Bahrain This Month - November 2015 by Red House Marketing

AL FRESCO DINING | FERRARI F12 TEST DRIVE | BRITISH AMBASSADOR INTERVIEW

YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Calisthenics World Cup Comes to The Kingdom World Endurance Championship Six Hours of Bahrain

Special Report: Jewellery and Watches

Beat Diabetes Walk November 2015 ~ Vol. 19 ~ Issue 11

Arts

Culture

Clubs

Sports

Interviews

Lifestyle

Dining

Nightlife

design a n d technology.

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Issue 219

Contents November 2015 COVER STORY 45

Calisthenics World Cup Comes to Bahrain!

The best calisthenics athletes in the world are descending on Bahrain later this month for the first ever Calisthenics World Cup .

HAPPENINGS

Bahrain This Month reviews events happening around town during the month of November 2015: 22 Spotlight

on Jordanian Art:

An exhibition of works by Jordanian artist Wijdan 24

Festive Celebrations :

The Indian Ladies Association is organising an Anand Mela a fun fair 26

Drag It!:

Bahrain Drag Racing Championship 2015/2016 28

Crack Up:

The Chuckle Club returns

Family Wellness in Focus:

Al Areen Palace & Spa holds its Family Fun Day 2015 32

Local School Welcomes You!:

The BSB holds an open evening

Glitz, Glamour and Jewellery Galore!:

The Middle East’s premier jewellery and watch exhibition, Jewellery Arabia 2015

After Dark:

Keep Calm and Karaoke:

JJ’s Annual Karaoke Idol 2015 37

Full Moon Party:

Al Dar Island plays host to a fantastic Lunar party.

INTERVIEWS Milestone Celebration!

The British Club is celebrating its 80th anniversary this month with a weekend of activities. BTM chats with general manager David Endall

Let’s Face the Music

Bahraini singer-songwriter Hassan Bin Shams AKA Tiny talks about his new music video.

54 Bystander In this month’s Bystander pages we joined the Kingdom’s Chinese community to celebrate staples in their calendar — National Day and the Harvest Festival. Our snappers also attended the various Oktoberfest celebrations across the island, the Capital Club’s 6th anniversary and the opening of the newest hotspot in town, Club XS.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Celebrations and Security

In his first magazine interview HE Simon Martin CMG, the new British Ambassador, says there are interesting times ahead.

Hidden Talent

Autisitc youngster Allistair Anthonio Alvares has produced a simple book to help others facing challenges.

FEATURES Jewellery and Watches: 51-61

All That Glitters :

From designer watches to full on bling, Bahrain This Month takes an in-depth look at what retailers have to offer around town as well as at the annual Jewellery Arabia exhibition. November 2015 7

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*TRA Mobile Network Coverage Audit Report 2014 - LTE’s population coverage for a 4G user

Issue 219

Contents November 2015 Finance:

Banking on Bahrain:

A look at what’s happening in the Kingdom’s finance and insurance industry.

LIFESTYLE

Motoring:

Prancing Horse Gallops Ahead:

We test drive the new Ferrari F12 68

New Range of SUVs:

Al Haddad Motors, the dealer of Mercedes-Benz in the Kingdom, has launched three new models 70

Get Ready to Explore:

The Ford Explorer has been revamped for success and is packed with more technology than ever before. 72

Demand The Best:

The new seven-seater XC90 has arrived

Cool Crossover :

BMW X4 test drive 77

Motoring bites:

A round up of the latest models and motoring news.

Downtime:

Gadgets: The newest gizmos in town 81 Music: Top Tunes 82 Computer Games: The hot games of the month 83 Websites: The coolest sites on the web 84 Apps: Sophisticated new apps 85 Movies: The Martian 79

Dining Feature: 86

Al Fresco:

The island has an eclectic variety of dining options, from basic open-air cafes to more glamorous poolside venues and gardens. At Bahrain This Month, we’ve put together a guide to help you choose the ideal venue.

106

109

Dining:

91 Comfort

Zone:

Review of the island’s new Wagamama. 110-111

Dining Happenings:

From food promotions to seasonal bites and festive feasts, here’s the low down on what’s happening in the dining district this month.

Showcase:

What’s New: Must-have products 113- 140 Marketplace: Latest products and services 112

112

115

Regulars: WIN WIN Tarotscope 143 AD Index 144 Last Word 141

142

134

www.bahrainthismonth.com

136 November 2015 9

THE TEAM

Bahrain This Month November 2015

Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Email: george@bahrainthismonth.com Editorial Director Liz O’Reilly Editor Charlie Holding Commercial Editor Apple Sharma Assistant Editor Ankita Mamgain Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Romeo San Miguel Photography Editor Zilia Monteiro Staff Photographers Subeesh Kumar N S, Ranjith Mohan Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa, Tara Vamadeven Pillai

The only Lifestyle Magazine distributed with the GDN

Personnel Manager 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 Photography Picture Arabia: andrew@picturearabia.com Printing Press Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej W.L.L., Bahrain Published monthly by

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

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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

1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24

Gulf and international subscriptions available on request. Bahrain This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide

COVER Cover Picture:

Calisthenics AL FRESCO DINING | FERRARI F12 TEST DRIVE | BRITISH AMBASSADOR INTERVIEW

George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman

YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Calisthenics World Cup Comes to The Kingdom

Connect with Bahrain This Month:

World Endurance Championship Six Hours of Bahrain

Special Report: Jewellery and Watches

Beat Diabetes Walk November 2015 ~ Vol. 19 ~ Issue 11

Arts

www.bahrainthismonth.com

It seems hard to believe that the festive season will be upon us next month. Our November edition is packed full of the lively happenings we can look forward to during the month including the Robin Hood pantomime, the last Chuckle Club of the year, cultural events taking place at La Fontaine and Entertainment Plus’ Jungle Book live theatre performance for both youngsters and the young at heart. Happy Diwali to those of our readers who celebrate the Festival of Lights! On the competitive front, the BIC hosts the FIA WEC (World Endurance Championship) Six Hours of Bahrain and the Beat Diabetes Walk for charity is at Dohat Arad Park. As our cover page shows, we are proud to be sponsors of the first ever Calisthenics World Cup to take place in Bahrain, putting the Kingdom firmly on the global sporting map. We have an exclusive interview with Shehab Saeed, the man behind the event. The region’s iconic annual Jewellery Arabia takes place in the last week of November and this gives all of us an opportunity to look for something special for our loved ones. From designer watches to full on bling, Bahrain This Month takes an in-depth look at what retailers have to offer around town as well as at the exhibition itself. This month’s interviews have a rather British feel about them as we interview the new British Ambassador, HE Simon Martin, and take a closer look at the 200 year relationship between the two countries. It so happens that in the same issue we speak to David Endall, the general manager of the British Club, about the venue’s 80th anniversary. During these autumn months, Bahrain’s al fresco dining scene comes to life as islanders enjoy their meals amidst desert sunsets, stunning rooftop views or alongside gently lapping waters. This month, we have a round up report of the Kingdom’s best outdoor eateries. Our regular dining section also includes a special review of Bahrain’s newest Japanese restaurant offering, the internationally renowned Wagamama. Our motoring section is packed with the latest offerings from the Kingdom’s top dealerships and a selection of test drives — including the new Ferrari F12 Berlinetta and the BMW X4. Wherever you go and whatever you do this month, take time to enjoy the great way of life that the Kingdom has to offer.

Culture

Clubs

Sports

Interviews

Lifestyle

Dining

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Nightlife

November 2015 11

bystander

Chinese National Day HE Qi Zhenhong, Chinese Ambassador, and Jin Qian hosted a reception to mark the 66th anniversary of the founding of the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republic of China at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence & Spa. The event was attended by government officials, ambassadors, embassy staff and invited guests. Dignitaries cut the cake

Mazen, Jin Qian & HE Qi Zhenhong

Zhou & Lina

Igor, Eliana & HE Alberto Ver

Katerina & Dalal

Tina, Georgette & Rehab

Lin & Yan

Yahya, Monqez & Daniel

Romina & Amal

Hussain, Zahra & Hooreya

Elle & Kelly

Shanjida, Mona & Mehdi

HE Alberto Ver & HE Dato Ahmad

Hong & Mohammed

Tang, Liu & Pan

12 November 2015

Zhao & Nie

Ibrahim & Hassan

Ying, Ruiyin & Wantan

Patric & Shelly

Yukiko & Noor

Yunjie & Chang

Canan & Mustafa

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bystander

Elena, Lily, Victoria, Talia, Natalia & Evgenia

Oktoberfest The Gulf Hotel hosted Oktoberfest celebrations at the Gulf Convention Centre with entertainment from the Lasterbacher Musikanten Band from Germany. The Lasterbacher Musikanten band performing

Omran, Tara, Tariq & Jules

Prakash, Henry & Rajan

Manahik, Anastasia, Rania, Heba & Maria

Frieda, Tamara, Paula, Emilia, Myriam, Katya & Siba

Garfield & Jill

Leena, Bong & Elena

14 November 2015

Soraya & Lucy

Babu & Navin

Jules & Ron

Esky, Nanda, Heera, Sunil & Karthika

Mr & Mrs Mandlowsky

Fred, Eric, Steffen, Stefan & Petr

Flor, Cri, Simo & Marty

Members of the band steal the show

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Khalid & Alexandra

Sareena & Bernard

Mitesh & Kiran

Capital Club Anniversary Capital Club Bahrain celebrated its sixth anniversary with the theme of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A Night at the Oscarsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, held under the patronage of HE Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Advisor for Political and Economic Affairs, Court of Crown Prince, and chairman of the board of governors of the Capital Club. Cutting of the cake

Luis, Ahmed & Maria

Sarah, Saif & Dalal

Caroline, Darren, Simon & Clare

Neveen & Noor

Caroline, Carole & Lamlam

Marjan & Yahia

Jan, Nicola & Silvana

Veronica, Tiziana & Rosaria

Jonty, Tim & JC

Aline, Stefan & Sigi

Nawar, Dina & Rahma

Rohini & Claudia

Khalid & Yulia

Hannah & James

Annabel & Oliver

Ebrahim, Ahmed & Abdul Aziz

Lalain & William

Aline & Inge

Jurick & Koeleen

Suha & Omar

16 November 2015

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Ali

Raj

Denzil

Sunny

Vilas

Balu

VK Thomas

Nader

Bahrain India Society Reception The Bahrain India Society held a business networking lunch and talk with HE Zayed Alzayani, Industry and Commerce Minister, at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence & Spa. HE Alok Kumar Sinha, Indian Ambassador, fourth from left & HE Zayed Alzayani, fifth from left, with society members and guests

Jaleel & Abdulla

Fatia & Vicky

Kim & Tinju

Vijay & Shabbir

Abdul Karim & Madhavan

Roaya & Nadia

Adnan, Aziz & Shahnaz

Waleed & Jawahery

Bab, Hind & Stephanie

Christian & Myrna

Sofyan, Christiane & Becky

Welcome Reception The US Embassy deputy chief of mission, Timothy Pounds, and NAVCENT foreign policy advisor, Tracy Roberts Pounds, hosted a reception to welcome new colleagues in the political and economic section. Government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and civil and political society representatives attended the reception. Tracy, Caluim, Catherine, HE William Roebuck, US Ambassador, Sondess & Tim

Diana, Tracy & Jan

18 November 2015

Roaya, Huda, Dr Wajeeha & Valerie

Daniel, Anil, Raymond & Shareef

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Come visit us and create a 3D model of your new living room. We look forward to seeing you. Natuzzi Store. PHOENICIA DECOR - Seef district - Tel: 17 564444

bystander

French Cocktail

The Association Francophone de Bahrein held a cocktail party at the French Embassy to bring in the new season.

Anis, Herve, Mylene, Florence, Rania, HE Bernard RĂŠgnauld-Fabre, Claudine & Chiraz

Jean Pierre & Philippe

Shahzad

Matthias, Ibtisam & Asma

Ahmed, Nakhle & Marwan

Marijo, Isabelle & Jamal

Celine & Lilian

Vincent, Nathali, Christelle & Sarah

Chinese Harvest Festival

Jean-Paul & Claude

Olivier, Ludi & Laurence

HE Qi Zhenhong, Chinese Ambassador, & Jin Qian hosted a reception to mark the mid-autumn festival at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence & Spa with performers from the Zhejiang Opera & Theater. Musicians performing at the event

HE DR Dhafer Alumran

HE Qi Zhenhong & Jin Qian

20 November 2015

Zhang

Shang & Wang

Daisuke & Yukiko

Liu & Xing

Li Han & Ming

Elena & Igor

Hanshuang & Jiang

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

AJM Art Competition AJM Kooheji launched the second annual Alwany Interschool Art Competition at the AJM Kooheji showroom, Maâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ameer. Mariam, Abdulla, Mohammed Kooheji & Mari

Firdos & Anisa

Zainab, Venkatesh, Kaizad & Zainab

Baqer & Hussain

Noora Sanjita, Marwa, Sanjay & Marieta

Malak

Abdulnabi & Hussain

Mariam

Fatima & Mona

Ruqaya

Ekajahan & Nahida

Mayan

Ayat

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Fatma

November 2015 21

NOVEMBER 2015. HAPPENINGS SPOTLIGHT ON JORDANIAN ARTIST When? Ongoing – November 15 Event? Art Exhibit Venue? Bin Matar House The Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Heritage has announced an exhibition of works by Jordanian artist Wijdan in the media of glass and paper. Curated by the director general of the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, Dr Khalid Khreis, Transparencies II: Paper and Glass will continue until midNovember. An artist in her own right, HRH Princess Wijdan is an academic and scholar. She has published numerous books on traditional and contemporary Islamic art in English and Arabic and is a diplomat of international standing and an essential player in the development of the art and cultural scene in Jordan. Her current works — Murano glass sculptures and delicate paintings on rice paper — are inspired creations on the theme of love that resonate with a deeper meaning

When? Ongoing - November 15 Event? Art Exhibit - Transparencies II: Paper and Glass Venue? Bin Matar House E Visit www. shaikhebrahimcenter.org. When? Ongoing - November 30 Event? ‘Sporting Lines’ Drawing Exhibition Venue? InTouch Gallery E Call InTouch on 17 690-100.

in the current environment. The opening hours of the Bin Matar House are Saturday to Thursday from 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm. Visit www.shaikhebrahimcenter.org.

JAPANESE ART EXHIBIT When? Ongoing – December 31 Event? Art Exhibition Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art One of the most promising upcoming designers from Japan, Tatsuo Yamamoto, is exhibiting his works, titled Resonance, at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art. Explore his world through his interactive and tactile works in the impeccable installations. A number of thin rods are placed in serene geometrical settings as if static works of art. Yet a breeze passing through the forest of rods or a child’s faint touch can arouse the installation creating ripples of music. Yamamoto’s Resonance was first introduced at the Milan SaloneSatellite in April 2011, however, he has re-designed the piece specially for La Fontaine having visited the site in advance. The exhibition runs until December 31 Call 17 230-123, email info@lafontaineartcentre.net or visit www.lafontaineartcentre.net.

THERAPEUTIC TALK

When? November 1 Event? Talk Venue? Profile Fitness Centre

22 November 2015

Learn more about biodynamic craniosacral therapy (BCST) as Profile Fitness Centre holds its monthly health, beauty and lifestyle talk by someone who can put people into a peaceful state of equilibrium and balance with her gentle touch. Seema Alshirawi is a registered BCS therapist, who has an instinct to know where pain and trauma are located inside a person. The BCST approach to healing is a non-verbal and relaxing therapy method. She will explain all about the discipline and in particular how it can help you to: relax and slow down your busy mind; reduce or even eliminate pain and feel a sense of internal balance and harmony. The event will be held from 6pm-8pm with the talk starting at 7pm. Call 17 727-766, email info@profilebahrain.com or visit www.profilebahrain.com.

When? Ongoing - December 17 Event? Pottery Sessions Venue? Karranah Gardens, Jid Al Haj E Call 32 221-972 or visit www.facebook.com/oarat.ART. When? Ongoing – December 31 Event? Art Exhibition - Resonance Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art E Call 17 230-123, email info@ lafontaineartcentre.net or visit www.lafontaineartcentre.net for more information. When? Ongoing – Throughout the Year Event? Water Sports Activities Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa E Call the Sports Club on 17 586-612 or email rc.bahrz. events@ritzcarlton.com When? November 1 Event? Talk on Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Venue? Profile Fitness Centre E Call 17 727-766, email info@ profilebahrain.com or visit www.profilebahrain.com. When? November 2, 8pm Event? Talk - Culture is a tool for development by Galina Andreeva (Russia) Venue? Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammed Center for Culture and Research E Visit www. shaikhebrahimcenter.org When? November 3, 10am Event? Propagation in Outdoor Plants* (*Bahrain Garden Club Programme) Venue? Bahrain Garden Club House, Juffair E Call 17 727-625, email Bahrain.garden.club@gmail.com or visit www. bahraingardenclub.com

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happenings

FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS To mark the upcoming festive season including Diwali, Christmas and Bahrain National Day, the Indian Ladies Association (ILA) is organising an Anand Mela, a fun fair, in association with Lulu Hypermarket. The event will be held on November 6 at Adhari Park from 4 pm onwards and feature food, entertainment, games, fun and shopping. A platform to showcase culture, tradition and cuisine, the fair promises to be a great show with lots of food stalls as well as clothing and other items from different parts of India. There will also be a free-style film dance contest for all age groups. More than 3,000 people are expected to attend this event, which is free to all. Call 39 873-357, 39 464-734 or 34 433-548 and 39 859-816 or 36 310-050 for stall bookings.

When? November 6 Event? Traditional Fair Venue? Adhari Park

MARKET DAY OUT

Enjoy a family day out as a brand new market opens this month at Azizia Birds Kingdom, a bird sanctuary in Amwaj Islands. The market day will be held from 11am to 5pm and will feature jewellery, clothing, gifts, art, accessories and more. Entry to the event costs a minimal 500 fils for adults and children are free. This includes full entry to the bird gardens to see all the birds, the market and access to the café and gift shop. Call 16 030-597 or visit Facebook page Al Azizia Birds Kingdom.

When? November 6 Event? Poppy Ball Venue? Crowne Plaza Hotel, Bahrain E Call the BBBF office on 17 813-488 or email bbbfevents@batelco.com.bh When? November 6, 13, 20, 27 Event? Kids’ Movie Under the Stars Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa No queuing at the cinema – enjoy an outdoor evening with your children every Friday at the hotel’s Thai Lounge from 6pm to 8pm. Entrance is complimentary. E Call 17 586-499 or email rc. bahrz.restaurant. reservations@ritzcarlton.com

ART AND SOCIAL MEDIA When? November 7 Event? Art Exhibition Venue? Malja Bahrain

24 November 2015

medium they desired, simply ensuring that they include the hashtag #malja_hereandnow and a brief description of their work. The resulting works communicate emotions, current sentiments, common grounds, unity despite diversity and the immediacy of

When? November 4 Event? Jewellery Collection Launch Venue? Words Bookstore Café, Budaiya Find the perfect gift for your loved ones this festive season with the launch of TinyOm’s new collection including pure chakra and diamond bangles and stacking rings. E Call Words on 17 690-790. When? November 5 Event? Open Track Night Venue? Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) Ever wondered how fast you and your car can go? Find out at BIC’s open track car days. Schedule is subject to change without prior notice. E Call the BIC hotline 17 450000 or visit www.bahraingp. com.

When? November 7 Event? Market Venue? Al Azizia Birds Kingdom, Amwaj Islands

After three successful Double-Tap galleries, curator duo Frances Stafford and Yasmin Sharabi close this year’s series with the theme Here and Now. The Double Tap 4 launch will be held at Malja Bahrain on November 7, at 7pm, featuring imagery collected from artists via Instagram. The brief was simple: express your immediate reaction to the statement ‘Here and Now’. Artists of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities were invited to post images on Instagram of as many works as they wanted in any

When? November 4 Event? Taiwan Film Festival - Touch of Light (drama) Venue? Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammed Center for Culture and Research E Visit www. shaikhebrahimcenter.org

social media in connecting artists worldwide. Shared thoughts, sentiments and themes arise that, regardless of borders, nationality or culture, pose similar philosophical questions. Visit http://malja.redbull.com/event/ doubletap4.

When? November 6 Event? Circuit Racing Club Events Venue? Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) The Circuit Racing Club of Bahrain (CRC) regularly hosts national-level events, featuring the BIC 2,000cc Challenge and the National Sprints. E Call the BIC hotline 17 450-000 or visit www. bahraingp.com

www.bahrainthismonth.com

email: ramada@ramadabahrain.com www.ramadabahrain.com

happenings

DRAG IT! When? November 10-13 Event? Drag Racing Venue? BIC Petrol heads, gear up – the region’s premier drag racing championship is back. More than 100 drivers, in both cars and motorbikes, are expected to compete in the upcoming first round of the Bahrain Drag Racing Championship 2015/2016. The race will be held from November 10 to 13, along BIC’s world-class quarter-mile drag strip, which is a member of the prestigious National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Worldwide Network. Back-to-back evenings of

When? November 6 Event? Anand Mela (Indian Fun Fair) Venue? Adhari Park E Call 39 873-357, 39 464-734 or 34 433-548. When? November 6 Event? Pink Zumbathon (Part of Think Pink Events) Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa E Call 17 585-512 or email rc.bahrz.events@ritzcarlton. com.

Test and Tune take place on November 10 and 11, qualifying follows on November 12, leading up to race day on November 13.

Schedule is subject to change without prior notice. Call the BIC Hotline 17 450-000 or visit www.bahraingp.com.

VROOM, VROOM... When? November 12-14

Event? 2nd HOG Bahrain Rally 2015

No less than 500 Harley-Davidson Owners Group (HOG) riders from the region will take to the roads of Bahrain for the 2nd HOG Bahrain Rally 2015. The three-day long event will be held from November 12 to 14. Day one will entail regional guests crossing the King Fahad Causeway to Harley-Davidson Bahrain dealership, followed by dinner at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa (official hotel partner of HOG), along with the welcome ceremony as well as awarding of

certificates to all attending chapters. Day two will start with an island ride from the assembly point Al Aali Mall, followed by one of the highlights — the Thunder Parade, ending at Bahrain international Circuit (BIC). The day will also include rides to touristic places on the island, along with bike games, bike show, Harley Academy, traditional market and kids’ fun ride, open to public for free. Day two will conclude with a concert featuring regional artists Hanan Rhida, Sultan al Faisal and Bader Alshaibi, tickets for which will be available on November 1. Day three will start from the HarleyDavidson dealership in Budaiya, with an early morning ride — “Discover Bahrain”, with traditional breakfast, then an escorted ride to King Fahad Causeway. Huge public participation of no less than 3,000 is expected this year. Registrations can be completed online. Visit www.hogbahrainchapter.com for registration.

YOGA RETREAT When? November 13 Event? Yoga Workshop Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art Say goodbye to all your worries and join a yoga retreat with Mine Yalcin Fuller as she takes you through a day of yoga, movement, breathing, sharing, joy and freedom. The workshop begins with centring and gentle flowing yoga to warm and open the body. In the afternoon participants will explore movement, sharing and a full guided-breath 26 November 2015

Venue? Various Venues

work session to activate deep healing, feelings of peace and letting go. The workshop will be held from 10am to 4pm and is priced at BD45 inclusive of a vegetarian lunch. Call 17 230-123, email info@ lafontaineartcentre.net or visit www.lafontaineartcentre.net.

When? November 7 Event? Market Day Venue? Al Azizia Birds Kingdom, Amwaj Islands E Call 16 030-597 or visit Facebook page Al Azizia Birds Kingdom. When? November 7 Event? Art Exhibition – Double Tap 4 Launch Venue? Malja Bahrain E Visit http://malja.redbull. com/event/doubletap4. When? November 7 Event? Italian Cooking Classes Venue? Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Fiamma Restaurant is offering the most avid Italian food lovers the opportunity to learn how to make authentic Italian cuisine with chef Stefano Tansini. E Call 17 636-363. When? November 9 and 23 Event? Ebrahim K Kanoo Drag and Drift Night Venue? Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) Try out BIC’s new innovative experience - take your own car or motorbike out onto the circuit’s drag strip and experience the thrill. Each evening features on-the-track action from 6pm to 11pm. E Call the BIC hotline 17 450-000 or visit www. bahraingp.com. When? November 9 Event? Bahrain Writers’ Circle Monthly Meeting Venue? Umami Restaurant, Adliya Get together for a literary evening and meet like-minded people, monthly meetings at 7.30pm. E Call 39 574-795. www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings

CRACK UP!

John Hastings

One of the most popular comedy shows returns to the island this month to get you rolling on the floor with laughter. When? November 12 & 13 Event? Comedy night Venue? The British Club / InterContinental Regancy Bahrain Chuckle Club’s monthly tour returns for November with more laughs, bringing another exciting line-up of hugely talented international comedic imports to Bahrain. Carmen Lynch

28 November 2015

Comic trio Ro Campbell, Carmen Lynch and John Hastings will be performing on November 12 at The British Club and November 13 at InterContinental Regency Bahrain.

Ro Campbell

UK-based Aussie Ro Campbell’s entertaining and award-winning brand of cheeky, slightly dark humour has wowed audiences everywhere from Adelaide to Bangalore, Helsinki to Singapore and many places in between. He has performed at the last eight Edinburgh Fringe Festivals and made the Scotsman’s pick of Best Joke of the Fringe 2009. In 2010 he was crowned Scottish Comedian of the Year (slightly controversial being Australian and all!). He has also written for British TV and radio, featuring regularly on BBC Radio Scotland and Kevin Bridges and Friends Live at The Stand. Ro has performed all over Europe, toured Southeast Asia four times, performed shows in India, gruelling tours of outback mining towns in Western Australia, played to captive audiences in

several maximum security prisons and supported Live At The Apollo star Tom Stade on all 47 dates of his 2011 UK Tour. He also recently opened for Kevin Bridges in Australia and, in 2013 and 2014, he co-produced five-star hit show Comedian Rap Battle at the Edinburgh Fringe. American Carmen Lynch recently made her second appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman. She has also featured on Inside Amy Schumer and The Good Wife. Carmen has performed for the troops on several tours in Iraq and Kuwait and recently completed a tour doing stand-up in Spanish throughout Spain and Costa Rica. She was described as “an absolute riot” by SO Magazine. Canadian John Hastings has been performing standup since 2006. He won the

Montreal Just for Laughs Comedy Festival Homegrown competition and was invited back to perform at the event. In 2012 John moved to the UK where he was given the opportunity to appear as part of the Pleasance Comedy Reserve in 2013. Since then he has performed criticallyacclaimed solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2014 and 2015. He is a regular on the comedy circuit in the UK and across Europe and in 2014 was featured on Seann Walsh’s Late Night Spectacular at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Both shows start at 8.30pm. Tickets cost BD12 and can be purchased at amiando.com/ chuckleclubnov2015 or from VirginMegastore.me Visit facebook.com/ TheChuckleClub or email info@punchlineme.com for more information. www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings

FAMILY WELLNESS IN FOCUS When? November 9, 8pm Event? Poetry Evening with Alem Abbas (Sudan) Venue? Ebrahim Al Arrayed House of Poetry E Visit www. shaikhebrahimcenter.org

When? November 13 Event? Family Fun Day Venue? Al Areen Palace & Spa Indulge in a day of health and relaxation with your loved ones as Al Areen Palace & Spa holds its Family Fun Day 2015 on November 13 from 1pm to 8pm. The event will take place at the hotel premises and will feature a theme based on Family Wellness and Togetherness. The day will include activities such as a tennis camp conducted in collaboration with Athletic Kings Bahrain as well as health and wellness

sessions along with the use of the services at the Al Areen Health Club. Call 17 845-000.

When? November 10, 3.30pm Event? Natural Plants for Beauty * Venue? Bahrain Garden Club House, Juffair E Call 17 727-625, email Bahrain.garden.club@gmail. com or visit www. bahraingardenclub.com.

BEAT DIABETES When? November 14 Event? Beat Diabetes Walk Venue? Dohat Arad Park, near Muharraq Al Rashid Group, a division of Landmark Retail Ltd, the region’s leading retail and hospitality conglomerate, will host the seventh edition of the Beat Diabetes Walk at Dohat Arad Park, near Muharraq, on November 14. The walk will cover approximately 3km, following which the venue will also offer various complimentary fun-filled activities, including special ones by Fitness First, such as flash mobs, spot fitness challenges and dance routines. Kids will be kept entertained at a children’s zone featuring face painting, balloon twisting, stilt walkers and inflatable slides. In addition, an on-site DJ and live entertainment acts will help create a carnival atmosphere at the event. Stands serving healthy snacks will also be set up at the venue. Last year, the walk saw an extraordinary tunrout of more than 5,000 participants in Bahrain and over

When? November 10-13 Event? Bahrain Drag Racing Championship 2015/2016 Venue? Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) E Call the BIC Hotline 17 450-000 or visit www. bahraingp.com

60,000 participants across seven countries – Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE and India. The park gates open at 2pm, with free blood glucose screening at 3pm. The walk starts at 4pm, with family entertainment and games starting at 6pm. Pre-registrations can be completed online at www. beatdiabetes.me until November 13. Follow Facebook - www.facebook.com/ beatdiabetes, Instagram - beat.diabetes and Twitter - @beatdiabetes.

OUTDOOR FILM SCREENING When? November 15 Event? Movie Night Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art

30 November 2015

Enjoy a relaxing evening at a stunning outdoor venue as La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art screens the classic 1962 British-American epic historical drama, Lawrence of Arabia. Based on the life of T E Lawrence, the film was directed by David Lean and stars Peter O’Toole in the title role. Considered one of the greatest and most influential films in the history of cinema, it was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won seven in total including best director, best sound editing, best film editing and best picture. The film depicts Lawrence’s experiences in the Arabian Peninsula during World War I. The themes involve Lawrence’s emotional struggles with the personal violence inherent in war, his own identity and his divided allegiance between his native Britain and its army and his newfound comrades within the Arabian desert tribes. The screening starts at 8pm and tickets cost BD10, which can be used as credit at the restaurant on the same evening. Call 17 230-123, email info@lafontaineartcentre.net or visit www.lafontaineartcentre.net.

When? November 11 Event? Taiwan Film Festival - Step Back of Glory (drama) Venue? Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammed Center for Culture and Research E Visit www. shaikhebrahimcenter.org. When? November 11 Event? Bahrain Writers’ Poetry Circle Meeting Venue? Umami Restaurant, Adliya Enjoy an evening discussing poetry with fellow enthusiasts at 7.30pm. E Call 39 574-795. When? November 12-13 Event? Chuckle Club Venue? The British Club and InterContinental Regency Bahrain E Visit facebook.com/ TheChuckleClub or email info@punchlineme.com When? November 12-14 Event? 2nd HOG Bahrain Rally 2015 Venue? Various Venues E Visit www. hogbahrainchapter.com When? November 13 Event? Family Fun Day 2015 Venue? Al Areen Palace & Spa E Call 17 845-000 www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Shatha & Noor Malak & Zeyad

Nabeel & Xavier

Ahmed & Manzoor

Sonia & Carlota

Bilal & Jan

Sidrah & Shabnam

Rose & Dipti

Virginia & Gayle

Fatema & Sameena

Dune Store Launch Dune London relaunched its store at City Centre Bahrain with a new concept and showcased its autumn 2015 collection. Bharthi, Divya & Edralyn

Sumesh, Gautam, Bilal & Hemang

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Eman & Hana

November 2015 31

happenings

LOCAL SCHOOL WELCOMES YOU! When? November 18 Event? School Open Evening Venue? The British School of Bahrain (BSB) Don’t miss a great opportunity to tour one of the local schools as the BSB holds an open evening on November 18, at its campus in Hamala, from 4pm to 6pm. Visitors are welcome to come and see the school in action for all year groups and sixth form. To give new parents an idea about the whole routine, there will be a small presentation about the school, with a tour to see study in action — students in classrooms, PE lessons, science, art, business, Arabic classes and more. The BSB is an outstanding QQA (National Authority for Qualifications and Quality Assurance of Education and Training) school, catering for three- to 18-year-olds on a state-of-the-art campus. Claiming to live and breathe excellence, responsibility and individuality, the school

When? November 13 Event? Yoga Workshop with Mine Yalcin Fuller Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art E Call 17 230-123, email info@lafontaineartcentre.net or visit www. lafontaineartcentre.net

aims to help children meet their aspirations. The BSB has achieved some of the best Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and A’ level results in Bahrain. The event is open to the public and free for everyone. Call 17 610-920 or email admissions@thebsb.com.

CHARITY FASHION SHOW

When? November 19 Event? Fashion Show Venue? The British Club

Enjoy a casual fun evening and donate to charity at the same time as The Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) hosts a fashion show along with a sitdown dinner. The event aims to be an action-packed evening, full of fabulous fun and frolics. The fashion show will have entertainment involving the models (all volunteers with no experience), with some children acting as prop holders, along with two ballerinas. It promises to be a fun event, rather than a straight forward fashion show, lasting an hour with a 15 minute interval half way, which will then be followed by a raffle and auction. The event will take place at The British Club’s Windsor Room, at 7pm. Entry is by ticket only, available from the Thrift Shop and The British Club. Tickets cost BD15 per person, inclusive of entertainment with dinner, refreshments and raffle. All proceeds go towards running the Animal Welfare Centre (AWC). Call 33 121-769.

A JAZZ-Y AFFAIR When? November 19 Event? Jazz Night Venue? Cultural Hall Jazz fans are in for a treat as the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in the Kingdom of Bahrain presents an Indonesian Jazz and Cultural Night on November 19 at the Cultural Hall. The event will feature Ade Irawan, a young pianist from Indonesia, currently living and studying in Los Angeles. Ade has appeared numerous times as a solo pianist at recitals and has performed at many prestigious festivals throughout the country, including the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Ade’s unusual solo piano recital at the Sydney Opera House in Australia in 2011 received high acclaim from both jazz musicians and critics. He has been billed as ‘unique’ – one of only a few disabled musicians who have performed at the Sydney Opera House. 32 November 2015

When? November 14 Event? Beat Diabetes Walk Venue? Dohat Arad Park, near Muharraq E Follow Facebook - www. facebook.com/beatdiabetes, Instagram - beat.diabetes and Twitter - @beatdiabetes. When? November 14 Event? Boutique Sale for Tony the Dogfather Venue? Dilmun Club Help a great cause and get fabulous deals at the same time. Boutique sale of designer clothing, Christmas items, bric-a-brac, baked goods and more, from 11am-2pm. E Call Margie on 39 676-851 to donate items. When? November 14 Event? Bahrain Karting Sprints Championship Venue? Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) This event features both the Bahrain Rotax Mojo Max Challenge and the SWS Bahrain Championship. E Call the BIC hotline 17 450-000 or visit www. bahraingp.com When? November 14 Event? French Cooking Classes Venue? Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa A first-hand experience in the creation of authentic French cuisine in La Mer restaurant under the expert guidance of the restaurant’s head chef Gari Abdelmajeed E Call 17 636-363.

The evening will also feature some traditional dances that will give a glimpse into Indonesia’s rich culture. The event, running from 7pm to 9pm, is open to the public and free. Those interested to attend can reserve their seats over the phone and collect their invites from the embassy five days in advance. Call Fitria on 39 699-491, Addi on 32 000-668 or email indonesia.manama@batelco.com.bh.

When? November 15 Event? Movie Night – Lawrence of Arabia Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art E Call 17 230-123, email info@lafontaineartcentre.net or visit www. lafontaineartcentre.net for more information. www.bahrainthismonth.com

RUGBY LEGEND IN BAHRAIN When? November 20 Event? An evening with Martin Johnson Venue? The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa

All you rugger-buggers, hold your breath! You are in for an amazing treat as rugby legend Martin Johnson lands on the island this month. The event, An evening with Martin Johnson, will be held at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa at 7.30pm. Don’t miss this superb night’s entertainment where former England captain, England manager, British Lion, British Lions captain and, of course, 2003 Rugby World Cup winner, Martin Johnson will talk about his time at club and international level, his time with the British Lions’, his Six Nations win as England manager and the momentous 2003 World Cup win as England captain. Tickets are priced at BD30 each which includes entry, gourmet dinner, superb stories from Martin Johnson on his career, a Q&A, sports memorabilia collection and prize giveaways. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ssmena.com and dress code is smart casual. Call 34 552-161 or email bahrain@ssmena.com.

RACING FUN When? November 20-21 Event? World Endurance Championship Venue? Bahrain International Circuit (BIC)

Get ready to feel your adrenaline pumping as BIC hosts its second major international event of the year, the FIA WEC (World Endurance Championship) Six Hours of Bahrain. This event will be the eighth and final round of the WEC season, thus making the BIC the perfect venue to crown the season’s newest champions in the various competition classes offered by WEC. A special simulator competition will be part of the exciting lead-up towards the two-day event. Tickets to the event are BD10 per person, with 15-year-olds and below entering for free. Tickets are available online at BIC’s official website or by calling the BIC hotline. Schedule is subject to change without prior notice. Call the BIC hotline 17 450-000 or visit www.bahraingp.com.

When? November 17, 10am Event? Olive Trees* Venue? Bahrain Garden Club House, Juffair E Call 17 727-625, email Bahrain.garden.club@gmail. com or visit www. bahraingardenclub.com When? November 18 Event? School Open Evening Venue? The British School of Bahrain (BSB) E Call 17 610-920 or email admissions@thebsb.com. When? November 18 Event? Taiwan Film Festival - The Soul of Bread (romantic comedy) Venue? Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammed Center for Culture and Research E Visit www. shaikhebrahimcenter.org

When? November 19 Event? Indonesian Jazz and Cultural Night Venue? Cultural Hall E Call Fitria on 39 699-491, Addi on 32 000-668 or email indonesia.manama@batelco. com.bh

When? November 21 Event? Craft Fair Venue? The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa

www.bahrainthismonth.com

When? November 16, 8pm Event? Jazz concert with Laurent de wilde Trio - France Venue? Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammed Center for Culture and Research E Visit www. shaikhebrahimcenter.org

When? November 19 Event? BSPCA Fashion Show Venue? The British Club E Call 33 121-769.

CHARITABLE FAIR

With the festive season just round the corner, this event comes at the perfect time. The American Women’s Association presents its annual Snowflake Craft Fair 2015 on November 21 at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa, from 11am to 4pm. The event is a fantastic opportunity for crafters, artists and designers to showcase and sell their products and for shoppers to pick up some unique gifts for Christmas!

When? November 16 Event? Bahrain Writers’ Creative Workshop Venue? Umami Restaurant, Adliya Hone your creative writing skills with a workshop at 7.30pm. E Call 39 574-795.

When? November 20 Event? An evening with Martin Johnson Venue? The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa E Call 34 552-161 or email bahrain@ssmena.com

Entrance costs 500 fils (proceeds go to local charities) and children under five go for free.

Call 39 282-488 or email craftfair@awabahrain.org for table registration. November 2015 33

happenings

GLITZ, GLAMOUR AND JEWELLERY GALORE! When? November 24-28 Event? Jewellery and Watch Exhibition Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Center (BIECC) The Middle East’s premier jewellery and watch exhibition, Jewellery Arabia 2015, will be held under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Bahrain His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, from November 24 to 28 at the BIECC. The exhibition is the largest in the prestigious 24-year history of the series, featuring over 600 exhibitors from 30 countries. A huge range of finished jewellery, luxury timepieces, precious stones, antiques, objets d’art and jewellery technology from across the globe will go on sale during this five-day spectacle, which is expected to attract over 50,000 visitors. Famous jewellery houses including major brand names

UP FOR A CRAIC?

When? November 26-28 Event? Irish Festival Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club (RFC) Gather your mates and head on over to the Bahrain Rugby Football Club for a cracking time, as the Bahrain Irish Festival returns. This year’s event is set to be the biggest yet, with three days of live sport, music and entertainment. Organised by the Bahrain Irish Society, in association with the Arabian Celts GAA Club and the RFC, the festival is being held as part of the society’s 40th Anniversary celebrations, kicking off on November 26 with the second

will introduce exclusive collections and limited edition pieces to the Middle East collectors’ market. Nine national groups from leading jewellery export countries include some of the finest retailers, designers and manufacturers from Hong Kong, India, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, the UK and the USA (newly introduced). Joining these groups are a host of independent companies from all over the world, including a selection of Bahrain’s leading jewellers. Additionally, the world’s most valuable guitar (certified by Guinness World Records) will make its Middle East debut at the exhibition, as part of a global tour, on November 24. The CORONET Gibson, estimated at USD2 million, is a fully functional guitar adorned with 11,441 diamonds (401.15 carats) set in 1.6kg of 18k white gold. Complementary jewellery education seminars will also take place at the expo. On the sidelines, the 11th Middle East Watches, Jewellery and Pen Awards will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel on November 23. Call 17 230-123, email info@lafontaineartcentre.net or visit www.lafontaineartcentre.net. round of the Middle East Hurling and Camogie League. The Rugby Club will be at the centre of attention again on November 27, as the Middle East Gaelic Football League rolls into town. A record number of 80 men’s and women’s teams will battle it out across senior, junior and intermediate levels. Off the pitch, there will be a host of Irish entertainment and fare on offer, with plenty to keep the children occupied, including face-painting, magicians and more. Irish rockers Big Generator will be the headline act for the night, supported by Declan O’Sullivan (aka the Paddyman) as well as DJ Ollie. The festival will continue with the traditional posttournament breakfast and official closing ceremony at JJ’s Irish Restaurant in Adliya on November 28. Arguably the most popular part of the festival programme, this year’s closing ceremony is expected to be a bumper edition, with more live music from the Paddyman as well as representatives from competing clubs. Email membership@bahrainirishsociety.com.

SUBARU IN MOTION When? November 28 Event? Track Day Venue? Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) Head down to the BIC for an action packed fun day and experience the thrill of driving a Subaru on the F1 track! A track and family day, Subaru in Motion has a line up of fun for everyone. The programme includes an F1 track experience for Subaru enthusiasts from 4pm to 5.30pm and for Subaru owners from 5.30pm to 8pm. The event also features kids’ entertainment, games, food and beverages, live music and more. So, mark your calendars for November 28, from 2pm to 8pm. Email Subaru@motorcity.com.bh to secure your spot as spaces are limited. Call 17 750-222. 34 November 2015

When? November 20-21 Event? FIA WEC (World Endurance Championship) Six Hours of Bahrain Venue? Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) E Call the BIC hotline 17 450-000 or visit www. bahraingp.com When? November 20-21 Event? The Chakra Experience Workshop Venue? Elite Grande Hotel, Seef District Get a deeper understanding of the chakra system with this three-part series “A Healing Journey“ Through the Chakras by Julie Lomas. E Email Julie@consciousconnections.com or visit www. conscious-connections.com When? November 21 Event? Snowflake Craft Fair 2015 Venue? The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa E Call 39 282-488 or email craftfair@awabahrain.org When? November 21 Event? Vietnamese Cooking Classes Venue? Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Chef Minh Duong of Wok restaurant will take you on a culinary journey, teaching you his secret techniques to create the most delicious Vietnamese cuisine. E Call 17 636-363. When? November 23, 8pm Event? Talk - The Arab TV Drama… The Lost Role with Maher Mansour (Syria) Venue? Abdullah Al-Zayed House for Bahraini Press Heritage E Visit www. shaikhebrahimcenter.org When? November 24, 3.30pm Event? The AGM and Elections Venue? Bahrain Garden Club House, Juffair E Call 17 727-625, email Bahrain.garden.club@gmail. com or visit www. bahraingardenclub.com When? November 24-28 Event? Jewellery Arabia 2015 Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC) E Visit www.jewelleryarabia.com

www.bahrainthismonth.com

RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE When? November 29 – December 2

Theatre Production

Entertainment+ brings yet another family theatrical Shakespeare 4 Kidz (S4K) production for all ages with The Jungle Book. The play follows much of the original tale by Rudyard Kipling and has been specially adapted for the stage by writer/director/producer Julian Chenery. The stories deal with a young boy’s adventures as he grows up in the jungle, with the timeless themes of family,

Venue? Cultural Hall

friendship, loyalty, honour, courage, tradition, integrity, persistence and, above all, friendship, resonating throughout the tale. Kipling’s hugely likeable anthropomorphic animal characters, combined with the popularity of the Walt Disney films, have made The Jungle Book a timeless classic. Featuring seven actor-musicians, the cast includes Marcelo Cervone as Mowgli the Mancub, Alastair FarrallDaniel as Baloo the Bear and Thomas Hewitt as Bagheera the Panther. They are joined by Hugo Joss Catton, Susie Chaytow, Harry Hart and Clare Reilly who play the animal friends that Mowgli meets on his adventures. A total of 10 shows will be held on November 29 at 8.45am and 10.40am; November 30 and December 1 at 8.45am, 10.40am and 12.30pm and on December 2 at 10am and 4.30pm. Each performance lasts 60 minutes. Regular tickets cost BD15. A special family offer of four tickets for BD50 is available while seats last. Tickets can be purchased from Al Osra supermarkets or Havajava Café inside Manazel. Call 39 616-858 for more information and large bookings.

PANTO ENTERTAINMENT When? December 2-5 Event? Pantomime Venue? British Club

Nothing makes Christmas more traditional than a good-old pantomime and the age-old audience participation “Boo, he’s behind you” and “Oh no it’s not”. Come and join in on the fun with the prince of thieves! The Manama Theatre Club (MTC) presents a British Club family Christmas pantomime, Robin Hood and His Merry Men, from December 2 to 5. This year, the MTC goes back to medieval times and to Nottingham Forest where Robin Hood and his Merry Men are attempting to redistribute Prince John’s www.bahrainthismonth.com

wealth and thwart the pending marriage of Robin’s sweetheart, Marian, to the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. As Jim joins the Merry Men to look for her parents, she is helped along the way by Maid Marian’s rather extrovert nurse, a cow, and pursued by the evil sheriff and his bungling henchmen. The usual chaos ensues as men dressed as women and women dressed as men get dreadfully confused, accompanied by a host of peasant children and Merry Men, singing and dancing their way to what is hoped to be a happy ending. The panto by Robin Bailes and Jonathan Hales has a few topical updates and a host of lively songs that will soon get your feet tapping. Tickets are priced at BD5 for members and BD7 for non-members, and can be purchased from the British Club reception. Nightly shows will take place on December 2 to 4 at 7pm and matinees shows on December 4 and 5 at 3pm.

When? November 26-27 Event? Calisthenics World Cup 2015 Venue? Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa Witness a test of strength and skill at the first Calisthenics World Cup championships. E Visit www. calisthenicsworldcup.com.

When? November 26-28 Event? Bahrain Irish Festival Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club (RFC) E Email membership@ bahrainirishsociety.com. When? November 27-28 Event? Beach Football Tournament Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa Feel the heat of the court as you compete against your peers in different groups. It’s an open tournament of 16 teams of five members divided in four groups. E Call the Sports Club on 17 586-612 or email rc.bahrz. events@ritzcarlton.com. When? November 28 Event? Subaru in Motion Track Day Venue? ? Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) E Call 17 750-222. When? November 29 – December 2 Event? Theatre Production - The Jungle Book Venue? Cultural Hall E Call 39 616-858. When? November 30, 8pm Event? Recital - Qassim Haddad (Bahrain) Venue? Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammed Center for Culture and Research E Visit www. shaikhebrahimcenter.org.

Call 17 728-245. November 2015 35

afterdark happenings

KEEP CALM AND KARAOKE

WAM LIVE When? Nightly Event? Ladies’ Night Venue? Club Barrel, Crystal Palace Hotel A new ladies’ night giving the girls the chance to enjoy three free drinks between 9pm and 1am every night of the week. The atmosphere’s fun with music provided by resident band Pop It. E Call 66 901-323.

When? November 3 – December 15 (Tuesdays) Event? Singing Contest Venue? JJ’s Irish Restaurant The 11th edition of the much anticipated JJ’s Annual Karaoke Idol 2015 gets underway with talented amateur vocalists battling it out over several weeks for a place in the final and the chance to walk away with the BD700 first prize. Registration begins at 8pm on November 3 for Bahrain’s original and most-loved talent show. Contestants will face a panel of professional, impartial and honest judges who will comment upon each performance but, don’t to panic, it’s all about having fun and everyone who participates earns a free drink. An exciting feature of this competition is the People’s Choice entry to the final which will be chosen via Facebook votes from the previous week’s runners up. One lucky voter will win a trip for two to Dubai. The competition will have six rounds and, as well as the first place prize, there will be BD200 for second place and BD100 for third. Call 39 329-083.

When? November 5 Event? Musical Performance Venue? Oliveto International performer and producer Walid Al-Massih has appeared all over the world and has collaborated with and produced top artists in the Middle East such as Ragheb Alama, Ziad Borji, Ayman Zbib, Nawal Al-Zoghbi, Avraam Russ and UTN1. He is joined on stage at Oliveto by the region’s queen of soul and funk, Nadine, and tenor, Pavo, for a musical night with a menu featuring a fusion of funk, oldies and Oriental songs along with DJ Charlie’s live mixing. Call 17 716-747.

WTF IS BACK

JAZZ IT UP

When? November 5-7 Event? Jazz Weekend Venue? Mövenpick

Spend a Jazz weekend full of soulful tunes, free flowing straight from the heart! As part of the hotel’s ongoing American Festival, Professor Cunningham & His Old School are flying in all the way from New York to perform live during the Jazz weekend! This seven-piece band performs everything from early jazz to early R&B. Feel the raw emotions during Thursday Night Out for BD27 net and Friday brunch for BD35 net, alongside the delicious buffets and unlimited beverages. Or enjoy a Jazz poolside breakfast on Saturday from 10am to 1pm with free flowing bubbles and pool access for BD12 net. Call 17 460-000. 36 November 2015

When? November 6 Event? DJ Appearance Venue? Klub 360 WTF returns to Klub 360 with special guest DJ Amely who started her professional career in January 2008 and has since made it half-way around the globe to showcase her energetic moves, superb dancing skills and her ability to read the crowd and entertain with flawless mixing and track selection. Voted as the world’s #1 in the list of Supermodel DJs in 2013, 2014 and 2015, she also came in at number 15 in DJane Mag’s music awards. She has appeared in men’s magazines FHM, UNO and XXL and rocked crowds for a series of FTV parties. A regular at the Cavalli clubs in Italy and Dubai), she has also performed alongside Bob Sinclar and Ferry Corsten among several notable names. Call 17 227-777.

When? Nightly Event? Ladies’ Night Venue? Ekko A new venue in Adliya is pushing to boat out to bring the girls in with unlimited selected drinks at just BD5 every night of the week. E Call 36 800-022. When? Saturdays Event? Ladies’ Night Venue? Downtown, InterContinental Regency Bahrain A cocktail party offering girls free selected beverages all night from 9pm to 1am with sounds from UK band The Explosions. E Call 35 034-768. When? Sundays Event? Ladies’ Night Venue? The Hub, Ramee Monroe Hotel Girls get four free drinks between 9pm and 2am. Music’s provided by the resident band Widespread. E Call 39 175-424. When? Tuesdays Event? Jazz Night Venue? Meisei Meisei will be the most happening place in Bahrain on Tuesdays with live jazz guitar from Ahmed Qassim and the venue’s unique cocktail creations complimentary for ladies from 7pm to 11PM. E Call 17 007-770. When? Tuesdays Event? Ladies’ Night Venue? Upstairs Downstairs Enjoy live music and unlimited drinks including cocktails and bubbly for just BD6 from 7.30pm. E Call 17 713-093. When? Tuesdays until December 15 Event? Singing Competition Venue? JJ’s Irish Restaurant This year’s Karaoke Idol contest. E Call 39 329-083.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

afterdark happenings

KEEP CALM AND KARAOKE

WTF IS BACK

JAZZ IT UP

When? November 5-7 Event? Jazz Weekend Venue? Mövenpick

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Top Curl Competition

The International Dairy Queen Top Curl Competition took place at the Jawad Dome, Barbar in the presence of International Dairy Queen and Jawad Business Group officials. Management and staff at the competition

A contestant perfects the curl

BritMUN

Paul

Nasser & Kareem Jawad

Fernanda, Haseen, Farheen & Sarfaraz

The British School of Bahrain held its 3rd annual press conference for BritMUN at Al Areen Palace and Spa. Dr Charles, Carol, Khalil, HE Simon Martin, Sophie, Lydia, Hannah & Stan

Mai-Tai Relaunch

Peter

Trader Vic’s Bahrain in affiliation with Euro Motors and Ferrari team hosted the VIP “Wahine Tuesday” relaunch at Mai-Tai Lounge.

Emilie & Loic

Esky, Lily & Betty

Lucy & Elsa

Diana & Nancy

Kylie & Lauren

Marise & Silvana

Mike, Loic & Pierric

Alexandra & Asma

Sura & Nasreen

Erica & Paul

38 November 2015

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Ibiza Sensations Coral Bay hosted the Ibiza Sensations pool party featuring sets from Luis del Vilaar, DJ Miled, DJ Mysterioo and saxophonist, Franky Flowerz.

Natalia & Ryan

Irene & Ronald

Bee, Antony & Ash

Juleane & Chris

Waleed & Nick

Najeeb, Najib & Swif

Ahmed & Gaby

Katie & Charlotte

Shaji, Suhail & Sarfaraz

Ahmed, Kristianna & Akram

Lana

Stephen & Joel

Joseph & Alma

Nurul & Suria

Yazan

Siggi

Swiss-Belhotel Anniversary Swiss-Belhotel Seef Bahrain celebrated its first anniversary with dignitaries from government and embassies. Dignitaries cut the cake Zahra, Herve, Yousra & Anastasia

Hanya, Rania, Nada & Fatima

40 November 2015

Christelle & Mohammed

Holger, HE Bernard RĂŠgnauld-Fabre, Kerstin & Herve

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Eid Gift Giveaway Qatar Airways held an Eid gift distribution for kids with special needs at the Dreams Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main office in Bahrain Financial Harbour.

Qatar Airways team with members and kids from the society

Mariya, Zeina & Janna Eva, Tom & Emma

Karthik

Amal, Stacy & Shaima

Janna & Waleed

Aysha, Eman & Fatema

Ifthard, Zeina & Babu

Sunil & Mobeen

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Mohammed & Mohammed

Shams & Sakeena

Mohammed & Shahad

A happy recipient

November 2015 41

bystander

Kelly, Shawn, Ankush, Megan & Steve

Gareth & Roza

CLUB XS Media Opening Ramee Rose Hotel launched its nightclub venue, Club XS, at a party held for members of the press and invited guests. Cutting of the cake David & Alla

Amar, Veena, Vijai, Asha & Jaghan

Club XS Public Opening

Victoria, Ashish, Sagar, Sagar & Anna

Manoj, Hemant, Mamta, Bina, Malini & Manjita

Hisham & Ashish

Leanne & Helen

Cherianne & Carol

Biljdad, Salman & Raya

Ramee Rose Hotel hosted a party for the public to launch its nightclub venue Club XS. VJ MP3 & Rodney

Mohammed & DJ Swif

Violet & Mirval

Reza & Kristianna

Zoya & Monica

42 November 2015

Samya, Amr & Chady

Yazen, Jawad & Jamal

Emma & Miriam

Lenka, Janka & Misha

Sara, Adam & Amal

Alex & Ali

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Duaij & Ahmed

Sanjay, Dipti & Khalid

Bernie

Martin & Andrew

Roanne, Hazel & Zarafina

Jao, Lee, Ai & Wei

Mohammed & Mohammed

Aroua & Mylene

Alysar & Pearl

Bahrain Fashion Weekend City Centre Bahrain presented its autumn/winter designs at its ‘Fall for Fashion’ event. A model displays a retailer’s collection

HE Alberto Vecchi, Anne & Romina

Cedric & Dr Yahya

Karen & Sheena

Discover America Week Launch HE William Roebuck, US Ambassador, launched the Discover America Week during a reception held at his residence. HE Dr Dhafer Alumran & HE William Roebuck

Mohammed, Yousif & Stephanie

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Ali, Rahim & Matthias

Phil & Debbie

HE Kiyoshi Asako, Waleed, HE Taha Qadir & HE Ahmed Khattabi

Dr Lulwa, Roaya & Fareed

Kacy & Dee

Alison & Joshua

November 2015 43

INTERVIEWS

CALISTHENICS WORLD CUP COMES TO BAHRAIN! CHARLIE HOLDING

ALSO THIS MONTH: 46 MILESTONE CELEBRATION! 48 LET’S FACE THE MUSIC

The best calisthenics athletes in the world are descending on Bahrain later this month for the first ever Calisthenics World Cup (CWC). A calisthenics athlete in action

Mohsin Falee demonstrates a Human Flag with Shehab Saeed

he eagerly anticipated event, which sees teams ‘battle’ for glory, aims to put the Kingdom under the global spotlight and showcase the island as a top sporting destination. Event organiser and founder of Big Up Sports, Shehab Saeed, says the stage is set for the competition, which is being held under the patronage of Bahrain Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Federation president Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa. “We are absolutely thrilled to have Shaikh Abdulla as our patron,” says Shehab. “Hopefully, this competition will be the start of an even bigger and better event next year.” The two-day event takes place on November 26 and 27 at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa. Teams from the UK, US, Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Spain, Brunei, UAE and Bahrain have been training hard for an event which will see each athlete have their moment to shine in front of hundreds of spectators. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Shehab says: “There are going to be 40 athletes here for the event and there are some big names, including @tatted_strength, @ sensei_barsparta and @sexyboy5304. “The first day is the group stage, which will see four teams battle it out for their place in the semi-final. Day two is the final where one team will be crowned world champions.” Each battle is five minutes with individuals each taking a minute to show their stuff before the teams compete directly against each other. In between the battles, there will be live entertainment and snacks for spectators. The event sponsors are Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland — Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain), The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain and Gulf Daily News (GDNonline). However, Shehab says there are still sponsorship slots available. “To help ensure the success of this event, which will put Bahrain on the alternative sporting world map, sponsors are always appreciated. It’s great exposure for any company wanting to align

itself with sport, youth and fitness.” In the lead-up to the CWC,a series of workshops will be held at RCSI Bahrain for fans who want to get some insider tips and tricks from the competitors themselves. Calisthenics is a form of exercise that consists of a variety of movements, often rhythmical, generally without using equipment or apparatus. They are intended to increase body strength, body fitness and flexibility through movements such as bending, jumping, swinging, twisting or kicking, using only one’s body weight for resistance. The contest will be streamed live on the Calisthenics World Cup YouTube channel and on BTV. The event will feature big money prizes with USD10,000, USD6,000 and USD4,000 for first, second and third place respectively. Tickets cost BD20 and spaces are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. Call 33 430-097 or follow @calisthenicsworldcup November 2015 45

interview

David Endall

MARKING A MILESTONE CHARLIE HOLDING The Kingdom’s oldest expatriate club is celebrating its 80th anniversary this month with a weekend of activities to mark the occasion.

he British Club of Bahrain in Umm Al Hassam has gone by several names since it was founded in 1935. However, its purpose has remained the same — providing a home away from home for members. Live music, party games, food and fun are all on the agenda for the anniversary, which runs from November 5 to 7. The celebrations, which will be spread over three days, kick off with a 1930s-themed ball, a subtle nod to the club’s heritage. “Although the club prides itself on being modern and progressive, the ball is a throwback to a bygone era,” explains general manager, David Endall. “Think Fred and Ginger and The Great Gatsby.” The evening will feature popular expat band Frankie and Friends as well as entertainment from magician Nabeel Arshad. The Friday will feature music from the Tax Dodgers and a 46 November 2015

barbecue and the celebrations conclude on Saturday with a fun family fete. Despite his obvious respect for the club’s past, David says the future is the key to its success. “I think the key to the club’s longevity is its dedication to members and ability to change with the times,” he says. “We have the old minutes from the late 40s to early 60s and it was far more formal and less family-focused. We’re different; we’ve progressed and are now very much a familyorientated club.” Treasurer Tony Connor says: “The club has a diverse range of members. Membership is open not only to British nationals, but also Gulf nationals and nationals of other countries too small to have their own social clubs in Bahrain. Approval is subject to quotas being maintained, but the more British members we have, the more space is opened up for the other nationalities mentioned.”

The club’s impressive list of facilities includes a state-of-the-art gym, library, two squash courts, two tennis courts, a large hall for plays and events, a large temperaturecontrolled pool and multiple dining venues. This, alongside a welcoming ambience and wide selection of popular annual events has not gone unnoticed. In fact, it was voted ‘Best Social Club in the World’ in the UK Telegraph’s Best of British 2010 awards. Not content to rest on its laurels, the club’s executive committee has a development programme that aims to improve facilities and build on its success. “The committee is always looking for creative ways to improve the club,” says David. “We don’t just give the place a lick of paint, we revamp our facilities as often as possible and try to utilise the space we have as best we can.” Call 17 728-245. www.bahrainthismonth.com

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interview

Hassan Bin Shams

LET’S FACE THE MUSIC CHARLIE HOLDING Bahraini singer-songwriter Hassan Bin Shams is hoping the music video for his new single Eyes will strike a chord with fans in the Kingdom and around the world.

assan, who goes by the alias, Tiny, says the song has been distributed on more than 100 platforms including iTunes, Spotify, Shazam and Tidal. “I’m the first Bahraini to be distributed over that many platforms as an English language artist,” he explains. “The video also stars Bahraini model Shereen Ahmed and three other artists, Tomi Thomas, Bris B and Chukki Abii.” The video was shot by a company based in Sweden and Dubai called UrbanMass who, incidentally, also distributed Tiny’s music world-wide. The half Bahraini, half Seychellois performer credits his co-stars for making the filming of the video a fun process. “We had to interact with each other in a very serious manner, which was pretty funny since that’s not how we really act together,” he says. “A lot of laughs were shared, I must say.” Despite his larger than life personality, Tiny got his nickname as a youngster while playing 48 November 2015

football at the rugby club in Bahrain. “I had a coach who loved getting creative with nicknames and that was the one he gave me — ever since then it stuck.” Dubai-based since 2008, Tiny moved to the UAE to study for a degree in human resource management and to follow his dream of being a singer. “It was pretty difficult in Bahrain at that time due to not having the right tools and platforms,” he says. “But it’s rapidly growing and looking great now!” Although Tiny successfully obtained his degree, he decided to dedicate himself entirely to music. “I am a full-time musician and I believe you have to take risks if you want your dreams to become a reality,” he says. “If it happens too fast it means your dreams aren’t big enough.” Tiny says that his family are not only supportive of his dream, they’re his biggest fans. “My family push my music more than I do,” he

exclaims. “Especially my oldest brother. Once I post anything I receive a notification in seconds saying he has shared it — gotta love the big bro.” Tiny currently works independently without a label or management and this suits him perfectly. “Artists will reach that point where they can end up doing it all alone after years of experience,” he says. His advice to other aspiring musicians is simple — perseverance. “Never give up, because you will be rejected more than accepted as a musician,” he says. “If you have the hustle and drive to reach new heights, trust me, you will get closer and closer the more you push.” Although the R&B singer is in Dubai, he hopes to return to the Kingdom to perform soon. “I do plan to come back and gig soon, inshallah,” he says. “I’m just waiting for the bookings to come in then I’m set and ready to go.” The video is now available on Tiny’s VEVO channel — TinyMusiqVEVO. www.bahrainthismonth.com

diplomatictalk

Dignitaries and embassy staff with former British Ambassador Iain Lindsay during an event for last year’s Great British Week

HE Simon Martin CMG

CELEBRATIONS AND SECURITY LIZ O’REILLY

From celebrating the 200th anniversary of Bahraini/British relations to assisting in the Kingdom’s ongoing reforms, in his first magazine interview HE Simon Martin CMG, the new British Ambassador, says there are interesting times ahead.

ahrain is His Excellency’s first ambassadorial posting, however, he is well acquainted with the Gulf having visited several times in his last position as deputy private secretary to their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. Prior to that he was director of protocol at the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and was also Vice Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps at a time of great activity including the London Olympic Games, which saw 89 heads of state in the UK capital, the royal wedding and Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, following which he was awarded the CMG by The Queen. One of the things His Excellency is most looking forward to in his new posting is celebrating the 200th anniversary of bilateral relations between Britain and Bahrain, in 2016. “The very successful Great British Week last year was the forerunner and we will build on that with 200 events including at the Bahrain International Airshow, the Grand Prix and the Queen’s birthday. We have the opportunity and the enthusiasm to broaden celebrations in terms of culture and education. There is huge enthusiasm from the Bahrain Royal Court to make it a year to remember.” The ambassador’s tenure will also hopefully see the start of building for a new British naval base in the Kingdom. He says: “When the British Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, was here for the Manama Dialogue, 2014, he www.bahrainthismonth.com

said: ‘Your security is our security’ and signed an agreement for a British naval base in Bahrain for the first time in 40 years. This will improve the contribution we make as part of a wider international force for the security of the Gulf region.” Commercially there is substantial British investment in the Kingdom and likewise Bahraini investment in the UK. There are currently between 8/10,000 Britons in the Kingdom and the trade position is very strong at around BD260 million per year. British exports to Bahrain account for about two thirds of that figure and last year saw a seven per cent increase. Ambassador Martin says: “There’s a strong trading relationship and it’s increasing but it hasn’t risen to its peak. There’s definitely more that can be done. British companies are always welcome here – in fact you always say that you will find yourself ‘welcome and understood’ here. That’s a good start for companies looking to invest. “I attended the Global Islamic Finance Awards at the Gulf Hotel and it was good to see a number of British companies represented. The British Government has recently issued its first Sukuk (Islamic bond) and we are hoping to have a visit from the Mayor of London in the future which will be finance focussed.” There is a substantial British presence in the international school system here and large numbers of Bahrainis study in the UK. The ambassador adds: “In fact my wife and I met

Shaikh Khalid bin Ali and his wife and we were amazed to find that we had both met our partners while studying at Nottingham University — you can’t put a price on that sort of understanding. “There’s also an agreement with Salford University, which has a number of high-profile alumni, and I hope we will see more links developing which will bring British higher education closer to Bahrain and will encourage further study in the UK.” He adds: “On the security front we are very much part of the international efforts to ensure security. We are also, at the invitation of the Bahraini government, helping in a number of other ways such as with the reform programme, which is being led with great foresight by HRH the Crown Prince. We are committed to continuing that support, for example, in the development of a number of institutes in the fields of human rights, prisoner rights and special investigations which come under the BICI (Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry).” And the military relationship is not just about the new naval base. His Excellency says: “There is constant interaction between the British and Bahraini armed forces. There are British personnel here and there are a number of serving Bahrainis who have been to Dartmouth and Sandhurst. There’s a lot of joint training including exercises side by side in a whole range of areas which shows the depth of the Bahraini/British relationship.” November 2015 49

interview

Allistair signs copies of the book with his parents

Christine Gordon

HIGHLIGHTING HIDDEN TALENT LIZ O’REILLY What happens when children with learning difficulties get too old for school? One young autistic lad has produced a simple book to help others facing challenges.

llistair Anthonio Alvares is a severely autistic 19-year-old. For such children, the end of regular schooling can mean the end of their place in society — they mostly cannot work and are too old for the classroom so what are they and their parents to do? Christine Gordon MBE, founder of the RIA Institute for those with learning difficulties, wants to see such young adults better integrated into society with more vocational training available. As such, she was delighted to host the launch of Allistair’s book, Learn to Draw With Numbers, in which the teen sets out how to draw items such as flowers, balloons and hearts using numbers to form the shapes. The launch was also attended by educational specialist Rima Al Salah and many parents and children. Allistair’s mother, Sapiencia Alvares, who compiled his drawings into easy-to-follow steps, says: “Allistair has always loved to draw and one day when we were outside he started drawing in the sand with a stick and said ‘look, I’ve made a flower from the number three’, I 50 November 2015

said ‘what about the other numbers?’ and he used those to draw other things. I suggested we make a book to help other children and he was very excited. Allistair was not a functioning autistic child, he was profoundly autistic, so for him to be able to do something like this and for us to produce something from it that can be helpful to other children is great.” Christine adds: “It’s a little, teeny, tiny book but it represents what people with learning difficulties can do, it really highlights their potential. “We wanted to turn the launch into a discussion forum on what happens to special needs children when they are too old for school. Some are still at RIA because we work on mental age, but this is not the norm. “Society accepts that you go to school for a certain number of years and then you go to university or get a job, or possibly to a community centre for those with learning difficulties if there is something available. “For most, they are back home with nothing to do. Let’s be honest, how many of us would want even our nearest and dearest at home all day?

“There need to be some serious questions asked about how young adults with learning difficulties can be better integrated into society. For example, there are some supermarkets here who employ them and it would be good to see other industries taking this on board.” There are some facilities already available and Christine has been in discussions with the Kingdom’s authorities with a view to establishing vocational programmes but, she says: “There are also other areas in which changes are needed, such as heredity. Shaikha Jameela Al Qasimi in Sharjah is really pushing for the rights of those with learning difficulties and this is something I would like to see mirrored here in Bahrain. We also have Inclusion MENA which is an advocacy group. “However, I believe we need a whole re-evaluation of this issue in Bahrain and we used the book launch as a forum to explore how we can put this on the agenda as well as being an occasion to celebrate and highlight the achievements of this young boy.” www.bahrainthismonth.com

jewellery&watches

All That Glitters Jewellery has always been much more than just a fashion accessory. Besides its inherent value, it is also a symbol of love and appreciation between couples, friends and family.

With the festive season fast approaching, now is the ideal time to look for something special for your loved ones. From designer watches to full on bling, Bahrain This Month takes an in-depth look at what retailers have to offer around town as well as at the annual Jewellery Arabia exhibition. Asia Jewellers: A household name in Bahrain, this company is the supplier of a wide range of worldclass brands such as Officine Panerai watches. These timepieces are a natural blend of Italian design, Swiss technology and passion for the deep ocean. Meanwhile, De GRISOGONO dazzles with its creations, be it the captivating stone-studded high jewellery or the dynamic designs of its timepieces. Kooheji Jewellery: The reputed company is all set to return this year to Jewellery Arabia 2015 to showcase its superb selection of finely crafted pieces.

Al Sarraj Jewellers: Established in Bahrain in 1982, this company has pioneered dealing in everything from loose diamonds to precious and semi-precious stones. Visit both its stalls, ‘Al Sarraj Pearls & Diamond’ and ‘Al Sarraj Jewellers’, at Jewellery Arabia for special offers and the latest collection. Patek Philippe: has launched a number of fascinating new models that will undoubtedly appeal to watch collectors and aficionados alike. Responsible for manufacturing some of the most impressive and beautiful wristwatches in the world, this brand has a well-deserved reputation for excellence. Sharif Group: Roberto Cavalli Group, one of the most prestigious Italian fashion brands, and Franck Muller Group, the Swiss leader in the high-end watches sector, are causing a huge stir with their co-branding concept Roberto Cavalli by Franck Muller. The timepieces showcase the close collaboration between the two brands.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

November 2015 51

jewellery&watches

AL SARRAJ JEWELLERS

A Sparkling Legacy Boasting more than 33 years of illustrious service, this jewellery house has made its mark and has achieved an enviable position in the Middle East. Al Sarraj Jewellers was established in Bahrain in 1982 and is a pioneer in dealing in everything from loose diamonds to precious and semi-precious stones. Built on a solid foundation of integrity and professionalism, its parent company is the family business Lighthouse Gems, which was founded in Malaysia in 1951. Using only craftsmen with unparalleled talent for elegant designs, Al Sarraj has today earned a strong reputation for offering customers a stunning range of jewellery that is modern, sophisticated and a glittering testimony to delicate taste. The company possesses unique market sense, passion to strive for excellence and is known as a trusted dealer for certified diamonds and as an artisan house for fine jewellery. Using timeless designs that carefully combine tradition, elegance and imagination, Al Sarraj creates fine pieces – each being a work of art that is bound to leave a dazzling impression. Maintaining high cutting standards, Al Sarraj’s inventory includes exclusive collections of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, tanzanite, alexandrite and natural pearls. The Bahraini pearl is renowned for its striking lustre and natural beauty. Al Sarraj has a wonderful range of these pearls in its collection and seed pearl jewellery set in 21K gold. The success of Al Sarraj can be attributed to its customercentric philosophy; the quality standards it maintains, the meticulous manufacturing skills of its employees and fair trading practices. This, in combination with its core family values, ensures a loyal customer base all over the Middle East. Visit both its stalls, ‘Al Sarraj Pearls & Diamond’ and ‘Al Sarraj Jewellers’, at Jewellery Arabia for special offers and the latest collection in Hall 2. Call 17 277-521 (Gold Souq), 17 212-147 (Gold City) or 17 583-337 (Seef Mall). 52 November 2015

www.bahrainthismonth.com

jewellery&watches ASIA JEWELLERS

A Nautical Affair Inspired by the depths of the ocean, the Officine Panerai watches are a natural blend of Italian design, Swiss technology and passion for the sea.

RADIOMIR BLACK SEAL 8 DAYS ACCIAIO - 45MM PAM00609

PAM00610

Gold, Ecru

Movement: Hand-wound mechanical, P.5000 calibre, executed entirely by Panerai, 4.5mm thick, 21 jewels, Glucydur balance, 21,600 alternations/hour. KIF Parechoc anti-shock device. Power reserve eight days, two barrels. 127 components. Functions: Hours, minutes Case: Diameter 45mm, AISI 316L polished steel with removable wire loop strap attachments (patented) Bezel: Polished steel Back: See-through sapphire crystal Small seconds at 9 o’clock

Dial: Black with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers.

Movement: 15¾ lignes

Water Resistance: 10 bar (~100 metres) Strap: Calf Monte Carlo, 27/22mm standard

Call 17 535-344 or visit www.asiajewellers.com.

Movement: 15 ½ lignes 54 November 2015

Black, Tone on Tone www.bahrainthismonth.com

ASIA JEWELLERS

Opulence Magnified

Dedicated to absolute perfection, this Geneva-based jewellerwatchmaker has been wooing the world with stunning pieces that are red-carpet worthy. De GRISOGONO dazzles with its creations, be it the captivating stonestudded high-jewellery or the dynamic designs of its timepieces. The brand’s outstanding collections have made de GRISOGONO an icon in its own right. GRAPPOLI Renowned for exceptional haute couture and creative objects that make an impression, de GRISOGONO expresses a unique bond between its high jewellery and watchmaking know-how. Giving pride of place to spectacular gemstones, exceptional cuts and state-of-the-art setting techniques, the brand knows how to bring extra soul and character to its jewellery timepieces. This is clearly evident in de GRISOGONO’s high-jewellery watch, GRAPPOLI, which was pre-selected for the 15th Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), among 72 nominees, in the jewellery category alongside Audemars Piguet, Bvlgari, Chaumet, Fabergé and Piaget. The briolette-cut stones have become a signature of de GRISOGONO collections, which use a gem setting technique that gives the stones complete freedom, creating the illusion they are floating in mid-air. An entirely hand-crafted technique similar to that of haute couture, it showcases a subtle combination of time, talent, passion as well as www.bahrainthismonth.com

infinite patience — vividly expressed at the heart of the GRAPPOLI jewellery timepieces. With 120 hours of work going into the making of the GRAPPOLI S08, it asserts de GRISOGONO’s high-jewellery mastery and haute couture spirit. A firework of sapphires, tanzanites and diamonds — the harmoniously set stones, cuts and colours skillfully play with contrasts and polar opposites, mingling various types of gems set on black rhodiumed gold. A total of approximately 76 carats of precious stones, set in a single piece, mark the passing hours. The delicate snow-setting on the dial and bezel is framed by a double row of gently moving briolette-cut gemstones. Seventy moving briolettes delicately sewed on the case modules make an amazing corolla of grapes of gems. INDIA Revealing all the fascination of the distinctive cabochon-cut, de GRISOGONO presents its elegant new earrings collection, INDIA. Asserting its chiaroscuro touch, it mingles various unorthodox contrasting types of stones invisibly set on white or rose gold. A very sophisticated collection; it is treated with the same degree of expertise and complexity as high-jewellery creations. Always attracting attention amongst the most refined and elegant people, INDIA earrings are being worn by some of the most beautiful women on Earth. A tone-on-tone theme graces the rose gold, as well as the nude tones of fossilised mammoth ivory and opal matching to brown or white diamonds. The collection mainly features azure blue and green hues embodied by a mix and match of turquoise and emeralds — the jeweller’s favourite stone. In a more contrasting interplay, de GRISOGONO blends opal’s strength to turquoise’s sweetness. Amber tones paired with onyx also give the collection its uniquely fascinating face. With the generosity of cabochon-cut and timelessness of drops, INDIA’s sculptural and very refined earrings express a new shape of style. De GRISOGONO creations are available at all Asia Jewellers outlets. Call 17 535-344 or visit www.asiajewellers.com. November 2015 55

bystander

HE Alfonso Ver, Vergel & Vicky

Lulu Philippines Festival Lulu Hypermarket celebrated the culture, talents and innovation of the Filipino community at its Pinoy Fiesta (Philippines Festival) at Dana Mall. HE Alfonso Ver, Philippines Ambassador, inaugurated the event.

Cutting of the cake

Joel, Ricky, Emil, Suresh & Bea

Vijoy, Jaleel & Abhilash

Dong

Ritchell, Madonna, Mani & Analie

Khaleem

Sawsan, Mahmood, Abbas, Lilian, George, Omran, Rowena, Osama, Dr Maysoon & Ali

Filipino Basketball Team Visit Omran and Rowena Al Musawi hosted a dinner at their residence for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, professionals of the Philippine Basketball Association who visited Bahrain for the 8th BahrainPhilippines Goodwill Games 2015. Omran, R Almazan & Rowena

J Cruz & J Quinahan

M. Ahanmisi, Annette & J Ibanes

HE Alfonso Ver, Philippineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ambassador, Abbas AlMosawi, coach Yeng and assistant coach Ricky Umayam

56 November 2015

Asst coach Caloy

Mike

Paul & Belga

Jenny & Kenneth

Glenda & daughter & Nelia

Kim and Jhen

www.bahrainthismonth.com

jewellery&watches

KOOHEJI JEWELLERY

Local Jeweller in Spotlight With Jewellery Arabia 2015 making a big comeback again this year, a popular local jeweller is gearing up to showcase its latest collections at this spectacular expo.

Kooheji Jewellery is all set to return this year to the Middle East’s premier jewellery and watch exhibition, Jewellery Arabia 2015. The exhibition will be held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, from November 24 to 28 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre. Kooheji Jewellery’s participation is a reflection of its keenness to be present and take part in the kingdom’s continuous efforts to follow up with market developments globally and upgrade the jewellery sector locally. It also indicates the company’s eagerness to consistently meet the exclusive high-end taste of its customers locally and internationally. General manager Waleed Al Kooheji expressed satisfaction with this year’s participation alongside the world’s most prestigious international names in one of the most prominent jewellery exhibitions in the Middle East. He says he is full of confidence in the strength and quality of the exhibits this year, stressing the company’s eagerness to excel on all levels. The company’s pavilion is designed with a specific vision that is set to meet individual requirements and offer a unique experience with a range of luxury and high-end jewellery selections as well as precious stones that will undoubtedly leave a positive impression on visitors of the exhibition. Since its inception in 1952, Kooheji Jewellery now owns six branches in the Middle East, with plans for a new “boutique” branch to be opened in Moda Mall later this year. Visit www.kooheji.net.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

November 2015 57

jewellery&watches SHARIF GROUP

Signature Timepieces

An Italian fashion house and a Swiss watchmaker have joined hands to come up with an outstanding collection of watches that redefine luxury and take it to new heights.

58 November 2015

When two renowned luxury labels come together to launch a product that combines the best elements and expertise of each brand, the result is simply magic! Roberto Cavalli Group, one of the most prestigious Italian fashion brands, and Franck Muller Group, the Swiss leader in the high-end watches sector, caused a huge stir with its co-branding concept Roberto Cavalli by Franck Muller. The distinguished designerwatchmaker duo unveiled a complete breath-taking watch collection, which incorporated their distinctive DNAs and exuded panache, giving glamour and elegance a whole new meaning. The timepieces showcase the close collaboration between the two brands, bringing together the modernity of the Italian designer and the technical competence of the Swiss watchmaker in complete unison. This co-branding concept is a world premiere and, for the first time in the history of cooperation between a fashion house and a watch maker, the products will feature both brands. The “Signature” timepieces collection is a luxurious fashion statement, inspired by the unique Roberto Cavalli style, incorporating some of his most iconic and representative elements such as animal prints. The range is developed in steel, featuring Swissmade movements, anti-reflective sapphire crystals, semi-precious stones and comes with gorgeous leather straps or metal bracelets. The variety of shapes and the fusion of glamour, creativity and elegance have been the driving inspirations behind this stunning collection.

The Roberto Cavalli Group was launched in the early 1970s and is one of the most renowned and respected “Made in Italy” brands. The creativity and stylistic innovation of the brand has always been easily distinguishable in its clothes, shoes and bags. Its signature lines and collections are dedicated to both women and men and complemented by a wide range of products including silk and cashmere accessories, eyewear, watches, perfumes, underwear and swimwear, to name but a few. The eponymous watch brand was founded in 1992 by the talented young watchmaker Franck Muller in association with the horlogical specialist Vartan Sirmakes. In less than 25 years, the brand has become a true reference in the field of haute horlogerie. Due to its constant innovations, exceptional designs and technical savoir-faire, the brand today has more than 50 patents, 40 exclusive boutiques worldwide and seven production sites in Switzerland. The Roberto Cavalli by Franck Muller watches are sold in the flagship stores of Roberto Cavalli, in selected Franck Muller Boutiques and in a network of the best watch retailers around the world. The watches are available in Bahrain at A La Mode in Seef Mall, City Centre Bahrain, Enma Mall and Moda Mall. Call Seef Mall on 17 580-200, City Centre Bahrain on 17 179-854, Enma Mall on 77 333-555 and Moda Mall on 17 534-646. www.bahrainthismonth.com

jewellery&watches PATEK PHILIPPE

Time is Precious Responsible for manufacturing some of the most impressive and beautiful wristwatches in the world, this brand has a welldeserved reputation for excellence.

Patek Philippehas launched a number of fascinating new models that will undoubtedly appeal to watch collectors and aficionados alike. Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time Ref. 5524 The new Calatrava Pilot Travel Time features the patented Travel Time mechanism, vastly popular among frequent flyers because it can simultaneously display two different time zones. True to the style of genuine aviators’ timekeepers, it has broad local-time hands, large Arabic numerals and slender second hands with a luminescent coating that makes them superbly legible even in the dark. With screw-down pushers at eight and 10 o’clock, the local-time hour hand can be quickly and conveniently moved forwards or backwards in onehour increments. The second, skeletonised hour hand, shows the time at the owner’s permanent place of residence. The watch is powered by the self-winding calibre 324 S C FUS movement with the Spiromax balance spring. It is insensitive to the magnetic fields that are ubiquitous on board aeroplanes. Its blue-violet shimmer and the beautiful finissage of the entire movement can be admired through the sapphirecrystal case back. The brown leather strap with bright contrast topstitching and the white-gold clevis prong buckle add sporty masculine accents. So, apart from its technical capabilities, smart looks also make this watch an ideal travel companion.

5370P

60 November 2015

Patek Philippe Split-seconds Chronograph Ref. 5370 In the panoply of Patek Philippe complications, the Split-seconds Chronograph is true royalty. Launched at Baselworld 2015, an exquisite new example, reference 5370, continues a story that stretches back to 1923. It is a watch focused entirely on measuring the duration of transient events. It allows lap and intermediate times to be stopped without interrupting the ongoing measurement. Even after the 2009 launch of the first classic chronograph movement developed and crafted entirely in-house, it took only three years for the manufacture’s calibre engineers to outfit it with a split-seconds complication. www.bahrainthismonth.com

The manually wound movement with two column wheels and a horizontal clutch is classic. The seven patented innovations — all dedicated to higher rate accuracy, simplified adjustability, greater reliability and more precise indications — are trailblazing. Its immaculate contours and refined details, such as the oval chronograph pushers and the fluted turban-style crown with the split-seconds button, give this highly technical stopwatch an aura of masculine elegance. Annual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5905P The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5905P comes with a 42mm case made of platinum. It shows a full mirror finish and comes with Patek’s classical concave bezel and lugs. It can be associated to a black or a deep blue dial, with matching alligator strap. The dial — inspired by the 2010 Annual Calendar Ref. 5205 — sports an inimitable face with new colours and interesting details. Between 10 and two o’clock, the broad ring with the white-gold hour markers features three apertures, for the day, date and month indications.

5524

The outer rounds of the start/stop pusher, the crown, and the reset pusher are perfectly arranged along an arc parallel to the caseband. Here, premeditated design pleases the eye and optimises user-friendliness. The case accommodates the self-winding calibre CH 28-520 QA 24H movement with a chronograph and the Annual Calendar, which only has to be corrected once a year, on March 1. This fascinating opus consists of 402 parts crafted with extraordinary precision and finished by hand. In keeping with tradition, the stopwatch functions are controlled by a column wheel, while power to the chronograph hand is transmitted by a modern disc clutch. 5905P

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Call the Patek Philippe Boutique on 17 520-055. November 2015 61

bystander

Vishal & Mark

Qassim, Saeed & Mohammed

Ayman & Fatema

Manaf, Mohammed & Mahmood

Imtiaz Raffle Draw Bahrain Credit held its fifth annual grand raffle draw for Imtiaz credit cardholders at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre. The draw included six GAC Motor cars as main prizes. Raffle participants try their luck

Dr Adel & Fadhel

Toyota Launch

Mohammed, Faisal, Ali & Mohammed

Marwa & Zahra

Mohammed & Hussain

Ammar, Mike & Khalid Kanoo

EK Kanoo launched the new Toyota Land Cruiser at its showroom in Sitra. The new cars on display

Charlie, Trevor & Grant Oikawa & Ayman

Motoyanai & Takayuki

62 November 2015

Sarin & Alie

Ismail Kanoo

Lourdes

Henry

Matthew & Ebrahim Kanoo

Abeer & Waleed Kanoo

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Banking on Bahrain

Dr White receives her accreditation from a Chartered Insurance Institute representative

The Kingdom’s financial services industry has long been a mainstay of the economy with the island recognised as a substantial regional hub for both banking and insurance.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

The industry continues to grow with many of the major banks establishing innovative services for both private and corporate clients. For example, Khaleeji Commercial Bank (KHCB), one of Bahrain’s leading Islamic retail banks, recently announced the launch of its new e-banking services with a completely revamped user-friendly interface that’s set to revolutionise the way customers conduct their business, enabling them to perform all their banking transactions online. And, another major local player, BBK, has launched an alumni club to ensure the bank does not lose the expertise of former employees. The island attracts some of the region’s foremost banking talents with Ibdar Bank, the Bahrain-based wholesale Islamic investment bank, recently announcing the appointment of Khalil Al Awadhi as executive director, investor relations. He has more than 30 years’ experience in asset management and investment placement in top-tier regional and international financial institutions.

banks&insurance

There is also a new man in charge at Citi with the appointment of Usman Ahmed as the chief executive officer for Citi Bahrain as well as Citi Islamic Investment Bank. Previously head of corporate and investment at Citi Philippines, he will oversee the bank’s operations in Bahrain as well as leading its effort to provide valueadded Islamic banking products and services to clients across the globe. As in other areas of business, Bahrain is at the forefront regionally in promoting women in banking. The island will shortly host the Women in the Financial and Banking Sector Conference, patronised by HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW). The event will be addressed by Dr Mahnaz Safa, a senior London-based banker, with more than two decades of top-tier global banking experience. The conference marks the conclusion of a year-long campaign, aimed at enhancing women’s role in the financial and banking sector. The Central Bank of Bahrain and SCW have hosted a series of events, roundtables and forums to highlight issues relating to women’s advancement in the sector. The conference is expected to bring together more than 250 senior officials and heads of major financial institutions in Bahrain. Meanwhile, the insurance industry is also seeing tremendous innovation from its female members such as Dr Suzanne White who has just launched the Oasis Training Centre for which she and her local colleague, Fetooh Al Zayani, have been accredited as trainers by the UK’s Chartered Insurance Institute, the only people in the Kingdom to hold this accreditation. Suzanne started her career with top UK insurance companies RSA and Norwich Union, spending over 10 years in a variety of technical and managerial positions. She has also taught university students on risk management courses and led an insurance teaching team. Fetooh’s career spans 34 years in executive management, underwriting and business development in the regional and international insurance and re-insurance industry includING leading roles at regulatory and development authorities. Their expertise will certainly be in demand with a new report from Moody’s Investors Service revealing that the GCC remains the fastest growing insurance region with top line growth close to 15 per cent in 2014. The GCC insurance industry has more than tripled since 2006 with premiums increasing to USD22.2 billion from USD6.4 billion and that growth is expected to continue in the coming years driven by the region’s high economic and fiscal strength. November 2015 63

banks&insurance

A Karim Bucheery

BBK

Alumni Club Launched This leading bank is building on its “One Family” employee ethos with a club to strengthen ties for former staff.

64 November 2015

BBK, Bahrain’s pioneer in retail and commercial banking, has announced the launch of the BBK Alumni Club, an initiative aimed at strengthening relationships and opening lines of communication between the bank and its former employees. Commenting on the initiative, BBK chief executive A Karim Bucheery says: “BBK’s employees have always been an integral part of the bank’s continuous success. They have been the pillars on which BBK has grown to become Bahrain’s leading financial institution. We are certain that they will remain a valuable source of inspiration, guidance and advice and we are pleased to create the BBK Alumni Club to reunite all the family members.” In its journey of success, BBK has continuously invested in its number one asset, the employees, who have been nurtured, trained and developed to become leaders in the banking and financial industry. With a 45-year heritage, BBK has employed nearly 3,500 staffers, whilst achieving a 95 per cent rate of Bahrainisation. The bank has always enjoyed the “One Family” culture and takes pride in the high percentage of loyal employees who have completed 20, 30 and 40 years of service. The BBK Alumni Club will bridge the gap between the bank and former employees through various organised activities. Membership is available to former employees in Bahrain, who meet the required criteria. They have been contacted and invited to join up and

the possibility for registration has also been made available on the website www.bbkonline.com/alumni. The formation of the club is another pioneering initiative from BBK as it is the first local bank to introduce an alumni club. It also represents an important milestone for BBK since it underscores the bank’s appreciation of the invaluable role that former employees continue to play in the development and future successes of hthe bank and of the financial sector of the Kingdom as a whole. About BBK BBK has been the pioneer in commercial banking for over 40 years in the Kingdom. As a revolutionary market leader, it has built a name and reputation which is respected locally as well as internationally. To maintain this reputation, BBK has been at the forefront, incorporating the latest technologies to provide the finest services. One example of which is the e-banking solutions offered by BBK, which provide new generation services through its user-friendly, awardwinning website www.bbkonline.com, along with the telebanking, cash depository machines and automated teller machine services. BBK is proud to be honoured for its corporate governance by the Hawkamah Institute for the fourth consecutive year. This award has become a prestigious, competitive and highly coveted bank award which highlights the industry’s strong commitment to good corporate governance. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Sara

Apple, Manar & Marise

A La Modeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Shop Sharif Group management inaugurated a new store of A La Mode watch shop at City Centre Bahrain in the presence of mall officials. The ribbon cutting ceremony

Mercedes-Benz Showcase

Khalid & Maha

Mourad & Sandesh

Al Haddad Motors presented the all-new SUV range of Mercedes-Benz at its showroom in Tubli.

Melville, Redha, Mohammed, Abdulla Haddad, Graeme, Imran, Taha, Tamim & Ebrahim

Basma, Graeme & Nada

Fashion Show Srinivasulu & Kizzy

66 November 2015

Imran & Marise

Ebrahim & Taha

Abdulla Haddad

Majestic Arjaan by Rotana organised a fashion show made from recycled materials as part of its corporate social responsibility activity. Abdulla & Khamis

Chamodi & Catherine

Jessa & Shahed

www.bahrainthismonth.com

MOTORING PRANCING HORSE GALLOPS AHEAD CHARLIE HOLDING This racy little number is proof that the Italians lead the charge when it comes to sports cars.

ALSO THIS MONTH: 68 NEW RANGE OF SUVs 70 GET READY TO EXPLORE

Ferrari F12

know I’m a little late to the party but last month I finally got round to watching the Godfather trilogy. In a serendipitous twist of fate, a few days later I was asked if I wanted to test drive the Ferrari F12 — needless to say, it was an offer I couldn’t refuse! Although English by birth, my heritage is a combination of Greek and Italian so it’s no surprise that I have an affinity for Italy. Not only is the country renowned for its cuisine (including my Aunt Concetta’s sensational lasagna), it has a well-deserved reputation for producing some of the best sports cars in the world. Perhaps the most impressive of these cars is the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, an Italian stallion that seamlessly blends passion, performance and racing technology. Not only does this model spearhead a whole new generation of 12-cylinder Ferraris, it is also the most powerful road car the marque has ever built. Under the bonnet of this mean machine is a naturally aspirated engine that generates www.bahrainthismonth.com

740bhp and literally rockets the F12 from 0-100kmph in just three seconds. Aesthetically, the F12 is a sight to behold, a true elegant beauty. An imposing grille that draws air into the engine bay dominates the nose, while on either side there are electronically controlled guide vanes that help cool hardworking brakes. The rear is a cuttingedge interpretation of the ‘Kamm tail’, featuring signature round Ferrari LED lights and an F1-inspired fog light. Inside, the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is a model of sporty efficiency with handcrafted details and technology blending perfectly. Logical, simple and accommodating, all vital functions can be reached and operated without taking your hands off the steering wheel. Vital information is displayed with perfect clarity, directly ahead. The fun begins as soon as you hit the engine start button (also on the steering wheel) and an almighty roar lets you know you’re in business. Ironically, the least sporty mode this car can be

driven in is ‘sport mode’; there are additional settings for ‘race’ and ‘CT off’ and ‘ESC off’, all of which change the driving dynamic drastically. The only problem with having more than 700 ponies under the bonnet is that when you’re stuck in traffic there’s no room to gallop but, luckily, as soon as the traffic cleared I was off like a bolt of lightning, leaving a cloud of dust and an echoed roar in my wake. Although there is an automatic mode, which performs fantastically, I didn’t bother using it much because the whole point of a car like this is to drive it yourself. Make no mistake about it, this is a real driver’s car and one that would be perfectly at home on a racetrack alongside any F1 vehicle. This is probably the most fun Ferrari I’ve ever driven. It’s intuitive, responsive, phenomenally powerful and, as an added bonus, it looks great. This is a car that doesn’t just meet your expectations — it laps them (several times). November 2015 67

motoring

AL HADDAD MOTORS

New Range of SUVs If you’re looking for a stylish SUV, there has never been a better time to buy.

68 November 2015

Al Haddad Motors, the dealer of Mercedes-Benz in the Kingdom, has launched three new models, each promising an unforgettable driving experience. The new GLE boasts a luxurious interior, a sportier exterior design and is equipped with high levels of active and passive safety features and driver assistance systems. The result is a premium SUV that combines performance, safety, comfort and design. The AMG GLE 63 4matic Coupe is an exciting interpretation of a four-door SUV coupe. An expressive masculine vehicle, this commanding SUV delivers a dynamic on-road driving experience, whatever the terrain. Its agility, distinctive engine

sound and typical sports car acceleration are united with poise, assurance, power and perfect traction. Meanwhile, the new GLC, which succeeds the GLK, is more spacious and refined than ever. It turns heads with its sleek design and takes the lead in terms of technology, innovation and luxury. “Mercedes-Benz is known for always leading the way,” says Graeme Newport, general manager of Al Haddad Motors. “In terms of technology and innovation, Mercedes is about five years ahead of the game. It is truly an honour to see historical events unfold for the automobile industry.” Call 17 785- 454.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

The new SUVs from Mercedes-Benz. Make the best of every ground.

Al Haddad Motors, Kingdom of Bahrain, Tel: (+973) 17785454 marketing@alhaddad-mercedesbenz.com, www.bahrain.mercedesbenzme.com

motoring ALMOAYYED MOTORS

Get Ready to Explore

CHARLIE HOLDING This trend-setting model has been revamped for success and is packed with more technology than ever before.

70 November 2015

The Ford Explorer began its adventure in 1990 and and has been on a journey to the top of its segment ever since. It has undergone various changes over the years, but one thing remains constant — its broad appeal. Although still instantly recognisable, the exterior revamp gives it a fresh and youthful look. Styling updates — such as positioning the grille and LED headlamps even higher, adding a new closed-off lower roof rack with channels that cascade rainwater off the vehicle and a new rear spoiler — also improve aerodynamics. For 2016, the Explorer offers more technologies than previous models and a plethora of available features that enhance the driving experience. Interior design changes reflect desires customers expressed through Ford consumer research, which shows one in five Explorer Sport customers previously owned a luxury vehicle. Changes include a higher-mounted, wrapped and stitched door armrest, real buttons to replace touch-sense oneson the infotainment system and more refined detailing throughout. The standard 3.5-litre V6 engine for base, XLT and Limited models — with 294PS at 6,500rpm and 346Nm of torque at 4,000rpm — is paired with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. New technologies available for 2016 include, front and rear cameras with washers, both have wide-angle lenses — a class-exclusive, segmentfirst feature. Meanwhile, enhanced active park assist with perpendicular park assist, park-out assist and semi-automatic parallel parking make slotting into a space easier than ever. The Explorer boasts smart-charging USB ports

— located in the front and rear of the vehicle — which are able to charge smart devices up to two times faster than conventional ports. In terms of capability, this model comes out on top. Explorer’s intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System reassesses conditions about 20 times faster than the blink of an eye — providing precise handling and traction. Intelligent four-wheel drive continuously monitors wheel speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle to determine vehicle conditions and driver intent. The system then determines the optimal amount of front and rear torque for the given conditions to prevent slip from occurring, which helps keep the vehicle sure-footed on virtually any terrain. The following features, while not new for Explorer, are also available on the 2016 model: • Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support. • Lane-keeping system • Blind spot information system • Cross-traffic alert • Auto high-beams • Inflatable rear safety belts Meanwhile, interior changes help enhance quietness in the cabin. There are new door seals and an enhanced sound package includes engine subframe mounts specially tuned to reduce vibration. Acoustic glass is used on the windshield and front doors on XLT and higher trim levels. Call 17 737-373. www.bahrainthismonth.com

motoring

MOTORCITY

Demand the Best CHARLIE HOLDING The most anticipated luxury SUV of the year has finally arrived.

72 November 2015

The new seven-seater XC90, available from Motorcity, marks the beginning of a new chapter for Volvo, capturing its future design direction, incorporating its own range of new technologies and utilising its new Scalable Product Architecture technology. Grounded firmly in traditional Swedish design, the new XC90 has a muscular and distinctive elegance that is sure to win fans over. It is the first model to carry the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new iron mark, which has the iconic arrow elegantly aligned with the diagonal slash across the grille. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s larger, more spacious and has been revamped to impress in all areas, one of the most noticeable being the cabin. Innovatively designed seats free up interior space for passengers in the second and third seat rows and a multitude of adjustment possibilities make it easy to find an ideal seating position. Elsewhere, there are swathes of wood and leather throughout the cabin with handcrafted highlights such as the crystalglass gear level and diamond cut designs for the starter button and volume controls. The new XC90 is available with a two-litre, fourcylinder Drive-E powertrain, which provides an outstanding combination of performance and fuelefficiency. This T6 engine is equipped with a supercharger and turbocharger that deliver a whopping power output of 320bhp and a maximum torque of 400Nm. This engine is mated to an 8-speed

automatic transmission. The new user interface is one of the most modern in-car control systems on the market. It completely reinvents the way drivers operate their cars. The traditional selection of buttons and controls has been replaced with a smooth, intuitive interaction between a large tablet-style touch-screen, controls on the steering wheel and voice-control system. The digital instrumentation and optional head-up display ensure that the most relevant information is available when needed. The Volvo XC90 can be specified with a four-zone climate system with individual settings for the occupants in the front seats and in the second row. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line system features a 1,400W Class D amplifier and 19 Bowers & Wilkins speakers. When it comes to safety, this model offers the most comprehensive and technologically sophisticated standard safety package available in the automotive industry. It includes two world-first safety technologies: a run-off road protection package and auto brake at intersection capability. The new Adaptive Cruise Control with Pilot Assist enables safe and comfortable semi-autonomous driving by automatically following the vehicle ahead in stop-and-go traffic. Acceleration, braking and now also steering are controlled automatically. Call 17 736-222. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Raymond, Mufeed & Najeeb

Bahrain British Business Forum held a networking lunch with speaker HE Zayed Alzayani, BBBF Lunch The Industry and Commerce Minister, at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence & Spa. Abdul Hatim, Mazen, Paula, HE Simon Martin, Khalid Al Zayani, HE Zayed Alzayani, Ahmed, Qays & Mohammed

Motorcity Opening

Rose, Steven, Heather & Oksana

Gurucharan

Motorcity inaugurated a new spare parts distribution centre in Maâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ameer. Milton, Agnelo, Ammar, Brett, Bijan, Mike & Nestle

Abdul Matthew & Trevor

Arun, John & Prasoon

Vivek

Shaheen

Malcolm

Jejo & Sreejith

Santhosh, Shyamlal & Nazeer

Joel

Murali

Waleed Kanoo

Watch Boutique Talk

The Watch Boutique hosted a talk on horology by Mohammed Al Qahtani, from Saudi Arabia, World Champion of Public Speaking 2015, and the first GCC national to win the prestigious award.

Kamal, Mohammed Qahtani, Mohammed & Asrar

74 November 2015

Hussain

Maisa, Asrar & Vivek

Vishal & Mohammed

www.bahrainthismonth.com

motoring EURO MOTORS

Cool Crossover

CHARLIE HOLDING It’s no secret that BMW is a brand synonymous with power and performance. This model is a shining example of why the marque is so popular around the world.

76 November 2015

The styling of the BMW X4 has divided opinion among motoring correspondents and, love it or hate it, one thing is certain – this luxury crossover has a distinct look. It bears more than a passing resemblance to the bigger X6 and is based on the same platform as the X3, which, in my opinion, makes it a wining combination. Exterior aesthetics aside, inside is a familiar affair for anyone who has driven a BMW in recent years. The luxuriously appointed cabin screams sophistication and the user-friendly infotainment system is worth noting. However, gadgets and gizmos aside, what matters to me most is how a car performs and I loved driving the X4 around Manama. I’ve always found BMW vehicles deliver a consistent level of efficiency – perhaps due to the German heritage? This model is certainly no exception and the more time I spent driving it, the more impressed I became. The fully-loaded crossover boasts a selection of driving modes to ensure you get the performance you desire – and believe me, I did. From Comfort to Sport and even Sport Plus, each mode changes the drive significantly and, to provide a sporty touch, there are paddle-shifters if you opt for a more hands-on experience. However for me, it was Sport Plus mode for the majority of my drive because, let’s face it, what’s the point of driving a BMW if you’re not going to utilise its stunning raw power? The steering is well balanced

and remarkably responsive with even the slightest turn of the wheel; this makes it a doddle to manoeuvre around the tight corners Adliya is famous for. There is no shortage of power thanks to the BMW EfficientDynamics engine family, which combines the latest injection technologies and fully variable Drive Performance Control with turbocharger technology. I had great fun on the highway, navigating the Kingdom’s treacherous traffic with ease. Ample power and impressive handling are the key components to this vehicle, which delivers a drive you will remember long after you reach your destination. Speaking of reaching your destination, the model I drove had a fantastic navigation system that made finding your way as simple as possible. All I had to do was sit pretty and enjoy the music coming from my Bluetooth-connected MP3 player. Confident driving is enhanced when you know that you can rely on your partner and, with the X4, you’re in safe hands. The intuitive and impressive Drive Assist systems guarantee top-level safety and comfort, making this an ideal family car. With models like this, it’s no surprise that crossovers are becoming increasingly popular around the world; ideal for those who want the capability of an SUV without the cumbersome size. Call 17 750-750. www.bahrainthismonth.com

motoringnews&launches

Lights, Camera, Action!

This luxury car manufacturer will celebrate its vehicles’ role in the highly anticipated Bond adventure, SPECTRE, at the Dubai International Motor Show 2015. Cars, including the Jaguar C-X75, Range Rover Sport SVR and the iconic Land Rover Defender, will make their first public debut in the Middle East from November 10.

SPECTRE, the 24th James Bond film, from Albert R Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment, sees the Jaguar C-X75 drive through the moonlit streets of Rome in one of the movie’s most iconic high speed chase scenes. Driven by the henchman Hinx, played by Dave Bautista, the Jaguar C-X75 supercar – named the most advanced Jaguar ever created – was provided by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) in collaboration with development partner Williams Advanced Engineering headquartered in Oxfordshire, England. Specially modified Land Rover Defenders and the fastest, most powerful Land Rover ever, the Range Rover Sport SVR take part in major action sequences shot in Austria. The highly capable Defenders were constructed by the JLR Special Operations division with huge 37-inch diameter off-road tyres and enhanced body protection to tackle the challenging terrain of the snow-covered mountain roads used for filming.

New Spare Parts Centre Opens

Motorists across the Kingdom are set to benefit from the opening of a new spare parts centre. Motorcity – the distributor of a wide range of passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and industrial equipment – opened its new Parts Distribution Centre in Ma’ameer. Brett Mommsen, general manager AfterSales, says: “Motorcity remains committed to expanding and improving its operations

within the Kingdom. We are continuously working towards improving our customer service and now we are able to provide spare parts for over 16 franchises under one roof. This modern state-of-the-art facility also provides our customers with a lounge, free Wi-Fi and refreshments while waiting for their parts delivery. Furthermore, there is easy access and facilities for our paraplegic customers.” At present, Motorcity parts department stocks more than 43,000 line items for its Volvo, Citroen, SsangYong, Subaru, Chery, Luxgen, Denso, Isuzu, Hino, CMC, TataDaewoo, King Long, Marshell, Hyundai earthmoving equipment and Kwanglim brands.

Rewarding Customers With Warranty Offer Manufacturer rewards customers with new five years/100,000km warranty offer on selected models.

Hyundai Motor Company celebrated the sale of its three millionth vehicle in the Middle East, 39 years after it began operations in the region. Officials gathered at the Ulsan Plant in Korea to mark the occasion and, to thank customers, the company is offering a new www.bahrainthismonth.com

five year/100,000km warranty on selected models (terms and conditions apply). Hyundai arrived in the Middle East in 1976 and, almost four decades on, the brand enjoys continued success. In terms of bestselling markets, Saudi Arabia has taken pole position for Hyundai, benefiting from the brand’s approach of working with three different distributor partners across the Kingdom. Highlighting the popularity of the brand’s diverse product offering, Hyundai can point to a compact car, a mid-size sedan and a compact SUV as its best-sellers.

Concept Reveal at Dubai Motor Show This iconic Italian manufacturer will showcase its latest offering amidst the crème de la crème of the automotive industy. For the 2015 Dubai International Motor Show, taking place from November 10 to 14, Maserati has announced that it will be exhibiting the Maserati Alfieri, a 2+2 concept car. The Alfieri is hailed as archetypal for the future design DNA of Maserati. The striking concept bears the name of the most prominent of the Maserati brothers – the engineering genius who founded “Officine Alfieri Maserati” in Bologna over a century ago. According to Lorenzo Ramaciotti, the mastermind behind the project: “The Alfieri is a transition point between 100 glorious years of history and the future that is opening up before us.” The Alfieri concept is a sleek, Italian-style 2+2, which clearly affirms Maserati’s racing DNA. Taking inspiration from the A6 GCS-53 designed by Pininfarina in 1954, the Alfieri’s designers have developed a streamlined, uncluttered form. It is characterised by a long, low nose, the characteristic grille and aggressive headlights as well as the signature triple air ducts on the wheel arches and the Saetta badge on the rear pillar. In addition to the Alfieri concept car, Maserati has announced also a regional premiere to be unveiled at the motor show.

November 2015 77

bystander

Jamari

Oliveto Brunch Italian restaurant Oliveto launched its brunch buffet. Executive chef Giuseppe

Oliveto staff

Aaron

Carol, Marianne & Lolo

Ziyad, Sereen & Lana

Omar, Leila & Adnan

Ammar, Rosaline, HE Bernard RĂŠgnauld-Fabre & Christophe

Yania & Salwa

Art Bahrain

Sunset Gig

ArtBahrain, an exhibiting platform for local and international art, artists and collections, took place at Bahrain Bay area. Lulwa Al Khalifa

The third set of the French Electronica Series was held at Novotel Al Dana Resort with entertainment by DJ Camille Rodriguez. Rihab

Angela, Michelle & Meriel

78 November 2015

Leila & Ebtissam

DJ Camille Rodriguez

Raja & Abla

Nasser

Yasser

Riyad, Ahmed & Ahmed

Radostina & Laure

Patrick & Hamidah

Beatrice & Christina

www.bahrainthismonth.com

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

Immerse Virtual Reality Headset Watch 3D movies, dive into a virtual world and play simulated games on one device. Place your phone into the slot on the headset, load up the accompanying VR apps and enjoy 360-degree virtual environments, which move along with your head thanks to gyroscopic technology.

The Real Book Safe This secret safe disguise should keep your treasured belongings under wraps. It’s a hardback book with real paper pages that perfectly blends into its surroundings on the bookshelf. Concealed within the inconspicuous ‘book’ is a lockable metal safe with two keys.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

All Day Rechargeable Fan Beat the Bahrain heat with this device. It has three fan-speed settings (low, medium and high) and a handy stand that enables you to prop it up for optimum cooling power. It can also simultaneously charge your phone or MP3 player via its USB slot.

Shower Clock Radio This water-resistant radio features a digital clock so you won’t spend too much time singing along to your favourite tunes via the FM radio and you have the option of either hanging it up or using the suction cup.

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gadgets

Six in One Pen Tool FIXR â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 20 Tools in One

Not only is it a functioning pen, it packs some nifty hidden features. Inside its metal casing it has a stylus tip for touch screen, a Phillips head screwdriver, a flat head, a spirit level and a ruler with inches and centimetre markings.

This nifty piece of kit contains 20 tools in a compact design. Crafted from stainless steel, it has a gold titanium-treated rotating tool disc, a stainless steel nut and clip as well as a carbon steel blade to see you through any DIY dilemma.

Spy Watch This stylish and covert watch records video and audio, takes photographs, is splash proof and, of course, tells the time! This timepiece packs a hidden video and sound recorder and can take photos at the touch of a button. It has 4GB of built-in storage; more than enough space to take hours of video surveillance in computer-ready AVI format.

iClip Wallet Helium Levitate This speaker defies gravity by floating on magnetic force while it spins and plays music in crystalclear clarity. You can attach it to anything metal and it comes with a built-in mic so you can use it to make calls. Connect via Bluetooth or the included AUX cable.

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This compact wallet is the size of a creditcard, so it should fit in any pocket. Slim and lightweight, its rounded corners protect your clothing from wear and tear and the big viewing window at the back allows you to access your cards with ease. Made from high-tech resin, the clip to hold your notes and cards is durable as well as flexible and will not damage the magnetic strips on your debit or credit cards.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

music

Johnny Marr — Adrenalin Baby Verdict: Staggering release

from the man that keeps on giving.

What’s the story?

This is the first live album by the legendary Smiths guitarist. Recorded at shows in Glasgow, Manchester and Brixton over the last couple of tours, it is a live document of those and encompasses his best work.

Worth a listen?

Marr’s shows in support of his solo albums have been wonderfully energetic, celebratory affairs and they are truly encapsulated on this disc as the live feel gives the songs extra power and authority. He not only honours past glories throughout, he establishes himself as a force to be reckoned with. Of course, The Smiths songs will be of particular interest to fans of the band. In fact, part of the motivation for the record was to make his versions of the songs available. His distinctive guitar work is as much a barometer of their greatness as Morrissey’s

magic with the microphone. When you hear the riff for The Headmaster Ritual on this release, you can tell instantly that it’s Marr playing: there’s just something

authentic about the guitar tone that imitators can’t achieve. This release also gives licence for Marr to play some extended jams that really show his adaptability and creativity.

Shorts

Real Lies - Real Life

The Enemy - It’s Automatic

Deerhunter - Fading Frontier

The debut effort from the London electronic duo, Real Life is the late night sound of the capital’s suburbs backed up with rave and house. The album is split into two halves, with the opener a reflective look at the group’s upbringing and struggle to be noticed. Meanwhile, the latter is a rowdy, more uplifting sequence which emphasises, now they’ve ‘made it’, how they intend to keep the party rolling for as long as possible. The album occasionally tries to cram too many genres into its runtime, but there’s some clear talent nurturing here.

The Coventry trio are back with their fourth album, and, as always, the lyrical content is very on-thenose as a form of social commentary. This particular album documents lead singer Tom Clarke’s deliberation over quitting the music industry following the ‘bullying’ he received in the media over his appearance and musical credentials. It’s Automatic features a more polished, contemporary sound featuring a lot of synths and reverb, which might appeal to those who like heavy production, but is grating to those of us who sometimes prefer the raw sounds of instruments and little else.

The popular American exports return with yet another album inspired by traumatic events within the band. This is an unflinching album focusing heavily on breakdown and recovery, not on the excitement of embracing a second chance in life but on the slow and painful process of licking your wounds. Despite the bleakness and often downright depressing subject matter, there’s a determination to persevere in the lyrics, and the instrumentation is often innovative and reveals more depth with every listen.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

November 2015 81

games

Games review Verdict: A worthy upgrade for the ever-popular soccer game. Game: FIFA 16 Rating:**** What is it?

This is the latest instalment of the world’s most popular sporting video game series. Tweaks this year include the very latest players, kits and teams, while technical improvements include increased control in midfield and more refined defensive moves. You can now build your dream team in FIFA Ultimate Team, or compete as one of 12 Women’s National Teams for the first time in the FIFA franchise.

Gameplay

It doesn’t take as long to release a pass and you’re more likely to get a shot away before a defender steps in with a last-ditch challenge. This makes for a faster-paced game this time around and gives it a more arcade feel, which is great fun, unless you’re the defending team. Overall, it’s a marked improvement in many areas and the goalkeepers finally seem to be able to grasp the ball competently rather than treating it as a hot potato.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3

Black Ops 3 combines three unique game modes: Campaign, Multiplayer and Zombies, providing gamers with a deep and ambitious experience. The campaign has been designed as a co-op game that can be played with up to four players online or as a solo cinematic journey. Multiplayer will be the franchise’s deepest, most rewarding and most engaging to date, with new ways to customise and gear up for battle. Finally, Zombies delivers the traditional survival mode with a raft of new features and a dedicated narrative. 82 November 2015

Graphics

The game looks more polished than ever with noticeable improvements in player animations and the sharpness of the grass and fans around the stadium. Impressively, the women’s game isn’t just exactly the same as the men but, with the player models swapped, you’ll notice tangible differences in

Rise of the Tomb Raider Rise of the Tomb Raider continues Lara Croft’s journey as she embarks on her first great tomb-raiding expedition. The game features highoctane action moments, beautiful but hostile environments, brutal guerrilla combat and awe-inspiring attempts to uncover an ancient mystery in Siberia, before the evil Trinity syndicate beat her to it.

athleticism and technique when playing as women. There’s still the age-old problem of lesser-known players and those from the lower leagues being very generic and waxwork-looking, though animations are perfect in cutscenes and this gritty game is filled with blood, explosions and tears aplenty, rendered with stunning definition.

Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate

Assassin’s Creed finally comes to London as The Industrial Revolution unleashes an incredible age of invention, transforming the lives of millions with technology once thought impossible. You play as Jacob Frye, who, with the help of his twin sister Evie, will change the fate of the populace as they rise to rally and lead the underworld to break the corrupt stranglehold on London in a visceral adventure filled with action, intrigue and brutal combat. www.bahrainthismonth.com

websites

bystander

Batik Workshop

The Indonesian Embassy hosted a batik workshop at the embassy premises in Juffair. Ratna, Venny & Karina

Site: www.supercook.com/#/recipes Rating:***** VERDICT: What is it?

HE Chilman Arisman

Extremely useful for chefs of all capabilities.

By inputting their selection of available ingredients into the search bar, wannabe chefs are presented with recipes using them. This means that users can find recipes to make something with only what they have and so no last-minute trips to the shop will be necessary. Simply add your ingredients into the search engine and it will appear in a list below. As you populate your list of on-hand ingredients, more extensive recipes will continue to appear. Recipes requiring another ingredient will show that ingredient on the list, and you can select whether you have it or not.

Mary Aisha, Ratna, Pipit, Devi, Fenny & Ita

The Good

For finding recipes without going to the store, there truly is no other website like Supercook and it certainly does what no print cookbook can

The Bad

Sheryl

Aysha

Nasreen

Nor

Supercook is missing a way to access recipes by name. The only way to find recipes is by entering ingredients and users who are looking to discover new dishes will have to enter ingredients to find them.

www.labs.echonest.com/Uploader/index.html Infinite Jukebox is perfect for those who like to listen to one song on repeat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for hours and hours on end. This website lets you feed in a song and it finds similar points throughout the music that it can use to generate an endless, on-the-fly remix of the song that goes for as long as you like.

www.tineye.com/ TinEye is a dedicated website that will appeal to those who want to know where a photo came from. With far more extensive features than Googleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s version, TinEye uses reverse image search technology to trawl the web for images similar to the one you submit. This is great for finding other parts of an image series or finding a higherresolution or un-cropped version of a low-quality image. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Darja & Srdjan

Monte Carlo Party Bushido hosted the Monte Carlo Party featuring DJ Lost Frequencies. DJ Lost Frequencies spinning the decks

Jen & Georgia

Sanja & Hercy

Saeed & Frida

Lauren & Sarah

November 2015 83

apps

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

What is it?

Do you have a family member who always refuses to smile in photographs? This app allows you to change faces with just a few taps. Choose any picture from your camera roll and tap the ‘face’ button. The app places dots over the subject’s eyes, cheeks, lips and chin automatically. You can then tap on any of these points to edit them.

The Good:

It automatically detects facial features so you don’t have to zoom in to microscopic levels to align things. It also packs a ton of extra features, such as cropping, lighting and colour saturation.

App: Adobe Photoshop Fix Rating:***** Verdict: A great way to ensure you get the picture you want! App: Back In Time

Back in Time is an ambitious effort to encapsulate the entire span of history from the Big Bang to the present. It presents the history of the universe, Earth and humanity in a comprehensible scale via a series of illustrated essays. It doesn’t go too in-depth and paints history in broad strokes, but that’s understandable when it encompasses so much. Delving into this app is a good way to appreciate not just human history, but also the development of life on Earth, the formation of our planet, the solar system, galaxy and the interconnectedness of events. 84 November 2015

The Bad:

It requires an Adobe account to use, which is quite fiddly to set up on your mobile and tablet. Some of the effects, particularly lighting and colour, have very limited intensity and often make little difference.

App: Sound Uncovered

Sound Uncovered explores not only the world of sound, but how we interpret what we hear. This free app comprises a series of 15 exercises and articles, with audio and other multimedia content. A mixture of both educational experiments and fun games, it’s a good choice for anyone interested in sound, hearing and audio phenomena. All of the content is interactive and has audio descriptions as well as text. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

movies

VERDICT:

Film: The Martian Rating:****

Sci-fi at its fascinating best.

Directed by: Ridley Scott Starring: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Jeff Daniels, Sean Bean

Anniversary Celebrations Ramee California Hotel celebrated the fifth anniversary of its venue, Club Buffalo.

The Plot:

Cake-cutting

On Mars, a team of NASA astronauts are conducting scientific experiments. Suddenly, a storm rolls in and they are forced to abandon the planet. On the way back to the lander, Mark Watney (Damon) is struck by debris and team leader Melissa Lewis (Chastain), believing him to be dead, takes off without him. Some time later, Mark wakes up to find himself alone and in a dire situation with the harsh landscape stretching endlessly around him. Unfortunately, the astronaut’s temporary habitat will not sustain itself long enough for NASA to send a rescue ship. Mark must figure out how to survive with just the few tools he has.

Worth Watching?

This is straight-up science fiction at its very best, as we watch on in wonder as Mark tries to make water and grow food on the arid planet with minimal equipment. His trials and tribulations bring lots of humour as he records his numerous attempts via a handheld camera, but there are moments when his isolation and hopelessness bring tears. Damon is absolutely outstanding as he carries a lot of the film on his own, and he shows a diverse range of emotions. The insistence of director Ridley Scott, whose pedigree in this genre is among the true elite, to feature as much accurate science as possible gives the film an extra layer of believability.

April & Terence

DJ Trixta

Jojo, Judi & Kathy

Julian, April & Max

Hassab & Kayla

The Good Dinosaur

The Good Dinosaur asks the question: ‘What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct?’ In this epic journey from Disney Pixar into the world of dinosaurs, an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. While travelling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Maria & Chloe

Frey & Sameer

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2

The conclusion of the popular Hunger Games franchise sees the nation of Panem in a full scale war. Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) prepares for the final showdown as she teams with her closest friends to storm the capitol and stage an assassination attempt on president Snow (Donald Sutherland), who has become increasingly obsessed with destroying her. The mortal traps, enemies and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any arena she faced in the Hunger Games themselves.

Amy, Aysha, Geoline, Vashi & Asha

Dpak & Khalid

Zaina & Ahmed

Gabriel, Dean, Vijo & Sylvio

November 2015 85

alfrescodining

Dining Al Fresco The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa: La Med restaurant allows you to enjoy casual dining in gorgeous surroundings with natural sunshine and views of the turquoise waters of the Gulf. The buffets offer a blend of Mediterranean and Arabic cuisine, whilst the all day dining menu provides a choice of small plates ‘tapas’ style and sandwiches. With outdoor seating for 64, this is one venue not to be missed.

During the winter months, Bahrain’s al fresco dining scene comes to life as islanders enjoy their meals with the splendour of desert sunsets, stunning rooftop views or alongside gently lapping waters.

86 November 2015

For many people around the world, winter is a miserable affair replete with an onslaught of rain, snow and freezing temperatures. However, for those of us lucky enough to live in the Kingdom, winter is a glorious time of year with magnificent weather that sees anyone and everyone rushing outdoors to make the most of the cooler climate. The island has an eclectic variety of dining options, from basic open-air cafés to more glamorous poolside venues and gardens. At Bahrain This Month, we’ve put together a guide to help you choose the ideal venue.

Gulf Hotel: Typhoon, Bar and Lounge makes the perfect hot spot for leisure and business travellers. This trendy bar is located amidst the striking waterfalls and lush greenery of the hotel’s picturesque gardens. A wooden deck overlooking a koi carp pond is a wonderful highlight and makes the ideal setting for a cool Bahraini evening. Vistors can also enjoy a range of delightful light Asian snacks and a popular happy hour.. Al Bindaira: This is an upscale café serving Arabic mezzas, international dishes, fresh juices, coffee and tea and sheesha. The concept blends the traditional sheesha coffee shop with quality atmosphere, service and food. Customers can enjoy outdoor seating in the garden area. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Meisei: This venue’s famous rooftop aims to be Bahrain’s premier venue for both dining and open air events. Modern and tasteful, with views across the surrounding area, it can be decorated for private functions. Meisei offers an interpretation of modern trans-Asian cuisine. Lanterns: With a menu featuring a stunning selection of Indian fare and striking decorations, this is one of the best-loved restaurants in Bahrain. The Adliya branch is home to the Goa Lounge, a roof top venue with ample seating and beautiful views of the surrounding area. There is also a large garden area on the ground floor. Dragon Hotel & Resort Amwaj — Yamin Jana Mediterranean Seafront Restaurant: This is a Mediterranean-style seafront lounge with an Arabic twist. Yamin Jana seats 140 guests on a beautiful al fresco wooden deck. Watch the evening come alive when the whole of Amwaj and all its lights breathe life into the Lagoon in front of the Dragon Hotel & Resort. Art Rotana — Flames Steak & Seafood: The restaurant serves modern, contemporary cuisine featuring the finest prime cuts of beef, seared to perfection on the grill in addition to seafood specialties. Offering an exquisite dining experience, guests can enjoy a drink at the bar or sit outside on the terrace overlooking the dancing fountain. Café Amsterdam: This is a venue that lives up to its name. Decorated in a stylish European fashion, this is a chic eatery with cuisine that is sure to impress. There is a large garden terrace it shares with sister venue, La Vinoteca Barcelona. K Hotel — Kenza: This Lebanese restaurant and lounge boasts a large and exotically decorated terrace, ideal for al fresco dining as you sample the various items on the extensive and authentic menu.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

La Fontaine: A hidden gem in the heart of Manama. Not just a clever name, this venue boasts a spectacular fountain around which tables are arranged in the large, airy courtyard. This venue gets extra points for its beautiful use of lighting to create a top-notch ambience. Coco’s: One of Adliya’s most popular restaurants, and for good reason. This no-nonsense eatery offers great food at wallet-friendly prices so it is an obvious choice for al fresco dining during the Kingdom’s cooler months. The Meat Co: One of the most chic venues in Bahrain, this restaurant has a large rooftop area with ample seating and boasts great views of the surrounding area.

November 2015 87

alfrescodining GULF HOTEL

A Great Night Out Oro Nero: Experience winter magic at La Pergola with an exclusive homemade pasta menu featuring the rare black truffle, crafted by Chef Enrico Morselli. It runs from November 1 to 15. Fusions Fondue Fun: Enjoy the unique art of dining at one of the most romantic places on the island. Either as a couple or with family and friends, fondue is always a great way of feasting. chef Rohit and his team prepare several options for every taste. It runs from November 1 to 30. Thanksgiving Dinner: Invite your family and friends for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at Al Waha restaurant on November 26. Those who prefer to celebrate at home, can make use of the hotel’s “No Mess — No Stress” take away offer. Kabab Promotion: Diners at Rosoi by Vineet will be taken on a culinary journey around India as the award-winning restaurant has a Kabab Festival until November 15. Zahle’s Independence Week: Come and join Zahle to celebrate Lebanese Independence Day for the entire week. It runs from November 22 to 27. China Garden’s Peking Duck: China Garden welcomes diners to come and enjoy the authentic and amazing taste of aromatised duck with hoisin sauce, scallions and homemade Chinese pancakes, paired with grape beverage selection. It runs from November 2 to 30. This annual event is one of the most popular events of the year for the Kingdom’s gourmands.

88 November 2015

Gulf Night Out, Gulf Hotel’s biannual gastronomic carnival, is one of the most eagerly awaited buffets of the year. Diners can enjoy the very best of its 17 outlets in a fete-like environment around its pool with a variety of entertainment. Scheduled to start this month, it is the highlight of a foodie’s calendar. Resembling a carnival with raffle draws and games, the event features performances by various bands and dance troupes. The hotel boasts the largest number of food and beverage outlets within a single property on the island. “This is a night of guaranteed fun, whether you are with friends or family. We invite you for non-stop entertainment, games and, of course, the fabulous buffet that we are famous for,” says Ryan Advincula, the hotel’s marketing and communications manager. Priced at BD18++, the buffet starts from 8pm. There is a special discount for Prestige Club, NSA and Gulf Air members, and if the ticket is purchased in advance. Besides the Gulf Night Out, the hotel has a number of other promotions running throughout the month.

Known as one of Bahrain top five-star properties, the Gulf Hotel continues to deliver high standards of service to its residents and corporate customers alike. In addition to its luxurious rooms and suites, contemporary apartments and panoramic views of Manama, the hotel is home to some of the finest restaurants on the island. Call 17 713-000.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

G low S U N S E T S

O F

B A H R A I N

“An inspirational photographic book which reveals the spectacular sunsets within the Kingdom of Bahrain. Containing over 250 images, this unique book not only demonstrates the immense beauty of the country’s sunsets, but also the diverse leisure lifestyle that accompanies them, and the spirit of its people”.

On sale in all major bookstores soon.

A spectacular new photographic book

by Andrew Weaver

DINING

COMFORT ZONE ANKITA MAMGAIN Named after the Japanese word for a naughty child, the mere mention of this restaurant invokes childlike enthusiasm from its loyal fans around the world.

“W

agamama is coming to Bahrain!” a colleague announced with uncontainable enthusiasm. Based on her excitement, I thought it was a musical or a band, until I realised it’s a popular global franchise. From what I saw online, it looked like a fairly normal pan-Asian eatery, or wait; was it just Japanese? I decided to find out for myself. On a Monday evening, when the rest of City Centre Bahrain looked relatively deserted, my friends and I walked into packed-to-capacity Wagamama, located next to the cinemas. Since this was my first time at any Wagamama, I had no idea what to compare it to. The management informed me that this was the first of the new kaizen (meaning good change) outlets and has a refreshed look and menu featuring an omakase section. The franchise’s history can be traced back to London, where it was first opened as a ramenwww.bahrainthismonth.com

bar style eatery. The décor in the Bahrain branch is basic but contemporary with clean lines and design. It offers a canteen-like ambience with focus on natural elements such as wood and metal. A Wagamama novice, I took some time to get to grips with the menu, frequently asking the service staff about the dishes. Casually dressed in brand T-shirts, they have a unique way of taking orders — they write the serial number of your item of choice and the quantity on the paper-mat in front of you. The information is then fed in the main system and the order appears on the portable device of the respective chef in the kitchen. The restaurant wants you to savour the food when it’s at its freshest. So, if you are dining in a group, everyone’s food might not come together. When a dish gets prepared it is brought to the table, instantly. We ended up sampling quite a hearty selection,

ALSO THIS MONTH: 92 SERVED WITH PASSION 110 HAPPENINGS

starting with steamed chicken, duck and prawn gyoza. Each came with its own sauce and was absolutely delicious. A hot bowl of aga dashi with crispy fried tofu in ginger and herb-infused broth was so comforting, it made me want to curl up in a blanket and drink it all day. The mains comprised of teriyaki beef donburi, grilled tuna, chicken and shrimp yaki soba and the popular chicken katsu curry. For a while, there was no conversation. I could only hear sounds of four people deliriously enjoying their food. For dessert, we had the white chocolate and ginger cheesecake. Even if you’re not hungry, go to Wagamama just for this delicious little devil. After my visit, I now understand why there’s such hype and excitement surrounding this restaurant. If I’m feeling blue, this is where I want to be because, as my colleague, who was a regular at one of the outlets in London, puts it, “This is my happy place”. November 2015 91

dining

OLIVETO

Served with Passion ANKITA MAMGAIN Following an incredible comeback, this restaurant is now spreading its wings. BTM got a taste of its unmatched dining experience.

92 November 2015

Oliveto, in Adliya’s Block 338, still conjures a sense of intrigue whenever its name comes up. Having suffered an enormous tragedy, the restaurant literally rose from the ashes to become a confident and elegant space, looking better than ever. We were there for the launch of its Saturday brunch; an island tradition that any eatery worth its salt has to offer. The new-look Oliveto boasts a new vibe and a palpable energy, which, perhaps, is an extension of its new director and executive master chef Giuseppe Zanotti’s personality. A veteran in Italian kitchens, his menu features time-honoured dishes from across Italy, presented with Michelin-star sophistication. “We know how popular brunches are in Bahrain, but we don’t want to be ‘just another brunch venue’,” he says. “I want people to come to Oliveto expecting the finest and experiencing it.” We started around noon, when the restaurant opens for brunch, with flutes of sparking grape. Stationed gleefully in the main dining room, we soaked in the stylish ambience of this massive space which features floor-to-ceiling windows, giving a spectacular view of the terrace outside. It offers a modern, spacious and comfortable approach to fine dining, which also extends to the more relaxed smoking dining-lounge. One of the most delightful features of the restaurant, especially for the upcoming weather when the temperatures drop, is the chic terrace with hundredsof-years-old olive trees, which give the venue a Mediterranean feel.

In my opinion, the cuisine is unsurpassed. The brunch is an interesting combination of buffet and a la carte and our gastronomic cruise began at the bread station, which was enveloped in delicious aromas of fresh home-baked loaves, focaccia and pizzas. The sensational selection of starters included culinary staples such as caprese salad, smoked salmon with goat cheese and pine nuts, fregola pasta with lobster and stewed cabbage with beef bacon and potatoes. There were different kinds of cold soups, smoked on the spot, including shots of Italian gaspacio and potato-vanilla; small samples that were big on flavour. Good thing they are part of the buffet so we could go for seconds — and thirds. The mains included a variety of pastas, different kinds of meats, burgers and seafood preparations, which were served at the table. We particularly enjoyed trofie pasta in pesto sauce, handmade ravioli with lamb and burrata, roasted sardines and the absolutely amazing seafood soup. To round off this spectacular meal, there were dizzying assortments of traditional Italian desserts. All of this came with a constant supply of the sparkling beverage! This brunch was a great showcase for the restaurant’s culinary repertoire and was thoroughly enjoyed by all, thanks in no small part to impeccable service, high-quality food and creative-yet-classic preparation. Call 17 716-747. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Enhance your five senses... Experience the Saturday Brunch... From 12:00 to 4:00 pm

For reservations call +973 17716747 Villa No. 1157, Road No. 3884, Block 338, Adliya, Kingdom of Bahrain

dining IT’S MIRCHI

Eclectic Flavours Bringing you the best of Indian cuisine, this famous restaurant is celebrated for its contemporary take on classic cuisine. Located in Juffair’s Ramee Palace Hotel, It’s Mirchi adds spice to the neighbourhood’s culinary scene. Following successful launches in Mumbai, Dubai and Muscat, the restaurant now enjoys a large a loyal fan base in the Kingdom. The decor is unmistakably Indian with several traditional touches mixed with contemporary design elements. The restaurant has a threepiece band that takes the stage every night and fills the air with melodious ghazals. The trio, from New Delhi, provides the perfect accompaniment to your dining experience. This award-winning restaurant delivers absolute authenticity when it comes to the food. The dishes carry the real flavour of India and are popular with Indian as well as Western diners. At It’s Mirchi, exotic spices blend with fresh

94 November 2015

ingredients and innovative recipes resulting in extraordinary dishes laden with rich taste. Here you get a chance to treat your taste buds to some of the most delicious contemporary Indian cuisine. The swanky restaurant is an exciting addition to Bahrain’s list of fine dining addresses and guests enjoy its trademark service, where freshly-barbecued kebabs are served right to

the table. It is especially known for its Gujarati thali and has now even added the Saatvik vegetarian Gujarati thali to its Friday Brunch menu. Sit down to a bottomless supply of kebabs, biryanis, vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries, dal and desserts at the brunch. Call 38 381-615 or 39 413-677.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

T.G.I. FRIDAY’S

Chicken Spinach Stack

Stack It Up Along with mouth-watering food, this venue serves up fun, friendliness and an extra large helping of good vibes — it’s what makes every day seem like Friday. TGI Friday’s is a casual dining venue that welcomes anyone who enjoys good, wholesome American food and beverages. This is not a place that dishes out delicate portions; its elaborate menu is bursting with sizeble offerings and bold favours. The restaurant has released a new Friday Flavour Festival menu, so next time you visit, be sure to try out these dishes. New York Strip Stack: A seasoned New York strip is grilled to perfection and covered with horseradish and mozzarella Asiago cheese. It is served with potatoes au gratin and is garnished with roasted garlic. It also comes with a side of horseradish crème. Crab Steak Stack: A perfectly grilled fillet is stacked on roasted garlic mashed potatoes and

www.bahrainthismonth.com

All American Burger Stack

topped with devilled crab meat. It is served with asparagus, grilled balsamic red onion, roasted mushroom sauce and frizzled onions. Chicken Spinach Stack: An arrangement of two pan-seared chicken breasts with a creamy blend of spinach, Monterery Jack cheese and balsamic red onion stuffed between them. It is drizzled with a balsamic glaze and best enjoyed with a side of roasted garlic mashed potatoes and broiled tomato. Parmesan Crab Mahi Mahi Stack: Two perfectly seared mahi mahi fillets are piled high with fresh crab meat, parmesan cheese and bruschetta mix. This is stacked on peppers and onions with a side of roasted garlic mashed potatoes and garnished with a lemon cream sauce.

Parmesan Crab Crusted Mahi Stack

All American Burger Stack: This dish includes melted sharp cheddar cheese and caramelised onions stacked between two fresh burgers with horseradish sauce and peppered bacon on a fresh brioche bun. Round this meal off with a sizzling toffee cake and feel the Friday bliss, any day of the week! Call 17 179-041 (City centre Bahrain), 17 827-004 (Juffair), 17 530-657 (Seef Mall Muharraq).

November 2015 95

dining THE WARBLER

A Taste of Old England Unique décor, delectable delicacies and a funfilled environment can mean only one thing, Warbler’s Friday brunch … or, as the regulars call it, “Frunch”. The venue, located in the Ramee Baisan International Hotel, is serving up a mouthwatering eating out experience to entice diners from across the kingdom. Located in Hoora, the Warbler is tucked away in an unassuming part of town, just off Exhibition Avenue. Thanks to the life-sized Blues Brothers and pirate statues juxtaposed with cobbled streets and an old English theme, it’s easy to lose yourself in the atmosphere. Its in-house band, Converge, supplies a heady doze of entertainment. The band has two lead singers Heart and Angel and J-Rhones on drums. However, no matter how much you enjoy the band, brunch is all about the food and the Warbler does not disappoint. On offer are unlimited beverages and a massive buffet that includes world-class cheese and crackers,

96 November 2015

traditional roast, fresh seafood – cooked as per your liking — and Oriental, Mediterranean and Indian cuisine. Besides the food and the band, the Warbler also boasts an electrifying atmosphere when it comes to watching any sports live on big

screens. The venue shows all the major and minor leagues of many different games. Be it the next big game, your favourite grub from London or electrifying live entertainment, this venue delivers it all. Call 17 290-600 or 38 381-631.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

LITTLE CHEF

The Recipe for Success Where Food Talks

Asian Kitchen and Turkish Grill

There isn’t much left to say when the marketing tagline of a restaurant reads “Where food talks”. The wide variety and authentic flavours at this eatery certainly speak for themselves. Little Chef Restaurant, part of Lanterns Group, has been revamped for success and is aiming to impress with its dine in, take away, delivery and catering services. Under the watchful eyes of its talented chefs, the restaurant brings together cuisines from around the world and continues to expand its customer base — thanks to the men behind the famous dishes. The eatery prides itself on using the freshest local ingredients to ensure the best taste and responsible sourcing. These factors play a large part in keeping the restaurant’s dedicated clientele coming back for more. “We take pride in the food we serve and our new kitchen team is here to deliver the finest taste across all cuisines,” says Nandan Prasad, the restaurant manager. As part of the revamp, there are new items on the menu and a new kitchen team, giving the island’s foodies much to look forward to. Taking care of Indian sub continental cuisine, chef Riyasat Ali is the man behind tantalising curries and creations from the clay oven. He has worked across Asia, Europe and the US and his specialities include unique take on chicken korma, biryani and Tandoori grills. For lovers of Japanese cuisine, fresh ingredients bursting with flavour are transformed into delicious sushi by chef Niroshan. Adding a touch of flair to the proceedings is chef Lama, who is a hit with diners thanks to his teppanyaki theatrics. Chef Deepak’s culinary creations blend Pan Asian flavours that will titillate your taste buds and have you craving more. Meanwhile, Turkish chefs and brothers, Murat and Umit, create an exciting array of grills, charcoal shawarmas and bake fresh mezze, pide breads and Turkish pizza in a clay oven.

Sun-Wed: 12pm-12am Thurs-Sat: 12pm-1am

TURKISH I JAPANESE I SUSHI I THAI I INDIAN I CHINESE JOIN US EVERY THURSDAY AND FRIDAY FOR OUR LUNCH AND DINNER BUFFET

Budaiya Road

Tel: 17595950 / 17595980 LittleChefinBahrain

littlechefbahrain

Call 17 595-950 or 17 595-980. www.bahrainthismonth.com

November 2015 97

bystander

Donovan, Bradley & Daleen Chakit & Arsalan

Anna Karenina

South African Brunch

The Bahrain International Music Festival was inaugurated with a ballet performance featuring an adaption of Leo Tolstoyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s masterpiece novel Anna Karenina by Eifman Ballet of St Petersburg, led by its artistic director Boris Eifman. The show took place at the Bahrain National Theatre.

Upstairs Downstairs hosted a South African heritage day brunch with music from Paul Adams. Elizabeth & George

A scene from the performance

Samah & Dana

Farzana, Adele & Nabilah

Agrima & Anuja

Arjun & Madhuri

Eman

Kei Restaurant Reopening

Jennifer, Beverley, Ronell, Elizabeth & Anita

Keiko Motoh & Yukiko

George & Junko

Michael & Linda

Jerry & Agnus

Kei Japanese Restaurant hosted an evening with guests to celebrate its reopening. Keiko Motoh, HE Kiyoshi Asako, Japanese Ambassador, Abdul Rahim & George

Kondo & Oishi Satheesh & Myrna

Miahara & Jun

Goto & Kaike

Sanjay & Ishi

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Umekawa

Mr & Mrs Kuno & Taki

Joseph & Ron

Luna & Tomoko

www.bahrainthismonth.com

dining MAKI

Ladies That Lunch This contemporary Japanese restaurant showcased its healthy and scrumptious selection of dishes while hosting a discerning group of ladies. With a reputation for culinary innovation across the region, Maki really pushes the envelope when it comes to developing fresh food concepts. The restaurant is known for fusing global influences with Japanese basics, resulting in a truly unique offering. The venue recently hosted the ‘Women of Taste’ luncheon for a select group of ladies. Members of the American Women’s Association gather periodically and attend events at various high-quality restaurants in order to learn interesting facts about their food and pick up special techniques from the chefs. At Maki they met with head chef, Manju, and the restaurant’s co-founder and managing partner, Amer Zeitoun. The group discussed Maki’s healthy cuisine and ingredients and was even invited for some hands-on experience in the kitchen.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

The star of the afternoon, however, was Maki’s latest healthy introduction: the Akagome (red rice) menu. This menu complements the already extensive list of healthy options such as brown rice, gluten-free dishes and dishes based on house-grown, extra-virgin olive oil. From Akagome prawn teppanyaki, to the

Mowaffak maki roll, the ladies enjoyed all of these signature dishes while also learning about the nutritious values of red rice. The finale came in the form of a surprise dessert, which was a special take on tiramisu made using Maki’s secret recipe. Call 17 522-733.

Akagome Mowaffak Maki

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bystander

Raj, Hussain, Bumala, Charlotte, Khalid & Viorel

Simon & Veronica

Azure Pool Party A pool party was hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, with music played from guest DJ Dana Jasmine. DJ Dana & Greg

Josie, Mary, Rissy & Jaa

Matthew, Glenn, Abdulla, Blanka, Santana & Sarah

Alina, Tanya, Juliane & Felicia

Flo, Julianne, Sego, Helena & Flo

Monica & Laky

Nour & Imran

Abdulla & Ali

Wagamama Opening Al Azzam Group opened the first kaizen-style Wagamama restaurant in the Middle East, at City Centre Bahrain. Vladimir, Brian, Charlotta, Alex, Toufic & Shaikh Khalifa bin Duaij Rhod, Mikhail & Marie

Vamshi & Arnel

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Paul, Stephen & Nikhil

Glaissa

Yatendra & Jaypee

Nomar, Mary & Stephen

Michelle

Jerlyn

www.bahrainthismonth.com

dining CRUST & CREMA

Seeking Perfection This quaint café offers a lot more than just your daily caffeine fix. Drop in and enter a fascinating world of exotic coffee blends and ovenbaked goodness.

Coffee connoisseurs on the island have a new hub. Crust & Crema, located opposite Saar Cinema, is already on its way to developing a large and loyal customer base. A Third Wave roastery café and bakery, it offers in-house roasted specialty coffees, artisan breads and artistic desserts. The Third Wave is a global coffee movement that involves improvements at all stages of production of the coffee. This includes improving plant cultivation, harvesting, and processing, developing stronger relationships between growers, traders, and roasters, to higher quality roasting, at times called ‘microroasting’ to skilled brewing. The café uses speciality coffee beans, all Arabica, grown in ideal climates around the world to give the coffee its unique, full taste. Crust & Crema’s true pride and joy is its selection of fresh and premium quality beans sourced from around the globe. It features a unique brew bar that brews in various containers such as beakers and decanters. Coffee brewed this way is to be enjoyed in its true form, without adding sugar and syrup, to taste its floral, citrus or even dark chocolate flavours. The café highly recommends trying the brew bar instead of your average espresso-based drinks for a new experience. The bakery selection has been meticulously chosen by the pastry chef to provide the complete experience. The venue boasts a unique rustic yet modern ambience, ideal for sitting down, relaxing and sipping your drink. Call 17 214-155.

• • • •

specialty coffees single origin beans locally roasted gourmet bakery

a true coffee experience NOW OPEN IN SAAR AVE. OPP. SAAR CINEMA www.bahrainthismonth.com

17214155 November 2015 101

MARKETING STRATEGY DESIGN

bystander

Loubna, Rana & Aida

Nausheen & Webster

Joana, Dana & Zahra

Maha & Seema

UCB Graduation The University College of Bahrain held a graduation ceremony at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa. Sameer, Dr Shaikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Ahmed, Dr Turki & Saeeda

Zain, Aysha & Ameera

Ahmed & Jeffrey

Ameera & Maha

Faten, Shaikha & Shayma

Flamenco Night

La Vinoteca Barcelona hosted the Flatino band at its garden venue. The band

Patricia & Vera

Marco & Eleonora

Sarah & Asli

Simon & Eric

www.bahrainthismonth.com

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dining BRAZIL GRILL

Authentic and Delicious Fare

Brazil Grill is an authentic Brazilian-style steakhouse with a simple concept — it gives you more of everything … food, service and atmosphere. Once seated, your dining experience begins. Guests are given the chance to relax and enjoy one of their favorite cocktails, or they can head straight over to the salad bar and choose from a selection of seasonal salads and side dishes. The venue’s welcoming ambiance is highlighted by the soft orange décor and, on selected days, gentle Samba rhythms that ripple through the air. It’s not just music in the air, inviting aromas from chef Henry’s kitchen waft majestically, providing diners an idea of what’s to come. The real experience begins as the restaurant’s troop of Passadors (carvers) move from table to table, offering select cuts of beef, lamb, prawns, chicken and sausages, all slow-roasted over a charcoal barbeque and expertly carved at the table. To further accompany this feast, dishes such as potato wedges, fried banana and artisan cheese breads are served to your table. Head down for a dining experience that dates back hundreds of years to the cowboys of Southern Brazil. Times may have changed, but the food, service and hospitality are just how they would’ve loved it! The restaurant looks forward to making your party a great one. Call 17 826-686. 104 November 2015

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Cavallo DJ Montay - 253cm x 94cm_DT Ad.pdf

10/28/15

10:46 AM

PREMIER HOTEL

That’s Amore!

CMY

Gather round the table for a traditional meal in a lively atmosphere at the Kingdom’s newest Italian restaurant. K

Premier Hotel in Juffair has opened Oregano Italian restaurant, much to the delight of foodies across the island. The owners of the property commemorated the occasion with a ribbon and cake-cutting ceremony. Guests were then treated to live entertainment by a jazz band and were served with refreshments and mouthwatering delights from the restaurant. Located on the sixth floor of the sparkling new four-star property, Oregano is headed by chef Mohamadu Hanifa, who boasts more than 20 years of experience in Italian cuisine. Adding classic and contemporary dishes to Bahrain’s thriving gastronomic scene, Oregano specialises in time-honoured Italian favourites, with hearty flavours amplified by an elegant ambience and attentive service. Drawing inspiration from the freshest ingredients, the menu is inspired by classic Italian dishes that have been enjoyed for decades. Bring out your inner Italian and savour the delicious entrees, pastas, salads and desserts. Great for friends and families alike, Oregano welcomes guests for a hearty meal that’s truly evocative of Italian life. You can book reservations for private functions, corporate events or special occasions. Oregano Italian Restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner from midday to midnight. Call 17 100-018. www.bahrainthismonth.com

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dining KEI RESTAURANT

Refreshed and Ready Following an impressive revamp, this iconic Japanese fine dining restaurant is back with a bang, ready to dish up quality fare to its dedicated customers. Kei has carved its own niche in global Japanese gastronomy. In Bahrain, the restaurant is located in the Golden Tulip Hotel and has been wooing customers for the last three decades. After a makeover during the summer months, this much-loved venue sports a contemporary and trendy new look. Each detail has been meticulously planned and everything from the lamps to the wall art has been hand-picked by decorators in Japan. Keeping the oriental spirit at its core, the new dĂŠcor includes wooden panels on the walls and ceilings as well as contemporary mirror and glass fixtures that accentuate the whole look and feel. The 45-seater restaurant features a main dining hall, one private and two semi-private dining areas, a seven-seat sushi bar and a teppanyaki bar. The venue may have changed its look, but the menu remains a familiar affair with time-honoured classic served alongside a variety of contemporary sushi and modern preparations. Chef Umekawa heads the kitchen team and has in-depth knowledge of Japanese cuisine and cooking techniques. His preparations boast delicate flavours that come together beautifully. Call 17 533-450.

Japanese Inspiration Enjoy the wonder of authentic Japanese cuisine GOLDEN TULIP HOTEL, BAHRAIN (TEL.:) +973 17533450 (OPEN) 12:00pm - 3:00pm / 7:00pm - 11:00pm * DELIVERY & OUTSIDE CATERING ARE ALSO AVAILABLE WITH RICH SELECTION OF DELICACIES

106 November 2015

www.bahrainthismonth.com

VAPIANO

Impeccable Italian Cuisine This franchise is renowned for serving up quality Italian fare in a chic and inviting atmosphere.

dishes can be created and then painstakingly refined. An integral part of the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charm is the herb garden and the fresh herbs on the tables. The restaurant chain celebrates its 13-year anniversary, continuing with the tradition of serving mouth-watering, authentic Italian food.

Vapiano opened its first restaurant in Germany in 2002 and, since then, the brand has grown from strength to strength. The chain now spans across five continents, 29 countries and boasts over 150 restaurants. Located in City Centre Bahrain, the Call 17 491-391. restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s informal ambiance enhances the overall dinging experience. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so popular, shoppers and mall visitors often take a break to stop and savour the sensational selection of wholesome food. The restaurant continues to deliver on its promise of quality ingredients and offers an outstanding range of fresh salads, pasta dishes, pizzas, antipastis and mouth-watering dolcis. A must try dish is ravioli di zucca, an aromatic pumpkin ravioli in sage-butter sauce with fresh pumpkin and grana padano cheese. All meals are made to order in the open Final-VAPIANO Bahrain This Month - october advert-125mm height kitchen, right in front of the customer. Favourite

x width 191mm.pdf

10/21/2015

3:24:30 PM

CMY

www.bahrainthismonth.com

November 2015 107

bystander

Chumpy’s Birthday

Chumpy & Sameer celebrated her birthday. Cutting of the cake

Malaysian Sporting Event

Sameer & Chumpy

The Malaysian 1st National Sports Day (Hari Sukan Negara) was held at Funland Bowling Centre.

Sameer, Ebrahim, Budoor, Doris, Adrian & Sunil

Lani & Lisa

Nor & HE Dato Ahmad Shahizan

Wipa & Anna

Lia & Dana

Women of Taste Maki Restaurant held a lunch gathering for the Women of taste group featuring an Akagome menu prepared by chef Louis Kenji Huang. Lia, chef & Amer

Daniel & Sherry

Charity Exhibition

Wendy & Charmaine

Jeanie & Novi

Fatema & Fareeda

Faten, Fatima & Lubna

Suran & Sue

‘Create Beautiful Things’ – an art upcycling exhibition-cum-showcase was held to raise funds for the Dreams society. The event, which was organised by Coca-Cola and various artists was inaugurated by HE William Roebuck, US Ambassador.

Duduzile, Jameel, Ann, HE William Roebuck, Taiba, Leila & Mohammed

108 November 2015

Diana, Jacqueline & Marian

Shahnaz with her creations

Guisse with her upcycled art

www.bahrainthismonth.com

dining CUCINA ITALIANA

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Cook-off

This eagerly anticipated annual event is back and orgainisers are hoping participants will have the recipe for success. Amateur chefs around the Kingdom are sharpening their tools and perfecting their recipes in preparation for the Cucina Italiana Master Chef challenge. The award-winning restaurant, located in Juffair, has already started with the registration process. A total of 36 contestants will battle it out for the coveted title early next year and the winner will get to don the Master Chef apron as well as walking away with array of great prizes. The winning dish will also be part of Cucina Italianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2016 menu. Starting with a series of elimination cook-offs, the competition will run January 17, 19, 24, 26, 31 and on February 2. The semi-finals and final will be held in February. These head-on challenges are designed to wean out the cooks and propel the potential chefs to the final round. Two winners from each of the six elimination rounds will compete in quarter finals, from www.bahrainthismonth.com

which the winners will progress to the semi-finals. The grand finale will see four contestants compete against each other and the clock. Last year Pete Lyons, general manager of Bahrain Family Leisure Company, hosted the event and kept everyone entertained with his quips. Friends and family of the contestants are encouraged to come along and cheer for the competitors. Participation in the Master Chef competition costs BD15. The event will be held every Sunday and Tuesday evening, starting from 5.30pm till 7pm. Call 17 001-317.

November 2015 109

dininghappenings

GRUB STREET From food promotions to seasonal bites and festive feasts, here’s the low down on what’s happening in the dining district this month.

FESTIVE BITES

Some of the best moments spent with family and loved ones are at the dinner table and, this month, the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa gives you many opportunities to do just that. Celebrate the festival of lights, Diwali, with a regal feast at Nirvana from November 11 to 13. Chef Mahipal and his culinary team have created a festive menu featuring a decadent selection of sub continental dishes. On November 26, La Med serves a Thanksgiving dinner, so you can enjoy your festive favourites without having to toil in the kitchen all day. Priced at BD18++, the menu includes a variety of traditional and contemporary fare. The restaurant also serves a Thanksgiving brunch the next day. The lavish buffet selection includes Turkey with a range of irresistible pies at the dessert bar. This is priced at BD35++. Call 17 586-499.

TASTE THE NEW

DINING DEAL At Ibis Seef Hotel, try out the special combo offer for lunch and dinner in Seef Restaurant. Choose any dish from the mains menu, and, for BD1 extra, enjoy it with a salad and soft drink. The restaurant offers preparations from around the globe in a casual and tranquil setting. The a la carte menu is available throughout the day and the daily chef’s special is something to look forward to. Call 17 386-020.

BENGALI FEAST One of the island’s most popular restaurants brings you the best of Bengal in a food festival that features the unique cuisine of the region. Every Thursday and Friday, throughout November, drop in to sample these eclectic flavours at Nattinpuram in Ramee Baisan Hotel. Call Call 17 290-600.

Experience a new range of Japanese winter dishes, called Nabemono at Bushido throughout November. Translated to “mixed cooking pot”, these warm and homely dishes include mixed broths and stews, prepared in a Japanese style. With a wide selection of ingredients and combinations, these dishes are quite versatile. Each individual dish is served in a traditional lidded clay pot. Call 17 583-555. 110 November 2015

When? Throughout November Event? New Menu Venue? Bushido Savour Japan’s popular winter dish from the Nabemono menu. E Call 17 583-555. When? Throughout November Event? New Menu Venue? Ramada Hotel Bahrain Try out a variety of chicken dishes at the hotel’s all-day-dining restaurant. E Call 17 742-000. When? Throughout November Event? Food festival Venue? Nattinpuram Sample a range of delicacies from Bengal at the famous restaurant. E Call 17 290-600. When? November 11 Event? Veteran’s Day Venue? Ric’s Kountry Kitchen Drop in for an unlimited supply of your favourite American food. E Call 17 725-550. When? Till November 13 Event? American Festival Venue? Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain Celebrate all things American, from food to jazz and Hollywood glamour. E Call 17 460-017.

Ramada Hotel Bahrain has introduced a new menu, featuring a host of chicken dishes in its all-day-dining restaurant, Le Jardin. Some of the preparations on offer include chicken salad with Thai dressing, barbeque chicken nachos, Thai chicken balls, chicken breast Vienna-style, Blanquette de Volaille and parmesan crusted chicken breast. Call 17 742-000.

FIT FOR THE SEASON

When? November 11- 13 Event? Diwali Promotion Venue? Nirvana, Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa Enjoy a host of Indian treats during the festival of lights. E Call 17 586-499.

When? Throughout November Event? Kids’ Brunch Venue? Prego, Royal Golf Club Bring your kids for the ultimate feast for BD6.5 net. E Call 17 751-263. When? November 27 Event? Thanksgiving Brunch Venue? La Med, Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa Enjoy a hearty brunch with all the festive must-haves. E Call 17 586-499. When? Throughout November Event? Food Promotion Venue? Soie Restaurant, Sheraton Bahrain Take advantage of a special combo meal promotion at the famous restaurant. E Call 17 533-533.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

SWEET SURPRISE

KOUNTRY CARNIVAL

One of Bahrain’s most popular quick service restaurants Dairy Queen (DQ) has introduced a new range of desserts. On the list of its top-selling items are now ice cream cakes. Available in a variety of flavours, you pick them up at the restaurant or have them delivered to a venue of your choice. Operating from seven outlets in the country, the company opened the very first DQ outlet in the region, in Salmaniya, Bahrain. Its blizzards and soft serves are an ideal accompaniment to the delicious grills and burgers. Call 17 273-494.

Ric’s Kountry Kitchen is hosting a Veteran’s Day on November 11, so drop in after 6pm for an unlimited supply of hamburgers, hotdogs and your favourite American grub along with selected beverages. The restaurant will also be serving a Thanksgiving buffet featuring a selection of traditional favourites on November 26. Call 17 725-550.

JAZZ ON THE MENU

The Royal Golf Club has relaunched its a la carte Friday brunch concept. Choose from a selection of tempting dishes while enjoying live contemporary jazz and blues music at Links Restaurant. It is priced at BD27. The club’s family-friendly restaurant, Prego, has introduced a Friday brunch especially for kids. It offers all their favourite dishes including pizzas, burgers and sausages as well as desserts like jelly, a candy buffet and a “build your own cup cake” station. It costs BD6.5 net per child and adults can order from the new a la carte menu. Call 17 751-263.

WINNING COMBINATION

POWER LUNCH Savour some creative Italian cuisine at Adliya’s plush eatery Oliveto during lunch hours. Priced at BD10++, BD13++ and BD15++ you can try a gourmet salad and pasta, a starter and a main course or a complete three-course meal respectively. Call 17 716-747.

Winning Combination Take advantage of Soie Chinese Restaurant at Sheraton Bahrain Hotel’s combo meal promotion, throughout the month. In addition to this, you can head to Al Safir restaurant for a traditional Thanksgiving lunch. The hotel also gives you the option of a take away turkey with trimmings, vegetables, sweet potatoes and natural jus starting from BD65++. Advance booking is highly recommended. Call 17 533-533. www.bahrainthismonth.com

November 2015 111

Happy Feet Pamper your feet with shoes that look stylish, without compromising on comfort. Soft Science shoes are specially designed to be ultra light, superbly cushioned, supportive and durable, at attractive prices. Also check out the other latest Jawad brand collections: Hush Puppies, CIRO, Skechers, Puma, FitFlop, Hotter, Jansport, Clarks, Reebok, Nike, Fila, Crocs and more. Available at Shoe Citi stores in City Centre Bahrain and at The Centre, Nwaidrat.

What’s New Edited by Apple Sharma

Colour Mania Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Enamel pairs base coat and colour in one combined formula for convenient, time-saving application. The formula contains optical brighteners for superior, vivid colour. Available in nine show-stopping shades. Available at all leading cosmetic stores.

Rediscovering Fashion The new Pull&Bear autumn/ winter season takes us on a journey through the most authentic streets in the world. The spirit of the 70s is the undisputed star of the new women's collections and the men's looks are characterised by a return to the brand's street feel. Available at Pull&Bear stores in Seef Mall and City Centre Bahrain.

Simple Yet Spontaneous A new women’s fragrance by Dsquared2, Want, captures the fascinating facets of a contemporary woman. Representing a kaleidoscope of contrasts, it expresses a femininity that is altogether gentle and strong, glamorous and edgy. Available at Wojooh, Saks Fifth Avenue, Debenhams and Paris Gallery.

112 November 2015

A Harmonious Blend The key to Diptyque Oud Palao lies in its diversity. It combines the signature scents of East and West – Bulgarian rose, Laotian oud, Indian cypriol, Sri Lankan sandalwood, Somalian olibanum, Madagascan vanilla, Spanish cistus and Indonesian patchouli. Available at Al Hawaj Seef Mall, Moda Mall and City Centre Bahrain. www.bahrainthismonth.com

marketplace VIVA

Leading Responsibly VIVA Jusoor - platinum sponsor of Good Word Society event

VIVA Jusoor blood donation camp

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is something that most companies strive for, but one telecom giant on the island has gone above and beyond to truly give back. VIVA Bahrain’s corporate social responsibility arm, VIVA Jusoor, continues to employ community development initiatives, which make up its core. It constantly engages in the socially impactful programmes that have assisted the company in creating a lasting bond with the wider community across the Kingdom. Recently, VIVA rolled out its Back to School initiative, which involved providing new backpacks for children. The school bags were distributed to 1,000 youngsters across Bahrain through charitable organisations and schools, enabling VIVA to assist in the academic development of underprivileged youth, equipping them for a better future. The company also distributed Eidiya (cash gifts to children) and school bags to more kids through its collaboration with the Royal Charity Organisation. To raise health awareness and honour cancer survivors, VIVA supported Bahrain’s Think Pink initiative by sponsoring its 2016 desktop calendar and hosting an awareness session at VIVA’s headquarters led by Julie Sprakel, founder of Think Pink, and Bahrain Cancer Society. VIVA also engaged in another health initiative which saw staff participating in a blood donation campaign organised jointly with Salmaniya Hospital. The event attracted huge www.bahrainthismonth.com

participation from VIVA employees and collected several units of blood in one day. The company has also extended support to the Good Word Society through its platinum sponsorship of the organisation’s Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa Award for Charity & Volunteer Work, awarded to companies which contribute to the enhancement of Bahrain’s social welfare. The telecom operator’s ongoing CSR initiatives and participation can be attributed to the trust and support of the local community, which is in line with its mission to “make a positive difference in the local community” by promoting a knowledge-based society.

VIVA Jusoor sponsors Think Pink desktop calendar

Visit www.viva.com.bh. VIVA Jusoor school bag donation at Royal Charity Organisation

November 2015 113

marketplace

THE CLOSETS INTERNATIONAL

Great Home Deals If you’re thinking of updating your home, this company has the best deals around throughout November. With The Closets International’s great value offers of up to 33 per cent discount, you can furnish your home with the very best and make the most of your space in any room with eye-catching, custommade designs to ensure maximum storage and minimum clutter. A company spokesman says: “The Closets is proud to be the sole provider of the first and the most substantial offer in the field of furnishing, thus when it comes to better value and quality, The Closets steps up.” The 33 per cent offer is made up of three sections: when purchasing four or more products, you will receive a full 33 per cent off. Choose just one item and you still get a discount of 22 per cent. And those who order any of the company’s kitchens will receive the full set of kitchen accessories as a free gift. The offer is valid throughout November and terms and conditions apply. Call 17 555-066. 114 November 2015

www.bahrainthismonth.com

JUNAID PERFUMES

Arabian Aromas

Nawaem

Take a journey into the world of exotic Arabian scents and make a statement as one of the oldest perfumers in the region launches its two new fragrances. Junaid Perfumes proudly presents two brand new additions to the vast array of perfumes in its collections. Nawaem The new and fresh Nawaem fragrance is a distinctive concept incorporating exciting Arabian and Western notes. This creative blend of extraordinary fresh and floral notes is inviting, soft and sensual. It opens on a note of lotus blossom and luscious pear, flows into floral jasmine and delicate tube rose, ending on a bed of lingering sandalwood and earthy musk. Brought to life in its delicate droplet-shaped bottle, the exotic Nawaem is truly an explosion of delightful scents that will engulf your spirit with sensual femininity. Priced at BD6, Nawaem is available at all Junaid Perfumes outlets. Athar Junaid Perfumes takes you on a spicy journey with its newly launched menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oriental fragrance, Athar. It has an elegant feel and depth as it unlocks a fresh zesty citrus that rounds off with sweet and intense pepper and closes on the soft and mesmerising musk. The bottleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s silver icicle form with silver steel additions defines not just the fragrance, but also the individual wearing it - bold, refined and sophisticated. Athar is priced at BD6 for the 100ml bottle and is available at all Junaid Perfumes outlets in the region. Call 17 737-007. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Athar

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marketplace

bystander

Chaine Des Rotisseurs The Domain Hotel and Spa hosted a dinner for the members of Chaine Des Rotisseurs at the Le Sauvage Restaurant. Tawfiq, Abdulrahman & Dr Stan

Neman Abdulla, Chancelier Chaine Des Rotisseurs Bahrain, awards Stephen Daniel, assistant general manager, The Domain Hotel and Spa.

Betsy & Tony

INTERCOL

Ann, Reynold, Karen & Roland

Badriya

Mineralise Your Life The sun shines all year long in the Kingdom and temperatures often reach soaring heights. This means staying hydrated is vital to a healthy life.

Uncorked

Cellar 59 hosted an Uncorked night of swirling and sipping beverages.

Basil, Gordon & Yousif

Daniel, Barbara & Nizar

Shiva, Nilanta & Larsden

Faten, Elizma & Alexia

Vinita, Archana, Anu & Preeti

116 November 2015

Elaine & Adrian

Today, the demand for safe, refreshing and healthy water sources is as high as ever and consumers always tend to look for a brand that they can trust. Gerolsteiner’s unique mineral composition and its subsequent refreshing taste has made it a popular mineral water — at home and abroad. Gerolsteiner was first shipped to the USA in 1890 and 1895 marked the start of international trade with Australia. Today, more than 125 years after its foundation, Gerolsteiner is widely enjoyed around the globe and, thanks to its low sodium content, it is suitable for those on a restricted sodium diet. It has 885mg of minerals per litre — more than most other waters. Due to its well-balanced levels of minerals with calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate, which play a role in its clean and refreshing taste. It is one of Germany’s most popular mineral waters and is also the number one brand of sparkling mineral water in the world, the company says. The secret of its success lies in its unique volcanic origin. It provides 1/3 of the daily calcium requirement and 1/4 of the daily magnesium requirement. International Agencies Co. Ltd (Intercol) is the exclusive distributor of Gerolsteiner Sparkling and Naturell Mineral Water in Bahrain, which are available in glass bottles and PET bottles of 1-litre and 0.5-litre varieties. Call 17 727-600 or 32 165-620 for hotel and restaurant enquiries. www.bahrainthismonth.com

AMERICAN BEDS

Sleep Comfortably Forever! A good night’s sleep starts with a good mattress — it’s one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make, so try before you buy it! If you’re having problems sleeping at night, then take a good look at your mattress as this could very well be a cause of your discomfort. Investing in a good mattress should take utmost priority as we spend a good deal of our lives in bed and a continuous lack of sleep may lead to chronic illnesses such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart disease and even stroke. A good mattress should address a number of issues effectively, such as keeping you cool. You feel warmer at night as you continue to sink into the mattress and if the mattress doesn’t help disperse the heat, then that could wake you up and lead to disturbed sleep. It should also be able to support the curves of your body without putting a lot of pressure on different areas. Mattresses that fail to do this effectively, can ultimately lead to back problems as well as muscle and neck aches, especially softer mattresses that fail to provide the necessary support to keep the body’s joints in a natural posture. American Beds, the exclusive supplier of Restonic mattresses, understands this all too well and guarantees there’s a right bed waiting for you! The company also has a wide selection of luxurious bed sets and a fantastic variety of the highest quality pillows, duvets, mattress toppers and bed linen, to complete the experience of the most comfortable sleep ever.

Latex Support

Thermo Map

Visit American Beds, where the dedicated and highly trained “sleep specialists” offer you the best advice, service, value and prices. Call 17 213-995 or email info@americanbeds.com.

Dandiya Celebration

The Indian Ladies Association held its annual Dandiya Beats at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain.

HE Alok Kumar Sinha lights the traditional lamp

Ritz Beach Party The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa held its first beach party for breast cancer awareness in support of Think Pink. Ladies wearing a touch of pink

DJ Sami

Daniela & Bee

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Tina, Lorraine & Sue

Deepa, Shubhangi, Vidya, Meena, Amita & Sandhya

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marketplace

Stellar band at Kabayanz

RAMEE ROSE

Let Me Entertain You The latest addition to Juffair’s skyline, this hotel offers a variety of entertainment options to keep the island’s partygoers happy.

Ramee Rose Hotel, already making waves post a smashing launch last month, offers world-class facilities to its guests. In addition to offering state-ofthe-art facilities to the residents, the hotel boasts specialised F&B outlets and a host of late night entertainment venues. Takasim: Located on the first floor, this joint is on its way to becoming one of the most popular Arabic specialty restaurants in Bahrain. Offering a beautiful blend of live performances, gourmet cuisine and fine beverages, it is an ideal venue to enjoy an evening with friends and work mates alike. It opens from 9pm to 2am. Kabayanz: Take a culinary journey across the Philippines at this restaurant, where you can indulge in traditional Filipino fare while enjoying the foottapping tunes of an in-house band and DJ. With an air energised with great music and tantalising fare to go along with it, the venue gets you in the mood for a memorable night. Club XS: True to its name, the club provides an overdose of great fun and music for those who work hard and party harder. Partyholics can look forward to

118 November 2015

non-stop music from in-house DJ Rodney James. Also a producer, he has brought much energy and excitement to venues around the world including the Ministry of Sound in London. Club XS also hosts special events on every weekend featuring local and international celebrity DJs. Every Friday is High Heels night for ladies. If all this revelry leaves you tired, you can head to the hotel’s state-of-the-art spa, Reborn. Relax in its tranquil environs and rejuvenate your senses by indulging in a variety of exotic spa rituals. It opens from 10am to 11pm. Call 17 616-167. www.bahrainthismonth.com

marketplace HUAWEI

That’s The Power of Touch! A leading Chinese multinational has unveiled its latest flagship devices — the Mate S and W1 Watch. Huawei is aiming to impress with its latest offerings, a double whammy of hi-tech gadgetry that proves this manufacturer means business. Inspired by the power of design and technology, the Huawei Mate S opens up a new world of possibilities. Combining beauty with interactivity, this is a smartphone made to move all the senses. With the next generation of interactive touch, it takes the relationship between you and your smartphone to the next level. Now touch becomes much more than a way of operating — it becomes a way of connecting. Sandeep Saihgal, Middle East vice president of Huawei Consumer Business Group says: “In designing the Huawei Mate S, we wanted to develop a smartphone that offers a personalised experience with the power of touch. We took a revolutionary approach and reimagined how people interact with their devices, adding innovative features that enhance ease of use, functionality and creativity.”

Huawei Mate S Fingerprint

Huawei Mate S Knuckle

Photos can be quickly previewed and enlarged by pressing the screen with one finger; a streamlining of the operations of a traditional phone. Earlier this month at the IFA technology show in Berlin, Huawei revealed a new pressure-sensitive technology, which can be used to weigh small objects. Huawei cleverly did this by placing an orange on the screen, with the Mate S revealing its weight of 280g.

Huawei Mate S Flat

The phone is equipped with Fingerprint 2.0, an upgraded version of the advanced chip level security and one-key unlock technology in the Huawei Mate 7. Fingerprint 2.0 improves recognition speeds by 100 per cent, with more accurate self-learning functions. It can also be used to control the notification bar, double-click to erase unread notifications, slide to preview pictures, and hold and take phone calls. All of these options improve the one hand operation of the phone. Fingerprint 2.0 and Knuckle Control 2.0 simplify how users switch between app operations and take screenshots. The features offer users a new way to interact with their phone: drawing a “C” with their knuckle activates a camera, while double-clicking the screen with a knuckle records the screen in the form of a video. With these options, every type of touch provides an opportunity to be innovative. The Huawei Mate S features a 2.5D floating screen that is 139millimetres long and 7.2mm thick, with side edges that are just 2.65 mm. The curved 120 November 2015

www.bahrainthismonth.com

back cover features a laminated ladder battery and a staggered height printer circuit-board layout design. Additional cutting-edge technology, including diamond cutting, CNC carving, nanotechnology and a sapphire camera are part of the phone’s seamless metal body. The 13MP rear camera features an RGBW sensor, optical image stabiliser, dual colour-temp LED flash lights and independent image signal processor camera units, which combine to capture higher-quality pictures faster. The professional camera mode allows manual adjustment for ISO, exposure compensation, exposure time, white balance and focusing, and functions such as the grid, and flash-assisted focusing. The real-time blackand-white filter mode provides multiple levels of density and real-time intensity adjustment. The times are changing and so is the watchmaking industry. Gone are the days of analogue timepieces — make way for the next digital revolution. The company continues to break new ground in the wearables space with the Huawei Watch, powered by Android Wear and IOS. The circular device features a 35mm touch-sensitive AMOLED display, scratch-proof sapphire crystal lens, cold-forged stainless steel frame and comes with a builtin heart rate monitor and six-Axis motion sensors. “With the launch of the Huawei Watch, we have created a bespoke timepiece that expresses consumers’ varied preferences in technology, fashion and lifestyles, whilst maintaining technological innovation,” says Sandeep. The Huawei Watch comes in three colours: gold, silver and black. Designed with personalisation in mind, more than 40 unique watch faces will be available to choose from, plus a range of straps made from different materials. As an added bonus, the watch will come with a magnetic charging station for the user’s benefit. Powered by Android Wear, receiving SMS, email, calendar, app and phone call notifications has never been easier or more convenient. Compatible with smartphones running Android 4.3 or higher, the Huawei Watch includes 4GB of storage, 512MB of RAM and Bluetooth 4.1. For the sports enthusiast, or those interested in tracking fitness levels, this timepiece features a heart rate monitor sensor, six-Axis motion sensor and barometer sensor that automatically detects and tracks in real-time if a user is

walking, running, biking, hiking or sleeping. Specifically, users can monitor everything from the number of calories burned to heart rate, climbing height, steps taken and distance travelled. The Huawei Mate S and the Huawei Watch are now available from selected retail outlets across the region.

Huawei Smart Watch Metal Strap

Huawei Smart Watch

www.bahrainthismonth.com

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marketplace

Mark Fagan

THE DOMAIN HOTEL & SPA

Making His Mark! The youngest and most popular five-star boutique hotel in the Kingdom welcomes a new food and beverage director.

Having worked in Oman for four years before coming to Bahrain, he is familiar with the region, its culture and customs. However, he says the level of warmth and hospitality he has seen in the Kingdom amazes him. “My general interaction with everyone I’ve met has been great, be it at work or outside,” he says. Wasting no time rolling up his sleeves and getting to work, Mark is keen to put the word out about the world-class property, particularly its F&B venues, which he hopes will appeal to his target audience, expats and Bahraini’s alike. And, there’s certainly a long list of things to add to. The expansive and chic property is renowned for its sensational city views of the Manama skyline, which can be seen from all of its dining and entertainment venues. The Domain has a wide selection of awardwinning eateries and bars perched on top of this towering hotel, notably Imari, authentic Japanese, Le Domain and Le Sauvage, steakhouse and French Mediterranean, Figs and Olives, Arabic and Lebanese and the Sky Lounge, Txoko. “I like to call it the bar close to the stars,” Mark says. “During the sunset, it’s an absolutely magical view. There’s a really special space inside these walls and we want more people to experience it.” Mark hints that guests will have plenty to look forward to in the coming months at the glamorous 36-storey boutique hotel, Bahrain’s best kept secret! Call 16 000-000 for reservations.

Mark Fagan has firmly stepped into his role as director of F&B at The Domain Hotel & Spa, one of the Kingdom’s most chic, luxury five-star properties. Having only spent a few weeks in the country, he already feels at home and is confident he can add to the property’s success. “My first impression of the hotel was wow,” he says. “You can only research so much about a property through the Internet and via news clippings, but until you walk through the front door, you cannot imagine what’s inside.” Figs and Olives

Imari

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Txoko

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Kalpana & Sarada

Snehal, Harsha & Shantini

Nivedita

Shalini

Nalini

Sunita

Florine

Ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Evening Asha Shetty hosted a ladies evening at La Patisserie, Ramee Rose Hotel, Juffair. Asha & Mamta

Asha & Nor

Football Tournament

Falghuni

Dr Razi

The United Goans Ladies Squad hosted the 7-A-Side Goan Football Tournament in Gudaibiya.

The organising committee

124 November 2015

Nada

Leslie, Eusepio & Desmond

Jimmy, Peter & Clinton

www.bahrainthismonth.com

marketplace MARAFIE SKIN AND LASER CLINIC

Online Booking and Payment Services

One of the Kingdom’s leading skin clinics has signed a deal to expedite online appointment booking and payment services. Marafie Skin and Laser Clinic and CrediMax have formed a partnership that aims to make life easier for the clinic’s visitors. Hanan Abdulwahed Marafie, head of the Marafie Clinic for Dermatology and Laser, signed the agreement alongside CrediMax senior manager and head of Merchant Services & Sales, Amira Ismail, and Ali AlMeshal, Merchant E-Business manager, Merchant Services and Sales. Dr Marafie says: “We wanted to celebrate our 10 year anniversary with our patients in our own way. “Signing this agreement will provide a great advantage as Marafie Clinic is the first dermatology and laser specialised clinic to launch online appointment booking and payment services from Kingdom. “The online payment process is considered the most convenient and preferred system to a

www.bahrainthismonth.com

large number of people. It also provides an added advantage of being able to book appointments online without having to call or visit the clinic.” The clinic aims to provide the best services

and offers to its clients inside and outside of the Kingdom. Call Marafie Clinic for Dermatology and Laser in Sanabis: 17 585 373, Busaiteen: 17 333071, or visit www.marafieclinic.com.

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DIPLOMAT RADISSON BLU HOTEL, RESIDENCE & SPA BAHRAIN

Standing Together for a Cause A premier hospitality land mark shows its socially responsible side by raising cancer awareness.

126 November 2015

Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa has been part of Bahrain’s urban topography for over three decades. This property, located in the Diplomatic Area, is a 367-room, five-star hotel that caters to all market segments, but is particularly popular with business and conference travellers. The hotel has always worked closely with the community and takes corporate social responsibility very seriously. Its charitable character comes to light time and again via various community programmes throughout the year. October is recognised as the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Diplomat’s staff came together to raise awareness about the issue. For an entire week, members of the management and staff put on pink ribbons in support of this cause,

underling the fact that increased awareness ultimately leads to an increased chance of survival. The hotel’s general manager, Panos Panagis, addressed the staff and thanked them for participating. “Your presence demonstrates your commitment and dedication to the global fight against breast cancer. We were not to meet here today hadn’t it been for your faith in this cause, and that our meetings can make a difference,” he says. He also emphasised upon the fact that no effort is small and every small step together amounts to a significant difference. “Let us respond to it with willpower, strength and faith, and provide support for each woman to conquer her fears with hope,” he says. Call 17 312-700.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE Sunday, 6th December 2015 Join us for an unforgettable start to the Festive season and sing along to your favourite carols. Spend a day of Joy and let your children have fun with the Gingerbread House Decoration Competition for BD10++. Take part in our festive season activities from 4pm to 7pm

For more information please call +973 39 945 208 info.diplomat@radissonblu.com The.Diplomat.Radisson.Blu

RBlu_Bahrain

diplomatradissonblu

bystander

OTHER EVENTS

Chef Alexandra hosted a Parisian cooking class at Jawad Supermarket, Jawad Dome, Barbar. At the event were Abbas Hussain, Christopher Mariot, Kareem Jawad, Sophia Jawad, chef Alexandra, HE Bernard Régnauld-Fabre, Amir Jawad & Zainab Jawad.

Bin Hindi Informatics and Samsung Gulf Electronics opened a new Samsung Customer Service Plaza in Riffa.

Azadea Group’s, PAUL Bakery & Restaurant, in collaboration with Hope Centre, hosted a group of special needs and underprivileged children at its outlet in Seef Mall as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts.

House of Travel hosted a group of Russian tour operators who were on a five-day visit to Bahrain.

Kanoo Paint Centre held a press meet to celebrate 15 years of partnership with Kansai Paint.

Ballare Performing Arts held its IDTA annual ceremony for students.

128 November 2015

HE William Roebuck, US Ambassador, opened the US university fair at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel.

The Domain Hotel & Spa honoured its employees with the D’Star of the month.

The One held a press preview to launch its autumn collection.

Advanced Bakery Solutions hosted a chef’s’ breakfast at re Asian Cuisine, Four Seasons Bahrain Bay, to present the latest products from Valrhona specially prepared by Wolfgang Puck’s executive pastry chef, Pierre Chambon.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

marketplace

SEVEN LEISURE

Set Sail for Serenity If you’re looking for a unique hotel that truly stands out from the crowd, this one is sure to make a splash.

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Seven Leisure Group has given the island some of its most iconic dining and entertainment venues such as Coral Bay, Camelot Restaurant & Lounge and JJ’s Irish Restaurant & Pub. The company now adds another stellar property to its portfolio in the form of Bahrain’s first floating hotel — C Hotel, part of the chain Hotel de Charme. “The idea came to me when I was visiting Amsterdam in Holland five years ago. I visited a luxurious floating hotel which had only eight rooms,” says Seven Leisure Group’s chairman, Akram Miknas. “A few months ago I bought a large boat and got the right team together to transform it into a house of supreme luxury.” This five-star facility, which is docked at Coral Bay, has 14 luxurious rooms that exude comfort; 12 of these are standard rooms and there are two suites. Standard rooms feature a dining area, a big-screen TV, writing desk and integrated smart technologies, among other amenities. “It is a small hotel, that’s why it is classified as a boutique,” Akram explains. “It is built along the lines of small hotels one finds around the countryside in the UK, France and Italy where, in many cases, they have four to a maximum of eight rooms.” Since C hotel is docked at Coral Bay, guests have access to the beach club’s outstanding services, which include a state-of-the-art fitness club, an infinity pool and a white-sand beach where you can tan yourself and enjoy watersport activities.

The hotel boasts a number of F&B outlets including Rayes Restaurant and Lounge, a Lebanese venue offering absolutely authentic fare. If you are looking to just laze under the sun and enjoy the water, Karma Lounge serves up a wide range of drinks and light bites. And, if you do not wish to get off your floating abode, the two outlets also provide room service. Akram says: “On the hotel, there is a remarkable area — the deck called Stargazers. It will also have a breakfast room and a lounge but most of the facilities and restaurants, including gym, spa, etc., are on the mainland resort.” This unique venture promises an unparalleled experience — whether you want to host a party or enjoy a stay-cation that makes you feel like you are sailing away into the horizon. The C Hotel will be officially launched at the end of the month. Call 17 312-700. www.bahrainthismonth.com

marketplace K HOME & KITCHEN

Committed to Customers

This leading hospitality supplier in Bahrain, brings you a wealth of innovative products from brands which are well known in the international market. K Home & Kitchen provides complete solutions for hotel and restaurant owners/operators requiring commercial kitchens from initial

132 November 2015

design and equipment specification to supply, installation, commissioning, training and aftersales service. K Home & Kitchen’s commitment to customers goes beyond providing the industry’s leading assortment of operating supplies and equipment, which is the key strength of its business. The company

consistently sources the best products and continues to support the pace of progress by listening to its customers and doing whatever it takes to support their success. Reaching out to its retail clients, K Home & Kitchen makes its presence felt through all major hypermarkets/supermarkets in the Kingdom. It offers international brands such as Libbey-USA for glassware/bakeware, RCR-Italy for crystal glassware, Sola-Holland for cutlery, Casabriko-Italy for cloth care/cleaning supplies, Flameclub-Holland for gas lighters, Palo’s-Italy for n/s cookware and TrudeauCanada for home ware. International household brands such as 151 Products-UK for house ware, Corelle, Baker’s Secret and EKCO from the USA for dinnerware/ bakeware/kitchenware and knives will soon be added to its list. The sales team of K Home & Kitchen invites you to visit the showroom in Exhibition Road where you can find the latest products on display. Call 17 296-363.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

JOZ SALON & SPA

Massage Into Shape! body treatments over a period of three to four weeks for the best possible results. The process works best when combined with other slimming treatments offered by the salon. Inch Loss Body Wraps These body wraps are designed to work in conjunction with the G5 massage system and bodyshape products. The process allows an instant inch loss, as well as an improvement in skin elasticity and blood circulation. It incorporates a target-specific G5 massage either to the front or back of your body followed by a thermo pack to remove any unwanted toxins and fluid congestion. Cellulite Buster Expel toxins and burn calories by sweating it out in the steam room. After receiving a G5 massage all over, you are exposed to steam, helping you drift into relaxation whilst still burning calories and melting body fat.

Say goodbye to cellulite tablets, creams and other paraphernalia advertising miraculous results and say hello to a new bodycontouring treatment that has to be seen to be believed.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Massage those curves into shape as Joz Salon & Spa introduces an innovative G5 body-contouring treatment, the benefits of which can be seen from the very first go! The G5 massager can be used in a variety of applications, including stimulating the lymphatic system, which helps alleviate problems such as puffiness, fluid congestion and swelling. “G5 massage helps to reduce the appearance of lumpy and congested skin,” says Joz Salon & Spa’s slimming expert. “After a G5 session your skin texture and appearance will be much smoother. G5 works best in conjunction with our additions, including inchloss body wraps, steam and thermodome.” The G5 works on breaking down fatty deposits and cellulite and dispersing this with excess fluid through the lymphatic system. This process allows an instant inch loss and a detox effect as well as an improvement in skin elasticity, collagen flow and blood circulation. Joz Salon & Spa uses its own “secret methods” for optimum results, which include a combination of slimming and draining cream, cellulite oil containing essential oils and a medium-high thermal gel. These products, used in all the G5 treatments, help to tone and firm the skin and reduce cellulite and fatty tissues, resulting in temporary but visible reduction in body measurements, making tight clothes feel more comfortable and wearable again. The salon recommends a package of six to 10 G5

Detox and G5 Treatment This detox treatment begins with an all over G5 massage targeting your specific trouble areas. The therma wrap is then pulled over you, covering you from neck to toe, for 20-30 minutes. This releases toxins, stimulates cellulite reduction and improves collagen and skin elasticity. As your body gently heats up, your fat starts to melt. Call 17 369-133 or 16 031-120 for consultations.

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marketplace JACADI PARIS

French Fashion for Kids Add a bit of flair to your youngster’s wardrobe and discover an enchanting universe as this French children’s specialist store opens its doors on the island. Newly-opened Jacadi Paris, located in Seef Mall, is an ambassador brand for high-end children’s fashion. A specialist in the world of childhood, Jacadi creations are aimed at perpetuating French elegance among children from birth to 12 years of age, with collections capturing everything from the tenderness of infancy to the essence of youth. An authentic and timeless children’s fashion brand, Jacadi looks to history to reinvent the present and recreate the best of our childhood. Jacadi is internationally renowned for its strong commitment to quality. The products’ exquisite fabrics, exclusive prints, refined materials, fresh colours and detailed finishes reflect the brand’s expertise in upscale craftsmanship. Jacadi shoe and furniture collections are manufactured in Europe

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according to traditional standards. With a high level of quality, the products are perfectly designed to serve the needs of growing children. With an emphasis on quality tailoring, fabrics and details, the brand extends across several categories: newborn baby gifts, layette sets, children’s wear, children’s shoes, nursery items

and a gift registry. With over 270 stores and three online shops, Jacadi’s expertise in the French tradition reaches more than 35 countries. Call 77 335-577, email jacadi@batelco.com. bh or follow Facebook: Jacadi Bahrain and Instagram: Jacadibh.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

The Vocalist Michelle, Lisa & Helen

The grand finale of the second season of The Vocalist singing competition took place at the Harvesters Pub, The Crowne Plaza Bahrain.

Kelly

Yana accompanied by back-up singers

A Pawsome Auction

The Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals held a brunch auction at the Movenpick Hotel Bahrain to raise funds for its shelter.

Abdul Rahman

Beverley & Shami

Diana, Letty & Cheryl Christine, John & Dr Amr

Daniel & Nizar

Marie, Kellie & Karime

Hayat, Ehab, Ebtisam & Maha

JFC Bahrain Amwaj is located

Programs

in Amwaj business park.

Personal Training - Insanity - Crossfit - Triathlon

Faith

Beach workout - Group Workout

Facilities Crossfit Box â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Gym For more info 33002592 - 7707220 @jfcbahrain www.jfcbahrain.com

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Open from Saturday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm November 2015 135

marketplace

PHOENICIA DÉCOR

Broaden Your Horizon Broaden your horizon into the world of interior decor as a brand new range of products hits the market and becomes available to you exclusively at this furnishing house. Phoenicia Décor has become a household name when it comes to superior quality furnishing products. Housing a variety of international names under its roof, the company has launched another new brand in its showroom — Terrablu.

136 November 2015

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Put your feet up and brighten up a dreary room with this super comfortable matching floral sofa and foot stool

Terrablu is a furniture and accessory manufacturer that produces fine furniture suitable for any home, hotel, beach resort, furnished apartment or restaurant. There is a wide range of options available for indoor or outdoor use with a great choice of materials to choose from, be it wood veneer, melamine, wicker rattan, aluminum, stainless steel or teak. All Terrablu goods are made using only the finest material and craftsmanship. The company also strives to meet the customer’s requirements by offering custommade furniture for retail shops, beach resorts, real estate projects or restaurants. With a plethora of products and a wide selection of designs to choose from, Terrablu stands true to its tagline — “the sky is not the limit, it’s just a view”. Terrablu bedroom and dining room collections, made of wood veneer and with updated designs, are now available at Phoenicia Décor in Seef, at attractive prices!

Dining Room Collections The dining room is one place where family and friends come together to enjoy a meal or break bread, as they say, so this room should most definitely have a warm and welcoming ambience. Get the look using wooden furniture with a modern twist that not only gives the room a rustic and cosy feel but also one that is contemporary and uber stylistic. Call 17 564-444.

Bedroom Collections Your bedroom should be a safe and comfortable haven that you can retreat to for some much-needed rest and relaxation. But comfort does not necessarily mean boring. Give your bedroom a modern and minimalist look with black and white or earthy shades. Add an element of individual style with one signature wall and, if you’re feeling a bit perkier, you can always freshen up the room with some colourful bedroom accessories in the shape of lamps and wall paintings. www.bahrainthismonth.com

November 2015 137

marketplace RAMADA HOTEL BAHRAIN

Looking Ahead

A business and tourist hub in the Middle East, Bahrain offers world-class hospitality for all budgets. Being a forerunner in the industry, this hotel gears up for another promising business year. Located not far from Adliya’s café and boutique restaurant district, Ramada Hotel, has enjoyed a loyal customer base for many years. General manager Matthias Hellweg, who started the hotel’s refurbishment process last year, is optimistic about the country’s business and leisure tourism. “The country has always enjoyed a steady influx of visitors, even when the economy had slowed down,” he says. “Now, with more stability in the marketplace new properties are opening their doors and many big brands have forayed into the hospitality sector.” An industry veteran, Matthias has worked across Europe and the GCC for 26 years and brings his wealth of experience to Ramada Hotel Bahrain. He believes the best is yet to come for Kingdom and says that Bahrain will be a trendsetter thanks to events like Jewellery Arabia and the the travel expo. “The responsible bodies have recognised the importance of building diverse infrastructure to maintain and consolidate a firm and durable growth in tourism,” he says. “Until a few years ago, travel agents were the main players in tourism. Today, it’s all been shifted online and directly onto your phone. The online travel agents and wholesalers have completely changed the way hotel rooms are marketed, sold and consumed.” He also notes that in times of instant customer feedback and viral communication, all service providers and especially the hospitality industry have to really be on top of their game. “Ramada Bahrain’s guest country statistics read like the United Nations General Assembly, almost all nationalities have been hosted by us,” he says. With an increasing number of tourists entering the country each year, Matthias says the country and Ramada Hotel Bahrain are ready play the perfect host. “Bahrain’s hotel industry is ready, willing and able for double the amount of travellers received last year,” he adds. “The infrastructure supports all levels of travellers, from budget to luxury, and the extension of the airport will further allow Bahrain to be ready for the next generation of corporate and leisure travellers.” Call 17 742 000.

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www.bahrainthismonth.com

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FROM A SINGLE BRICK IN 1991... WE HAVE GROWN INTO A HOUSE

marketplacebusinessbites

Meet the Big Boys

HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa the Prime Minister at last year’s show

Highlighting Kingdom as a Real Estate Hub The Gulf Property Show (GPS) has grown year-on-year by more than 48 per cent since its launch. The next edition of the boutique showcase for real estate and property developments, is set to take place from April 26-28, 2016 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIECC). The event showcases commercial and residential real estate developments in Bahrain, the GCC, Turkey, USA, UK and Europe to a targeted audience of investors. “The growth of the GPS over three years has firmly established the show and Bahrain as an important real estate trading hub,” says Jubran Abdulrahman, managing director of organiser Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE)

In the world of business, the playing field is often composed of big corporates and small and medium enterprises (SME’s) which often find it hard to not only survive but to access opportunities to succeed. With this in mind, under the patronage of Khalid Almoayyed, chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), the SME Committee has charted an event that will help stimulate growth for the private sector, showcase potential and create business opportunities for small entrepreneurs. The event, SME Majlis (B2B — Meet The Big Boys) will be a conduit between large corporates and institutions and the Kingdom’s SMEs. It aims to bolster ties, offer SMEs support and encourage partnerships beneficial to all involved. SME Committee chairman, Mohammed Farouk Almoayyed, says: “Local SMEs have always been a pillar of Bahrain’s economy, while their products and services have continuously been adding value to larger institutions, whether in the areas of enhancing efficiency, reducing costs or introducing new innovative methodologies to benefit larger private and public sector establishments. This event will help these SMEs to further benefit from having the endorsement of a prominent institution.” Each corporate will be assigned its own majlis wherein the prematched SMEs and the larger businesses can discuss various commercial possibilities giving the smaller operations the chance to pitch products and services while their larger colleagues have the opportunity to evaluate new innovations. The event will be held at the BCCI headquarters in Sanabis on Sunday, December 6, between 9.30am and 2pm. Hameed Fakhro, Ahmed Aldailami & Mohammed Almoayyed

The 2015 show was attended by 7,200 unique registered visitors who ensured that many developers left the event with sold-out developments “The 2015 Gulf Property Show was considered by many of our exhibitors to be a business success. One exhibitor sold 24 pieces of land during the three days of the exhibition, while other developers completely sold out the project on display,” adds Ahmed Suleiman, HCE exhibition director. The event, which takes place alongside additional major exhibitions gulf BID and Gulf Interiors, has the strategic sponsorship of Diyaar Al Muharraq and Manara Developments and the support of the Bahrain Property Developers Association.

Bahrain to Host Women’s Business Summit Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Development Society is organising the (Active Leaders for Women’s Advancement in the Near East) ALWANE Third Regional Summit which will be held on December 8-9 under the patronage of HE Zayed R Al Zayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism. Society chairman, Ahmad Al Saloom, says: “This summit is a very important initiative towards enabling women economically and raising awareness in the community about women-related issues. Such events are in line with the society’s goals which focus on enabling women and 140 November 2015

creating business growth opportunities.” Society secretary, Ammar Awachi, adds: “The ALWANE summit will invite participants from 17 different countries in the Middle East and North Africa to contribute positively to Bahrain’s economy by spreading awareness among participants and demonstrating business facilities in the Kingdom. “It will create a unique platform for women entrepreneurs to explore and exchange business ideas and experiences in order to support women.” www.bahrainthismonth.com

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4. November 2015 141

tarotscope

SCORPIO

Oct 22 – Nov 21

November promises to be an odd month for your sign as you wrestle with many doubts over your own abilities, present in no small part because of certain setbacks you have suffered, both professionally and emotionally. On the work front, you are finding that changing the direction of your career is a difficult and indeed draining process and you may very well have to set yourself a deadline before you reconsider your current course of action. On the relationship front, a barren spell is starting to knock your confidence; however, you don’t need to get down about this. Your destiny is in your own hands and the right person is a lot closer than you realise.. Card of the Month — The Ace Of Coins For a detailed, personalised Tarotscope reading, contact Raphael by email: raphael@tarotscope.org.uk

SAGITTARIUS November 22 – December 21 Humility is the order of the day for your sign as some of you could be heading to a fall because of overconfidence and even – dare I say it – slight arrogance. There is nothing wrong with being positive and assured in your own abilities, but when matters are taken beyond that point it becomes offensive to others. Try to take your friends and family into consideration and think about the feelings of those closest to you. You might find November to be a lonely month, especially if it is a time when you celebrate your birthday. Card of the Month — The Hanged Man

CAPRICORN December 22 – January 21 On occasions, your sign can prove difficult company to keep, especially when your infamous moody side comes to the fore. This month someone in your close circle is going to challenge you and the outcome of this confrontation will prove decisive in the long-term relationship you are set to share. Whilst the other person is likely to be in the wrong, you should consider carefully where your own actions are likely to lead. Sometimes it is best to show the other cheek and treat someone with humility and kindness rather than bitterness and anger. If you dig your heels in – as is your nature – then it could be to your detriment in the long run. Principles are only worth upholding when they have merit. Card of the Month — The Star 142 November 2015

AQUARIUS January 21 – February 20 There is no doubting that someone of elegance and sophistication is about to make an entrance into your social circle and change things for you in dramatic fashion. If you are involved in a relationship then it could be time to reassess where you are and what you want because this person is sure to make you question the status quo. If you are single then you could be about to embark upon the greatest experience of your life. It really promises to be that sensational! Card of the Month — The Ten Of Swords

PISCES February 21 – March 20 Your sign is going to embark upon an exciting new business deal this month, as plans sketched out earlier in the year finally become a reality. Things are likely to move very quickly and you may be surprised at the amount of work you initially need to do but then no one said it would be easy! On the romance front a long-term relationship is feeling a little tired and you may want to consider spicing up your love life or risk losing what was once very important to you. Card of the Month — The High Priestess

ARIES March 21 – April 20 Money and travel are two key features of your life this month and both offer favourable outcomes that will continue to bring rewards well into December and the New Year. The principal reason for your success will be down to co-ordination and you can take great satisfaction that everything will work out as you had intended, something you can take full credit for. Yours is the sign of the leader and taking the initiative is something you are good at, so don’t be afraid to exert your influence where required. Card of the Month — The World

TAURUS Apr 21 – May 20 You can look back on the year and celebrate the fact that, in all honesty, you have enjoyed a prosperous and successful time. This is due in no small part to your own hard work and effort. As long as you continue to focus and retain commitment, things are sure to continue as they have for you in this area. Furthermore, don’t be afraid to try out some alternative plans of action and build on your achievements. At the moment you are on such a hot streak that there are no limitations on what you might achieve. Card of the Month — The King Of Coins GEMINI May 21 – June 20 Sound business sense will see you go far this month. Following on from the formation of a new partnership, you will be excited by the opportunities that are on show for you. This new union has opened many doors and the potential for expansion and financial rewards remains significant. On the relationship front, you need to temper your desires after your association with a work colleague develops into something more serious. There is no doubting that an attraction exists between the two of you but this could be a dangerous liaison and one you really need to weigh up carefully. Card of the Month — The Eight Of Cups www.bahrainthismonth.com

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CANCER June 21 – July 20 Romantically, things are not the way you would like them this month and the time may have come to do something about it. Yours is a sign that can sometimes create a love in your mind that is leagues away from the reality of a situation. Be honest about matters and it will prove much easier to tackle them. On the work front, a struggling business needs new ideas and you would do well to investigate unorthodox solutions as a means of getting an operation back on track. Card of the Month — The Emperor

LEO July 21 – August 21 Those of you who have been involved in any kind of building or development work, either at home or at work, are likely to be at your wits’ end. By the time you read this, you’ll have to face issues with contractors and generally poor workmanship that has seen the project overrun its timeline. Fortunately, the worst of this fiasco is probably behind you but there could still be a sting in the tail with legal matters if you decide to pursue some kind of recourse. You have got yourself involved with some ‘slippery’ fellows and justice might be an expensive exercise. Card of the Month — The Hermit

VIRGO August 22 – September 21 After a difficult few months financially, things are set to improve as we head towards the close of the year. This is down to a combination of things but in no small part because of your own efforts to tighten the purse strings and moderate your outgoings. The good news is that the worst of it is now behind you. However, on the work front, certain changes to personnel and procedures could lead to your role being more complicated going forward and you should not be afraid to speak out if you have a grievance. Card of the Month — The Two Of Cups

LIBRA September 22 – October 21 Last month was a good one for you, but that’s because this is the period when your sign can potentially do best. November is going to offer up a slightly mixed bag of successes as certain challenges are thrown in your path. How you deal with them will go a long way to determining whether you end 2015 on a high note or not. In truth, you may find you have calculated certain financial estimates incorrectly and now you are going to have to reassess the resources at your disposal. Card of the Month — The Queen Of Swords

Ryan Reynolds

Bill Gates

Katy Perry

FAMOUS SCORPIO THIS MONTH

Ebrahim K. Kanoo (Motor City:Ssangyong) . 73

Baraka Sports (Jacadi) . . . . . . . . . . . 134

Ebrahim K. Kanoo (Motor City:Volvo) . 23

Financial Institutions

Jawad Business Group (JAC) . . . . . . 75

BBK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Home & Furnishing American Beds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Phoenicia Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 The Closets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Hotels & Serviced Residences Atiram Hotels (Premier Hotel) . . . . . 105 Chic & Unique Hotel Group (The Domain Bahrain) . 123 Fraser Suites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Ramada Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Ramee California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Ramee Palace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Ramee Rose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel . . 127 The Gulf Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Jewellery & Watches Al-Sarraj Jewellers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Asia Jewellers (Cartier) . . . . . . . . . . . BC Asia Jewellers (Panerai) . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Bahrain Jewellery Centre (Patek Philippe) . 2,3 Kooheji Jewellery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,5 Sharif Group (Alpina) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Euro Motors (BMW) . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC,1

Others Al Ghalia Co. (Dessange) . . . . . . . . . IBC Al Rashid Group (Beat Diabete 2015) . 47 Bahrain International Circuit . . . . . . . 13 Emirates Group (Emirates Airlines) . 15 Intercol:IAA (Gerolsteiner) . . . . . . . . . 21 Joz Salon & Spa (Toni&Guy Hairdressing) . 27 Juffair Fitness Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 K Home & Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Lulu Hypermarket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Martial Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Primedia International . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Punchline Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Seven Leisure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Syed Junaid Alam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 The British Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Restaurants & Cafés Brazil Grill Co. Ltd (Bambu!) . . . . . . . 104 Casa Mexicana Restaurant . . . . . . . 103 Crust & Crema . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Cucina Italiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Kei Japanese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Lanterns Lounge & Restaurant (Little Chef) . 97 Maki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Medical & Dental Services

Oliveto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Ibn Rushud Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Marafie Skin & Laser Clinic . . . . . . . 125

Upstairs Downstairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Motoring Al Haddad Motors (Mercedes-Benz) 69 Almoayyed Motors (Ford) . . . . . . . . . . 71

T.G.I.Friday’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Vapiano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Telecommunications Viva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

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

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

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

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

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

www.bahrainthismonth.com

November 2015 143

Last word

The Old Man’s Rant GEG HOPKINS

Jeremy Corbyn

Hollywood to the British Bombastic Service, vehemently deny that sex and violence on our screens influence the public in any way. “We are all far too intelligent for that.” What a crock! Then why do politicians use the media to campaign? How on Earth did Che Guevara protégé Jeremy Corbyn get elected then? Maybe he is a murdering psychopath just like Guervara that millions sickly worship. Unless another Illuminati conspiracy, what could have influenced this catastrophic debacle? It is all media sensation! Let’s vote for anyone called Jeremy, after the relentless media coverage of Jeremy Clarkson, who is more famous than world wars or the Titanic? Guffaw all you like; this clan of pseudo Marxists in the vast media beyond, along with the well-worn BBC sphincters, are twitching nervously, fearing that Donald Trump might get elected too. Don’t be surprised if the Democrats seriously consider putting blissfully unaware Republican Kim Kardashian up to counter. Corbyn is living proof that suicide is fashionable. “Is that a nuclear deterrent in your pocket or are you having an election?” said the urologist. Furthermore, it could have been Tony Blair in a David Cameron mask making the speech at the recent Conservative Conference, demonising both left and right. They all cave in to their massive egos and the vote. Will the real Slim Shady please stand up? Decent people have lost their way, swamped by a minority of massively egotistical deviants who patronise and oppress the majority, turning political correctness into a religion of force as they control governments and the entire media. Meanwhile, Edmund Burke’s sad lot sat back and did nothing. (Burke apparently didn’t say it either, but we must have heroes.) Feeling had yet? Sardonic at best, having been likened to Jeremy Clarkson in many more physical ways than just gob, regally speaking, one should ascertain whether or not one believes everything one writes, or if one does it purely to get up one’s nose – are ‘YOU’ the chosen ‘ONE’ this month? But seriously, with several reports of the last page of this very magazine mysteriously disappearing at letterboxes, one suspects a BBC fatwa is at play. Just in case the CIA or GCHQ get wind of this article and decide to deploy the vanishing cream, let’s add an ‘elephant to the room’. 144 November 2015

To reiterate, the BBC is one great big cottage industry discriminately recruiting the likeminded. You are highly unlikely to get a job with this bastion of agenda unless you teasingly speak with a ‘lisp’ off microphone or are a member of the fur trade. Broadcast media in particular are rife with this out-of-control ‘control’ all across the European Union; dictated to by the leastpurchased paper of all, the piddly Guardian, which endlessly pouts its own credence. This minority cartel of obliviously indoctrinated journalists along with barracudas in government have infiltrated every nook and cranny of society since suspected reptilian and covert Bolshevik Arold Wilson crawled out from under his red bed in the late 60s. Character assassination is endemic and aimed at those who don’t eat the same cake, but you try and do it back. Example: “The million-plus fans who petitioned the BBC to recall Clarkson should be ashamed of themselves,” wrote

journalist Christopher Stevens. A statement that is convolutedly acceptable! It’s also wholly contradictory, advocating (Burke’s) million to one minority rule. “Thankfully no racial slurs” (during the last Top Gear programme) wrote another luvvy from the ‘hang Clarkson’ citadel. The comment was typically nasty and pointed. So, it’s a racial slur if we try to teach pigmies ‘limbo dancing’ because it goes above their head. Of course, it’s Kosher to make fun of Clarkson’s colleague tiny Richard Hammond who turns into a three-legged midget when on Viagra. Clarkson will never be knighted since he’s not spent time in paediatric wards or become a member of The Central Station Club in Kings Cross unlike so many of the rest of the BBC. Are we ever going to see that great Satan disbanded and all assets sold off? OK, those in agreement stop shouting; “Clarkson for Prime Minister.” Donald Trump would be much better … Cough! www.bahrainthismonth.com