Sabaya Magazine August 2014

Fashion, lifestyle and beyond

Showcasing Bahraini culture through food

Roaya Saleh

Ride to cloud nine

Issue 73 - AUGUST 2014

Baked goodness

Retro Mama cakery

by Mona Shakib

Clover Canyon at Saks Fifth Avenue The high end brand touches base in Bahrain.

Rolls Royce Ghost series II

Get into beach body mode We count down the hottest body-sculpting exercises

AUGUST 2014

a

b

AUGUST 2014

AUGUST 2014

1

CONTENTS AUGUST 2014

36

08 CELEBRITY TIDBITS All the latest gossip straight from Hollywood.

12 SUCCESS STORY Retro Mama by Mona Shakib

14 SUMMER SPECIAL Bahrain Summer returns

16 ART-SPECT Mosaic artist Faiza Saeed

18 A CLASS APART

Roaya Saleh and her participation in the Food Channel

12

20 GLITZ AND GLAM

Star Factor: ASK breaks down who wears what, fashion police style

24 FASHION STATEMENT Clover Canyon, DKNY, Tory Burch

32 BEAUTY QUOTIENT Makeup Forever, Bourjois

54 OUT AND ABOUT

Check out all the Ramadan ghabgas and iftars which took place last month

76 PRESS RELEASES Press releases from around the region.

2

AUGUST 2014

18

80 LAST NOTE Get ready to hit the beach!

42

REVIEWS 38 GLOBE-TROTTER Captivating Cambodia

42 TECHNO REVIEW

Techno Logic – Latest gadgets and what you will love about them

44 AUTO REVIEW Rolls Royce Ghost series II

48 HOTEL REVIEW Elite Seef Residence and Hotel

52 RESTAURANT REVIEW La Pergola at the Gulf Hotel

22

46 34

26 AUGUST 2014

3

CEO Letter

CEO Letter Last month concluded the holy month of Ramadan with the great festivity of Eid.

We have captured all the smiling faces at the lovely

ghabgas and iftars from last month in our events section.

We have the talented Roaya Saleh for A Class Apart and mosaic artist Faiza Saeed in Art-spect.

We have plenty of reviews this month , including the

Elite Seef Residence, Rolls Royce Ghost and La Pergola restaurant.

As always, we keep you in the loop with the latest

fashion and accessories.

Cheers!

Sincerely.

Mamdouh Shehata

CEO - Sabaya Magazine

mamdouh.shehata@sabayamag.com

4

AUGUST 2014

AUGUST 2014

5

From The Editor’s Desk CEO Mamdouh Shehata

Editor’s Desk I hope our readers enjoyed the festivities of Eid and have mustered enough energy to handle another month of the sweltering summer.

In this issue, we have interviews with food channel celebrity chef Roaya Saleh, who is in love with all things food and will soon become the first woman in the region to have her own reality series aired worldwide.

Mosaic artist Faiza Saeed tells us all about her passion for the art form and entrepreneur Mona Shakib tells us about her retrothemed cakery in Reef Island.

Italian food lovers can dish out our review of La Pergola from the reviews section as well as learn about the new ‘Ghost’ in town.

We also trot all the way to Cambodia in our travel review and go on a mini break to the Elite Seef Residence and Hotel.

Celebrity gossip, tech news and fashion trends from catwalks

Deputy CEO Samia Al Mahmood PR & Editorial Manager Omaima Ebrahim Editor Puja Tiwari Business Development Director Rami Khalil Art Director Syed Muhammed Raihan Photographer Santhosh Proof Reader Fayez Abubacker 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

dot the rest of the pages. Enjoy

Sabaya is a monthly publication

PUJA TIWARI Editor - Sabaya Magazine puja@sabayamag.com

6

AUGUST 2014

Tel: +973 77100022 Fax: +973 77100021 www.sabayamag.com Email: info@sabayamag.com Facebook: SabayaMagazine Twitter: SabayaMag

AUGUST 2014

7

TIDBITS

Celebrity TIDBITS

CELEBRITY

George Clooney rejects tabloids apology over false reports

George Clooney has rejected the apology for false reports that said future mother-in-law objected to his marriage.

Speaking out in another statement, published by USA Today, the 53-year-old actor rejected an apology over the false reports, saying that none of it was true, the Mirror reported.

The ‘Oceans Eleven’ star sated that the Daily Mail had printed an apology for insinuating religious tensions where there were none and in the apology, managing editor Charles Garside claims that the article was ‘not a fabrication,’ but was based the story on conversations with senior members of the Lebanese community.

He stated that the problem was that none of that was true.

Clooney had spoken out in a second public statement, after a newspaper and online article claimed Amal Alamuddin›s mother didn’t approve of their marriage.

Harry Potter villain Dave Legeno passes away Dave Legeno, the onscreen villain in the ‘Harry Potter’ movies, died while hiking in Death Valley here.

The British actor played the werewolf Fenrir Greyback.

He had also featured in the movie ‘Snatch.’

Legeno’s body was found by a pair of hikers July 6 in an area so remote that a California Highway Patrol helicopter had to be called in to transport it.

The 50-year-old reportedly died of heat-related problem and may have been dead for three to four days before his body was discovered, said the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department here, reports tmz.com.

Summer temperatures in Death Valley are known to go over 120 degrees.

Dave was also a Mixed Martial Arts fighter in Britain with a professional record of 4-3.

When Justin Theroux sold ‘crappy beer’ as a bartender Justin Theroux confessed that he sold a lot of cheap beer to hipsters at whopping prices, back when he was still a downtown bartender.

While talking to the Details magazine, the 42-year-old actor, who’s engaged to Jennifer Aniston, said that they invented every awful beer they could think of and sold them for four bucks, and even ended up out selling the likes of Chimay, the New York Post reported.

The actor, who had last worked as a bartender at Von on Bleecker Street, had even stenciled the bar’s logo, which can be still seen on their front window.

8

AUGUST 2014

Celebrity TIDBITS

My style is influenced by my personality: Willow Smith

Willow Smith, daughter of Hollywood actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, says her style is influenced by her personality and changes all the time.

The 13-year-old believes that her fashion sense is changing as her personality is constantly evolving with her age.

The ‘Whip My Hair’ hitmaker also confessed that her family as a whole, which includes brothers Jaden and Trey, are fans of certain brands, including luxury jewellers Cartier, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Apart from branded outlets, she also likes to shop in budget stores like Target, where she buys boots, Converse and Vans.

Willow also likes to experiment with her hair, having dyed them in green and pink before recently opting for a bleached blonde, and she insists it has had no detrimental effect on her hair.

Robert Downey Jr. ‘proud’ of son Actor Robert Downey Jr. is reportedly pleased that his son Indio is seeking help in rehab for his addiction to drugs.

The Iron Man 3 actor himself has battled with substance abuse in the past.

“Robert clearly understands the struggle, and while of course this relapse was very upsetting to him, he is very proud of his son.

Indio truly wants to stay clean. And no matter what, his dad will be right there with him,” people.com quoted a source as saying.

Indio, whose mother is Robert’s ex-wife Deborah Falconer, has managed to stay clean for a while, but fell off the straight and narrow last month. The youngster was arrested for possession of cocaine in West Hollywood after police caught him smoking something out of a pipe in a car.

He was booked for possession of cocaine, but was released from jail a few hours later after posting $10,000 bail.

Eva Mendes hides baby bump Actress Eva Mendes is leaving no stones unturned to hide the fact that she›s pregnant with Ryan Gosling’s child.

Eva was leaving a parking structure Wednesday here when she ran into a photographer, hours after news broke she’s apparently seven months pregnant, reports tmz.com.

She went through contortions to hide the baby bump, using a Birkin bag, scarves and everything else within arm’s reach to obfuscate the money shot.

Model Cara Delevingne is now the face of luxury fashion brand Chanel.

She shared a snapshot from a new campaign of the brand via Instagram Thursday. She is seen posing up against a mirror with a pastel pink coat hooked across her shoulders.

“New @chanelofficial campaign! Thank you @karllagerfeld,” Delvevingne captioned the photograph, reports contactmusic.com.

The 21-year-old has earlier worked with Chanel as she closed its Haute Couture show and the Autumn/Winter 14 show earlier this year. But this is the first time she has fronted a mainline Chanel collection.

Lagerfeld, 80, has always praised the model, who first worked with his brand in 2012.

AUGUST 2014

9

Celebrity TIDBITS

Paris Hilton quits junk food Socialite Paris Hilton has given up junk food! Thanks to it, she has lost weight and feels much better about herself.

Hilton was always fond of cheese burgers and french fries, but six months ago, the 33-year-old star decided to give up on fast food to lead a healthier lifestyle. “I lost about five pounds just from staying away from the Drive-thrus.

I can feel the difference especially when I’m in a bathing suit,” dailymail.co.uk quoted Hilton as saying.

The star also shared that she has added new habits in her routine. “I also like regular juices. I get a lot more vitamins these days, more fruits too, more vegetables, more protien, more salads,” she added.

Helena Bonham Carter obsessed with Candy Crush Saga

Actress Helena Bonham Carter does her best to stop her children using iPads all day - but says she herself is obsessed with playing Candy Crush Saga.

The 48-year-old ‘Harry Potter’ actress tries to limit the access her children Billy, 10, and Nell, six, have to gaming devices, but feels a bit hypocritical because she plays the sweet-swapping game whenever she can, reported Hello magazine.

“The challenge is to find something we all like doing and to get the children away from the screens, like iPads. Although I can’t be too strict as I’m a bit addicted to Candy Crush,” she said.

When they’re not playing computer games, Helena says her family love to get creative together, with her partner Tim Burton being a gifted artist.

“Like anyone else we need to eat, run a household, but we’re good at games and making things. Tim is good at drawing and painting, that’s the one thing we like to do together, drawing and painting and making things,” she added.

10

AUGUST 2014

Nicolas Cage becomes grandfather

Actor Nicolas Cage has become grandfather as his son Weston has welcomed a baby boy with wife Danielle.

The couple welcomed their first baby on July 1 and has named him Lucian Augustus Coppola Cage, reported Us magazine. “Lucian Augustus Coppola Cage was born on July 1, 2014 at 3:14 pm,” the representative for the couple said. This is the couple’s first child.

News of Danielle’s pregnancy first broke earlier this year. The couple had chosen the baby’s name months before birth. “Lucian is of Romanian descent, which is what I am,” Danielle had said. “And Augustus is taken from Weston’s grandfather. We honour him very much. He was of extreme brilliance. He was a genius,” Weston had said.

Celebrity TIDBITS

Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin operating like couple

After their “conscious uncoupling,” Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin are now almost operating like a couple, reveals a source.

The pair announced their separation publicly in March. But they have been spotted together numerous times in the Hamptons this week, reports pagesix.com.

While the duo dined with their children Apple and Moses Monday evening, Martin dropped into a sports store to pick up skateboards before heading to meet the children Apple and Moses at a joint.

A witness said “They were operating like a couple, and with the kids looked like a happy family.”

A reconciliation could be in the works.

Shakira thanks football for finding true love Pop star Shakira thanks World Cup for making her meet with Gerard Pique, who is love of her life.

The two met when Shakira was promoting her 2010 World Cup anthem, “Waka Waka” for Africa and they now have an 18-month-old son together.

Speaking ahead of her closing ceremony performance Sunday night, the singer said she “will never forget that I met the love of my life at the World Cup,” reports mirror.co.uk She even thanked football for her son.

“If it wasn’t for the World Cup my son Milan would not be here,” she said

The prodigal Harry Potter returns with Quidditch World Cup

Potter fans revisit their childhood with a surprise addition from JK Rowling about the wizard appearing at the Quidditch World Cup finals.

Tuesday was a magical day for Potterheads across the muggle world. After years of waiting to hear another story about ‘the boy who lived’ - and writing a ton of fan fiction to fill that void - the fans’ wish was finally granted. On Pottermore - a website famous for interactively retelling the Harry Potter series Rowling has been writing as gossip correspondent Rita Skeeter, who’s reporting the ‘ongoing’ Quidditch World Cup. On Tuesday, Rita spotted Harry, and several other characters from the books, at the tournament’s finals, and wrote an article titled Dumbledore’s Army Reunites At Quidditch World Cup Final. Not surprisingly, once the article got released on Pottermore, the website crashed, rabid fans started hyperventilating on Twitter and Facebook, and some proactive journalist immediately asked Daniel Radcliffe if there were any hopes of a return to the film’s franchise (there weren’t, sorry, Potter fans.)

AUGUST 2014

11

Mona Shakib is the founder of a unique retro-style American cakery titled Retro Mama, which is located in Reef Island. The little cake shop is quickly gaining eminence for its delectable selection of homemade cakes and well-loved American baked goodies. Retro Mama doesn’t have a set menu and every little cake and cookie creation is made from scratch and in small batches. Mona tells us more about her one-of-a-kind cakery and how she established the brand in an interview with Sabaya magazine.

A cake affair

Mona Shakib

Success Story

12

AUGUST 2014

Success Story

How did you come up with the concept of Retro Mama?

I’ve always been a fan of the 1950s retro style. I really like the pin-up look, black and white movies. Since I’m also a fan of baking, I thought it would be a perfect concept to get the whole old-school feel to it. The 1950s were all about housewives baking cakes, cookies and other goodies and I thought this would be a nice theme for the boutique. This is how Retro Mama came into being.

How has the response been so far?

It’s been great! Whenever our customers try us out the first time, we always see them return so that’s a good sign. Our best selling cupcakes are banana and chocolate bottoms, whilst for the pies, the best seller is the keylime pie, and when it comes to cakes people are crazy about our signature Ombre 4 layer cakes.

How is this Cakery different from other places in terms of what you sell?

We are different because we don’t only focus on cupcakes. We also specialize in classic American goods like pies such as key lime pie and cherry cheese pie, which are popular in the United States. So that’s what attracts people to us. We’re probably one of the only places which sell pumpkin pie, which is popular during Thanksgiving celebrations.

Was it difficult to open the shop?

It was quite a challenge since I’m also a full time mom, so it was a bit difficult balancing the responsibilities at home and having to run a business on my own. I had to take my daughter with me everywhere in the beginning, even when I was baking.

What are your future aspirations for Retro Mama?

Right now I’m happy where I am, and I’d like to take things slow. The most important thing is to keep the standards and quality at the levels that our customers expect. We are constantly creating new products and also do custom requests, so I have my hands full and there are a lot of demands and orders.

I’m happy with just the little shop in Reef Island, maybe in future I’ll think of opening a few more branches but for the time being I’d rather focus on quality over quantity.

How does the baking go about at the boutique?

I’m very hands-on and do most of the baking myself on a daily basis. I like to keep it that way to make sure things are done the way I expect them to be. We get many customers coming in with special cake requests too, so I am here to create what they want.

Key lime pie

Ombre cake

What message do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Don’t let the hard work scare you and never let the obstacles bring you down because in the end it’ll all be worth it. Just follow your dreams, do what you want and it’s really rewarding to do what you love.

You can follow Mona and Retro Mama on Instagram @retromama_bh or facebook. com/retromama.bh AUGUST 2014

13

Bahrain Summer

Bahrain Summer Festival returns!

Bahrain Summer Festival’s sixth edition will celebrate this much anticipated annual cultural program from the 31st of July till the 30th of August. Nakhool City opens its doors for audiences to enjoy a wide range of family-oriented activities assembled from all corners of the world under the theme “Summer of Colours.” The Bahrain Summer Festival will yet again bring its action-packed family-friendly lineup of amazing shows and events that will entertain and educate audiences from all ages and facilitate cultural exchange and dialogue. From musical to theatrical, and from artistic to avant-garde, the festival’s events truly have something for everyone!

14

AUGUST 2014

Bahrain Summer

This year’s summer celebrations are part of the Manama: Capital of Asian Tourism programme for 2014 is as follows.

Nakhool City

31 July - 30 August Venue: BIECC Time: 10 am - 4 pm

Ilham Al Midfai

FREE J Abood's Dream

Venue: Cultural Hall Time: 8 pm

Venue: BIECC Time:7 pm

13-14 August

21-24 August

BLAZE The International Dance Sensation

Chico And the Gypsies

Venue: BIECC Time: 7 pm

Venue: BIECC Time: 8 pm

Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy 31 July - 2 August

Venue: BIECC Time: July 31 & August 1: 7 pm August 2: 11 am & 7 pm

Dora's Pirate Adventure 7-10 August

Venue: BIECC Time: August 7: 5 pm August 8 & 9: 10 am & 5 pm August 10: 5 pm

16-17 August

26 August

AUGUST 2014

15

Art-Spect

Art and emotions with mosaics Faiza Saeed Mosaics have been used in Europe for centuries to add a decorative element to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Now a homegrown artist is introducing them to Bahrain, with surprising and beautiful results.

Faiza Saeed’s keen sense of aesthetics is apparent even at first glance, from her trendy choice of shoes and beautifully designed business card. She tells us more about her passion for the arts, and how mosaics art is picking up in Bahrain.

16

AUGUST 2014

What attracted you to this art form and how did you venture into it?

I started with mosaics in 2009, but really, I’ve been an artist since I was a child. I come from a family of artists, and I grew up in that kind of environment. I like 3D art and mixed media. I like working with my hands, so mosaics felt like a good fit. It is not very neat, unlike fine art, and therefore not intimidating. Anyone could do it, even someone who claims they have no artistic ability.

Did you receive formal training for mosaics?

I first picked up a book about mosaics at the Tate Modern in London and was utterly fascinated by it. I tried my hand at it even without any formal training. Eventually I went on to train under the gurus of mosaics.

I was taught by Emma Biggs in the UK, and then by Luciana Notturni in Italy. Most recently, I did a course in micro mosaics and portraits with Saad Romani in Egypt.

You believe that mosaic art form is connected to emotions. Can you elaborate on this?

Mosaic art is very therapeutic and relaxing because you are focusing on one movement

such as cutting, which gives you time to reflect on your life. Your mind can drift and you may solve your internal issues. It is like spending quality time with yourself.

Unlike other types of art such as fine art which requires high focus, working on mosaic there is room for making mistakes that can be fixed easily. In a sense, you are killing two birds with one stone because you are creating a mosaic piece while releasing emotions.

How has your art evolved over time?

Over time, I am moving towards more abstract designs, which reflect my internal state. I am expressing more artistic ideas in my mosaic with more details and craftsmanship, which I continue to learn with practice. To evolve, you must reach a state where you are happy and content with the quality of your work.

You offer workshops as well. What would you say to someone looking to get started?

I would say they need to love art, and they need to be patient. They will be using very small pieces to create something of beauty, and that takes time. Most importantly, you can start at any age. Age should not be an obstacle. Another good piece of advice is for people to try it before they dismiss it as too difficult. Sometimes people think mosaic is a hard form of art and are afraid to try it, but they should try it before they judge it. They might discover that they’re good at mosaic.

You make tables as well. Tell us more about that.

The great thing about mosaics is that they are so versatile. You can create pieces purely for their aesthetic appeal, or you can easily incorporate them into things like furniture, thereby making them functional.

I love furniture just as much as I love art, so I combine the two to create truly unique pieces. I am especially fond of tables, and I’ve made so many that I have trouble finding room to store them all! I don’t

purchase them! I create the entire piece from scratch, including the table itself. I have a workshop that makes the tables as per my design, in wood for indoor use, or metal for outdoor use.

Do you see mosaics becoming popular in Bahrain?

Absolutely! We have all kinds of options for indoor decoration, but none for outdoors because of the blazing sun and the humidity.

Mosaics are a perfect option for Bahrain, because they are so durable and can withstand all kinds of weather. In places like Rivenna or Barcelona, you will find mosaics on buildings, houses, and street signs.

You will even find mosaics on pavements because pedestrian traffic does not damage them.

I think we should be making a similar effort here in Bahrain to beautiful our public spaces. We could use them to decorate building facades, flyovers, or pedestrian bridges. I want to collaborate with companies to work on enhancing and beautify our country.

Where would you like to take mosaics in the future?

One of my visions is to make mosaic more common in decorating the public places in Bahrain, especially traditional places in Bahrain. Currently, there are many restoration projects of traditional houses – I’d love to see mosaics added to those treasured homes. As mentioned previously, I’d love to see mosaic around Bahrain, such as in the highways and various areas in Bahrain. Most importantly, I want to create a platform to introduce the art of mosaic on a more regional level. I’d love to invite global artists to a conference in Bahrain and initiate a dialogue between the renowned artists. In the US, they host such conferences and we need more art events in Bahrain.

To inquire about Faiza’s products call +973 16536097 or email info@faizasaeedmosaic.com AUGUST 2014

17

A Class Apart

Showcasing Bahraini culture through food 18

AUGUST 2014

A Class Apart

B

ahraini entrepreneur Roaya Saleh is driven by her passion for revealing Bahraini culture through food and will soon be showcasing the country to the world in her very own reality series.

Her dream was always to cook and serve Bahraini food using locally sourced organic ingredients in an inviting environment. This finally became a reality after she got down to opening her own restaurant, Villa Mamas, in Late 2011. Roaya is now aiming to showcase the homegrown brand to international shores in the first Bahraini lifestyle reality show on a global broadcast platform.

Roaya is the first chef from the GCC to be featured on foodchannel.com.

She tells us more about the same in a candid interview with Puja Tiwari How did you go about opening the restaurant?

Originally I was a banker. I worked in the corporate world for more than 20 years. I started small as a secretary in a bank and gradually developed into a private banker looking after high-network individuals.

When I decided to start Villa Mamas, I already had a real estate business for about two years and it coincided with the recession and political crisis. That’s when I dropped the real estate business from my boat and started to focus my passion for cooing. I always loved cooking but needed to develop my technique I spent 2 years learning about food and simultaneously studying the market to open a restaurant. I had to take into account the population, location, niche and other factors.

I found a gap in the availability of a place which offers traditional Bahraini food in a modern atmosphere.

How was the response when you opened the restaurant? What obstacles did you have to face?

I never expected an immediate take-off of this concept. What happened was when I started in the end of 2011, I was advised against opening a restaurant. I had bought

the equipment and the place so I couldn’t delay opening it because it would put a strain to my investment.

Word of mouth spread when I opened the place and word of mouth spread and I didn’t even have a chance to take a breather.

I was alone in the kitchen with a couple of other staff.

The menu was compiled by me. I had a fair share of hurdles and obstacles. People didn’t understand the concept, I faced a lot of criticism on social media and on the location of the place. I had very little staff with an influx of 140 customers at times.

Most of the customers complained about service but the food is what makes them come back to us.

Tell me about your participation in the Food Channel and how were you first approached by them?

We have a plan to expand and establish restaurant branches in New York, Istanbul and London as Villa Mamas. Because my expansion plan is aimed at international audiences, I wanted to showcase Bahraini food through channels that are watched by my target audience such as Food Channel and National Geographic. I was approached from the Food Channel by Julia, who asked

me to come onboard the channel.

I wanted to get into this channel anyway and introduce Bahraini food like Machboos, Mathrooba and others to the world. This way, when I’m there, people would already know the cuisine.

They asked us to launch on the Food Channel and that would decide whether we would hit or miss the mark. Luckily, all our recipes have made it to the front page of the website and it was a hit. We have signed up for a reality series with iFood which will gradually merge with the Food Network and air this November. It will showcase Bahraini agriculture and farming as well. We want to show the world that this beautiful island has so much more to it than what is portrayed by the international media.

What do you do to relax after a long day?

I have no relaxation in my schedule. I have no breather at all because my hands are always full.

What advise can you dish out to aspiring hospitality entrepreneurs?

It takes a lot of sacrifice, determination and integrity. Owning your own restaurant is the most difficult thing because you are dealing with people.

AUGUST 2014

19

Glitz & Glam

Star Factor 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.

Miranda Kerr

The model portrayed a feminine and elegant look wearing a black cami with a Sonia Rykiel Spring 2014 abstract-botanicalprint pencil skirt featuring metallic-pink appliqués with silver-tone star-stud embellishing and a scalloped coral lace hemline.

The sophisticated appearance was complete with simple black Gianvito Rossi pumps and a classic Hermes Birkin bag. Her usual blown-out tresses and rouge lip rounded out her look.

20

AUGUST 2014

Christina Hendricks

She attended the ‘Magic In The Moonlight’ premiere held at the Paris Theater in New York City.

Wearing a head-to-toe Dolce & Gabbana look which featured a black bow-accented blouse, metallicgold skirt, ladylike accessories and opulent earrings, I can kinda see what the thought process was when creating the look, but the end result is heartbreaking. There is nothing I like about this look as it is slightly predictable and terribly aging.

Glitz & Glam Megan Fox

Continuing her love affair with her favourite Italian designers Dolce and Gabbana, Megan wore a strapless moss-green fit-and-flare leaf-embossed mini dress with the designers’ signature key motif in gold from their Fall 2014 collection. Styled with Christian Louboutin ‘Cataclou’ espadrille wedges, jewels from EF Collection and Vita Fede, and a Ferragamo black clutch with gold hardware, I love the neutral yet daring makeup.

Emma Stone

The actress wore a Dolce & Gabbana floral- and owl-print violet frock which is shorter than the look we saw on the runway, cut from light-as-air silk chiffon with a pleated skirt for extra volume.

Balancing femininity and sensuality to great effect, her frock was styled with Dolce & Gabbana tan shoes – breaking her Louboutin run – with jewels from Neil Lane and Vita Fede.

Tousled waves and flawless makeup completed her look.

Brit Marling

On this occasion, Brit donned a Proenza Schouler Resort 2015 tricolour black, white and sky-blue textured leather wrap-style dress which lives up to her it-girl status.

Styled with black accessories including a Proenza Schouler ‘Lunch’ bag and Christian Louboutin sandals, the actress completed her look with neutral makeup and beach-wave tresses.

AUGUST 2014

21

Glitz & Glam Lizzy Caplan

I love how lizzy styled the look with rose-gold accessories including Erickson Beamon jewelry to complement the threadwork on her dress; however, even though her Sophia Webster ‘Lacey’ strappy sandals mimic the runway styling, a simpler style of sandal – or keeping the sandals and shortening the frock – would’ve worked better for me as I feel the dress length and sandals are at odds.

Nicola Peltz

The blonde actress donned a white and mint-green Balenciaga Spring 2014 crop top and flared shorts featuring a grid print with black and white florid foliage. Wearing her hair up on this rare occasion, Nicola styled her modern look with a selection of subtle jewels, black nail polish and a pink lip. The only thing that would’ve been better here is her choice of shoes.

Zoe Saldana

22

Proving that maternity style is going to get a whole lot chicer, the actress, who is yet to confirm her pregnancy, wore a Louis Vuitton Resort 2015 ensemble. High on style and in black and white, the look featured a floral sheer top worn over a white bralet, paired with an embellished floral skirt with a jagged edge accented with a white harness-like belt detail in the shape of a T. Giving the edgy look a more glamorous spin, she styled her tresses into sleek faux bob, adding a rouge lip and accessorizing with Jimmy Choo featheraccented sandals and a selection of rings.

AUGUST 2014

NOW OPEN

Juffair AUGUST 2014

23

Fashion

Donna Karan New York Donna Karan Captures The Evolution Of New York And Its Multidimensional Woman

2014 marks 30 years of Donna Karan New York fashion. What started out as humble beginnings has evolved into a go to source for urban, edgy and approachable pieces of wearable art. To commemorate this milestone, Donna Karan is unveiling a collection that represents the evolution of the Donna Karan woman, alongside the evolution of the city where it all started – New York.

The collection perfectly encapsulates the fast paced, ever evolving spirit of New York; passionate, dynamic, energetic and forward moving.This time the collection features more masculine silhouettes but is balanced perfectly by its feminine appeal.

The Donna Karan woman wears her ‘armour’ proudly, as it represents who she has become; strong, creative and sensitive, as she takes the elements of this iconic city and expresses them in her style. Like the city that she embodies, she has also survived and rebuilt to become an icon of strength. The Fall collection’s military inspired pieces reflect this, with its architectural high collared trenchcoats which come felted, collaged, blanketed and embroidered.

Coats are inspired by him, sensualised for her, featuring the perfect camel coat, luxe alpaca, satin parka and artisan skins including a suede puffer. Long haired drama is present with luxurious shearling coats which can be paired with bottoms which boast of sheer graphic or bias, with sequins and skin, volume and pleats.

For added femininity, dresses include, slices of sheer skin in jersey chiffon, panelled with mohair and felt, capturing movement and expression. Donna Karan

24

AUGUST 2014

Fall 2014 collection

Fashion

ensured that every piece was waisted, slim belted and then long lean and leggy, expressing a woman’s soul and spirit.

Jewellery includes gold geometry necklaces and cuffs with architectural spirit designed by Robert Lee Morris. Finally, hats with patent leather and long haired shearling, ankle to thigh shoes and boots, as well as cut out suede or croc with a sexy heel round up the modern and sassy collection.

The colour scheme is warm with black, shades of grey, white, camel, vicuna, ivory, ruby, cognac, gold, charcoal, plum, allowing the line to take you everywhere; from day to night.

Each piece in the brand has an artisan touch, whether through its glistening cut work and blocks of beads.Urban inspired and full of emotion, they perfectly mirror the essence of New York, through their ceaseless motion and scintillating city lights. The 30 years of evolution, reflects who you are, where you have been and most importantly, where you are going.

AUGUST 2014

25

Fashion

Donna KaranBags New York collection 2014

26

AUGUST 2014

Fashion

Shoes collection 2014

AUGUST 2014

27

Fashion

Streamlined Mood and Bold Graphics

S

treamlined Mood and Bold Graphics – Tory Burch’s Pre Fall and Fall/Winter 2014 For the upcoming season, Tory calls the shots and is dictating a direction that’s saturated with mixed prints, modest lengths, and retro accents. First up, Burch shows five black-and-white looks that embrace a schoolgirl-chic aesthetic – knee-high socks, mini dresses, and Peter Pan collars are all dead giveaways. As the collection progresses, Burch adds sophisticated touches like head-to-toe prints, editor’s jackets, and high-collared tops. Tiny polkadot prints on midi skirts, pinafore dresses, and trousers bring a hint of levity to an otherwise dark collection. As you head into pre-fall this year, a touch of Burch’s dark florals and printed prep-school skirts will give your wardrobe a streamlined way to transition away from summer’s cheerful palette.

Tory Burch’s icons are often drawn from the arts: Celluloid swans like Romy

28

AUGUST 2014

Tory Burch’s Pre Fall and Fall/Winter 2014

Fashion

Schneider, muse of her Spring collection, or Adele Bloch-Bauer, gilded angel of Gustav Klimt, who haunted her line last Fall. For Pre-Fall, she landed on an avatar of a more obscure sort: Gertrud Arndt, a weaver and self-taught photographer, who worked on the periphery of the Bauhaus. “I always loved her,” Burch said, “and never felt she got much recognition.”

Arndt’s best-known works are selfportraits, the most famous of which have her in a dotted, embroidered veil. Burch lifted the dot motif for her collection: polka-dotted print mikado dresses and pleated skirts, tap shorts, and pointy-toed slingbacks.

The range overall emphasized texture and graphic print, not in Burch’s usually superembellished mode, but via something darker and starker. It wasn’t minimal—not with a geometric woven coat, lined in crinkle patent, worn over an abstract geometric dress—but it had a harder edge than it sometimes does. The masculine component may account for that. Arndt was a woman working in a male-dominated world; so, in her way, is Burch. She has always had a tomboy streak, but here she showed an old-world elegance that belied the kicky kneesocks and crop tops. Her wide, cropped trousers and high-neck bib-front shirts and tunics attested to that.

AUGUST 2014

29

Fashion

30

AUGUST 2014

AUGUST 2014

31

Fashion

Clover Canyon

C

lover Canyon is a brand that has been singularly driven by vibrant digital prints, so it has always come as a surprise that designer Rozae Nichols abstains from color and pattern when it comes to her own wardrobe.

But as Nichols sees it, her minimalist personal style provides a blank canvas for ideas so she can focus on the next collection. For Resort, Nichols turned her attention to South America’s rich visual atmosphere. This inspiration brought about an explosion of kaleidoscopic florals and exotic feathers, found on fit-and-flare neoprene frocks and breezy jumpsuits ideal for a poolside party at Coachella.

The statement-making graphics were a lot to process in those fullon looks; they felt a bit fresher broken up into separates such as playful polos, draped sarong pants, and off-the-shoulder crop tops that channeled The Girl From Ipanema. But the real news this season was Clover Canyon’s new printing techniques. The vivid motifs had added interest when reinterpreted onto shimmery sequins or a fluttery eyelash fabric Elsewhere, Nichols continued to explore different textures with embroidered organza tops and laser-cut scuba separates that came in a range of pretty—gasp!—solids.

Another clever development was a series of patterned pieces that reversed to basic stripes, giving CC’s contemporary customer more bang for her buck.

32

AUGUST 2014

Saks Fifth Avenue, Bahrain

Fashion

BD 120

BD 120

BD 140

BD 110

AUGUST 2014

33

Beauty

Be a stunner this season!

MAKE UP FOR EVER introduces 3 black, long-lasting eyeliners to achieve those stunning eyes With Make Up For Ever, it’s all about black eyeliners this season! Introducing three intense black, long-lasting eyeliners (Ink Liner, Artist Liner, Graphic Liner) with different finishes to its range, Make Up For Ever now offers you the must-have eyeliners which adapt to your preference and provide you with any look you desire…be it defined eyes, enchanting eyes, intense colour, adjustable line or precise line.

Black eyeliners are considered the ‘It’ trend, acting like real magnets to attract attention and allowing every woman to make that impactful fashion statement! With various techniques available to attain that stroke of perfection, they can transform the appearance of your eyes, enhance them and make them stand out.

3 new innovations in the eyeliner range

INK LINER: is a matte ultra-pigmented

liquid eyeliner with a long and flexible tip which provides ultimate precision to create multiple looks. It defines the eyes with a rich matte black finish for that tattoo effect and a long-lasting result. It is ideal for simple or adjustable lines.

ARTIST LINER: is a twist-up pencil with an ultra creamy texture that effortlessly enhances the eyes with an intense and longlasting line. This super gliding liner offers an intense pay-off and is easy to blend, making it perfect for quick and easy application GRAPHIC LINER: is a vinyl pen eyeliner with a foam tip that quickly creates a precise line with just the right amount of product. It defines the eyes with a rich black finish and long-lasting result. Whether you prefer ultra-fine or dramatic graphic lines, this versatile and easy to use eyeliner offers you the freedom to achieve any style you desire.

Ink Liner 11 BD Artist Liner 9.5 BD Graphic Liner 11.5 BD 34

AUGUST 2014

Beauty Shine bright like a diamond. Twist your look with a mix of Strass and Artist Liner for an intense and glamorous appearance.

Step1: With Artist Liner, draw a line starting from the middle of the upper lash line and move towards the outer corner of the eye.

Step 2: Continue drawing the line from the middle towards the inner corner and into the lash line. Make the line thinner in the inner corner.

Step 3: Stretch the line slightly at the outer corner of the eye.

Step 4: Add a black strass under the lower lash line as the final touch.

Pro Tip: Make your eyes stand out even more with false lashes whether you are going for a natural or extravagant look. • For a natural look, apply Nude Eyelashes #156 or #157 to add more volume to the lashes. • For an extravagant look, apply 2 pairs of lashes #157 on top of each other, then apply them on top of your natural lashes. Finish by applying a coat of mascara to blend them together and achieve a more intense result.

Use your eyes as a canvas and add a touch of extravagance with Graphic Liner.

Step1:With Graphic Liner, draw a line starting from the middle of the upper lash line and stretch it towards the outer corner of the eyes. Stop at the end of the eye.

Step 2:Then, continue drawing the line from the inner corner to the middle.

Step 3:Draw a line slightly above the crease. Start from the middle and stretchoutwards and upwards.

Step 4:Then, continue drawing the line from middle and into the crease,moving downwards towards the inner corner of the eye.

Step 5: Draw a line under the eyes starting from the middle and stretch it outwards and upwards.

Achieve that wild yet chic look with Ink Liner for a rich matte black finish and an attractive gaze Step1:Using Ink Liner, draw a line starting from the middle of the upper lash line and move towards the outer corner of the eye.

Step 2:Continue drawing the line from the inner corner of the eye to the middle.

Step 3:Then, apply Ink liner on the entire movable eyelid.

Step 4:Extend the line upwards towards the temple.

Step 5: Using the tip, draw a sharp corner in the inner corner of the eye. Make sure to stop at the 1st quarter of the lower lash line.

Step 6: Draw a parallel line at the outer corner of the eye.

AUGUST 2014

35

Beauty

Mix And Match

Summer trends 2014 by Bourjois For Spring/summer 2014, lips and cheeks work as inseparable pairs. Fresh & fun, 5 duos create 5 sparkling looks.

Easy to wear and reproduce, they make the perfect healthy glow. You look just like yourself, but better.

For summer 2014, the coloured contour trend will be hot!

Bourjois goes wild for the customised arty look in its new Mix and Match collection!

Dare to play with flashy neon colours, mix and match colours, effects and textures, overlay and outline... contours are no longer off-limits!

At the heart of the new season’s fashion and beauty trends Bourjois offers a wide range of Contour Clubbing Waterproof pencil shades with matte, pearly or glittery effects to be mixed and matched for a bespoke look.

Bourjois tips

For an electric look, combine a black stroke with a neon shade.

For a colour block effect, apply a thick stroke of Contour Clubbing Waterproof pencils.

For graphic effects, try dotted lines and patterns at the outer corner of the eye or a small dot below the eye.

36

AUGUST 2014

Beauty

AUGUST 2014

37

Travel

38

CAPTIVATING CaMBODIA

AUGUST 2014

Travel

C

ambodia is located in the heart mainland of Southeast Asia, which conjures images of a glorious and mysterious past and rich of the cultural heritages, particularly the world’s renowned ancient temple city whose magical image draws ever-increasingly tourists from all over the world.

Think Cambodia and images of ancient ruins embraced by trees spring to mind— but the country is more than the Angkor temples. Beyond its most celebrated monuments, its long and often terrible

history—lies a country of stunning coastlines and fascinating wildlife, dotted with busy towns that offer authentic eating and boutique shopping.

From the stupendous achievement of Angkor Wat and its well-known offshoots to the natural splendour of Tonle Sap Lake, one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes, this part of the country is a fascinating and rewarding place to visit. This country located in mainland Southeast Asia is a great holiday destination and we help you countdown the top things to do if you decide to pay it a visit.

AUGUST 2014

39

Travel

Marvel at the Angkor Wat Angkor Wat is the largest, the most magnificent and the best-known of all Angkor temples. It’s the jewel in the crown of Cambodia’s attractions. So quintessential is the site to the image of Cambodia that even the country’s flag features it.

We recommend visiting early—or late, and taking it easy: start before sunrise, spend three or four hours the and take in the raw scale and delicate beauty of the ruins.

Visit the Bayon Temple The Angkor Wat may be the most famous, but to many it is Bayon temple that remains the instantly recognizable icon of Cambodia.

Or more precisely, the icons are the Bayon’s giant stone-carved Buddha faces. Their massive silhouettes jut out from the intricate towers of the temple, their mysterious smiles enchanting all who come to see the silent witnesses to the centuries of history.

Soak In The Atmosphere At Local Markets Siem Reap, being the touristic capital of Cambodia, is also one of the best places in the country for shopping. The Old Market or Central Market offers everything from the famous Cambodian silk to freshwater pearls and glassware—no doubt your haggling skills will come in handy.

If you’re short on time however, head to Artisans d’Angkor, where prices are 40

AUGUST 2014

higher—but often so is the quality. Classic Cambodian checkered scarves, luxurious silk and sculptures, or premixed spice packets make fantastic gifts and souvenirs.

Witness The Passage Of Time At Ta Prohm Ruins As the remnant of the world’s largest preindustrial city, Angkor Wat covers a vast area and comprises hundreds of extraordinary temples. They are surrounded by and often taken over by forests, and the best example of such take-over is Ta Prohm—otherwise known as the “Tomb Raider Temple.”

Made famous by the popular blockbuster featuring the scantily clad “archeologist” Lara Croft, the 12th century ruins’ most distinctive feature is the roots and branches of trees that clasp the massive walls of the temple, slowly reducing them to rubble.

Deliberately left in a maintained state of neglect, Ta Prohm is a nostalgic, pictureperfect sight.

Enjoy Khmer Food!

The tantalizing Khmer cuisine will introduce an extraordinary variety of taste and flavour to your palate. Healthy and delicious, the traditional recipes have been influenced by Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, Chinese and even French culinary trends.

To create the succulent dishes, Khmer cuisine utilizes an array of zesty herbs and

Travel spices: galangal, lime, garlic, turmeric, lemon grass, ginger and tamarind, and fish sauce— bringing about great culinary experiences— at fine restaurants and street food stalls alike.

Explore Siem Reap On A Bicycle We think one of the best ways to see the sights of Siem Reap and around is by bicycle. All the major sights in the area are within easy biking distance from the town, but more importantly—given the tropical climate—the terrain is flat as a pancake, making cycling simply fun. No pedaling up steep hills in the heat!

Many hotels offer bike hire and some include it in the cost of the room—like Amansara. But there are lots of cheap bike hire places dotted around the city.

Experience The Traditional Apsara Dance Show The apsara dance is an ancient art form that have played a major part in Khmer culture for more than thousand years. The tradition has seen a great revival in the last decades. The quality range from cheesy to well-executed and many places have regular shows in Siem Reap (Apsara Theatre in Angkor Village has two performances every night). If you have a chance to see a good troupe then it’s an absolute must.

If you’re lucky, catch the dancers in Amansara, or a visiting troupe from Phnom Penh. Their exquisite performance of a legend that featured a scene of resurrection, took on a new symbolism in the light of the country’s rebirth after the Khmer Rouge regime.

See The Great Lake Tonle Sap & Floating Village Close to the southwest part of Siem Reap lies Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake.

Itineraries typically feature cruises on the lake past floating villages, which are a bit of a tourist trap—but also cover a visit to the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary.

Part of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, it’s one of the most important breeding ground in Southeast Asia for large water birds. Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork, Milky Stork, Spot-billed Pelican and GreyHeaded Fish Eagle can all be spotted here.

the roads are forever congested and traffic lanes are just a suggestion. Tuk-tuks are as fast as a regular taxi and easily half the price.

Explore The Beautiful Tropical Beaches Of Cambodia Cambodia’s beaches are often neglected in favor of Thailand’s. But slowly, surely, the country’s idyllic islands and shining white sands are becoming known to the world’s beach lovers.

The port city and beach resort town of Sihanoukville is the best place for discovering this side of the Cambodia experience. Sihanoukville is surrounded by white-sand beaches and remote islands, including the Song Saa Island.

Ride In A Tuk-Tuk There is no more authentic Southeast Asian experience than hitching a ride in a TukTuk. It’s also the best way to get a feel for Cambodia: Tuk-tuk is our preferred method of transportation in the country.

It’s an open-air taxi: simply a two or four-seat cart pulled by a motorbike—but it’s perfect for traveling through towns where AUGUST 2014

41

Techno Talk

The LG G2’s little sibling There has never been a better time to be shopping in the middle or low end of the smartphone market. Whereas a few years ago any device at this level would be very slow, have a tiny screen, a very poor camera and weak battery life, LG is once again proving with the G2 Mini that times have changed.

None of this is to say that the G2 Mini is an especially cheap smartphone, although at just over the £200 mark off contract it is hardly expensive.

Motorola is doing amazing things with its Moto G and Nokia has the Lumia 630 both of which undercut the G2 Mini by a fair chunk.

Given LG’s standing as potentially the most innovative and improved manufacturer of 2013, the G2 Mini deserves a fair look despite its relatively high price compared to its peers.

LG has carried over the most unusual and unique aspects of the G2 into its lower end offering, most notably the buttons on the back.

It is an unusual placement but does make sense given that they sit just where your fingers often are when holding the phone normally.

It takes a little time to get used to the buttons being on the back, but after a few days I found it quite natural to use them. I don’t particularly find they offer an improved experience over well-

LG G2 Mini

placed buttons on the side of a phone, but they are not a hindrance either.

The main benefit of this unusual button layout is that the bezels to the sides of the screen can be extremely small. LG showed everyone just how small bezels can be on the G2 and has largely carried off the same trick with the G2 Mini.

It is not quite as impressive this time, but it makes the phone noticeably smaller than others with similar screen sizes. Unlike some devices at a similar price, LG has kept the G2 Mini›s waistline in check and it is just 9.8mm thick.

Verdict

Ultimately it is hard to recommend the G2 Mini over something like the Motorola Moto G, which has a superior screen, similar performance and very good battery life. Only the camera on the LG device is clearly better.

This doesn’t tell the whole story though, as the G2 Mini is a very nice device to use and has a compelling overall proposition. It just lacks a few key refinements and could do with either packing a higher resolution screen or a lower price to really be a standout device.

Techno Logic Latest Gadgets and what you will love about them!

Samsung WB2200F

The monster bridge camera with the monster zoom lens

The monster bridge camera with the monster zoom lens The first impression you get of Samsung›s WB2200F smart camera is that it’s square. Vertical grips have been common on cameras for many years, with add on units available for most DSLRs along with smaller devices such as the Sony A7r and the Panasonic GH4. Canon and Nikon have gone for permanently attached grips before, with their top of the range offerings like the D4 and 1DX, but it’s unusual to see it on what can no longer be described as a compact camera.

To go with the unusually large body you get an unusually large lens. It’s a 60x optical zoom that, in 35mm terms, is equivalent to 20-1200mm and offers digital zoom on top if you can live with the loss of quality. The lens also has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 at its widest setting, closing to f/5.9 at full stretch. Inside, there’s a 16.4 MP backside illuminated 1/2.3in CMOS sensor, which outputs to a three-inch 460K-dot TFT LCD on the back, as well as a small electronic viewfinder that can be activated with the press of a button.

The ‘smart camera’ designation brings wireless communication to the camera, connecting with a smartphone app for basic remote control functionality and connecting directly to the internet to share images to social media.

The 60x zoom honor is shared by a few other cameras on the market. There’s Nikon’s Coolpix 42

AUGUST 2014

P600 which has Wi-Fi, and Panasonic’s Lumix FZ72 which doesn’t. Both these cameras also boast around 16 megapixels, have more traditionally shaped bodies, and can be had for slightly less money than the WB2200F. Samsung has certainly not held back on features for the WB2200F. There’s Optical Image Stabilisation, which we›d certainly hope for with such a long zoom, built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, 1080p/30fps video, a continuous drive mode of up to 8fps for short bursts and the full range of exposure modes, including manual. You can even manually focus the lens, should you feel the need to, although there›s no raw image support.

Verdict

It’s hard to know who the WB2200F is for. The portrait grip, which improves handling and battery life, also makes the camera bulky. The 60x zoom lens, which allows an impressive range of focal lengths, can focus very closely and opens to a reasonable wide aperture, is hampered by an AF system that doesn’t seem to be able to keep up. It may be the perfect thing to take along to an event, shoot all day then upload your photos to Facebook via a smartphone, but the photographer who’ll make use of all its functions is rare.

If you’re planning to shoot in portrait orientation a lot then the addition of an extra shutter release button may make your day more comfortable, but a low-end DSLR combined with a cheap 50mm prime may be a better choice for shooting portraits of people, as the sensor will be larger and the aperture wider.

The bridge camera market is a buoyant one at present, with plenty of innovation from manufacturers such as Nikon and Sony alongside Samsung, and in many ways it’s heartening to see a company being prepared to try something like this.

Techno Talk Panasonic TX-32AS500

Impressive HD-ready LED telly with smart TV apps and Freeview HD Impressive HD-ready LED telly with smart TV apps and Freeview HD. Is this 32-inch HD-ready TV worth the upgrade? With a list price of £399 but spotted online for £309 already, this brand new effort looks almost identical to Panasonic’s TX-32A400, which also includes a Freeview HD tuner.

However, there are big differences between the TX-32AS500 and the lower-ranking TX-32A400.

Aesthetically they’re similar and both have the super-slim 7mm bezel, but the 727x465x67mm TX32AS500 has a cut-out desktop stand and a much larger remote.

The biggest difference, however, is the operating system. The TX-32AS500 uses Panasonic’s latest and greatest smart TV platform, My Home Screen. This combines apps with a uniquely flexible architecture that puts everything you’re ever going to want within easy reach.

At the heart of this HD-ready screen is an IPS panel, which tends to widen viewing angles and deepen black levels, at least to a basic extent.

Behind it are plenty of ins and outs, though the TX-32AS500’s provision of just two HDMI slots will be a slight worry for those with a Sky/ Virgin set-top box, a games console and a Blu-ray player. The two HDMIs on the rear of the TV are accompanied by a full RGB scart, a set of component video inputs, left/right stereo phonos, an RF aerial feed to fuel the built-in Freeview HD tuner, and a digital optical audio for taking sound to an AV amplifier. There’s also an Ethernet LAN slot nearby, though the TX-32AS500 also comes

with Wi-Fi. A side-panel adds a headphones jack, a USB slot and a Common Interface slot.

Verdict If contrast and colour is the TX-32AS500’s big shout, that only applies to HD fare. However, impressive a Bluray disc or a HD TV channel is, the TX-32AS500 has no time for standard definition video, which is very soft and crammed with motion artefacts. But while this LED telly has trouble filling the pixels in its HD-ready panel when there’s no HD source at hand, its easy to use and feature-packed My Home Screen user interface adds a uniquely customisable smart TV dimension.

A great app that allows file swaps between a smartphone and the TX-32AS500 is topped-off

Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2

A big tablet with a big price tag

Samsung has been known in the smartphone and tablet market for its larger screens, and the South Korean giant has not disappointed this time around by releasing the Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2.

As the name suggests it boasts a whopping 12.2-inch screen, although it›s missing the S Pen stylus of the very similar Galaxy Note Pro 12.2.

Other tablets of this screen size are few and far between, although the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 will give Samsung a run for its money in the 12inch market.

Samsung’s continued ethos that ‘bigger is better’, has now reached a point where it is almost in a league of its own.

Retailing at $545 the Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 is unlikely to be an impulse buy.

However, if you were weighing up the pros and cons of splashing this much of your hard earned money on a device, you will be pleasantly surprised to find out that retailers are currently slashing the price of the tablet by almost £100. Which I personally think makes this a much better purchase.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 comes in a choice of either black or white, and is powered by a whopping eight-core processor running 1.9GHz Quad and 1.3GHz Quad cores.

When this is combined with the 3GB of RAM also on board tasks like Multi Window are certainly a smooth experience on the tablet.

As expected all the usual connectivity is built in, but there are a few extra features that you may not find on all other tablets.

Verdict

If you’re looking for a super-sized tablet your options are fairly limited, yet Samsung offers up two with the Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 being joined by the incredibly similar Note Pro 12.2.

The latter has the advantage of the S Pen stylus which is useful on screens this size, yet the Tab Pro 12.2 makes do without and it fails to really excite.

Yes it has a big screen and a whole lot of power, but build quality could be better and the sheer size of the Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 makes it a little cumbersome to hold.

If you›re desperate for the 12-inch slate then it’s certainly worth considering, but if you just want a big tablet, take a look at the 10.1-inch options, or even the iPad Air if you’re willing to drop a large amount of cash.

by a comprehensive handling of digital video, music and photos. It’s not perfect, but there’s no arguing about the TX-32AS500’s status as a good value option for HD fanatics. With Freeview HD channels currently mushrooming, the TX-32AS500 is well positioned for mass market adoption.

EVGA GTX 750 Ti FTW

When overclocking goes over the top

This FTW version from EVGA brings some serious overclocking to this mainstream GPU, as well as its own Active Cooling eXtreme (ACX) cooling array.

The base clock of this EVGA card has been boosted some 169MHz above the 1,020MHz of the reference version. That frequency gap gets even bigger when you›re talking about the boost clock of the reference card, which stands at 1,085MHz compared to the FTW’s 1,268MHz. Plus, we saw the EVGA card sitting consistently at 1,333MHz. Compared with the reference card’s rating of just over 1GHz, that seems like a big overclock for such a mainstream GPU. That 16% frequency boost gives, at best, a 16% hike in average frame rates. Mostly, you won’t get that. Still, this translates into the price EVGA is asking for this card – it’s only around 15% more costly than the reference-clocked versions.

We all know the the trials of buying pre-overclocked cards before. If you’re on a budget, buy a reference-clocked graphics card because you’ll usually get similar frequency boosts with some light overclocking of your own.

Where they become more worthwhile – especially the pre-overclocked cards we›ve seen from EVGA recently – is in the third-party cooling arrays that are strapped to the factory-boosted GPUs. EVGA’s ACX cooling array has been impressive when strapped to Nvidia’s top graphics cards, such as the GTX 780 Ti, and drops the peak operating temperature by some 13°C. Meanwhile, the dynamic GPU Boost 2.0 adjusts GPU frequencies based on temperature.

That›s all win, no foul for a high-end graphics card, but when you’re looking at these more price-oriented cards, factory overclocks have less value.

The performance boost is small, especially compared to what you can achieve yourself, and with these chilled Maxwell-based cards, the third-party cooling becomes pretty irrelevant.

Verdict

The extra 169MHz overclock EVGA has placed on the FTW edition gives it the edge in gaming performance. Sadly, that edge is a little slim to say the least. The (rather loud) ACX cooler really does its job though, even at those high frequencies, cooling the GPU well beyond what the reference card can manage.

AUGUST 2014

43

Auto Review

ROLLS ROYCE GHOST SERIES II FOR A MAGIC CARPET RIDE ON CLOUD NINE

By Fayez Abubacker

44

AUGUST 2014

Auto Review

INTRODUCTION

Somewhat ironically, the world’s most famous Rolls was actually owned by Bentley. The Ghost name was first attached, literally, to a Rolls-Royce in 1907. However, Rolls did not formally recognise the Ghost name until 1925. The Silver Ghost was sold but bought back by Rolls in 1948, only to be then not included in the sale of the Rolls name to BMW. The clean and sophisticated look has aged well, and so BMW’s Goodwood-based subsidiary has taken its sweet time bringing an updated version into series production.

So here it is: the Ghost Series II.

OUR 6 POINT REVIEW 1. EXTERIORS

The Ghost follows Rolls styling tradition for the most part with a long hood, short front overhand and an upright windshield. It’s imposing, grand and stylish. Newly added chrome inserts grace the front air intakes.

The small rear windscreen is perfectly proportioned for the car’s styling. Rearhinged back doors, the unique floating wheel centers with RR logo; which always stay vertical are both carried over from the Phantom. The famous Spirit of Ecstasy mascot sits proudly on the bonnet of the Rolls-Royce ghost, disappearing into the radiator when the car is locked. Huge, square door mirrors give an excellent view behind. The oblong chrome exhausts are lovely as well.

2. INTERIORS

Get in, and the first thing you notice is your feet sinking into a pillow-soft layer of carpet; the second is that every surface, even the headlining, is covered in leather – and what isn’t is either swathed in wood or chrome. Switchgear is beautifully crafted from translucent plastic that gives the effect of crystal, and a large chunk of wood in the centre of the dash slides away at the touch of the button to reveal the infotainment display controlled through an iDrive setup. And there are some distinctly satisfying touches elsewhere, too – for instance, the stiff, chunky chrome sliders that activate the air vents, and the trip computer display, which looms through a seemingly opaque piece of black trim. In the back, things only become more lavish. A frankly gratuitous 1,245mm of legroom is available back here, allowing even the tallest of passengers to stretch out in comfort. There are three rear seats, though

foldable armrest can turn the bench into two individual armchairs. The C-pillars are positioned with the aim of obscuring the passengers’ heads from prying eyes. A huge sunroof provides lots of light to the front and rear cabins.

3. PERFORMANCE

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is powered by a unique and brand new 6.6L twin-turbo direct injection V12 that produces a stupendous 563 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque behemoth powerful enough to propel the 5445 pound Ghost from 0-60 in 4.7 seconds.

Top speed is electronically limited 155 mph.

The bulging torque curve means that even if you only ever used half of the available revs, the Ghost’s performance would remain highly impressive almost all of the time.

That enormous engine drives the rear wheels through an automatic ZF gearbox. Here it’s been tuned for softness and ultimate luxury, though, so you won’t find the ability to control it manually. On the Ghost, this gearbox is «satellite aided» in order to predict the driver›s next moves and shift or hold gears accordingly. Fuel economy is not likely a concern for buyers in the ultraluxury segment which is rated at 15mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

4. RIDE AND HANDLING

The thin-rimmed yet beautifully weighted steering wheel is so as to feel dignified and deliberate. Despite the size and weight of the car, it never feel heavy or sluggish; rather, there’s a silken resistance to the wheel’s action. We pushed the starter button and the massive V12 roars to life.

But then as we closed the doors and were awash in silence. Except for the whirring of the air conditioning fan motor, you won›t hear much. The Ghost is built on a steel AUGUST 2014

45

Auto Review monocoque structure, utilizing a 4-wheel independent suspension with air springs front and back, controlled via an automatic adaptive variable suspension system which helps it feel smaller than it actually is. The system can even detect the distribution of passengers and adjusts itself every supposedly 2.5 milliseconds according to the driving conditions. The Dynamic Stability Control system also works together with this system and Cornering Brake Control to give the Ghost a more nimble feel than is typical for such a large, heavy sedan. And in order to keep body roll in check, active anti-roll bars have been fitted on both axles. When at pressing speeds the back end squats, the bonnet rises, and you thrust forward on the back of a constant and unending chunk of torque. The way the Ghost shifts for a car of its size is truly astonishing. Even in the comparative isolation of its double-glazed cabin, the sense of power and unstoppability is enough to widen the eyes. There’s simply no let-up; just an unending, crushing display of superiority that’d worry even a few junior supercars. And yet, there’s no fuss or bother.

Just a faint trace of a snarl from the twelve cylinders up front, perhaps a lick of wind noise around the tops of the doors, and before you know it, you’re doing licenselosing speeds.

5. SAFETY

A host of active-safety features are available in the Ghost, like a night vision system, head-up display, lane departure warning, adaptive headlights and active cruise control. There›s even an Advanced Crash and Safety Management system that uses sensors to decide which safety features to deploy. The camera system provides side, rear, and top-down views of the car’s surroundings.

6. EQUIPMENT

As you might expect, the Ghost comes pretty richly-endowed as standard with an endless list of personalization on all aspects. On the center console, a rotary controller accesses tasks like navigation through 3D city imaging, communication and entertainment functions, and a roller-ball controller on the steering wheel helps navigate through some of the menus. There›s also voice control.

Entertainment is provided by a majestic 600-watt, 10-channel, 16-speaker sound system with two floor subwoofers, harddrive storage, USB and aux inputs, two 9.2-inch LCD screens installed in back of the front seats and a Sirius satellite radio that provide HD channels. Individual climate controls, ventilated seats, veneered picnic tables, smart key access, LED running lights, Xenon headlights, retractable mirrors and 20› wheels. Teflon-coated umbrellas are integrated into the front doors, while the rear-hinged rear doors open up to 83 degrees and can be closed by just touching a button.

46

AUGUST 2014

Verdict

Gloriously sumptuous and beautifully appointed, it turns even the most traffic-filled and havocridden journey into one of ease and comfort. And then when the road clears, there are seemingly boundless reserves of power to explore and exploit. The Ghost surrounds you with all the pomp and circumstance you’d expect from a Rolls-Royce, and adds near-supercar levels of performance. It’s an intoxicating combination. Using the best of everything, from exotic woods for dash trim to leather from the finest bovine specimens to the latest in high tech electronics and creature comforts, the Ghost coddles and cocoons its occupants with a feeling of a wondrous place to watch the world sweep by. As majestic as ever, the Rolls line continues to evolve.

Including the latest in technologies and comforts, this new Ghost model makes it clear to see why the revered marque maintains its worldly status.

AUGUST 2014

47

Hotel Review

Visit, Stay, Reside The Elite Seef Residence and Hotel, Seef District 48

AUGUST 2014

Hotel Review

L

ocated in the heart of the Seef District, the Elite Seef Residence and Hotel offers an exceptional home-awayfrom-home experience.

A unique aspect of the hotel is the privacy it offers as well as the versatility in terms of accommodation.

The grand glass structure offers a myriad of amenities and services, which is ideal for guests looking for long term or short term stay. Families, business or leisure travelers looking for something private yet well equipped with different amenities can choose between one, two and three bedroom suites as well as studio rooms.

You get a feel of Bahraini hospitality the minute you enter the hotel with an Arabian themed dĂŠcor enveloping the reception and lobby area.

Check in is quick and a cordial attendant escorts you to your room soon after. The staff is efficient and hospitable.

I was lodged at the two-bedroom suite on the third floor of the hotel. The dĂŠcor is simple and spacious, lending a cozy and inviting aura to the space. The furniture spurs a warm colour scheme of AUGUST 2014

49

Hotel Review

beige, aubergine and brown. The suite came equipped with a kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a living room with a TV and a balcony.

The view from the balcony is of the emerging Manama skyline and the stunning outdoor pool oasis.

A spa and salon is located next to the poolside with various specialty treatments.

The hotel also offers two F&B outlets, IL Giardino which offers international cuisine and a poolside bar, Sip and Dip. A kids club for tots is also located beside the pool and a fitness club is situated on the top floor.

The poolside is a popular site for events on weekends blessed with good weather, and come to life with festivities and parties.

BBQ parties under the stars and live screenings of different games are held often.

I decided head to the spa to spoil myself a little. It is an oriental-themed spa, with dim lighting and soothing music in the background. The spa attendants are friendly and explained the treatments they offer. I chose to go for a 45-minute long aromatic facial, which was a treatment using various aroma oils and products from French brand Guinot.

The attendant explained each step as she proceeded with the facial. It was exfoliate, cleanse and moisturize, where they focus on any acne on blackhead prone areas of the face. The Guinot oils smell divine, leaving a heady mixture of aromas in the room. The final step in the facial was to apply a thick, cooling face mask to close the pores of the 50

AUGUST 2014

Hotel Review skin. The attendant gave me some quick aftercare tips and I headed back to my room feeling completely relaxed and tranquil.

Each room comes with a complimentary basket of fruit, water, tea and coffee, with soft drinks stacked in the fridge. There is 24-hours room service but the kitchen is equipped with an electric cooker as well as cooking utensils for guests who prefer cooking their own meals. A 24-hour market is located on-site at the hotel, which is another point of convenience for guests.

I headed to IL Giardino for dinner and was impressed by the dĂŠcor and the diverse menu. Lebanese, Portuguese, Continental and Indian fare is offered, catering to a varied palate.

I ordered some seasoned grilled vegetables, chicken Cafreal, Hamour fish and fried cheese for dinner. The service is quick and the quality of the food is great.

Shisha is offered near the pool as well.

I woke up the next day to a bright, clear morning and headed to the pool for a lazy lounge in the sun and some breakfast before it was time to check out.

A hearty breakfast buffet is offered at IL Giardino with different breads, eggs of your choice and much more.

The hotel and residence is a pro-choice for those visiting for business, leisure or simply for short weekend stays and would like to be within the shopping district of Seef.

The apartment suites and studios are moderately priced and is a surefire pleaser for guests of all ages. For more details, call: 17583388.

AUGUST 2014

51

Restaurant Review

Authentic Italian delights from the experts La Pergola at the Gulf Hotel, Bahrain

52

AUGUST 2014

Restaurant Review

S

erving authentic Italian favourites, La Pergola is a gem of an eatery located at the Gulf Hotel. The décor is cozy and rustically reminiscent of Rome, entailing a vaulted ceiling and mural-covered walls.

Having been in business for over 20 years, the restaurant is considered pro-choice by diners for reasons that are justified by the quality of the fare and the service.

La Pergola prides itself with sourcing quality ingredients coupled with specially imported delicacies. Relax in stylish surroundings, decked in brick, timber and vintage details, while enjoying a delectable lunch or dinner meal.

The menu has a lavish variety of pasta, pizza, fish, poultry and meat dishes.

For starters or ‘antipasti,’ I was served with eggplant, bell peppers and diced tomato with herbs.

After that, we were served with bread and a copious slab of artistically presented Italian blue cheese Gorgonzola. It had a soft creamy texture with an earthy flavour, a perfect savoury condiment with bread.

For main course, the first dish on the table was Papardelle alla Boscaiola, which is papardelle pasta in Porcini mushrooms and truffle oil. The aroma and flavour of the truffle oil infuses dominantly over the pasta and it is a delight for mushroom lovers.

A pretty dish of pink Salmon Steak wrapped with leek and drizzled with

a lemon and herb sauce with tomatoes and spinach was served next. Cooked to perfection, it’s no wonder that it’s a timeless favourite among guests.

As I was halfway through with the second dish of my main course, the F&B director of the hotel, Jan Gutzmann, explained that the restaurant has a promotion titled ‘Casa Mia’ which translates to ‘My Home.’

Instead of a buffet where people have to physically go to the counter and help themselves, the promotion entails a variety of Italian specialties served to the guests on their table for a set price, akin to a family feast in Italy.

The crowning glory of the main course has to be the Agenello Mento. It comprises of a deliciously tender rack of lamb meat in a fontina and pistachio crust. They cook the meat according to your preference – medium, rare or well-done.

It’s not hard to notice that a lot of effort is put into the presentation of the food, and each dish is a piece of art in itself.

No meal is complete without desert and this meal had the sweetest ending. Moist chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream was oozing was chocolaty goodness.

Great food and atmosphere combined with quick service makes La Pergola a perfect dining venue for intimate outings or large jamborees. The menu is a surefire pleaser for any palate.

AUGUST 2014

53

Out & About

World cup screening hosted by Al Hawaj The Fifa World Cup’s final match was hosted by Al Hawaj at the Al Dana Hall of the Gulf Hotel for various members of the media and invited guests. A raffle draw was eld after the match and guests enjoyed an evening of good food and cheer.

54

AUGUST 2014

Out & About

AUGUST 2014

55

Out & About

Zain Bahrain hosts media ghabga at Capital Club, Financial Harbour

56

AUGUST 2014

Out & About

AUGUST 2014

57

Out & About

Euromotors launches Rolls Royce Ghost series 2 The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, the latest vehicle to be launched by the ultra-luxury British automaker, made its debut in Bahrain at an exclusive event hosted by Euro Motors, the sole dealer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in the Kingdom of Bahrain at the Ritz Carlton Bahrain, hotel and spa. It was attended by guests and members of the media.

58

AUGUST 2014

Out & About

AUGUST 2014

59

Out & About

GPS annual staff ghabga at Gulf Hotel

60

AUGUST 2014

Out & About

K Hotel hosts media iftar

AUGUST 2014

61

Out & About

World Cup screening at Mercure Grand Hotel, Seef

62

AUGUST 2014

Out & About

Ramee Grand hosts media ghabga

AUGUST 2014

63

Out & About

Oman Air hosts media ghabga at Grand Safir Hotel’s Ramadan tent

64

AUGUST 2014

Out & About

AUGUST 2014

65

Out & About

Sheraton Hotel hosts iftar for the media

66

AUGUST 2014

AUGUST 2014

67

Out & About

U S Embassy hosts iftar for youth at the Intercontinental Regency Hotel

68

AUGUST 2014

Out & About

Takaful opening ceremony for the 6th annual Ramadan championship match

AUGUST 2014

69

Out & About

Food tasting at Villa Mamas, Saar

70

AUGUST 2014

Out & About

Women’s Professional network charity event at Al Riwaq Art space

AUGUST 2014

71

Out & About

Fashion Arabia Ramadan Event at the Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa.

72

AUGUST 2014

Out & About

AUGUST 2014

73

Out & About

Ghassan Motors launches the Lamborghini Huraca

74

AUGUST 2014

Out & About

AUGUST 2014

75

In The Press

Porsche extends heritage of custom tailoring with Bahrain showcase

Porsche’s legacy of delivering the ultimate in individual exclusivity, craftsmanship and customer service is the focus of the currently set up Exclusive and Tequipment exhibition, which sees Porsche Centre Bahrain, Behbehani Brothers w.l.l, take their product individualisation to a new high.

For more than 25 years, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has been offering the option of individually tailoring a Porsche down to the smallest detail to create an unmistakable, unique vehicle. Its ability to offer customers an almost infinite number of options for personalisation, so long as the car’s safety is not compromised, is what sets the brand apart. This commitment to bespoke designs, colours, parts and tailoring for each model means that almost every one of the 160,000-plus Porsche cars that were delivered to customers across the world last year, is completely unique.

To build on its heritage of meeting the individual wants and needs of Porsche drivers in the Middle East, the brand is showcasing its commitment to the highest quality of customisation through “Porsche Exclusive”, and also accessorisation through “Porsche Tequipment” for cars already built or bought as pre-owned.

BIBF and GARP hold seminar on Nobel Prize winning concepts in financial economics

BIBF, in collaboration with the Bahrain chapter of the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) USA, recently organised a seminar highlighting some of the most profound ideas in the financial economics discipline to date, especially concepts for which the Nobel prizes were awarded and considered the contribution to real world practices.

The event was held at the BIBF premises in Juffair and was attended by members of GARP, local and regional capital markets regulators and financial experts.

The seminar, titled “Nobel Ideas”,

Bahraini Swimming Stars Enjoy Youth Traing Camp In Qatar For Asia’s Emerging Talent Two of Bahrain’s up and coming future swimming stars, Abdulla Ebrahim Zowayed and Abdulla Sayed Atyia Ali, have been enjoying an experience of a lifetime at a ten day Asian Swimming Youth Camp in Doha, Qatar, as the Gulf state prepares to welcome to Swimming World in 2014.

Organised by the Qatar Swimming Association alongside the Olympic Council Asia, Qatar National Olympic Committee and FINA, the camp has brought together some of Asia’s most promising talent with the Bahraini future champions joining their coach, Dhaen Yusuf Alamer and over 90 swimmers and coaches from 30 nations as the city gets ready to host the FINA Swimming World Cup in August, FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) and FINA Aquatic Convention in December 2014.

The Doha training camp was designed to bring together and inspire young athletes from emerging swimming nations with the aim of helping them achieve their ambitions in the sport, with athletes from as far away as China, Thailand, Malaysia, Kuwait and Jordan all represented alongside the elite juniors from Bahrain.

76

AUGUST 2014

focused on a range of economic concepts; from Markowitz›s paper on «Portfolio Selection» to Sharpe›s paper on capital asset pricing, Black and Scholes› paper on option valuation and the work of the two most recent Nobel laureates, Fama and Schiller.

“There is no other area among the social sciences where concepts that began as esoteric academic ideas have been translated into workable, practical ideas than in financial economics,” said keynote speaker Prof. Sudhakar Raju during his keynote speech.

In The Press

Red Bull King & Queen of the Rock Bahrain Qualifiers return to Bahrain on August 9th

InterContinental Regency Bahrain, one of the leading 5 star hotels in the Kingdom, held the 5thAnnual Celebrate Service Week from the 9th to 12th of June 2014, in recognition and appreciation of its employees.

Celebrate Service Week is one of the largest celebrations of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), for IHG’s more than 350,000 corporate and franchise employees around the globe, in recognition of their hard work, dedication and professionalism, which is in line with the hotel’s thrust towards its mission statement: ‘Ambition to Be # 1 for guests, owners and colleagues’.

Speaking on the occasion Michael Koth, General Manager of InterContinental Regency Bahrain said: “Through Celebrate Service Week, IHG extends its deepest appreciation to its employees. It is our heartfelt gesture to make them feel valued, and let them know that each one of them is an important part of the IHG team worldwide. We all look forward to the Celebrate Service Week every year, it is a muchneeded reward which our employees deserve from their hard work, day in and day out.”

Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Hosted Charity Iftar Sheraton Bahrain Hotel celebrates the Holy month of Ramadan with children from Batelco Care Centre.

As part of its ongoing commitment to the local community, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel hosted an iftar for children from Batelco Care Centre at Awali Ballroom.

This hotel initiative started off in 2010, wherein every Ramadan Sheraton Bahrain Hotel hosts iftar for a chosen charity organization. This initiative represents the spirit of giving and sharing during Ramadan.

City Centre Bahrain grand prize winners received brand new sports cars as World Cup campaign concludes

Winners of City Centre Bahrain’s campaign, Khulood Al Mahya and Nabolean Colasa each received a brand new Subaru BRZ. The competition was part of a sports-themed campaign, aimed at creating great moments for valued shoppers, which was tied with the excitement of FIFA World Cup tournament. City Centre Bahrain has witnessed interest and received positive feedback from the shoppers on the month-long festivity. The mall was adorned with football-themed ornaments which created a sporty ambience and complemented by interactive mall activities and surprises that kept mall visitors on their toes.

AUGUST 2014

77

In The Press

KFH-Bahrain signs as Official Bank Partner of BIC

Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain (KFH-Bahrain) announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement with the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) to become its Official Banking Partner.

The signing ceremony was recently held at the KFH-Bahrain’s headquarters in the Bahrain World Trade Center between the Bahrain International Circuit’s Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al

ANNUAL BUSINESS QUIZ SHOW LAUNCHES LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION The Fourth Annual Bahrain Business Quiz Show, under this year›s theme “Pioneers Challenge” powered by BIBF, the main sponsor for the event, BDB Group, as strategic partner, and FinMark Communications, the event’s founder and organizer, today announced a Logo Design Competition to develop the Show›s new official logo. The design competition aims to encourage creative talent in the Kingdom to put forth their ideas and contribute to the quiz series, which is set to take place in November and December 2014 ahead of the Kingdom’s National Day celebrations. As in years past, the Show aims to foster greater engagement between Bahrain’s business community and the public as well as to highlight the key companies and industry sectors, which have long made the Kingdom of Bahrain a leading financial and business hub in the region.

Interested applicants can register online at The Annual Quiz Show “Pioneers Challenge” website www.annualquizshow. com starting from 03 July 2014 until 08 August 2014.

78

AUGUST 2014

Khalifa and Mr. Sattam Al Gosaibi Executive Manager and Head of Corporate Banking Group at KFH-Bahrain, in the presence of Mr. Abdul Razak Jawahery, Executive Manager at KFH-Bahrain, Mr. Sherif Al Mahdy, Commercial Director at the BIC and Mr. Bader Nasser, Senior Manager – Sales.

Bic Honours National Champions Of 2013/2014 Season

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), “The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East”, held a prize-giving gala to honour the champions of the 2013/2014 national motor racing season.

The ceremony took place at Paddock Six within the BIC premises in Sakhir.

It marked a fitting end to a highly competitive campaign that last several months and which featured high-octane competition in several categories of motor racing.

In attendance at the gala were Bahrain Motor Federation (BMF) boss Shaikh Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa, who is also the Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK) president, as well as BIC Chief Executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa.

In The Press

Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Blood Donation Drive In continuous support to the local community,

Sheraton Bahrain Hotel has organized a Blood Donation Drive.

In coordination with Salmaniya Blood Bank, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel associates have donated blood. Through this initiative, associates have increased their awareness on good benefits of donating blood and the difference it can make to those in need.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Celebrates Iftar With Cab Drivers Across Bahrain

Starwood Hotels & Resorts celebrated Iftar with taxi drivers across Bahrain, as part of its ongoing commitment to the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The fifth annual ‘Iftar for Cabs’ initiative brought more than 40 Starwood hotels from across the region, including the newly opened properties The Westin Bahrain City Centre and Le Méridien Bahrain City Centre, together for a worthy cause. During the hour of Iftar, packs of food and beverages were distributed to cab drivers at the main entrance of each hotel.

Catering teams at each hotel prepared Iftar packs which included a diverse selection of food and beverage items. Associates from across various departments within the hotels, including Catering, Administration and Guest Services joined forces to bring the ‘Iftar for Cabs’ initiative to life.

Dar Naseem Alandalos At Atlantis

Zayani Leasing Signs a Deal with Aramex

Dar NaseemAlAndalos, the Arab region’s leading luxurious Moroccan caftans, had a spectacular experience exclusively shooting inthe finest and most outlandish Royal Suite of Atlantis The Palm Resort & Spa, Dubai. The suite majestically spans the arch which links the Royal Towers offering un-paralleled 180-degree views of The Palm and the Arabian Sea. As the first Bahraini designers to shoot in the Royal Suite, they shot their latest Haute Couture 2013 collection, which included the finest pieces from both Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2013, and Haute Couture Fall/ Winter 2013/2014. The benevolent designers, HayaaAlFadhel and Nabila AlAissaoui, greatly enjoyed their time at Atlantis; they also added that the luxury of the place created the perfect backdrop to shoot their collection.

Zayani Leasing, one of the Kingdom’s largest leasing companies, signed an exclusive lease contract with ARAMEX, the leading total transportation solutions provider, to replace their fleet of delivery vans with Hyundai TQ multi-purpose passenger and commercial vehicles.

The agreement is part of Zayani Leasing’s continuing mission to provide smart transportation solutions to their partners. The Hyundai TQ vans, which were fully branded with ARAMEX’s corporate colors, were handed over by Mr. Nawaf Al Zayani, Managing Director of Zayani Leasing, to Mr. Luai Alagha, Country Manager of ARAMEX. AUGUST 2014

79

last Note

Let’s go to the beach!

W

ith summer in full swing, pretty much everyone envisions a stroll down the beach a chiseled waist and toned legs.

It’s not too late to get in shape, and we give you some quick tips to get in form for the next few months!

Abs Weighted Sit Up: Do a normal sit up while holding a five-pound weight in each hand, reaching your arms straight past your knees.

If you›re stronger, keep the weights closer to your body, resting on your chest or held up near your forehead.

Spiderman Contractions: Start in a push-up position with your arms shoulderwidth apart. Keeping your core tight and maintaining your form, bring your right leg up to your right hand, creating a lunge postion. Quickly and carefully move your right leg back to the plank position, keeping your body in a straight line. Repeat with the left foot.

Love Handles Side Planks: With your bottom arm bent under you at 90 degrees, maintain your side plank for 30 seconds. Position your top arm on hip or straight up in air. You can add in variations for a further challenge, such as lowering and lifting the hips, or threading your top arm under and through bottom arm and then back to your starting placement.

Biceps Squat with Bicep Curls: With your knees bent in a full squat position, do eight sets of bicep curls with your elbows pulled into your sides, extending your arms down past your knees and then back up to 90 degrees. Next, do eight sets of curls lifting the weights up to your shoulders and back down to 90 degrees. Finish with eight sets of full bicep curls, moving your arms all the way up to your shoulders and all the way down past your knees. Start with five-pound weights Thighs Side Leg Raise: Stand with both feet together and your arms on your hips. Keeping your standing leg straight, raise your right leg out to the side, keeping it straight and your core engaged. Repeat 10-15 times before switching to the other side.

80

AUGUST 2014

Inner Thigh Front Leg Raise: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart with your arms by your sides. Starting with the right leg, lift your leg to waist height using your inner-thigh muscles. Lift your arms backwards as you raise your leg to work your triceps. Repeat 15-20 times on each side.

Butt Back Leg Raise: On your hands and knees, lift one leg up parallel to the floor with your

knee bent and your foot flexed. Lift the foot towards the sky, squeezing the glutes tightly with every lift. Repeat 15-20 times on each side — you should really feel the burn if you›re doing it right!

Triceps Tricep Pushups: Get into the normal pushup position, but when you›re bending your arms, the elbows come in parallel to the body instead of going out. Try 15-20 reps to start.

AUGUST 2014

81

82

AUGUST 2014