France in
July 2019
A Special Supplement by Bahrain This Month
THE TEAM Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Editorial Director Liz O’Reilly
contents BAHRAIN THIS MONTH • FRANCE IN BAHRAIN • JULY 2019
Contributors Behnaz Sanjana, Zilia Monteiro Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Romeo San Miguel, Hatem Monem Photography Editor Muna Yousef
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Staff Photographers Subeesh Kumar N S, Ranjith Mohan
Words from the Embassy
HE Cécile Longé, French Ambassador, and colleague Dominique Chastres introduce bilateral achievements.
Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa Corporate Affairs Director Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Group (Hilal Direct Services) Media Sales RANDA GHAZI HOWAIS randa@redhousemarketing.com ANURADHA MANHAS anuradha@redhousemarketing.com DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director Lini Reghunath Content Editor Liz O’Reilly Digital Marketing & Social Media Executive Michelle D’Souza Art & Animation Director Hatem Monem
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A Flourishing 177-Year Relationship
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The Business of Trade
Exclusive pictures from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's visit to France and a spotlight on the history of Bahraini-French relations and the latest developments.
Printing Press Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej W.L.L., Bahrain
Showcasing some of Bahrain’s most popular Frenchinfluenced businesses.
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 2005-2019 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
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Monagesque Charm
Top five things to see in the tiny Principality.
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1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24 Gulf and international subscriptions available on request.
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COMMERCIAL INDEX Angelina Paris................................................................... 15 Asia Jewellers: Messika.................................... Back Cover
Daniele Décor and Atelier CL..................Inside Front Cover Technal Middle East......................................................... 11 July 2019 3
franceinbahrain
WORDS FROM THE EMBASSY
With major developments in fields as diverse as heritage and law over recent months, HE Cécile Longé, French Ambassador, and Counsellor for Cooperation and Culture, Dominique Chastres take the opptunity to speak about their work. HE Cécile Longé
Ambassador of France in the Kingdom of Bahrain I would like to thank Bahrain This Month for giving us the opportunity to share with the largest number of readers our joy and pride in the last months’ achievements regarding the bolstering of relationships between Bahrain and the French Republic. This special issue of Bahrain This Month appears halfway between the visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to France and our traditional national day on July 14, as we call it, “Bastille Day”. Given the considerable progress in our cooperation and the strengthening of partnerships and trust in many areas, this celebration carries a special significance this year for all the friends of France in Bahrain. No less than 11 substantial cooperation agreements have been signed in the last six months, most of which have coincided with His Majesty’s visit on April 30, 2019, without mentioning, of course, agreements in the fields of economy, education, Francophonie, heritage, entrepreneurship, emergency medicine, the training of medical students, medical research, law, urban planning... all sorts of new perspectives and opportunity exchanges, visits and joint projects. This is a great source of satisfaction for an ambassador and her team because we have worked tirelessly, hand in hand with our Bahraini partners, who recognise themselves and to whom I extend warm greetings.
Dominique Chastres
Counsellor for Cooperation and Culture Franco-Bahraini cooperation is a beautiful story that could fill the pages of a big book, but can also be summed up in two words: trust and friendship. Trust is expressed by the development of many common projects and friendship is born of shared values and related aims. Likewise, the French team for cooperation and cultural action has for many years built, with its Bahraini friends, a unique relationship. Bahrain is a culture-friendly country because it has created its cultural identity by feeding on its extraordinary history, that extends over several thousand years. Alongside this, the suitability of Bahrain’s language policy, that strongly emphasises trilingualism (Arabic, English, French), brings this amazing country closer to France. Now, Franco-Bahraini cooperation seeks primarily younger generations, while striving to offer the best tools of progress and modernity. Many files fill the daily life of a French Advisor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs in Bahrain. From the medical field to the cinema, from the judicial to the living arts, from the university to the digital world, everything is open; everything can be done in Bahrain. It’s certainly a factor of considerable enrichment for both parties. In Bahrain, our motivation doesn’t fade, and the completion of a file, leads usually to the opening of another. The Franco-Bahraini cooperation team, which includes the Alliance Française and the French School MLF, supports the work carried out and will work to deploy the most innovative projects in the future. 4 July 2019
www.bahrainthismonth.com
franceinbahrain
His Majesty the King meets with French President Emmanuel Macron
Bahraini Minister of Education and President of Aix-Marseille University sign an agreement on law cooperation
His Majesty King Hamad’s meeting with President Macron, which took place on April 30, 2019, at the ElysÊe Palace in Paris, has strengthened the ties of friendship and cooperation between Bahrain and France. A number of bilateral agreements were signed alongside the official visit by an important ministerial delegation.
His Majesty the King receives French businessmen
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His Majesty the King and the French President
Bahraini and French Ministers of Foreign Affairs heading to the signature ceremony after their meeting
July 2019 5
franceinbahrain
A FLOURISHING Members of the French Embassy in Bahrain write on a friendship that is heading towards its second century. History
177 YEAR
Bahrain and France share a common determination to protect and preserve cultural heritage, as well as artistic creation. Through archaeological missions launched in 1977, France has actively participated in the rediscovery of Bahrain’s ancient history. It has resulted in a rich cultural cross-fertilisation. The meeting of civilisations actually came to life when the relationship was established in 1842, as the French ship, La Favorite, sent by King Louis-Philippe, arrived in Bahrain during a campaign in the Red Sea. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmad Al Khalifa, Governor of Bahrain at that time, sent to the emissary of the King of France a welcome message expressing his wishes to become the friend of France. At the turn of the twentieth century, the French jeweller, Jacques Cartier, came to Bahrain in 1911, seduced by the high-quality pearls of which fame had echoed to Paris. Later, the first French exports, recorded in Bahrain in 1962, and the opening of a French Embassy in 1974, finally laid the foundation for a long-standing relationship with Bahrain, where the common concern for excellence is reflected in all areas, notably in the field of educational and academic cooperation. 6 July 2019
His Majesty the King offering the French President a souvenir from Jacques Cartier’s visit to Bahrain in 1911
RELATIONSHIP
Thriving Economic Relations
The economic exchange between Bahrain and France reached USD505 million in 2018, which is a slight decrease compared to 2017 (USD557), but above the levels observed in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. France mostly exports industrial equipment, chemical and pharmaceutical goods to Bahrain, while the majority of Bahraini exports to France are made of refined products. Around 185 French companies from various sectors are currently operating in the Kingdom, such as banking and finance, industry, retail, design, IT and security. Leading French companies have established their offices in Bahrain, some of them for more than 50 years, and continue to use Manama as their regional headquarters for the Gulf region. Among these are the bank BNP Paribas, the insurance group Axa and Vinci Energies, through its local subsidiary Comsip. Thanks to
their historical relationship with some of the most prominent merchant families in the Kingdom, luxury brands in cosmetics, perfumes and jewellery are also acting as ambassadors of the French business presence.
Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Jean Yves Le Drian, French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs
www.bahrainthismonth.com
franceinbahrain During His Majesty’s visit to France, three agreements on secondary and higher education were signed by Bahrain’s Minister of Education and the French Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Minister of Information Affairs of Bahrain and President of France’s National Audiovisual Institute sign an agreement on audiovisual archives
As part of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s visit to the French Republic earlier this year, the Bahraini business delegation accompanying His Majesty signed 12 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding with French companies and institutions. The business segment of the visit included a high-level business lunch, organised by the Economic Development Board and French agency Medef International. It was attended by 150 businessmen from both countries. For the past few years, prominent French companies have played a significant role in the development of key projects that are a priority for the national economy, like the design of the new airport terminal awarded in 2014 to a consortium that includes Aéroports de Paris (ADP), the production of power generation and water desalination at Al Dur plant, by a consortium that has included Engie since 2008, the supply of engineering and industrial equipment to Alba by Fives Group since 2017, and the renewal of the Gulf Air fleet with the purchase in 2016 of 29 Airbus A320s and A321s. Beyond these projects, and under the umbrella of the Vision 2030 that aims at strengthening the diversification of the economy, French companies, including SMEs, have expressed a strong interest in the initiatives launched by the Kingdom in the Fintech sector.
French Language and Education
Since 1987, French teaching has been offered at the University of Bahrain, reinforced in 2009 by the integration of the Centre of French Studies in the Department of Foreign Languages at the University of Bahrain. The same year, a Royal Decree ranked the French language among priority disciplines, making it the second foreign language after English. This represents an opportunity for Bahrain to participate in the tri-lingual education of new generations and to be part of the circle of the Francophonie community (300 million speakers worldwide). In the meantime, the number of scholarships increases every year, allowing young Bahrainis to discover French language and culture during specially tailored summer camps. In parallel, the MLF French School of Bahrain (located in Busaiteen) offers high-level teaching programmes and currently accommodates 720 students from kindergarten to French baccalaureate. The school had 120 Bahraini students for this 2018/2019 school year. The Alliance Française is also a large part of the cooperation in the field of education, with 1,500 registrations every year for diplomas certified by the French Ministry of National Education. During His Majesty’s visit to France, an agreement was signed between the Institut Français de la Mode (French Fashion Institute) and the Bahrain Fashion Incubator, in order to promote academic training in fashion design, which will later be turned into a fullfledged diploma by the University of Bahrain. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Academic cooperation experiences a real accomplishment with the French Arabian Business School (FABS) delivering an ESSECMBA. Hosted by the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) since 2011, this diploma was designed by the prestigious French ESSEC Business School. The Aix-Marseille University (AMU) also allows a set of cooperation programmes, particularly with the University of Bahrain, in partnership with the Institute of Public Administration of Bahrain (BIPA) and the ENA – French National School of Administration. It offers a Master’s in public management that was launched in 2016. A doctorate school / research institute in public administration, operated under the aegis of the same AMU, was inaugurated in February 2019. Other projects initiated in 2019, like the creation of a Master’s in law and sports management and a research programme in the field of genetics, are strengthening the scientific and academic exchanges between the two countries.
Scope For Cooperation
During His Majesty’s visit to France, an inter-governmental agreement was signed on four to six-year medical specialisation residencies, to be made accessible to five young doctors every year. Medical partnership has been, for many years, a very significant field of cooperation. Beside the above-mentioned programme of specialisation, to be offered from this month, a contract was signed in January 2019 between the Ministry of Interior and Greater Paris University Hospitals. Already implemented, it aims at modernising the emergency medical care service of the Kingdom and ambulance management. Numerous other projects such as judicial studies, preservation of the environment, women and children’s rights and urban planning have been instituted recently as fields for successful cooperation and the embassy is regularly introducing new scenarios in the Bahrain-France relationship for common enrichment.
Culture and Art
During His Majesty’s visit to France an agreement was signed between the President of the Louvre Museum and the President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), HE Shaika Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, on the loan of archaeological items from the Dilmun and Tylos civilisations, for display in the Museum’s Department of Oriental Antiquities. Franco-Bahraini cultural cooperation has been historically marked by the privileged partnership the French Embassy has developed, over the years, with BACA. France is particularly recognised in the country for its excellence in the fields of cultural engineering and artistic resources. In the field of performing arts, a growing number of events (five to seven French shows per year, mostly musical) have successfully found their place in the cultural and social life of the country. French visual artists have also been regularly honoured, especially since the launch of a partnership between BACA and the Atelier de Sèvres (Paris) in 2016.
Click on the article online to see more exclusive images from His Majesty’s historic French visit. July 2019 7
franceinbahrain
THE PARISIAN WAY Angelina Paris represents a brand of timeless luxury and symbolises the French art of living at its tea rooms around the world.
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ngelina Paris, the iconic French patisserie and tearoom was brought to Bahrain by Kingdom Gourmet in 2018, and has since been offering diners signature pastries and beverages, as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the day. The international chain will be opening its second location on the island at The Avenues – Bahrain, this summer. The renowned eatery has come a long way since its founding in 1903 in Paris, when the city was steeped in the spirit of the Belle Époque. It was then that tea rooms became new meeting places, more comfortable than
8 July 2019
traditional cafés and more fashionable than pastry shops. Austrian confectioner, Antoine Rumpelmayer, had already captured the attention of the who’s-who in southern France with his delicious pastries and confectioneries. Encouraged by his success, he opened a tea room in Paris and entrusted its management to his son, René, whose wife was named Angeline. A few years later, the venue was renamed Angelina. The Rumpelmayer family’s expertise and passion for delicate confectioneries seduced Parisians, and Angelina quickly became the essential gathering place for high society. The culinary magic continues at the establishment’s various branches in France, Singapore, China, Japan, Lebanon and the GCC. The 50-seater outlet in Bahrain’s stylish Adliya has recently seen the launch of some new additions to the menu. These include an Arabic breakfast, pancakes, new salads and some local favourites like modern thareed and kabsa, with French influences in all dishes. But the two signature items at Angelina; the Mont-Blanc Pastry and the hot chocolate, L’Africain, continue to wow guests, having been served in the same way for over 100 years. Angelina’s L’Africain, is an institution by itself. The mixture of 100-per-cent pure cocoa butter from Ghana and Ivory Coast, in Africa, brilliantly brings together bitterness and fruity notes. The blend is prepared with the utmost care for a round and balanced flavour. The whole
milk into which the preparation slowly melts yields a unique creamy texture. To balance out the strength of the cocoa and add a touch of the establishment’s trademark indulgence, the drink is served with light, unsweetened whipped cream, making the beverage both rich and airy. The Mont-Blanc is Angelina’s signature pastry. History states that the recipe was created in the early 20th century in the kitchens of the original Angelina tea room on Paris’s Rue de Rivoli. It owes its name to Antoine Rumpelmayer’s Austrian origins, and its shape is thought to be inspired by a women’s hairstyle that was in vogue at the time; the short, slicked-down bob. The creation is essentially a dry and crunchy French meringue, topped with an unctuous dome of whipped cream, which in turn is covered with chestnut vermicelli. The chestnut coating, a mix of sweetened cream and unsweetened chestnut purée, is what makes the Mont-Blanc so gourmet. The creation can be enjoyed as a dessert or as sweet petits fours, available in a variety of presentations, from classic trays to superb centrepieces. Each day, up to 800 individual Mont-Blancs are sold at the Rue de Rivoli tea room, and 700,000 are sold each year in all locations combined. Call 17 001-344. www.bahrainthismonth.com
franceinbahrain
Unmistakably
FRENCH STYLE
T
hough Bahrain born through its original French founder, the company changed hands a few years back and is now part of one of the world’s largest bespoke French design companies – Group Atelier de France. This has brought on board new areas of expertise, some of them exclusive to just these two companies in the region, which allow them to continue providing clients with personalised, outstanding and high-quality interior designs and decorative works. A stable of highly-skilled artisans boasts skills and know-how based on traditional techniques from France, such as straw marquetry – only available via a very few companies worldwide – and real ‘Verre Eglomise’, which dates back to the 18th century and is only available from Daniele Décor and Atelier CL in our region. As said by their CEO: “Our unique goal is to satisfy our clients by creating interior design and decorative works, matching with their sensitivity and feelings.” To help achieve this, the showroom in Sitra offers almost 40,000 fabrics and 17,000-plus wallpaper samples with the collection ever growing and changing, keeping abreast of the latest trends while ensuring clients can still access classic favourites and more traditional options. Daniele Décor specialises in personalised interiors and designed products, from curtaining to upholstery, carpentry, consultancy and full interior design. And, if you want to see www.bahrainthismonth.com
how your finished home or office will look, the latest virtual reality software can give clients a real immersion into their future interior. Atelier CL provides original creative, decorative and specialised interior painting solutions from stucco to trompe l’oeil on canvas, to the creation of ceilings in palladium or gold leaves, artistic murals, stone and marble finishes and much more. The two companies are located in Bahrain but carry out projects in many countries across the the GCC, for a wide range of clientele from private palaces to luxury hospitality and commercial developments. The end of July will see a new man at the helm of the business as Richard de Suremain
Daniele Décor and Atelier CL have been imparting a sense of French spirit to the Kingdom’s home and business interiors for more than 35 years.
Richard and Stan
takes over from current CEO Stanislas Gastaldi, who is returning to the parent group. Richard is animated by the same passion for creating elegant, stunning and pleasing interior designs and decorative solutions. He says: “I look forward to continuing our mission of bringing quality French design and service to Bahrain and the region and preserving the heritage this much-respected company has built up over more than three decades.”
July 2019 9
franceinbahrain TECHNAL MIDDLE EAST
Leading French brand for architectural aluminium systems, TECHNAL®, introduces its innovative new TIGAL pull and slide door, which is energy efficient, a user-centric design and built for the future of city living.
Tomorrow’s Design
Available Today
Building Interior-TIGAL
W
ith climate challenges and increasing urbanisation having an ever-greater effect on our day-today lives, future-proofing building design is more important than ever. TECHNAL® was born from innovation and imagination, always looking to the challenges of the future. And, with the expectation that by 2050 around 70 per cent of the global population will be urban dwellers causing a transition to ‘Vertical Cities’ comprised of tall buildings, these issues were given prime importance in the creation of the recently launched TIGAL Sliding Door. The move towards urbanisation will also mean a rise in noise pollution presenting designers with an additional challenge to create a sliding-door system that incorporates eco-friendly design with noise reduction and extreme weather and climate resistance. TECHNAL® says: “Where others see only doors and windows, we see new possibilities; creativity and design in the service of people.” Enter the TIGAL Sliding Door, which accomplishes the above in a sleek, attractive package that not only promises to cater to the ever-changing needs of the future but also meets construction industry expectations. In short, the TIGAL allows you to: ‘Beat the elements’ by taking control of heat, wind and water; master your comfort, in terms of sound, dust and security; and control your space through its large dimensions and zero area/ daylight/view loss combined with full or micro 10 July 2019
Building Exterior-TIGAL
ventilation, focused on energy efficient façades and user comfort. Presented as a unique hybrid, combining the advantages of a sliding door with the features and high performance of a casement window, the TIGAL’s flat profile means all the living area is preserved while allowing easy access to a balcony, terrace or other outdoor space. Its structure is architect-friendly as it can fit into any space up to 4m wide by 2.70m high and can carry up to 300 kg and 52 mm thick of glazing infill per leaf and, as well as its top-of-the-range performance capabilities, the system comes in several finishes and colours to suit every choice. The technology, which is energy efficient and of a user-centric design, is housed in a slender frame with concealed hardware which is easily operated, leaving space for a large glazed area that allows natural light into the room and easy, silent access to the outer area. Performance • The innovative system can withstand multiple weather extremes. Air permeability of Class A4, wind pressure resistance Class 3 (soon to be available in Class 5 up to 3 KPa by the end
TIGAL corner details
of 2019), and exceptional water-tightness of E1200, which uses avant-garde technology that seals four times better than conventional sliding doors, make the TIGAL Sliding Door capable of facing any global challenge, truly ‘Braving the Elements’. • With three levels of thermal conductivity, the TIGAL Sliding Door ensures optimal energy efficiency and insulation to reduce the impact of outside heat and cold. Its Uw thermal performance is up to 0.85 W/m²K creating pleasant conditions indoors in both summer and winter and reducing energy bills. • With acoustic insulation up to Rw (C;Ctr): 45dB in double glazing, it shields occupants from outside noise. • It is manufactured with 70-per-cent recycled materials and durable components with no PVC, because environmental sustainability is already crucial, and will become more so in the future. • Profiles can be manufactured in extruded aluminium REDUXA or in extruded low carbon aluminium CIRCAL 75R, both of which boast a carbon footprint below 4kg of CO2 per kilogram of aluminium. www.bahrainthismonth.com
WANT A WINDOW TO CLOSE? TELL IT!
LEARN MORE
IMAGINE WHAT’S NEXT
Imagining. Creating. Innovating. What you imagine, we create. Creativity is the bedrock of our growth. Using imagination, we visualise a life more comfortable. Once, we dreamed of opening a window by voice alone. Today, Technal make it possible. A big step forward? At Technal we see it as just the beginning.
Windows - Doors - Façades
TECHNAL MIDDLE EAST - P. O. Box: 21848, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain T: +973 1722 5777 - F: +973 1721 7799 - E: technal@technal.com.bh - W: www.technal-me.com
franceinbahrain ASIA JEWELLERS
EXQUISITE ELEGANCE Bahrain can boast access to some of France and the world’s most coveted watch and jewellery brands, thanks to luxury retailer, Asia Jewellers.
Clash De Cartier
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ffering the best in high-end accessories over the years, Asia Jewellers is a name that has carved out a truly individual personality for itself. The retailer’s commitment to offering discerning customers the option to purchase fine products from some of the world’s most prestigious watchmakers and jewellery houses from France, Italy, Switzerland and also the Middle East, has earned it great repute in the region. The company has positioned itself in each market sector with a comprehensive selection of brands, carefully placed retail stores and select brand boutiques. With 12 boutiques operating in the Kingdom, locations extend from City Centre Bahrain, Al Aali Shopping Complex and Seef Mall in the Seef district, to boutiques at the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, and the island’s luxury shopping landmark, Moda Mall. Luxurious standalone boutiques include Cartier in Manama and Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, as well as IWC Schaffhausen, Officine Panerai, Audemars Piguet and Van Cleef & Arpels in Bahrain. With its dynamic approach to business, Asia Jewellers channels Bahrain’s new spirit and shares the Kingdom’s ambition to create a diversified economy for the country. As the company looks to the future, it will continue to grow its list of prestigious brands and exceed the expectations of customers in Bahrain and throughout the Middle East. The organisation is the sole dealership for 12 July 2019
D de Dior Satine Malachite & Lapis
the most sought-after global marques such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Fabergé, Djula, and Repossi for precious trinkets that include understated but high-fashion statement necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. When it comes to timepieces, Asia Jewellers has partnered with the topmost range of international watch houses. Ladies will be mesmerised with beautiful watches from Dior, Fendi and Alain Philippe among others. Gentlemen can boast the most technologically modern, yet timeless wristwatches from brands like Bovet, IWC Schaffhausen, Officine Panerai,
Frivole Bracelet-Van Cleef & Arpels
Roger Dubuis and Ulysse Nardin, to name a few. Besides ornaments and watches for personal use, the outlets also offer an elegant range of bridal accessories, refined essentials like pens, wallets and card holders from labels like J. Rousseau and Jorg Hysek, as well as sophisticated gifting solutions. Call Moda Mall 17 535-344, Al-Aali Mall 17 581-444, Seef Mall 17 587-888, Ritz-Carlton Bahrain 17 580-123, City Centre Bahrain 17 179-009 or visit www.asiajewellers.com
Recently, a new label, Messika, has been added to the company’s prestigious collection. The brand, born in Paris in 2005, is run by Valérie Messika, daughter of the famous diamond merchant André Messika. Core values have been passed down from father to daughter: to enhance the diamond, to push the boundaries and to strive continuously for excellence. This Parisian house of fine jewellery chose to be represented in Bahrain through Asia Jewellers, and thus was born Messika’s luminous new boutique at Moda Mall, showcasing a unique diamond experience to patrons. The outlet, which is operated by Asia Jewellers, exhibits all of the brand’s iconic collections, and is a place where the designer also unveils her exceptional haute joaillerie creations. www.bahrainthismonth.com
franceinbahrain
Monegasque CHARM In the south-east of France, only 10km from Italy, Monaco is an independent microstate on the French Riviera known for its extravagant casinos, yacht-lined marina and prestigious Grand Prix race, which runs through its streets once a year. The capital, Monte Carlo, takes up most of its area, and one can walk across it in approximately an hour. But the fantastic range of attractions that Monaco offers is surprising. Here are the top five:
Monaco Cathedral
Princess Grace Rose Garden
Museum of antique automobiles
Palais Princier de Monaco This palace is the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco. Built in 1191, the ancient Genoese fortress can be reached after strolling through the souvenir shop-filled Monaco-Ville. The palace has a dramatic story to tell, and if you get there at 11.55am, you’ll catch the daily changing of the guard; a solemn military ritual. When the Prince is not in residence, areas such as the Palace Chapel, the Hercule Gallery, the Mirror Gallery, the Yellow Room or Louis XV Bedroom, and the Throne Room, are open to the public.
Rolls Royce that Grace Kelly rode in on her wedding day, as well as racing cars to antiques. Those who are not exactly car geeks will also enjoy witnessing the stately silhouettes, regal bodywork, shiny bonnets and magnificent grilles of the vehicles.
Collection de Voitures Anciennes The Museum of Antique Automobiles is the personal collection of Prince Rainier III’s vintage vehicles. It displays nearly 100 vehicles, which range from horse-drawn carriages to the
Parks and Gardens Monaco is known for serenely beautiful public gardens, the Jardin Exotique de Monaco being one of the most renowned. Located in the centre of town, it is especially famous for the cactii and
Metropole Shopping Center
Prince’s Palace
www.bahrainthismonth.com
succulents it grows. The entrance ticket includes access to a cave within the gardens that’s full of stalactites and stalagmites. The tranquil Princess Grace Rose Garden located within Fontvieille Park is laid out in English style, but the olive trees give it a Mediterranean character. The peaceful Japanese Garden is a wonderful Zen experience. Monaco Cathedral Built with white La Turbie stones in the RomanByzantine style, this imposing structure houses the remains of the royal family of Monaco, including Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly. It was also the place where the couple tied the knot in 1956. The chapels inside are dedicated to Sainte Devote, Saint Roman and the Saint Sacrament, with a 16th-century altarpiece of Saint Nicolas, which was painted in 1500. Métropole Shopping Center This retail arcade not only has 80 of the best high-end boutiques and five restaurants, but also a story to tell. Lebanese traveller, Nabil Boustany, fell in love with Monaco, and decided to build an astonishing complex in Monte-Carlo, in collaboration with some of the world’s best architects. The mall was opened in 1988, with opulent interiors inlaid with precious materials. Genuine Italian marble gives the place a modern Mediterranean feel and Bohemia crystal chandeliers impart an air of magnificence. July 2019 13
bystander
Battle Of The Bands
In celebration of World Music Day a competition between the best bands in Bahrain was held at Tapas Bar & Restaurant, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa
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14 July 2019
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Make Music Bahrain
The French Embassy and Alliance Francaise held a Make Music Bahrain festival in the spirit of the ‘Fête de la Musique’
www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery
My Twin Collection with Gigi Hadid
#DiamondAddiction
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