Issue 68 - March 2014
Women who inspire Role ‘Model’
Issue 68 - March 2014 - Bahrain 1 BD
The Spotlight shines on Imtiaz Al Balooshi
Missoni M , a r e r r e H Carolina assimo Dutti and M
Discover Peru beyond Macche Picchu
Fresh from the Press Dan on SevenFriday
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CEO LETTER
“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.” — Diane Mariechild I completely agree with the above adage, and I believe that women are the most important catalysts of change in any society. On the occasion of Women’s Day, we are celebrating a few inspirational women from Bahrain, we hope you like it. We were the first to get behind the steering of the new Audi A3, check out our 6-point review. The globe trotter takes you to Peru, where we show you what to do besides trekking the Macchu Picchu ruins. We hope you enjoy this issue. Get in touch or drop us a line on our Facebook page or drop me an email. Cheers! Sincerely. Mamdouh Shehata CEO - Sabaya Magazine mamdouh.shehata@sabayamag.com
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FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK CEO Mamdouh Shehata Deputy CEO Samia Al Mahmoud PR & Editorial Manager Omaima Ebrahim Editor Puja Tiwari Business Development Director Rami Khalil Layout & Design by Goalive Media House
I’m sure you will agree that we all have women in our lives that are dear to us, whether a family member, friend or spouse. March encompasses International Women’s Day in its agenda, celebrated on March 8 worldwide, and honours working women and their struggle everywhere. We have featured five extraordinary women from different walks of life and varied professions, who have motivated, inspired and done something for the better in Bahrain. Turn over to our Women’s Day Special to find out who these remarkable personalities are. Swiss watch brand SevenFriday founder Daniel Niederer, who tells us about his phenomenal success with the brand and we have the entire lineup of the much awaited Spring of Culture event calendar. As always, we bring you the latest catwalk trends from the world’s fashion capitals. Email me your comments and suggestions, we love hearing from our readers!
Photographer Habeed Proof Reader Fayez Abubacker Augmented Reality Providers
Legal Consultant Younis Zakaria Younis Printed by Arabian Press Distribution Al Ayam Published by Sabaya Company for printing & Publishing ISSN 1985 – 8353 Chairman Abdul Samad Al Nashaba
Cheers! PUJA TIWARI Editor - Sabaya Magazine puja@sabayamag.com
Sabaya is a monthly publication Tel: +973 77100022 Fax: +973 77100021 www.sabayamag.com Email: info@sabayamag.com Facebook: SabayaMagazine Twitter: SabayaMag For advertising enquiries, please contact our Exclusive Media Representative
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CELEBRITY TIDBITS
‘Gravity’ almost starred Angelina Jolie and Robert Downey Jr Filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron has revealed that he had initially approached Angelina Jolie and Robert Downey Jr as leading actors for his space drama ‘Gravity’. The 52-year-old filmmaker, whose film has been nominated in 10 categories at the Oscars, said both the actors had some problem with the film at its initial stage, reported the Huffington Post. “Jolie dropped out of the project due to scheduling conflicts with her directorial debut ‘In The Land of Blood and Honey’, while Downey Jr exited because the film’s technology didn’t leave him room to improvise,” Cuaron said. Production on ‘Gravity’ had not started by the time Jolie and Downey Jr changed their minds, leaving Cuaron time to send offers to George Clooney and Sandra Bullock.
Megan Fox names son Bodhi Ransom Green Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green have named their newborn son Bodhi Ransom Green. The couple, who also have twoyear-old son Noah Shannon Green, welcomed their second child into the world on February 12. The tot’s birth certificate, obtained by gossip website TMZ.com, shows he was born at 8:05 pm at CedarsSinai Medical Centre in West Hollywood. ‘Anger Management’ star Brian, 40, also has an 11-year-old son, Kassius Lijah Marcil-Green, with his ex-girlfriend Vanessa Marcil, who also once starred alongside him on 8
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‘Beverly Hills 90210.’ The ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ actress, 27, previously admitted that she found both of her pregnancies tough in the beginning. She said: ‘’I’ve had rough first trimesters. But once you get into the second, it’s fine after that.’’ Megan has also told how being a mother to Noah helped take her mind off the pregnancy, saying: ‘’I don’t have time to think about [what’s different this time], I have a one-year-old running around. And then when you’re working like 16 hours a day, there’s no time for you at all.’’
Has Leighton Meester secretly married beau Adam Brody? Leighton Meester and Adam Brody have reportedly tied the knot in a super-secret wedding ceremony. Sources told Us Magazine that the ‘Gossip Girl’ star and Brody have finally gotten married, but in a very hush-hush ceremony. It was earlier revealed in November 2013 that the couple, who was spotted in and around Hollywood on a handful of occasions, is engaged.
CELEBRITY TIDBITS
James Franco writes Shia LaBeouf’s erratic behaviour James Franco has supported actor Shia LaBeouf’s recent art-project but hoped his headline grabbing antics are not an indication of a meltdown. LaBeouf, 27, raised concerns about his wellbeing for his abrupt exit from a press conference and later his appearance at the Berlin film festival red carpet for ‘Nymphomaniac’. The actor wore a cutout
bag with ‘I am not famous anymore’ written on it. He took his bizarre behaviour further by staging an art show called ‘#IAmSorry’ that involved having him sit opposite visitors to a Los Angeles gallery while he wore a similar bag over his head and stared at them through cutout eye holes. Franco in an article in the New York Times said though some of LaBeouf’s actions
Hoffman’s will reveals strong desire for son to live away from Hollywood Philip Seymour Hoffman’s will has revealed that the deceased star wanted his son to be brought up in New York, Chicago or San Francisco. According to the will, the ‘Capote’ actor has left his entire estate to “friend and companion” Mimi O’’Donnell, who is the mother of his three children, and mentions his “strong desire” that his son Cooper Hoffman be raised and reside in or near the borough of Manhattan in the State of New York, or Chicago Illinois, or San Francisco, California, CNN reported. The document released by the Manhattan Surrogate’s Court, which was signed by Hoffman in October 2004, reveals that he wanted him to grow up there so that he would be “exposed to the culture, arts and architecture that such cities offer”. The 46-year-old star was found on the bathroom floor of his apartment with a needle in his arm, earlier last month.
may be questionable but being an actor he is inclined to take an empathetic view of his behaviour. “Any artist, regardless of his field, can experience distance between his true self and his public persona. But because film actors typically experience fame in greater measure, our personas can feel at the mercy of forces far beyond our control.
Jada Pinkett Smith joins ‘Gotham’ cast Actress Jada Pinkett Smith has joined the cast of “Gotham”, the Batman prequel series, slated to go on air in the fall. The 42-year-old will play villainous gangster Fish Mooney in the one hour drama, reports nydailynews.com. “Gotham” takes place in the years before the Batman first donned the cape and cowl. The series focuses on the back stories of future Police Commissioner James Gordon and some notable villains. Actor Ben McKenzie has been cast as Gordon, Sean Pertwee is on board as Wayne Manor butler Alfred Pennyworth and Robin Lord Taylor is signed on to play Oswald Cobblepot - better known to fans as the nefarious Penguin.
Seal, Heidi Klum not reuniting Supermodel Heidi Klum and former husband Seal are not going back together. Klum’s representative has dismissed reports that said the couple would get back together following her split from boyfriend Martin Kristen, reported Ace Showbiz. “Seal and Heidi have not reunited as a couple. Their children will always be their priority, and their focus remains on co-parenting.” the representative said. The 40-year-old German supermodel and the singer were married for seven years before announcing their separation in 2012. March 2014
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CELEBRITY TIDBITS
Prince William calls Helen Mirren ‘granny’ Prince William referred to Dame Helen Mirren as ‘’granny’’ at the BAFTAs last month. The second in line to the British throne presented the actress with the British Academy of Film and Television (BAFTA) Fellowship Award and made his quip while introducing her, referring to Helen’s famous portrayal of Queen Elizabeth - his grandmother - in ‘The Queen.’ Speaking at London’s Royal Opera House, where the awards took place, he said: ‘’The recipient of this year’s fellowship is an extremely talented actress who I should probably call granny.’’ William’s co-host, actor Jeremy Irons, added: ‘’Helen Mirren has always been an actress impossible
to ignore. ‘’Everything she did was always worthwhile, it was always serious, and because of her it was always intrinsically sexy. ‘’She has 11 BAFTA nominations and has won four, she is one hell of a dame and of course she should be a BAFTA fellow.’’
Helen, 68, then collected her award, which she dedicated to one of her schoolteachers, whom she said was a huge influence on her but had sadly passed away recently.
Ryan Reynolds sells house for $1.4 mn Actor Ryan Reynolds sold his Hollywood Hills house last month for $1.405 million, lesser than what he expected to fetch. The 37-year-old had put the two-bedroom home on the market three times. But he had to settle for $495,000 less than he had first hoped for when he first listed it for sale back in 2009, reports dailymail.co.uk. According to real estate website Truila, the actor purchased the property in October 2007 for $1.715 million. The very private, over 1,700 square home, is located on a cul-de-sac and has high walls all around it. It features rustic wooden floors, a cook’s kitchen, working fireplace and two and half bathrooms.
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Sandra Bullock gives BAFTAs a miss for sick son Sandra Bullock decided to give BAFTAs a miss in order to take care of her ailing son. The ‘Gravity’ star was absent from the award ceremony of BAFTA, held in London on Sunday night because her son, Louis, wasn’t feeling well, the New York Post reported. According to the sources, the 49-year-old was likely to walk the red carpet along with Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Prince William and Catherine. ‘Gravity’ starring George Clooney and Sandra Bullock was big winner at the award function, where the director of the movie Alfonso Cuaron took the award for the ‘Best Director’ home.
Living alone gave Emma Roberts a reality check Actress Emma Roberts says she got life’s first reality check when she moved out of her parents’ house at the age of 18. The actress, now 23, was horrified that she had to buy her own toilet paper when she moved in on her own, reports femalefirst.co.uk. “My first reality check was when I moved into my own apartment when I was 18. I was like, ‘Wait, I have to buy my own toilet paper? And I have to wash my own clothes? I miss my mom!’ It’s stuff like that you don’t think about as a kid. Being an adult is not glamorous,” Roberts told OK! magazine. Roberts is engaged to her “American Horror Story” co-star Evan Peters and says she loves to feature alongside people she is close to.
CELEBRITY TIDBITS
Sharon Stone hated curves Sharon Stone ‘’wanted to die’’ when she put on weight in her 20s. The 55-year-old actress gained 45lbs as a side effect from medication she was given after an accident and admitted she hated the attention her newly-curvaceous figure received from men. She said: ‘’When I was 20, after my horseback-riding accident, I was given cortisone shots and I gained a lot of weight from that, like 45 pounds. ‘’I looked a little like Anna Nicole Smith, with a tiny waist, big boobs, and a big butt. Everywhere I went, men went insane over my va-va-voom body. I just wanted to die and I became an introvert.’’ The ‘Alpha Dog’ actress - who has three adopted sons, Roan, 13, Laird, eight, and Quinn, seven - also admitted she has struggled with getting older and has ‘’cried and cried’’ over the way she has changed with time.
Nicole Scherzinger turns down Lewis Hamilton’s marriage offer thrice Nicole Scherzinger has turned down Lewis Hamilton’s marriage proposal three times in a month. The ‘X Factor’ judge is not sure about walking down the aisle with his F1 star beau and she keeps saying no, whenever Lewis pops the marriage question. A friend of the F1 ace spilled the beans saying that the 29-year-old sportsperson is so desperate to hold on to Scherzinger this time around that he keeps asking her to marry him but she is playing very hard this time. The source further stated that the Mercedes driver really
wants to get engaged properly and thereupon start planning a wedding for early August when he has a three-week break in the Formula One schedule.
Julia Roberts’s half-sister left ‘suicide note’ Julia Roberts’ half-sister Nancy Motes, who died recently, left a suicide note, it has been revealed. The Los Angeles County Department of Coroner has confirmed that the ‘Pretty Woman’ star’s sibling left a suicide note at her Malibu residence where her body was discovered, however, they refused to reveal more, Us Weekly reported. Sources revealed that Motes was found dead in a bathtub by her fiance and several prescription and nonprescription drugs found at the scene. According to the Mirror, the 37-yearold daughter of Betty Lou and Michael Motes left a five-page suicide letter of which three pages were directed at her sister, one was to her mum and the other was an apology to her fiance.
Kit Harington learnt his real name at 11
Actor Kit Harington says he found out that his real name is Christopher only when he was 11. However, he said he was called Kit from day one. “It was very strange, I went to school, and I remember that you had to do these tests to find out what set you’re in-how clever you are. I put down Kit Harington, and they looked at me like I was completely stupid, and they said, ‘No, you’re Christopher Harington, I’m afraid’,” Harington said in a statement. “It was only then I learnt my actual name. That was kind of a bizarre existential crisis for an 11-year-old to have, but in the end I always stuck with Kit, because I felt that’s who I was. I’m not really a Chris,” added the actor, who will be seen in “Pompeii”.
Celebrity death hoax on the social media sends fans in a tizzy Miley Cyrus Last week the news of the current controversy kid Miley’s demise spread far and wide on networking sites. Last Saturday, a page titled, ‘R.I.P Miley Cyrus’ attracted nearly one million likes in a matter of a few hours and an equal number of comments praying for her as fans across the world went into a tizzy. Later, the singer’s representatives clarified that she is alive and kicking. March 2014
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GLITZ & GLAM
Star Factor Rihanna
I’m usually not a fan of Rihanna’s style but somehow this look is totally working for her. I absolutely adore the fun coat. It has a Middle Eastern touch to it and I love how she’s paired it with super short basics. Loving the hair, the burgundy lips and the metallic gold Louboutins too. Well done, Riri!
Photo credits: Waleed Alshayji and Mohammed Hejres Location: Galleria Sophia
Our celeb fashion police, Ashwathy Shyam Kumar is a true blue fashionista. Multi talented, she is a fashion designer, buyer for a leading apparel brand in the Kingdom, stylist and diva. her fashion blog, www.thestylecounciltaash.blogspot.com is becoming one of the most popular fashion blogs in the region. ASK picks the best and the worst of what our fashion celebs have been wearing.
Abbie Cornish
Who doesn’t love a lady in red with curves to kill? Abbie Cornish looked every bit the sexy siren in this red lace and crepe body-con dress by designer Philip Armstrong. Loose flat ironed hair and nude platform pumps completed her look. I do wish she chose a more delicate shoe rather than the platforms, but that aside, I love the look.
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GLITZ & GLAM
Naomie Harris
Naomie rocked a green macramé lace dress by Burberry that had a shorter lining to show off her long toned legs. I wish she opted for bronze or gold accessories instead of the Black Burberry clutch and plain black Jimmy Choos. It’s a nice look, but not drool- worthy.
Cara Delevigne
Cara rocked this Oxblood suit that featured black satin lapels and a plunging neckline. While I love the suit on it’s own, Cara is too young and energetic to do an androgynous, sexy power woman look. Bring on the brights and printed pieces, Cara!
Meryl Streep
I’m not quite sure if this Stella McCartney black and white sateen frock is age appropriate for Meryl or not. While I love the dress on it’s own, I think Meryl would have looked better in a mid length dress in a lighter shade.
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GLITZ & GLAM
Constance Zimmer
Constance Zimmer in a watercolor print dress. I have nothing to say about this look as the print is so last season and every other retail store is over killing the style so overall I’d have to say “Meh.”The nude pumps and box clutch do noting to add to this look either.
Jessica Brown Findlay
Jessica Brown Findlay is definitely quirking it up with structured frocks this season. Here she is seen sporting a two tone pastel ostrich feather frock with a fitted bodice and a bell shaped skirt. What I love the most about this look is the Chanel tricolored pumps and how flawless her makeup is and how beautifully it sits with the colors of her dress.
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GLITZ & GLAM
Alicia Vikander
Is it me or does Alicia Vikander look like a piñata in this Chanel dress? I love the bodice but loathe the skirt. Some things are only meant to be on the runway. She paired the fringe- tiered contraption with Jimmy Choo “Xenia” Sandals and a bright pink lip, which I love.
Uma Thurman
I can’t get over how glamorous Uma Thurman looks in this figure hugging floor length silk crepe gown. I love how she kept the look minimal and opted for simple diamonds, a messy up-do and nude lips. Hands down, my favorite look from the lot.
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Editorial
fascinat1On A fascinating weekend of motorsport and entertainment, highlighted by the first-ever Formula One night race in the Kingdom of Bahrain, awaits fans at the 2014 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. The three-day spectacle, taking place April 4-5-6 at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir, marks the landmark 10th anniversary of the opening of BIC as well as the 10th hosting of the prestigious Bahrain race. This year’s Grand Prix is the third of 19 rounds in the 2014 FIA Formula One World Championship. Scheduled for a 6pm start, it will be held under floodlights for the very first time, offering the thousands of spectators at the circuit and the millions more watching on television from all over the world an experience like never before seen. Aside from the Grand Prix, there will also be much more to look forward to off the race track. An extra-special line-up of family friendly entertainment has been put together by BIC for the enjoyment of all those in attendance, highlighted by a series of concerts featuring top international artists. Two-time Grammy-nominated Swedish DJ AVICII and legendary rock band THE SCORPIONS are the headlining acts. Also performing will be Saudi pop star Rabeh Saqer. Saqer will be taking to the stage on the Friday of the race weekend (April 4), while AVICII and THE SCORPIONS will be performing back-to-back on the Saturday (April 5). Back on the track, an exciting support programme including the GP2 Series and the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East will also be on the cards.
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Tickets to the 2014 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix are now available. They can be purchased at the BIC stands in Bahrain City Centre or Seef Mall; online at www.bahraingp.com or on the official BIC page on Facebook; or by calling the BIC Hotline on +973-17-450000. Tickets range from BD150 on the Main Grandstand to BD60 for the University or Victory Grandstands. All prices are for the three days of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. Special discounts on tickets are also available for children, senior citizens and those with special needs. Children aged three to 12 years old can get tickets at 50 per cent off, while school students aged 13 to 17 can get a 25 per cent reduction. Further, senior citizens aged
65 and above and those with special needs can both purchase a ticket with a 2 5 per cent discount. For further information on the 2014 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, visit www.bahraingp.com or call +973-17-450000.
kelly armatage Page 18
Juweiriya
anna leanda thackray
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Miraya Varma Page 22
Nada Mohammed Page 26
y a D s ’ n e m o W l a i c e Sp March 2014
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Women’s day special
The Transformer Kelly Armatage
Entrepreneur and self-help expert Kelly Armatage is a woman on a mission - to inspire others to bring out the best in themselves. Possessing several talents, she is a healer,speaker, writer, seminar facilitator and owner of ‘Kelly Armatage Inc.’ For over five years, she has been assisting the healing of individuals and companies within the Middle East. An expert in coaching and behavioural change, Kelly has facilitated transformation for thousands. Currently working on a new, global therapy technique, she is an entrepreneur to watch in the self development sector. Kelly explains more about her work and career path in a candid Q&A with Sabaya.
Tell me a little about yourself.
I am a vegetarian and I love animals. My rescued dog ‘Alfie’ and my cats, who are also rescued, ‘Peaches & Cream’ are my everything. My company and my animals are really the cornerstone of my life. I work hard and cherish coming home to my little family. Their adoration and love makes everything worthwhile.
How does your work fundamentally help others?
My mission is “to guide individuals and companies to heal their inner programming to be great”. You could define me as a cleaner really, a mind cleaner. I am trained to shift distortions within an individual’s thinking patterns and behaviours, which fundamentally changes any area of their life.
How do you define success?
Success to me is to be fearless. The opposite of fear is love; it is confidence, it is compassion, it is effervescence. When we are in these emotions (that can ONLY occur via self love), 18
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we affect everything around us. With the right mindset, we can achieve miracles.
How does one create a strong mindset?
I have been working on my mind for 10 years and I am still peeling layers of the onion. A strong mindset is firstly created via the decision to have one. With a high intention, the right situations, people information and knowledge is sent to you. CBT, NLP, EFT (differing therapy techniques), plus coaching, meditation, energy clearing, as well as excellent nutrition are the avenues to getting a mind that is strong. With a strong mind, we are less likely to have negative emotion (and if we do dip into negative emotion, we swim around in it for a bit until we get a call into action. At which point we transition back into the positive). With a strong mind, the only result is a life for the elite.
workshops, I have discovered the power of group courses. Group energy is tribal, group energy is primal and group energy lends itself to massive transformation to all.
For the Sabaya readers, how can they get major transformation quickly in any area of their life?
l Work on your mindset. I spent over US$30,000 last year on coaching and study. Statistically, CEO’s spend more money on self development, than entertainment.
As well as one on one coaching sessions and meditation classes, Kelly Armatage Inc. is offering “The 2014 Mindset” throughout this year. These training courses are tailored specifically to various requirements after conducting market research and surveys as to what the people of Bahrain actually want, with regards to their self development. My MindSet training courses are eight hours each per month of in depth training on various life areas. I have just completed the last set in February; “Top Job”, my uniquely created Entrepreneur and Career training saw four people from that course get new jobs and one a promotion! Massive results like this spur me forward to create more and more courses that enhance the lives of my audience. The 2014 MindSet is starting again at the end of March. We are repeating “Top Job” - The Ultimate Entrepreneur & Career Training and adding “Spark” – The Explosive Relationship Course. “Mind Wash” – The Essential Meditation Course and finally “Jump Start” – The Super Charge Your Health Course. These courses are providing major transformation for the people of Bahrain. Sabaya readers can find out more details at www.the2014mindset.com
l Stay humble (yet dynamic) on your road to success.
As we end this interview, is there anything important you would like to share?
What are the five top tips you would give to an up and coming entrepreneur? l
Be innovative in your creation. Make sure your idea is entirely different to what is already in the market. Stand out from the crowd.
l Utter belief, utter grit and utter determination will get you everywhere.
l Learn meditation. It is life changing and fundamental to peak performance.
How is self development and particularly group courses beneficial to a very successful person?
Self development, coaching and training will ensure the implementation of new rituals, behaviours and routines; so one can have a great life. Whether it is trebling your income, powering up your health, creating a more fulfilling relationship, or becoming a successful entrepreneur, any result can be obtained. In the last five years of facilitating seminars and
Nothing has to stay the same for anyone. Anyone can change any area of their life. It is through cleansing the perceptions within the mind that we change our realities. We have the ability to create and maintain an awesome life.
What is your ideal way to destress/unwind after a long day of work?
I love to get massages and have between one and two per week. After a long day at work, I make a point to turn off all phones, laptops
Women’s day special and TV’s. It is my dedicated time for self care, reading and meditation.
What is the best piece of relationship advice you can share with Sabaya’s readers?
Focus on increasing your own self love. If your self love is not high, dysfunctional relationships tend to be the result. As you work on your own self value, your own self care, your own self respect, you are then able to value, care, respect and unconditionally love another.
What do you consider as your most important achievement to date? Facilitating major transformation in other people’s lives is what I am most proud of. Increasing the energy of an audience and providing life changing courses is addictive and very rewarding. I love what I do.
What are your hobbies? I love to meditate, I love to cook, I love to travel and I love to read. At the moment, I am creating a library within my home. I want to create a sanctuary of never ending knowledge. As a child, I read sacks and sacks of books. My mother would end up taking me to the second hand books stores to fulfill my thirst for reading. To read is to grow.
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Women’s day special
A Beacon of Hope
Inspirational Bahraini cancer patient, Juwaireya Al Shomili, 18, was first diagnosed with Leukemia in 2007 at just 12 years of age. Since her diagnosis, she has had to split her life between Singapore and Bahrain while undergoing treatment leaving her 3 brothers and 2 sisters behind. Apart from bravely battling the disease, the teen has recently released her first book and inspired thousands through her online diary which she keeps on Twitter. In this candid interview with BTW, Juwaireya gives us an insight into her journey to good health, the story behind her book and her aspirations. 20
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By: Farah Baig
Tell us a little about how you started your online diary.
I was contacted by a radio station in Bahrain for an interview while I was away on treatment. The founder of the Child’s Wish society, Manal Al Awadhi, heard my interview and contacted me via the social networking site, Twitter. She wanted to fulfill my wish but also requested me tweet about my battle with cancer to create awareness. I thought it was fine, so I began to tweet at midnight (Singapore time) every day making a conscious effort to find the time even though I was struggling with my treatment and undergoing a marrow transplant.
What did your tweets focus on and how did you feel about making your journey public through Twitter and your book?
After my initial diagnosis, I was treated for two years but the cancer returned in 2010. Even though, I began tweeting in 2012, I recalled my entire experience. Earlier when I was sick, I couldn’t accept the cancer and did not want people to know what I was going through and that I was losing my hair. I couldn’t bear them asking me if I was sick. When I began tweeting, over 2000 people followed me and asked me a lot of questions about Cancer. Some of them who were
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struggling with situations int heir life also felt like they had hope. When I realized people were becoming more aware and that I could help I was really happy.
What made you decide to write a book about your battle with cancer?
When I returned to Bahrain, Ms. Awadhi surprised me with a book which consisted of all my tweets. There is only one other copy which I had presented to HRH the Prime Minister. When I left for treatment again, she told me they would like to publish another book to raise funds for cancer patients and their families in Bahrain. Cancer treatment for locals is free but I heard about families across the world that had to sell all their possessions but were still unable to afford treatment, many of them losing their loved ones to cancer. I naturally agreed and was glad to help these families deal with it and give patients a chance to live.
I understand that your book consists of your tweets but what else does it reveal?
I spoke about the problems I developed with my eyes, what happens after the marrow transplant and chemotherapy. It’s all about my sickness but not my entire story. Some parts are in brief because it can be quite a personal battle. There were experiences that
were either indescribable or just too painful to share. These were the moments I preferred to keep to myself.
What are your plans for your book, ‘Stronger Than Cancer’?
The book is currently only available in Arabic so with the help of volunteers, we translated it to English and are currently looking for a publisher who would be willing to publish it.
What are your plans for the future?
One of the nurses who cared for me was a cancer survivor. She was quite supportive and understanding which made me realize what a difference it made if you had gone through the same struggle as your patient. This is why I aspire to be a nurse in a children’s ward when I grow up.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to thank the Prime Minister for helping cancer patients with their treatment. I would also like to thank my family and the Child’s Wish society for all their support. My friends- Dua’a Al Bastaki, Mariam Al Balushi, Zahra Al Balushi and Aisha Al Kooheji for supporting me, Ahmed Kamal for being like a brother to me and my older sister, Buthaina, who was the bone marrow donor. I would like to thank the teams of doctors in both Singapore and Bahrain. All proceeds from the sale of ‘Stronger than Cancer’ go towards supporting cancer patients and their families. The book is available at Midway Supermarket, Child’s Wish society and Islaah society. You can follow Juwaireya on Twitter using the handle @juwaireya . March 2014
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Women’s day special
Celebrity in the
making Miraya Varma
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Women’s day special The multi-talented Miraya Varma is the quintessence of a true diva. With a strong foot in show business from a young age, she is ready to excite a new generation of fans through singing, acting and dancing. Miraya recently signed as the lead actress for a South Indian Movie which is set to release later this summer. She will also be featured alongside an international Asian artist in his upcoming music video, which will be shot in Bahrain in the near future. Her passion for the industry is what sets her apart from the rest. She gives us an insight into her career and narrates her future aspirations in the industry.
Tell me a little about yourself.
I’m a true definition of an Aries- bold, fearless and a go-getter. I can be stubborn and sensitive but I never give up on anything that I want to accomplish. I feel like singing is something that I was born to do. Everything I am today is because of my music. I love dancing, I had learnt bharatnatayam and kathak training from my mother, who is a professional dance teacher. I never liked studying when I was younger and every time my mom would ask me to open up my books, I’d start playing on my piano or start singing. I’ve done so many things in my life, and at this point I feel like I’ve earned the right to be me and to express myself. The most important thing to me is my family, my father is my world and I’m grateful to have parents who have always been supportive towards my dreams.
What are your ambitions in life?
I’m already doing what I’ve always dreamt of and wanted to do since I was a little girl. I’m recording a music video right now with an International artist who is quite popular among the Asian community. I’m currently shooting for two movies set to release early this summer. In the future I’d like to be performing concerts worldwide. My goal is to be the ‘Indian Beyonce’ but with my own swag. She is definitely someone I look up to and I m very influenced by her music.
What do you consider as your greatest achievement till date? The greatest achievement is yet to come. The producer I’m working with is internationally
celebrated, very popular and I’ve been listening to his music since I was a kid. Ten years ago I was dancing to his music and I never thought I would sign in on a song with him. This is a very exciting deal for me! Some of the most memorable moments would be being crowned for may queen beauty pageant , watching the premiere of my first movie ‘Dead Sands’ with family and friends and winning the recent JJ’s Idol singing competition .
What advice do you have for young talent such as yourself in Bahrain?
This is my favourite quote my mom’s told me that changed my life: “Your talent is God’s gift to you, but what you do with it is your gift to god.” Chase your dreams. Try and bring originality to the game. Do it with a passion, don’t ever do it solely for money or fame. Always put your heart into it; never give up.
Favourite activity to de-stress after a long day? Getting in my PJ’s with some hot cocoa watching my favourite soap operas or a movie.
How did you get into modelling/acting?
I have been doing modelling and acting ever since I was a kid for ad commercials. I also took part in dancing and singing competitions. I have always enjoyed being in front of the camera. I’ve just taken it up a notch recently to pursue my dreams and make it into reality.
Tell me a little more about the movie you have been chosen to play the part of a lead actress in?
The name of the movie is “Kelvi” and it is a thriller university college campus story. I will be leading with three other main actresses like Shewetha Menon in Malayalam who is quite popular among the industry and has been around for a while and Bharat from “we are the people” in the Tamil movie whose name has not been announced yet. I’m quite excited about these projects as I will be singing a couple of songs in these movies as well. My character in both these movies are quite different , in the Malayalam movie I play a very bubbly character , happy go lucky , care free and full of life. And in the Tamil Movie it’s the total opposite. I play an emotional, naive character. March 2014
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Women’s day special
d I did raits, horses. d to do ahrain y as it
ade rips lld to it.
Animating Bahrain through a
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comic book
be
ening
Anna Leanda Thackray
and he go out
Artist Anna Leanda Thackray is author and illustrator of Bahrain’s first comic book titled ‘The Awakening of Shamal,’ which made its debut release earlier last month. Set in the present day Bahrain, plot of the book revolves around a British archeologist, a mysterious man along with an element of mystery and suspense surrounding Tree of Life. Working as a fulltime artist, Anna is multi-talented in the field and is currently working on a sequel to her first book. She tells us more about her passion and artwork. 24
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Tell me about yourself.
I have lived in Bahrain for seven years and I have a fine arts degree in painting. I did commissions for people painting portraits, and in Bahrain I was commissioned to paint horses. From there on, I was commissioned to do illustrations for a guide book about Bahrain by a friend but that felt like it restricted my creativity as it was her vision, not mine. On the sideline I made doodles, the doodles became comic strips and the comic strips evolved into a full-fledged book. And now I’m totally committed to this.
What brought you to Bahrain? My husband used to work for a British company that does reclamations and I travelled with him when he got relocated.
How did you come up with the idea behind the ‘Awakening of Shamal?’ Wind is a strong element to the story and I got inspired by Bahraini winds, which are
Women’s day special quite prevalent throughout the island. I was also inspired by all the tradition and the culture that Bahrain has to offer. My creative side made the drawings and voila, it turned into a story in the long run.
How did you come up with the plot for the story?
By chance! I put together little bits and pieces and made notes here and there in a little notebook. Once I do the drawings separately, I can play around with it on the screen and my husband improvises with whatever I create.
What message do you have for aspiring artists?
Do the things that you like, you can research and study about art and don’t succumb to the trends. You don’t have to do it just because it’s trending now. Do the things that you like doing.
How has the response been for your book?
Amazing! I’m happy to find children between the age of seven to 11 discussing the story and its characters, not just adults.
What do you think about the art scene in Bahrain?
There is so much talent here and these individuals want to go out and show what they can do, it’s so self-driven. I recently visited an art exhibition at one of the schools and the art is as good as what you will see in big art fairs around the world. But many of them don’t pursue art since it’s not as profitable as engineering or medicine. But I always saw it from a rational point of view that you run your art like any other business. You can’t give your art away for free.
When will you be done with the sequel to the Awakening of Shamal and can you give us a tidbit of the storyline? I hope it to be finished by September. There will be a twist to the story and I’m trying to give it a ‘wow’ factor. I’ll give you a sneak peek, let’s just say, who you think is a bad man isn’t really a bad man. It’ll make sense at the end.
We know that you paint as well. What’s your favourite medium and where do you draw your inspiration from? I paint with oil paints. I get inspired from the masters and I love going to old exhibitions and I read book about art for the same. March 2014
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Women’s day special Vivacious entrepreneur and founder of PR Links, Nada Mohammed, is the personification of the modern, savvy woman. A former TV anchor and news reporter for Bahrain TV and CNN, her personality is an amalgam of strong, confident and elegant. Her unique perspective and approach to business has brought her colossal success with PR Links. She recounts her career choices over the years in a candid chat with Sabaya. Tell me about yourself and your career choices.
I’m Bahraini, born in Saudi Arabia and raised in Lebanon and schooled between Lebanon and the UK. I came to Bahrain in 1988, when my parents moved from Saudi Arabia to Bahrain. I finished high school in UK and then graduated with a degree computer programming from West London College. When I came to Bahrain, I joined Radio Bahrain 96.5 as a news reader. I was attracted to that kind of work. From the radio I entered the television world and stayed there for 12 years. I was a news reader/editor for Bahrain TV. I did lots of interviews with business personalities and celebrities and worked with Dubai Business channel as a business reporter simultaneously. I was the Bahrain contributor to CNN World Report for over 11 years. I left the television work in 2004 yet I continued to contribute to CNN reports till 2011.
How did you start PR Links?
Epitome of
Success Nada Mohammed
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March 2014
Over the years, the administration of the Ministry of Information where I worked kept changing every two years and we had a new set up of management. I had gained experience and visited the CNN headquarters in Atlanta and the BBC World offices in the UK, I didn’t find the openness that I would have liked to work in over here. I came back with lots of ideas and wanted to implement them but back then we didn’t have the openness we have now. Since the National Action Charter, there is freedom of expression and you can do much more now than you could earlier. When I was there, it was still taking off and I decided to leave the industry. Media Links, an advertising and marketing firm, was already in existence and two of my brothers are major shareholders in the company. Given my experience in media, they suggested that I start a PR agency
Women’s day special
that will compliment Media Links because advertising and marketing goes hand in hand with PR. That’s how PR Links came to be and it was established in 2004. We have succeeded in retaining clients for many years and I take that as a testimony to success.
Did you face any obstacles after opening the company?
Trying to explain to clients why they need PR in 2004 was difficult. People understood advertising and the importance of it but nor PR per se. Among the Gulf countries, Bahrain is considered as very open and highly educated country. We have a cosmopolitan mix here. I believe PR has moved from an accepted to needed field here now.
What is your take on the empowerment of women in Bahrain?
I think it’s great! Women also occupy highranking positions such as ministers and entrepreneurs here in Bahrain. When you emphasize on education for males and females, you can’t expect women to keep taking a back seat because of the impact of cultural teachings. What Bahrain has done is absolutely great and I hope other Gulf countries follow suit.
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs? Never give up! Do the groundwork and feasibility study before opening up a company. Understand the domain that you want to work in, understand
your competition and chalk out your strategy accordingly.
How do you bring about a balance between your family obligations and professional commitments?
When you’re an entrepreneur, work becomes your lifestyle. I don’t come to work because it’s my job, I come because it’s my lifestyle and you learn to love it. Having my family is a great blessing for me and working with them is an added bonus because I get to learn from their experience in their fields and vice versa. In the beginning, I used to find it difficult while working at the TV and radio station but as you progress in life, you gain more wisdom and knowledge and learn to prioritize. I am a Reiki practitioner and it has taught me a lot. It teaches you how to centre yourself, how to sort your priorities and how not to let something overshadow the importance of something else.
What are your hobbies?
I paint using acrylics on canvas. I like illustrative arts and illustrations that have some meaning to me and hang them in my house. It gives me peace and it’s like another form of meditation.
What direction do you think the youth is heading in?
Hats off to Tamkeen and all the programmes it is launching to support and empower the youth. It is facilitating career availabilities
whether it’s vocational or educational. These types of programmes are not available in countries and we are lucky to have them here. The youth of Bahrain understand the meaning of education and higher education. It’s becoming more competitive and education is the key to succeeding. I love the youth. You see Bahrainis everywhere now, whether it’s a mall or a hotel. Those treading outside the box of conventional norms are the ones setting our path to a brighter future.
Do you have a role model or icon?
My mother inspired me in many ways, she is a strong-willed woman. Mom would be a mother at home and at the same time she would be helping my father alongside his fashion retail work while we lived in Saudi. We grew up in that sort of environment. She managed to balance it out beautifully wit the conservative background of Saudi Arabia. Then when my mother and father moved to Bahrain, her experience led her to opening her own fashion retail shops and I received inspiration from her. When I used to work in TV, I was inspired by Oprah Winfrey for her outspoken nature and perhaps that’s where I acquired the trait from.
Is there a particular topic that you feel strongly about?
Being an entrepreneur, everybody successful enough should give back to the community. Make your world a better place and change always starts with us. There are those who are less fortunate than us and if we want to be catalysts of change, let’s be role models. Treat everyone equally. March 2014
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success Story Focusing on true design values, Swiss watch brand Seven Friday has received much acclaim since its debut in late 2012. Gaining quick eminence, the watch brand is now sold in over 60 countries, including Bahrain. We had a chance to have a chat with the founder Daniel Niederer, who explained the core values and other elements of his brand.
m o r F h Fres s s e r P e th
SevenFriday
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success Story last quarter of the year. Since we have our own studio, we are working on creating more than just watches.
How often do you introduce new watches?
It is difficult to predict, there’s no fixed rule. You first brief the designers, work on concepts and then the prototyping. Maybe it’s perfect the first time or may need improvising so it depends on these complexities.
How do you find Bahrain?
It’s got a very nice vibe to it, relaxed and very friendly. I could be n Switzerland where its zero degrees but I’m here in 25 degree weather. Not a tough choice, is it?
I’m intrigued. What is the meaning behind SevenFriday and how did you come up with the concept behind it?
I was in the watch industry for many years and I did a lot of restructuring.When you restructure, you analyse a lot about what is happening, positive and negative. I had a feeling that there was something missing in the industry I wanted to create a company which is my philosophy and life. , I partnered up with this design company and we started creating the watches. We launched the brand in September 2012 in Switzerland. It took some time to get attention to the brand but once it did, sales started picking up like crazy and the SevenFriday gained recognition like crazy. This is how the name ‘Seven Friday’ came into existence, which portrays that if you do what you love 7 days a week, its Friday.
What is the response from customers?
Generally it’s mixed, people either love it or hate it. Overall, the response has been very positive. It’s amazing and I feel really lucky.
Future aspirations for the brand?
Right now it’s to implanting more solidly the brand into the different countries, based on marketing and retailing and we try to stay away from bad vibes. We have a new watch coming out in June and some new models during the
Challenges faced with the brand?
When you enter an existing industry, most things have been done and if you try to do things differently, everybody tells you it’s wrong. You need to be stubborn and possess an adventurous streak along with a staunch belief in making your work succeed. Most people don’t want to see you succeed and it’s already an overcrowded industry, which is contracting rather than expanding.
Describe your brand in one sentence. Show me, don’t tell me.
In which other countries is your brand being sold?
It is being sold in UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon and soon in Saudi Arabia too. We are discussing to open a shop with a retailer in the near future. We want to do something different, we don’t want to be in a normal shopping mall, we want to team up with some Bahraini artists and showcase the brand at Bab Market. We want people to find the brand and come to us. We recently opened a store in Manila. March 2014
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Art Spect
Get ready for Eric Clapton, Gloria Gaynor & much, much more A kaleidoscope of musical and theatrical talent from all over the globe will grace historic and culture sites of Bahrain as the ninth annual Spring of Culture comes alive with local, regional and international flavors. From Mohammed Abdo and Eric Clapton’s notable voices at the picturesque Arad Fort, to José Carreras and the Liaoning Ballet’s power performances at the National Theatre, the lineup is charged with cultural icons in music, theatre, dance, opera and much, much more. The Ministry of Culture and the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) announced the programme details of the Spring of Culture festival which will include a number of cultural and artistic activities and events.
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Art Spect The festival will last for two months and the programme will include: l Five Hundred Year of Islamic Calligraphy - Masterpieces from Sakıp Sabancı Museum (Turkey), will start in January and continue through to 13th April at the Bahrain National Museum
l Souq Bab Al Bahrain will continue to offer local designers the chance to present their merchandise and products from 1st March – 29th March at the gate of the old Manama souq l Art Market will be held at Bab al Bahrain for two days from 13 to 15th March and 10th to 12th April and will host local artists to present their work
l The programme will include music concerts for Michael Fadel from Lebanon and the Arab Idol talent, Ahmed Jamal l 5th March will feature a concert for the Grammy award winner, Ramsey Lewis, the American jazz composer and pianist along with seven-time Grammy winning singer and song writer, Philip Bailey who will perform at Arad Fort
l Rock star Eric Clapton concert will be held 8th March at Arad Fort
l A concert for Arabic artist, Mohammed Abdo will be held at the Arad Fort
l Performance of Eric Carle’s ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ and other kids stories by Canada’s Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia at the Alumni Club from the 27th to 30th March
l The Turkish dancing band, “ The Fire of Anatolia” will perform at the Arad fort and will band will include 64 professional dancers l The Chinese culture week which is organized in cooperation with the Chinese embassy, will feature the Silk Road exhibition and will be held 10th to 19th April
l Liaoning Ballet of China will also perform at the festival; the band was established since 1980 and considered to be one of the leading Chinese dancing bands
l The Family event China National Acrobatic Troup will continue to entertain the attendees of the festival at Arad on 20th 21st and 22nd March l Japanese Maki-e exhibition will be held between 2nd March – 6th April
The 22nd Heritage Festival will be held during the Spring of Culture and as part of its programme this year, the Festival will focus on fabric manufacturing and Bahraini traditional outfits, and will include an exhibition and market for the designers to offer their traditional products. In addition, Bait Alqous’s “The diving house” will be opened in 13th April. One of the 16th locations in Muharraq which represents the pearl road, Bait Alqous will feature an exhibition to present the lifestyle traditional Bahraini pearl divers. Ebrahim bin Saad Gallery will also be opened at the same day as well. The festival will also include the opening of a photo exhibition for six professional photographers who were in Manama last year to capture the capital as they see it. Educational workshops will be held during the festivals for young talents to enhance their skills, the workshops will be offered free of charge for people who sign up in advance and will feature international artists and bands such as “The vey hungry caterpillar” band and the Chinese Aerobatic band. Further to that, workshops will be offered in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the Royal Charity Organization, and Arabian Gulf University, including: l Week-long sand painting art workshop by Indian artist, Kardashian Batick
l Theatre export, Dalal Makari will host three workshops focusing on theatre and acting The talents programme organized by the EDB in cooperation with Al Bareh art gallery will continue this year, which will host international artists and experts who will provide support and guidance to local Bahraini talent.
l An Opera concert for the legend Jose Carreras
l The 16th Bahrain international book fair will be held between 27th March until 6th April March 2014
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IN the spotlight
An Impeccable Role ‘Model’ Banker turned model Imtiaz Al Balooshi is perhaps the most recognized male model in Bahrain. Winner of Bahrain’s Top Model 2012, Imtiaz had been featured in over 50 photo and TV commercials including those for VIVA, BBK, Formula 1 Grand Prix, Batelco and several others. Swiftly climbing the ladder to showbiz success, he stops by to share more about his glitzy career choice. How did you get into modeling? In 2007, a few friends asked me to apply to a casting agency so I could create my portfolio. About a week after creating my portfolio, I got an offer to do a shoot for BBK and within a span of three months, I did about four different photo shoots. I was working in a bank at the time and took up modeling as a hobby. 32
March 2014
I became good friends with the owner of the casting agency and developed a fancy to photography and shouldered it as a hobby with Gallure. In the meanwhile, I started getting offers for TV commercials and it was difficult to bring about a balance between my fulltime job and modeling. In 2012, I took a leap of faith and decided
IN the spotlight
Credits: Al Salam Horse riding school Owner of the steed: Hanan Karimi Steed: Ra’ad
to resign from my job in order to take up modeling as a profession. No, I don’t regret it. It’s actually working out well and I can now focus on what I am truly passionate about. I also do model and events management for a few agencies.
You were crowned as Bahrain’s top model 2012. How was your experience? To be honest, I wasn’t very keen to participate in it in the beginning. Me and a couple of my friends participated in the competition. It was exciting yet very tough. We had to amass votes for ourselves. The trepidation during the final minutes before the results were announced was unbearable. I had no idea that I was going to be the winner so I was extremely nervous. Winning the competition has got me a lot of exposure and landed me on a lot of ad campaigns.
What do you think about the industry for male models? Do you have any advice for aspiring models?
My advice is that you need to keep changing your style and hairstyle so you don’t look monotonous in all the ads. For men, I think the showbiz industry has a lot to offer and it’s booming right now. It’s good to build contacts around the region in countries like Dubai and Qatar where the demand for male models is more than it is here. I always believed that you can achieve anything as long as you put your dedication and commitment into it.
What is your favourite fashion brand?
I like apparel from Zara and Massimo Dutti. I also shop from River Island and Pull & Bear
and occasionally from Dolce & Gabbana. I think it depends on personal style and if you maintain your physique, whatever you wear will look good.
What are your hobbies?
I love playing football and volleyball, horse riding, photography and socializing.
What do you consider as your big break?
I did an TV ad during Ramadan last year for Tariq Kooheji and the director wanted to me say the words ‘Yalla 3aad’ in sort of broken Arabic so as to make it sound funny. It was a hilarious ad and from there on people started recognizing me in malls and various events. It boosted my image immensely.
What are your future aspirations?
I’ll do something which will help all the aspiring models in Bahrain. There are so many who want to model but don’t know how to go about doing it. I would like to thank all those who have supported me. March 2014
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STYLE
A few must-haves from
Michael Kors
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March 2014
STYLE
‘It’s My Party’ spring/summer 2014 collection by
Piers Atkinson
tion i! The collec y is so kawai er n a li te il s, m w n s, bo Piers Atkinso ; toys, teddie g This season l’s bedroom e is dreamin ir g Sh . le p tt u li g a in by ss re ed d ir d sp an in p is e-u trials at mak rincess! parties, first after a trip to actress! A p n A ! ar st op p was inspired a on g ti in ec ll it by the co of be e th ates that eted at the ex re g as w e Atkinson st H Kong. forted by her to see King of grief, com es ro giant. th e the cinema th magnificent ttle girl in at li th r of oo e p is a of sight ter the dem desperate af r him. ski daddy, and uch help afte and Swarov m ot n as w ce; the beret ad n d ra ea a p tr ap ex r Even her e ith th s make thei ini bowler w r Classic style apes; the m sh . Look out fo er ew at n h bo it en w re g g on ute id al -c , iv er v ls vei e, sup and a mmer trilby ser-cut acetat la too in n es -i ey ok height, a su lo ster get a dy ears, mon icorns! Boys n ute u C . g n rs ci ie the cute ted n ld ra so and toy ion and p s at p or ca ec ll d 14 t ba 20 ar se nailx ear ba Summer om caps, fo for Spring/ e -p ts am om n g p se e h re it th p w e of that ul is the nam to life in this collection e! and colourf m e ti m of play ’ dreams co d mayhem ch as as little girls citement an ex Ascot as mu s u at g eo n n ti ta ou on sp an ssedr e re fo th d l , ct al fe simple on is as per floor or for ce an d This collecti e th on arty, a spin the society p to-kill style. March 2014
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FASHION
MULTICOLOR RAFFIA HAZEL BAG SPRING SUMMER 2014
M Missoni
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FASHION
This is a hand crochet bag in natural raffia all in hazelnut stitch. An expression of exquisite italian craftsmanship in the realm of accessories, it epitomizes a contemporary variation on the theme of signature m missoni knits. Size and shape capture a city bag concept. The mood is at once
smooth & elegant, fresh & original, a perfect balance of easy chic. The hazelnut stitch gives the bag a strong solid definition without adding any weight. True to form, color is a key element. The bag comes in ten different chromatic options: green, yellow, purple, orange, brown, black
and sandy beige, plus melange versions of dark blue, deep sky and sandy beige hues. A unique piece because it is a multipurpose accessory: removing the chain, coverts the bag into a clutch, the chain then becomes either a belt or a necklace.
March 2014
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FASHION
M Missoni SPRING SUMMER 2014 COLLECTION
Now Chasing After The Unusual Becomes A Sort Of Cyber Safari Where Sub-Saharian Africa Comes To Life In Exquisitely Fresh And Futuristic Form. No Hint Of Folklore In The New M Missoni Collection. Quite The Contrary, It Reflects A Unique Attention To The Inexhaustible And Irresistible Influences Which – Thanks To The Magnificent Nature, Colors And Ancestral Traditions – This Region Of The Globe Can Offer For Updating An Idea Of Femininity That Fits Gently Within The Brand’s Own Horizons. Once Again Widening And Empowering Them With The Ability To Enthrall, All While Heightening The Accent On Pure Lightness. Beyond M Missoni’s Signature Use Of Knit Fabrics, Interplays Of Cotton Poplin, Crepe De Chine, Jersey, Voile and Linen Organzine Characterize The Collection, Down To The Most Basic Of T-Shirts. Yet Even When The Clothes Maintain A Sense Of 38
March 2014
FASHION
Aplomb And Contrast Material Mixes Define Constructions, Fluidity Is What Determines The Body-Skimming Fit. The Upper Half Always Sets The Tone In Any Of A Multiplicity Of Ways_ Asymmetries, Double Shoulder Straps, Drapings, Hood Neckline In Back, Square Neckline With Color/Material Contrast Edging, One Shoulder Knots African Style. Meanwhile, The Rest Of The Outfit Drapes Freely. This Is Evident In The Jumpsuits, The Dresses, The Pants, The Blouses With Wing Sleeves Or Back Pleats, The Skirts With Light Front Folds Or Charming Puckers.
The new M Missoni collection takes its influence from SubSaharian Africa. The collection is a futuristic safari highlighted by the colors of nature and tribal patterns. A unique view of femininity is gently incorporated into the collection flowing within the brand’s own horizons. March 2014
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FASHION
Carolina Herrera WHITE SHIRT COLLECTION SPRING SUMMER 2014
Long sleeve peplum shirt with Mandarin collar.
To celebrate the first anniversary of the CH Carolina Herrera White Shirt Collection, Carolina Herrera has introduced a children’s white shirt line inspired by the popular women’s styles. “CH Carolina Herrera reflects a spirit, an attitude towards life, independent of age. I have used pure lines, excellent fabrics and cuts” states Carolina Herrera. In addition, the ever growing women’s white shirt collection features three unique shapes for Spring/Summer 2014. Reflecting the timeless and effortless elegance renown to the brand, the designs include a sleeveless v-neck with an asymmetrical flounce, an off-the-shoulder style with a pleated peplum and men’s collar as well as a short-sleeved squarecut shirt with pockets and a men’s collar all made in crisp white cotton. Short-sleeved square-cut shirt with pockets and men’s collar.
White Shirt KidsLong sleeve peplum shirt with Mandarin collar.
Sleeveless V-neck stitched drape side shirt with an asymmetrical flounce.
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Off-the-shoulder shirt with pleated peplum and men’s collar.
Tory Burch Fall 2014 ramp trends
“The inspiration starts with the armor my parents collected. The references are subtle, whether in the mix of textures (woven, quilted, pleated) or in the tapestry brocades and florals. The focus is on clean, strong silhouettes with bold embellishments. Accessories reflect the mood — belts with chain details, lace-up ghillie heels and muffs.” Tory Burch
March 2014
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FASHION
Men’s F The new season collection draws inspiration from the sea, sandy tones and seaside stripes and can be seen in garments from shirts, knitwear, light jackets, right through to accessories.
Spring / Summer 2014 by Massimo Dutti
LIGURIA SPRING / SUMMER 2014
For this collection the colour palette has been extracted; the blues from the sea passages, the greys of its rocks and stones and the yellow touch of a flower that is typical of the Mediterranean landscape. Shirts in a variety of prints, dark blue nylon sports jackets, dyed cotton blazers and the navy blue washed nappa jacket sit alongside cotton casual trousers in shades of blue and grey. Knitwear is detailed with sweaters made with bicoloured cotton ribbons and patterned yarns for the man who is able to individualise his clothes with a certain accessory, a printed shirt or a statement blazer. The new season collection draws inspiration from the sea, sandy tones and seaside stripes and can be seen in garments from shirts, knitwear, light jackets, right through to accessories.
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s Fashion
FASHION
PUGLIA
After several seasons of dominance, the preppy influence is evaporating and in this casual collection we present a more relaxed whilst remaining elegant man. The collection consists of circular bicolour blazers, sky blue and white lightweight shirts with detailing on the collars and cuffs, plaited, ribbed and structured sweaters in earth tones and leather detailing, trousers with micro patterns, unwashed jeans and garments made from exquisite leathers - everything for a new dandy carefree look and a man who is naturalistic in spirit but values quality in clothing and who you would find in any town in Puglia.
TOSCANA
This collection blends formal elegance with a sportier style in a natural colour palette of ochres, burnt oranges, khaki greens, blues and beiges. At the forefront is the short trench, 100% cotton blazers, the safari inspired blazer in cotton-nylon, the oiled leather jacket in a terracotta tone, blue shirts with elbow patches, printed and plain cotton sweaters in an array of colour options, structured trousers in cotton-lycra and jeans in a variety of fits and washes.
SARDEGNA
This collection epitomises the urban male with a hint of eccentricity who isn’t afraid mix his textures, prints and accessories. Linen-cotton blazers in neutrals are key along with burnt and stone toned jackets – a colour palette influenced by the Island.
March 2014
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Sealed with a Kiss by Shiseido
Beauty
BEAUTY
Natural, or adorned, your lips are irresistibly beautiful. Tempting to touch, they become as tantalizingly out of reach as a precious work of art with Shiseido Lacquer Gloss. Inspired by skilful Japanese artistry, this unique lip gloss experience seals your lips with a sensual layer of clear color, lustrous shine and rich moisture.
Lacquer Gloss Lacquer Gloss intensifies the natural beauty of your lips with a lipgloss that develops beautiful color, works in three different ways and locks in moisture for supple, smooth lips that never need retouching.
Triple-layer effect in one single coat and 8 tempting shades Discover a unique Shiseido formulation that evens out, adds color and produces shine for an exquisite and sensual makeup result.
on t to the surface rent oil seeps ou pa ns tra , wy De ture Deep Sheen m color and mois oss. tion, distinct fro Enhance applicamore intense sheen than ordinary lip gl ly sib vi ra fo s, layer 44
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BEAUTY
Beauty
Bourjois Metalic Liners
Bourjois So Laque So Glossy nailpolish
“Paris Belle Epoque” Spring Trend 2014
Forecast as one of the key colours for SpringSummer 2014, Blue dominates the colour palette for Bourjois new season’s collections. In delicate monochromes or combined with whites and pinks, it conjures up a romantic atmosphere celebrated by the Impressionists in Paris of the Belle Epoque. The return of soft lighting, changing reflections in the sky and water, poetic and refined gardens where beautiful elegant women stroll in their beautiful pastel dresses!
Bourjois Little Round Pot Bourjois Gloss Effect 3D - Rose Allegorric March 2014
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Angel Schlesser
Perfumes
BEAUTY
Designer Angel Schlesser’s passion for Oriental culture began while on holiday. Moved by the beauty of the landscape and the magic of the culture he experienced on a remote island in eastern Asia, Schlesser felt the need to explore the depths of that thousand year old culture. From that moment, he became a regular traveller to the most exotic locations in the Orient, in search of a type of beauty that truly captivated him.
The colourful dresses, the mysterious traditions, the exotic markets, the purity of the customs, the aromas... all awoke so many emotions in the designer that it was impossible for his work not to be influenced by his discovery of the Orient.
Angel Schlesser is an essential creator, with a recognisable touch of European charm and a unique eye for all things exquisite. The purity of his lines and the warmth of the materials he uses to cut his elegant models create a style that values the silhouette and saves the luxury hidden in his skillful cuts and the beauty of his fabrics for his faithful followers. Because Schlesser’s elegance is both intimate and spectacular.
Calvin Klein Liquid gold euphoria With a dry down of sandalwood, liquid gold euphoria warms the senses with its rich and powerful scent. The fragrance opens with a hint of cinnamon, creating a lavish, exhilarating, feeling that deepens with the mystery of black orchid. Top: cinnamon, mid: black orchid, dry: sandalwood
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Armand Basi, Rose Stage Following the success of the launch of Rose Glacée, we welcome a new rose fragrance by Armand Basi. It’s called Rose Lumière and is inspired by the charm of a discreet woman, who nevertheless shines and illuminates everything that surrounds her. Armand Basi Rose Glacée paid tribute to the rose as the essence of the feminine, something which keeps all its freshness thanks to the frost that preserves it forever in its most splendid and magnificent moment. Armand Basi Rose Lumière is directed at a woman in the prime of youth, elegant and natural with a special charm, which seizes you, because it arises precisely from her discreet attitude and lack of vanity. She is authentic, tender, quiet and intimate and her beauty is accessible, friendly and empathetic.
BEAUTY
Sophisticated New Springtime Fragrance by Katy Perry Playful, internationally renowned queen of pop, Katy Perry, has recently released Killer Queen Oh So Sheer, a sophisticated, fruity fragrancethat perfectly captures the essence of Springtime. A limited edition perfume and her fourth fragrance to date, Oh So Sheer presents a light, translucent scent that celebrates the fresh, optimistic nature of the season. It is the ideal perfume for Katy Perry fanatics looking for a lighter fragrance as they step into Spring. The stylish fragrance also reflects the American recording artist’s spontaneous, chic personality.
Beyoncé Rise Beyoncé believes a woman’s power comes from within and when a woman connects with her very essence, she revels in her individuality, her strength, and her beauty. To honor this elevated and empowering attitude, Beyoncé was inspired to create her newest scent, RISE.
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TRAVEL
Beyond Macchu Picchu
M
Sabaya shows you the top seven things to do in Peru besides trekking the famous Macchu Picchu ruins.
ysterious and visually stunning, Peru’s sprawling megacapital is actually a mosaic of many smaller cities. Comprising 43 districts with nearly 9 million inhabitants, Lima is a study in contrasts, with ultramodern seaside neighborhoods butting up against gritty shantytowns that cling to barren hillsides. It is one of the world’s few megacapitals that can claim a golf course in the middle of the financial district, and where executives can go surfing before high-powered breakfast meetings. Peru packs a ton of diversity between its sea level elevation Pacific beaches and the 22,204 foot top of its highest mountain, Nevado Huascaran.
Take A Train Ride Train travel is an essential and beautiful way to see Peru. The most convenient way to get to Aguas Calientes, the community at the foot of the mountain upon which Machu Picchu is perched, is to hop on a train. It’s an unforgettable experience—picture the fast-flowing Urubamba River with its green embankments, craggy peaks of the Andes mountains high above, and Inca ruins spotting the countryside. Opt for a late afternoon itinerary to catch the sunset and get an early start at Machu Picchu the next morning. Until recently, the only option to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu was PeruRail, which has the luxury Hiram Bingham train. But two other options, Inca Rail and Machu Picchu Train, have begun service in the past few years. Trains leave from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. Well worth a visit, Ollantaytambo is the starting point for the Inca Trail and has Inca ruins of its own.
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TRAVEL
Climb Huayna Picchu Machu Picchu is spectacular, but being let off a bus at the entrance can make you feel like you missed out on the adventure of hiking the Inca Trail. If you want to earn your visit to the Inca city but don’t have three days to spend on the trail, opt to hike Huayna Picchu, sometimes called Wayna Picchu, the sugarloaf mountain that towers above Machu Picchu. This arduous, vertiginous hike up a steep, narrow set of Incacarved stairs takes between 2 and 3 hours roundtrip. Aside from the impressive quad burn that says you’ve been there, done that, you’ll get an amazing new perspective on Machu Picchu from the various mirados (landings) along the trail. (That picture above was our view of Machu Picchu from Huayna Picchu.)
Visit an Indigenous Community Under an hour from Cusco, there are indigenous communities that preserve an ancient way of life few visitors are granted access to. Eight have come together to form La Tierra de los Yachaqs, an association that provides cultural-immersion tours and home stays. The additional income these communities receive via limited tourism allows them to continue to live in a traditional manner. The Amaru community, for example, shares its weaving techniques of sheep and alpaca shearing, spinning yarn, collecting plants to dye and treat the wool, and hand weaving intricate patterns. Visiting them gives a lasting impression of a quickly disappearing way of life and really adds depth to any trip.
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TRAVEL
Attend a festival Colorful costumes, marching bands, religious processions, and fireworks—when Peru celebrates it’s a sight to see. Cusco’s Corpus Christi festival in June is a deeply religious affair with mass in the Plaza de Armas surrounded by fifteen statues of virgins and saints. The statues are brought from churches in nearby districts, which come to Cusco to be blessed. In the early afternoon, the beaded, brocaded, 15-foot statues are hoisted onto the shoulders of teams of men and promenaded around the plaza, genuflecting at various altars and ending at the Cathedral. It’s a day-long party where the whole city crams into the Plaza de Armas to watch the parade, eat, drink, and make merry. Other spectacular local festivals include Cusco’s Inti Raymi festival on June 24, which marks the winter solstice, the Fiestas Patrias, Peru’s Independence Day on July 28-29, and Ayacucho’s Semana Santa (Holy Week) Easter celebrations.
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Sample local food and visit a market For a slice of Peruvian life, head to any produce mercado (market)— there’s one in virtually every town. You’ll find only-in-Peru fruits, like aguaymanto (gooseberry), cherimoya (custard apple), and lucuma (eggfruit) to name a few. Quinoa, a grain that has made its way to North American shores and is touted as a super food, comes in a variety of colors and is widely available here. Suggestions: Cebiche, typically made with raw river trout bathed in lime juice, which “cooks” the fish, hot pepper, red onions, cilantro, and topped with choclo (corn) and sweet potato cubes. Pachamanca, a traditional dish of marinated meat and potatoes cooked in a hole in the ground lined with hot rocks. The meat is first marinated in Andean herbs such as chincho, hierba buena, and paico and is wrapped in banana leaves.
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TRAVEL
Spend a few days in the peruvian amazon basin Its one hour from Lima to Cusco, then another half hour flight to Puerto Maldonado: just 30 minutes from one of the highest elevation cities in the world to the bright green, dripping, and muddy world of the rain forest. There are over a dozen eco-lodgings on the Apurimac River (the river that becomes the Amazon River in Brazil), and only one on the mind-blowingly beautiful Sandoval Lake, most of which are as luxurious as your basic rustic summer camp. All are within the 1,000 square mile Tambopata National Reserve -- one of the most wildlife rich conservation areas on the planet.
Visit the larco museum in lima The Larco Museum is a must-see as the private collection of a wealthy man obsessed with Inca and pre-Inca pottery, gold and silver headdresses and masks, and other artifacts from multi-level, multi-era archeological sites in Peru. The museum building itself is a wonder -whitewashed and blanketed with Bougainvillea vines in every color. In the first Storage Gallery, you’ll find glass cases crammed with 45,000 ceremonial pitchers in human, animal and food shapes, and each subsequent gallery showcases ceramic and precious metal jewelry over 4,000 years of pre-Columbian history.
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TECHNO TALK Google Glass
The future of smart phones is here, but don’t get too excited The future of smartphones is upon us - the LG G Flex is the world’s first flexible smartphone and it can be yours right now. While the curved display on the G Flex isn’t exactly new - just take a look at the Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus - the ability for the whole chassis to flex gives us a brief glimpse into what the future holds. The future comes at a cost however, a really big cost - at least £630 SIM-free in fact. You can always pick up the LG G Flex on contract, but a free handset will require you to part with £37 per month for two years, giving you just 1GB of 3G data in return. Fancy a bit of 4G action on your G Flex? Then expect to part with some cash up front as well as paying more per month. This phone is a considerably investment. To be fair you do get a whole lot of phone for your money - a 6-inch display, quad-core processor and 13MP camera are all onboard, but that’s still a lot of cash to splash. Don’t get too excited about its flexible abilities either - the LG G Flex does boast the most defined top-to-bottom curve of any smartphone, but you can’t actually go about folding it up.
Chromecast
Google TV on a stick, simplified in more ways than one Good things come in small packages, or at least that’s the hope Google has for Chromecast. This inexpensive media streaming adapter turns any HDMI-equipped television into an app-driven smart TV, making it a seed that could grow into the company’s answer to the Apple TV, Roku 3 and other rival streaming devices. The Chromecast app list is now up to 23 including top apps like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, Pandora and HBO Go. It’s is by far the cheapest way to beam these video and music services to a TV, although initiating the stream requires an Android or iOS device, or Google’s Chrome browser on a PC, Mac or Chrome OS computer. 52
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In fact, lay the LG G Flex face down on a flat surface and at its most curved point the screen is still just a few millimetres above the surface - but then comes the fun part. Apply a decent amount of pressure to the rear of the G Flex and you can flatten the handset out - actually flexing the screen, the glass and the chassis without breaking anything.
Verdict
screened handset? Then take a look at the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 or Nokia Lumia 1520. All are cheaper than the LG G Flex, but none are inferior in terms of power, features or experience. The only real USP is the slightly flexible, curved design which is innovative, but it’s just not worth the considerable outlay the G Flex’s price tag commands.
This biggest issue I have with the LG G Flex is the fact that it’s impossible to recommend. A sky high price tag means the LG G Flex is immediately out of many people’s price range and while the “flexible” nature of the phone is certainly interesting, in it’s current form it’s little more than a gimmick. Want a top of the line LG smartphone? Then buy the G2. Want a large
Final Verdict
Chromecast is an inexpensive, easy-to-use way of accessing a dozen worthy apps, most of which have content readily available on rival streaming services. Netflix and YouTube are ubiquitous, and while Google Play Music and Google Play Movies & TV finally break free from their web browser and mobile device confines, they don’t offer anything revolutionary behind what we have seen and heard from Spotify and Amazon Instant Video. Really, these name-brand apps and the ones that content providers are promising are important, but only serve to round out what makes Chromecast really unique: the ability to broadcast an app on Android or iOS, or a Chrome browser tab to a large TV. It can be done while still being able to use that device or computer without interruption. In this regard, Chromecast runs circles around Apple TV and its AirPlay technology. Everything else is just filler until more Android developers port their apps over to Chromecast. Apple TV could be a game-changer if Apple were to open up its TV platform to the developer masses, but for now that title and all of the potential is behind Google’s “not ready for prime time” streaming media player.
TECHNO TALK
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop Misfit Shine
The best-looking, least intrusive wearable device yet − but what’s it for? Activity trackers are predicted to explode in popularity, but to become accepted by the masses, the chunky child-like designs of the likes of the Jawbone UP and Nike FuelBand have got to go. So far really only designed for athletes, wearables need a mainstream makeover. Misfit Wearables thinks its Shine is just that. A coin-sized sensor designed to collect data on your activity, while also offering basic watch functions, the Shine looks less like an athlete’s accessory, though it retains most of the functions. The grey, silver or black aluminium Shine is a mere 9g in weight and no bigger in diameter than an average coin. Looking more like (unisex) jewellery than gadgetry, out of the box it can be worn in either a flat-profile silicone wristband (that adds a whopping 7g to the package), or in a tiny clasp. It might not look like other activity trackers, but the Shine isn’t much different to the sports-centric wristbands available for lower prices – it’s just less serious, and in lots of ways. Shine records your physical activity and sleep. It claims to be able to recognise the difference between various different sports, including cycling, swimming, tennis, basketball and, er, soccer. Aside from the fact that calling football “soccer” is wrong and bad in some countries, it’s a very US-centric look at sports.
Verdict
It’s clear that the Misfit Shine has been developed to help take the humble sensorridden wristband to a whole new level. As something to look at, it really works and we love its low-maintenance status too. However, there are problems. Recording specific activities – even sleep – is tricky to execute, largely because it’s hard to know whether Shine has received and processed the all-important triple-tap. What’s the point in being waterproof if it’s almost impossible to record a swim?
Microsoft’s new desktop kit that’s comfortable to use, and Windows 8-friendly As well as having a fine pedigree in mice and keyboards – the Microsoft Sculpt Comfort Keyboard and Microsoft Wireless Desktop 3000 being two highlights, Microsoft also has enviable experience in creating ergonomically designed devices, and its expertise is evident in the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop. Named ‘manta ray’ by Microsoft, the keyboard is partially split just off the centre, with the keys curving towards the gap. The idea here is that the keys are positioned more naturally for where your fingers are, which means they don’t have to stretch as much to hit the keys when typing – thereby lessening stress when using the keyboard for long
Fuji X-T1
Function and style in one beautiful package Fuji’s latest compact system camera takes a slight departure from the other CSCs in its range, as, rather than the flatter design of the Fuji X-E2 and Fuji X-Pro1, the X-T1 goes allout DSLR-like in its appearance. It’s packed with dials and buttons, while its gorgeous retro look will surely have a wide range of photographers drooling to get their hands on one. One of the biggest impacts the change in design has is that the electronic viewfinder has shifted into the centre of the camera from its rangefinder-like corner position. We’ve seen lots of buttons before - and liked it - on Fuji X series cameras, so it’s unsurprising that Fuji has continued that tradition with the XT1. Despite using the same processor as the X-E2 and X100S, the X-T1 is compatible with UHS-II SD format cards, meaning it can shoot continuously at a maximum rate of 8fps for up to 47 fine JPEG files or 23 simultaneous raw and JPEG files. Rather than stopping after the
periods of time. It could also – in time – make your typing faster. We say ‘in time,’ as when first using the keyboard the peculiar layout will probably slow your typing down, and temporarily increase errors if you’re typing without looking at the keys. However, with a bit of perseverance, you’ll soon begin to feel the benefit of using such a keyboard. The keyboard itself is stylishly designed and well built, with key presses feeling nice and firm, but without too much give – again to lessen strain on your fingers. The keys are also slightly larger than other keyboards to help improve accuracy. As the keys move towards the split they begin to angle slightly upwards towards the gap, which along with a padded wrist rest that runs along the bottom of the keyboard keeps your arms, wrist and hands in a natural and comfortable position while typing.
Verdict
If you spend a lot of time typing, and often feel the effects of repetitive strain injury, then the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop really could be a huge benefit to you. While the keyboard might seem intimidating at first, after a while it feels completely natural – and if it saves you from being injured then it’s worth every penny in our book. buffer becomes full, the X-T1 can still continue to shoot at 3fps until the card fills up – slower SD cards are also compatible.
Verdict
Well, Fuji has done it again: produced a camera that is not only beautiful, but is capable of producing some superb images. We can see this being top of many a photographer’s lust list, and for good reason – it’s top of ours too.
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AUTO REVIEW
AUDI A3 By: Fayez Abubacker
A PREMIUM BADGE WITHOUT A PREMIUM PRICE
Audi’s third-generation A3 has been a success story for the brand since its launch in May 2013. A boot and a broader body mark the Audi A3 sedan as a desirable and goodlooking addition to the third-generation A3 line-up with a beautifully trimmed interior, large-car comfort, sporty handling and very willing engines. A3 sales have almost doubled in the previous twelve months and you’ve got a whole lot of reasons to have a very good look at this new one from Audi.
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OUR 6-POINT REVIEW EXTERIORS
The roof flows into a more coupe like profile and down to the stubby but wellproportioned boot deck. So we have the hallmark Audi front grille, a curvy roof, sport D-pillars and prominent ‘Tornado Lines’ running front to rear just below the glass house to accentuate width and at the rear, a glorious integrated boot-lid spoiler and two piece tail lights providing a low and wide look. The whole effect is very effective and one wonders if Ingolstadt didn’t try to work out a way to give the sedan its own model designation.
INTERIORS
The cabin is richly trimmed and the design oozes high-end minimalism. As small notchbacks go, this one ‘works’: it looks smart, goes exceptionally well, and is very classy inside. And that boot; deep and wide, you have to wonder how anyone found all that space inside the A3’s trim metal skin without it looking like a hippo. It certainly hasn’t come at the expense of legroom and
AUTO REVIEW headroom at the back for taller passengers. There is good shaping to the backrests, sufficient padding and adjustment, and a slide-able underthigh cushion.
PERFORMANCE
The 1.8 TFSI engine with a 180 hp is good for a combined fuel figure of 5.6l/100km with a carbon emission of 134g/km. The 0-100km/h time is a claimed 6.8 seconds in S Tronic dual-clutch sevenspeed transmission. Audi Drive Select is fitted for the first time to an A3, and allows the driver to shuttle through Auto, Dynamic, Comfort, and Individual settings to alter steering effort, throttle response, and the transmission shift schedule. Brisk engines, rapid-fire shifts through the twin-clutch auto, and a really alert feel at the wheel. Put it through a set of turns at speed and you can’t help but wonder at the superb handling balance.
RIDE AND HANDLING
The strut front, multi-link rear suspension A3 sedan is well balanced and trustworthy. It has seemingly endless grip and can chucked into and fired out of corners with little regard to the laws of physics. The only blight is the modest noise of the continental tires. The A3 sedan imparts a feeling of solidity and is impressively hushed inside. Ride quality is absorbent and among the class-best. The chassis is begging for a hell of a lot more power and will get it in April in the form of the S3 Sedan.
SAFETY
The A3 sedan’s safety rating is with five ANCAP stars. Standard are the Seven airbags (including driver’s knee airbag), stability and traction controls. Cutting-edge driver assistance equipment is helpfully arranged into bundles, such as the Assistance package, which brings adaptive cruise, pre-crash Pre Sense system, lane-departure warning, high beam assist and side assist. It also includes light and rain sensors.
Armed with a compelling price tag, smart styling, classy interior and very good driving dynamics, this A3 Sedan is the pick of the range. It might be the entry model, but looks and feels the premium buy. We really like the looks and we really like the engine technology – spot-on for this segment. Another day, another brilliant new Audi really.
A MUST Watch... Audi A3
EQUIPMENT
The A3 kicks off with sunroof, leather trim, MMI interface with handwriting recognition tech, dual zone automatic climate control, 5.8-inch retractable screen where its functions are easily navigated via the rotary controller, Bluetooth, auto headlights and front fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, aluminum trim in and out, very smooth 3 spoke flat bottom leather steering wheel mounted with paddle-shift and comfortable sports front seats. 8 speakers, parking sensors and a rear camera, 4G LTE connectivity for Google Maps integration and other internet-type functions also comes as part and options of the package.
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VERDICT
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Dynamically it’s a useful improvement on the Sportback with the bigger gutsier wheels sitting inside those nicely proportioned guards, and with a slightly wider track, the sedan looks more sporting and purposeful.
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Out & About
AISEC Press Conference at Kempinski Ixir Hotel Scores of invited guests and members of the media attended AIESEC Bahrain’s press conference where they announced their programmes for the year 2014 along with a brief of last year’s achievements and programmes.
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Out & About
Al Kindi Hospital 5th Anniversary Celebration at Crowne Plaza
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Out & About
Discover Bahrain Closing Ceremony at Ramee Grand Hotel Discover Bahrain held a closing ceremony to bid farewell to the delegates who invited to explore Bahrain and give an unbiased opinion from their stay on the island. The delegates creatively summarised their experience in a few words.
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Out & About
F1 2014 Press Conference at BIC
The official 60-day countdown to the highly anticipated 2014 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix was launched at a special press conference held by Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and Gulf Air. A fascinating weekend of motorsport and entertainment, highlighted by the first-ever Formula One night race in the Kingdom of Bahrain, awaits fans this April 4-5-6. The three-day extravaganza marks the landmark 10th anniversary of the Formula One family roaring into action at “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East.�
A MUST Watch... Fascinat10n 2014 Press conference
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Out & About
Honest Hypermarket Press Conference at Gulf Hotel Kuwait based Honest Group announced the inauguration of their first ever supermarket in Hamad Town in Bahrain in a ceremony at the Gulf Hotel, Bahrain. It was attended by members of the media and invited guests.
A MUST Watch... Bell boy race
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Out & About
LG Sapience Washing Mechine Launch at LG Showroom Sehla
LG Electronics announced the release of its latest big capacity washing machines in a press conference held at the LG Showroom in Sehla. The washing machine was released in the presence of Mahmood Kooheji and Sanjeev Awasthi of AJM Kooheji Group, the local LG distributors and Jamie Hwang of LG Electronics. The Sapience washing machine is the latest installment in a line of environment and health friendly products that combine trendy design and smart technologies.
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Out & About A MUST Watch... Traditional instrument player
golive
Spring of Culture Press Conference at National Museum The Ministry of Culture and the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) announced the programme details of the 9th Spring of Culture festival which will include a number of cultural and artistic activities and events. The announcement was made during a press conference held in Manama and attended by Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister of Culture and Kamal bin Ahmed, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive, Economic Development Board.
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Out & About
Tiki Firday at Mai Thai Lounge at Ritz Carlton Hotel A brand new Friday Brunch, Tiki Friday, was launched at Mai-Tai located at the Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa. Live lounge music from DJ Dara Singh and the beautiful surroundings set the tone of the afternoon.
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Out & About
Khalid Cup press conference at Ramee Grand Hotel A press conference for the Khalid bin Hamad Arabian Horse Racing Cup Festival for people with disabilities was held at the Ramee Grand Hotel. This year’s festival is scheduled for March 6-7 at Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club racecourse in Sakhir for the third consecutive year.
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Out & About A MUST Watch... Kempinski Farm Breakfast
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Kempinski Farm Breakfast at Sadiq Farm in Karannah A media appreciation breakfast was held by the Kempinski Grand and Ixir Hotel at Kempinski’s partner farm, Sadiq Farm, in Karannah. It was attended by members of the media, who enjoyed a tour around the farm along with fresh, farm breakfast.
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Out & About
WPN inaugural event at Ashrafs Cafe in Hoora An inauguration breakfast marking the launch of the Women’s Professional Network was held at Ashrafs CafÊ in Hoora. Members of the new networking committee and invited guests enjoyed the event.
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Out & About
Talent night at Block 338
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Out & About
Bahrain Bartender Show at Tabu Night Club
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Out & About
Italian Festival at Sofitel Hotel
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Out & About
The ‘Awakening of Shamal’ Book launch at Bizarre Lounge A MUST Watch... Anna Leanda signing her book
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Out & About
Valentine’s Day Celebration at Mercure Grand Hotel
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Out & About
Nadeem’s Birthday Celebration at Zoe’s
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Out & About
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Out & About
Heart Charity Ball at the Movenpick Hotel
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in the press
InterContinental Regency Bahrain Visits Salmaniya Medical Center to Spread Cheer & Hope On World Cancer Day
The InterContinental Regency Hotel recently paid a visit to the Cancer Wards of Salmaniya Medical Center to spread a little cheer among the inpatients. The visit took place on Tuesday 4th of February 2014, which marks the World Cancer Day.
The visiting party from InterContinental Regency Bahrain’s top management, which included Mr. Rafik Kamel, the Area Director Commercial, Mr. Mohammed Sanad, the Executive Assistant Manager, Mr. Adrian Upward, the Executive Chef and Ms. Jehan Fathi, the PR and
Marketing Manager toured the concerned wards and interacted with the patients. The officials presented them with gift baskets comprising first-class beauty products which were sponsored by “Bruno Vassari”, an award winning European luxury brand.
Nokia andIntercol introduces the Nokia Lumia 1320 in Bahrain
Nokia and Intercol the authorized partner for Nokia in Bahrain has announced the availability of the Nokia Lumia 1320 in Bahrain, whichnow brings many of the high-end Lumia innovations into a 6-inchscreensmartphone at a
lower price point. “Building on the success of the Lumia 520, we looked to further expand our innovation offering by bringing the best Lumia experiences from Nokia and the latest from Windows Phone to a large screen smartphone,
at a more affordable price,” said Vithesh Reddy, General Manager of Nokia Lower Gulf. “With its large screen, warm and playful design and our rich imaging experience, the Nokia Lumia 1320 is an integral addition to our Windows Phone portfolio.” The supersensitive screenon Nokia Lumia 1320 allows people to do more, faster, even with gloves on. Furthermore, an update to the Nokia Glance screen allows people to see more on the standby screen with notificationsfor missed calls and new emails. Nokia 1320 is currently available at outlets of Intercol andall leading electronic retailers in Bahrain and is priced at BD 136.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa honoured by the Capital Governorate with the First Prize for the National Day Building Decoration The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa has been awarded for the third consecutive year the first prize for the best decorated building in Manama on the occasion of the National Day celebrations 2013. This award falls under the “private sector” category. Mark Neukomm, General Manager, says, “We are very proud that we have been acknowledged for the third time with this prestigious award on the occasion of the National Day in Bahrain. We have used around 2 million lights to decorate our resort and outdoor facilities. This award recognizes our ladies and gentlemen, especially the engineering, gardening and housekeeping team, for their dedication and passion to providing service excellence and creating memorable Ritz-Carlton experiences for our community, guests and the hotel members every day.”
Tamkeen holds session for Japanese Youth
Tamkeen, in partnership with the General Organisation for Youth and Sport and the Japanese Embassy, held an orientation session with 26 Japanese Students. The session introduced them to the nature of working within the kingdom from a business and a professional perspective, in addition to introducing them to Tamkeen’s goals and objectives and its role in developing the private sector through supporting businesses and employees. The session comes as part of a complete tour organised by the General Organisation for Youth and Sport and the Japanese Embassy between the 13th and the 19th of February. The tour is part of the Japanese Government’s “Global Leaders” programme, where Bahrain has been selected to be one of the host countries to introduce participants to its culture and history. March 2014
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in the press
Ebrahim K. Kanoo Rewards Three Distinctive Employees
Ebrahim K. Kanoo has honored and rewarded three distinctive employees as the best Employees for 2013 from the Human Resources and Administration Department. Mr. Talal Kanoo, Director of Corporate Services and Board Member at Ebrahim K. Kanoo along with Mr. Mohammed AlNaser, Manager of Human Resources and Administration handed over the certificates and monetary awards to Mr. Jenson Valukattil, Government Relations Executive, Mr. Mahmood Alghais, Government Relations Administrator and Ms. Dollybeth Soltes, Receptionist.
2014 Hyundai Centennial
First Motors, Hyundai’s flagship luxury sedan, which promises new premium standards of comfort, technology and performance. Assuring a star treatment all the way, the 5-star luxury sedan has arrived in Bahrain. The New 2014 Centennial, Hyundai’s flagship luxury sedan, is
better placed to challenge the premium auto brands in the luxury car segment with significant enhancements and a range of premium features. The exterior enhancements to the new Centennial are kept to a minimum, but its interior sports a completely redesigned dashboard with
EFG Bank (Monaco) wins Ras Al Khaimah Inport races in EFG Sailing Arabia -The Tour 2014
Two firsts and a second place in gripping Inport races at Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club in Ras Al Khaimah was enough for Sidney Gavignet and team on EFG Bank (Monaco) to take the overall win. The team, on EFG Bank (Monaco) were, once again, spot on identifying the shifts in race one, giving them an early advantage up the first beat of the tight, stadium-style course. In doing so, managed to keep Kay Heemskerk and Team Delft
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Challenge – TU Delft/Katie Pettibone and her all girl team on Al-Thuraya Bank Muscat, exactly where they wanted them, in second and third places respectively. EFG Bank (Monaco) repeated their performance in race two with both Team Delft Challenge – TU Delft, and Al-Thuraya Bank Muscat challenging off the line but EFG Bank (Monaco) popped out in front again and led Team Delft Challenge – TU Delft by
just five seconds at the finish. All fired up for the final race of the day, Al-Thuraya Bank Muscat girls’ team, were neck and neck with Team Delft Challenge – TU Delft off the line. EFG Bank (Monaco) suffered an OCS [over the line at the start] but they were soon back in contention and managed to out-manoeuvre the girls for second place, while Team Delft Challenge – TU Delft took their first win of the day.
a new premium clock and more comfortable seats. The cabin exudes quality, with premium leather and wood trim all around. Excellent noise reduction measures ensure an ultra-quiet cabin, while premium features such as a Head-Up Display, Blind Spot Detection system, Shift by Wire and a Haptic Steering Wheel put the Centennial at the top of the class when it comes to the latest technology. “The new Centennial provides the highest standards of comfort and convenience. The rear seats have been completely redesigned for greater comfort, while the front seats have also been adapted. Passengers in the back can now enjoy new dual 9.2inch LCD rear monitor entertainment screens and control their travel experience via a new DIS system,” said Mu’ti.
EFG Bank (Monaco) wins Ras Al Khaimah Inport races in EFG Sailing Arabia -The Tour 2014
APM Terminals Bahrain a subsidiary of one of the world leaders in port infrastructure, and the operator of Khalifa Bin Salman Port, recently signed a three year Collective Bargaining Agreement valid from 2014 to 2017 which reinforces its commitment to employees. As part of the agreement, medical insurance will be extended to members of families of employees’ from April 2014. The agreement was signed by Layla AlSamerrai, Head of Human Resources at APM Terminals, Bahrain and a representative from the Port Workers Union. The highlight of the agreement is that employees will have their families included in the insurance coverage, giving the diverse workforce of APM Terminals the ability to meet their dependents’ health care needs.
in the press
Blakes strengthens team for Gulf region by electing Tim Sunar as partner Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP in association with Dr. Saud AlAmmari Law Firm (Blakes), a leading business law firm, announced the further strengthening of its team in the Gulf region with the admission of Mr. Tim Sunar to the partnership of the Firm. Blakes has an office in Al Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and an office in Manama, Bahrain, through its affiliation with the law firm of Dr. Saud Al-Ammari. Mr. Sunar joined Blakes in 2006, first in its Toronto office and then as part of the team which established the Firm’s presence in the Gulf region in 2009. His practice focuses primarily on advising clients on a range of commercial transactions with an emphasis on cross-border mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, international joint ventures, and reorganizations. Among the Firm’s various clients, he advises multinationals, family businesses and institutional investors active across the GCC and MENA regions, including with respect to investments inbound to and outbound from these markets.
Ebrahim K. Kanoo Announces the Winners of the Lexus Challenge
Ebrahim K. Kanoo announced the winners of “Lexus Challenge”, the Facebook campaign that was launched during January 2014. Ms. Noor Mohammed, Mr. Hussain Qurashi and Ms. Hanan Mohammed have managed to finish the 3 stages of the competition in the shortest time, so each was announced the winner of that consecutive week and received Sphero® Robot Ball. Whereas, Mr. Muhammad Raza was able to set a record time for finishing the 3 stages compared to all the participants and won the Grand Prize, iPad Air®.
Euro Motors - Jaguar Land Rover Exclusive Promotion with Bahrain Islamic Bank Euro Motors, the exclusive dealer of Jaguar Land Rover in the Kingdom of Bahrain have introduced its exclusive promotion in co-operation with Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB). As part of their collaboration, the interest rate for any Jaguar Land Rover customer has been reduced to 1% only. The promotion is valid on all current models in stock that both brands have to offer namely, the Jaguar F-TYPE, XF, XJ and XK, and the Land Rover LR2, LR4, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover and the All-New Range Rover Sport. In addition to the 1% finance deal, customers will also be eligible for a 5 year warranty period for both Jaguar and Land Rover, and a 5 year free service package with every Jaguar purchased. Speaking from BisB offices, Mrs Fatima Al Alawi, the Assistant General Manager of Retail Banking added “ We are thrilled to be a part of the Jaguar Land Rover campaign, Euro Motors is a leading organization in offering luxurious cars, and this campaign further highlights our commitment to our customers in offering them the best products and services”. The campaign is appropriately titled “Fuel your car, service is on us,” and will be valid for 2 months, commencing from 15 February 2014 till 15 April 2014.
Bahrain City Centre champions local talent
As a key landmark for the Kingdom, Bahrain City Centre has been a significant contributor to the nation’s economic and tourism aims by diversifying the nation’s retail and leisure sectors and creating thousands of jobs. Today, the shopping mall is a champion of Bahrainisation
with dedicated training, development and rewards programs to incentivize nationals to enter the private sector with the promise of longterm career growth. Currently, 100% of Bahrain City Centre’s senior management areBahraini nationals, with an overall Bahrainisation rate of 76%
across all mall management employees. “Bahrain City Centre has always invested in local talent, and today we are proud to have a strong, visible presence of Bahraini nationals driving one of the Kingdom’s most valued landmarks,” said Duaij Khalifa Al Rumaihi, Senior
Mall Manager for Bahrain City Centre. “I have personally enjoyed a rewarding journey with Majid Al Futtaim, and through our dedicated training and recruitment programs, we hope to foster successful career paths for our staff, while attracting new, aspiring talent.”
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in the press
INJAZ Bahrain continues to boost relationship with its partners
The aim of the meeting which is run biannually was hosted by EY at their main offices in the Manama area was to brief all board company coordinators on INJAZ Bahrain’s plans for the upcoming spring semester 2013/14, boost the coordinators support towards the programs and the volunteer’s commitment, promote INJAZ Bahrain programs within the organization, and mainly provides committed, high caliber volunteers – whom are able to engage with a young age group of students in the most professional manner. The meeting was attended by Badriya Naqi, Deputy Executive Director of INJAZ Bahrain & Fawad Laique – EY partner. Badriya thanked the coordinators for all support they extend to INJAZ Bahrain particularly on the level of volunteers’ provision.
InterContinental Regency Bahrain Wins two Prestigious Awards!
InterContinental Regency Bahrain recently won 2 prestigious Quality Awards in the annual Quality Conference hosted by the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in Dubai. Under the title “Winning @ Heartbeat”, the annual Quality Conference was
held last week at the Crown Plaza Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road and was attended by all General Managers and Quality Managers of the IHG hotels located in IMEA (India, Middle East and Africa). InterContinental Regency Bahrain was presented with
Khaleeji Commercial Bank Signs MOU with Gulf Air!
Khaleeji Commercial Bank (KHCB) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain,
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which entitles KHCB’s Credit Card holders to receive exclusive discounts on their online Gulf Air ticket purchases. The MOU signing took
place on 28th January 2014 at the Gulf Air headquarters in Manama between Deputy General Manager-Commercial Banking of KHCB, Mr. Fuad Taqi and Acting Chief Commercial Officer of Gulf Air Mr. Ahmed Janahi in the presence of other officials from KHCB including Head of Consumer Finance of KHCB Mr. A.Rahman Al-Sowaidi, Head of VIP Banking, Marketing and Product Development of KHCB Mr. Abdul Nasser Al-Rayes; and officials from Gulf Air including Marketing Specialist of Gulf Air, Mr. Ali Al Jufairi, Marketing Manager of Gulf Air Mr. Talal Al Mahmood and Acting Senior Manager Marketing Mr. Ali Hajeeh.
not one, but two awards. The first “Quality Champion of the year 2013 for IMEA” was given to the hotel for having the most quality improvement for the entire year. Whereas the second award was “InterContinental’s Most Engaged Quality Team of 2013-IMEA”
Author and Healer Julie Lomas enables Bizladies to ‘Channel energy for professional purposes’
Over 40 Bizladies attended a breakfast networking meeting held at Ramee Grand, Tea Garden, where Julie Lomas educated the group of senior business ladies, business owners and entrepreneurs on how to ‘Channel Energy for professional Purposes’. Sponsored by NHSC, Mercedes Benz and Ramee Grand group were introduced to new members and encouraged to practice authentic, reciprocal networking.
in the press
Ebrahim K. Kanoo Recognize Finance and Accounts Employees
Ebrahim K. Kanoo has recently recognized Finance and Accounts employees for their outstanding performance in 2013. Mr. Talal Kanoo, Director of Corporate Services and Board Member at Ebrahim
K. Kanoo said: “Ebrahim K. Kanoo’s reiterates its continuous commitment to encourage and praise the employee’s efforts and dedication.” Mr. Talal Kanoo and Mr. Srinivasan Rajagopalan,
Wonho Chung visits the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre in Switzerland
Financial Controller handed over the certificates and rewards to Mr. Omran Alsharifi, Insurance Executive, Mr. Pradeep Kumar Nair, Accountant and Mr. Manish Shah, Executive Investment and Credit Analyst.
Al-Mohema” Reality TV Show Contestants Shortlisted
The second phase of the youth entrepreneurship reality TV show “AlMohema” (The Mission) commenced at Al-Areen Palace & Spa, following the end of the registration period. The second phase included oral and written assessment tests for the applicants, who are comprised of Bahraini
nationals between 18 and 30 years old as per the competition rules. The applicants were then shortlisted to 90 contestants who will attend a number of business training workshops and lectures on entrepreneurship and setting up a business. A series of lectures and training workshops will be presented to the contestants at the
Bahrain Credit Media Center at the University of Bahrain. Following that, the 90 contestants will be further shortlisted to 14 finalists who will compete for the grand prize in the final stage, which involves unique challenges through which the finalists will prove their abilities in coming up with business solutions.
Wonho Chung, the Arabic speaking Korean comedian, and JaegerLeCoultre watch aficionado, visited the brand’s manufacturing workshops, testifying to 181 years of continuous development on a single site and the unique integration of all skills under one roof. Welcomed by Jaeger-LeCoultre Design Director JanekDeleskiewicz, Wonho discovered different stages of watch manufacturing, decoration and assembly. Impressed by the work of watchmakers that requires an incredible amount of expertise and precision, Wonho particularly admired engraving techniques that went into making his personalizedReverso… “Visiting the workshop where my watch was engraved was memorable, and meeting the lady who worked on my watch who almost cried with happiness to see her work on my wrist is a story I will tell my son or daughter when I pass down the watch to them”. March 2014
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LAST NOTE
‘What Difference Does it Make?’ Bahrain one of sixty countries to screen RBMA feature film. Red Bull Bahrain held the premier screening of the Red Bull Music Academy (RBMA) movie ‘What Difference Does It Make?’ at the Bahrain Cinema Club earlier this week. The movie was created in celebration of the 15th anniversary of RDMA which teamed up with award-winning director, Ralf Schmerberg, to create the film. The film is about making music and features various musicians and composers among others including Brian Eno, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Giorgio Moroder, Nile Rodgers, Richie Hawtin and James Murphy who speak candidly about making music and its ups and downs. The film was shot at the 2013 Red Bull Music Academy in New York. The movie was screened at 60 cities on the launch date with Manama being one of them. The movie reflects the heady atmosphere which takes place at the Academy itself including the fresh musical ideas which tend to spark between artists representing different genres and generations. Every year, RBMA sees sixty emerging musicians from around the world participate in workshops with musical luminaries in a custom-fitted complex of studios and workspaces. These artists then perform at the city’s most popular venues and concert halls accompanied by artists from the city’s local scene providing them with a unique opportunity to further develop their skills. Entries for this year’s RBMA have currently been submitted from artists in several countries across the globe including Bahrain. ‘What Difference Does It Make?’ is available to view for free via redbullmusicacademy.com.
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