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Your Guide To A Great Way Of Life
July 2014 ~ Vol. 18 ~ Issue 7
Ramadan Kareem!
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Culture
Clubs
Sports
Interviews
Lifestyle
Dining
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Issue 203
Contents July 2014 119
COVER STORY Ramadan Kareem!
We take a look at the best places to break your fast during the Holy Month, and then spend an evening with family and friends at the many Ghabgas around town.
HAPPENINGS
119
Bahrain This Month reviews events happening around town during the month of July 2014: 23
Ramadan Festivities:
A potpourri of events to celebrate the Holy Month 24
Summer Camps:
Plenty of options abound to keep the kids occupied 26
Photography Exhibition:
Marvel at the works of Abdulla Al Khan 28
Tennis Tournament:
Annual event at the Bahrain Tennis Club 30
23
54
Art Beat:
Al Riwaq Art Space showcase of all things artistic 32
Shuttle Time:
The West Asian Badminton Tournament 23-30
Calendars:
Events during July
51
INTERVIEWS Promoting Real Values
Dr Ruqaia Al Alwani, founder of Basair, tells us about the aims of this registered charity.
52
51
56
Standing Up for Faith
We speak to Christian Brunet and the impact that Islam has had on his life and work.
54
A Tradition of Excellence
Junaid Perfumes has built an international business from the company’s base in Bahrain.
56
A Noble Calling
Joyce Hughes has persevered over more than 30 years to protect the Kingdom’s animals.
58
60
139 Bystander This month we celebrated national days with the Italians, Russians and Jordanians. There were a bevy of car launches from Toyota, Honda, Jeep and Jaguar, as well as a new Sacoor Brothers store. The French were out in force at Sofitel and we enjoyed a movie premiere courtesy of VIVA. Our favourite event, though, was the BSPCA fashion show held at the British Club.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Home-grown Innovation
An issue endured during childhood is now a thriving business for Tariq Al Murbati.
68
JLR Backseat Chat
Nasser Al Arayedh speaks about his family business on the back seat of a Land Rover 4.
This three-step graphic explains what you need to do to Blipp any page in this issue with this symbol.
July 2014 3
Ramadan Kareem Upon Visiting one of our Showrooms During Ramadan buy with BD 500 & get voucher for BD 50
Issue 203
Contents July 2014 FRANCE IN BAHRAIN
64 Christian Testot, the French ambassador, talks
business and culture. 72-79
63
Showcase:
Alba, Technal, Roche Bobois, VCA and more…..
LIFESTYLE
89 Behold the new Jaguar F-Type Coupé; a real beauty!
Blipp This Month:
FC Connect with Bahrain This Month online 68
JLR Backseat Chat:
Jaguar Land Rover Backseat Chat with Nasser Al Arayedh
Motoring: 90
Test Drive:
Ferrari California T 95
64
103
Feature:
The best deals available to acquire a new set of wheels
Supermarkets:
103 What’s happening at our supermarkets during
the Holy Month 106
Showcase:
Lulu Hypermarket
Downtime:
108
Gadgets: Check out the latest gear to improve the sound
Music: Rock stars that have influenced our lives 112 Computer Games: Spoiling for a fight 113 Websites: Where to drop off your important
110
documents and images
117
Apps: The cloak around me! 115 Movies: Joe is in the cold about speed 114
142
Dining:
117
Roll Back the Years: BamBu! has a new home 118 Showcase: Maki Restaurant 119 Feature: Ramadan Iftars and Ghagbas
Showcase:
What’s New: A fusion of form 140 Marketplace: Latest products and services 139
110
112
Regulars: WIN WIN Tarotscope 151 AD Index 152 Last Word 149
150
114 www.bahrainthismonth.com
115 July 2014 5
THE TEAM
Bahrain This Month July 2014
Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Email: george@bahrainthismonth.com Publishing Director David M. Robertson Editorial queries: editor@redhousemarketing.com Editorial Consultant Dr. Paul Balles Assistant Editors Elma Bartholomew, Ankita Mamgain, Zilia Monteiro Features Editor Maryam Toorani
Dear Readers,
Contributors James Claire (dining), Simi Kamboj
Ramadan Kareem! I can’t really believe that Ramadan is upon us; the first half of this year seems to have flown by. The informal and hospitable nature of the Holy Month will offer a welcome break and a chance to catch up with old friends and recharge my batteries. Nasser Al Arayedh, with whom we went for a drive in this month’s Jaguar Land Rover Backseat Chat, talks to us about renewal, a key theme during Ramadan. Nasser stresses the importance of the commitment required not only to drive the business forward but also to honour the work of the family’s forefathers. Another person who exemplifies determination is Joyce Hughes. The inauguration later this year of the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ facility in Askar is testament to her dedication over more than 30 years of caring for stray animals. In our cover story this month we speak to Fahad Jaweed, the marketing director at Junaid Perfumes. In business for more than a century, and now expanding not only around the region but further afield, this local perfumery is an example of the success that can be achieved by hard work and loyalty to a brand. A labour of love, and an unwavering desire to solve a problem, has seen Tariq Al Murbati carve out a niche business for himself. His story illustrates the point that there are no shortcuts to success; it requires a vision and belief to turn an idea into a reality. As is custom for the season, this issue includes a round-up of what to do during Ramadan and where to go for Iftar and a Ghabga. Our motoring feature showcases the best deals around town available for those seeking a new set of wheels, and the process of renewal is further emphasised with articles on a trio of new dining adventures. BamBu, Bayti and Sumo Sushi & Bento reflect our desires for something old and new! At the end of June we said goodbye to our first Bahraini employee after almost two decades of service; we wish Dalal Mirza Khumey all the best in her retirement. Wherever you go during the course of the Holy Month, take time to enjoy this special time of the year and take advantage of the great way of life that the Kingdom has to offer.
Bystander Editor Anil Ravi Shankar Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Dalal Al-Sabbagh, Romeo San Miguel, Rodolfo A. Reyes Jr. Staff Photographer Subeesh Kumar N S Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa, Katherine Lao Personnel Manager Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Media Sales Marise Prata Dos Santos, Hilary James Sales Manager Sanhita Kar Marya Circulation Manager Fawaz Al Balooshi Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Rafeeq Mohammed, Gopal Arul Kumar, Epegenio Tempra Jr. Distributor Al Hilal Corporation Photography Picture Arabia: andrew@picturearabia.com Printing Press Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej W.L.L., Bahrain Published monthly by
RED HOUSE MARKETING P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: (+973) 17 813-777, Fax: (+973) 17 813-700 Email: info@redhousemarketing.com www.bahrainthismonth.com © Copyright Reserved 2005-2014 The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. and must not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Red House Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission.
•
Views expressed in this magazine by journalists and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month.
COVER Cover Picture:
Ramadan: a unique opportunity to honour Arabian traditions. Ramadan Fare | France In Bahrain | Supermarkets
Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001 ISBN 1 899 348 09 3
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George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman
Your Guide To A Great Way Of Life
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Ramadan Kareem!
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July 2014 ~ Vol. 18 ~ Issue 7
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Nightlife
July 2014 7
bystander
HE Alberto Vecchi & HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa
Italian National Day Reception HE Alberto Vecchi, Italian Ambassador & Romina Vecchi hosted a reception to mark the Italian National Day. The reception attended by HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness the Premier’s adviser, diplomats and VIPs was held at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa HE Alberto Vecchi & HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa with diplomats at the cake cutting ceremony
Mr Salah, Romina Vecchi, HE Alberto Vecchi & Shaikh Ebrahim
Romina Vecchi, HE Alberto Vecchi & Khalifa Rumaihi
Dr Jihan Al Umran, Romina Vecchi, HE Alberto Vecchi & Dr Dhafer Al Umran
Sameera, Dr Jihan, Fatima, Amal, Jameela, Fawzia & Georgette
Abdul Hameed, Jassim Al Zayani, Mona Almoayyed & Adel Fakhro
8 July 2014
Romina & HE Alberto Vecchi
Zeina Testot, Romina Vecchi & Mala Kumar
Luca, Loredana & Vicky
Nasser Alarayedh & HE Bishop Ballin
HE Alberto Vecchi & Jassim Al Zayani
Mohammed & Eman
Kawther
Reema Alarayedh & Wajd Almadani
Sofyan & Abdulrahman Almoayed
Alessandra & Anastasia
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Vera Smirnova & HE Victor Smirnov
Russsian National Day Celebrations HE Victor Smirnov, Russian Ambassador & Vera Smirnova hosted a reception to celebrate Russian National Day. The event attended by HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness the Premier’s adviser, diplomats & VIPs was held at the InterContinental Regency HE Victor Smirnov & HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa cut the celebratory cake watched by diplomats
Vera, HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa & HE Victor Smirnov
Khalid Almoayed & HE Abdulla Juma
Dilshad, Sanjida, Nor & Elena
Galina, Lumila, Natali & Olga
12 July 2014
Abbas Hussain & HE Karim Al Shakar
Younis & Dr A. Nabi
Khalifa Rumaihi & HE Victor Smirnov
Shaikh Mohammed & HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa
Ashraf & Julia
Dana & Irina
Marina, Nina & Marina
Karim Jawad
Mimi & Kawthar
Linda & Tanya
Alia
Irina & Vera
Natalia, Vera & Rosa
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Jordanian National Day HE Mohammed Siraj, Jordanian Ambassador & Lana Siraj hosted a reception to mark the National Day of Jordan last month. The event attended by HE Sameera Rajab, Minister of State for Information Affairs, HE Khalifa Al Dhahrani, Parliment Chairman, diplomats & VIPs was held at the Al Dana Hall, Gulf Convention Centre, Gulf Hotel HE Mohammed Siraj, HE Sameera Rajab & HE Khalifa Al Dhahrani with diplomats at the cake cutting
Lana Siraj, HE Nabeel Al Hamer & HE Mohammed Siraj
Mitsu, Yoshiko, Hathaichanok & Jasper
14 July 2014
Tomoko, Dr Jihan, Bridget, Mala & Romina
Fadi, Ruba, Razan & Suhail
Ayah & Hiba
Lama & Leen
Rania, Mana, Rusai, Noha & Fatin
Lubna, Nisreen & Nadia
Rasha & Hana
Shorah, Shahrazad, Lana, Shaikha Hind & Huda
Mathew, Barney & Mohammad
Dana & Manal
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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Now, Ayadi opens up an even bigger bundle of special prizes! Invest in Ayadi during the Holy month to unlock 30 Ramadan prizes. Also if you invest by the 30th of July 2014, you could win our fourth Grand Ayadi prize of a Diyar Homes Villa.
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bystander
Adnan Al Qassab
Deema, Ahmed & Dhaela
The Amwaj Marina Obstacle Challenge The Amwaj Marina Obstacle Challenge saw participants clear 12 obstacles including mud, climbing walls and cargo nets to raise funds for orphans and cancer patients in Bahrain Participants tackle the Nass wall
Brett, Joe & Pryor
German Embassy Event
Theo, Yvonne & Olga
Ayman, Hammam, Jihad & Obada
Dr Khaldoon with Dr Mansour Sarhan
Jen & Rem
Heather & Juanita
Mr & Mrs Krueger
HE Sabine Taufmann, German Ambassador & the German embassy offered around 300 books in German and English covering various areas like science, economics and literature, in addition to 50 books translated into Arabic in classic literature, to the National Library of Bahrain. The event took place at the Isa Cultural Centre HE Sabine Taufmann & Dr Khaldoon Aba Hussain
Dr Khaldoon, Haya, HE Sabine Taufmann, Dr Jamal Saleh & Sadiq Dawani
20 July 2014
Holger Tillmann & HE Sabine Taufmann
Ahmed & Mohammed
Jean with Gernot Taufmann
Khalid & Tareq
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Bahrain Culture App
31 July - 30 August 2014 www.bahrainsummer.bh
facebook.com/BahrainSummer twitter@BahrainSummer instagram.com/moc_bh
bystander
Tamara & Hugo
Zahra & Imtiaz
Sacoor Brothers Store Opening Sacoor Brothers, the premium international fashion and lifestyle brand, held an opening ceremony for their first store in Bahrain at the Bahrain City Centre David, Zahra, Hugo, Zahra & Carlos Sadiq, Junaid, Hugo, Ruli, Lucy, Suzanna & Najem
Mr & Mrs Irani
Paula, Bricka & David
Sanhita & Randa
Benedict & Ryan
Deepa
Isabelle & Sam
Surbhi & Gaurav
Joseph & Bob
Charlotte, Grace & Alex
World Cup Opening Match At 338 Block 338 Restaurant, Lounge & Garden played host to a number of football fans as they enjoyed the opening match of the Fifa World Cup 2014 between Brazil & Croatia Noel, Sid, Reza & Unni
Derick, Joanne & Ben
22 July 2014
Mary & Kathrina
Rebecca & Kristy
Olivia, Tarek & Anna
www.bahrainthismonth.com
HAPPENINGS
this month
Empowering Talents, p30
Ramadan Celebrations Wondering how to celebrate Ramadan? There are several activities taking place across the island, aimed at keeping the entire family entertained throughout the Holy Month.
Giving to the Needy, p32
Ramadan is a period of reflection on a personal level but it is also a time to celebrate with friends and family. Besides fasting by day and forging friendships by night over Ghabga, there are plenty of activities for everyone to share. Ramadan souq Venture into Bab Al-Bahrain from July 9 to 19 and explore a Ramadhaniyat souq organised by the Ministry of Culture. Celebrating living traditions, the souq hosts a range of shops and kiosks which sell a variety of Bahraini products and handicrafts that are traditional and modern. If you stick around long enough, you can also enjoy live folk music concerts which will keep you entertained throughout the period. Gergaoun activities Several venues across Bahrain are putting the focus on young children this month, by hosting Gergaoun celebrations. Falling in the middle of Ramadan, the idea of Gergaoun is to make every child feel special using a festival approach to explain the meaning of the Holy Month. Paying care to children with special needs, the Bahrain Association of Parents and Friends of the Disabled hosts a variety of Gergaoun activities at their premises on July 14. Al Aali Shopping Complex runs a charity event on July 10 from 8pm onwards, which includes activities such as henna art, sand art, crafts and book reading for kids. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Festivities Galore, p36
If you would like an outdoor celebration of Gergaoun, do not miss the Ministry of Culture’s family-oriented celebrations which take place on July 10 from 9pm to 11.30pm at two venues, the Qa’lat Al Bahrain and the Bab Al-Bahrain market. Eid celebrations If you would like to try out something different this Eid, catch up with the latest musical hits of Moroccan artist Saad Lamjarred, who makes his debut in Bahrain at the cultural hall near the Bahrain National Museum. His concert runs from July 29 to 30 at 8pm each evening and is free of charge. July 2014 23
happenings
Happy Holidays When? July 6-24 Venue? The Children’s House Montessori The school’s Bambini Club presents a three-week summer camp for kids aged two to eight years, teaching crafts, water play, singing and dancing. The venue is perfect for parents and children who live in and around Janabiya area.
Break the monotony of a classroom environment and enrich the summer months for your children by enrolling them at one of these summer camps organised across the island.
When? July 6-August 21 Venue? Bright Beginnings Fun and learning go hand-in-hand at the Bright Beginnings summer camp. Story telling, soft play, music and movement, arts and drama, monkeynastix, splash days and sensory exploration are some of the activities for your tiny tots.
When? June 27-August 27 Venue? Karnataka Social Club Get immersed in handicrafts, games, drawings, singing, dance, public speaking and a variety of other activities at this club’s camp, which finishes with a grand finale display of the students’ works. The camp is open to kids under three age categories: four to five years, six to seven years and eight to12 years.
When? July Venue? RIA Centre Kids with disabilities can have their share of fun at the Fun and Laughter Factory. The programme teaches kids arts and crafts, music and movement, water play, sports, games, yoga and RIA Zumba (cha cha cha). Children can participate in ‘beat the clock’ competitions, weekly cookery classes and face painting.
When? June 29-July 31 Venue? Budaiya Pre-School Explore travel by air, land and sea through art, games, music and field trips at the Budaiya pre-school camp. Kids can attend two-, three- or five-day sessions. Supervised transport is available for participants.
When? July 6-August 28 Venue? Kidzworld Kindergarten Seven weeks of fun-filled educational activities are hosted for kids between the ages of three to five years. Activities include storytelling, monkeynastix, arts and crafts, water play, field trips, music and dance.
When? July 1-August 15 Venue? The Indian Club Bahrain Returning for another hot summer is this club’s camp which will take the kids on field trips, educational tours, reinforce their skills in athletics and motivate their public speaking.
When? July 6-August 29 Venue? Indian Institute of Performing Arts Channel your child’s creativity into an artistic performance through a range of vocals, music, dance and art classes. The camp keeps the kids busy over a five-day week, concluding with a grand finale in August.
When? July 6 Venue? Alliance Française Alliance Française brings you a ‘Frenchtastic’ camp. Teach your kids a new language while having fun playing games and singing songs. The programme incorporates computer workshops, creative and artistic activities and language workshops. The camp is open to kids from five to 11 years.
When? August 2-30 Venue? Bahrain Association of Parents and Friends of the Disabled A month-long summer of activities for children with special needs takes place at the BAPFD premise in Adliya, with music, arts and crafts and other hands-on learning activities.
When? July 6-24 Venue? The British School of Bahrain Beat the heat at The BSB Summer Camp for kids from four to 13 years. The camp infuses educational adventures and fun trips with plenty of activities to get your child’s creative mind flowing with music and dance, baking and cooking, arts and crafts, swimming and sports. 24 July 2014
When? August 3-21 Venue? Sylvan Learning Boost your child’s confidence and enhance their academic skills ahead of the school year. The daily summer camp provides fun-filled weeks of imagination and learning, games and activities, sports and field trips mixed with maths, English, reading and writing for KG2 through Grade 5 students.
When? June 23-July 6 Event? Photography exhibition Venue? Bahrain Arts Centre Abdulla Al Khan showcases his latest exhibition. E Call 17 298-777. When? June 30-July 15 Event? Tennis tournament Venue? Bahrain Tennis Club Watch top players battle it out for a prize at this tournament. E Call 17 729-561. When? July1-15 Event? Bowling tournament Venue? Funland Bowling Centre This annual charity bowling event gets rolling. E Call 17 292-313. When? July3-5 Event? Exhibition Venue? BIECC Women are invited to pamper themselves at this exhibition. E Call 33 336-592. When? July 9-19 Event? Market Venue? Bab Al Bahrain Visit a Ramadan souq hosted by the Ministry of Culture. E Call 17 298-777. When? July 10 Event? Gergaoun activity Venue? Qa’lat Al Bahrain Partake in traditional Ramadan celebrations at the fort. E Call 17 298-777. When? July 14 Event? Art exhibition Venue? Al Riwaq Art Space Support the sale of artworks by handicapped students. E Call 17 717-441. When? July 14 Event? Gergaoun activity Venue? Bahrain Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled Celebrate Ramadan with special needs children. E Call 39 655-519. When? July 31-August 30 Event? Festival Venue? BIECC Visit this annual cultural showcase with activities for families and kids. E Call 17 298-777. When? August 1 Event? Animation exhibition Venue? Bahrain International Circuit Get excited at this convention for animation enthusiasts. E Call 17 450-000. www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
Life through the Lens June 23-July 6 | Photography exhibition | Bahrain Arts Centre
Passion meets ambition in this realistic take on India. Check out Abdulla Al Khan’s latest exhibition. At the age of 77, nothing can stop this avid photographer from achieving his dreams. Abdulla Al Khan showcases a glimpse of India in his display of ‘Kerala: God’s Own Country’. Painting a picturesque view of the state, which is located in South-West India, Abdulla presents this collection after his latest travel to the region. Kerala is one of the pre-eminent places in India that showcases the rich nature of the region. “The beauty of the landscapes and the people within the imageries show the viewer a colourful reality of the place,” says Abdulla. His association with photography started in the early ‘50s, when he used to assist his father who practised the art in his one-bedroom house. With 60 years of experimenting with lenses, lighting techniques, compositions and colours, his passion keeps achieving new heights. He eventually launched his own photography services in the ‘70s and has captured the memories of paupers and princes. With years of experience backing him and many photographic adventures to share, Abdulla has published four books of his photographic collections till date: on Muharraq, the pearling industry, democracy and a biography of his own life. Commenting on the future, Abdulla hopes that he can achieve his target of publishing a total of 10 books in the years to come. Abdulla’s exhibition is open to the public free of charge and runs until July 6. Call 17 298-777.
Much Ado About Fashion July 3-5 | Exhibition | Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre Women take the spotlight this Ramadan as this expo focuses on catering to their every need, under one roof. When it comes to fashion and glamour, there is simply no limit to the time, energy and attention that a woman is willing to expend on current trends. Every woman wants to look good and feel good even if it means paying a whopping price for doing so. The WooW Expo 2014 showcases products and services from a wide range of suppliers and retailers, who will educate audiences about the glamour industry in a span of three days. Held from July 3-5, the expo focuses on everything related to women’s lifestyle, exhibiting traditional garments, bridal clothing, jewellery, accessories, travel and tourism, hair care, health and beauty, photography and videography, catering, sports and healthcare. The event is organised by Medpoint Design, under the patronage of Shaikha Noora Khalifa al Khalifa. The expo will run from 7pm to 1am. Call 33 336-592. 26 July 2014
www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
On the Ball June 30-July 15 | Tournaments | Bahrain Tennis Club
While most of Bahrain comes to a standstill during the month of Ramadan, this club comes alive with several tournament titles up for grabs. The heat is on and surely it’s even hotter at the Bahrain Tennis Club, where club members and top players contend for three prestigious titles during the Holy Month.
The most coveted prizes of the late Yousif Khalil Almoayyed Cup, the late Majid Al Zayani Cup and the late Ahmed Al-Mahoozi Cup, are conferred in three individual categories — the Men’s Doubles, Super Double and Tennis Masters, respectively. “In the last 20 years that the club has been hosting these events during Ramadan, we are never short of enthusiasm from our club members and individual participants from outside the club,” says Hamdi Jawad, the club’s manager. “Attracting only the best, the top eight players from across Bahrain are to compete in these matches.” The events kick-started on June 30 and will continue to run until July 15. The grand finale will conclude with a Ramadan Ghabga at the club, for everyone to celebrate their victories and participation. Matches start at 9.15pm daily and run until the late hours of the night.
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
Summer Colours July 30-August 31 | Festival | Various
Hamdi Jawad
Besides having its focus on the tennis tournaments this Ramadan, the club hosts a backgammon competition, giving away the Yousif Haider Cup, and a kout competition, which is a card game that has become popular in the Gulf region. Affiliated to the Bahrain Tennis Federation, the Bahrain Tennis Club is the only specialised tennis club on the island. Call 17 729-561.
Tickets for the shows taking place at the BIECC are available at Virgin Megastore in City Center Bahrain. Nakhool City is open daily from 11am to 6pm throughout the festival. Visit Facebook.com/BahrainSummer, Twitter @BahrainSummer, Instagram.com/moc_bh.
This annual event, organised by the Ministry of Culture, returns for another year of festive fun at the end of Ramadan. Festivals are a much-anticipated facet of Bahrain, bringing with them an extravaganza of entertainment, colours and an overall sense of happiness. So here is some great news for us — the Bahrain Summer Festival is nearly upon us, returning for a sixth year as part of the Manama: Capital of Asian Tourism 2014 programme. Working under the slogan of ‘Summer of Colours’ to promote tourism as a source of national wealth and pride, the ministry kick-starts this festival on July 30 and runs until August 31. Having become an anticipated annual fixture, the celebration returns with a spectacular line-up of live shows, from renowned local, regional, and international artists. Featuring music performances, theatrical plays and art exhibitions, the festival has it all covered. Nakhool and Nakhoola, the festivals popular mascots, welcome the Bahrain Summer Festival at Nakhool City in the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC). The city boasts activities and workshops for all ages in the accompaniment of the festival’s beloved mascots, including dance and music programmes, LEGO workshops, puppetry, arts and crafts as well as educational games and daily activities such as wall climbing. The shows will be staged at both the BIECC and the Cultural Hall. 28 July 2014
www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
Empowering Talents July 14 | Art exhibition | Al Riwaq Art Space Inclusion through art is a strategy used by this charity event, which seeks to raise the employment levels of the disabled by highlighting their talents. Local Bahraini artists from the Bahrain Mobility Centre (BMC) will display their talents this month in a public exhibition called Art Beat. The charity event is being organised by the Women’s Professional Network (WPN) for a second time. The aim is to showcase the creativity of disabled artists and support them through the sale of their works. “The exhibition is an opportunity for us to show, through art, that the disabled are gifted people, and we can and must support them,” says Doris Martin, a WPN board member. The event was initiated by Amal Almoayyed, also a WPN board member, when she came across the BMC through her career. “I used to handle the centre’s charity account and I wanted to know why the women at the centre were not being hired at showrooms and shops,” says Amal. It didn’t take her long to figure out that it was lack of training and exposure along with little or no public attention that hindered the progress of the students. Amal frequented the centre and, with the support of Seef Mall, helped to build a shelter over an underutilised area by the centre’s poolside. The added facility brought relief from the sun and created a practical environment for the students to be creative in any way and with anything they like. 30 July 2014
“Most importantly the gesture brought about a change in the attitudes of many students and gave them the boost they needed to come back to the centre,” says Amal. Around the same time, the WPN had started up and helped to quickly establish a recognition platform by promoting the sale of artworks done by some of the female artists in the centre. The artists The Art Beat exhibition will witness a display of paintings, which are for sale, by students from the BMC. There will also be a book launch by young Bahraini writer Ali Moosa, who has compiled his autobiography with the help of the Yousif and Aysha Almoayyed Charity. “Ali is a talented individual, who speaks English with fluency and precision. But as a young boy seeking admissions in schools, he was turned away from having a normal education because of his disability,” says Amal. Violionist Ali Al Olaiwy will deliver a recital during the course of the evening. The event is sponsored and organised by UTalk, Al Riwaq Art Space, and Yousif and Aysha Almoayyed Charity in collaboration with the Bahrain Mobility Centre. The event takes place at the Al Riwaq Art Space on July 14 from 9pm until midnight. “Charity is not just in the amount of money you give, but in the continuous positive energy you can create by incorporating the disabled in to society,” says Amal. Visit www.wpnbahrain.org. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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happenings CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN
Giving to the Needy An annual charity donation drive gets underway this month to encourage the community to give back to the needy.
32 July 2014
City Centre Bahrain embraces the Holy Month by encouraging residents to help those who are less fortunate. Majid Al Futtaim’s regional ‘Make a Difference this Ramadan’ campaign is in its fifth consecutive year in the Kingdom. Special collection boxes will be placed inside the mall throughout the Holy Month where residents can donate new or gently used goods. This year, famed Bahraini actress, Haifa Hussain will help raise awareness of the worthy charity campaign. Individuals can make donations across four categories (clothing, non-perishable food items, books and eyeglasses) in specially marked bins located at the customer service desk near the Central Galleria. All collected items will then be donated to support the charitable and humanitarian initiatives of New Dawn Society, a Bahraini non-profit association, to support families in need. A celebrated actress, Haifa Hussain is immensely popular in the region, having starred in several outstanding television series, most notably Al Laqitta. As the ambassador for City Centre Bahrain’s ‘Make a Difference this Ramadan’ campaign, Haifa will use her celebrity status to reach out to the wider community. “Our campaign is deliberately held during the Holy Month to highlight the true essence of Ramadan, which provides the opportunity for the community to make a difference. Joining hands with actress Haifa Hussain,
together with the support of local charity partner New Dawn Society, we hope to benefit many underprivileged families and encourage everyone to take part in this worthy campaign,” says Duaij Khalifa Al Rumaihi, senior mall manager for City Centre Bahrain. City Centre Bahrain hosts the campaign annually, and this year boasts Majid Al Futtaim’s largest collective effort to date with 13 malls participating across Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, Oman and the UAE. Last year, City Centre Bahrain collected over 2,000 bags of clothing, 2,000 nonperishable foods, 3,600 books and 140 eyeglasses. More celebrations In addition to the charity drive, the mall will host a month of Ramadan-themed activities with the City Barasti activity station, creating an atmosphere of Arabic hospitality and tradition for visitors. Located on the ground floor, in front of Debenhams and Lakeland, the City Barasti will offer guests Arabic coffee and sweets. Cultural entertainment, such as a henna artist, a calligrapher, cartoonist and photo opportunities with a falcon, will also be available. In addition, live oud and qanoon players will set the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable evening. It will be hosted from 9pm until midnight every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and daily during the final 10 days of Ramadan. i Visit www.Facebook.com/CityCentreBahrain.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
SEEF MALL
Keeping Traditions Alive Get ready to be part of a celebration to experience the true spirit of the Holy Month, as this mall organises a cultural feast of activities for the whole family.
Seef Mall is offering an all-embracing Ramadan throughout the month of July, combining popular customs with traditional experiences, inspired by the Islamic culture. Running from July 2 to 23, mall-goers have a true taste of Islamic art, music, food and fashion. “This Ramadan, Seef Mall is bringing festivities and traditions together to offer families and shoppers a grand cultural experience,” says Robert Addison, Seef Properties general manager. “We have taken every consideration to ensure our guests are able to enjoy a range of activities with their loved ones, with a backdrop of traditional art and music, food and fashion organised to mark the festive season.” Art and music Exhibiting a different theme each week, the cultural festival opens with an art and music showcase of Arabic calligraphy and instrumental music. Visitors have a chance to appreciate the art with an exhibition, demonstration and first-hand experience of having their names personalised in the traditional art form. Children can be involved in arts and crafts which includes painting and decorating Arabic lanterns. Expect the mall to be immersed in the Middle Eastern
34 July 2014
culture with melodies of live oud music echoing across the west wing. Music enthusiasts have the chance to learn the instrument, with daily lessons offered at the cultural village. The art and music festival runs from July 2 to 9 from 7pm to 12 midnight. Fashion exhibits From July 10 to 16, visitors can get a glimpse of traditional fashion shows exhibiting festive-wear, held daily from 10pm to 11pm, with a live Arabic band. Culinary treats The final week culminates in a cultural experience from July 17 to 23, which revolves around traditional Arabic cuisine with an array of sweets and savouries for visitors to taste and take away. You will be treated to traditional Arabic tea and coffee served with dates. While families and individuals are enjoying festivities, children will be kept busy decorating a special Ramadan cake with the help of culinary experts available at the festival daily, from 9pm to 11pm. i Call 17 582-111. www.bahrainthismonth.com
happenings
THE BAHRAIN MALL
Festivities Galore This Ramadan, you can look forward to an array of events and surprises at one of the Kingdom’s most popular shopping destinations.
The festive season is here and The Bahrain Mall, located in the Seef district, has some exciting events lined up for visitors throughout the Holy Month. Ramadan celebrations at the mall have always been inventive and have caught the attention of shoppers of all ages. This year will be no different! Expect a string of events and performances during weekends from 8pm to 11pm. Kids can enjoy face painting, storytelling and henna. Families can sample a taste of tradition with live folk music and regional delicacies. There will be an oud player, traditional games and Arabic tents on offer. Additionally, other Ramadan attractions will be organised, including surprise dance performances, a falconer and roaming cartoon characters. For every BD10 spent at any of the mall’s stores, food outlets or kiosks, you will receive a raffle coupon and a chance to win gift vouchers worth BD1,000 from Géant and Home Store. This offer is valid until August 20. Family mall A venture of Fu-Com international, the mall offers a great shopping experience. It brings the very best of entertainment and value-added shopping for its customers. In terms of retail therapy, shoppers have a range of over 125 stores to choose from. This ethnic fortress like structure captures the legendary culture of Bahrain and houses world-class brands and eateries. The majestic ambience boasts desert palms,
36 July 2014
water features and flaming torches and the tent structures of the centre court evoke the Arabian heritage. The mall is spread across 750,000 square feet of area and has over 120 stores, attracting an average of 480,000 customers per month. Visitors can look forward to high fashion brands and premium jewellers, an extensive food court that can accommodate 600 diners and the popular Géant hypermarket. There is parking space for up to 1,600 cars. The Bahrain Mall is not just a shopping hub for families and visitors from Bahrain. It attracts a loyal footfall from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar as well. i Call 17 558-101. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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happenings YATEEM CENTRE
A Bountiful Ramadan Focusing its Ramadan activities on the act of giving, the Yateem Centre supports a local charity’s campaign for children in need.
Make a child happy this Ramadan. Visit the Yateem Centre and support the Maqaba Charity in collecting for their ‘Make a Child Happy’ campaign through generous donations. Hand over you old clothes or simply give donations in food or cash to the centre if you have just finished a wardrobe revamp. A collection box is kept at the security counter in the middle of Yateem Centre to accept your offerings. “Ramadan is upon us and with it a time to reflect and be thankful for plenty,” says Andrew Petty, the centre’s manager. “It is easy to forget that fasting during Ramadan is not a punishment, but instead helps us to remember the great fortune that we have in not having to fast throughout the rest of the year.” Shop to Win This year you can win not one, but two cars as part of Yateem Centre’s Ramadan raffle draw. Two of the latest Mitsubishi ASX cars are featured as prizes, with a free raffle ticket for every BD5 spent at the mall’s shops. There is also an ongoing display by Zayani Motors of this year’s top model cars, with an opportunity to test drive the latest Mitsubishis without needing to travel to the Sitra showrooms. Free basement parking is available for shoppers who want to avoid the summer sun. With new shops and old favourites, extended evening shopping hours and added convenience for everybody visiting the souq, Ramadan seems like a good time to visit the Yateem Centre. i Call 17 215-615.
bystander
Shaikha Hind & Nor
Maria & Eiza
Nor Hayati Coffee Morning Nor Hayati, wife of HE the Malaysian Ambassador hosted a coffee morning to say farewell to Rosita Mohammed, wife of the Charge d'Affaires, Brunei Embassy Sukma, Rosita, Nor Hayati & Julie
Julie, Sukma, Ari, Rosita, Ratna, Rosnani & Viera
38 July 2014
Nor, Amal & Rosita
Nor & Mala
Fouzia, Nor, Reem & Jameela
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Dr Ameen with Ismail Akbar
Henry with Ayman Shehadeh
Toyota Yaris & Avanza Launches EK Kanoo, sole distributors for Toyota vehicles in the kingdom held two separate launches for the Toyota Yaris & the Toyota Avanza. Both the launches were held at the Toyota showroom in Sitra The all-new Toyota Avanza
Nadeem, Ronny & Sree
The all-new Toyota Yaris
Alaa
Said, Suaid & Samer
Mike & Mergie
Salman & Anil
Mohamed
Jamal & Khalid
Amal
Ameena & Mo
Mr Khan
VIVA Movie Premiere VIVA Bahrain invited a number of guests to a special movie viewing to celebrate its new partnership with CineCo. The event was held at the VIP Cinema, Bahrain City Centre's Cineco20 Cinemas Nezar, Ala, Khalid, Andrew Hanna, Ulaiyan Al Wetaid, Jamal & Shaikh Ziyad
Desal, Imran & Shyam
40 July 2014
Eman & Ali
Apple & Charlie
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Stephanie, Arjan & Darshan
The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) The Manama Theatre Club last night premiered their version of the much-loved West End comedy The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).With the three-man cast, the performance was a laugh a minute at the various digs, innuendos and general tomfoolery that took place on the stage A scene from the play Marina & Jenny
Laura & Sayfe
Mike & Guy
Reem, Arantxa & Marwa
Ali
Hassan
Kinda & Kevin
Patricia, Grenardy, Elreen & Anna
Al Areen Football Fever Under the patronage of HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Southern Governor, the Al Areen Palace & Spa held a ribbon cutting to mark the opening of its exclusive World Cup Tent HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa opens the World Cup tent
HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa & Dr Essa Faqih with officials & guests
42 July 2014
Fadhel, Gunasiri, Manoj & Essa
Sameera & Hawra
Sanjeva, Cristina, Pierre & Dona
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Ebrahim K. Kanoo & Toyota bring you exceptional Ramadan Offers! Free 1 Year/20,000 Kms Service Contract
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Now! You can also buy your car from Toyota Plaza in Tubli. Ramadan working hours: Saturday - Thursday, 8:30 am to 1:15 pm & 8:30 pm onwards. Toyota Showroom - Sitra 17 730 730 Toyota Plaza - Tubli 17 787 888 www.toyota.com.bh
TesT Drive & TraDe-in available
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bystander
Sameh, Jehan & Ibrahim
Mohamed Ghallab & Ahmed
Mustafa, Moatesem & Mona
Mariam & Ali
KFC Ronaldo Activation Football fanatics took a shot at mastering star striker Cristiano Ronaldo’s signature skills as part of a KFC promotion. The event was held at the Ronaldo Activation Arena in the Bahrain City Centre's Galleria Area, where shoppers showcased their fancy footwork and dribbling prowess for a chance of winning prizes Two participants showcase their skills
Nasrin, Yasir, Hamza & Al Hasan
Hasan, Ali & Zainab
Ahmed, Saleh & Omar
Francisco & Christiana
David & Nabeel
Hussain & Abbas
Honda City Launch National Motor Company (NMC) held an event to mark the the launch of the new 2014 model Honda City at the Honda Showroom in Sitra The 2014 Honda City Sayed, Abbas, Ebrahim & Hussain
Jibu, Hari, Abdulla, Dr Adel & Vishal
44 July 2014
Ayoob
Fatima, Jameel & Aymen
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Pradeep & Nicholas
Samsung Printing Solutions Meet Universal Enterprises held a Samsung Printing Solutions Business Meet followed by lunch at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain Allen Roy, Nelson Jose, Y.S. Kim, Fawaz Al Mannai, Anwar Musa, Fazal Sulemani & Radha Krishnan Issa & Biju
Roy, Hashim, Adnan & Khattab
Rajesh, Sony, Ali & Mohammed
Sinoj & Vinod
Alaa & Dina
Ridha, Emad & Ali
Khalid & Abdulrahman
Zack, Sulann & Nihar
Ahmed Zayani Jeep Road Show Ahmed Zayani & Sons, distributors for Jeep vehicles in Bahrain held the 2014 Jeep Roadshow Middle East at the Amwaj Marina The Jeep Cherokee in action
Abdul Nazer, Mohamed & Mashal
46 July 2014
Hamza
Femida & Taha
Hussain & Ruqaya
Abdul-Mohsen
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Riyad, Malim, Vijay, Deepak, Hemant & Sasikant
Hardik & Maitry Wedding Reception Virti & Vijay Shah hosted a reception to celebrate the wedding of their son Hardik with Maitri at the Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, Seef district The Shah family
Hardik & Maitry
Vijay & Virti Shah
Mona, Talal & Deepak
Neha & Nina
Abdul Razzaq Al Mahmood, Vijay & Virti
Virti & Laala Al Zayani
Sally, Doris & Orab
Tania & Maryam
British School Art Exhibition HE Iain Lindsay, British Ambassador, opened the annual art exhibition at the British School of Bahrain in Hamala HE Iain Lindsay opens the exhibition Indu Kumar, Bhavika & Pallavi
Poonam, HE Iain Lindsay & Dr Charles
48 July 2014
Sofia & Mena
Chloe & Julia
Yannis
Khulood & Noor
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Insta
bystander
HE Neil Hawkins tours the supermarket
Australian Ambassador Visits Al Osra HE Neil Hawkins Australian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia paid a visit to the Al Osra Supermarket in Amwaj Islands Grace at the Australian stand
May & May
Pavlos, Dianne Hawkins, HE Neil Hawkins, Jaffar Al Asfoor, Saif & Andrew
Amal, Cristina & Khadija
David, Jaffar & Pavlos
Apple & Sari
Kempinski VIP Media Dinner The Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre held a VIP media appreciation dinner at the hotel's Royal Suite Puneet Singh with guests Farah & Mai
Rashid with Puneet Singh
50 July 2014
Puneet & Mr Khan
George, Puneet & Anne
Puja
www.bahrainthismonth.com
INTERVIEWS
this month
Standing Up for Faith, p52
Precious Feeling, p54
Dr Ruqaia Al Alwani
Promoting Real Values SIMI KAMBOJ In a rapidly changing world, the dichotomy between the theory and practice of religion is glaring. Reminding people of the real message of the Quran is Basair. Established in 2013 as a registered charity in Bahrain, Basair in Arabic means discernment. The objective behind the initiative is simple — tadabbur, or contemplation of the verses of the Quran and their application in real-life situations. Basair founder Dr Ruqaia Al Alwani says her work reflects her concerns about the world events around her and the global image projected by Islam. “Many problems in our world stem from the fact that Muslims are becoming detached from the Quran. People increasingly read the Quran as a ritual and when it comes to putting its teachings into practice, they tend to do something entirely different,” says Dr Ruqaia, who is also associate professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Bahrain. The Iraqi scholar grew up in several countries across the world owing to the strife in her motherland, and believes her understanding of the Quran deepened because of her diverse experiences. www.bahrainthismonth.com
“The image of Islam has suffered worldwide because many Muslims are not being honest with the Quran and with themselves,” she observes. “People tend to misquote the Quran to suit their own ends. Reading about the Prophet’s life, we find him the perfect example of tolerance. In his lifetime, Christians, Jews and even non-believers lived in harmony in Medina and were respected as citizens.” Over the past year, Dr Ruqaia has published 25 books and 30 CDs on the message of the Quran. Published in a dozen languages, the books have been disseminated free of charge in France, Turkey, Malaysia, the UK, US, Canada and Australia in addition to the GCC. She is now planning to release the CD recitals on iTunes. In Ramadan, Dr Ruqaia will deliver lectures across Bahrain and in the GCC. She is also planning a youth programme in English and Arabic for telecast on Bahrain TV’s Channel 55. “Being an educator, I’ve always been interested in youth and their thought process. The programme will have a question and answer format because Muslims are encouraged to ask questions. Our religion doesn’t encourage blind faith,” she says. Dr Ruqaia’s work however, is not merely of a spiritual nature, but also focuses on reason and the need to practise real values.
A Noble Calling, p56
Home-grown Innovation, p58
Backseat Chat, p60
July 2014 51
interview
Brother Amin
Standing Up for Faith SIMI KAMBOJ Life for Muslims has become increasingly challenging worldwide with a climate of prejudice prevailing against them. It’s this prejudice that the people behind Discover Islam aim to diffuse.
52 July 2014
Christian Brunet or Brother Amin, as he is known in these parts, is something of an anomaly for a Frenchman. Despite being born in Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, and raised in the wine district of Burgundy, he’s never had any wine nor eaten cheese. While in his 20s, the Frenchman began to re-evaluate life and started reading about Islam and the Prophet’s life. Within months, he had embraced the religion and adopted the new name. “The rigorous discipline of Islam appealed to me. Having witnessed social problems, such as alcoholism around me in France, I felt very comfortable with the principles. The rules made much sense. It was like a suit tailored for me; I entered and immediately felt at peace with myself and with my understanding of the world,” he says. However, given the ‘bad press’ all around, Amin feels the need to justify his faith and to explain to the rest of the world what Islam rests upon. “Being a Muslim is about having an ethical approach to life. Yes, there are some bad Muslims, but you cannot blame God if some humans fail to interpret his words correctly,” he says. The 50 year-old has volunteered with Discover Islam for over 15 years, conducting tours in French and English at the Grand Mosque. Founded 25 years ago by a group of Indian and Bahraini businessmen, Discover Islam aims to communicate information on Islam and dispel preconceived ideas. The organisation prints books in
many languages to make it reachable to as many people as possible. In Ramadan, the society organises Iftar at labour camps and other locations across Bahrain. People can visit the Grand Mosque during Tarawih prayers in the evening where guest imams recite the Quran. On Saturday evenings, Islamic scholar Shaikh Essam reads a commentary on the Quranic text at Grand Mosque and people are welcome to attend and seek clarifications. As a European, Amin is painfully aware of the difficulties Muslims have faced in the West over the last decade. It’s for the same reason that he hasn’t told his extended family back in France about his conversion. “People in France view Islam as an exotic religion from an alien country. We face prejudice because Islam came through immigrants. But Christianity and Judaism are also Middle Eastern religions; when Christianity arrived in Europe 2,000 years ago, the Romans responded the same way,” he says. Back in France, he organises mosque tours and collaborates with overseas organisations in spreading the word. Amin believes the principles of Islam have been drawn up with human nature and needs in mind. The religion regulates human behaviour at a personal and social level and such a code of conduct is extremely useful, even essential, he thinks. As for the challenges that accompany the practice of his faith, Amin isn’t too worried. “There’s no gain without pain. I believe in the hereafter,” he says. www.bahrainthismonth.com
interview
Fahad Junaid
Precious Feeling SIMI KAMBOJ This Bahrain-based company has been at the heart of the perfume industry in the Arabian Gulf for more than a century, thriving by being at the forefront of innovation and development.
54 July 2014
The Arab world has been renowned for its natural oils and fragrances over several centuries. Perfumers since 1910, Bahrain’s Junaid Perfumes is the market leader in the GCC. With over 150 shops in Asia and selling over four million bottles annually, Bahrain’s biggest perfume retailer now has a footprint around the world except South America. Fahad Junaid has been fortunate to witness the company’s growth during the most exciting phase in its 104-year history. The director of marketing, who is a fourth generation member of the family business, was in the sixth grade when he started helping his father. “In my school years I worked at our shop during summer vacations. Once I commenced university, I started to make perfumes during my free time,” says Fahad. “The first one I developed, when I was 17, is still on sale in the market.” It was around this time that Fahad developed a love for the craft. When the time came for him to join the family business, he chose to head the marketing team. Fahad now has oversight of store and product design in addition to producing perfumes and fragrances and finalising the company’s marketing and social media strategy. A maker of niche perfumes, Fahad says he couldn’t have come this far without the help and guidance of his father Jaweed Junaid. “I was never told to join the family business. Once I had developed a love for perfumes, I’ve never had to work a day. Perfumery is part of my lifestyle now,” he says. Opening its first store in 1910 behind Bab Al Bahrain, Junaid Perfumes had only four shops until the 1980s. It was not until 1994 that Jaweed Junaid and his brother Fuad Junaid decided to follow a strategy of
aggressive expansion that evolved over ten years. During this time the company went from having four stores to over 100 outlets. It helps that people in the Middle East like to use perfumes, with an average person consuming anywhere between four to six bottles annually. In addition to its 150 stores in Asia and Europe, the company has franchises in Kuwait and Yemen. Through a wide distribution network, Junaid Perfumes sell perfumes in 35 countries around the world, going as far as the US, Australia, Brunei, Ukraine, Finland and Russia. There are 20 stores in Bahrain and over 90 in Saudi Arabia. “We dream of opening over a hundred shops in every continent of the world. We’re finalising plans for foraying big-time into China. This should be an interesting chapter for us,” notes Fahad. www.bahrainthismonth.com
New horizons Arabian perfumes are increasingly finding favour with clientele around the world, who view them as a niche product. “People in the West are curious about Oriental fragrances such as oud, saffron and amber, while our young population prefers international fragrances. We find both cultures are now more receptive of each other,” he notes. One of the trendsetters in the business, Junaid Perfumes was the first to introduce shimmer fragrances to the region along with solid perfumes and perfumed gels. It has also launched alcohol-free perfumes based on water that are safe for children’s use. Watching the changes in the consumption pattern at home, Jaweed Junaid developed Hajar, an Arabic perfume with a citrus twist for men, in the 1990s. The innovation was so popular that even women were snapping up bottles for themselves. With the lifecycle of fragrances becoming increasingly short, owing to fickle consumers, the company launches around 25 to 30 new products every year, with different perfumes for every season. The idea is to constantly better their best products rather than let a competitor do it. “Every season, we adapt our products depending on international trends and our outlook. The success lies in being able to forecast demand and knowing what the consumer wants before he does,” he says. Junaid Perfumes now has a repertoire of 120 products in its stores, comprising perfumes, oils, creams, gels, lockets, diffusers and Mubkhars. The perfumer maintains its quality and authenticity with signature bottles that are produced through joint ventures in Paris, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Thailand and China.
“No one in the perfume market can copy our designs. Our bottles are individual pieces of art, which people like to gift their loved ones or display in their homes. It can sometimes take over two years to design a bottle,” says Fahad. Sales have been healthy regardless of the economic climate, which proves that perfumes are no longer a luxury but a necessity for people in the region. Ramadan special The Holy Month is perhaps the best time in the business of Arabian perfumes, when people like to make purchases in order to gift relatives and friends over Eid. Ramadan is also the best launch pad for new products. Junaid Perfumes is unveiling 12 perfumes this Ramadan, four of which are completely new products. “It took over two years and I’ve developed this myself, waiting for the right time to surprise our customers. One is for the elegant Arabian lady while the second is a woody perfume for the Arab man who wants to stand out,” says Fahad. The third product, a ladies’ perfume termed ‘Essence of Junaid’, has taken around three years to develop. Fahad explains that it takes a long time to develop their products because the family believes in perfection. “We’d rather throw away a product if it falls short of our standards and expectations than sell it in the market.” For this reason, the company has never had any sale or special offers; they prefer to junk their old stock rather than dilute their product and brand. This also means that one can never find Junaid Perfumes products on the gray market or in a non-Junaid outlet — preserving the authenticity of the brand.
Growth areas Given that the western world is largely in the dark about Arabian perfumes, it falls upon brands such as Junaid Perfumes to build awareness about the genre. “People are not aware that there are over 500 varieties of roses, whose essence can be distilled. Also, oud is a niche product that’s not understood very well in the West. With the right marketing and awareness, it could become our top-selling product,” says Fahad. When it was looking to expand westwards, Junaid Perfumes opened their first store in Turkey to test the European market. The family members visit perfume exhibitions abroad and travel extensively in order to study. Given the strengthening distribution channels and their enhanced presence in Europe, it won’t be long before the perfumer forays into Brazil. Latin America is the second-largest consumer of perfumes in the world and the only continent where Junaid Perfumes don’t have a presence yet. Fahad believes the biggest lesson for the company has been the feedback from its customers and that listening to them is the best way of advancing business. “Over the coming years, we see Junaid Perfumes as an international leader in perfume design. We intend to foray into cosmetics one day. At the moment we’re working on home luxury products,” says Fahad. However, there are no shortcuts for this perfumer and the family will take at least a couple of years to study the market before they make a new announcement. Call 17 737-007 or visit www.junaidperfumes.com.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
July 2014 55
interview The society cares for abandoned and abused animals and tries to find loving homes for them. Grossly abused or sick animals are put to sleep in a humane and appropriate manner. Set to be formally inaugurated this year, the spacious air-conditioned facility at Askar comprises a clinic, lecture hall, operating theatre and quarantine areas in addition to kennels and pens housing a wide assortment of animals. In addition to dogs and cats, there are the donkeys, terrapins, tortoises, a rooster and hens, ducks, rabbits, cockatiels, budgies, a parrot and an aviary for homing pigeons. Joyce has recently organised the building of a special area with a small pool and landscaping to provide a more suitable environment for the aquatic life. The shelter has an annual operating cost of around BD70,000, which allows it to continue rescuing and providing medical care to every animal taken in at the AWC. In the absence of funding from the government, the charity relies heavily on the generosity of the public.
His Majesty King Hamad and Joyce Hughes
A Noble Calling SIMI KAMBOJ The greatness of a nation is judged by the way it treats its animals, said Mahatma Gandhi. In Bahrain, royal patronage for the BSPCA might soon crystalise the Kingdom’s commitment in this sphere.
56 July 2014
Caring for abandoned and stray animals in Bahrain for 35 years, the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) runs largely on the enthusiasm of a small band of committed volunteers. Yet it’s heartening to see what a handful of people have accomplished through their relentless pursuit of corporate and general donors, such as a state-of-theart animal welfare centre in Askar housing abandoned and abused animals. The facility is the first of its kind in the region and one that Bahrain can take pride in. For the past decade, the project at Askar has been a labour of love for BSPCA fundraiser and spokesperson Joyce Hughes. “In 2003, the Prime Minister of Bahrain donated this plot of land for the society’s use. It took us 10 gruelling years of fundraising before we had enough money to construct a purpose-built shelter. I had to beg companies to donate items at cost or free of charge, but we did it in the end,” she recalls. Animal welfare is in the spotlight this year as the GCC Animal Welfare Bill has been passed by parliament and the Shura Council and now awaits the Royal assent before it is brought into law. “This is welcome news to the BSPCA. We find that the vast majority of Bahrain’s citizens are increasingly aware of the plight of stray and neglected animals, particularly cats and dogs,” observes Joyce.
Curbing stray animals Perhaps the most important project spearheaded by the BSPCA is the island’s only catch-neutervaccinate-release (CNVR) programme that’s aimed at reducing the population of unwanted stray dogs in Bahrain. For over a year the BSPCA teams have trapped stray dogs and neutered them to prevent them from breeding. Joyce believes the programme is the only humane solution to the problem of strays, but now that financial support from a UK benefactor has lapsed, the future of the programme is jeopardised, and the number of stray dogs is multiplying again. Given that there are around 10,000 stray dogs in Bahrain, it will cost the society approximately BD60,000 to run the programme annually in order to significantly bring down the number of strays. The BSPCA sought minimal monthly funding from all municipalities to carry out dog neutering, a task which in most countries rests with the civic authorities. But support hasn’t been forthcoming so far. “Meanwhile, the incidence of dog attacks has gone up in Bahrain and, increasingly, we find people complaining about the menace in their neighbourhoods. However, our hands are tied until we receive funding from the Ministry of Municipalities to undertake the trapping and neutering of strays on their behalf,” says Joyce. The plight of stray animals usually rises in the summer months when they are hungry and thirsty on the streets, and prone to abuse. Hospital dreams Having built the animal welfare centre, BSPCA board members say they will not rest on their laurels. The charity needs to care for the animals that are constantly being deposited at their shelter, whether www.bahrainthismonth.com
through expatriates leaving or Bahrainis unable to take care of their pets. Joyce estimates the BSPCA receives an average of 3,000 animals at its shelter every year. Most aspects of their work is voluntary and the AWC is largely funded from the proceeds of the BSPCA Thrift Shop, which sells used goods, donated by the expatriate community. In addition, the society raises funds through holding events such as the Dog Walk, Fashion shows and charity dinners. “We’ve managed to operate solely on donations and our own fundraising efforts so far, but in order for us to take the society to the next level of professionalism, we are paying for a full-time veterinarian, a qualified operations manager as well as animal handlers. We operate round the clock, dealing with thousands of homeless animals every year. Being the only registered animal charity in Bahrain, we’ve never turned away an animal or refused to deal with an animal-related problem,” she notes. Fundraising is a hugely onerous task and the society relies on the generosity of certain quarters such as the British Embassy, which provides them with a venue for their events and volunteers who contribute generously of their time. In the coming years, Joyce and the board would like the veterinary section of the centre to become a Blue Cross Hospital that will treat sick animals for a minimal sum. Private veterinary care worldwide is expensive and many people who cannot afford to take sick pets to private vets bring them to the BSPCA instead. But the society, due to ministry regulations, is currently unable to function like a private practice.
Joyce with her adopted pet Samson
www.bahrainthismonth.com
The Animal Welfare Centre in Askar
“We don’t want people not taking a suffering animal to the vet because of financial limitations. If we’re able to offer a Blue Cross facility in the future, we could treat those animals for the cost of consumables and medicine. We’d also like to have outreach vehicles which will go into the villages and bring animals to the shelter for medical care,” she says. However, she hasn’t found much support from corporate organisations in Bahrain. Securing appointments for funding with the big companies is a difficult task and, when she does, Joyce is often told that animal welfare is not a priority. “Sadly, an animal charity doesn’t always rank as highly on the glamour scale as events such as a car race or a golf tournament, and yet animal welfare is not something that should be swept under the carpet. Animals are sentient beings.”
Preventing cruelty In addition to caring for neglected animals, the BSPCA’s major ethos is to raise awareness about animal cruelty in Bahrain. As with most other values, it helps to start with the young ones. The charity hosts schoolchildren, who are taken on a tour of the centre to familiarise them with animals. They are then taught the global understanding of animal welfare and about how they should approach cats and dogs safely. When it comes into force, the GCC Animal Welfare Law will make offences related to animal torture and abuse punishable by a BD1,000 fine and a term of imprisonment. Animal lovers such as Joyce hope the law will be a deterrent to people on the island who engage in cruel sports involving animals. “Once the topic of animal welfare is included in Bahrain’s school curriculum, we’re planning to reach out to the public schools and talk to children about it. There are studies that say most animal abusers go on to abuse humans in later life,” says Joyce. Over the years, the BSPCA has kept a vigilant eye on instances of animal abuse in Bahrain, bringing to light the plight of abandoned circus animals, exotic animals being bred on remote farms and dogs being used in fights for entertainment and gambling. While Joyce is aware that not every person is an animal lover by disposition, she believes that people should wake up to the urgent problem of stray dogs in Bahrain. “In this progressive and civilised country we call home, seeing packs of stray dogs on street corners is a matter of concern. Even as we’re trying to change that, I want to say that it’s not the responsibility of the BSPCA and its volunteers, but an obligation on the part of every citizen residing here,” she says. July 2014 57
interview
Tariq Al Murbati
Home-grown Innovation SIMI KAMBOJ For a country so heavily reliant on foreign-made merchandise, entrepreneurs such as Tariq Al Murbati offer a pathway to manufacturing success.
58 July 2014
Being scalded in the shower is a common experience for most people living in the Middle East, especially during the summer months. As a Bahraini, Tariq Al Murbati has faced this issue since childhood and, when he finally worked his way around the problem, the GPIC engineer launched his first venture last year, JM Cooling (JMC). Once hot water has travelled through air, Tariq points out, the temperature drops significantly. The JM water cooler is shaped like a tower with an inbuilt fan which causes evaporation of water particles. This cooling system brings down water temperature by over 10 degrees even if the outside temperature hovers at 45 degrees. “The JM cooler uses about 110 watts of electricity, the same as a light bulb; a standard chilling system powered by an electrical motor would consume 3,000 watts,” he points out. Tariq developed the system over 18 months before he launched the cooler commercially in Bahrain. Following the response from companies and households here, he soon began supplying to the UAE, Oman, and Qatar. In Saudi Arabia, JMC coolers are being commercially manufactured in a joint venture with a local partner. “The idea was to combine the efficiency of an airconditioning system with the low power consumption of a fan. As believers of clean energy, we’ve also launched a solar powered cooler with a 10-year warranty. Even though it doesn’t make commercial sense in the GCC, I wanted to prove that it could be done,” he says.
When fully charged, the solar cooler works for three days. Tariq has installed a solar unit outside his office at the BDB-run business incubator in Hidd to demonstrate its capabilities. Manufacturing edge Since the cooling system market is largely seasonal, the 45-year-old also manufactures products such as steel wire hangers and iron nails at his Hidd workshop. So popular is the demand for his products that the cooling system now accounts for only half his revenue. “Bahrain could easily be a manufacturing base as it’s much more cost-effective to produce things here. After all, power is around 19 times cheaper compared to Asian countries,” he notes. But the average Bahraini mindset is not conducive to the growth of the sector, he thinks. “Young people like to work in clean, air-conditioned offices with easy working hours. But businesses cannot rely on imported merchandise forever. In order to support our economy, we have to broadening our manufacturing base,” he notes. The mechatronics engineer from AMA University finds it easy to build prototypes for machines once he has the dimensions and calculations in place. Next, he’s planning to build a factory lab for prototypes using a multipurpose robot that’ll work on wood, plastic, steel and aluminium. “Bahraini youngsters have good ideas, but they don’t know how to try them out or execute them. I’d like to help students and inventors in building mechanical projects,” he says. www.bahrainthismonth.com
spotlightthismonth JAGUAR LAND ROVER
Backseat Chat Privilege comes with respoansibility, especially if you are entrusted with a brand that has been built up over generations.
60 July 2014
www.bahrainthismonth.com
The Al Arayedh Group is a well-known family-owned business in the Kingdom. Joining George F Middleton this month, in the new Land Rover LR4, is the group’s chairman, Nasser Al Arayedh. Nasser talks about what it means to be an Al Arayedh family member today, the diversification of the business from pearl trading to real estate and tourism, and his roles in the operations of the Capital Governorate and representing the country’s business community abroad. George: In addition to the real estate investments, your company is also known to have established the first fresh dairy farm in Bahrain, and has today diversified into a number of different areas. What do you think is the reason for the success that the Al Arayedh Group has seen so far? Nasser: I think dedication, commitment, hard work of our forefathers and the generations that followed, has played a major role in building a business this strong. A great part of the responsibility and a driving force is the determination to maintain our position in future as well. George: Nasser, what are the advantages and disadvantages of working in a family business? Nasser: There are many advantages. Of course, the members of the family know each other so there’s a better understanding and communication. The disadvantages are sometimes the mixed interests of people; family interests are sometimes different from corporate ones. Also the open rather a closeness of the family business; sometimes the secrets of the business are kept among the members of the family and that can affect the management of the company. George: Nasser, could you tell us a little bit about your honorary role in the Capital Governorate? Nasser: I was privileged to be appointed by His Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa. The role of the [Capital Governorate] council is to solve the problems of the people in the capital. This is done by conducting
monthly meetings, sitting with the representatives of the ministries. And I can say we have done a considerable amount of work since its establishment to really improve the lives of the citizens in the area.
Nasser Al Arayedh with George F Middleton
George: In addition to that position you also are a co-founder and deputy chairperson of the Bahrain-Japan Friendship Association. Could you tell us more about what this organisation’s objectives are? Nasser: The main objective of this organisation is to strengthen the bilateral relations between Bahrain and Japan. Since its establishment in August 2008, the society has done so much in terms of events. This is reflected in the quarterly newsletter distributed in Bahrain and Japan. George: Obviously you have a number of responsibilities with so many commitments on a daily basis. What do you do to really chill-out or relax when you are not in the work mode? Nasser: Well, I do take part in a lot of activities, especially sports. I play squash and swim, but serving others is really close to my heart. When I see others are happy, I find a lot of satisfaction in that.
BLIPP THIS PAGE TO: WATCH BACKSEAT CHAT INTERVIEW WITH NASSER AL ARAYEDH EXPLORE THE LAND ROVER LR4 VIEW LAND ROVER LR4 IMAGE GALLERY CONTACT EURO MOTORS The Land Rover LR4 is available at Euro Motors, the official distributor for Jaguar Land Rover in Bahrain
www.bahrainthismonth.com
July 2014 61
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France in
france in bahrain
July 2014
A Special Supplement by Bahrain This Month
64 Forging Meaningful Ties French ambassador to the Kingdom, Christian Testot, speaks about the growing relationship between the two countries, from business to culture.
66 The French in Us Subtle yet chic, we do not have to look very far for a French influence in our lives, from the clothes we wear to the cuisine we eat or the education we receive.
68 Driving à la France Motoring brand such a Citröen and Peugeot are popular cars not only on our everyday roads but also on rally tracks around the world.
Commercial Index Alba................................................................................ 65 Alliance Française...................................................... 66 Intercol........................................................................... 73 Lycée Français de Bahrein........................................ 75 Roche Bobois............................................................... 69 Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa............ 71 Technal Middle East................................................... 67 Yateem Optician.......................................................... 77
www.bahrainthismonth.com
July 2014 63
france in bahrain
HE Christian Testot
Forging Meaningful Ties SIMI KAMBOJ A longstanding player on the cultural front, the recent years have seen France become a significant facilitator in the business and educational arenas in Bahrain.
64 July 2014
Celebrating Bastille Day in Bahrain, the 1,000-strong French community can take pride in the fact that relations between the two countries have blossomed over the past three years. Last November, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the sphere of economics, culture and education by establishing a bilateral committee to follow up the implementation of approved projects and foster political dialogue in all fields, including human rights. Bilateral trade is back at the usual levels after a record one billion Euros has been reached, courtesy the Airbus delivery to Gulf Air. Traditionally active in the energy, water, banking and insurance sectors as well as hospitality industry, French companies are keenly watching developments in the aluminium, transportation, waste water treatment and domestic waste management markets in the Kingdom. Last year, Aéroports de Paris International won the tender for the final study on the new terminal at Bahrain International Airport. French companies have shown interest in supplying equipment for the proposed terminal while others hope to participate in the power generation project at Alba’s sixth line. “With its excellent quality of life and well-qualified human resources, Bahrain remains a top business destination for France. However, we would like this relationship to work both ways. We’d like Bahraini businessmen to also look at France for investment,” says Ambassador Christian Testot. The French minister for industrial development was recently in Bahrain to meet trade representatives. On this occasion, he invited a business delegation representative of both public and private sectors to France in the near future.
A recent French investment in Bahrain is YMERIS, a joint venture with the Zayani Group to build and operate a plant in Bahrain. Air Liquide, in collaboration with Yateem Oxygen, has established a factory to produce carbon dioxide for soft drinks, and is primarily intended for export to the Saudi market. “We’re following developments in the transportation sector, with prominent French companies waiting to venture into Bahrain,” says the ambassador. Education push French educational expertise made its way into Bahrain with the launch of French Arabian Business School. The collaboration between ESSEC Business School of France and Arabian Gulf University offers one of the best MBA programs in the Gulf. As well, the University of Versailles has signed an agreement with the Arabian Gulf University to design the curriculum in courses on technology and medicine. The French School is in expansion mode and will accommodate around 800 students once the new infrastructure is in place. Over 6,000 children study French in public schools in Bahrain, while the number in private schools is closer to 15,000. The National School of Administration, a top institute that’s been a training ground for leading French politicians and civil servants, in partnership with the Aix-Marseille University, has linked with the Bahrain Institute for Public Administration for a Master of Public Management degree. “This master’s programme, which would become a double diploma with a local university, is intended to attract students from various Gulf countries,” the ambassador notes. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Backed by our dedicated workforce, commitment to operational performance and passion to excel, we have consistently surpassed our production records. Poised to grow, we will continue to deliver the highest value to our employees, customers, suppliers and shareholders globally. We are a plus-912,000 metric tonne aluminium producer, and we aim higher.
Since 1971, making Bahrain proud. albasmelter.com
france in bahrain
Adopting the French Culture Economical ties We are home to one of the leading aluminium smelters in the world, Aluminium Bahrain BSC (Alba). Recently a delegation accompanied by chief executive Tim Murray met the Consul General at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Paris, Jassim Mohamed Abbas Biljeek. This meeting highlighted the long-term trade relation that Alba shares with numerous French companies. Club d’Affairs Franco Bahrainien (FCB), commissioned by the Trade Commission of the French Embassy and local businessmen, is a nexus that facilitates business between the two countries. France’s Technal is a strong player in the Kingdom’s aluminium and building materials segment, and further strengthening this stand is its brand Luméal. Intercol is another establishment that distributes French brands across several segments that includes electronics, IT equipment, and other consumer products.
Lacoste
ELMA BARTHOLOMEW Even though we might not realise it, there’s a bit of France in our day-today life. From the café culture to our style quotient, Bahrain’s people have much in common with the French. Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind about France is its love for designs. This drive for being chic is consistent across the fashion industry as it is in home décor, architecture and automobiles that hail from the European nation. A closer look at Bahrain’s people and culture will reflect the lifestyle of the French. We’re both fond of art and the café scenes in both countries are almost identical. We take a closer look at the presence of France in Bahrain beyond the obvious.
Make a statement With Parisian styles, it is always about making a statement. The Parisian chic look is one that women around the world try to master. Thanks to iconic brands, such as Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Lacoste, made available in the Kingdom, French style is attainable for our fashion forward customers. Yateem Opticians is a leading retailer in the eye care industry in the region, having celebrated more than 100 years of success. Most of its triumph in the market can be traced back to its stocking up of French brands. The love for design spreads into the living space as well. Roche Bobois’ furniture is one such example. Visit the store in Seef for a glimpse of the clean and crisp designs, tailoring and upholstery for which France remains undisputed. Croissants and cheese If you’ve cooked for the French, you can cook for the world. It is said that the most intricate cooking techniques were invented in France. For those who appreciate the finesse of French cuisine, there are a number of dining venues across Bahrain to savour authentic flavours. Some of these include Camelot, Café Lilou, and PAUL’s Bakery and Restaurant. Aside from restaurants, our island is home to two French hospitality giants. Accor’s Novotel Al Dana Hotel & Resort offers a unique experience with villas by the beach. Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa is perfect for a weekend getaway, where you can enjoy a splendid holiday without having to leave the city. Understanding France Alliance Française of Manama is the leading centre in Bahrain for French language services and francophone resources. Their services include French language courses for children and adults, cultural activities, a state-of-the-art library and an outreach programme. The AF of Manama is the only testing centre in Bahrain to offer language certifications. Lycée Français de Bahreïn is an institute that offers top-grade French education. The school prepares its students for the French Baccalaureate, a diploma recognised worldwide for its excellence. The offered curriculum and exams conducted come under the Ministry of Education, France. With institutions like these you can learn and understand the French culture right here in Bahrain.
66 July 2014
www.bahrainthismonth.com
30+ years in the Gulf
and that’s only the start Present in the Gulf since 1978 and with its modern full-service regional centre in Kingdom of Bahrain since 2000, TECHNAL is more than ever committed and equipped to address the fast-growing potential of the region – over the next 30 years and beyond.
Architectural Aluminium Systems extreme performance extreme flexibility:
the sky’s the limit
TECHNAL MIDDLE EAST - P. O. Box: 21848, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain T: +973 1722 5777 - F: +973 1721 7799 - E: technal@technal.com.bh - W: www.technal-me.com
france in bahrain
2014 Dacia Renault Duster
Peugeot 308
Made in France Mostly known for their couture fashion, luxurious perfumes and some of the world’s most renowned bakeries, this European nation has played a major role in the advancement of the motoring industry.
The French automotive trade has been a pioneer in the field for many years. Currently among the top 10 largest manufacturers in the world, France is known for offering stunning comfort, excellent design and powerful performance. Citroën, a major French automobile manufacturer founded in 1919 by Andre Citroën, is available at Motorcity in the Kingdom. The brand earned a reputation for innovation and revolutionary engineering, which is reflected in the company’s slogan ‘Créative Technologie’.
Citroen C4 Cactus
68 July 2014
The New Citroën C4 Cactus offers a fresh philosophy for a constantly evolving world of motoring. The brand’s newest addition responds to the changing needs of today’s customers offering useful technology, striking design, fun customisation options and superior comfort at low running costs. Founded in 1899, Renault is one of the biggest French car brands worldwide. The company has a production of about 3.2 million vehicles and revenue of about 43 billion euros. The company sells its cars in over 110 countries through its wide network of dealers situated in various parts of the world, including YK Almoayyed and Sons in Bahrain. Renault produces a range of cars and vans, and in the past, trucks, tractors, tanks, buses and autorail vehicles. In 2011, Renault was the third biggest European automaker by production behind Volkswagen Group and PSA and the ninth biggest automaker in the world by production in 2011. Renault Duster, one of the brand’s most popular models, measures at 4.31m long and 1.82m wide. Its Megane gauge makes it easy to drive around town. The Duster has been designed to suit all types of roads across the world. Its reinforced chassis is suitable for off-road use thanks to its high ground clearance of 210mm, short overhangs and large offroad angles. Peugeot built its first steam powered car in 1889, producing a petrol powered car the following year. The Peugeot 308 was crowned with the prestigious title of 2014 Car of the Year, awarded by a jury of journalists representing 22 European countries. The achievement makes it the fourth model from the brand to be distinguished by this award. It comes after the 307 (2002), the 405 (1988) and the 504 (1969). Renault is available at Zayani Motors in Bahrain. Although it is defunct since 1963, Bugatti is worth mentioning as one of the most popular French car brands. Bugatti was a manufacturer of luxury and high performance sport cars and operated from 1909 to 1963. In 1998, it was bought by Volkswagen Group, continuing to produce excellent cars. But, the original Bugatti is famed for manufacturing some of the most exclusive and fastest French cars in the world. www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Sami Boukhalid & HE Shaikh Khalid bin Hamood Al Khalifa
Sofitel Bahrain Hosts French Media VIP Visit Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa played host to a key team of French media personalities and VIPs who visited Bahrain recently. The group included French actress Corinne Touzet, actress and producer Alexandra Vandernoot and famed photographer Valerio Truffa along with owner of the communication and marketing agency Lunacom Marc Guerin, who played a key role in the trips planning and organization and CÊcile de Menibus, French journalist and reporter for a number of French magazines and websites. A reception was held in the hotel’s Royal Suite where the French visitors had the opportunity to meet HE Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Tourism along with other distinguished guests. The event was also attended by HE Sameera Rajab, Minister of State for Information Affairs & HE Christian Testot, French Ambassador Some of the French personalities with HE Christian Testot, Zeina Testot & Sami Boukhalid, general manager of Sofitel Bahrain
HE Christian Testot & HE Sameera Rajab
HE Shaikh Khalid bin Hamood Al Khalifa with the personalities
Zeina & HE Christian Testot with Alexandra
Veronique & Moussa
David, Covi, HE Shaikh Khalid bin Hamood Al Khalifa, Saud & Mayka
Basel, Sovia & Tom
Charbel & Andre
Antonie, Christophe & Laurent
Alexia & Abdullatif
70 July 2014
Tareq & Abdul Nazer
Hatam & Laila
Khalifa & Mohammed
Cecile & Touaralt
Bader & Saud
Fadwa & Khalil
Odelo
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buffets with the ous Iftar and Ghabga Experience our sumptu Enjoy the tunes of . ion reg the oss acr from finest Arabic dishes r favourite world band or cheer for you our wonderful Arabic exclusive Jaguar the er ent to ility possib to win the cup team! Also, get the nce cha a lf rse you and give Ramadan raffle draw . ury Lux XF uar ul 2014 Jag exquisite and powerf nted giveaway prizes itors will also be gra Hotel guests and vis exclusive diamond an jewellery including courtesy of Kooheji rs. che vou set and BD300 gift
france in bahrain ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE
Building Bridges
This organisation helps foster relationships between people of all nationalities, ethnicities and races. Alliance Française (AF) is the largest network of French language and cultural centres in the world with over 1,000 chapters internationally. If that isn’t impressive enough, then the fact that over 136 countries have at least one city with an AF centre should be. In the Kingdom, the French presence is a strong one. The AF of Manama is a non-profit, educational, cultural association headed by a Franco-Bahraini committee. It is the leading centre in Bahrain for French language services and francophone resources. The goal is to enrich the lives of people living in Bahrain by offering the chance to connect with people of different backgrounds and cultures in order to better understand and appreciate the greater global community. Their services include French language courses for children and adults, cultural activities, a state-of-the-art library and an outreach. The AF of Manama is the only testing centre in Bahrain to offer language certifications. Its events held during the course of the year include cinema soirées, exhibitions, lectures, quizzes, French food tasting and concerts. Seasonal activities For this summer, the centre is going to offer a weekly summer camp for kids and intensive general French courses for beginners of all ages. The ‘Frenchtastic’ Summer Camp, which starts from July 6, is a wonderful way for your kids to have fun while meeting new friends and discovering a new language. Intensive courses for intermediate and advanced level will also be held this summer. Call 17 683-295.
bystander
Mona Almoayyed
Adel Fakhro & Mona Almoayyed
Mona Almoayyed Honoured HE Christian Testot, French Ambassador & Zeina Testot hosted a reception to honour Mona Almoayyed with the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur - the highest decoration of the French government, the French National Order of the Legion of Honour Mona Almoayyed & HE Christian Testot
Amal Almoayed, Sumer Fakhro & Abeer Almoayyed
72 July 2014
Zeina Testot & Mala Kumar
Adel Fakhro, Zeina Testot, Mona Almoayyed & HE Christian Testot
Nouf Almoayyed & Lubna Fakhro
Salwa & Layla Almoayyed
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Bringing families together, stronger than ever. The family is the most important unit in society. It is the foundation where values are formed, where traditions are treasured, and where love is cherished. Thus, bringing families together strengthens a nation, and drives it forward to its aims and ambitions. For over 50 years, Intercol has embodied this idea, and has brought families together through its multitude of brands that offer only the world’s best. Indeed, families deserve only the best. It is by this virtue that we continue to be a significant part of every household in the Kingdom. Intercol wishes a peaceful Ramadan to all the people in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
france in bahrain
ALUMINIUM BAHRAIN BSC (ALBA)
Solid Foundation This mega corporation not only put Bahrain on the international industrial manufacturing map, but also played an instrumental role in building the local community.
74 July 2014
One of the leading aluminium smelters in the world, Aluminium Bahrain BSC (Alba) is a symbol of Bahrain’s industrial strength. Listed on both the Bahrain Bourse and the London Stock Exchange, its current stakeholders are Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, SABIC Investment Company and around 10 per cent is owned by the general public. Alba is widely regarded as one of the top 10 performers on a global scale and is known for its high track record for safety, technological strength, innovative policies and strict environmental guidelines. Recently a delegation accompanied by chief executive Tim Murray met the Consul General at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Paris, Jassim Mohamed Abbas Biljeek. This meeting highlighted the long-term trade relationships that Alba shares with numerous French companies, as well as the excellent educational tie-ups it has with Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales Business School. “We, at Alba, have shared a long and successful working relationship with French businesses,” says Tim. “This was also an excellent opportunity to further strengthen the business ties that Alba has with various French companies and explore new business opportunities in the near future.” Alba was incorporated by charter in 1968 and officially commenced operations in 1971 with an output of 120,000 tonnes of metal per annum. Today, it produces more than 912,000 metric tonnes of the
high-grade aluminium per annum, with products including standard and T-ingots, extrusion billets, rolling slab, properzi ingots, and molten aluminium. Around 50 per cent of its output is supplied to Bahrain’s downstream aluminium industry, with the rest exported to regional and international customers in the Middle East, Europe, Far East, South East Asia, Africa, and North America. The Alba plant, which operates as per ISO 9001:2000 quality norms, comprises five reduction lines, cast houses, a dedicated carbon plant, a water desalination plant, a marine terminal and a 2,250 megawatt power plant, consisting of four power stations. Community builder Alba is a major contributor to the social, industrial and economic development of the Kingdom, employing around 3,000 people, out of which about 87 per cent are Bahrainis. The company supports numerous community-oriented programmes and social activities. This has cemented its status as one of Bahrain’s leading industrial organisations that remain committed towards upholding its corporate social responsibilities. The company has been awarded prestigious awards for its efforts, including the 1997 United Nations Environment Programme Award and the GCC award for Best Environmental Activities by an Industrial Establishment in 2001. Visit www.albasmelter.com. www.bahrainthismonth.com
france in bahrain LYCÉE FRANÇAIS
All-Round Learning
This institute offers top-grade French education and cultivates a vibrant atmosphere where pupils from all cultures can learn and grow. First established over 35 years ago to cater to the French speaking population in Bahrain, Lycée Français de Bahreïn is now open to students of all nationalities. Offering an enriching and all-round learning experience, the school prepares its students for the French Baccalaureate, a diploma recognised worldwide for its excellence. The school is part of a global network of 488 institutes, spread across 130 countries, providing quality education to over 320,000 students. Only 40 per cent of the students are French; 10 per cent are from the Gulf region and the rest come from expatriate communities like Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. The offered curriculum and exams conducted come under the Ministry of Education, France. Nonfrancophone pupils are given an opportunity to learn French with specialised teachers. “Our aim is not just to educate students, but build members of a diverse society for tomorrow where there is tolerance and appreciation for other cultures,” says Antoine Sagodira, gestionnaire, Lycée Français de Bahreïn. “Our objective is for students to be able to speak at least three languages once they reach the last year of the secondary education.” As part of their teaching philosophy, the students are taught about their culture and are encouraged to connect with the environment through field trips to museums, exhibitions and cultural and historic sites. Initially based in Manama, the school is now located in Busaiteen, close to the Institute of Technology. Call 17 323-770.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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france in bahrain TECHNAL MIDDLE EAST
In the Shade
In line with regional moves over recent years to construct sustainable and efficient buildings, this company reports increasing demand for its aluminium brise-soleil system.
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Technal Middle East (TME) offers a unique aluminium system as an ideal solution that provides solar protection, while enhancing aesthetics and optimising day-lighting. Sunéal brise-soleil are sunshades launched by the parent company, Technal France, which recently combined its various solar protection applications into one effective solution. This addresses the multiple needs of building envelopes and particularly of glazed façades. “Whether to provide sun protection or control solar heat gain or optimise on day-lighting, our Sunéal system provides an ideal solution particularly in glass-clad high-rise buildings,” says Hesham Kameshki, marketing and business development manager of Bahrain-based TME, the regional office of the international architectural aluminium systems provider. “The system gives designers and occupants all the comfort they could possibly want in both winter and summer. The natural light is diffused with neither heat nor solar radiation; the concept adds aesthetic value by transforming the façades to their best advantage.” The Sunéal brise-soleil, which combines attractive design with efficiency, can be integrated with Technal’s Géode curtain-walling and roof lights or used on an independent structure or framework. It allows designers the flexibility to customise the design and optimise comfort with a wide choice of solutions.
When integrated with the Géode curtain-wall, Sunéal covers the entire range from the simple grid façade to structural sealant glazing or beaded glazing solutions. Its fixed 215mm blades can be equipped with photovoltaic cells, all of which are adaptable to the curtain-wall. Sunéal can be installed on a totally independent structure with a wide choice of brise-soleil blades available, including single-piece or multi-part for installation between load-bearing structures and semi-elliptical blades. Also offered are special blades, including rectangular, large perforated blades and louvers. Sunéal also offers rotating mobile blades (motorised or manual) for optimum comfort. Here, the choice and orientation of a brise-soleil is determined by the sun’s path and position at all times. “With this option, one can enjoy the benefits of solar gains in winter and solar protection in summer, and finely control the natural lighting of interior rooms. As with all Technal systems, only the highest-quality materials and components are used for low maintenance and long-term performance,” says Kameshki. Half a century TME has been serving the region’s markets for more than 35 years. The French Technal brand, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, is a product of SAPA Building Systems, the world’s leading group in the building systems sector, dedicated to the creation of innovative and sustainable aluminium window, door and façade systems that inspire contemporary architecture. The company offers a wide range of solutions for all architectural aluminium applications — a range that is constantly being expanded to meet local needs and to create custom-designed systems and unique projects. Visit www.technal-me.com.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
france in bahrain YATEEM OPTICIAN
Quality Eye Care
A combination of using internationally acclaimed French designs and boasting a range of designer brands makes this optician one of the best in the region. Yateem Optician has been in the vision care industry for over a century. Spread across the Middle East with over 80 state-of-the-art showrooms, the company caters to a diverse clientele. Experienced optometrists, availability of quality ophthalmic lenses and a plethora of international eyewear brands make them one of the most preferred optical outlets in the region. Established in 1910 as the first vision care specialist in the region, the company was headed by the late Ali Ahmed Yateem. Now led by his son Abdullah Ali Yateem, the optician operates on a philosophy of serving the community and with a sincere devotion to the trade. Reputed for its reliability, the Yateem name is synonymous with quality eye care in Bahrain and the GCC region. This is largely thanks to their use of French design firms for many of their frames. The company boasts automated surfacing laboratories, operating in collaboration with international leaders in the optical lens industry. These ensure that the products delivered to customers are on par with international standards and meeting customer expectations. Highly qualified and experienced optometrists and contact lens specialists are on hand in every showroom to provide customers with care and advice. Yateem Optician showcases a wide range of elite designer frames and sunglasses from internationally renowned brands such as Mont Blanc, Cartier, Versace, Bulgari, Burberry, Dior and Chanel. Recently, the outlet was awarded the exclusive dealership for Maybach luxury eyewear. Yateem Optician recently received a trophy for excellent customer relationship and services rendered in the sector from the Road Transport Authority, Dubai. Call 17 253-397.
ACCESSORIES - EYEWEAR - LEATHER GOODS - SADDLERY MAYBACH Icons of Luxury GmbH | Germany | info@maybach-luxury.com | www.maybach-luxury.com „Maybach“ and the „MM“ logo are subject to intellectual property protection owned by Daimler AG. They are used by MAYBACH Icons of Luxury GmbH under licence.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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france in bahrain Blogger modular sofa
Cherche midi bed
The body is made of solid wood, plywood and particle board; an XL elastic strap is used for suspension. The piece is available in other dimensions as well. You can choose from a straight sofa, an armchair and an ottoman. ROCHE BOBOIS
Chic Living With designs that exemplify contemporary chic, this French furniture company entices customers with its extensive range of luxury fixtures for the home.
Floorian large armchair
Roche Bobois furniture is not just about artistic designs and top-grade material. Above all, they carry a unique character, inspired by multiple personalities, the ingenuity of the creators who designed them and your personal touch of creativity. From a Bohemian vibe to classic elegance, the designs suit a variety of tastes and ambience. Here are some of the brand’s iconic pieces. Blogger modular sofa This firmly held design fits the contemporary urban environment. Its minimalist shape and single-coloured finish make it equally flexible for a small city apartment or a spacious hall. Upholstered in mélopée fabric, it is perfect for all seasons and easy to maintain. Its Monobloc-padded seat and back are shaped using HR foam, which keeps it light yet sturdy.
Cherche midi bed Designed by Eric Gizard for the Les Contemporains collection, this bed beautifully delivers both luxury and comfort. The headboard with the quilted motif is available with or without the bed frame or the bedside table. Available in a variety of standard sizes and mattresses, it makes a cushy corner to rest in and fills your room with style. The solid wood and poplar plywood structure is upholstered in sweet leather with corrected grain and a pigmented finish. Grand Hotel rectangular dining table A result of reinventing period-style decadence, this dining table blends the finest quality natural materials and traditional techniques. Designers Pierre Dubois and Aime Cecil ingeniously craft a delicately modern shape that is indeed timeless. The table has axe coating on slatted wood with a solid ash base and silver fitted brass feet. Dubois chest of drawers Containing the charm of the Nouveaux Classiques collection, this chest of drawers comes in solid linden with aged colour patina. The assembly is traditional with a waxed shellac finish displaying a hand-crafted antique sheen. Floorian large armchair The classic shape of this armchair is fittingly paired with a luxurious fabric by Jean Paul Gaultier. This Louis XVI-style medallion piece comes with the structure of solid beech, with tenon and mortise assembly. The double piping running along the shape comes with a hand-waxed, Heurtaut antique gloss.
Dubois chest of drawers
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Grand Hotel rectangular dining table
Call 17 582-901. www.bahrainthismonth.com
france in bahrain ASIA JEWELLERS
Shadow and Sparkle The iconic petals of this jewellery line perform a delightful duet of light and shadow in its latest collection.
The piercing brilliance of some of the finest quality diamonds meets the raw charisma of onyx in Van Cleef & Arpel’s Cosmos collection. This play of light and shadow is classic and elegant and complements any look. Like an amulet, the designs of this collection blend naturally with the jewellery house’s emblematic lucky motif — the Alhambra. Cosmos onyx creations are like graceful talismans. Their delicate corollas blossom against the neckline, the wrist or the hand. The Cosmos between-thefinger ring displays its signature petals, illustrating the delicate creativity that Van Cleef & Arpels is known for. Adding an ultimate touch of refinement to the dark stone creation, a diamond petal glitters in the sun. Cosmos pieces in onyx beautifully match the playful charms or the elegant Alhambra talisman timepieces in white gold.
Dark beauty Considered to be a part of Venus’ body, onyx has been a much sought-after material since ancient times. Mainly found in Brazil, it has a remarkable deep black colour and an extremely polished surface, which shines like a mirror. The onyx used for the Cosmos collection has been chosen for its special brilliance. The deep lustre of this material is accentuated by the brilliance of diamonds. Considered to be a girl’s best friend, they stand for eternity and brighten your fingers, wrist, neckline and ears. The word ‘diamond’, which comes from the Greek word ‘adamas’, means invincible. A crystal of pure carbon, its hardness, transparency and sparkle have fascinated mankind across civilisations throughout history. Whether as a symbol of heroism, a talisman to fend off danger or as a harbinger of long life, this precious stone has often been associated with protection, purity and immortality. Van Cleef & Arpel selects its diamonds as per the strictest criteria, only using certified stones with D, E or F colour and IF, VVS1 or VVS2 clarity. They give the creations their exceptional brilliance. Call 17 131-122. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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bystander
The Chuckle Club
HE Dr Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador, Mala, Doris & Panos
Sean
The last show before the summer break, the stand-up comedy Chuckle Club organised by Punchline Media was held at the InterContinental Regency featuring stand-up comedians, Nish Kumar, Henry Paker & Liam Williams Nish Kumar Rehman, Zainab & Imran
Fatima, Noor, Salman, Abdulla, Nasser & Bader
Ruth, Lizzie & Malcolm
Magnolia & friends
Nicki & Steve
Giyi & Adrian
Megan
DJs From Mars At Ibrida Djs from Mars, an Italian DJ and production team, composed of Max Aqualuce and Luca Ventafunk rocked the house at Ibrida, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa in Seef district DJs from Mars
Ahmed, Jean, Jamal, Joe, Shakul, Catherine & Marivic
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Ameena, Yasmeen, Mo & Faisal
Ghyy & Rez
Fatima, Roberta, Sara & Svenja
Kathleen & Abdul-Jabbar
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bystander
Rosita, Sanjida & Sukma
Farewell Lunches Two lunches were held to bid farewell to a number of long term residents of Bahrain prior to their departure from the kingdom. The first lunch was held at a residence in Tubli and the second at Casa Mexicana Sukma, Sanjida, Rosita, Anne, Karina, Assy, Sameera & Rowena
Karina, Mehdi, Anne, Sanjida & Emma
Karina & Sameera
Hans, Rowena & Preeti
Ingrid & George
Mostly Business A montage of pictures from the corporate world in the kingdom and occasionally the not-so corporate world Maki Restaurant held a dinner to mark the launch the restaurant's new contemporary Asian dishes. Seen here are, Joe Hajjali, Amer Zeitoun, HE Ahmed Shahizan, Malaysian Ambassador, HE Joonha Yu, Korean Ambassador, Ibrahim Assaf, Lebanese Embassy Charge d’Affaires, HE Li Chen, Chinese Ambassador, HE Dr Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador, HE Sahid S. Glang, Philippines Ambassador & HE Vichai Virasirikul, Thai Ambassador
The K Hotel was awarded for excellence in Guest Review and Top Ranking among the 4 stars and 5 stars hotels in Bahrain by Booking. com. Seen here, Booking.com manager Mr Ahmed presenting the award to Volker Mandlowsky, general manager of the K Hotel, in the presence of Hussain Al Samahiji, director of sales & marketing left, & Mohammed Al Masri, manager reservations, right
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21st Century Consulting (21CC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB) to undertake specific collaborative projects that enhance research-based consultancy and human capital development in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Seen here at the signing ceremony held at the BAB offices in Mahooz are, Robert Ainey, Mohammad Omar Farooq, George Middleton, Abdulla Wallace, Namasiku Liandu & Moyez Kassam
The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) & AJM Kooheji, held a press conference to announce LG as the new partner of BIC. Seen here at the event that was held at the BIC Oasis Complex are, Sanjeev Awasthi, home appliances business division chief operating officer, Mohammed Kooheji, AJM Kooheji Group director, Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, BIC chief executive & Rohit Raina, AJM Kooheji chief executive
A. A. Bin Hindi Group Marketing Manager Mahasum Shah Shah has been awarded with the honorable title by KIA as “Global Brand Master” after passing an extensive training and evaluation in Malaysia. Seen here are, Mohammed bin Hindi, Mahasum Shah & Ahmed bin Hindi
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Cristina & Zahi
Vineeta & Grace
Golden Tulip Reception The sales team from Golden Tulip's sister hotel the Golden Tulip Al Barsha Hotel, Dubai held a sales blitz in the kingdom which was followed by a cocktail reception at the Gilgamesh Ballroom Victoria, Abdul Rahim, Tanvi & Abbas
Nargis, Rawan, Lubna, Jasmin & Antonela
Hassan, Fares, Tarek, Janefer, Abdul Rahim, Abbas, George, Zahi, Cristina, Jasmin, Tess, Antonela, Tanvi & Victoria
Mary, Hannah, Emma & Becci
David & Mahi
Loni & Susie
Coral Bay Hosts Candee Beach Party Candee Beach's 4th anniversary celebrations was held at Coral Bay with DJ Joshua Roberts rocking the house Ryan, Bobby, Andreas & Ellie DJ Laura & Karelle
Joe
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Brad
David & Justin with Chelsea & Patrice
Arlyn, Andy, Kristine, Allison & Shine
Xavier & Robert
Hussain
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
YK Almoayyed & Sons Ramadan Campaign Launch
Rohit
Lenin & Redha
YK Almoayyed & Sons held an event to mark the launch of the group's Ramadan promotional campaign for its automotive brands such as Infiniti, Nissan & Renault. The event was held at the Nissan Showroom in Sitra
Paul, Ranjith & Peter
Ahmed, Anas, Paul, Essam & Mo
Charlie
Yogesh
Dina
Marise & Bambi
BABY * KIDS
176 402 62 madreandpadre
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www.bahrainthismonth.com
Dileep & Danish
DJ Avi & Renzo
Havoline Motor Oil Campaign Launch Chevron Bahrain held an event to mark the launch of a new Havoline campaign, in conjunction with the first-ever regional Havoline promotion in the Gulf and Middle East region. The promotion gives customers buying any of the Havoline 4-litres products - Havoline Fully Synthetic SAE 5W-40, Havoline Eco 5 SAE 5W-30 and Havoline Formula SAE 10W-40 - will get a free Havoline soccer ball. The event was held at the Elite Resort & Spa, Muharraq Prasanna Kumar, Adriaan, Saleem Kooheji, Majeed Shafea, Mehdi & Abhishek
Dileep, Adriaan, Kaizad, Vineeth Mathur, Marcelle, Majeed Shafea, Sanjay & Fawaz
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Saleem Kooheji & Marcelle
Vineet Mathur
Sanjay, Kaizad & Zainab
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bystander
Lalit, Katherine, Assy & Navneet
Puneet & Neeta Singh Barbecue Puneet & Neeta Singh hosted a barbecue for a number of their friends at their residence in Saar last month Puneet & Neeta Singh
Joe, Anne, Assy & HE Iain Lindsay, British Ambassador Neeta, Sabina & Puneet Singh
Lalit & Neeta
Lalit, Navneet, Joe, HE Iain Lindsay & Stan
Meenakshi & George
Bridget
Dhaweya, HE Sabine Taufmann, German Ambassador, Sharifa, HE Hatun Demirer, Turkish Ambassador & Jeannie Dawani
Sadiq Dawani Dinner Party Sadiq Dawani hosted a dinner party for a number of friends at Meisei Restaurant in Adliya HE Christian Testot, French Ambassador, Zeina Testot & Sadiq Dawani Habib Kassim & Sadiq Dawani
HE Abdulla Juma, Dr Abul Qassim Shirazi & Khalil Shakib
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Gernot Taufmann & Samir Dawani
Mona Almoayyed, Dhaweya, Sharifa & Mary
Adel Fakhro & Gernot
Assy & Anne
www.bahrainthismonth.com
lifestyle
this month
Euro Motors, the exclusive dealer and distributor of Jaguar cars in Bahrain, has unveiled the automotive brand’s most dynamically capable, performance-focused, production vehicle. Immediately recognisable as a Jaguar, the F-Type Coupé was built on the design of the stunning C-X16 concept sports car and the F-Type convertible, which won the 2013 World Car Design of the Year Award. The model line-up is headlined by the F-Type R Coupé with its V8, supercharged engine enabling acceleration from zero to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 300km/h. The coupé combines pulse-quickening performance, instant response and precise, agile handling, with the convenience of up to 407 litres of boot space. The vehicle’s launch in Bahrain follows a jump in Jaguar sales recorded for Euro Motors, reflecting the high demand for luxury, performance vehicles witnessed across the entire MENA region. “With the F-Type Coupé, Jaguar has exceeded its extremely high standards for sports cars. Powerful yet inherently agile, the model adds another dimension to the automotive market in www.bahrainthismonth.com
Bahrain and the industry as a whole. Its dynamic capabilities serve to complement its aesthetic design to perfection,” says Anthony Raymond, general manager of Jaguar Land Rover at Euro Motors. “The brand has created a car that pushes the boundaries of one’s imagination and inspires innovation. A treat for the eyes, the F-Type Coupé is both engineered and designed to make you feel alive.” The F-Type features a variety of rich colour combinations for the body and cockpit as well as the option of a panoramic glass roof. Key features are the performance braking system with silver callipers, sports suspension and the centre-mounted, twin exhaust pipes. The model boasts 18-inch vela silver wheels and sports seats with leather and suede cloth facings. The three-spoke leather steering wheel with black gear shift paddles is another element of luxury. “Complementing the award-winning F-Type Convertible model line-up, the coupé is built to be engaging, precise, intuitive and alive,” says Bruce Robertson, Jaguar Land Rover managing director for the MENA region.
Supermarkets, p103
A pure sports car, this vehicle’s powerful, efficient engine is set to deliver sheer exhilaration to the Kingdom’s motoring enthusiasts.
Deals on Wheels, p95
Downtime Gadgets, p108
Breathtaking Power
Motoring, p90
Dining, p117
The Jaguar F-Type Coupé will be available exclusively at the Euro Motors showroom in Sitra with prices starting from BD30,000. July 2014 89
motoring
California Dreaming Charlie Holding Despite the revamp both inside and out, the California T is every inch the Italian stallion that drivers have come to expect from Ferrari.
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What better place for a ‘Prancing Horse’ to gallop than the Italian countryside? Thanks to its long, winding roads nestled between majestic mountains and vast rolling greenery, Bologna proved an ideal setting to put the Ferrari California T through its paces. If you’re wondering what the T stands for, it’s turbo (because of the new twin turbo-charged V8 engine), and that little letter makes a world of difference to this model. Turbos are designed to make cars more efficient, offer better fuel economy and lower emissions. Now, some enthusiasts may be concerned that this addition will affect the character of the California. Rest assured, it doesn’t! Never judge a book by its cover, so the saying goes, but it’s hard not to make assumptions about this model on first glance because it screams racy sophistication. Its sleek and seductive curves and contours are a work of art, putting this model on par with any famous Italian masterpiece. Both chassis and bodyshell are made entirely from aluminium. This is a lightweight solution with high rigidity; a particularly important factor for a drop-top car, making for better performance and safety. Inside is just as impressive. The well-designed, spacious cabin boasts fine finishes and a new infotainment system with a 6.5-inch display and a choice
of both button and touchscreen controls. While looks are definitely important, the real ‘wow factor’ is the performance and this model does not disappoint. Bologna is famous for its medieval towers, antique buildings and churches, all of which are scattered amidst perilously winding roads. This proved to be a fantastic test for the handling on this model as hairpin turns were met with confidence and conviction, even at speed. Thanks to the model’s low centre of gravity, it held the road like glue, which is handy when you’re putting the turbo to the test. The direct-injection V8 can reach a top speed of 316 km/h and the dash from 0-100 km/h is a feat that has to be experienced to be truly believed. It makes the run in just 3.6 seconds, leaving you just enough time to scream “Mamma mia!” It is also more fuel-efficient by 15 per cent compared to the previous California and has 49 per cent more torque in 7th gear. Thankfully, the brakes are just as impressive as the engine. The gear changes were swift and dynamic when cruising in automatic but the real thrill of the ride came from driving in manual and using the paddle shifters to fully utilise the marque’s racing heritage. www.bahrainthismonth.com
This model was designed to bridge the gap between an open-top grand tourer and all-out sports car and it manages it with aplomb. There is an added sense of duality to the new model thanks to the retractable roof, which can be adjusted in 14 seconds. With the top down, the engine note can be heard clearer and it is simply spectacular, music to any Ferrari aficionado’s ears. Since this was designed to be an everyday car there are a range of driving modes you can choose via a switch on the steering wheel. There is the self-explanatory comfort mode, a sport mode which holds the revs higher for longer and sharpens the throttle response, and then there is an option to turn off the stability control. The boys from Maranello may have just outdone themselves this time. They’ve managed to design a model that combines classic Ferrari engine qualities, an exhilarating sound and all the advantages of turbo technology. Euro Motors is the official distributor for Ferrari in the Kingdom. In my opinion, the T stands for terrific! i Call 17 750-750.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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motoring
AHMED ZAYANI AND SONS
Iconic Power A rejuvenation of a consumer favourite is set to create a new standard in the mid-size SUV segment. We take a closer
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The latest generation of the Jeep Cherokee mid-size SUV is a key model in expanding the success of the Jeep brand in the Middle East. Available in sport, longitude, limited and trail hawk trim levels, the model offers a choice of two power trains — the new 3.2-litre V6 Pentastar and 2.4-litre MultiAir Tigershark engines. Building on the successful, original Jeep formula, this model boasts an all-new frame, exterior and interior design in addition to new engine, safety and convenience features. It delivers class-leading capability, interior space, comfort, refinement and power plus state-of-theart technology. “The all-new Jeep Cherokee offers customers the unique combination of superior on-road ride and handling, new levels of efficiency, entertainment and comfort along with five-star safety features that project the Jeep brand into the future,” says Ryadh Al Zayani, automotive director of Ahmed Zayani & Sons. “Jeep Cherokee boasts a new contemporary design, nine-speed automatic transmission and two advanced engines, class-leading capability from three innovative 4x4 systems, more than 70 safety features, and a host of new segment-exclusive technology features.” The launch of the Cherokee was celebrated across the Middle East with a special road show that gave consumers the opportunity to take a close-up look at the Cherokee as well as its stable mates from the Jeep
range. The model has an updated range of headlights and revised front grilles that gives it a whole new appeal. A revised bumper with LED lights and a modified tail gate makes the SUV capable enough to run in all extreme road conditions. New safety and security features include automated lane shifting, anti-braking systems, cruise control, parking assistance and front and rear cameras. New features The vehicle’s Parksense parallel/perpendicular park assist feature, a first in a Chrysler group vehicle, uses ultrasonic parking sensors on the bumper to guide the driver into an available parking space when parking manoeuvres are initiated. The system does the steering automatically — the driver just controls the gear position and brakes. The Trailhawk model exemplifies Jeep 4x4 capability with a distinctive, aggressive look, backed up by Jeep Trail Rated hardware, for the most capable Jeep Cherokee model and the most capable mid-size SUV in the segment. The Jeep brand line-up available in the Middle East comprises the Compass, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited — the widest range of models available at any time in Jeep’s long, legendary history. i Call 17 238-822. www.bahrainthismonth.com
AL HADDAD MOTORS
A New Standard
With its striking design and unprecedented technology, this model is set to raise the bar in the premium medium-size car category.
The 2015 C-Class heralds a new chapter in the MercedesBenz success story. In terms of appearance, the model adopts a progressive approach with its clear design and high-class interior. Many innovations and equipment underscore the saloon’s comfortable and sporty features. A host of assistance systems offers safety of the highest standard, while an optional air-sprung suspension provides for exemplary driving comfort as well as agile handling. Thanks to an intelligent light-weight design concept boasting weight savings of up to 100 kilograms, excellent aerodynamics and economical engines, the C-Class establishes a new efficiency benchmark in its segment. “In all, the appeal of the new C-Class feels like an upgrade to a higher class of vehicle,” says Graeme Newport, the general manager of Al Haddad Motors. “It offers a sensuous design, technical innovations, and a comprehensive scope of standard equipment, exemplary emissions and fuel consumption figures.” The C-Class has taken account of people’s increasing average height. With an 80mm increase in the wheelbase compared to the previous model, the vehicle is 95mm longer and 40mm wider. The result is a more spacious interior. At 480 litres, it surpasses its predecessor in terms of boot capacity. Purist forms On a visual level, the new C-Class represents a bold departure from its predecessor. Modern aesthetics were the source of inspiration for the saloon’s lines and surfaces. The designers have created minimalist forms
www.bahrainthismonth.com
for the C-Class, which emphasise its intelligent technology and engineering. The clearly defined surfaces display a degree of tension, lending them a modern character. Precise lines and sculptural surfaces create progressive light and shadow effects. A long bonnet, a passenger compartment set well back and short overhangs define the C-Class’ classic, well-balanced Mercedes-Benz saloon proportions. Fine details Mercedes-Benz designers have styled the interior on a level which is rarely encountered in its category. This applies to the carefully chosen high-class materials, their pleasant touch and feel, and the precision in the finely crafted details. “The driver and front passenger enjoy the comfort of space and luxury in an unobtrusive, modern style. Settling into your seat in the C-Class is akin to the uplifting feeling of being upgraded from economy to business class on an airliner,” Graeme adds. i Call 17 785-454. July 2014 93
• 5 Years/100,000 kms Maintenace Service • 5 Years Roadside Assistance • 5 Years Home to Home Service
• Lifetime Warranty • 5 Years Service Courtesy Car • Lifetime Dedicated Service Advisor • Buy Back Value Guarantee
Experience the innovative safety technology, striking design and inspired craftsmanship of the All-New 2015 Hyundai Genesis.
Luxury driven by performance.
www.1stmmtors.com
17 121 121
motoringdealsonwheels
Up for Grabs As you prepare for a month of fasting and austerity, don’t miss out on some unbelievable motoring deals. BTM rounds up some of the best offers in town.
The Holy Month of Ramadan is a time for reflection, giving back to the community and — amazing automotive deals. The island’s best dealerships pull out some of their most generous offers yet to make buying your dream car that much easier. It may be a hassle to find yourself just the right package though, read on to find the perfect fit.
Ahmed Zayani and Sons Ahmed Zayani and Sons are the renowned dealers of Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Skoda and the prestigious Bentley motors. This year sees the dealership’s most lavish Ramadan offers. Customers can buy a Dodge and win a Charger — yes you heard us! You can also benefit from five years’ warranty, five years’ service and up to BD1,000 cash back. i Call 17 238-822. Al Haddad Motors A pick for Bahrain’s elite, Al Haddad Motors are the sole distributors of the luxurious Mercedes Benz. You can take advantage of the great deals on offer with free three or five years’ service packages, free 4G iPad Air with 12 months prepaid subscription, deferred payments of 90 days and lowest finance rate from 2.1 per cent. i Call 17 785-454. www.bahrainthismonth.com
BMW 3 Series
Almoayyed Motors Almoayyed Motors is the authorised dealer of Ford vehicles in Bahrain since 1982 and through the years became one of the best Ford dealerships worldwide — backed up by a number of prestigious awards. Their exciting Ramadan offers include unbeatable prices on selected premium Ford vehicles and a host of attractive prizes that include the dealership’s popular Spin & Win campaign. i Call 17 737-373.
Behbehani Brothers Behbehani Brothers offers drivers in Bahrain a choice of Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge. This Ramadan, Volkswagen has come up with unforgettable deals on a variety of cars. The spirit of giving doesn’t stop there as packages include threeyear/45,000km free service, three-year roadside assistance and five-year extended warranty. American car enthusiasts can save up to BD2,222 when purchasing a Dodge Challenger, Charger or Durango, Chrysler 300 or the Ram 1500 thanks to the Ramadan special packages. i Call 17 459-977. July 2014 95
motoringdealsonwheels First Motors First Motors is the Kingdom’s Hyundai dealers, offering drivers a chance to get value for money purchases. This month offers up luxury car enthusiasts the opportunity to own the all-new 2015 Hyundai Genesis. Starting at BD16,790, the package includes five-year/100,000km maintenance service, lifestyle warranty. i Call 17 121-121. Mohammed Jalal & Sons Suzuki owners and those in the market for a new model are in for a treat this month. A special service campaign is offered on all Suzuki models that includes 20 per cent off on service, on parts and on labour as well as a free wash and gift for every customer. i Call 17 232-884 or 17 250-808.
Volkswagen Passat
Motor City With this dealership’s Ramadan offer, you can walk in their showroom for a chance to win USD10,000 worth of gold. With every purchase, customers can get up to BD1,000 cash back, a three-year/60,000km service contract or a ‘no down payment’ deal. i Call 17 736-222.
Ebrahim K Kanoo One of the oldest vehicle distributors in the Kingdom, Ebrahim K Kanoo was established in 1952 with the widely popular Toyota and Lexus cars under its belt. The exceptional Ramadan offers amazing rates on all Toyota Models, including free one-year/20,000km service contract and 25 per cent discount on Llumar and Ziebart services. i Call 17 730-730. Euro Motors Euro Motors features brands such as MINI, Land Rover, Rolls Royce, Ferrari and Maserati under its impressive banner. This month, the dealership has a handful of gifts in store for its customers. Not only are they offering amazing prices for premium cars, but consumers are offered a host of perks. If you buy a car during Ramadan, you get free five years’ extended warranty, one-year insurance and one-year registration. i Call 17 750-750.
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Ford Focus
National Motors Those in the market for big SUVs are in luck as amazing GMC offers are back for the Holy Month. Prices for Yukon starts at BD187, Sierra starts at BD166, Acadia starts at BD178 and Terrain starts at BD149. In addition to special rates, customers can enter a draw to win a car and will receive a gift with every purchase. i Call 17 457-211. YK Almoayyed and Sons Nissan, Infiniti and Lincoln are the prestigious automakers under the Y K Almoayyed name. This Ramadan, a stylish new Infiniti G25 is within your reach thanks to the dealership’s great offers. Starting from BD10,995, if you make a purchase this month you can get a special interest rate of 2.25 per cent and service packages as low as BD205. The Renault Duster will be up for grabs this month at an amazing price, which includes a three-year or 60,000km free service, two-year extended warranty, one-year free insurance and free registration fees. i Call 17 732-732. www.bahrainthismonth.com
motoring
YK ALMOAYYED & SONS
Matchless Offers This automotive group makes headlines with its fantastic offers on leading automobile brands. Check out what is on offer, especially during Ramadan.
YK Almoayyed & Sons launches its annual Ramadan promotions, offering fantastic on-road prices and valueadded benefits across Infiniti, Nissan and Renault models. Over the past years, the group’s Ramadan promotion has been a crowd-puller in the market and, thanks to the extravagant offers, this year’s promotion is better than ever. “Thanks to the amazing deals we offer across our brands and models, the campaign has been the most sought-after automotive promotion in the market every Ramadan. This year, we made it better with unbeatable offers. In addition to the best on-road prices, customers can enjoy a range of value-added offers, such as free service, insurance, registration, rust proofing and gift vouchers depending on the brand and model,” says Paul Baker, general manager of YK Almoayyed & Sons. Unbelievable prices During the Holy Month, the ever-popular Nissan Altima S model comes at a starting price of BD6,995. The stylishly innovative Nissan Tida and the new Sentra S are available for BD5,995. Prices for crossover models are equally attractive with the Qashqai starting from BD7,595, the Juke from BD6,995 and the refined Murano for BD11,995. “We brought back the popular Spin & Win wheel that offers the opportunity to win cash discounts on the spot.
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Moreover, attractive deals are available to those who want to trade in their existing car for a brand-new Nissan,” Paul explains. For those seeking to upgrade their drive with peerless luxury and intuitive technologies, there has never been a better time to enjoy the iconic Infiniti experience. This Ramadan, Infiniti is available at unbeatable starting prices across its line-up in Bahrain. The prices start from BD10,995 for the G25, BD14,495 for the M37, BD15,995 for the Q50, BD17,495 for the QX60 and QX70, and the top-end Infiniti QX80 starts from BD26,495. The highlight of Renault’s Ramadan offer is an amazing total peace-of-mind package. It includes three years or 60,000km free service, two-year extended warranty, oneyear free insurance and one-year free registration fees. In addition, Renault cars are priced to sell like hot cakes with the bestselling Duster starting from an incredible BD4,995. Adding to the joy of Renault buyers, the company guarantees the best trade-in price if the customer wants to trade in their car within three years or 60,000km. This month, the Nissan and Infiniti showroom will be open from 9am to 1pm and 7.30pm to 11.30pm, from Saturday to Thursday. On Fridays, the showroom will be open from 7.30pm to 11.30pm. i Call 17 732-732. www.bahrainthismonth.com
ALMOAYYED MOTORS
The Ford Life This Ramadan campaign offers competitive prices on a selected range of car models, along with weekly prizes and attractive financial schemes.
Almoayyed Motors’ latest campaign is dedicated to giving its customers amazing opportunities to win prizes and to experience the joy of owning a Ford. They offer ‘no down payment’ deals and easy finance schemes. With these great deals, customers can feel the benefits of Ford according to their style preference and budget. The dealership brings back the popular Spin & Win Wheel, which features some attractive service packages. Two weekly raffle draws will be held — USD500 for anyone who visits the showroom and USD2,000 for those who purchase a Ford. Customers can also win City Centre Bahrain gift vouchers worth up to BD600. “Most exciting of all is our Ford Crystal Maze that offers more discounts. Upon buying a Ford, the buyer enters a glass room where they get to grab vouchers as fast as they can. The discount is calculated by adding up all vouchers that the buyer grabs inside the crystal maze,” says Sandeep Mathur, general manager at Almoayyed Motors. It’s a steal! Next month, Ford offers discounts on their range of sedans, SUVs and trucks — from the practical Figo for just BD 4,695 to the bold Mustang which starts from BD15,995. The Figo makes a big first impression and is packed with Ford’s standard features, providing a smooth and quiet drive. The 2.5-litre Fusion is modern and boasts an enhanced
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suspension engine. The sedan is equipped with the latest innovations, including Ford’s MyKey and SYNC systems, and starts from BD7,995. Ford Focus is a popular choice that comes with state-of-the-art performance technologies, like the MyFord Touch and push-button-start advancements. With solid interiors and detailed French seams, it starts from just BD5,995. The Taurus comes with a V6, 288hp engine, six-speed SelectShift Automatic Gearbox and MyFord Touch. With a starting price of BD10,395 and a newly accentuated hood design, it is Ford’s fierce sedan. For motor sport fans, the Mustang presents a bold and powerful look that matches the capabilities of its 3.7-litre V6 engine. It features the latest technological advancements, including Ford’s signature SYNC and electronic power-assisted steering. For SUV enthusiasts, the Edge offers unique style and a V6, 3.5-litre, 286hp engine. Also available with SYNC and MyFord Touch, the Edge provides drivers with advanced technology at their fingertips. The price starts from BD11,695. In celebration of the World Cup 2014, Almoayyed Motors welcomes all football enthusiasts to their showroom, where they screen the games live on a giant screen. i Call 17 737-373. July 2014 99
motoring EURO MOTORS
Designed for Driving Pleasure
This German automotive brand has released its first-ever compact executive coupé with four doors. Our first impression — impressed!
Euro Motors has welcomed the all-new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, the third model to join the new BMW 4 Series product range. It makes an immediate impression and combines the sleek look of a two-door coupé with the functionality provided by four doors. At a glance, the typical BMW short overhangs, long bonnet and set-back passenger compartment complement the design of the car to express perfect balance combined with a bold presence. Xenon headlights are standard, while adaptive LED twin headlights are optional. They team up with the slightly forward-slanting BMW kidney grille and twin circular headlights. Customers who want the utmost in exclusivity and aesthetics can select additional options from the BMW Individual Collection. The range includes fine leathers for the interior, exclusive wood trims, special door-sill finishes and unique exterior colours. And to make a statement, the M Sport package is available with special body elements, exterior colours, light-alloy wheels, and interior variants in cloth and leather options. In the driver’s seat The new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé has a unique combination of intelligent driver assistance systems available under BMW ConnectedDrive. These include the latest BMW professional multimedia navigation system, head-up display, driving assistant, active cruise control with stop-and-go, lane change warning system, glarefree high-beam assistant, park assist and dynamic safety. Collectively, these help to keep the driver more alert,
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reducing the possibility of accidents and minimising the consequences should one occur. The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé is available with three powerful engine variants: 435i, 428i and 420i. The highend 435i three-litre, six-cylinder engine delivers 306hp. The 428i and 420i both come with a two-litre, four-cylinder engine, delivering 245hp and 184hp respectively. The extremely stiff body and advanced chassis technology ensure that the coupé provides sporty performance while offering added comfort for rear-seat passengers. Thanks to its low centre of gravity and a balanced front-rear weight distribution, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé is glued to the road and boasts particularly agile handling. i Call 17 750-750. www.bahrainthismonth.com
MOTORCITY
Fun Drive Ahead A stylish makeover combined with high-tech features and the latest safety systems make for a vehicle that promises fun rides and adventures.
Motorcity, the sole distributor of SsangYong in the Kingdom of Bahrain, launches the 2014 SsangYong Korando. This SUV expresses the fusion of urban driving with outdoor adventure, designed for a thrilling driving experience as well as outdoor leisure activities. “The model is a premium small SUV. Its interior and exterior has been redesigned, giving it a totally refurbished look. It is now available in our Sanad showroom with a special introductory offer. We invite customers to test drive this new SUV and take advantage of our special promotion,” says Dr Bijan Majidi, general manager of Motorcity. The new look features projector headlights with a black bezel and LED position lights. The front bumper is the same colour as the vehicle body while the re-design features a roof rail and signal lights on the door mirrors. These innovative changes add to the strong and sleek concept of the upgraded venhicle. The back end has been altered. A C-shaped guide light, representing the identity of the Korando, has been introduced in the rear combination tail light and the embossing of the Korando lettering stands out much more, all accented by a rear spoiler. The side panels of the vehicle are manufactured using a diamond cutting method, adding to the sleek design. Along with its newly designed 18-inch wheels, the overall exterior boasts a dynamic and sophisticated style that is unique to this model. With its sleek interior, the Korando is even more attractive than before, and is expected to become a trendsetter in the SUV market.
ebrahim k kanoo
Style Takeover One of Bahrain’s favourite vehicles gets a stylish boost in its look and innovative features, proving its undoubted quality. Ebrahim K Kanoo, the sole distributor of Toyota and Lexus in the Kingdom, has launched the 2015 Toyota Yaris Hatchback. “A reliable, sporty and impressive car that is popular on the roads of Bahrain, it has proven its undoubted quality over the years,” says Ayman Shehadeh, marketing manager at Ebrahim K Kanoo. The Yaris Hatchback radiates a stylish and dynamic sporty design with a sharp impressive look, a unique Catamaran Roof and L-shaped headlamps. It has a high quality attractive interior, which guarantees excitement every time you climb abroad. The superior space and the multiple seat adjustments allow the driver to find the best driving position and visibility. Additionally, the top class rear comfort ensures a pleasant ride for all passengers even on long drives.
i Call 17 621-162 or visit www.motorcity.com.bh. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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reportsupermarkets
Ramadan Sweepstakes The Kingdom’s supermarkets are offering special discounts throughout the Holy Month so you can keep the pantry stoked up and be well prepared for the daily Iftar.
It’s the time of the year once again when long hours of fasting are rewarded with a scrumptious feast at sundown. If you wonder how people have managed to conjure up a lavish buffet while you could barely put together a simple meal, the secret lies in preparation. Yes, the time in the kitchen will physically drain you out, but with all the key ingredients shopped for and prepped in advance, a great deal of time and effort is cut down. Compile a list of groceries and ingredients for a variety of eatables and drinks. The island’s supermarkets have many ongoing offers and discounts so you can continue to dish out those family favourites without burning a hole in your pocket. Al Jazeera Supermarket Boasting four stores located across the island (Adliya, Budaiya, Juffair and Zinj), Al Jazeera Supermarket is known for its quality products and affordable prices. First opened in 1965, it is particularly known for providing exceptional customer service. Head to the store this
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Ramadan for a number of attractive deals on food products and home appliances in addition to great rewards and benefits under its loyalty card programme. i Call 17 74-111. Alosra Supermarket Committed to selling premium quality products, Alosra is known to have a socially responsible reputation. Along with purchasing top-grade local and international produce, participate in the store’s Ramadan Food Drive, which feeds the needy. i Call 16 033-773. Babasons Founded in1993, Babasons has been delivering quality foods and products to the residents of Salmaniya and Hamad Town for over two decades. This market is best known for its regular sales and great discounts. Look out for its promotional brochure that gives the details on various Ramadan offers on groceries, packaged foods, and other household items. i Call 17 252-624. July 2014 103
reportsupermarkets Lulu Hypermarket Present in Dana Mall, Riffa, A’ali and Hidd, this hypermarket chain has become one of the most popular shopping junctions for Bahrainis since 2007. Their festive promotions are among the most anticipated ones and this Ramadan is no different. Special offers in the food and grocery section ensure you have your cooking essentials at great prices. There are areas where dates, juice and sweets are served to customers who are in the store at sunset to break their fast throughout the Holy Month. i Call 17 553-555. Macro Mart Located in West Riffa, Macro Mart offers fresh fruits and vegetables, breads, dairy products and meats for your daily Iftar meals. Offering great value for money, the store runs these promotions until July 10. i Call 17 650-075. Mega Mart Present in Lulu Centre, Muharraq, Juffair and Galali, this supermarket promotes huge variety, great customer service and reasonable pricing as its strong selling points. This Ramadan, they sell items at cost price and lower rates. They have special deals on electronics and home appliances. i Call 17 826-884 (Juffair) and 17 343-266 (Muharraq).
Carrefour This massive supermarket in the Bahrain City Centre runs two Ramadan promotion campaigns between June 18 and July 16. The supermarket offers a Ramadan basket for charity consisting of eight assorted items for BD5.790. Look forward to great deals on electronics, kitchenware and dining sets. i Call 17 172-222.
Organic Foods & Café Go organic this Holy Month with this family-run supermarket and café that houses an enormous variety of fresh organic food. From freshly baked breads to fruits and vegetables, the store offers organic biodynamic foods, supplements, skincare products, cosmetics, baby care items and even household cleaning products. Give your family a healthy Iftar meal each day with their range of over 6,000 hormone- and chemical-free products in addition to the largest range of gluten-free items in the country to choose from. i Call 13 333-286.
Géant Complying with international retailing standards, Géant lays great emphasis on top-quality global brands or better-quality substitutes at prices consistently below other stores. This makes it a smart choice for your Ramadan shopping. It runs a special Ramadan shopping fest from June 17 to July 4. A Fu-Com International venture in association with Groupe Casino of France, Géant Hypermarket is one of the largest supermarket chains present in the country. i Call 17 558-181. Lebanon Trade Centre Head to the Lebanon Trade Centre for an array of discounted products this Ramadan. The promotional area contains some of the freshest produce and exotic ingredients available at 10-15 per cent reduced price. Started on June 20, your saving spree will last until July 10. i Call 17 683-000. 104 July 2014
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supermarkets LULU HYPERMARKET
Quality above All Else
Special offers and Ramadan discounts on different products at this hypermarket allow customers to save as they shop this summer.
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Summer promotions and sales are in abundance this year, especially during the festive month of Ramadan. Lulu Hypermarket provides its loyal customers the best in offers as well as quality. The food and grocery section will be well stocked with all cooking essentials to make your after-sunset dining convenient. Lulu’s meat section is known for the best cuts and this month will be no different, with a variety of quality meats and poultry to make strength-boosting meals. And a Ramadan feast is never complete without a bowl of fresh fruits and vegetables to wind down with while watching your favourite shows. If you have a sweet tooth, you can enjoy the variety of baked items offered at the hypermarket’s popular bakery. This year, you can also try a cooling Ramadan treat of jellies, trifles and cupcakes. In addition, take your pick of the extensive ice cream section and healthy dairy products, offering fresh milk, laban, labneh, cheese and butter. There will also be a conveniently located area, where dates, juice and sweets will be served to customers who are in the store at sunset, to break their fast throughout the Holy Month. That’s not all. Beauty products, sunscreen, toiletries, clothes and accessories can be found in all the hypermarket branches. With a dedicated team of professionals responsible for maintaining the highest standards throughout the stores, Lulu Hypermarket boasts best practice with regard to hygiene, food safety, waste disposal and quality control.
Unbeatable offers The hypermarket has designed a unique range of services in line with the spirit of giving and the joy of the Holy Month. To support the spirit of charity and benevolence, Lulu has created a special voucher and hamper. The charity voucher will be available in denominations of BD5, BD10 and BD20. This allows customers to give gifts to needy families, who can then cash it themselves at the hypermarket, helping them tailor their shopping experience. The vouchers can be used to purchase ready-to-go Ramadan hampers that contain the essential requirements for a nutritious Iftar meal. Available in BD5, BD10, BD20 and customised packages, Lulu offers a delivery service for the hampers to any location in the Kingdom. For specific food items, shoppers can customise the hampers to suit their needs. i Call 17 553-555. www.bahrainthismonth.com
ALOSRA SUPERMARKET
Spirit of Giving One of Bahrain’s leading supermarkets offers premium-quality products and gives you the chance to participate in a charitable drive that aims to feed the needy.
Getting into the spirit of giving this Ramadan, Alosra has teamed up with The Palm Association to help those in need. A part of the BMMI Group, this supermarket is known to deliver premium-quality products at great value and to uphold its socially responsible reputation by giving back to the community at every opportunity. Specific areas in the supermarket will be stocked with products that can be given to families in need this Holy Month. These include sugar, rice and cooking oil, amongst other staple cooking necessities consumed during Ramadan. Customers are encouraged to purchase these products and donate them to charity by dropping them into the large baskets found by the entrances of their stores, located in Saar and Amwaj, which currently operate the food drive. The baskets are supplied by the Rotaract Club of Bahrain and are picked up regularly by The Palm Association, who then put together food parcels. These are then delivered to the families in need. The campaign will take place throughout Ramadan to support as many families as possible. Join the noble cause and look out for the Ramadan Food Drive banners in Alosra stores to locate the selected products. Thinking local Known for being ‘fresh and friendly’, the store offers premium produce sourced locally and internationally, making sure you always have the best product for your family.
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“We are focused on high-quality products, successfully delivering the freshest and the largest range of products in the country. Providing exceptional customer care is of critical concern,” says Pavlos Babiolakis, Alosra’s marketing and product development manager. With locations at Saar, Amwaj Islands, Durrat, Riffa and Juffair, Alosra boasts an exhaustive range of international foods that is often unavailable at other stores. Items such as British chilled chicken, eggs, bread, dairy products and fresh mussels from Scotland can be purchased at this retailer. The first Alosra opened in Manama in the 1980s; today it is the only supermarket in the country to hold an ISO 22000 certification, a standard dealing with food safety. Alosra makes a conscious effort to give back to the community by supporting local farmers under its ‘Think Local’ programme. The supermarket is committed to providing fresh and healthy products for your family and is dedicated to sustaining the community. i Call 17 697-558. July 2014 107
gadgets
Sound Check Get your pool parties and barbecues really swinging with these sound devices; from media players to sound bars, all the bases are covered.
Sennheiser MM 550X
Editor's pick!
These Bluetooth noise-cancelling over-ear headphones are impressive. Large, padded cushions provide excellent comfort and high-quality, uninterrupted sound.
B&O BeoPlay A9
Believe it or not, these beautiful devices are fully functional speakers. To connect, use an AirPlay, DLNA or the USB connector. Cooler than a conventional speaker, they enhance any room with their sound and looks.
B&O Beosound 8
Quirky aesthetics are seen in the docking station. The sound is exquisite and gets better with more volume. The device also works with a range of input devices.
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Apple iPod Nano
This compact MP3 offering has more than enough for the morning commute or those stints in the gym. Apple’s quality and ease of use come as standard.
Denon CD/Radio
This stylish and compact system from Denon has a range of functions and excellent sound quality. In black and silver, it looks really sleek and doesn’t take up much space.
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Apple iPod Classic
The latest iPod has an astounding 160GB of storage capacity, capable of holding up to 40,000 songs, 25,000 photos or 200 hours of video.
Sennheiser IE800
The IE800 is an audio aficionado’s dream; unparalleled sound quality across any genre of music and it looks wonderful. Excellence comes at a price, though.
Sonos Playbar
A perfect accompaniment to your flat screen TV, this sound bar delivers textured sound and can stream music. It looks superb and can be controlled via an app on your mobile.
Sonos Connect Amp
This device turns your existing speakers into a music streaming system with an astounding 55W of power. A handy app lets you control it via your smartphone or tablet.
Polk Audio Woodbourne
Bluetooth speakers that use Wi-Fi are increasingly popular. Polk Audio has the advantage of being able to work AirPlay. It’s also one of the more stylish units available.
All gadgets are available online. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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music
Influential Rock The legends of rock music remain alive even on play lists of today. We take a look through the works of bands that define the genre.
Rolling Stones Hot Rocks
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What’s the story?
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Hot Rocks is a compilation album from the Rolling Stones that features some of their most recognisable and successful tracks. This album is more diverse than some of their others as it features a variety of their best songs from different periods. This is good news; it means you get the full scope of their music in one sitting. Some of their truly great songs, such as Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Gimme Shelter and Paint It Black, make this album a must for any rock enthusiast’s collection.
Worth a listen?
The Rolling Stones are one of the first bands that spring to mind from the rock genre and for good reason. Everything about them screams rock; their music has gone down in history as some of the best ever created. Epic guitar riffs and solos, expressive lyrics and true passion made them one of the leading rock bands of their time. The fact that they can still sell albums and sell out concerts should be enough to explain just how good they are. Though there are countless other albums to choose from, Hot Rocks encapsulates more of their great tracks than any other. For that reason, it is the pick of the bunch.
VERDICT: They are the most creative rock and roll band in history.
Top Track: Gimme Shelter and Paint It Black.
Smash Hits Jimi Hendrix Smash Hits features a selection of guitar guru Hendrix’s best tracks. The songs on this album defined an era, from Foxey Lady and Purple Haze to his covers of All Along the Watchtower (on the US version) and Hey Joe — which gained infamy thanks to his playing a part of the song with his teeth. The selections are still worth listening to although they might be available on other compilations. It contains his best and most known songs. 110 July 2014
SPLHCB The Beatles The cheeky chaps from Liverpool took the world by storm and Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is perhaps their most significant album. The songs’ moods range from feel good to psychedelic; it’s a brilliant compilation. This refined their breakthrough of fearless experimentation.
Mothership Led Zeppelin This album from hard rock kings, Led Zeppelin, is filled with classics, such as Dazed and Confused, Communication Breakdown and one of the greatest rock songs of all time — Stairway to Heaven. It's heavy on the epics. It is both gripping and a good introduction to the band. www.bahrainthismonth.com
Come Home this Ramadan
Enjoy our daily iftar Traditional Arabic and international cuisine from sunset till 9:00 pm. * * * Watch the World Cup games at our live screens! Opening hours - from 5:00 p.m till 02:00 a.m Delivery 17 56 28 28
Catering 17 58 27 11
Family area
games
Spoiling for a Fight These hotly anticipated games have just been released and aim to be some of the most significant games of 2014.
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Sniper Elite 3 A wonderfully detailed tactical shooter game, Sniper Elite 3 has been improved in many ways. The slow-motion x-ray of the damage your bullets are doing to the enemies is impressive, albeit a little gruesome. Africa, the new location for the game, provides fresh challenges. The graphics are stunning.
Watch Dogs
GRID Autosport What Is It?:
The latest in the series by racing game gurus, Codemasters, GRID Autosport promises realistic, but addictive, gameplay much like its predecessors and the excellent TOCA series before it. Unlike TOCA, GRID doesn’t focus on a particular racing championship. There is a variety of road and racing cars to choose from that prevents you from getting bored, which can often be the case with single-series games.
Watch Dogs is a futuristic, openworld game with hacker and former thug Aiden Pearce as the protagonist. The gameplay and graphics are impressive. When it comes to handling vehicles, it’s not very smooth. Although the PS4 game was expected to feature realistic faces, they still look artificial.
Graphics:
The attention to detail for both cars and tracks is stunning. Minute details, like the lights and badges of the cars and barriers and signs on the tracks, are crisp and clean. To avid racers, these details matter. It gives a greater representation of the actual environment. Speaking of which, the tracks are fantastic. The backgrounds are closely matched with the real thing. It shows the wild world of street racing in detail, especially with the narrow roads.
Gameplay: Though GRID has been more of an arcade-style racing game,
Codemasters have tried to dial a simulator feel into the driving experience. This is surprisingly good. Rather than taking the fun away, this feature has added something for motorsport enthusiasts. The racing is frantic and fun. It is accompanied by much crashing and scraping, which adds to the fun of the game. You will be driving through Washington DC, Chicago, San Francisco, Paris, Barcelona and Dubai. Everything is ramped up — the fear factor, the excitement and the adrenaline.
VERDICT: It is a genuinely fun and easy-to-play game. 112 July 2014
Wolfenstein Wolfenstein is set in 1960 in a world where the Nazis had won WW2. You take the control of William ‘BJ’ Blazkowicz, an army ranger with the job of going on the offensive against the Nazi rulers. The game sees you going to battle against scores of enemies and using their super weapons against them. www.bahrainthismonth.com
websites
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Dropbox.com What Is It?
Dropbox is a file-hosting service which provides users with a ‘cloud’ for their files. It creates a folder on your computer that will look exactly the same and have the same contents when you access it from any other computer. It can also be accessed via smartphone apps.
The Good:
Most people need large amounts of digital storage these days. Whilst memory capacities on modern devices are increasing, it’s much easier if you don’t need to carry around any extra hardware to access your files. Dropbox allows just that. The free version comes with more than 2GB of storage space. You can upgrade it to 100GB for a monthly fee.
The Bad:
When compared with hardware-based storage, Dropbox is not safe. Anything that is saved online only is subject to hackers and/or government snooping. As the company is registered in America, your Dropbox account is certainly available to them should they want to look. The possibility of losing your files is perhaps greater than it would be with external storage devices. VERDICT: It’s a great idea for non-important files. Don’t throw away your storage hardware just yet.
Flavors.me Flavors.me is a site that helps you design your website and combine all of your social media, photos and videos into one presence. As there are so many social media sites to keep up with, this is an ideal solution to avoid swarming you smartphone with separate apps.
Tumblr.com Tumblr is a social media microblogging website that allows users to upload various forms of content to create a blog as well as follow others blogs. As with most social media sites, it is available as a smartphone app too. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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apps
Out and About With summer at its peak, almost everybody has planned a holiday to escape the Middle Eastern heat. This month’s selection of apps is great for those who are on the move.
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Google Maps Google’s free satellite navigation app makes you wonder what the point is in buying a separate device. It can get confused with small or new roads. For the most part, it gets you where you want to go.
Around Me What Is It?
Around Me is an app that shows you almost everything there is close to your location. The sites of banks, petrol stations, supermarkets and much more are a click away with this brilliant tool. There are 17 different options to search for, including a list of favourites.
The Good
One of the best things about Around Me is that it’s not limited to a specific country, like so many other apps. You can use it anywhere. It has a variety of languages to choose from and is extremely easy to use. Gone are the days of not being able to find a petrol station or cash machine. Around Me will point you in the right direction for almost anything you need to find. What makes it better is if you have Google Maps installed, it will load the directions and guide you by satellite navigation.
The Bad
If I must be pedantic, the adverts are annoying. Even that has a solution. Upgrade to the paid version; otherwise, accept the adverts as a necessary evil to keep it funded. There really is very little wrong with this app.
VERDICT: Anyone with a smartphone who goes anywhere unfamiliar will wonder how you could have ever lived without it.
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Cloak If you’re trying to avoid bumping into someone or don’t have the time to stop and chat, Cloak could well be the app for you. It uses Facebook, Twitter, FourSquare and Instagram to pinpoint your contacts. You can tweak your route to suit your needs. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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movies
Joe DIRECTED BY: David Gordon Green STARRING: Nicolas Cage, Tye Sheridan
The Plot:
Cage plays Joe, a short-tempered ex-con, notorious for drink driving and confrontations with the police. He runs an illegal tree-poisoning crew for a lumber company. Joe sees something in Gary, a local 15-year-old, and becomes his role model. He protects him from his abusive, alcoholic father and helps him get on his feet. Though his kind heart is plain to see, Joe has a troubled life and this frequently catches up with him during the film, putting Gary in danger.
Worth Watching? The film may start a little bleak, but
there are many twists in the story throughout the film. The balance of good and bad within Joe’s character makes for a compelling watch as well as giving Nicolas Cage a character that suits his acting style down to a tee. Gary Poulter — a real-life, homeless alcoholic — plays Gary’s father and delivers some brilliant scenes that were shot in one take.
VERDICT: The storyline is impressive; the villain — not so much so.
Cold Comes the Night Struggling to provide for her daughter, Chloe, a young widow, runs a motel. She faces losing her daughter to social services if she cannot relocate. After a Polish criminal takes her and her daughter hostage, Chloe fears for their lives as a chain of violent crimes take place.
Need for Speed Car-modifier and street-racer Tobey Marshall is wrongly accused of manslaughter. Upon his release, Marshall sets about getting revenge. He has to drive across America in less than 48 hours, in the Mustang he tuned. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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bystander
HE Karim Al Shakar makes a speech
HE Sahid S. Glang, Philippines Ambassador & HE Ahmed Shahizan, Malaysian Ambassador
HE Karim Al Shakar Dinner HE Karim Al Shakar hosted a dinner in honour of HE Joonha Yu, Korean Ambassador. The dinner held at HE’s residence in Riffa was attended by a number of diplomats at VIPs HE Hatun Demirer, Turkish Ambassador, HE Karim Al Shakar, HE Vichai Virasirikul, Thai Ambassador, HE Chilman Arisman, Indonesian Ambassador, Ahmed Jumat, Brunei Embassy Charge d’Affaires, HE Li Chen, Chinese Ambassador, HE Joonha Yu, Korean Ambassador & Ibrahim Assaf, Lebanese Embassy Charge d’Affaires
Mendy, Wang & Nor
Dr Mohammed Al Khozai & Dr Bahiya Al Jishi
Jaleela & Tomoko
HE Joonha Yu
Tomoko, Ratna & Rosita
Prof Jalil Alarrayed
Sanjeev, Lakshman, Navneet, Dr Ashish & Lalit
Karina & Anil Dinner Party Karina & Anil hosted a dinner party at their residence for a number of friends and to bid a fond farewell to long-term residents Lakshman & Preeti Adil, Karen, Preeti, Lakshman, Renuka, Anil & Karina Lakshman, Preeti & Dr Ali
Lakshman, Preeti, Mala, Ron, HE Dr Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador, Karina, Iro & Anil
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Preeti, Sharon & Sharon
Mahmoud
Carol & Prasad
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dining
this month Maki Restaurant, p118
Ramadan Feature, p119
Bambu Restaurant
Roll Back the Years David M Robertson An old favourite returns to the dining scene and demonstrates that, if you have the right product, there is no reason to offer something entirely different. Driving up and down the road in Adliya between Señor Paco’s and Cico’s, the newly painted lime-green building looked unerringly familiar. With such a distinctive colour scheme there was only one conclusion to be drawn — BamBu! was about to re-open. A popular venue for a bite to eat, either for lunch or at night, within the Adliya dining ‘square’ before losing its home, the restaurant operated on a formula that resonated with customers. An invite to a very soft preopening dinner afforded an opportunity to discover what might have changed over the past two years. The answer is, thankfully, very little. The restaurant manager, Jean, is there to welcome diners and chef Helen is still on hand to ‘man’ the kitchens. The gregarious Bobby Boloor, who runs BamBu! as well as Brazil Grill & Lounge, was at his station behind the bar to liven up the night’s proceedings. A new venue, obviously, means a different www.bahrainthismonth.com
layout, but the ambiance is still evident. There’s an outdoor area, with the obligatory water display, and the downstairs dining space is reminiscent of the old location; the same chairs and tables reside comfortably alongside the open kitchen. Upstairs there’s a lounge area and — a new addition — a room for private events. A restaurant, though, stands by the quality of its food. The menu is unchanged and so is the pricing structure. BamBu! has always believed in minimising waste, serving portions at different price points and allowing you to decide how much you would like to eat. It seemed only appropriate to order the same dishes that I had enjoyed on my last visit to the restaurant. A seafood soup, minus the prawns in a nod to a cholesterol-reduced diet, tasted exactly the same as I remembered. For the main course I opted for the chilli hammour fish dish. Again, all the boxes were ticked. To round out the meal the fired ice cream was the stand-out selection. If they say that familiarity breeds contempt, then I’m more than happy with a big dose of it! A charming ambience, delightfully cooked food and friendly staff suggest BamBu! will have little difficulty attracting both old and new customers. Welcome back!
Gulf Hotel, p126
Asian Feast Houseboat Restaurant offers various Iftar and Ghabga options this Ramadan at both their branches in Amwaj and Adliya. The menu includes an array of four of the different cuisines being served at Houseboat: Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Indian. Houseboat Amwaj offers an à la carte menu for the season and will have a section dedicated to their newly introduced Tea Lounge. July 2014 117
dining MAKI RESTAURANT
Inimitable Delicacies This award-winning Japanese restaurant delivers a feast of many firsts, which is fitting when the guests are members of an international gastronomic society.
Maki Bahrain Restaurant teamed up with the Chaine des Rotisseurs of Bahrain to present the first-ever Maki Bahrain-Chaine dinner, based on the theme of ‘Green Pathway’, last month. This theme reflected the many healthful ingredients introduced to Japanese cuisine by Maki, such as house-grown and capsulated extra virgin olive oil, exotic aromatic shiso leaves, fresh wild thyme and green tea powder. With the inclusion of such green ingredients, the restaurant opened up a pathway between Japanese cuisine and the Middle Eastern palate. At the Chaine des Rotisseurs Green Pathway dinner, award-winning chef Louis Kenji Huang presented some wonderful dishes such as the red quinoa salad with truffles. Doused with house-made extra virgin olive oil and mixed with Moroccan truffles, this super grain-based dish is now on their regular menu. The kanpachi sashimi, made from amberjack fish, was serviced with two sauces; yuzu honey, which is exclusive to Maki, and Obaoli — fresh wasabi mixed with house-made extra virgin olive oil. The tender and succulent US-certified Black Angus filet mignon was cooked teppanyaki style and served with a real ‘hon’ wasabi sauce and an Asian-inspired mustard dressing. The grand finale served to members of the Chaine des Rotisseurs was the signature special-recipe tiramisu. Hints of green tea tease a gourmand’s palate, taking this delectable dish to new heights. Khalid Almoayed, Bailli Délégué of the Chaine, indicated how much the guests enjoyed the meal. Several ambassadors and other leading personalities were present at the dinner, including Mohamad Najia, Bailli Délégué of Chaine des Rotisseurs-Kuwait. i Call 17 522-733 or 36 999-102, or email maki.bahrain@olivermaki.com.
bystander
HE Dr Dhafer & Dr Jihan Al Umran
Ching & David
Amer with Ebrahim Al Kooheji
John & Pia
Chaine Des Rotisseurs Dinner The Chaine des Rotisseurs held their end-of-season dinner at the Maki Restaurant. The theme of the evening was the Green Pathway, a culinary reference to the famous Silk Route created by merchants who connected the Far East with the Middle East Amer Zeitoun, David Gibson-Moore, Mohamed Zeitoun, Joe Hajjali, & Louis Kenji
Khalid Almoayed & Mohamed Najia
118 July 2014
Robert, Karin, Anne & Reinhold
Badria, Hilde, Abdulrahman Fakhro & Dr Stan
Sam
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diningramadanfeature
The Flavours of Ramadan Hotels and restaurants around town are offering their guests a joint celebration of Ramadan and the World Cup as both occasions come together this summer.
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The act of fasting during Ramadan is for overall cleansing and spiritual reflection. The Holy Month is a joyful experience and one that cannot go by without enjoying the various Iftars and Ghabgas, which target Ramadan by dusk and the World Cup buzz. A five-star experience An Iftar buffet with traditional and international dishes, including a live cooking station, is in store at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel. Served in the Awali Ballroom, the buffet is BD15.500++ on weekdays and BD16.500++ on weekends for adults, and BD8.500++ for children from four to 12 years. Kids less than four dine for free. i Call 17 533-533. Ranin, the Ramadan experience at The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa, delivers an ethnic buffet for guests. Iftar is available 6pm to 8pm and priced at BD13.500++. The Ghabga buffet starts at 9pm and runs until 11pm, with prices from BD12.500++. The World Cup games are screened at Ranin’s outdoor lounge. Shisha is available for BD6++ to BD12++. i Call 17 580-000. Make yourself comfortable at the Golden Tulip’s Al Afandi tent, which is open from 8.30pm until 2am. Enjoy
playing games with the family, live entertainment and raffles during weekends. Iftar and Ghabga buffets cost BD8.500++ per person. i Call 17 535-000. For a rooftop dining experience, visit Al Fanar, located at The Diplomat Radisson Blu, Residence and Spa. Arrays of dishes are on offer throughout the month priced at BD15++ per person. The season closes with special Eid packages featuring a salsa night. Ghabgas start at 9pm. i Call 17 531-666. Figs and Olives will be serving a daily classic Iftar buffet at BD14++ at The Domain Bahrain Hotel. Meals for children between the ages of seven and 11 are at half price. Nightly Ghabga is from 8pm until 2am, offering an à la carte menu. IMARI, Txoko, Le Domain and Le Sauvage will remain closed for Ramadan. i Call 16 000-000. Step in to Khayma Al Seef at The Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa and experience Arabic flavours at a nightly buffet. Relish beverages while enjoying the live music of Lebanese singer Diana Eid and her band. Iftars and Ghabgas cost BD12++ on weekdays and BD14++ on weekends. Ghabghas are from 9pm to 2am. Children aged four to 12 years dine at BD6 and kids less than four years can dine for free. i Call 17 111-999. July 2014 119
diningramadanfeature
The Al Thurayya tent at The InterContinental Regency runs an ‘El Moulid’ theme during the month. The hotel serves Iftar at BD14++ per person from sunset to 8pm. Ghabgas start from 9pm and run until 2am at BD16++ per person. The various outlets run special deals for food and beverages over the Eid holidays. i Call 17 208-308. The Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain runs Iftars at their two outlets, Silks and Flamingo, at a price of BD12.500++ per person. Ghabgas start at 8pm and are available for groups of more than 50 people, offering a choice of four different menus priced at BD9++, BD11++, BD12.500++ and BD15++. The Eid buffet hosts a variety of dining options priced at BD15++ per person. i Call 17 460-086. Celebrate the sprit of giving at the La Mosaique restaurant at Crowne Plaza Bahrain. In the spirit of Ramadan, the hotel donates 500 fils to charity for every Iftar diner. The Iftar buffet is BD11.950++ for adults and BD5.950++ for kids aged four to 12 years. A specialised menu caters to private and corporate Ghabga bookings at Spices restaurant, priced at BD11++. i Call 17 531-122. Experience Ramadan under the stars with friends and family at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa’s tent. Arabic chefs have prepared a series of Iftar and Ghabga treats recreated with a modern twist, priced at BD19++. Enter the Jaguar Ramadan raffle draw to win a Jaguar XF Luxury. Kooheji Jewellers grants giveaway prizes to guests. You can watch the World Cup matches from your table. i Call 17 636-363. The Layali Al Areen tent at the Al Areen Palace and Spa is an extension of Saffron Khaleeji fusion restaurant. The Iftar buffet is avialble for BD13++ on weekdays and BD15++ on weekends. Ghabga is à la carte with a minimum charge of BD10++. World Cup screening takes place on a mega screen. Raffle draws are held every night. Other activities include henna, weaving, live 120 July 2014
calligraphy and oud music. i Call 17 845-000. The Gulf Hotel invites you to break your fast Al Waha restaurant and Al Andalus lobby lounge for BD16++ per person. Khaimat Al Khaleej tent is back for its Ghabga offerings of hot and cold mezze, snacks and Bahraini specialities. The tent opens daily from 9pm to 2am for BD15++ per person on weekdays and BD17++ on weekends. Adding to the month’s festivities is the raffle draw and the screening of the World Cup. i Call 17 713-000. A four-star experience Celebrate the spirit of togetherness at The K Hotel. Break your fast at Klouds Restaurant with an Iftar buffet followed by a Ghabga. The hotel, offers a special corporate rate as well as an outdoor catering service for both. Prices are BD8++ per person, inclusive of Ramadan beverages and coffee. Guests can enjoy an extensive range of shisha flavours and live entertainment of Arabic music. i Call 17 360-000.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
This Ramadan, indulge in a delicious buffet featuring traditional Arabic specialties.
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Khaimat Al Khaleej The legendary Khaimat Al Khaleej is a place to visit during Ramadan and experience the authentic Bahraini Ghabqa, Arabian luxury, oriental music along with an assortment of Ramadan beverages. Live broadcast of Brazil 2014 World Cup. Join us and win great prizes! Weekdays: BD 15++ Weekends: BD 17++
From 9pm to 2am From 9pm to 3am
Iftar Buffet QÉ£aE’G ¬«aƒH Extensive Iftar Buffet at Al Waha Restaurant and Al Andalus Lobby Lounge including dishes from BD 16++ all hotel restaurants, mainly Zahle and Takht Jamsheed.
• • •
The tent is divided into separate non-smoking and smoking sections. Children (up to 5 years) free of charge, and Children (6 to 12 years) 50% off. Special rates are available for corporate groups and Prestige Club members.
diningramadanfeature
The Al Safir Hotel and Tower tent caters for groups of 50 people and above with options for smoking and nonsmoking. Yalla Yalla restaurant serves Iftar for walk-ins priced at BD9.500 net and offers a half rate for children up to 10 years. Groups of 10 people and above can dine at BD8.500. Ghabgas run from 8pm onwards, priced at BD9.500. Look out for the Eid lunch buffet priced at BD7++ per person. i Call 17 827-999. Al Noor tent at Elite Resort and Spa in Muharraq welcomes guests daily for Futoor, Ghabga and Suhoor. Iftar starts at sundown until 8pm at BD7.500++. Surround yourself with family entertainment, authentic tunes of oud and the Arabic tarab, daily raffle draws, traditional games, shisha and activities for ladies and kids. i Call 17 558-200. Capture the spirit of Ramadan at Al Bander Hotel and Resort. Bookings for Ghabga and Iftar are available for groups at BD10++ per person, inclusive of juices. Children from six to 12 years can enjoy a 50 per cent discount and kids below six years receive a free meal. Relax with traditional shisha at Andalucia Café or stay for two nights for the price of one at the resort. i Call 17 701-201. This year, Novotel Al Dana Resort has their tent set up on the hotel’s beachside, with majlis-style furniture. The Al Dana beach tent serves Iftar at BD10 per person. Ghagbas start at 9pm with a buffet inclusive of Ramadan drinks for BD14 per person. Eid celebrations feature a brunch with entertainment and kids activities. i Call 17 298-008. The Ramada Hotel Bahrain offers a promotional price of two paid and one free for Ramadan at the Le Jardin restaurant. A variety of hot and cold dishes are on offer for Iftar until 8pm daily at BD9.600 per person. Watch out for a new duo act during the Eid holidays. i Call 17 742-000. 122 July 2014
Other venues Coral Bay offers their Iftar buffet from Sundays to Wednesdays at BD13++ and at BD15++ on Thursdays to Saturdays. The Ghabga buffet is BD13++ from Saturdays to Wednesdays and BD15++ on Thursdays and Fridays. The Lebanese restaurant, Rayes, hosts an Eid buffet priced at BD15++ including entertainment by a belly dancer, a singer and a one-man show. i Call 17 312-700. Aroma Restaurant and Café’s buffet includes traditional Arabic favourites, such as hot and cold mezze, machboos, biryani, vine leaves and Arabic desserts. Have fun while you dine with a variety of board games and card games. The World Cup will be screened. The buffet is priced at BD8++ per person. i Call 17 326-603. PAUL Bakery & Restaurant unveils its all-new Iftar menu this Ramadan at its branches in Seef Mall and Bahrain City Centre. Break your fast with the jallab, followed by a choice from soups and salads for appetisers, and beef, chicken and fish dishes for the main course. Wrap up the Iftar with a date or raisin tart. Iftar costs BD9.900 per person. The restaurant opens for takeaway from 10am and for dine-in at Iftar time until 2am. i Call 17 172-321 or 17 580-073. Head to Lanterns Lounge and Restaurant for a fusion of the venue’s signature dishes and traditional Ramadan favourites. Complimentary breads and mixed grills are served at the table. Iftar at the Adliya branch is priced at BD6.900 and at the Budaiya branch is BD5.900. i Call 17 590-591. Turkish restaurant Kosebasi, has a set menu at Iftar priced at BD12.900 per person. A takeaway service is available before Iftar hours. Kids less than 10 years dine at BD5.900 net. i Call 17 172-322.
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dining
CORAL BAY
Family Traditions Ramadan is a time for tranquillity; there are not many better ways of doing this than by relaxing by the waterfront.
Every year for Ramadan, Coral Bay hosts a dining experience called ‘Ramadan by the Sea’. “This is an entertaining family and friends’ gathering where all the excitement, food and culture is combined together to give everyone the best Ramadan experience possible,” says restaurant manager, Ramzi Al Awar. “This year is going to be bigger and better than ever.” Guests will be spoilt for choice trying to choose from two venues, Rayés and the Karma Lounge. Or better still, why not get the experience of both? Serving authentic Lebanese cuisine, Rayés will be decked out with two large and seven big plasma television screens for guests to enjoy World Cup matches. “The idea is to spice up the venue’s atmosphere with a bigger crowd from dusk until dawn,” says Ramzi. “Every year, we embrace the Holy Month as it is the most significant family-friendly annual event in our calendar, attracting a multicultural audience.” A tent has been set up on the Karma Lounge terrace overlooking the marina. Available for private Iftars and Ghabgas till 3am, it can accommodate up to 300 people for special functions or for normal bookings. Traditional delicacies Feast from a variety of dishes at Coral Bay’s Iftar, which will feature all the Ramadan favourites such as lentil soup, saj manses, falafel, shawarma, poultry, and different varieties of fateh, harees, and lots more. Refresh your palates with special Ramadan drinks such as tamar hindi, qamar al dine, rose water sahlab and fresh ayran yogurt.
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Top off your Ramadan meal with a traditional array of homemade Lebanese sweets and enjoy live entertainment provided by a one-man show, singing with an acoustic oud. The Iftar buffet from Sundays to Wednesdays is priced at BD13++ and from Thursdays to Saturdays at BD15++. The Ghabga buffet is BD13++ from Saturdays to Wednesdays and BD15++ on Thursdays and Fridays. Eid Eid lunch buffet at Rayés is priced at BD15++ and includes entertainment from 2.30pm to 5pm. Dinner includes a set menu at BD19++, with a belly dancer and a female singer from 10pm to 2am. Coral Bay is located on the Al Fateh Corniche and has its own beach offering views of the Manama harbour. At other times of the year, and especially during the Formula One season, the location comes alive with entertainment from local and international DJs and plays host to a variety of activities. i Call 17 312-700 or visit www.coral-bay.net. www.bahrainthismonth.com
dining
GULF HOTEL
A Vibrant Ramadan
With so many activities taking place this month, it would be hard to miss out on all the action at the Gulf Hotel over Ramadan, Eid and the World Cup.
Khaimat al Khaleej, the Gulf Hotel Bahrain’s Ramadan tent, is back with its Ghabga offerings. Choose from a wide Arabic spread of hot and cold mezze, hot snacks, Bahraini specialities, fresh juices and hot and cold drinks. The tent is open from 9pm to 2am daily for only BD 15++ per person on weekdays and BD17++ on weekends. Keep yourself entertained nightly, with a traditional Arabic duo. If you are into board games, make a group with some friends in a designated corner where you can compete in dominos, cards, or backgammon. The Gulf Hotel Bahrain invites you to break your fast at the Takht Jamsheed and Al Waha restaurant. The hotel has extended its Iftar service to Al Andalus lobby lounge, where the main buffet is set up. Enjoy Arabic, Iranian and Bahraini dishes during Suhoor at BD16++ per person.
Eid A special Eid package has been rolled out at Zahle with new Arabic entertainment of a belly dancer and singer and more surprises to come. Al Waha has a brunch on the second and third day of Eid at BD22 per person. The buffet runs from 12.30pm to 4pm and includes performances from a newly arrived duo, Chris and Toni. There will also be games and surprise gifts for kids. Celebrate Eid with your family the Italian way at La Pergola. The restaurant launches a new dining concept ‘Casa Mia’ at BD12.5++ per person. Alternatively, spice up your Eid with a Mexican food and music fiesta at Margarita Mexicana. If all this variety still does not top your menu of choice, settle for some English pub food at Sherlock Holmes where you can dine and play pool with friends.
Win prizes Try your luck this Ramadan with the Gulf Hotel’s daily Ramadan raffle draw and get a chance to win some prizes sponsored by Batelco, Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons, Gulf Air, NBB, Al Ayam, Hawar, Credimax, Evian, Badoit, MBA Fakhro and Al Hawaj.
Summer room package Since the season of summer also falls during Ramadan, the hotel has just the right package for you and your family. This includes enjoying a stay at a superior room, access to the lagoon-style swimming pool and many activities for the kids.
World Cup Don’t want to miss out on the FIFA action? Khaimat Al Khaleej features a live broadcast of the World Cup on its projection screens. 126 July 2014
Whether you are a business or leisure traveller, Gulf Hotel offers you the opportunity to retreat to an atmosphere suited to your needs. i Call 17 713-000. www.bahrainthismonth.com
SHERATON BAHRAIN HOTEL
Sharing Traditions Everybody loves traditional Ramadan dining, especially when there’s a chance to win a prize every time you make a visit.
The Sheraton Bahrain Hotel invites families and friends to gather at their Iftar buffet this Ramadan, which features traditional and international dishes and includes live cooking stations. The buffet is served at the Awali Ballroom on the ground floor. Italian terracotta, tiled floors and arches engraved with fine mosaic and traditional Arabic decor in a neutral palette create a distinctive ambience. Awali Ballroom also boasts a twin tent roof with stunning wrought iron chandeliers and carved mahogany wood panelling. The Iftar buffet is priced at BD15.500++ on weekdays and BD16.500++ on weekends for adults, BD8.500 for children aged four to 12 and is free for kids less than four years old. Ghabga bookings are only for groups, starting at BD14.5++ per person with a minimum of 30 people. Dine and win Adding to the season’s spirit, the Sheraton has partnered with Batelco to offer guests a chance to win iPhones, Samsung Galaxies, LG and Motorola mobile devices and Batelco gift vouchers. The more you dine, the more your chances of winning.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
World Cup Screening of matches takes place at Les Palmes, located in the lobby, as An Nada remains closed for the Holy Month. The venue is open from 1pm to 1am. Eid deals Soak up some live Arabic entertainment while dining at the Al Safir Restaurant’s Eid lunch buffet priced at BD19.500++ and an Eid dinner buffet starting at BD14.900++. The price for children between four and 12 is BD8++; kids below four eat for free. i Call 17 533-533 or visit www.sheratonbahrain.com. July 2014 127
dining AVANTI RESTAURANT AND CAFÉ
A Welcome Retreat
For those who would like to enjoy great food, a relaxing atmosphere and a casual vibe during Ramadan, this restaurantcafé has it all.
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Avanti, located in the Seef area near The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel, is much more than a café. This Ramadan, you can take advantage of the international menu on offer. By evening, this contemporary venue allows both small and large groups to enjoy their favourite show or catch up with the World Cup with the flat screens available across the venue. Unlike other similar café-style restaurants, almost every table has access to their own screen. So no matter where you are, you can watch any channel or event. Take a look at their special World Cup menu; spot your team. They’ve put together a special meal package for every team that is participating in the world’s biggest football event. Featuring drinks and snacks, this menu adds to the spirit of the season. It’s a great way to support your team this month. Grills, salads, hot and cold mezze, pasta, seafood and sandwiches are on the menu. Beat the heat with a range of fresh fruit drinks and cocktails. The VIP areas are available for private dining. So if you’re hoping to organise a personalised gathering, this is a great place to consider hosting your Iftar get-together. A variety of sheesha flavours are on offer as well.
With an à la carte menu, a great atmosphere and the facilities to enjoy sports or simply relax with friends over coffee, Avanti has a winning formula. If you want somewhere fun to wind down after a hectic schedule and a day of fasting, head to the exhilarating vibe of Avanti Restaurant and Café. Its Ramadan opening hours are from 6pm until 3am. i Call 17 587-765. www.bahrainthismonth.com
KÖsEBAsI
The Kitchen Sultanate This restaurant gives you the true taste of Turkey’s culinary treasures. We sit down with the team to discuss the rich fare of the region.
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Visited by many across the region, this popular restaurant chain has stood the test of time for nearly two decades, consistently delivering the authentic taste of southern Anatolia. To ensure a truly exquisite dining experience, Kösebasi uses original recipes and food that is freshly prepared at the premises. The first menu for the restaurant was set six years ago and the team has since played an instrumental role in maintaining the high standards of quality, authenticity and taste that Kösebasi is known for. The dishes boast influences from the Balkans, the Mediterranean and what remains of the Ottoman culinary heritage of Turkey. “After a while, we all want some change and we thought it was about time some new dishes were added to the menu,” says the Kösebasi team. “We were in Turkey for five days, visiting restaurants in various parts of the country, trying out new dishes, and in the end narrowed down on these ones.” The revamped menu still contains some of the old favourites, but the new dishes are indeed a must-try. The additions include hellimlli salata, a salad of lettuce and rocket leaves served with cherry tomatoes; halloumi cheese with mayo orange dressing; and sasliki salata which features Mediterranean greens with saslik beef slices.
New dishes Sucuklu kasarli pide is a flat, pizza-like dish that has mozzarella and Turkish sojouk.. Another interesting addition to the starters menu is a dip, quite suitably called Sultan for its rich texture and taste. This creamy labneh is made with beetroot and herbs. For the main course, there is külbasti, which consists of beef fillets cooked to perfection and served with bulgur pilavi. The meat is treated and stored in a chiller for 10 days to achieve the right level of tenderness. It is then mixed with a special spice mixture, marinated for two more days and then cooked. Another sensational dish on the new menu is the pistachio kebap, which is meat minced with a generous portion of pistachio nuts and mozzarella cheese. The dishes are surprisingly light on your stomach despite their decadent ingredients. The trick lies in complete in-house preparation, which keeps the food free of preservatives, saturated fats and harmful salts. All sauces are made from scratch. They have special suppliers in Turkey that send the sujouk; everything else is prepared in-house.” The restaurant offers a delicious spread of food during Ramadan, perfect for those who would like to break their fast with authentic Turkish food. i Call 17 172-322. July 2014 129
dining
338 GARDEN RESTAURANT
Ghabga at the Garden A new Ghabga concept awaits guests as this restaurant opens its doors for he first time during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Escape to a garden venue this Ramadan to celebrate your Ghabga in style, at the 338 Garden Restaurant. Devising a whole new concept by recreating the outdoor garden feel in their interior dining area, the restaurant celebrates Ramadan for the first time. The indoor garden for private Ghabgas serves up an à la carte menu of traditional Ramadan flavours, and runs from sunset to the early hours of the following morning. “Our mission is to inspire those who appreciate good food, good music and a relaxing atmosphere, feeding the soul of the ‘bon vivant’ within everyone,” says Nawaf al Shawwa, Mesk Holdings chief executive officer and managing director. “Using only the finest ingredients, the Mediterranean fusion menu has been created with care and joy. Food, for us, is a celebration of life.” World Cup Looking to watch the World Cup matches with your family in an air-friendly environment? 338 Garden Restaurant offers you the opportunity to do so. Cheer for your favourite teams as you watch the games on one of the big screens erected outdoors in the air-conditioned garden area. Feel at home, as you enjoy your favorite Ramadan flavours, watch traditional Ramadan TV shows and play board games.
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Dining al fresco Centred on a Bohemian theme, the restaurant has an al fresco dining style in its garden area and a diverse lineup of live entertainment. The venue also features a modern villa and private parking, which literally drops you at the doorstep. Be it a celebration of private and corporate events or weddings and anniversaries, guests can customise their dining and entertainment packages to suit their requirements. Look out for the venues Eid celebrations with a revised menu and live entertainment i Call 17 710-338. www.bahrainthismonth.com
ELITE SEEF RESIDENCE & HOTEL
Arabian Treats The large poolside area of this hospitality venue is a natural haven that features a range of dining options. Visit this space for a memorable Ramadan.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Celebrate Ramadan this year with family, friends and colleagues over a sumptuous feast of traditional Arabic dishes and mouth-watering desserts at the Elite Seef Residence & Hotel. Enjoy the lavish Iftar buffet at sunset and while the night away in the alluring chic and inviting atmosphere of Il Giardino restaurant. As you enter the oasis pool area, you will instantly feel relaxed and serenaded by the wonderful oasis garden surrounding the large pools. Ghabga buffets are served for the guests offering the most sumptuous buffets on the island. Indulge in Arabic and Lebanese specialties, traditional Ramadan dishes, a variety of dates and Ramadan drinks. Have an unparalleled Ramadan experience at the Elite Seef Residence & Hotel while enjoying your meal. The classical Arabic music entertainment will create memorable moments for you and your company. And when “the royal feast” is over, come back for a light Suhoor meal, just the right way to prepare for the next day.
More than dining Nestled in the centre of the Kingdom’s main shopping and business district, Elite Seef Residence & Hotel offers the comfort of spacious suites with the fun of city living. Each of the modern suites is elegantly furnished in modern leather interiors with a fully equipped modular kitchen, lavish bathrooms, a home theatre system with HD TV and 24-hour personalised service. i Call 36 0202-290. July 2014 131
dining LANTERNS RESTAURANT GROUP
Indian Flavours An ensemble of fine Indian cuisine with a slight twist creates a Ramadan feast for all at this restaurant’s outlets in the Kingdom. Something less traditional comes your way this Ramadan with an Indian fusion menu at Lanterns restaurants. The buffet mixes signature dishes with traditional favourites for an Iftar meal. To suit your taste buds, head over to the live cooking stations with chefs on standby to prepare stir fry dishes with your choice of ingredients. Buffet deals for Iftar at the Adliya branch are priced at BD6.9 net per person and the daily Ghabga is BD7.9 net per person. The Budaiya Lanterns hosts an Iftar for BD5.9 net per person. Both venues are open from Iftar onwards, and complimentary side dishes to the buffet include freshly made breads and mixed grills. For those who find their meal incomplete without that sweet touch, feast from a selection of traditional sweets, freshly cut fruits and local desserts which are equally hard to resist. Eid The restaurant will host a lunch and dinner buffet on all three days of Eid at both their branches. This promises to be a festive spread of Indian delicacies such as raan (leg of lamb) and rice dishes. There will be entertainment for children along with face painting. i Call 17 246-777 or 17 590-591 or 77 770-004.
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RAMADA HOTEL BAHRAIN
Personalise your Ramadan Good things come in good packages. Attracting business travellers and families alike, the Ramada Hotel Bahrain runs a promotional Iftar offer for Ramadan.
Summer is a stressful time with the scorching heat and unbearable humidity. Intending to make your summer months in Bahrain relaxing and memorable is — the Ramada Hotel. “Visiting Ramada Hotel is a sure way to lighten up your Ramadan evenings with its finest delights that will suit every budget and mood for you and your entire family,” says Hans Radek, the hotel’s general manager. Offering a promotional price of two paid and one free for Ramadan, the Le Jardin restaurant serves up a variety of dishes for Iftar until 8pm daily. At BD9.600 net per person, the buffet comprises a range of traditional oriental hot and cold dishes, together with classic salads, desserts and customary hot and cold refreshments. If you want your Ramadan nights spirited with personalised service and privacy, simply enjoy an Arabian feast at home and let Ramada’s catering team provide you with the same. “Experience our services, if you are looking to find a perfect way to relax and enjoy a languorous vibe with family and friends during the season,” says Hans. Eid The Exchange Restaurant & Pub remains closed during the Holy Month and will reopen on the first day of Eid with live performances from their new duo act playing a mix of popular music. The hotel offers a bunch of facilities and comforts to keep you busy. Start your day with a complimentary breakfast and newspaper or a workout in the gym. Enjoy a plunge in the swimming pool and order snacks and drinks while you unwind. i Call 17 742-000.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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dining SUMO SUSHI & BENTO
The Sumo Way
This modern Japanese restaurant is the go-to place for those who love sushi and bento boxes. Check out its brand-new venue in the Kingdom. Sumo Sushi & Bento opened its doors in Dubai more than a decade ago. In 2007, it found a home in Bahrain, right in the heart of Juffair’s food district. The casual eatery now boasts a second branch at The Lagoon at Amwaj Islands, with a fresh look and modern feel to the setting. The all-new venue features a number of video screens, updated interiors and other contemporary fixtures. However, it continues to offer the well-liked Sumo menu. Diners can still enjoy the monthly and seasonal specials that are created by the head chef. Keeping the East meets West signature intact through the years, Sumo Sushi & Bento has gained popularity for its innovative dishes that can be customised to suit every palate. Keep an eye out for the new desserts that take the stage next month at all its venues. Honey Toast will be available in a variety of scrumptious flavours. Ramadan at Sumo During the Holy Month, the Japanese restaurant invites you to break your fast at sundown with their delicious and healthy treats. Whether you choose to dine at the familiar location at Juffair or at the brand-new setting at The Lagoon, Sumo Sushi & Bento has just the thing for you. The venue gives you the choice of enjoying your Iftar outdoors, upstairs or at the sushi bar. Enhance your Ramadan dining experience by choosing one of their set menus. Designed to be shared, this option lets you celebrate the spirit of togetherness with your family and friends. For the daily special, follow Sumo Sushi & Bento on Facebook and Instagram. i Visit www.sumosushi.net.
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GOLDEN TULIP BAHRAIN
Fun and Food Delights
Sharing moments with family and friends gets even more special as you dine here during the Holy Month. Blending Arabic style dining with entertainment, the Golden Tulip Bahrain brings together a Ramadan experience to be savoured by the whole family. For a more private meal, break your Iftar at the Al Wasmeyyah restaurant from sunset to 9pm. The Iftar buffet costs BD8.500++ per person, inclusive of selected beverages. Once you have satisfied your hunger, head over to the Al Afandi tent where traditional food is served Ă la carte from 8.30pm t0 2am. The tent can host up to 350 people and Ghabgas are priced at BD8.500++ per head. Group bookings are also available from BD8++ per person, and the menu can be tailored to suit your own requirements. Entertainment is provided by an oud player and you can enjoy a variety of mind games as well. A raffle draw is held during the weekends with fabulous prizes on offer; there is also free access to wireless Internet. World Cup Watch a live telecast of the FIFA matches on wide screen television at the C Club Sports Lounge. The outlet has been converted to a lounge specifically for the games and offers a variety of food and beverages at a special rate. Eid Eid celebrations at the Golden Tulip will include a daily lunch and dinner buffet priced at BD8.500++. Again, there will be Arabic entertainment and raffles. i Call 17 535-000 or follow @GTBahrainHotel on Twitter.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
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dining THE K HOTEL
Savouring Tradition
Relax in the calm and soothing surrounds of this four-star hotel, which offers five-star service while you celebrate Ramadan with family and friends. Celebrate the spirit of togetherness and break your fast at Klouds restaurant with an Iftar buffet of Arabic food and Ramadan delicacies from across the region. Tabouleh, hammour, machbous, chicken molokhia, lamb tagine, koftabil laban and Bahraini ouzi are just some of the typical Arabic treats that will keep you dishing out for more the entire night. When you have satisfied your savoury palate, fill your taste buds with sweet sensations to finish off your meal. Choose from, or try all, the oriental delicacies including local favourites, um-ali, assorted baklawa, kunafa and kallaj Ramadan. The Iftar buffet is priced at BD8++ per person; kids from six to 12 years dine at half price and those five and under eat for free. Engage in a Ramadan Ghabga under the stars which further reinforces the meaning of friendship and kinship with a traditional menu and Lebanese cuisine from sundown until the early hours of the morning. The hotel offers a special corporate rate as well as an outdoor catering service for both Ghabgas and Iftar. Eid Enjoy an Eid brunch on the second day of the holidays at BD14++, inclusive of soft drinks, and at BD19.5++ inclusive of selected beverages. World Cup Catch the World Cup matches leading up to the finals at the Kenza Restaurant which broadcasts the game live on a big screen. i Call 17 360-000.
SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA
Starry Night Paint your palates with the colourful flavours of Ramadan as you dine at this five-star hotel, where the buffet spreads get a French touch.
Experience Magnifique Ramadan under the stars with friends and family at the Sofitel Bahrain’s newly built tent — their largest so far. The tent is supported by a team of chefs, preparing a series of Iftar and Ghabga buffets, recreated with a modern twist, throughout the month. “Recreating a French theme, the venue is decorated and furnished in a truly luxurious fashion with plush couches and eye-catching décor, offering an exquisite experience of the magnifique French l’art de vivre,” says Charbel Hanna, Sofitel’s food and beverage director. “Enjoy the Magnifique feel of spending an Arabian night under the stars with a beautifully decorated ceiling offering a wonderful expression of the night sky while the atmosphere of the tent remains cool, spacious and airy against the summer night’s warmth.” Iftar and Ghabga prices are BD19++. Reservations are encouraged in advance. Win-win situation Enter the Jaguar Ramadan raffle draw to win a Jaguar XF Luxury. Kooheji Jewellers grants giveaway prizes to guests and visitors, including BD300 daily gift vouchers and an exclusive diamond necklace. Guests can watch the World Cup matches from the comfort of your table or couch at the tent, where several flat screen televisions are set up. Eid at Sofitel Saraya restaurant hosts a lunch and dinner buffet on the first and third days of Eid. The second day features a brunch spread across three venues: Saraya, Fiamma and Wok. Peshawat restaurant will have a set menu, excluding beverages, on offer on all three days i Call 17 636-363.
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i Call 17 229-778 or visit www.bflc.com.bh/bayti. www.bahrainthismonth.com
OPEN FOR BREAKFAST, BUFFET LUNCH & DINNER ALSO OPEN FOR IFTAR BUFFET Bayti will excite your pallet with a mix of dishes from across the Middle East. Set in a contemporary venue and developed by the Bahrain Family Leisure Company. Bayti is the evolution of Middle Eastern food at an affordable price. Located close to Bahrain’s Financial Harbour off the King Faisal Highway
Bahrain Financial Harbour
Kids Kingdom
King Faisal Hwy
Intercontinental Regency Bahrain
Al Fardah Avenue
King Faisal Hwy
Muharraq
King Faisal Hwy
King Faisal Hwy Over Bridge
Known for operating award-winning restaurants like Cucina Italiana and Bennigan’s, Bahrain Family Leisure Company is a long-established hospitality operator within the Kingdom. Late last month, the firm added one more dining venue to its repertoire — a home-grown restaurant brand named Bayti. Located off the King Faisal Highway, next to Kids Kingdom, this new eatery is situated close to the Bahrain Financial Harbour, boasting pedestrian access from central Manama via a highway bridge. Bayti’s menu offers locals, expats and tourists a fresh selection of modern Middle Eastern dishes from around the region. Focusing on fresh ingredients, local produce and contemporary presentation, Bayti’s chef-driven menu wows guests with modern twists on traditional home recipes. “Bayti is an evolution of Arabic and Middle Eastern dishes at an affordable price. We wanted to create a concept that would wow each guest, in terms of food, decor and service,” says Peter Lyons, general manager of Bahrain Family Leisure Company. “Our team offers a relaxed, casual style of interactive service, while our chefs delight guests with signature dishes, such as our gourmet shawarma, regional specialities and homemade desserts.” The venue offers an executive buffet lunch and a kids’ menu. Soon Bayti will offer delivery service to both residential and business locations. In the spirit of Ramadan, the venue has put together a hearty Iftar buffet for those who visit at sundown. Follow Bayti Bahrain on Facebook for updates on promotions.
OPENING DAILY FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT
Lulu Avenue
Diners can look forward to visiting this brand-new venue this Ramadan to break their fast at sundown and indulge in modern Arabic fare.
NOW OPEN
Seef Area
Innovative Recipes
Saudi Causeway
BAYTI RESTAURANT
www.bflc.com.bh/bayti CALL US FOR RESERVATIONS
17 22 9778
us on facebook July 2014 137
dining TCBY
The Arabian Froyo The TCBY and Baked by T collaboration is perfect for health conscious people who want to enjoy a cold treat
The Country’s Best Yogurt (TCBY) has launched a new series of Ramadan flavours in collaboration with Bahrain’s leading local epicurean and foodie, Tala Bashmi. The new flavours were created with a focus on infusing local Bahraini flavours with the Western appeal of TCBY’s frozen yoghurt. The partnership has resulted in the creation of two new Arabian yoghurt bases and three new toppings. Running for two weeks each, the yoghurt bases are gahwa-flavoured and another with cinnamon with honey. The four toppings include ‘Rangeena’ Truffles, Sticky Date Pudding, Date Syrup and a Toffee Cardamom Sauce. “I am very delighted to work with TCBY on this fun and inspiring project. The collaboration is perfect for Ramadan and really allowed me to showcase my healthy desserts to a wider audience,” says Tala Bashmi, owner and Founder of Baked by T. “This collaboration is a first of its kind for us and is perfect for Ramadan. We are especially proud of collaborating with the local Bahraini youth like Tala Bashmi, who not only excels in her field, but also does it with health in mind — which is what TCBY is all about,” a spokesperson for TCBY adds. The new special edition flavours will be available throughout Ramadan in all TCBY stores, namely Budaiya, Isa Town, AlAali Mall and Juffair. TCBY and Baked by T are both active on Facebook and Instagram; follow them at @TCBYBahrain and @Baked_By_T. TCBY prides itself on providing its customers with a healthy dessert alternative. It guarantees 98 per cent fat-free products; its yoghurt base is sugar-free. Moreover, they are labelled as “super yoghurts” as they boast probiotics and live cultures. The collaboration is ideal as Tala Bashmi also prides her desserts on being health-friendly and nutritious. i Visit www.tcby.com.
bystander
Rosita & Fatima
Hessa & Sanjida
Sameera
Rosita Coffee Morning Rosita Jumat, wife of Ahmed Haji Jumat, Charge d'Affaires Embassy of Brunei hosted a coffee morning for a number of ladies at her residence in Saar
Ratna, Rosita & Sukma Reem, Mendy, Tomoko, Fatima & Nadia
Najah, Faikh & Fouzia
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Dr Hala, Mafoodha & Mariam
Mala, Amal & Vera
Sharifa & Rosita
www.bahrainthismonth.com
What’s New Edited by Maryam Toorani
Sweet lovin’ With a higher concentration of fragrance oils, the latest eau de parfum from Bath and Body Works gives you a more intense, longer-lasting aroma for the ultimate indulgence. French Lavender & Honey features a skin-loving formula scented with French lavender, nectarine de Provence and honey. Available at Bath and Body Works.
Time for the ages The Panerai Luminor 1950 is the ultimate symbol of luxury. With a titanium case and black rubber strap, the watch is incredibly masculine, understated and light-weight. Available at Panerai Boutique.
Fusion of traditions Celebrating the Holy Month, awardwinning jewellery retailer Pure Gold Jewellers has launched a range of exquisitely designed diamond pendants with the inscription ‘Allah’ and ‘Mashallah’ in Arabic calligraphy. Available at Pure Gold Jewellers.
Form and function Tackle blemished skin the right way with the new Tea Tree Flawless BB Cream from The Body Shop. Powered by the purifying tea tree oil from Kenya, the light-weight cream perfects your complexion by fixing blemishes. Available at The Body Shop.
The ‘it’ bag This year marks the 20th anniversary of Longchamp’s iconic foldable bag — Le Pliage. The brand celebrates this exciting milestone in style by launching the Le Pliage Cuir Personalised, a whole-new kind of foldable leather handbags. Available at Jashanmal. www.bahrainthismonth.com
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marketplace
BMI BANK
Draw of Dreams A savings scheme by this bank helps a father of three to secure a family home in a reputable neighbourhood.
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Bahraini retail and commercial banking institution, BMI Bank, has helped many realise their dreams through its Ayadi Savings Scheme. The programme offers more rewarding features and benefits with each passing year. The scheme’s May draw concluded with Mohamed Jaafar Al Hammadi, sales manager and father of three, winning a three-bedroom Diyar Homes villa. Mohamed, who works at the Mondial Car Centre, admitted he had mixed emotions when he heard the news. “I just didn’t know how to react. I was smiling and crying at the same time. I have been working hard to secure a permanent home for my family as we currently live in rented accommodation,” says Mohamed. “This win is a blessing for me and my family, which eases my worry of taking a future home loan. Most importantly, it will give my family a better lifestyle. I look forward to bringing up my kids in this luxurious neighbourhood.” In addition to this, five lucky students — Rawan Alsaad, Ruqaya Shaban, Sayed Almosawi, Sara Abdulhusain and Abdulla Omaigan — received the ‘Ayadi for Students’ prize of USD500 each. “Ayadi’s grand prize draws are special to us. It enables us to realise one of the most important requirements in people’s lives — a safe and secure home. Each time we give away a Diyar Homes villa, we become part of acustomer’s personal accomplishment. This is the aim of
the Ayadi Savings Scheme — to lend a helping hand to our customers,” says Eyad Sater, general manager support services at BMI Bank. “With two grand prizes given away this year, we encourage our customers to take advantage of the upcoming special Ramadan draw organised to mark the Holy Month.” Invest today Ayadi customers have a chance to win 30 special Ramadan prizes if they invest before July 26. The fourth grand prize is available to those who continue to invest in the savings scheme until July 30. This year, the bank has opened more savings options with a bigger prize of more than USD1.9 million and the opportunity to win 396 prizes. Customers now have a chance to win many more prizes along with the six grand prizes, 300 monthly draws, 30 Ramadan prizes and 60 special cash prizes for students. To be eligible for the prize draw, customers can open an Ayadi savings account at any BMI Bank branch in Bahrain, with a minimum deposit of BD50. The savings scheme draws are officiated by a representative from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce along with the internal and external auditors and in accordance with Bahrain Banking and Chamber of Commerce Laws. i Call 17 508-080. www.bahrainthismonth.com
ASIA JEWELLERS
Grand Debut The sea is a key element of this renowned watch making brand; its new boutique is as enthralling as the watches it houses.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
In collaboration with its long-term respected partner Asia Jewellers, Officine Panerai opens its first outlet in the Kingdom. The brand consolidates its presence in the GCC and in one of the world’s high-end shopping destinations. Situated on the first floor of Moda Mall, the boutique is designed with a sophisticated and rich interior, which includes stunning Venetian walls, Italian furniture and a gold Calacatta marble stone floor. “The store is a significant part of our expansion plan across the GCC and we are happy to mark this milestone, which will enable us to reach the residents, the commercial community and tourists that frequently visit this prestigious mall. This will strengthen our core mission to be closer to our existing and potential customers in the Kingdom,” says Milvin George, Panerai’s regional managing director. The design of the venue, with a floor space of around 27 square metres, is emblematic of all Officine Panerai boutiques, in which each detail recreates a classic Italian style environment. From the historical supply of highly specialised instruments for the Italian Navy to the current sponsorship of Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, the sea has always played a leading role in the Florentine company’s history. The boutique interior evokes this link through the use of teak wood, brushed steel, porthole-shaped windows and wavy walls, all of which recall the shape of the most elegant sailing yachts.
Officine Panerai was founded in Florence in 1860 as a watch-making establishment, shop and school. For years it supplied the Italian Navy with precision timepieces, particularly to cover the needs of the special underwater diving corps. The projects it worked on at the time, including the Luminor and Radiomir watches, were covered by the military secrets act for years and Panerai watches were launched on the international market after the Richemont group purchased the brand in 1997. Today, Officine Panerai develops and manufactures its watches and movements in Neuchâtel, combining Italian design and history with Swiss watch-making know-how. Panerai watches are sold all over the world through an exclusive network of distributors in addition to its boutiques worldwide. i Visit www.panerai.com. July 2014 141
viva
Beat the Masters If you don’t have the exact skill sets of Ronaldo and Messi, but can dribble past four defenders in the virtual world, this competition may be just the thing for you.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
A major international football tournament hits our shores, giving gaming enthusiasts a chance to win incredible prizes. Coinciding with the FIFA World Cup, VIVA, one of Bahrain’s largest telecommunications companies, offers the Kingdom’s first virtual World Cup. The Fanta Masters tournament organised by Power League Gaming (PLG) aims to find the top amateur gamers of the region’s Arab youth community. The Bahrain leg of the competition hosted an impressive showcase of virtual football skills on EA Sports FIFA 2014. Over 160 gamers competed to make it into the final 16 and win a place in the regional final to be held in Abu Dhabi this month. The winner will walk away with a well-deserved grand prize of AED1,000,000. The final round in Bahrain witnessed 16 contenders battle it out for top honours. Top Bahraini gamers Mohammed Jassim and Hussain Ali AlTaraif competed against Indonesian gamer Puju Mujanid and American gamer Abdulaziz Shiddo.
Mohammed and Hussain ended victorious, with all four finalists having secured a spot to participate in the Million Player event that will be held at the Al Jazeera Sports Club. More than 50,000 players will compete for a prize pool exceeding BD150,000. i Visit www.viva.com.bh. July 2014 143
marketplace THE DESIGNER OUTLET
Summer Statement
You don’t have to save up for months to look chic this season. This outlet brings you the best of fashion at amazing prices. The scorching summer is no excuse for a dwindling style quotient. This is the time to don some bright colours and flaunt that glorious tan. The Designer Outlet, located at Seef Corner, stocks the latest designs from your favourite brands at great prices. “We have managed to source a fresh collection of Ralph Lauren polo shirts for men and women,” says Claire Pollard, co-owner of the store. “A fabulous collection of Lacoste polo shirts for the ladies, superb Hugo Boss T-shirts for the guys and a new range of Diesel and Superdry Tshirts have just come in.” The store is currently looking to add an exciting range of swimwear, designed by one of Australia’s top models. Althernatively, if you are off somewhere cold this summer, pick something from their collection of Romeo Gigli luxurious winter coats. “Whatever you are looking for, come along and visit our outlet. If we haven’t got what you want, leave us your details, and we can always try and source it for you,” adds Claire. “We have adapted our buying policy and wish to provide our customers with a range of classic additions to their wardrobe.” The Designer Outlet is approaching its first birthday, as it opened on August 1, 2013. The team at the store thanks customers for their constant support and encouragement. If you are in love with lables but the price tags bring yor spirits down, head to The Designer Outlet and get yourself the entire season’s supply of branded wear. With such prices, the collections don’t stay in the store for too long. Look forward to the addition of Toms shoes to the existing range. i Call 77 011-996.
LOST PARADISE OF DILMUN
Oasis of Excellence
Ranked the second most popular attraction in the Kingdom, this water park receives a certificate of excellence thanks to many who have had a great time on its premises. Bahrain’s largest water-themed amusement park, Lost Paradise of Dilmun has received the TripAdvisor Certificate for Excellence for the second time, at a ceremony held this year. The accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given to establishments that consistently receive outstanding traveller reviews on the TripAdvisor website and covers qualifying businesses worldwide. “Winning the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is a true source of pride for the entire team at Lost Paradise of Dilmun. We would like to thank all our guests, who have taken time to complete a review on TripAdvisor,” said Cristina Fulgencio, senior PR and marketing manager. “For the last two years, our rankings have dramatically increased, and we attribute this to our team’s hard work and the management’s perseverance in providing continuous training and employee development.” A proprietary algorithm that takes review ratings into account is used to determine the honourees. Businesses must maintain an overall bubble rating of at least four out of five based upon the volume and frequency of reviews. Additional criteria include business tenure and popularity ranking. “We are pleased to honour exceptional hospitality businesses for consistent excellence,” says Marc Charron, president of TripAdvisor for Business. “This award gives top-performing establishments around the world the recognition they deserve based on authentic feedback from those who matter most — their customers.”
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i Visit www.lpodwaterpark.com.
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Magnolia & friends
Megan
DJs From Mars At Ibrida Djs from Mars, an Italian DJ and production team, composed of Max Aqualuce and Luca Ventafunk rocked the house at Ibrida, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa in Seef district DJs from Mars
Ahmed, Jean, Jamal, Joe, Shakul, Catherine & Marivic
Ameena, Yasmeen, Mo & Faisal
Ghyy & Rez
Fatima, Roberta, Sara & Svenja
Kathleen & Abdul-Jabbar
Rosita, Sanjida & Sukma
Farewell Lunches Two lunches were held to bid farewell to a number of long term residents of Bahrain prior to their departure from the kingdom. The first lunch was held at a residence in Tubli and the second at Casa Mexicana Sukma, Sanjida, Rosita, Anne, Karina, Assy, Sameera & Rowena
Karina, Mehdi, Anne, Sanjida & Emma
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Karina & Sameera
Hans, Rowena & Preeti
Ingrid & George
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bystander
Bahia, Oksana, Nikita & Kosta
Zuhair, Diana & Arina
Arina's Birthday Party Arina celebrated her birthday with family & friends at her residence in Saar Ara Albert, Diana, Albero & Arina Arina blows out her birthday candles
Katrina & Violeta
Alex & Elena
Ivanna & Sky
Gordin & Rana
Adham & Hytham
Olivia & Fouad
Madeleine & Henry
Ingrid & Laurent
Fahad & Britta
Hussain & Yousif
Shandra & Marco
Suzi & Joe
Laurent & Augesta
Boris & Marion
Ingrid Brucker Birthday Party Ingrid Brucker celebrated her birthday with family & friends at the the residence of her son-in-law Manfred Erber last month
Ingrid, Manfred & George
Joacham & Sitta
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Ernst, Suzi & Manfred
Mohsen
Dr Shaker
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Come in. Sit down. Have a nice meal.
t +973 17311280 f +973 17311281 bldg.175 rd. 2608 adliya 326
Shoo Fee Ma Fee Restaurant
shoofeemafeerestaurant
bystander
Amro & Dalia
Raihana & Hussain
Svuzanna & Edward
Ulisses & Fernanda
Dalia with Ahmed Al Hawaj
Zeid & Tommaso
Boggi Milano Jazz Night The Azadea Group hosted its Boggi Milano Jazz Night for a number of guests at the Capital Club last month
Hussain Al Hawaj, Amro & Ahmed Al Hawaj
Armi, Tony & Eveline
Nabayit & Aghar
Antoine & Chef Lucien
Dalia
Nikola, Dalia, Reem & Maleesa
Kosebasi Luncheon Kosebasi Restaurant at the Bahrain City Centre held a luncheon for members of the media and guests to sample the restaurant's new menu A view of the restaurant
Chef Lucien & Farid
Jenny & Hanan
Shaikha, Fernanda & Zilia
Maher, Younas & Bader
Farhat & Raihana
Dalia
PAUL Iftar Menu Preview PAUL Bakery & Restaurant held a lunch for members of the media to preview its new Iftar menu. The lunch was held at PAUL in Seef Mall Joe, Farid & Alain
16 July 2014
Rudy
Agnieszka, Sue & Dorota
Sanhita, Farheen & Moya
www.bahrainthismonth.com
bystander
Nawaf Al Zayani, Zayed R. Alzayani & Khalid Al Zayani
Jaguar F-Type Coupe Launch Euro Motors, exclusive distributors for Jaguar automobiles in Bahrain held an launch reception to unveil the stunning Jaguar F-Type Coupe. The event was held at the Grand Foyer, Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa The stunning Jaguar F-Type Coupe
Shaikh Abdulla & Mohamed
Magan, Anthony, Paul & Erica
Rola, Hisham & Nada
Anthony & Shaikh Salman
Betsy & Lyray
Hannane
Ala’a & Hassan
Bruce
Michelle, Rodney & Joyce
BSPCA Fashion Show At The British Club A fashion show organised by the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty (BSPCA) with the theme 'Raining Cats and Dogs' was held at the British Club last month. All proceeds from the evening will go towards the running of the BSPCA Animal Welfare Centre in Askar HE Iain Lindsay, British Ambassador, Bridget Lindsay, Maeve & Mike John & Nigel
Julia, Sara, Eman & Zainab
18 July 2014
One of the models
Matt & Blez
Aimy & Lisa
Terry & Kelly
Mariah & Michle
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