Bahrain This Month - November 2017

MOTORING | WHAT’S NEW | DOWNTIME

YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Interviews

Happenings

• Sea Festival • Building Bridges Film Festival • Musical: The Wonderful World of Oz • Ballet: Romeo and Juliet

- Omar Salah Al Khan ParkPoint Founder

- Teresa Carlson

AWS Worldwide Public Sector Vice President

- Byron Gindra

Al Fresco Dining

Teen Musician

Jewellery and Watches Feature

Most Popular Venues

Best On Offer Around Town

November 2017 ~ Vol. 21 ~ Issue 11

Bahrain’s First Parking App! Arts

Culture

Clubs

Sports

Interviews

Lifestyle

Dining

Nightlife

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Issue 243

Contents November 2017 COVER STORY 44-45 Taking the Pain Out of Parking

Omar Salah Al Khan talks about an innovative project to solve parking issues.

HAPPENINGS

Bahrain This Month previews events happening around town during the month of November 2017:

20

18

All at Sea

The second sea-themed adventure returns to Bahrain Bay. 20

Happy in Hawar

Lei Garden organises a holistic yoga and wellness retreat.

22 Preserving

a Heritage

Screening of an Award-winning documentary, Asir: Sand in an Hourglass.

24 Living

24

32

Waters

Get out on the water and do something good for the environment.

26 Festive

Bargains

Shop seasonal handicrafts at the Awali Festive Fayre.

28 Cultural

Classic

Enjoy an evening of live classical music with dinner at Le Sauvage.

30 Seasonal

Showcase

The American Women’s Association’s annual festive bonanza.

32 Let

There be Light

Light festival comes to Bahrain Bay. 34 An

Iconic Tale

A spectacular musical show, The Wonderful World of Oz, comes to Bahrain.

40

44

AFTER DARK

38 Ghostly

Goings On

Revel in an evening of masquerade and burlesque at the Yard House.

40 Channeling

the White Isle

Night Pro returns with a legend of the Ibiza clubscape.

46-47

46

52

Teresa Carlson explains what cloud computing entails and means for the Kingdom.

48

www.bahrainthismonth.com

A Water Wise Future

BTM finds out more about Royal Life Saving Bahrain’s Water Safety Strategy.

Bystander This issue’s Bystander pages captured major happenings on the island, such as the Chinese National Day and the Indonesian National Day celebrations, as well as the 27th anniversary of German Unity. Our snappers were also seen at various other gatherings around town, including Diwali parties hosted by the Gajria and Bhatia families.

INTERVIEWS The Cloud Comes to Bahrain

50

Bringing Words to Life

Simeen Farhat talks about life, art and her relationship with language.

52

From Manama to Madison Square Garden Teen sensation Byron Gindra talks about his passion for music.

54

Looking to the Future

Professor Ghassan F Aouad sheds light on the international congress that ASU will host.

November 2017 5

Issue 243

Contents November 2017 FEATURES Jewellery & Watches Review 2017 60-67

60

Coinciding with Jewellery Arabia, this special feature showcases top jewellery and watch brands on the island.

Motoring 68-69

My Life in Cars

BTM’s new motoring correspondent, Dick Potter, shares his passion for motors.

70 #1

– The Digital Champion

Imran S Ali receives an award at the Mercedes-Benz Global Marketing Forum.

72-73 Future-proofing

Production

The BMW Group opens a new High-Voltage Battery Centre in Shenyang, China.

74 Trade

In and Trade Up

The JAC Refine Minibus M1 aims to suit all your requirements.

76-77 Motoring

Bites

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

68

72

Downtime

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

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

Let’s Get Outdoors 87-94

BTM highlights the best Al Fresco dining options available across the Kingdom.

Dining

95

Food Zen in a Box

A review of the bento box promotion at Imari.

96-97

95

99

An Exciting Culinary Journey

A round up of The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s incredible dining options.

98

Master Chef Returns

99

A Scrumptious Affair

Cucina Italiana welcomes back its annual cooking competition.

Downtown Rotana offers a fantastic new brunch.

103

A Season of Celebrations

The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa gears up for the festive season.

106

Beach Vibes

Coral Bay serves up classic events and a cool new dining venue.

110

108-109

81

Table Hopping

Showcase

What’s New: Must-have products 111-121 Marketplace: Latest products and services 123 Business Bites 110

Regulars

84 www.bahrainthismonth.com

79

126 Tarotscope 127 AD Index 128 WIN WIN

November 2017 7

THE TEAM

Bahrain This Month November 2017

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

Photography Editor Roanna Fernandes Staff Photographers Subeesh Kumar N S, Ranjith Mohan Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa

The only Lifestyle Magazine distributed with the GDN

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

Published monthly by

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

•

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

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

COVER Cover Picture:

Omar Salah Al Khan: ParkPoint Founder George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman

MOTORING | WHAT’S NEW | DOWNTIME

1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24

YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

Gulf and international subscriptions available on request.

Bahrain This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Interviews

- Omar Salah Al Khan

Happenings

ParkPoint Founder

• Sea Festival • Building Bridges Film Festival • Musical: The Wonderful World of Oz • Ballet: Romeo and Juliet

- Teresa Carlson

AWS Worldwide Public Sector Vice President

- Byron Gindra Teen Musician

Al Fresco Dining

Jewellery and Watches Feature

Most Popular Venues

Best On Offer Around Town

November 2017 ~ Vol. 21 ~ Issue 11

Bahrain’s First Parking App! Arts

www.bahrainthismonth.com

At last the cooler weather has arrived and with it a whole plethora of things to do on the island – all of which you’ll find in our Happenings section. There’s the second edition of the Building Bridges Film Festival, which sees screenings across the Kingdom; countless exhibitions; opera at both The Domain and La Fontaine; B-boys from Korea; several festivals, and, of course, the 2017 IRONMAN competition, which will see elite athletes from across the region travelling to our shores to run, swim and cycle their way into the record books and, hopefully, onto the podium.

The island’s nightlife scene is also kicking off and we can look forward to visits from star DJs Felix da Funk, Hakkan Akkus and Jillionaire, of Major Lazer fame, to name just a few.

Our interview section this month features heavy hitters in the form of Teresa Carlson, of Amazon Web Services, on her company’s Middle East expansion plans, and young entrepreneur Omar Salah Al Khan, who is introducing the Kingdom’s first parking app. We also caught up with teen singing sensation Byron Gindra, we expect to be seeing, and hearing, a lot more of him, and artist Simeen Farhat, who turns words into creative masterpieces.

In our motoring section this month, you’ll meet Dick Potter, an island veteran who has taken over the onerous duty of BTM motoring correspondent – he certainly loves cars and will be sharing with you his take on all things automotive each month.

November means it’s time for the annual Jewellery Arabia exhibition and our big feature this month shares details of what some of the Kingdom’s major retailers will have on show, from the finest gems to outstanding timepieces.

Just in time for the drop in temperatures, we take a look at Bahrain’s thriving al fresco dining scene with information on the best places to find a barbecue, terraces, special offers and more and our regular dining section highlights new menus, seasonal offerings and all the news from the food and beverage sector.

We’ve also got our regular round-up of news from the business community and the Downtime section has great ideas for movies, apps, games and music to ensure your November is never dull.

However you choose to enjoy the cooler weather, we’ve got you covered with your guide to a great way of life.

Culture

Clubs

Sports

Interviews

Lifestyle

Dining

Connect with Bahrain This Month: Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube

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

Nightlife

November 2017 9

bystander

Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, HE Qi Zhenhong, held a reception at The Chinese National Day The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa on the occasion of Chinese National Day. The cake-cutting ceremony

Jin & HE Qi Zhenhong

HE Agus Yusof, HE Alok Kumar Sinha & Dr Stan

Alvaro & Nabil

HE Rami Wreikat, HE Domenico Bellato & Laura

HE Alfred Simms-Protz & HE Koo Hyunmo

Amy, Savannah, Michelle, Fish & Emily

HE Hatun Demirer & Perwin

10 November 2017

HE Dr Dhafer Alumran & Ahmed Jawahari

HE Javed Malik & Khalifa bin Rashid

Hassan Al Madani & Abbas Al Saraj

HE Mohammed Aloula

Qi & Zhang

Amy, Stephen & Stephanie

Muna, HE Nor Huda & Hayati

HE Sayeh Kadri & Jean Phillipe

Karim Al Saker

HE Abdullah Mudailwi, HE Ahmed Rasheed, HE Ahmed Khattabi & HE Dr Ali Hassan Al Ahmadi

Sherif & HE Suha Rifaat

HE Nur Rahardjo & Hilde

HE Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa

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bystander

Hans, Karim Al Saker & Abdul Jaleel Al Ansari

Rihab & HE Taha Mohammed A Qadir

HE Domenico Bellato & Laura

27th Anniversary of German Unity The German Embassy held a reception to celebrate the 27th Anniversary of German Unity at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa HE Alfred Simms-Protz & Perwin Oliver, Martin & Bernd

Rashida & Hussain

Abdulla Juma & Sharifa

Bjarne, Thomas & Ayten

Jerome & Christine

12 November 2017

Rifat, Maya & HE A Saj Mendis

Alex & Khalid

HE Qi Zhenhong & Jin

Fayez, Sigred & Nawaf

Waleed Al Rayes, HE Agus Yusof, Wani & Georgette

Thomas & George

HE Dr Dhafer Alumran & Jihan

Waleed Al Rayes

Tricia, Sophie & Luise

Amal & Sophie

Amal, Al Khozaae & Fuad Al Jishi

Aiste & Eva

Saeed & Amira

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Farewell Party for Four Ambassadors

HE Ibrahim Assaf, HE William Roebuck & HE Alfonso Ferdinand A Ver

Rehab & Faouzia

The Palestinian Ambassador hosted a farewell party for the four outgoing ambassadors – American, Lebanese, Turkish and Iraqi – at Coral Bay HE Taha Qadir & Rehab

Mehdi, HE Mohammed Jamal Aloula, HE Qi Zhenhong & Jin

HE Abdul Al Khoury

HE Dr Dhafer Alumran & HE Ahmed Rasheed

HE Kadri Al Sayeh, HE Hatun Demirer, HE Kiyoshi Asako & HE Mohammed bin Yousif

Hudha, Sanjida, Rehab & Amal & HE Nor Huda

Gouda Abdel Nour, Motasem & Mohammed

HE Taha Qadir & HE Dr Dhafer Alumran

14 November 2017

HE Dr Ali Al Ahmadi, HE Abdullah Mudailwi, HE Fawzi Abdelall & HE Vagif Garaev

Amin & Samir

HE Taha Qadir & HE Dr Ahmed Al-Dulaimi

Jihan, Faouzia, Tanya, Rehab & Hudha

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Indonesian Independence Day Reception

HE Nur Rahardjo, Indonesian Ambassador, hosted a reception in celebration of 72 years of Indonesia’s independence at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa. The cake-cutting ceremony

Retnani & HE Nur Rahardjo

Fatma, Carolina, Retnani, Wani & Sanjida

Dilla, Dwi, Ahmed Jawahery, Suhaida & Tivany

Emilia, Decy & Yeni

HE Agus Yusof & Wani

Retnani, HE Nur Rahardjo, Mohammed Al Kooheji & Bader Al Kooheji

Peter, Bissonnette, Harmon & Aime

Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa & HE Simon Martin

Endah, Siti, Noor & Mega

16 November 2017

Jina & HE Koo Hyunmo

Ikhlass & Soukaina

Agus & Usman

Ali & Tadayan

HE Alok Kumar Sinha, HE Dr Dhafer Alumran & HE Javed Malik

HE Nur Rahardjo & HE Hatun Demirer

Deni & Lela

www.bahrainthismonth.com

November 2017. HAPPENINGS ALL AT SEA When? Ongoing-November 4 Event? Sea Festival Venue? Bahrain Bay

For a celebration of all things water-based, head to Bahrain Bay to enjoy the second sea-themed adventure. There are lots of exciting activities such as virtual reality deep sea diving, dhow-making demos, a wall aquarium and interactive sea floor, surfing simulator, pearl jewellery exhibitions and sea-themed art displays and movies and Techno Aqua World of games and activities. It’s organised by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and is open daily from 4pm-10pm and 4pm-11pm on Friday. Entry is BD2. www.btea.bh.

SEAL OF APPROVAL When? Ongoing-December 20 Event? The Stamp Seal Exhibition Venue? Bahrain National Museum

Historically, seals were a main administrative tool used to regulate trade and organise society. Hardly bigger than a few centimetres, they were used on official documents, tags attached to goods and on buildings’ gates to certify authenticity and ownership. In addition to their main administrative function, the seals might have had some metaphysical connotations. With their unusual shape and iconography, the Dilmun seals illustrate, more than any other category of artefacts, the most original material representation of the Dilmun culture and its only surviving art.

The Stamp Seals: Hallmark of Dilmun and its Hidden Art exhibition draws on the permanent collection of the Bahrain National Museum and some highlights from the National Museum of Kuwait. The display illustrates an exceptional selection of seals spanning the third and second millennia BCE and examines the use, techniques, diversity and splendour of the Dilmun seals.

Call 17 298-777.

18 November 2017

FILMS GALORE When? November 1-15 Event? Building Bridges Film Festival Venue? Various The second annual film festival features 13 award-winning movies, showing at 11 venues and with 18 guests raising social awareness through the power of film.

There is screening of awardwinning documentaries, films and virtual reality experiences at iconic venues, including the Children & Mothers Welfare Society, Cultural Hall, Bahrain International Circuit, Water Garden City, Bahrain School, Cafe Amsterdam, Art Reach Bahrain, Durrat Al Bahrain, Gulf Hotel, Bahrain Bay and Oliveto Restaurant. Special events to accompany each screening are designed to bring filmmakers, inspirational speakers and audiences together to engage in discussion and raise awareness and funds for refugee programmes in Greece.

Like so many great ventures, the inaugural Building Bridges Film Festival in November 2016 was inspired by a simple conversation. Eman provides psycho-social support for Syrian refugees in Germany and was moved to design a fundraiser for Syrian refugee initiatives. She discussed the idea with fellow humanitarians, Tessa O’Neil and Munira Al Shaikh. Tessa made the introduction to Mohab Khattab, Bahrain resident and producer of the award-winning documentary, Salam Neighbor, and he in turn suggested a charitable documentary film festival.

Under the auspices of the Children & Mothers Welfare Society, Building Bridges was conceived to connect people across cultures, nationalities and religions through the power film, inspiring dialogue and discussion. As a result of last year’s efforts, Building Bridges raised enough money to support a shelter for unaccompanied refugee children in Athens, sponsor day trips for refugee children in Germany and Greece, purchase and deliver heaters for a refugee camp near Athens and deliver clothing and gift cards for refugees in Germany. The team continue to make regular trips to Athens to visit the shelters and offer psychotherapy services.

The first show is on November 1 with Watani: My Homeland at the Cultural Hall. On November 3 Speed Sisters shows at Bahrain International Circuit; November 4 sees Rising From Ashes at Water Garden City; and Salam Neighbor plays a private screening at the Bahrain School on November 5.

On November 7 Carta A Una Sombra is at Café Amsterdam; Saving Banksy comes to Art Reach Bahrain on November 9; on November 10 Eagle Huntress/Skateistan plays at Durrat Al Bahrain; Hotel Salvation is at the Gulf Hotel on November 11; Swim Team is at the Arcapita Building Bahrain Bay on November 13; and, lastly, Oliveto hosts Poverty Inc on November 15. The screenings are accompanied by a variety of events from dinner parties to workshops and discussion sessions, so this is a great opportunity to experience some of the best documentaries while learning more about the craft and raising much-needed funds at the same time. www.buildingbridgesfilmfestival.com www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Audemars Piguet Boutique Re-opening Audemars Piguet, with

Mohammed Jaffar & Mohammed Al Zain

Khalid, Nader & Ebrahim

partners Asia Jewellers, inaugrated the newly re-designed Audemars Piguet Boutique in Moda Mall.

Metayer, Jasmin Audemars & Steve

Humbert, Jeanine, Ilyana & Silvia

Kostas & Georgina

Ali, Nader & Abdulla

Ahmed

Fawzi

Abdul Majeed

Mar & Nekia

Sadiq, Metayer & Tissot

Mohammed, Jasmin Audemars & Nawaf

Ahmed & Kasim

Jeanine, Humbert & Silvia

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Hany & Sandra

Khalid Al Saif & Dr Dafar

Jean & Karim

Hala & Bashar

Nicolas & Mohammed Jaffar

Susan & Judith

Tabea & Eva

Farheen, Jasmin Audemars, Apple & Randa

November 2017 19

happenings

A PERSONAL IMAGE When? November 1-December 30 Event? Houé Exhibition Venue? Bahrain National Museum

COORDINATED STUDY

Houé is an Arabic word which literally means “the other, him, the one who reflects my image and confirms my humanity”. It is also the root of the word identity, but beyond this first meaning, Houé (Him) is the name used by mystics to signify God. This exhibit is an installation by French-Iraqi artist Mehdi Moutashar, placed in the theatre’s foyer, allowing the visitors to directly interact with it.

Mehdi Moutashar was born in Hilla, Iraq, in 1943. He moved to Paris in 1967 and, since 1974, has lived and worked in Arles. He was a professor at École National Supérieure des Arts Decorantifs in Paris, from 1974 to 2008. Moutashar’s work has been exhibited globally, in countries such as Bahrain, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the UAE and the US. Call 17 298-714.

HAPPY IN HAWAR When? November 2-4 Event? Yoga and Wellness Retreat Venue? Hawar Islands

When? Until November 2 Event? Bahrain-UK Education Week Venue? University of Bahrain Sakhir Campus

Aimed at promoting educational cooperation between Bahraini and British educational establishments, the week is organised by the British Council in partnership with the University of Bahrain, BAE Systems and the Ministry of Education and will include STEM Workshops, the UK Alumni Engineering Projects Exhibition and the annual Study UK Exhibition.

Call 17 266-166.

BIKERS’ BONANZA When? November 2-4 Event? 4th Annual Hog Rally Venue? Al Aali Shopping Complex and various

When? Ongoing-November 4 Event? Sea Festival Venue? Bahrain Bay E www.btea.bh.

When? Ongoing-November 29 Event? Exhibition La Salle de Gym des Femmes Arabes Venue? Al Riwaq Art Space A solo exhibition by Moroccan-British artist Hassan Hajjaj looking at women in sport in the Arab world.

E Call 17 717-441.

When? Ongoing-December 20 Event? The Stamp Seal Exhibition Venue? Bahrain National Museum E Call 17 298-777.

When? November 1-15 Event? Building Bridges Film Festival Venue? Various E www. buildingbridgesfilmfestival.com When? November 1-December 30 Event? Houé Exhibition Venue? Bahrain National Museum E Call 17 298-714.

When? November 2-4 Event? Yoga and Wellness Retreat Venue? Hawar Islands E Call 39 955-539.

When? Until November 2 Event? Bahrain-UK Education Week Venue? University of Bahrain Sakhir Campus E Call 17 266-166.

Working on the basis that true beauty comes from within, the people at Lei Garden have organised their first retreat, which features three days of holistic education, inspiration, connection with nature, relaxation, motivation and fun. From arrival with a mocktail Happy Hour the whole weekend is filled with classes, meditations, dinners and more, such as stand up paddle board yoga, a beach barbecue and a Hawar Island safari tour. Two nights in a shared room costs BD150, or BD220 in a private room.

Call 39 955-539.

20 November 2017

With the aim of being the region’s biggest motorcycle festival, this event, staged by the Kingdom’s Harley Owners Group (HOG), sees bikers from across the Middle East descending on the island for a range of activities including fun rides, music, the annual Thunder Parade, boxing matches, a gala dinner, a bike show and much, much more. If you’re a biker, or just an interested enthusiast, this is the show weekend to find out lots more about the iconic brand. www.hogbahrainchapter.comw

When? November 2 Event? Al Jamiat Fair Venue? Sheraton Bahrain Hotel US University Road Show.

Meet admissions officers of participating universities and explore opportunities for higher education in the United States.The Educational Road Show is free of charge and open to the public.

E Call 17 242-767.

When? November 2-4 Event? 4th Annual Hog Rally Venue? Al Aali Shopping Complex and various E www.hogbahrainchapter.com When? November 3 Event? Brazilian Beach Carnival Venue? ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands E Call 16 000-111. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Egyptian Embassy Dinner The Egyptian Embassy hosted a VIP dinner at Trader Vic’s for diplomats.

Sylvia, HE Suha Rifaat & Laura

HE Kiyoshi Asako & Humbert

HE William Roebuck & HE Dr Dhafer Alumran

Sherin, HE Domenico Bellato & Jihan

HE Vagif Garaev & Tanya

Moosa & Sharif

HE William Roebuck, Sharif & HE Kiyoshi Asako

www.bahrainthismonth.com

HE Ibrahim Assaf & HE Rami Wreikat

Sophie, HE Suha Rifaat & HE Simon Martin

November 2017 21

happenings

GO RIO When? November 3 Event? Brazilian Beach Carnival Venue? ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands Here we go again!

The cooler weather means outdoor entertainment is back and ART Rotana gets in on the act with another amazing beach party, this time featuring live dance and DJ entertainment from Brazil. Head down and get into the carnival vibe from 2pm for BD20 per person including two free drinks!

Call 16 000-111.

PRESERVING A HERITAGE When? November 7 Event? Movie Night Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art An award-winning documentary film, Asir: Sand in an Hourglass, will be screened at La Fontaine this month.

As Saudi Arabia marches towards modernity, it is quickly losing one of the oldest and most vibrant parts of its history and culture. Globalisation has slowly exerted its pull on the 100-year-old country and the tribal communities in the southwest have paid the price, with many towns becoming almost devoid of anyone not in their late 80s.

This documentary looks at what could happen in the next 20 years from the point of view of people trying to conserve their own culture in Asir.

It is directed by Michael Bou-Nacklie, who will introduce the film at 7pm.

Priced at BD10+, the ticket’s value 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

ART UNLIMITED When? November 7-24 Event? Limitless Exhibition Venue: Art Centre This exhibition represents Areej Rajab’s newest works and explores the subtle character of colour as well as the fleeting nature of light. Ultimately, her work challenges our preconceptions of colour itself. Rajab’s ‘Limitless’ offers both an advancement and refinement of her work to date.

Investigating perceptual colour and formal systems inherent in the painting process, Rajab creates works with radiant surfaces that optically oscillate, shift and glimmer. This luminosity invites close inspection, which reveals that each painting’s visually seamless surface is actually an intimate grouping of countless strokes of oil on canvas. Rigorously painted and worked wet into wet, layer upon layer, Rajab’s technique results in complex and shifting colour transitions before resolving into a continuous skin across each canvas. Open daily 8am-8pm.

Call 17 298-777.

22 November 2017

THE CAR’S THE STAR When? November 9-16 Event? Bahrain Auto Fair Venue? Harbour North, Bahrain Financial Harbour

This inaugural event is set to offer manufacturers a public showcase for their vehicles, providing information, test drives and model unveilings as well as car customisation options. There’ll also be a classic car show and various entertainment alongside, for an event that’s expected to attract several thousand visitors.

Call 32 311-226.

When? November 3 Event? Goals for a Goal Venue? RCSI Bahrain A fun football tournament coupled with a big trunk sale featuring designer and artisan items all in aid of Tony the Dogfather’s Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre.

E Call 39 994-174.

When? November 4 Event? Improvables Performance Venue? Café Amsterdam Last appearance at this venue of the Manama Theatre Company’s improvisation team, from 8pm.

E Call 17 007-404.

When? November 7 Event? Movie Night Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art E Call 17 230-123, email info@lafontaineartcentre. net or visit www. lafontaineartcentre.net When? November 7-24 Event? Limitless exhibition Venue: Art Centre E Call 17 298-777.

When? November 7 Event? BMMI Grape Fair Venue? British Club of Bahrain Expand your knowledge with the chance to try a selection of different beverages with experts on hand to discuss them.

Entry is BD12 for members and BD15 for non-members.

E Call 17 728-245.

When? November 8 and 9 Event? Jewellery Collection Launch Venue? Words Bookstore Café Launch of the new collection Waves from TinyOm inspired by designer Virginie Dreyer’s travels in Japan.

E Call 17 690-790.

When? November 9-16 Event? Bahrain Auto Fair Venue? Harbour North, Bahrain Financial Harbour E Call 32 311-226. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Mohammed Shirazi & Sawsan Shirazi

Abbas Shirazi, Shaikh Hasim Al Khalifa, Abual Shirazi & Ahmed Shirazi

Patek Philippe Boutique Reopening

A private reception was held by Thierry Stern and the Shirazi family for the reopening of the Patek Philippe Boutique at Moda Mall.

Fowzi & Dina Shirazi

Naushad & Abual Shirazi

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Thierry Stern, Hassan & Said

George, Eqbal & Rahma Shirazi

Natali, Shaikh Mohammed & Raghu

Naushad, Sawsan Shirazi, Raghu & Rahma Shirazi

November 2017 23

happenings

LIVING WATERS When? November 10 Event? Environmental Day Venue? Bahrain Yacht Club

A family environmental day hosted by the yacht club and new organisation Make Our Seas Live Again.

There’ll be a beach clean-up at Bird Island, with registration at 11am, and organisers are seeking boatowners to transport volunteers. They aim to be back at the Yacht Club by around 3pm for a barbecue with kids’ activities and music and a prize for the boat which brings back the most garbage. Sounds like a great opportunity to get out on the water, meet new people and do something good for the environment.

Call 17 700-677.

B-BOYS IN ACTION When? November 10 Event? Korea Festival Venue? City Centre Bahrain

Hosted by the Korea Foundation, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, this event features Jinjo Crew – one of the world’s top B-Boy teams, with an opening performance by Bahrain dance crew, Red Ant Army.

There’ll be a host of dance and musical performances as well as storytelling, beat boxing, audience participation, picture opportunities and more. The action kicks off at 7pm.

Call 17 177-771.

24 November 2017

SOUNDSCAPES RETURNS When? November 10 Event? Matthias Meyer and Leafar Legov — (Live) Venue? Oasis Bahrain A nine-hour day into night outdoor musical happening with two headliners: Matthias Meyer of Watergate, Berlin, and Leafar Legov of Giegling, Hamburg, playing live.

The day will start at 3pm with local talents and Soundscapes residents Hameed and Zone+ of All Day I Dream. Joining them is Unleash London’s very own, Daylomar! There’ll be food trucks on site (BYOB) and kids and pets are allowed until dark. Tickets are BD20 from www.residentadvisor.net facebook.com/soundscapes.bahrain

A MUSICAL EVENING When? November 10 Event? Opera Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art Enjoy an evening of opera at La Fontaine, with a performance by soprano Anna Kutkowska-Kass and Tamara Granat on piano.

Anna’s repertoire features the majority of arias and songs written for soprano with coloratura. She performs cameral and symphonic concerts, as well as contemporary music, and has taken part in many festivals, including the European Opera Festival of Jan Kiepura in Krynica and the International Chopin Festival in Antonin. Her teacher of vocal art was the famous Polish opera singer Maria Fołtyn.

Tamara Granat is the founder and leader of Duo Granat.

Over the course of her career, she has recorded 13 albums, 12 DVDs and numerous pieces for Polish radio and television.

She has also performed in various European countries, in the USA, Russia and Indonesia.

The programme includes pieces from Mozart, Rossini, Puccini, Chopin, Moniuszko and Gershwin.

Tickets are priced at BD20+ for concert only and BD30+ for concert and dinner.

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

When? November 10 Event? Environmental Day Venue? Bahrain Yacht Club E Call 17 700-677.

When? November 10 Event? Matthias Meyer and Leafar Legov (Live) Venue? Oasis Bahrain E facebook.com/ soundscapes.bahrain When? November 10 Event? Korea Festival Venue? City Centre Bahrain E Call 17 177-771.

When? November 10 Event? Opera Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art E Call 17 230-123, email info@lafontaineartcentre. net or visit www. lafontaineartcentre.net When? November 11 Event? Zumba Masterclass Venue? Crowne Plaza Bahrain E Call 39 389-647.

When? November 11 Event? Awali Festive Fayre Venue? Bapco Club, Awali E Call 39 850-372 or 39 459-217.

When? November 11 Event? Annual Scarecrow Trail Venue? Rainbows for Kids, Muharraq E Call 17 345-090.

When? November 12 Event? Ballet Romeo and Juliet Venue: Bahrain National Theatre E virginmegastore.me When? November 12-30 Event? Exhibition Expressing and Modelling in Sculpture Venue? Hend Gallery E Call 17 325-121.

When? November 13 Event? Bahrain Writers’ Circle Venue? Umami Meet like-minded people to discuss writing tasks and needs.

E Call 39 574-795. www.bahrainthismonth.com

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happenings

ZUMBA NATION When? November 11 Event? Zumba Masterclass Venue? Crowne Plaza Bahrain

FESTIVE BARGAINS When? November 11 Event? Awali Festive Fayre Venue? Bapco Club, Awali The annual event from Awali Ladies Hospitality Group at which you’ll find all sorts of craft items, general brica-brac, seasonal gifts, art and craft works and lots of yummy food. The fayre runs from 11am to 3pm and entry is 500 fils.

Call 39 850-372 or 39 459-217.

For the first time in Bahrain, renowned Zumba expert Loretta Bates, who has worked with Zumba founder Beto Perez , will be teaching a ladies’ only masterclass from 7pm-9pm. Prepare to sing your heart out and dance your socks off to the Latin beats, get your heartrate pounding and have fun. Tickets are BD20, or BD15 for early bird bookings.

Call 39 389-647.

ART IN ACTION When? November 12-30 Event? Exhibition Expressing and Modelling in Sculpture Venue? Hend Gallery

SCARE THE CROWS When? November 11 Event? Annual Scarecrow Trail Venue? Rainbows for Kids, Muharraq It’s the seventh annual scarecrow competition and schools, individuals and clubs are invited to submit a scarecrow, to be taken to Rainbows on Thursday, November 9, with judging on the 11th. The event is open to the public from 9am-11.30am and is always great fun, so, why not get involved. There are prizes from Barnes & Noble for the best entries.

Call 17 345-090.

A HAUNTING TALE When? November 12 Event? Ballet Romeo and Juliet Venue: Bahrain National Theatre A show by renowned artist Abdulrasool Al-Ghayeb under the patronage of Shaikha Hala bint Mohamed Al Khalifa in which visitors can see the process involved in the production of Abdulrasool’s incredibly detailed works. One of the Kingdom’s leading sculptors, he is currently president of Bahrain’s Society of Potters and has participated in many national and international art exhibitions, including China’s Changchun International Symposium, the first and sixth Cairo Biennale, the Modern Art Exhibition in China, the Arabic Writing Art Exhibition in Kuwait and Bahrain’s International Marble Sculpture Symposium.

Call 17 325-121.

26 November 2017

The groundbreaking world famous ballet, Romeo and Juliet, will be gracing the Kingdom’s National Theatre stage, coinciding with its fifth Anniversary, with the first fulllength ballet choreographed by Sir Kenneth MacMillan. The show will consist of a unique Dance Open Festival production involving a Russian ballet company with UK star soloists from the Royal Ballet of London. It is an original UK-Russian work of art — Shakespeare’s eternal love story with wonderful music by the great Russian composer Prokofiev performed by a live orchestra. It will be presented by immensely passionate and talented English and Russian dancers, dressed in magnificent costumes created by Italian designers.

This unfortunate yet beautiful story is set against a detailed evocation of 16th century Verona, Italy, and includes a bustling marketplace that erupts into a violent sword fight, and a lavish ball held in an elegant mansion.

Tickets from BD30 are available from Virgin Megastore and the performance is suitable for children aged 10 and over. virginmegastore.me

When? November 14 Event? Bahrain Writers’ Poetry Circle Venue? Umami A gathering of poetic writers to discuss and dissect works and challenges.

E Call 39 574-795.

When? November 16 Event? Classical Concert Venue? Le Sauvage, Level 34, The Domain E Call 16 000-000.

When? November 16 Event? FTV Island Festival Venue? Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain E Call 17 586-499.

When? November 16 Event? Poppy Ball Venue? Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel E Call 17 813-488.

When? November 16 Event? International Biomedical Computer Simulation Conference Venue? Arabian Gulf University Campus The first conference of its kind in the Kingdom, featuring visiting specialists, workshops and more.

E Call 17 239-567.

When? November 17 Event? Step Up Dance Competition Venue? Cultural Hall E Call 33 458-390/36 677-719/66 339-161.

When? November 18 Event? Snowflake Craft Fair Venue? Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel E Call 39 282-488.

When? November 17 Event? MMA Championship Venue? Khalifa Sports City Arena Brave Combat Federation is back with the biggest and best fight card ever promoted in the Middle East featuring the best fighters from more than 20 different countries, including the word ’Pride of Bahrain ’ Hamza Kooheji. Tickets from BD7.

E Call 66 700-605.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings

CULTURAL CLASSIC When? November 17 and 18 Event? FIA WEC Bapco Six Hours of Bahrain Venue? Bahrain International Circuit E Call 17 450-000.

When? November 16 Event Classical Concert Venue? Le Sauvage, Level 34, The Domain Another great night, this is the fourth in the series of themed concerts followed by dinner. Renowned musicians Michelle Miles and Erika Nottingham Rawles will perform a selection of influential French classics, with the concert followed by a three-course dinner. The evening is priced at BD30++ per person including a welcome beverage.

Call 16 000-000.

When? November 20-December 5 Event? The 6th Bahrain International Sculpture Symposium Venue? Bahrain National Museum E Call 17 298-777.

BALLROOM BLITZ When? November 16 Event? Poppy Ball Venue? Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Join visiting VIP guests, the Chelsea Pensioners, for an evening of fun, good food and live entertainment from band Diraz Diraz all at the same time as raising funds for good causes — the Chelsea Pensioners Appeal, the Earl Haig Fund and the Mother and Child Welfare Society. This is always one of the most popular events on the island’s social calendar and makes a great lead in to the festive season. Tickets are BD35 from the British Club, the Dilmun Club, Bahrain Rugby Football Club and The Bookcase.

Call 17 813-488.

A FASHIONABLE FESTIVAL When? November 16 Event? FTV Island Festival Venue? Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

BOLLYWOOD MOVES When? November 17 Event? Step Up Dance Competition Venue? Cultural Hall

When? November 20 Event? Bahrain Writers’ Creative Workshop Venue? Umami Learn how to put your literary thoughts into words alongside other like-minded souls.

E Call 39 574-795.

When? November 23 Event? Festive Fair Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club E Call 17 695-809.

When? November 23-30 Event? Bahrain Light Festival Venue? Bahrain Bay E Call www.btea.bh When? November 25 Event? BSPCA Festive Sale Venue? Thrift Shop Last big sale of the year at the shop in Busheiri Gardens with designer clothing, accessories, costume jewellery, festive decorations, gifts and more. Runs 1pm-5pm.

E Call 17 593-479.

When? November 25 Event? IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain Venue? Bahrain Bay and others E eu.ironman.com

Head to the private island at the Ritz for a one-of-akind event featuring Fashion TV models, DJ, live painter, beach festival, fashion shows, fire jugglers and showcasing of culinary masterpieces by The RitzCarlton, Bahrain and Bushido chefs. It’s a 12-hour extravaganza of fashion and fun — be where the beautiful people are! Tickets are BD25 for members and hotel guests; BD40 for non-members, available at the reception of the Royal Beach Club and Bushido.

Call 17 586-499.

28 November 2017

Following a workshop on November 16 there will be a dance competition, presented by Bollywood Steps and Lulu, on the 17th, judged by the original dancing diva Shakti Mohan. The highlight of the show will be a performance by the professional dancer herself, winner of Dance India Dance and a regular TV dance competition judge. Get ready for some serious moves from Bahrain’s very own dancing divas.

Call 33 458-390/36 677-719/66 339-161.

When? November 25 and 26 Event? Lokal Pop-Up Shop Venue? Oliveto The Lokal Pop-Up Shop is organised with the aim of promoting and celebrating home-grown talent. It’s one of the most exclusive, stylish and trendy events on the island bringing together the very best of up-and-coming designers and creatives from the Middle East.

E Call 33 143-550. www.bahrainthismonth.com

happenings

SEASONAL SHOWCASE When? November 18 Event? Snowflake Craft Fair Venue? Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel

A RACING CERT When? November 17 and 18 Event? FIA WEC Bapco Six Hours of Bahrain Venue? Bahrain International Circuit

The American Women’s Association stages its annual festive bonanza, giving crafters, artists and designers a chance to showcase and sell their products. Look out for one-off pieces, great gifts, interesting jewellery and clothing and yummy bites to keep you fuelled while you’re bargain hunting. Entry is 500 fils with proceeds going to local charities.

Call 39 282-488.

CELEBRATING SCULPTURE When? November 20-December 5 Event? The 6th Bahrain International Sculpture Symposium Venue? Bahrain National Museum Throughout the ages, human societies have always included the creation and appreciation of art.

Each type of art evokes different emotions and thoughts within its receiver. Sculpture, an ancient art form, can be considered a bold and noticeable variation. Its importance throughout time has not diminished and Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities continues to commemorate it.

This year’s symposium will be led by the renowned sculptor Adam Henein and celebrates Muharraq the Capital of Islamic Culture 2018. Upon completion, the final sculptures will be located in the historic old capital of Bahrain, Muharraq.

The symposium will feature more than 10 artists from Bahrain and the Arab region, as well as Asia and Europe.

Call 17 298-777.

Bringing the spirit of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans to the Middle East. Since its inception in 2012, Bahrain has been a part of the annual FIA WEC calendar, hosting its own endurance event that boasts its unique characteristics. Known as the FIA WEC Bapco Six Hours of Bahrain, this race ensures plenty of thrills and spills from an enormous grid of more than 30 challengers.

These cars are some of the most technologically advanced in the world. They include hybrids and GTs, including some of the classiest and most reliable names in the motoring industry – Toyota, Audi, Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Nissan, Honda, Chevrolet.

It is an eclectic yet world-class mix.

Many of the drivers have at one time or another raced in F1, before having a taste of the excitement of the WEC: Mark Webber, Sebastien Buemi, Lucas di Grassi, Alexander Wurz, Kazuki Nakajima, Anthony Davidson, to name a few.

It’s the season ending race, so should make for a nail-biting feast of speed. And the event includes plenty of family entertainment on the sidelines for a great weekend out. Tickets are priced BD10.

Call 17 450-000.

ALL THAT GLITTERS When? November 21-25 Event? Jewellery Arabia Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre It’s that time of year again when dealers in all things bling descend on the Kingdom for the region’s biggest jewellery and watch fair. This five-day spectacular welcomes over 600 exhibitors from 30 countries and promises a huge range of finished jewellery, luxury timepieces, precious stones, antiques, objets d’art and jewellery technology from across the globe. It’s expected to attract over 49,000 visitors and parking around the exhibition centre gets very busy, so go early to avoid the crowds and prepare to haggle – there are great prices to be had.

Call 17 550-033.

30 November 2017

When? November 25 Event? Annual Shahrazad Charity Bazaar Venue? Shahrazad Hall, behind Zait Zaytoon Budaiya Highway Books, arts, plants, food and more in a big sale day in aid of Think Pink Bahrain. Goods donations welcome, tables available to book.

E Call 39 414-194.

When? November 28 Event? Sea Pink Fun Day Venue? Palm Beach Amwaj A family fun day of games, activities and water sports raising funds for Bahrain Cancer Society. Entry is BD3.

E Call 38 085-783.

When? November 28 Event? MENA Pensions Conference Venue? Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay TAKAUD, the specialist provider of savings, investment and pension solutions for the MENA region is organising the event under the patronage of the Central Bank of Bahrain and themes will focus on enhancing pension benefit sustainability through public-private partnerships, and saving and investing for the long term.

E Call 17 511-611.

When? November 29 Event? Annual Zumbathon Venue? The Gulf Hotel Ladies-only Zumba event in aid of Think Pink Bahrain.

E Call 33 888-770.

When? December 1 Event? Christmas Fair Venue? British Club of Bahrain When? December 1 Event? Fuego: Antonio Gades Company Venue? Bahrain National Theatre E virginmegastore.me

www.bahrainthismonth.com

BLU TIME

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happenings

LET THERE BE LIGHT When? November 23-30 Event? Bahrain Light Festival Venue? Bahrain Bay

SPORTING SPECTACULAR When? November 25 Event? IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain Venue? Bahrain Bay and others

Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities is really stepping up this autumn with a second festival aimed to draw visitors from across the island and region.

Bahrain Light Festival will introduce the latest lighting innovations by international contemporary artists. It will also include technical artistic dynamics in addition to remarkable artistic performances and the latest innovations in lighting by artists from France, Japan and the US, among others. www.btea.bh

FLAMENCO EXPLOSION When? December 1 Event? Fuego: Antonio Gades Company Venue? Bahrain National Theatre

The Antonio Gades Company, a major pillar of Spanish flamenco dance, will be presenting Fuego, which is inspired by the work of the late Spanish legendary composer, Manuel de Falla. The plot, choreography and lighting were developed by the late Antonio Gades and the Spanish film director, photographer and writer Carlos Saura. Being an exponent of Gades’ core idea “return to tradition if you want to evolve”, this ballet is a transitional piece between the almost mythical setups in the classic plays, Carmen and Fuenteovejuna. It was also the last of the joint mythical flamenco works by Gades and Saura, with the same overlaying structure they followed in Carmen, first as a film and secondly as a ballet. Tickets from BD20. virginmegastore.me 32 November 2017

IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain promises to be more than just a sporting event. It is a celebration of triathlon and Middle Eastern culture over a weekend that will keep you engaged with family-friendly side events, as well as an opportunity to experience the entertaining opening and closing ceremonies.

The headline event begins off the waters of the iconic H-shaped building of the Four Seasons Hotel. This spectacularly designed swim, bike and run course with a single transition will bring both locals and guests ever closer to Middle Eastern history and heritage, while also allowing supporters to get up close to the race action.

The flat and fast single-loop bike course itself will take participants past iconic buildings and attractions such as Bahrain Bay, Bahrain World Trade Centre, Bahrain Financial Harbour and the National Charter Monument.

The bike route then heads south of the island for one extra lap on the Bahrain International Circuit, home of the annual Bahrain Grand Prix Formula One race.

The excitement doesn’t end there. Athletes will bike past the Al Areen Wildlife Park, a reservation habitat for interesting Middle Eastern birds and animals, before heading back to the Bahrain Bay after an enjoyable journey.

Finally, the run will take place in Bahrain Bay area itself, where visitors and families will be cheering and waiting for their loved ones to cross the finish line.

IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain was the first IRONMAN event in the region and is now into its third year. eu.ironman.com www.bahrainthismonth.com

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happenings

AN ICONIC TALE ENTERTAINMENT+

November 27-30 and December 2 Musical: The Wonderful World of Oz Venue? Cultural Hall

A spectacular musical show, The Wonderful World of Oz, will hit the shores of Bahrain this month.

The characters (Dorothy, her dog Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion) of this ‘modern fairy tale’ by L Frank Baum were famously brought to life in the 1939 film starring Judy Garland.

The story is about Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas, and her dog, Toto, who are transported to the Land of Oz by a powerful tornado. There, she meets three new friends and they journey together along the Yellow Brick Road to the City of Emeralds hoping to meet the ruler, The Great Oz. All of them seek help – the Scarecrow needs a brain, the Tin Man a heart and the Lion some courage – and Dorothy just wants to return to Kansas! On their journey they are helped and hindered by Glinda the Good and the Wicked Woman of the West.

The Wonderful World of Oz features an eight-strong cast of professional actormusicians in a production brought to the island by Entertainment+ and UK/UAE-based S4K International. Company members Clare Reilly and Harry Hart return to the Cultural Hall having appeared there with S4K in The 34 November 2017

Jungle Book (2015) and S4K’s Romeo & Juliet (2016).

The show, suitable for three years and up, is full of music, song and dance, and features a giant video wall. The production team includes director Julian Chenery, designer Jill Wilson, video designer Ben Walden, musical director James Beal, with choreography and musical staging by Nicky Griffiths, and costume design

by Phil Newman.

S4K International are gaining a strong reputation in the Gulf for their popular musical adaptations of children’s stories, as well their celebrated musical Shakespearean adaptations, which have been coming to Bahrain each year since 2008.

Tickets are BD15 per person and available at Alosra supermarkets and Havajava Café inside Manazel, Salmabad. There’s a special offer for families (BD52 for four tickets, available only in-store) and schools (for a limited time).

The show timings are November 27-28: 8.45am and 10.40am; November 29: 8.45am, 10.40am and 12.15pm; November 30: 8.45am, 10.40am and 6.30pm; and December 2: 11.30am and 5pm.

Call 39 616-858 or email entertainmentplusint@gmail.com. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Rayyan, Oksana, Deen, Visnja & Charles

Oktoberfest at The Gulf Hotel

Vichu & Jinson

Oktoberfest was held at The Gulf Hotel with a special performance from the Lasterbacher Musikanten Band.

HE Alfred Simms-Protz & Perwin

Charbel & Adrian

Ingo & Barbara

Iris & Manfred

Aqeel, Shreti & Amina

Lizzie & John

Claudia & Derick

Martin & Basette

Noora & Travis

Madness Tribute Band brunch party The Gulf Hotel held a Madness Tribute Band brunch party at Sherlock Holmes.

Carlo, Deen, Kevin, Rob & Yara

Dee, Stephanie, Kevin, Candice, Anel & Harry

Sarah & Hana

Scott, Tracey, Joe & Jess

Hanna, Ryan, Kevin, Deen, Randa & Ian

Wendy & Andy

36 November 2017

Kika & Abbasi

Andy & Aiping

Iwona & Stephen

John & Koko

www.bahrainthismonth.com

afterdark happenings

GHOSTLY GOINGS ON When? November 2 Event? Ghosts of the Moulin Rouge Venue? Yard House

Bahraini rockers MUST are in the house for an evening of masquerade and burlesque at one of the island’s newest nightlife venues. Head back to the 19th century on the streets of Paris, France. The Moulin Rouge promised to be the most seductive cabaret venue yet and made stars out of the girls who danced there through the notorious high-kicking Can-Can. Tragedy struck in 1915, when a raging fire engulfed the entire building.

It is not known how many were trapped inside leaving their ghosts to wander the bars and corridors of the venue ever more!

Join in the spirit of this spooky time of year. Dress code for ladies is masks and burlesque, guys should be suited and booted. Entrance is BD5 for men or BD20 with unlimited open bar. Girls get in free and receive three complimentary drinks.

Call 36 255-195/33 412-510.

BATTLE STATIONS When? November 3 Event? Battle of the DJs Venue? Coral Bay Miami Events proudly presents Battle of the DJs vol. 1. Are you a DJ? Prepare to show off your talent and be in with a chance to win USD2,000. There’s also music by Dj Epps from Miami Beach together with model Chaneth and support from some of Bahrain’s favourite talents.

The event’s hosted by @awesomekhalid and this is the first round of the competition.

Call 34 223-992/66 949-984.

38 November 2017

HALLOWEEN SPECIAL When? November 2 Event? Dead Faces Living Venue? Bossanova, Adliya

Groundrulez presents a spooky special with music from DJs Swif and Sooz. Dig out your scary costumes and dancing shoes for a night of fun, games and more to a sound track of commercial hip-hop, R&B and nightmare music. Girls get in free, for men entry is BD5 before 11pm and BD10 thereafter. Dress code is costumes and face paint – and there’s a BD5 fine for those who don’t make the effort. You have been warned!

Call 17 410-844/35 919-164/38 888-019.

GOOD VIBRATIONS When? November 9 Event? Terrace Vibes ft Hakan Akkus Venue? Oliveto After lots of requests, Vibes returns to Oliveto terrace for another classy night featuring international DJ and producer Hakan Akkus, who’s played at some of the biggest venues in Turkey and beyond.

He’ll be supported by local favourites, DJ Ramy and Andy Collins, who’ll get the night started with a selection of extraordinary beats. The event runs from 7pm-2am and the venue capacity is 300, so go early to avoid disappointment.

Call 36 396-333/34 518-079. www.bahrainthismonth.com

afterdark happenings

ALL WHITE NOW When? November 10 Event? White Pool Party Venue? K Hotel

Get ready to make the most of the fab cooler weather with a white-themed party at the K Hotel’s stunning poolside. Don your white bathers and rock out to tunes from DJs Riddler, Nader, Tiger and MP3. Entry is BD5 in advance or BD10 on the door, girls get in free before 5pm.

Call 66 600-025/66 620-220.

ELECTRIFYING PERFORMANCE When? November 17 Event? Jillionaire Live Venue? Bushido

CHANNELLING THE WHITE ISLE When? November 10 Event? Ibiza Sensations ft Felix Da Funk Venue? The Gulf Hotel

Night Pro returns to the Gulf Hotel with a legend of the Ibiza clubscape. Felix Da Funk was born on the White Isle and has played at some of the island’s premier clubs such as Pacha, El Divino and Ocean Beach. He’s won various DJ awards and is known for playing storming live sets. He’s accompanied by Franky Flowerz on sax and Bahrain’s own DJ Cossta opens the show. The venue, Typhoon, has a limited capacity for 200 people, so go early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets are BD10, presale, or BD15 on the door.

Call 39 712-012.

LIVIN’ ON A PRAYER When? November 23 and 24 Event? Bon Giovi tribute band Venue? The Gulf Hotel

Christopher Leacock, better known by his stage name Jillionaire, is a Trinidadian DJ and music producer. He is widely recognised for being a member of the American electronic music group Major Lazer, along with Diplo and Walshy Fire. He’ll be taking to the decks for a fun party appearance alongside regular DJ Albert and a special VIP guest.

Tickets are BD10 in advance for ladies, BD20 for everyone on the night. Minimum spend is BD20 per person.

Call 17 583-555/33 097-370.

40 November 2017

If, like us (well, at least some of us), you’re a bit of an old rocker, get ready to tease out your high hair and don a bit of ‘80s style for the arrival of Bon Giovi. They’re a UK tribute band who channel the US glam/hair rockers to bring back memories of many a misspent youth.

They’re at the Gulf Hotel on November 23, and for brunch and at Sherlocks in the evening on November 24.

Call 17 173-000. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Book launch of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China

The Chinese Embassy hosted a book launch for Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, in collaboration with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.

HE Qi Zhenhong, HE Dr Dhafer Alumran, HE Dr Ali Al Ahmadi & HE Vagif Garaev

Safa & Cheng

Reza, Hamad, Ge & Adnan

Shaikha Mai Al Khalifa & HE Qi Zhenhong

Mattika, Yusuf, Shady, Manu & Marwa

Raihana, Nahdha, Athullya, Amna, Rihana, Mumtaz & Hasana

HE Simon Martin & Sophie

Fatima & Razia

Ruqaya, Tania & Eileen

ASU Inaugural Launch

Applied Science University hosted the inaugural launch of the Chartered Institute of Building.

Prof Ghassan, George & HE Koo Hyunmo

Tania, Prof Ghassan, Eileen & Chris

Noora, Richard & Catherine

42 November 2017

Dr Esal & Prof Waheeb

Dr Ramzi

Eugene, Jas & Christopher

www.bahrainthismonth.com

INTERVIEWS

TAKING THE PAIN OUT OF PARKING Almost a decade after introducing valet parking to the island, young entrepreneur Omar Salah Al Khan tells Liz O’Reilly about an innovative project to make life even easier for motorists.

ALSO THIS MONTH: 46 THE CLOUD COMES TO BAHRAIN 54 LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Omar Salah Al Khan

O

mar’s company ParkPoint currently offers valet parking and parking management services at City Centre Bahrain, Seef Mall, Adliya’s Block 338 and a number of hotels and restaurants, as well as managing various parking lots.

Before the end of 2017, the company will transform all its operations from manual to automated, integrating all its locations through a centralised system.

Until now, each location operated individually but, inspired by a desire to revolutionise the way customers use valet parking and parking in general, Omar has launched ParkPass, a membership scheme which will provide members with both convenience and savings.

He explains: “That is only the beginning; we are looking at rapidly expanding into further valet parking locations. Also, ParkPass will not be limited purely to valet parking. We seek to include all paid parking locations to the scheme whether this parking is under our management or not.”

Would-be members can simply sign up online 44 November 2017

at www.park-pass.com, through any of the valet attendants at the existing locations, by email on info@park-pass.com or by simply calling 38 888-231 or 66 779-955 to register.

Joining is completely free and members will receive a ParkPass bar code sticker, which can be placed either on the vehicle’s windshield or inside the driver’s door panel, where you find the chassis number. They will also be provided with a ParkPass Membership Card which will be scanned by the valet attendant to either buy or redeem points.

Omar says: “When we looked at developing ParkPass there were two considerations: convenience and savings. The barcode brings ultimate convenience – it is simply scanned and there is no cash transaction. The cash transaction is currently the most inconvenient aspect of valet parking, which normally takes place at the customer’s departure time, so we wanted to eliminate that. With ParkPass the valet attendant will deduct the points from the member’s account through scanning the barcode on the sticker or card. Paying with

points offers savings as customers will receive discounted rates depending on their tier of membership – Blue, Silver, or Gold, with Gold being the tier with maximum discount.”

Expanding on what motivated the creation of ParkPass, Omar continues: “My inspiration is to enhance customers’ experience through technology. Also, I know that we are in the information era, the big data era, the platform era. I hear about big exciting companies and these things are commonplace for them – business these days is basically all about platforms and I think history will talk about companies which became huge through the use of platforms. I wanted to be part of that and I knew that to do so, I had to innovate!”

A member of EO (Entrepreneurs’ Organisation), a global peer-to-peer networking organisation, Omar got together a brainstorming session with his forum of fellow entrepreneurs, who helped him thrash out the mechanics of his idea. He explains: “The moment I saw everyone throwing ideas with excitement, I realised this could be big.” www.bahrainthismonth.com

And, from there, the idea for ParkPass was born, though, like any innovation, development was not without its challenges. One of the major issues he faced was project management. Omar explains: “We didn’t have the knowledge, expertise or infrastructure in the company; up until that point we were purely a service provider but it gave us the opportunity to develop the existing team into technology roles.

I believe it’s not about learning knowledge but rather about learning as much as you can and then doing it – you are learning as you go along.

Knowledge will get you to see the straight road but, if you want to see what’s round the bend, you have to get out there and look!”

Membership is just the first phase in Omar’s vision. The bigger picture is a mobile app, which will incorporate that, among a range of other useful functions, and is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2018.

The main function of the app is to help users to navigate parking and valet parking locations, pay for the parking, and save while using the service. However, the app will not be limited to paid parking only, as it will enable users to navigate free parking spaces as well.

Omar explains: “We want to revolutionise the parking industry; we want to change the behaviour of drivers in finding and paying for their parking. We want to change the behaviour of the public in the same way Uber has www.bahrainthismonth.com

changed the way people look for a taxi, Expedia changed the way we travel and Facebook changed the way we communicate.“ He outlines an idea that he hopes will reduce the Kingdom’s notorious congestion, explaining: “You will often see cars parked at the front of a shop, blocking the road. They may not even be aware that there’s a perfectly good car park available at the rear. The app will allow all users, whether they are a ParkPass members or not, to access information about available parking areas – that’s got to be a good thing in terms of easing traffic congestion and solving parking issues.”

Initially ParkPass is aimed at those individuals who already use the valet parking service but Omar is in discussions with major banks about the possibility of making ParkPass available to their cardholders. He is also optimistic that credit card companies, airlines, real estate developers, car dealers, telecommunications organisations and major corporations will also see the benefits both for their own senior staff and also as part of future customer packages.

He concludes: “Any company that has premium users can benefit from this service.”

And, not content with launching the ParkPass membership and the soon-to-come mobile app, he adds that there’s another big innovation in the pipeline to be revealed in the near future.

November 2017 45

interview Can you tell us a bit about your role and how you became involved with AWS? I lead the AWS Worldwide Public Sector business, working with government, education and nonprofit organisations around the world, helping them leverage the power and speed of cloud computing through AWS to innovate and better serve their citizens. Today, AWS public sector customers include 2,300 government, 7,000 education, 22,000 nonprofit customers and a vast partner ecosystem worldwide.

Could you explain exactly what cloud computing is and what AWS offers?

The term ‘cloud computing’ refers to the on-demand delivery of IT resources via the Internet with pay-as-you-go pricing. Instead of buying, owning and maintaining their own data centres and servers, organisations can acquire technology such as compute power, storage, databases and other services on an as-needed basis. It’s similar to how consumers flip a switch to turn on lights in their home and the power company sends electricity. With cloud computing, AWS manages and maintains the technology infrastructure in a secure environment and organisations access these resources via the Internet. Capacity can grow or shrink instantly and organisations only pay for what they use.

AWS gives software developers or businesses the keys to one of the world’s most reliable, secure, scalable and cost-efficient web infrastructures. This makes it possible for any business to reach the scale of major Internet players like Amazon.com, but without the expensive price tag of building and maintaining such infrastructure – all using cloud computing technology.

AWS now has more than 90 services that range from compute, storage, networking, database, analytics, application services, deployment, management, developer, mobile, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), security, hybrid and enterprise applications.

You recently announced the opening of data centres in the Middle East and the launch of three Availability Zones in Bahrain. Could you elaborate on what this means?

AWS has been steadily increasing investments in the region over the last year, and we recently announced plans to open an infrastructure region in the Middle East by early 2019. The new AWS Middle East (Bahrain) Region will consist of three Availability Zones at launch.

Availability Zones (AZs) consist of one or more discrete data centres, each with redundant power, networking and 46 November 2017

Teresa Carlson

THE CLOUD COMES TO BAHRAIN APPLE SHARMA Amazon Web Services (AWS) recently announced its expansion plans in the Middle East. Its Worldwide Public Sector vice president Teresa Carlson explains what it entails and means for the Kingdom. connectivity, housed in separate facilities.

AWS has 44 AZs around the world with another 14 coming online, with the new Regions launching in 2017 and 2018. These AZs provide customers with the ability to operate production applications and databases that are more highly available, fault tolerant and scalable than would be possible from a single data centre. As a result, AZs are designed in such a way that if in the unlikely event one were to fail, the others would continue functioning normally.

What are some of the specific aspects of the service that will benefit businesses in the Kingdom?

Bringing an AWS Region to the Middle East means organsiations will be able to provide even lower latency to their end users. The new AWS Middle East Region will bring flexible, affordable, reliable and secure cloud computing technologies close to end users in Bahrain and across the Middle East, and help organisations speed up their digital transformation initiatives and rapidly innovate for the citizens of the region. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Can you tell us how AWS is helping to promote technology education in the Kingdom?

AWS offers a full range of training and certification programmes, available through AWS Training Partners or through Tamkeen, that help customers interested in the latest cloud computing technologies, best practices and architectures to advance their technical skills.

Through the AWS Educate programme, AWS also works with Bahrain Polytechnic and University of Bahrain, providing students and educators with the resources needed to accelerate cloud-related learning.

The adoption of AWS services amongst startups from the Middle East has led to new businesses quickly launching and going global.

A good example is Careem that runs totally on AWS and over the past five years has grown 10 times in size every year. Another example is Anghami, a music service that is using AWS to add over 10,000 tracks a day to its catalogue using Amazon S3 and serving over 750 million monthly streams. These start-ups, and more, have chosen AWS because it gives anyone with a disruptive business idea access to the tools and resources to compete in ways that were very expensive and often cost-prohibitive in the past.

AWS also works with incubators and accelerators in the Middle East to provide resources to start-ups through the AWS Activate programme. This includes Cloud 10 Scalerator in Bahrain, where AWS is providing training, AWS credits, in-person technical support and other benefits.

How do you see the new AWS Middle East (Bahrain) Region supporting and enabling Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030?

We see creativity, innovation and forward thinking across all of Bahrain’s economy, from start-ups through to government institutions, and we’re particularly excited about the opportunities in the Bahrain public sector as the country pursues plans towards Vision 2030.

AWS works with a number of government organisations in Bahrain helping them to increase agility, lower costs and better serve citizens. The Bahrain Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Justice and the Bahrain Institute of Public Administration (BIPA) are examples of institutions moving workloads to AWS. The BIPA has moved its Learning Management www.bahrainthismonth.com

System to AWS, reducing costs by over 90 per cent. Another example is the Bahrain Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA), which is responsible for moving all government services online and for ICT procurement for the Bahrain government. Through adopting a cloud first policy, iGA has helped to reduce the government procurement process for new technology from months to less than two weeks. They are now in the process of migrating 700 servers, with more than 50TB of data, with the goal of decommissioning their hosting platform by the end of 2017. They have also started to migrate systems of national significance, such as the Bahrain Data Locator, and supporting other entity system migrations, like the Ministry of Education LMS that has 149,000 users, with more planned on the way.

Why did you choose Bahrain as part of your expansion into the region?

We have a long history of working with customers in the Middle East and, in January 2017, opened offices in the region in Dubai and Bahrain. Many of our Middle East customers have been happy running their technology infrastructure in our existing AWS Regions around the world, but the feedback has been they would also like an AWS Region in the Middle East.

Where we locate our Regions is based on several factors, including how much geographic area we can cover to give customers low latency when running applications, the availability of renewable energy and the local government’s long-term commitment to investing in technology infrastructure. When we weighed up all of our criteria, Bahrain was the right choice for us at this time to be the location for our first Middle East Region.

What are the environmental benefits to cloud computing and how does AWS support sustainability in Bahrain?

There are a number of environmental benefits inherently associated with running applications in the cloud. On average, AWS customers use 77 per cent fewer servers, 84 per cent less power and utilise a 28 per cent cleaner power mix, for a total reduction in carbon emissions of 88 per cent. In addition, AWS has a longterm commitment to achieve 100 per cent renewable energy usage for our global infrastructure footprint and the new AWS Middle East (Bahrain) Region will help us towards this goal.

AWS chose Bahrain in part due to the country’s focus on executing renewable energy goals and its proposal to construct a new solar power facility to meet AWS’s power needs. The Bahrain Electricity and Water Authority expects to bring the 100MW solar farm online in 2019, making it the country’s first utility-scale renewable energy project.

How do you see the future of cloud technology?

We see a great opportunity for cloud in Bahrain for smart city and collaborative city technologies. A true smart city is a collaborative one, which not only has sensors that are accumulating data, but also features engaged citizens who are aiding in the collection of data in order to add to a system that benefits others. We think Bahrain has the kind of creativity and forward thinking among its citizens to help achieve this.

Another area where cloud has potential in Bahrain is in healthcare. Around the world we are seeing the rise of personalised healthcare, where doctors, researchers and healthcare professionals use biotechnology and cloud computing to diagnose and treat patients more accurately based on their specific needs and genetic information.

November 2017 47

interview

A WATER WISE FUTURE LIZ O’REILLY With the launch of Royal Life Saving Bahrain’s (RLSB) Water Safety Strategy, BTM speaks to the people on the ground skills development executive Sameera Al Bitar and safety services executive Sam Rahman.

RLSB was set up a year ago, have there been any achievements to report so far?

Over the past year, RLSB has been developing our Water Safety Strategy, we consulted with a wide variety of parties to ensure we were able to understand the local challenges we face.

Are there any figures for drowning deaths in Bahrain?

A drowning report was published by the Ministry of Health in 2015, analysing data from 2003 to 2015. The report showed that, on average, 16 lives are lost to drowning each year in Bahrain. The report for 2016 has yet to be published, however we are aware of 10 lives lost to drowning since January of this year.

In most circumstances, drowning is preventable. The prevention starts with us learning basic swimming skills and how to be safe in the water. These are skills for life that everyone should learn. RLSB will introduce innovative programmes for learning basic swimming and water safety skills. We will also undertake a project to determine the swimming competence of our people in Bahrain. We will then advocate and work with key stakeholders to ensure a focus on learning basic swimming and water safety.

In the coming months, we will be launching our Open Water Learning Experience at several beaches, to give children from schools, clubs and the community the opportunity to learn personal survival skills and become everyday life savers.

What made each of you decide to get involved with RLSB? Sameera – I was looking for a new opportunity 48 November 2017

Sam Rahman and Sameera Al Bitar

that involved sports in some way and joining RLSB seemed like the ideal job. Being a swimmer since a very young age [she has competed in the Olympics], this sport has given me so much and I’m determined to use the power of this sport to help as many people as I can. I hope through our work at RLSB we are able to get more children and adults to learn how to swim and hopefully reduce the number of drowning deaths and injuries.

Sam – My first job was working part-time as a lifeguard at my local pool in London at the age of 16. There was something special about having the knowledge and skills necessary to save a person’s life, and this quickly developed into a passion for life saving. I trained to become a lifeguard and first aid instructor at the age of 18, and I have been working in water safety and training for the past 15 years. I moved to Bahrain almost two years ago and, when I heard about the development of RLSB and the Water Safety Strategy, I knew it was something I wanted to be involved with. I hope we can work with government, industry and our communities to save more lives, and, as Sameera mentioned, significantly reduce the number of drownings here in Bahrain.

When will activities start to take place and what is the initial order of priority?

We have just finished our first pool lifeguard course, and we have our first beach lifeguard

course taking place at the start of November. In addition, we have several first aid courses over the coming months. We need to work with hotels, water parks and other pool and beach operators to ensure that all lifeguards employed in Bahrain are trained to a consistent international standard. We are also working closely with the Drowning Prevention Committee and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) to develop safety guidelines for all swimming pools in Bahrain.

Are there plans for swimming to be taught much more widely?

One of our five main strategies is to teach people foundation skills for swimming and water safety. These skills are taught in 12 onehour lessons that will be available for both children and adults.

Is it likely that water safety advice will be turned into legislation?

We hope that over time, the safety guidelines will become mandatory and governed by law.

The BTEA has already changed the requirements for the renewal of hotel and water sports company registrations, and now requires that all lifeguards hold a current Royal Life Saving Bahrain lifeguard certificate.

To get more information on the organistion’s work visit www.rlsbahrain.org. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Springs development in Bahrain was announced in a press conference held at the Zallaq Springs Press Conference Zallaq Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. Shaikh Khalid bin Mohamed Al Khalifa, Shaikh Salman bin Khalid Al Khalifa & Fahad Rafeea

International Day of the Girl Child & United Nations Day

Fahad Rafeea & Rashid Al Sinan

Naseer, Khleem, Biju, Shukoor & Sajith

Hamad Hazeem & Shaikh Salman bin Khalid Al Khalifa

Kawthar & Lakshmy

The UNIC, with Lulu Hypermarket, commemorated the International Day of the Girl Child and United Nations Day with a 1,240sq/ft 3D chalk artwork by Jincy Babu.

HE Koo Hyunmo

www.bahrainthismonth.com

1,240 square feet 3D chalk art by Jincy Babu

Lyu

Mr Sameer, HE Hisham bin Mohammed Al-Jowder & Mr Juzer

November 2017 49

interview

Simeen with her favourite piece

Simeen Farhat

BRINGING WORDS TO LIFE APPLE SHARMA US-based artist, Simeen Farhat, talks about life, art and her relationship with language.

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imeen Farhat’s innate passion for art began at an early age, with sketching and drawing in the second grade and winning awards for paintings in junior high. Although originally wanting to pursue science and become an engineer, she acknowledges a sister for swaying her in the direction of the art world. “One of my sisters is a graphic designer and said with my natural talent for the fine arts that I should instead consider art school,” says Simeen.

Born in Karachi, Pakistan, Simeen moved to the US to get her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in printmaking. It was during this time that she developed a fascination with language and texts. “I was going to a lot of museum exhibitions, particularly Egyptian exhibitions showcasing beautiful hieroglyphics,” she says.

“I was also taking undergraduate anthropology classes, looking at how language has evolved, and that’s where I developed my connection with the power of language.” Simeen’s late father, well versed in Urdu, Farsi and English, also played a tremendous role in the shaping of her work, which can be seen in her recent exhibition, ‘The Breath of Poetry’, which is being held at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art. The show brings to life eloquent words in many languages, by Eastern 50 November 2017

and Western poets, writers and philosophers, including her own written inspirations. “The breath of poetry has become for me a language of form, of distortion and revelation suspended between the linguistic and the visual,” says Simeen. “The breath of not just my father, but of all of us who strive to reach each other in the inherited forms of culture, sound and shape.”

Her unique style of art is reminiscent of calligraphy and plays with letters and texts to produce striking three-dimensional sculptures that explore deeper issues of human identity.

According to Simeen: “Language is how we connect to our past, our present and our future.

It’s how we make sense of the world and ourselves. And I’m interested in the poetic or the verses because I like to play with words and I see them as shapes in 3D.” Simeen’s work has been exhibited worldwide, with major shows in New York, London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Kuwait and Karachi amongst others. She was recently invited to participate at one of the collateral exhibitions at the 56th Venice Biennale, 2017, and will be exhibiting at the Contemporary Calligraphy Biennale at the Sharjah Museum of Contemporary Art. Recalling her first exhibition in Bahrain in

2011, Simeen clearly has a soft spot for the island. “I love Bahrain, especially the people, who are very open-minded and laid back,” she says. “It’s a small country but I’ve been very impressed with the art scene and the number of talented artists showing and exhibiting here,” she adds. Pressed on what advice she has for budding Bahraini artists, she says: “I think you have to be honest with yourself.

Inspiration is good, but don’t try to imitate what’s trendy at the moment. Just be true to yourself and follow your passion.”

Asked who her favourite artist is, Simeen is quick to respond, and says: “Marcel Duchamp, because I think he was brilliant. He had a lot of wit in his work and was very conceptual, but he was also a very good painter, demonstrated in his classic cubism painting ‘Nude Descending a Staircase’.” And speaking of her own favourite piece, she points to one of her newest works, saying: “I think one of my most cherished pieces is ‘Blood Shot is Blood Loved’, which re-creates the moment a large-scale drop of blood hits the ground.”

When she’s not busy with her art projects, Simeen likes to socialise with her friends and family. “I also have a passion for cooking and like to spend my spare time reading and listening to music,” she says. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Wembley Wow Factor Wembley launched the Wow Factor karaoke competition for amateur singers based in Bahrain.

Cristin

Byron & Stasha

Noora & Travis

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Shiva, Travis, Apple, Stevie, Ian & Ian

Chiga & Brian

Pete & Barbra

Charlotte & Claire

Mairi

Frank, Mark & Khoori

Kari, Stua, Steve & Cili

November 2017 51

interview

Byron Gindra

FROM MANAMA TO MADISON SQUARE GARDEN Teen sensation Byron Gindra talks to Liz O’Reilly about singing “before I could talk”, international talent competitions and a possible slot on American Idol!

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f you’ve been out and about in Bahrain of late, chances are you’ve come across Byron Gindra, whether it be at the first round of a pub karaoke contest — “I didn’t go back, the judges’ comments didn’t seem particularly helpful” — or performing a charity benefit for Tony the Dogfather ­— “Anything for the animals” — this is a young man who’s certainly going out of his way to build a fan base.

A native South African, 16-year-old Byron is in the Kingdom with his dad Paul, who is the director of food and beverage/executive chef at the Royal Golf Club, Riffa. The teen first visited the island two years ago for several months, then went back to South Africa, where he was spotted by international talent scout Kim Myers who produces the International Arts Talent Showcase.

Byron explains: “You go through four rounds before the last round in Orlando, Florida, where I came second out of 500 entrants – it was a great experience and I got one of the highest call-backs – it also got me exposure in front of major record labels.”

The showcase led to Byron being taken on by 52 November 2017

agent John DeGrazio of Watersound Entertainment and the road to American Idol.

From 5,000 hopefuls to make the audition stage, he won a place in the final 15 to appear in the live shows.

However, legal paperwork may have put a spanner in the works since, without an official entitlement to work in the US, he cannot take part in the show. Dad Paul has been working frantically to seek a way around the obstacle but Byron himself is philosophical, saying his aim is to emulate Justin Bieber – who was discovered through posts on social media sharing site YouTube.

“I’m inspired by Justin Bieber because of what he achieved at such a young age; it’s shown me that if he can do it, hopefully I can too,” he says. And he does indeed have his own YouTube channel and has already released two self-penned singles, Take My Hand and You Don’t Know Me. Byron accompanies himself on guitar and also plays drums and piano “though, not at a professional level”. And he credits a musical family for the inspiration which saw him singing

with the Drakensberg Boys Choir – known as South Africa’s singing ambassadors. “I’ve been singing all my life, since before I could talk,” he says. “There are a lot of musical people in the family and I remember singing to Pearl Jam in my dad’s car years ago.”

These days he listens to everything from Nirvana to Gary Moore, who, along with his manager dad, is one of Byron’s heroes. For the future, he would love to work with Justin Beiber and Bahrain’s own Paul Adams. He also wants to go home to South Africa to spend some time with his little sister, Hannah, saying: “Make sure you mention her, she will be really pleased.”

And, with feet firmly on the ground, he concludes: “It would be brilliant to be on American Idol, but, if it doesn’t happen, the next step is to go and spend some time in the States with Watersound Records. For now I’m just doing what I love and living the dream – my time will come.”

And, he confesses, that dream includes selling out Madison Square Garden, the 21,000seat venue in New York! www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Sarfaraz & Samy

Haseen, Ram & Farheen

New Dairy Queen Opening

Jawad Business Group opened a new Dairy Queen restaurant in Hoora. US Ambassador HE William Roebuck, International Dairy Queen President and CEO, John Gainor, and COO, Jean Champagne, attended the event.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony

John, HE William Roebuck & Faisal Jawad

Juffair Gate_BTM Ad 125mm x 191mm.psd.pdf

Ishaque, Sheena, Kamal, Mahmood & Jenaah

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James, Rayan & Ali

Jean

George & Alison

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November 2017 53

interview

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE BEHNAZ SANJANA Professor Ghassan F Aouad, President of one of Bahrain’s premier educational institutions, talks about the global significance of the upcoming congress it will host.

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ahrain’s prestigious Applied Science University (ASU) will convene the International Conference on Sustainable Futures (ICSF) in association with the UK’s London South Bank University over November 26 and 27. The convention, which will be chaired by Professor Ghassan, aims to provide a common platform for international researchers to share and discuss their latest studies in the area of global sustainability. It will foster a network of individuals who feel passionately about the future of the world.

“We are privileged that this conference will be held under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Education in Bahrain, Dr Majid bin Ali Al-Nuaimi,” says Professor Ghassan. “Esteemed organisations including the Chartered Institute of Building and Association of Arab Universities have also pledged participation, and we are further supported by the Higher Education Academy and the Nass Group.

“This is a conference that will look at the three vital pillars that will ensure a feasible future – technology, environment and economics. We have attracted 60 scholars from 15 countries, who will publish their research in top-quality research proceedings. Their papers have undergone a blind peer review by external academicians. The focus is on ensuring sustainable years ahead, green buildings, efficient use of fuels, alternative resources, education and the role of Islamic banking and finance in creating viable businesses. We will also touch upon futurology – scenario planning 54 November 2017

Professor Ghassan F Aouad

for industries to operate in the time to come with regards to finding new and practical energy reserves.”

The keynote speakers, from the fields of energy, building information modelling and commerce, will shed new light on how to take steps towards a better future from technological, environmental and economical viewpoints.

The conclusions will help students pursuing their PhD and Master’s degrees, national decision-makers and private sector professionals. Bahrain will benefit from the information and experiences of delegates from countries such as Australia, the UK, Ireland, Turkey, UAE, Cyprus, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and many others.

“This symposium will project the Kingdom as a knowledge hub, in keeping with Vision 2030 of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa,” says Professor Ghassan. “We’re also contributing towards the execution of the excellent research strategy of the country’s Higher Education Council.”

The professor believes that resources will get scarce with time and power will become more expensive. “Keeping in mind the world’s economy, we have to spend our money wisely,”

he adds.“Sectors like construction have spearheaded ‘green’ buildings that are environmentally friendly. We need to encourage this trend to reduce our carbon footprint on Earth. The forum will look at this issue holistically to give our region ideas and concrete methodologies to work towards a better planet.

“Students and teachers will also gain more in-depth awareness about the concerns and solutions of this significant subject. Students get a hefty discount on registration. This conference is part of ASU’s strategy of being recognised as a scientific, research-backed institution on the international map. All our pupils and teachers will have electronic access to the proceedings of the conference.”

Participants can also look forward to an interactive session as part of the event that will be held at the Grove Hotel in Amwaj Islands, where speakers will address relevant real-life problems. The event culminates with a gala dinner. “We are honoured to have the support of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Council, and we look forward to welcoming all the renowned guests and speakers to the conference,” says Professor Ghassan. www.bahrainthismonth.com

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bystander

Ahmed Jawahery, HE William Roebuck, Basel Aryan & Abdul Hameed Hatem

Roger & Delano

US Ambassador HE William Roebuck’s Farewell AmCham Bahrain held a farewell party for HE William Roebuck, outgoing US Ambassador, at Downtown Rotana.

Qays & HE William Roebuck

Francis & Mahmood

Doris, Samar & Alham

Yasmina, Ahmed Jawahery, Hanadi & Ali

Steve, John & Anne

Nitu, Fatema & Waleed Al Rayes

Jazz Festival

Bahrain’s first open air Jazz Festival, featuring both international and local bands, was held at the Royal Golf Club.

Kelly & Candice

Eduardo & Anna

Ruby, Ryan, Yasmina & Saber

James

56 November 2017

Jemimah, Candice & Elouise

Samar, Ghada & Vincent

Azza & Melek

Angela & Maia

Jackelyn, Shane & Mark

Ahmed & Marian

Alex & David

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Zee, Anna-Marie & Jonathan

Sqn Ldr Mike Ling, Flt Lt Chris Lyndon-Smith & Flt Lt Dan Lowes

BBBF Lunch

Bahrain British Business Forum held a Business Networking Lunch Meeting with the Red Arrows at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa. Sqn Ldr David Montenegro & Khalid Al Zayani Flt Lt Matt Masters, Flt Lt Tom Bould, Flt Lt Si Taylor & Flt Lt Toby Keeley

Flt Lt Emmet Cox & Flt Lt Mike Bowden

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Mar & Mazen Alumran

Karen & Hameed

HE Simon Martin & Sophie

Peter & Geraldine

November 2017 57

bystander

Diwali Celebrations Manoj Bhatia and Yogesh Bhatia held Diwali celebrations which were attended by diplomats, family and friends.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa with the Bhatia family

Abdul Karim Buchery, Manoj Bhatia, Yogesh Bhatia, HE Koo Hyunmo & HE A Saj Mendis

HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalfia

HE Simon Martin, Sophie & Yogesh Bhatia

Ebrahim Zainal & Khalid Zayani

Bhatia family and guests with HE Koo Hyunmo, HE Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa & HE A Saj Mendis

Hamid Rahma, Yogesh Bhatia, HE Abdulla Juma, Manoj Bhatia & guests

Snehal, Harsha, Nisha, Urvashi, Poonam & Palak

Shaikha Rana, Manoj Bhatia, Shaikh Abdulla & Yogesh Bhatia

Abdul Rahman, Manoj Bhatia, Shawqi Fakhroo, Nabeel Hamar & Mohammed Kooheji

Members of Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society

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www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Zia & Jen

Kateryna, Krystina, Charbel, Hanna & Greg

Gulf Grand Brunch

The launch of Gulf Hotel’s Gulf Grand Brunch, held every Friday.

Krystina

Monick & James

Collette & Robert

Ali, Heidi & Lana

Karim

Bong

Jen & Miho

Lorenzo, Zia & Jen

Tony & Spook

Brave International Combat Week The press conference for Brave International Combat Week took place at The K Hotel.

Mohammed Shahid & Volker Manolowsky

Meriem, Raissa, Rehana, Valeria, Alexandra & Pamela

Lucas Carrano, Mohammed Shahid, Faisal Kanoo & Volker Manolowsky

www.bahrainthismonth.com

November 2017 59

jewellery&watches

Bling It On! Bahrain is known to have a cultured taste when it comes to the finer things in life, especially its love of fine jewellery and watches. Apple Sharma takes you on a luxurious treasure hunt of the most exquisite findings on the island.

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend.

Although this may be accurate for most women, it also rings true for a lot of men who take a great deal of interest in the same pursuit – evident in the fact that most jewellers tend to be men.

Whether you’re looking for an exquisite piece to add to your collection or treating a special someone, the best place to start this month would most definitely be Jewellery Arabia 2017, the Middle East’s premier jewellery and watch exhibition, which is set to return to the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre from November 21-25. This spectacular annual event brings together over 600 exhibitors from 30 countries for a dazzling five-day gala of glitz and glamour. World-famous watch and jewellery houses, including major brand names, showcase a wide range of finished jewellery, luxury timepieces, precious stones, objets d’art, clocks, fine writing instruments and more.

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You can even authenticate your purchases with the Bahrain Institute for Pearls & Gemstones (Danat), who will be present at the exhibition to verify your gems. Read more about Danat in the following pages, which feature an interview with its CEO. Apart from international vendors, renowned local companies will also be exhibiting their products and services at Jewellery Arabia. And there are quite a few that have been flying the flag for the luxury segment from Bahrain.

Asia Jewellers is among the top exhibitors, the group being one of the pioneers in the trade of the finest international jewellery, watches and accessories. It’s the sole distributor for more than 60 trademarks, including Zenith,

Graham

Monsieur BOVET

Damiani, Corum, Ulysse Nardin, Philip Stein, De Grisogono, Pomellato, Raymond Weil, Montegrappa, Pasqual Bruni, Gaspari and Gucci. This is in addition to its partnership with major international boutiques such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Audemars Piguet, IWC and the exclusive boutique of the legendary Panerai. Watch enthusiasts and collectors can enjoy emblematic timepieces, as well as pieces from the new collection at Audemars Piguet’s newly redesigned boutique in Moda Mall.

Asia Jewellers branches are spread around the Kingdom – at Moda Mall, City Centre Bahrain, Al Aali Shopping Complex and Seef Mall.

Bahrain Jewellery Centre (BJC), exclusive dealer for some of the world’s most renowned Swiss watches and Italian jewellery brands, is another powerhouse taking part in Jewellery www.bahrainthismonth.com

Liali’s Claudia Romano Necklace

Liali’s Red Carpet Ring Liali’s Claudia Romano Earring

Arabia. The company boasts a great number of flagship stores across Bahrain. These include the mono boutiques for Patek Philippe (which recently had the launch of its boutique expansion in Moda Mall), Chopard (The RitzCarlton, Bahrain), Omega, Piaget and Tiffany & Co. BJC also houses other prominent brands, namely Bvlgari, Breguet, Harry Winston, Frank Muller, Lange & Sohne, Hublot, Jaeger LeCoultre, Barthlay, Tag Heuer and more. The company caters to younger clientele with BJC Baby, a fine accessory outlet for kids at Al Aali Shopping Complex, home also to BJC Gifts, offering unique gift items from brands such as Links of London.

Sharif Group is another favourite participant at the exhibition. Its jewellery outlet, A La Mode, stocks luxury watches and high-fashion accessories from brands Alpina, Emporio Armani, Ferre Milano, Esprit, Joop, Michael Kors, Nina Ricci, Pierre Cardin, Just Cavalli, Roberto Cavalli by Franck Muller, Rochas Paris, West End Watches and more. Apart from its own A La Mode line, Majorica, lolaandgrace and Misaki are well sought-after for their charming collections. A La Mode outlets are located in Seef Mall, City Centre Bahrain, Moda Mall and Enma Mall.

Many other local companies are heroes of the watch and jewellery industry in the Kingdom.

AJM Kooheji Group’s lifestyle division is associated with world renowned brands such as De Beers from the UK, Korloff from Paris, Roberto Coin from Italy, Maurice Lacroix from Switzerland and Askania from Germany.

Ambassador Stores is the authorised dealer of renowned Japanese watch brand Seiko, offering its most popular line, the Grand Seiko, as well as Prospex and the elegant Premier range.

Al Hawaj & Sons are Swarovski Boutique partners, showcasing the brand’s high-quality crystal product collections.

Al-Sarraj Jewellers creates fine pieces and stocks an exclusive collection of ruby, sapphire, emerald, tanzanite and alexandrite along with a wide range of precious and semi-precious stones and pearls.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds has launched a www.bahrainthismonth.com

Nomination Italy

Diamond jewellery at Jewellery Arabia

new retail concept ‘MGD – Lifestyle Jewellery’ – practical, lightweight and trendy jewellery for everyday use. In Bahrain, it has two outlets, located at Gold City and Juffair Mall.

LIALI Jewellery is associated with customised handcrafted fine jewellery, specialising in 18k gold, certified diamonds, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones.

Discover LIALI’s breathtaking collections at City

Centre Bahrain.

Nomination Italy, a world leader in gold and stainless steel jewellery, has a huge cult following. Its popular personalised Composable Collection lets you express your personality through letters and symbols that represent you.

It’s available at Al Aali Shopping Complex.

Damas is another leading jewellery and watch retailer, with its own lines as well as international brands.

Devji Since 1950 is renowned for its 22k gold, diamond, pearl and precious gem jewellery.

Al Mahmood Pearls has a history in the pearling industry, producing classic and modern handcrafted pearl jewellery, combined with precious stones.

The Gold Souq in Bab Al Bahrain and Gold City on Government Avenue are brimming with jewellery shops and are must-visits for some great bargains. Most shops will also provide jewellery cleaning services.

Al Zain has launched a new ‘Free for Life’ service that provides professional cleaning, minor repairs, adjustments and polishing with no labour charges – for free. These exclusive services are part of the After Sales Experience available to customers at Al Zain boutiques.

So whether you want to splurge or save, the Kingdom has a plethora of options to indulge your passion for jewellery and watches. All you need to do is find the right piece to suit your style and pocket.

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Precious Ambitions

Kenneth Scarratt

BEHNAZ SANJANA BTM sheds light on Danat, the pioneering authority on precious gems in Bahrain, through its CEO, Kenneth Scarratt.

62 November 2017

Kenneth has had a career in the pearls and gemstones research field since 1973. He has worked at the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA), published several articles and research papers, delivered numerous lectures and co-authored books on the subject. He now lends his expertise to the Bahrain Institute for Pearls & Gemstones, also known as Danat.

Explaining the fundamentals of the institution, he says: “At the instigation of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Danat was established in July 2017 by the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company. Danat aims to become the world’s preferred institute for gemstones and natural pearl third party verification services and plays a vital role in ensuring, protecting and enhancing public trust in pearls, gemstones and jewellery. Its services cover three main areas – the issuance of verification and authentication reports;

continuous research and analysis of pearls and gemstones; and the provision of ongoing training programmes for young researchers and scientists.”

According to Kenneth, as the jewellery industry is forecast to grow at a rate of five to six per cent annually, with global sales exceeding USD270 billion by 2020, Danat expects its business to increase by 20 per cent year-on-year over the first five years, growing both local and international clientele. The organisation aims to establish itself as the window into international markets, serving both local and international clients and bolstering the reputation of the Kingdom as a leading centre for gemstone expertise.

As CEO, his role is to guide the institute towards excellence in all its functions. He says: “Danat represents Bahrain in the global gem and jewellery industry and it must present a message that encompasses the highest in ethical standards, a scientific knowledge that is second to none and a passion for service that is unequalled. We must listen, study and act to ensure the very best image for the Kingdom.”

Due to the growth of the jewellery trade and as part of its commitment to develop the indigenous industry and human capital, Danat’s training programme introduces the new generation of Bahraini graduates to gemmology, teaching them the use of classic gemmological analytical instruments and about the various aspects and treatment of precious stones.

The general public will see the organisation’s presence at Jewellery Arabia this month.

“Danat’s participation at the event is twofold, both as an exhibitor and a sponsor,” says Kenneth. “Our exhibition space will be at Al Fanar Hall in the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, where an exclusive display of gemstones, demonstrations of the scientific processes, educational lectures and a VIP lounge will be hosted.

“Danat not only caters for end customers who want to authenticate and verify their gemstones during the exhibition, but also to merchants, traders and enthusiasts, in line with its mission. Our presence at Jewellery Arabia will give people a snapshot of the outcomes of our pioneering institute.”

As someone who has personally examined many of the most precious stones in the world, including the British Crown Jewels, he says that there are several that have left a lasting impression on his mind.

“Gemstones and pearls allow individuals like me to indulge in a passion that not only recognises the beauty and rarity of these wonderful gifts of nature, but unlike most, we can and do delve deeper and deeper into their physics and chemistry, allowing us to truly appreciate all that nature provides,” he says. www.bahrainthismonth.com

SHARIF GROUP

A LEGACY OF TIME This reputed Swiss watchmaker has been providing hardwearing and practical watches to the world’s most inaccessible markets for more than a century.

The West End Watch Company has sold 15 million timepieces in over 125 years of uninterrupted activity and is one of the most highly esteemed Swiss watch brand names in the world. The timepieces are carefully assembled and thoroughly tested in the factory at Leytron, amid the Swiss Alps.

Every watch enthusiast has a fantasy timepiece in mind, but it takes real creative skill to design a contemporary model within West End’s historical parameters of functionality, strength and restraint. This is why West End commissions Switzerland’s leading professional designers to bring fresh perspective to the brand’s basic values.

At the beginning of the 20th century, West End launched a model called the Sowar – the cavalrymen – named after one of the elite troops of the Indian army. It has become the exclusive trademark of the company. The Sowar chronograph is a dependable instrument with a quiet presence built for action and adventure. It features various incarnations.

Silk Road Collection Technical features: All stainless-steel case and bracelet, diameter 39mm, automatic movement with day and date calendar, water resistant to 100m, also available with genuine leather straps with push-button butterfly buckle.

• Subtly-faceted case sides with alternation of polished/brushed surfaces • Flat sapphire crystal • Top luxury decorated movement visible from the case back • Winding crown positioned at 4h for improved comfort on the wrist • Solid-links bracelet with push-button butterfly buckle Sowar 1916 Technical features: All stainless-steel case and bracelet, diameter 39mm, automatic movement with small second, water resistant to 30m.

• Historical pear hands • Extra-thick conic sapphire crystal • Top luxury decorated movement visible from the case back • Antique winding-crown • Genuine leather strap with push-button butterfly buckle

Classic Collection Technical features: All stainless-steel case and bracelet, diameter 37mm, automatic movement with day and date calendar, water resistant to 50m, also available with genuine leather straps with push-button butterfly buckle.

• Historical marks • Flat sapphire crystal with magnifying on the date calendar • Top luxury decorated movement visible from the case back • Comfortable shape and size • Solid-links bracelet with push-button butterfly buckle West End watches are available in the Kingdom at A La Mode outlets in City Centre Bahrain, Seef Mall, Moda Mall and Enma Mall.

Call City Centre Bahrain on 17 179-854, Seef Mall on 17 580-200, Moda Mall on 17 534-646 and Enma Mall on 77 333-555.

Classic Collection

Silk Road Collection

Sowar 1916

www.bahrainthismonth.com

November 2017 63

jewellery&watches

Amadeo Fleurier Rising Star

Amadeo Fleurier Virtuoso III

ASIA JEWELLERS

Two Centuries of Excellence These Swiss handcrafted timepieces exhibit specialist watchmaking expertise and are produced from the finest materials.

When the Bovet brothers founded the maison in 1822, the timepieces they manufactured instantly became undisputed references in the watchmaking decorative arts.

Today, the BOVET craftsmen strive to honour this heritage through their expertise and by constantly pushing back the boundaries of excellence. The same quest for perfection also inspired Pascal Raffy, owner and CEO of BOVET 1822, to equip in 2006 its own manufactures: BOVET 1822 Manufacture de Cadrans and DIMIER 1738 Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie Artisanale, where every technique is deployed with unrivalled mastery and the choice of noble materials continues to expand.

This year, the BOVET collections feature two materials which the artisans of the house have been mastering and proposing since 2008. Their captivating appearance and richly symbolic origins are guaranteed to fascinate.

The origins of the substance aventurine are as terrestrial as they come: it is a transformation of the silica contained in sand and most minerals used to make the glass that serves as a basis for the delicate fabrication of aventurine itself.

Its artisanal composition dates back to the 17th century. To create aventurine, tinted glass is combined with copper and protoxide (oxides having the smallest proportion of oxygen) of copper inclusions, whose triangular and hexagonal crystals blaze with a thousand sparkles. The composition and manufacture involves empirical processes, and only an 64 November 2017

experienced, expert artisan can obtain a homogenous result. This is why aventurine remains a rare material that cannot be produced in large quantities. It features the translucence of glass, studded with tiny copper highlights that seem to float freely within it.

Although a processed material, its aesthetic qualities have made it favourable with jewellers and gemologists, who have labelled it ‘goldstone’ in English. These days, the material is also often referred to as ‘stellaria’ because of its obvious resemblance to a starry sky.

This same glittery sky is the origin of the second material highlighted this year by BOVET 1822’s dial-makers, who showcase meteorite in several of the models in the 2017 collection. While a considerable number of meteorites fall to Earth each year, less than two per cent belong to the ‘irons’ category that can be used in watchmaking. And very few of them are large enough to provide enough material for a dial.

The variety from which BOVET dials are made, known as Gibeon meteorite, comes from Namibia. Many hundreds of kilograms have been found scattered in various fragments since its discovery in 1838, but very few of these can be exploited for watchmaking purposes.

Ferrous meteorites consist of iron and nickel, while Gibeon also contains cobalt and phosphorus in minute quantities. The temperatures experienced by a ferrous meteorite when it enters the Earth’s atmosphere coupled with the speed at which it cools produce unique geometric crystalline structures. Once the meteorite has been machined, it is polished then plunged into an

acid bath to reveal these characteristic patterns.

Given the extreme rarity and recent appearance of aventurine and meteorite in the watchmaking industry, artisans cannot rely on the experience of their predecessors. So, they have used their own expertise to develop the techniques required to exploit these two materials with their unique characteristics.

Machining meteorite is a particularly delicate process that requires constant attention. For the 2017 collection, a black PVD treatment reveals the nuances on the surface while protecting the dial from oxidation. Pad printing (that transfers a 2D image onto a 3D object) and the addition of the hour-markers complete this fragile process.

The metallic flakes responsible for the starry sparkle of aventurine are themselves inclusions that make the material particularly delicate to handle. This difficulty is compounded by the hardness and fragility of the glass, which make machining and polishing highly technical, tenuous processes, like the various assembly operations.

The craftsmen of the BOVET 1822 dial manufacture have successfully mastered each of the stages involved in the production of these dials, joining the ranks of the greatest specialists in the process and imbuing the brand’s timepieces with a strong symbolic and universal dimension.

BOVET 1822 timepieces are available in Bahrain at Asia Jewellers.

Call 17 534-444 or visit www.asiajewellers.com www.bahrainthismonth.com

ASIA JEWELLERS

Shop the Finest Explore exquisite timepieces from this renowned watchmaker at one of the biggest online retail shops for men.

MR PORTER, the award-winning online destination for men’s style, is pleased to introduce the Italian high-end sports watchmaking brand, Officine Panerai, with a curated selection of 25 timepieces.

These include models from across its iconic Luminor and Radiomir collections, along with a table clock, a transparent glass sphere with two fascinating views of the timepiece.

“We are thrilled to be launching Officine Panerai, a high-end sport watch brand that epitomises true Italian heritage and design, alongside Swiss craftsmanship,” says MR PORTER managing director Toby Bateman. “As consumers yearn for something unique in style and aesthetic from a curated edit – alongside top customer service and advice – Officine Panerai’s iconic collections will give our growing fine watch category an entire new dimension of offering, which I’m sure our customers will be excited to explore.”

“Officine Panerai is delighted to be on board with the most globally recognisable online retail destination for men,” says Officine Panerai CEO Angelo Bonati. “The selected line-up of Luminor and Radiomir models is the perfect offer for all gentlemen in search of a high-end sport watch with a distinctive design.”

The timepieces launching on MR PORTER include 14 Luminor and 11 Radiomir models. Each new piece expresses authenticity, creativity and passion – values renewed year after year in every new collection and deep-rooted in Florence and in the world of the sea.

The unmistakable identity of the brand stands on the Luminor case, with distinguished great innovation of the crown-protecting device with lever, which ensures excellent water resistance for the watch. The Radiomir is the first timepiece designed by Officine Panerai in 1936, a very resistant watch with generous dimensions, cushion shape and wire loop strap attachments welded directly to the case.

Additionally, MR PORTER will launch an Officine Panerai table clock, built with a hand-wound mechanical in-house movement, brushed and polished steel case and a black dial with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers.

Panerai timepieces are available in Bahrain at Asia Jewellers.

Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days 44mm Automatic Flyback Chronograph Stainless Steel and Leather Watch

Panerai Luminor Base 8 Days 44mm Brushed-Titanium and Alligator Watch

Panerai Luminor Marina 8 Days 44mm Stainless Steel and Leather Watch black with white stitching

Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days 47mm Flyback Chronograph Automatic Titanium and Rubber Watch

Panerai Luminor Base 8 Days 44mm Stainless Steel and Leather Watch

Panerai Radiomir 8 Days 65mm Stainless Steel Table Clock

Panerai Radiomir 10 Days GMT Automatic 47mm Steel and Alligator Watch

Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days 45mm Stainless Steel and Leather Watch

Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days 48mm Ceramic and Leather Watch

Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days Automatic Acciaio 42mm Stainless Steel and Leather Watch

Panerai Radiomir Black Seal 8 Days 45mm Stainless Steel and Leather Watch

Panerai Radiomir S.L.C. 3 Days 47mm Steel and Leather Watch

Call 17 534-444 or visit www.asiajewellers.com www.bahrainthismonth.com

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LIALI JEWELLERY

Elegance that Bedazzles This brand’s latest Italian jewellery collection is now launched in Bahrain, featuring beautiful creations made with the finest 18k gold.

66 November 2017

Renowned for offering classy and luxurious designs in exclusive handcrafted pieces, LIALI Jewellery launches the exquisite Tessitore Collection from Italy.

The collection features a selected range of bangles and rings available in pure 18k white, yellow and rose gold versions. The items are handmade with ultimate precision and finesse using the unique tubogas technology. Elegant precious gold wires are twined and moulded to form graceful designs, which make this line alluring and elite. Finely crafted cords come together to produce modern and trendy creations for everyday use, while real diamond-encrusted bangles dazzle to uplift traditional ensembles.

Revealing more about the gorgeous collection, LIALI Jewellery managing director Anuraag Sinha says: “Tessitore is not only unique at expressing the wearer’s individuality but each piece or bangle is subject to an intricate process of designing, crafting and diamond-setting with stringent quality standards and superior craftsmanship. It’s a luxurious amalgamation of the traditional jewellerymaking process with new-age technology to create modern and ethnic compositions. We are glad to present Tessitore, a scintillating collection that

marries the perennial allure of 18k gold with the latest designs.”

The Tessitore Collection is both versatile and contemporary, with a starting price of BD375, and is available at the LIALI Jewellery showroom in City Centre Bahrain.

A Dubai-based company with a chain of up-market boutiques, the brand was established in June 1999 by Raed Ahmad Baker and Anuraag Sinha. Today, it boasts more than 20 outlets in most of the UAE’s landmark locations. It specialises in certified diamonds, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, 18k gold and customised handcrafted pieces. The company takes pride in bringing forward innovative concepts in jewellery and consistently endeavours to keep up with the latest trends around the world. It is associated with fine jewellery and personalised service that epitomise trust, and has established itself as a name to reckon with over the last 18 years.

LIALI stores are currently positioned in prime locations across the UAE, Bahrain and Oman.

Call 17 178-160 or visit www.lialijewellery.com www.bahrainthismonth.com

AMBASSADOR STORES

The Hallmark of Precision This unique collection of timepieces from this enduring brand is appreciated by connoisseurs around the world.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

It has been more than a century since the house of horologists, Seiko, produced the first wristwatch combining innovation and master workmanship. This tradition continues to thrive today, thanks to the skill and passion of the craftsmen and women in whose hands Seiko’s mechanical wonders are assembled, adjusted and inspected. From its very first creation in 1913 to the very latest creations of today, the brand has continuously honed its skills, increased the meticulousness of its manufacturing and developed new ideas and components in its own, characteristic Japanese way.

This ideology is also evident in Seiko’s Presage – the exceptional collection of wristwear. From the adjustment of the intricate mechanisms of the timepieces to the polishing of their cases, it is the handcraft of the watchmakers that sets the high standards of this line-up. Inspection by eye also plays a key role, and only after a vigorous quality appraisal is the artisan’s task complete.

With such exacting standards, this is a must-have for the purist who appreciates the fine art of horology.

The Multi-hands 6R27 Presage with its Roman numerals, detailed minute track and graceful lines reveals its ancestry to the 1895 Time Keeper – the first ever pocket piece that Seiko produced for the public when wristwatches were an unknown accessory. Quality, tradition and expertise are to be seen in every detail of this modern fabrication. The glass is a dual-curved sapphire; the tips of the minute

and second hands are shaped by hand to increase the legibility of the hour of day. Every hour marker has 10 coats of paint to give the dial its threedimensional feel, and the beautifully engraved oscillating weight is clearly visible through the sapphire case back. Even the crown has a deeply grooved rim to allow the wearer to enjoy the solid and smooth feel as the piece is wound.

Back in 2010, a Seiko automatic chronometer, inspired by the glamour of the cocktail bar and designed especially for the Japanese market, started to attract attention on the world’s watch blogs, forums and websites. The Presage series is based on this celebrated and much-loved original. All eight creations in the collection share the subtle design accents that pay homage to the original model. The sunray dials all have a deep, pressed pattern, the shimmering beauty of which is enhanced by seven layers of a glossy finish and the clarity of the boxshaped crystals. The hands are delicately curved by skilled craftsmen and women to give the device a sleeker profile. When turning the uniquely shaped crown, the wearer can feel the strong torque of the winding device.

Presage echoes the sentiment that Seiko’s strength lies in its proficiency and delicate artistry. The range of products from this renowned brand are available in Bahrain at Ambassador Stores.

Call 17 225-513.

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MOTORING

MY LIFE IN CARS DICK POTTER An introduction to Bahrain This Month’s new motoring correspondent.

A

s far back as I can remember, I’ve liked cars. Not just any old cars though. I realised quite early on that I liked fast cars. Sporty cars. Classy cars. I couldn’t really say where my passion for cars sprang from. It’s not that I grew up around them, nor gained any great passion from my father; being in the Air Force – he was an aircraft man.

My first car was a Triumph GT6, purchased from a trust fund bequeathed to me by a deceased aunt. This was in my student days and I considered, quite naively I’m sure, that the Triumph added greatly to my image back in the day. The next set of wheels was a Fiat X19 Targa sport, super to drive with the wind blowing through my then abundant hair. At the ripe old age of 23, I got a job in Athens, Greece, and having just bought an AustinHealey Sprite, decided to drive it to Athens. It was a trip which proved both an adventure and 68 November 2017

a challenge in equal measure I assure you.

This one I kept for 25 years – the car that is, not the job. Whilst living in Greece, I also owned a Matra-Simca Bagheera. The Bagheera was a joint venture of Matra, who built the body, and Simca, who provided all the mechanicals. Think of it as an old French Lotus Elite only with less quality and performance and you’ll get the idea. What you may not know is that it was quite a distinctive sports car with three front seats, just like a McLaren F1. Well, not just like, as the F1 puts the driver centre stage while the Bagheera – and successor Murena – put the driver on the side and the other two seats right next to each other. That car also took me on a memorable road trip, from Holland to Greece, but that’s a story I shall save for another day or another issue.

Moving to Bahrain in the mid ‘80s, my first Porsche was a terrific 1984 911 Targa. This was in the days prior to Behbehani being the

ALSO THIS MONTH: 70 #1-THE DIGITAL CHAMPION 74 TRADE IN AND TRADE UP

Porsche dealers – Performance Cars managed the Porsches in Bahrain then. Next up for my driving enjoyment was a lovely -seater blue Mercedes 280SLC. For a period of three years it was a pleasure to have driven a car now considered as one of the Mercedes Classics.

Now, apart from my wittering about cars I’ve owned and driven, the purpose of this article is to introduce me to Bahrain This Month as the new motoring correspondent. However, regular readers – you’re all regular readers, right? – you will have seen my name crop up on these pages a few times before. I first had the pleasure of contributing an article after one of the regular members of the motoring correspondence team became indisposed. As it turned out, that poor chap’s misfortune was to be my great fortune. A trip to Italy was called for. A trip to Maranello to be precise. A trip to the Ferrari HQ in Maranello, to be even more precise. Was I free to do the trip Bahrain This www.bahrainthismonth.com

e, the car is, of cours of this beautiful At the very heart s to a maximum d V8 engine. Thank ssive twin turbocharge smooth, progre 670cv and the by the Variable power output of ed provid in higher gears r sprinted from torque delivery nt system, my Spide Torque Manageme goes without saying seconds flat. It eyes 0-100kmph in three from the prying is best tested far that this ‘sprinting’ by nature’s kind! Surrounded any s and of ras of came undulating shape dunes with their i spectacular sand the inimitable Ferrar accompanied by rating — exhila an colours whilst d r prove roar, the Spide engine throaty hot-ride. if somewhat UAE s arrived. The wishe three my of Alas, the final day proved a fitting g the GTC4 Lusso y trip prospect of drivin at this extraordinar disappointment blue antidote to my or came in a dark The car’s exteri l, coming to an end. r was equally specia whilst its interio r seating three-layer finish, main white leathe theme with its picking up the r detailing. ello’s latest offset by blue leathe Maran is i GTC4 Lusso pt, The new Ferrar four-seater conce the all-wheel drive, interpretation of e with luxurious my exquisite fleet rdinary performanc true es each one of combining extrao are those of a my hotel. I the envious glanc mance figures yed to and from day as I journe comfort. Its perfor p V12 engine giving way garnered every a tad out of my car, with a 680bh sports d from n ghbre this road was just thorou acceleratio n’t you opt must confess that of 335kmph and Ferrari, why would d a g prove drivin car a maximum speed the – but hey, you’re 3.4 seconds flat, ? home in at home ly 0-100kmph in just route things equal long for the tile to drive: it was claimed that “most e contexts, such incredibly versa Ferrari allegedly the GT-typ as Enzo t more differ in to Whils beg as it was to Umm al sports car mode a few lines”, I would these longer journey can be said in ience of driving centre or on the allowed for euphoric exper as Dubai’s city on the highway sheer, heady and a few lines. rmore, driving eration. t be narrated in Quwain. Furthe if that roar during accel beautiful cars canno any of them – or Ferrari lion-like r information on the ubiquitous s, t cat-like purr whilst If you need furthe ialise – Euro Motor a subtle yet poten to mater to ed fails reced This i genie happy to . all elusive Ferrar will be more than h the city centre utor for Ferrari, -stopping allure motoring throug Bahrain’s distrib to ignore the crowd r arena for greate It was impossible no was in. fill you ssed and there of three cars posse ay. I was aware Highw Zayed ’s Sheikh this than Dubai

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FERRARI TRIO

it the new with 661bhp makes 3902cc V8 turbo ecture. Ferrari’s ion of Italian this kind of archit benchmark for a sensational select ting the car’s sound Dick Potter took ample time perfec putting these mean engineers took around the UAE, is as distinctive . soundtrack that stallions for a spin paces new a their h ng engine. It not too, creati and truly throug any Prancing Horse machines well also makes as expected from tooth performance, it an rs unparalleled that, quite like the nt delive only mome controllable to a for and Gulf, r exploitable Let us suppose in the Arabian extreme powe t drivers such Ferrari fairy, or that a exper d less existe by fairy, there level, even grants you three t named unprecedented mythical being this wasn’ If the GTB even. drive 488 test the a genie ask to zine as myself. It seems do no better than

by Top Gear maga 2015, ! in Lusso wishes you could Year’ GTC4 ‘Supercar of the 488 Spider and Ferraris, 488 GTB, to receive my two for nothing! ported to Dubai Spider on day the trio Hey presto! Trans arrival of the 488 was the first of exterior I awoke to the s, the 488 GTB gunmetal grey . Its granted wishe The impressive animous genie ed to of my wish list. nted by my magn ed by by an interior design to be duly prese or was only match ophy of only surpassed exteri philos e was ired chrom tan i’s Formula 1-insp stunning mono r; buttery soft, and underscore Ferrar luxurious interio between driver trim the beautiful and ess relationship e double stitch r, creating a seaml r seats with orang , burgundy leathe coloured leathe finished in supple singly spacious . car. Exquisitely its GTB sibling exquisite and surpri 50kg heavier than provided me an ello’s this Spider is only day. chapter in Maran cockpit for the latest to the classic s the is return r result a The Spide name marks sports cars and The 488 GTB’s of open-top V8 ensues from its y be 488 to histor er The ng ation. ongoi Maranello consid Ferrari model design talented folk at stands for Gran Since the GTB ever. r what in whilst Spide er, and innovative e twin 488cc per cylind Fujairah most powerful red by a 3.9-litr to trip their Powe a etta. sing, and Turismo Berlin to hear that V8 in displacement RHT I really wanted e, it is smaller to test in full the turbocharged engin fitting journey cessor’s (the 458) this entire car was deemed a t than its prede Top), around which higher in outpu (Retractable Hard ted engine. naturally aspira provided me the was developed. y to Abu Dhabi Taking this beaut . The new paces its h put it throug perfect route to

Ferrari 488 GTB

Ferrari GTC4 Lusso

In January this year Bahrain This Month rang again. Ferrari testing needed once more. Three models this time and it was not even my birthday until April! Scarcely believing my luck, I practically skipped to Dubai for this little jolly, ahem, ‘motoring correspondence assignment’. That particular trip permitted me the utter pleasure of driving the Ferraris GTC4Lusso (Formerly known as the FF), the 488 GTB and the 488 Spyder.

Since I’m on the subject of Ferraris and the United Arab Emirates, here’s an interesting snippet. Ferrari currently holds the record for the most expensive car sold at auction – and no, I was not the buyer. The car was a 250 GTO, built in 1963, one of only 39 ever made. In 2014 it was sold for over AED139 million. The previous record held was a mere AED25.7 million. Nope, wasn’t me that bought that car either.

Anyway, back to my new role here at Bahrain This Month. In a nutshell, I plan to choose a motoring issue that’s caught my attention for one reason or another and scribble my thoughts on it. The motors won’t be all highfalutin luxury jobs either. Nor do I plan on bashing the everyday car models; whilst I must confess, I have had a chuckle or two at Jeremy Clarkson’s somewhat scathing opinions on the various automobile models over the years. You won’t be reading here that “telling people at a dinner party you drive a (insert car of choice) is like telling them you’ve got the Ebola virus and you’re about to sneeze”. No. I shall leave that stuff to Jeremy and concentrate on what I hope to do best. From the A-Z or rather, Alfa Romeo to the Volvo, if it grabs my attention, I’ll let you know right here.

63 August 2017

month.com

www.bahrainthis month.com

www.bahrainthis Ferrari 488 Spider

62 August 2017

Month asked? Was I free? I was already at Bahrain Airport before the call ended!

I must concede that the Ferrari encountered and duly test driven in Italy, the FF – now called the GTC4 Lusso I hastily amend – was the lure to my actually becoming a Ferrari owner. A Ferrari F430 Spyder to be exact. This is a car that I shall never tire of looking at or indeed listening to as I drive it – and yes, the admiring glances from other motorists, towards the car that is, doesn’t go astray either.

Following that memorable trip to Italy there followed a Nissan Infinity Q70 testing in Dubai, the Volvo S90 in Oman, and... Hey, not quite as exciting as a Ferrari I hear you chorus.

However, as a car nut, anything with wheels and an engine and I’m happy behind the steering wheel. That aside, I do profess to

www.bahrainthismonth.com

possessing more of a leaning towards cars rather than sports utility vehicles (SUVs).

That’s not to say I have not driven a few. I have, and, what’s more, I enjoyed driving them. A Cadillac Escalade and an Audi Q7 were two of the more memorable ones I have had the pleasure of driving.

Now, where was I with my personal fleet? Ah yes, a Porsche Carrera 911 was cheerfully driven for a while and then replaced with a 2007 Carrera 4S. An old friend who loves tinkering with and sprucing up cars then persuaded me to buy a 1999 Porsche Boxster he had beautifully restored and repainted. A manual transmission car, it is an absolute delight to zip around in, especially with the top down – now that the weather is entering that perfect time for convertibles.

November 2017 69

motoring AL HADDAD MOTORS

#1 – The Digital Champion

Imran receiving the award

Tech-savvy Imran Sakhawat Ali has bagged a prestigious award that showcases his ability to creatively use the Global Mercedes-Benz app in promoting the brand.

70 November 2017

Mercedes-Benz held its annual Global Marketing Forum (GMF) this year in Lisbon, Portugal. This event has always been a key activity for the marketers of Mercedes-Benz and is a platform for the partakers to gain insights and knowledge of the brand, as well as to meet the top management and the global teams.

This year’s GMF was based on the digital theme and many topics discussed and briefed were related to the Mercedes-Benz vision and the digital era.

Highlights of the event included a first preview of an unseen Mercedes-Benz, the marque’s brand ambassadors and the famous GMF Awards. It was attend by 34 representatives – the likes of Niki Lauda, Mike Horn, Susie Wolf, Garret McNamara, Felix Jaehn, Andreea Badala, Mandy Capristo, Rebecca Lim, Laura Tobon and many more.

The event also had five motivational guest speakers including Neil Harbissom, CEO, Cyborg Foundation, Alissia Iljaitsch, digital innovation strategist and co-founder, IQ Gemini, and Laurent Burdin, CEO, Space & Lemon.

The GMF was supported by the presence of the German headquarters management, with attendees Dr Jens Thimer, VP marketing Germany, Benjamin Syrig, overseas marketing head, and Natanael Sijanta, head of marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars Stuttgart, Germany.

For the past few years the awards have been highly appreciated among the global Mercedes-Benz team and have been a source of inspiration for many. This

year, the three categories were: Best Viral (Campaign), Best Laureus/CSR and Digital Champion.

The competition was open to all the participants from more than 100 countries worldwide. They were invited to present their nominations in the categories for the first two awards and were judged by a panel from Mercedes-Benz Global.

The third and final category and award was based on creative use of the GMF 2017 app. Since the theme and topics were all digital-related, the app was created keeping in mind the various key points of the digital world that all of the markets use in their day to day work. The app, created by a German firm, was designed with various elements related to the digital world, and utilisation and mastering of the app would give the users points and an opportunity to win.

Imran S Ali, Al Haddad Motors marketing manager, won the accolade, scoring 3,008 points. The competition was contested by 159 global participants. “I am very proud to be a part of the Mercedes-Benz family and being able to represent and win on behalf of the Al Haddad Motors dealer and the GCC,” he says.

This is the first recognised award of its kind to have come from Global Mercedes-Benz to the region.

The management of Al Haddad Motors has congratulated Imran on winning this honour and is proud of his achievement.

Call Al Haddad Motors on 17 785-454. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Deal of the year.

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Al Haddad is excited to announce an unbelievable offer on the brand new E-Class.

Savings of BD 2,000 are guaranteed for a limited time only. Grab yours now.

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

motoring EURO MOTORS

Future-proofing Production how in new technologies, gaining key systems expertise and leveraging cost benefits. The company already produces electrified vehicles at 10 locations worldwide. The high-voltage batteries needed for these models come from the group’s plants in Dingolfing, Spartanburg and now also Shenyang. The Dingolfing plant will play a leading role within the network as the centre of competence for electric drive systems.

The electric MINI concept

Sealing its position as a major player in the electric vehicle market, this manufacturer has launched a new battery centre in China.

The BMW Group continues to expand its electromobility activities and, in conjunction with its partner, Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd, the group has just opened a new High-Voltage Battery Centre in Shenyang, China.

The facility will supply the nearby Dadong plant, which is operated by the BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) joint venture and will produce the BMW 5 Series plug-in hybrid for the local market.

Oliver Zipse, BMW AG management board member responsible for production, says: “The innovative High-Voltage Battery Centre in Shenyang is an important step in the BMW Group’s electro-mobility strategy. It is the first battery factory of any premium automotive manufacturer in China and already the third in our production network, after Germany and the US.” The BMW Group is integrating its battery factories into the existing international production network and Oliver Zipse continues: “By 2025, we expect our electrified BMW and MINI models to account for between 15 and 25 per cent of global sales. This adds up to several hundred thousand vehicles per year. It, therefore, makes sense for us to integrate electromobility into the existing production system.” Doing so will enable the group to respond flexibly to demand for electrified models.

Competitive edge through in-house know-how Alongside the electric motor, the high-voltage battery is a central element of partially and fully-electrified vehicles. In-house production gives the BMW Group a decisive competitive advantage by securing know-

72 November 2017

From cell to high-voltage battery Production of high-voltage batteries is divided into two production stages. First, in a highly-automated process, supplied lithium-ion cells, which are about the size of a paperback book, are checked and then combined into a larger unit, the so-called battery module.

The battery modules are then mounted together with the connections, control units and cooling units in an aluminium housing. The size and shape of the housing, as well as the number of battery modules used, depends on the vehicle variant. In this way, a perfectly adapted “battery pack” or high-voltage battery is created.

This combination of standardised battery modules and housings flexibly adapted to the vehicle has several advantages. It ensures uniform properties and quality standards in the production of high-voltage batteries. The modular design of these batteries also forms the basis for a wide variety of electric drive variants. Last but not least, this modular concept is a requirement for responding quickly to customer demand and leveraging cost benefits.

BMW Group leading manufacturer of electrified vehicles worldwide Between January and the end of September, the BMW Group delivered a total of 68,687 BMW i, BMW iPerformance and electrified MINI vehicles to customers worldwide – an increase of 64.2 per cent.

With nine electrified cars currently available, the BMW Group is one of the leading suppliers worldwide. The company plans to sell 100,000 electrified vehicles worldwide by the end of the year.

The Shenyang production facility The Shenyang location, with its Dadong and Tiexi automotive plants and engine plant with light-metal foundry, plays an important role in the BMW Group’s global production network. It contributes to the strategy of globally balanced growth, with production capacity in the respective regional markets.

The BBA production location in Shenyang builds vehicles exclusively for the Chinese market. The www.bahrainthismonth.com

The new battery plant

Dadong plant in the northeast of the city opened in 2003 and currently produces the BMW 5 Series longwheelbase version. Going forward, this facility will also build the plug-in hybrid variant of the BMW 5 Series and the new BMW X3. The Tiexi plant, in the west of Shenyang, which went on-stream in 2012, builds the BMW X1 long-wheelbase version (including a plug-in hybrid variant), the BMW 1 Series Sedan, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, the BMW 3 Series longwheelbase version and the BMW 3 Series Sedan. The engine plant, which opened in 2016, produces the latest generation of the BMW TwinPower Turbo threeand four-cylinder petrol engines.

The BMW Brilliance Automotive Joint Venture The BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture was founded in 2003 and encompasses production and sales of BMW automobiles in China, as well as local development tasks. It employs more than 16,000 people, while the BBA supplier network comprises around 350 local suppliers.

In 2014, the BMW Group and Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd extended the contract for their Chinese joint venture early – four years before the current contract expired – and laid the foundation for deepening the successful cooperation. The extended contract is valid for 10 years (from 2018 to 2028).

The BMW Group With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services.

As a global company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries. www.bahrainthismonth.com

In 2015, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.247 million cars and nearly 137,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2015 was approximately USD10.85 billion on revenues amounting to USD108.47 billion. As of December 31, 2015, the BMW Group had a workforce of 122,244 employees.

The success of the group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

Euro Motors is the Kingdom’s BMW dealer.

Call 17 750-750.

One of BMW’s electric models

November 2017 73

motoring

JAC MOTORS

Trade In and Trade Up When a regular-sized station wagon just isn’t up to the task, the JAC Refine Minibus M1 could be the answer you’ve been looking for.

74 November 2017

With various seating options it can be used for a variety of business and leisure roles – such as a cargo with passengers, purely cargo, hotel shuttle for tourists or for taking business people to a big event.

The vehicle is attractively styled and boasts LED headlights as well as fog lamps, which are neatly blended into the lower section of the front bumper.

Besides its fashionable design, reliability and economy are part of the Refine’s DNA, its makers say.

The minibus offers plenty of space for both driver and passengers and its clever design allows the seats to be tipped up, slid or reclined. Whatever the circumstances, there’s certain to be a combination to suit your requirements.

Behind the cargo compartment is a pleasant surprise, more storage space in the form of a large box which is more than 2.37m long, 1.65m wide and 1.15m high.

Safety is a key element in every JAC vehicle and, as such, the Refine boasts driver and front seat passenger airbags. In a serious accident, they instantly inflate to help protect occupants from injury while the high strength armour plate absorbs the impact during a collision.

The Refine comes with an ABS+EBD system to ensure that you can stop safely and suddenly should the need arise. The 16-inch brake discs provide a

high level of stopping performance; particularly useful when the vehicle is fully loaded with passengers and cargo.

Besides being a practical, hard-working loadcarrier, those seated up-front will appreciate the high degree of comfort and convenience that feature in a beautifully appointed cabin. The rear seats can be repositioned to suit your needs so passengers can have more space if required.

On trade in, you will receive a minimum of BD1,000 for your old van when you buy an M1. And the vehicle is also availableto lease monthly for just BD120 without the trade-in offer.

Visit the JAC showroom at Segaya Plaza, Zinj.

Call 17 270-270. www.bahrainthismonth.com

motoringnews&launches

Innovation at Your Fingertips Euro Motors, the exclusive importer and distributor for luxury automotive manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover in Bahrain, announced the launch of its two new websites, which individually cater to its prestigious brands, Jaguar and Land Rover.

The new websites, www.jaguar-bahrain.com and www. landroverbahrain.com have been exclusively designed to ensure that consumers get the best digital experience possible while on their journey to find out more information about the top-end products that they may be particularly interested in. The portals include a fully revamped customerfriendly user interface with highly interactive content that allows users to experience dynamic and personalised specs and pricing.

Five-Star Safety

The Renault Koleos has received a five-star rating in safety tests administered by the independent organisation Euro NCAP, one of the industry’s most rigorous tests of vehicle safety. The Koleos, which was named ‘Best Sub Compact SUV’ at the Middle East Car of the Year Awards earlier this year, passed the new protocol of 2016 Euro NCAP tests with flying colours, highlighting Renault’s commitment to safety on the roads and cementing the Koleos as the ideal family SUV. Commenting on the news, Marwan Haidamous, Renault Middle East managing director, says: “This is the fifth model in the Renault line-up to receive the five-star Euro NCAP rating, following in the footsteps of the Captur, Megane, Talisman and Zoe. Renault targets excellence in the independent NCAP tests and our models benefit from Renault’s vast experience in the realm of safety. This recognition is testament to our experience and dedication to safety on the roads’’.

Brand-New Beauties

A Timely Honour

GMC has announced the very first details of the exciting line-up of models that will be showcased at the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show this November — the all-new 2018 Terrain and 2018 Yukon Denali.

Sajed Sbeih, head of brand for GMC Middle East, says: “GMC’s rise as a premium brand is very much reflected by the striking design and confident stance of the all-new Terrain, and this new design language is set to elevate the whole brand as it is applied across other models in the future. The Denali sub-brand continues to set the bar for GMC performance, technology and luxury.”

The all-new 2018 Terrain offers greater refinement and versatility and is packed with more standard and optional features and advanced safety technologies than ever before. The 2018 Yukon Denali features styling and trim enhancements, as well as a new, advanced 10-speed automatic transmission.

Volkswagen Bahrain held a gathering to honour Shekabba and Hajiachar, and to thank them for their 32 years of service ahead of their retirement. During the gathering, Steven Hill, general manager for Behbehani Brothers W.L.L., Mohammed Janahi, deputy general Manager, Felix Miranda, Volkswagen brand manager, Paul Close, service manager and Burhan Aftab, human resource manager, handed over appreciation certificates and gifts for each of the two employees.

Felix Miranda says: “We are the sum of our people – the driving force behind Volkswagen Bahrain, and with over 32 years with Behbehani Brothers, Shekabba and Hajiacker have added immense value to both the showroom and service centre with their dedication and brand passion.”

76 November 2017

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Making a Debut

In Step with the Times

Mohammed Jalal & Sons Automotive Company has introduced the renowned Chinese FAW vehicles to Bahrain, aiming to meet the growing local demand for fresh saloon and SUV cars with engines ranging from 1.6l to 2.0l turbo.

Established in the year 1958, FAW is China’s first ever vehicle manufacturer and one of the biggest car makers in the country today.

All the vehicles are made in accordance with prime standards and are reasonably priced, with a three-year or 100,000-km warranty along with numerous specifications that meet customers’ highest expectations. All the FAW models are available at Mohammed Jalal & Sons showrooms in Khamis and Sitra.

The Nissan IMx, an all-electric crossover concept vehicle offering fully autonomous operation and a driving range of more than 600km, was recently unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The innovative concept vehicle provides a glimpse into the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility — Nissan’s approach to changing how cars are powered, driven and integrated with society. It’s designed to strengthen the link between car and driver delivering a safer, more convenient and more enjoyable drive.

By offering unprecedented enjoyment in motion and the ability to control the vehicle’s drive mode, the Nissan IMx aims to transform everyday drivering.

“The IMx zero-emission crossover concept embodies the future of Nissan Intelligent Mobility,” says Daniele Schillaci, executive vice president for global marketing and sales, zero-emission vehicles and the battery business. “Through Nissan Intelligent Mobility, Nissan is committed to changing the way people and cars communicate, as well as how cars interact with society in the near future and beyond.”

A Refreshed Outlook Ebrahim K. Kanoo, the sole distributor of Lexus vehicles in the Kingdom, unveiled the new Lexus 2018 NX Turbo at the Lexus Showroom in Sitra.

The entire front fascia of the 2018 NX has been refreshed, with the upper portion of the grille and the front bumpers redesigned to more fluidly blend into the hood and front doors, resulting in a sleeker overall shape and excellent aerodynamics. The rear end has also been refreshed, with the lower rear bumper cover now involving elements of the grille’s spindle motif, and broadened to enhance the vehicle’s wide stance and low-centreof-gravity look. In addition, the NX’s revised tail lights have been elongated, and the black garnish updated to better emphasise the L-shaped lenses.

Continental Cruising The eagerly anticipated all-new Bentley Continental GT has debuted in the Middle East following its global unveiling at the IAA Frankfurt in September.

The third generation of the legendary, luxury Grand Tourer will tour the region over the next two months, visiting Bentley’s key Middle Eastern and South African markets in a series of exclusive VIP events.

The all-new Continental GT sets new standards in luxury grand touring. Designed, engineered and hand-crafted in Crewe, UK, the new model seamlessly blends artistry with cutting-edge technology and innovation.

An enhanced version of Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine will be available on the new model, delivering 635PS (626bhp) and reaching 0-100km/h in just 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 333km/h. www.bahrainthismonth.com

November 2017 77

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

Helium Levitate This speaker can float and spin thanks to advanced magnetic technology. It provides crystal-clear sound through a three-watt speaker. It attaches to anything metal and comes with a built-in mic, so you can use it as a hands-free device to take calls. Battery life is five hours and you can connect via Bluetooth or AUX. Available at www.amazon.co.uk

Chameleon Orb Lamp A calming mood light, crafted from glass with built-in LEDs that change through an array of colours. A remote control is included so you can choose between four different colour-changing modes or individually select one of 16 different colours to create the perfect tranquil atmosphere.

Available at www.red5.co.uk

Snap Time

Crystal Puzzle Apple

The watch reacts to movement so a simple tap, snap or clap will instantly light up the display. The LED display will show the time even in the dark. With no watch face to scratch and made out of lightweight durable silicone, these watches are hard-wearing and safe to use by anyone.

Available at www. thegadgetflow.com

The puzzle contains 44 pieces that interlock with each other. Once it is completed you are left with an immaculate puzzle that sits pretty on a table or mantelpiece. It comes with a key to secure all the pieces together, which confirms you have finished the puzzle.

Available at www. thegadgetflow.com

Sammy Screamer This motion detector will help you keep a check on anything and everything you want to. This could be on your cupboards, handbags, windows and doors or even the cookie jar! The Screamer will attach to your belongings and will notify you with a screeching alarm as well as a smartphone notification every time that thing is moved.

Available at www.red5.co.uk

78 November 2017

www.bahrainthismonth.com

NeoClick Balls Professional sculpture magnet spheres that are 5mm in diameter.

They can be made into a wide variety of shapes and can be used as geometry and mathematics aids.

Available at www.amazon.co.uk

Multi-Outlet Plug Man The plug man’s legs and arms have three-prong sockets with enough room even for the biggest adapters. It comes with a circuit breaker switch and grounded plugs for safety and can be used at home, school or the office.

Available at www.thinkgeek.com

iRIStag The iRIStag packs a variety of useful features by containing a GPS locator and loud audio indicators, such as tag location, phone location, child protection, car finder and camera trigger.

Available at www.thegadgetflow.com

Doggie Biscuit Maker It makes mouthwatering homemade treats for your beloved furry friend. It’s easy to use, whips up six different-shaped dog biscuit treats per batch and takes only five minutes. The kit includes power and preheat lights, storage bin, decorating kit, plus six biscuit cutters.

Available at www.red5.co.uk

www.bahrainthismonth.com

November 2017 79

music

Foo Fighters – Concrete and Gold Verdict: What’s the story?

This is arguably the world’s biggest rock band’s ninth studio album. Described by the band as an album where “hard rock extremes and pop sensibilities collide”, Concrete and Gold concerns the future of the United States through the viewpoint of the band’s frontman and lead songwriter, Dave Grohl, with the heated atmosphere of the 2016 elections and the presidency of Donald Trump cited as major influences

by Grohl. It features collaborations with various other artists who were also working at the studio at the time, including Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men, Justin Timberlake and Paul McCartney.

Worth a listen?

Anybody as obsessed with musical chops as Dave Grohl would inevitably drift toward prog rock, which is precisely what happens with Foo Fighters on their ninth album.

Concrete and Gold is filled with showy accents that accentuate the acumen of all six musicians. Hooks abound, whether they’re in the grinding guitars or triple-stacked vocal harmonies, but they’re not moulded into songs that resemble tunes. It’s as if the Foos are so impatient to offer a twist they’ll sabotage a straight song with a quick left turn or gleeful self-indulgence. Foo Fighters show that they’re in love with light and shade, fury and quiet, every twist and turn they can make with their instruments, and even if Concrete and Gold isn’t about much more than that, it’s refreshing to hear the Foos embrace Grohl’s allegiance to real rock values to the logical flashing conclusion.

Verdict: Another great, albeit experimental, effort.

Shorts

Marilyn Manson – Heaven Upside Down After a late-career rejuvenation, Marilyn Manson has extended his creative hot streak with musical partner Tyler Bates on the band’s 10th offering. The album bares sharper teeth and bloodier knuckles than its predecessor, combining bluesy sleaze with the jagged industrial edges that first propelled Manson to notoriety in the ‘90s. He can still menace and push the boundaries of taste, but with so many real-world monsters to worry about, Manson’s brand of offensive troublemaking and reckless hedonism remains unique and oddly comforting.

80 November 2017

Liam Gallagher – As You Were

Wolf Parade – Cry Cry Cry

Always operating in the shadow of his brother Noel, Liam Gallagher had difficulty separating himself from Oasis. However, he has discovered himself here. Ranging from the icy onslaught of Wall of Glass to the stark swirl of Chinatown, this is his best record in nearly a decade, and the numbers add up to an album that illustrates exactly who Liam Gallagher is as an artist. Now in his middle age, he’s a richer, more nuanced singer than he was during Oasis’ heyday, yet he’s retained his charisma and, unlike his brother, he favours colour and fire in his records, elements that not only enhance this fine collection of songs but make this the best postOasis album from either Gallagher to date.

After seven years away from the recording studio, Wolf Parade have picked up where they left off, sounding confident and fullbodied on their fourth studio effort. As before, Wolf Parade approach indie rock with the sense of drama of a prog rock band, reinforced by the operatic quaver of Spencer Krug’s vocal work and the grand ambitions of the keyboards by Krug and Dante DeCaro.

Despite their hiatus, Wolf Parade sound fresh and invigorated on these 11 songs, with the healthy snap of Arlen Thompson’s drumming keeping the proceedings lively even when the group slinks into a languid mood. www.bahrainthismonth.com

games

Games Review Game: Middle-earth: Shadow of War Rating:

What is it?

The sequel to the critically acclaimed Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, this game features an original story with the return of Talion and Celebrimbor, who must go behind enemy lines to forge an army and turn all of Mordor against the Dark Lord, Sauron. Set between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, the game offers a richer, more personal and expansive world full of epic heroes and villains, iconic locations, original enemy types, even more personalities and a new cast of characters with untold stories.

Gameplay

Verdict:

A fantastic action thriller.

Players wield a new Ring of Power and confront the deadliest of enemies, including Sauron and his Nazgul, in a monumental battle for Middle-earth. The open-world actionadventure game is brought to life through the expansion of the Nemesis System. This robust personalisation from the first game is now applied to the entire world where the environments and characters are all shaped by player actions and decisions, creating a personal world unique to every gameplay experience. Shadow of War expands on the Nemesis System with the introduction of Followers who bring about entirely new stories of loyalty, betrayal and revenge.

FIFA 18

Score incredible goals in FIFA 18 as new movement and finishing animations unlock more fluid striking and heading of the ball. All-new crossing controls bring greater options to how you send it into the box. It also introduces Real Player Motion Technology, an all-new animation system that unlocks the next level of responsiveness and player personality. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Graphics

Each of Shadow of War’s five zones looks markedly different, and fast-travelling between the icy mountains of Sergost to the green swamps of Nurnen and the volcanic Gorgoroth gives it a good sense of variety. Each area is full of ruins and other structures to climb on and tunnels to explore, plus an urban Fortress area filled with imposing architecture. Furthermore, orcs look markedly different and you’ll soon be able to recognise various captains who have advanced through the Nemesis System.

Super Mario Odyssey

Join Mario on a massive, globetrotting 3D adventure and use his incredible new abilities to collect Moons so you can power up your airship, the Odyssey, and rescue Princess Peach from Bowser’s wedding plans! This sandbox-style 3D Mario adventure is packed with secrets and surprises, and with Mario’s new moves like cap throw, cap jump, and capture, you’ll have fun and exciting gameplay experiences.

Challenge friends to beat your time.

The Evil Within 2

The Evil Within 2 is the latest evolution of survival horror. Detective Sebastian Castellanos has lost it all. But when given a chance to save his daughter, he must descend once more into the nightmarish world of STEM. Horrifying threats emerge from every corner as the world twists and warps around him. Will Sebastian face adversity head on with weapons and traps, or sneak through the shadows to survive?

November 2017 81

websites

Jana & Maria

Amazon Web Services Summit

VERDICT:

The first Middle East Amazon Web Services Summit took place at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.

Khalid Al-Rumaihi & Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa

Site: www.omgfacts.com Rating: Pratin, Prady & Denis

A selection of hilarious nuggets of information.

What is it?

OMG Facts brings you some of the most interesting facts online as voted by its site audience. All facts are thoroughly researched and include topics in history, science, politics, religion and more.

The Good:

You can submit your own fact if you have an idea to help contribute to the site. You can also browse through the Top Facts section for some of the most-voted facts on the site.

Franck & Wael

Maha & Latifa

The Bad:

The layout of the site is a little ugly, and not very mobile-friendly either.

Certain facts take up lots of space when a simple list would have sufficed, meaning there’s a lot more scrolling than needed.

www.boredpanda.com Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa

Zubin, Hisham & John

Khalid Al-Rumaihi

Audrey, Norm & Attila

Ayman & Shaimaa

82 November 2017

HE William Roebuck & HE Simon Martin

Bored Panda is the place you want to be when you want to discover interesting and visually appealing content. It’s a blog that publishes regular updates on the coolest finds in travel, photography, illustration, animals, DIY, technology, design and all sorts of other great categories. You can also create an account to vote posts up or down.

www.explosm.net If webcomics such as Cyanide and Happiness are your thing, then you have to visit this site which hosts the most popular and funniest webcomics out there. There’s a new webcomic every day, but you can also head on over to the website and press the question mark button over and over again to view random comics. www.bahrainthismonth.com

apps

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

What is it?

The SnoreLab app is designed specifically to monitor your snoring. It allows you to pinpoint exactly at which stage of your sleep cycle your snoring hits its highest levels, and lets you effectively test out antisnoring remedies.

The Good:

The app is extremely easy to use and informative, and it’s a great way to keep track of your sleep patterns. The testing of anti-snoring devices is intuitive, but those who have trouble sleeping would also benefit as you can work out what external factors may be preventing you from dozing off. It’s also clinically recommended.

The Bad:

The Snore Score awarded each night is given as a numerical value, which I guess is an overall rating of how loud you were during the night.

However, this isn’t clearly explained on the app, so a little more information would be good. Furthermore, there are some more advanced features locked behind a paywall.

SnoreLab Rating: Verdict: The perfect app for noisy sleepers.

App: Credit Karma

Credit Karma is a free mobile finance app that provides your credit report and score from various credit reporting agencies.

It also contains educational material about personal finance, such as what makes a credit score go up or down. www.bahrainthismonth.com

App: Mint

Mint puts your financial life in your hand, providing real-time information about all your account transactions and balances so you can make smart buying decisions on the spot.

November 2017 83

movies

Stephen & George

InterNations turns 10!

InterNations celebrated its 10-year anniversary at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa. Valeria & Anna Lynette & Gladys

VERDICT: An outstanding sequel.

Film: Blade Runner 2049 Rating: Directed by: Denis Villeneuve Starring: Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling

The Plot:

Hanan & Leo

Tetyana & Andriy

Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new Blade Runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos. K’s discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former LAPD Blade Runner who has been missing for 30 years.

Worth Watching?

Asfia, Gachin & Tracy

Hema & Patricia

This is the kind of movie that seems almost impossible to pull off these days: a big budget extravaganza that’s more art film than cookie-cutter action spectacle. Every image in 2049 is gorgeous and dripping with colour, life and feeling.

Perhaps one of the greatest fears fans had about a Blade Runner sequel was that it would simply imitate the original. Instead, 2049 plays off of the themes, plot, and characters of the 1982 movie while expanding on it. This was well worth the 35-year wait.

The Snowman John

Kay, Jack & Fatema

Sharmila, Reshma & Satish

84 November 2017

Ahmed

When an elite crime squad’s lead detective investigates the disappearance of a victim on the first snow of winter, he fears an elusive serial killer may be active again. With the help of a brilliant recruit, the cop must connect decades-old cold cases to the brutal new one if he hopes to outwit this unthinkable evil before the next snowfall.

Thor: Ragnarok

Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok, the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilisation, at the hands of an allpowerful new threat, the ruthless Hela. www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Syed, Sheena & Zain

Jesse & Marcus

Prasad, Paul & Kanittha

Yousaf & Mariam

Mukta A2 Cinemas turns one!

Mukta A2 Cinemas celebrated its first anniversary in Bahrain.

The cake-cutting ceremony

Hiba, Akshay, Daniel, Prasad & Swapnil

Biju & Sumesh

Hiba, Saara & Saaya

Swiss Food Specialities turns 20! Swiss Food Specialities celebrated its 20th year anniversary at The Gulf Hotel.

Owner Henry Uster with staff

Amani, Mohamed & Henry

John, Hilde & Stan

86 November 2017

Karen & Guy

Manfed & Iris

Hisham & Khan

Yoy, Stan, Hilde, Henry & Leslie

Paulo, Jay & Ansel

Jamilah, Claire, Stefan & Yousef

www.bahrainthismonth.com

alfrescodining

Let’s Get Outdoors

Bahrain is a veritable hub of fine gastronomy, offering a plethora of cuisines and restaurant styles to suit varying degrees of swank for your mood of the moment.

The much-anticipated cooler climate has finally made its presence felt, and residents are raring to make the most of it. Eateries, big and small, have swept the dust from their patios and laid out their seating to invite eating-out aficionados to enjoy fantastic fare in the crisp winter air.

Dreamy ambience envelops the outdoor area of Keizo, Al Areen Palace & Spa’s Asian fine dining outlet. The gazebos, set on a man-made island, are a stunning set-up for an evening out with your special someone. Couples can book their private lakeside pavilion, complete with a four-course set menu. The package includes a striking centrepiece, rose petal décor, flowers, candles and whatever else your heart desires, as well as a 30 per cent discount on a couple’s massage.

Another five-star property that affords guests the tranquility of getting away from the city lights is Sofitel Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. This epitome of class and sophistication has an array of offers that make you feel like royalty. The world-class eateries on-site not only offer a fantastic gourmet repertoire, but unmissable deals as well. Savouring haute cuisine and the breathtaking views of the Gulf at Tapas restaurant’s terrace makes the long drive worthwhile.

Coming to the commercial district of Seef and Manama, the Swiss-Belhotel’s Swiss-Café has become an epicurean force to reckon with. It’s www.bahrainthismonth.com

Keizo, Al Areen Palace & Spa

the ideal outdoor spot to dig into heartwarming fondues, besides international cuisine, while admiring the span of glimmering lights from atop.

Close by, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s La Plage provides a vibrant outdoor option only footsteps from the beach, while the terrace at La Med overlooks the pool and gardens.

In the same vicinity, Bushido and Trader Vic’s both have verdant surroundings for sundowners and tasty bites.

If being in the epicenter of the island excites you, Alto, the rooftop lounge and restaurant at Downtown Rotana, will not disappoint.

Braving the bustle of Adliya’s Block 338 will land you delicious rewards at The Foundry. Its top-floor veranda offers an extensive menu and a new barbecue theme, besides classic dry -aged meat and smoked salmon. Steak frites (sirloin steak in garlic butter sauce with fries) and grilled sushi grade tuna with mixed black rice are signature delights.

To stick to the tried and tested, the idyllic garden seating at Lanterns Restaurant and Lounge is a top favourite for contemporary Indian flavours. Word has it that a gastropub is

soon to open on the second storey of the establishment in Adliya, enticing open-air fans with industrial-style interiors and delectable tapas-style food.

The Gulf Hotel Bahrain offers something extraordinary by way of the poolside Gulf Night Out, where, under the stars, guests can relish various dishes from 10 of the hotel’s most sought-after restaurants under the.

Atiram Premier Hotel’s sports bar, Wembley, boasts outdoor fun in an upbeat, electric environment. This is where you can guzzle thirst-quenching beverages and mouth-watering food while you cheer for your favourite sports team on the multiple big screens.

By day and night, Coral Bay is a top contender for tasty bites and an outdoor ambience that can transport you to paradise and it is soon to get a new barbecue grill.

There are various other outdoor venues dotted around the island, including Yas-e Isfahani at Galleria mall, with a 20-seat outside area, serving modern Persian fare.

With so many appetising options beckoning, it’s time to take the best advantage of the cooler days ahead.

November 2017 87

alfrescodining SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA

Heaven on Earth This luxurious oasis is a wonderland of special offers and promotions just for you.

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa is a relaxing retreat that allows guests an escape to pure bliss.

The hotel’s Magnifique Half Board Offer has been extended by popular demand, so here’s a chance to experience true pampering and prestige with your family, starting from BD99 inclusive of taxes and charges. The deal includes an exquisite luxury room with a glorious sea view, buffet breakfast and dinner at the award-winning Saraya Restaurant for two adults and two children under 12 years of age. Quote the code HBOD99 at the time of booking this fantastic getaway.

The Grand Friday Brunch features live entertainment by Cuban band, Timeless, and a variety of international cuisines served both indoor and alfresco, while children play at the dedicated kids’ corner. Savour shisha and fine delicacies served by the Arabian Sea during

the Anghaam Arabic Brunch every Saturday at the renowned Tapas restaurant.

The Tacos at Tapas promotion runs from November 15-30, where you can relish seven different types of tacos from seven Mexican regions. Happy Hour at the sophisticated Amber Bar gives a 50 per cent discount on selected beverages every day from 5pm-7pm. The weekend kicks off with the BBQ Beach Bar on Thursdays and Fridays, free for all to access from 7pm onwards. Sushi and Sake Night at Wok serves unlimited sushi starting from BD15.

La Mer hosts a lavish Seafood Night every Thursday, Layali Lebnan lures clients with delicious Arak every Monday, and the traditional meze at Pashawat is definitely not to be missed.

Sofitel Bahrain exclusively houses the only Thalassotherapy spa in the Middle East. A special package, aiming to raise awareness of prostate cancer among men, offers a 50 per cent discount this month, every Wednesday on all à la carte treatments, wherein patrons get a free drink coupon to be redeemed at Amber Bar.

Call 17 636-363.

Gajria Diwali Celebration Mr and Mrs Lalchand Gajria hosted a Diwali party at their residence for family and friends.

Ebrahim Salahudin, Lalchand Gajria & Yousif Salahudin

Sofian Almoayyed, Faisal Jawad, Lalchand Gajria, Khalid Almoayyed, Mr Almoayyed & Ranjit Gajria

Mahmood Adel, Mohamed Rajab, Lalchand Gajria, Vijay Boloor & Dhanraj

Zahra, Maya & Ranjit Gajria

88 November 2017

Mohammed Koheji, HE Sayed Karim, Lalchand Gajria, Almmadi & Mr Koheji

VK Thomas, KV Puranik & Vijay Bhatia

Mohammed Salahudin, Abbas & Ranjit Gajria

www.bahrainthismonth.com

LANTERNS

A Breath of Fresh Air

Embark on a culinary adventure with the variety of cuisines offered at this famous chain of restaurants.

Lanterns – the name synonymous with excellent Indian cuisine – has been a firm favourite on Bahrain’s dining scene for over a decade. The award-winning establishment has several branches across the Kingdom, thanks to its lip-smacking gourmet creations and upscale, yet relaxed atmosphere.

The newest offshoot at Amwaj islands, Lanterns Gourmet Lounge, houses a dining room, bar area, conservatory and a lush green open-air garden. This new outlet not only presents the brand’s signature dishes, but also an extensive assortment of international fare – Italian crowd pleasers, battered fish and chips, and a succulent Wagyu burger are some inclusions on the menu.

Early birds are welcome for breakfast at the Amwaj outlet from 7.30am to noon, and the gastronomic gala continues for lunch, evening drinks and dinner up to 2am at all locations around Bahrain.

The Friday Buffet Brunch lays out tantalising meat, seafood and vegetarian preparations for BD23, inclusive of unlimited selected beverages, while the standard weekend buffet is priced at just BD9.900+.

There’s something special and nostalgic about every Sunday, as the restaurant dishes up classic ‘Sunday Roast’ all day. Savour traditional chicken or beef tenderloin served with roast potatoes, red cabbage, vegetables, cauliflower cheese and Yorkshire pudding with sage and onion stuffing.

For guests to make the most of Bahrain’s balmy days, the Lanterns Gastropub is set to open shortly on the second floor of Lanterns Lounge and Restaurant in Adliya. The open-air terrace and indoor pub with industrial-style interiors captures characteristic modern Indian elements.

The menu is a curation of tapas-style food with international appeal.

The indoor dining room and al fresco garden seating downstairs offer splendid Indian cuisine and give off a distinctly Goan vibe, where modern day maharajas can enjoy live entertainment and Bollywood tunes on request. The weekend buffet here costs BD10.500++.

Call 77 770-055. www.bahrainthismonth.com

November 2017 89

alfrescodining THE FOUNDRY

Great Food for Great Weather Enjoy the turn of the seasons, with scrumptious fare to match, at this popular haunt in the heart of Adliya.

The Foundry, located in the bustling dining centre of Block 338, has reopened its roof terrace with an exclusive menu and a brandnew barbecue theme.

The funky outdoor venue of this multistoreyed restaurant features a cocktail bar, awning for shade, and its own separate kitchen and facilities. The chefs will be serving new barbecue dishes as well as some of the most popular items that The Foundry regulars have grown to love.

Look out for the resident DJ on Thursday and Friday nights and check out the eatery’s Instagram for the regular Wednesday theme nights, such as the popular ‘80s era. Enjoy a retro cocktail while testing your dancing skills amidst the quirky industrial décor, and the dedicated and fun staff will do the rest with their great service.

For times when you’re craving a Foundry

dish but cannot leave the office or the comfort of your home, download the Wasel app and they will deliver, with most of the menu available for ordering.

Don’t miss out on Friday and Saturday roof terrace brunches, which offer a special menu, cool tunes and a shaded seating area. Advance reservation is recommended.

Oktoberfest at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa

Vito & Peter

Any of The Foundry floors can be booked for corporate or private events and, occasionally, the entire venue can be hired out for large parties. Contact the restaurant for price lists and menus.

Call 69 960-000 or follow Instagram @ thefoundrybh.

Juliana & Claudia

Helen & Klaus

And Oktoberfest celebration was held at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa. HE William Roebuck, HE Alfred Simms-Protz & Perwin

Kosta & Anna

Yana, Tamara, Katia & Claudia

Jean Philippe & Luise

Inka, Bale, Larry & Joslyn

Lilian, Zinat & Alwazan

Christiana, Hanadi & Abdy

90 November 2017

www.bahrainthismonth.com

alfrescodining AL AREEN PALACE & SPA

A Month of Splendour

With the change of seasons, this resort is putting the sparkle of festivity in the air.

92 November 2017

Al Areen Palace & Spa is a sanctuary of charm and sophistication. Saffron and Rimal, the hotel’s culinary gems, are abuzz with dining activity all through the month of November. And Keizo’s Romantic Island Dining package enables guests to eat outdoors in a private gazebo by the serene lakeside.

Evenings over the weekend will be rife with the fragrance of spices at Saffron’s Arabian Food Festival.

Take a flavoursome ride through the Middle East to relish the best delicacies from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE and other Gulf countries. Enjoy live Khaleeji entertainment as you watch your food being prepared at the many cooking stations. You will be spoilt for choice with a sumptuous buffet. The festival runs every Friday from 7.30pm-11.30pm and costs BD12++ per person.

The Market Friday Brunch on November 10 and 24 will be on at Saffron and Rimal, priced at BD14++.

Enjoy the tranquility of being in the heart of the desert, while spending the afternoon exploring the cuisines of the world. Indulge in a wide variety of sushi, seafood and barbecue grills, as well as Italian, Indian, American and Arabic treats. The in-house DJ will put a spin to the ambience and guests have free access to the property’s indoor pool. Little ones can have their share of fun at the kids’ corner. The bargain is all the more enticing with special offers on shisha, welcome mocktails and a raffle draw to win

exciting prizes.

The distinct change in climate brings with it the celebration of Thanksgiving. Rimal will stage a lavish Thanksgiving brunch on November 25, priced at BD14++. Satiating your appetite with quintessential fare in the company of family and close friends will be the best way to mark the special day. Children will enjoy some exciting games organised just for them.

If you decide to stay in this Thanksgiving, Al Areen Palace & Spa makes it easy for you. A whole roasted turkey, complete with all the trimmings, can be preordered for takeaway throughout the month. Five to six kilograms of the bird suffices for around 10 people, and costs BD45++.

Al Areen Palace & Spa welcomes guests to celebrate life’s milestones at its breathtaking premises. The hotel will help you plan the most memorable birthday or graduation party at one of the luxurious private pool villas for BD350 for a group of 15 to 20 people. The menu comprises meats fresh off the live barbecue, a salad bar and lavish desserts.

The package includes a sound system, standard balloon decoration, a three-kilogram cake, special tariff on the villa to stay overnight, complimentary breakfast for two, free welcome drinks, a flower bouquet and a standard set-up of tables and chairs.

Call 17 845-000. www.bahrainthismonth.com

THE FIRST

FILIPINO FOOD FESTIVAL

IN BAHRAIN November 3 & 17 12:30PM – 4:30PM

BD10++

Featuring Filipino classic dishes, live cooking stations, desserts plus karaoke sessions.

Get 15% discount for groups of 6 people or more,for hoteliers, cabin crews, US Navy & Filipino community.

www.alareenpalace.com

17 845 000

alfrescodining SWISS-BELHOTEL SEEF

Let’s Dig In! This renowned establishment welcomes cooler climes with its delectable fondue and a host of other attractive offers.

The elegant and inviting Swiss-Café restaurant at the Swiss-Belhotel Seef has reintroduced its famous cheese fondue.

A traditional winter dish from Switzerland, chef Holger’s version of this delicious recipe will leave you wanting it all year long. The warm goodness consists of at least two varieties of cheese, melted with fermented grape juice. It is served to share, bringing families and friends together.

Also available is the Fondue Bourguignonne – cubes of tenderloin, zucchini, eggplant and peppers are deep fried in hot oil at the table. Meat lovers will also appreciate the Chinese Fondue, involving slices of tenderloin, veal fillet, chicken breast, prawns and salmon. Both these options come with a side of either French fries or fried rice, plus pickles, vegetables, your choice of sauces and dips such as horseradish, grain mustard, Cumberland, chilli, curry, yoghurt or tomato.

The daily fondue promotion is valid until March 2018 and is priced at BD14.500 per person including soft beverages. The order must be placed at least 24 hours in advance.

Swiss-Café’s two-course buffet Business Lunch is a perfect option for a quick, light meal with colleagues or clients, available from Sunday to

Thursday for BD5.500 per person.

The Friday Family Lunch features a crepes and waffles station in the special kids’ corner of the buffet, while adults can enjoy fresh seafood, a wide selection of mains and sinful desserts for only BD12 including soft beverages, on Fridays and Saturdays. With every two paying adults, one child under 12 years eats for free.

You can enjoy Bahrain’s pleasant weather and panoramic views from the eatery’s outdoor terrace overlooking the city.

Call 66 310-041.

Rugby Match Day The Bahrain Rugby Football Club’s 1st XV team played against the Abu Dhabi Harlequins.

Steve & Mike

Dalia, Mwai & Andrea

Sal, Marcus & Sanjay

Stan & Dominic

94 November 2017

Aaron, Chris & Greg

Andrew & Sam

Paul, Sharon & David

Michael, Helen & Tim

John & Simon

Manoj & Melwyn

www.bahrainthismonth.com

DINING

FOOD ZEN IN A BOX BEHNAZ SANJANA This classy restaurant perched high up in the sky gives diners the subtle but fabulous flavours of Japan.

S

tepping out on to the 35th floor of The Domain Hotel and Spa, the cool blue and white reception outside Imari gave me a hint of what the evening was to bring us. The exquisite bone china theme continues inside the restaurant, and the textured false ceiling gives the place a calm ambience. My dining companion and I chatted as we took our seats by the glittering night view of marvellous Manama, in total anticipation of Imari’s Kaisaki Bento Box promotion.

Connoisseurs of Japanese fare will appreciate the offer, which is on every Tuesday, and includes a bento box as well as a salad, sashimi and dessert. All this can be washed down with either half a pint of malt, a glass of grape or bubbly, as you please.

Priced at BD17++, it makes for a relaxed gastronomic experience.

Quickly chowing down our fresh greens with a generous side of wasabi dressing, rich with olive oil and garlic, we looked forward to sashimi. In an ornate dish arrived neat cubes of raw coral-hued salmon, deep pink tuna and www.bahrainthismonth.com

yellowtail that had a translucent blush. The meat was moist and shiny: an indication that it was fresh produce. The fish was assembled on a bed of assorted seaweed and piquant, crunchy shreds of Japanese yam, with a small mound of wasabi on the side.

Next, came the pièce de résistance – two glossy, black square boxes topped with bowls were set before us. Our stewardess neatly arranged the bowls around the boxes and proceeded to open them. A rich aroma assaulted the senses before the eyes could take in the colours of the dishes. I was first drawn to the pinwheels of chicken breast with a verdant green centre of asparagus. This delicious poultry preparation was to be savoured with katsu sauce, a thick liquid that kept the taste buds guessing with hints of sweet and bitter. Alongside it was the beef teriyaki, which looked very appealing – its deep brown colour punctuated with bright green broccoli done al dente. Eaten with sticky pearls of rice, its comforting flavours can appease the tongue unfamiliar with Japanese tastes. Next, I

ALSO THIS MONTH: 96 AN EXCITING CULINARY JOURNEY 106 BEACH VIBES

dunked the tempura in its accompanying sauce.

An assortment of milky white prawn, tasty mushroom and tender eggplant, the tempura had a lovely crunch, thanks to its crispy goldenfried coat.

The grilled yellowtail with Japanese omelette was a textural experience for the palate. The firm flesh of the fish contrasted beautifully with the custard-like feel of the delicate and airy egg. These four mains were complemented by miso soup.

We were completely satiated by the seemingly conservative portions of food even before the final course. Dessert with the Kaisaki Bento Box promotion is a choice of matcha tea, red bean, black sesame or espresso ice cream. We sampled the first two options and thoroughly enjoyed their uniqueness.

All in all, Imari competently captures the extraordinary flavours of authentic Japanese food that is characterised by understated, simple tastes and artful presentation.

Call 16 000-000.

November 2017 95

dining

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN

An Exciting Culinary Journey Embark your taste buds on a trip around the world with this leading five-star luxury resort’s incredible dining options.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, is renowned for its high level of exceptional service, perfect location, immaculate facilities, as well as food and beverage offerings. Creating unique and memorable experiences for any occasion makes The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, the number one address for discerning leisure and business travellers and the ideal destination for culinary enthusiasts. Boasting authentic experiences and international flavours, the property recommends a culinary journey around the world with its many restaurants and lounges.

tomato, coriander, serrano chilli, sea salt and lime juice), Chile Mulato Relleno (mulato chilli, Oaxaca cheese, corn, raisins, almonds and pomegranate) and Enmoladas de Pato (duck confit, red mole, sesame seeds and sour cream).

Second Stop: Primavera – Italy Primavera, also known as the ‘Trattoria Moderna’, offers exciting and traditional dishes reflecting authentic Italian cuisine as characterised by two-Michelin-starred chef, Oliver Glowig. With a focus on local and seasonal ingredients throughout the menu, the restaurant has unveiled a refreshing gastronomic line-up that includes staples such as homemade pasta as well as speciality

dishes that spotlight an innovative fusion of Italian and local flavours.

Chef Oliver Glowig’s creative menu for Primavera is based on a reinterpretation of the Italian traditions. Concentrating on the high quality of the ingredients, his renowned cuisine derives from the pleasure of melting together and experimenting with exceptional tastes.

Do not miss: Vitello Tonnato (veal Piedmontstyle with tuna mayonnaise and caper), Ravioli Capresi Ripieni di Ricotta e Salsa di Pomodoro (homemade ravioli stuffed with ricotta cheese and tomato sauce) and Filetto di Branzino in Crosta di Olive con Caponata di Verdure e Olio al Basilico (olive crusted local seabass with vegetable caponata and basil oil).

First Stop: Cantina Kahlo – Mexico Shaped by the traditional flavours of indigenous Mexican cuisine, Cantina Kahlo is one of the most tantalising new restaurants in Bahrain.

Aside from its beautifully crafted interior that reflects the vibrancy of Mexican culture, chef Cesar Daniel de Leon Torres creates a menu that stays authentically true to its roots. Cantina Kahlo also offers a Brunch Fiesta on Saturdays.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind banquet experience which includes a free-flow of margarita, authentic dishes, a taco station and irresistible sweet treats.

Do not miss: Guacamole Kahlo (Hass avocado, 96 November 2017

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Third Stop: The Ritz Gourmet Lounge – France Inspired by the golden age of Cesar Ritz and Auguste Escoffier, who came to fame in the late 19th century, The Ritz Gourmet Lounge embraces the heritage of these two pioneers in international hospitality with a dedicated menu influenced by some of Escoffier’s world classics served in a splendid royal ambience.

The authentic French interior design has been created in reminiscence of the Belle Epoque, the ‘Beautiful Era’, a period in French history which started around 1890 and ended in 1914.

Rich velvet upholstered Napoleon chairs and sofas invite you to enjoy a chic ambience as in a Parisian salon de thé (tea house). Guests can sample Escoffier’s signature dishes such as Peach Melba, named after the Australian opera singer Nellie Melba, Belle Helene and Strawberries Romanoff.

Do not miss: Homemade breads, croissants, pâtés, tartines, richly decorated desserts, chocolates, ice cream, fine olive oils and caviar.

Fourth Stop: Nirvana – India The very name conjures up images of maharajas who knew the secrets of spectacular dining. Nirvana brings royal flavours to The Ritz-Carlton for a dining adventure rarely enjoyed outside India.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Executive Indian chef Mahipal Singh creates an exquisite selection of Indian recipes, a virtual firework display for the palate and an authentic passage to India. The culinary experience is complemented by live music of the santoor (Indo-Persian stringed musical instrument) and décor that is unsurpassed on the island.

Do not miss: Bengali Machchi Tikka (chargrilled sea bass marinated in classic Bengali spices with modern ratatouille), Murgi Makhanwali (chicken tikka, tomato gravy, cream and butter) and Dal Makhani (black lentils, red beans, cream and butter).

Asian and Thai influence as well as a large selection of mixed beverages. These are made mainly from typical Thai fruits combined with herbal and spice infusions, designed and crafted by the lounge’s liquid chefs.

Do not miss: Crispy Salmon Salad (fried salmon skin, greens and Thai dressing), Thai Green Curry (chicken or vegetable, coconut milk and special Thai sauce) and Mango Sticky Rice paired with Thai Coconut Ice Cream.

No matter which world cuisine you desire, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, is at your service to deliver it at its best.

Fifth Stop: Thai Lounge – Thailand Thai provides light food snacks with a Pan-

Call 17 580-000 or visit ritzcarlton.com/ bahrain for reservations and more information.

November 2017 97

dining BAHRAIN FAMILY LEISURE GROUP

Master Chef Returns The first round consists of the eliminations, in which the 36 contestants compete against each other with 12 being chosen to go through to round two – the semi-final – in which the budding chefs must prepare dishes from a box of mystery ingredients.

From this challenge, four will be chosen to go through to the final and battle for the chance to be crowned Italian Master Chef 2018.

Throughout the competition, three judges will be present to observe and choose the winners for each round. To be victorious contestants will have to impress the experts with their cooking and individual dishes will be scored on taste, texture, authenticity, balance, portioning and presentation.

A spokesman says: “This will definitely be a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime experience for all of the contestants. Hurry up and register for the fifth season of Italian Master Chef for a chance to become the next grand winner! Don’t forget all contestants will benefit from gaining a certificate and gifts.”

For more details regarding the competition email manager@cucinaitaliana.com.bh or check out social media on Facebook: Cucina Italiana Bahrain, Instagram: CucinaItalianaBahrain and Twitter CucinaBahrain.

Call 17 001-317.

This authentic Italian eatery is preparing to welcome back its annual cooking competition.

98 November 2017

Cucina Italiana, based in the heart of Juffair, was awarded ‘Best Italian Restaurant’ in 2013 and has been winning fans with its traditional food since 2011.

Meals are prepared using fresh vegetables, handtossed dough and succulent meat and the variety of delicious tomato sauces makes this restaurant a firm favourite as does the genuine Italian vibe diners feel as they step through the doors with funky décor reminiscent of a film set.

From pizzas and pasta to delicious meat dishes, Cucina Italiana has it all and the venue is also famed for its great selection of unique cocktails and house specialities such as the Sicilian Sangria which features flavours such as peach, watermelon and orange.

For those who want to learn how to reproduce the dishes at home, the chef offers cooking classes teaching authentic Italian methods. And, if you already know your carbonara from your fettuccini then why not sign up for the fifth season of the restaurant’s Italian Master Chef Competition which runs from January 14 to February 11.

Registration is now taking place and there will be 36 initial participants. The competition consists of three rounds and all contestants will receive a certificate of participation as well as gifts for taking part. www.bahrainthismonth.com

DOWNTOWN ROTANA

A Scrumptious Affair This five-star property’s fantastic new brunch offer will have you coming back for more throughout this month.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Downtown Rotana, located in the heart of Manama, introduces its new Lobster-themed Friday Brunch, especially for the month of November, at its awardwinning restaurant Flavours on 2.

It follows the success of the Friday Steak Brunch that was held over the past two months, and features the Lobster Shack – a live cooking station offering an elite selection of the marine crustaceans, including delicious grilled Canadian lobster with a wide array of sauces, Canadian Lobster Au Gratin baked with wild mushroom and Dijon mustard and Butter Poached Lobster with lemon aioli.

The buffet also serves various other mouthwatering dishes, such as Lobster Bisque Soup, Lobster Beignets with Spicy Avocado and lobster-based salads, pies, pasta and stew. The luxurious and modern spread is most certainly a feast for the eyes, with additional international fare including Oriental, Asian and western, alongside a wide display of sushi and sashimi as well as decadent desserts. There is something to satisfy all appetites.

The fun doesn’t stop here, as you can also enjoy free pool access and complimentary parking. Children can have a great time with their own modern supervised kids’ room filled with toys and games.

Flavours on 2 is at the heart of the hotel’s culinary offerings, providing all-day dining choices from an international buffet to an à la carte menu. The contemporary restaurant has a relaxed setting, with bursts of colour adding a vibrancy to the place. On

one side is an open-style kitchen with live cooking stations that brings an energetic atmosphere into the restaurant and allows guests to see the chefs in action in full sight. On the other side, the floor-toceiling windows present an amazing view of the bustling city of Manama.

The Lobster Friday Brunch will be held every Friday from noon until 4pm, throughout this month. It is priced at BD18++ including unlimited juices and soft drinks or BD26++ including unlimited house beverages.

The daily Business Lunch offer is another tempting promotion at Flavours on 2, available for only BD9.500++, from 12.30pm until 3.30pm.

Call 13 119-999 or email flavours2.downtown@ rotana.com for reservations and more information.

November 2017 99

dining MAKI

Delicious Fare with a Creative Flair Located at the Bahrain World Trade Centre, this eatery serves imaginative Japanese cuisine with a Mediterranean twist.

Maki Bahrain has been wowing foodies with its innovative Japanese fusion food with cleverly combined ingredients – Salmon Tataki with Zaatar, Trio Salad with hints of tabbouleh, Vegetable Kale Maki with extra virgin olive oil, and Shishito (Padron) Peppers with both extra virgin olive oil and zaatar.

Since its inception in Kuwait in the early 2000s, Maki has impressed gourmands with staple imaginative dishes such as Tara Maki, Fusion Temaki and Tartufo Yaki Udon. Take the Fusion Temaki, for example.

Maki’s co-founders Oliver and Amer have transformed a traditional Japanese (hand-held) roll into something sublime, substituting rice with fresh, tasty vegetables, the seaweed wrap with a soy bean one, along with crispy shrimp tempura and the Maki special spicy sauce.

Forward to 2017, Maki’s focus is on presenting its customers with healthy, inspired and delicious dishes, such as the Salmon Tataki with Zaatar. The combination of fresh salmon tataki sashimi, served with freshly cut vegetables, asparagus, cherry tomatoes and onions, with Maki’s special Asian sesame dressing, is kicked up several notches by the clever introduction of zaatar spice.

The Trio Salad comprises diced eggplants with a zesty tataki sauce, spinach with a tangy sesame sauce, and a ‘not-your-typical’ wakame salad with hints of tabblouleh ingredients. “This has been a winner with

Salmon Tataki Zaatar

our guests,” says co-founder Amer Zeitoun, who champions sumptuous vegetarian options.

Another fantastic menu addition includes the Vegetable Kale Maki, which boasts delectable ingredients such as spinach wrap, kale leaves, cucumber, carrot, avocado, iceberg lettuce, wild thyme and togarashi, all drizzled with Maki’s special extra virgin olive oil mixture.

Make your reservations to enjoy these brilliantly prepared introductions to the menu.

Call 17 522-733, 36 999-102 or email maki.bahrain@olivermaki.com

Shamy, Kimaya, Ayama & Vivek

Golden Tulip Diwali Celebration The Golden Tulip hosted a Diwali

festival event ‘It’s time for Disco’, which was attended by Indian Ambassador, HE Alok Kumar Sinha.

Kethan, HE Alok Kumar Sinha, Mamta, Abdul Rahman, Dimple & George

Uday & Raksha

Isa

Rishika & Kavita

Meera, Kethan & Satyendra

100 November 2017

Saba & Ayda

Jijo & Sneha

Shruthi, Ambujavalli & Shriram

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

HE Agus Yusof, Khalid Ebrahim & Shantharam Shetty

Shetty Cocktail Dinner

Shantharam Shetty hosted a VIP cocktail dinner at Al Safir Hotel & Tower HE Alok Kumar Sinha lighting the Diwali lamp Vijay Baloor & Bharti

Wani, Mamta, Asha, HE Alok Kumar Sinha & HE Agus Yusof

FAW launch in Bahrain

Wani, Asha & Anne

Shanthini, Asha & Mamta

Donald

Mohammed Jalal & Sons introduced a new Chinese vehicle brand FAW in Bahrain with the launch of FAW X80 SUV.

and Shirley held a dinner party at Dinner at Dick and Shirley’s Dick their residence for close friends

Lulwa Mohammed Jalal

Dick and Shirley with their guests

Sami Jalal & Ahmed Jalal

Monali & Christine

102 November 2017

Dick & Scott

Ann, Jackie & Debbie

Sami Jalal, Mustafa Bastaqi, Ali Hassan, Ahmed Jalal & Jamal Al Said

www.bahrainthismonth.com

dining THE DIPLOMAT RADISSON BLU HOTEL, RESIDENCE & SPA

A Season of Celebrations

The line-up of events for the festive season at this five-star hotel is guaranteed to get the party going with a bang.

Welcome the festive season at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa by celebrating in style at the various venues within the property.

Enjoy a mouthwatering Thanksgiving feast with all the traditional trimmings, from turkey to pumpkin pie and much more besides, at the Al Fanar Ballroom rooftop venue for just BD13 per www.bahrainthismonth.com

person on November 23.

Get into the Christmas spirit with the traditional tree lighting which takes place on December 7. It’s an event not to be missed with a huge festive tree featuring more than 5,000 twinkling adornments as well as the fun gingerbread house decoration competition in the Grand Ambassador Ballroom and a special visit from Santa Claus, who will be on hand to charm the little ones. The confections cost BD12 per person with complimentary goodies, icing and sweets.

Soak up the true joyful atmosphere with Christmas Brunch at Al Fanar Ballroom rooftop venue on December 22 and 25 from noon to 4pm. This special outing is priced at BD30 per person with selected drinks. Kids under 12 eat at half price and those under six dine for free.

On New Year’s Eve, the Diplomat is the place to be for an amazing party to welcome 2018.

Each year the Grand Ambassador Ballroom is decorated in style, there’s live entertainment and sumptuous food which together keep guests coming back time and again. The price is BD55 per person, including selected drinks, and advance booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment as this is one venue that always proves extremely popular.

To take the travel hassle out of your New Year celebration, there are special room packages also available with a very competitive rate.

And, if you want to enjoy Christmas at home with friends and family but without being tied to the kitchen, you can take advantage of the hotel’s Turkey To Go offer – they provide the turkey and all the trimmings, you take the credit. And you can even get 10 per cent discount on the New Year’s Eve party!

The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel offers 367 rooms and suites, five restaurants and bars, along with 16 fully-equipped meeting rooms, making it the perfect venue for business or pleasure. And with many new upgrades to the property and its extensive range of seasonal events and promotions, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the festivities.

Call 17 531-666.

November 2017 103

bystander

Beat Beach Party

Toma & Mari

Coral Bay held a Beat Beach Summer Closing Party.

Safia & Ali

Rita & Khalid

Zeeshan, Sumair & Mohammed VJ

Ali, Kristel & Aror

Madan & Richard

Khalid & Jas

Mo & Ali

Richard, Sara, Lobina & Madan

Max, Omar & Reema

Mo & Lee

Joralyn & Flor

Hisham, Hiba & Moody

Louise & Alex

Sean Kingston at Coral Bay Sean Kingston

gave a live performance at Coral Bay. Sean Kingston

Beat, Conna & Ruthie

Natali & Madan

Naty & Gomes

Anke, Jamie, Natalie & Ash

104 November 2017

Jacqui & Denise

Madan with party animals

www.bahrainthismonth.com

dining GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN

A Packed Month Ahead November brings a range of new promotions and special events at one of the island’s favourite five-star venues.

As the weather cools, it’s time to welcome back the Gulf Hotel’s legendary poolside celebration, The Gulf Night Out. Running every Tuesday, it includes a selection of cuisines from 10 fine-dining outlets as well as live cooking stations, a barbecue and live music from a Cuban band, a Bahraini band and a belly dancer. The evening costs BD19++ and the buffet starts from 8pm.

Tuesday is also ladies’ night with 50 per cent off food and beverages.

Every Friday is the Gulf Grand Brunch with a special kids’ corner, live entertainment, a huge buffet selection and much more. You can choose to enjoy the ambience in either romantic La Pergola, lively Margarita Mexicana, or Al Waha, where you’ll enjoy tunes from the house band QBA. Brunch is priced at BD32 inclusive of selected

beverages with special group offers.

If you want to learn how to cook some of the exquisite dishes you’ll find at these events, look no further than the regular Saturday cooking classes from 10.30am to noon with a different chef each week.

Sessions cost BD18 including lunch. Or learn to create fabulous beverages with mixologist Maxime Hoerth, of the Bar du Bristol, from November 9 to 13.

Rounding off a busy month, from November 21 to 24 there is a Lebanese Food Festival with a set menu at Zahle restaurant featuring a renowned chef from Lebanon and a Dabka band. And for all the rockers out there, on November 23 and 24 Sherlock Holmes plays host to tribute band Bon Giovi.

The Thursday night performance costs BD5 in advance or BD7 on the night and the Friday pub brunch is BD20 in advance or BD25 on the day.

Call 17 713-000.

Diwali Celebrations Mr and Mrs Muljimal hosted a Diwali party at their residence for diplomats, family and friends.

Muljimal family with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa & HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa

Manjita & Mamta

Mohammed Salahuddin, Baboo Kewalram & HE Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa

and Mrs Kewalaram hosted a Diwali party at their residence Diwali Celebrations Mr for diplomats, family and friends.

Kewalram family with HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Hishang Kewalram, Baboo Kewalram, Khalid Amin & Kishore Kewalram

November 2017 105

dining

CORAL BAY RESORT

Beach Vibes This seaside favourite serves up classic events and a cool new dining venue.

106 November 2017

The summer season may be coming to a close but Coral Bay will never stop offering you the best party experiences on the island. Combine that with some great food and drinks promotions by the beach and pool and it’s the place to be every day of the week.

Saturdays are extra special with a live barbecue station and selected beverage offers that will ensure fun for everyone as Miami Events and Coral Bay proudly present the Wet Republic Beach Barbecue Party. Very talented DJ, Wisky, will be playing the hottest tunes so you can enjoy the cool vibes with gorgeous people, chilled drinks and amazing music throughout the day starting from 1pm. The barbecue runs from 3pm to 9pm and you can tuck into all you can eat for BD15; add unlimited selected beverages for BD20.

Blue Water Grill is a new name to be reckoned with in the dining sector. Soon to be opened in the upper section of Coral Bay Resort, it will offer a full package of the ocean’s best. You will be greeted with a majestic view of the sea through its clear glass façades, a well-designed dropped ceiling that resembles the calming waves, elegant grey-white marble flooring and a terrace that not only lets you

feel the kiss of the ocean breeze while you dine but also boasts a glimpse of the Gulf’s first five-star floating hotel. This serene setting will cast your mind away to a place where relaxation and rejuvenation take over and you can enjoy your precious downtime.

Diners looking for something wholesome, but not heavy, for breakfast, lunch and dinner will not be disappointed. The executive chef has excelled himself in putting together a delicious modern menu to suit a wide range of tastes.

Indulge in the resort’s dining outlets that put forward the best of all worlds and experiences the like of which you’ve never imagined. Situated on the clear waters of the Arabian Sea, Coral Bay is the ultimate destination for relaxation, adventure, entertainment and absolute enjoyment. Facilities include a marina, a beach, a fully equipped health club, a relaxing lounge, a unique floating hotel and one of the island’s most acclaimed Lebanese restaurants. The venue is host of Bahrain’s legendary Formula 1 parties, regular international DJ performances and much more.

Call 17 312-700. www.bahrainthismonth.com

ATIRAM PREMIER HOTEL

All Are Welcome!

This hospitality establishment in Juffair is rapidly becoming one of the new hot favourites in town.

Atiram Premier Hotel warmly welcomes you to its Marhaba banquet hall on the 12th floor as the perfect venue to host conferences, meetings, social gettogethers, birthday parties, weddings, engagement ceremonies or product launches. With state-of-the-art facilities, the banquet staff will go out of their way to ensure a seamless flow to your event.

The menu for the function can be planned as per your budget, and highly skilled chefs take pride in preparing various kinds of local and international delicacies to cater to all types of tastes. Atiram Premier Hotel is the one-stop solution to all your party needs. Clients can be provided with a themed décor on request, a DJ and/or MC, sound and light systems, as well as photographers and videographers. A

magician can be arranged to put an element of excitement into children’s parties, and audio-video equipment can be organised for corporate meetings and seminars.

Level 5, the establishment’s coffee shop, open round the clock, offers a plethora of cuisines to select from. Walk in for a nutritious and filling breakfast, comprising continental and Middle Eastern fare.

Choose a platter of steak and eggs or French toast, or a lighter breakfast if you’re watching your weight. The breakfast buffet costs BD4.500 and is on from 6.30am to 10.30am. The Express Lunch buffet costs BD4.500 with one soft drink or BD5 with one selected beverage from noon to 3pm. The midnight buffet costs BD5 from Saturday to Wednesday and BD10 on Thursdays and Fridays. All food is freshly cooked with the highest quality of ingredients.

Call 33 536-448 or email fnb@ atirampremierhotel.com

Garden Party and Sale The

Dogfather’s Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre held a garden party and sale, where all the proceeds went towards the running of the centre.

Emma & Eddin

Tais & Karina Prof Mansoor, Prof Abdulla & HE Alok Kumar Sinha

Antyodaya

Jr, Shams & John

The Embassy of India held a seminar titled Antyodaya – alleviation of poverty through economics of empowerment– at Ahlia University.

Hamad Subhashini

Halah, Katherine & Emma

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Emmelieke & Dhafer

HE Amin El Sharkawi

HE A Saj Mendis

Ahlam

Prince Nadaraj

November 2017 107

tablehopping

TASTE THE PHILIPPINES Keizo, the Asian restaurant at Al Areen Palace & Spa, will host a Filipino Food Fiesta on November 3 and 17, from 12.30pm-4.30pm. The festival features authentic dishes and special mocktails prepared by Filipino chefs and costs BD12. Groups of a minimum of six people, hoteliers, cabin crew, US Navy and members of the Filipino community get a 15 per cent discount.

Karaoke sessions will add more excitement to the afternoon.

Call 17 845-000.

THANKSGIVING BY THE POOL Savour a traditional American Thanksgiving experience at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay with a Wolfgang Puck twist. On November 23, enjoy the celebrity chef’s take on this tradition, as you bite into mouth-watering deepfried turkey with cranberry-apple compote, brioche stuffing and kabocha pumpkin pie, prepared live at the magnificent Azure Pool area. The event will take place from 6pm to midnight and is priced at BD45++.

Call 17 115-044.

MARINE MARVELS La Mer at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa stages a grand seafood feast including fresh oysters, prawns, crabs, mussels, clams, fish dishes, sushi and more, to be enjoyed with picturesque views of the ocean. The buffet is on every Thursday from 7pm-11pm. The scrumptious spread is priced at BD18, inclusive of soft drinks; BD23, inclusive of selected beverages; and BD40, inclusive of a selection of bubbly.

Call 17 636-363.

CELEBRATE THE SEASON Le Sauvage at Level 36 of The Domain Hotel and Spa will host a Thanksgiving-themed brunch on November 24 from noon to 4pm. Enjoy great conversations and explore your inner foodie at this very grown-up affair, priced at BD 19++ excluding spirits, BD27++ including spirits or BD36++ with premium beverages. Follow this up with live music at the smashing after-brunch party at Txoko all the way to 8pm.

Call 16 000-000.

GRATITUDE AT HOME Join in the spirit of Thanksgiving without having to slave at the stove. Downtown Rotana provides a special Festive Roast Take Away hamper featuring a delicious turkey roast prepared by a team of culinary masters. All associated sauces and trimmings – Brussels sprouts, goose fat roasted potatoes, glazed carrots, roasted pumpkin, chestnut stuffing, cranberry jelly and roast juslié – are included. The turkey is priced at BD4.200++ per kilogram. Advanced booking is required.

Call 13 119-999.

WEEKEND AFTERNOONS REIMAGINED November’s Weekend Market Brunch at The Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay lets you enjoy the fun of an open-air bazaar. Explore the pop-up stores to shop for lovely knickknacks. Fill your plate with delicious bites inspired by kitchens around the world, as you relax in the pretty garden with loved ones, or enjoy your meal indoors. The brunch is on at Bahrain Bay Kitchen and Lawn from 12.30pm-3.30pm on Fridays and costs BD25++ with soft beverages and coffee, or BD35++ for the extended package.

Call 17 115-500.

108 November 2017

When? Daily Event? Pop-Up Gallery Venue? 55 Old St., Block 338 This kitchen, café and social space has collaborated with Too Far Co., a local arts platform and consultancy, to support emerging local talent through open and inclusive arts programmes.

E Call 17 441-900.

When? Daily Event? Lunch and Dinner Buffet Venue? Al Fanar, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa Enjoy a lavish buffet at BD13 per person for lunch between noon and 3pm, and for dinner between 6pm and 10pm.

E Call 17 531-666.

When? Daily except Saturdays Event? Band Venue? The Harvesters Pub & Terrace, The Crowne Plaza Bahrain Enjoy delicious bites and entertainment from 11am-2am.

E Call 17 531-122.

When? Sunday to Friday Event? Afternoon Tea Venue? Gallery Café Indulge in a selection of teas, homemade sweets and savoury snacks, perfect to share, from 3pm-6pm.

E Call 17 711-600.

When? Sunday to Thursday Event? Grab & Go Venue? City Lobby Lounge, Downtown Rotana Select fresh, homemade sandwiches, salads, quiche and more to go, starting from just BD1.600, from 7am-4pm.

E Call 13 119-999.

When? Every Sunday Event? Izakaya Sunday Venue? Bushido Restaurant Sample a new menu every week with new signature dishes for BD14.500++ per person, from 7pm-11.30pm.

E Call 17 583-555.

When? Every first Sunday of the month Event? Jazzy Night Venue? Trader Vic’s Savour 1920s-inspired treats and cocktails. The Gatsby package costs BD11.500++ and includes two selected beverages and one selected appetiser.

E Call 17 586-555.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

AN ORIENTAL AFFAIR Meisei hosts the Night of the Dragon on November 16, in celebration of the ancient tradition of dancing dragons. The venue will be aglow with Chinese lanterns while the lively dragon dancers weave their way around the first floor and rooftop, bringing all those they pass good luck and prosperity. DJ Salime will be playing the latest international dance tunes. The entertainment starts at 9pm, and guests can commence dining from 7pm onwards.

Call 17 007-770.

SPLENDID SATURDAY Gallery Café invites you for the delectable Millennials Brunch every Saturday from noon to 3.30pm. Enjoy the fare with healthy shooters, smoothies, water and one hot drink per person for BD13++. For BD 17++, guests get one additional main course from the à la carte menu. Add BD5 for a choice of two glasses of either house grape, Mimosa, Kir Royal or Bellini.

Call 17 711-600.

A MELTING POT Asia de Cuba lays out an open buffet with à la carte choices as part of its Chino Latino brunch, every Friday from 1pm-4pm. Savour unlimited food and drinks with the package of your choice. The Cleanser package costs BD25++ and includes water and selected cleansers. The House Beverage package is for BD30++ and includes water, cleansers and selected beverages. The Premium package is priced at BD35++ and offers top-quality bubbly and selected drinks.

Call 17 711-600.

POPULAR PIZZERIA Pitfire restaurant has been reborn as Francesco’s and introduces new recipes, including the pepperoni pizza, which has received the accolade of ‘Dubai’s Best Pizza’. The cosy, vibrant and laidback pizzeria is conveniently located at Argan Village and Juffair’s American Alley. The food can also be ordered through Talabat. Diners can look forward to unique offerings like the date-topped pizza as well as staples such as the famed apple pie. The generous portions are prepared fresh from scratch, from the sausages to the mozzarella sticks.

Follow Instagram @francescos_bh

AN UNMISSABLE DEAL Patio, the delightful new all-day dining restaurant at Ramada Manama City Centre hotel, is making waves for its broad selection of delicious food and beverages, as well as panoramic views of the sea and the city’s skyline. This month, the eatery offers a fantastic 40 per cent discount on its à la carte menu up to November 30. The promotion is valid for lunch and dinner.

Call 17 104-050.

KEEPING WITH TRADITION The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa invites you to a cosy Thanksgiving Dinner on November 23 from 6pm-10pm. The property’s beautiful Al Fanar ballroom will be the perfect setting to gather with family for an intimate meal of satiating food prepared with the finest ingredients. At BD13 per person, this special dinner will be one to remember.

Call 39 945-208. www.bahrainthismonth.com

When? Every Wednesday Event? BBQ Night Venue? Le Méridien, Bahrain City Centre Indulge in signature ribs and meaty creations cooked to perfection for BD26 including soft drinks, or BD29 including selected free flow of beverages from 6.30pm-11pm.

E Call 17 171-441.

When? Every Wednesday Event? Sushi & Sake Night Venue? Wok, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Release your inner sushi monster and entertain your cravings with unlimited sushi starting from BD15.

E Call 17 636-363.

When? Every Saturday Event? Saturday Brunch Venue? re/Asian, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Discover Asian delicacies by Wolfgang Puck at BD19++ excluding beverages and BD37++ including premium beverages, from 12.30pm-3.30pm.

E Call 17 115-046.

When? Every Saturday Event? Mini Me Family Fiesta Venue? Fiamma, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Children under the age of 12 can enjoy a specially prepared mini replica of pasta, pizza and salad for free.

E Call 17 636-363.

When? November 1-30 Event? BD2 Cash Voucher Venue? Reem Al Bawadi, Ramada Manama City Centre Redeem BD2 for every BD10 spent per transaction at the restaurant.

E Call 17 104-044.

When? November16 Event? Concerts at The Domain Venue? Le Sauvage, The Domain Hotel and Spa Classical concert of outstanding French classical music followed by a three-course set dinner,. From 7pm onwards. BD30++ including a welcome beverage.

E Call 16 000-000.

When? November 24 Event? Thanksgiving Brunch Venue? ART Rotana Amwaj Islands Celebrate Thanksgiving with an extravagant banquet of culinary specials from 12.30pm-4pm for BD20 including soft beverages and BD38 with house beverages.

E Call 16 000-111.

November 2017 109

Strong and Stylish

What’s New Edited by Apple Sharma

Festina Group introduces its Candino brand’s new C-Sport collection, featuring a range of gents' timepieces.

This new stainless-steel Swiss Made chronograph, with a 45mm case and 10ATM water resistance, comes in a variety of metallic dials – silver, electric blue, anthracite and black – all with contrasting coloured sub-dials and hands. Presented in stainless-steel bracelet or with a leather strap.

Available at A La Mode outlets.

Bold Faced, Style Aced Signature Chic Update any wardrobe with these beautiful and elegant Carolina Herrera Insignia bracelets. These gold-plated pieces are cast in the shape of the house’s CH initials and add a touch of sophistication to any look.

Available at CH Carolina Herrera, City Centre Bahrain.

NARS Cosmetics introduces the Audacious Collection for Autumn 2017. Total-control Audacious mascara separates, lengthens and amplifies lashes with rich jewel tones. Six ultrasaturated shades of Audacious lipstick deliver full-coverage formula in bold colours, all in one swipe.

Available at leading retailers.

Urban Calling

Spoilt for Choice To complement the styles already dedicated to Audemars Piguet’s Millenary line, women can now choose from a new range of colours and materials to give their wardrobe a twist. Enjoy a bit of wristband fun, as the straps offer rubber, alligator, textile or even a velvet-like finish and various shades – blue, grey, red, pink, light green and purple.

Available at Audemars Piguet Boutique, Moda Mall.

110 November 2017

Merge with the textures around you with Parfois’ Autumn-Winter 17 Collection.

The new season brings strong prints, bold colours and rich details – fur and statement pieces are perfect for the cooler days.

Available at Parfois, City Centre Bahrain.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

marketplace

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY

To a New You Cutting-edge radio wave frequency skincare science debuts at this iconic five-star hotel.

A weekend break at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay has the potential to rejuvenate you from the inside out. The property’s wellness centre, The Spa, introduces a selection of innovative face and body treatments using the latest technology and premium products from MCCM. This brand is most sought-after for its aesthetic medicine and medical cosmetics.

Four new MCCM contouring and skin treatments are offered exclusively in the Gulf at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. They engage the latest expertise while using precise and essential active principles and ingredients that can be tailored for individual needs and skin types. This ensures that the right care and attention is given to every guest to produce the desired results.

Those looking for wrinkle reduction, skin brightening and tightening will take delight in the hotel’s special Skin Contouring and Treatment packages that make use of the brand’s Meso system. This is in combination with the RF Intelligent machine, which emits regenerative radio frequency waves that are designed to hydrate, oxygenate and revitalise cells inside the body. There is the option to target specific areas, such as the thighs, www.bahrainthismonth.com

buttocks, arms or stomach. This groundbreaking technology stimulates the formation of collagen and elastin from inside each cell, providing unparalleled firmness to the skin for a glow from within.

Based on individual needs, visitors to The Spa can select from procedures such as Ultimate Lightening Facial, Ultimate Botox Facial, Ultimate Derma Body Shaping Fat Reduction and Ultimate Derma Body Shaping Firming Treatment, each priced at BD60, or BD80 if the RF Intelligent machine is used.

Spa director Chandarella Luzon says: “The Spa is thrilled to introduce this new range of therapeutic cosmetic treatments in partnership with MCCM, complementing our existing Ila and Sodashi lines. A non-invasive medical solution, the RF Intelligent machine will offer a truly pampering experience that promises the same luxurious and soothing sensations of a holistic spa facial, while conducting a radio wave frequency treatment that penetrates the deepest layers of the skin to achieve optimum results.”

To see a noticeable difference, a series of multi-session options, which are a combination of the four contouring and skin sessions, are available. The full range includes the Ultimate Skin Contouring Programme priced at BD175 for three days and BD330 for six days, and the

Ultimate Body Contouring Programme costing BD140 for three days and BD240 for six days.

Guests booking any of the above sessions will receive an additional 20 per cent saving on all MCCM retail products, making it easier for them to continue enjoying remedial benefits from the comfort of their home.

Ideally suited for a well-deserved retreat with friends or loved ones, guests selecting the multi-session programme can indulge in the ultimate spa break by taking advantage of the hotel’s Stay Longer in a Suite package. It offers a third complimentary night when booking a suite for two consecutive nights, in addition to 10 per cent savings on food at the hotel’s delectable restaurants.

Call 17 115-000.

November 2017 111

marketplace

ALOSRA

Say Cheese This supermarket has searched far and wide to come up with a selection of Europe’s finest and tastiest cheeses.

112 November 2017

They say the secret ingredient is always cheese and that’s certainly the case at Alosra where the Signature cheese collection is specially curated to feature some of the best and most tasty artisanal offerings around.

Each item in the Signature collection is handcrafted with care on dairy farms local to their region, and aged to perfection.Take your palate on an enticing trip to England, France, the Channel Islands, Switzerland, Sardinia and Spain.

Leave a lasting impression on guests with a platter of premium Signature cheeses. You can serve a diverse combination, from mild to more complex, deeper flavours, in order to satisfy every taste. Add balance by combining different textures! For example, why not pair a creamy Camembert De Normandie with the hard Pecorino Sardo Maturo?

Don’t forget to use an individual knife for each different type of cheese to make sure you can truly savour every unique flavour as it’s meant to be tasted. Style the platter by adding olives, dried fruits, toasted nuts or jam.

Remember to serve the cheeses at room temperature, for a more supple texture and a lingering finish.

Feel like a taste of Britain? Fill your platter with a selection of artisanal British cheeses: Smoked

Westcombe Cheddar, Cornish Blue, Shropshire Blue and Colston Bassett Stilton. The Shropshire Blue also offers a burst of flavours when tossed into a salad or simply paired with chocolate.

Also among the Signature cheese range is the French Tomme De Chèvre which is exquisite when paired with potatoes or can be simply melted like a raclette. Mont D’or, a creamy cows’ milk cheese, is delicious when baked in the oven. It’s guaranteed to become a staple in your appetiser repertoire. You can even transform baked Mont D’or into a decadent dessert by topping it with cherries or blueberries.

Craving the bold flavours of Italy? Pecorino Sardo Maturo, an award-winning offering from Sardinia, is the secret ingredient to making mouth-watering pesto. It can also be grated over pasta to enhance both flavour and aroma.

Drop by the deli counters at Saar, Janabiya and Amwaj Islands to experience Alosra’s Signature cheeses and why not ask for some suggestions on how to best serve and pair the deliciously curated cheeses in this selection.

Call Saar 17 739-739, Janabiya 17 739-769, Amwaj Islands 16 033-773. www.bahrainthismonth.com

SYMMETRIA

To a Healthier Future • Achieve significant fat loss by following simple guidelines • Sustain immediate results with a new healthy lifestyle • Feel energised with reduced fat and improved lean muscle mass.

Introducing a revolutionary programme that can kickstart weightloss and set you on the path to long-term lifestyle change.

Prevention Many of the causes of poor health are associated with poor eating habits and lack of physical activity. Lifestyle modification considerably helps to prevent obesity.

Maintaining an ideal body mass index (BMI) and body fat index (BFI) will avoid the ‘overweight’ bracket, which is a prelude to health-limiting obesity.

This is not a short-term fix, but should be considered a life-long process. Avoiding unhealthy foods and a sedentary lifestyle can really help to prevent an adverse BMI/BFI. The goal of maintaining an ideal body weight should always be accompanied by an inner determination to avoid gaining unnecessary weight.

The latest studies show that by losing as little as 10-20lbs you can dramatically improve your overall health status, while significantly reducing your risk of disease.

The four-step Xero programme can help in this goal.

Although many ‘diets’ can seem effective in the short term, they are often unsustainable and can in fact make it harder to lose fat in the long run. By failing to adequately nourish the body, restrictive diets deprive the body of energy and cause it to preserve fat stores, rather than burning them.

The decrease in muscle mass often associated with diets further contributes to this effect – muscle is the very thing that burns fat, so losing muscle mass reduces the body’s fatburning efficiency.

STEP 1 – CONSULTATION During the initial consultation, the client’s BMI and BFI are assessed. The practitioner will then discuss the client’s goals and explain how Xero can help without restrictive diets or excessive exercise.

To deliver results, a series of treatments is prescribed to remove unwanted or stubborn pockets of fat. These treatments, in combination with a personalised nutrition and activity plan, will boost the client’s metabolism and ensure their body stays in optimal fatburning mode.

The Xero programme ensures customers can: • Eat as much as they like, while learning to eat the right foods to keep hunger at bay • Improve overall nutrition for optimum health and fitness • Maintain a stable blood sugar level, which in turn leads to optimum fat-burn

STEP 2 – TREATMENT The Xero programme involves a regular series of treatments using safe, painless, advanced technologies to alter the body’s fat composition.

Each treatment session, lasting approximately 45 minutes, involves: • Biostimulatory laser fat cell reduction:

www.bahrainthismonth.com

shrinks fat cells and releases excess fat in the target area • Neuromuscular stimulation: tones muscles and burns fat faster, increasing metabolism to rapidly eliminate fat from the body • Multipolar radiofrequency: skin tightening for a firmer, leaner physique.

STEP 3 – NUTRITION AND EXERCISE Xero incorporates the latest nutrition and exercise science into the programme, which is simple to follow and can fit into any busy schedule. By analysing the client’s current eating habits, a report is produced detailing changes the client needs to make to improve their nutritional intake – focusing specifically on boosting their metabolism to sustain the immediately visible results following treatment.

Xero is not a diet – it is a programme designed to optimise metabolic function and change lifestyle habits for long-term weight loss and health. Practitioners and clients can access Xero’s team of nutritionists, who will provide daily menu ideas, nutritional advice and tips via the website: myxerolipo.com.

Designed to maximise fat burn and boost metabolism without spending hours in the gym, the 15 Minute Xero Fat Burn Workout is recommended to be followed post-treatment and at home to ensure sustained fat loss results.

Xero also provides a range of effective nutritional and fat burning supplements.

STEP 4 – MAINTENANCE The Xero programme delivers immediate results that motivate clients to stay focused on achieving their goals. By the end of the programme, they will have significantly reduced their body fat, lost inches, increased their fitness levels and toned their muscles.

Combining Xero’s advanced technologies with expert advice and support for optimal fat burning nutrition and exercise means clients are more likely to maintain results in the longterm through changing their daily habits and lifestyle for good.

Book your free consultation now to learn how the Xero Programme can help you achieve your objectives.

Call 17 830-730.

November 2017 113

marketplace AL RASHID GROUP

Dress to the Nines

Keep on trend during the cooler months with apparel and accessories from this giant fashion retailer.

The change of season calls for a wardrobe revamp and, with Centrepoint’s new AutumnWinter ’17 collection, you’ll be stepping out with panache.

The store, which is the Middle East’s largest fashion retailer, encompasses well-known brands – Mothercare, Splash, ShoeMart and Lifestyle.

Own Your Fashion Womenswear this year is largely inspired by the ‘90s – from grunge to cosmopolitan – with staple silhouettes. Splash features unusual textures and prints – camouflage, prairie and gingham – paired with key seasonal details, such as embroidery, ruffles and peplums.

The colour palette exhibits nudes and naturals, from rusty auburns and blush tones through to fuchsias and burgundy, with a focus on a spectrum of green hues.

Grunge luxe, sports nostalgia and extreme utility trends remain at the forefront for gents.

Splash takes the dullness out of autumn with everything from bold red to ripe orange and hazard yellow. Mellower shades – olive, camel, baked pink and rust tones – contrast nicely with 114 November 2017

brighter tints.

Trends like exaggerated details, oversized proportions and washed silks with their military reference, are heavily featured. Eastern styling also remains an essential this winter, with subtle references such as kimono necklines worked into shirting and long line jackets.

Young ones, from two to tweens, can also find all their season essentials at Centrepoint.

Mothercare’s line of Preppy Street, Floral Dreams, Hello Kitty and Barbie have popular girl-appeal. Boys can opt for a dapper range of Urban Geek, Grunge Rewind, Midtown Manhattan and Underground.

Made for Walking You can rely on ShoeMart to complete your look and elevate the charm factor. It’s a nod to the ‘90s with gothic and rustic-inspired designs for ladies, alongside sleeker and minimalist options. Find ankle-length boots and highheeled sandals in earthy tones, as well as athleisure trainers and chunky platforms to complement the rugged look.

Purple haze and saddle brown work as rich base shades for men, with white, chartreuse and bold lilac adding a fresh, modern edge. The earthier tones give the stylish footwear designs a more seasonal feel.

The new assortment for kids is characterised by classics with a twist, colour blocking and soft urban tones, to achieve the retro geek or a sophisticated chic style.

It’s All in the Add-ons Lifestyle has an array of new accessories to accompany every new fashion stance.

Handbags from Charlotte Reid and Fiorelli boast a variety of designs and flattering colours.

Also available are several new haircare brands – Bedhead, Tigi, Big Sexy Hair and Toni&Guy. Make-up includes a variety of essentials including lip glosses, nude matte lipsticks, colour correcting palettes and more.

Exotic fragrances from Heart & Home, Apsley and Millefiori Milano are definite confidence boosters.

Spruce up your home with décor from Lifestyle’s new brand, V1969. Youngsters can grab the extensive selection of funky, themed stationery and everyday merchandise.

Customers can now shop online at the click of a button, collect their purchases from their preferred outlets around the Kingdom and benefit from exclusive offers, along with earning and redeeming ‘Shukran’ points.

Visit centrepointstores.com www.bahrainthismonth.com

UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER - KING ABDULLAH MEDICAL CITY

Dealing with Bladder Problems Dr Hamad Al Hellow, consultant urologist, explains a common problem.

Neurogenic bladder describes a number of urinary conditions in people who lack bladder control due to brain, spinal cord or nerve problems. It may result from conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, diabetes or infection of the brain or spinal cord, heavy metal poisoning, stroke, spinal cord injury, major pelvic surgery or spinal cord issues such as spina bifida.

Several muscles and nerves must coordinate for the bladder to hold urine until you are ready to empty it. In people with neurogenic bladder, these nerves and muscles don’t work together very well, so the bladder may not fill or empty correctly.

Bladder muscles may be overactive – often seen with strokes, brain disease and Parkinson’s disease – and squeeze more than normal before the bladder is full, or they may be too loose and let urine pass before you’re ready (incontinence). Sufferers may also experience an urgent need for the bathroom, may leak urine in their sleep and may need to urinate frequently.

Others may experience underactive muscles – often seen with diabetes, MS, polio, syphilis or major pelvic surgery – which do not squeeze adequately so the bladder doesn’t empty fully. The sphincter muscles around the urethra may also remain tight when trying to empty the bladder.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Some people have symptoms of both overactive and underactive bladder – often found in those with MS, stroke and herpes zoster – and may get repeated urinary tract infections.

These are often the first symptom of neurogenic bladder and are caused by harmful bacteria, viruses or yeast growing in the urinary tract.

Dr Hamad Al Hellow Various treatments are available and local injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) has provided extraordinary clinical benefits in the treatment of a variety of clinical conditions characterised by inappropriately contracting muscles.

Call 77 310-000.

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bystander

Wembley Friday Party Brunch

Wembley Sports Bar held a Friday Party Brunch.

Jennifer, Stevie, Anthony, Guido & Marty

Christina, Haven & Jeff

Jennifer & Fergus

Mairi & Charlotte

Brittany & Stevie

Diego, Julian, Guido, Irina & Queen

Hanh, James, Garth & Ying

Gloria , Susan, Phyllis & Gayle

Jim & Mary

Herman & Aishlin

Meriel Cooper Art Exhibition An art exhibition by Bahrain-based British artist, Meriel Cooper, was held at Hend Gallery.

Ahmed, Meriel Cooper, Abdulla Wallac, Al Mahmeed & Mohammed

Ahmed Al Arifi & Salah Al Arifi

Aliya & Yusra

Mitali & Amy

Abdulla & Eman

Janice, John & Dawn

Adnan & Khalil

The press conference announcing the launch of Royal Life Saving

Royal Life Saving Bahrain Bahrain ‘s Water Safety strategy took place at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.

Ej & Ellen

116 November 2017

Shaikha Nayla Ebrahim Hamad Al Khalifa

Dr Bernadette Matthews

Sameera Al Bitar

Sam Rahman

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marketplace

Rocco, DJ Hitch and Kumar

RAMEE GRAND HOTEL & SPA

Redefining Bahrain’s Nightlife This venue fits the true description of a nightclub and has successfully secured a favoured place in the city’s entertainment scene.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

If you’re wondering where to go after a hectic working day or week, Ibrida at Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, Seef, is where the party action’s at. Step into the swanky club and you know you’re in for a different experience.

This clubbing classic in Bahrain, which has been setting new trends in the entertainment and nightlife arenas in the entire region, is the perfect place to groove through the night and soothe the stress away.

It is open every night of the week except Sunday, and hosts various theme nights and performances – everything from hip-hop to Latino – to cater to various tastes.

With a capacity for 1,000 guests, the spacious venue boasts a beautiful and classy décor. The state-of-theart sound system injects a palpable vibrancy to the DJ’s music as well as the live acts that the outlet regularly hosts.

Kumar Ashwani, director of sales and marketing of the property, says: “We look forward to welcoming guests to Ibrida, which has quickly become the hottest evening spot, where unwinding has an entirely new meaning.”

Ibrida’s resident DJ Hitch will have you shaking a leg with the crème de la crème of the Middle East.

The international award-winning DJ from England is known for his mind-blowing tricks and unique style.

Hitch started mixing at the tender age of 10 and has performed all across the globe, playing at some of the biggest nightclubs in the world, including Ministry of Sound (Elephant Castle) and Egg London. He has been the winner of every single DJ battle he has entered

over the past 10 years, astonishing celebrity judges whilst mixing on eight decks, live in front of thousands of people.

“One of the highlights at Ibrida that draws in the crowds is DJ Hitch, with his excellent taste in music and extraordinary stage presence,” says general manager Rocco Santopietro. “He has the crowds swaying to his tunes for hours on end and has become a household name in the region.”

With a whole host of unmissable promotions on the calendar each month, there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy. Girls can let their hair down every Tuesday with ladies’ night and enjoy unlimited beverages. Partygoers can make the most of the early bird deal with the happy hour offer of 50 per cent discount on selected beverages, available every day from 8pm to 10pm.

The club endorses a smart casual or dress-toimpress attire code and maintains a preferred door policy of couples and mixed groups to ensure a safe and carefree environment. You can pop in without table reservations, but make sure to get there before 11pm as the place fills up fast. Advance booking for larger groups is essential to guarantee a table at the venue.

Entrance is free for ladies, restaurant guests and occupants of a minimum-spend table. Gents pay an entry fee of BD5 on Thursdays and Fridays.

Call 17 111-972, visit www.facebook.com/ ibridabahrain.com or www.rameegrandbahrain.com November 2017 117

marketplace GOLDEN SANDS

Living the High Life If you are scouting around for a home that exemplifies comfort, convenience and ultimate sophistication, then look no further than this classy apartment complex.

Golden Sands, located in the secure but central neighbourhood of the Diplomatic Area, is a dream come true when it comes to luxurious living.

“This is a niche residential property with unique facilities for everyone to enjoy,” says property manager Godfrey Pereira. “Nestled in the heart of Manama, it provides ease of access to all the prime commercial and recreational spots around the island.”

Living at this upscale address, you will not miss the spaciousness of a villa. Choose from large semi- and fully-furnished apartments that include a store room, servants’ quarters and dressing rooms. Covered parking is provided for all rental units, which are centrally airconditioned and fitted with high-end fixtures, draperies and top-quality white goods.

Golden Sands has recreational options for everyone, and boasts the biggest outdoor residential pool, as well as a temperature-controlled indoor pool, for adults and children to enjoy. Fitness fanatics can take advantage of the well-equipped on-site gymnasiums and two tennis and squash courts that are constructed to international specifications. Relax and unwind in the steam or sauna chambers, or by soaking in either the indoor or outdoor Jacuzzis.

Thanks to round-the-clock security, young ones can safely go outside

Godfrey Pereira

within the protected environment of the play area and also splash along the 66m water slide. The complex’s party hall is an apt venue for gatherings and celebrations.

The in-house management and maintenance teams cater to all tenants’ needs. With all these fantastic amenities on offer, an opportunity to live at Golden Sands is one not to be missed.

Call 17 536-633, visit www.goldensandsapartments.com or the Facebook page goldensandsbahrainapartments.

Dinner for a Noble Cause The Sacred Heart Church held a dinner for a noble cause ‘The Great Gatsby Gala’ charity event at The Gulf Hotel.

Mark, Brother Igino, Bishop Camillo Ballin & Fr Wellington

Samantha, Aaron, Vania, Marion & Chris

Fr Ivan, Donald, Fr Freddy, Fr Rowen, Mark, Bishop Camillo, Fr Xavier, Fr Gasper, Gavin & Florine

Fr Amar, Fr Peter, Fr Robert, Fr Freddy, Fr Charbel, Fr Wellington, Fr Rowen, Fr Saji, Brother Igino & Fr Gasper

118 November 2017

Trizelda & Jacques

www.bahrainthismonth.com

marketplace JUFFAIR GATE HOTEL

Full of Life This hospitality hub offers a host of entertainment and recreation options to guests.

Juffair Gate Hotel, managed by Blue Lotus Management WLL, is a modernised and renovated four-star property in the chic neighbourhood of Juffair. It is just 15 minutes from the Bahrain International Airport and close to the island’s various touristic and recreational spots. It offers visitors and residents a range of luxurious accommodation, amenities, restaurants and lounges. The welltrained hospitality team ensures that customers have an enjoyable experience.

The property’s posh setting is perfect for flaunting your partywear and enjoying an evening out. Taking into account the likes and preferences of its extensive clientele, Juffair Gate Hotel has upgraded its facilities to suit all tastes. LIV Club Lounge was opened early this year and Cross Roads Lounge is the most recent addition. The former has sealed its place

as one of the most happening spots in the Kingdom, while the latter is one of the most talked about in the market.

Party the night away at LIV Club with the DJ’s thumping music, or opt for Peak, the international band, at Cross Roads Lounge. The venue is well known for its American cuisine and serves a splendid buffet brunch every Saturday from noon to 4pm, with unlimited malt beverages,

live music and sports on the big screens.

General manager Sudheer K Nair says: “Juffair Gate Hotel aims to provide a memorable time to its guests in a unique way.

We appreciate the support extended to us by our patrons and will always be grateful for it.”

Call 33 614-449, 17 366-222 or email info@ juffairgatehotel.com

Babu & Sudheer

CrossRoads Lounge Grand Opening

CrossRoads Lounge officially launched in Juffair Gate Hotel.

The cake-cutting ceremony

Warran, Sudheer, Navin, Madan & Harish

120 November 2017

Siju & Harish

Sudheer with Peak Band

www.bahrainthismonth.com

BEHZAD GROUP

A Cut Above the Rest

This company has differentiated itself as a brand that provides topquality door handles and access control systems with award-winning and unique designs.

A market leader in the supply of building finishing materials in the Kingdom, Elames, in collaboration with Philip Watts Design, has shown its superiority in the ironmongery sector of the country’s construction industry.

Crafted and finished by hand, the products from Philip Watts Design offer a distinctive and classy range of entryway hand grips that is guaranteed to add an exclusive statement to residential and commercial spaces. A vast selection of matchless styles and forms, manufactured to the highest quality, is available to meet varied types of interior design requirements.

Timothy M Aktabowski, business development manager at Elames, says: “We believe in offering one-of-a-kind solutions to our customers’ interior environment, which is why we provide various textures, materials and fixing for all of our stylish options. From brightly polished and satinbrushed appearances, to aluminium and aged brass, copper and bronze materials, clients can rest assured that they will find the ideal door handle at Elames.”

Special hardware packages are currently on offer, including one starting at BD29 that comprises a lever handle, lock, three hinges and a double cylinder key, with a 10-year mechanical guarantee. This is

Timothy M Aktabowski

considered to be the best value-for-money deal that buyers can take advantage of.

Customers can discover more about the packages and the great range of items at the showroom.

Call 38 882-807 or follow Instagram @Elamesbsc.

www.jfcbahrain.com

www.bahrainthismonth.com

November 2017 121

bystander

Simon & Stephen

Barbie, George, Debbie & Janet

The Great Amwaj Bake Off

The Great Amwaj Bake Off saw contestants bake both sweet and savoury dishes.

Debbie, Maddie & Catherine

Debbie & Jackie

Ruth & Maddie

Josephine & Lesa

Adele & Ruth

Richard & Catherine

Jo & Oonagh

Diane, Shirley & Jackie

Jyothi, Dijo & Dileesh

Delmon International Hotel held Lunch at CafĂŠ Sayah The lunch promotions at CafĂŠ Sayah Jinesh, Sudarshan, Amla, Shankar & Mandar

Aparna, Anvita & Vinod

Sadique & Nisar

Sangeeta, Samantha, Ricardo & Victor

122 November 2017

Balwan, Narendar, R Babu, Shankar & Sujith

Anand

Ashraf

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marketplace business bites

Group Takes Multiple Awards

As an acknowledgement of consistent guest satisfaction, Agoda, one of Asia’s leading hotel booking sites and part of the Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group, recognised three members of the Gulf Hotels Group with Guest Review Awards – Agoda Users 2017.

Hussain Al Samahiji, general manager of Gulf Inn Asdal Boutique Hotel (8.0), Volker Mandlowsky, general manager of The K Hotel (8.1), and Hameed Ali, deputy GM of Gulf Hotel Bahrain (8.6) were on hand to receive the awards for their respective high-scoring properties.

This distinction represents a new recognition of the chain’s effort and commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

Veteran for Sales Role Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain appointed Karim El Berkchi as the property’s new director of sales and marketing (DoSM). With over 15 years in the hospitality industry, Karim brings a wealth of knowledge to the award-winning five star hotel, including a solid GCC background and strategic sales experience.

He was previously the cluster DoSM for the Radisson Blu Hotels in the Omani cities of Muscat and Sohar. This appointment also marks a personal return for him, as he worked with Mövenpick Hotel Kuwait as sales manager in 2006.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to be back at Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, especially at this well-reputed property with its strong hold in Bahrain’s market. I look forward to working closely with my team on expanding its market share further, improving revenua per available room and building on the hotel’s base of success,” says Karim.

New Faces The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain has introduced Radim Marek as the new executive assistant manager for food and beverage, a role in which he aims to keep the hotel’s 11 restaurants and banqueting facilities in prime positions within the local market. Having started his career as a demi chef, he worked his way up at restaurants in the UK and Germany and was responsible for 12 outlets at the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, Hamburg, before coming to Bahrain.

Also at the Ritz, Ryme Lansari is the new executive assistant manager for rooms. In her new role, she will be primarily responsible for managing hotel operations. Originally from Morocco, she studied at La Sorbonne in Paris before graduating at Strayer University in Washington DC. Ryme has worked her way through the food and beverage industry, starting small as a server at Indebleu restaurant, and became assistant director of food and beverage at The RitzCarlton, Bal Harbour Miami, after only five years in hospitality. She has been part of a task force at six different Ritz-Carlton properties in the past year.

Service Stars Ramada Manama City Centre was honoured with hotel booking site Agoda’s 2017 Customer Review Award for consistently achieving glowing customer feedback based on positive comments, online reservations and excellent customer experience reported by the site’s users.

A spokesman says: “The recognition for this award goes to the outstanding team for their inspirational work and dedication. We will strive to continue offering our guests the highest standard of service and look forward to welcoming the users of Agoda back to the hotel soon.”

Customer Recognition The Domain Hotel and Spa recently received the Customer Review Award 2017 from Agoda.com, Asia’s leading booking site. Guests rated the hotel’s services at 8.7 out of 10 during their stay. “This award acknowledges the efforts of our dedicated team, who value guest feedback as ways to improve and enhance our service so that we may meet and exceed all our guests’ expectations,” says general manager Frank Normann Eikeland, who is pictured with staff.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

November 2017 123

bystander

An Evening with David Campese An Evening with David Campese, the Australian rugby legend, was held at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club.

Sophie, HE Simon Martin & David

Paula, Alan & Jenny

Jenny & Mike

Rhys, Steve & Jack

Nick, Graham, Paul & Alex

David, Alan, Mike & Amy

Louie & Brian

Alen & Jan

Paul

Liz, Sharon, David & Maureen

DJAY Buddah & DaBoy Way

Naya

DaBoy Way and DJAY Buddah Live

Atiram Premier Hotel hosted DaBoy Way and DJAY Buddah at Club Cavallo.

DaBoy Way

Ashok, Sanjay & Shuban

124 November 2017

Sia & Lia

DJ Rami Farah & Bboy Weezy

Abdullah & Mo

JJ, Rut & Lydia

Apple & Meena

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander OTHER EVENTS

Egyptian Ambassador, HE Suha Rifaat, hosted a farewell dinner for US Ambassador, HE William Roebuck, at her residence.

The Suspended Meals Project 2 press conference took place at the Marriott Executive Apartments.

Japanese chef, Takagi Kazuo, held a master class at Sato in The Gulf Hotel.

The IGN Convention took place at the Bahrain International Circuit

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China held a Mid-Autumn Festival reception at Al Areen Palace and Spa.

The Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain held its fourth annual American Festival at its premises.

UK Commonwealth Office Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, The Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP, visited Bahrain for the ninth meeting of the UK-Bahrain Joint Working Group.

The Bangladesh Embassy announced the launch of it new social media campaign to complement the embassy’s website.

The Domain Hotel and Spa held a classical concert performed by English musicians Michelle Miles and Erika Nottingham Rawles at its premises.

Alliance Francaise organised a photography exhibition, entitled Objectif Sport, at Gallery 21.

The launch of Afternoon Tea was held at Gallery Café.

The Indonesian Embassy held the Indonesian Cultural Night at the Cultural Hall.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

McLaren held a launch for its new showroom in Tubli.

Al Rashid Group held an E-Commerce launch at The Sheraton Hotel.

November 2017 125

tarotscope

SCORPIO

Oct 22 – Nov 21

November is your month and you can achieve all manner of success if you only put your mind to it. For many of you, career is the number one concern and it might be that you need to assess where you are going and select an alternative plan of action.

Moneywise, things have been tight but relief could arrive in the form of a relative who offers a solution for you. On the romance front, matters could prove more complicated, especially for those of you who are caught in an unwanted love triangle. The time has come for someone to make a decision. Will you find the strength to effect change?

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

SAGITTARIUS November 22 – December 21

AQUARIUS January 22 – February 21

November promises to be an odd month for your sign as you wrestle with many doubts over your own abilities, 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 much more difficult and indeed draining process than you had imagined, 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 Sun

PISCES February 22 – March 20

Sound business sense will see you 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 remain 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 before taking it any further. They don’t warn against mixing business with pleasure for nothing!

Card of the Month — The Queen of Wands

ARIES March 21 – April 20

Money and travel are two key features of your life this month and both offer favourable passages of progress throughout November and key outcomes that will continue to bring rewards well into December and the New Year. The principal reason for your success will be down to coordination and operation and you can take great satisfaction from the fact 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. One slight word of warning comes in the form of a child who has bitten off more than they can chew!

Card of the Month — The Emperor

Romantically, things are not quite as 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 and you need to try and be grounded when tackling your emotional concerns. 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. Finally, where your health is concerned, for some of you it might be time to consider a little more exercise and a little less consumption.

Card of the Month — The Ten of Swords

TAURUS April 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 to date. This is due in no small part to your own hard work and effort and, so long as you continue to focus and retain commitment, things are sure to continue as they already 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, the only limitations are your own in as much as what you might achieve. On the home front, you might be considering the purchase of several high-cost items. All will be well so long as you do your research first!

Card of the Month — The King of Swords

CAPRICORN December 22 – January 21 This card brings grace and beauty into your reading and 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! On the work front, a colleague leaving may open the door to promotion but you need to be sure you want the role as much as the title before committing.

Card of the Month — The Queen of Cups

GEMINI May 21 – June 20 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 – arrogance. There is nothing wrong with being positive and assured in your own abilities but when matters are taken beyond that point then it becomes offensive to others. Try to take your friends and family into consideration and think about the feelings of those closest to you. Otherwise you might find November to be a lonely month. On a more positive note, an invitation to a party around the 28th might introduce you to a new romance and things could take off very quickly from there!

Card of the Month — The Two of Wands

126 November 2017

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advertisers index CANCER June 21 – July 20

On occasions, your sign proves 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 defeat 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 Ace of Cups 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 wit’s end by the time you have read this because of issues with the 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 matters if you decide to pursue recourse legally. You have got yourself involved with some ‘slippery’ fellows here and justice might be an expensive exercise. On a more positive note, good news from a relative might see an unexpected visit take place around the 29th, so be prepared.

Card of the Month — The Six of Swords

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 now lies 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. Finally, relatives who have come to stay for a period of time could be getting under your feet and you may need to lay down a few house rules if you are all to live without issue.

Card of the Month — The Devil

LIBRA September 22 – October 21

Last month was a good one for you but let us not forget that October is the time of Libra and, more than any time in the year, this is the period when your sign can potentially do best. November is going to offer up a mixed bag of successes as certain challenges are thrown in your path, and how you deal with them will go a long way to determining whether you end 2017 on a high note or not. In truth you may find that you have calculated certain financial estimates incorrectly and now you are going to have to reassess the resources at your disposal and perhaps even seek out some drastic measures if you are to claim any solution at all.

Card of the Month — The Ten of Pentacles

Gerard Butler

Julia Roberts

FAMOUS SCORPIO THIS MONTH Prince Charles

Al Rashid Group (Centrepoint) . . . . . . 15

Companies:Middle East Hospital . . . 43 Royal Bahrain Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Symmetria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC

Financial Institutions

University Medial Center King Abdullah

Citibank N.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Medical City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Home & Furnishing

Motoring

Phoenicia Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Al Haddad Motors (Mercedes) . . . . . 71

Hotels & Serviced Residences

Jawad Business Group:JAC . . . . . . . 75

Euro Motors (BMW) . . . . . . . GATEFOLD

Al Areen Palace & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

LEO July 21 – August 21

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Fashion & Footwear

Atiram Hotels (Premier Hotel) . . . . . . 51

Mohd Jalal & Sons (FAW) . . . . . . . . . 77

Others

Golden Sands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Applied Science University . . . . . . . . 35

Juffair Gate Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

BBBF (Poppy Ball) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Ramee Grand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Behzad Group (Elames) . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Sofitel Hotels & Resorts . . . . . . . . . . . 25

BMMI (Alosra Supermarket) . . . . . . . 33

Swiss Belhotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Entertainment Plus (Wizard of Oz) . . 35

The Diplomat Radisson BLU Hotel . . 31

Juffair Fitness Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

The Domain Bahrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Lulu Hypermarket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

The Four Seasons Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

MAF Investments Bahrain (Bahrain

The Gulf Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

City Centre) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

The Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa . . 2,3

Park Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FC Primedia International . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Jewellery & Watches Ambassador Stores (Seiko) . . . . . . . IBC

Restaurants & Cafés

Asia Jewellers (Bovet) . . . . . . . . . . . . BC

Bennigan’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Asia Jewellers (Panerai) . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Coral Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Liali Jewellry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Cucina Italiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Sharif Group (West End Watch Co.) . 13

Kazbah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Medical & Dental Services Al Namal & VKL Group of

Maki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 The Foundry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 The Lanterns Restaurant & Lounge . 89

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

● 24-Seven Minimart, all outlets

● Midway Supermarket, all outlets

● 24 Hours Market, all outlets

● Muntaza Supermarket, all outlets

● Al Hilal Bookshops, all outlets

● Other leading Cold Stores and News Stands

● Al Jazira Supermarket, all outlets ● Alosra Supermarket, all outlets ● Amwaj Islands Market, Amwaj ● Aseel Supermarket, all outlets ● Babasons Market, all outlets ● Jawad Supermarket, all outlets ● Lulu Hypermarket, all outlets ● Mega Mart, all outlets ● Metro Markets, all outlets

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

Photos Copies of most pictures depicted in this publication (and some which aren’t) are available from Red House Marketing, 17 813-777 or email: bystander@redhousemarketing.com.

November 2017 127

winwin Bahrain This Month gives readers an exclusive chance to win watches from A La Mode.

To win, all you have to do is correctly answer the questions.

Hint: You can find the answers in this issue of Bahrain This Month.

Who got it right?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Bahrain This Month received 93 entries last month, all of which answered the questions correctly. Congratulations to everyone, particularly our three winners:

What is the first film to show in the Building Bridges Film Festival? ______________________________________________

Winner : May Christine Tayko Second Place : Gloria Alzona Third Place : Priya Kumar

Which artist’s work will feature in the Limitless exhibition? ______________________________________________ Which group is hosting an environmental day at Bahrain Yacht Club? ______________________________________________

Last month’s solutions:

Ad Seek:

Which tribute band will perform at the Gulf Hotel? ______________________________________________

2. October 20

3. The Bahrain Triathlon Association

Denta Derma

1. Dihann Moore & The SheGroove Band

4. Coral Bay

2. German Language of Ideas 3. Vapiano

4. Hags/Yusif Bin Yusif Fakhro

5. Superheroes

Who is BTM’s new motoring correspondent? ______________________________________________

1. Rim Bogari/Rim Bogari

6. Turkey

7. Karl Lagerfeld

8. The new S-Class

How many points did Imran S Ali score to win the Digital Champion award at Mercedes-Benz’s Global Marketing Forum? ______________________________________________

9. Al Safir Hotel & Tower, Juffair 10. Attic Name:

On trade in, what is the minimum amount you’ll receive for your old van when you buy a JAC M1? ______________________________________________

Address: Telephone:

What is the Lanterns outlet in Amwaj Islands called? ______________________________________________

Email:

Which new food theme has The Foundry recently launched? ______________________________________________

CPR: Entry deadline is every 15th of the month. The winner will be selected at random.

Please include your full name, CPR number, address and telephone number, and mail to: Win Win, Bahrain This Month, PO Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.

Which five-star hotel is Cantina Kahlo located in?

AD Seek

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

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128 November 2017

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