DESTINATION JUFFAIR | DISCOVER ADLIYA | ROLLS ROYCE TEST DRIVE
YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Disco Kings:
VJMP3 on the Island’s First DJ Festival Chemical Reactions: Dr Yousef Mashal Interview
Youth in Focus: Ta’a Al Shabab Festival
September 2015 ~ Vol. 19 ~ Issue 9
Arts
Culture
Clubs
Sports
Interviews
Lifestyle
Dining
Nightlife
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Issue 217
Contents September 2015 HAPPENINGS
Bahrain This Month reviews events happening around town during the month of September 2015.
Spotlight On Youth And Culture:
23- 24
Youth festival Ta’a Al Shabab kicks off this month.
A Musical Morning:
26
Inspire Bahrain, Musical Coffee Morning invites
24
interested people to try their hands at music. 28
Effective Coaching:
Organisational Coaching Programme 30
A Side-Splitting Act:
UK funny man Patrick Monahan comes to the island. 32
Enjoy A Classic!:
CATCH a classic film at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art.
23
39
INTERVIEWS Formula For Success:
39
From humble beginnings to staggering success, Yousef Mashal has experienced a roller-coaster life filled with ups and downs.
41
Say Yes To Life:
Sajee Nissan chatted to BTM about the Art of Living (AOL).
43
49
42
Muscling Up Support For Calisthenics:
Teams from around the world have signed up to
compete at the first ever Calisthenics World Cup (CWC), which takes place in the Kingdom this November.
43
Making A Splash:
The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark is surfing the
waves of success this month as it gears up for Eid and
52
42 Bystander In this month’s bystander pages we attended the Independence Day celebration for India, Pakistan and Indonesia. Our snappers were also in attendance for Moroccan National Day, the opening of Cavallo nightclub and the festivities at Nakhool Garden as part of Bahrain Summer Festival.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
its 8th anniversary celebrations.
44
Gearing Up For New Models: Gowtham Sharma talks customer service.
45
JLR Backseat Chat
Mahmood Janahi joins George F Middleton for a ride in a Land Rover Discovery Sport.
FEATURE 46-49
Back-To-School September 2015 5
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Issue 217
Contents September 2015 FEATURE Home Feature
50-57
59
Whether homeowners are looking for a completely different look, simply wish to create a new feeling with accessories or update the ambiance with more modern home entertainment, this is the perfect time.
LIFESTYLE Motoring:
59
Movie Star Looks And Character:
Editor Charlie Holding drives the Rolls Royce Wraith “Inspired by Film”. 60
A Classy Coupé:
Mercedes-Benz CLS500
Cool New Concept:
62
The BMW M4 GTS. 63
Motoring Bites:
A round-up of all things automotive.
Downtime:
71
80
Gadgets: The newest gizmos in town 70 Music: Top Tunes 71 Computer Games: The hot games of the month 72 Websites: The coolest sites on the web 73 Apps: Sophisticated new apps 74 Movies: Ant Man 68
Destination Juffair: 76
A Barrel of Fun:
If you enjoy first class live entertainment and quality food, there is a new contender on the scene in Juffair. 78
A Taste of Americana:
80
Gastronomy Unlimited:
A home away from home for American expats on the island, Ric’s Kountry Kitchen offers up US delights. Dining options at the K Hotel. 85-91
85
92
Discover Adliya:
Each corner of the island is famous for one reason or another. Seef is the business district, Sitra is known for its car showrooms and Adliya is little slice of paradise for foodies. We round-up the best of the best.
Dining:
92
Standing The Test of Time:
Upstairs Downstairs turns 40 this month and, like a fine wine, it gotten better every year. 94
A Smashing Debut:
Smashburger opens its doors.
68
74
Showcase:
What’s New: Must-have products 102-132 Marketplace: Latest products and services 101
Regulars:
89
www.bahrainthismonth.com
101
133 WIN WIN 134 Tarotscope 135 AD Index 136 Last Word
September 2015 7
THE TEAM
Bahrain This Month September 2015
Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Email: george@bahrainthismonth.com Editorial Director Liz O’Reilly Editor Charlie Holding Commercial Editor Apple Sharma Assistant Editor Ankita Mamgain Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Romeo San Miguel Photography Editor Zilia Monteiro Staff Photographers Subeesh Kumar N S, Ranjith Mohan Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa, Tara Vamadeven Pillai
The only Lifestyle Magazine distributed with the GDN
Personnel Manager Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Media Sales Marise Prata Dos Santos, Randa Ghazi Howais Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Corporation Photography Picture Arabia: andrew@picturearabia.com Printing Press Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej W.L.L., Bahrain Published monthly by
RED HOUSE MARKETING P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: (+973) 17 813-777, Fax: (+973) 17 813-700 Email: info@redhousemarketing.com www.bahrainthismonth.com © Copyright Reserved 2005-2014 The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. and must not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Red House Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission.
•
Views expressed in this magazine by journalists and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month. Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001 ISBN 1 899 348 09 3
1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24
Gulf and international subscriptions available on request. Bahrain This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide
As we near the end of another blistering summer and look forward to refreshingly cooler temperatures, the island is bursting with activity as people return from their holidays. Our exclusive interview with Dr Yousef Mashal, owner of Mashal Chemical Industries, features his personal account about the importance of taking calculated risks when working his way to the top. We also catch up with Sajee Nissan to find out more about the Art of Living courses he conducted during his recent visit to the Kingdom as part of a GCC-wide tour. Besides our usual dining section, packed with the best places to grab a bite, we have a special feature that rounds up Adliya’s best cafes and restaurants to help you decide where to go for tasty treats and refreshing beverages. Our ‘Discover Juffair’ feature reveals the bustling area’s rich and diverse attractions; whether it is a day out with the family, a weekend break or a fine dining experience. We also have a home feature report to shed some light on the best products and services Bahrain has on offer to help make your house a home. This issue also includes a special Back-To-School feature packed with everything parents need to know for the upcoming term. Online, you can check out filmed snippets from our JLR Backseat Chat interview with Mahmood Janahi of Mahmood Janahi Cakes and Bakes, which appears in this issue. He spills the beans on how his hobby turned into a full time career while making him a social media star at the same time. This month’s motoring section highlights the newest vehicles to hit the Kingdom’s highways and we have test drives of the new Roll Royce Wraith ‘Inspired By Film’ and the Mercedes-Benz CLS500. Elsewhere, our happenings pages are full of events around town as people look forward to the start of the social season on towards the middle of the month. Whatever you’re up to this month, and whatever choices you need to make for leisure and entertainment, make sure that we’re your guide to a great way of life both in this magazine as well as online at www. bahrainthismonth.com.
COVER Cover Picture:
DJ festival. DESTINATION JUFFAIR | DISCOVER ADLIYA | ROLLS ROYCE TEST DRIVE
George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman
YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Disco Kings:
VJMP3 on the Island’s First DJ Festival
Connect with Bahrain This Month:
Chemical Reactions: Dr Yousef Mashal Interview
Youth in Focus:
Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
Ta’a Al Shabab Festival
September 2015 ~ Vol. 19 ~ Issue 9
Arts
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Culture
Clubs
Sports
Interviews
Lifestyle
Dining
www.facebook.com/bahrainthismonth www.twitter.com/BHThisMonth www.instagram/bahrainthismonth www.YouTube.com/bahrainthismonth
Nightlife
September 2015 9
bystander
Fouzia, HE Ahmed Khattabi & Sameera Rajab
HE Dr Abdullah Al Shaikh
HE Abdulla Abdullatif
HE Dr Majed Al Nuaimi
Shaikha Latifa Al Khalifa
Jawad Al Hawaj
HE Dr Ahmed Nayif
Moroccan National Day HE Ahmed Rachid Khattabi, Moroccan Ambassador, hosted a reception at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain to mark the Moroccan National Day and the 16th anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne. The event was attended by His Majesty the King’s Advisor for Information Affairs, HE Nabeel bin Yacoub Al Hamer, Royal Court Envoy, Sameera bin Rajab, government officials, ministers, Shura Council members, Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, businessmen and guests. Dignitaries cut the cake
HE Alfonso Ver
Arif
Sawsan
Jihan, Fouzia, HE Ahmed Khattabi & HE Dr Dhafer Alumran
Fouzia, Dounia & Nor Hayati
10 September 2015
Dr Abdullah
Dr Al Khozaie, Afnan Al Zayani, Mrs & Mr Al Jalahma, HE Nabeel Al Hamer, HE Ghanim Al Buainain & Dr Bahia Al Jishi
Nabeel & Mr Bouzaboun
Mrs & Mr Al Magzari
Ms El Kashati & Boutaina
Nancy Khedouri & Ahmed Al Saati
Abdulwahab
Roa
Ibrahim Assaf & Hisham Al Jowder
www.bahrainthismonth.com
CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN |
SEEF MALL
bystander
Natchano, Yupin, Fiuna & Thirapat
Phukan, Ploy & Peace
Maryam, Cloud & Kris
O, Rung, Sakeena & Ayoob
HM Queen Sirikit’s Birthday The Royal Thai Embassy Bahrain commemorated the 83rd birth anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of the Kingdom of Thailand with a celebration held at the embassy’s premises. Dignitaries and Thai community members attended the event. Khalifa Al Rumaihi & HE Vichai Varasirikul, Thai ambassador
Poomtam & Panyasiri
Rattiros, Nepa & Joy
Pevi & Pinoy
Tachwachai
Uda & Arm
Paween & Jo
Sherry & Na
Mattika & Kyle
Lisa & Aunny
Oh & Annie
Embassy staff
12 September 2015
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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bystander
Indonesian Independence Day HE Chilman Arisman, Indonesian Ambassador, hosted a flag raising ceremony at his residence to mark the Indonesian Independence Day. The reception was attended by members of the Indonesian community. Cake-cutting
Flag raising
Asad & Edi
Iskandar & Imam
Yahiya & Usman
Nurfitria & Endah
Adi & Aceng
Kurniawan & Azeez
Andang & Emir
Aseesa & Anita
Fery & Ahmed
Julie & Lina
The community gathering
Banibang, Abdul Muhit, HE Chilman Arisman, Adi & Aceng
14 September 2015
Julie, Lina & Ita
Nurfitria, A. Ramadhan, Agus & Hafidz
Intan
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Rosemarie, Ric & Raquel
ASEAN Day Celebrations The 48th ASEAN Day was commemorated with a flag raising celebration held at the Malaysian Embassy. The event was attended by nationals and representatives of the ASEAN countries, embassy staff and sponsorship representatives. HE Dr Dhafer Alumran, Under Secretary for the Minister of Foreign Affairs was the guest of honour on the occasion. Dignitaries cut the cake
Lopes & Hasli
Mrs Rajan & Sarina
VK Rajan, HE Nor Huda, HE Chilman Arisman, HE Dato Ahmad, HE Dr Dhafer, HE Vichai Varasirikul & HE Alfonso Ver
Nor Hayati, HE Nor Huda, Ratnawati, Mona & Mrs Yu
Felma, Ricky & Sarina
HE Chilman Arisman & HE Vagif Garaev
Flag raising ceremony
16 September 2015
Maries, Tag & Anette
Hathai & Shukri
HE Alok Kumar
Ploy & Peace
Istal & Yasan
Samiha, Suria & Eiza
Sherry & Sarah
Khalifa Al Rumaihi
VK Rajan & HE Dato Ahmad
Maxy & Imran
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Indian Independence Day The Indian Embassy Bahrain held a flag raising ceremony at its premises marking India’s 69th Independence Day. HE Alok Kumar Sinha addresses the Indian community
Members of the Indian community gather at the embassy
HE Alok Kumar Sinha with the Indian Embassy staff
Pakistan Independence Day Pakistan Embassy Bahrain held a flag hoisting ceremony to celebrate Pakistan’s 69th Independence Day. Dignitaries, key community members and families were present on the occasion. HE Muhammed Saeed Khan, Pakistan Ambassador, hoists the flag
Cake-cutting
18 September 2015
HE Muhammed Saeed Khan with members of the Bohra community
HE Muhammad Saeed Khan & Rear Admiral Muhammed Moazzam Ilyas with members of the Combined Task Force 150
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bystander
Maryam & Fatema
Faisal, Yasin & Hawra
Mona & Samah
Fouzia, Hadeel & Haifa
Nakhool Garden Festivities
The festivities of Nakhool Garden opened under the patronage of Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, as part of the Bahrain Summer Festival 2015 celebrations. Visitors engaged in a carrom game
Fares, Yousif & Mohit
Abdulla & Jassim
A workshop in progress
Kids playing air hockey
Hala, Raed & Sama
Sami & Shooq
Helena, Ramy & Maria
Nooria & Fatema
Hussain & Sayed
20 September 2015
Ahmed & Ali
Ahmed & Mohammed
Redha & Ali
Farah & Dunia
Esraa, Hussain & Eman
Ahmed & Yousif
Mohammed, Salma & Khalil
Ahmed & Abdulla
Moaz & Khaled
www.bahrainthismonth.com
SEPTEMBER
2015.
SPOTLIGHT ON YOUTH AND CULTURE
HAPPENINGS
It’s a great opportunity for Bahrain’s youngsters to shine as the youth festival Ta’a Al Shabab kicks off this month under the slogan “Rooting..Enlighten..Influence”. When? September 1 - 20 Event? Youth Festival Venue? Various Locations The future depends on today’s youth and, as the seventh edition of Ta’a Al Shabab gets underway this month, there is great excitement for the cultural accomplishments that will take centre
stage at the festival. Ta’a Al Shabab is an annual festival organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) seeking to involve youth in
culture and is part of the authority’s planned festivities for 2015, being held under the theme “Our Year of Heritage”. The festival focuses on a wide range of cultural pursuits, including literature, fine arts, poetry, music, cinematography and promoting a healthy lifestyle, among others. Activities include workshops, debates, lectures, art exhibitions, musical and theatrical shows as well as open forums to encourage public dialogue. All activities are run by volunteers and grouped under six main initiatives this year, each of which focuses on a particular cultural aspect pertaining to young people. These initiatives include: ‘We all Read’ – which emphasises active reading and pursuit of knowledge; ‘Hafawa’ — a tribute to the legacies of late intellectual luminaries from the Arab World; ‘Tashkeel’ — focusing on fine arts as a tool for communication and expression; ‘Premiere’ — looking at the art of movie making; ‘Life’ – which focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle in the community and finally ‘Harmony’ — which is about musical arts.
TA’A AL SHABAB EVENTS SCHEDULE
When? September 1, 7pm. Event? Opening Ceremony Venue? Bahrain Fort The festival’s opening ceremony will be held in the presence of Her Excellency Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa. Since the theme for this edition is Heritage, the opening ceremony theme will be ‘the textile weaving craft’.
When? September 5 and 12, 10am. Event? A..B..C.. Venue? Seef Mall Muharraq Journey from the past to the present – this is a reading event for kids, taking them on an educational and cultural trip through time. The traditional short story sessions for children will teach them values and authentic Bahraini habits.
When? September 4, 5pm. Event? Move! (2) Venue? Seef Mall Muharraq People will learn about the healthy techniques used in some traditional jobs such as fishing, carpentry and rowing boats and how they can apply them in their daily lives. A demonstration will involve the audience going through stations and exercises with volunteers who will be guiding them. www.bahrainthismonth.com
When? September 5, 8pm Event? A Note on the Line Venue? Mohammed bin Faris Music Hall Enjoy an evening of poetry for a true literary experience, joined by a choir.
When? September 7, 8pm Event? Their Novels Between 2 Seas Venue? Abdulrahman Kanoo Cultural Centre The modern novel in Bahrain – the event analyses the literary year of youth novelist production, while comparing the old and modern novel and finally evaluating the mechanism of the publishing process locally.
When? September 9, 9pm Event? The Bahraini Song Hour Venue? Radio Bahrain and selected coffee shops A one-hour broadcast on the popular traditional music channels within the Kingdom, putting the spotlight on the country’s musical heritage. September 2015 23
happenings
TA’A ALSHABAB EVENTS SCHEDULE When? September 15, 7pm Event? The Youth Art Salon Venue? Arts Centre
When? September 10, 8pm Event? Khayal Al Thel (The Shadow Fiction) Venue? Bahrain Society of Engineers The event will host the Saudi writer Munther Al Qabbani and discuss his novels which combine historic facts and fiction.
When? September 11, 6.30pm Event? Highlighting Venue? Seef Mall An event which will show and discuss the results of previous social experiments. There will also be an open discussion with a group of specialists about habits that become routine for some people but have a negative impact on the health of both the person himself and those around him. The aim is to promote a healthy lifestyle among the audience.
When? September 12, 8pm Event? And we meet / In the presence of Abdulrahman Rafi Venue? The Cultural Hall The event will celebrate Abdulrahman Rafi’s poems in harmony with youth composers. The celebration will combine a group of Bahraini stars from the golden ages with young artists, in a concert where two generations meet. When? September 20, 7pm Event? Closing Ceremony Venue? The Cultural Hall
Visitors to this exhibition will witness the products of young people in the four technical workshops set up in advance. The artists’ participation will show how appreciation for art differs according to their generation, mutually benefiting from the various experiences. The variety of artistic categories include drawing, wood sculpting photography and graffiti.
When? Ongoing – Throughout the Year Event? Water Sports Activities Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa E Call the Sports Club on 17 586-612 or email rc.bahrz. events@ritzcarlton.com. When? September 1, 7pm. Event? Opening Ceremony of Ta›a Al Shabab (Youth Festival) Venue? Bahrain Fort E Follow Twitter and Instagram: @Ta2_AlShabab.
When? September 17, 8pm Event? First Experiment Venue? TBC This is an opportunity for young people interested in the world of cinema and for amateurs who are interested in auditioning or making a short film or scenes which will be produced professionally by Premier’s (one of the festival initiatives) team.
September 18, 8pm Sahara Kownia (Universal Desert) Shaikh Salman Bin Ahmad AlFateh Fort, Riffa The event will host the Libyan writer Ibrahim Al-Koni as he takes the audience on a journey within the world of his novels of the desert and Tuareg people. Al-Koni was nominated and shortlisted for “The International Prize for Arabic Fiction 2015”. The closing ceremony to mark the end of Ta’a Al Shabab festival will take place in the presence of BACA president HE Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa. Follow Twitter and Instagram: @Ta2_AlShabab for more information.
24 September 2015
When? Ongoing–September 30 Event? Kalila wa Dimna - Fables Through Time Venue? Bahrain National Museum Using stories from the famous collection of fables, Kalila wa Dimna, this interactive exhibit brings to life the characters, their relationships and lessons. E Visit www.culture.gov.bh.
When? September 1 and 5 Event? Pantomime Auditions Venue? The British Club Robin Hood and His Merry Men pantomime: adult auditions September 1, 7.30pm (call backs and additional auditions on September 5, 5.30pm); kids’ drama workshop and auditions – September 5, 3.30pm for ages seven to 14 years. E Call 17 728-245, email secretary@britishclubbahrain. com or manamatheatreclub. bahrain@gmail.com. When? September 2 Event? Musical Coffee Morning Venue? Inspire Arts Centre, off Budaiya Highway E Call 39 047-734 or email inspirebahrain@gmail.com. When? September 3 – Oct 3 Event? Batelco Gaming League 15 Venue? Vortex Gaming Center, Budaiya Highway, Uptown Village Gamers will have a chance to compete in various games FIFA15 singles and doubles, Call of Duty Advanced Warfare, DOTA2 and League of Legends. Round 3: September 3-5, Round 4: Sept 17-19, 24-26 and Grand Finale: October 2-3. E Call 17 692-322 or visit www.gamingleague.me/ registration/.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
A MUSICAL MORNING When? September 2 Event? Coffee Morning Venue? Inspire Arts Centre, off Budaiya Highway
If you’re artistically inclined or simply want to have a fun-filled inspirational morning, then this event will be right up your street. Organised by Inspire Bahrain, Musical Coffee Morning invites interested people to try their hands at tribal drumming, singing, playing an instrument, public speaking, acting and more; it’s all about discovering your hidden talent or reviving your passion. The event will be held on September 2, at Inspire Arts Centre, Avenue 67, Highway 54 at 10am. Founded in 2014 by arts entrepreneur and educator Lydia Martin, Inspire aims to do exactly what it says on the tin – inspire people. Inspire has activities and courses for children and young people and takes pride in being all inclusive and bringing performing arts opportunities to adult enthusiasts. The event hopes to attract a good crop of performing arts wannabes and those just wanting to have some fun to fill their morning. So join Inspire for coffee and biscuits whilst unleashing your artistic talents. Call 39 047-734 or email inspirebahrain@gmail.com for more information.
MOVIE UNDER THE STARS
Why bother queuing at the cinema when you can enjoy a beautiful evening out with your kids? Gather your children and head down to The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa for the hotel’s weekly sessions of Kids Movie Under the Stars. Children’s films will be screened every Friday within the hotel’s astonishing outdoor scenery. The screening starts at 6pm and entrance is free. Call 17 586-499 or email rc.bahrz.restaurant. reservation@ritzcarlton.com for more information.
When? September 5 and 12, 10am. Event? A..B..C..* Venue? Seef Mall Muharraq E Follow Twitter and Instagram: @Ta2_AlShabab.
When? September 5 Event? Malja Call Out Exhibition Venue? Malja, Amwaj Islands This open-concept exhibit is curated by Ramah Al Husseini and will feature works of various artists that best represents them and showcases their creativity. E Follow Facebook: www. facebook.com/malja, Twitter and Instagram: @maljabahrain #bahrainculture #maljabahrain for more updates.
GET CREATIVE When? September 6 - December 17 Pottery Sessions Venue? Karranah Gardens, Jid Al Haj
26 September 2015
When? September 4, 11, 18, 25 Event? Kids Movie Under the Stars Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa E Call 17 586-499 or email rc.bahrz.restaurant. reservation@ritzcarlton.com.
When? September 5, 8pm Event? A Note on the Line* Venue? TBC E Follow Twitter and Instagram: @Ta2_AlShabab.
When? September 4, 11, 18, 25 Event? Kids Movie Night Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa
Try your hand at pottery as Aliya Ahmad teaches you the ropes of this creative art. The pottery sessions give participants general knowledge on how to work with clay, explaining the basic techniques of putting a
When? September 4, 5pm. Event? Move! (2) (*Part of Ta›a Al Shabab Festival) Venue? Seef Mall Muharraq E Follow Twitter and Instagram: @Ta2_AlShabab.
When? September 6-7, September 22-24 Event? Beckett-McInroy Organisational Coaching Programme Venue? The Domain Hotel and Spa E Call 17 590-135 or email office@beckett-mcinroy.com.
piece together, after which they are left to unleash their creativity and work on whatever inspires them as opposed to giving a set project for everyone to execute. The sessions will start from September 6, Sunday to Thursday, from 9am to midday, at Aliya’s home studio - Villa 5, Karranah Gardens (Compound No. 1961, next to the Country Club), Road 1445, Area 514, Jid al Haj. The process involves creating,
leaving the piece to air dry, which takes a few days, firing, glazing and then the final second firing. Participants can buy blocks of four sessions as that is the minimum number required to complete a few pieces. The four-week session inclusive of all materials, tools, firing and glazing costs BD60. Call 32 221-972 or visit www.facebook.com/oarat.ART for more information.
When? September 6 - December 17 Event? Pottery Sessions Venue? Karranah Gardens, Jid Al Haj E Call 32 221-972 or visit www.facebook.com/oarat.ART When? September 7, 8pm Event? Their Novels Between 2 Seas* Venue? TBC E Follow Twitter and Instagram: @Ta2_AlShabab. When? September 9, 9pm Event? The Bahraini Song Hour* Venue? Radio Bahrain and selected coffee shops E Follow Twitter and Instagram: @Ta2_AlShabab www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Ballet Philippines
Poppy, Claire & Mizharika
Master Pieces, a ballet performance celebrating the tapestry of Filipino culture and friendship, was presented by Ballet Philippines at the Bahrain National Theatre as part of the Bahrain Summer Festival 2015. The event was collaborated by the Philippines Embassy in Bahrain and the Bahrain authority for Culture and Antiquities. Elie & HE Alfonso Ver
Whatever the occasion, we will make it special. Vincent & Richard
For corporate and private events at the place of your choice, from 50 to 1,000 persons.
HE Dr Dhafer Alumran, Hassan Masoud, HE Chilman Arisman, Ratnawati & Khalifa Al Rumaihi
Adel & Mona
Fely, Bing & Bing
Boni & Raul
Ayda, Nilda & Maria
For enquiries and bookings, please call:
6631 0039
Building 1012, Road 2813, Block 428 Seef District, Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel: (973) 6631 0000
eventssbse@swiss-belhotel.com
www.swiss-belhotel.com Nabeel & Amman
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Buena, Marluna & Roma
September 2015 27
happenings
EFFECTIVE COACHING When? September 6-7, September 22-24 Coaching Programme Venue? The Domain bahrain Hotel and Spa
Do you want to learn how to use coaching professionally? Then this Organisational Coaching Programme is
for you. Accredited by the Association for Coaching International (AC) professional body, the programme is moderated by Dr Clare BeckettMcInroy and her team of professional organisational and executive coaches. The company Beckett-McInroy (BMC) and its coaches are professional/certified members of the British Psychological Society (Level A and B), Institute of Career Guidance, International Coaching Federation (PCC), Coaches Training Institute (CPCC), Association for Coaching International (Journal Editors and OMAC) and European Mentoring and Coaching Council (Committee Members). Participants will go through three stages: a two-day introductory course
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN! When? September 11 Event? Brunch Venue? Upstairs Downstairs Restaurant
additional three-day course to gain specific certification. The five-day programme includes experiencing effective practice in workplace coaching, understanding ethics in coaching and leadership, reflecting on workplace coaching skills and applying four different coaching models. There are many benefits as the participants discover how to use and evaluate a range of learning resources to support, monitor and record safe and effective coaching, amongst other skills. The programme runs from 8.30am to 5pm, including all course materials, refreshments and lunch. Costs from BD195. Call 17 590-135 or email office@ beckett-mcinroy.com.
If you’re a fan of the British royal family, then you would know that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 89, will become the longest-reigning monarch in British history on September 9. One of Bahrain’s favourite restaurants, Upstairs Downstairs, invites everyone to join in on the celebrations with a British Brunch on September 11 from midday to 4pm. Get your family, colleagues and friends together to savour this oneof-a-kind brunch and experience the best of British dishes. Enjoy the celebrations with live entertainment from Frankie’s Friends Band and DJ Rob. The revelry continues with the after brunch party from 4pm to 6pm. Advanced tickets are priced at BD20 and BD25 at the door. Call 17 713-093 or visit www.upstairsdownstairs.me/reservation for more information and reservations.
FOCUS ON PROCESS ENGINEERING When? September 15 – 17 Event? Conference Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre (BIECC) The third edition of the largest process engineering conference in the Gulf region, The Middle East Process Engineering Conference (MEPEC 2015), returns to the island, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister, from September 15 to 17 at BIECC. The objective of the conference and exhibition is to create a forum for facilitating the exchange of practical experiences in all aspects of process engineering. The theme of the event is delivering process efficiency through innovation and value creation. The MEPEC organising committee has identified factors that will lead to collective advancement of the process engineering industry, 28 September 2015
including encouraging students, empowering young engineers, acknowledging women in the industry and supporting innovators looking to showcase their technology. The event features a number of unique industry initiatives including ChemMe (for students and young professionals), the Leadership Excellence for Women Awards (LEWA), and AIChE’s Chem-E-Car Competition. Visit www.mepec.org.
When? September 10, 8pm Event? Khayal Al Thel (The Shadow Fiction)* Venue? Bahrain Society of Engineers E Follow Twitter and Instagram: @Ta2_AlShabab. When? September 10 Event? Documentary Film Screening Venue? Malja, Amwaj Islands JEO Productions taps into the creative scene on the island with the screening of a documentary. It is a series of short films documenting different types of artists from around the country. E Follow Facebook: www. facebook.com/malja, Twitter and Instagram: @maljabahrain #bahrainculture #maljabahrain. When? September 11, 6.30pm Event? Highlighting* Venue? Seef Mall E Follow Twitter and Instagram: @Ta2_AlShabab. When? September 11 Event? British Brunch Venue? Upstairs Downstairs Restaurant E Call 17 713-093 or visit www.upstairsdownstairs.me/ reservation for more information and reservations. When? September 12, 8pm Event? And we meet / In the presence of Abdulrahman Rafi* Venue? The Cultural Hall E Follow Twitter and Instagram: @Ta2_AlShabab. When? September 13 - 15 Event? Training Workshop - Planning and Scheduling for Effective Maintenance Performance Venue? Crowne Plaza Hotel Participants will gain a clear understanding of the critical importance of well planned and executed maintenance activities to achieve maximum operational effectiveness and what it takes to make it happen. E Call 17 810-725, 17727-100 or email bsetraining@batelco. com.bh. When? September 14 Event? Bahrain Writers Circle Monthly Meeting Venue? Coral Bay Get together for a literary evening and meet like-minded people, monthly meetings at 7.30pm. E Call 39 207-624. www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
LET HILARITY RESUME Kyle Grooms
Tom Toal
Bruce Devlin
With the new season comes non-stop laughter, as one of the island’s top comedy shows returns with a bang this month. When? September 10-11 Event? Stand-up Comedy Venue? The British Club and InterContinental Regency Bahrain The Chuckle Club is all set to launch its second season of comedic brilliance with its September tour. It kicks off with an exciting line-up of three talented international comedians, who will be touring the Middle East. Bruce Devlin, Kyle Grooms and Tom Toal will be taking to the stage at The British Club on September 10 and the InterContinental Regency Bahrain on September 11. Bruce Devlin burst onto the Scottish comedy scene when he stole the show at a stand-up comedy course graduation showcase in October 2000 where he was described as “a natural performer and in total control of the audience” by Evening News. Since then this outgoing, original and outrageous performer has graced many stages with his magnetic presence. 30 September 2015
Bruce has notched up an impressive number of Edinburgh Festival Fringe shows including Three Fat Ladies: A Murder Mystery and Stand Up Scotland. He’s an MC extraordinaire, performing all over the UK and the world, an Edinburgh, Glasgow and New York comedy festival regular with many television and radio credits to his name. Kyle Grooms is one of the industry’s must-see comedians, with a long list of notable accomplishments as actor, writer and comic. Kyle delivers an honest and intelligent view of the world, while giving an intimate look into his life experiences growing up in America. Throughout his career, he has appeared in his own hysterical half-hour stand-up special on
Comedy Central, while also making multiple appearances on VH1, NBC’s Last Comic Standing and famed sketch comedy production, Chappelle’s Show. Among his many accomplishments, his first comedy CD, The Legend of the Jersey Devil, was named one of iTunes’ Top 100 Comedy CDs of 2009. A regular on the New York comedy scene, Kyle has performed at several top clubs and has been featured on various television, radio and internet broadcasts, such as P- Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy, Jamie Foxx’s Laffapalooza, The Byron Allen Show and more. Kyle continues to grow as a stand-up comedian, writer and actor, and can currently be seen performing worldwide. Tom Toal is a comedian,
writer and actor from South-East London. One of comedy’s rising stars, he performed his debut show On The Scrapheap, about the break-up of his sixyear relationship, at the Edinburgh and Leicester Festivals in 2010, achieving widespread acclaim and positive reviews. In 2013, Tom performed at The Comedy Reserve with The Pleasance Theatre at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and in 2014 he became an Amused Moose Best Comedy Show
finalist for his solo Edinburgh Festival Fringe Show, Tom Toal: Prequel. Tickets are priced at BD12 and can be purchased online at amiando.com/ chuckleclubsept2015. Shows start at 8.30pm. Uber is the official transport partner of The Chuckle Club and, upon purchasing tickets, to the show, new Uber users will receive a promo code to enjoy free rides to and from the show. Follow Chuckle Club’s social media for updates and more information. www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
A SIDE-SPLITTING ACT When? September 18
Event? Comedy Show
Enjoy a great evening of fun and laughter as UK funny man Patrick Monahan comes to the island to deliver a high-energy family comedy show. This Irish/Iranian Teesider will be performing his full UK tour show, Adventures in Monahanland, at
Venue? Upstairs Downstairs Restaurant
Upstairs Downstairs restaurant on September 18. Patrick blends an energetic comedy style with hilarious and engaging topical and observational material. Known to work a room, he is adored by his audiences and makes an effortless connection with them. He was the winner of the 2011 ITV1 series Show Me The Funny which led to the release of his debut DVD Patrick Monahan Live (2 Entertain). In 2012 he won Best Newcomer at the Loaded LAFTA Awards and Forth Radio Best Stand-Up People’s Choice Award for his hit show Hug Me I Feel Good. His TV appearances include Comedy Annual, Daybreak and Loose Women (all ITV1) and The Wright Stuff
CAKE DECORATING When? September 18, 19 & 20 Event? Cake Decorating Venue? Al Safir Hotel, Juffair Learn how to make stunning cake decorations with two special classes: Gravity Defying Lalaloopsy Structure on September 18 and 19 and Gravity Mechanical Swing Carousel on September 20. Both classes will be held from 9am to 6pm at Al Safir Hotel, Juffair. The classes will be taught by internationally renowned artist Eleni Moustala from Greece. The participants will learn how to make the critical structure of lalaloopsy (dimension: height 65cm, base for cake 40cm X 35cm), how to take apart and assemble structures at venues and how to carve real cakes. In the following class (carousel dimensions: height 35cm, base for cake 35cm X 35cm), participants will learn how to create motion in cakes and gravity defying teddy bears. They will also learn how to decorate their cake and be able to take away their own handcrafted masterpiece. Everybody, even beginners, can attend the workshops as analytical information and the necessary help will be given. The Lalaloopsy and Carousel classes cost BD170 and BD 140, respectively, inclusive of all material, lunch buffet, coffee breaks, covered car parking and high speed wifi. Call 17 255-601 or visit www.facebook.com/pages/NozeensTrading-Bahrain/1468162760163913. 32 September 2015
(C5). Among other accolades, in 2014, Patrick took part in the hit family entertainment series Splash! (ITV) and appeared on the brand new series of Celebrity Squares (ITV). Patrick is also a regular MC and headlining act at the top London and UK comedy clubs and is in huge demand on the corporate circuit as an after dinner speaker and awards host. The show promises to be energetically witty and charming, so expect plenty of playful audience interaction. Show starts at 8pm and tickets are priced at BD15 per person. Call 17 713-093, email info@ upstairsdowsntairs.me or visit www. upstairsdownstairs.me/reservation.
FAMILY FUN When? September 19 Event? Splash Race Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa
Enjoy a great day out with the family as The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa organises its first family fun splash race, in partnership with Bahrain Road Runners. The participants will compete in surprise water splash challenges over 3km distance for the adults and 1km for the kids. The event will take place on the hotel’s croquet lawn, at 9am and tickets are priced at BD12 net for adults and BD8 net for kids, including T-shirts, healthy buffet, refreshments and prizes. Ticket prices are the same for members and non-members but advance reservations are compulsory. Call the Sports Club on 17 586-612 or email rc.bahrz.events@ritzcarlton.com.
When? September 15, 7pm Event? The Youth Art Salon* Venue? Arts Centre E Follow Twitter and Instagram: @Ta2_AlShabab. When? September 15 – 17 Event? Middle East Process Engineering Conference (MEPEC 2015) Venue? Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre E Visit www.mepec.org. When? September 17, 8pm Event? First Experiment* Venue? TBC E Follow Twitter and Instagram: @Ta2_AlShabab. When? September 18, 8pm Event? Sahara Kownia (Universal Desert)* Venue? Shaikh Salman Bin Ahmad AlFateh Fort, Riffa E Follow Twitter and Instagram: @Ta2_AlShabab. When? September 18 Event? Comedy Show with Patrick Monahan Venue? Upstairs Downstairs Restaurant E Call 17 713-093, email info@ upstairsdowsntairs.me or visit www.upstairsdownstairs.me/ reservation. When? September 18 Event? Yoga Retreat by Adora Evasan Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art Learn the ancient art of Rishikesh yoga with a workshop that covers the four essential elements of yoga. Costs BD38 inclusive of vegetarian lunch, with 10 per cent discount if payment received before September 10. A half day workshop, without lunch costs BD20. E Call 17 230-123, email info@ lafontaineartcentre.net or visit www.lafontaineartcentre.net. When? September 18 - 19, September 20 Event? Cake Decorating Classes Venue? Al Safir Hotel, Juffair E Call 17 255-601 or visit www.facebook.com/pages/ Nozeens-TradingBahrain/1468162760163913. When? September 19, 7pm Event? Closing Ceremony of Ta›a Al Shabab (Youth Festival) Venue? The Cultural Hall E Follow Twitter and Instagram: @Ta2_AlShabab. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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happenings
ENJOY A CLASSIC! When? September 19 Event? Family Fun Splash Race Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa E Call the Sports Club on 17 586-612 or email rc.bahrz. events@ritzcarlton.com.
When? September 20 Event? Movie Night Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art What better way to start your week than with a relaxing evening at a stunning venue watching a classic film? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art will hosts its movie night on September 20 and screen the 1997 British-American biographical war drama film Seven Years in Tibet. The film is based on the 1952 book of the same name written by Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer on his experiences in Tibet
between 1944 and 1951 during World War II, the interim period and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s invasion of Tibet in 1950. The screening of Seven Years in Tibet starts at 8pm. Tickets are priced at BD10 and the value can be used as credit at the venue’s restaurant on the same evening.
When? September 20 Event? Movie Night (Seven Years in Tibet) Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art E Call 17 230-123, email info@lafontaineartcentre.net or visit www. lafontaineartcentre.net
Call 17 230-123, email info@ lafontaineartcentre.net or visit www. lafontaineartcentre.net.
KIDS EID CAMP When? September 23-25 (First three days of Eid - TBC) Event? Kids Camp Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa
Keep your children busy during the upcoming Eid Al-Adha holidays as The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa holds a Ritz Kids Eid Camp for children aged four to 12. The Ritz Kids experts welcome children to take part in fun-filled
activities designed specifically for their age groups. Turn your child’s vacation into an exciting adventure by combining outdoor sports and activities with arts and crafts and other games. Kids are encouraged to explore the sights and sounds of the hotel and its environment. Guided by the Ocean Mystery Box, the programme lets children interact with their surroundings in a fresh and exciting way. Over the three days, children can indulge in various activities including mini Olympics, beach volleyball, dodgeball, bouncy castle, water volleyball, junior gym, team building, football and face painting. The camp will be held at the hotel’s Royal Sporting Club (RSC) from 10am to 4pm. Day passes are available at BD29 net per child for RSC members. Other prices apply for non-members. Call the Sports Club on 17 586-612 or email rc.bahrz. events@ritzcarlton.com.
When? September 21 Event? Bahrain Writers› Creative Workshop Venue? Coral Bay Learn how to work on your creative writing skills with a workshop at Coral bay, 7.30pm. E Call 39 207-624. When? September 23-25 (First three days of Eid - TBC) Event? Ritz Kids Eid Camp Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa E Call the Sports Club on 17 586-612 or email rc.bahrz. events@ritzcarlton.com. When? September 29 – October 1 Event? Gulf Health Care Summit 2015 Venue? The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa E Call 17 365-044 or visit www.gulfhealthcaresummit.com.
FOCUS ON HEALTH When? September 29 – October 1 Event? Gulf Health Care Summit 2015 Venue? The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa
The first event of its kind to be held in the Kingdom, the inaugural Annual Gulf Health Care Summit 2015 will be held under the patronage of His Excellency Sadiq Abdulkarim Al Shehabi, Minister of Health, from September 29 to October 1 at The Diplomat Radisson Blu 34 September 2015
Hotel, Residence & Spa. The event will offer healthcare professionals, senior management, medical and non-medical staff from hospitals and primary healthcare institutions, healthcare service providers and representatives of medical devices and hospital information technology providers a unique opportunity to learn international best practices in hospital administration, patient care and patient safety as well as gain firsthand knowledge from global subject matter experts. The three-day event includes a two-day
conference with international speakers plus one day featuring six practical workshops on healthcare management. The summit will bring together, on a common platform, international experts who have played a vital role in designing and deploying initiatives and healthcare quality improvement programmes, which has enabled them to provide patients and their families with high quality care at an affordable cost. Call 17 365-044 or visit www. gulfhealthcaresummit.com. www.bahrainthismonth.com
AFTER
DARK
HEY MR DEEJAY PUT A RECORD ON
HAPPENINGS
Bahrain This Month talks to VJMP3, one half of the duo responsible for the kingdom’s first DJ Festival
When? Daily Event? Ladies’ Night Venue? Shift 7 Girls get three free drinks including house cocktails, any time between 3pm-2am. Call 36 020710. When? Daily Event? Navy Discount Venue? Barrel Sailors, make the most of your time ashore with 20 per cent discount all night long. Call 66 901-323.
Katrin Love
WestSide
Sonia
When? Sundays Event? Finess Ladies’ Night Venue? Klub 360 Unlimited drinks for the girls from 9pm for BD5. Call 36 025-360. When? Daily When? Mondays Event? Samuria Monday Venue? Bushido Free appetisers, half price drinks and a prize for the best selfie of the night. Call 17 583-555. When? Tuesdays Event? Ladies’ Night Venue? Upstairs Downstairs Unlimited selected drinks and snacks for the girls for BD6 Call 17 713-093.
Riddler
VJMP3
DJs Detour
When? September 3 Event? DJ Festival Venue? Royal Hall Sixteen DJs, one venue, eight hours of non-stop music. That’s what’s in store when the island’s first DJ Festival takes to the decks at the Royal Hall on September 3. The event is organised by Abdulrahman Saif and VJMP3, who says: “We thought about bringing a new concept to Bahrain with a massive local line-up of DJs. “Most of the DJs are Bahrainis or living in Bahrain. We posted all over social media that we were making The DJ Festival and 30 DJs contacted us. Due to the limited time we picked the most active and professional DJs out of them. www.bahrainthismonth.com
“It’s taken two months to set the concept, location, stage design and DJ line-up and organise the event in a way that everyone will be satisfied.” Himself a regular on the club scene, VJMP3 adds: “I started my music career in 2006. I’ve played all around the Middle East in top clubs, venues and events. I’ve won many DJ competitions in the region and I’m releasing my first official track Shine With You with an international music clip which is going to be on most of the famous music TV Channels worldwide.” Aimed at the 21 - 40 age group, spinners on the bill are: DJs Detour,
Danzel, Black, Derek J, Katrin Love, WestSide, Riddler, Jack Street, Fredz, Mysterioo, Tazlee, VJMP3, Salime, Sonia, SWIF and Ali Bakhtiar – many are names clubbers will recognise from the likes of Ibrida, Klub 360, Cavallo Club and Formula 1. VJMP3 says: “Every DJ has his (or her) own style of music. And they play across a range of different genres as well such as hip hop, R&B, house, EDM, reggae, deep house, trap, progressive, trance, old school, new school and much more”. Tickets are available at www. togetherinbahrain.com priced BD7 or on the door at BD10.
When? Wednesdays Event? Boys’ Night Venue? Cavallo Club Buy one get one free on selected beverages for the guys, from 9pm. Call 34 091-533. When? Thursdays Event? W Night Venue? Bushido Dress to impress and enjoy free drinks all night for the girls. Call 17 583-555. When? Fridays Event? Tipsy Firdays Venue? Club Buffalo Ladies pay BD3 for unlimited drinks from 9pm-1am. Call 39 508-403. When? Saturdays Event? Ladies’ Night Venue? Downtown Unlimited Cosmopolitans for the ladies from 9pm to midnight. Call 35 034-768.
September 2015 35
afterdark happenings
JAMMERS UNITE Calling all musicians and singers, its time to step into the spotlight and enthral a live audience at one the island’s most popular nightclubs.
RAMEE GROUP
Every Sunday night, Juffair becomes the centre of something rather special. The Wild Westthemed venue, Club Buffalo, in
36 September 2015
Ramee California Hotel, opens its doors to amateur and professional musicians who wish to join the in-house band on stage for Jam
Up night. The club’s in-house band Overnight starts the evening with a stellar routine of old and new hits.
As the crowd grows more enthusiastic, they make room for anyone who wishes to join them. Each week an eclectic array of rock, Latin, afro, metal, folk, soul, funk and chart tunes mix’n’match as musicians let their hair down with respectful bravado for each other. The night doesn’t belong to the professional musicians alone; don’t be shy to show off your musical chops on the stage and even if you don’t have your own entourage to cheer you on, at Buffalo, everyone’s a friend and highly encouraging. If you don’t want to take part, you’re still free to head down and catch others in action. Be there at 9.30pm every Sunday to get a slice of the action. Call 39 508-403 or 33 183-627.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
The Warbler in Ramee Baisan International Hotel, invites all carnivores for a night of meat galore. Meatopia food festival features some of the highest quality, ethically sourced meats, cooked to perfection by Ramee Group of Hotels’ executive chef Harabilasha Panigrahi. Come down for this fiery fiesta from September 17 – 19. End the month with a spectacular selection of ales at the Oktobrefest on September 24 and 25. Some of these fine international brews will be available from 18th onwards. Call 17 290-600.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Metalheads can headbang to the songs of one of the biggest heavy metal bands ever, Metallica, at Rocky’s Café with the tribute band, One. These four horsemen perform your favourite Metallica numbers on September 17. Entry is priced at BD5; you can go for the buffet and a drink package for BD12 and an all inclusive unlimited drinks package for BD20. The band goes on stage at 10pm. Those who can’t make it for the show on the 17th can catch the band play again at Club Buffalo the next day. Call 39 643-063, 36 289-349.
September promises to be another party packed month in Dublin Club, with two big surprise gigs lined up. In addition there are several weekly attractions to look forward to. Drop in for a jam session with in-house band Stereo Revolution every Saturday night or dance the night away every Sunday with DJ Jon’s non-stop hits for five hours. Ladies’ Night takes place four times a week – Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, with unlimited beverages from the Citrus Chic menu. Call 39 610-405.
September 2015 37
afterdark happenings
MAKE SOME NOISE RIVIERA IN BAHRAIN
The Noise
DJ Lost Frequencies
When? From September 3 Event? Band performance Venue? JJ’s There’ll be rejoicing at JJ’s when much-loved former house band, The Noise, make a triumphant return after a year away. The band have been rocking Bahrain regularly since 2009 and the island really took them to its heart awarding them first place in the BMMI Battle of the Bands and The BIC National Day Band Competition. Throughout the years there have been a few changes in the line-up but the one constant is frontwoman and band manager, Jo (Josephine Ellul) who owns the stage with her awesome voice and infectious enthusiasm. Be it rock, pop, blues or acoustic, she delivers every time and audiences can’t get enough. Now The Noise are back home at JJ’s, using the best musicians from previous line-ups, Scott and Sharke, with some fresh talent, Ellis, completing the four-piece. Every member also sings and this incarnation of the band promises to be the most electrifying yet! They’ll be playing every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, from 9pm onwards, and on Fridays from 6pm to entertain the after-brunch crowd.
Event? Pool Party
Also on the 25th, look out for the Monte Carlo Party at Bushido taking place in partnership with the French Riviera’s favourite nightspot, Jimmy’z of Monte Carlo, which has hosted the likes of Calvin Harris and Benny Bennasi with a guest list that reads like a who’s who of the rich and beautiful from Bono to Naomi Campbell. The event features mega DJ Lost Frequencies, best known for his 2014 hit Are You With Me, which topped the charts in seven countries and made top 10 in several others. He’ll be supported by one of the top resident DJs from Jimmy’z and DJ Albert. And, on the night, the venue will be transformed from a tranquil and luxurious Japanese restaurant to one of the chicest and most lively nightspots on the island. Tickets cost BD10. Free entry before 10pm.
40s– STYLE GLAMOUR
TUNE FOR TIVOLI When? September 4
When? September 25 Event? Party Venue? Bushido
Venue? Coral Bay
For those who like music of the outdoor and somewhat damper variety, Coral Bay hosts the Tivoli Pool Party on September 4 with DJ Jojo, who’s played at the likes of Ministry of Sound and Movida in London, taking to the decks all the way from Lebanon. DJ Miled gets the party started at 1pm with Jojo taking over through to sunset. Tickets are BD15 on the door.
ENTER SAND MAN When? September 17 & 18 Event? Tribute band Venue? Rocky’s / Club Buffalo Rock fans are also catered for this month with the One – Metallica tribute heading to Rocky’s, at the Ramee International Hotel, on September 17, and Buffalo Club, at the Ramee California, on September 18. Established in 2008, in their home town of Minneapolis, USA, these four horsemen are unlike other Metallica tributes, as they focus explicitly on the audio and visual aspects of the band’s live shows. Their catalogue consists of over 60 songs and the stage show is a memorable one that fans will remember from the 80s and 90s with theatrical thrills, pyrotechnics, stage props and more. 38 September 2015
Glamophones
When? September 25 Event? Band performance Venue? JJ’s Back at JJ’s, on September 25 everyone’s favourite Irish bar is staging a retro revival with glamourous British musical trio The Glamophones live on stage from 9pm. The Glamophones are a retro vocal harmony trio from Birmingham. A breath of fresh air in an old fashioned way, the girls perform songs from the 40s right through to modern day hits with their own vintage twist. Not a victory roll or seam out of place, the girls dazzle wearing vintage replica dresses, taking you back to a golden era of fashion and music. Tickets are BD5 on the door, from 5pm, first 20 ladies get in free. www.bahrainthismonth.com
INTERVIEWS
FORMULA FOR SUCCESS CHARLIE HOLDING
ALSO THIS MONTH: 41 SAY YES TO LIFE 43 MAKING A SPLASH
From humble beginnings to staggering success, this self-made man has experienced a roller-coaster life filled with ups and downs.
Dr. Yousef Mashal
E
ntrepreneurial Bahraini Dr Yousef Mashal was brought up in a strict military household where, early on in life, he realised the importance of structure and self-discipline. His father, one of the Kingdom’s first BDF officers, hoped his son would follow in his footsteps and, for a time, he did – but in his heart Yousef had other plans. “My father wanted his sons to be like him,” Yousef explains. “He taught us that people who fail to plan, plan to fail and if you don’t plan ahead there will be consequences.” www.bahrainthismonth.com
Yousef joined the BDF in 1982 and, his potential suitably regognised, he managed to get a scholarship to study in America. His trip state-side taught him many things, one of the most important being able to speak English. “When I got to America for university I couldn’t speak English at all, so I had to learn quickly,” he says. Little did Yousef know that his dorm roommate would not only help him with English but also teach him a valuable life lesson. “He was an American student who helped me get a part-time job at a restaurant he was working in,” he says. “During one of the
holidays he felt bad I was alone so he invited me to spend it with his family, and when we got to his house I was amazed. “His house it was palatial; his father was a US senator and had a helipad in the garden. I asked my friend why he was working in a restaurant when his father was rich and he said ‘because that’s my life, this is my father’s life’. “It was like a knock on the head for me; it inspired me to work harder and gave me the ambition to start my own business.” Upon returning from the US, Yousef resumed his position with BDF and married his childhood sweetheart, Sawsan. However, despite having a fulfilled family life he soon found himself wanting more from his work. “You get in at a certain time, sit in an office and leave at a certain time. I felt that there wasn’t enough creativity for me in the post,” he says. During a chance encounter with a Dutch engineer during a long boat ride, Yousef revealed his ambition to start his own company. Serendipity soon took over as the engineer told Yousef he had a friend looking for a person in the Gulf to work on commission selling chemicals for cleaning and maintaining ships. Following an introduction to the company in Holland over telex, Yousef and Sawsan got a CR and took a small room at the top of her father’s office. Mashal Chemical Industries was born. “Between us, we had BD1,452 which we saved to go on a vacation but we agreed to invest the money in our new business instead,” Yousef explains. “Our office was tiny and beaten up but it was a start.” Ironically, Yousef flunked Chemistry 101 twice when he was a student and now he was making a fledgling attempt to sell a product he knew nothing about. When the first consignment of chemicals arrived, the husband and wife duo stored them in another small room in Ma’ameer. After managing to sell the whole lot in a relatively short period of time, Yousef called the company in Holland to share the good news. continued... September 2015 39
interview
Dr. Yousef Mashal with the King in 1983
“They thought I was lying and trying to cheat them!” he says. “Two days later a big Dutch guy arrived in Bahrain and began asking me what happened to all the chemicals. I told him I sold them. I gave him a cheque for the amount I’d made and he then asked me to be the company’s agent for the entire Gulf … and I still didn’t know much about the product.” Over the years Yousef’s newfound determination and business acumen paid off and Mashal Chemical Industries began to diversify its portfolio, reaching out to other companies and industries, eventually consolidating them all. Tragedy hit in 1990, when the Gulf War erupted while the Mashal family was on holiday in Cyprus. “We were walking past a TV and saw on the news ‘Gulf Crisis’, we didn’t know what was going on,” Yousef says. Following their holiday, the family came back to Bahrain at a time when everybody else wanted to run away. “I thought ‘This is my country, I’m not going anywhere, I’m going to run my business.” 40 September 2015
Although some may argue it was a questionable decision to stay, it ended up giving Yousef’s business the boost it needed. In a case of turning lemons into lemonade, Mashal Chemical Industries used its regional reach to bring the US and British military much-needed chemicals for the cleaning and maintenance of their military might. Although it seems like Lady Luck played her part in Yousef’s success, he doesn’t really believe in luck. “I believe that life is a lot like riding a train,” he says. “The train has stops and you have the chance to get off at the station or not. You can take a chance and get off and maybe it doesn’t work, but you’re still at the station and can always catch another train to a new station. “I’ve failed many times; not everything I’ve ever done has been a success. I’ve been bankrupt, didn’t have any money to pay the bank, I had loans, I ran for parliament and lost, but I came out of it OK and stronger for it. If you
want to jump, you have to bend yours knees.” The future sees no sign of the 56-year-old slowing down as he feels life is about setting himself new challenges. Having achieved an MBA and PhD in economics and politics, Yousef would now like to travel the world as a political and economic analyst giving speeches and submitting papers. As for the future of Mashal Chemical Industries, he’s already put his three sons to work from the bottom up so they can earn their success the same was as Dear Old Dad.
Dr Mashal receives the Bahrain Businessman Of The Year Award from HRH the Crown Prince in 1996
www.bahrainthismonth.com
SAY YES TO LIFE
Sajee Nissan
CHARLIE HOLDING Sajee Nissan chatted to BTM about the Art of Living (AOL) courses during his recent visit to the Kingdom as part of a GCC-wide tour.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar founded The Art of Living as an international, non-profit, educational and humanitarian organisation. Advocates believe its educational and self-development programmes offer powerful tools to eliminate stress and foster a sense of well-being. Sajee is one of the organisation’s senior teachers and is currently overseeing DSN stress-elimination programmes. DSN, which translates to “Don’t Say No”, is a rigorous and transformational course that advocates believe empowers participants to break through personal inhibitions. “It’s a complete package of meditation, breathing techniques, communication skills and some physical exercises,” Sajee explains. “Sometimes in life things go wrong, but all you need to do is train your mind.” According to Sajee, one of the biggest misconceptions about the AOL is that it is a religious institution associated with Hinduism. As a practising Muslim, he strongly disagrees. “Yoga and breathing techniques are beyond Hinduism; they are practices for a strong mind and body,” he says. “This programme is around the globe — we have centres in 153 countries, members of all nationalities and we have teachers from every religion. It’s inclusive, welcoming and helps you to deepen your roots and broaden your vision. “Coming from a Muslim family, I had some initial
challenges. My relatives were not very encouraging in the beginning and they thought it was something un-Islamic, to embrace something connected to Hinduism. Luckily, I was able to convince them and now they practice AOL. “I think what convinced them was seeing the transformation in me; I used to be very shy and introverted but now I’m confident. AOL can have the same effect on others too. “We’re not trying to convert anyone from their religion — the mission is to convert people from stressed to relieved.” Sajee’s journey to enlightenment began in 1997 in Kerala after a very close friend asked him to join him at an Art of Living course. “After doing the programme and experiencing it for myself, I thought it was something beautiful. I was hooked,” he says. AOL has been active in the Kingdom since 1998 and was initially practised at people’s homes but as the numbers grew, a dedicated facility was acquired in Zinj. With around 200 members in Bahrain — of different religions, ages and backgrounds — Sajee says members become “like family”. “When you start a programme, the hall is filled with strangers,” he explains. “There is a big difference between spirituality and religion and one of the best parts of the programme is that, within two or three days, everyone becomes like a family.” September 2015 41
interview
Mohsin Falee demonstrates a Human Flag with Shehab Saeed
MUSCLING UP SUPPORT FOR CALISTHENICS CHARLIE HOLDING Teams from around the world have signed up to compete at the first ever Calisthenics World Cup (CWC), which takes place in the Kingdom this November.
T
he man behind the event and founder of Big Up Sports, Shehab Saeed, says he’s looking forward to putting the Kingdom’s best athletes up against global opposition in the contest which requires participants to perform a variety of challenging exercises, generally without using equipment or apparatus. “Besides the Bahrain team, we have competitors coming from Poland, Ukraine, USA, Holland, Argentina and the UAE,” he explains. “The wheels are firmly in motion and we are working closely with our sponsors to spread the word. Approximately 32 competitors are set to come to the Kingdom for the event as well as celebrity guest judges, who will be announced shortly.” Among the sponsors are Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain), 42 September 2015
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, Hotel & Spa and Gulf Digital News (GDNonline). Prior to the main event, Big Up Sports-sponsored athlete and Bahrain representative Mohsin Falee will demonstrate the basics of the sport in a series of videos posted on GDNonline. “It’s a great way for people to find out more about calisthenics before the event and hopefully it will inspire them to try it for themselves,” Shehab says. Closer to the event, a series of workshops at RCSI Bahrain are also in the pipeline for fans who want to get some insider tips and tricks from the competitors themselves. “RCSI Bahrain places great emphasis on fitness and healthy living, which is what calisthenics is all about,” Shehab says. “It’s a natural and safe way to get in shape because you’re lifting your own bodyweight, which is what your body is
designed to be able to do.” While the sport is already very popular around the world, it is rapidly gathering momentum in Bahrain. Devotees claim that because it can be done anywhere with no equipment, it is an ideal workout. Finding a venue to stage the competition was an integral part of the puzzle that has recently slotted into place. The recent announcement that it will be held at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, Hotel & Spa is already sparking excitement among fans “We wanted to hold the event in a place where people could come and enjoy it,” Shehab explains. “This is why we are very pleased to have the Ritz as our location.” The event will feature big money prizes with USD10,000, USD6,000 and USD4,000 for first, second and third place respectively. Follow @calisthenicsworldcup. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Pierre Vasseur
MAKING A SPLASH CHARLIE HOLDING The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark is surfing the waves of success this month as it gears up for Eid and its 8th anniversary celebrations.
P
ierre Vasseur, the waterpark’s new general manager, is a man with a vision and has big plans for September and beyond. With a background in hospitality, marketing and sales, Pierre – who is also the GM for Al Areen Palace & Spa – has a hands-on approach to every aspect of the waterpark. “I don’t like to think of it as micromanaging, I just hate being stuck behind a desk all day,” he explains. “I go all around the park to make sure everything is working properly and to ensure our guests are happy and safety is optimised.” In fact, happy guests are what Pierre is all about, and he’s going the extra mile to prove it by hosting more ‘special’ days and introducing new attractions. “The majority of our guests are families and teenagers so we try to cater to everybody’s tastes,” he says. “In the coming www.bahrainthismonth.com
months I’m planning on adding at least one new slide to give teens an adrenaline rush as well as reinforcing more activities in our Saturday Family mornings.” The waterpark’s Ladies Night is already a huge success and sees the facility full to the brim with females eager to enjoy a splash without being ogled every Thursday evening. Besides the new slide, Pierre also plans to introduce a new water bar to add to the already numerous food and beverage outlets located across the park. Pierre’s commitment to utilising every inch of the park daily is undoubtedly the key to his success. “We use the waterpark for team building activities and have even started a men-only night for communities — such as the Al Eslah Society.” “We are oganising a lot of events especially
during the summer season and for the upcoming Eid. Over the weekend we host special events and bring regional and local artists and DJs from across the GCC. There will be magicians, face-painting and a lot more. “New investments are also being planned as the waterpark aims to add more slides and attractions towards the next season. In addition, we are looking into opening the space for a unique and memorable outdoor wedding venue, the first of it’s kind in Bahrain.” “It’s an exciting phase and we hope that with the number of growing guests we are continually having, we are able to deliver a world-class experience and services to everyone.” To mark LPOD’s anniversary on Saturday, September 12, visitors are entitled to a 50 per cent discount on entry. Call 17 845-100. September 2015 43
interview CHARLIE HOLDING Any good business is built on a solid product and impeccable customer service. Gowtham Sharma
GEARING UP FOR NEW MODELS
G
owtham Sharma — general manager at JAC Motors — is a firm believer in the importance of going the extra mile for customers, regardless of how big or small their purchase. “We offer a wide range of vehicles to suit every taste and requirement but the most important aspect of our business is the customer,” he says. “Without them, we wouldn’t have a business and that’s why we offer them exceptional value for money.” Chinese automaker JAC Motors (Jianghuai Automobile Co Ltd) has a wide model line that spans from commercial trucks to small city cars. “The 1.8-litre J5 sedan is our best-selling model,” Gowtham explains. “There are 150 on-road in Bahrain at the moment and I have no doubt that figure will rise with the introduction of the new 2016 model.” The new J5 and a selection of other vehicles — namely the J4 sedan, S3 SUV and a 17-seater luxury bus — will be available for test drives in October and customers can put in their orders now for when they are officially launched early next year. Although some drivers in the Kingdom may be unaware of JAC Motors, those in the know can rest easy knowing that the J5 was the best selling Chinese car in the Bahrain market last year. “After JAC was launched in 2012, many other Chinese cars were coming into the market but because of our tremendous customer support we kept our customers and have the sales figures to prove it,” says Gowtham. He is confident that the selection of JAC Motors vehicles will exceed expectations thanks in no small part to the attractive packages on offer. “We give a five year unlimited mileage warranty, so the quality is assured,” he explains. “We have a turn around of 24 hours for servicing and — if it takes longer than 24 hours we will provide a replacement car.” The 2016 J5, will be available in a new range of colours, with a wide selection of features including fully-loaded leather seats, alloy wheels, parking sensors and five years unlimited millage warranty for BD4,990. “If you’re still not convinced, we can lease you a JAC vehicle at only BD120 per month whether it’s the 2016 J5 or the MPV minibus … size doesn’t matter,” Gowtham adds. “That covers service, insurance, registration and a replacement car during servicing, all you have to do is enjoy the drive.” Call 17 270-270.
44 September 2015
www.bahrainthismonth.com
To view the video, scan the QR Code, or visit www.bahrainthismonth.com. JAGUAR LAND ROVER
BACKSEAT CHAT They say choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life. Such is the case with this maverick entrepreneur who has whipped up quite a storm with his sweet creations.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Mahmood Janahi of Mahmood Janahi Cakes and Bakes is a prime example of the new breed of entrepreneurs developing in Bahrain and the Gulf region. He joins George Middleton in a Land Rover Discovery Sport for a candid conversation about how his hobby turned into a full time career and made him a social media star. Mahmood is an accomplished HR specialist, social media personality and professional baker whose talents are revered by his clients and fans alike. “I started baking when I was eight. It happened by accident,” says Mahmood. “I was a very naughty child and my grandmother used to try to contain my energy by giving me a cake mix and asking me to read the method and bake it with my cousins.” This task set in motion his interest towards the culinary arts; a skill set that came in particularly handy when Mahmood left to pursue further education in Australia. Being the only student able to cook and bake soon made him popular among his peers. “I remember I baked a cheesecake once and everyone loved it so much. They encouraged me to start my own baking business when I returned to Bahrain and I used to think that would never happen.” Upon his return to the Kingdom began a career in human resources, but his love of baking soon popped
Mahmood Janahi with George F Middleton
up again. He introduced his colleagues to some of his creations and many inquired if he took orders and sold the cakes somewhere. “A friend of mine who worked with me at the time offered to create a menu for me and forwarded it to a few people. Within three hours I got the call for my first order,” he notes. “That was eight years ago, and I haven’t looked back since.” With the help of social media, his creative preparations became immensely popular and today he is supplying them all across the region. Although the volume of work has increased, he still bakes each cake himself. “The brand is Mahmood Janahi Cakes and Bakes. What you get is something from me with my name on it; so it has to have the touch of my hand,” he explains. Earlier this year when Cake Boss’s Buddy Valastro was in town, Mahmood got the opportunity to serve his some of his creations. “I got an order for a couple of cakes and the person insisted that I deliver them personaly. So when I walked in, to my surprise, it was Buddy. I was ecstatic; couldn’t believe what I was seeing. We exchanged a few words and I just left and the next day I got some really good feedback.” Watch the complete interview with Mahmood Janahi on Bahrain This Month’s website and Youtube channel. September 2015 45
backtoschool
Back to School Cool Get your kids kitted out and ready to go back to school in style. Take a look through our round up of essential items from uniforms, bags, water bottles, footwear to stationery and more.
UNIFORMS It goes without saying, this is the most important thing to get right as many schools have a tough policy when it comes to uniforms being, well, uniform! Below are some helpful hints to ensure your little (or not so little) ones are looking sharp. • If you have a choice of colours e.g. grey or white shirts, go with the darker shade — stains will show up less. • If the school’s uniform list gives options, such as skirts or pinafores for girls, and you’re unsure about your child being the ‘odd one out’, ask around among those with older children at the school. • If your child is on the skinny side, look for trousers and skirts with adjustable waistbands. • New clothing technology can make life easier — non-iron garments cut down laundry time and Teflon coatings on trousers and skirts can help prevent stains. SHOES Prepare your kids for their back-to-school adventure and the start of the new term with a new pair of shoes. Whether you’re looking for the latest designs, affordable prices or maximum durability, the Kingdom has a host of affordable and quality school shoes for both boys and girls. BACKPACKS Ensure your kids are heading back to school cool with a new backpack. They are available in a range of sizes, styles and colours. Backpacks will offer a stylish way to store those much-needed school essentials. STATIONERY School stationery is a must have for any child in the classroom, so make sure yours are heading back to school with a full pencil case. With a choice of stationery sets, notebooks and pens your kids will be prepared for any lesson. OPTIONAL EXTRAS • Binders • USB Drive • Personal Planner • Calculator • Post-it notes 46 September 2015
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Insta
backtoschool INTERCOL
Quality You Can Trust It’s back-to-school season in the Kingdom and children are excited about returning to their classrooms. Canon, one of the world’s leaders in high quality print and imaging products and solutions, unveils its Back-to-School promotion, offering a wide array of top-of-the-line printers. Under the theme “Bring colour to life”, Canon printers come from its PIXMA, MAXIFY and i-SENSYS line of products, coupled with many others from its core printer models. As an added incentive, buyers get BD5 to BD10 cash back on selected models purchased during the promotion. Furthermore, they can get free Canon cartridges, calculators and high-quality 80gsm A4 paper reams when buying selected models. The PIXMA Ink Jet Multi-Function printers boast stunning print quality, easy-to-use software, enhanced connectivity and beautiful designs. The extensive PIXMA inkjet printer range includes models to suit both homes and small businesses, while PIXMA professional photo printers are the perfect match for exceptional photography. The MAXIFY business printers deliver professional quality, colour printing and high levels of productivity to small and home offices. From simple printers to all-in-one printers with copying, scanning and faxing functionality, the MAXIFY range offers high efficiency and a wide range of connectivity options. i-SENSYS printers deliver high-speed, high-quality laser printing,
copying and colour scanning. Selected models add on fax functionality, network printing or even complete colour output.. Canon’s Back To School promotion runs from the beginning of September while stocks last at all available retailers and from its showroom located in Zinj at Nasser Pharmacy Building. Call 17 214-715 or 38 342-321.
Bring colour to life
Intercol-Canon Showroom Zinj (Nasser Pharmacy Building)
Tel: 17214715/38342321 48 September 2015
www.bahrainthismonth.com
THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF BAHRAIN (BSB)
Top of the Class With the aim of providing the best possible education to its students, one of Bahrain’s top schools is getting set for the coming academic year. The British School of Bahrain (BSB) is considered one of the best schools on the island, where students come first. The privately owned co-educational facility is licensed by the Ministry of Education (MoE). BSB is a melting pot of cultures with over 2,000 students of average ability or above from 66 nationalities, with excellent behaviour-for learningattitudes. The school follows the English National Curriculum for England with accommodation for subjects required by the MoE: Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, Citizenship Studies and Social Studies of Bahrain. The school is organised into various sections: Infants — comprising nursery, reception, Years 1 and 2; Juniors — comprising Years 3, 4, 5 and 6; Seniors – comprising of Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 along with the Sixth Form, comprising Years 12 and 13. The state-of-the-art campus in Hamala boasts well-appointed classrooms with interactive multi-media whiteboards and Wi-Fi access. There are three specialist art studios, a food technology room, 10 science labs, a library for each school, six IT labs; two large sports halls, three music rooms, two drama studios, two dance studios, several multipurpose rooms, an indoor swimming pool, outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts, new track field and a new multi-purpose sports-hall-cum performance space.
BSB’s upcoming online payment solution accepts debit and credit card payments securely via the school’s website, giving parents an easy and hassle-free fee payment option. Email admissions@thebsbh.com or visit www.britishschoolbahrain.com.
British School of Bahrain Welcome to the new academic year 2015 - 2016
www.britishschoolbahrain.com
Fresh START, Fresh HOPES, Fresh PLANS, Fresh TECHNOLOGY, Fresh EFFORTS, Fresh FEELINGS, Fresh COMMITMENT
BritishSchoolBahrain
British School of Bahrain
Admissions: +973 1761 0944
admissions@thebsbh.com
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Thebsbh
SportsAcademyBSB
Academies: +973 1761 0943/73
BSBAPA
www.britishschoolbahrain.com
academies@thebsbh.com
HR: hrcv@thebsbh.com
September 2015 49
homefurnishing
A new season brings with it new collections and an opportunity to refresh the home. Whether homeowners are looking for a completely different look, simply wish to create a new feeling with accessories or update the ambiance with more modern home entertainment, this is the perfect time.
Make A House A Home
50 September 2015
The kitchen is undoubtedly the heart of any home, regardless of its size. It’s a lively room filled with aromas and energy and although the bedroom may be where life is made, it is undeniably lived in the kitchen. Whether you want top of the range glassware or hotel-standard kitchen equipment, K Home & Kitchen has the answer. For many of us, life in Bahrain means a rental property. To add some individuality head down to Lakeland in City Centre Bahrain for brightly coloured and quirky kitchen and home accessories to liven up your living space. Your living room should be a place to relax, put your feet up and let the stresses of the day slip away. Deck our your space in neutral colours for a calming feel, pick up soft, luxurious throws, scatter pillows and curtains from the likes of Home Centre, Home Box or Bo Concept and check out some of the numerous local galleries for interesting artworks to adorn your walls. We spend a third of our lives sleeping, so choosing the right mattress is vital for a good night’s sleep. American Beds, the exclusive supplier of Restonic mattresses, recommends asking lots of questions and testing its products prior to purchase to ensure you get the right one. And top it off with some high-grade linens from The White Company to give your bed that sumptuous hotel. While new arrivals to the Kingdom may revel in the summer sunshine, those who live here will go to great measures to avoid the heat. Yateem Air Conditioning has a wide range of Carrier Air Conditioning products to help keep you cool. Or step over to Yousif bin Yousif Fakhro, the kingdom’s exclusive stockiest of Frigidaire air conditioning systems. And for a one-stop shop, whatever your style, you’ll find all you need to makeover your home at Almoayyed Furnishing which has wide selection of home accessories.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
YOUSIF BIN YOUSIF FAKHRO
Keep Cool This Summer conditioners features many of Frigidaire’s signature technologies, including a highly powerful compressor that remains durable even in extreme conditions. Frigidaire’s Home Comfort Collection’s new 2015 range features 50Hz high ambient split air conditioners that are apt for this region as they are designed for high temperatures, cooling the room to a perfect level for you. The super tropical, Mitsubishi Japanese compressor gives you an improved, more reliable performance. These models are tested to perform at the highest requirement of up to 52ºC, with +5 per cent tolerance, which hits 55ºC. So you can relax, be comfortable and let the split air conditioners do what they do best with their unique key features. Cold Plasma Ion Generator This removes potential health risks by eliminating harmful agents in the air, deactivating 90 per cent of airborne bacteria, dust mites and pollen. Easy Auto-Detection Mode An intuitive LED message display ensures quick and easy diagnosis of errors.
With temperatures soaring, it’s essential to invest in air conditioning that not only keeps you cool but is also absolutely vital for you and your family’s health.
The hot climate we live in calls for round-the-clock air conditioning, be it at home, office or the mall. But have you ever wondered what type of air are you actually breathing? Frigidaire’s heritage dates back to 1918 as a brand that stands for quality American appliances and groundbreaking, consumer-oriented technologies — many of which are still in use today. Frigidaire’s commitment to its customers’ wellbeing has seen the brand achieve several milestones, including the launch of the first ever window-mounted air conditioner in 1938. Carrying on the tradition of designing advanced technology for the home, the 2015 range of air
Extra Features • Active carbon • LCD wireless remote control • Rotary super tropical compressor • LED evaporator display • Automatic 24-hour on/off timer • Automatic vertical swing louvre control • 4 fan settings (high, medium, low and auto) • Sleep-economy mode www.bahrainthismonth.com
• Memory • Automatic restart • Dehumidification function • Mildew-free design • Child safety lock • Overload and temperature protector compressor • Quiet operation • White colour styling
Bio-HEPA Filter The Bio-HEPA filter is composed of white electret fibres that aid sterilisation and a green terylene filter which acts as an anti-bacterial. 3M High Air Flow Filter The active carbon filter captures particles and reduces mould for easy maintenance. TurboCool The high-speed fan reduces room temperature by 5ºC in five minutes. Eco-Friendly R410 Refrigerant The refrigerant causes no harm to the ozone layer and helps the environment. Frigidaire air conditioners are available in capacities of 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 tons. Moreover, Frigidaire split air conditioners come with a seven-year warranty on the Mitsubishi Japanese compressor along with a two-year comprehensive warranty. Yousif bin Yousif Fakhro is the sole distributor of Frigidaire in Bahrain. Call 17 408-150. September 2015 51
homefurnishing AMERICAN BEDS
Spend Right for Your Type centre or too firm? Further questions relating to health concerns are also important; such as do you suffer from a sore shoulder or back pain? Buying a mattress is personal and intimate. American Beds, the exclusive supplier of Restonic mattresses, says it is highly advisable to test the products at its showroom. Lying down and positioning yourself in various positions and speaking to knowledgeable people will determine your preferences.
We spend one third of our lives sleeping in bed, so choosing the right mattress should take utmost priority. Ask lots of questions and test the products prior to purchase. What are the most important criteria when choosing a new mattress? A mattress should suit your unique needs, so it’s vital to know what you want before making the all-important purchase. It may seem strange, but making a list of the faults of your current mattress may help with your final decision. Ask a couple of simple questions — is it too soft in the
Here are a few tips from American Beds, worth considering: • When testing the mattresses, always use the same pillow — preferably your own or one from the showroom. Using different pillows will not give an accurate comparison. • Lie on the mattresses as you do at home — side, back and front. • Focus on bodily ailments, such as hip problems, when comparing different mattresses. • Take your partner along when testing the mattresses. It’s a good idea to find out which mattress is suitable for both of you. • Finally, don’t forget to ask lots of questions. Visit American Beds, where the dedicated sales staff right through to the friendly delivery team will provide you with the best advice, service, value and price. Call 17 213-998 or email info@americanbeds.com.
Thad & Christine
Anu & Anna
Carlo & Leizel
Vanessa
Hanoch & Sameer
Akilan & Maneesh
Mario & Zack
Larry
Residence Inn Campaign Residence Inn by Marriott held an afternoon tea for the participants of its brand campaign video competition called ‘Fill up the Suite’. Rania & Joanna
Anusha, Joanna & Gel
52 September 2015
Prajith & Jobi
Lori & Liza
Zata & Reynaldo
Jassim & Ahmed
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Every great day begins with a great mattress. At American Beds we believe a healthy lifestyle begins with a good nights sleep. That’s why for more than a century we have been providing a peaceful sleep to thousands of our satisfied customers with mattresses that are deep, supportive and highly durable. Using state-of-the-art technology, our mattresses are famous for being the most comfortable anywhere in the world. To find out more, just pop into our new Bahrain showroom and put your mind at rest.
www.americanbeds.com PO Box 20376, Shop No. 31-33, Building 29, Block 331, Manama, Bahrain | info@americanbeds.com | Tel: +973 1721 3995 | Fax: +973 1710 2864
homefurnishing K HOME & KITCHEN
Catering to Your Needs Whether you want top-of-the-range glassware or hotel-standard kitchen equipment, this company has the answer. K Home & Kitchen is one of the biggest stockists, distributors, wholesalers and retailers of hotel/restaurant/catering supplies in the Kingdom of Bahrain. You will find the company’s presence across the country in almost all three-, four- and fivestar hotels and resorts as well as palaces, finedining restaurants, coffee shops, luxury serviced apartments, quick-service restaurants and other food service and hospitality outlets through its portfolio of global brands. The showroom, located along Exhibition Road measures 20,000sq/ft and displays a wide range of food service and hospitality products from world-class brands. The well-stocked warehouses in Sitra are also ready to cater to valued customers for orders and quick replenishment of stocks. The company has expanded its fleet of delivery vehicles to meet increasing customer
54 September 2015
demands and its team of well-trained, knowledgeable sales and marketing personnel are technically equipped to give detailed information of the products on offer and ensure personalised service to customers. K Home & Kitchen recently started a wholesale division for trading and supplies to all major hypermarkets/ supermarkets offering a wide range of international brands including: Libbey — USA (glassware/bake ware); RCR — Italy (crystal glassware); Sola — Holland
(flatware/cutlery); Casabriko — Italy (cloth care/cleaning supplies); Flameclub — Holland (household gas lighters); Palo’s — Italy (N/S cookware); Trudeau — Canada (homewares); 151 Products — UK (house ware) and Corelle, Baker’s Secret and EKCO — USA (dinnerware/ bake ware/kitchenware/knives). K Home & Kitchen welcomes you to visit the Showroom in Exhibition Road. Call 17 296-363.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
YATEEM AIR CONDITIONING
A Breath of Fresh Air Air conditioning has been around even longer than sliced bread and this company just keeps improving its product. When sliced bread was invented in 1912, it was the greatest thing to happen since air conditioning. You see Willis Carrier invented the first modern air conditioning system in 1902. And Carrier has been perfecting his idea ever since — while enjoying the occasional piece of toast. Like yourself and your family, staff at Yateem Air Conditioning also enjoy a piece of toast, but their real passion remains focused on air conditioning and their range of Carrier Air Conditioning products. For the staff at Yateem, the status quo will never be acceptable. Serving the needs of Bahrain for more than 60 years, the company’s engineers and design specialists have continued constantly pushing the envelope of intelligent design and, with Carrier products, they consistently perfect and install the most efficient and innovative heating and cooling systems. Because, the company believes your
www.bahrainthismonth.com
family deserves nothing less than the best. The experts are standing by to answer any questions you may have and to work with you to ensure your needs are met and expectations exceeded. System types, air quality, energy efficiency, environment, repair or replace, service and maintain, they have all
the answers you need. So the next time you chew on a piece of toast, think of Yateem air Conditioning and all the wonderful air conditioning solutions it can offer you. Call 17 271-271 or 17 253-177.
September 2015 55
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bystander
Infiniti Launch
YK Almoayyed & Sons launched the all-new Infiniti Q70 during a press conference held at the Infiniti showroom in Sitra.w Mona Almoayyed, fourth from left, Infiniti staff and models with the new car
Marise, Sandeep & Sreekumar
Salman & Ahmed
Beat
Peter
Mirna
Rohit
MMA Conference
Under the patronage and attendance of His Highness Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport, the Khalid Bin Hamad Foundation held a press conference and dinner to announce His Highness’ professional and amateur teams who will represent the Kingdom of Bahrain at the MMA International Championships. The event was also attended by the legendary MMA & UFC champion Renzo Gracie. Robert, Eldar, Islam, Alex ‘Extremo’, Mohammed, Mohammed ‘The Hawk’, Khabib ‘The Eagle’, Hamza & John
HH Shaikh Khalid shows off his MMA shirt
HH Shaikh Khalid with the teams
58 September 2015
Renzo Gracie
www.bahrainthismonth.com
MOTORING MOVIE STAR LOOKS AND CHARACTER CHARLIE HOLDING
ALSO THIS MONTH: 60 A CLASSY COUPÉ 62 COOL NEW CONCEPT
The latest offering from this iconic marque might possibly be the best car I’ve ever driven.
Rolls Royce Wraith
R
olls Royce is a name synonymous with class, sophistication and performance. The mere mention of it is enough to inspire passion in some and envy in others. I’ve been a motoring correspondent for many years now and, in the process, I’ve driven literally hundreds of cars. From bulking SUVs to squashed compacts and everything in between but I’ve never had a ride as perfect as the Rolls Royce Wraith ‘Inspired by Film’. This model celebrates Rolls-Royce’s long heritage in film, with the pinnacle of automotive luxury taking leading roles in movies for years, featuring in hits such as Goldfinger (1964), The Yellow Rolls-Royce (1964), The Thomas Crowne Affair (1968) and The Great Gatsby (both the 1974 original and its remake in 2013) to name a few. After flying to Dubai and being handed the keys to the gleaming roller an ear-to-ear grin shot across my face almost as fast as this model does 0-100kmph (4.6 seconds).I pushed www.bahrainthismonth.com
the unlock button on the key fob and a solidsilver hand-cast Spirit of Ecstasy ornament proudly emerged from the bonnet. The simple yet contemporary interior is perhaps even more impressive than the exterior. It offers expanses of soft full-grain leather, natural wood veneers and carpets that could put a Persian rug to shame. The driver-centric cockpit boasts a large display panel in the centre stack, located just above the chrome dual-zone air-conditioner, which belts out an artic blast. Since each model is bespoke the options list is limited only by your imagination … and spending power. Make no mistake about it, this car is massive but, true to form, it handles like a hot knife through butter. Corners, hairpin turns and even bumper-to-bumper traffic were all met with confidence. Its makers refer to the drive as a ‘magic carpet ride’ because it feels more like you’re gliding on the road thanks to the adaptive air suspension at all four corners.
When you pair this level of comfort with the staggering amount of power under the bonnet and the refinement of the interior, the results are mind-blowing. The 624bhp twin turbo V12 is nothing short of incredible, it would have to be to lug this heavyweight along. Now, I’m usually not one to complain but, in my opinion, a chimp with a crayon designed Dubai’s road system. It’s notoriously unforgiving; one wrong turn and you have no choice but to go miles in the opposite direction before you find your way back. Luckily for me, I was more than happy to do so in this car. Even sat in traffic, envious drivers were peering in, no doubt wondering if I was a chauffer or a millionaire … they jury is still out on that one. However, perhaps the funniest part of my day is was when I stopped by the Atlantis to take in the view. No sooner had I parked up then a group of tourists swarmed me asking for pictures of me with the car … perhaps they thought I was a movie star or, maybe, they read Bahrain This Month? September 2015 59
motoring
Mercedes-Benz CLS500
AL HADDAD MOTORS
A Classy Coupé CHARLIE HOLDING This four-door coupé seamlessly blends sophistication and comfort to create an unmistakable driving experience.
60 September 2015
It has been far too long since I’ve sat behind the wheel of a Mercedes, but after driving the new CLS500 the reasons I love this marque came flooding back. The concept of a four-door coupe isn’t for everyone; in fact, that’s the slogan for this model given by its makers. However, for drivers who appreciate form and functionality, the CLS500 stands its ground. Most luxury sedans have a broad range of features that differentiate them from ‘lesser’ models and this car is certainly one that stands out from the pack. The exterior design is exactly what drivers have come to expect from Mercedes; classy, distinctive and dynamic. When I first laid eyes on this seductive coupé I couldn’t help but compare it to a bullet … it’s sleek, aerodynamic and alludes to the power under the bonnet. The 4.6-litre twin-turbo V8 gives the CLS500 more than enough oomph to shoot off the mark like, well, a bullet. Now, it comes as no surprise that there is a selection of driving modes, namely; comfort, sport and eco. When you’re cruising in eco and hit the traffic lights, an extended tap on the brake idles the engine to save on fuel — a great touch. The standard Airmatic suspension offers comfort and sport — with a feeling of a luxurious ride and confidence in the car’s stability, with it sitting flat
during hard cornering or under heavy braking. Since it is a rear-wheel-drive, cornering in this model is particularly fun. During my jaunt around the Kingdom I put the car through its paces, taking in roundabouts, hairpin turns and some fantastic straights that allowed me to let the ponies under the bonnet gallop. When it comes to the interior, this model is quintessentially Mercedes. Standard features on all models include leather upholstery, active parking assist, memory electric front seats, COMAND multimedia system, electric rear-window blinds, automatic AC and LED exterior running lamps. The display screen is nestled in the centre stack and everything is intuitive and simple to operate. My favourite feature in the fully-loaded model I drove was the pulse function on the driver’s seat. With the push of a button, the lumbar support repositions to give you a massage that rivals some of Bahrain’s spas. In fact, when I was stuck in a traffic jam, I closed my eyes and just enjoyed it. Overall, this is a model that needs to be driven to be believed and, fortunately, test drives are available at the Al Haddad Motors showroom in Tubli. Call 17 785-454. www.bahrainthismonth.com
It’s OK to stare.
The GL 500. The power of luxury.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.
With new futuristic MULTIBEAM LED headlamps and “diamond grille”, perfectly handcrafted details and visionary technology, this seductive four-door coupé steals the spotlight from every angle. status. 435 horsepower. 7 seats. Ultimate
www.bahrain.mercedesbenzme.com MercedesBenzBahrain MercedesBenzBAH MercedesBenzBahrain AlHaddadMotors MercedesBenzBAH AlHaddadMotors
Al Haddad Motors P.O. Box 242, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, Tel: (+973) 17785454, marketing@alhaddad-mercedesbenz.com, www.bahrain.mercedesbenzme.com
motoring EURO MOTORS
Cool New Concept
This German marque is aiming to impress with its latest concept, a stunning mean machine that builds on a tradition of racing heritage.
62 September 2015
Following last year’s launch of the BMW M4 Coupe, BMW M Division is whetting fans appetites with the reveal of the new concept M4 GTS. The world premiere took place last month surrounded by topflight classic automobiles on display at the Monterey Car Week in California, USA. The move sees the BMW M Division return to its roots with the Concept M4 GTS, a model that continues in a proud tradition. Technology honed in race competition, a hike in power, a commitment to lightweight design and limited production numbers have ensured M vehicles offer unbeatable performance coupled with a powerful driving experience. “While the BMW M4 Coupe embodies the ideal combination of motor sport genes and unrestricted everyday usability, the BMW Concept M4 GTS previews an emotionally powerful and exclusive special model conceived with an eye for trailblazing technology and a keen focus on the race track,” explains Frank van Meel, president BMW M Division. “Despite its outstanding track ability, it is still fully road-legal. This is racing technology for the road in the truest sense.” The BMW Concept M4 GTS showcases new technologies destined to make their series production debut in a new model, which is due to be unveiled at a later date. For example, the BMW Concept M4 GTS features a water injection system that has already provided a significant output and
torque boost in the BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car. Additionally, it has rear lights with OLED (organic light-emitting diode) technology. The concept’s manually adjustable front splitter and rear wing — both in exposed carbon — ensure perfect aerodynamic balance and allow the model to be adapted for both individual race tracks and for use on the road. Another example of the engineers’ rigorous adherence to lightweight design is the carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic bonnet, which lowers the car’s weight and centre of gravity further still. Although details are not yet clear when it comes to a power figure for the Concept M4 GTS, the new water injection system — which injects water vapour into the intake manifold to cool the air entering the engine — is believed to bring an eight per cent increase over the 425bhp of the M4’s standard engine. To ensure optimal operating temperatures in all situations, the M Division engineers have developed a highly innovative and effective cooling system. It comprises a main radiator, plus additional radiators for the high- and low-temperature circuits, transmission and turbocharger in order to keep temperatures stable. The turbochargers are cooled by means of an indirect intercooler, assisted by an additional electric water pump. Make no mistake; this is a model with character and presence in equal measure. Watch this space for more details! www.bahrainthismonth.com
motoringnews&launches
Tested To Extremes This big cat is springing into action, making light work of a range of different driving situations and adapting to the incendiary temperatures of the region.
Bahrain Debut Featuring a new design, improved ride comfort and intelligent safety technologies, this is an SUV with character. Y.K. Almoayyed and Sons, the dealer for Infiniti in Bahrain unveiled the new Q70 sedan. With a fresh exterior, the new model takes the emotion-packed character of the performance sedan to another level, its makers say. “We take pride in offering our discerning customers vehicles that reflect not only their lifestyle, but also their high standards of style and elegance. Besides, they expect nothing but the best when it comes to levels of design, performance, safety and technology, and the Infiniti Q70 delivers on all these parameters,” says Paul Baker, general manager, Infiniti Bahrain. “The new Q70 further raises the benchmark in this segment with a host of innovations that will offer a driving experience that is both exhilarating and rewarding. We are extremely confident that the Q70 with its overall ingenuity will be a success in the Bahrain market.” The Q70 is launched with the Excellence and Luxury Grade that features the Premium body design. As an added alternative, the Sport Grade is available with the Sport body design. The Sport body features a specially designed front bumper that gives an even lower and wider stance. The trapezoidal bumper intake and apron shape inspired from racing car splitters give an athletic presence and bold impression. Call 17 732-732 or visit the Infiniti showroom in Sitra.
Expect More From New Model Arrive at your destination safely and in comfort with this compact SUV. Motorcity launched the Chery Tiggo 3 SUV at the Chery showroom in Sanad. The new model is a modern SUV designed with Chery’s new concept of “sensory quality” and its powerful and elegant integrated body design exudes a trendy appearance, its makers say. It is powered by 2-litre Dynamic Variable Valve Timing(DVVT) engine that delivers 137bhp. Mated with the latest Continuous Variable Transmission, the new Tiggo 3 aims to provide optimum fuel economy and manoeuvrability. The suspension system — which was tested by LOTUS to ensure comfortable rides — comprises of MacPherson www.bahrainthismonth.com
struts in the front, while the rear employs a double link independent system. This combination, along with the ground clearance of 190mm, makesdriving on different terrain easier. The new model boasts a multifunctional steering wheel, electrically-regulated exterior sideview mirrors, four power windows, automatic air-conditioning and cruise control as standard. It is also equipped with active and passive safety systems which include dual front airbags, rear parking sensors, and ABS with EBD to create a comfortable driving environment. Prices start from BD4,900.
From the searing heat and dust of Dubai to the ice and snow of Northern Sweden, the new Jaguar F-PACE has been tested to the limit in some of the most inhospitable environments on earth. To ensure that every system functions perfectly even under the most extreme conditions, this performance crossover has been subjected to one of the most demanding test programmes the company has ever devised, its makers say. “We developed the F-PACE to offer the ride, handling and refinement demanded from a Jaguar, together with exceptional levels of ability and composure on all surfaces and in all weathers,” says Andrew Whyman, Vehicle Programme director, Jaguar F-PACE. “Just as we paid obsessive attention to detail over the engineering of every single component, we’ve exhaustively tested the F-PACE in the most challenging conditions to ensure that it will exceed the expectations of our customers around the world.” At Jaguar Land Rover’s test facility in Arjeplog, Northern Sweden, average winter temperatures rarely exceed -15°C and often plummet to -40°C. The 60km purpose-built handling tracks, mountain climbs, inclines, split-friction straights and off-road areas are ideal for optimising the calibration of the all-wheel drive system, Dynamic Stability Control and technologies such as All-Surface Progress Control. In Dubai, ambient temperatures can exceed 50 degrees in the shade. When vehicles are left out in direct sunlight, cabin temperatures can soar to 70 degrees — exactly what’s needed to ensure that everything from climate control systems to infotainment touchscreens function perfectly in extremes of heat and humidity. The F-PACE has also been driven over gravelled mountain passes. This is the first time that a Jaguar test programme has included this uniquely challenging environment, and it is this attention to detail that will help to make Jaguar’s first performance crossover the benchmark in its segment.
Call 17 621-162 or visit www. motorcity.com.bh. September 2015 63
motoring E.K. KANOO
Leave Ordinary Behind The newest edition to this marque’s impressive range aims to redefine what a luxury sedan should be.
Lexus Bahrain recently unveiled the new 2016 ES, a classy sedan with character by the bucket-load, much to the delight of Lexus enthusiasts. The new ES embodies a generational change, embracing contemporary values that view individual mobility and luxury as important contributors to quality of life, its makers say. Attention to aerodynamics and weight reduction contributes to the fuel efficiency, as well as the exceptionally quiet ride. The design certainly makes an impression. The strong dynamics of the low set ‘spindle grille’ immediately identify the ES as a new generation Lexus while the headlamps with integrated arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights heighten the sculptured styling. To complement the impactful new form, two 17-inch wheel options with directional spoke patterns are added. The 2016 model takes luxury to an even higher level with a new sporty steering wheel and a collection of new interior colour combinations and trims.
The interior is quintessentially Lexus and it appears that not much has changed ... but that’s a good thing. The dashboard carries over the current layered approach, but areas around the centre stack add some stitched trim to give a more sophisticated look. For the new Lexus ES, engineers applied structural reinforcements to increase stiffness in the vehicle’s unibody construction. However, that makes little difference to the way the car is set to drive thanks in no small part to the exceptionally smooth 3.5-litre V6 engine. The ES is the first production model to introduce the Lexus Safety System +, which combines key innovative safety technologies into a single networked package. Among them are the Pre-Crash Safety System, the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and the Lane Departure Alert, as well as the Automatic High Beam. Call 17 737-773, visit the Lexus showroom in Sitra or visit www.lexus.com.bh.
Lexus ES
64 September 2015
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Charma, May & Asela
Chery Tiggo Launch Motorcity hosted an exclusive media preview for the all-new Chery Tiggo 5 at its showroom in Sanad. Nasser Kanoo, Waleed Kanoo, Bijan, Issa Kanoo & Khalid Kanoo
Brett, Bush, Nasser & Mike
Bisan & Randa
Trevor
Visitors check out the cars on display
Matthew & Mark
Toyota Launch Ebrahim K. Kanoo launched the new Toyota Hilux during a press conference held at the Toyota showroom in Sitra. Management at the launch
Khalid & Fawaz
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Ismail, Issa & Waleed
Matt & Ken
Ayman & Fuad Kanoo
Ebrahim & Issa Kanoo
Ala
September 2015 65
motoring
ALMOAYYED MOTORS
Bringing the Family Together These four vehicles — renowned for their reliability, power and style — are available at affordable prices with a range of benefits.
66 September 2015
Almoayyed Motors, the Ford dealer in Bahrain, is offering customers four perfect solutions to bring the family together with its range of SUVs. Sandeep Mathur, general manager at Almoayyed Motors, says: “Every family likes to spend time together and these Ford SUVs are the perfect way for the whole family to be with each other and have loads of fun. These four, the youthful Escape, the practical Edge, the innovative Explorer and the ever-popular Expedition, are the ideal family vehicles, thanks to their space, comfort and power. “Besides fabulous starting prices and features, customers can benefit from added value with free insurance and registration. Which is why, this is the perfect time to pick up any of these four vehicles.” The Ford Escape starts from just BD105 per month, the Edge from BD125 per month, the Explorer from BD145 per month and the Expedition from BD175 per month. This is great value for money by virtue of the number of features that each of these vehicles is
packed with, the company says. The models all boast SYNC with MyFord Touch, which allows you to use voice or simple touchscreen commands to make calls, play music, adjust climate controls and get useful information about your vehicle. The Escape 2.5-litre includes dual-zone air conditioning and advanceTrac with RSC. The Edge has AdvanceTrac with roll stability control and adaptive cruise control. Meanwhile, the Explorer has seven seats, terrain management system and rear view camera. Rounding up the pack, the Expedition has eight seats, a 385bhp engine and smooth independent suspension. Customers will also gain the advantage of fiveyears/100,000 mm 24 hour roadside assistance and a five-years/100,000km manufacturer’s warranty. Ford Expedition buyers will receive an exclusive free service for three years or 60,000 kilometers. Call 17 737-373. www.bahrainthismonth.com
downtime gadgets LULU HYPERMARKET
Tech Update
Get involved with Lulu Hypermarket’s great gadget offerings this month.
Asus Notebook – Gaming laptop Samsung Galaxy J5 SM-J500F – Smartphone
Seagate Wireless 500GB – Mobile Storage Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 32GB – Tablet
Samsung Galaxy J7 Smartphone
Lulu Hypermarket can be found at Dana Mall, Hidd, Ramli Mall and East Riffa 68 September 2015
www.bahrainthismonth.com
gadgets BTM brings you the latest gadgets to push your technological buttons.
Star Wars R2-D2 Kitchen Timer
Wiki iMusic Pillow Lying in bed listening to music is one of life’s great pleasures, and the iMusic Pillow is an ingenious invention that allows you to listen to music without disturbing others. Inside the pillow is a specially adapted speaker, in which you plug your MP3 player or iPhone (via a 3.5mm jack) and it’ll play your favourite tunes for your ears only.
For years now only those in a galaxy far, far away have been fortunate enough to have the helpful little droid that is R2-D2 at their side, but that could be all about to change with the R2-D2 Kitchen Timer. As flexible as ever, the R2-D2 Kitchen Timer has a fully rotating head in an effort to make setting the timer as easy as possible. The droid will let out his customary beeps when the countdown reaches zero.
Basket Game Case The Basket Case Game was designed for all office workers who occasionally need some comic relief to get through the day. Simply place the basket on to the head of your colleague of choice and wait for the widespread laughter as you watch them frantically move their head in an effort to capture one of the 20 plastic balls provided. Perfect for lunch breaks!
Key Kong Scratch Map Deluxe Edition The Scratch Map Deluxe is perfect for those who love travelling. The map has a black background with copper foil covering for an extra sophisticated look, and the concept is simply to scratch the countries to log your travels. By scratching off the top surface of the countries you have visited, you will reveal a colourful map underneath that is personalised to you.
World’s Smallest Walkie Talkie Measuring 5.5cm tall they have a range of 100 metres. They’ll transmit through floors and walls and come with batteries supplied. Perfect for kids or even adults sending messages to each other, these will provide hours of fun. www.bahrainthismonth.com 69 September 2015
If losing your keys makes you go bananas then the Key Kong will help you out. Due to his size he would struggle to climb the Empire State Building but your fridge is no problem at all. Utilising the power of magnets, this miniature beast will attach to anything metallic and even doubles as an extremely useful bottle opener.
LED Telescopic Torch Magnet This seriously bright LED Telescopic Torch Magnet has an extremely strong magnet that will provide a simple solution for all those awkward jobs. Nothing will be too far from your reach with this gadget as the arm extends to up to 80cm, so if you’ve dropped your keys, jewellery or anything else in a totally unreachable place, there’s no need to fret.
LifeStraw Water Filter The LifeStraw is a lightweight, portable water device that can filter 1,000 litres of water and remove 99.9 per cent of waterborne bacteria and parasites without the use of chemicals, batteries or moving parts. Weighing only 56g and with dimensions of 22.5 x 2.5cm, LifeStraw can be used by intrepid explorers, campers, trekkers or outdoor enthusiasts to keep hydrated on the go. September 2015 69 www.bahrainthismonth.com
music
Dr. Dre - Compton Verdict: Standout release
that’s been a long time coming
What’s the story?
The third, and supposedly final, studio album from the hip-hop megastar Dr. Dre. It is inspired by the N.W.A biopic Straight Outta Compton and is a compilation-style album, featuring a number of frequent collaborators including Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Xzibit and The Game, among others.
Worth a listen?
Compton contains some of Dre’s most ambitious, idea-stuffed production ever, combining the layered bombast of his previous work with some new tricks that swap between inventive and overstuffed. The album is very much a nostalgic one, looking back on the explosion of hip-hop as evident from the intro, where narration from an old TV documentary describes how Dre’s California hometown was put on the musical map. Standout tracks include Talk About It and
Genocide, where Dre manages insane juggling acts between funk bass, jazz trumpet, extended high-hat solos, acoustic guitars and pounding drums. Lyrically, Compton is not only vibrant but full
of an indignation that suggests world-beating success has done little to lessen the vitriol that fuelled Dre back in N.W.A. This is an aggressive album, underpinned by some clever rhymes.
Shorts
Bullet For My Valentine - Venom
Elbow - Lost Worker Bee
Tame Impala - Currents
The fifth album from the Welsh metalcore group. The songs are full of energy with a healthy amount of double bass and double picking, screams done for emphasis, and some incredible guitar solos that separate catchy choruses. The album also has a pretty good mix of the faster-paced songs, to the slower and more emotion-heavy tracks. The songs could have been on any of the band’s previous releases but if it’s still successful, why change a winning formula?
The English rock pioneers return with a four-song EP that feels much more like the stripped-down, raw ‘early’ Elbow. Lead singer Guy Garvey pays homage to the band’s home of Manchester where the worker bee is a popular symbol - on each track. The album employs a sound well-honed from years in the business, with energetic percussion, solid guitar work and lyrics that are sincere.
The third album from the Australian psychedelic rock act goes into bold and optimistic new waters. The experimentalism is still everywhere including a seven-minute glam opera that is almost impossible to describe in words, and the band seems to have given into their pop tendencies. Currents doesn’t have the immediate grab of its predecessors and takes a few listens, but it’s an accomplished album and worth the wait.
70 September 2015
www.bahrainthismonth.com
games
Games review Verdict: Insane fun with friends Game: Rocket League Rating:**** What is it?
Rocket League is an arena-based, futuristic vehicle football game that will test your driving and stunting skills at the same time. Choose one of a variety of high-flying cars equipped with huge rocket boosters, customise them to your liking, and then race around the arena trying to score a goal in the opponent’s net while also saving shots on your own goal.
Graphics: It’s a physics-based football game, except you play with RC cars. This game is decent playing alone against AI opponents, but becomes brilliant fun when you grab a few friends together on the couch, or take it online for a maximum of 4v4 players. It looks easy, but it’s difficult to master if you want to pull off front-flip goals or desperately activate your car’s boosters to sprint back and block a shot on your goal.
Everybody’s Gone To The Rapture
Everybody’s Gone To The Rapture tells the story of the inhabitants of a remote English village called Yaughton who are caught up in world-shattering events beyond their control or understanding. This tale of how people respond in the face of grave adversity is a non-linear, openworld experience that pushes the boundaries of innovative interactive storytelling. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Gameplay: The visuals aren’t the main focus of the game, but they still pop with vibrant colour. The cars come with tons of customisable options, from paint jobs, to decals to tyres, that means there
Journey
A PS4 release of the exotic adventure with a serious tone. Awakening in an unknown world, the player walks, glides and flies through a vast and awe-inspiring landscape, while discovering the history of an ancient, mysterious civilisation along the way. Journey’s innovative approach to online play encourages players to explore this environment with strangers who cross their path from time to time. By travelling together, they can reshape the experience – creating authentic moments they will remember and discuss with others.
are thousands of potential cars to make. The arenas are also well constructed (if not slightly limited in number) and when you activate the cars’ boost, flames almost explode out of your screen.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
The second entry in the latest instalment in the massively popular stealth franchise sees an open world utilised for the first time. Set in 1984, nine years after the events of Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, protagonist Big Boss awakens from a coma to find his left arm replaced by a prosthetic hook. He escapes from the hospital in an attempt to rescue a former friend and discover what’s happened in the past decade. September 2015 71
websites
bystander
VERDICT:
Useful website to help improve writing
LEGO City City Centre Bahrain hosted the island’s first LEGO City event at the Central Galleria. Dipti, Duaij, Sarah & Ahmed
Site: www.hemingwayapp.com/ Rating:**** What is it?
Hemingway Editor is a great tool for writers of all ages to explore their creative voice, while becoming a stronger writer. The site identifies common writing errors such as difficult-to-read sentences and word usage that could be simplified. Simply write on the website or copy and paste previously written pieces. Once turned into editing mode, it will identify general writing mistakes.
The Good
Aspiring writers of all ages will be fascinated in this editing website, seeing where changes need to be made to improve their writing. The site design is simplistic, yet engaging and instructions on how to use it are very clear. Youngsters at play
The Bad
The site only states what to change, not why to change it. It could do a better job of explaining why certain changes should be made so users learn from their mistakes.
www.camp.withgoogle.com/ Camp Google is a website designed to help kids learn about various topics ranging from music to space to the oceans. The topics change on a weekly basis, and students are provided a series of assignments based on lessons in each topic. The site content mixes videos, written descriptions, and handson activities kids can try at home to illustrate scientific concepts. Each item is designed to answer a question, which helps make the intent and subject matter clear.
www.lessonface.com/
Kids with the LEGO mascot
Nada & Bader
72 September 2015
Mahmood & Oday
Lessonface is a website that offers live online music lessons to students of all ages and levels. All the major instruments are represented, as are some unique choices such as the dulcimer and didgeridoo. Setting up lessons is smooth and simple; the process of searching for a teacher also is intuitive. Students can learn at their own pace as teachers provide live feedback as well as emailed summaries of lessons and practice assignments. Salman
www.bahrainthismonth.com
apps
Essential Apps BTM brings you the low-down on the latest and greatest apps on the market
What is it?
It is a music-streaming app that specialises in mixes for different kinds of workouts. The DJ-created songs provide a consistent beat, helping you choose the right music to power your workout. You can browse mixes by the genre you like, DJ, or type of workout such as spin, Zumba, or yoga. If you like exploring new music and never want to think about putting together a workout mix on your own, FIT Radio is a great fitness app to try.
The Good:
It supports a great variety of workout types and genres from a plethora of DJs, so it will cater to practically any music fan. A great feature is that, after a few uses, new playlists and artists will be suggested for you so you can discover new tunes.
The Bad:
App: FIT Radio Rating:**** Verdict: Fantastic for fitness fanatics.
It’s not as advanced as some of other musicstreaming workout apps that have come out this year, such as RockMyRun, which matches its beat to you, or Spotify’s new Spotify Running feature. For example, you can’t get beats that match your heart rate or running tempo.
App: Earth Primer
App: Journeys of Invention
A fun, interactive and educational introduction to the internal and external structure of our planet and the processes that drive its geology and weather. The app is highly interactive: with the touch of a finger, you can make volcanoes erupt, tectonic plates crash and glaciers advance and recede. You start with the Earth’s core and finish with biomes or ecosystems, unlocking new sections along the way until you’re presented with a sandbox of varied biomes that you can shape using tools that let you change sea level, temperature, rainfall, the deposition of various types of sediments and more.
An interactive app that takes you on virtual journeys to explore 81 technological artefacts from the collections of the Science Museum in London. The objects span more than 1,500 years and cover numerous disciplines, including medicine, astronomy, aviation, electronics and entertainment. A good choice for somebody who is fascinated by science and technology, and is interested in exploring the history of technology for its own sake rather than conducting focused research.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
September 2015 73
movies
bystander
VERDICT:
A much-needed shot in the arm for superhero movies Raesha, Asmi & Neha
Film: Film: Ant-Man Rating: **** Directed by: Peyton Reed Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll
The Plot:
DJ Madjam at Ibrida Ahmad Ajam, nicknamed DJ Madjam, from Beirut, played at the Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa’s nightclub venue, Ibrida. DJ Madjam
Elita, Bobby & Veronica
This origin story follows Scott Lang (Rudd), who is a well-meaning cat burglar recently released from prison. He takes one final job in order to raise enough money to pay child support and visit his young daughter. The job is cracking and stealing the contents of Dr Hank Pym’s (Douglas) safe, which happens to contain the top-secret Ant-Man suit that grants its wearer immense strength but shrinks them down to a tiny size. Elsewhere, Pym’s estranged daughter Hope (Lilly) and former protégé Darren Cross (Stoll) have managed to finally reincarnate the shrinking suit, which they dub Yellowjacket. Pym charges Lang with using the Ant-Man suit to steal the rival suit and destroy it before it can be put into military mass-production.
Worth Watching? Ali & Ebrahim
Evan & Maha
After recent disappointing Marvel efforts, it’s a nice change of pace to see a film focused on character and humour rather than creating expansive set pieces and cramming in as much action as possible. The cast has been superbly chosen, with the eminently-likeable Rudd the immediate standout. Shrinking down to insect-size provides some fun and refreshing cinematography and the few action scenes have some great choreography. The story could have included a few more twists and been less predictable, but it’s an enjoyable heist experience nonetheless.
Megan, Monica, Jess & Jad
Khalid
Lalit
Hitman: Agent 47
Katy & Nancy
Kriz & Angel
The crowd enjoying the music
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Joanna & Tanny
The story of an elite assassin (Rupert Friend) who was genetically engineered from conception to be the perfect killing machine, and who is known only by the last two digits on the barcode tattooed on his neck. His latest target is a megacorporation that plans to unlock the secret of Agent 47’s past to create an army of killers whose powers surpass even his own. Teaming up with a young woman who may hold the secret to overcoming their powerful and clandestine enemies, 47 confronts stunning revelations about his own origins and squares off in an epic battle with his deadliest foe.
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials
The next chapter of this young adult saga sees Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and his fellow Gladers face their greatest challenge yet: searching for clues about the mysterious and powerful organisation known as WCKD. Their journey takes them to the Scorch, a desolate landscape filled with unimaginable obstacles. Teaming up with resistance fighters, the Gladers take on WCKD’s vastly superior forces and uncover its shocking plans for them all. www.bahrainthismonth.com
destinationjuffair
Destination Juffair One of the most happening neighbourhoods on the island, Juffair, is growing at an unprecedented speed. It’s packed with restaurants, nightspots, hotels and everything else in-between.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
A prime real estate address, Juffair is built on a massive land reclamation scheme, which has extended Bahrain’s coastline by two kilometres to the east. It is a self-sufficient district and is popular with expats and locals alike. In the midst of all this stands one of Bahrain’s most iconic structures, the Al Fateh Grand Mosque. A centre for worship and religious studies, this sprawling space of calm and serenity balances out the otherwise high octane energy associated with the area. The US Navy base is also situated in Juffair and is the primary base in the region for naval and marine activities and is home to US Naval Forces Central Command and the United States Fifth Fleet. An impressive address indeed, Juffair is one of the few freehold zones where expats can own property in Bahrain. From multi-storey serviced apartments to lavish villas, there are options for all budgets and requirements. Marriott Executive Apartments offers five-star luxury in terms of space and service, replete with facilities. Other similar residential buildings are Al Safir Tower Hotel, Butterfly Residence, Pearl Bahrain Suites, Ramee Suites and Somerset Al Fateh. The area is also well suited for offices such as Iris Business Centre and Business Bay. There are also complexes like Al Murjan Centre and Al Raya Mall where offices and commercial stores coexist. Catering to the large community living and working in Juffair are a number of supermarkets including Al Jazira, Alosra, Megamart, Jawad supermarket, Zoom and even a Lulu Hypermarket in the pipeline. What makes the area the party capital of the island is its numerous hotels, pubs and nightclubs. Klub 360 in Elite Crystal hotel has hosted some of the most stellar acts in recent times such Craig David. Club Buffalo, in Ramee California Hotel, is another popular spot with its weekly theme nights and parties. Other night-time venues include, Rocky’s Café in Ramee International Hotel, Dublin in Ramee Palace Hotel, Barrel Lounge at Crystal Palace Hotel, Cavallo Club at Atiram Premier Hotel, Bennigans, Wranglers in Juffair Grand Hotel, K Lounge in The K Hotel and Davy Crocketts in Hotel Diva. Ric’s Kountry Kitchen, an Americanthemed diner, is also a popular option. All that partying warrants some good food and that’s where Al Shabab Avenue (known to many as American Alley) comes to the rescue. Packed with all the major quick-service multinational chains to local sit-down eateries, this busy street is a foodie’s paradise. From McDonald’s, Burger King, Papa John’s Pizza, Mooyah, Sumo Sushi, Johnny Rockets, Nando’s, Romano Macaroni Grill and Chili`s to Al Abraaj, Moti Mahal and Lanterns, you are truly spoilt for choice. And if the hustle bustle of the city gets too much for you, head to the calm sea facing frontier next to Najma Club and see the city lights’ celestial dance in the beautiful waters.
September 2015 75
destinationjuffair
Pop It band
CRYSTAL PALACE HOTEL
A Barrel of Fun If you enjoy first class live entertainment and quality food, there is a new contender on the scene in Juffair. Barrel Lounge in Crystal Palace Hotel is fast becoming the place to see and be seen at. Unwind with friends or colleagues over a refreshing drink, maybe even a happy hour cocktail or two, before the evening gets a jump-start by the international house band Pop It and DJ Augs. The talented band has been on the scene for a while and has a solid reputation for earning plenty of fans. Drummer and bandleader, Max, is a self confessed perfectionist and this shines through all the band members as they belt out hit after hit. Kevin and Rob, lead guitarist and
bassist respectively, have racked up gigs throughout four continents on the way to Bahrain, and don’t stop rocking till the lights come on. Maxime, the keyboardist, is a Bahrain veteran who loves being back on the island. The front line of Peter, Chantal and Pam, combine seamlessly with soulful harmonies and well-rehearsed choreography, both on and off the stage. Enjoy the show five nights a week from 9pm Wednesday to Sunday and then join them on stage every Monday for Jam Night. There are freebies and discounts for all participants, plus some great prizes to be won. Playing alongside Pop It is DJ Augs, who has been behind the decks for as long as he can remember. His motto is anything goes, and he still gets a buzz from a full dance-floor as he spins everything from modern chart toppers to old school classics. All details of upcoming events and promotions can be found on the Facebook page, Barrel Western Lounge. Call Kevin on 66 901-323.
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www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Summer Camp Dr Mustafa Al Sayed, secretary general of the Royal Charity Organisation (RCO), inaugurated the third edition of the Lulu-RCO summer camp for orphans under its care. The event took place at Lulu Hypermarket, Hidd. The ribbon-cutting ceremony
Layla & Ragad
Hawra & Mariam
Mohammed & Mohammed
Abdulla & Hamad
Vineeth & Ravi
Somanah & Faisal
Jihan
Bahiya
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Yousif, Mohammed & Ahmed
September 2015 77
destinationjuffair RIC’S KOUNTRY KITCHEN
A Taste of Americana Known for its home-style cooking, this restaurant in the heart of Juffair now includes El Rancho Steakhouse & Cantina that serves up delicious Tex-Mex. A home away from home for American expats on the island, Ric’s Kountry Kitchen has gained a reputation for serving unpretentious and authentic food. In addition to a packed house in Ric’s, you can now find many patrons heading to El Rancho Steakhouse & Cantina, located on the second floor. Featuring an authentic Mexican menu, El Rancho offers a wide range of fajitas, taquitos and quesadillas along with quality cuts of meat. The restaurant only serves USDA-certified Black Angus steaks and prime ribs, imported from the USA. The restaurant has undergone extensive renovations that have created a seamless transition from the downstairs area to the upstairs venue. El Rancho also has its own entrance through a courtyard corridor of vibrant colours that reflects the Mexican spirit, the company says. “Our Tex-Mex menu includes the favourites you would expect from the South-western style of American cuisine,” notes Rick Abernathy, the managing director. “While Tex-Mex tones down the more spicy aspects of Mexican cuisine, customers can still order food as hot as they like it.” Ric’s prides itself on feeling like ‘home’ and treating customers like one of the family. So, sit back and indulge in hearty portions of food brought
straight to your table by the friendly and courteous staff. From mouth-watering breakfasts to burgers, steaks, sandwiches and buffets, Ric’s offers the entire American package. Call 17 725-550.
Ali & Leslie
Jennifer & Georgina
David & Anna
Ali Baba Opens Ali Baba restaurant held a grand opening at Amwaj Lagoon in the presence of media and invited guests. The ribbon-cutting ceremony
Hassanain & Abdulla
Hussain, Hussain, Ali, Khalid, Fadhel, Ali, Mohammed & Hussain
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Layal, Reem, Layla & Noora
Nabeel
Jude
www.bahrainthismonth.com
RIC'SELKOUNTRY KITCHEN RANCHO STEAKHOUSE & CANTINA
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----------------------------------6-10pm
6-10pm
WITH
BEER!
FRIDAY
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PRIME RIB
BRUNCH
BUFFET
11-3pm
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---------------EVERYTHING FROM BREAKFAST, SUSHI TO PRIME RIB!
6-10PM
deliveries | CATERINGS | private functions | RESERVATIONS | 1772 5550-1700 1403 Visit our Website: ricskountrykitchen.net
facebook.com/ricskountry
ricskountrykitchenbahrain
destinationjuffair THE K HOTEL
Gastronomy Unlimited One of the best things about living in Bahrain is the variety of the Friday Brunches on offer. This popular hotel goes all out, to deliver a delicious start to your weekend. Whether you are planning a relaxing stay, looking for somewhere to dine, a place to hold meetings or simply somewhere to catch up on entertainment, The K Hotel in Juffair has it covered. The hotel now presents a bigger and bubblier Friday Brunch. Beautifully displayed hors d’oeuvres in the lobby and the aromas from cooking pasta and frying prawns waft through the air, stimulating your appetite with a taste of things to come. As you make your way into the restaurant, you are greeted by an enormous sushi bar, a variety of salads and mezze. The spread is truly international and the overwhelming diversity caters to a wide range of tastes. At the starter section you can enjoy all that’s on offer, accompanied by a few flutes of sparkling beverage. When you do move on to the main course, you can sample from the delicious Arabic, Indian, Chinese and Italian cuisines. Do not miss the opportunity to choose from a wide range of fresh fish, crustaceans and shellfish, including: oysters, Boston lobster and Alaskan king crabs- prepared to your liking. Remember to save some room for dessert as a range of pies, cakes, fresh crêpes and a fantastic chocolate fountain brings a sweet end to your meal.
Throughout your time at the brunch, in-house musicians, The Sparkling Duo and Ravens Band, will fill the air with tunes; and a magician will keep the kids entertained. The buffet is priced at BD14.500++ with soft drinks and BD19.500++ with selected beverages. Kids up to 12 years get a 50 per cent discount and children below five years eat for free. Call 17 360-000.
Mixology Week Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa hosted the flair-bartending champion Ravi Camardo, on his first visit to the region, for its 2015 Mixology Week at Tapas restaurant. Khaled, Adrian, Basel, Charbel, Ravi, Sami & Moussa
Jeff, Virginia & Alyson
Jacob & Sami
Ahmed & Ayoob
Adrian & Khaled
80 September 2015
Saeed & Gregory
Annabelle
Ryan
Samah & Badriya
Batoul & Apple
Nick & Thamina
Alison & Peter
Ravi & Ricky
Declan & Surbita
www.bahrainthismonth.com
destinationjuffair • Use a concealer for blemishes. Men do this all the time. Don’t think of it as ‘make-up’. • If you’re prone to acne and breakouts, wash your face twice a day with antibacterial soap. • Use a toner to remove excess oil and shine on your face. • Wear lip balm outdoors to prevent chapped lips. Grooming • Keep your finger and toe nails trimmed and clean. • Trim your nasal hair occasionally. • If you don’t iron your clothes, remove them immediately from the dryer so wrinkles don’t set. • Trim your arm pit hair in warm weather. Less hair, less bacteria, less smell. • Good dental hygiene means a dazzling smile. • Beware of ‘skinny’ mirrors in stores. They are misleading. If a style didn’t look good on you in the past, it probably won’t now, unless you’ve made some significant changes.
JOZ SALON & SPA
Metrosexual Men When it comes to grooming and looking your best, it’s no longer just a woman’s forte. In today’s modern age, men are equally interested in pluming their feathers.
Whoever said that men don’t care about their appearance? Au contraire, in today’s society, more and more guys are becoming modernised and will try different techniques to better their looks. Joz Salon & Spa has some basic updated tips for the 21st century. Beauty and Grooming Tips for Men In today’s world men aren’t afraid to make themselves more attractive by using personal care products. Choose what’s right for you and pamper yourself. Skin Care • Wear sunglasses outside. Not only will the sun damage the skin around your eyes, constant squinting will leave permanent creases over time. • Fake a tan. Today’s sunless tanning lotions do not turn your skin orange. • Use moisturiser and sunscreen. Men need it just as much as women. If you don’t have a skin care regimen, start now. • Quit smoking. It restores blood circulation for a healthy glow. • Never pick a mole. If one looks suspicious or is bothersome, your dermatologist can remove it with a simple procedure. • Know your skin and look for suspicious changes. Visit your salon for a complete examination.
82 September 2015
Eyebrow Grooming and Tweezing How your eyebrows are groomed can make a considerable difference to your appearance. Eyebrows help shape your eyes and give you character. If you have bushy eyebrows, it’s important to keep them trimmed and well groomed. Haircut, Styling • Men need their hair trimmed more often than women, approximately every four weeks. • Don’t hold on to an outdated look. Ask your stylist at Joz Salon & Spa for a style that will complement your natural texture and parting. • Try a different stylist if you’re ready for a change. He/she will have some great ideas for colour, cut and style. • If your hair is thinning, don’t fight it. Stick with a short cut or consider shaving it all off. • If your hair gets frizzy in the summer, use a little label.m mousse, gel or styling product designed specifically for frizzy hair. • Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet to ensure shine. Hair Colouring • Hair colour gives an instant turbo-boost for shine, making your hair appear thicker and healthier. • If you’re getting grey, try going back to your natural hair colour. The same goes for a beard and sideburns. • ‘Just for Men’ hair colour is highly popular due to a great product and marketing efforts. • Try a semi-permanent hair colour designed for men to find that perfect shade and shine. • Colouring your hair swells your hair shaft and will make it appear fuller. Call 17 369-133, 16 031-120, 16 031-126 or 17 756-449 for appointments. www.bahrainthismonth.com
destinationjuffair ATIRAM PREMIER HOTEL
A Premier Destination The bustling Juffair area is renowned for its variety of nightlife hotspots and the newest kid on the block is already making a big impression. Partygoers are flocking to Cavallo Club at the AtiramPremier Hotel, a destination that has quickly become a firm favourite. There are plenty of different areas in the club to spend time with friends and mingle during the course of the evening. Whether you are in the mood to hit the dance floor, relax at one of the VIP tables or just want to have a casual drink at the bar, Cavallo caters to all. The club has an impressive lighting system that boasts moving heads and lasers to create an extraordinary party atmosphere. And, if you are feeling adventurous, there is a mechanical bull to give you the ride of your life! Cavallo Club is also home to a scintillating selection of performers and entertainers. South African resident DJ Jono will be in the mix switching it up from house, dance, commercial, radio top 40s, R&B and hip-hop music to satisfy the crowd. There will also be special guest DJs from the UK and US who will also be performing during weekends. For food lovers, if your appetite kicks in during the night, Cavallo offers a delicious menu that features everything from starters and salads to main course cuisine. Cavallo Club is open from 8pm to 2am and prides itself on its different food and beverage packages, Ladies Night, Boys Night and a selection of others.
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Call Warren Leonard (club manager) on 35 181-111 or Megan Lara Rudman (guest relations manager) on 34 187-516.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
destinationadliya
Gastro Hub
Each corner of the island is famous for one reason or another. Seef is the business district, Sitra is known for its car showrooms and Adliya is little slice of paradise for foodies.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Adliya extends a delicious welcome to cuisine connoisseurs with its arsenal of eateries. Though facing significant competition from culinary enclaves across the Kingdom, the neighbourhood is still considered the home to island’s fine-dining scene. Its intimate street culture attracts artists and entertainers and is the centre of a number of street festivals throughout the year. Although fine-dining is the major highlight of the locality, Adliya caters to all budgets and appetites. Middle Eastern cuisine is not only about meat on a stick; however, kebabs and shawarmas are some of the best ways of sampling it. It would be unfair to write about them without mentioning Osama bin Zaid Avenue, in Adliya, otherwise known as Shawarma Alley. Here you can get these meaty treats from 7am onwards. It’s hard to pick one joint out of the dozen stalls over there, however, Haifa Canteen, just for the sheer volume of meat it dishes out in a day, deserves an honourable mention. For a casual meeting with friends over some light bites, coffee or shisha, the neighbourhood has a host of cafes such as Al Bindaira, Chaise, Veranda, Don Vito, Extrovert Café and Med Café. A little further on from Shawarma Alley, across the ‘Ferrari traffic signal’, starts another lane of restaurants. A bit of a mixed bag this one, it consists of some popular quick-service joints like Hardees,
KFC, Pizza Empress and Habara Snacks & Fish. Not too far from here starts the neighbourhood of casual dining restaurants specialising in a multitude of cuisines. For Mexican fare head to Casa Mexicana and Señor Paco’s, for Italian there’s Cico’s, Brazil Rodizio Grill & Lounge offers authentic Brazilian cuisine. Isfahani is where you go for Iranian food, Clay Oven for Indian and Bambu and David’s Stir-fry for Asian preparations. Sitting on top of the food chain is Block 338, a relatively small area packed with an impressive array of truly world-class fine-dining venues. With some of the most stylish eateries in the Kingdom, this is where you go to indulge in some premium cuisine. Home to Upstairs Downstairs, Camelot, Oliveto’s, Zoë and Lanterns Restaurant & Lounge, it is a firm favourite. Meisei serves contemporary Japanese; Café Amsterdam and La Vinoteca Barcelona, new age European and Spanish cuisine respectively. Newcomers like Nicole’s, Umami and Masaya sit confidently alongside favourites such as Coco’s and The Meat Co. If these choices weren’t enough for you, Gulf Hotel is home to 18 fine-dining venues including a restaurant by a Michelin starred chef. Clearly when in Adliya you don’t have to look too far for your next bite; the same holds true for a good drink as well. JJ’s Irish Restaurant & Pub offers a host of ales and nightly entertainment. There are also some other, somewhat quieter watering holes like McGuire’s in Mansouri Mansion and Old Beams that enjoy a cult following.
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destinationadliya CAFÉ AMSTERDAM
Revamped for Success Putting its best foot forward for the season, this chic restaurant reveals a new menu that captures fine modern European cuisine presented with creative flair. Café Amsterdam has earned its reputation as one of the Kingdom’s most popular eateries and is aiming to impress further with its revamped menu. Old favourites remain firmly in place but, thanks to the addition of delicious seafood and grilled meats, there are even more options to choose from. The restaurant has installed a new lobster tank and when you order the “Live Lobster” off the new menu, you’ll be able to meet and greet the crustacean before it becomes your dinner, for only BD18. Using a brand new charcoal oven, a smoky, delicious flavour is infused into all meat cuts, newly-added local hammour, fresh salmon, jumbo king prawns and live lobster. A selection of beef and poultry cuts and a variety of sausages are also grilled to perfection, letting the smoke work its delicious magic. Add to this any of your favourite, homemade sauces at no charge, or opt for new Oporto grape gravy. The range of sides includes creamy mashed potatoes or saucy cauliflower cheese. Those counting calories can go for roasted vegetables, asparagus or sautéed mushrooms. In addition, there’s a selection of ‘weekly specials’ on the menu, allowing some of your all-time favourites to make a come back. The bar staff have created exciting new drinks as well, such as the Mango Mock-o-Lada, with fresh mango, coconut cream, coconut milk and a dash of lemon juice to jazz things up. Call 17 007-404.
Our new menu combines your favourites with new innovative dishes. Using a charcoal oven, that smoky, delicious flavour is infused into all of our meat cuts, as well as the hammour brought in every morning from the fish market, fresh salmon, jumbo king prawns and live lobster. With a range of cuts to pick from, corn fed chicken breast, duck magret and a variety of homemade sausages, there’s plenty to indulge in.
Opposite the Gulf Hotel, Adliya Telephone: +973 1700 7404
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www.bahrainthismonth.com
LANTERNS RESTAURANT
Chill-out Zone With its ‘cool ambience’ and a wide range of enticing offerings, this restaurant remains a hot favourite among islanders all-year-round. Lanterns Restaurant & Lounge in Adliya has established itself as one of the most popular Indian restaurants in the Kingdom. It is the first restaurant in Bahrain to introduce an outdoor chilled water air conditioning system that drops the temperatures by 15 degrees — making it one of the coolest spots in town. “Now diners will get a chance to enjoy the outdoor ambience without melting in the sweltering heat as they enjoy dinner and drinks in our social and festive atmosphere in a comforting temperature,” says Elita Kapur, marketing manager of Lanterns Restaurants.
“Our Garden Lounge is cool no matter the season or how high temperatures soar. You won’t believe it until you experience it!” The restaurant also offers a diverse ‘Bistro Garden’ menu that includes tantalising appetisers from duck roll, crab Rangoon, chicken tenders, fried brie and fish and chips. Besides the normal Indian cuisine for mains, there are items such as tenderloin steak, chilli hammour and roast duck pancake. “Our bar bites are very popular in the garden. They are an ideal accompaniment to your drinks, no matter how big or small your appetite may be,” adds Elita If you prefer sitting indoors, you can go for the popular family buffet which serves up chicken makhani, mutton roganjosh, seafood stir-fry and also features an elaborate salad and dessert bar. The extended happy hour, which takes place everyday in the Truck Lounge, is a big hit as well. Call 17 250-999 or 17 246-777.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
September 2015 87
destinationadliya BAMBU
Memorable Moments
If you’re looking for flavourful food and an enticing ambiance, Bambu restaurant in Adliya could be right up your alley. Known for its scintillating selection of Asian fare, impeccable service and friendly ambience, this restaurant has no shortage of repeat customers. As part of the ongoing summer promotion, for just BD13.800+, diners can enjoy as many items on the menu as they wish along with unlimited selected beverages. Each dish is prepared fresh on the spot by the talented kitchen team headed by acclaimed head chef Lee Jun. Chef Lee is a legend in Bahrain for a reason; she prepares some of the best Asian food you’ll ever eat, filled with flavour and low on grease. You’ll enjoy the upscale setting where you won’t feel rushed while you savor each bite of the numerous delights offered on their menu, which includes street food from China, Thailand Vietnam and Japan. Perhaps one of the most popular items is the infamous salt and pepper crab, a moreish preparation that has a cult following all its own. Bambu offers other exciting packages, like gentlemen’s night every Monday from 6.30pm to 10.45pm, which offers gents unlimited beverages for just BD10. Wednesday it’s ladies night and women can eat and drink as much as they want for BD10+. Bambu has hot-pot nights on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, starting at BD 2.8. Filled with flavorful stew and accompanied with your choice of thinly sliced meat, leafy vegetables, mushrooms, wonton, egg dumplings and seafood, these are dipped in hot broth to cook at your table. Bambu looks forward to welcoming you to taste the flavours of Asia. Call 17 262-555. 88 September 2015
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Babu & Said
Sabitha, Prajith, Presita & Praveen
Lea & Roya
KD
Cavallo Club Opening Atiram Premier Hotel held a grand opening party to launch its Western-themed club lounge venue, Cavallo. The managing partners cut the opening ribbon
Sayu, Salam, Naveen & Anoop
Diona & Mary
Cavallo party animals
Guest DJ Craig
Bob, George & Sayu
90 September 2015
Paul & Stasha
Siyush
Ashley, Nate, Kristen & Lody
Megan & Tiger
Megan
Jasmi & Sunil
Saj
Cavallo angels
Subi, Sayu, Bob, Paddy & Warren
Sudheer & Harish
Jamie & Rose
Bob rides the rodeo bull
www.bahrainthismonth.com
HOME DELIVERY /OUTDOOR CATERING Call us at 17280700 or on Talabat.com Order for 15 BD or more and get 10% off
DINING
STANDING THE TEST OF TIME ANKITA MAMGAIN This restaurant has proudly served generations of happy islanders and continues to forge lasting relationships with anyone who walks through the door.
E
very now and again you come across an establishment that not only stands out from the crowd, it stands the test of time too. Upstairs Downstairs in Adliya turns 40 this year and, like a fine wine, it’s gotten better every year. The restaurant welcomes you with some drinks at the bar, however, my friend and I headed straight to the dining hall — a massive space with ivory walls and impressively high ceilings. It is drenched in an old worldly charm with cobblestone floors, lampposts and a glorious grand piano in the centre. Adding to the welcoming ambience is general manager, George Cherian, a man whose exuberant personality perfectly fits the restaurant’s vibe. He is an instant friend, who welcomes you into his home. It comes as no surprise then that he is proud 92 September 2015
of the many friends he’s made over the years, the Ladies Night anecdotes, distinguished clientele, talented artists and, oh yes, the food! The restaurant has launched a new menu, catering to the diners’ evolving preferences, along with rehashing many of its old favourites. For starters, we enjoyed the cranberry and cilantro quinoa salad and the “almost worldfamous”, smoked hammour pate. The salad proves that healthy food can also be extremely delicious — perhaps because the cranberries have been imported from Canada. The pate, bursts with flavour in every bite and leaves you wondering how such perfect consistency and taste were achieved. It’s a recipe many are after. George offers to share it but promptly added that this would have to be our last meal ever if he did. He tells us how he
ALSO THIS MONTH: 94 A SMASHING DEBUT 99 DINING HAPPENINGS
came to add pomegranate seeds to the dish, which complement the arrangement on the plate and the taste, beautifully. For mains, my friend ordered the seafood sizzler and I went for the baked hammour. The truth lies in the taste and it was baked to perfection in chef’s special tomato sauce, it tasted absolutely wonderful. The smoky aroma from the sizzler reached the table even before the dish arrived, which was delightfully flavoursome. This is the kind of hearty meal that makes you feel good about life, like nothing wrong could ever happen in the world. The classic grandeur of Upstairs Downstairs remains far from intimidating, and with someone like George who extends a warm welcome with his beaming smile, it’s a place that instantly makes everyone feel at home. www.bahrainthismonth.com
dining SMASHBURGER
A Smashing Debut It doesn’t matter what toppings you choose, the secret to a great burger is the meat and this is a venue that believes in serving patties that are “Smashed Fresh and Served Delicious”. One of the most ingenious culinary creations of all times, a good burger can certainly make your day. Despite the overwhelming number of restaurants serving burgers, we are always starving for something better, tastier, juicier and healthier and here’s a joint that claims to deliver just that. Located in Seef Mall, Smashburger recently opened its doors with one mission — bringing the best quality, fresh ingredients and serving some of the tastiest burgers you can find in the country. Its secret lies in the unique smashing technique that perfectly sears each burger to create a juicy offering, which is full of flavour in every bite. The US-based brand offers customised burgers made with 100 per cent certified Angus Beef.
All patties can be enjoyed as one of the signature recipes or with your favourite toppings for a personalised experience. You will also find yourself spoilt for choice with the variety of signature side dishes like handtossed rosemary and garlic Smashfries, sweet potato fries, crispy haystack onions and veggie frites. And, as if that didn’t sound good enough,
you can pair your meals with Häagen-Dazs shakes, malts and floats. Known for localising its menu, Smashburger brings to the Kingdom the Bahrain Burger, which promises to become a favourite among both locals and expats. Call 17 554-400.
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smashburgerbah 94 September 2015
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NANDO’S
PERi-PERi Good!
Thanks to its unwavering commitment to serving fresh, flavourful and, occasionally, fiery fare, this franchise has gained a loyal following across the globe. In 1987, an entrepreneur named Robert Brozin and his friend Fernando Duarte, went to a Portuguese takeaway restaurant named Chickenland in southern Johannesburg and were really impressed with the food and, in particular, the way it was cooked using PERi-PERi sauce. They bought the establishment and renamed it Nando’s, abbreviating
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Duarte’s first name, and within two years the restaurant had three outlets in the city and one in Portugal. Soon the flavours of its unique PERi-PERi chicken reached far and wide and today there are more than 1,000 restaurants in 30 countries around the world, making Nando’s South Africa’s most successful restaurant group export. Although chicken is its speciality, Nando’s has never been about just that. “We have developed a spirit of pride, passion, courage and integrity — spreading a fire and developing our own distinct culture,” says Mohamed Nour, marketing manager, Nando’s Bahrain. “Apart from the people preparing it, what makes this chicken so irresistible is the PERi-PERi sauce. We don’t like to brag too much about it; we like diners to experience and decide for themselves. For us there’s no greater joy than to see a first-time diner becoming a devout patron by the end of their meal.” At any of its outlets across the world, you will find the same warm, friendly service and delicious chicken served up in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. “In our restaurants we encourage noise; we encourage people to use their hands and families to feel comfortable, like they were at home,” says Mohamed. Try it for yourself at the newest outlet, located in Seef Mall. Call 17 675-100.
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dining MAKI
Relax in Style Maki is not only loved for its contemporary Japanese cuisine, it is also favoured as a great spot to unwind after work. Thanks to its sensational selection of healthy dishes, presented in an elegant lounge-setting, it comes as no surprise that this iconic venue is considered as a leader in contemporary Japanese cuisine. The venue’s lounge, located on the second floor, has hosted royalty, diplomats, and regional celebrities. To ensure it continues to set the standard, the lounge has undergone a chic expansion, creating an intimate ambience, which is well complemented by what’s on the menu, especially its exclusive ‘smoke’ beverages. The revamped lounge boasts more space for both corporate and family gatherings. “We wanted to ensure that you feel comfortable entertaining your guests when holding functions at our lounge,” says Amer Zeitoun, co-founder and managing partner of the restaurant. “After an intensive renovation a few months ago, our lounge can accommodate several more guests, making it ideal for large functions.” In order to make the experience at the lounge and the dine-in area even more rewarding, Maki’s chefs recently added several Akagome (red rice) dishes to the menu. Exclusive to Maki, these dishes include a ‘super’ ingredient that is both tasty and healthy. Characterised with an abundance of nutrients — such as fiber, Vitamin B1, B2, iron and calcium — red rice adds a delicious nutty and slightly sweet flavour to the dishes.
Akagome Hotate Teppanyaki
The new offeringds round off the restaurant’s already extensive menu, which includes healthy ingredients, such as wild brown rice, de-shelled walnuts, red quinoa and extra-virgin olive oil. Vegetarians can order the Akagome Nasu Teppanyaki, perfectly cooked miso eggplant on a bed of red rice and drizzled with a special tangy sauce. Call 17 522-733 or visit www.olivermaki.com.
Eshraq
Tamkeen Graduation The graduation ceremony of Tamkeen Hospitality Training and Employment Programme was held at the Westin Hotel. The graduating class
Tamkeen management
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Fallon & Shane
Amit, Noora & Camilla
Mohammed, Sara & Sana
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bystander
Antonio, Anthony, Viju & Anub
DJ Angel
Jam-Up Night Club Buffalo at Ramee California Hotel hosted a jam-up night for musicians. Musicians performing
Alex, Ryan, Fern, Terena & Tiffy
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Tiffy
Asia & Elvira
Vinc, Jessamyn, Shayna & Mike
DJ Maude, Jaimie, Max & Michael
Will
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dininghappenings
On the Menu From food promotions to cooking classes, here’s our round up on what’s new in Bahrain’s culinary scene. Armed with his French panache and culinary expertise, David Miras settles in as the new executive chef at Crowne Plaza Bahrain. He gained rich experience working in prestigious kitchens around the world and hopes to bring a new lease of life to the hotel’s F&B operations. Expect him to whip up some culinary creations designed to delight diners. The month looks especially exciting at the Gulf Hotel with a number of dining promotions planned. Fusion’s surf and turf fare gets an Asian twist. Chef Rohit and his team will serve dishes like barbeque marinated king fish, tempura prawns and a special Chinese marinated beef to name a few. Valid till the end of the month, this is priced at BD17.500++ per person. Celebrate Mexican National Week at Margarita Mexicana from September 13 to 18. Embark on a culinary journey through different cuisines at the hotel’s 10 specialty restaurants. Travel with each course starting at the award-winning Asian restaurants followed by the Arabian delights of Zahle and Takt Jamsheed, finishing off with the exotic spices of Rasoi by Vineet. Priced at BD30 per person, for a group of eight to 10 people. Ramada Bahrain Hotel has introduced a new soup and salad menu at the Le Jardin restaurant. Look forward to this healthy selection that includes soups like beef consommé with vermicelli, Mexican corn and chicken, www.bahrainthismonth.com
and salads such as apple walnut salad with cranberry vinaigrette and Caribbean grilled chicken salad. Try out the new menu at Prego! in The Royal Golf Club. Regarded as one of the best family restaurants on the island, its new offerings include seafood risotto, stuffed chicken supreme and beef lasagne to name but a few. Get ready for some cookery action at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. Learn the nuances of fine Italian cooking at Fiamma on September 5 with chef Stefano. On September 12, you get first-hand experience in authentic French cooking under the expert guidance of La Mer’s head chef, Gari. And, on September 19, join chef Minh Duong on a culinary journey through Vietnam while picking up his secret techniques to creating the exotic cuisine. Indulge in a decadent trio of dishes at Flames Restaurant at ART Rotana till September 27. The fine dining experience promises fine cuts of meats and fresh seafood. You can choose from a selection of three delicious appetisers, entrees and two desserts, enjoying it with a glass of grape for BD23++. Celebrate Eid Al Adha at La Med at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa at a family- friendly brunch with a host of regional and international delicacies on offer. Priced at BD35 net per person it is inclusive of beverages. InterContinental Regency Bahrain presents celebrity chef Theo Randall’s special menu from at its Italian restaurant Medzo. You can also sample dishes from the menu put together by chef Sam Leong at Selections Restaurant.
When? September 5, 12 and 19 Event? Cooking Classes Venue? Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa Learn the nuances of fine Italian, French and Vietnamese cooking. E Call 17 636-363. When? Till September 27 Event? Trio of Indulgence Venue? Flames, ART Rotana This experience promises fine cuts of meats and fresh seafood for BD23++. E Call 16 000-111. When? Throughout September Event? New menu Venue? Prego, Royal Golf Club Try out new and innovative dishes at the family friendly venue. E Call 17 750-777. When? Throughout September Event? Special menu Venue? Medzo, InterContinental Regency Hotel Treat yourself to a menu created by celebrity chef Theo Randall. E Call 17 227-777. When? Throughout September Event? Food Promotion Venue? Fusions, Gulf Hotel Savour the surf & turf fare with Asian twist for BD17.500++. E Call 17 713-000.
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B A H R A I N
“An inspirational photographic book which reveals the spectacular sunsets within the Kingdom of Bahrain. Containing over 250 images, this unique book not only demonstrates the immense beauty of the country’s sunsets, but also the diverse leisure lifestyle that accompanies them, and the spirit of its people”.
On sale in all major bookstores soon.
A spectacular new photographic book
by Andrew Weaver
What’s New Edited by Apple Sharma
Bohemian Glam
Classy Yet Trendy Indulge yourself in the new exquisite pearl collection from Majorica, with fresh summer colours to accompany this season’s heat and add a cool breeze to your look. Available at all A La Mode outlets.
Introduce some Bohemian grandeur into your home this season with colourfully eclectic, yet glamorous summer style from THE One. Think wild blooms, gold and silver accents, sumptuous textures and glitzy mirrored pieces. Get the look by mixing and matching materials, patterns and colours. Available at Al A'ali Shopping Complex.
Luxury Gift Guide
Travel Savvy
Celebrate this Eid in style with a perfect gift guide for him and her from Amouage’s Fine Fragrance, Bath & Body, Home and Leather Goods collections. Choose from special edition perfumes, candles, snakeskin leather goods, marquetry gift boxes and more. Available at Seef Mall and City Centre Bahrain.
TUMI perfects the journey and travels back to its roots — Peru, for its Fall 2015 season. Inspired by Peru’s geography, the Core Collection blends strong neutrals with pops of colour to infuse excitement into the new range. Available at Tanagra, City Centre Bahrain.
The Passion of Time Every single U-Boat timepiece is handcrafted in Italy by master craftsmen, with the highest level of precision engineering and finishing. Every individual timepiece is unique and different to each other. The strap comes in hand-stitched aged leather, while the casing, hands and glass are crafted in such a way that they seem to have been worn over time. Available at Watch Boutique in Seef Mall. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY
Luxury for All Seasons Few developments managed to create such a stir in Bahrain as the opening of this landmark luxury hotel.
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Standing tall on its own private island, the unique architectural structure of the majestic Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay adds to the beauty of the Kingdom’s skyline. The conveniently located architectural marvel – in addition to being just 10 to 14 minutes from Bahrain International Airport – is a nine-minute drive from downtown’s Bab Al Bahrain (Manama Souq), 14 minutes from Adliya and just five minutes from the financial and diplomatic centres. The sprawling property houses an impressive lobby, 273 hotel guest rooms, including 57 suites. These feature an elevated, unobstructed view facing either north to the Arabian Gulf or south to the Manama skyline. The hotel has two ballrooms that open outdoors to an impressive garden terrace, perfect for weddings and larger functions. The meeting rooms on the 50th and 51st floors provide the height of prestige and are bathed in natural light. Four Seasons’ spa offers 17 treatment rooms, five swimming experiences, two fitness centres and a host of unisex and women’s only amenities. The facilities also include a kids’ activity area including a children’s pool and a 24-hour business centre. The hotel is inviting guests to take advantage of a special summer discount – 20 percent off the room rate or complimentary nights for every two consecutive paid nights booked. Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay aims to set the benchmark for fine dining in the region. Its seven
restaurants and bars offer some of Bahrain’s most elevated culinary experiences. Three of these impressive venues are by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck introducing three of his distinct fine dining concepts. CUT and CUT Lounge is a sophisticated take on the modern American steakhouse. Occupying twolevels, it welcomes guests into the bar and lounge from where they ascend via a stunning staircase into the restaurant. Re Asian Cuisine offers refined Asian cooking that includes Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese influences. Meanwhile, perched on the 50th floor, Blue Moon Lounge is an opulent space in which you can relax and enjoy spectacular sunsets and the twinkling city lights. The hotel offers an elaborate brunch every Friday at the Bahrain Bay Kitchen and Terrace, giving you a chance to sample its wide variety of gourmet creations, indoors or al fresco. Call 17 115-000. www.bahrainthismonth.com
marketplace
VIVA MUSS 2015 players at Manchester United’s Partington Sports Village
Ali Mohammed Redha, VIVA ‘Best Player of the Week’ with MUSS coaches
VIVA
Bend it Like Beckham Bahrain’s talented, young football players can make their dreams a reality and train the ‘United Way’ with support from one of the biggest telecom companies on the island.
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With football being the most popular sport in the Kingdom, played and loved by hundreds of youngsters from diverse cultural backgrounds, VIVA is committed to contributing to the development of Bahrain’s young talent through its annual Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS) programme. Considered ‘the experience of a lifetime’ by many, the VIVA MUSS programme offers an excellent opportunity for aspiring footballers to learn what it’s like to train for one of the biggest clubs in the world, Manchester United. The young players are trained the ‘United Way’ under the supervision of UEFA-qualified MUSS coaches and exposed to numerous challenges that enable them to gain confidence through various sessions organised to enhance vital social skills and techniques on the pitch. This year, the week-long training was held at Manchester United’s Partington Sports Village, where a group of 22 VIVA players were involved in practical and workshop sessions. These included ‘dominating the 1v1 battle’, ‘combine to attack’, ‘make it count’ and ‘win the game’. Players were also tasked with an ‘explosive play skill challenge’ to learn a range of football specific movements and how to work on certain aspects, such as strength, speed and power to maximise performance on the pitch. Commenting on VIVA players’ performance, MUSS coach Matt Johnson says: “We have seen a remarkable improvement in the team’s performance — they have progressed in terms of understanding and demonstrating various technical skills and, most importantly, they learnt to practice teamwork with great social conduct on and off the pitch. “In addition to the tournament, we exposed the players to a number of friendly matches so they could practice their newly-learnt skills more while exploring their own football capabilities. Overall, VIVA players
VIVA footballers during their training at Manchester United’s Partington Sports Village
are a talented group of footballers who worked together as a team and implemented the true philosophy of the club.” At the end of the training, three VIVA players — Ali Mohammed Redha, Yassine Benmansour and Hussain Ali Abdulhussain were recognised for their outstanding performance individually and within a team as ‘Best Player of the Week’, ‘Best Attitude’ and ‘Best Skills’ respectively. With the recently concluded fifth season of the annual football camp, 117 footballers have benefited from the opportunity of an extensive football training experience in the UK and have progressed in their technical skills, tactical understanding and physical and mental skills of the game, all within a positive learning environment. This international football community initiative from VIVA has been supported by Manchester United legends and ambassadors Lee Sharpe, Denis Irwin, Denis Law and Peter Schmeichel. On a local level, VIVA also sponsors the VIVA Football League, which has seen intense competition from sports clubs and gained recognition not only locally but regionally too, as a key sporting event in Bahrain. Visit www.viva.com.bh. www.bahrainthismonth.com
MCDONALD’S
Green Temptations In addition to established favourites, this quickservice restaurant has unveiled delicious and healthy additions to its menu. Delivering on its commitment to offer balanced food options that cater to a variety of tastes and lifestyles, McDonald’s Bahrain launches a new range of premium salads as part of its permanent menu. These refreshing additions – which will be available in all McDonald’s restaurants from September 12 – include chicken Caesar salad, quinoa fattoush and feta garden salad. “The addition of the premium salad range to our core menu comes as part of our commitment to provide a variety of balanced options that cater to our customers’ different lifestyle needs,” says Abdulla Adel Fakhro, director of Fakhro Restaurants Company. A healthy twist on a local favourite, quinoa fattoush offers a traditional taste of Arabia and is loaded with the power of quinoa, a well recognised superfood. The salad also contains cuts of crisp Romaine lettuce,
rocca, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, a light sprinkle of fattoush chips and is finished with a zesty dressing. The feta garden salad, which also contains quinoa, has a mix of feta cubes, baby spinach, corn, rocca, yellow capsicum, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, topped off with mustard vinaigrette.
The premium chicken Caesar salad comes with Romaine lettuce topped with tender grilled halal chicken strips, crispy golden brown bread croutons, shredded parmesan cheese and a tasty Caesar dressing. Visit your nearest McDonald’s for a tasty and healthy mouthful. Call 17 221-722.
REFRESHINGLY McDONALD’S
QUINOA FATTOUSH
www.bahrainthismonth.com
CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD
FETA GARDEN SALAD
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marketplace THE DIPLOMAT RADISSON BLU HOTEL, RESIDENCE & SPA
A Promising Start Get ready to sample the latest culinary offerings from one of the city’s most popular five-star hotels. Petr Dubsky has been with the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, owners of Radisson Blu, for almost a decade now. Having worked in some of its most prestigious properties around the world, he brings his experience and expertise as director of food & drinks (F&D) to the company’s Bahrain property. “It’s just about a year since I joined Diplomat Radisson Blu Bahrain and general manager, Panos Panagis, showed me every corner of the F&D department, I was very impressed by the facilities,” Petr says. At the helm of a series of improvements that have been brought about at the hotel, he is particularly proud of the extensive buffet served during Friday Brunch. “Our plan is to continuously upgrade it with various different food sections and cuisines from all over the world, for example,
Oktoberfest Brunch will take place on September 25 and October 2,” he adds. “At our Friday Brunch you can experience the tastes of international cuisines from Italy, Asia and Mexico among others. Our aim is to deliver fresh and tasty food at live cooking and grill stations so the food is prepared right in front of you.” According to Petr it’s the unpredictable nature of the job that makes the food and beverage industry so challenging and attractive. “It’s where you combine hard work and pleasure to achieve different kind of results, from guest satisfaction to profitability and much more,” he notes. In addition to new menus at Kontiki and Mondo restaurants, and the Friday Brunch, you can look forward to Arabic BBQ evenings during the Eid holidays, a pool party on September 26 and a host of other surprises in the months to come. Petr Dubsky
Call 17 531-666.
Steppingstone Workshop Steppingstone Global held a business workshop on ‘Organisational Culture and Leadership’ at The Domain Hotel & Spa. Participants at the workshop
Mike & Robert
Yousif & Khalid
Ravi, Mo, William, Dave & Lilliane
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Ronnie, Firas & Hassan
Islam, Sudhir & Mahmood
Francoise & Jean
John, Matias & Frank
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Experience the All New
Friday Brunch Fiesta Live Entertainment: The Black Notes Band
BD 28 net
* Includes selected Beverages * Children under 6 eat free
Book Now! +973 39945208 The.Diplomat.Radisson.Blu
RBlu_Bahrain
diplomatradissonblu
marketplace AL AREEN PALCE HOTEL & SPA
In Good Hands
Al Areen Royal Pavilion
Recognised as one of the best spas in the region — with many international awards to prove it — this facility is aiming for greater heights.
108 September 2015
Sirirat Fungkhajon — or Lek, as she is fondly known at Al Areen Palace Hotel & Spa — has only been in the Kingdom for a few months, but is settling well into her new role as director of the spa. “When I came here, my first impression was wow … what a huge space,” she says. “Even though I have been in this industry for over 15 years and have worked in some of the biggest resorts around the world, I’ve never been to a place like Al Areen Palace where such a substantial area of the property is dedicated to a spa. “There are treatments here that I had only heard about earlier, for instance the Moroccan bath and the hammam.” Spread over 10,00s/qm, this picturesque expanse, with rippling water bodies, luscious swimming pools and regal treatment rooms, exudes luxury and tranquillity like no other place. “In addition to an opportunity of bringing my own expertise to the table, this is proving to be a great learning experience for me as well,” Lek adds. Lek started out at the Banyan Tree Spa in Phuket, Thailand in 2000 and since then has worked with some of the biggest names in the hospitality and wellbeing industry. Gradually she became a spa consultant by setting up Bliss Spa in Cambodia. In 2004, she managed and set up I SPA, the biggest in China, which now has 18 branches located in five-
star properties belonging to groups such as JW Marriot, InterContinental and Hilton. Drawing on past experience, she already has a lot planned for Al Areen. “We will be launching a fresh spa menu with many new treatments,” she explains. “One of the treatments I want to bring in uses stem cells from the olive plant. “Next, we want to offer a more rewarding experience for the spa members and hotel guests. As a customer you can expect even better standards of treatments, comfort and service.” For Lek, customer satisfaction is the most rewarding part of her job. “I love being part of this industry; you can’t possibly have a better work place. It’s always calm, tranquil, everything smells great. It’s also very gratifying when we serve the guest and they tell you how relaxed they feel and how genuinely happy they are.” Inspired by ancient royal Middle-Eastern gardens, the spa boasts the world’s first garden hammam. There is also a hydrothermal garden, which combines three of nature’s most powerful elements for a truly invigorating effect. The beautiful spa provides complete privacy and hence is a great venue for private functions like bridal parties and baby shower. Balancing old and new, plans are in the pipeline to introduce slimming and body contouring programmes as well. Call 17 845-000.
Sirirat Fungkhajon
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
OTHER EVENTS
Women’s fashion brand, Sarah, held a ladies’ breakfast morning at the store in Seef Mall, Muharraq
Hannane Laidouni receives Jaguar Lang Rover MENA’s ‘Marketing Manager of the Year’ award
Soie Chinese restaurant at Sheraton launched a new menu
Behbehani Brothers held a preview of the Audi Q7 at The Royal Gold Club, Riffa
Faiza Saeed held a mosaic workshop at her studio in A’ali
The first Novo Cinemas IMAX was launched at Seef Mall, Muharraq
Ford Mustang Club held a blood-donation drive
Eid Celebrations
Mohamed Jameel Al Arayedh hosted guests at his majlis for Eid Al Fitr.
Nasser Al Arayedh, HE Alfonso Ver & Mohammed Al Arayedh
HE William Roebuck
Kids Academy Nursery The first British Franchise Nursery in Bahrain Offering Full Time Care for Children aged 4 months to 4 years.
17179079
HE Vagif Garaev
HE Iain Lindsay
Sameer Al Arayedh & Bob
Mr Thaker
Sayed
Koshy & Mohammed Al Arayedh
32199110
kidsacademy_bh kidsacademy.bh@gmail.com
“Supporting Parents Nurturing Children’’
www.bahrain.kids-academy.me Building 494, Road 1715, Block 517, Saar, Kingdom of Bahrain
The Multi Award Wining Childcare Provider in UK
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www.bahrainthismonth.com
marketplace First Class Double Rotor Skeleton
ASIA JEWELLERS
Revisited Classics One of the world’s rarest watch manufacturers, this respected and innovative haute horlogerie brand has been producing prestigious timepieces for men and women for centuries.
that is faster as well as more stable and efficient than a classic system. Aesthetically, the mobile Double Rotor spins on its axis at the slightest wrist movement, giving each collection a unique character and personality, easily revealing their distinctive aesthetic: classic, contemporary, masculine, feminine, understated or extravagant. This patented invention shows the essence of the watchmaking art, represents the brand’s emblematic icon and consolidates Perrelet’s international reputation. First Class Double Rotor Skeleton Over the years, various models have been equipped with the Double Rotor mechanism, from the first Dipteros model in 1995, to the Grand Maître Chronograph in 2000 and Diamond Flower ladies’ collection in 2008, amongst many others. In 2009, the watchmaker took a new creative direction and devised a more dynamic interpretation of the Double Rotor, the Turbine family. Equipped with titanium blades, the propeller-shaped upper rotor became a “turbine” and covered the entire dial, spinning at full speed and creating spectacular visual effects. It rapidly became an iconic Perrelet model. The brand reinforced its Turbine collection in 2013 with the Turbine Chrono and Turbillon models. In 2015, 20 years after its launch, Perrelet is proud to be celebrating the anniversary of its emblematic Double Rotor concept, with an exclusive limited series — First Class Double Rotor Skeleton, raising the Double Rotor mechanism to a new peak of refinement.
Embodying excellence in the art of time measurement since 1777, Perrelet has been diligently cultivating the watchmaking heritage of its founder, Abraham-Louis Perrelet and his successors. The brand is proud of its in-house mastery of all aspects involved in the development and production of its impressive timepieces; right from the first sketch of the initial concept to final execution and the many steps involved in the production of watch components. History of the Double Rotor In 1995, as a tribute to Abraham-Louis Perrelet, inventor of the automatic movement in 1777, and to keep a longstanding tradition of avant-garde horology alive, the watchmaker presented the first Double Rotor P-181 calibre, automatically wound by an oscillating weight. Stemming from five years of research and development, the Double Rotor was a major watchmaking breakthrough from a technical standpoint, since the mechanism derived its energy from two rotors. The first, called the oscillating weight, is placed beneath the moment, while the second, the upper rotor, is positioned on the dial side, providing a simple and natural way of observing the automatic winding function in action. The perfectly synchronised rotation of the two rotors powers the barrel, supplying the mechanism with a continuous source of energy. This mechanism ensures winding
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First Class First Class Lady
With this model, equipped with an in-house manufacture movement, Caliber P-481, Perrelet links the horological tradition of its innovative Double Rotor concept with its skeleton-work expertise. Through this ingenious combination, the openworked dial enables the eye to rove freely into the depths of the mechanism, gently rocked by the natural rhythm of the second rotor. The collection introduces two original timepieces, each detail flaunting the brand’s watchmaking expertise. The 42.5mm-diameter round case in stainless steel or 18K 4N rose gold is enhanced by elegant fluting on the sides, traditional decoration and the Perrelet signature. The finely fluted dial, punctuated by golden hour-markers, is generously openworked in the centre to reveal the entire movement. The 18K 4N rose gold Double Rotor features a brand new design with a “Côtes de Genève” finish and a special engraving to mark this jubilee. A genuine alligator leather strap fitted with an 18K 4N rose gold folding clasp adds a final touch of elegance. This splendid First Class Double Rotor Skeleton with its pure, restrained lines is issued in a limited series of 250 for the steel model and 77 for the rose gold model. This collection symbolises a new generation of timepieces exuding creative boldness while remaining firmly attached to the fundamentals of the Maison Perrelet. First Class and First Class Lady Building on a heritage stretching back to more than 230 years, Perrelet has a strong attachment to traditions. It has the capability to offer watchmaking interpretations that are both contemporary and ageless, balancing aesthetic purity with mechanical beauty. The classic First Class family is a perfect demonstration of this approach. It comprises a range of elegant and classic timepieces for men and women, in three-hand plus date or visible balance-wheel versions. Extremely pleasant to wear, this collection is defined by a brushed or polished steel case featuring simple lines and nicely balanced proportions. The slim case middle is immediately recognisable by its brand-signature fluted motif along the sides. All variations are fitted with genuine black or brown alligator straps secured by a steel folding clasp with lateral pushbuttons. The dials flaunt a new appearance in keeping with the www.bahrainthismonth.com
new aesthetic concept and are now implemented on all classic Perrelet models. This involves a depth-effect construction based on a grained central motif framed by a guilloché rim — a contrast that further reinforces their character, while the faceted hour-markers lend a radiantly luminous touch. Some of the ladies’ models have been treated to the same evolution, while others are fitted with a black or white mother-of-pearl dial enhanced by gem-set hourmarkers. Certain versions feature bezels adorned with a ring of 64 diamonds, further accentuating their elegance. Housed in new 35mm-diameter cases, the First Class Lady models are both trendy and extremely feminine. The collections composing the First Class family are equipped with a mechanical automatic in-house movement, Caliber P-321 for the three-hand plus date models and Caliber P-391 on the visible balance-wheel appearing through a dial opening at 6 o’clock. All of them are fitted with a transparent sapphire case back giving a chance to admire the mechanism. Perrelet timepieces are available at all Asia Jewellers outlets. Call 17 535-344.
First Class Open Heart
First Class Lady Open Heart
September 2015 113
marketplace SWISS-BELHOTEL
Great Food Inside and Out This recently launched hotel is fast gaining a reputation for its outside catering division. Ideally located in Seef, Swiss-Belhotel offers great drinks and dining venues such as Swiss-CafĂŠ restaurant with a panoramic terrace on the 10th floor, Cafeccino coffee shop, B28 Bar Lounge & Restaurant, with a spectacular 360-degree view, and modern banqueting facilities. Swiss-Belhotel Seef also provides a tailored outside catering service suitable for all corporate and private occasions. Executive chef Holger Lang, along with his diverse and experienced team, will organise your event at the place of your choice catering for gatherings from 50 to 1,000 people. Swiss professionalism and attention to detail are the perfect mix to make any occasion a memorable experience. With its diverse team of chefs and waiters, SwissBelhotel can cater for the full range of requirements, from weddings to conference gatherings, and menus can be customised to suit a wide variety of tastes. Swiss-Belhotel Catering & Events can organise breakfasts, lunches, gala dinners, cocktail parties, weddings or any other special occasions. The outdoor catering specialist is already well established in Bahrain and hosts an increasing number of companies, embassies and government organisations. Call 66 310-039.
Ahmed & Helen
Mohammed & Betty
Dorothy & Ibrahim
Zahir & Ali
Rajeev & Mustafa
Mahmood & Sandeep
Watch Time Opens Al Hawaj Group and Sons held a soft opening of Watch Time at the Bahrain Mall. Jawad Al Hawaj cuts the opening ribbon
Ramya, Ralph & Sunita
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Abdulwahab Al Hawaj & KP
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Promotion Period 26th August- 31st December, 2015
Spend just BD5 and get a raffle coupon to win amazing prizes.
200 Prizes to be won
MOIC/PC 4983/2015
more you spend, the better your chances of winning
25 prizes in every 15 days
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Samsung Smart LED TV 50” (8 Nos) Samsung Smart LED TV 48” (8 Nos) Samsung Refrigerator 590 Ltr (16 Nos) Samsung Refrigerator 300 Ltr (40 Nos) Samsung Washing Machine 7.5kg (40 Nos) Samsung Microwave Oven 23 Ltr (40 Nos) Samsung Vacuum Cleaner (40 Nos) Double your winning chance with
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Lulu Centre Tel : 17 250 334 ♦ Juffair : 17 826 884 ♦ Muharraq : 17 343 266 Galali : 17 32 00 25 ♦ Segayya (Al Hayat Shopping Centre) : 17 00 30 61 MegaMart Express : 17 382 511
Hamad Town : 17 412 563 ♦ Salmaniya : 17 252 624
West Riffa Mall : 17 650 075 ♦ Saar : 17 225 818
marketplace DUNE
New Season at Dune Across the Autumn/Winter 2015 collection the focus ranges from modern icons to 70s-inspired textures with accessories to suit every taste and budget.
Colour and Texture For women this season draws focus from reinvention. Influences are taken from the present-day modern icon, whilst textures and colours are revitalised, developing through the season from fresh and neutral to rich and luxurious.
Traditional Quality This season draws focus to the contemporary. An eclectic mix of styles combine to create a classic collection elevated by modern details such as texture combinations, hi-shine and colour contrasts. From boots to brogues to loafer/boatshoes and high-end sneakers, the English gentleman trend is evident throughout the collection.
Call City Centre Bahrain on 16 686-215 & Seef Mall on 16 686-225.
Seventies Shapes This Autumn/Winter accessories collection focuses on new silhouettes. Shape and texture is heavily influenced by the seventies era, whilst deep midnight tones make for an opulent day-to-evening collection. 116 September 2015
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JUNAID PERFUMES
Memorable Perfumes Taariikh Rose Oil — Timeless Beauty in a New Form The lineage of the ever memorable Taariikh continues with the all-new Taariikh Rose Oil. Retaining its magnificent aura, this divine edition of Taariikh is a beautiful bouquet of soft floral notes opening with violet and jasmine, blending with the airy freshness of rose and completing its journey on an intense note of musk. This oil concentrate is to be treasured in an ebony glass bottle capped with an encrusted flower top.
Taariikh Rose Oil
Badiah Gold Oil
Indulge your olfactory senses with a world of wonderful aromas as one of the traditional perfumers in the region introduces its two brand new scents to the market. Carrying on the tradition of producing some of the most enchanting Arabic-inspired scents in the region, Junaid Perfumes has brought out two more stunning options to add to its collection – Taariikh Rose Oil and Badiah Gold Oil.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Badiah Gold Oil — Tempted by Tradition Mild on the senses and intense in its effect, one can enjoy a marriage of notes in Badiah Gold Oil when sweet fruitiness blends with fragrant rose and lingers on a subtle note of Arabian Oud. Presented in a spherical iced form, this uniquely designed bottle reflects the oil’s extraordinary personality and captures the intricate detailing of this breathtaking scent. Taariikh Rose Oil and Badiah Gold Oil are now available at all Junaid Perfumes outlets, priced at BD12 and BD20, respectively. Junaid Perfumes, established in 1910, is one of the oldest perfumers in the GCC. Over the years, the company has grown significantly in repute and stature and today operates over 150 exclusive retail outlets across the world. Call 17 737-007.
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marketplace CITI BAHRAIN
Premium Personal Banking 1 .Your own relationship manager supported by a team of experts 2. International banking in a variety of currencies 3. A wide range of investment products in all major global currencies 4. Global banking and investment services 5. Unique opportunities and personalised privileges 6. Access to offshore wealth management 7. Multi-country Pre-account Opening and Instant Fund Transfers 8. Credit Transportability 9. Global Recognition Citigold clients also have access to a wide-range of other exclusive services, including:
Whether you are moving your family across the world, sending money to someone in another country, studying abroad or travelling the globe, you can benefit from easier ways to manage your finances.
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Citigold Banking, a premium personal banking and wealth management service, is available exclusively to Citigold clients around the world. This globally integrated offering provides access to a wide range of financial services, from day-to-day banking and global services to investments. “Today we live in a global village. As the world gets smaller, the needs of affluent clients get bigger. The number of people travelling or relocating to other countries for business, pleasure or study is growing rapidly and there are growing needs for managing a sophisticated investment portfolio,” says Hussain Al-Baluchi, head of Wealth Management and Branch Banking at Citi Bahrain. “Our Citigold global banking offering not only simplifies the banking experience, it further strengthens our ability to anticipate and meet the needs of this fast-growing customer segment.” Harpreet Arora, head of Citigold Segment and Business Development at Citi Bahrain, says: “As people move or travel around the world, they want to maintain their ‘home’ banking relationship, credit and, above all, quick and easy access to their accounts. Today, Citigold Global Banking allows our customers to take advantage of these and other world-class services, 24/7 all over the world. Citigold Global Banking delivers a new level of value, performance and access that very few banks in the world can match.” Citigold Banking combines the local expertise with global products and services and packages them into a premium global offering that includes:
Global Support and World Class-services: Citigold clients have access to logistical and emergency support through a network of more than 4,000 Citibank branches in 43 countries. Citi has also established four Global Support Centres, in Asia and North and South America, with teams of speciallytrained staff. In addition, customers have access to some of the most robust financial planning services in the industry, backed by specialist teams of advisors and portfolio counsellors along with worldclass research from leading global and regional industry experts. Emergency Cash Withdrawal: When unexpected emergency situations arise, such as the loss of one’s wallet, Citigold customers can get up to USD$10,000 emergency cash from their accounts at any of the 4,000+ Citibank branches located around the world. Free Citigold Centre Access: Citigold customers have free access to 574 Citigold Centres in 36 countries, many of which feature lounges and meeting rooms as well as free use of telephone, fax and Internet services. Multi-currency Accounts: Customers can open multi-currency accounts in four different currencies, enabling them to take advantage of shifts in currency values and helping them meet their financial needs better. Note: All services provided under Citigold Global Banking are subject to availability and local legal and regulatory restrictions. Citibank does not guarantee the availability of any of these services in any markets Citibank operates. Citibank reserves the right to change Citigold Global Banking product offerings without prior notice to customers. Visit www.Citigold.info. www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Faisal Jawad awards Naseema
Employee Farewell Jawad Business Group hosted a lunch at the Jawad Dome, Barbar, to bid farewell to three of its long-serving employees – Sunil Sinha, Naseema Mohsen and Wannor Ladja. Imteyaz, Dinesh, Ramakrishnan, Faisal Jawad, Sunil, Abbas & Jawad M Jawad
Sameera, Wafaeia & Somaya
Zainab, Wafeia, Fatima, Somaya, Sameera, Sridhar, Naseema, Jerin, Ayisha, Prijoe, Imteyaz & Vishal
Lee Cooper Opening
Faisal Jawad & Fatima
Al Rashid Group opened a Lee Cooper store at the Seef Mall, Muharraq. Management and staff at the launch
Fernanda, Pauline, Vikas, Apple, Farheen & Randa
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Dinesh, Vikas, Vijay & Sachin
Pauline & Nishtha
September 2015 119
marketplace PUMA
Ignite Your Training World famous athletes and personalities go through intense training to keep on top of their game. Supporting them is a brand that is renowned for making the fastest products for the fastest athletes. PUMA has launched its second Forever Faster brand campaign, focusing on training and fitness, and offering up the question “What are you training for?” Challenging individuals and teams to put more energy into training and their abilities, PUMA is encouraging a more positive attitude back into sport. The brand’s take on training is that it is not an end goal but rather a means to a more positive self and a stronger game and that the more energy you put into training, the more you get back. PUMA’s training swaps excuses for endorphins, breaks records and aims to be faster, stronger and fiercer. No matter what. Bringing this campaign to life are the unique training stories of PUMA’s elite ambassadors, documented on film, including the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt, multi-platinum recording artist Rihanna, star striker Sergio Agüero, Arsenal Football Club, the Cuban boxing team and many more. Shot over the course of four weeks, the film series offers a sneak peek into the training regime of these strong individuals and shows what they undergo to make sure they are on top of their game. It intimately captures their motivation and tactics to constantly improve and elevate every game they play with energy, excellence and enthusiasm. Supporting the elite ambassadors is the latest in PUMA’s IGNITE franchise: the IGNITE XT. This high intensity training shoe’s responsive design is geared for athletes looking to maximise energy and movement throughout their high-intensity workouts. Supporting each stride is a fulllength IGNITE foam midsole which provides responsive cushioning and high rebound. The full-length flex groove enables fast and dynamic multidirectional movement. Additional heel thickness is added on the medial and lateral sides to support side-to-side movements, whilst the solid rubber outsole pods provide full ground traction without weighing runners down. The shoe is grounded in energy return and is designed to give back the energy put into each training session. Part of this integrated training campaign is the new PUMA PACT a consumer digital/online engagement platform available through the PUMATRAC running app and puma.com/training, shareable through social media and now available in Arabic. It drives the brand’s rally cry, #NoMatterWhat, and guides consumers with the tools and motivation they need in their commitment to make themselves faster, stronger and fiercer. The PACT will see PUMA’s global ambassadors leading and inspiring consumers to train harder like them, #NoMatterWhat. PUMA will also recruit local training ambassadors across the Middle East to take a personal PACT and document their journey to becoming the fittest, fastest and strongest that they can be. Visit puma.com/training for more information about PUMA Training, PUMA PACT and the new IGNITE XT training footwear, which is available at the PUMA store in City Centre Bahrain. Call 17 178-046. 120 September 2015
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bystander
Rita & Klaus
Karen & Bassim
Daniel & Anish
Susana & Pepe
Lautaro & Rob
New Brunch
Guests were invited to try out Le Meridien’s new brunch with a free uber ride, entertainment from a live South African band and an after-brunch party. Haitham, Andreas & Martin
Sionelle & Byron
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Guilhein & Leroy
Maria & Ernesto
Jose & Jilan
Sherwin
Ingrid, Juan & Arturo
September 2015 121
marketplace BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL
Ringing in the Ears Tinitus is a common condition affecting about 10-15 per cent of the population and in many cases it is not a serious problem, but rather a nuisance. However, for some, it can be extremely disturbing and may require medical or surgical treatment. Tinnitus is generally divided into two types: objective tinnitus — noises that can be heard even by others, and subjective tinnitus, noises that can only be heard by the patient. The condition can arise in any of the four sections of the hearing system. The outer ear, the middle ear, the inner ear and the brain. The condition has various causes including impacted wax, middle ear infections, Meniere’s disease, otosclerosis, old age, loud noises, certain drugs, tumours of the brain or middle ear, arterial aneurysm, low levels of haemoglobin, hypertension, hypotension, low blood glucose, epilepsy and migraine which can also present as tinnitus. Tinnitus can be a symptom of an underlying problem. Sufferers should have an ear, nose and throat evaluation with special attention given to conditions associated with tinnitus and a full hearing evaluation by an audiologist. The most effective treatment for tinnitus is to eliminate the underlying
Dr. Pradeep Divakaran
Tinnitus is commonly described as a ringing in the ear, but it also can sound like roaring, clicking hissing or buzzing. It may be soft or loud, high- or low-pitched, permanent or intermittent and can affect one or both ears.
cause as, in some cases it can be a symptom of a treatable medical condition. Unfortunately, in many cases, the cause of tinnitus cannot be identified or medical or surgical treatment is not an option but it is essential to get checked to rule out rare, serious causes such as brain tumours. Dr Pradeep Divakaran is the ear, nose and throat specialist at Bahrain Specialist Hospital Clinics, West Riffa. Call 13 381-338.
ALOSRA
Artisan Breads on the Menu This supermarket has just expanded its gourmet offering with the introduction of a new range of artisan breads. When it comes to taste, most people don’t associate the term ‘healthy’ with delicious, but Alosra aims to change that. The supermarket’s new lines of bread are nothing short of scrumptious and are made with allnatural ingredients! Some of the products found under the new artisan range include dark rye bread, rose and pistachio brioche, sourdough bread, Vienna loaf, banana bread, seed and nut bread and much more! Health enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the gluten-free and vegan options available. “I think the health-conscious trend is taking over and people are starting to realise the benefits of eating healthily. Therefore the demand for gluten-free and vegan options in the market is growing,” explains Alosra food specialist, Sara Babar. “The options are currently limited in Bahrain. Although there is a niche audience for such 122 September 2015
health foods, I anticipate such demand to grow substantially in the future. Alosra definitely wants to cater for these existing demands and generally understands the need to encourage more people to eat healthily, especially to counter the unhealthy and artificial options readily available in the marketplace.”
The range of artisan breads is sold exclusively at Alosra, and is currently only available in the Saar (Najibi Centre) and Amwaj branches. The supermarket is currently working on ensuring that the range will be available in all of its branches in the near future. Call 17 739-739 or visit www.alosraonline.com.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
FRASER SUITES SEEF
Style, Comfort and Luxury Experience the ultimate in comfort and lavish settings, be it for leisure or business, and enjoy hospitality at its best at this exceptional property in the Seef District. Serviced apartments are becoming extremely popular in the Kingdom as they offer the convenience and comforts of home — for weekend getaways and business travels. Fraser Suites Seef, set in the heart of the city’s leisure and business district, is the perfect choice for many as it provides an extensive range of hotel facilities with the added benefits of serviced apartments. Best of all, the property being a part of the Seef Mall with direct entrance into the shopping centre through the lobby, it also comes with a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options literally at the guests’ doorsteps. In addition to offering various apartment configurations and the highest levels of service, guests have a 24/7 gym at their disposal and an outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pool, with a soon-to-open healthy juices bar. The property also provides other facilities such as steam and sauna as well as ladies’ and gents’ hairdressing salons. There have been some significant changes, with the Gallery Lounge recently undergoing a modern facelift, expanding the buffet breakfast and meal choices as well as the room service option to 24-hours. Fraser Suites Seef is also well-equipped for business presentations and meetings. It offers two thoughtfully designed meeting venues complete with free and fast wireless internet and the latest audio-visual
capabilities. The Onyx caters up to 50 guests while The Pearl is ideal for boardroom meetings and presentations. Call 17 171-626 or email sales.bahrain@frasershospitality.com for reservations. Follow Facebook page: FraserSuitesBahrain or Twitter: @ FraserBahrain for the latest news and events.
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For reservations: +973 17 17 16 26 Email: sales.bahrain@frasershospitality.com
www.bahrainthismonth.com
BAHRAIN.FRASERSHOSPITALITY.COM
September 2015 123
marketplace AL A’ALI SHOPPING COMPLEX
Chance to Win Amazing Prizes
The Kingdom’s first high-end shopping destination has unveiled its “Shop & Win” promotional campaign, offering shoppers daily instant prizes along with a chance to win a grand prize of a 2015 Midnight Black Mini Cooper.
The campaign will take place from September 1-30, 2015. Shoppers will be entitled to receive one raffle coupon for every BD10 they spend at any shop in the complex. Customers who spend BD150 will be eligible for an instant prize. The first three eligible voucher holders to participate in the draw will be awarded an instant prize according to the daily range of prizes. Participants will be asked to select a ball with a specific colour from the ball pool where the Grand Prize is located. The Grand Prize draw will be held on October 4 at 12:30pm. Moreover, the mall will host various activities, events, competitions and promotions during the campaign hosted by prominent media personalities, giving shoppers a unique experience. Shafeeka Fakier, Al A’ali Shopping Complex centre manager, says: “This campaign aims to award our shoppers with valuable prizes such as the 2015 Midnight Black Mini Cooper and daily instant prizes as well as to promote luxury brands and high-end products that define the mall as the preferred destination for quality and luxurious style and fashion. “The Al A’ali Shopping Complex believes in regularly offering its shoppers unique experiences when shopping at the mall and this campaign is an extension of that promise. There are various activities and events planned in the coming months and we will be keeping our valued shoppers informed regularly through our social media pages and accounts.” The campaign terms and conditions will be available around the Shopping Complex and especially at the Grand Prize display area. Call 17 581-000 or visit the information desk at Gate 1.
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ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE BAHRAIN
French Up Your Life! This organisation has been promoting cross-cultural exchange for more than 40 years. Alliance Française Bahrain has been an independent, non-profit language and cultural organisation promoting Franco-Bahraini exchange since 1969. With an ambitious mission to spread the French language and culture well beyond the borders of France, it is one of the 819 Alliance Française centres existing in 137 countries all over the world. Alliance Française Bahrain offers members of the French and Bahraini communities the opportunity to participate in a range of educational, cultural and social activities during the year. Learn French Alliance Française Bahrain offers a wide range of courses, from standard to tailored, to suit all levels and needs following the European Framework of Reference for Languages. Alliance Française Bahrain is also the only exam centre for DELF (diploma in French language exam), TCF/TEF/TEFAQ (French language proficiency tests for immigration to France and Canada) in Bahrain. “Le Culture club” exclusive membership will soon be launched to allow Alliance Française members to enjoy many advantages: access to the media centre, access to members-only events, discounts with partners and much more. September events will include: Apéro de la rentrée,
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Café des Images Cinéma club, Sunset Gig electronic music by the beach, business lectures by ESSEC guest speakers and there’s more to come until the end of 2015. Follow on Facebook and Instragram for more updates regarding Alliance Française Bahrain. Call 17-683-295.
September 2015 125
marketplace CRUST & CREMA
Spilling the Beans Whether you are looking for your daily dose of caffeine or a relaxing place to spend a leisurely afternoon with friends, this venue is great for all occasions. There is certainly no shortage of places to grab a cup of coffee in the Kingdom. From international chains to home grown cafés and sheesha joints, the options are vast. Aiming to make its mark in Bahrain and stand out from the crowd is Crust and Crema, located opposite Saar Cinema. It is a roastery café and bakery that offers locally-roasted speciality coffees, artisan breads and artistic desserts. The café uses speciality coffee beans, which are grown in ideal climates around the world to give the coffee its unique, full taste. Crust & Crema’s true pride and joy is its selection of world coffees — fresh and premium quality beans sourced from around the globe. The beans — which are roasted in-house and brewed fresh for the customers — are also available by the bag for those who prefer to enjoy a cup at their own convenience.
A feature unique to Crust & Crema is a brew bar where fresh coffee is brewed in breakers and decanters and offered in its true form — imagine coffee that tastes like citrus, floral, and even dark chocolate. The venue boasts a unique rustic yet modern ambience, ideal for sitting down, relaxing and
NOW OPEN IN SAAR AVE. HAWAII OPP. SAAR CINEMA COSTA RICA INDONESIA 126 September 2015
BRAZIL ETHIOPIA INDIA
sipping your drink. There’s more to look forward to; freshly baked goodies, artistic desserts and flavoursome breads that have been meticulously chosen by the pastry chef to provide the complete experience. Call 17 214-155.
COLOMBIA GUATEMALA KENYA
17214155 www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Desi Night
Desibel Entertainment hosted a ‘Desi Swagger’ night at Brazil Lounge, Adliya.
Aysha, Mohammed & Muneera
Tejas & Niket
Rejoy & Mithi
Sameer, Abida, Vinny & Sitara
Angie, Meta, Natasha & Sija
Payal, Heena & Nisha
Kadhu & Vyshak
Vinnie & Tariq
Mani & Sunny
Jaskiran & Bhushan
Walter, Anna, Gelena & Ken
Alice, Lini & Peeyush
Manali & Tushar
Kavya & Shubrat
Bhavesh, Zacki & Trishala
BEACH, POOL & BBQ THE onlY sAtUrDAY BRUNCH oFFERIng A BEACH aND PoOL ACCESS
Present this ADD to obtain 10% discount (oFFER vaLID IN SEpteMBER 2015 ONLy on Saturday SPLASH BRUNCH OFFER)
BSPCA Quiz Night The Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals held a quiz night at the Dilmun Club.
50% discount for kids Brunch served from 12.30pm till 3.30PM Every Saturday Call For Info: +973 3641 9664
Partcipants at the event
THE SPLaSH BruNCH OFFER a full day experience by Novotel Beach and temperature controlled pool for 21BHD NETT With SOfT beverages and 28BHD NETT WITH HOUSE BEVERAGES
Michelle & Claire
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Satish & Michelle
A happy winner
September 2015 127
bystander
Kirsty & Julian
InterNations Gathering InterNations hosted its first post-Eid gettogether at Kontiki, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence & Spa. Bernardo & Peter
Jack & George
Lulitte & Emma
Catherine & Liz
Rebecca
Saturday Biryani Party The Saturday Biryani Party, a weekly family activity which gained community awareness through social media, distributed free biryani meals and drinks to workers at their construction sites. The distribution team
Workers queuing up to receive meals
128 September 2015
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bystander
Onam Inauguration Bahrain Kerala Samajam inaugurated its Onam celebrations with a traditional lighting of the lamp by HE Alok Kumar Sinha, Indian Ambassador, and a Bharatanatyam dance performance by Indian artist, Rajashree Warrier. Lighting of the lamp
Manikandan, Sijo & Eldo
Subair & Niyas
Unnikrishnan & Ratheesh
Rajashree Warrier
Manoj, Ajesh & Muneeb
Sindhu & Arathy
Devadas & Mr Pillai
Janardhan, Aca & Prakash
Tuna Tataki
Green Curry www.bahrainthismonth.com
September 2015 129
marketplace WATCH BOUTIQUE
A Timeless Collection A watch is more than just a device to tell time, it is a reflection of its owner’s character. Schaumburg Watch Co has a reputation for producing distinctive and beautiful timepieces and, thanks to its wide model range; there is a chronograph and chronometer for every occasion. Being light manufacturers, the company believes in quality over quantity and each piece is designed to the highest standard. Producing stellar products for discerning enthusiasts is nothing new and Schaumburg Watch Co is aiming to impress with its moon-phase-watch. The aptly named MooN boasts a luminescent display that depicts the moon cycle of the northern and southern hemispheres realistically with a maximum divergence of only one day in 122.5 years. Watches with astronomic chronometers have always played an important role for this manufacturer. Conventional lunar-phase-watches such as the Phase de Lune (2001) or the Lunarium (2009) present this topic in a striking manner. “With our model series Unikatorium Handmade we combine the ideals of artful handcrafting and elegance. All calibres of the Unikatorium production series are elaborately handcrafted and include engraving and skeletonising,” the company says. “This demanding handcrafting does not only create the classical charm of the watch, it is also high quality. Per year we manufacture only a very limited number and having an Unikatorium ensures you are the owner of a handcrafted masterpiece with lasting value.” Call 17 530-329 for enquiries.
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INNOVATIVE INTERACTIVE Our new state-of-the-art WEB APP is now ready for download
CHECK OUT www.online.bahrainthismonth.com 130 September 2015
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Fundraising Lunch A fundraising lunch was hosted for Tony the Dogfather’s animal shelter at the Ali Baba Restaurant. Tony, seventh from left, with his supporters
Moya, Caitriona, Jennifer & Maria
Georgina, Tony & Gaye
Charmaine, Beverley & Alan
JFC Bahrain Amwaj is located
Programs
in Amwaj business park.
Personal Training - Insanity - Crossfit - Triathlon Beach workout - Group Workout
Facilities Crossfit Box – Gym For more info 33002592 - 7707220 @jfcbahrain www.jfcbahrain.com
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Open from Saturday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm September 2015 131
marketplace business bites
Park Right…or Else! We’ve all been there, driven round for ages looking for a parking space because some inconsiderate motorist has taken two spots. Now City Centre Bahrain is doing something about it with its Park Right campaign in which volunteers from the Ministry of Social Development patrol its car park, randomly rewarding those who park properly and challenging those who don’t. To launch the campaign, the island’s largest shopping mall produced a fun, educational video, which can be seen on the centre’s YouTube channel https://youtu.be/uLmc9f5xbAM, showing volunteers tackling those who park badly, going over the lines or taking up disabled spaces unnecessarily. It received more than 65,000 views in the first 24 hours and had logged almost 248,000 as we were going to press.
Fair to Highlight GCC Industrialisation Gulf Industry Fair 2016 (GIF) is planning a serious of events and initiatives to enhance its reputation as the GCC’s exclusive annual industrial promotion showcase. The 2016 event is scheduled to take place from February 9-11 providing a unique one-stop shop for the elements of industrial development across the aluminium, energy and environmental protection, industrial metals, industrial processes and manufacturing, logistics and industrial facilities, industrial security and safety and ports and maritime industries as well as training for industry. “The 2016 Exhibition takes place at a watershed period for the economies of the region,“ says Jubran Abdulrahman, managing director of organiser Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions. “Gulf Industry Fair will focus on promoting economic diversification through the elements of industrial development.” 132 September 2015
Ministry volunteers will continue to attend the mall’s 4,800-space car park regularly to reward and shame and the message is very clear, park right or face the consequences.
Cyber Threat Growing A government-wide Internet security survey completed for Bahrain Central Informatics Organisation has revealed a growing threat of cybercrime in the region. Conducted by Fresh Insight Associates, the survey covered more than 20,000 government employees and analysed the data to identify areas where government offices could be at risk. Global cyber threats are becoming more targeted at organisations, both government and private, using more advanced
techniques attacking not only computer networks but personal computers and smartphones both Apple and Android. “This survey has helped us to identify for the CIO where potential behaviour and lack of knowledge of the cyber threat of government employees could put IT systems at risk and potentially harm government systems and the country as a whole,” said Julian Clarke-Jervoise, managing director of Fresh Insight Associates.
Enter the Dragon With 780 retail outlets due to be completed by the end of September, Bahrain’s Dragon City, which will showcase a huge range of traders from the Oriental superpower, is due open in December. Covering 115,000sq/m of land with 55,000sq/m retail and wholesale space, at Diyar Al Muharraq, the development also aims to serve Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. The inauguration of the project will be part of festivities marking Bahrain’s National Day and the Bahraini-China Cultural Week. www.bahrainthismonth.com
winwin Bahrain This Month gives readers an exclusive chance to win watches from Sharif Group.
AD SEEK
To win, all you have to do is correctly answer the questions below. Which Libyan writer, who was shortlisted for “The International Prize for Arabic Fiction 2015”, will be in Bahrain for the Ta’a Al Shabab festival? ___________________________
HINT: You can find the answers in this issue of BAHRAIN THIS MONTH.
Who got it right? Bahrain This Month received 72 entries last month, 62 of which answered all the questions correctly. Congratulations to everyone, particularly our three winners:
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On which date will Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II become the longestreigning monarch in British history? ___________________________
3
What is the name of comedian Patrick Monahan’s UK tour show that he will be performing at Upstairs Downstairs this month? ___________________________
Last month’s solutions
Where did Charlie Holding test-drive the ‘Rolls Royce Wraith Inspired by Film’? ___________________________
6. BD250
4
5 6 7 8
9 10
Lexus Bahrain recently launched which new sedan? ___________________________ What engine does the Mercedes-Benz CLS500 have? ___________________________ Which new cafe in Saar also has its own brew bar? ___________________________ With burger chain that uses its own signature burger making style has recently entered the Bahrain market? ___________________________ Which two nightclubs will the Metallica tribute band ‘One’ perform at? ___________________________ Which quick-service restaurant has permanently added premium salads to its menu?
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Winner : Lorna Emia Second Place : Nancy Oracoy Third Place : Gloria Alzona
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CLÉ DE CARTIER - ي دو كارتييه
1. Nakhool
1847 MC
2. Wrecking Crew Orchestra 3. Madame Butterfly
cartier.com
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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!
4. Riff 5. Porsche’s new Panamera S E-Hybrid 7. Euro Motors 8. Energy
حركة من صنع الدار
ٍ ساعات استثنائية تجمع ما بين التصميم الجريء والبراعة والخبرة تقوم بابتكار،184 فقد تطلب إبداع خطوطها،اسمها من تاجها الفريد »CLÉ DE CARTIER - ة «كلي دو كارتييه َ ُ إنها والدة. إنها شهادة حيّة على الدقة و التوازن،درجة عالية من االتقان .تصميم جديد ٍ
BAH_Bahrain This Month_PUWA1695_278x215_EN.indd 1
9. The Vocalist 10. City Centre Bahrain
2.
Ad Seek 1. Zayt Zaytoon 2. The Harvesters 3. Ibn Rushd Clinics 2 4. The PGS Vedanta Business Hotel
NOW OPEN IN SAAR AVE. HAWAII OPP. SAAR CINEMA COSTA RICA Name:
INDONESIA
Address:
BRAZIL ETHIOPIA INDIA
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4. September 2015 133
tarotscope
VIRGO
August 22 – Sept 21 A young child is in desperate need of your attention and you should make every effort to give up as much of your time as you can this month; there is a serious cry for help going on
SAGITTARIUS November 22 – December 21 A friend will surprise you this month with his full support in relation to a dispute with a relative and it might even represent a turning point in your relationship. This could have a knock-on effect for your confidence and you may find yourself more prone to taking risks or challenging your own reservations in the weeks that follow. Clearly this display of unity is going to also make you appreciate your friendship a lot more and if you get the opportunity perhaps you should demonstrate your gratitude in some lasting fashion. Card of the Month — The Ten Of Cups
CAPRICORN December 22 – January 21
work scene is going to catch your eye, and the
You have big plans for the autumn and if everything comes together then you may find yourself preparing for a trip away this month to pastures new. You might not actually depart until October but there will be a lot of preparation involved, especially if you have children going with you so make sure you don’t leave any possible eventuality unexplored. Financially you will have come through a minor blip last month relatively unscathed and you can now look forward to a more sustained and consistent period of growth as a consequence. Card of the Month — The Hermit
feeling could be mutual, so prepare yourself for
AQUARIUS January 21 – February 20
that genuinely needs to be addressed. This could be the tip of the iceberg and if you don’t deal with it quickly then matters could escalate. On a more positive note, a new face on the
a possible new romance in the offing. Card of the Month — The Seven Of Pentacles For a detailed, personalised Tarotscope reading, contact Raphael by email: raphael@tarotscope.org.uk
LIBRA September 22 – October 21 A woman of substance is due to come into your life this month and her appearance bodes well for you on the career front. She will provide you with direction and help you rediscover your deepest ambitions. However, she will also demand that you work hard for her and you need to be committed and accept her advice, even if you don’t immediately see the bigger picture. Eventually it will all become apparent to you and when it does you will already be a safe distance down the road you want to be on so the reality won’t come as such a big surprise. Card of the Month — The Page Of Cups
SCORPIO October 22 – November 21 Months of hard work and study are due to be rewarded with success in the near future and September could see you celebrating in a major way because of it. There is no question that you have had to endure some difficult times since the over the coming year and the achievements you enjoy now will go some way towards making things better. On the home front a domestic issue could result in you having to spend out money you were not prepared to part with and as a consequence you need to restrict yourself to a tight budget. Card of the Month — The Five Of Wands 134 September 2015
A lot about your life might be feeling like a lottery at the moment and if there is one thing you are missing it is continuity. So much seems to be up in the air that you can’t really decide on what the best course of action might be. Still, you are a practical, often meticulous sign and you should play to your strengths and ensure that you sit down and filter through the fine print to get the answers you are looking for. The best thing to remember here is that the situation is begging to be brought under your control and it remains in your hands. Card of the Month — The Two Of Pentacles
PISCES February 21 – March 20 For some time now a few of you may have been suspicious of a partner’s actions and it seems that, finally, your fears will be realised. This is going to cause a lot of friction and anxiety but, once the dust has settled, you will then need to decide what remains in the aftermath and whether it is even worth fighting for. All in all, some challenging decisions await you and there is a good chance that after September has passed, these events may have changed you permanently as a person. Card of the Month — Judgement
ARIES March 21 – April 20 You may find that things slow down a little this month and you will be looking to put the finishing touches to a planned holiday that will see you travelling to a new destination you’ve not visited before. As a fire sign, the energy of the Leo month is going to motivate and drive you ever further and you can look forward to an exciting period in your life. On the relationship front, the initial friction that existed between you and a loved one is likely to have dissipated and you can enjoy a more stable and enjoyable time together from now on. Card of the Month — The Sun www.bahrainthismonth.com
advertisers index TAURUS Apr 21 – May 20 Boy! Do you need a holiday after what has been one of the most taxing years of your life! The good news is that you are going to enjoy something very special in September and it will make everything you have been through worthwhile. Above all else, wherever you go you have to leave all your concerns and responsibilities behind you. This is all about ‘me’ time so make the most of it. On the work front you may consider moving roles when you hear of a new opportunity that looks to have your name written all over it. Card of the Month — The Ten Of Pentacles GEMINI May 21 – June 20 There has been a significant hurdle for you to overcome in the last month and the remnants of that challenge still cast a shadow across your thoughts for September. The real challenge is about how you can detach yourself from the emotional debris and focus on getting your life back on track. It won’t be easy and it is certain to take a little time and you shouldn’t be afraid to speak to others who can help. Talking can really ease the sense of isolation and it wouldn’t do you any harm to get the advice of loved ones as well. Card of the Month — Four Of Cups CANCER June 21 – July 20 This month some of you may be feeling quite nostalgic and that could be triggered by the reappearance of an old friend in your life, coupled with a slight dip in circumstances surrounding your current work and living situation. You are not happy at home or in your career and you need to find the energy and drive to do something about that. However, you shouldn’t allow your thought processes to be clouded by emotional ties that have long since lost their significance. Card of the Month — The Empress LEO July 21 – August 21 This month romance is going to be high on the agenda but it may not follow the kind of passage you would ordinarily hope for. It seems that someone you have taken a liking to isn’t quite what he or she seems and, as a consequence, you may end up letting your feelings get ahead of you and being hurt in the process. You are generally a reserved creature who does not let your guard down, and whilst that isn’t always the best approach to take if you want to develop a relationship, your instincts are well placed on this occasion so trust in them. Card of the Month — The Three Of Wands
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Cameron Diaz
Michael Jackson
Beyoncé Knowles
FAMOUS VIRGO THIS MONTH
Fashion & Footwear
Others
Dune . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Madre & Padre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 PUMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,3 The Children’s Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Al Ghalia Co. (Dessange) . . . . . . . . . . 89 Al-A’Ali Shopping Complex . . . . . . . . 22 Alliance Francaise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Alosra Supermarket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Crystal Palace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Emirates Airlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Intercol:IAA (Canon) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Joz Salon & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Juffair Fitness Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 K Home & Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Kids Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park111 Lulu Hypermarket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Mega Mart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Picture Arabia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Punchline Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Syed Junaid Alam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 The British School of Bahrain . . . . . . 49 Yateem Airconditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Yusif Bin Yusif Fakhro (Fermax) . . . 56,57
Financial Institutions Bahrain Development Bank . . . . . . . 121 Citibank N.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC
Home & Furnishing American Beds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Phoenicia Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Hotels & Serviced Residences Al Areen Palace & Spa . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Atiram Premier Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Fraser Suites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 The K Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Novotel Al Dana Resort . . . . . . . . . . 127 Ramee California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Ramee Palace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Swiss Belhotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel . . 107 The Four Seasons Hotel . . . . . . . . . 8, 15
Jewellery & Watches Asia Jewellers (Cartier) . . . . . . . . . . . BC Asia Jewellers (Van Cleef & Arpels) . 4 Sharif Group (Majorica) . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Watch Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Medical & Dental Services Bahrain Specialist Hospital . . . . . . . . 31 Ibn Rushud Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Motoring Al Haddad Motors (Mercedes-Benz) . . . 61 Almoayyed Motors (Ford) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 EK Kanoo (Lexus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Euro Motors (BMW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC,1
Restaurants & Cafés Bennigan’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Brazil Grill Co. Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Cafe Amsterdam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Crust Crema . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Little Chef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Maki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 McDonalds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Nando’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Nicole’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 RIC’s Kountry Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Smash Burger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 T.G.I.Friday’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 The Lanterns Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . 87
Telecommunications Viva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
BTM retail sales outlets BAHRAIN THIS MONTH, your guide to a great way of life, is available at the following selected outlets:
● 24 Hours Market, all outlets ● Al Hilal Bookshops, all outlets ● Al Jazeera Supermarket, all outlets ● Alosra Supermarket, Saar ● Bab al Bahrain Souvenir Shop ● BooksPlus, all outlets ● Burhama Cold Store ● Classic Shop, Bab Al Bahrain ● Elite Supermarket, Hoora ● Supermarket, Awali ● Jawad Supermarket, all outlets ● Jim’s Restaurant ● Mega Mart, all outlets
● Miami Cold Store, Adliya ● Midway Supermarket, all outlets ● Park Supermarket, Mahooz ● Waitrose Supermarket, Amwai ● Other leading Cold Stores and
News Stands All Gulf Daily News home subscribers receive a complimentary copy of BTM. You can also subscribe directly by visiting www.bahrainthismonth.com For subscription enquiries and back issues of BTM, call 17 813-777.
Photos Copies of most pictures depicted in this publication (and some which aren’t) are available from National Photo Services, Gudaibiya 17 742-955. September 2015 135
Last word
The Old Man’s Rant GEG HOPKINS The world’s troubles cause fallout everywhere and, despite rosy editorial, many of us know the truth – business is so bad we’re heading to Calais. There’s an old joke which goes:“When I was a kid, I prayed everyday asking God for a new bicycle, but my mentors kept telling me that it doesn’t work that way and the good lord offers redemption to those who seek forgiveness. So, I stole the bicycle and asked him to forgive me.” Society at large appears to have adopted this mantra, demanding everything be given to them on a plate, and then blaming anything and everything else but themselves when it doesn’t happen. Oh! That’s a bit like terrorism in reverse! And then there’s always the housemaid if all else fails. Where does the blame lie? Our assumed utterly polarised society and politics today muddle through, but we are in a mess and the big sort out is just around the corner. There are some very cruel people in the world but, as for being polarised,it’s fiction and merely the imperious politicians creating this ideology as ‘divide and rule’. Deluded of course, but one hopes the reality is that most of us think much the same. You know, have humanitarian hearts, believe cabbage is good for you, don’t eat children, love animals, hang murderers and anyone who shoots a lion or goes to dog fights. After all, politicians are the only ones to reject capital punishment, fearing one less vote. However, try to physically take our money and see what happens. Absolutely nothing in this world is free, so governments giving aid to third world countries is merely a bribe but perceived as ok and not your own dosh. But if someone knocks at your door asking for a couple of grand to feed Africa, you’ll tell them to give Bob Geldof a call, that he has plenty, and you bought the CD to prove it. As Margret Thatcher said: “The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s money.” (See the hate mail that that generated. It’s a good job Facebook wasn’t around then or we might well have had organised troll terrorism financed by Russell Brand’s publicist.) Brainwashing British politics could be blamed for today’s European ideology, but perhaps it is something to do with the English language which has spread all over the world in all its forms 136 September 2015
(much of it with an Indian accent). So, maybe it wasn’t the advent of television after all? Just like communism, this big Fabian-Marxist trip since the 60s is heading for a major disaster. However, egocentric politicians polarise in their endless endeavour to be noticed and, just like Hitler, employ YouTubelike thugs to get the ball rolling; trolls who spread verbal hate knowing full well that the masses believe everything they read half the time – if they can read, that is. More than a few say there really is no difference between all parties or politicians and absolutely ‘all’ politicians are driven by their alter ego. With their only qualification being able to memorise ‘yuckspeak’ catchphrases, it has to be the alter ego, because that’s the part that stays hidden, but underneath it all, it is this massive ego bigger than Bono’s which drives them. The hedonistic Greeks invented democracy — according to the Greeks — and the Greek
word for ‘I’ is ‘ego’, so maybe they are to blame for everything. Let’s rest our case here. Baroness Thatcher will be turning in her grave quoting Churchillisms: “Never have so few paid so much for so many who won’t take care of themselves.” Why would you, if there is always someone else ready to cough up? Surprisingly, of David Cameron’s “swarms of immigrants crossing the channel”, how many are Greeks? None, for three reasons; they don’t need visas, Greeks like Greece better and they hold the world record for bank holidays. Still, apart from Greece, the so-called socialists are out now. In Britain, they’re running around like ‘edless chickens with both Miliband and Balls gone. As one party member said: “There’s a sense of great loss over Balls.” For sure, the tomcat nextdoor had the same feeling coming back from the vet the other day. Laughable. Harriot Harmon says she doesn’t want to be Prime Minister; well the feeling is very mutual. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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