YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE May 2020 | Vol. 24 | Issue 5 | BD2 / SR20 Arts Culture Clubs Sports Interviews Lifestyle Dining Nightlife TECHNOLOGY - ENTERTAINMENT - TRAVEL www.bahrainthismonth.com Digital Edition Since 1997 PEOPLE MOTORING RAMADAN Iftar Dining Delivery Options Traditional Recipes to Try Eid Gifts for Everyone WTM Super-Stylish Modest Dressing Fashion Trends Report Part II What Fernanda Did Next Create Your Own Salon Treatments A Tribute to Niki Lauda Pakistan’s New Ambassador HE Afzaal Mahmood Quarantino Creator Jason Carter NOT OUT & ABOUT FUN CREATIVE PROJECTS FOR ALL THE FAMILY
Department of Ophthalmology Eye Care in the New Age of Pandemics! Recent reports* suggest that SARS-CoV-2 can cause mild follicular conjunctivitis and is also detected in tears of COVID-19 patients. Limiting eye exposure can, therefore, help to significantly reduce your risk of getting infected. *American Academy of Ophthalmology (April 21st 2020) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Royal College of Ophthalmology Wash your hands often, and keep them away from your face and eyes If you wear contact lenses, consider switching to glasses for a while Seek face-to-face medical attention only for urgent or emergent problems Tele consult using a “virtual” visit over the phone or video chat over the internet using a computer If you must touch your eyes for any reason — even to administer eye medicine — wash your hands first with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Then wash them again afterward To Stay Safe For Teleconsultation Contact 17812222
May 2020 3 www.bahrainthismonth.com 7 38 30 46 20 28 23 7 59 47 Ramadan Feature Dining, recipes, Eid gifting. Forward Thinking and 24/7 Help Pakistani Ambassador, His Excellency Afzaal Mahmood, on business, VIP visits and dealing with coronavirus. Musical Quarantine Jason Carter talks about his work, life experiences and a new music composition and video, Quarantino. MAY 19 20 Cover Story Interviews ISSUE 273 CONTENTS Picking Up The Pieces Pria Masson Tanwar shares thoughts on life after the virus. Business Bites 22 23 Commerce Dick Potter A tribute to racing legend Niki Lauda. Motors Bites 26 28 MOTORING The best in gadgets, games, websites and apps. New TV and music to enjoy. Green goodies, travel and NOT out and about. 30-34 35-36 37-40 Technology Lifestyle Entertainment CONTENTS WOMAN THIS MONTH Get the Modest Look Well-being, food and homes. Gossip and fun facts from around the industry. Fernanda Langhammer on future adventures. SS20 Fashion Trends Report Part II Up-to-the-minute modest styling for Ramadan. Dr Amy Bowzaylo, Clinical Director and CEO of InTouch Clinic. Styling, tips and news. 42 58-61 46 47 48 62 52-55 FEATURE LIFESTYLE Fashion News Interview FEATURE IN HER SHOES BEAUTY www.bahrainthismonth.com bahrainthismonth bhthismonth
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May 2020 5 May 2020 Bahrain This Month George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman COVER Cover Picture: Ramadan www.bahrainthismonth.com Scan this QR Code to subscribe to the digital edition of the magazine. Printing Press Union Press, 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 2005-2020 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. THE TEAM Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Editorial Director Liz O’Reilly Contributors Behnaz Sanjana, Dick Potter, Pria Masson Tanwar Ouiam Charkani El Hassani Live and Taste Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Hatem Monem Photography Editor Muna Yousef Staff Photographers Subeesh Kumar N S Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa Corporate Affairs Director Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Group (Hilal Direct Services) Media Sales ANURADHA MANHAS [email protected] TATUM TURNER [email protected] DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director Lini Reghunath Digital Marketing & Social Media Executive Farah Baig Art & Animation Director Hatem Monem Videography Danny Sokov Firstly, may I wish all our readers Ramadan Kareem. The Holy Month is upon us and, though we find ourselves in strange times indeed, the age-old traditions remain. Since the usual large Iftar and Ghabga gatherings are not possible, we’ve put together four pages of delivery options so you can still enjoy five-star Ramadan feasts in the comfort and safety of your own home. We’ve also added our second selection of traditional recipes for you to recreate in your own kitchen. And, of course, Ramadan brings us inevitably to Eid al-Fitr. If you’re thinking of gifts, we have great ideas for family and friends young and not so young. Not surprisingly, given the current circumstances, our BTM interviews this month both have a somewhat viral focus. HE Afzaal Mahmood, the Pakistani Ambassador, talks trade, VIP visits and supporting his community during the pandemic. Looking at things from a different perspective, musician and artist, Jason Carter, tells us about his latest venture, a stunning melody and video called Qarantino. Regular columnist, Pria Masson Tanwar turns her thoughts to picking up the pieces, commercially, as the crisis eases. And Dick Potter pays tribute to motor racing great Niki Lauda, a year on from his death. As always, there’s news from the worlds of business and motoring as well as plenty to keep you occupied from tech to TV and music, as well as NOT Out and About – a selection of at-home activities for the whole family to enjoy. The Woman This Month pages are packed with fashion, from the second part of our SS20 Trends Report to lots of ideas for stylish modest dressing during the Holy Month. We also caught up with former editor, Fernanda Langhammer, who has great plans for a fashionable future. In the beauty pages you’ll find ideas to bring the salon home and tips on looking conference-call chic, and the well-being section looks at feel-good boosts to combat the isolation blues. Not surprisingly, given the current circumstances, we’ve gone for an online edition this month and I would urge you to keep an eye on our websites @ www.bahrainthismonth.com and www.womanthismonth.com as well as our social media pages for more great news updates than ever before. Virus or not, we remain your guide to a great way of life.
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The Holy Month is upon us and though we may not be able to gather to break the fast and share the very special feelings of this spiritual time, that doesn’t mean the traditions cannot be observed. Over the coming pages you will find details of restaurants and hotels offering takeaway and delivery options for all your favourite Ramadan dishes. We also have recipes for you to recreate in your own kitchen as well as great ideas for gifting on the festival of Eid al-Fitr. ramadan feature May 2020 7 www.bahrainthismonth.com
8 May 2020 www.bahrainthismonth.com ramadan feature BRING THE FESTIVITIES HOME AN IMPECCABLE IFTAR EXPERIENCE Areen Palace and Spa by Accor offers an exclusively curated Iftar and Ghabga menu for takeaway or delivery to be enjoyed at home, priced at BD35 for two persons. Additionally, clients can savour an Iftar or Ghabga setup in the privacy of the resort’s villas (limited to only five people as per ministry regulations). The pastry experts have also put together a beautiful dessert takeaway box to satisfy the sweet tooth. Call 36 057-494. IRRESISTABLE EATS ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands presents an unbeatable offer to enjoy lip-smacking delights during Ramadan. The hotel’s set menu for the Holy Month is available for takeaway, and is priced at BD19 for five persons, or BD5 per person. It is the perfect opportunity to gather with loved ones for a quintessential meal of Oriental dishes in the comfort of your home. Orders can be picked up daily from 4pm-11pm. Call 33 580-044 or 33 580-048. WORLD-CLASS RAMADAN DINING Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa presents the gourmet Layali Al Zallaq Ramadan Take Away and Home Delivery menu that guests can order and enjoy in the safety of their homes. Guests have the choice of ordering ready-togrill marinated meats and sauces, salads and mezze, soups, pizza and manakesh and main courses like Hammour Syadiyah, Chicken Tagine and Freekeh, Lamb Harisse and Ouzi, besides other international choices. Desserts comprise a delightful variety as well as a kids’ selection. Call or WhatsApp 38 885-789. EXCEPTIONAL TASTES Break your fast with an excellent Iftar menu during the Holy Month from Downtown Rotana. The sumptuous four-course set menu is replete with Arabic favourites, available daily from 4pm-6.30pm. The meal costs BD4.500 per person, or BD18 for five persons. Additionally, the culinary team at Flavours on 2 Restaurant have prepared an exceptional à la carte takeaway menu that includes a fine selection of items made from the finest ingredients, available all day long. Call 33 605-070. A roundup of top-notch Ramadan feasts that you can enjoy at your own dining table.
May 2020 9 www.bahrainthismonth.com ramadan feature A RAVISHING REPAST The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence & Spa welcomes the Holy Month with a unique blend of authentic cuisines curated by Bahraini executive chef, Younis Ramadhn. There are two menu options each for Iftar, and Suhoor and Ghabga. They are priced at BD24 and are suitable for two to three people. The dishes provided offer guests the best of international and native cuisine. Call 39 945-208. A CLASSY FEAST AT HOME The Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay offers an à la carte menu, with a variety of appetisers and main dishes, as well as specially-designed set menus that reflect the tradition and spirit of Ramadan. The three menu options are priced at BD22, BD24 and BD26, comprising varying options for hot and cold mezze, soup, main course and dessert. Each menu is suitable for two people, and an exclusive discount of 10 per cent will be applied for orders for 10 or more guests. The menus can be viewed on the hotel’s website and ordered through Talabat. Call: 17 115-000.
10 May 2020 www.bahrainthismonth.com ramadan feature SUNSET CELEBRATIONS Crowne Plaza Bahrain offers a delectable Iftar menu for takeaway or delivery. The traditional meal, which is good for two, is priced at BD19 for two people. Guests can benefit from a 15-per-cent discount if they select the takeaway option. You can also become a master chef at home with the help of a recipe box delivered to you. With measured ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe, cook Indian treats like atishe jhinga, burani gosht, macchi ka salan and paneer makhani, good for two-three people. Prices range between BD8 and BD12. Call 39 242-391. DIVINELY DELICIOUS The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, in partnership with stc Bahrain, brings guests a signature Iftar and Ghabga feast delivered at their doorstep or to be collected from the hotel. The expertly-crafted menus will satisfy the most discerning of palates, featuring a selection of popular fare in addition to Lebanese, Egyptian, Indian and Oriental delicacies. Enjoy the Full Moon Feast, comprising 22 items, priced at BD45 for two persons, or BD90 for four persons. The Half Moon Feast comprises 15 items, priced at BD35 for two persons, or BD70 for four persons. Call 17 586-499. A TANTALISING TABLE Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain lets you enjoy a meaningful Iftar in the comfort of home with sumptuous home-style dishes prepared by talented chefs. The Iftar takeaway set menu is priced at BD8 per person, and includes an assortment of mezze, soup, main course of your choice including the likes of mixed grills with salad or Oriental rice, chicken biryani and lamb Kabsa. Along with Ramadan drinks and dates, guests can savour tasty desserts. Orders for four or more persons receive a 25 per cent discount. Call 17 460-017. HEALTHY INDULGENCE Presenting dishes from all around the world, Chef & The Whale brings you flavourful, satisfying dishes made from the freshest ingredients. The outlet’s special Ramadan menu is full of mouthwatering gluten-free and vegan options delivered piping hot to your doorstep. Guests have the option of ordering two, four or six portions of tempting dishes like Pistachio Crusted Salmon, Saffron and Lemon Chicken and Aubergine and Quinoa Kofta. Call or WhatsApp 34 173-404 or 36 554-291. TREAT YOUR TASTE BUDS Order your favourite Ramadan treats from Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain to enjoy at home. Whether you are looking for Ramadan classics or international delights, the well-planned à la carte menu will cater to any taste. Select from local crowd pleasers like grilled hammour, ouzi and baklava or tantalising pastas and pizzas, apart from a variety of hot and cold starters. There is also a Gold Set Menu with soup, starter, main course and dessert for BD25. Available for pick-up or delivery everyday from noon to midnight. Call 77 707-070.
May 2020 11 www.bahrainthismonth.com ramadan feature TEMPTING TREATS Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain’s Baharat restaurant offers an Iftar package priced at BD35, good for up to four persons. Guests can choose one option from the choice of juices and soups (1 litre), four options from cold mezza, two kinds of hot mezza, two main course items and three kinds of dessert. A selection of Arabic and international bread is also included. Get ready to be delighted with fare like Veal Harris, Stuffed Vine Leaves with Lamb Chops, Marshoush Ades and lip-smacking sweet treats. The pickup point is at The Westin City Centre Bahrain. Call 17 171-152 or WhatsApp 33 538-150. CULINARY GEMS The Wyndham Grand Manama Bahrain offers a special set menu for Iftar and Ghabga for delivery or pickup, priced at BD7.900++. Customers can choose one item from the array of salads, soups, main course, drinks and desserts. The selected menu can be ordered from 5pm10.30pm every day. A daily extensive à la carte menu is also available for delivery, offering delicious fare like soups, salads, skewers, pizzas, sides and desserts. Call 17 247-524 or WhatsApp 33 660-313 FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT Manos, at Bahrain Rugby Football Club, has a call and collect service during Ramadan. Food can be ordered from two extensive menus, which offer customers options like burgers, pasta, pizza, sharing platters, quesadillas, grills, pub favourites and vegetarian dishes. A selection for kids is also available. Those craving the restaurant’s signature steaks and speciality dishes like pickled octopus and Peri Peri Chicken livers can also enjoy them at home. Call 39 893-101.
Ingredients - 3 aubergines - 3 garlic cloves - 1 lemon juiced - 2 tbsp tahini - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to drizzle - ½ tsp sea salt - ½ tsp black pepper - 1 tbsp flat leaf parsley Method - Prick the aubergines with a fork, scorch under a hot grill or flame until blackened (this is an important step in developing the flavour), it takes around 15 minutes and flesh should feel soft. - Allow to cool. Scoop out the flesh, place into a processor add the garlic, lemon, tahini, olive oil, salt and pepper. - Place in a serving dish and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle parsley on top. - You can give the recipe a slightly different twist at the end by adding pomegranate molasses along with the jewels of pomegranate seeds. A DELICIOUS MIDDLE EASTERN DIP WHICH IS A FUNDAMENTAL PART OF AN ARABIC MEZE. 12 May 2020 www.bahrainthismonth.com ramadan feature Ingredients – 200g bulgur wheat – ½ tsp pink Himalayan salt – Freshly ground black pepper – 1 bunch each flat leaf parsley and fresh mint, chopped – 4 spring onions chopped – 1 large pomegranate – Juice of two lemons – 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – 4 ripe vine tomatoes – 50g freshly roasted pistachios – 1 small cooked beetroot – Sumac to sprinkle (optional) Method - Bring the bulgur wheat to the boil in a pan of water, simmer for about 15 minutes, drain and leave to cool. - Chop the tomatoes and pistachio, add to a bowl with the chopped parsley, mint and spring onions, add the lemon juice and olive oil. - Remove the pomegranate seeds, add to the bowl and stir. - Finely dice the beetroot and add to the bowl. - Fluff up the bulgur wheat with a fork, add to the bowl at the last minute, mix well and transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle over the sumac. PINK TABBOULEH A DIFFERENT AND COLOURFUL TAKE ON THIS TRADITIONAL DISH. BABAGHANOUSH
May 2020 13 www.bahrainthismonth.com ramadan feature CHICKEN BIRYANI Ingredients 3 tbsp curry powder 2 tsp ginger, finely grated 2 tsp garlic, crushed and finely chopped 1 tsp garam masala 250ml yoghurt 1kg chicken pieces 100ml oil 2 white onions, finely diced 4 cloves garlic, crushed and finely chopped 4 tsp ginger, finely grated 3 tsp paprika powder 1 tbsp coriander powder 2 tsp turmeric powder 500g yoghurt 3 tbsp fresh mint, chopped 2 tomatoes, chopped For the rice 500g basmati rice 4 cardamom pods 4 tsp garam masala 1 cinnamon stick 2 bay leaves pinch salt pinch black pepper 150ml melted ghee 3 tbsp rose water Method Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a large bowl, mix together the curry powder, ginger, garlic, garam masala, salt and yoghurt. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them completely. Cover and refrigerate for an hour. Heat the oil in a large frypan and cook the onions and garlic until it is light golden brown. Add the ginger, paprika, coriander, turmeric, yoghurt, mint and tomatoes. Cook for five minutes. Add the marinated chicken, reduce the heat and cook covered until chicken is tender - about 20 minutes. Boil sufficient water with the cardamom pods, garam masala, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, salt, pepper and rice. Cook until the rice is soft; drain and keep it aside. In a large casserole dish, starting with rice on the base, place alternate layers of rice and chicken with a sprinkling of melted ghee in between the layers and more ghee on top. Carefully end it with the rice layer topped with rose water. Cover and seal it with a lid. Cook in the pre-heated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the lid and serve immediately. Makes 4-6 servings Prep time: 2 hours MAIN COURSE
14 May 2020 www.bahrainthismonth.com ramadan feature LAMB THAREED Makes 6-8 servings Prep time: 4 hours MAIN COURSE Ingredients 1.5kg lamb leg (bone in) cut into large pieces 3 pieces black lemon 2 red onions, chopped 1 garlic clove 30g coriander, chopped 1 bay leaf 3 tsp Arabic masala 2 tsp coriander powder 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp turmeric powder 270g tomato paste 125g tamarind (soaked in 200ml water and strained, reserving the water) 3 tbsp vegetable oil 2ltr water 1tbsp salt 1 each: carrot, koosa, courgette, eggplant, potato, cut into quarters 100g cauliflower florets 100g red pumpkin in large pieces 200g thareed kuboos Method Heat the oil in a large pot, add chopped onion and garlic and sauté . Add the dry spices, bay leaf, tomato paste and tamarind water and cook for 30 seconds. Add lamb and cook among the spices for one minute. Add water and black lemon and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer for two and a half hours until the lamb is tender. Remove any excess fat floating on the surface. Add pumpkin and potato and simmer for 10 minutes. Add remaining vegetables and simmer for a further 10 minutes. In a high-sided serving bowl crush the thareed kuboos and pour over four cups of the liquid from the lamb. Allow it to soak into the kuboos. Top the centre of the dish with the lamb and surround it with the vegetables. Pour over remaining liquid and serve with a sprinkling of fresh coriander.
May 2020 15 www.bahrainthismonth.com ramadan feature Ingredients - 600ml double cream - 600ml milk - 1 tin evaporated milk - 1 stick of cinnamon - 10 whole cardamom pods, lightly crushed - 160g castor sugar - Rosewater - Pink colouring - Edible rose petals or mint leaves for decoration (optional). Method - Add the cream, milk and evaporated milk, cinnamon stick and the cardamom pods into a pan and gently bring to the boil, allow to infuse and reduce by one third. - In another saucepan add the sugar with enough rosewater to cover and heat until the sugar is dissolved – just a couple of minutes. - Add the rosewater to the milk mixture and allow to cool. Strain the liquid, discard the cinnamon and cardamom pods and add one to two drops of pink colouring. - Place into an ice-cream machine and process or into the freezer for four hours, stirring every hour or so. - Serve in pretty containers and sprinkle with your chosen decoration. Ingredients - 8 tbsp sugar - 6 tbsp sweetened condensed milk - 7 bread slices - 2 tbsp shredded coconut - 375ml whipping cream - 1.75 to 2 cups milk (according to your taste as per the consistancy) - ¼ cup almonds - ¼ cup chopped pistachios - Brown sugar for sprinkling on top Method - Cut the bread slices into small pieces. Add to a medium size baking dish. - Add the coconut, almonds and pistachios. Spread evenly. - In another pan, bring to a boil the milk, condensed milk and three tablespoons of sugar. - Pour over the bread mixture. Let it soak for 10 minutes. - Whisk five tablespoons of sugar and whipping cream until you get a soft peak. - Spread on top of the bread mixture and sprinkle with brown sugar. - Bake for 15 minutes at 175°C. - Chill for at least four to five hours. ROSEWATER AND CARDAMOM ICE CREAM UMM ALI A DELICIOUS, DELICATE TASTE IDEAL FOR WARM ARABIAN NIGHTS. A comfort-food classic, perfect for the current circumstances.
16 May 2020 www.bahrainthismonth.com TIME TO SHINE The Gc PrimeChic collection comes in colourful options and is adorned with Swarovski crystal. Available at Al Hawaj. PUT A RING ON IT Jewels and pearls in a pretty sphere. Available at Bahrain Jewellery Centre. ONE OF A KIND Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Singing Birds ‘Blue Jay’ watch. Available at Bahrain Jewellery Centre. FIENDISHLY FUN Transparent clear impossible jigsaw puzzle. Available at etsy.com LOVING GIFT This little knitted hedgehog’s heart is clear for all to see. Available at etsy.com CULTURAL DÉCOR Caligraphy ornament Available at Home Box. HIS AND HERS Traditional scents from the Prestige Collection. Available at Kewelrams. FOR THE LITTLEST FAMILY MEMBERS Cute clothing sets Available at 6thstreet.com STRANGELY SWEET Glass unzipped bag Available at uncommongoods.com TYRANNOSAURUS TACOS Dinosaur taco holders Available at uncommongoods.com LEARNING FUN World Map colouring tablecloth Available at uncommongoods.com ramadan feature With the Holy Month coming to an end in the festival of Eid al-Fitr, thoughts turn to gifts for family and friends. Who knows when we will be able to get together for large gatherings but check out our ideas and be prepared. PERFECT PRESSIES
May 2020 17 www.bahrainthismonth.com NUTTY MOMENTS Embellished nut holder Available at Lifestyle. COMES IN HANDY John Louis bag Available at Lulu. ARM CANDY Cute ladies’ or kids’ purse Available at Lulu. DRESS IT UP Pretty detachable collar Available at Max Mara. CLASSY CUPPA Futuristic coffee pot Available at Mr Porter. PRETTY PERFUME Ajmal Regina women’s scent Available at namshi.com DESIGNER ACCESSORIES Hugo Boss keyring and pen Available at namshi.com SCENT OF EID Rose velvet oud candle Available at namshi.com STREAMLINED SHAVING Metal razor and stand. Available at Mr Porter. A SCENTED HOME Rituals oudh and patchouli fragrance sticks. Available at 6thstreet.com LOVE IN A CUP Traditional tea set Available at Lifestyle. IT’S A CINCH Women’s wide belt Available at Max Mara. BEAUTIFULLY BOOKISH Shiraleah agate book ends Available at namshi.com BOY RACER Race car cufflinks Available at Mr Porter. TRY YOUR LUCK Iron and Glory dice Available at namshi.com ramadan feature
Digital Edition Read Bahrain This Month in any format convenient to you • Print • Online • Digital • Social media to keep you abreast of everything that’s happening in and about town. You can now read Bahrain This Month from its Instagram account. Click on the bio-link and it takes you to a curated page where you can tap the images and read the articles. Simple, convenient and easy!! BAHRAIN THIS MONTH GOES MULTI-PLATFORM bahrainthismonth Go Published monthly by: Red House Marketing P. O. Box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: [email protected]
FORWARD THINKING BTM quizzed Pakistani Ambassador, His Excellency Afzaal Mahmood, on developments in business, VIP visits and how his community is dealing with the coronavirus. and 24/7 Help How is the coronavirus affecting the island’s Pakistani community? And how is the embassy helping? Pakistanis in Bahrain are facing the challenge of coronavirus with great responsibility by following government guidelines on social distancing and staying safe at home. So far, very few Pakistanis have been reported infected. Some of our nationals, who were working with smaller companies, have lost their livelihoods. They are being supported by the embassy, with assistance from the Pakistani community. The Pakistani business community is helping jobless workers in paying rent, utility bills and buying essential items for day-to-day use. We have set up a 24/7 hotline to allow access to our nationals. They can call us on 17 244-113. We also keep in close contact through social media. The embassy is open as usual for consular services. Several MoUs were signed during Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to the Kingdom last December. Is work on these still progressing, despite the virus? The signings were an MoU on Cooperation in the Field of Medical Sciences, MoU on Cooperation in Youth Affairs and Sports and an MoU on Cooperation in Education and Higher Education and Science Research. We are actively following up on these despite the outbreak of coronavirus. A robust follow-up action plan is in play to boost Pakistan-Bahrain brotherly ties. Has the scheduled meeting of the Bahrain-Pakistan Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) been put on hold? When do you expect it to take place and what will it concentrate on? The JMC’s second session is now being planned for the last quarter of this year. It will review all aspects and dimensions of cooperation on bilateral, regional and international platforms. Intensification of trade and investment will remain the main focus. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa is due to visit Pakistan. Is this visit still likely to go ahead? The Prime Minister of Pakistan, during his last visit to Bahrain, extended a warm invitation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for a visit to Pakistan, which His Majesty very kindly accepted. We are making preparations for the visit at the convenience of His Majesty which will be conveyed by the Royal Court. PM Khan’s visit included a vow to work closely to increase trade and investment between the two nations. What are the current trade figures between the two? A good amount of goods and services are traded between Pakistan and Bahrain, some directly and others through third countries. Under normal circumstances there are 32 weekly direct Gulf Air flights from Pakistan bringing lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and meat. The latest bilateral direct trade figure is USD150 million. I believe we can have greater trade in processed food, textiles, leather goods, sports goods, surgical instruments, home furnishings and in the services sector, including IT, banking, medical and engineering. We are utilising all available resources on both sides to put the business communities in contact with each other. We have facilitated visits of business delegations and participation of businessmen in trade exhibitions and conferences. I am thankful to the Bahraini leadership for treating Pakistanis with dignity and supporting me in my Mission. Please scan the code to read the full interview interview May 2020 19 www.bahrainthismonth.com
20 May 2020 www.bahrainthismonth.com MUSICAL QUARANTINE Are you a collective or is it purely you, getting people together for specific projects and can you tell us about the most recent ones? I have always done a mixture of solo classical guitar work and collaborations, but I was looking to put all future collaborations under one banner, hence `The Sundial Project' The music video is the first of such videos under this banner. The idea is that The Sundial Project is also a live band concept that can be anything from two people upwards. The name was created by drummer Terl Bryant. A sundial just sits there, but when light hits it tells you where you are. Guides you. Where did the inspiration come from and how did you select the musicians to be involved? I wanted to try a remote collaboration, so I called upon drummer Terl Bryant, sax player Mike Haughton, Flamenco artist Pepe Martinez and singer Lydia Martin, all of whom I had worked with before. They have their own respective studios, so the first step was to have everyone record their parts. Once the track was mixed, I went to the UK and France to film Terl, Mike and Pepe. Lydia, I filmed here in Bahrain. I made it back to Bahrain just before the global lockdown started due to COVID-19 and embarked on the video editing. What is the singer saying? Pepe wrote the lyrics and the translation from Spanish is: "Let the water tell you the way, that you have to drink to know... what hurts, what hurts." You said you started working on it before the virus really hit, how did it become Quarantino? Naming of tracks or composition is always an interesting and sometimes difficult process. Pepe had worn a mask during the film recording, we just liked the idea, little did we know that one month later masks would become central to people’s everyday lives. The name Quarantino just seemed to fit given the circumstances. What brought you to Bahrain? I first set foot in Bahrain in 1999 to give guitar workshops for a group of musicians. Bass player Ahmed Al Qassim was part of that group. I loved Bahrain from the outset and during that first visit I collaborated with Bahraini Pearl Diving musicians. I visited many times and came back for a longer stint in 2016 to make the documentary Grain of Sand. I met my wife-tobe here, Lydia Martin, and we are still here. Is the island home now? It is and as a film maker there are so many fascinating perspectives, stories to be told. Bahrain is a unique place, I would say the jewel of the Arabian Gulf. What’s next? Are you working on anything during our mini lockdown? At first, I found the lockdown challenging but after a couple of weeks I began to see ways of using this time creatively. I am planning a film about Bahrain for Netflix, which talks about Bahrain culture and how Bahrain is so open to people of all cultures. The COVID-19 situation says it all, that Bahrain treats everyone equally, regardless of race, religion or social standing. www.grainofsand.tv www.jasoncarter.net You can watch the video here: shorturl.at/cegmV interview Liz O’Reilly quizzed Bahrain-based artist, Jason Carter, about his work, life experiences and a new music composition and video, Quarantino, that somehow encompasses the current situation.
May 2020 21 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview ALL ABOUT JASON The arts cannot change the world but it can inspire and influence those with the power to do so” – Jason Carter Jason Carter’s musical depth and extraordinary style have left an indelible impact around the globe. Touring with his inimitable fusion of world music and classical styles, he has performed in more than 100 countries and travelled over a million miles – making music in such diverse locations as Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, North Korea, Pakistan and the Gulf States. Garnering a reputation as an ambassador for peace and intercultural dialogue by using music to open doors for communication, Jason has received honours and awards for these efforts and also support from UNESCO, The United Nations and the British Government. Jason is a guitarist/composer of the highest calibre and originality. Prolific and exceptionally creative, he continually produces captivating and alluring music that showcases not only his classical abilities but also his obvious love for world music. Played with humility, passion and exquisite flair, his music offers audiences a profound and intimate experience, regardless of the size of the venue. Jason’s ability to connect with his audience is unparalleled and offers a moving, thought-provoking and unexpectedly comforting experience. He has made the bold transition from music into film and completed his first documentary Grain of Sand, a film that raises questions about cultural identity through the music and heritage of the pearl divers of the Arabian Gulf. Grain of Sand enjoyed its world premiere at Dubai International Film Festival in December 2017. It reached the top five in the film competition at Pakistan International Film Festival in Karachi and went on to premieres around the world including UNESCO screenings as part of the 'World Heritage' series. What They Said “Jason helps to build much needed relationships across borders that the technological forces driving globalisation could never achieve.” – Neville McBain, British Council, Iran. "Jason Carter builds extraordinary bridges between cultures; we are proud to have Jason with us.” – HE Sir Sherard Cowper Coles, British Ambassador, Afghanistan. “
PICKING UP THE PIECES Regular columnist, Pria Masson Tanwar, takes stock of what the post-virus future may hold. Since the start of 2020, there’s been so much going on that it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the negative noise. In looking for threads of possibility, I thought of what will happen when we all get back to picking up the pieces once this is behind us. Will there be too many pieces to be picked up? Will I, as an individual or family unit, have specific pieces that are broken. The list of uncertainties is long, so, as always, let’s break it down to simpler terms. Let me begin by saying that the human impact cannot really be “retrieved”, and the emotional baggage will need a whole different analysis. For this exercise, I’m sticking to aspects that are more tangible and hence “in human control”. Start with your own family. What industry do members of your family interact with; i.e. either work at or use the services of. Take the example of an individual who works for a telecom operator – so, one person works for and everyone in the family likely uses the services of the company. The question is, has your interaction as a user changed? If so, are you interacting more or less? If the answer is either “the same” or “more”, it’s unlikely your job is impacted. Why? Because, the telecom operator is impacted if people interact with it (pay) less. If that’s not lower, its unlikely other things will change too much. You can run this exercise across all services to realise that a lot of economic activity may be on a break but is unlikely to be dramatically altered. Some will, of course, but all is not lost. Far from it. While a lot of businesses are impacted severely, there continue to be those that are more resilient such as the staple industries, namely telecommunications, technology, healthcare and education, because the services are price and event resistant. People will use technology, children will go to school, healthcare is needed (now more than ever). You get the idea? There are also those sectors that are impacted but not stopped – so retail, hospitality or restaurants. These, if run by individuals, will face larger issues. If operated as a franchise or part of a larger brand, the impact may be lesser since the larger firms have greater resilience to bounce back. Then there is banking. This sector is driven by economics and politics. In terms of the economics, if the stimulus packages are to promote spending, they tend to be inflationary. But, if infused for a specific cause, the inflationary impact may not be high. This means that post-crisis, banks will be happy to lend to stimulate spending to aid business recovery. Think about the companies where each of you work. Are people thinking there will be no tomorrow or are they planning for 2021? Cargo operations and trade seem to be carrying on to some extent. Stock markets (as of mid-April) have stopped falling. Zoom is doing great business – which means business is carrying on. The hope is there. So, plan for that new business, that new project, that growth or promotion that you dreamed of. Stay positive and stay on course. The pieces can, and will, be picked up. Pria is an Advisor with JEO Management Consultants (http://www.jeomanagement.com). You can follow Pria at her Instagram handle @money_cues or know more about her professional experience at: http://www.i2d-consulting.com commerce 22 May 2020 www.bahrainthismonth.com
May 2020 23 www.bahrainthismonth.com business bites NEW APPOINTMENTS TO BANK BOARD BANK SUPPORTS 4,000 MIGRANT WORKERS VIRTUAL SHOPPING GFH Financial Group (GFH) has appointed Ali Murad and Ahmed Alahmadi to its board of directors. Ali Murad is the MD and co-founder of Pinnacle Bahrain and serves on the boards of various companies. He began his career at Arab Banking Corporation where he spent five years in a variety of positions before joining Unicorn Investment Bank (now Bank Alkhair) and later First Energy Bank. In 2010, he established Pinnacle, a holding company that acquires and holds stakes in various sectors including technology, music publishing and real estate, to name a few. Ahmed Alahmadi is an Associate at Mubadala Investment Company working in mergers and acquisitions, where he assists teams across the company in sourcing deals and executing transactions. As part of its efforts to lend a helping hand to those affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has contributed to cover food provision and supplies for 4,000 migrant workers as part of the Capital Governorate’s ‘Together We Care’ campaign. The campaign, led by His Excellency the Capital Governor, Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, distributes ready-cooked meals and food essentials such as rice, oil and vegetables. Shaikh Hisham said: “I am very proud of what has been achieved since the launch of the campaign, it has demonstrated the true meaning of all parties coming together and working as one towards a common goal. This has proven that we all are truly #TeamBahrain and reaffirms our values and solidarity.” The campaign is being organised by the Capital Governorate in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior which is managing the distribution process. More than 100 companies have signed up for Bahrain’s virtual mall, an initiative launched by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism to help keep the wheels of retail business turning despite Covid-19 restrictions. Businesses wanting to use the services of mall.bh must offer an online payment method and delivery services. Enrolment is free with no interim payments. The user-friendly online shopping platform was launched in response to coronavirus market disruptions, which have motivated local enterprises to reconsider how they transact business online. Additionally, it helps businesses unlock the immense opportunities digital transformation provides, including allowing them to closely monitor consumer behaviour to adjust their market strategy accordingly.
24 May 2020 www.bahrainthismonth.com business bites The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) held its first ever virtual Ramadan ‘eMajlis’, via Zoom video conferencing technology on April 29. The initiative, in line with iGA’s commitment to social distancing during the current pandemic, aimed to strengthen its communication with citizens, residents, and specialists in the IT field. Participants in the casual conversation were encouraged to share their suggestions on how to improve the services offered by the iGA, and develop the role of technology in a post-Coronavirus world. The eMajlis offered the public an opportunity to communicate directly with senior iGA officials, including Chief Executive, Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, who said: “Improving the quality and efficiency of these services will support the government’s digital transformation processes, making them accessible through different online channels, platforms and smartphone applications.” The American University of Bahrain (AUBH) is pursuing an academic partnership with California State University, Northridge (CSUN), accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and a number of field-specific accreditors. The move would offer AUBH students a curriculum focused on preparation for academic success, as well as for careers in the regional and global marketplace, opportunities to study abroad and a pathway to finish their studies in California in the future. CSUN combines breadth of study with rigorous professional preparation in a wide range of fields, including engineering, computer science, advanced STEM fields, business, sciences, healthcare, counselling and social service professions, entertainment industries, media and the arts, social sciences and humanities. The university has nine colleges and more than 2,000 faculty members who teach courses leading to Bachelor’s degrees in 69 disciplines, Master’s degrees in 69 fields and three doctorates. CALIFORNIA UNI COMING TO BAHRAIN IGA LAUNCHES RAMADAN EMAJLIS Students in need will get a boost to their remote learning options through AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation’s “100 Laptops” aimed at helping them keep up with their education in response to the coronavirus situation. The initiative calls on individuals, companies and organisations to get involved while spreading the spirit of giving as well as ensuring the right of education to all. Her Highness Shaikha Zain bint Khalid Al Khalifa, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation, said: "We would like to thank His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Governor of the Southern Governorate, for his generous gesture donating 60 laptops as the first contributor in our initiative." Anyone who would like to help can contact the foundation on 17 499-909 or email: [email protected]. “100 LAPTOPS” INITIATIVE LAUNCHED
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26 May 2020 www.bahrainthismonth.com August 1, 1976. By all accounts, this was the date on which the creator deemed Niki Lauda was to die. Racing for Ferrari in the German Grand Prix held at Nürburgring on that day, Niki’s race got off to a bad start. Rain showers led him to select rain tyres, as opposed to slicks. Stopping to change them and a blocked pit lane not only left him needing to make up ground, his still cold tyres provided scant grip on the damp track. Niki subsequently lost control of the car and hit the bank at the side of the track at Bergwerk. The rest of that horrific crash is well documented. The car caught fire as fuel leaked out and Niki was trapped in the burning cockpit with his helmet ripped off. Several drivers stopped to help pull him from the burning vehicle. One of those drivers later claimed that “nobody realised the actual damage to Niki. The real danger he was in was not from the superficial injuries that we could see but from the deeper injury which was that to his lungs”. Damage to his lungs, of course, was caused by inhalation of toxic fumes from the burning fibreglass. Indeed we didn’t appreciate the severity of the injury that he’d suffered. Niki recalled a decade later that he had been sitting in the car – in a temperature of about 800 degrees – for around 50 seconds. It emerged after two or three days of his hospitalisation, that it was undeniably the lung damage that was the injury putting his life in danger. Miraculously, Niki not only evaded the creator’s plans for him, but recovered from the crash; he resumed racing 40 days later and only missed out on the title by a single point, to James Hunt. Born on February 22, 1949, the scion of a wealthy Viennese industrial family that opposed his daredevil driving career, Nikolaus Andreas Lauda was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps into the paper-manufacturing industry. Niki, as he became known, had other ideas however. He wanted to become a racing driver. Lauda financed his early career with the help of a string of loans, working Dick Potter pays homage to a racing great on the first anniversary of his death. NIKOLAUS ANDREAS LAUDA A tribute MY LIFE IN CARS motoring news
May 2020 27 www.bahrainthismonth.com motoring news his way through the ranks of Formula 3 and Formula 2. He made his Formula 1 debut for the March team at the 1971 Austrian Grand Prix and picked up his first points in 1973 with a fifth-place finish for BRM in Belgium. Lauda joined Ferrari in 1974, winning a Grand Prix for the first time that year in Spain and his first drivers’ title with five victories the following season. He remains the only driver in F1 history to have been champion for both Ferrari and McLaren, the sport’s two most successful constructors. Despite his great sporting successes, sadly, the accident at Nurburgring would scar Niki for life – leaving him with third-degree burns to his head and neck. In order to hide the scars, Lauda took to wearing a, predominantly red, baseball cap in public, which became a personal trademark. Poignantly, last year on May 26 at Monaco, whilst not racing, the drivers wore red baseball caps as a gesture of respect. I read that Niki called the baseball hat “my protection for stupid people looking at me stupidly”. I like that. I liked it, and more so, Niki, when I read that he once told a journalist: “I have an accident as an excuse to look ugly. Some people don’t have this excuse.” Brilliant. Niki was revered amongst his peers both past and current. Movingly, when Lewis Hamilton took the checkered flag at Monaco 2019, he said “this one’s for Niki”. One of the reasons – believe me I have a long list – that I hugely admired Niki, was that for years after his accident, he championed safer racecar and track designs. He urged tighter controls over driving conditions and rules governing race organisers. “Racing on substandard tracks or in unsafe weather doesn’t test courage,” Lauda told The Boston Globe in 1977. “At present, some of the Grand Prix circuits we drivers are asked to race on do not fulfill the most primitive safety requirements. Also, the decision to call off or stop a race can’t be left entirely to the organisers, who too often put prestige before the safety of the drivers. We need independent experts whose authority should be supreme.” Hear, hear Niki. The horrific injuries he sustained in 1976 were eventually to catch up with him however. On May 20, 2019, Nikolaus Andreas Lauda passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Superlatives seem trite. There are few I can write which would do justice to this sportsman – notwithstanding his business endeavours. It’s easy to say when a sportsman passes that we will not see his like again. But in Niki Lauda’s case that is the factual reality. He was unique, and so was his story. Niki Lauda: 1949-2019 View more info online
28 May 2020 motoring news Genesis Middle East and Africa HQ has launched Genesis CARE, a warranty extension policy for its vehicles to support customers who may face difficulties in getting vehicle maintenance due to restricted access to service centres during the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme aims to ensure that all Genesis vehicles with original warranties expiring between March 1 and April 30 will benefit from a warranty extension of up to three months until May 31. All warranties that are originally due to expire in May will also be guaranteed coverage until the end of the month. Hyundai Motor Company has launched a similar programme. Hyundai CARE offers a warranty extension policy for its vehicles worldwide. The companies’ regional boss, Bang Sun Jeong, said: “We appreciate that many of our customers may have limited or no access to vehicle servicing during these extraordinary times. “We wish to set their minds at ease regarding eligibility for warranty repairs and related services in the coming months. Not only do we care about our customers’ health and safety, we care about the ‘health’ and safety of their vehicles as well.” WARRANTY EXTENSIONS REASSURE MOTORISTS The Porsche Taycan saw the checkered flag of first place in two categories: World Luxury Car and World Performance Car of the Year, at this year’s World Car of the Year Awards 2020 (WCOTY). In the performance category, it succeeded in a historic triple against the 911 and the 718 Spyder/Cayman GT4. Furthermore, the electric sports car also won World Luxury Car. Eightysix international automotive journalists voted and assessed more 50 new cars and the winners were announced during an online conference by the WCOTY organisation. The Porsche Taycan and new 911, which were launched last year, have already won around 40 international prizes. For the Porsche Taycan, these include: • Car of the Year: Top Gear magazine (UK) • The China Green Car of the Year: Chinese Car of the Year (CCOTY) jury • German Car of the Year: German Car of the Year (GCOTY) jury. www.bahrainthismonth.com Following the Interior Ministry’s privatisation directives, Ebrahim K. Kanoo, in partnership with The General Directorate of Traffic (GDT), has launched technical examination centres for Toyota and Lexus vehicles at the Toyota Plaza in Tubli and Toyota Service Centre in Arad. GDT-trained technicians are available at both locations and it is hoped the facilities will help ease congestion at the main vehicle registration centre. They will also offer a Sadad machine for payment of contraventions as well as the Traffic Self-service Stand provided by the GDT. During Ramadan, Toyota Plaza in Tubli will open daily and Toyota Service Centre in Arad will operate daily except Fridays both from 7am-3pm and after Iftar from 8.30pm-11.30pm. TRAFFIC INSPECTION SERVICES LAUNCHED WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR
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