www.bahrainthismonth.com June 2014 ~ Vol. 18 ~ Issue 6 Arts | Culture | Clubs | Sports | Interviews | Lifestyle | Dining | Nightlife Tom Peters Seminar | BSPCA Fashion Show | What The Dickens? Your Guide To A Great Way Of Life Kicking Around Ideas
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www.bahrainthismonth.com COVER STORY 87 Kicking Around Ideas This month will be about a little round ball, with as many opinions as passes by the players on the field. Tom Peters is not averse to kicking around ideas, either. HAPPENINGS Bahrain This Month reviews events happening around town during the month of June 2014: 23 Fashion Spectacle: The annual charity drive from the BSPCA returns! 24 A Big Blast: Expect nothing but heavy metal from this rock event 26 World Cup Speak: Three ex-professional footballs offer their opinions 28 What The Dickens?: All of Shakespeare’s plays in less than 100 minutes 30 Young Minds: The younger generation’s idea of a digital entrepreneur 32 Shuttle Time: The West Asian Badminton Tournament 34 Redefining Excellence: Tom Peters holds a master class in management 23-54 Calendars: Events during June INTERVIEWS 57 Power Player Akram Miknas has a new accolade — one of the world’s ‘100 Most Powerful Arabs’. 58 Rekindling a Connection Expanding links between Bahrain and Switzerland is the goal of the new Swiss Consul. 60 The Heart of Arabia Would quantitative easing boost the local tourism industry? Yes, says Puneet Singh. 62 Dressing Up in Style Panos Panagis talks us through the renovation of the grand ballroom at the Diplomat. 68 JLR Backseat Chat Local comedian Imran Al Aradi holds court on the back seat of a Jaguar XJ. Bystander This month our Bystander pages are a veritable potpourri of events around the Kingdom; from the hugely successful gulfBID exhibition to the Big Smoke Burger launch, our photographers had a good workout. We celebrated with the Dutch, had a day out with Aeropostale and spent an afternoon with Shantaram Shetty on his birthday. 87 57 58 68 23 97 60 Issue 202 Contents June 2014 This three-step graphic explains what you need to do to Blipp any page in this issue with this symbol. June 2014 3
www.bahrainthismonth.com LIFESTYLE 87 Who will be the star of the World Cup in Brazil? Blipp This Month: FC Connect with Bahrain This Month online 68 JLR Backseat Chat: Backseat Chat with Imran Al Aradi Fashion: 88 Sacoor Brothers: Experience personal service at the brand’s new store 90 Showcase: Lulu Hypermarket Motoring: 92 New Arrival: The latest MINI Hatch is set to cause a stir 93 Showcase: Infiniti Q50 Shopping: 97 What’s happening at malls over the summer months Downtime: 110 Music: A tribute to America’s finest musicians 112 Computer Games: It’s all action and adventure 113 Websites: How to be both cool and odd 114 Apps: Can you hear what’s being said? 115 Movies: Legends that never stop Dining: 117 New in Town: A raft of venues are now open 118 Happenings: Where to find a deal this month 121 Showcase: Gulf Hotel has a spread for the season After Dark: 129 Acoustic Alley: The name says it all. Head to Ibrida! 132 Happenings: Where to watch the World Cup Showcase: 135 What’s New: Nourish your wardrobe! 136 Marketplace: Latest products and services Regulars: 149 WIN WIN 150 Tarotscope 151 AD Index 152 Last Word Issue 202 Contents June 2014 88 117 92 129 142 114 112 110 115 June 2014 5
introducing IRINA SHAYK & PATRICK DEMPSEY Now Open at Bahrain City Centre
June 2014 7 Dear Readers, I am taking an educated guess here, but I’m pretty sure the main topic of conversation during the course of June will centre around a little round ball. After years of waiting, the World Cup kicks off in Brazil. Normally I would like to see the home nation walk away with the big prize — if England were not the winners. However, with a couple of Brazilian members of staff working at Red House Marketing, the prospect of a win for the team in yellow and green fills me with apprehension. Of course, this year’s event reminds me of the near miss for the Kingdom of Bahrain, who missed out at the final hurdle in 2010 — and with it the opportunity to beat England! In this month’s edition we look at the promotions running alongside a month of soccer fever. There’s a review of where to watch all the live action in sports bars across the Kingdom as well. Our interviews cover a potpourri of individuals from diverse backgrounds. We speak to the new honorary consul for Switzerland, Humbert Buemi. An Italian by birth, Humbert aims to re-engerise links between the two countries. A well-known figure within the local and regional media industry, we talk to Akram Miknas following his appearance on a list of the world’s ‘100 Most Powerful Arabs’. Panos Panagis updates us on the major renovation taking place at the The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa’s grand ballroom. Due to open after the summer, the old lady of the banquet and meetings scene is receiving a complete make-over. Over at the Kempinski Grand & Ixir Hotel, Puneet Singh tells us about the work of the Bahrain Destination Forum and measures to boost the local hospitality industry. Playing on the younger generation’s desire to click when online, Ali Mohsen lets us in on his latest venture, PaperV, and how we can tag other people’s websites to our heart’s content within a closed user group. A highlight of the year, though, is the visit to Bahrain by Tom Peters. The ‘first’ management guru will expound on the search for excellence in everything that we do. Like the visit of Eric Clapton a couple of month’s ago, his seminar on June 10 is a must-attend event. As we enter the heat of summer, our pages reflect the many activities in which we can engage to take advantage of the great way of life that the Kingdom has to offer. THE TEAM Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Email: [email protected] Publishing Director David M. Robertson Editorial queries: [email protected] Editorial Consultant Dr. Paul Balles Assistant Editors Elma Bartholomew, Ankita Mamgain, Zilia Monteiro Features Editor Maryam Toorani Contributors James Claire (dining), Simi Kamboj Bystander Editor Anil Ravi Shankar Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Dalal Al-Sabbagh, Romeo San Miguel, Rodolfo A. Reyes Jr., Asif Khan 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: [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 www.bahrainthismonth.com June 2014 ~ Vol. 18 ~ Issue 6 Arts | Culture | Clubs | Sports | Interviews | Lifestyle | Dining | Nightlife Tom Peters Seminar | BSPCA Fashion Show | What The Dickens? Your Guide To A Great Way Of Life Kicking Around Ideas June 2014 Bahrain This Month George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman COVER Cover Picture: World Cup 2014: Brazil www.bahrainthismonth.com Connect with Bahrain This Month: www.facebook.com/bahrainthismonth www.twitter.com/BHThisMonth www.instagram/bahrainthismonth www.YouTube.com/bahrainthismonth Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
8 June 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com bystander Sri Sri Ravi Shankar & HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa & Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Visit Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living, visited Bahrain for three days during which, he held talks with the leadership and conducted two workshops. The spiritual leader also attended the ‘Civilisations in Service to Humanity’ conference, on the sidelines of which he was received by His Majesty King Hamad, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar with His Majesty King Hamad Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Dr Mustafa & Maj Gen Dr Najem Ronnie Middleton & Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Pankaj & Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Nabeel Ajoor & Sri Sri Ravi Shankar HE Dr Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar & Mala Kumar Jawad Y. Al Hawaj, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar & Lalchand Gajria Vijay Boloor & Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Roya Baqer, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar & Fareed Bader Fatima & May Adel Fakhro & Mona Almoayyed Nasser Alarrayed, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar & Nasreen Dawani Lisa, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar & Yanni Vinod & Rithin Hatim Dadabhai & Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Mansoor & Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ghaleb & Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Swami Agnivesh
10 June 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com bystander His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa opens the three exhibitions in the presence of ministers, officials and VIPs gulfBID 2014 Opening Three leading trade shows - the eighth gulfBID Exhibition, the third GulfInteriors Exhibition and the second Gulf Property Show – were officially opened by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister, at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre Sadiq Dawani, George Middleton, HE Christian Testot, French Ambassador, HE Abdulla Juma & Ronnie Middleton Sameer Saleh Abdulla, Adel Kareem, Ahmed Bubshait & Shaikh Hamad Mohammed Rashdan, Khalid Al Amer, Shaikh Abdulla & Sami Buhzaa Dr Hala & Sama Badie & Kim Bharat, Manoj & Hemant Angel & Mahmood Mallayya, Nader, Hassan & Hussain Ahmed, Amr, Linda & Katherine Hussain Naveed, Meraj & Adnan Zainab Mubarak Ahmed Ahmed, Sayed, Hussain & Andy Fadi, Mohammed, Abdulla & Sulaiman
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12 June 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com bystander Visionaries of Bahrain 2014 La Bonn V Events presented the felicitation of the ‘Visionaries of Bahrain’ supported by Forbes Middle East. The event held at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa attracted the ‘Creme de la Creme’ of the business community and other dignitaries. Under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the recipients were Khalid Kanoo, Dr Esam Fakhro, Sameer Nass and Dr Bahyia Al Jeshi His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Asad, Sameer Nass, Dr Essam Fakhro, Khalid Kanoo & Dr Bahyia Al Jeshi Irwin Rego from La Bonn V HE Kamal Ahmed, Minister of Transportation Renuka, His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Asad, Dr Mustafa Al Sayed & Irwin His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Irwin, Sharon & His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Madhav, Mala Kumar, Shaikha Hind, HE Dr Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador, HE Christian Testot, French Ambassador & Zeina Testot Dr Mustafa Al Sayed & Abdulrahman Jawahery His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa & Alison The Joz family Ali, Abdulrahman & Lynne Alwazzan Mohamed & Ms Nass Asad, Irwin & Ryan Esther, Irwin & Renuka Shaikha Hind & Lisa Wahbe with guests
14 June 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com bystander His Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa & HE Iain Lindsay cut the celebratory cake, watched by members of the Diplomatic Corps HRH Queen Elizabeth II Birthday Celebrations HE Iain Lindsay, British Ambassador & Bridget Lindsay hosted a garden reception to mark the birthday of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. The event held at the British Embassy gardens, was attended by His Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty King Hamad’s Personal Representative, HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Advisor to His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the British community and VIP guests HE Iain Lindsay & HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa Ahmed Jawahery, Adel Fakhro, Bridget Lindsay, HE Iain Lindsay, HE Dr Dhafer Al Umran, HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa & Khalid Al Zayani Bridget & HE Iain Lindsay Khalid Kanoo & Jalil Al Ansari David & Bless Geg & Svetlana Khalifa Al Rumaihi Paul & Erica Panos & Doris Nancy, John, Maha Bahamdoun & Nabeel Ajoor Ron, Garfield, Julia, Jill, Stuart & Daniel Judith & Faisal Jawad Betsy & Nonie with Abdulhussain Dawani David & Martin Heather, Keely & Steve HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa & HE Iain Lindsay
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16 June 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com bystander The Big Smoke Burger outlet Big Smoke Burger Launch A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to mark the opening of the Big Smoke Burger outlet at The Walk in Riffa last month Social Media For SME’s As part of Servcorp’s Business Shorts event, Ali Sabkar made a presentation to a number of guests on Social Media for SME’s. The event was held at the Servcorp offices in Bahrain Financial Harbour Noel, Mark, Jean, Fuad Taqi & Armi Anne, HE Thomas MacDonald & Musafa Yusuf at the cake cutting At the ribbon cutting are Noel Alfred, HE Thomas MacDonald, Canadian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohamed Kayed, CEO Sevens Holdings, Musafa Yusuf, Big Smoke’s founder and chief executive & Freddy Thomas Mohammed Ibrahim Noel & Freddy Masheal, Jordan & Nabeel Mohammed Mohammed & Hassan Salah, Ali Sabkar, Zeyad, Mohamed & Emad Filip Darren & Danni Abdulla & Ahmed Jalal, Alee & Kaneel Danni & Susan Sarah, Tanya & Lyn Heather & Patrick
18 June 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com bystander Shantharam Shetty’s Birthday Party The management of the Ramee Group of Hotels hosted a party to celebrate the birthday of Shantharam Shetty, Group General Manager, at the Warblers, Ramee Baisan Hotel Shantharam cuts his cake alongwith Dheeptha, Ashalatha & Ashish Shetty A staff member with Shantharam, Ashalatha & Dheeptha Shantharam, Ashalatha & Dheeptha with Metropolition Hotel staff Shantharam, Ashalatha & Dheeptha with Ramee Monroe staff Shantharam, Ashalatha & Dheeptha with Ramee Baisan staff Shantharam, Ashalatha & Dheeptha with Ramee Palace staff Shantharam, Ashalatha & Dheeptha & Ramee sales team Dheeptha, Ashalatha, Shantharam & Ashish Shetty
Dive into an underwater world of fun! 23 May – 23 June The cool underwater world of Deep Blue Seef is ready to dive in! Shop at Seef Mall for a unique experience of walking at the bottom of the sea while kids have a fantastic time exploring the aqua themed games and activities. Summer at Seef Mall promises a whale of a time! Bubble Racers • Aqua Olympics • Paddler’s Pond • Pirate’s Den
20 June 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com bystander Mahmoud Abdel Kareem Khadimi & Habiba Omran AlMusawi Reception Omran & Rowena AlMusawi hosted a reception to celebrate the wedding of Habiba Omran AlMusawi with Mahmoud Abdel Kareem Khadimi. The reception was held at the AlMusawi residence in Saar Habiba, Mahmoud, Omran & Rowena Habiba & Mahmoud Dr Naser, Seema & Dr Jameela Ali Abdul Ali & Mohammed Nada & Hussein Osama & Omran Shaker, Mahmood & Dr Aqeel Hussain with Mohammed AlMusawi Omran, George & Abbas Bayan, Omran & Ghazi Aida & Zuhair A. Ellah & Fadeela Hamood & Safa Shaikha, Sahar, Salman, RJ & Deema Essam, Marwa & friends Waseela, Kameela & Esmat Noor, Mohammed, Rula & Jalilah A. Ellah, Sahar, Fadeela & Waseela Seema Ali, Khalid, Omran & Shaikha
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22 June 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com bystander APM Terminals 5th Anniversary Reception APM Terminals Bahrain hosted an exclusive reception to mark the company’s 5th anniversary in the Kingdom. The event held at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa was attended by HE Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Acting Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, APM Terminals management & guests Fawzi Kanoo, HE Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Marco Neelsen & Hassan Khalid, Mohamed, Yousif & Hatim Ebrahim, Essam & Shukri Hatim, Abdalla, Hussain, Hassan, Fawzi, Simon & Soren Ramla, Matt, Tom & Manfred Omran, A, Ellah, Zuhair & Dr Aqeel Anil, Priya, Mahmoud, Rowena, Farah & Dr Ali Yasser & Salman Habiba & Mahmoud with well wishers Farroz, Sarah, Ghazi, Mohammed & Essam Dr Tariq & Rowena Rowena & Shaikha Hussain, Omran & Dr Aqeel Nael & Nasreen Rowena, Reem & Omran Mahmoud Khadimi & Habiba AlMusawi Reception
June 2014 23 www.bahrainthismonth.com HAPPENINGS this month JUICE UP YOUR WORKOUT Even better than guzzling water post-exercise; watermelon! It has high levels of L-citrulline, an amino acid that aids in muscle soreness & heart rate recovery. H.97.581mm X 61.167mm (3col) What the Dickens?, p28 June 6 | Charity show | The British Club Charity Catwalk It’s going to be ‘raining cats and dogs’ this month. Well, not literally, but at least you get the idea behind this society’s upcoming fundraiser. People often ask how they can support charities. Here’s a way you can do it for the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) in their latest fundraising event, a fashion show themed ‘Raining Cats and Dogs’. Following the departure of Stephen Herschel, BSPCA’s former choreographer and performer, it has been a while since the society has held a show. The good news is that Liz Reid has stepped forward to take on the task of organising the show. The society’s first fashion show in two years takes place albeit in a very different and fun-filled style. “The society holds events such as the dog walk and the fashion show to raise additional money to fund special projects or to pay for very large bills,” says Joyce Hughes, the shelter’s in-charge. “All the proceeds raised from such events go towards running the Animal Welfare Centre at Askar, helping to feed and care for the animals residing there.” The show starts at 8.30pm with a team of volunteers modelling a selection of casual and smart casual clothing. After that there is a round of entertainment by the students of Nadeen School, who have also helped to decorate the venue with framed pictures of the animals, followed by a performance from some of the male members of Manama Singers. The second half showcases day and evening wear. The grand finale hosts a surprise appearance by two special ex-BSPCA canine guests. Prepare to be entertained throughout by Bahrain’s legendary radio show host, Ian Fisher as the master of ceremonies. For those ladies who can’t resist accessories, there is a stall selling costume jewellery and a raffle draw giving away lots of prizes. If you’re looking to take some of the fashion show outfits home, they are on sale to the public at the Designer Day event held at the Dilmun Club in Saar, from 2pm until 5pm. The shelter’s history The BSPCA is a non-profit NGO founded and registered in 1979 by a group of committed animal lovers dedicated to the welfare of animals in Bahrain. In 1983, the beginnings of the old sanctuary were set up on a piece of land in Shakoora, leased from the government. The rescued animals housed at various founder members’ homes were moved to the premises. “Originally it was just a few pens and a small portacabin but, over the following 25 years, the place expanded as new pens and more leantos and shacks were cobbled together to house more animals. The sanctuary also relies greatly on public generosity,” says Joyce. The thrift shop was established to raise money to fund the running costs of the shelter. In 2012 the society finally moved to its newly constructed Animal Welfare Centre, which is the culmination of 10 years of hard work, which raised enough funds to construct a purposebuilt shelter. Doors open at 7pm and tickets are available at The British Club and the BSPCA thrift shop. Call 17 728-245. The Dazzling Duo, p40 Redefining Excellence, p34
24 June 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com June 20 | Rock concert | Alumni club The stage is set for the fifth episode of Sanitarium, Bahrain’s biggest annual rock concert, which plays host to some of the island’s most talented musicians. Are you an amateur musician waiting to emerge as part of the rock scene in Bahrain? Sanitarium awaits you. The organisers of this musical feast are keen to give up-andcoming musicians the chance to play in front of hundreds. Ever since its inception in 2010, the event has managed to introduce a host of talent to Bahrain’s music scene. “That first year was a roaring success after which Sanitarium kept happening annually and featured bands from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE as well as most of the big names in Bahrain,” says Omar Abdulaziz, the event organiser. “Sanitarium started when a group of musicians felt a lack of events that support the rock music scene in Bahrain. So they decided to take it upon themselves to organise an annual concert in order to provide a platform for both old and new bands to play their music for a live audience.” This year’s performing bands include Local Metal Giants, Motor Militia, Bloodshel, The Machine Gun and The Experiment. The concert is held at the Shaikh Isa Cultural Hall at the Alumni Club in Adliya. The Holy Month of Ramadan brings with it a sense of cleansing, spiritualism and, above all, the charitable act of giving. Celebrate the month’s spirit by taking part in two separate food drives organised by the Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS) and the Palm Association which will run prior to Ramadan. The BRCS distributes Ramadan aid for needy families during Ramadan every year. This year the society aims to support 4,800 families in the form of food parcels and cash. Their campaign takes place on June 14. Every year, the Palm Association runs their main charity project, ‘Feed a Family’, which receives tremendous organisational support from staff and students from schools and companies during the month leading up to Ramadan. The aim is to collect additional food items which will be distributed to needy families in Bahrain. The plan is to provide food parcels to 155 families on a monthly basis. These are delivered to needy Bahraini women and their children who have fallen on hard times. “However, as we are all aware, during Ramadan families need supplementary food items as more members of the household gather for the iftar meal,” says Maria Sorger, the association’s corporate communications officer. As part of their corporate social responsibility, students and staff from the Nadeen School and The British School of Bahrain as well as staff from companies such as Gulf Agency Company and Charles Russell will buy, gather and sort a selection of food items which will be donated to the association for distribution. Additional companies have requested to take part in this time’s food drive and more supporters and volunteers are always welcome. Companies, business establishments and individuals are invited to contact both the associations for contributions and donations. Call Bahrain Red Crescent Society on 17 293-171 or email Palm Association on [email protected]. Motor Militia formed in 2001 as one of Bahrain’s premier heavy metal bands to record and release an album of original material on an independent record label, earning them a feature in England’s leading heavy metal magazine, Terrorizer. Bloodshel formed in early 2012 as an original band, bringing a heavy thrashy sound to the nation. Alternative, indie groove band, The Machine Gun, had their early beginnings in 1999 when a group of friends began jamming together. Sanitarium’s The Experiment is a Bahraini rock and metal band that emerged in 2010 with the awakening of the first rock concert. Entry fees are BD3 for regular tickets and BD5 for VIP passes. Tickets can be bought at Room 2 Rock in Adliya or Hamala. Call 39 775-095. happenings Metals at Play When? Throughout June Event? Charity Venue? Various A Ramadan food drive organised by the Palm Association. E Email thepalmassociationbah@ gmail.com. When? June 1 Event? Movie screening Venue? Qal’at al Bahrain site museum Ministry of Culture screens Bassam Al-Thawadi’s film, A Bahraini Tale. E Call 17 298-777. When? June 2 Event? Movie night Venue? Alliance Francaise Francophonie’s can enjoy a screening of a French comedy film called Name. E Call 17 683-295 or email [email protected]. When? June 2-4 Event? Exhibition Venue? Al Riwaq art space A jewellery exhibition featuring three Beirut-based designers. E Call 17 717-441. When? June 4-6 Event? Comedy show Venue? Various Chuckle club’s three new comedy acts come to town. E Call 36 663-509 or email info@ punchlineme.com. When? June 5 Event? Seminar Venue? The Diplomat Radisson Hotel Join a seminar with three international footballers including, dinner, comedy and a live band. E Call 34 516-455 or email [email protected]. When? June 6 Event? Fashion show Venue? The British Club Support the BSPCA charity show to raise funds for the shelter. E Call 17 728-245. When? June 6 Event? Gala Dinner Venue? InterContinental Regency The French Association hosts a gala dinner dance. E Call 39 441-909. When? June 7 Event? Book club Venue? Words bookstore Cooking show host Suzanne Husseini, shares her latest book. E Call 17 690-790. Throughout June | Food drives | Various Helping Hands
facebook.com/BahrainSummer twitter@BahrainSummer instagram.com/moc_bh www.bahrainsummer.bh Bahrain Culture App 31 July-30 August 2014
26 June 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com June 14 | Workshop | 338 Garden Restaurant June 5 | Seminar | The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Counting down the days to the 2014 FIFA World Cup kick-off in Brazil finds die-hard fans eager for more, as three football legends bring the fever to Bahrain. Chris Waddle, Gary McAllister and Didi Hamann, from age-old adversaries England, Scotland and Germany, are set to enthral their fans at a seminar this month. Organised by Sports Speaker MENA, the World Cup International Special gives audiences a chance to interact with the footballers and whet their appetite for the sport as they hear of the footballers’ tales and careers. Chris Waddle English footballer, Chris, was capped 62 times for his country and had a glittering club career at Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Marseille, Sheffield Wednesday, Bradford and Burnley. He was voted as Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year and is a European Cup finalist and three times, winner of the French Division One. Gary McAllister Gary enjoyed a flourishing career with Liverpool, Leeds, Coventry, Leicester and Motherwell and was capped 57 times for Scotland. As a winner of the Football Association Cup, League Cup, Union of European Football Associations Cup (UEFA), UEFA Super Cup and English Premier League (Div 1), McAllister tells it like he played! Didi Hamann Renowned in Ireland as a soccer pundit, Didi Hamann was capped 59 times for Germany and sports an outstanding club career with Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Manchester City. He has won the European Champions League, UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup, League Cup, German Bundesliga and German Cup. Tickets are priced at BD30 and include a gourmet dinner, comedy show, live band, a raffle and memorabilia auction. Call 34 516-455 or email sportsspeaker@ outlook.com. happenings Devoted to Words Football Fever Chris Waddle Gary McAllister Didi Hamann A newly formed writers group embarks on its first workshop this month for amateur and budding authors. Since many people like posting the stories of their lives online through social media platforms, why not try voicing your thoughts through this monthly workshop and earn the chance to publish a book? Award-winning author, speaker and publisher, Peter Zindler initiated The Bahrain Christian Writers Guild as a writers’ critique group last month. “The purpose of the guild is to encourage writers to a higher level of writing by teaching creative writing and critiquing each other’s work, so they can further their craft. All writers that join the group will be published if they are willing to put the time into their books,” says Peter. Peter is a youth pastor from the US, who has been holding motivational conferences and workshops around the world. He has led three critique groups in California; one of which, the adult group has produced 12 new published authors and 30 books between them in a span of five years. Peter’s mission is to spread the word. “It is my passion to see other writers published with excellence,” he says. Meetings will be held monthly at 338 Garden Restaurant in Adliya from 4pm-6pm on the second Saturday of every month. Visit www.facebook.com/bahrainchristianwriters.
28 June 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com Fans of the legendary English playwright, poet and actor, William Shakespeare, will be blown away in a 97-minute whirlwind performance of all his 37 plays. Contrary to popular belief, the phrase “What the Dickens?” is first credited to playwright William Shakespeare in his comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor. But if you are an ardent fan of the Bard, you probably already know that and are excited to hear about this upcoming event. To celebrate his 450th birthday this year, the Manama Theatre Club will enact an omnibus of Shakespeare’s works. An irreverent, fast-paced romp of all his plays, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), was London’s longest-running comedy, having clocked a very palpable nine years in London’s West End at the Criterion Theatre. Join these madcap men in tights as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s comedies, histories and tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter. Written by The Reduced Shakespeare Company, the show is a three-man comedy troupe that takes long, serious subjects and reduces them to short, sharp comedies. The cast consists of outstanding actors brought to The British Club: Martyn Wharrie, Jacob Rusling and Rory Adamson. The show is directed by Marina Tadayon and Jenny Falcus. The evening comes with several warnings. The highspeed roller-coaster show is not recommended for people with heart ailments, bladder problems, inner-ear disorders, outer-ear disorders, Shakespearean scholars, degrees in Elizabethan history and/or people inclined to motion sickness. Manama Theatre Club also claims it cannot be held responsible for expectant mothers! Tickets are available from The British Club reception. Call 17 728-245. When? June 8-9 Event? Charity art exhibition Venue? Bahrain Art Society Support an art exhibition by the children of Sneha Centre for special needs. E Call 33 777-236. When? June 8-10 Event? Fair Venue? West Riffa Sports club Find something different at the third Riffa shopping spree. E Call 33 858-843. When? June 9 Event? Exhibition Venue? Al Riwaq art space Visit a photography exhibition called Memories Recreated by Bahrain-based artists. E Call 17 717-441. When? June 10 Event? Seminar Venue? Gulf Hotel Bahrain Reinvent yourself at Tom Peter’s seminar for personal and business excellence. E Call 17 552-878. When? June 10-13 Event? Theatrical play Venue? The British Club Enjoy a tribute to William Shakespeare, which features all of his 37 plays. E Call 17 728-245. When? June 12 Event? Workshop Venue? Movenpick Hotel Leadership guru, Arthur Carmazzi gives a day-long workshop on strategic culture evolution. E Call 17 744-898. When? June 14 Event? Workshop Venue? Block 338 Learn to write and publish your own books at the Bahrain Christian Writers Guild workshop. E Visit www.facebook.com/ bahrainchristianwriters. When? June 14 Event? Charity Venue? Various Join the Bahrain Red Crescent Society’s Ramadan food drive. E Call 17 293-171. When? Until June 15 Event? Competition Venue? Bahrain Internet Society Here’s a chance to win recognition for your work at the World Summit Youth Awards. E Visit www.youthaward.org. happenings June 10-13 | Theatre performance | The British Club What the Dickens? June 19-21 | Gaming competition | Bahrain Polytechnic The island’s first game jam, organised by Bahrain Polytechnic, is set to highlight new talents, promote public awareness and spread a culture of fun. As the heat virtually brings all outdoor fun to a standstill, a bunch of gaming enthusiasts takes the action indoors with the launch of the island’s first Bahraini Game Jam. The event is being organised by Bahrain Polytechnic and is to be held at their premises. “The idea is for people to network and generate a gaming culture. For us as a university, this event is held to identify potential students and create links between academia and the working industry,” says Christos Gatzoulis, the programme manager for the Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology course. “A simultaneous global game jam will run across multiple countries. The occasion is expected to attract 17,000 participants.” One thing is for certain — the Bahrain event sounds like a gamer’s paradise and comes with a fun quotient. The purpose is essentially a test of craftsmanship, motivation, determination and teamwork, drawing from individuals’ interest and experience in game production. While contestants are expected to develop a game based around a theme disclosed on the day, there is the challenge of needing to complete the task in just three days. That’s not a lot of time for something which seems very complex. That is why the competition is inclined to attracting web programmers, graphic artists, people from relevant technical backgrounds and those who have attempted game development before. Participants must work in teams of two to four members, or register as individuals and be assigned to a group. Individual work spaces are allocated for the teams to work in. Registered individuals need to be residents of Bahrain, above 15 years of age and of any nationality. Visit www.gamejambahrain.org. Get Your Game On
30 June 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com The arrival of summer is always a good excuse to have your living space filled with some new creations. A good place to start looking for something eye-catching to place above the mantelpiece or as a decorative room display is the Al Riwaq Art Space, which has exhibitions of experimental paintings, jewellery and photography taking place this month. Written fascinations Abbas Yousif’s project, which is presently running at the gallery until June 7, titled Postponed Projects — This is Your Name, displays gigantic paintings exploring graphical texts that employ a silk screen-printing technique. Abbas preserves a balance, without rushing but rather experimenting. This is reflected in what is seen and felt in this exhibition that combines memory, thinking experimentation and technique. Beautifully carved intricacies Running from June 2 to 4, in collaboration with Dukkan-3, is the Dehab exhibition, featuring three Beirut-based contemporary jewellery designers: Raissa Traboulsi, Simone Kosremelli, an architect, and Syria’s foremost sculptor, Mustafa Ali. Preserving moments Memories Recreated is a photography exhibition by local collective Canvas BH, featuring four Bahrain-based artists: Isa Swain, Rasha Yousif, Gaye Bentham and Haya Al Khalifa. The exhibition explores the depths of memories recreated through some of Bahrain’s distinguished photographers so that they no longer represent passing moments but, instead, lasting images. Call 17 717-441. When? June 15,16 &20 Event? Film screening Venue? Seef Cineplex II Bahrain-based film producer Esky Dubois screens her film, Tikur Engda. E Call 39 288-315. When? June 17-21 Event? Tournament Venue? Shaikh Khalifa Sports City Bahrain Badminton & Squash Federation hosts its annual international tournament. E Call 36 500-103. When? June 19-21 Event? Gaming competition Venue? Bahrain Polytechnic Participate in the country’s first independent game developing competition. E Visit www.gamejambahrain.org. When? June 20 Event? Concert Venue? Alumni Club Annual rock concert Sanitarium returns for a fifth edition. E Call 39 775-095. When? June 21 Event? Designer day event Venue? Dilmun club Buy the hottest fashions at this sale, held in support of BSPCA. E Call 17 690-926. When? June 21 Event? Music night Venue? Ramee Ibrida Acoustic Alley brings you performances from five best local music artists. E Email [email protected]. When? June 22-24 Event? Workshop Venue? Bahrain Society of Engineers Attend this workshop for engineers, maintenance and safety personnel. E Call 17 810-725. When? June 25 Event? Exhibition Venue? Al Riwaq art space Art meets charity at local project ‘Our Bahrain’. E Call 17 717-441. When? June 27 Event? Concert Venue? Gulf Convention Centre Enjoy a music and comedy night by neo-soul artist Darrius Willrich, and Celebrity the Comedian. E Visit www. quietstormentertainment.com. happenings Throughout June | Exhibitions | Al Riwaq Art Space Until June 15 | Youth awards | Bahrain Internet Society Look beyond the present island of dreams and help alleviate a world of issues by working your digital talents. Are you a creative digital entrepreneur waiting to be recognised at an international platform? Would you like to do good for humanity? This is your last month to register your project with the World Summit Youth Award (WSYA), a unique award for young developers who employ IT, mobile technology and Internet projects to achieve UN Millennium Development Goals and make a global difference. The annual award is a global contest merging the talents of young individuals, between the ages of 18 to 30 years, and best practice in e-content in an effort to put the UN’s goals into action. The Millennium Development Goals were set in 2000 to prompt UN member states and civil society to fight global issues such as poverty, hunger and disease, inequalities, lack of education and environmental degradation. The six categories for the contest under which projects can be registered are: fight poverty, hunger and disease, education for all, power to women, create your culture, go green, and pursue the truth. Bahrain’s participation in the competition is spearheaded by the president of the Bahrain Internet Society, Nawaf Abdulrahman, who has been re-elected for a third year as a WSYA board member. “We are very pleased and proud of the winning of one of our local projects, Diabetes.bh, in the WSYA 2013 under the category of Fight Poverty, Hunger and Disease, which confirms that Bahraini projects are able to compete and win on a global level,” he says. “The winner of any of the local projects in this year’s event will represent the Bahraini community internationally at the distinguished winners’ event in Brazil, where they will have a chance to present their projects and be honoured.” The deadline to register is June 15. Visit www.youthaward.org. Relief through Technology Objects of Attraction
follow us Find out about the new Tenore collection at www.natuzzi.com Tel. : 17 564444 - Fax : 17 564466 - email: [email protected] Seef district, facing Ritz Carlton Entrance - Palace Palms Bldg
32 June 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com June 17-21 | Tournament | Khalifa Sports City June 8-10 | Shopping exhibition | West Riffa Sports Club Top badminton players compete for prizes in an international badminton series tournament that is once again hosted by Bahrain. Among the country’s once hidden sporting talents, badminton is a game that is rapidly growing and marketing itself widely. The group associated with the development and promotion of this sport on the island and in the West Asian region is the Bahrain Badminton and Squash Federation (BBSF). “The BBSF is embarking on a new path with grand plans in place to take the sport to a higher level and the federation is quite excited about future prospects,” says Ashley George, organiser with the BBSF. Following the Bahrain International Series (BIS) tournament initiative seven years Looking for a different shopping experience besides the mall? An unusual and interesting destination is Riffa’s upcoming shopping spree, with goodies to be displayed by local entrepreneurs. The third Riffa shopping spree promises to be a resounding success, with its focus on a Ramadan theme. Items from 27 exhibitors will be displayed at the West Riffa Sports Club where the event is has been previously held. “The idea is to not just make this a commercial affair selling Bahraini produce. It is to advocate a social purpose,” says the organiser, Shaikha Mariam Hamad Al Khalifa. “There are no shopping sprees in Riffa. So this event is a way to introduce a fresh perspective to the area while bringing to the fore our best productive home businesses or, in other words, the productive families.” This event promises to have some of the best local displays, selling traditional wares such as clothing, food and silverware and other locally made creations. With Ramadan on its way, the fair is a great way to find what you need to prepare for the Holy Month. Entrance to the fair is free for all. Call 33 858-843 or follow @m_events_ bh on Instagram. ago, the BBSF reunites top players yet again to compete in the tournament at the Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town. Sanctioned by the Badminton Asia Confederation and Badminton World Federation, the BIS 2014 has become a world ranking event. Around 150 players from 15 countries are scheming to win prize money of USD5,000 and prestigious world ranking points. The tournament will be conducted in five categories: men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles. “The tournament’s popularity is reflected in the fact that it has been highly appreciated by the players and the spectators for the quality of the matches and the organisational capability,” Ashley adds. Over the years, the federation has managed to attract several ranking players locally and from across the Asian region. Among them are champions such as Sho Sasaki of Japan, Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia, and Gurusaidutt, Sai Praneeth, Sourabh Verma and Sameer Verma of India. BBSF is one of the few national badminton associations in Asia to have conducted three internationals last year; these were the BIS followed by the Bahrain International Challenge and the Bahrain Junior International Series. Badminton Asia has appointed Gyaneswor Singh of India as the tournament’s referee and Ashley as the deputy referee. The event’s organising committee is led by Hisham Alabbasi, BBSF secretary general and Jaffer Ebrahim, BBSF development manager. The event is under the patronage of Shaikh Hussam Bin Essa Al Khalifa, BBSF president. Call 36 500-103. happenings Shuttling New Heights Riffa’s Shopping Jewel
34 June 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com Bahrain will play host to the world’s most influential management guru this month as he promotes the pursuit of personal and business excellence. It’s been over three decades since Tom Peters’ first book In Search of Excellence rocked the business world as an overnight publishing sensation. In its wake, the business book market exploded into a multi-million dollar industry and Peters recast himself as the first of a new breed — the management guru. In recent times, as the world has been engulfed by the economic crisis of 2008, Peters has shifted gears, renewing his dedication to what he calls the eternal basics of implementation — execution. “We create and then get caught up in, me included, an endless parade of fads,” he has remarked. “While the world is indeed changing, the basics of ‘getting things done through people’ — my great passion — remain the same as they were a hundred, or hundreds, of years ago.” Peters says it is failures in implementation that trip us up in nine cases out of 10, from a primary school in Nashville or Nigeria to ‘nation building’ in Basra and Baghdad. In business, for example, developing a brilliant ‘blue ocean strategy’, today’s hot buzz-phrase, is all well and good. But make no mistake, engaged and enthusiastic people executing like maniacs in that ocean is the only thing that will keep it blue and keep you sailing with spinnaker full! “Excellence in Execution was, is, wherever and forever, will be Sustainable Competitive Advantage Number 1,” Peters notes. This recent emphasis or rather re-emphasis was marked by the 2010 publication of Peters’ latest bestseller, The Little BIG Things: 163 Ways to Pursue Excellence. “Bahrain will have the chance to benefit from Tom Peters’ latest studies that represent a combination of years of expertise and accumulated research. Having this guru here will allow us to experience a quantum leap in the way we think and run our businesses,” said Ahmed Al Banna, CEO, Origin Group, event organisers. In his first session in Bahrain, Peters will shed light on the concept of excellence and will draw a comparison between local and international benchmarks of excellence. During the second round he will dwell on personal excellence through a focus on the individual as the most important resource. In doing so, he will specifically outline ingredients and skills that individuals should possess in order to create excellence within an organisation. In the third session, he will highlight business excellence and the important pillars and guidelines that enable a business to be a topquality brand and an organisation of excellence. The fourth session will consist of steps to be taken by management to achieve personal and business excellence. The last round will be discussion-based and the floor will be open for questions. Call 17 552-878. happenings June 10 | Tom Peters workshop | Gulf Hotel Convention Centre Redefining Excellence Tom Peters
36 June 2014 www.bahrainthismonth.com Whoever thinks summers here are long and slow needs to look out for the Ministry of Culture’s events, aiming to facilitate cultural exchange and dialogue. 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 2014 is nearly upon us, returning for a sixth year as part of the Manama: Capital of Asian Tourism 2014 promotion. Working under the banner of ‘Summer of Colours’ to promote tourism as a source of national wealth and pride, the ministry kickstarts this festival at the end of July, running until the end of August. Having become an anticipated annual fixture, the celebration never fails to return with a spectacular line-up of live shows that involve, from renowned local, regional and international artists, and activities which focus on multicultural and family-friendly entertainment. Featuring musical performances, theatrical plays and art exhibitions, the festival has it all covered. Nakhool and Nakhoola, the popular mascots, will be present at Nakhool City, which will host a variety of family-oriented activities. Children and parents will have a chance to enjoy a special showcase from different countries’ cultures and traditions for the duration of the festival. The mascots serve to educate visitors about Bahrain’s ancient history and emphasise the importance of the environment in local tradition. The shows will be staged at both the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre and the Cultural Hall, near the Bahrain National Museum. Visit Facebook.com/BahrainSummer, Twitter. com/BahrainSummer and Instagram.com/moc_bh. happenings July 31-August 30 | Festival | Various locations Summer Sensation MINISTRY OF CULTURE This local charity initiative, combining photography and social media, aims to raise money for an educational programme that tackles social issues in Bahrain. Our Bahrain, founded by Elma Bartholomew and Maryam Toorani in partnership with Al Riwaq Art Space, is using a medium more known for selfies than charity — Instagram. Users who have a knack for taking artistic shots can now lend a helping hand to the community by posting their pictures of Bahrain on the social media platform and ‘hashtag’ OurBahrain. The campaign, held in support of the Be Free Centre, will run for four weeks. The top 50 photographs will then be chosen and held as an exhibition at the gallery in Adliya on June 25. “We are using Instagram as our platform because it is a medium that is shared by Bahrain’s youth. Essentially, that is what we want to do — integrate the youth into charity. It’s a great way to show that you don’t have to go out of your way to give back,” says Maryam, creative director of Woman This Month magazine. “Al Riwaq Art Space were supportive of the idea from the get-go and our collaboration with them is what has gotten these talented photographers excited,” she adds. The Be Free Centre aims to help abused and neglected children. The duo chose the organisation because of a new educational programme that it has started. “We’re promoting their ‘Instilling Universal Knowledge’ programme. This tries to change the way we educate our children by implementing social issues into everyday classes,” says Elma, editor of Woman This Month magazine. “For instance, for the younger children, they use art classes. They hold up two drawings for the children, one with just one colour and the other with lots of colours, and ask which one they like more. The children usually say they like the colourful one. The teachers then link that to how Bahrain has a diverse culture, and that’s what makes it beautiful,” she explains. To donate to the campaign or to sponsor the event, contact the organisers via email. Email [email protected] or follow @our_bahrain on Instagram. June 25 | Art exhibition | Al Riwaq Art Space In the Picture A participant’s submission
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