rallies in the world. And there’s no doubt that it is one of the last great automobile adventures because the conditions along the way are so tough.

No car should be less than 20 years old or more expensive than 1,111 euros (BD450). There are no overnight stays in luxury hotels and the maximum cost of accommodation permitted is 11.11 euros (BD4.500) per person.

What’s more, motorways and modern navigation devices are banned, so side roads and good, oldfashioned maps are the order of the day. This year, the route to Amman, Jordan, goes through several countries in the region.

The ‘5ever’ private team will be lining up at the start with six people in three BMW 520i touring vehicles from the E34 Series.

Special tests and tasks ensure that the journey is characterised by variety. The entire venture is also in aid of a good cause. The surplus from the rally and the proceeds obtained for the automobiles at the destination will be distributed to various local charities. And, naturally, there is also a prize – in the form of a fully grown camel.

The 5ever team consists of Julia Hiltrop (32), Adil Sbai (31), Sofia Wieczorek (26), Sebastian Schulz (30), Andreas Zachai (28) and Regina Herz (29). Each member brings to the table different talents.

Kilometrage way in excess of 300,000 is not unusual

for the six-cylinder BMW 520i Touring. It is extremely tough, comfortable and excellent for long distances, making it the perfect candidate for this kind of rally.

The first BMW 5 Series Touring (E34) was launched in 1991 and was immediately positioned as an innovative high-tech vehicle in the upper mid-range segment. The automobile followed on from the BMW 3 Series Touring (E30) in 1987 as the second BMW Touring. It provided a convincing package with harmonious and sporting design, high body stiffness and a lot of clever solutions in the detail.

From May 1990, the M50 engine was enhanced to four-valve technology and generated 150bhp in the 520i to provide perfectly adequate driving performance.

The 5ever team is being supported with advice and assistance from the experienced mechanics and professionals at BMW Group Classic. After all, the search for suitable vehicles is already the first challenge, since the task is to find an automobile in the low price segment.

“We are therefore providing the team with advice on the purchase and assisting them with preparing the cars for the journey,” the company says. “The drivers will also have the opportunity to gain some practical experience with the modern classics at BMW Driving Experience so that they are able to take on the rally with confidence.”

You can follow all the preparations for the 5ever team at: https://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup, https://www.facebook.com/BMW.Classic, and https:// www.facebook.com/5ever017/ May 2017 71

motoring

PORSCHE CENTRE BAHRAIN

Exclusive Flagship Dealer This leading dealership has added another string to its bow by offering customers even more choice when it comes to customising their vehicle.

Porsche Centre Bahrain, Behbehani Brothers, celebrated its status as an authorised Porsche Exclusive Flagship Dealer with a special event attended by brand enthusiasts, the media and Porsche representatives. Taking place at the Sitra showroom, a variety of bespoke vehicles were on display, demonstrating the endless individualisation possibilities.

Renowned for its craftsmanship, the Stuttgartbased manufacturer has offered high-end, factory-installed vehicle personalisation under the Porsche Exclusive programme for more than 30 years. The brand’s ability to give customers an almost infinite number of individualisation choices, so long as the car’s safety is not compromised, is what sets its sports cars apart.

The Porsche Exclusive Flagship Dealer 72 May 2017

programme provides specialist training to consultants, who then help customers create a unique car, in the same manner as the Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen or Leipzig customer centres.

With a dedicated customisation expert on site, Porsche Centre Bahrain is now able to offer a unique purchase experience to those who want to personalise their Porsche at the ordering stage. Utilising a dedicated Fitting Lounge that features material samples, demonstration vehicles that bring to life tailoring options and insightful advice, the process of individualising a sports car becomes more interactive for the prospective owner.

Colin Sattar, brand manager at Porsche Centre Bahrain, says: “We are proud to have achieved the prestigious status of Porsche Exclusive Flagship Dealer and are excited to further enhance our offerings to customers in Bahrain. The brand is committed to providing the ultimate in individual luxury and exclusivity.

As part of their purchase journey, customers

can now have a consultation session with our highly trained Porsche Exclusive experts, who will help create a Porsche as unique as the owner’s fingerprint.”

Torsten Horn, manager Porsche Exclusive – Personal Design, at Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, says: “This occasion celebrates Porsche Centre Bahrain’s achievement of joining the worldwide Porsche Exclusive family.

This is a significant milestone, because Flagship Dealers have some very special skills and truly understand the process of advising and subsequently delivering a car that meets the customer’s personal expectations.”

During the special event, a range of uniquely customised models, including a Cayenne S, 718 Cayman, 911 and Panamera 4S, were on display for attendees to see up close. A demonstration session was also held to highlight how customers can express themselves through their Porsche vehicle.

Call 17 459-911. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Volvo XC90

MOTOR CITY

Safety First

This popular model is designed around the people using it, to make driving easier, safer and more enjoyable than ever.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

The award-winning Volvo XC90 is a luxury crossover SUV that is as stylish as it is practical. Contemporary Scandinavian design meets Swedish craftsmanship to create a vehicle that makes an immediate impression.

Under the bonnet is a four-cylinder, 320bhp engine paired with an eight-speed geartronic transmission.

It offers the most comprehensive and technologically sophisticated standard safety package available in the automotive industry, its makers say. The new technologies will take the company a significant step closer to its vision that no one will be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car by 2020.

The standard safety package on the all-wheel drive, seven-seater includes two world-first safety technologies: a run-off road protection package and auto brake at intersection capability. These innovations will form part of a suite of safety features that will make the new XC90 one of the safest cars ever made.

Volvo has further extended its aim to autonomous driving by upgrading the Pilot Assist to second generation. The upgrade means that steering assistance is available from stationary and up to 130kmph instead of 50kmph, which is the limit in the first generation model. Pilot Assist automatically maintains a set speed or distance to the car in front, as well as giving gentle steering inputs to keep you properly aligned within your lane markings.

City Safety will become the umbrella name for all of Volvo Cars’ auto brake functions, which are standard equipment in this model.

The new collision avoidance system assists the driver where there is a high risk of collision with another vehicle, pedestrian or cyclist, through an intuitive warning and a brake support system. If a collision is almost unavoidable, it will provide autonomous braking when the driver fails to respond to the imminent threat.

Queue Assist enables safe and comfortable driving by following the vehicle in front in slow-moving queues. Acceleration, braking and steering are controlled automatically.

The World Health Organisation estimates that 1.2 million people are killed and more than 50 million wounded in traffic accidents every year. These figures are expected to increase rapidly if no action is taken.

Volvo is determined to take the lead by using its vision of a collision-free future as a guiding principle.

The XC90’s interior is the most luxurious to have been designed for a Volvo. The most striking feature is a tablet-like touch screen control console, which forms the heart of the in-car control system, which is virtually button free.

The Volvo XC90 comes with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

Call 17 736-222.

May 2017 73

motoring

JAC MOTORS

A Ray of Sunshine

This automaker has combined the spaciousness of a van with the comfort of a coach to create a truly distinct vehicle.

74 May 2017

The JAC Motors Sunray is a new van/minibus that is taking the world by storm. Its makers say it is more practical and safer than a van, as spacious as a coach and as comfortable to drive as a sedan.

It comes in two variants – a large-capacity commercial van and a 15-seater minibus – both available in standard or luxury trim. The Sunray has a 3.6-metre wheelbase, which means it has huge amounts of interior space, so passengers have plenty of room to stretch out.

JAC claims to be China’s most export-focused commercial automaker with vehicles that are said to offer the latest emission-compliant engines, advanced transmissions and international components.

Under the bonnet is a 2.8-litre Cummins diesel engine that provides ample power for quick response and steady driving. In terms of safety, the Sunray comes with anti-lock brakes and SRS airbags to

ensure occupant safety. To make things even easier for the driver, the Sunray is equipped with reverse sensors to help when parking.

It features comfortable, high-back recliner seats with hand rest and seat belts. Further, it boasts halogen headlights that ensure safe driving, even when the weather is bad.

This impressive vehicle’s exterior was designed by JAC’s office in Turin, Italy, while its team in Tokyo, Japan, was responsible for styling the interior.

The vehicle is widely used and particularly popular as transport for hotels, cabin crew, schools and staff, and for commercial purposes. Prices start from BD7,500 on road with a three-year 100,000km warranty.

The JAC Motors showroom is located at Segaya Plaza, Zinj.

Call 17 270-270. www.bahrainthismonth.com

AJM KOOHEJI GROUP

Everyone’s a Winner This leading tyre manufacturer has launched a new promotion that saves customers money.

Bridgestone is making every new tyre buyer a winner with a promotion that could see the cost of four new tyres reduced by up to BD30.

Drivers who buy two or more Bridgestone tyres – sized 17-inches and above – or any Bridgestone run flat tyres from an authorised retailer until May 31, will receive a single scratch card that offers cashback of up to BD15.

Buy four new tyres and you’ll get two scratch cards, which both entitle you to a guaranteed discount. It could be BD5, BD7 or BD15. So if you buy four tyres and strike it lucky with both scratch cards, that’s a possible BD30 off the price of your purchase.

“Everyone wins with Bridgestone this summer. We hope that this campaign will encourage our customers to equip their cars with brand new tyres and make them ready and safe for the hot weather,” says Dilip Raj, assistant general manager – AJM Kooheji Group. “On the other hand, we stress that it is as important to properly monitor your car’s tyres and make sure they are in good condition.”

Tyre quality plays a critical role in road safety and Bridgestone continuously invests in research and development to provide customers with products that incorporate the latest technology. There is, however, a major role to be played by all motorists in tyre safety.

It is important to properly maintain your car’s tyres, regularly checking to ensure they are inflated to the correct pressure and are free from any damage. This is a major responsibility for all motorists.

“For car and SUV drivers in Bahrain it’s a fantastic

Bridgestone Turanza AR-20

www.bahrainthismonth.com

time to change to a new set of Bridgestone tyres,” says Berna Akinci, general manager - marketing, at Bridgestone MEA. “The soaring temperature during the summer can be taxing for tyres and the heat can expose the deficiencies in worn or damaged tyres.

“We at Bridgestone are encouraging motorists to stay safe by adding an incentive to buy our quality tyres, which have been specially made to deal with the summer heat. At the very least, we may save you from the discomfort of changing a worn-out tyre at the roadside in the sweltering heat.”

Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world’s largest tyre and rubber company. In addition to tyres for use in a wide variety of applications, it also manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.

AJM Kooheji Group is the authorised distributor for Bridgestone tyres in Bahrain.

For additional information on the promotion, visit www.bridgestone-mea.com or www.facebook.com/ BridgestoneMEA.

Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE003

May 2017 75

motoringnews&launches

New Model Launched

Consumer Protection Awareness Expo First Motors, the distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Bahrain, took part in the Consumer Protection Awareness Exhibition. The event – administered by the Minisatry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism’s Consumer Protection Directorate in cooperation with the Car Dealers Association – highlighted the benefits of buying genuine automobile parts.

The exhibition gave car dealers an opportunity to tell consumers how purchasing fake spare parts could harm the performance of their vehicles in addition to posing a threat to passengers and pedestrians.

“Authenticity and integrity are the prime principles on which First Motors is bolstered, as such, the safety and peace of mind of our consumers are of utmost concern to us,” says Ahsan Chishty, general manager of First Motors.

Euro Motors celebrated the debut of Land Rover’s new Discovery with a special event at Bahrain Bay. Guests were able to see the new model’s impressive capabilities as it took on an array of obstacles right before their eyes.

General manager of Euro Motors, Paul Yates, says: “This is a momentous occasion as the introduction of the new Discovery is in line with our commitment to offer our loyalists the very latest in the Land Rover line-up. At Euro Motors, with the intention of strengthening our relationship with our customers, we consistently endeavor to produce extremely dynamic launches and interactive events.

“Year after year we strive to outdo ourselves, to provide an experience that is distinctive and one that defines the essence of being the exclusive importers and distributors of the most exclusive SUV brand in the world. With the spectacular launch of the new Discovery, Euro Motors has yet again set the benchmark with respect to vehicle launches and we hope to continue in this direction and serve our customers to the very best of our abilities.”

The new model provides a dramatic reinterpretation of Discovery’s 27 years of heritage and practical DNA with a sophisticated design that pays homage to previous models without being restrained by them, its makers say.

An Icon Returns Almoayyed Motors recently launched the new Lincoln Continental, marking the return of an iconic nameplate that served to carry state leaders and monarchs for decades.

“We are thrilled to offer the much-anticipated Lincoln Continental to our customers here in Bahrain,” says Zaid Hamed, general manager, Almoayyed Motors. “It is a superb vehicle that will win the hearts and minds of luxury buyers from first glance.”

The Lincoln experience is brought to life through the available Lincoln-exclusive 3-litre Twin Turbo V6 engine, as well as intangible elements like the quiet cabin provided by the Active Noise Control system. Its advanced, intuitive technologies and personalised features create warm, welcoming experiences that truly define quiet luxury, its makers say.

The vehicle features a variety of technologies designed to help keep the driver in control. Effortless assistance for the daily commute is available with optional adaptive cruise control, which can automatically slow the vehicle in slowing or stop-and-go traffic – resuming speed when traffic clears.

76 May 2017

Winners for End of Year Campaign

Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons, distributor for Nissan in Bahrain, held a raffle draw, giving customers an opportunity to win a trip to Thailand along with other prizes.

Customers who took test drives from December, 2016, to February, 2017, were eligible to take part in the raffle.

The draw was conducted at the Nissan showroom in Sitra, where Redha Kariam won the grand prize. Second place went to Reju Andrew, third place to Emad Ahmed and fourth to Ali Tarish – who each won 25g of gold. www.bahrainthismonth.com

New Design Pack

Double Podium Finish

Land Rover is giving customers the opportunity to further personalise their Range Rover with a new exterior design pack. It includes unique front and rear bumpers – the latter incorporating integrated quad tailpipes – new side vents, side sills and a bespoke grille.

Designed, engineered and tested in-house at the new Technical Centre in Coventry, UK, the new pack can be specified in all Land Rover accent finishes – Atlas, Dark Atlas, Graphite Atlas, and black – regardless of trim level and exterior styling packs already fitted.

As well as being offered to new Range Rover customers, it is available for fitment to all standard wheelbase current-generation Range Rover models produced from 2013, including the new 550PS SVAutobiography Dynamic.

Hyundai Motorsport claimed its first victory of the 2017 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), taking first and third places in the Tour de Corse, lifting the team to second place in the Manufacturers’ Championship rankings.

Thierry Neuville secured first place, driving the #5 Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC, while teammate Dani Sordo picked up his first podium of 2017 with an assured drive to third, missing out on second position by just 1.3 seconds. Hayden Paddon finished sixth to ensure all three Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team crews finished a gruelling rally on Corsica.

The result represents the fourth WRC victory in total for Hyundai Motorsport, and the team’s fifth double podium result. It also puts the team firmly back in contention for the 2017 Championship, after accidents cost Neuville an early lead in both the Monte Carlo and Sweden rallies.

Innovative Technology

Motorcity, the distributor of Chery vehicles in the Kingdom, announced the launch of the new sedans, Arrizo 3 and Arrizo 5, and the SUV, Tiggo 3 during a press conference at the Capital Club.

Chery has delivered its vehicles to over five million consumers across the world.

The marque has exported vehicles to over 80 countries and regions, established 10 overseas manufacturing plants as well as nearly 2,000 distribution and service networks abroad. It has also been China’s largest passenger vehicle exporter for 13 consecutive years.

Motorcity senior general manager, Dr Bijan Majidi presented at the press conference, the new generation of Chery products: Arrizo 5, Arrizo 3 and Tiggo 3, emphasising the new product line’s innovative technology content and benefits. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Good Partnership Award Bin Hindi Motors was honoured with the Good Partnership Award for 2016 at the Kia 2017 Middle East & Africa Distributors Convention.

Nawaf Bin Hindi, director and deputy CEO of A. A. Bin Hindi Group, received the award from Soon Nam Lee, president Kia Regional HQ for Africa & Middle East.

“We dedicate this award to each and every employee in Bin Hindi Motors for all their sincere efforts, contributions and hard work during the last few years, that has resulted in this great recognition,” says Nawaf.

Bin Hindi Motors won the award by demonstrating excellence in facility management, marketing, sales and service process enrichment, customer satisfaction increase, year on year volume growth and adhering to Kia quality standards.

Sweet Success The Jaguar F-PACE scooped the prestigious World Car of Year and World Car Design of the Year titles at the 2017 World Car Awards.

The performance SUV is the fastest-selling model Jaguar has ever produced and is only the second vehicle to claim the historic double in the 13-year history of the awards. To win the pair of trophies, the F-PACE saw off the competition in a vote of 75 influential motoring journalists from 24 countries.

Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover CEO, says: “The F-PACE was designed and engineered as a performance SUV with exceptional dynamics, everyday usability and bold design. Winning this award endorses the talent and great work of our teams that have delivered the world’s most practical sports car and Jaguar’s fastest-selling vehicle.”

May 2017 77

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

Samsung Gear 360 The future will be filmed in 360 degrees. Samsung has announced a new and compact camera that’s capable of filming everything, thanks to two lenses.

Called the Gear 360, the little sphere is designed to sit on a table or tripod or even be hung from a drone to capture 360 degrees of video – you know, content perfect for viewing on your Samsung Gear VR. Available at www.samsung.com/ global/galaxy/gear-360

Pons – A bed with USB ports

Daptly A gesture and voice-controlled smart display, Daptly blends perfectly into your home or office. It can recognise who is in front of it by using facial recognition. It gives you access to a personal dashboard, allowing you to control your home, and to interact with it in ways beyond just a touch screen.

Available at www.daptly.com

This bed features four built-in USB ports so you can charge up at night, and features the Pons proprietary bedding and pillows technology that eradicates heat and complements the contours of your body for optimal pressure point relief and freedom of movement.

Available at www.ponsevolution.com

Jack – Make any headphones wireless Jack lets you add Bluetooth capabilities to any audio device, so you no longer have to let your cable control you!

Available at www.kck.st/2kk1QhO

Ikea Trådfri Ikea’s own smart lighting system, Ikea Trådfri, is similar to other connected lighting systems like Philips Hue. The light bulbs come with a remote, which you most probably won’t be needing since you can control everything from the smartphone application that is being frequently updated to add more and more functionality.

Available at www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/lighting/smart-lighting

78 May 2017

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Spy Pen Samsung Galaxy S8 Samsung Gulf Electronics has launched the much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ in Bahrain. It features almost everything the leaks had us expecting it to – the beautiful Infinity Display and Samsung’s new personal assistant, Bixby, that even has a dedicated side button.

Available at leading retailers.

Looking first and foremost like a normal, very stylish pen, the Spy Pen has some cunning surprises tucked away. Not only is it nice to write with, it will also capture video with audio at 640 x 480 resolution or still images at 1.3 megapixels. Just click the button on the top to start or stop recording, or switch to photo mode and click once to take a picture to the included 4GB of memory. Once done, unscrew it and pop it into your computer’s USB drive.

Available at www.red5.co.uk

Thumb Chucks Each ball features built-in LEDs which kick in whenever they are hit, making night-time performances even more magical. Roll, drop, catch and spin the Thumb Chucks around your hand to create a mesmerising show that will look super easy but requires maximum skills.

Available at www.red5.co.uk

Spectraboom The Spectraboom is modelled after the boomboxes of yore but with a number of important improvements, not least the multicoloured lights built into the speakers. You’ll also no longer have to rely on having a stack of mixtapes in your bag – the Spectraboom is compatible with your smartphone via Bluetooth and also has an AUX input for any other devices you may have, as well as an FM radio. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 30 hours.

Available at: www.amazon.com

www.bahrainthismonth.com

May 2017 79

music

Jamiroquai – Automaton What’s the story?

Atomaton is the eighth studio album by English funk and acid jazz band Jamiroquai. It is the band’s first album in seven years, following Rock Dust Light Star (2010). Frontman Jay Kay described the inspiration for Automaton as: “The recognition of the rise of artificial intelligence and technology in our world today and how we as humans are beginning to forget the more pleasant, simple and eloquent things in life and in our environment, including our relationship with one another as human beings.”

Worth a listen?

As the title implies, Automaton is a dancefloor-friendly production inspired by Kay’s famous love of the synth and drum machine-heavy productions of the ‘70s and ‘80s.

More broadly, the album also fits into Kay’s fascination with the effect technology has both positively and negatively on our lives and on the planet. Which is to say, this is pretty much the same album Kay has been making since at least 2001’s A Funk Odyssey.

Here, we get several catchy club-ready singles (Automaton and Cloud 9) front-loaded with a handful of pleasant, often inventive album tracks.

Automaton works quite well, finding Kay in fluid vocal form and living up to his image as a global, time-travelling, playboy magic-man. Helping Kay conjure the funk magic this time is long-time keyboardist Matt Johnson, who co-produced and co-wrote much of the album. There are few bands who play classic disco-funk with as much genuine love for the genre and care in the production as Kay and Jamiroquai. Ultimately, it’s that sense of love and good vibes that drives much of Automaton.

Verdict: An easy and soulful listen.

Shorts

Deep Purple – InFinite InFinite is a heavier and more expansive record than previous Deep Purple efforts, but it’s not as consistent. Ian Gillan still possesses intense expressive power and range, his falsetto remains intact four decades on. Don Airey’s organ and keys, so elemental in DP’s musical architecture, is physical, atmospheric, and dynamic. He and guitarist Steve Morse combine brute force with imagination and finesse. Ian Pace, who had a mini-stroke last year, seems to have recovered fully. Roger Glover remains a bassist whose musical signature is dominant in the mix. Apart from a few clunkers that act as filler, InFinite is a winner 80 May 2017

White Reaper – The World’s Best American Band

Ulver – The Assassination of Julius Caesar

White Reaper’s second album makes it clear right from the start that they are embracing their album rock background with both hands, tying a bandana around their collective heads, and getting down to some radio-ready, nostalgia-driven good times. Their clear riffs and space-filling keyboards create a big, booming sound that swaggers and rocks. The songs are stupidly hooky and fun, and the band has again delivered an hour of fresh, exciting rock.

Ulver have quite literally changed with every recording; they’re impossible to pigeonhole.

Here they circle back to the decade before their own musical emergence, delivering a deliciously dark, utterly seductive set drenched in moody ‘80s synth pop. As they do, they lyrically examine and juxtapose elements of history, philosophy, spirituality, and the strangeness of popular culture. The beauty in The Assassination of Julius Caesar emerges from the fact that Ulver utilise their many sources so deliberately. The music is slick, smooth, and haunted with melancholy. www.bahrainthismonth.com

games

Games Review Game: Mass Effect: Andromeda Rating:

What is it?

Mass Effect: Andromeda is an action role-playing video game developed by BioWare Montreal and published by Electronic Arts. It is the fourth entry overall in the Mass Effect series, although it takes place in a different galaxy to the original trilogy and features only tenuous links. The player assumes the role of either Scott or Sara Ryder, as an inexperienced military recruit who joins the Initiative and wakes up in Andromeda following a 600-year journey.

Gameplay:

Verdict:

The game features a lighter tone than previous instalments in the series, with open world elements and an emphasis on exploration.

Many of the series’ traditional gameplay elements remain, while others have been modified, such as combat, which is less coverbased and more mobile. This is for the better, as it feels fluid and fast-based as opposed to the old games, which felt formulaic and repetitive after a while.

Similar to its predecessors, the player can interact with characters using a radial command menu, where the player’s dialogue options depend on wheel direction. Around the wheel are four types of responses that shape each conversation: heart, head, professional, and casual. By conversing with non-player characters, Ryder can develop friendships and, in some cases, romantic relationships with

NieR: Automata

Offering a fresh blend of action and RPG gameplay styles, NieR: Automata is the sequel to the 2010 video game NieR, a spin-off of the Drakengard series.

It tells the story of androids 2B, 9S and A2 and their battle to reclaim a machine-driven dystopia overrun by powerful weapons known as machine life forms. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Nioh

A disappointing new direction for the series.

them over time. However, these don’t feel as deep as the original trilogies, and the different response types feel too similar compared to the old Paragon/Renegade system.

Graphics:

The visuals are where the game really falls down. The planets and vistas are beautiful, but the character animations and facial expressions are frankly shocking for a big-budget major title from one of the industry’s most prominent studios. Characters look robotic, and their faces rubbery with little change in emotion whether they are meant to be cheerful or in great distress. The voice acting is little better, with a lack of passion or real enthusiasm evident all too often.

The end result affects immersion and takes you out of the game.

In Nioh, players will traverse war-torn Japan as William, a blonde-haired swordsman whose background, as a fierce warrior with a seasoned knowledge of the blade, allows him to survive in the demon-plagued land of the samurai. Known as Yokai, these demons inhabit a number of dangerous locations and lie in wait in the shadows to ambush unsuspecting victims. Players will also face off with other samurai in supernatural sword battles and intense, multi-target engagements offering a level of difficulty that will truly test even the most hardened players’ skills, patience and strategy.

Yooka-Laylee

Explore huge, beautiful worlds, meet an unforgettable cast of characters, and horde a vault-load of shiny collectibles as buddyduo Yooka and Laylee embark on an epic adventure to thwart corporate creep, Capital B, and his devious scheme to absorb all the world’s books – and to convert them into pure profit. Using their arsenal of special moves, the duo tackle a huge variety of puzzles and platforming challenges in their adventure.

May 2017 81

websites VERDICT: A fascinating insight into the past.

Thys

InterNations Event InterNations Manama held a spring event at Kontiki, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa. George, Hanane & Najah

Terry

Site: www.lettersofnote.com Rating: What is it?

Sami, Len & Shoby Albert

This website curates famous historical letters – including those from celebrities, poets, writers, politicians, scientists and more. It’s a blogbased archive of fascinating correspondence, complete with scans and transcripts of the original missives where available.

The Good

There is a voting system for the most popular letters, so you can instantly click on other users’ favourite ones without having to dig into the archives to find the gems. There’s also background for each letter, providing context and details about the reader/recipient.

The Bad Oliver, Elizabeth, Beata & Rick

Theresa

The search function is relatively poor, which means if you’re looking for a specific person or theme, then you have to do more digging than you should. The website also updates fairly slowly; new letters tend to come in batches rather than in a constant stream.

www.stratocam.com

Kathleen & Abdul Jabbar

Pop & Mohammed

Alexandra & Claudia

Berna, Peras & Sheela

Jove & Kevin

82 May 2017

Ria & Len

Discover and watch the coolest and most unexpected places on earth. This site contains the best satellite images from Google Maps and provides a fascinating insight for geographers and those who love nature. Adding to the fascination, you can zoom and use the screenshot function.

www.geoguessr.com Geoguessr is a guessing game using Google Maps.

You’re dropped into a random location and you have to guess where you are. You can use clues (what language are the street signs in?) or you can just go with your gut. If you sign up, you can play in challenge mode against another player, too. www.bahrainthismonth.com

apps

Apps Review BTM brings you the low-down on the latest and greatest apps on the market.

What is it?

No matter the task, Todokit will help you get it done. It offers a fresh way to keep track of the tasks that make up your everyday life. In the form of a ‘to do list’, Todokit’s goal is to help you organise, manage, and ultimately take care of the things you often waste time trying to keep tabs on by using the Getting Things Done system to help you be more productive.

The Good:

The best part about the app is how easy it is to use. You can add a new project with a downward swipe, track your progress for each task and check your past achievements. You can also regroup projects and reorder tasks by drag and drop. Projects can be colour-coded and you can then add tasks with different levels of priority and urgency. Projects can also be synced across all of your devices using iCloud.

App: Todokit Rating: Verdict: A simple-to-use organiser.

App: Wax

Here’s one for record collectors. Wax allows you to add records by scanning a barcode, searching by name or artist or by entering the information manually. The app will retrieve every little detail, including cover art, genre, style, release date and more. All of the data is editable, and you can even attach notes if necessary. www.bahrainthismonth.com

The Bad:

There are a limited number of colours, so if you have a lot of projects then you’ll run out of unique shades and possibly get confused.

Second, there are no options to select defaults for certain criteria such as due date – you have to manually select it every time.

App: Shower Savvy By taking long showers, you’re not only wasting water but also lots of energy.

Reduce your impact by timing your showers with Shower Savvy. At first launch, the app will ask you the flow rate of your shower head along with your target duration. If you don’t know your flow rate, that’s fine, it’ll provide you with a household average. Then every time you shower, start the timer from your iPhone or Apple Watch. Shower Savvy will calculate the litres or gallons used and chart the data. It also keeps track of your average shower duration and your longest shower.

May 2017 83

movies

Turkish Food Festival

Al Areen Palace & Spa held a Turkish Food Festival at its premises.

HE William Roebuck & HE Hatun Demirer

Gabi & Wafa

Film: Life Rating:

VERDICT: A tense, atmospheric thrill.

Directed by: Daniel Espinosa Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson, Ryan Reynolds

The Plot:

Six astronauts aboard the International Space Station study a sample collected from Mars that could provide evidence for extraterrestrial life on the Red Planet. The crew determines that the sample contains a large, single-celled organism, dubbed ‘Calvin’ – the first example of life beyond Earth. However, things aren’t what they seem. As the crew begins to conduct research, with their methods having unintended consequences, the life form proves more intelligent than anyone ever expected.

Tolga, Farhat, Turai & Hazal

Worth Watching?

HE Agus Salim Yusof & Nor Syazwani

Ayhan & Etin

Tom Jones Concert

As part of the 2017 Spring of Culture festival, Welsh singer, Tom Jones, performed during a concert at the Bahrain Bay.

Life is highly derivative of the sci-fi horror Alien, but it branches enough from its inspiration to become a thrilling, atmospheric journey of its own.

The creature design is excellent, and the film has such terrific pacing that the run time will fly by in seemingly half its time.

One of Life’s strongest points is that it doesn’t have a dedicated lead character, meaning all six get ample screen time to flesh their personalities out, and you’re never quite sure who is getting bumped off next.

It succeeds as both a horror and a sci-fi film, and features brilliant ending that will have people talking for a long time.

Kareen, Preeti & Lakshman

The Fate of the Furious

Tom Jones

Khalid & Yulia

Orla & Lesley

Jacky & Jamie

84 May 2017

Now that Dom and Letty are on their honeymoon and Brian and Mia have retired from the game, the globetrotting team has found a semblance of a normal life. But when a mysterious woman seduces Dom into the world of crime he can’t seem to escape and betrays those closest to him. As a consequence, the rest face trials that will test them as never before.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Captain Jack Sparrow finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing strongly when deadly ghost pirates, led by the terrifying Captain Salazar, escape from the Devil’s Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea – including him. Captain Jack’s only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary powerful artefact, Trident of Poseidon.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Talent Show Riffa Views International School held an IB art and talent show at its premises.

Performers at the event

Ken, Joseph & Jo

Lilian, Wael & Nabeel

Serena

Abdulla, Ali & Mezayen

Jun

Magen, Jennifer & Shannon

Noon

Salma

New Branch Opening

The Grub Shack held an opening ceremony for its new branch at The Walk, Riffa.

Ahmed Sharif, Imran & Rob

Faisal Juma, Nibz & Dina

Sandy

Mark, John, Norman & Nicky

www.bahrainthismonth.com

May 2017 85

bystander

Saara’s Birthday Party

Mohammad Mansoor celebrated his daughter Saara’s 10th Birthday at Best Western Olive. The theme was ‘Beauty and Beast’ conceptualised and organised by Exelon Solutions. It had live singing by Ranjit Kumar and Naseeba, DJ Desi Szd from Bollylicious, performance by Hypnotic Dance Crew and Joe magician.

Cake-cutting at the party

Mansoor and his family

Sadia, Saf, Mansoor & DJ Desi Szd

Mr and Mrs Dr Ram Watwani

Jins, Chandu, Ramesh, Saara & Prasad

Chris, Redia & Annie

Zakariya

Naveen, Santosh & Thomas

Mansoor with family and friends

Dr Ravi, Gandhi, Akshay, Mansoor & JD

Aap Ka Paresh

86 May 2017

Naseeba

Saara & Monika

Rajiv Menon

Salaam, Riaz & Kareem

Shetty, Mansoor & Saf

Nasir & Sheikh

www.bahrainthismonth.com

DINING

BELLA ITALIA! CHARLIE HOLDING If you’re looking for authentic Italian fare prepared with passion and served in style, this is the restaurant for you!

Lorenzo Sabella

E

ver since I can remember, I’ve loved Italian food and I don’t use that term lightly. There’s something about a lush lasagne or a beautiful Bolognese that gets my mouth watering in a way nothing else can.

Now, while I ashamedly admit I can’t pronounce the names of most Italian dishes properly, I know what I like and I certainly know how to point it out on the menu with a big uncultured smile on my face.

Fortunately for me, dining at Gulf Hotel’s La Pergola is a judgment-free zone. There’s only one thing that matters to the staff – that you enjoy your meal – and I certainly did that.

The atmosphere is amazing and no small detail has been overlooked. The newly renovated interior looks sleek and stylish and the intimate restaurant offers a fantastic modern ambience with a striking wall mural depicting scenes of Venice.

Restaurant manager Lorenzo Sabella is something of a celebrity among the Italian community in Bahrain, and, it’s immediately clear why within two seconds of meeting him.

He is the epitome of charm and gusto and is more than happy to talk you through the varied menu and make suggestions on everything www.bahrainthismonth.com

from the food to the beverages.

Among his many talents, he’s a professional chef and sommelier, who has worked with a number of leading establishments around the world. With such an extensive repertoire he knows exactly what it takes to make a restaurant successful. “We aim for the menu to be as diverse and varied as the clientele. We want to tailor it a little, but without losing the authenticity and tradition La Pergola is known for,” he says.

“We take pride in serving fresh food with quality ingredients, many of which are imported from Italy, including the extra virgin olive oil, tomatoes and flour.”

Heading the kitchen team is the wildly talented and surprisingly young Italian chef Enrico Morselli. At just 26 years old, this culinary superstar prepares each dish with passion and flair. Despite his age, his meals are steeped in culture and heritage, with some items on the menu straight from his grandmother’s recipe book – it doesn’t get more traditional than that!

My girlfriend and I took a while to order because it’s difficult to narrow down what you want, thanks to the impressive selection.

To start with, she ordered a classic minestrone soup and I went for the Tro di Arancine Siciliane – deep-fried risotto balls

ALSO THIS MONTH: 88 FUNKY CHINESE 98 MEXICAN MAY MADNESS

Chef Enrico Morselli

with Bolognese sauce, spinach and mozzarella.

Served piping hot and beautifully presented, these bite-sized delights were wonderful.

For the main course, I ordered the Involtini di Vitello alla Palermitana – baked rolled veal escalope stuffed with breadcrumbs, pine nuts, raisin and Pecorino cheese. It was cooked to perfection with a rich aroma and delicate undertones, the star being the veal itself, tender and juicy.

The missus ordered the Linguine allo Scoglio – linguine with mussels, prawns, squid, octopus, clams and cherry tomatoes. This dish is huge and my pint-sized lady struggled to finish it – but she certainly gave it a good try.

She graciously shared some and I was more than impressed, the combination of tastes and textures was a delight for the senses.

For dessert we had Cassatedda – traditional Sicilian fried ravioli stuffed with ricotta cheese and chocolate chips. Mama Mia, it was simply sensational.

The team at La Pergola is currently brainstorming ideas for a new business lunch to be launched after Ramadan. If the dishes I tried are any indication of the gastronomic delights ahead, this is something to wait for with bated breath.

May 2017 87

dining

WANGS FUNKY CHINESE EATERY

Funky Chinese BEHNAZ SANJANA There’s a new joint in town for fans of pan-Asian cuisine, and it brings with it a fun twist.

88 May 2017

Walking into Wangs Funky Chinese Eatery for the very first time will leave you amused by its young, playful décor that aptly justifies the restaurant’s name.

Veering away from the trappings of a typical Chinese restaurant, the ambience is as fresh as the air at El Mercado’s alfresco area, where this diner is located.

With its glass-faced kitchen and tongue-in-cheek vibe, Wangs is a casual dining Chinese restaurant, and a funky one at that.

Once we’d settled into our seats and soaked up the jovial atmosphere (including the table mats sporting a good-humoured Buddha holding up a steaming bowl of noodles), up came the chicken wonton soup. My first spoonful belied my expectation from the otherwise bland reputation of steamed wontons and noodles. The flavour of the soup was anything but humble, thanks to the finely diced fried ginger that gave the dish a fiery kick. Pok choi added a vibrant touch and taste to the broth.

Accompanying this was the prawn tempura. Sitting pretty in a bamboo basket, the well-coated prawns were sweet, succulent and crunchy to the bite. The seafood was mixed with tempura-fried greens, breaking the monotony of the dish.

Our main course commenced with Mongolian beef and sweet and sour chicken. The beef, cut into bitesized pieces, was juicy and well coated in a dark, flavoursome sauce. Toasted sesame seeds and scallion greens lent the soft meat a contrasting crunch. The sweet and sour chicken was an amazing amalgamation of tastes – the surprise element being the sweetness of the pineapple and cashew nuts, and the mild heat from the red bell peppers. The thick,

tangy sauce was beautifully balanced and brought out the essence of the dish.

Next up, the inviting chow mein chicken noodles, with a burnished glaze and smattering of colourful vegetables, lured us to slurp through the platter even though our stomachs were nearly full.

Something worth mentioning here is the portion size.

It’s like the munificent Buddha himself has plated up the food, giving guests generous value for their money.

And then, when we thought we could eat no more – our genial steward brought out the showstopper of the evening – Peking duck. Served on the bone, the burnt sienna skin of the duck looked so crackly; I could almost hear it crumbling. The meat is supposed to be pulled off the bone, sprinkled with Chinese five spice, a scallion and cucumber dressing and Hoisin sauce, and wrapped up in a wafer-thin pancake. This exercise itself injects some excitement and fresh conversation at the table, but only until the roll reaches the mouth. After that, it’s all about seizing the myriad flavours that attack the taste buds. The lean, dark duck meat goes really well with the sweet, sour and spiciness of the condiments thrown into the mix.

The star of the dessert section is the deep fried Mars bar – you’ve got to try it for yourself to know what effects such a sinful treat can have on the senses.

We walked out with satiated palates and happy memories of a laid-back, neo-Oriental dining experience. All in all, Wangs Funky Chinese Eatery is a carefree bistro that takes nothing but its food seriously.

Call 17 699-676 or follow Instagram @wangs_bh. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Rotary Raft Race

The Rotary Club of Sulmaniya organised its 2017 Raft Race at Al Bandar Resort. The event was held to raise funds to fight cancer.

Participants at the race

Omran, Yousif & Sheer Khan

Bermet & Marina

Zainab, Zahra, Raya & Ali

Kinda & Saleh

Elaine, Robert, Gweneth & Olivie

Dipti, Neha, Deep & Hemal

Yaseen, Hussain, Mohammed & Ahmed

Ghalia Co announced Dessange’s Spinathon charity event for Bahrain Cancer Society during a press Dessange Charity Event Alconference held at Monsoon restaurant.

Marie, Dana Fakhro, Israa & Dawn

Management with media

Porsche Dealer Designation

Behbehani Brothers celebrated its status as an authorised Porsche Exclusive Flagship Dealer with a special event at the showroom in Sitra.

John Ross, Taher, Zainab, Fawar & Ali

90 May 2017

Colin & Torsten

www.bahrainthismonth.com

dining CAVALLI CAFFÈ

Sumptuously Seasonal This upmarket eatery has introduced a spring menu that will delight your taste buds.

Fashion pack favourite Cavalli Caffè has taken inspiration from Bahrain’s Spring of Culture for the newest additions to its menu­– a collection that is named for the annual festival.

An all-day-long treat, the menu features classic Italian dishes, in keeping with the venue’s heritage. Choose Baked Seafood Lasagna, which is given a flavour of the Gulf with the addition of hammour. The Prawn and Fresh Spinach Risotto comes highly recommended, flavourful and comforting, or try Grilled Hammour Alla Mediterranea – steak-cut fish accompanied by sautéed clams and seasoned leek mashed potatoes.

Carnivores too will be kept happy with the Herb Crusted Lamb Chops featuring premium New Zealand meat, seared and served with rice and harissa sauce, or the Roast Beef Sandwich, which is mildly seasoned and drizzled with truffle mayo served with thinly sliced baked potatoes.

There’s also Spaghetti Al Pomodoro Fresco with Basil, a light and refreshing pasta dish for those who prefer to be meat and fish free.

If your taste runs more to sweet treats, you will find plenty to satisfy. La Palma is a superb Sukary date pudding served with vanilla bean ice cream and toffee sauce. Petaloso is perfection, chocolate semifreddo topped with fresh cut mango and coconut flakes.

If you really want to push the boat out, order the Mela Kunafa, a delicious confection of baked apple kunafa, which is served with amazing homemade ice cream. And if that sounds sinful, you can dine guilt free in the knowledge that all profits from this dessert go to the Royal Charity Organisation.

Call 77 788-877.

䈀愀栀爀愀椀渀

䈀愀栀爀愀椀渀Ⰰ 刀椀礀愀搀栀Ⰰ 䨀攀搀搀愀栀Ⰰ 䴀椀愀洀椀Ⰰ 䘀氀漀爀愀渀挀攀Ⰰ 匀愀椀渀琀 吀爀漀瀀攀稀

www.bahrainthismonth.com

May 2017 91

dining BAHRAIN FAMILY LEISURE COMPANY

Growth Is on the Menu

Bennigan’s

Kilkenny Country Chicken Wrap

This well-known company is set to grow this year with more branches and new concepts.

Bahrain Family Leisure Company (BFLC) operates a number of popular brands, including Bayti, Bennigan’s, Cucina Italiana, and Kazbah Catering.

With its booming success, BFLC will be distributing dividends of 0.075 fils per share. It is set to reopen its homegrown brand Bayti this year and also plans to open new concepts by next year.

Widely renowned with locations around the world, Bennigan’s restaurant – located in Al Safir Hotel in Juffair – has a varied menu that offers plenty of choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. “As Bennigan’s continually grows, BFLC will be opening another branch in Amwaj in a few months,” says BFLC general manager, 92 May 2017

Ibrahim Abdo.

This American/Irish-themed eatery is known for its generous portions, tantalising taste and great value for money. Bennigan’s is the perfect place to blow off steam, catch a game, listen to a live band, celebrate or just chill with friends.

To bring that atmosphere closer to home, the delivery service offers the full menu straight to your doorstep. Further, it is open every morning, even during Ramadan.

Bennigan’s has received a number of awards for its fine fare and quality service and boasts a legion of loyal customers from all over the island.

Cucina Italiana is a hub for fun and flavourful events, including the popular Master Chef cooking competition and regular cooking classes. This bistro brings sophistication and style to casual dining, with an unshakeable

passion for the Italian lifestyle from the cuisine right down to the décor.

The items on the menu are prepared with only the freshest and finest hand-picked ingredients, making the dishes nothing less than delicious.

All meals are made from fresh vegetables, succulent meat, hand-tossed dough and superior-quality tomato sauce – all served with genuine Italian passion, bursting with the true flavours of Italy in every mouthful.

There are special seafood main courses on Thursdays and Fridays where you can hand pick from a fresh selection – direct from the fish market – and have the chef cook it just the way you like it.

Cucina Italiana is one of the very few places on the island that serves wood-fired pizzas, which are now available in a multi-grain version. It is a place you can walk into with your family, colleagues and friends to have a delicious dish of pasta, wood-fired pizza and a plethora of beverages, including Italian espressos, lattes and cappuccinos made by trained baristas. And, if you visit on a Thursday or Friday night, you get to enjoy the sounds of live saxophone music.

Meanwhile, Kazbah Catering has launched a daily ‘Lunch Box’ delivery that has taken catering to a whole new level by packing and delivering lunch boxes to homes, offices and schools. It will also make Iftar deliveries this Ramadan.

“At Kazbah Catering, we have built a reputation for creative outside catering for corporate events, business lunches, dinners, all types of events, corporate or private, large or small, formal or casual,” the company says.

“Whatever your function, Kazbah Catering can make it a big success.”

The company guarantees excellent standards of food preparation, presentation and service for private and corporate functions. The dedicated kitchen team follows a strict code of professionalism during preparation, handling and storage while adhering to all health and safety guidelines.

BFLC is a Bahraini shareholding company registered with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism in the Kingdom. It is established according to the guidelines of economic activities and the participation of the private and public sectors in Bahrain.

With the continuous success of these brands, growth is definitely on the menu for this group. www.bahrainthismonth.com

THE DOMAIN HOTEL AND SPA

Look Forward to Lunch

Sous chef Bhoop Singh

There’s a new buffet at this prime hotel property to quieten your afternoon hunger pangs.

The Domain Hotel and Spa, Bahrain’s premium luxury lifestyle address, has added one more reason for islanders to love the sunny central business district of Manama. A new lunch buffet has been introduced in the classy environment of the hotel’s Figs & Olives restaurant, and is priced at BD10++. In-house guests pay BD10 all inclusive for the delicious spread.

This splendid gastronomic ensemble is orchestrated by sous chef Bhoop Singh, from noon to 3pm, every day of the week. The symphony begins by whetting the appetite with a great range of cold meze, salads accompanied with flavourful dressings, and hearty soups to get those taste buds revved up.

Out-and-out meat lovers can satiate their inner carnivore with mouthwatering fare like slowroasted American rib-eye steak, further moistened with a robust mushroom sauce. The aromatic fish tagine, chicken biryani, succulent lamb skewers, Bahraini vegetable saloona, and pasta in rich sauce also wait to be sampled by hungry office workers and holidaymakers alike.

Sides like grilled vegetables, spinach fatayer, creamy mashed potato and crispy chicken wings make for agreeable companions to the mains.

The dessert section is full of various sweet www.bahrainthismonth.com

treats to end the meal. With a stellar cast of apple pie; caramel flan; bread and butter pudding; raspberry pannacotta; crème brûlée; and orange and chocolate mousse – you’ll wish you could do each one culinary justice.

To entice regular patrons, the buffet menu changes daily. But what is constant is the right variety of freshly prepared dishes – each one in perfect contrast, but still compatible with the others. The choices on the buffet serve as a pleasant midday pick-me-up, but do not go so far as to bring on that dreary afternoon slump.

Come Ramadan, The Domain Hotel and Spa has ambitious plans to transform this restaurant, as well as the banquet area on level 12, into a gigantic Ramadan tent. Once the evening call to prayer rings out across the pretty skyline, the indoor tents will serve the most delectable fare typical of the season, for only BD12++ per person. The Iftar menu includes an extensive range of traditional and international savouries and sweets, which change on a daily basis.

Large groups and corporates can benefit from fantastic deals for Iftar and the hotel is offering an early bird discount on group bookings made before May 15.

To encourage bonding between larger groupings of families, friends or business associates, the hotel will offer a sharing-style

menu for gatherings of 10-30 guests. All the components of a full buffet, including juices, hot and cold meze, Arabic cheeses, breads, soup, main course and dessert will be specially laid out on the group’s private table.

A special Ramadan à la carte menu serving cold entrées, snacks, soups, mains and desserts will also be available throughout the Holy Month.

Call 16 000-000.

May 2017 93

dining VESUVIO

A Volcano of Great Taste Make your way to this new food hub for a meal-time break to the aromatic dining rooms of Italy.

The fourth floor of the stylish Juffair Mall is now home to Vesuvio – the brand-new Italian restaurant in Bahrain.

This is the place to go for true comfort food from the Mediterranean.

The menu offers great options for customers – whether you are in the mood for freshly baked pizzas, creamy pastas or seafood delights – Vesuvio has something that you will love at first sight, and even more so at first bite.

Not to be missed is the pizza Napolitana. With its handmade dough baked in a traditional wood-fired stone oven, its unique texture brings the true flavours of Italy to Bahrain.

The dedicated culinary and service teams adhere to high standards, and go to great lengths to ensure that guest expectations are not only met, but exceeded.

All the dishes on the menu are family recipes that are usually passed down from generation to generation in Italian households, using only the freshest ingredients sourced from the region. The result is an authentic burst of flavours and home-style dishes that will keep you coming back for more.

So head down to Vesuvio to capture memorable moments and share them with family and friends.

Call 17 362-299, 33 121-571 or follow Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @vesuviobh for upcoming promotions.

Chery Press Breakfast

Motor City held an exclusive presentation of its Chery range, Arrizo 5, Tiggo 3 and Arrizo 3, at the Capital Club.

Grant, Mirela, Bijan, Waleed Kanoo & Hani

Sooraj & Hani

Bahrain Investment Market

Bahrain Bourse held an official bell-ringing ceremony to inaugurate the Bahrain Investment Market at its premises at the Bahrain Financial Harbour.

The bell-ringing ceremony

94 May 2017

Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa

www.bahrainthismonth.com

THE FOUNDRY

Rooftop Revelries This popular restaurant in the heart of Adliya is creating a new buzz in town as it launches its roof terrace, offering scrumptious food and drinks for all to enjoy.

Whether you’re looking to spend time with family and friends or enjoy a relaxed evening with your significant other, a visit to the newly opened terrace at The Foundry is a must.

Experience its stunning, bespoke and innovative features – the handmade tables, with specially designed ice wells in the centre, will keep your beverages cold as you enjoy the view. The rooftop kitchen has a designer grill that is so large it had to be lifted up with a crane!

The chefs will be serving new barbecue dishes as well as some of the most popular items that The Foundry regulars have grown to love. The cocktail tables of the terrace bar are a perfect setting for either mingling with friends or enjoying a digestif after dinner.

A cool and urban DJ booth, harmonious with the venue’s industrial décor, will see amazing DJs spinning on the decks at weekend nights and guest DJs at special parties.

Like the other floors at The Foundry, this new outdoor outlet is also available for private events.

The restaurant now has three storeys, with something that appeals to any friend, family member or client that you wish to entertain – the

www.bahrainthismonth.com

intimately private cocktail bar, the non-smoking restaurant or the laidback roof terrace.

If you’ve never visited the restaurant, then its gorgeous roast dinner at the weekend is a must-try. Enjoy slow-roasted Australian rib-eye or imported French chicken, cooked with green herbs and all the trimmings.

Call 69 960-000.

May 2017 95

dining LANTERNS

Start Your Day Right This beloved restaurant now opens its doors for hungry stomachs early in the morning.

Lanterns restaurant in Juffair is set to start your day better and brighter with its newly launched all-you-can-eat breakfast.

The buffet is priced at a reasonable BD3.900 all inclusive, where guests can help themselves to unlimited portions of wholesome, satiating fare. There’s an array of dishes, from Arabic to Indian and English, and a great balance between sweet and savoury. To top this, guests can choose fresh salads and breads, and have their eggs made to order from the respective buffet stations.

Lanterns at Juffair is the only restaurant in American Alley offering a fresh breakfast buffet – something you wouldn’t want to miss out on. Those going for à la carte will be wowed by the combo breakfast meals.

The English option features fried eggs with a side of grilled tomato and mushroom, hash

brown, beef sausages, turkey bacon, beans and toast.

For those who prefer Indian, there is a selection of mouthwatering masala omelettes, tawa paratha and hot puris with aloo sabji. For authentic, local flavours, go for the Arabic breakfast which includes egg and cheese, shakshouka, ful medames, balaleet, olives, feta cheese, labneh and Lebanese bread.

There is a great range of sandwiches, as well as a variety of special omelettes to choose from. The delicious Spanish omelette, which comes with bacon bits, mushroom and cheese, is a must-try.

Those with a sweet tooth can gorge on Belgian waffles, sprinkled with sugar and served with vanilla ice cream, or fluffy, mixed berry pancakes served with mascarpone cheese.

The buffet is open daily from 6am to 11am.

Call 17 224-417.

Big Texas in Amwaj Big Texas Barbecue & Waffle House held a media launch to celebrate the up and coming opening of its new Amwaj outlet.

Anastasia & Dev

Ain & Peter

George & Paul

Rad

Brian

Anniversary Party Atiram Premier Hotel celebrated the first anniversary of its Thai restaurant, Envy.

Niny & Louise

Pevee, Dany, Kung Sutiraj & Mam Dum

96 May 2017

Dany, Shyam & Naveen

Jessie & Alex

Diol

Biju, Ball, Mahesh, Joey, Jina & Tarik

Abdulla, Khalil & Dany

Mo

www.bahrainthismonth.com

dining CASA MEXICANA

Mexican May Madness

Savour special Mexican fare coupled with elegant entertainment for the perfect night out at this eminent restaurant.

98 May 2017

May is a very special month for Casa Mexicana, one of Bahrain’s oldest and best-loved Mexican restaurants, as it observes Cinco de Mayo – a remembrance of the historic battle of Puebla.

There’s no better way to celebrate than to experience the famous drinks and authentic cuisine prepared by the restaurant’s skilled Mexican chef Romaldo Martinez.

A gift of amazing value awaits you this month in the form of a special set menu inclusive of a single margarita for only BD15++. And to keep you cool as the temperature rises outside, get one free malt beverage when purchasing any four.

The set menu features homemade gourmet dishes prepared the same way that chef Romaldo learnt in his mother’s Acapulco kitchen. Some of the delectable main course options are Espejo de Salmon – scrumptious smoked salmon with capers, eggs, green olives, parsley and onion. The Pechuga al Cilantro is a succulent chicken breast roll stuffed with cream cheese and roca leaves, accompanied by a mixed green salad and potato puree. The Alambre will win over your taste buds as it is made of savoury slices of chorizo, turkey ham, beef bacon and chicken, grilled to perfection and paired with Mexican rice, refried beans and tortilla bread. Hike up the Scoville scale with the Camarones a la Diabla if you dare. It comprises freshly caught prawns, grilled in a spicy chipotle sauce, served with Mexican rice and refried beans.

Traditional Tamales stuffed with chicken and meat are served with a very special mole sauce.

Make sure to leave a little room for dessert. Enjoy the wonderful Pastel de Elote – a sweet corn pound cake made with fresh ground corn and topped with a light orange habanero glaze. The restaurant promises to wow even the most discerning palate.

Cinco de Mayo would not be complete without fun and entertainment, so Casa Mexicana has brought in an up-and-coming musician, DJ Dos Mares, who, along with the regular entertainer, will provide lively salsa beats as well as singing and playing the bongo drums. DJ Dos Mares, also known as M Sami, is a well-known Latin music performer, singer and dancer.

The festivities begin at 7pm and continue until late, so bring your dancing shoes and salsa the night away.

Advance bookings are essential as the Cinco de Mayo menu requires three days of preparation to ensure each and every mouthful is bursting with true flavour.

Call 17 715-521 or 39 301-066. www.bahrainthismonth.com

dining

Smoked Moutabel

Pomegranate Potion

THE WESTIN BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE

Ramadan Revelry With the religious fasting of Ramadan comes the joy of culinary indulgence, and this reputed five-star property’s swanky bistro is geared up to offer just that.

Falafel

Fatoush

Muhamara

Warak Enab

100 May 2017

The corridor connecting world-class accommodation at The Westin Bahrain City Centre to its adjacent retail playground, City Centre Bahrain, is Furn Bistro & Bakery.

With an Arabic name that translates to ‘oven’, this hip restaurant features a stunning kiln that is used to bake, roast and grill the many delicacies that are served to its ever-growing number of patrons. The menu at the bistro stays true to the authentic flavours of traditional Khaleeji cuisine, lovingly prepared using only the freshest, high-quality ingredients sourced locally. Whether you are new to the culture or are an old-timer, the eatery’s friendly service staff are always willing to fill you in on the details of the food you savour within Furn’s comfortable environment.

The restaurant will be at the service of all, and especially those observing the ritual fast, in the Holy Month of Ramadan. From sunset to 8.30pm, a lavish Iftar buffet will be laid out for guests to feast on.

Everything at Furn will reflect the spirit of Ramadan – from the food to the décor. The entrance will welcome guests with a variety of candles and lamps, both big and small, against a backdrop of richly hued curtains. Hints of gold and silver will highlight the existing ambience, giving it a distinct touch of the festive period. The whole atmosphere will come alive with the aroma of freshly brewed Arabic coffee and dates, and the colourful sight of local and Turkish sweets at centre stage. The pleasing strains of the kanoon, oud, violin and flute will further heighten the senses.

Guests will be welcomed to medjoule dates and an

array of Ramadan juices which, besides the staples of orange, mango and pomegranate, include jallab, laban ayran, kamar al deen, tamarhindi and karkadeh.

Salad stations will offer fatoush and tabouleh, alongside another table speckled with quintessential Arabic starters – hommous, moutabel, stuffed vine leaves, mouhamara, baba ghanouj, khyar bill laban, aubergine moussaka, shanklish salad, loubieh bil zeit and moujadara, to name a few.

Guests can gratify their taste buds at the live station dishing out whole ouzi with Oriental rice and condiments, or at the shawarma station rolling up juicy chicken with pickles and garlic mayonnaise.

Furn Bistro & Bakery will probably be the only venue boasting a tahina fountain, that is to be enjoyed with falafel skewers, baby marrow, zaatar straws and sumac sticks.

Other counters will be serving delicious foul moudammas, which comprises fava beans served with chopped parsley, onion, garlic and lemon, as well as balila, which is a preparation consisting of boiled chickpeas, parsley, garlic, cumin, lemon juice and olive oil.

The manakish station will have fluffy dough topped with cheese, zaatar or turkey, as per your liking.

From 10pm to 1am, the restaurant will offer Suhoor, which can be ordered from Furn’s à la carte menu. Furn Bistro & Bakery will be open from 8am for breakfast and lunch throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Call 17 171-441. www.bahrainthismonth.com

ATIRAM PREMIER HOTEL

For the Hearty Eater

NET

19

BD

ON

PERS

WITH OUR LIVE BAND OLD STREET BLUES GALA WIDESPREAD GIGANTIC INTERNATIONAL BUFFET With Selected Beverages from 12.30 P.M - 4.00 P.M.

Live Carving | Live Pasta | Live Grill | Free Pool Table & many more attractions Non - Alcoholic Brunch at BD 12 SPECIAL DEAL FOR GROUP BOOKINGS

4TH FLOOR, JUFFAIR,TEL: 17 811 811 STEVE 33640009 | 33536448

If your idea of a perfect weekend involves great eats, good music and a lively atmosphere, head to this four-star property’s trendy brunch.

Wembley, at the Atiram Premier Hotel, is becoming every brunch lover’s favourite haunt with its popular Friday Bubbly Brunch.

For just BD19, indulge your palate in a plethora of international cuisine, including live cooking stations, carvery, salads, pasta, seafood grills, desserts and much more. The price is inclusive of beverages.

The sports bar has gained a reputation for its upbeat atmosphere paired with live sporting action.

The atmosphere throughout the day is enhanced by one of the most exciting live acts on the island, UK trio Old Street Blues, who keep guests entertained with a combination of classic hits, old and new. Try your luck at karaoke and groove to the tunes of local favourite DJ John till the early hours.

Various promotions are up for grabs every day of the week. Chow down on delectable burgers, spicy Buffalo wings and more while enjoying the charged sporting atmosphere.

Whether your favourite sport is rugby, football, cricket or something quirky, Wembley guarantees the best viewing experience. The three large projector screens and multiple flat-screen TVs capture the ambience as if you were actually there.

Atiram Premier Hotel is a smart choice for travellers, boasting 105 luxurious accommodations with various food and beverage outlets. With its convenient location, the hotel has easy access to the city’s must-see destinations and offers guests unparalleled facilities and services.

Wembley is open from noon to 2am daily.

Call 17 811-811. www.bahrainthismonth.com

May 2017 101

dining

THE K HOTEL

Celebrating a Special Time Enjoy a harmonious fusion of traditional Arabic hospitality in a contemporary environment located in the heart of Juffair.

102 May 2017

With the advent of the Holy Month of Ramadan, The K Hotel’s impressive Kolors restaurant will present an after-sunset experience like no other. Guests can enjoy a lavish buffet-style Iftar, with a superb selection of traditional and international dishes alongside Ramadan delicacies from across the region.

To add to the indulgence of this outstanding experience, live cooking and carving stations will be set up.

Tabouleh, hammour preparations, machbous, chicken molokhia, lamb tagine, koftabil laban and Bahraini ouzi are just some of the mouth-watering treats on offer. The dessert bar will be packed with an abundant array of choices to tantalise your taste buds with sweet sensations, while providing a fitting end to your meal. Choose from (or better yet, try all) the Oriental delicacies, including Umm Ali, assorted baklava, kunafa and kallaj Ramadan.

This sundown buffet can be enjoyed from sunset up to 8.30pm for just BD12++ per person. This offer includes Ramadan juices, coffee and tea, as per your choice. Children aged seven to 12 years eat at half price and those aged six and below dine for free. The excitement does not stop here; each guest will be entered into a raffle draw to win a one-night stay or Iftar voucher for two at The K Hotel by filling out the guest satisfaction questionnaire. Winners will be announced every weekend.

Groups and corporate clientele can take advantage of exceptional offers on banquet events, which

include a fantastic menu with a complimentary venue at K Hotel, as well as an outdoor catering service for all occasions.

“We are proud of our entire food and beverage culinary team, who have professionally and successfully executed small, intimate gatherings as well as lavish banquets of more than 100 guests,” says Mathias Narr, director of food and beverage at The K Hotel.

“With our experts taking care of catering and service, you can focus on enjoying the evening with your family and guests.”

The hotel will be celebrating the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan in style as well. Guests are invited to indulge in a special Eid lunch on the second day of the holidays for BD12++ inclusive of soft drinks, and an additional BD7++ for selected beverages.

Call 17 360-000 or email restaurants@thekhotel.com. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Bijan Majidi conducted an interactive presentation on “Business Transformation in the Digital and Internet Interactive Presentation Drof Things Era” at the Capital Club.

Larry, Raj Damani & Bijan

Karin & Reinhold

Colleen, Sameer & Julian

Pauline & Giovanni

Denisa & Sharina

Sheryl, Asfia & Ayat

Solveig & Seema

Club held an exclusive event to meet Mark van Leewarden, one International Financial Crime Fighter Meet Capital of the world’s top legal criminal fraud fighting minds.

Liz, Mark, William, Asfia & Ranez

Mark

Fatima, Ayat, Nitu & Mariam

www.jfcbahrain.com

www.bahrainthismonth.com

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tablehopping

VIAGGIO ITALIANO

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s Primavera restaurant invites aficionados of Italian food to embark on a culinary journey of Italy’s diverse regions, from Milan to Sicily, starting on May 1 until the start of Ramadan, from 7pm–11pm. Chef Alfonso Ferraioli has created a special set menu that is custom designed to ensure your palate will explore the myriad tastes and flavours of this Mediterranean country. You’ll be sure to note this as an unforgettable gourmet experience. The menu is priced at BD32++ per person.

Call 17 586-499.

CELEBRITY CHEF Renowned chef-restaurateur and three-time Michelin star awardee, Vineet Bhatia, will be in Bahrain from May 2-6. Chef Vineet will be hosting a delectable journey into the world of contemporary Indian cuisine. His visit to the island is going to be a busy one.

He will be hosting an exclusive and interactive four-course dinner paired with the finest grape on May 3, where

guests can also take home a personalised, signed menu. The reception will be held at 7.30pm at the Rasoi Lounge, and dinner will start at 8pm, priced at BD29++ per person.

Chef Vineet will also mentor the Gulf Hotel’s famous culinary Art of Cooking class on May 6, priced at BD39, inclusive of all taxes and lunch.

Call 17 713-000.

FUN FRIDAYS Make the most of laid-back Friday afternoons at Downtown Rotana’s brunch at Flavours restaurant, from noon to 4pm. Savour a brunch buffet in a stylish and contemporary setting with live cooking stations and oversized cocktails. Explore diverse culinary cultures as the saxophonist dazzles you with a live performance. It costs BD26++ inclusive of selected beverages and BD21++ including soft drinks and juices. Guests can enjoy free access to the pool all day, and free valet parking. Children will also have a great time with their very own modern, supervised kids’ room filled with toys and games for all ages. Kids aged six to 12 dine at half price and those below six years dine for free.

Call 13 119-999.

CHIC BREAKFAST Gallery Café, in Adliya, offers Oriental breakfast plates, including the traditional favourites, and European and French breakfast sets. Enjoy local dishes such as Balaleet – sweet vermicelli noodles infused with cardamom, saffron and rose water topped with a saffron omelette; and Shakshuka – a mix of poached eggs in a tomato, chilli, onions and cumin sauce with its origin in North Africa.

Freshly prepared smoothie options, 104 May 2017

including a blend of peach, mango and banana or a daily veggie selection provide a great kick-start to any morning. Those with a sweet tooth can sample a large selection of daily patisseries from the in-house bakery – tarts, gateaux and other treats are all available from the showcase. All these delicacies are complemented by signature coffees prepared by master baristas. The breakfast starts at 8am.

Call 17 711-600.

When? Thursdays Event? Claws Seafood Buffet Venue? Baharat, Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre Celebrate the weekend and tuck into a huge and varied seafood buffet for BD20 with soft drinks or BD34 with selected beverages.

E Call 17 174-144.

When? Mondays Event? Desi Dish Night Venue? Choices, ART Rotana Travel through southern Asia with a huge selection of curries, grills and drinks showcasing the cuisine of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and more.

BD15 with soft drinks or BD25 with selected beverages.

E Call 16 000-111.

When? May 5 Event? Cinco de Mayo Venue? Kahlo Club, Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Experience Mexican traditions and grandeur with a lavish fiesta highlighted by a selection of margaritas and special Mexican drinks from 6pm-1am.

E Call 17 586-499.

When? May 5 Event? Mexican Themed Brunch Venue? Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre Join in the Cinco de Mayo festivities with special dishes and drinks and music from the Colombian Fire Soul Duo. BD18++ with soft drinks or BD30++ with selected beverages.

E Call 17 174-144.

When? May 10 - 27 Event? Shisha Night Venue? Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Sample exotic flavours in oversized contemporary Meduse pipes and enjoy the finest shisha experience with a wide selection of flavours at the Ritz Gourmet Lounge terrace, priced at BD25++ from 7pm-10pm E Call 17 586-499 When? May 11 and 12 Event? Hanine Live at Zahle Venue? Gulf Hotel Bahrain One of the most versatile and charismatic Oriental violinists is here to enchant audiences.

E Call 17 713-000.

When? Until May 12 Event? Asado Promotion Venue? Fusions, Gulf Hotel Bahrain All meat lovers can go on a culinary adventure across the flavours of Argentina with lamb, beef and sausages served on a lava stone grill.

E Call 17 713-000. www.bahrainthismonth.com

WORLD GASTRONOMY Capital Club continues with its Celebrity Chef Series in a bid to bring the top 50 chefs from around the world to Bahrain. Gracing the sophisticated environment of the club will be oneMichelin-star chef Paulo Airaudo from San Sebastian. The Italian-Argentinian chef is the co-founder of Michelin-awarded La Bottega in Geneva. He will be in Bahrain from May 16-18, at the Signature Grill, on the second floor of Capital Club. Lunch will be hosted between noon and 3pm, and dinner from 7pm-11pm. The three-course menu, which includes a welcome drink, is priced at BD25 for members and BD30 for guests.

Call 17 100-100.

ALL ABOUT MANGOES

SPECIALLY FOR MUM

When? May 21-25 Event? Dragon Boat Festival Venue? Soie, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Celebrate one of the biggest Chinese traditional festivals at the renowned Soie Chinese restaurant.

E Call 17 533-533.

When? Throughout May Event? Khoboos Roll Promotion Venue? Golestan Iranian restaurant, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Savour the lavish menu including chicken khoboos roll, lamb koobideh roll and mahi khoboos roll, daily for lunch from 12.30pm-2.45pm and dinner from 7.30pm-11.30pm, except Sunday.

E Call 17 533-533.

The month of May will see mums being honoured on International Mother’s Day, celebrated in various parts of the world. The Sheraton Bahrain Hotel invites you to commemorate this special occasion on May 14, to make your mum feel truly and deeply loved. Mothers get a free lunch or dinner buffet when accompanied by one paying guest. Kids between four and 12 years will get a 50 per cent discount. That’s not all – mums are in for additional pampering with a voucher for a free halfhour massage at Sheraton Fitness.

Call 17 533-533.

WELCOMING SUMMER

When? Mondays Event? Sushi Cooking Class Venue? Thai Lounge, Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Learn the art of preparing sushi with experienced chef Rerkden, from 3pm-6pm. Take away tips and recipes from the expert and enjoy the menu afterwards.

Price BD25++ per person including soft beverages.

E Call 17 586-499.

When? Tuesdays Event? Mediterranean Route Promotion Venue? Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Enjoy a selection of dishes from Greece, Spain, Italy, Turkey and Morocco for BD18 with soft drinks or BD22 with selected beverages.

E Call 17 636-636.

When? Thursdays Event? Seafood Night Venue? La Med, Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain The ocean’s finest bounty is prepared and served in a variety of ways from the buffet spread and live cooking stations to your table from 7pm-11pm. Priced at BD24 including soft drinks and two glasses of selected beverages.

E Call 17 586-499.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, is making the most of the summer arrival of mangoes with Mango Masti, a festival dedicated to the golden sweetness of this delicious seasonal fruit. Catch the special à la carte menu crafted by chef Mahipal Singh at the hotel’s Nirvana restaurant from May 18-26. The lunch menu will run from noon until 3pm and dinner will be from 7pm-11pm, featuring delicious recipes that incorporate this favourite fruit.

Call 17 586-499. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Meisei, one of the island’s favourite Asian fusion restaurants, has recently announced the launch of chef Michael’s new seasonal menu – Asian Curries and More. Meisei’s take on the classics has been created to suit every palate, from the seasoned spice lover to the conventional connoisseur. Featuring tastes of Thailand, Korea and Japan, this fantastic repertoire of dishes will leave you salivating and coming back for more.

Call 17 007-770.

When? Saturday to Thursday Event? Business Lunch Venue? Flavours, Downtown Rotana Enjoy the special business lunch promotion from 12.30pm-3.30pm for only BD9.500++ per person.

E Call 13 119-999.

When? Fridays Event? Thai Friday Nights Venue? Royal Thai, Gulf Hotel Bahrain Enjoy unlimited exquisite Thai cuisine every Friday for BD15 inclusive of taxes and two selected beverages.

E Call 17 713-000.

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What’s New For Sea Lovers

Edited by Apple Sharma

Panerai’s Luminor 1950 PCYC 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Acciaio – 44mm has an appealing vintage look, yet is rich in advanced technical solutions. On the back is an engraving of an elegant classic yacht, in honour of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge. With the P.9100 automatic chronograph movement, its distinctive features are the dial design and the strap.

Available at Officine Panerai boutique, Moda Mall.

Dynamic and Radiant lolaandgrace’s Fix collection is inspired by the versatility of the everyday watchstrap, working this style through the necklace. Using a dowelling technique to achieve the perfect connection with a pixelated look through square-cut crystals, the Fix family creates an urban statement with a classic twist.

Available at A La Mode outlets.

Crème de la Crème A Colourful Life The newly-opened store, Charming Charlie, offers a range of products including fashion jewellery, handbags, apparel, small leather goods, scarves, watches, sunglasses, a special occasion collection and more. The line ranges from nautical charm with classic hues to laid-back looks.

Available at Charming Charlie, City Centre Bahrain.

The latest 750-page Bahrain edition of Gulf Who's Who Directory 2017-18 features nearly 2,000 of the Kingdom’s most influential decision-makers in various fields and businesses.

The book contains all of the island’s major companies with photographs of the boards of directors and management teams. It costs BD15.

Available through Hilal Direct Services and Jashanmal, Bahrain.

An Absolute Must-Have This season’s elegant crossbody bag from Massimo Dutti is available in three different types of leather and a variety of shades. It features two-tone colour schemes and incorporates buckles as a luxury detail, exclusive to this model.

The size, shape and structure make it ideal for day and night.

Available at Massimo Dutti, City Centre Bahrain.

106 May 2017

www.bahrainthismonth.com

marketplace ASIA JEWELLERS

Thumbs Up for Pin-Ups Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd: Unique Selling Points • The Artistic: vintage historical timepieces inspired by Nose Art – Decorative painting on the nose and fuselage of military aircraft, starting in the 1940s • Sunbrushed vintage dials with painted pin-up girls named Sally, Anna, Lilly and Nina • Automatic chronograph • Day-date • Fast-action start/stop trigger • Hand-sewn calf leather straps • Limited edition: 100 pieces each Functions: Chronograph (seconds, 30-minute counter)

Day-date at 9 o’clock

Hours, minutes, seconds Master watchmakers since 1695, this renowned brand presents the ‘Flying Forties’ in watch form with its latest limited edition timepieces.

The Graham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd gets an air of glamour with nostalgic aeroplane nose art.

Will Sally or Anna take your time into their hands? What about a date with Lilly? Or will Nina be the one to keep you on track? One of these lovely ladies is the mascot of precision timekeeping on each of the four 100-strong limited editions that make up the latest collection recruited to the Chronofighter Vintage series.

Glamorous illustrations, in the style of those first applied to military planes in the 1940s to bolster the morale of the armed forces, turn these timepieces into appealing statements of hope and freedom. The pin-ups on the Graham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd family tease and please as they write a further chapter in the Anglo-Swiss brand’s passionate tale of aviation heroes and highlights.

GRAHAM traces its origins to London clockmaker George Graham (1673-1751), who is considered the father of modern watchmaking. He is also known as the father of the chronograph as he invented the start and stop device of the timepiece and the dead-beat and cylinder escapements, to name a few.

Additionally, he built the master clock for Greenwich Royal Observatory, which timed the majority of the achievements by 18th-century astronomers and sailors, as well as lots of measuring instruments for scientists.

GRAHAM SA was created in 1995 and develops outstanding and atypical watches in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.

GRAHAM timepieces are available in Bahrain at Asia Jewellers.

Call 17 534-444 or visit www.asiajewellers.com. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Calibre:

G1747, automatic chronograph 28’800 A/h (4Hz) Incabloc shock absorber 25 jewels Power reserve: 48 hours

Case:

44mm steel Steel fast-action start/stop trigger and reset pusher Domed sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating See-through sapphire crystal case back

Bezel: Steel Water resistance: 330 feet/100m/10 bar Dial:

Black/blue sunbrushed dial with painted pin-up girls Pin-up girls’ names Sally, Anna, Lilly, Nina and limited edition serial number at 9 White Super-LumiNova hands, numerals and indexes White varnish chrono hand with red tip Rhodiated minutes and seconds’ counters hands

Strap:

Hand-sewn black/green/blue calf leather Steel pin buckle.

May 2017 107

marketplace RAYMOND

The Gentleman’s Guide to Travel This outfitter ensures you will be sharply dressed and always arrive in style.

There’s a single truth about the sartorial traveller — he gets his ensemble right every single time.

It’s a look you will find in the Raymond Spring Summer ’17 collection, which emphasises that the global nomad has never had it so good, and a relaxed elegance is the only visa he requires.

It isn’t easy to forget this man. Wherever he goes, the world is eager to go the extra mile for him. You’ve seen him sample a long alfresco lunch, backslap a pleasantly surprised bellboy, acquire a bottle of the region’s finest grape and, perhaps, the vineyard it came from. He’s the gentleman who doesn’t really need an upgrade but is always offered one. He could take the red-eye in his perfectly tailored travel suit and get into an early morning meeting with an unusual ease.

He’s the gentleman you wish would never check out and you’ll find him wearing Raymond.

Kumar’s WLL represents Raymond with two showrooms at Exhibition Road and Al Hadrami Road, Manama.

The third grand showroom is now in Seef, offering premium suiting fabrics along with a made-to-measure concept. Visit at Seef District, opposite Starbucks, The Courtyard.

Call 17 840-506/17 296-363.

CASA CUCINA

A Touch of Style A visit to this store will enable you to make a remarkable impression on your home, office, school, hotel or restaurant with a selection from the distinctive collections available.

The brands available at Casa Cunina offer luxurious and stylish options for those with a love and passion for décor who want to give their home or commercial space a personal touch of creative living.

The store stocks premium-quality trendsetting home and kitchen collections, unique and elegantly designed to perfection. All items are carefully crafted to suit every space whether personal, professional or commercial.

A spokesman says: “Our products are loyal companions that embellish everyday life, offer solutions and create a modern and stylish lifestyle.

This gives our valued customers guaranteed satisfaction and recommendations that lead to repeat orders.”

Casa Cucina also appeals to both the mind and heart with an amazing range of gifts that demand attention. These items are created by leading designers, produced by experienced masters and recognised with international design awards.

For updates on what’s available in store follow Facebook and Instagram @casacucinabahrain or visit the showroom at Seef District, opposite Starbucks, The Courtyard.

Call 17 840-707 / 17 296-363.

108 May 2017

www.bahrainthismonth.com

RIFFA VIEWS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Success for Class of 2017 This leading school has great hopes for its latest batch of high-achieving alumni.

Riffa Views International School (RVIS) will soon be sending off another set of graduates.

Over the past five years, the high school has developed a well-rounded and rigorous programme that has shown strong results in terms of IB scores and university acceptances.

With the personalised attention RVIS is known for, students are guided to reach their full potential, thus preparing them for life’s opportunities.

The students at RVIS have had the chance to attend college fairs and presentations from many universities across the world, from the UK, USA, Canada, the Middle East, Europe and Southeast Asia. This year RVIS had over 175 university visits compared to the 25 from last year. “These visits have opened up new opportunities for our students to grow and learn from many universities across the globe,” the school says.

The class of 2017 has shown true perseverance in its last year – many students graduating with a full IB Diploma. Their dedication and hard work has clearly paid off when you take into account the number of university acceptances.

All the seniors who applied to universities have been accepted by their top choice school,

including the University of Exeter, Warwick University and Reading University.

The RVIS community is waiting in anticipation to see where the 12th grader students decide to begin their new chapter in life.

Call 16 565-000.

Dinner Party The Golden Tulip Bahrain Hotel hosted a dinner party at its premises.

George, Pal, Abdul Rahim Al Sayed, Mohammed, M Sayed & Rid

Rasha, Babu, Karti & Amna

Prakash, Sutri & Declan

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Eman & Qadi

Rasha, Liz, Ketan & George

Ambuja, Suresh & Faisal

Yaqoob, Remy & Akram

May 2017 109

marketplace

Your home is your sanctuary and the kitchen is its heart.

Why not give it a touch of the very best?

YUSIF BIN YUSIF FAKHRO

Italian Ingenuity

One of the world’s leading brands for modular kitchens, Aran Cucine, has earned a reputation for quality, style and design that ranks in the top echelons of the home interior industry. With a vision to offer ultimate functionality and convenience to the end user, the company has made its presence felt at iconic residential and commercial structures in the US, Canada, Uruguay, Panama, the Middle East and Far Eastern countries.

The most exclusive apartments, resorts and clubs have chosen the brand as their endorsement of superiority. The name has become an ambassador of the Italian lifestyle, where trustworthiness and reliability are an integral part of the culture. The company serves discerning clients in the Kingdom through its reputed dealers – Yusif bin Yusif Fakhro, one of the country’s leading business houses.

Sleek and durable kitchen fit-outs are conceptualised and made in highly efficient, automated manufacturing units based in Italy, where aesthetics meet technology. The organisation’s production departments bear the quality stamp of ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001 and ISO 14001 certificates.

What you can expect from Aran Cucine is an elegant layout with infinite solutions to meet your specific requirements. With a focus on the quality of raw materials, superior craftsmanship and modern ergonomics, each model is practical, yet appealing, and ready to meet your individual needs.

Your stylish kitchen will never cease to look interesting, thanks to the label’s innovative invention called ‘Cover’, which gives customers the chance to easily transform the way their culinary space looks and feels. This is a revolutionary and patented model, where cabinet doors comprise magnetic films that are resistant and washable, and can be changed as often as you like. So your kitchen can have a new look to suit the season or reflect your moods without the hassle of redecorating.

Recognising the need of the times for having more environmentally friendly processes, the company has devised the simplest and most complete way to recycle its products. Each of the items are so designed that, when they are discarded, the elements of which they are composed can be easily identified and separated for recycling. Waste collection gives value to the goods, so they can be transformed either in new production processes or into energy.

Whether you choose a classic look with all the trappings of a cosy kitchen, or a contemporary feel with clean lines and open spaces, make Aran Cucine a part of your home today. Exceptional quality and attention to detail has made it the most exported Italian kitchen in the world.

Call 17 408-111 or visit www.arancucine.it or www.yyfakhro.com.

110 May 2017

www.bahrainthismonth.com

MIDDLE EAST HOSPITAL

Living Life Pain Free stand and to best deal with your specific condition is a prudent step to take. Then, use these strategies to be upright: Use a Lumbar Roll These are round pillows that can be used while sitting to help maintain the forward curve in your lower back.

Perform the Slouch Overcorrect Procedure This simple manoeuvre is used to train your body to find, and maintain, good posture. The exercise involves slowly shifting from a slouched position to an overcorrected postural position.

The physiotherapists at Middle East Hospital can help rid you of pesky pain caused by the way you sit, stand or walk.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

If you suffer from neck, back or shoulder pain, you may benefit from physiotherapy to help decrease it, and learn to manage your condition better. Two of the most important strategies to tackle pain are exercise and a correct posture. Robin McKenzie, the great spine specialist, once stated that the most important aspect for combatting back pain is correcting your carriage.

A physiotherapist can teach you the proper way to sit or stand to attain the optimal posture and eliminate pain. But it can be difficult to maintain that appropriate pose as you go through your day. While working or driving, many people forget to be mindful of it and they simply slip back into slouching, which may lead to continued aches and limitations in movement. There are ways to start modifying your gait and make that change a lasting one. Visiting your physiotherapist initially to learn the best way to sit or

Kinesiology Tape This flexible, cotton adhesive tape helps to facilitate muscle contractions and inhibit muscle spasms and pain. It provides a gentle pull to your muscles when you are slouching, serving as a reminder to keep you sitting and standing tall.

Many people wonder if they really are a candidate for physiotherapy. The treatment benefits an array of conditions – from a simple ankle sprain to a complex neurological disorder. It can also help prevent injury or illness.

The physiotherapists at Middle East Hospital focus on relieving pain, promoting healing, restoring function and movement, and facilitation and adaptation associated with injury. They also concentrate on ergonomics or body mechanic training, fitness and wellness. They can help you with the following conditions: • Arthritis • Fractures and other orthopaedic conditions • Cervical and lumbar pain • Problems with balance or mobility • Pre- and post-surgical conditioning and strengthening • Fitness and wellness education including weight loss management • Respiratory problems or poor cardiovascular endurance • Cardiac rehab • Knee, ankle and foot problems • Neuro-rehabilitation, such as post-stroke and spinal cord or head injury • Common sprains and muscle strains • Work-related injuries such as repetitive motion injuries, slip and fall accidents and other trauma • Sports-related injuries.

Call 17 362-233 or visit the Middle East Hospital Physiotherapy Department for a free consultation.

May 2017 111

@BHThisMonth

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@bahrainthismonth

marketplace business bites

Charbel Steps Up

GCC Residents Get Bahraini ID

The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa has appointed Charbel Hanna as executive assistant manager.

He was previously the property’s food and beverage manager before moving to another establishment in the same role and he now rejoins The Gulf bringing with him a wealth of industry experience.

He says: “I am excited to start a new challenge within The Gulf Hotel, Bahrain, and look forward to working with the team. I am fortunate to be joining such a respected company that prides itself on top-quality service.”

In order to provide additional facilities to GCC residents and investors using various Bahrain service departments, the Information & eGovernment Authority (IGA) has announced that they will now be able to receive Bahraini identity cards.

IGA chief executive, Mohammed Ali AlQaed, says the procedure reflects the strengthening of ties and relations with neighbouring countries and provides the opportunity to attract GCC investments and inter-exchanges.

The move comes in support of the coordinating steps taken by the GCC Steering Committee for Smart Cards and its initiatives to follow leadership directives to promote further integration.

Encouraging Young Leaders

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) CEO, HE Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, received 60 students from the UAE as part of the

‘The 2020 Leadership Program’. The visit forms part of on-going initiatives to support and enrich cultural and bilateral relations between the Gulf nations.

BTEA supports the second edition of the ‘The 2020 Ambassadorship Program’ that has been launched by the Watani Al Emarat Foundation with the aim of building a generation of qualified leaders who are capable of fulfilling the ambitions of the UAE. The Kingdom was selected to host the programme, which was held in Singapore last year.

It encompasses many different aspects in the field of philanthropy, volunteering, culture and society, with the availability of aids in the delivery of educational messages for young people, and includes several workshops and meetings with prominent figures locally and internationally.

Homes Handover Developer Diyar Al Muharraq has announced the handover of the first batch of residential units within Phase 2 of Diyar Homes.

The maiden handover ceremony was held in the presence of the company’s chairman Abdul Hakeem Al Khayyat, CEO, Dr Maher Al Shaer, and other members of management and staff.

This phase consists of 196 residential units that are diversely designed to reflect the cultural history of the Kingdom. The development is a unique master-planned city offering a range of housing options and a high-quality lifestyle with a cohesive mix of residential and commercial properties and a strong line-up of projects aimed at creating a long-term and sophisticated township. www.bahrainthismonth.com

May 2017 113

marketplace business bites

Islamic Banking on Agenda

To further solidify its commitment towards supporting the development of the Islamic banking sector in Bahrain and internationally, Kuwait Finance House Group (KFHG) participated as a strategic partner in AAOIFI’s 15th Annual Shari’a Conference held at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa. The conference, considered one of the most prominent in the region, focused on the legal and governance aspects of Islamic finance. It was organised by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Financial and Islamic Institutions (AAOIFI) and sponsored by the Central Bank of Bahrain, with the participation of 40 experts from 16 countries including the GCC, Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, Algeria, Pakistan, Canada, the USA and others.

A number of important issues were discussed relating to the industry, such as the drafting of legal documents in line with international standards and Islamic practices.

Abdulhakeem AlKhayyat, managing director and CEO of Kuwait Finance House-Bahrain, says: “KFH Group is always keen to support the various financial events taking place regionally, with a special focus on Islamic banking conferences that have a positive impact on the banking sector in general.”

Master Plan Unveiled Bahrain Marina Development Company, a whollyowned subsidiary of the Social Insurance Organization (SIO), unveiled its master plan for the first time during the Gulf Property Show, one of the largest real estate exhibitions in the Kingdom.

“Bahrain Marina features modern designs as well as residential and recreational facilities developed to the highest standards. The project will also contribute to the creation of new jobs and attract investments that will benefit the local economy,” says engineer Yazan Haddad, the company’s CEO. The lead designer of the project is Benoy, an international architectural firm with vast experience in working alongside largescale projects in the region.

Aimed for completion by 2020, Bahrain Marina will include a fivestar hotel, serviced apartments, seafront villas and a residential tower with freehold apartments. The project will also feature a leisure area with a unique seafront, retail and dining areas, a marina and a yacht club.

Cyber Security Targeted

Visa Provider Appointed Gulf Air has partnered with VFS Global, the largest visa service provider in the world, to facilitate visa issuance for passengers flying to the Kingdom.

The online visa facility will launch this summer on gulfair.com.

Gulf Air chief commercial officer, Ahmed Janahi, says: “We are partnering with VFS Global to provide a much-needed service to Gulf Air passengers that will support our national carrier’s longstanding efforts to promote the Kingdom as a destination to a broad spectrum of travellers while making the process of obtaining a visa to Bahrain easier and more convenient. Soon, Gulf Air passengers will be able to easily obtain short-term visit visas to Bahrain via our website gulfair.com.

114 May 2017

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) led Bahrain’s delegation to the Central Region Communications Conference (CRCC), recently held in Washington DC. The conference focused on sharing experiences in responding to ever increasing cyber incidents as well as new ideas on cyber security and incident response initiatives through a series of focused presentations and panel discussions. These included legal, regulatory, government policy and international standards issues that affect progress.

The delegation was headed by the TRA’s director of cyber security, Dr Khalid bin Duaij Al Khalifa. He says: “Participating in the CRCC has allowed us to learn and share experiences with our partners on how best to respond to the cyber threats affecting our region. It was evident from the discussions that we’re on a dangerous trajectory, and that we need to overcome the current and future challenges we face collectively, with speed, strength and ingenuity. Along the way, and depending on the ever-changing landscape, this may require us to rethink the suitability of our current cyber strategy.” www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander Other Events

Gulf Hotels Group donated BD 1,000 in support to Bahraini ADHD.

HE Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, launched the second edition of “Hurafuna” handicrafts festival held at Bab Al Bahrain.

Almoayyed International Group announced that it has successfully implemented the DocuWare Document Management Solution at its Bahrain divisions to increase efficiency with internal and external departments.

The Hublot Roadshow passed by Bahrain to present the Baselworld 2017 novelties.

The organising committee of the Bahrain Shopping Festival, Shop Bahrain, held an appreciation dinner at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.

Fraser Suites Seef held its annual appreciation ceremony for its employees.

Canon Middle East unveiled a new concept of “Explore, Inspire, Improve” as part of its “Canon for Business” offering.

The Japanese Embassy held a reception for Bahrainis who participated in Japanese government programmes.

Bahrain Polytechnic hosted Sonya Janahi, founder of F&B Consultancy ‘The Living Concepts’ and owner of Bahrain’s premium artisan chocolate brand Maya La Chocolaterie, as a guest speaker for its Business Management students.

Jawad Business Group inaugurated an art exhibition by Felipe Urteaga, a New York-based urban artist.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Shaikh Isa Cultural Centre, held a press conference to announce “READ”, a new national reading campaign.

April 2017 115

bystander Other Events

The Golden Tulip Hotel hosted its annual staff party at its premises.

HE William Roebuck, US Ambassador, opened an art exhibit for Bahrain artists who participated in workshops presented by visiting American abstract painter Patrick Brennan, in collaboration with Bahraini artist, Zakeya Zada.

CleanUp Bahrain held the biggest beach and sea cleaning operation in Bahrain.

The Rotary Club of Sulmaniya held its regular meeting featuring guest speaker, HE Amin Sharqawi, United Nations Resident Coordinator UNDP Resident Representative in Bahrain, at The Golden Tulip Hotel.

Fucom International held its 16th anniversary celebrations and launch of the HappyMe programme in Bahrain.

Tashyeed Properties, a division of Mannai Holding SPC, awarded a contract for the implementation of networking and Wi-Fi solutions for its flagship project – Sukoon Tower – to Kanoo IT. Kanoo IT has partnered with Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company, to implement enterprise networking and wireless solutions for this prestigious project. Above: VIP’s mark the occasion.

As part of its celebrity chef series, the Capital Club held a media lunch featuring chef Thomas Troisgros.

116 April 2017

City Centre Bahrain awarded its grand prize winner, Nora Cabanit, a BD 5,000 gift card for its Spring of Fashion campaign.

British School teachers participated in an intensive weekend at the Google Apps for Education Summit.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

winwin Bahrain This Month gives readers an exclusive chance to win watches from A La Mode.

To win, all you have to do is correctly answer the questions.

Hint: You can find the answers in this issue of Bahrain This Month.

Who got it right?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Bahrain This Month received 106 entries last month, all of which answered the questions correctly. Congratulations to everyone, particularly our three winners:

Where will Taline Temizian present an art exhibition titled ‘Transcend’? ______________________________________________

Winner : Michelle Rodriques Second Place : Pryantha Kumar Third Place : Nancy Villegas

Who wrote the award-winning book We’re Going On A Bear Hunt, which will be performed as a stage play in Bahrain? ______________________________________________

Last month’s solutions:

Which three legendary footballers will be visiting the Kingdom this month? ______________________________________________

1. Kylie and Madonna 2. Bahrain Underground Music Movement 3. Hed Kandi – DJ Eibhlin and Khalid Hussain 4. Damian D’Costa 5. Tom Jones 6. Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre 7. Yolitzli Widen de la Laguna 8. Wolfgang Puck 9. The Yard 10. 10

Which DJ will appear at the Sofitel’s St Tropez beach party? ______________________________________________ Which electronic violinist will be at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s Desert Island Disco? ______________________________________________ When does the endurance rally Allgäu – Orient 2017 start? ______________________________________________ Porsche Centre Bahrain recently celebrated its status as what? ______________________________________________

Name:

Where is Wangs Funky Chinese Eatery located? ______________________________________________

Telephone:

Ad Seek:

1. Yas Isfahani/Yas-E Isfahani 2. Applied Science University 3. Pandora

4. Florence

Address:

Email:

Which celebrity chef will be at the Capital Club this month? ______________________________________________

CPR:

In which restaurant is the Viaggio Italiano food festival being held?

Entry deadline is every 15th of the month. The winner will be selected at random. 䠀伀䴀䔀 ☀ 䬀䤀吀䌀䠀䔀一 䌀伀䰀䰀䔀䌀吀䤀伀一匀 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.

AD Seek

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!

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May 2017 117

tarotscope

TAURUS

April 21 – May 20

Romance is in the air and you will be sailing along with your head in the clouds before the month is up. A few of you may already have encountered the person behind these feelings through a chance meeting, a delayed plane journey or even a long shopping queue! If it hasn’t happened yet then rest assured it will, as unexpected events are going to bring you together with someone who is set to really stir your feelings up. If you want any more clues then think dark-haired, blue Mercedes and a birthday around the 25th of August, which points to the sign of Virgo. If none of these reference points strikes a chord then trust quite simply what your heart tells you.

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

GEMINI May 21 – June 20 Many of you will be celebrating your birthdays this month and for a select few there is going to be quite a party to look forward to. What might not be as welcome is the aftermath of those parties, especially where your own behaviour has perhaps upset one or two people. Just remember that whilst it might be you everyone has come to see, a little humility goes a long way, and even on your birthday you don’t have to have everything your way just for the sake of it. A partner is set to surprise many of you with an extravagant gift and for a select few there could even be the question of a long-term commitment thrown into the mix before the month is up!

Card of the Month — The King of Swords CANCER June 21 – July 20

The saying about not putting all your eggs in one basket may never have had more relevance to your life than it does right now. After the past few months you’ve had, you’re unlikely to make the same mistake again but that won’t make the present hurdles any easier to deal with. A series of let-downs and disappointments – most outside your control and more down to the failure of others than because of your own errors – have forced you into having to pick yourself up too many times to remember. It has left you jaded and cynical about people. Fortunately, you are about to come into contact with someone who will reaffirm your faith in humanity and give you reason to smile again.

Card of the Month — The Empress 118 May 2017

LEO July 21 – August 21

For some time now your work has given you cause for concern and consternation. Everything else in your life appears to be moving in the right direction, but when you look at your job and the opportunities it has to offer, you find it very hard to get at all excited about the future. Consequently, you need to change things fast. Although you may not be aware of it, you are ever so slowly winding yourself into a rut from which you may never escape if you leave it too much longer. All of us are creatures of habit and when we become accustomed to a circumstance – no matter how much we may dislike it – we often endure it simply because we start to believe that the alternatives might be a lot worse.

Card of the Month — The Magician

VIRGO August 22 – September 21

Money makes the world go round but recently it seems that for many of you, no matter how much you have, it’s never quite enough. By nature your sign is quite materialistic but, just recently, matters financial appear to have overshadowed everything else in your life – whether it be for better or for worse. What you need to do is focus more on relationships – especially if you are currently involved in one – because things might not be as rosy as you believe. Your preoccupation with material matters has left a loved one feeling neglected and isolated. Take care or things could escalate beyond what even you might be prepared for.

Card of the Month — The Ace of Cups

LIBRA September 22 – October 21

The challenge for you this month is going to be all about dealing with rivals at work, as a recently created role will see three of you challenging for one position in what could turn out to be a very competitive and stressful selection process. You should seriously consider whether this is the best approach for you before you commit enough time and effort. On the relationship front, you need to provide your partner with a little more attention as he or she is feeling somewhat neglected and you’ve not found the time to really air or deal with the problem. Don’t let this labour or it could lead to greater problems later. Plans for a holiday may have to be put on hold as a health problem puts a spanner in the works. It’s nothing serious but will need medical attention.

Card of the Month — The Four of Swords

SCORPIO October 22 – November 21

There is only so long you can support a loved one, no matter how much you care for them. When they appear to be making your life more difficult, then there has to come a time when you think of yourself and take a step back. For many of you, this moment will arrive in May and, although there could be a few cross words and excitable objections, when the dust settles everyone concerned will realise that this is for the best. If the outcome means that you have to alter your life then try and look at the benefits rather than any possible negative effects. Although it might all seem like a lot of hassle, by the time the summer arrives things will be a lot easier.

Card of the Month — The Ten of Swords

SAGITTARIUS November 22 – December 21

Life just seems to go up and down for you at the moment, Sagittarius. It often feels like you are on an ocean trip across uncertain seas, with one stretch of water being calm and inviting and then the next tempestuous and threatening. You have suffered so many highs and lows over the last few weeks that you dare not attempt to predict what might happen next! However, what is most interesting about your situation is that, in truth, much of the fault lies at your feet. You just can’t seem to focus on one direction for long before something comes along to distract you or cast a few doubts that make your path unstable again. If you want my advice, the best you can do is employ a little more decisiveness in your thinking and it will make matters much easier.

Card of the Month — The Queen of Swords www.bahrainthismonth.com

advertisers index CAPRICORN December 22 – January 21 Someone in the family isn’t best pleased with you this month and, to be honest, they have good reason to feel aggrieved.

If you can’t think who it might be then just consider someone you’ve not seen for a while. When you have that person in mind, try to remember the last time you saw or heard from them. Finally, when you have that thought in your head, think about what you might have been discussing the last time you were together. It should all come back to you without too much prompting after that! The problem with many of you is your straight nature and the fact that everyone does not always appreciate it. If you must be honest when someone asks for your opinion, try and temper it with a little compassion.

Card of the Month — The Nine of Pentacles AQUARIUS January 22 – February 21

You have been living in a state of emotional confusion over the last few weeks. This has been mainly due to the lack of clarity over what you want to aim for professionally in your life. Suddenly you seem to have lost sight of where you are going in the workplace. Many of the obstacles you have overcome recently should have left you a stronger person but, unfortunately, you are still suffering a crisis of confidence over more deep-rooted anxieties. Until you confront and deal with them once and for all, you will be unable to move ahead with your life. It might seem a scary thing to do but the sooner you put this to bed, the sooner you can enjoy the real successes your efforts deserve.

Card of the Month — The Star

PISCES February 21 – March 20

Now more than ever your life is ready for a change. Work could be getting you down, a relationship could be in need of some excitement or an environment might simply not be inspiring you like it used to any more. Whatever the problem, the solution lies in your hands and the answer is a lot simpler than you may have first believed. But before you can take the initiative you need to put together a plan. Just because things might be ripe for a change, it doesn’t mean it will happen without a little applied thought. Don’t be afraid to talk to friends and relatives for advice to get things straight in your head before you set things in motion.

Card of the Month — The Nine of Wands

ARIES March 21 – April 20

Your opinions in the workplace are causing more than a few concerns amongst your colleagues, which has the knock-on effect of forcing them to dig in their heels when it comes to certain issues of policy change. Your reforms may not make you the most popular person in the office but they are nevertheless necessary and therefore you must persist, no matter what objections you might encounter. On the home front you may also find yourself having to tread carefully when it comes to the sensitivities of a housemate, so don’t offer up your opinions without measuring your responses first. The last thing you want to have to deal with is flack at home as well as at work.

Card of the Month — The Knight of Cups

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Cate Blanchett

Adele

David Beckham

FAMOUS TAURUS THIS MONTH

Fashion & Footwear

EK. Kanoo (Motor City:Subaru) . . . . . 23

The Children’s Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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

Financial Institutions

Others

Citibank N.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

A.J.M. Kooheji & Sons (Bridgestone) . 25,29 Al Bait (iGuzzimi) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Home & Furnishing

Al Ghalia Co. (Dessange) . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Phoenicia Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Entertainment Plus (We’re Going on a

Yusif Bin Yusif Fakhro (Osim) . . . . . . . 27

Bear Hunt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Exelon Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Hotels & Serviced Residences

Joz Salon & Spa (Toni&Guy

Al Safir Hotel & Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Hairdressing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Atiram Hotels (Premier Hotel) . . . . . 101

Juffair Fitness Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Sofitel Hotels & Resorts . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Starwood Hotels (The Westin) . . . . . 19 The Domain Bahrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 The Gulf Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 The K Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 The Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa . . 2

Jewellery & Watches Asia Jewellers (Van Cleef & Arpels) . 1 Sharif Group (Ferre Milano) . . . . . . . . 13

Medical & Dental Services

Jawad Supermarket . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC

Kumar’s Group (K Home & Kitchen) . . 9 Primedia International . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Riffa Views International School . . . .45 The Dogfather’s Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Tree of Life Charity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Restaurants & Cafés Bennigan’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Casa Mexicana Restaurant . . . . . . . . 99 Cavalli Caffe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Cucina Italiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Middle East Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Furn Bistro & Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Royal Bahrain Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Kazbah Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 The Foundry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Motoring

The Lanterns Restaurant & Lounge . 97

Al Haddad Motors (Mercedes) . . . . . 69

Vesuvio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Behbehani Brothers (Porsche) . . . . IFC

Wang’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

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

● 24-Seven Minimart, all outlets

● Midway Supermarket, all outlets

● 24 Hours Market, all outlets

● Muntaza Supermarket, all outlets

● Al Hilal Bookshops, all outlets

● Other leading Cold Stores and News Stands

● Al Jazira Supermarket, all outlets ● Alosra Supermarket, all outlets ● Amwaj Islands Market, Amwaj ● Aseel Supermarket, all outlets ● Babasons Market, all outlets ● Jawad Supermarket, all outlets ● Lulu Hypermarket, all outlets ● Mega Mart, all outlets ● Metro Markets, all outlets

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

Photos Copies of most pictures depicted in this publication (and some which aren’t) are available from Red House Marketing, 17 813-777 or email: bystander@redhousemarketing.com.

May 2017 119

lastword

Old Man’s Rant GEG HOPKINS ‘Dag the wog’, with spoonerism beauty utters Betty our now revealed source of sourness. But then again, she is dyslexic or she’d write her own column. On agreeing that ‘Wag the Dog’ is very much a reality right now, and by the way they’ve found a cure for dyslexia, she says, ‘Well that’s music to my arse.’

Well, if nothing else, we’ve always been well ahead and pretty much spot on in this column, even if that ‘epiphany’ moment never quite reaches a climax. Of course, rather than read it, many would rather administer mouth to mouth on a dying cockroach, but hey!

In absolute denial, the stud clad, dope-smoking, programmed masses have gone completely 120 April 2017

delirious and now regurgitating media scaremongering with ‘World War III’ chants. ‘Oh poor despotic North Korea’, or any other totalitarian murderous state; ‘Trump is such a bully’, they cough up like an owl pellet (Trump had no idea). Nation after nation gather in swooning awe and blindly elect wannabe dictators, crooks or imbeciles (and it was a close shave with Hillary). Don’t forget, Hitler was ostensibly ‘voted’ into power. The ‘sheeple’ who allow themselves to be manipulated by these – um… ‘elected charlatans’ are far and wide and they all suffer from ‘Thought constipation’. Yes, a cull is necessary but how we ‘legally’ do that is debatable.

Educational reform is contaminated, so let’s perhaps experiment with a new herbal remedy that ‘clears’ one’s mind.

Test rats display remarkable genius after ingesting the ominous and very popular flower ‘Clitoria Ternatea’ which is now in full bloom. On viewing the flower, many might yearn to take it orally post haste, though the less perverted simply make tea with it or possibly smoke it. It’s very easy to fathom what Darwin was thinking when he first named it.

Well the essence of this ‘Asian pigeonwings’ (Darwin pea) has an ‘Antihyperglycemic’ effect; which not only shifts constipation, it has beneficial organ supplements too. Hmmm!

This unforgivable, out of control, agenda-soaked media causes most of the world’s stupidity – and the ludicrously left, gay, Fabian, debauched (did we miss anything?)

BBC, CNN et al are frightening the living crap out of their flock with the imaginary apocalypse. Oh don’t worry and no need to don your tin helmets yet, for suddenly, after a bout of flu, nuclear breasted Kim Kardashian, wearing skin tight nothing is spotted leaving her house riding, or more like smothering a rather tiny camel. At least 40 kilos appears to have shifted from her waist to her wellrounded buttocks – and suddenly there’s not a care in the world – war over, peace and tranquility reigns. To top that, Bill O’Reilly was pushed from Fox News, so the luvvie brigade were on fire. CNN headlined that story faster than a cheetah with diarrhea. Serena Williams discovered she was 52 weeks pregnant and neither she nor anybody else noticed. Then to keep North Korea out of the picture indefinitely, Illuminati shepherd Beyoncé, or ‘Bey’ to her sheep (puke), is also five minutes away from the drop zone and Mariah Carey was seen swaying in as wetnurse. This tranquility will ensue until after the British elections, so you still have time to empty supermarket shelves and build an underground shelter and fill it with canned baked beans and rice.

Even the glut of ‘United’ jokes didn’t stop the saber rattling. Sadly,

the American media would not have appreciated one of the funniest slaps at the airline, that being a ‘Ryan Air’ crew trying to drag a passenger ‘onto’ one of their planes.

Talk about ‘stretcher seats’ now in United economy, which is worse; a Chinaman being dragged off a 70-seat Embraer 170, or you sardined into a Far Eastern equivalent crammed with 140 seats in the same space? The average sized European man emerges from a Chinese flight speaking in a very high voice and completely sterilised.

Maybe we should just drop all this political micky-taking and just create our own TMZ-type column depicting Bahrain’s privileged. You can image the editorial from our jail cell: “There it was, the elite of Formula 1 displaying copious drool as the glamour of Naomi Campbell strutted the paddock having voluntarily not eaten since March – along with Enrique packing a garden hose. Those with more skeletal wallets only managed the brilliantly perfect Tom Jones concert just beforehand.

Thoughtful organisers installing substantially large fans right of stage to parachute flying objects away from the artist, thus avoiding any parliamentary antagonism. Ex Radio Bahrain DJs could be seen mingling with the oestrogen set desperately trying to persuade them to part with their panties; only this time so they could pointlessly throw them at Jones.

All this excitement and nobody noticed another ‘80s movie star, Linda Lovelace, who was in Bahrain judging a sausage contest just down the road.”

Talking of which, let’s not forget the imminent demise of Radio Bahrain in our imaginary showbiz rag. It has been easier to sell timeshare on the moon than effective advertising on that for the past 20 years. No surprise, for understanding sign language or brail is a breeze compared to the on-air verbal dyslexia we endure these days. Yes, A TMZ Bahrain might have merit. www.bahrainthismonth.com