December 2016 ~ Vol. 20 ~ Issue 12 Arts Culture Clubs Sports Interviews Lifestyle Dining Nightlife SEASONAL SHOPPING | MOTORING | GADGETS GALORE YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE www.bahrainthismonth.com Annual Review The Year That Was And The Year Ahead Japan Supplement A Special Report Festive Fare Holiday Food Fantasy Interviews • Italian Ambassador HE Domenico Bellato • BCCI Chairman Khalid Almoayed • Environmental Expert Diane Klaimi Happenings • The Nest • Christmas Tree Lightings • MMA: Brave 2 ‘The Dynasty’ • Mohammed Abdu Concert • Film Festival
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Downtown PO Box 18345, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, T:+973 1311 9999, [email protected] A sparkling festive season at Downtown Rotana! Christmas Tree Lighting - Thursday 8th December at 5.30 pm Join us and start the Festive season with our Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and Santa. Gingerbread House Decorations at City Lobby Lounge - 8th - 31st December Kids can enjoy the tastiest snacks while decorating Gingerbread Houses for BD 10* Christmas Eve Dinner at Flavours on 2 starting from BD 24* Christmas Day Brunch at Flavours on 2 starting from BD 25* New Year’s Eve Dinner at Teatro Downtown starting from BD 35* New Year’s Day Brunch at Flavours on 2 starting from BD 18* For reservations and more information, please contact us on +973 3360 50 70 or visit rotanatimes.com/downtownrotana *Price is subject to 10% service charge and 10% government levy.
www.bahrainthismonth.com Bystander This Month’s Bystander pages are filled with events galore including the visit of HRH Prince Charles, the Turkish Independence and Hungarian National Day celebrations and the Poppy Ball. Our snappers also captured other social happenings around the island such as car launches and charity events, to name but a few. 24 32 48 58 26 70 57 Issue 232 Contents December 2016 HAPPENINGS Bahrain This Month previews events happening around town during the month of December 2016: 24 The Nest: The return of Adliya’s annual arts and entertainment fair. 26 Christmas Tree Lightings: A round-up of the island’s festivities. 28 Designer Bargains: Charity boutique sales. 32 Brave 2: Dynasty: Mixed Martial Arts tournament. 36 A Collection of Recollections: Exhibition of memories by Maya Jashanmal Lalvani 38 Building Bridges Film Festival: Screenings, workshops and more. 40 Mohammed Abdu in Concert: The living legend comes to Bahrain. 42 Ironman 70.3 Bahrain: A major sporting challenge returns. 46 Bahrain Bike Week: Entertainment and exhibition for motorcyle fans. After Dark 48 Striding Out: Pop grim vocalist Tinchy Stryder hits the island. 52 Noir Prive Masquerade Ball: The edgy London club night. 54 Ring in the New Year: A round-up of the best parties and fun events. INTERVIEWS 57 A New Beginning Italian Ambassador HE Domenico Bellato on plans for his new posting. 58 United in Going Green United Nations Environment Expert Diane Klaimi talks about Bahrain’s environmental efforts. 60 Building on Legacy Waleed Kanoo on deceiving appearances. 62 Eighteen and Counting Dominic and Michelle Miles chat about happy times on the island. 64 Directing the Future Behind the scenes at the Diplomat with Anwar Hajjar. ANNUAL REVIEW 68-69 Diversity Key for Growth A look back at the year that’s passed and what the Kingdom can expect in 2017. 70 Leading the Private Sector Khalid Almoayed on new laws and future investment. 72 The Legal Viewpoint Qays Zu’bi outlines the changes he would like to see. December 2016 3
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay invites you to discover the perfect Saturday brunch at re/Asian Cuisine by Wolfgang Puck. Soak in the immersive views from the 50th floor and feast on mouthwatering Asian selections like Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns, Wok Fried Shrimp Dumplings and Brisket Wontons for BD 19++. Reservations: +973 1711 5046 fourseasons.com/bahrain re/IMAGINE YOUR SATURDAYS. Every Saturday afternoon • 12:30PM - 3:30PM Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay invites you to discover the perfect Saturday brunch at re/Asian Cuisine by Wolfgang Puck. Soak in the immersive views from the 50th floor and feast on mouthwatering Asian selections like Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns, Wok Fried Shrimp Dumplings and Brisket Wontons for BD 19++. Reservations: +973 1711 5046 fourseasons.com/bahrain re/IMAGINE YOUR SATURDAYS. Every Saturday afternoon • 12:30PM - 3:30PM
www.bahrainthismonth.com Issue 232 Contents December 2016 77 102 92 117 134 156 122 FEATURES Japan in Bahrain 77-89 From motoring to dining and future plans, we take a closer look at the relationship between the two nations. Seasonal Shopping 92-98 Get into the festive spirit and spoil your loved ones with our selection of throughful gifts. Motoring 102 A New Beginning: Charlie Holding on the road with the new Genesis G90. 104 Compact and Cool: Behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Tiguan. 106 A Cool Coupé: Check out Al Haddad Motors’ new baby. 109 High Performance Track Event: Putting the new Audi through its paces. 110 Luxury Scandinavian Style: Dick Potter takes the new Volvo for a spin. 114 Practicality and Style: The JAC Refine Minibus. 117 A Cool Concept: The newly revealed BMW Concept X2. 118 After Sales Service: Customer campaign from Jaguar Land Rover. 119-120 Motoring News and Launches: BTM brings you the latest news from the motoring world on the island. Downtime 122-123 Gadgets: The newest gizmos in town 124 Music: Top Tunes 126 Computer Games: The hot games of the month 128 Websites: The coolest sites on the web 130 Apps: Essential apps 132 Movies: New releases Festive Fare 134-155 BTM highlights the best festive dining options available across the Kingdom. Dining 156 A Fantastic Catch: Puja Tiwari tries a very special seafood venue. 157 A Fashionable Experience: Going haute gourmet at Cavalli Caffe 158 A Sophisticated Sensation Capital Club joins the brunch scene. 160 Table Hopping Showcase 162 What’s New: Must-have products 163-178 Marketplace: Latest products and services 179-180 Business Bites Regulars 181 WIN WIN 182 Tarotscope 183 AD Index 184 Last Word December 2016 5 124 162
December 2016 7 Seasons greetings to you all as we head towards the end of the year with a calendar more packed than ever and a magazine so full we struggled to fit it all in. The month starts with a whole round of Christmas Tree lightings across the island, then National Day brings the annual festival at Bahrain International Circuit – details were still under wraps as we went to press, but you can be guaranteed it will be an unmissable event with entertainment for young and old alike and the Kingdom’s biggest fireworks display. Keep an eye on our social media for more information as it’s released. Throughout December there are festive fairs, fun activities, concerts, children’s entertainment and special meal deals ensuring everyone a good dose of Christmas spirit. You’ll find all the details in our Happenings and Festive Dining sections and if you need inspiration for a gift for that special someone, we’ve got that covered too with a fun his and hers gift guide. Other big events to look out for are the mixed martial arts Brave 2 battle, the wonderful Building Bridges Film Festival, annual arts festival The Nest and the Kingdom’s thrilling Iron Man sporting spectacle. This is the time of year when, more than ever, Bahrain’s nightlife scene comes into its own with visits from international performers such as Tinchy Stryder and Javi Barreda, of Café Mambo Ibiza, check out the After Dark section for information on these and all the best New Year parties in town. As always our interview section brings you exclusives with influential names including the new Italian Ambassador, HE Domenico Bellato, and Diane Klaimi, environmental expert with the United Nations, while in the Annual Review Khalid Almoayed, of Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, looks back on 2016 and legal eagle Qays Zu’bi tells us his hopes for 2017. We also celebrate the relationship between Bahrain and Japan with interviews with HE Kiyoshi Asako, Japanese Ambassador and Nasser Al Arayedh of the Bahrain Japanese Business and Friendship Society. In the Motoring section, Charlie Holding gets behind the wheel of new offerings from VW and Hyundai and falls a little in love while Dick Potter puts the new Volvo through its paces in Oman. With all this as well as our regular round-up of gadgets, movies and more there’s plenty to keep you busy right through to 2017. We wish you happy holidays from all at Bahrain This Month! THE TEAM Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Email: [email protected] Editorial Director Liz O’Reilly Editor Apple Sharma Contributors Charlie Holding, Behnaz Sanjana, Puja Tiwari Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Romeo San Miguel, Gopal Nambiar Photography Editor Mona Abdul Jabbar Staff Photographers Subeesh Kumar N S, Ranjith Mohan Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa, Kadambari S Corporate Affairs Director Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Media Sales Marise Prata Dos Santos, Randa Ghazi Howais Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Corporation Photography Picture Arabia: [email protected] 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: [email protected] www.bahrainthismonth.com © Copyright Reserved 2005-2014 The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. and must not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Red House Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission. • Views expressed in this magazine by journalists and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month. Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001 ISBN 1 899 348 09 3 1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24 Gulf and international subscriptions available on request. Bahrain This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide December 2016 ~ Vol. 20 ~ Issue 12 Arts Culture Clubs Sports Interviews Lifestyle Dining Nightlife SEASONAL SHOPPING | MOTORING | GADGETS GALORE YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE www.bahrainthismonth.com Annual Review The Year That Was And The Year Ahead Japan Supplement A Special Report Festive Fare Holiday Food Fantasy Interviews • Italian Ambassador HE Domenico Bellato • BCCI Chairman Khalid Almoayed • Environmental Expert Diane Klaimi Happenings • The Nest • Christmas Tree Lightings • MMA: Brave 2 ‘The Dynasty’ • Mohammed Abdu Concert • Film Festival December 2016 Bahrain This Month George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman COVER Cover Picture: Happy Holidays! Connect with Bahrain This Month: www.facebook.com/bahrainthismonth www.twitter.com/BHThisMonth www.instagram/bahrainthismonth www.YouTube.com/bahrainthismonth Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube The only Lifestyle Magazine distributed with the GDN www.bahrainthismonth.com
8 December 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com bystander 200th Anniversary UK-Bahrain Relations On the occasion of the visit of HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, the British Embassy held an exclusive garden reception to celebrate the 200th anniversary of UK-Bahrain relations at its premises. Prince Charles & Camilla Charles & Foreign Minister, HE Shaikh Khalid, greeting guests Charles, Debbie & VADM Donegan Camilla with Debby & Mohammed Al Asfoor Camilla with Judith & Faisal Jawad Camilla with Neil McElhinney Camilla with Nasser Al Areyedh Camilla with Kiran Kotecha Camilla with with Rev Butt Camilla with Mr & Mrs Ed Goodwin Camilla with Mr & Mrs Alistair Woods Camilla with HE Nor Huda Camilla with HE Dr A S U Mendis Camilla with Mehdi Hassan Camilla with Emad Almoayed Camilla with Hamid Al Zayani Camilla with Ron Peters Camilla with Nawaf Al Zayani Camilla with Garfield Jones Charles with Jamil Wafa Charles with Khalifa & Omar Al Shaheen Camilla with Mr & Mrs Qays Zubi Camilla with HE Bernard Regnuald-Fabre Images provided by www.khalifashaheen.com
12 December 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com bystander Turkish Independence Day HE Hatun Demirer, Turkish Ambassador, hosted a reception commemorating the 93rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence & Spa. The cake-cutting ceremony Lam, Yukiko & Yuki HE Alok Kumar Sinha Mamta & Jalil Al Ansari Luise, Jean Philippe & Bissonnette Carla, Nicacio & Nicole Nilanthini & Ratna Konstantinos & Panos HE Bernard Regnauld-Fabre, Dheya Al Al Ashoor & Faisal Jawad Ahmed Jawahari & HE Abdul Redha Abdullah Al Khouri Shaikha Hend & Karina Doris, Leylane & Dogan Waleed Al Raees & Mohammed Yateem HE Kiyoshi Asako & Laura Shirley Jihan, Fatema, Rehab & Fouzia Sophie, HE Simon Martin & Amin El Sharkawi Mehdi HE Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, HE Ahmed Naif Rasheed Al Dalimi, HE Taha Mohammed Abdul Qader HE Domenico Bellato, HE Kiyoshi Asako & Ruslan
14 December 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com bystander Hungarian National Day HE Ferenc Csillag, Ambassador of Hungary, hosted a cocktail reception on the occasion of the National Day of Hungary at the Capital Club. Members of the diplomatic corps, dignitaries, leading business personalities and the Hungarian community attended the event. The cake-cutting ceremony HE Ferenc Csillag & Usman Ahmed Balazs, Tawfiq Salehi, HE Ferenc Csillag & Khamis Al Mukla Hana & Lydia Haider, Tariq & Mohammed Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa & HE Ferenc Csillag Network Reception Al Haddad Motors launched the new Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé at the German Business Network Reception at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. Chris, Oliver, Deema Al Haddad, HE Alfred Simms-Protz & Imran Jenny, Abdulla Al Haddad & Deema Al Haddad, Imran & Jenny Santosh & Michael Joel & Tamim Jan & Aisha Faten & Hanan Bhagvan & Mehdi Tawfiq & Huda
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16 December 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com bystander Annual Poppy Ball The Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) held its annual Poppy Ball at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence & Spa. The cake-cutting ceremony John & Dena Liz, Katy & Mel Francesca & JP Tom, Steve & David Paul, Erica, Quan, Helen & Stephen Rick & Heather Susan & Lt Col Eamon Debbie & Jackie Cassie, Matthew & Ana Will, Jo, Tom & Rolo Lucy, Louise, Fraser & Fiona Jo, Will, Rob, HE Simon Martin & Sophie Garfield, Jill, Ron & Julia Khalid Al Zayani & Sana Al Zayani Sihan & Mohammed Salahuddin Dennis, Khalid Zayani, Johanna & Barry Jeannie, Rawin, Mariam Kanoo & HE Alfred Simms-Protz Khalid Al Zayani, Derek, David, John & HE Simon Martin
18 December 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com bystander American Week Lulu Group International inaugurated its American Week campaign at Lulu Hypermarket in Juffair Mall. Election Extravaganza HE William Roebuck, US Ambassador, hosted the 2016 US Presidential Election Extravaganza at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence & Spa. The ribbon-cutting ceremony Akram Miknas, HE William Roebuck, Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Shaikh Mohammed & Nasser Al Qaseer Hend, Nada, Waleed Kanoo & Mohammed Darwish Al Mannai & Ahmed Jawahari Akram Miknas & Abdul Hussain Dawani Mohammed Dadabai, Ahmed Jawahari, HE William Roebuck, Jalil, Mohamed Kooheji & HE Ahmad Naif Rasheed Al Dalimi HE Ahmed Rasheed Khattab, Fouzia, HE Mohammed Ben Youssef & HE Hatun Demirer Christina & Filippo Shaheed, Dr Mazen Mohammed Ali & Dr Mohammed Baqer Akshay, Mohammed, Lia, Juzer, Liza & Jon Juzer, Sam & Moe Michel, Nambi, Min & Kuriakose
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20 December 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com bystander Anniversary Celebration Capital Club celebrated its 7th anniversary with a Hollywood-themed social night event. The cake-cutting ceremony HE Dr Dhafer Al Umran, Naveen & Rida El Hajj Asfia Banu, HE Dr Dhafer Al Umran & Sumeet Jhingan Osama Muein, Sumeet Jhingan,Jamal Fakhro & Judith Jawad Tanya, Geila & Silvana Mona Mahmood & Dr Akram Khairy Jean Baptiste & Jennifer Lucas Harinder Lamba & Gagan Suri Nor Hayati & HE Ahmed Shahizan Jano Mouwa & Khamis Al Mutlaq Ayat & Seena Dashty Ahmed Al Sairafi, Nicole, Afroza Sultana & Mohammed Alam Gareth, Kay, Joanne, Derrick, Joanne & Simon Sumeet Jhingan, Abdul Hamid Hatam, Zee & Nataliia Eric Kaiser & Ingo Giesel Faith & Karina Misbah & Mohammed Noha, Ebrahim Jaleel Al Ansari, Ingo, Hanadi Al Ansari & Svetlana Esam, Francoise, Abdul Jaleel Al Ansari & Filippo Julia & Mohammed
22 December 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com bystander King Hamad Agricultural Prize The second edition of the King Hamad Prize for Agriculture was launched at a press conference at the Isa Cultural Centre. Dr Mohammed, Dr Fahad, Shaikha Maram & Dr Thuraya Amira & Halima Mirza Ebtisam Dr Fahad Sana Dr Thuraya Zahra Dr Nildfer May & Randa HBS-Bahrain Dialogue Harvard Business School (HBS) Club of the GCC hosted its second edition of the HBS-Bahrain Dialogue at the Capital Club. Shaikh Hisham bin Abdul Rahman Al Khalifa Mohammed, Emilio, Mohammed, Anzar, Shaheen & Isa Sumeet & George SKAL Dinner SKAL held a social dinner prepared by Matthias Hellweg at the Ramada Hotel. Members of SKAL at the event BaPDA Reception BaPDA appointed its new honorary president, HE Shaikh Salman bin Abdulla Al Khalifa during an event at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Guests at the event Abdulrahman & Romy Faisal & Waleed
24 December 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com The Nest explores the ways and means culture is fused and integrated, to celebrate the cultural fusions found within Bahrain. This year features a specially curated programme of public art, workshops and pop-up events held under the theme ‘Melting Pot’, offering Bahrainis a chance be reintroduced to each other. The Nest explores the heart of deeply symbolic practices that have been passed down from family to family, generation to generation. There are seven main sections: 1. Children’s Area: A section of the park will be dedicated to children’s play, as well as offering workshops and activities on subjects such as food art, kids’ fab lab and street art! 2. Open Air Cinema: Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy an open air theatre, with films screening once a week. 3. Café: Offering traditional food with a modern touch. 4. Marketplace: This offers entrepreneurs and artists a platform to present their work in a creative and fun way. 5. Public Art: Outdoor installations are the heart of The Nest, transforming Block 338 into a live The Nest When? Ongoing-December 17 Event? The Nest Venue? Various — Block 338 arts space with sculptures, murals and interactive design weaved into the urban landscape. 6. Live Music: There will be live entertainment in the form of local and regional bands, as well as opportunities for busking throughout the week. Belly of Paris. DECEMBER 2016. HAPPENINGS An art installation at The Nest.
December 2016 25 www.bahrainthismonth.com 7. Workshops: A programme of specialised workshops will be offered for a range of skill levels. Try out fabric printing for the first time or develop your calligraphy skills. The Nest 2016 Pop-up Spaces: The Kitchen: Made of two 20-foot shipping containers, this is one part pop-up kitchen and one part dining area – located at the end of Osama bin Zain Avenue. It is a venue for exciting live cooking events, providing a platform to the Gulf’s most innovative emerging chefs to create ‘Gulf street food’-inspired daily menus responding to the ‘melting pot’ theme. Local and regional chefs will be on hand. The Annexes: These explore the challenge of using an existing space and interacting with it to add new layers of meaning. These spaces add a critical eye to the areas that people may have overlooked, breathing fresh life into abandoned spaces. The Annexes are made up of a retired gallery space, Artobrand, which has been re-floored and freshened up to house design products, an abandoned house on The Nest’s pathway and an old house in 338. Annex i – SDW 2016: Introducing an exclusive and curated selection of design pieces from Saudi designers featured at Saudi Design Week 2016. Annex ii: This showcases artwork from local and regional artists and designers, who were tasked with turning an everyday home into a part of their personal artistic journey. Ranging from sculpture to installations, each artwork tells a personal story about their connection to Bahrain. Annex iii – Do It: More than 70 artists from across the region have written instructions that anyone can use to make a new work of art. The instructions reveal a range of artistic concerns and positions, some addressing social and political issues, others revealing an interest in the ways we communicate and understand the world around us. Beyond the walls of the annex, Do It will be activated across homes, schools and community hubs in Bahrain, shared through a variety of social media platforms. The in-house gallery team will be setting up the groundwork and it will be open to visitors to embellish. All the necessary resources will be located within the building for visitor use. Talks @ The Nest: The Talks were commissioned as part of a mandate to create cultural dialogue in the region. Al Riwaq Art Space aims to energise and support the local and regional community, allowing creatives and makers to up-value the arts in our economy. These events take place each Saturday at 4pm at Mezzaluna. December 3 Panel: Forging national identity by means of cultural production. December 10 Panel: The rise, successes, trials and tribulations of grassroots initiatives and independent creative platforms in the Gulf. December 17 Panel 1: The importance of public art in creative communities. Panel 2: The past, present, and future of the arts in Bahrain. Film Programme: This year’s programme offers a diverse selection of films from the region, as well as abroad. The event runs from 6pm every Friday at The Park. There is no age limit but the content would be best suited for ages 14+. Seating will be available. Music Programme: There will be live music every Thursday at the Main Stage. There is a mixture of hip-hop, folk, rock, traditional strings, reggae and jazz sounds lined up. December 1: 8pm Performance 1: Na-Der Performance 2: BG Harmony December 8: 8pm Performance 1: The Watertowers Performance 2: Galaxy Juice December 15: 7pm Performance 1: Aalaat Performance 2: Belly of Paris Special Events and Performances: There will also be a Bahraini Short Film Festival on December 6 at 7pm – The Park. Film Programme: The Light Thief by Eva Daoud (20 min) There Will Be Light by Salman Yousif (10 min) Seat Belt by Shahzad Ali (2 min) Tarweeda by Mohammed Ateeq (16 min) Mata Alwusol by Mohammed Jassim and Ibrahim Albuainain (4 min) Rainbow by Mahmood Alshaikh (15 min) Home Within performance – December 10 at 8pm: Syrian composer/clarinetist Kinan Azmeh and Syrian-Armenian visual artist Kevork Mourad will perform their renowned composition Home Within, a moving portrait of the aftermath of the Syrian revolution. The performance highlights poignant moments in Syria’s recent history by interweaving live illustrations, visuals, and original music compositions. For more details about The Nest, visit www. alriwaqartspace.com or call 17 717-441. Syrian composer/clarinetist Kinan Azmeh. Street food.
26 December 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com Colours and light will fill the Gulf Hotel’s lobby at 6pm. Come with your partner, friends and family to enjoy the festivities and Christmas carollers from 6pm onwards. Call 17 713-000. Join in the festive fun and indulge your favourite Christmas traditions. Savour a variety of gingerbread cookies and an array of chocolates and freshly-baked desserts while awaiting the arrival of Santa. You can also sing Christmas carols along with the British School Bahrain and the hotel’s choir. It starts at 6pm. Call 17 227-777. Feel the warmth of the holiday spirit as the hotel starts the season with the opening of a gingerbread house, the lighting of a grand Christmas Tree and floating garden butterfly tunnel. Be surrounded by family and friends and let the cool breeze of the season embrace you while enjoying the beautiful melodies of the choir from 6pm onwards. Call 17 580-000. Join in the festive fun as this hotel hosts a tree lighting ceremony from 5pm. The event will feature a visit by Santa and the Manama Singers Choir will perform. Call 17 523-515. Join us for an evening of fun and celebrations at the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony from 5pm onwards. There will be a Christmas carol choir, festive snacks and authentic seasonal beverages plus a special visit from Santa for the kids. Call 16 000-111. This leading hotel is hosting an unforgettable start to the festive season. Spend the day with your children and have fun during the gingerbread house decorating competition for BD10. There are a number of other activities which take place from 4pm to 7pm. Call 39 945-208. Join in commemorating the beginning of the holiday season as the hotel uncovers the story of Christmas through a display of sight and sound like no other. Tuck in to a cosy and festive night with family and loved ones, while enjoying beautiful renditions of traditional Christmas carols from the choir, and the lighting of the Christmas Tree at 6pm. Call 17 636-363. Downtown Rotana is gearing up to host its first Christmas tree lighting and has put together an exciting agenda for guests and visitors of all ages. The biggest attraction will be an enormous gingerbread house that will stand tall at the main hotel lobby. The evening will also include an appearance by Santa where children will receive token gifts, and will conclude with the customary lighting of the Christmas tree at 5.30pm. Call 33 605-070 or email fb.downtown@ rotana.com Christmas Tree Lightings happenings When? December 1 Venue? Gulf Hotel Convention & Spa Lobby When? December 1 Venue? InterContinental Regency, Bahrain When? December 3 Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain When? December 4 Venue? Golden Tulip When? December 3 Venue? Choices Terrace, Art Rotana When? December 6 Venue? The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa, When? December 13 Venue? Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa When? December 8 Venue? Downtown Rotana The hotel will hold a tree lighting ceremony at 6pm. The hotel will hold a tree lighting ceremony at 6pm. The hotel will hold a tree lighting ceremony at 6pm. The hotel will hold a tree lighting ceremony at 6pm. When? December 3 Venue? Elite Resort & Spa When? December 8 Venue? Elite Seef Residence & Hotel When? December 9 Venue? Elite Grande Hotel When? December 7 Venue? Elite Crystal Hotel Feel the holiday spirit, enjoy the choir and sing along with Christmas carols in front of the gingerbread house. Bring the whole family and enjoy free Christmas beverages and cookies while elves amuse the kids with their antics and special treats. It starts at 7.30pm. Call 17 531-122. When? December 8 Venue? Crowne Plaza Bahrain The Downtown Rotana choir
December 2016 27 www.bahrainthismonth.com bystander Italian Week Jawad Business Group held an Italian Week at the Jawad Supermarket in Barbar. HE Domenico Bellato & Faisal Jawad Laura, Gianna & Kareem Jawad Sophia Jawad & Rabab Jawad M Jawad, Masooma & Fatema Festive Campaign Jawad Business Group launched its new Costa Coffee festive food and drinks at its outlet in Seef Mall. Saeed, Gyanendra & Jassim Rena, Bassam & Haya Sophia Jawad Arteastiq Opening The Jawad Business Group launched its new creative experience, Arteastiq, at The Jawad Dome, Barbar. Kat & Jenine Jassim & Mahmood Noriel & Marlette Gizem & Dana Watch Launch Jawad Business Group launched the new Tilly’s Concept Store watches at its outlet in Seef Mall. Jawad M Jawad & Sophia Jawad Ruby, Joy & Riza Layal, Pacos & Masooma Ahmed & Sophia Jawad Yusra & Masooma Mudreka, Haseen & Raneen Wafa & Mohammed Raneen Tamimi & Sophia Jawad
28 December 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com PLAY is inviting children and families to explore the elves’ workshop, Mrs Claus’ kitchen and Santa’s house. Following the huge success of the recent Haunted House Project, the PLAY team is now converting their event space into The North Pole – a first in Bahrain. As children travel around the elves’ workshop, they can design their own toys, decorate wrapping paper, write a letter to Santa, make a treat with Mrs Claus, make their own ornament, and help Santa’s elves to prepare for Christmas. Santa will also be visiting and available for photographs on December 9, 16 and 23. The North Pole will be open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 4pm to 9pm. Admission rates start at BD5 per child, ages three to 12 years. Call 17 564-900 or email info@playbahrain. com Bargain hunters will be out in force for quality second-hand clothes, shoes and bags for the whole family – raising funds for local women’s and children’s charities. Brands include Christian Dior, Max Mara and more. All proceeds go to supporting the abused women of Bahrain. The event runs from 9am to 1pm daily. Call 66 900-482. Bring some Christmas magic to your home with a classic holiday tradition, the homemade gingerbread house. You have the option to buy the ‘build your own’ kit or sign up your child for a class with the hotel’s German Santa, Sven. It costs BD10++ per take-away kit and BD14++ per child for the class, inclusive of the house. Classes run every Saturday from 4pm to 8pm. Call 17 171-441. When? Ongoing-December 3 Event? Boutique Sale Venue? Bahrain Young Ladies Association When? December 2 Event? Designer Sale Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club When? Ongoing-December 24 Event? Children’s Activity Venue? PLAY, Seef Mall When? Ongoing-December 24 Event? Baking Class Venue? Furn Bakery, The Westin Hotel Bring along your little ones every Saturday from 9am to 10am, where they get a complimentary session of a hands-on baking experience, and uncover their hidden talents. Children will have fun breaking eggs, making dough and rolling and shaping it before finally eating what they baked. It is suitable for kids aged three to 12 years. Call 17 171-441. AL NADHA BOUTIQUE SALE When? Ongoing-December 24 Event? Baking Class Venue? Furn Bakery, The Westin Hotel JUNIOR BAKERS WELCOME TO THE NORTH POLE MAKE YOUR OWN GINGERBREAD HOUSE happenings There will also be a charity designer sale in aid of Tony the Dogfather, taking place from 11am to 2pm at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club on December 2. There will be designer clothes, Christmas items, baked goods and more. Call 17 695-809.
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30 December 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com happenings This concert is a collaborative enterprise between the Italian Embassy led by Ambassador, HE Domenico Bellato and The RitzCarlton, Bahrain as part of an ongoing initiative to share the cultural contributions of Italy with residents and nationals of Bahrain. Paolo Restani’s extensive repertoire ranges from Bach to present-day composers. Beside his piano soloist activity, Restani also dedicates his skill to chamber music and theatre performances in which he has received international acclaim. Audiences are invited to relax in the villa gazebo as they enjoy a delightful and elegant musical experience. Tickets – costing BD5 – are available at the concierge desk and at the reception of the Royal Beach Club. Call 17 580-000. Join a workshop by Mine Fuller featuring yoga, breathing work, meditation and a vision board creation. The event will start with a short, gentle-flowing yoga sequence to open and warm the body and a full-guided breath work session. In the afternoon, participants will practise guided visioning meditation. It runs from 10am to 4pm and is priced at BD60, with a vegetarian lunch. Call 17 230-123, email [email protected] or visit www.lafontaineartcentre.net Celebrate Bahraini Women’s Day in style. Talented saxophonist Franky Flowerz has brought the soul of the saxophone to various private and public events throughout Europe, the Arabian Gulf and Southeast Asia. His classical schooling combined with influences from contemporary music styles forms the foundation of an ability to transform silence into a delightful and at times whimsical soundscape to entice ears and minds to wander freely without reservation. The show starts at 7pm. Call 17 004-588. When? Ongoing-December 31 Event? Movie Night Venue? The Domain When? December 1 Event? Piano Concerto Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain When? December 2 Event? Yoga Workshop Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art CELEBRATE THE CLASSICS ONE-MONTH TRIAL MEMBERSHIP The hotel will host movie nights on alternate Tuesdays from 6.30pm to 9pm on Level 36, Domain Privé. It costs BD5 per person, including popcorn and soft beverages, and BD10 per person including cheese platter and glass of grape. Call 16 000-000. BAHRAINI WOMEN’S DAY When? Ongoing-December 31 Event? Golf Venue? Royal Golf Club PIANO CONCERTO YOGA WORKSHOP Take advantage of a special end of year offer from the Royal Golf Club – unlimited golf for a whole month for BD199. If you go on to become a full member, this initial payment will be deducted from the annual fees. In addition to unlimited golf on the club’s Montgomeriedesigned championship course, the trial membership includes a complimentary lesson with a PGA professional, unlimited access to the gym and pool at the country club, a 10-per-cent discount in the awardwinning restaurants, and the option to play in club competitions and gain an official handicap. Call 17 750-777. When? Ongoing-December 3 Event? Boutique Sale Venue? Bahrain Young Ladies Association E Call 66 900-482. When? Ongoing-December 24 Event? Children’s Activity Venue? PLAY, Seef Mall E Call 17 564-900 or email [email protected] When? Ongoing-December 24 Event? Baking Class Venue? Furn Bakery, The Westin Hotel E Call 17 171-441. When? Ongoing-December 31 Event? Golf Venue? Royal Golf Club E Call 17 750-777. When? Ongoing-December 31 Event? Movie Night Venue? The Domain E Call 16 000-000. When? December 1 Event? Concert Venue? Hévéa Café E Call 17 004-588. When? December 1 Event? Piano Concerto Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain E Call 17 580-000. When? December 2 Event? Yoga Workshop Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art E Call 17 230-123, email info@ lafontaineartcentre.net or visit www.lafontaineartcentre.net When? December 2 Event? Cooking Demonstration Venue? ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands E Call 16 000-111. When? December 2 Event? Green Awareness Day Venue? Ramada Hotel & Suites, Amwaj Islands E Call 16 000-099. When? December 2 Event? MMA Venue? Khalifa Sports City E Visit www.bravefights.com When? December 1 Event? Concert Venue? Hévéa Café
32 December 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com happenings When? December 2 Event? Cooking Demonstration Venue? ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands Take part in a series of intimate cooking demonstrations with Chef Mac and learn the secrets of cooking the five East Asian cuisines featured at WU. Classes take place on the first Wednesday of the month at WU and will be followed by lunch and complimentary beverages. The class runs from 11am to 2pm and costs BD19. Call 16 000-111. Bahrain will play host to the biggest combat sports event the region has witnessed, as Brave 2 ‘The Dynasty’ finds a home at Khalifa Sports City. Warriors who battled at Brave ‘The Beginning’, along with new world-class fighters, will be in action. The evening will feature some of the best homegrown Arab fighters competing against the top international talent in the world. Jarrah Al Silawi, has been signed by Brave from Desert Force and will be flying the flag of Jordan and representing the Arab community, as will Bahraini boy Hamza Kooheji, Algeria’s Elias Boudegzdame, Ahmed Fares of Egypt and Moroccan Ottman Azaitar. This is your chance to see some of the toughest fighters in the world going head to head in the cage. The action is powerful, the spectacle is amazing, and, with fighters from all over the world taking part, the competition is sure to be intense. Tickets cost BD10, BD15 and BD25. Visit www.bravefights.com BRAVE 2: DYNASTY HOLISTIC WELLNESS: PERSONAL BRANDING When? December 2 Event? Wellness Venue? Crust and Crema, Zinj This event aims to enrich your health and life. Learn ‘why’ what you put on your body matters as much as what you put ‘in’ it, with Arbonne, a vegan, botanicallybased beauty and wellness company. As a bonus, a workshop on personal branding for your career or business will be conducted. This event ties in launching #smallbusinessownerssummit – a bimonthly gathering of entrepreneurs (and budding entrepreneurs) to network, learn from one another and empower each other. It runs from 9am to noon and costs B10, which includes a light lunch. Visit www.eventbrite.com COOKING DEMONSTRATION When? December 2 Event? Green Awareness Day Venue? Ramada Hotel & Suites, Amwaj Islands As part of its Wyndham Green programme, the hotel will host a Green Awareness Day from 9am till 4pm. All are welcome to join for funfilled, family-friendly activities, treats, competition and more. There will be fun activities for kids and parents, including a quiz booth and nature movie, a handicraft booth and a competition. All are welcome to submit their craftwork made from recycled materials to Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Islands until December 2, 2016. The event aims to inspire people to control the harmful effects of waste on the environment. Call 16 000-099. GREEN AWARENESS DAY When? December 2 Event? MMA Venue? Khalifa Sports City When? December 2 Event? Wellness Venue? Crust and Crema, Zinj E Visit www.eventbrite.com When? December 2 Event? Bahrain Superbike Championship Venue? Bahrain International Circuit E Call 17 450-000 When? December 2, 3, 9 and 10 Event? Tennis Tournament Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain E Call 17 586-612 When? December 2 Event? Furniture Recycling Workshops Venue? Al Jasra Training Center In cooperation with Al Jasra Training Center, Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities is organising furniture recycling workshops. Participants will also be taught how to make home accessories from unused hangers. It runs from 10am to noon and again from 3pm to 5pm. It is suitable for ages 16 and up. E Email workshops@culture. gov.bh When? December 2 Event? Dogfather Designer Sale Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club The club is holding a designer sale from 11am to 2pm. There will be clothes for men, women and children. E Call 17 695-809. When? December 2 Event? Jawad Christmas Market Venue? The Jawad Dome Barbar Join in the festive fun with a market and a visit from Santa. It runs from noon to 6.30pm. E Call 39 953-876. When? December 2 Event? Workshop Venue? Al Jasra Training Center In cooperation with Al Jasra Training Center, Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities organises a shape metal wires workshop, creating different shapes. It runs from 10am to noon. E Email workshops@culture. gov.bh.
34 December 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com happenings When? December 2, 3, 9 and 10 Event? Tennis Tournament Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain When? December 3 Event? Walk-A-Thon Venue? Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park When? December 3 Event? Book Launch Venue? Bahrain National Museum When? December 2 Event? Bahrain Superbike Championship Venue? Bahrain International Circuit Channel your love of sports as you compete with your peers in the annual tennis tournament. Feel the heat and participate in different categories – men’s, ladies’, mixed and juniors – for an adrenaline-fuelled day. The tournament is exclusive for amateurs and advance registration is required. It costs members and hotel guests BD10 per adult and BD5 per child. Non-members pay BD15 per adult and BD10 per child. It runs from 8am to noon. Call 17 586-612. The Rotary Club of Salmaniya and Gulf Diabetes Specialist Center invite the public to take part in a 3.2km walk at 4.30pm. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the various steps that individuals can take to make informed decisions about what they eat and how to exercise. The event promotes the importance of immediate action to protect the health and wellbeing of future generations. Event T-shirts can be purchased for BD2. The event also features free HbA1c tests (tells you your average level of blood sugar over the past two to three months), blood pressure tests and glucose (random) tests. There will also be a kids’ zone including: face painting, henna, bouncy castle, DJ entertainment, fitness activities and raffle prizes. Call 17 239-164 or 39 912-317. Haya Al Khalifa is a writer and documentary photographer living in Bahrain. Her debut children’s book – Little Island Big Fort – is a pop-up adventure about a young Bahraini boy and his red balloon. It was important for Haya to create a story for Bahraini children to experience an adventure that takes place in a familiar setting. The book also features contributions from Renee Jablow and Pia Drent. Renee creates pop-up and novelty paper designs for publishing, packaging and advertising. She is credited with paper engineering more than 70 children’s books. Pia was born and raised on the coast of the Netherlands; she is a self-taught illustrator and a scientist. Little Island Big Fort is the third children’s book she has worked on. The launch will be held at the National Museum and is open to the public. The book will be available for purchase, and visitors will also be able to meet the author, paper engineer and illustrator and have their books signed. There will be activities for children, including a pop-up workshop where they can re-create a scene from the book. Call 17 298-714. The Bahrain Superbike Championship (BSBK) is a first-of-its-kind riders’ championship in the Kingdom and the newest addition to the Bahrain International Circuit. Riders compete on identical Ducati 899 Panigale sport bikes and the championship follows the arriveand-drive format, allowing riders to lease the bikes the entire campaign, which enables them to focus on improving their racing skills without having to worry about parts, maintenance and tyres. Call 17 450-000. OPEN TENNIS TOURNAMENT WORLD DIABETES WALK-A-THON LITTLE ISLAND BIG FORT SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP When? December 3 Event? Workshop Venue? Al Jasra Training Center Printmaking is a technique whereby a design is drawn onto a flat non-porous surface, also referred to as a printing plate. Paper is laid on top and the image from the plate is transferred onto the paper. It runs from 10am to noon and again from 3pm to 5pm. E Email workshops@culture. gov.bh. When? December 3 Event? Walk-A-Thon Venue? Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park E Call 17 239-164 or 39 912-317. When? December 3 Event? Book Launch Venue? Bahrain National Museum E Call 17 298-714. When? December 3 Event? Mosaic Workshop Venue? Al Jasra Training Center Learn how to make creative mosaic decorative artworks from small coloured glass, stones and other materials. It runs from 10am to noon and again from 3pm to 5pm. E Email workshops@culture. gov.bh When? December 3 and 10 Event? Filmmaking Venue? Inspire Arts Centre in Shakhoora E Call 39 047-734. When? December 4-11 Event? Exhibition: Memories Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art E Call 17 230-123, email info@ lafontaineartcentre.net or visit www.lafontaineartcentre.net When? December 5 Event? Drag and Drift Venue? Bahrain International Circuit E Call 17 450-000. When? December 5-7 Event? Islamic Banking Conference Venue? ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands E Visit www.wibc2016.com. When? December 6-13 Event? Film Festival Venue? Various E Visit www. buildingbridgesfilmfest.com
36 December 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com Inspire Bahrain is offering a crash course for those interested in filmmaking. With the availability of goodquality cameras on smartphones, great things are possible; even full-length feature films have been made on phones. The idea behind the event is to give people a basic set of skills in order to make a film from start to finish. Techniques will be taught, such as how to frame shots, landscapes, close-ups, time lapses and interviews. Participants will also be told how to record audio and synchronise with video. Jason Carter – who has made over 50 films, including music videos and short films – will teach the class. Finished films will be between two and five minutes long and will be hosted online through Vimeo or YouTube. The course is open to teens and adults and under-11s are welcome to attend with their parents. It costs BD50 –bring a friend and get 25 per cent cash back if they sign up for a course. Call 33 474-714. happenings When? December 4-11 Event? Exhibition: Memories Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art When? December 3 and 10 Event? Filmmaking Venue? Inspire Arts Centre in Shakhoora La Fontaine will host an exhibition titled ‘Memories’ by Maya Jashanmal Lalvani. Life has culturally, emotionally and geographically connected Maya’s identity to Bahrain, India, America and Turkey. Her work and choice of materials reflect this diversity. A collaboration of ideas and objects flows through her recent works, featuring wooden blocks, boxes, paper, found objects, old photographs and ancient texts superimposed with her drawings, filling the layers of her art pieces. Not wanting the old memories to vanish, her work reflects this desire to retrieve and capture images, textures and colours, to reclaim and keep the fragments of remembrance alive. The exhibition opens on December 4 at 6pm, followed by a sit-down dinner with live piano music at 8pm, priced at BD20. Call 17 230-123, email [email protected] or visit www. lafontaineartcentre.net When? December 5 Event? Drag and Drift Venue? Bahrain International Circuit AN ELECTRIFYING DOUBLE-HEADER Choose between two of the most popular and exciting forms of motorsport today – drag racing and drifting – and then show off your skills. Can’t decide? Then compete in both. This exciting double-header, sponsored by Ebrahim K Kanoo and powered by Motor City, is open to the public. Drivers take part in their own car or motorbike, where they can push the limits! It starts at 6pm and entry to the venue is free. Call 17 450-000. A COLLECTION OF RECOLLECTIONS LIGHTS, CAMERA (PHONE), ACTION When? December 6- January 7 Event? Winter Tales Venue? City Centre Bahrain The mall is hosting ‘Winter Tales’ – an immersive and enchanting experience for visitors of all ages – under the theme of the timeless Alice in Wonderland tale. E Call 17 177-777. When? December 6-29 Event? Art Exhibition Venue? Albahreh Art Gallery The gallery is hosting Pulse, a solo exhibition by Moroccan artist Monia Touiss. The opening will be held at 7pm. Touiss’s work has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions worldwide, including in Bahrain, Columbia, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Morocco, Qatar, Spain, Switzerland and the UAE. She is the recipient of numerous awards and art grants in Spain, France and her native Morocco. E Call 17 717-707. When? December 8-31 Event? Festive Fun Venue? Downtown Rotana E Call 33 605-070 or email [email protected] When? December 8 Event? Musical Concert Venue? Bahrain National Theatre E Visit www.culture.gov.bh When? December 8-9 Event? Fort Camp Venue? Bahrain Fort Site Museum E Visit www.culture.gov.bh When? December 9 Event? Music Festival Venue? Bahrain National Theatre E Visit www.tickets. virginmegastore.me/bh When? December 10 Event? Gingerbread House Making Venue? Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain E Call 17 460-017. When? December 10 Event? Sports Venue? Various E www.eu.ironman.com/ triathlon/events/emea/ ironman-70.3/bahrain/register. aspx#axzz4Qj9H9vuC
December 2016 37 www.bahrainthismonth.com bystander TURKEY TO GO LET US COOK FOR YOU! Take a break from your kitchen this holiday season and order our delicious turkey with trimmings. From November 24 – December 25, 2016 • Bread stuffing • Sweet potatoes • Cranberry sauce • Gravy • Free pumpkin cake • Available for delivery or pick-up • Deliver free of charge within Amwaj Islands and Outside of Amwaj at BD 8 * Minimum 24 hours required for all orders RAMADA HOTEL AND SUITES AMWAJ ISLANDS P.O. Box 13220 Building 1741, Road 5715, Block Amwaj 257 Amwaj Islands, Kingdom of Bahrain ramada-manama-amwaj.com YOU DO YOUR THING. LEAVE THE REST TO US.® For reservations, call +973 1600 0099 or email at [email protected] ©2016 Ramada Worldwide Inc. This property is independently owned by Mannai Holding Co. S.P.C. and operated under a management agreement by Wyndham Hotel Group (UK) Limited or one of its Affiliates. Signing Ceremony Applied Science University (ASU) held a signing ceremony of a memorandum of cooperation with London South Bank University (LSBU) UK at its premises. Top officials and members of the ASU faculty at the ceremony Prof Paul Ivey, Prof Ghassan Aouad, HE Simon Martin, Dr Muna Al Balooshi, Prof David Phoenix & Prof Waheed Al Khaja Jumana & Asma Tania & Marise Maoud & Prof Paul Ivey Ruqaya, Prof Ghassan Aouad & Prof David Phoenix Edyta, Baha & Fatima
38 December 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com happenings When? December 5-7 Event? Islamic Banking Conference Venue? ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands The Building Bridges Film Festival is a charity event designed to engage, enrich and inspire audiences. This exciting week-long event will feature award-winning contemporary documentaries. The selected films are united by the theme of ‘bridging cultures’. Additionally, the festival will incorporate workshops led by expert and talented filmmakers, created for budding artists to gain an understanding of the requirements and rigours of filmmaking, as well as to experience the exhilaration of producing a completed project. By utilising the power of film, the event aims to bring audiences and filmmakers together to foster understanding and cooperation, dialogue and debate. Indeed, most, if not all, of the filmmakers of the films presented will be attending the festival to engage with audiences for Q&A sessions and discussions. The event also aims to raise awareness and funds for refugees who are displaced globally, with the mission of providing aid in order to improve their quality of life and to protect their dignity. The goal is to help provide basic needs and infrastructure, including healthcare and education, to assist with documentation and transition, to offer psychological support and workshops, and to install Internet in official refugee camps. The festival will showcase nine films from five countries as well as three musical acts and a number of workshops. The inauguration is to take place at the Cultural Hall on December 6 and doors open at 6.30pm. For tickets and film details, visit www.buildingbridgesfilmfest.com This benchmark of the Islamic banking industry returns for its second edition. World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC) is a comprehensive performance-assessment framework that will help Islamic financial institutions assess their ranking and performance in comparison to their competitors. Specifically, the WIBC Performance Indicator will form the basis of the annually anticipated WIBC Performance Awards that will be announced at the WIBC Gala Dinner on December 6. The WIBC Leaderboard is the innovative performance assessment that will provide rankings of the top Islamic banks and financial institutions based on a variety of robust financial and governance metrics such as asset growth, return on equity, return on assets, disclosures, and corporate social responsibility. It will provide industry participants with a visually engaging view of Islamic banks to compare themselves with their peers at the global, regional and national levels across several dimensions. The data employed in creating the assessment framework has been sourced from the ICD Thomson Reuters Islamic Finance Development Indicator (IFDI) and Bankscope. WIBC Leaderboard will have three categories for the awards: one Global Award, four Regional Awards for each of the following world regions, GCC, Southeast Asia, South Asia and Levant; and 13 Country Awards for Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey, UAE and Saudi Arabia. WIBC 2016 will take place with the strategic partnership of the Central Bank of Bahrain, at the ART Rotana Hotel, Amwaj Islands. For more information on the event, visit www.wibc2016.com. BUILDING BRIDGES FILM FESTIVAL WIBC 2016 LEADERBOARD FOR GLOBAL ISLAMIC BANKING When? December 6-13 Event? Film Festival Venue? Various When? December 10 Event? Festive Fayre Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club E Call 17 695-809. When? December 10 and 17 Event? Teddy Bear Afternoon Tea and Gingerbread Making Venue? La Med – The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain E Call 17 580-000. When? December 13 Event? Book Launch Venue? The Gulf Hotel, Bahrain E Call 17 713-000. When? December 13-14 Event? Cooking Competition Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain E Call 17 580-000. When? December 15-March 15 Event? Art Expo Venue? Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Heritage E Visit www. shaikhebrahimcenter.org When? December 16 Event? Bahrain National Day Venue? Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay E Call 17 115-000. When? December 16 Event? Bahrain National Day Venue? Bahrain International Circuit E Call 17 450-000. When? December 18-21 Event? Junior Sports Camp Venue? Bahrain Rugby Football Club E Call 17 695-809. When? December 19-22 Event? Christmas Carolling Venue? The Crowne Plaza Bahrain E Call 17 531-122. When? December 21 Event? Live Performance Venue? La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art E Call 17 230-123, email info@ lafontaineartcentre.net or visit www.lafontaineartcentre.net When? December 22-24 Event? Motorcycle Event Venue? The Bahrain Mall E Call 17 558-101. When? December 26 to January 5 Event? Kids’ Winter Camp Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain E Call 17 586-612.
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