FACT Bahrain October 2022

AN OASIS OF LUXURY …

A dynamic distinction forms between the elements of land and sea. We embrace this confluence of the perfect life on the beach and modern elegance.

With Address Beach Resort Bahrain’s arrival, a new spectacular retreat rises out of the depths of the Arabian Gulf, surrounded in plush landscapes, creating a warm and restorative environment on the beautiful shores of Marassi Al Bahrain.

U BY EMAAR | It’s time to #CelebrateU, join our loyalty programme at UByEmaar.com

Culinary Spotlight An Eastern Escapade Society

Going Green

Bahrainmay be a small country but we’re batting well above our weight in terms of sustainability and this month’s cover story looks at all the ways we’re going green. From the Government’s pledges and tree planting initiatives to solar plants and recycling, there’s an impressive amount going on behind the scenes. It’s amazing to see just how much effort individuals are making too and, to be honest, reading about that made me feel both guilty and inspired. I have the recycling bins, the reusable bags et cetera, I just need to get myself organised enough to use them.

This month we bring you news of Bahrain Jazz Fest, for which we are once again a partner. It’s coming up at the beginning of December and I, for one, can’t wait. It will be so good to get back to a big live event on the island.

It's been a bit of a motoring month for us as we took to the roads in the latest offerings from Hyundai and MG, which were both very impressive.

We chatted to the new GM of Downtown Rotana and the Mövenpick’s Azeri Executive Chef, who’s bringing flavours of his homeland to the kitchen.

You’ll also find plenty of food reviews, with two exceptional new menus in our dining section alongside some of the best foodie deals around. And don’t forget to catch up on news from across island in the Listen Up section as well as the latest on entertainment, fashion and more.

Happy reading everyone!

Liz O’Reilly Editor editorial@fact-magazine.com

FACT Magazine Bahrain Edition

OCTOBER 2022 VOLUME 16, ISSUE 01

DIRECTOR

OMAR SHAHEEN

PUBLISHER

RAMI KHALIL (rami@fact-magazine.com)

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

LIZ O’REILLY (editorial@fact-magazine.com)

DIGITAL TEAM

SARA WADDAH

TANUSHREE MATHUR

SALES TEAM

MERIEM SAMOUL SARA CHAKIB

ART DIRECTOR

SYED MUHAMMED RAIHAN

GRAPHIC DESIGNER SACHAN CHANDRAN

PHOTOGRAPHY SHAREEF PANHATT

CONTRIBUTORS

AMAL SARHAN FERNANDA LANGHAMMER GARETH WOODS MELISSA NAZARETH

PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION

AJIT KUMAR NEIL MAHMOOD

ENQUIRIES

Tel: +973 3632 0131

E-mail: rami@fact-magazine.com

PRINTED BY UNION PRESS

All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. Bahrain cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Office 24 Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef. Ministry of Information. Subject Registration Number: CFB779

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“Sustainability is here to stay, or we may not be.” Niall Fitzgerald

FINE ARABIAN FLAVOURS

While it’s not winter yet, the weather is starting to get cooler, at least after sunset. It’s the perfect time to plan an al fresco adventure and where better than the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay? They’re bringing back the popular Arabic pop-up on the beach from Thursday, October 4, running from Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 6pm to 12pm.

A DJ will be there to offer the perfect musical backdrop to your Arabian evening on Thursday and Friday, from 7pm to 11pm. Guests will have an elevated Arabic culinary experience with brand-new dishes and an enhanced beverage menu. Leading the Oriental culinary team of Four Seasons, Chef Tony El Khoury has added new recipes to the menu to tantalise guests’ taste buds. Among the new mezze and the salads are Fattoush served with Khubz Bread Basket, Falafel Salad with homemade pickles,

nuts and labneh, and Seafood Provençal. Beef Shawarma with French Fries and Salmon Harra with Sautéed Broccoli are sure to be diners’ favourites. The traditional Manakish from Levantine cuisine has been re-created by Chef Tony and will be served with a selection of zaatar shanklish, halloumi pesto with black olives and sujuk and cheese with a crispy texture. The Chocolate Banana with Pistachio will be the new sweet ending. The à la carte menu is complemented by a premium selection of Moroccan tea, Arabic coffee and Turkish coffee. ✤

GO: CALL 1711 5500 OR EMAIL DININGRESERVATIONS. BAHRAIN@FOURSEASONS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay’s Arabic pop-up restaurant is back to host guests with brand-new dishes.

CULINARY ACCOLADE

Renowned Bahraini chef Tala Bashmi features as one among the top 100 chefs in the world according to The Best Chef.

Tala Bashmi has created a name for herself in the regional and international culinary world over the last many years. Fans have closely followed her journey from her humble beginnings as a home baker and then, trainee chef at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa, followed by further training in Switzerland and then, back home to head Fusions by Tala. This time, Tala has been featured on the top 100 list of The Best Chef, a project dedicated to celebrating talented chefs that create the best food experiences around the world. She appears alongside other famous personalities such as the UK’s Heston Blumenthal, Spain’s Dabiz Muñoz, who won first place for the second time in a row, Italy’s Massimo Bottura and France’s AnneSophie Pic. Further, she is the only Arab to make the list.

Created by Polish neuroscientist Joanna Slusarczyk and Italian gastronomist Cristian Gadau, in 2015, The Best Chef aims to globally unite the best thinkers and leaders in the world of

gastronomy and fine dining and highlight their process to peers and everybody else, as examples for future generations who can learn and build on their ideas. In 2017, The Best Chef expanded its offering by creating The Best Chef Awards: a ranking list focused on chefs. The awards were first held in Warsaw in 2017, in Milan in 2018, in Barcelona in 2019 and virtually over three days due to the global pandemic in 2020. Last year, they were held in Amsterdam and this year in Madrid. Tala was there to celebrate her ranking. This achievement follows her winning the title of MENA’s Best Female Chef for 2022. She also competed on MBC’s Top Chef Middle East television show in 2020 ✤

UNITED BY MUSIC

Experience the music of different cultures at the 31st edition of Bahrain International Music Festival, which will happen from October 1 to 7.

The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) is hosting the Bahrain International Music Festival. It is a testament to the role music plays (pun intended!) in bringing people of different cultures and classes together; music transcends all differences.

Across the seven-day period, culture junkies and music fans can enjoy an interesting lineup of performances: On October 1, renowned Maestro Mubarak Najem will conduct the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra at the Bahrain National Theatre. It will feature both local orchestral music and a fusion of global classical and Arab music.

On October 2, experience authentic Moroccan musical heritage with Rabat Troupe. Founded in 1987 by artist Mohamed Amin AlDabi, the troupe plays traditional Moroccan instrumental music.

On October 4, the Bahrain Music Band, led by Maestro Zeyad Zaiman, will pay a tribute to the late Bahraini singer Mohammed Zowayed, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the beloved local artist’s death.

On October 5, discover the island’s folk music heritage with the Ismaeel Dawas band at Dar Al Muharraq. They are credited with

keeping Bahrain’s folk music alive for decades.

On October 6, enjoy a traditional Japanese drum performance with Wagaku Miyabi. Their music involves a combination of Taiko drums with other ethnic instruments, as well as modern music.

On October 7, famous Palestinian artist Noël Kharman will enthral audiences in what is her first concert in the Kingdom. The concluding event of the festival will witness the singer blending both Arab and Western melodies; a style that shot her to fame in 2015 when she came out with a mash-up of Adele’s Hello and Lebanese singer Fairuz’s Kifak Inta, which went viral and has over 33 million views as of today.

Tickets for the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra are available at Virgin Megastore, City Centre Bahrain and the store’s website. Other events have free admission. All events are being held at the Cultural Hall unless otherwise specified. ✤

LIFE IS WHAT YOU BAKE OF IT

A Bahrain-based pâtissier has completed a new book of recipes for dessert lovers and aspiring bakers.

Mubina Maqbool, a Bahrain resident and founder of her own home business, Melting Moments, has recently completed her latest pastry book dubbed Cakes, Desserts and Beyond, due to be released this month.

The collection of recipes gives readers a guide to simple yet creative desserts to make at home and follows the pâtissier’s first book A Confectioner’s Secrets, published in 2018. Among the 58 recipes, Mubina’s favourites include strawberry chocolate delight cake, saffron tres leches cake, banoffee pie cupcakes, salted caramel cheesecake and chocolate eclairs.

“It is a great feeling of accomplishment when you put your work on record and become an inspiration to many around you,” she says. “My biggest dream has always been to give people the confidence to bake and make something from scratch.

“This book was created over a span of almost four years and has seen many late nights and its recipes, which offer a marriage of traditional flavours and contemporary tastes, have been diligently tested by me, unbiased parties and beta recipe testers.”

Mubina explains that the book is for those who are on the lookout for uncomplicated instructions and flexible recipes that bakers can tweak to fit their own preferences. It additionally provides an A-to-Z guide of terms, ingredients and equipment

to help novices find their way through the recipes, which each have a story attached.

Mubina quit her job in HR 14 years ago to found her home-based business Melting Moments in a bid to follow her passion for baking. She had previously baked for family and friends and has always loved pastries. With the start of her business, the culinary craft became even more intertwined into her daily life. She explains that: “The aromas [of baking] have become part of my life as much as sunshine and fresh air. Measuring, whisking and baking keeps me soulfully warm. I am just plain lucky to have found a career where I can channel this passion and create delightful desserts. The treats I make have been shaped by the people I have shared them with, the places I’ve travelled to and the desserts I have been fascinated by.”

When asked about her future plans, Mubina says she hopes to be recognised as an established pâtissier and author and to write many more cookbooks. In terms of bigger aspirations, she is looking to open a bookstore-cum-café sometime in the future. ✤

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TURKISH NIGHT

Every Friday night from 7:00pm to 11:00pm. Indulge in a culinary journey rooted in the rich Turkish history. An unforgettable feast awaits you in Baharat.

BHD 17 net includes soft drinks

BHD 27 net includes selected beverages

For more information or to make a reservation, please WhatsApp +973 3888 5841.

All prices quoted are in Bahraini Dinar and are inclusive of 10% VAT, 5% government levy and 10% service charge.

JOIN THE CONVENTION!

Bahrain’s biggest pop culture convention is back and will happen on October 28 and 29 at Bahrain International Circuit.

Bahrain Comic Con will return to Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, on October 28 and 29. The event will be hosted under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Get ready for a fun-filled family weekend full of activities, celebrities and other surprises!

Famous personalities who will be gracing the event include Paul Anderson, aka Arthur Shelby of Peaky Blinders fame, David Angelo Roman, from Rick and Morty, and more; word has it that Roman will release the newest edition of the comic book Rick and Morty at the convention. This is your chance to meet your heroes in the flesh and get autographs and photographs to cherish for a lifetime. Meet and greet sessions, as well as Q&A sessions will be conducted. Additionally, there will be a wide range of fun things to enjoy. Cosplay will be a major highlight where you can dress up as your favourite character. Awards will also be presented to the best dressed – be creative!

Gamers galore – Bahrain Comic Con will feature gaming stations where you can enjoy the latest lures of the virtual realm. A gaming tournament is in order and there are prizes too.

An artist alley will also be there. It’s a space for local and international talents to showcase their artworks, which you can buy as well.

Kids can enjoy a dedicated kids’ area with plenty of adrenalineboosting activities such as bouncy castles and zip lines.

Football fans can witness an action-packed freestyle football session, which will be conducted by Red Bull.

Vendors selling a wide range of cuisines will also be on hand so, you can take a break to energise while having a good time.

Tickets to the convention are currently available on Sadad and at Virgin Megastore, City Centre Bahrain or you could visit the store’s website to buy online. They will be available at other places soon. Priced at BD11 for a single day and BD16.5 for two days. VIP tickets are being sold at BD110. ✤

GO: VISIT

HEALTH IS WEALTH

Healthy lifestyle brand, UNDER500 is now available in Bahrain and already cooking up a storm with those who want to watch what they eat.

Healthy living is a choice. And UAE-founded UNDER500, an icon of delicious and nutritious meals, is now available in the Kingdom. It offers those seeking to maintain a balanced relationship with food in today’s fast-paced life, tasty creations that contain a total of less than 500 calories. Today’s consumers are increasingly conscious about their diet. Food that is both flavoursome and high in nutritional value is important to them, particularly to those who prioritise health and well-being. UNDER500 is known for consistently delivering meals made only with the best of ingredients. You can enjoy a menu featuring macro-counted, guilt-free items with proteinrich and vegan options, including bowls, salads, burgers and wraps. Tuck into a wide range of signature dishes from Tex Mex

Bounty Bowl and Butter Chicken to Vegan Jambalaya and Honey Mustard Salmon, all under 500 calories. The company believes healthy options don’t have to be boring or limited. It aspires to become one of the region’s leading lifestyle brands emphasising on good eating habits, without compromising on taste and it is attracting a growing demographic of Gen Z and young people who enjoy following a holistic lifestyle without having to worry about calorie count.

GO: VISIT @UNDER500OFFICIAL ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

TRANSCENDING ART FORMS

Confluence – Where Words and Images Meet, a unique, home-grown exhibition is back with its fifth edition.

Writers and artists on the island will come together under one roof for the Bahrain Writers’ Circle’s (BWC) annual art exhibition, Confluence – Where Words and Images Meet, in collaboration with Harbour Gate. This year, the display will feature 23 exhibits; art inspired by words or art that has inspired words. The exhibition will be located on the second floor at Harbour Gate, within Bahrain Financial Harbour, and will run from October 15 to 19. Entry to the exhibition will be free. Harbour Gate is open daily and visitor parking is available.

Speaking about the event, this year’s patron, Ali Shahbaz Ali, DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster), said: "The arts of writing, painting and poetry are skills that connect us to the past, present and future, they take us on a journey to different dimensions of cultures, emotions, time and space. Keep inspiring!"

As in previous years, the Confluence brochure will be produced as a digital version, accessible for everyone. Exhibits will be assigned a QR code, which visitors will need to scan in order to be directed to the virtual brochure that includes a write-up on the relevant writer/artist teams with bios and contact information. The brochure

will also be available for download on the BWC’s website. Confluence first took off in 2018 and, spurred on by its success, the BWC decided to make it an annual event. This is just one of the initiatives by the volunteer group, which was established in 2011 by Robin Barratt – a popular author. It welcomes writers at all stages of their writing lives and aims to create an encouraging environment in which to nurture creativity, improve their craft and provide an opportunity to network with other writers. It has two sub-groups, The Second Circle – a poetry group – and the Creative Writers’ Workshop – which explores the craft of writing. A monthly virtual meeting on the business of writing and publishing takes place on the second Monday of every month. The BWC is now thought to the biggest group of international and local writers in Bahrain. ✤

GO:

COFFEE AND CLIMATE

The latest campaign from coffee giant Nespresso highlights the need to protect high-quality coffee from climate threats.

George Clooney is back starring in The Empty Cup, which features the star looking glum and holding an empty coffee cup to illustrate the risk facing many coffee growers around the world. He says: “The threat of climate change is real and coffee farmers are on the front line. It’s vital that we empower these communities to build financial and environmental resilience, so that they not only survive but thrive and prosper. This concept is at the heart of the Nespresso approach. But this is about more than coffee. Climate change is not something that a single company or even an entire industry can fix. It requires urgent, bold action on a global scale. The stakes are high.”

Nespresso works directly with more than 140,000 coffee growers and securing and protecting the future of high-quality coffee has been central to the company’s strategy for the last 20 years. Launched in 2003 in collaboration with Rainforest Alliance, the Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality Program helps to improve the yield and quality of harvests while protecting the environment and improving the livelihoods of farmers and their communities. Empowering farming communities to protect their land against weather shocks while simultaneously combatting the causes of climate change is critical to the future sustainability of high-grade coffee. Nespresso is doing this through regenerative agriculture:

an approach that has the potential to not only reduce global agri-food emissions but to increase rural resilience against the impacts of climate change.

Currently, 60% of wild coffee species are endangered and 50% of the land used to grow coffee today could be unviable by 2050. Fine-grade Arabica is particularly vulnerable to weather shocks. Santiago Gowland, Rainforest Alliance CEO, said: “Almost a quarter of emissions come from agriculture, forestry and other land use. We urgently need swifter action to address climate change and changing the way we grow our food must play a big part. The good news is that transitioning to regenerative agriculture can reduce the impact of farming and sustain our global food system for future generations.”

Nespresso is collaborating with the Rainforest Alliance to build a framework for regenerative agriculture in coffee. ✤

ALL THAT JAZZ

We’re once again partnering with the Bahrain Jazz Fest and this month we catch up with Jude D’Souza, Managing Director of Clockwork and the show’s producer.

Where did the idea for the festival first come from and why jazz specifically?

Jazz is a widely appealing genre of music that cuts across ages, backgrounds and cultures. In recent times, jazz has seen another renaissance with modern artistic blends creating new sounds from a very intrigued youth! Way back in 2017, the BNP Paribas Bahrain Jazz Fest grew out of this very idea to build a culture among communities that celebrate the many aspects of jazz music. The perfect platform for this was to create a festival with world-class production values aligned to international standards, bringing the best of international jazz to Bahrain and showcasing the best of Bahrain to the world. The festival has also allowed us to promote jazz education among the youth of Bahrain through many outreach programmes.

When was the first Jazz Fest? Please tell us about the process for getting it set up in the beginning.

Established in 2017, BNP Paribas Bahrain Jazz Fest has now grown to be the most awaited music festival in Bahrain’s event calendar, attracting over 20,000 visitors since its inception. The festival has hosted more than 100 jazz musicians from Bahrain and around the world and is now firmly placed on the world jazz map, growing in strength with every year. As with every festival trying to prove its worth, the challenges in the beginning were very real for us to face which included everything from generating budgets to, more importantly, hosting international artists for the first edition. An internationally benchmarked festival is all about the experience and we were very pleased to have major organisations that believed in our idea and supported our ambitions, especially our presenting partner BNP Paribas and strategic partner Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. Once the plan was in place, a few months of artist scouting took place which gave us our first ever BNP Paribas Bahrain Jazz Fest lineup. There are many priceless memories built over the years, especially from the first edition.

What criteria do you use for engaging artists? The artistic balance is very important for the festival and helps us make jazz more accessible and appealing to a wide cross-section of audiences. The selection usually starts at the

Jude D’Souza

beginning of the year and goes through many brainstorming sessions, listening sessions within our artistic committee. We have a wide range of artists and groups in jazz, blues, swing jazz, funk, nu jazz and more. Our lineups must meet the balance of:

● Popular crowd appeal

● Showstopping award-winning international artists

● Integration of Bahrain’s jazz talent

● Gender parity

● Integration with artists supported by the BNP Paribas Foundation.

We maintain an average split of approximately 70% international and 30% from Bahrain. We are very proud of the fact that Bahrain’s bands get to share the same stages as our acclaimed international artists.

Please tell us about the community outreach programme that the festival has established.

The BNP Paribas Bahrain Jazz Fest has always been committed to giving back to society, in its quest to achieve its sustainable goals. The festival follows a sustainable policy based on three major indicators. Every year we endeavour to increase the quotient among all indicators:

Do you look for a specific percentage of internationals alongside local performers?

Environmental: We use online or electronic documents for all contracts, order forms and media communications. Press kits are made available to journalists via USB keys so they can download information to their handheld devices. We are the first music festival in Bahrain to adopt cashless ticketing and purchasing, removing the need to use paper tickets or hard cash for purchases. We have removed the need for printed festival guides by developing our own mobile app for easy information access, helping save paper.

Economic: We have employed local-only suppliers for sound and lights equipment, construction, fabrication and merchandise. We ensure 100% of all food vendors used at BNP Paribas Bahrain Jazz Fest are Bahrain-based. We have provided revenue generation opportunities to local-only micro businesses and artisans through market space at the festival. We provide employment opportunities to approximately 100 contractual employees and six full-time employees for staging and managing the event.

Community: We have pushed more than USD100,000 back into society through cash awards for locally talented musicians, artist fees and appearance engagements through partners such as BNP Paribas. We have maintained sustained promotion of local jazz artists by granting performance opportunities to young talented Bahraini jazz artists on the main festival stage and community stages alongside international artists. We have provided free jazz education opportunities to the music communities through workshops, master classes etc.

How was the festival affected by the pandemic?

On the face of it, it’s now established that the events industry was the worst hit by the pandemic and the music industry was among the hardest hit communities within the industry. As with festivals around the world, the effects were far reaching for us financially and artistically. We have always considered ourselves to be a forward-thinking festival and quickly began to explore the idea of pivoting to a live streaming format in 2020. The revised format featured six Bahrain bands each streaming a high-quality webcast jazz show over six days. This was supported by a Covid-compliant, in-person workshop featuring Paul Lay, the eminent French jazz pianist who is also a BNP Paribas Foundation supported artist. The following year, in 2021, we staged the first live event in Bahrain in the wake of the pandemic, where we programmed yet another revised format with one international band and five Bahrain bands. Our long-lasting, trusted relationship with BNP Paribas and their wholehearted commitment to developing jazz with us took us a long way in those dark days, for which we are ever thankful.

Were you surprised at how well it was received last year as the first live event at the tail end of the pandemic?

Bringing back the festival after the Covid restrictions were lifted in 2021 was not an easy task. There were many guidelines indicated by the Ministry of Health that needed to be followed to ensure the safety of the people. After many obstacles and

hiccups, we chose a brand-new and exotic venue in Solymar Beach, which gave the festival a completely fresh feel and hosted 2,000 festival visitors. Our aligned approach with the festival’s strategic partner, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, helped ensure that all our efforts were within applied Covid-compliant guidelines. As with every year, we ensured that the lineup of bands and quality of entertainment for our audiences was uncompromised, even with a change in format. The BNP Paribas Bahrain Jazz Fest has always been Bahrain’s most awaited musical event and hence, having it live again after two long years was all that the music enthusiasts could ask for. The response was overwhelming and a reward for all our efforts.

What’s in store for this year – venue, capacity, acts etc?

The BNP Paribas Bahrain Jazz Fest (BJF) comes back in 2022 with the theme 'Jazz Unmasked' bringing together community and music. This year's event promises to be the most memorable one yet. Grammy-nominated artists, stellar acts, educational programmes and events, plus one-of-a-kind partnerships which ensure a memorable experience for the festival goer. We go back to our much-loved outdoor family-friendly format this year. The main art theme for BJF 2022 pays homage to Bahrain while paying tribute to the genre of jazz music, knowing that this music "just takes over" body, mind and soul when listening to it. Ethereal and musical, the experience causes the audience to lose themselves, immersing their joys completely into the BNP Paribas Bahrain Jazz Fest experience.

The event is on December 2, from noon to 10pm at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club. With 13 jazz bands from around the world and Bahrain, two stages, day/night markets, a dedicated Food Village and food and beverage areas, along with family-friendly zones and activation areas, our 2022 festival promises a curated experience that friends and family can enjoy. The festival will also feature the Jazz Trail, a series of events that celebrates jazz across Bahrain which will be organised during the whole month of November leading up to December 2. The 2022 Jazz Trail includes free concerts in malls, cafes and restaurants as well as an extended school outreach programme engaging international jazz educators and youth. Tickets will go live on October 1 on our website and will start with an early bird discount special. Most of our festival tickets are sold in advance as the there is a limited capacity, so it is always good to get them as early as possible. We are also happy to say that there will be festival packages for our international visitors, done with our strategic partner, Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, which will include flights, hotel accommodation, festival tickets, tours and more!

All information regarding the festival is available on our website. We will also be releasing our revamped mobile apps that will be available on the App Store and Google Play, which is the definitive guide for all festival visitors this year. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.BAHRAINJAZZFEST.COM

A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Climate change and the need for energy efficiency and reduction in carbon emissions are things we are all painfully aware of. And they’re things that are too important to be left solely to government, we are all responsible for our own behaviour. It’s easy to think of Bahrain as being a little backward when it comes to environmental concern. But the truth is that the Kingdom has quietly been making behind-the-scenes efforts for many years, in public and private sectors alike. Here we take a look at some of those initiatives and also offer some great individual tips on how you can get involved.

What The Government Says

At the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, delivered a speech, one of the major highlights of which was the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment. Despite being responsible for just 0.07% of the global emissions, Bahrain recognises that climate change is a global challenge, which requires global solutions.

The Government stated its commitment to reaching net zero by 2060. In the interim, it will also pursue a series of goals: reducing emissions by 30% through decarbonisation and efficiency initiatives, and increasing the use of renewables to twice the target set during COP21. This would also include quadrupling mangrove coverage, doubling tree coverage and investing in carbon capture technologies.

The Kingdom was also among the 47 countries that committed to developing climate-resilient, low-carbon health systems, which means a health system that is able to anticipate, respond to, cope with and recover from climate related shocks and stress that make sustainable improvements in the health of people. Additionally, Bahrain pledged its support for four key international climate change initiatives, which focus on green government operations, protecting the oceans and marine life, cutting down global methane emissions and a joint action – sharing know-how and multilateral cooperation – to achieve net-zero emissions.

Sustainable Urbanisation

UN-Habitat Bahrain is the recently established local chapter of a United Nations agency focused on sustainable

urbanisation. This month, it will observe Urban October, a 31-day initiative promoting ‘a better urban future’. It begins with World Habitat Day on October 3 – the first Monday of the month – which will be hosted in Turkey this year under the theme: Mind the Gap. Leave No One and No Place Behind. There will be speakers and roundtable discussions focussing on the problem of growing inequality and challenges in cities and human settlements. Urban October ends with World Cities Day on October 31, which will be held in China under the theme Act Local to Go Global. Partners and diverse stakeholders will come together to share their experiences and approaches. Throughout this period, all stakeholders from the government to universities, NGOs and communities are being encouraged to conduct or participate in activities, events and discussions. UN-Habitat Bahrain will be organising a series of events promoting the sustainable urban future of Bahrain in collaboration with Manama Shapers, details for which are yet to be announced. Follow @UNHabitatBH on Twitter for information on what’s planned.

Clean Energy

The Kingdom is making an effort to incorporate sustainable sources into its energy consumption. The government’s Sustainable Energy Unit (SEU) was established in 2014 to develop policies and promote renewable power and energy efficiency in the Kingdom. Since its establishment, it has developed two key policy documents: the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) and the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP), which are currently in the implementation phase. As part of the NREAP, the net-metering system was established. Under it, individual households and companies can install renewable energy systems, especially solar PV cell systems on their property, to generate energy supply. The benefits are mutual: the national grid receives an enhanced energy supply while the provider receives a financial credit. It was a significant step because it’s an inclusive policy that synergises the efforts of the community as a whole.

On a commercial level, we reported earlier this year that Imerys Al Zayani Bahrain, Yellow Door Energy and Midal Solar have partnered to reduce carbon emissions through a 4.7-megawatt solar project to install more than 8,500 solar panels at the Imerys white fused alumina production plant in Bahrain, which is operated alongside Bahraini partner Al Zayani Industries.

Covering an area of 25,000sq/m, the solar plant will generate 7,600 megawatt-hours of clean electricity in the first year of operation and it is expected to be online by 2023.

Bahrain’s Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs also recently floated a tender to construct solar panels at Bahrain International Circuit, the University of Bahrain, Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre and Al Dana Amphitheatre.

And Pavilion Renewables Group, a leading global provider of energy solutions, water treatment and decarbonisation, which has its headquarters in Bahrain provides small- and large-sale installations across the Kingdom – most recently installing wind turbines and solar panels on the roof of The Westin and Le Méridien Hotels.

ECO-SCHOOLS

Eco-Schools is the largest global sustainable schools programme – it starts in the classroom and expands to the community by engaging the next generation in action-based learning.

While Bahrain doesn’t currently have any schools officially recognised, the country’s educational establishments are certainly doing their bit.

One school that hit our radar for its wide-ranging actions is St Christopher’s which has a well-established Eco Group which organises initiatives such as tree planting, waste food collection – with the unwanted food going to feed animals at Roots & Shoots organic farm and also being used to make compost – and recycling. In fact, pupils were so concerned about the environmental impact of coffee capsules that they contacted Nespresso, which has arranged for these to be recycled!

Also, the American School of Bahrain has established The Eco Team, a service-learning extra-curricular activity. The students involved are all passionate about making a difference in the world. They have begun to identify environmental issues that they would like to resolve, but they need to go through a learning process to ensure that their final action is powerful and effective and they have so far identified the issues of waste – from single-use plastic to food and energy – to unsustainable transport practices.

A school spokeswoman said: “I can’t wait to see where the Eco Team takes their learning journey and what great changes they achieve for the health of the planet and all of us.”

Raring to Recycle

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you will have noticed recycling bins installed across various locations in the Kingdom, including in the malls for the collection of plastics and other materials. The eBin Company is a one-stop-shop for all your recycling needs. You can book their collection service for a nominal fee every Saturday (for individuals and households) and every Tuesday for corporates. Alternatively, you can drop off the collection at their facility behind Alba. If you have any queries on the correct way to segregate items, types of waste, etc., they have a dedicated Whats App number, 3407 1010, on which they will guide you. Additionally, they have recycling bins and garbage bags that you can purchase. Companies can also avail of their corporate packages to install recycling bins. Bahrain Contract Cleaning also has an extensive network of bins installed at various locations on the island. Find out where they are at www.recyclebahrain.net

Pledge Against Plastic

Following an announcement by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism earlier this year, a ban on single-use plastic came into force from September 19. Under the ban, plastic bags under 35 microns in thickness, those that you get at cold stores, for instance, are not permitted. However, bags used for medical purposes and those manufactured for export are exempt. The move has been welcomed by environmental groups and activists but there is some concern over how it will

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be enforced. Supermarket chains such as Alosra, Aljazira and Lulu have taken the initiative by designing their own re-usable bags and some also offer multiple use produce bags to save plastic wrapping on fruit and vegetables.

Plant Power

In October 2021, a national afforestation campaign, Forever Green, was launched under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Chairperson of the Consultative Council of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), in cooperation with the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, and the Supreme Council for Environment. One of the aims of the campaign was to increase green spaces in the Kingdom. NIAD collaborated with various companies, even schools. The campaign’s first phase ended earlier this year in June, witnessing the planting of nearly 49,000 trees and shrubs across multiple sites in the Kingdom. In the same month, at the 11th session of the World Urban Forum in Poland, held under the patronage of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), Joint Municipal Services Assistant Undersecretary, Shawqiya Humaidan reviewed Bahrain’s strategic afforestation plan. It was pledged to double the number of trees in Bahrain from 1.8 million to nearly 3.6 million by 2035.

INDIVIDUAL INITIATIVE

Young activist Joylyn Fernandes explains the initiative she launched to cut waste across the Kingdom. “Sustainable Living Bahrain is something I started in hopes of helping people in Bahrain live more sustainably. I've always been into trying to live in an eco-friendly way. Since I came to Bahrain, I have met a lot of likeminded people who were doing their best to live sustainably. I noticed people posting on social media groups asking for leads on repair outlets and realised that I could help by compiling a list of such options. And, since social media content creation is something I'm good at, I decided to use my strength to start this initiative as a way of giving back to the community.” Next year, Joylyn hopes to launch an online directory of outlets where people can get household items repaired, rather than just buying new, and she is urging people to send information to her on Instagram or Facebook @ sustainablelivingbh

Ecotourism

Bahrain has increasingly grown in popularity as a tourist destination over the last few years, from emerging as a wedding hot-spot to hosting international celebrities. Taking its tourism goals a notch higher, the island is making efforts toward ecotourism. A major step in this direction comes with the Mantis Bahrain Hawar Island resort that is expected to open its doors in the near future. It’s a unique eco-tourism project in partnership with Accor, comprising overwater villas, a wildlife sanctuary and an on-site adventure park. Some of the features will include 72 rooms, five dining outlets, a bike track and a helipad. Mantis is a leading conservation-focused hotel group which will, it’s said, bring its sustainable ways to this project. Waste management, reusing biodegradable food waste, reducing water and energy consumption through the latest technologies... In addition to this, Edamah, or Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company ,has another project under its belt with a sustainability touch – Bilaj Al Jazayer. It’s said that the beachfront development will use green and clean technologies, energy conservation technologies and solutions, water-recycling facilities and solar energy.

SUSTAINABILITY IN CAPITAL MARKETS

Bahrain Bourse incorporates sustainability in trading. As a member exchange of Sustainable Stock Exchanges, a UN partnership programme, it’s mindful of conducting business in a way that supports ESGrelated (environmental, social and governance) causes and activities. There are various steps Bahrain Bourse takes to ensure this. One is promoting collaboration, ESG research and supporting the development of sustainable financial products such as green bonds and ESG indices. Bahrain Bourse’s sustainability action plan is aligned with UN Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) and Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.

GET INVOLVED

As well as Government and corporate efforts, you’d be surprised at how much difference individuals can make when they put their minds to it. We asked users of the British Mums Living In Bahrain Facebook group about the sustainability measures they take and they had plenty to say. Here are some of the best tips.

Amy Ostrasky Rozek: “I order cleaning products that are concentrated. For example, I buy foaming hand soap tablets that you drop in your foaming soap dispenser and just add water. They also have kitchen cleaner. I also use laundry detergent that is in a sheet format. This saves buying all those large jugs of detergent. And for clothing that goes in the dryer, I use wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets.”

Tracey Ashall: “I think it’s about small habit changes that can make a big difference. For example, having reusable bags in the car to use for shopping, I have a coffee mug I reuse every day. I have my own cutlery at work that I use. It’s not easy here but if more people adopt small habits it will contribute to improvement of the terrible waste problem we have here.”

Inge Michiels: “Buy big bottles of softener and your favourite shampoo instead of several small bottles and water down floor cleaner, we all use too much. I like a nice coffee but refuse the pods, I still use simple old-fashioned ground coffee and it's still the best too!”

Karen Andrews: “I joined an FB group called Sustain Bahrain where I get some great ideas. I’ve also started composting and will hopefully start a garden bed once winter comes. I’m an amateur gardener but trying to do my bit in that area.”

Fiona Watson-O’Hara: “We recycle as much as we can but wish it was curbside collection as I think this would make more do it. We now have a compost bin. We sell or reuse old clothes and make sure to switch off lights that aren’t in use.”

Perin Gems: “I do composting of all fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grains and tea, egg shell and nuts. So, nothing goes in the trash. Everything is composted and used in my garden. I make my own soaps, room fresheners, candles and sprays with essential oils.”

Melinda Eke: “In addition to most of the above, my husband and I try to repurpose as much as possible. He recently turned our 20-year-old wooden gate into a new barn door and table. I recycle old fabrics into patchwork quilts. We've just built an extension and used clay bricks for heat insulation and new insulation material for the roof.”

Lorraine Shirfield: “Grow my own loofahs (harvested 70 this year) and use the ones I don’t sell for charity for my dish-washing sponges - no more synthetics! Old T-shirts become dishrags. I bought a sewing machine to fix and/or create stuff. Unwanted clutter is rehomed not dumped in the trash. If I buy vegetables, I don’t use imported if I can avoid it and I use small appliances to save energy. ✤

HYUNDAI CRETA

FACT magazine travelled to Amman, Jordan, to experience the evolution of the Hyundai Creta.

This month, FACT was invited to Amman, the captivating capital city of Jordan, to experience the new Hyundai Creta in a uniquely beautiful, outdoor environment. This opportunity was made possible by First Motors Bahrain, whom we would like to thank for including us in this unforgettable adventure.

Amman, Jordan

As we approached Queen Alia International Airport from above, we were able to take in the vast layout of the land. Situated in a hilly region, between the desert and the fertile Jordan Valley, Amman is a fascinating city of contrasts, offering a unique blend of the old and the new. This is made obvious when taking in the infrastructure, a diverse blend of historical monuments and modern creations. As this excursion was more about the 2023 Hyundai Creta and less about having a holiday, we soon found ourselves receiving a warm welcome from our friendly and professional hosts, First Motors Bahrain, who organised our entire experience.

Exterior Design

Before setting off on our road trip, we got to thoroughly inspect this new offering from Korean automaker, Hyundai. What we noticed first about the 2023 Creta, was the futuristic nature of the exterior design. This compact crossover SUV has a bold and robust look about it, emphasised by its modern front end. Its commanding presence is enhanced by its large black and silver ‘parametric’ radiator grille, sharp, sporty side cuts and set of sunken DRL lights. All of these prominent features ensure the Creta has a strong on-road presence, one that reflects the ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design identity of the model. At the flanks, the long profile of the hood reflects the sturdy and dynamic design of the SUV, instilling it with a powerful personality. The ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design concept of the Creta is effectively demonstrated by the novel C-pillar shape along with the aerodynamic nature of the gently sloping roofline, complete with built-in roof rails. The wide back end of the Creta, with its rigid stance, incorporates individual lamps and a large rear glass window, offering great visibility. The Creta’s signature boomerang-shape LED rear lighting is yet another noteworthy exterior feature, as is the roofmounted rear spoiler that adds further sporty flair to the car’s already athletic presence.

Interior Design

Preparing to embark on our 150km round trip, we took in the bold and dynamic interior of the new Creta.

With its T-shaped layout and abundance of interior space, this crossover SUV didn’t feel so compact from the inside. With ample head and leg room throughout the vehicle, five people can fit comfortably and will remain so, as we did, for an extended period of time. The versatile 2023 Creta is also available in sevenseater variants.

There is no doubt that Hyundai is a high-quality brand, a fact that is highlighted by the attention given to every interior detail. Durable materials have been used throughout the vehicle, with plenty of premium touches thrown in, including the enhanced side silver garnishes.

Infotainment & Connectivity

The attractively designed dashboard of this Hyundai contains the ergonomic structure of the centre fascia, that exhibits a vertical layout including the infotainment system and a comfortable crash pad to ensure safety.

The new Creta infotainment system is accessed through a standard seven-inch touchscreen and features a variety of responsive, user-friendly technologies. We found all controls to be conveniently located and of a high-quality.

This system offers full Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It is linked to an eightspeaker, premium quality, Bose sound system that offers three speaker configurations.

A highly sensitive 8V microphone (OHCL) for improved call performance and a USB port complete with illumination USB charger in both the front and rear, are also included in the setup.

Power & Performance

On our almost one-hour drive through the winding, mountainous roads towards the Dead Sea, we got to experience first-hand, the on-road capabilities of the new Hyundai Creta.

Housing a capable four-cylinder, Smartstream G 1.5-litre petrol engine, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, the Creta proved to have plenty of power as it, almost effortlessly, navigated the inclines of the mountain passes.

The 2023 model’s suspension, handling, acceleration, traction and braking capabilities were all most impressive and we always felt in complete control of the driving experience, despite the unending twists, turns and gradients that were set out before us.

Hyundai has included four driving modes in the new Creta, namely Normal, Eco, Sport and Smart. We were most impressed by the Sport setting as it offered a superior performance with extra grab and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute in this mode. On-route we learnt of the Creta’s reduced CO2 emissions and exceptional fuel-economy, which is the very best in its segment. This is, in part, thanks to the Smartstream powertrain that includes an optimal airflow control - the purpose of which is to manage the air intake and to provide heat and friction control. This in turn improves fuel-efficiency and performance.

At the flanks, the long profile of the hood reflects the sturdy and dynamic design of the SUV, instilling it with a powerful personality.”

Safety & Assistance

In addition to all the high-performance components of the 2023 Creta, Hyundai has made sure to include an array of safety and driver-assistance enhancements.

These include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Warning, Reverse Parking Distance Warning, a Rear-View Monitor and various airbags.

With all these advanced safety and performance features in mind, we felt completely relaxed throughout our mountainous adventure to the sandy shores of the Dead Sea, as well as on our return journey to Amman – content in the fact we were in the very best of hands. ✤

GO: CALL 1712 1121 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK A TEST DRIVE OF YOUR OWN.

FACT spent the day thoroughly inspecting the 2023 GT Turbo, a highperformance vehicle that has reignited our respect for the MG brand.

British automotive marque, MG, was founded almost a century ago, producing two-seater sports cars as far back as the 1920s. They soon expanded to develop both saloons and coupés with engines up to three litres in size.

The brand launched their very first SUV, The MG GS, less than a decade ago, in April of 2015 – an impressive vehicle that we got to experience soon after its release. We were also fortunate enough to put the MG RX8 through its paces in 2020. Last year we were handed the keys to the MG ZST, yet another offering we found to be most impressive. This month, thanks to the team at Zayani Motors, FACT got its hands on the all-new MG GT Turbo.

Exterior Design

As soon as the 2023 MG GT came into view, we were taken by the modern, shark-hunting design of the front end. This coupé-like, four-door, fastback sedan, with its downward-pressing bonnet and sleek LED headlights fitted on either side of the ‘Digital Flame Grille’, looks like it's demanding to be unleashed on the tarmac. This was a request we would soon be happy to fulfil.

Inspired by the classic two-door MGB sports car, the latest MG GT has been meticulously designed with aerodynamics in mind. This fact is made obvious through the flowing body

lines that run the full length of the well-proportioned exterior; a feature that helps to bestow this sedan with the silhouette of a fastback. Additionally, the bold Nuclear Yellow paintwork of our test model, along with 17-inch tomahawk alloy wheels, intensified the sporty prowess of the car.

The broad stance of the visually pleasing exterior design is most evident at the back end, with the slightly upturned ducktail and 3D LED racetrack taillamps further enhancing the athletic nature of the GT Turbo.

Interior Design

From a shark-hunting exterior to a fighter jet-styled interior, the MG GT exudes plenty of power in its personality. Warmly welcomed by ergonomic bucket seats designed to provide optimum comfort and support, we had the perfect vantage point from which to view the internal setup as well as the road ahead. Soft padded materials and a piano-theme-inspired dashboard add greatly to the aesthetically pleasing layout of the two-tone interior. The fighter jet quality of the cockpit is exhibited through the glossy gear knob and premium quality aluminium accents. The rear seating of the MG GT has been equally well designed, offering a high level of comfort for up to three passengers. Enhancing the spacious feeling of the cabin is a wide sunroof that floods the car with natural light.

Infotainment & Technology

One of our favourite features of the all-new MG GT is the efficient and user-friendly infotainment system, accessed through a 10-inch, high-definition touchscreen. This impressive setup provides instant access to all audio and communication features, including smartphone connectivity with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

An advanced Air Purifying Management System filters out any and all pollen and dust, resulting in only the freshest and cleanest of air circulating throughout the cabin. This is a fantastic feature to have in both sandy regions and traffic congestion.

Power & Performance

The all-new MG GT is equipped with a highly efficient, fourcylinder, 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. Coupled with a DCT gearbox, this capable compact car delivers 173hp and 250Nm of torque. This enables the GT Turbo to accelerate from 0-100km/h in a respectable eight seconds and to achieve a top speed of 215km/h.

Featuring an XDS curve dynamic control system combined with an aerospace aluminium sports chassis, we found the MG GT to have exceptional handling stability, even around tighter bends. The high-performance abilities of the GT are complemented by its proficient braking system, ensuring the driver always feels in complete control of the vehicle.

Safety & Assistance

The experienced craftsmen at MG have kept the safety of you and your loved ones at the forefront of the GT’s design, including an array of driver assistance and safety features in the car’s setup.

A high-density steel cage body featuring laser brazing technology is a prominent physical component, designed to keep all occupants safe in the event of a collision. Side chest airbags and ISOFIX anchor points are additional standard safety features.

An electronic stability control system has been included to maximise traction, whilst an MG Pilot Intelligent Driving Assistance System warns the driver of any potential danger and intervenes when necessary.

Further advanced safety and assistance features include a PDC rear reversing radar, a 360-degree view monitoring system, a Forward Collision Warning System, a Lane Departure Warning System, cruise control and an electric parking brake, amongst others. ✤

GO: CALL 1770 3703 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK A TEST DRIVE OF YOUR OWN.

From a sharkhunting exterior to a fighter jetstyled interior, the MG GT exudes plenty of power in its personality.”

REDISCOVER THE MCLAREN EXPERIENCE

In an official ceremony named Rediscover McLaren Experience, McLaren Automotive and McLaren Bahrain, operated by Kanoo Motors, announced the opening of an improved sales and service facility in the Kingdom. The event showcased current and past hybrid supercars from McLaren Automotive, including the allnew McLaren Artura, the McLaren P1 and McLaren Speedtail. The iconic M14D-01 Formula One car, driven by Denny Hulme during the 1970 Formula One season, complemented the spectacular display.

The newly refurbished facility is the brand’s first showroom in the Middle East and Africa to feature a small coffee bar and the ‘Woking Window’, which gives the impression of a direct view into the McLaren Production Centre at Woking UK. A range of branded merchandise and accessories is also available. The showroom is complemented by an adjacent aftersales facility. Ebrahim Kanoo, Director, Kanoo Motors said: “We are honoured to officially open the newly refurbished showroom of McLaren

Bahrain. This important milestone coincides with more than five years of our partnership with McLaren Automotive and we are excited about our shared future with the arrival of the all-new McLaren Artura. We look forward to welcoming back our discerning customers, who will now be able to enjoy an enhanced level of automotive retail experience combined with the impeccable customer service that Kanoo Motors have long been known for.”

GO: VISIT BAHRAIN.MCLAREN.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

A WINNING LEGACY

THE FIVE-SEATER, FIFTH-GENERATION JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE IS NOW AVAILABLE IN THE MIDDLE EAST.

The all-new five-seater, fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, alongside the recently launched seven-seater Grand Cherokee L, builds on the Jeep brand legacy as the most awarded SUV ever. The new lineup consists of four models – Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit Reserve – which are available at dealerships in some Middle Eastern markets including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq and Bahrain. The architecture and sculpted aerodynamic body style improve vehicle performance, safety and reliability, while significantly reducing vehicle weight, noise and vibration. Designed to maximise overall passenger safety, comfort and convenience. The vehicle delivers composed on-road driving dynamics. The legendary off-road capability begins courtesy of three 4x4 systems – Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II with rear electronic limited slip differential (ELSD). All three systems are equipped with an active transfer case to improve traction, which means better grip. The all-new Grand Cherokee boasts class-leading 3,265kg max towing with the available 5.7-litre V-8, rated at 357hp and 390lb-ft of torque. The 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 is standard.

The latest Uconnect system offers up to three 10.1-inch and two 10.25-inch digital displays in the cabin and an intuitive user experience. A state-of-the-art McIntosh audio system is also available and features 19 custom-designed speakers, 950W of power and a 17-channel amplifier. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.JEEP.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

THE NEW MCLAREN BAHRAIN SHOWROOM OFFERS AN ENHANCED SALES AND SERVICE EXPERIENCE.

BACK TO SCHOOL ON A BUDGET

MG MOTOR BAHRAIN IS GIVING CUSTOMERS A NEW-TERM BOOST WITH 1,000 LITRES OF FREE PETROL WITH EVERY NEW VEHICLE PURCHASED.

The school run needn’t be painful with this great Back To School offer for both parents and students at Zayani Motors, the exclusive distributor of MG Motor in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Running through to the end of October, the offer enables customers to get 1,000 litres of petrol on a Sadeem fuel card with every new purchase from MG Motor, guaranteeing them a carefree driving experience simultaneously with the beginning of the new school year. (Terms and conditions apply.)

This includes the exceptional seven-seater SUV MG RX8 and the charismatic SUV MG RX5, in addition to the sensational compact SUVs – the MG HS and MG ZST.

The offer also includes the elegant and practical sedans – MG5, MG6 and MG GT, which are ideal for city commuters, providing a contemporary experience with cutting-edge features and strong yet economic performance.

All MG models come with an exclusive free warranty for six years or 200,000km (whichever comes first). Additionally, MG Motor Bahrain offers clients the opportunity to own their new MG via seamless monthly instalments starting from BD67 for the MG5,

BD83 for the MG ZST, BD85 for the MG GT, BD97 for the MG RX5, BD108 for the MG6 and BD135 for the MG RX8 and MG HS. (Terms and conditions apply.)

Visit the showroom at Ma’ameer where you can choose and customise your new MG, book a test drive and view the most suitable financing plans for you. Then drive home in your new MG without worrying about fuel expenses for the next few months. ✤

GO: CALL 1770 3703 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

A BOLD AURA

THE FOURTH GENERATION OF THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED OUTLANDER FLAGSHIP SUV HAS ARRIVED AT ZAYANI MOTORS.

Available in 2WD and 4WD options, the all-new Outlander enjoys a newly developed 2.5-litre gasoline engine which produces an improved maximum power of 181/6,000 hp/rpm and a maximum torque of 244/3,600 Nm/rpm. There are six drive modes for the 4WD options and five for the 2WD. Normal, for city commuting, Tarmac, for sporty driving on paved roads, etc.

The front seats have a two-layer urethane structure to ensure utmost comfort and reduced fatigue during long trips. Roominess and overall ease are enhanced by widening the body and increasing the legroom of the first and second-row seats

Available on certain trims is a large nine-inch screen for the centre display which is equipped with a Smartphone-link Display Audio navigation system. A windshield-type 10.8-inch HeadUp Display has been installed for the first time to project critical driving information and the new vehicle features a 10-speaker premium Bose sound system combining large door woofers with dual subwoofers.

A bunch of safety features, such as Lane Change Assist and Forward Collision Mitigation System, is installed. Mitsubishi Connect allows the driver to request aid from the call centre at the

click of a button – for accidents, vehicle theft warning, reporting vehicle position, etc. Additionally, enjoy a 10-year or 200,0000km warranty, whichever comes first, and 24/7 roadside assistance. ✤

GO: CALL 1770 3703 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR VISIT WWW.MITSUBISHI-MOTORS.COM.BH

TUNE IT UP

Bose has announced the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, with Bose CustomTune sound calibration technology, personalised audio and noise cancellation.

CustomTune is triggered every time the buds are removed from their case and placed in your ears. A proprietary tone is played, and a microphone measures your ear canal’s acoustic response to tailor both audio and noise cancellation performance.

CustomTune fully optimises the sound frequency profile to the unique properties of every ear, so the sound that reaches the eardrum is just as the artist intended. Each bud is one-third smaller than its predecessor, weighs just six grams and comes in a pocketable charging case. There are four microphones in each bud to sense, measure and send unwanted noise to a proprietary electronic chip. And they embrace a twopiece system: a stability band and an umbrella-shaped silicone eartip to create a firm seal. A Bose Fit Kit supplies three sizes of eartips and three sizes of stability bands — allowing nine customisation options for each bud. The new buds are compatible with Apple and Android devices,

feature improved voice pickup, include Bluetooth 5.3 capability, have an IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance, and work with a mobile device’s built-in voice assistant. Enjoy six hours of battery with three additional charges. The case can fully charge the buds in one hour, while 20 minutes provides up to two hours of playback. The case itself fully recharges in three hours. Capacitive touch controls on both the left and right earbuds provide access to common commands. Additionally, the Bose Music app provides shortcut settings, noise cancellation modes and adjustable EQ. The buds are available in Triple Black and the Soapstone colour variant will also be available later this year. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.BOSE.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

GAME ON

HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP Inc. and brand leader in gaming and esports, has announced the release of HyperX Armada 25 and HyperX Armada 27 Gaming Monitors. The new monitors offer optimum resolution for more immersive gaming and are compatible with NVIDIA G-SYNC. They provide an all-in-one package that includes the HyperX Armada Single Gaming Mount with an ergonomic Armada arm that is compatible with all HyperX monitors and most displays with VESA 75mm and 100mm patterns along with an Armada desk mount. Built to last with durable metal, it supports monitors up to 81cm in size and 9kg in weight.

The Armada 25 monitor offers a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time for smoother and faster competitive gameplay. It provides full HD resolution for impressive visuals with vibrant colours and impressive detail with its 24.5-inch FHD (1920x1080) IPS panels. The Armada 27 monitor offers an even sharper image and higher resolution with its 27-inch QHD (2560x1440) IPS widescreen and VESA Display HDR 400. It also offers a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time for crisp visuals. HyperX Armada 25 and 27 gaming monitors include the monitor ergonomic arm and desk mount, right in the box. The arm can extend and retract for comfortable ergonomic viewing. The monitors also feature easy setup with two mount methods

(C-clamp or grommet) and a quick-release system that allows the monitors to snap into place and remove with a click of a button. Non-HyperX monitors use the standard VESA mounting plate with four screws. Additionally, the HyperX Armada Gaming Mount add-on can be purchased separately and mount up to four monitors (up to 63.5cm) or two monitors (up to 68.5cm) at once. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.HYPERX.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Bose introduces QuietComfort Earbuds II, featuring personalised performance and optimal noise cancellation technology.

HyperX Announces New Armada Gaming Monitor Line-up

IMPROVED PERFORMANCE

OPPO has announced its latest Reno series, including the Reno8 Pro 5G, Reno8 5G, and Reno8 Z 5G, as well as three impressive IoT products: the OPPO Pad Air, OPPO Band 2, and the OPPO Enco Buds2.

The Reno8 Pro 5G is equipped with OPPO’s first self-developed imaging NPU (MariSilicon X) and features the new generation IMX709 RGBW front camera sensor, capturing more light without reducing colour information and supporting AutoFocus enabling 2x zoom. With 4K Ultra Night Video, users can capture ultraclear portrait videos at night, while 4K Ultra HDR Video optimises portrait videos taken in the presence of strong backlight. ColorOS 12.1 features Air Gestures, Multi-Screen Connect and Omoji, allowing greater personalisation.

The device comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of ROM storage and introduces the highly efficient LPDDR5 read and write storage management system. The device’s 4500mAh battery can be charged to 50% in only 11 minutes and a five-minute charge is enough to provide two hours. Additionally, OPPO’s Ultra-Conductive Cooling System significantly improves heat

dissipation performance. Measuring just 7.34mm in thickness and weighing just 183g, the device is the thinnest in the series and will be available in Glazed Green and Glazed Black.

The Reno8 5G features Dual Sony Flagship Sensors, Ultra Night Video, Night Portrait, Streamlined Unibody Design, 80W SUPERVOOC with Battery Health Engine, MediaTek Dimensity 1300 SoC, an upgraded Super-Conductive VC Liquid Cooling System and ColorOS 12.1.

The new Reno8 Z 5G features AI Portrait Retouching, Bokeh Flare Portrait, Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G Mobile Platform, an optimised ColorOS 12.1, a glass back cover and the Integrated OPPO Glow.

The OPPO Pad Air, Enco Buds2 and Band 2 cater to users’ entertainment, relaxation, work and health needs in a truly immersive OPPO experience. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.OPPO.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS

Sennheiser’s MOMENTUM range continues to redefine the standard for sophisticated listening through superior sound. Raising the bar even higher is the new Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless. It offers best-in-class sound and has smart, intuitive features that enhance every interaction, as well as an outstanding battery life of up to 60 hours.

Thanks to an audiophile-inspired acoustic system powered by a 42mm transducer, the MOMENTUM 4 provides brilliant dynamics, clarity and musicality. Its next generation Adaptive Noise Cancellation ensures users stay immersed, even in noisy environments. The versatile Transparency Mode lets you hear outside sounds through the headphones at a touch.

Enjoy a truly tailored experience with the Sennheiser Smart Control application. Customise the sound – boost the bass, for instance – using the Built-in EQ and sound modes. A new feature assesses users’ listening preferences and adjusts the experience according to their taste.

Call and voice assistant interaction is incredibly natural and disturbance-free with an advanced 2x2 digital beamforming microphone array and automatic wind noise suppression, which guarantees superior voice pick-up.

Smart Pause halts playback when the headphones are taken off

and resumes when placed back on the ears. Auto on/off rapidly powers up the headset when it’s picked up and shuts down to save energy when not in use.

The MOMENTUM 4’s touchpad interface makes it easy to use. Bluetooth device management allows multiple devices to be connected at the same time. ✤

OPPO unveils the latest Reno8 Series, delivering an unparalleled portrait camera experience.

Offering superior sound quality and exceptional comfort, the new Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless is your next tech must-have.

GO: VISIT @SENNHEISERME ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

The Butcher's Board Friday Brunch

A vibrant brunch experience awaits you at Flavours on 2 at Downtown Rotana every Friday from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm.

Dance the afternoon away to our melodious live band as you indulge in the best of our appetizing buffet options. Choose tantalizing food options from our live grill counter, pasta station, sushi station as well as an appetizing widespread desserts section for 24 BD including unlimited soft beverages and 35 BD including unlimited selected beverages.

For reservations and more information, please call +973 1311 9999 or email flavours2.downtown@rotana.com

*Prices are inclusive of 10% service charge, 5% government levy & 10% VAT

18345, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, T:+973 1311 9999, downtown.hotel@rotana.com

APP-LICIOUS

What’s on the smartphone agenda for October? RemindeeNoisli

Ever listened to the calming sounds of nature playlists but couldn’t find one perfect for you?

Noisli lets you design your own soundtracks and create the sound environment best fitted to your own preferences. You get to choose, mix and match from a myriad of sounds, including rain and wind sounds, to help you work, relax or feel in tune with the activity in hand. If you feel too lazy to create your own, Noisli also has various curated playlists for different situations.

Whatever you choose, the playlists help you create an environment that blocks out all the hustle and bustle of modern-day life and helps motivate creativity and a calm working dynamic.

The app also has a Timer option to help you organise and plan your time out and help remind yourself that you need to take breaks. The app is designed to provide the ultimate sound environment for different situations, be it study, sleep, travel or general relaxation.

Remindee is the ultimate app to create any kind of reminder you need on your phone, whether it’s to read something later or so you don’t forget to reply to someone or even because you need to write something down in your notes app. All you have to do is click the share option for the content you want to create a reminder about, tap ‘Remind Me’ and set a date and time for the reminder. You can also add a note about the reminder by copying some text in, for instance if you want to save a text to read later. The options are endless. And if you want the reminders to show up across all your devices, go for the paid option.

In Conversation with… Nicolas Gardier

Did you always know you would join the hospitality industry?

What inspired this choice?

When I was younger, at the age of eight or nine, my family spent the summer holidays in a hotel in Italy. While my siblings played outside, I would sit in the lobby bar and watch the bartender organise their mise en place and serve the guests and it was fascinating. Occasionally, they would allow me to attend to some tasks and it was a lot of fun.

My interest in hospitality grew when I was a teenager. My uncle studied at the École hôtelière de Lausanne and, after gaining insight about the sector from him, I started working as an extra in bars and restaurants and finally decided to follow in his footsteps in Switzerland.

I have never thought of doing anything other than hospitality. I believe that to be good in the hotel industry, you must carry it in your blood, be passionate! I was lucky to be able to do what I love and in having great parents that supported me during my studies.

You were promoted to Director of Food and Beverage (F&B) very early in your career, at 26, how did it feel to take on such a big responsibility at such a young age?

My first assignment was in a resort in Spain as a Banquet Manager. The hotel was busy, especially when it came to weddings and meetings, and I was tasked with a lot of responsibilities. I knew the hotel better than my home as I was spending so much time there. When the Director of F&B quit, I was offered the opportunity to take his position. It was scary at the beginning as it was a big step in my career, but the general manager made me feel comfortable, allowing me to build confidence.

I had a great team; we were like a family. I believe that you can only be successful if you have a great team. And, to have a great team, you need to be a great leader. Throughout my career I have had the chance to work with some amazing people, who I have learned from.

The General Manager at Downtown Rotana talks industrial-scale passion and delight in his island return.

After several years in Europe, you made the move to the Middle East and have now been working in the region for 14 years. What made you decide to come to the Arab world? My first Arabic country was Morocco, it was a great introduction to the Arab world, specially working in hospitality. I continued my journey towards the Middle East with a move to Qatar. When you are a true F&B lover and are passionate about events and enjoy innovation, working in the GCC is a dream. The latest concepts and trends as well as the best chefs and mixologists are found in the Middle East. It is like Disneyland for a kid. With a bit of creativity, the sky is the limit.

Congratulations on your recent appointment as GM of Downtown Rotana. What are your plans for the property?

Thank you very much, it is an honour to take up the role at Downtown Rotana which has great potential. Pre-Covid, the hotel showed great potential and had penetrated the market with a good reputation, we hope to build on where we left it in 2020 with some exciting new features.

Soon Teatro, our signature restaurant, will have a menu revamp with unique Asian and classic Mediterranean cuisine additions as well as a new cocktail menu that will bring a new trend in town. Flavours on 2, our all-day dining outlet, will reopen daily with a new business lunch concept with a wide variety of choice freshly

cooked at different live stations. The Friday Brunch concept will be modified and bring freshness and entertainment to the venue. We are also working on a weekend theme night.

Finally, this one is still on the drawing board, we are looking at creating a new venue at the pool side. It will be a great new place to visit but I can’t say anything more now, we will keep you posted!

You have worked in Bahrain before, what made you come back and what are the major changes you can see since last you were here?

Before leaving the island back in 2014, Downtown Rotana was under construction. I remember looking at the building with some friends and saying, ‘one day I will be back as GM in this property’. Manama has evolved immensely in eight years. When I arrived in the country last month, I noticed changes right from the beautiful new Bahrain International Airport. The Bahrain Bay was not open back then. Many five-star hotels have popped up in different locations on the island, which shows that tourism is developing.

I am proud that I will be contributing to the development as I am sure many opportunities to grow the business will come along with the expansion of the country.

I always enjoyed the sense of hospitality in Bahrain, people are genuine and welcoming. It is a great pleasure to be back. ✤

CULINARY ADVENTURES

Executive Chef, Ismayil Jabbarov, of Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain, talks bringing the flavours of his Azeri homeland to the Kingdom.

You have spent almost two decades in the kitchen. What made you choose this profession and has it lived up to your hopes?

From school time, I was interested in science, art and travelling. I was looking for a profession with no limits in learning and creativity, where I could be a team player and combine my interests. I decided to become a chef, which was probably the best decision I have ever made. Spending almost two decades in the kitchen, where I have developed myself personally and professionally, has been full of learning, innovations and fun.

Having worked across the Middle East, what made you decide to come to Bahrain?

Here there are many restaurants with vital concepts from around the world. Also, there is a rich restaurant culture, where customers like to try new dishes and ideas. I want to reinvent dishes and deliver the best gastronomic experience to customers. I was sure that Bahrain would be one of the best

places to demonstrate my passion and craft, which has been sharpening for quite some time.

We think you may be the only Azeri executive chef in the Kingdom, do you bring aspects of your culinary culture to the menus you create?

We have many talented chefs in Azerbaijan, but I was probably the first to reach Bahrain in my role. Azerbaijan cuisine is made of solid culinary techniques, where we always have to use fresh ingredients and good stocks and deliver properly seasoned food full of flavours to the table. That culture always stays with me when I invent new dishes.

What is your signature dish, how was it developed and why is it popular?

My signature dish is Seared Scallops with snap pea purée, Shimeji mushroom and truffle. The story behind this dish is that I set out to use some of my favourite ingredients to create a combination of flavours that would ensure customers return to try the same dish again and again. ✤

FRESH, FLAVOURSOME, FABULOUS

Amal Sarhan discovered that seafood favourite, Waves, at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain, has added a deliciously Asian twist to the menu.

As my dining companion and I walked into Waves, we were instantly greeted by friendly faces who told us about the newly launched Asian seafood concept. Waves has long been known for its excellent fish and seafood menu but now diners can enjoy a rich array of unmatched fresh and flavourful dishes prepared by renowned Asian chefs and inspired by the azure oceans of Asia.

Our server Jomari brought us our first appetiser: delicious Fish Cakes topped with rocket leaves, cherry tomatoes and served on a banana leaf with a side of red curry paste. The breaded cakes had a crunchy coating and were well-cooked with a slight limey taste that cut through the minced fish. The tomatoes and leaves complemented the cutlets with a sweet and peppery taste and the red curry paste added that hint of spice tying the whole dish together. A delicious and ideal starter that whetted our appetites for more.

Then came our next appetiser, the Crispy Calamari, served with Japanese spicy mayo sauce. Now, I am not a big fan of squid, but this dish was irresistible. Basked in tempura flour, turmeric and coriander, and served with crispy baked parmesan on top, the bites packed so much flavour in them that it was hard to save space for the dishes to come. They were fresh, crunchy and not rubbery or hard to chew, and were simply a delight. The Prawns on Toast came next, and my expectations for this were high since I’ve tried this dish many times in the past. This appetiser was hands-down my favourite of the three, served with a fresh slice of lime, coriander and julienned carrot, with a side of oyster sauce. Squeezing the lime juice over the dish, I took a bite and felt the crunch of the toast, the softness of the prawns and

the nuttiness of the sesame seeds it was garnished with, all blend together in my mouth. It was so irresistible I had another serving. I was excited and curious to see what the mains would offer. We started with the Chinese Prawns. This sweet and sour dish harboured well-balanced flavours and was cooked with carrots, onion, spring onion and peppers in a soya and oyster sauce. The prawns were soft and light with that slight bouncy texture and blended exceptionally well with the sauce and vegetables.

Next came Tom Yum Soup, cooked with lemongrass, bay leaves and other Thai herbs. The shrimps tasted like they had just been caught from the sea, their freshness enveloped with a slight kick that was refreshing and not overwhelming. It left a peppery aftertaste in combination with the snappiness of the lemongrass and the sweetness of the bay leaves.

The Malaysian Seafood Stir-Fry with Kam Heong Sauce was then laid on our quite full table. This curry-like dish, which had a mix of seabass, prawn and crab, had an interesting array of Indian and South-Asian-inspired flavours. Cooked with curry leaves, curry powder, shrimp paste, ginger, lemongrass and red chilli, its unique taste added to the variety of impressive flavours the restaurant offered.

Before we could catch our breaths, the Thai Chicken Green Curry arrived with a side of jasmine rice topped with caramelised onions. This classic dish has been a favourite of mine for years, so I was both excited and nervous at the prospect of tasting it. Not

only was it scrumptious, but it also exceeded my expectations. The chicken, tender and soaked with the flavours of the sauce, infused with lemongrass, Thai ginger and coconut, blended well with the succulent eggplant, zucchini, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and radish.

The Mixed Grill Seafood Platter made an entrance, with a selection of salmon, seabass, lobster, prawn, mussels and calamari, garnished with fresh salad, roasted cherry tomatoes and baked parmesan. This dish was simply grilled to perfection. An absolute must-try.

Despite barely having any space left in my tummy, I took a bite of the dessert served to us, and boy was I glad I did. The Mango Jelly and Sticky Rice was an unusual dish unlike any dessert I have tasted before. The sticky jasmine rice, topped with the jelly and sesame seeds, had a chewy texture with a slight crunch that complemented the sweetness and tanginess of the jelly. Served alongside it were fresh mango cubes garnished with a honeycomb wafer, which washed over the dish with its fresh and tropical taste. All in all, Waves was a fantastic experience and I wouldn’t be surprised if I found myself there again. ✤

URBAN FRIDAYS

Here at FACT, we're all about great food, live entertainment and pure fun - Sara Waddah geared up for an afternoon of delights at Hilton Bahrain.

Having opened its doors in Juffair just last month, the newest addition to the Hilton Hotels collection overlooks sparkling waters and offers a well-rounded urban experience from the moment you step foot through the doors.

On this particular Friday, I woke up, got dressed and headed out to Hilton Bahrain to be amongst the lucky ones to first try their Urban Brunch Experience! Kicking off at 12.30pm, I headed up to the sixth floor of the hotel and into Origin Kitchen & Culture, which had completely transformed into an interactive experience that had everyone grinning from cheek to cheek.

Knowing that I was in for a feast, I had prepped my appetite to be ready for all the munching that was going to happen – strolling into the large establishment, I was greeted by their lovely staff and was handed my first beverage of the afternoon before making my way down to a table where I made sure I was in the centre of it all.

Not only was the energy buzzing through the roof, but everyone was excited to be in the latest entertainment spot on the island!

With a full-on band (I'm talking singer, pianist and even a guitarist!) playing all your favourite tunes and getting everyone on their feet, I had to excuse myself from the dancefloor and went on to explore the different buffet stations.

Frankly not knowing where to start, I grabbed the largest plate I could find and began browsing through the different options. From a variety of nutritious, colourful salads to various hot dishes, meat-carving stations, a Mexican corner and all the bounties of

the sea carefully laid out on ice, I decided to be wholesome and start with a large serving of Grilled Halloumi Salad and some of the Quinoa Mango Salad. Situated in its own very special corner, I was particularly intrigued by the Mexican station and my eyes were glistening at the assortment of the different types of shrimp ceviche they had on display – yes, I know the dish is not strictly Mexican, but I made sure some of these were definitely coming back to the table with me every time I passed by. Delightfully fresh, exploding with flavours and just the right amount of tang, this station captured the whole South American vibe right off the bat. With bottomless beverages of your preference all afternoon and a staff that continued to pass around signature cocktails that were getting the party started, there was absolutely no reason for us to leave this brunch before indulging in every bit of it! As I digested the first round of delights, I obviously kept heading back to the buffet, making sure I went for seconds and THIRDS of all of my favourites. Notably, the seafood display was one of the highlights of the afternoon – from carefully carved salmon, that was seasoned with dill, lemon and dukka, to freshly-shucked oysters, poached Bahraini shrimp and Omani lobster, all that my heart desired was simply just within arm’s reach. I loved that. To my surprise, the brunch continued to get even more exciting when the live entertainment turned into a full-blown fiesta! Two dancers, covered head to toe in flashy costumes and feather wings, began putting on a salsa show throughout the entire restaurant!

Going from table to table, engaging with guests, and getting people involved in the party, I seriously couldn't wipe the grin off my face. Before I even knew it, we were edging closer to the end of the Urban Brunch, and so, the dessert station needed a visit. Not only did they have sorbets, a chocolate fountain, a large assortment of hard candies and miniature cakes to indulge in, but they also even had a cotton candy machine - my inner child was beyond excited to see this in action!

This Friday was definitely the Fridayest Friday I've ever Fridayed, with the incredible team at the Hilton ensuring that everyone had a unique and distinctive experience from the start to the end. Weekend plans? SORTED. ✤

LUCIOUS LOUNGING

Team FACT headed to LNT in Adliya for a Wednesday evening feast in new surroundings.

It’s been a minute since I visited LNT so I was pleasantly surprised to see all-new décor and a totally revamped menu.

Block 338 was buzzing when we arrived but since LNT and its parent Lanterns have their own parking, we were able to head straight in without any hassle. The décor of the upstairs lounge is kind of steampunk mixed with industrial. Huge metal pipes crisscross the ceiling, bare Edison bulbs add to the pared back aesthetic. But there are also multiple cosy, comfortable touches such as abundant green plants in metal ale kegs and slouchy sofas, inviting guests to settle down and pass the time. Ambient tunes were playing as we arrived and we were lucky enough to witness the first performance of a new musical duo who sang oldies and contemporary songs, from Blondie and Bob Marley to Adele, with a distinctly Latin flavour, adding to an already welcoming atmosphere. There's a live band on Mondays and Wednesdays, popular saxophonist Khaled entertains on Saturdays from 8pm and DJ LinaColada is in charge of the decks.

Wednesday is grape and cheese night, as attested by a cute little display in front of the well-stocked bar, but, in the interests of research, we decided to try a selection from the extensive menu. First to arrive at the table was a trio of hummus – regular, avocado and beetroot. Hummus is a simple but addictive pleasure in this part of the world and always an indication of the ability of the kitchen. All were creamy in texture and beautifully flavourful, the deep pink sweetness of the beetroot making a particularly good impression.

Alongside came a generous mountain of nachos – homemade tortilla chips smothered in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, super-smooth guacamole and sour cream and plenty of pico de gallo. We all tucked in, making quite an enjoyable mess.

Prawn Sikkimese is a house favourite and rightly so. Served on a sizzling skillet, the seafood is tossed in ginger, garlic and chillies and flavoured with a secret Asian sauce. This was a stand-out amongst the dishes we tried, the flesh of the prawns firm yet yielding and the sauce giving a flavourful kick without being overwhelming, all tempered with a sprinkling of cilantro to absorb the heat. Most definitely recommended. Fried baby squid rings with a chilli aioli dip also hit the spot, the crispy coating, with not a hint of oiliness, perfectly contrasting with the soft squid within.

Next up came asparagus pizza, with a generous topping of cheese speckled with mushrooms. The fungi were perfectly cooked, warm but not rubbery, and the crispy, nutty base was just the right accompaniment to the subtle flavour of the greens. For mains, we chose to share two excellent dishes – Avocado and Quinoa Salad and Miso Salmon. The salad was really impressive with a delightfully piquant balsamic dressing setting off mixed leaves, grilled crab sticks, cherry tomatoes, edamame and orange. A tip if you’re going to try this, make sure to get all the ingredients in one bite, they really do complement each other perfectly. The salmon was another of those stand-out dishes, fat beads of fregola pasta adding a touch of comfort to the honeygarlic and miso glaze of the fish, all enveloped in a creamy sauce. Super tasty and very satisfying, it got a thumbs up all round. Our bellies more than full, we decided for forego the dessert for this visit. But, I hear great things about the Apple Crumble Pie and that, along with the discovery of a really welcoming lounge-

style mid-week spot with live entertainment that’s something other than the latest house music, means a return to LNT is very definitely on the cards in the not too distant future.

CALL 1724 6777

3606

OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION

Liz O’Reilly got a pleasant surprise on trying the new menu at McGettigan’s Irish Pub.

When you think of McGettigan’s, you probably imagine good times, great music and fun, party vibes. With the best will in the world, the food is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. But, take it from me, it should be!

I visited on a mid-week lunchtime to check out some of the signature ‘Irish’ dishes on the new menu, which launched at the beginning of October. And to say I was impressed would be something of an understatement.

There are a few things to note about McGettigan’s – firstly, it is comfortable with squishy seating and good music, afternoons feature an ‘80s and ‘90s mix which is perfect for those of us of a certain vintage. And secondly, no matter what you order from the new menu, the portions are huge – so generous in fact that you should probably consider them sharing dishes.

First to arrive at the table was the Full Irish Breakfast. Much like a full English but with the addition of black and white puddings. Though the plate was teeming with an assortment of sausages, eggs, bacon, beans, hash browns and more, the white pudding was the first thing I went for. A particularly Irish and Scottish delicacy, it’s a dead giveaway of a good Irish kitchen and it didn’t disappoint with a light spiciness and firm texture. The sausages and bacon come directly from Ireland, as do many of the other ingredients in the kitchen, and the quality was obvious in the lack of fattiness and good flavour.

A Caesar Salad came bursting with all sorts of goodness from soft-boiled eggs to lightly herbed chicken slices and crispy bacon bits. Definitely a meal in itself or perfect to share alongside the dishes that were still to come.

Spare ribs were coated in a sweet, sticky barbecue sauce and served on a delicious bed of fried potatoes, peppers and onions. The meat was just about falling off the bones and the sauce was sweet without being overly cloying, the perfect accompaniment to a glass of hops.

Bangers and mash came with Colcannon potatoes, or what we, as kids, would have called Champ – creamy mash with butter and onions, all accompanied by a tasty gravy. This is something I regularly make at home and it’s one of the few dishes I can actually accomplish well, so, to impress me, it had to be good and it was. The same, yummy, meaty sausages as in the breakfast but tempered with the sweetness of onions and a really tasty gravy.

Beef & Onion Tacos were a somewhat less than traditionally Irish addition to our table but they were certainly good with soft tacos bursting with high-quality strips of sirloin, red, green and yellow peppers and a healthy kick of chilli. The beef mix made another appearance later as a meaty chilli dish accompanied by hot crispy fries and a delicious three-cheese dipping sauce –cheddar, parmesan and mozzarella making it almost impossible to leave the fries alone.

A stand-out for me was the steak sandwich served on sourdough bread with a healthy coating of chimichurri. A really simple option but the pure quality of the sirloin lent this dish something extra as did the addition of McGettigan’s signature mayo, rocket, a flat Portobello mushroom and crispy onions. I should confess that I actually took one of these home and it tasted even better several hours later!

Another top-notch dish was the Beef and Ale Pie with its 24-hour

slow-cooked meat. The pie crust was crispy perfection and the warm, comforting interior with big, tasty chunks of meat, tender veggies and an amazing gravy created from the meat juices, was something I could probably eat every day without growing bored.

For the non-meat eaters, a plate of fish and chips will prove just the thing when you’re out for an afternoon or evening. Supercrispy batter is served piping hot with chunky chips and a homemade tartare sauce. If this does not make you happy, you have no taste buds! But, if you’re fully vegetarian or vegan, there are still plenty of options to suit you on the menu.

I also tried loaded potato skins – delicious with more of that yummy chilli beef and a healthy topping of sour cream and cheese. And fish cakes with a delicious Asian-inspired salad – a perfect lighter bite, great if you’re watching your diet but don’t want to miss out on a flavourful treat.

Absolutely everything we tried from the McGettigan’s kitchen was super fresh and I really enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere which will only improve with the opening of the outside area this month. There are big screens at the bar if you want to watch sports and a great array of drinks to choose from as well as that world-renowned Irish hospitality. So, if you want good-time vibes but don’t want to sacrifice good food, this could just be the place for you. ✤

MONSOON’S TOKYO NIGHTS

Indulge in an authentic Japanese cultural experience with an exclusive menu of your favorite Japanese dishes. For reservations call us on 17749222.

FABULOUS FEASTS

CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN

Cappuccino

Found in the heart of the lobby, the opulent Cappuccino lounge serves a quintessential Afternoon Tea featuring an extensive selection of the finest teas and tempting treats. The offer runs from Sunday to Thursday, 3pm to 6pm, and is priced at BD10 net.

GO: Call 1753 1122 for more information or to make a reservation.

CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN

La Mosaique Restaurant

Experience true Italian flavours with La Mosaique’s L’Italia

A Tavola nights and enjoy the live cooking of pasta in different flavours alongside tasty dishes. The offer runs every Tuesday from 7pm to 11pm and is priced at BD18 net, inclusive of soft beverages.

GO: Call 1753 1122 or 3924 2391 for more information or to make a reservation.

CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN

Spices

Celebrate Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights, with a decadent array of delicious fare at your favourite Indian restaurant. Dine like royalty and savour authentic Indian dishes spiced perfectly by Chef Pramod inlcuding live cooking stations. In honour of

the festival and to keep you and your family immersed in the experience throughout the event, Spices have prepared a karaoke night to sing your favourite Indian songs. The offer runs on October 24 from 7pm to 1am and is priced at BD25 net, inclusive of selected beverages, BD15 net, inclusive of soft beverages, and BD7 net for children aged six to 12.

GO: Call 1753 1122 or WhatsApp 3898 7167 for more information or to make a reservation.

DOWNTOWN ROTANA

City Lobby Lounge

Enjoy Super Fridays at City Lobby Lounge, with a 50% discount on the menu, except for selected beverages. The offer runs every Fridays from 12pm to 2pm.

GO: Call 3360 5070 or 1311 9999 for more information or to make a reservation.

DOWNTOWN ROTANA

Flavours on 2

Enjoy a Mediterranean Flavours Lunch Buffet with friends and family. The offer runs daily except on Fridays, from 12pm to 3.30pm, and is priced at BD12 net, with a 25% discount valid till the end of October.

GO: Call 3360 5070 or 1311 9999 for more information or to make a reservation.

Enjoy this month’s selection of Halloween celebrations, Breast Cancer Awareness and Think Pink events, Friday brunches and Saturday fiestas.

DOWNTOWN ROTANA

Teatro

Enjoy an Infinite Sushi Night at Teatro. The offer runs every Wednesday, from 6pm to 10pm, and is priced at BD19 net.

GO: Call 3360 5070 or 1311 9999 for more information or to make a reservation.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY

Bahrain Bay Kitchen

The award-winning Friday Brunch at Bahrain Bay Kitchen welcomes you with one-of-a-kind culinary delights from the ever-popular Arabic, carvery, wok, tandoori, seafood and sushi dedicated live cooking stations. Enjoy an extended buffet offering new and enticing delicacies. The offer runs every Friday, 1pm to 4pm, and is priced at BD35 net per person, inclusive of soft beverages, and BD48 net per person, inclusive of selected beverages. Children aged six to 12 are given a 50% discount while children below five can dine free of charge.

GO: Call 1711 5500 or email diningreservations.bahrain@ fourseasons.com for more information or to make a reservation.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY

CUT by Wolfgang Puck

Enjoy a Friday Brunch with family and friends while enjoying Wolfgang Puck’s favourite dishes. The offer runs every Friday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm and is priced at BD36 net per person, inclusive of soft beverages, and BD50 net per person, inclusive of selected beverages.

GO: Call 1711 5500 or email diningreservations.bahrain@ fourseasons.com for more information or to make a reservation.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY

CUT by Wolfgang Puck

Bahrain's most elevated restaurant will now dazzle even more.

Tune into the special dinner series ‘Red Edition’ with a bespoke four-course menu and pairings curated by experts. Live entertainment will also be available. The offer runs on October 26, from 7pm onwards, and is priced at BD69 net per person, inclusive of selected beverages.

GO: Call 1711 5500 or email diningreservations.bahrain@ fourseasons.com for more information or to make a reservation.

GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION & SPA

Al Waha

Enjoy a BBQ extravaganza like no other! Don’t miss out on a fine selection of rich red meat by the BBQ pit and local American street food and hops. The offer runs every Monday from 7pm to 10.30pm and is priced at BD18 for the regular package and BD29 net inclusive of selected beverages.

GO: Call 1771 3000 for more information or to make a reservation.

GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION & SPA

Fusions by Tala

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience at Fusions by Tala with a curated Saturday Brunch designed to expand your palate with the best of Bahraini food and culinary artistry. The offer runs every Saturday from 12pm to 5pm and is priced at BD35, inclusive of soft beverages, and BD45, inclusive of selected beverages.

GO: Call 1771 3000 for more information or to make a reservation.

GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION & SPA

Sato

Mark your calendars for Sato’s all-you-can-eat sushi day and enjoy special sushi and maki selections delicately prepared by talented chefs to satisfy your sushi appetite. The offer runs on October 23 from 12pm to 11pm, with two-hour slots available for booking, and is priced at BD15 net.

GO: Call 1771 3000 for more information or to make a reservation.

INTERCONTINENTAL REGENCY BAHRAIN

Legendz Steakhouse

Legendz’s newly launched Gourmet series introduces exclusive and limited culinary adventures based on seasonal ingredients. The experience brought to you on the last Thursday of each month introduces new bespoke experiences every month. Indulge in this month's theme of the ever popular ‘Truffles’ accompanied with grape pairings to stimulate all senses! The offer runs on October 27, from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, and is priced at BD37 net.

GO: Call 1722 7777 for more information or to make a reservation.

INTERCONTINENTAL REGENCY BAHRAIN

Legendz Steakhouse

Where does one travel to for a steak and lobster dinner? Legendz introduces the ultimate dining experience with a Steak & Lobster three-course menu. Enjoy a delicious starter selection, followed by a 300g lobster tail, 200g grilled tenderloin and a dessert selection of your choice. The offer runs daily from 6.30pm to 10.30pm and is priced at BD28 net.

GO: Call 1722 7777 for more information or to make a reservation.

INTERCONTINENTAL REGENCY BAHRAIN

Noor Lounge

Socialize with Friends and family at Noor Lounge for some Afternoon Tea, inclusive of a cup and delicious bites. The offer runs every Thursday and Friday from 4pm to 7pm and is priced at BD6.5 net per person, with unlimited top ups on tea, and an additional BD4 net for bubbles.

GO: Call 1720 8308 or 3880 8533 for more information or to make a reservation.

LE MERIDIEN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN

Longitude 50

Enjoy a pastry and coffee combo at Longitude 50. The offer runs daily from 12pm to 6pm and is priced at BD3.9 per person.

GO: Call 1717 1000 or WhatsApp 3320 4175 for more information or to make a reservation.

LE MERIDIEN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN

Baharat Restaurant

Enjoy an authentic street food-style Turkish Business Lunch, including a double choice of cold mezze, freshly baked Pide, grilled-to-order kebabs as well as a side dish and soft beverage. The offer runs from Saturday to Thursday, 12.30pm to 4.30pm, and is priced at BD8 net.

GO: Call 1717 1000 or WhatsApp 3320 4175 for more information or to make a reservation.

LE MERIDIEN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN

Baharat Restaurant

Join Baharat this October for a RISE Pink Brunch. The offer runs every Friday from 1pm to 4pm and is priced at BD26 net per person, inclusive of soft beverages, and BD36 net per person, inclusive of selected beverages.

GO: Call 1717 1000 or WhatsApp 3320 4175 for more information or to make a reservation.

MAJESTIC ARJAAN BY ROTANA

Ginger Restaurant

Enjoy an international breakfast buffet at Ginger. The offer runs daily from 7am to 10.30am and is priced at BD10+++.

GO: Call 1737 0000 for more information or to make a reservation.

MAJESTIC ARJAAN BY ROTANA

Ginger Restaurant

Enjoy a Friday Lunch Buffet at Ginger. The offer runs every Friday from 1pm to 4pm and is priced at BD7.5 net.

GO: Call 1737 0000 for more information or to make a reservation.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN

Gallery Lobby Lounge & Silk’s Restaurant

Get some quality time with your friends and family over the Mövenpick Brunch. Enjoy happy moments of exquisite culinary delights and a pleasant atmosphere with live entertainment. The offer runs on Fridays from 12.30pm to 4pm and is priced at BD33+++ per person, inclusive of unlimited selected beverages, with children from the ages of six to 12 receiving a 50% discount and children under six dining for free.

GO: Call 1746 0017 or 3364 0032 for more information or to make a reservation.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN

Palms Terrace

Enjoy a barbecue by the poolside terrace as you take in the refreshing outdoors. Order your table barbie of fine Frankfurter sausages, Shish Tawook, beef tenderloin and lamb chops and grill them the way you like. The offer runs daily from 7pm to 11pm and is priced at BD12+++ per person.

GO: Call 1746 0017 or 3364 0032 for more information or to make a reservation.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN

Silk’s Restaurant

Dive in and taste the freshest catch of the day including a selection of popular and traditional seafood dishes which make Monday the ideal night out for seafood lovers. And on October 31, you can enjoy a Halloween-themed Seafood Night with a vast range of aquatic delicacies. The offer runs on Mondays from 7pm to 11pm and is priced at BD22+++ per person, inclusive of unlimited soft beverages and water, and BD26+++ per person, inclusive of unlimited grapes, hops and soft beverages.

GO: Call 1746 0017 or 3364 0032 for more information or to make a reservation.

RAMADA HOTEL & SUITES AMWAJ ISLANDS BY WYNDHAM

Citrus All Day Dining

Say hello to your hearty mum’s breakfast! Mums can enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast and start the day right. The offer runs Sunday to Wednesday, 7am to 11am, and is priced at BD5 net per person.

GO: Call 6639 0498 or email fnb@ramada-manama-amwaj. com for more information or to make a reservation.

RAMADA HOTEL & SUITES AMWAJ ISLANDS BY WYNDHAM

Ya Hala Rooftop Lounge

Enjoy your favourite weekly BBQ night at Ya Hala Roof-top Lounge with the cool breeze and all-around sea views while savouring a wide selection of unlimited barbecued meat, seafood and chicken, live pasta station and main courses buffet, as well as fresh salad varieties and mouthwatering desserts. The offer runs every Thursday from 7.30pm to 11pm and is priced at BD15 net per person, inclusive of unlimited barbecue and soft beverages, and BD25 net per person, inclusive of unlimited barbecue and selected beverages.

GO: Call 6639 0498 or email fnb@ramada-manama-amwaj. com for more information or to make a reservation.

RAMADA HOTEL & SUITES AMWAJ ISLANDS BY WYNDHAM

Ya Hala Rooftop Lounge

Get ready for a seriously spooky party on the rooftop along with a scary-good buffet dinner and hocus pocus beverages. Dress as a nightmare and win the Best Halloween Costume contest! Frighteningly fun for everyone with live entertainment, so get your spook on! The offer runs on October 28, from 7.30pm to 11.30pm, and is priced at BD12 net, inclusive of unlimited soft beverages, and BD22 net, inclusive of unlimited selected beverages, with a 10% discount for groups of 10guests or more.

GO: Call 6639 0498 or email fnb@ramada-manama-amwaj. com for more information or to make a reservation.

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA AND SPA

Saraya Restaurant

Experience the Kingdom’s most beloved Grand Brunch at Sofitel Bahrain. Enjoy an extensive range of gastronomic international delights with top class live performances. Your kids can also enjoy a dedicated kids’ corner with special activities! The offer runs on October 7, 14, 21 and 28, with a dedicated Superhero Brunch on October 7 and a Halloween-themed Brunch on October 28. The offer is priced at BD36 net per person, inclusive of soft and selected beverages.

GO: Call 1763 6363 or WhatsApp 3888 5789 for more details or to make a reservation.

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA AND SPA

Fiamma Restaurant

Dive into a Surf & Turf night prepared in the style of an authentic French brasserie at Fiamma Restaurant. Enjoy an unlimited selection of meat prepared by Chef Marco Terranova with a glass of grape. The offer runs every Thursday and Friday from 7pm to 11pm and is priced at BD30 per person.

GO: Call 1763 6363 or WhatsApp 3888 5789 for more details or to make a reservation.

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA AND SPA

Rivaaj Restaurant

Discover a decadent array of dishes as your palate is taken through an unforgettable gastronomic journey in the vibrant street markets of every junction in India. Relish rich authentic flavours of exotic biryanis and kebabs courtesy of Chef Sheikh Mursalim and his remarkable team. The offer runs every Saturday from 12.30pm to 4pm and is priced at BD20 net per person, inclusive of soft beverages, and BD25 net per person, inclusive of selected beverages.

GO: Call 1763 6363 or WhatsApp 3888 5789 for more details or to make a reservation.

THE ART HOTEL & RESORT Choices

Brunch in style! Feast on bottomless platters and beverages while being enchanted by live music by The Angels. The offer runs on October 7 from 12.30pm to 4pm and is priced at BD26 net per person, and BD36 net per person, inclusive of selected beverages.

GO: Call 1600 0111 or 3358 0020 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE ART HOTEL & RESORT

Outdoor Terrace

Enjoy a spooktacular feast with the Fall into Autumn brunch including a culinary spread bursting with all your favourite indulgences and global flavours. The offer runs on October 21 from 12.30pm to 4pm and is priced at BD26 net per person, and BD36 net per person, inclusive of selected beverages.

GO: Call 1600 0111 or 3358 0020 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE ART HOTEL & RESORT

Kids’ Playground

Join The Art Hotel & Resort kids’ playground for an Autumnthemed carnival featuring fun activities for the little ones, live entertainment, and tasty treats. The offer runs from October 19 to 29, 5.30pm to 9pm, and is priced at BD8 per person including BD5 worth of coupons. Children aged 12 and below enter for free.

GO: Call 1600 0111 or 3358 0020 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE WESTIN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN

Furn Bakery & Rotunda

Enjoy a Pink Afternoon Tea, including a spread of finger sandwiches, homemade scones with jam, and a colorful array of pastries. The offer runs from Sunday to Thursday, 2.30pm to 5.30pm, and is priced at BD12 inclusive of unlimited tea and coffee.

GO: Call 1717 1441 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE WESTIN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN

Furn Bakery & Rotunda

Celebrate World Brownie Day and enjoy a brownie and coffee combo with friends. The offer runs from Sunday to Thursday, 12pm to 6pm, and is priced at BD3.9 per person.

GO: Call 1717 1441 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE WESTIN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN Salero

Join Salero for a Spanish Saturday fiesta. Socialise, share traditional tapas and Spanish red and white fruity drinks as you sway to live DJ music and Flamenco performances. The offer runs every Saturday from 1pm to 5pm and is priced at BD22 net, inclusive of soft beverages, and BD29.5 net, inclusive of selected beverages.

GO: Call 1717 1300, WhatsApp 3553 8150 or visit @ salerobahrain for more information or to make a reservation.

VIDA BEACH RESORT MARASSI AL BAHRAIN

Origins Restaurant

Leaning towards the Spanish cuisine? Your favourite hangout spot is giving you the chance to experience true Spanish flavours along with some international favourites at the Spanish Vida Friday Brunch. If you’re looking for ways to spice up your palate, the bright and beautiful beachside brunch space will take you for a Spanish spin. The offer runs on October 14, from 1pm to 4pm, and is priced at BD28 net for adults, inclusive of soft drinks, BD34 net for adults, inclusive of selected drinks, and BD14 net for children aged six to 12, with all Spanish citizens getting a 25% discount.

GO: Call 7748 8100 for more information or to make a reservation.

VIDA BEACH RESORT MARASSI AL BAHRAIN

Origins Restaurant

Some terrifying treats and freaky fun and magic await during the Halloween weekend at Vida Halloween Friday Brunch. Round up the family to mingle at Origins’ extended brunch buffet offering a wide array of local and international dishes. Sip on some spooktacular drinks while you admire the endless deep ‘boo’ sea views and feast your eyes on some spooky

Halloween specials. Little brunchers will be excited to discover a Halloween-themed, kid-friendly experience. Feel free to play dress up and maybe the best dressed will receive a mystery prize! Qix Kids Club has come up with some exciting games, activities and hauntingly interesting treasure hunts for the little ones, with fab prizes. The offer runs on October 28, from 1pm to 4pm, and is priced at BD28 net for adults, inclusive of soft drinks, BD34 net for adults, inclusive of selected drinks, and BD14 net for children aged six to 12.

GO: Call 7748 8100 for more information or to make a reservation.

WYNDHAM GARDEN MANAMA

Via Brasil

Enjoy all-you-can-eat meat selections including Picanha, Fraldinha and tenderloin with parmesan crust, rib-eye, striploin, garlic chicken wings and lamb chops grilled to perfection and complemented with fresh choices from the salad bar along with lip-smacking grilled pineapple. The offer runs daily except Mondays from 6.30pm to 11.30pm and is priced at BD25 net per person, inclusive of unlimited churrascaria and soft beverages.

GO: Call 6639 8787 or email jashan@wyndhamgardenmanama. com for more information or to make a reservation.

WYNDHAM GARDEN MANAMA Terrase@28 Rooftop Lounge

Make your Diwali a memorable one and celebrate the festival of lights with your family and friends. Experience the classic set menu crafted by celebrity chef Jainul Khan. The offer runs on October 24, 7pm to 11.45pm, and is priced at BD12 net per person.

GO: Call 6639 8787 or email jashan@wyndhamgardenmanama. com for more information or to make a reservation.

AN EASTERN ESCAPADE

Earlier this year, Japan opened its doors to tourists for the first time after the pandemic. Offering a blend of both, cultural and touristy experiences, it’s the perfect destination to visit especially this time of the year.

Autumn is a beautiful season to experience Japan. The weather is pleasant with temperatures never exceeding 23 degrees Celsius. The elevated parts of the country are cooler and may even experience snowfall, such as the Japanese Alps. There’s a wide range of things to see and do from religious shrines and museums to beaches, hot springs and gardens. There are touristy gems to explore too, such as traditional tea ceremonies and noodle-making workshops. In this feature, we explore three cities, offering some of Japan’s best.

TOKYO

Start at Ueno Park, a popular city space, which transforms into an expanse of maple and honey-hued foliage in autumn. It’s lined with over 8,000 trees including ginkgo, zelkova and cherry, features a pond with an extensive lotus bed and attracts a variety of bird species in the winter. Cultural highlights at Ueno Park include Tokyo National Museum, the city’s most popular art museum. It houses a comprehensive collection of artwork and cultural objects from Asia with a focus on ancient and medieval Japanese and Asian art along the Silk Road. The museum has many galleries, with different displays and gardens as well as restaurants and shops.

Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines are an important part of Tokyo’s landscape. There are several that you can visit in and around Ueno Park. You can’t miss Kan'ei-ji Temple’s five-storey pagoda. It’s one of the few structures in the original Buddhist temple complex that has withstood calamities such as war and fire; the original layout consisted of over 30 buildings spread across a considerable area of the park. Kan'ei-ji Temple is home to an engraved stone said to be a memorial to the souls of insects that died during a scientific study – a testament to the Buddhist principle of non-violence.

Ueno Tōshō-gū, which used to be part of the old Kan’eiji Temple complex, is a Shinto shrine in Ueno Park and a great example of Shinto architecture in the Edo period of Japanese history. The carvings on parts of the shrine are said to depict a total of over 200 species of plants and animals. Some areas permit free entry while others have a fee and some are out of bounds.

Other popular religious sites in the vicinity include Sensō ji, an ancient Buddhist temple and Tokyo’s oldest, located in Asakusa. There is quite a bit to cover here, from the Thunder Gate, featuring a massive, 700-kilogram paper lantern, to the two waraji or straw sandals, each weighing 400 kilograms. to the stately five-storey pagoda and main hall devoted to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Exploring all of this could easily take an entire day. However, Nakamise-dōri, the shopping street is lined with many food stalls so, you can rest and grab a bite to eat. Meiji Shrine is nestled in a forest covered by over 300 different species of trees numbering more than 100,000. The tranquil shrine grounds offer respite from the hustle and bustle of the urban cityscape.

Nature lovers can also explore Hama-riky ū Gardens. Beautifully landscaped, the gardens boast a teahouse that serves traditional Japanese tea and sweets. Don’t miss the Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony from October 22 to 23 where you can experience Japan’s tea tradition, complete with wagashi or local confections, as well as traditional dance performances.

The Imperial Palace East Gardens are only a 10-minute walk from Tokyo station. Stroll through the grounds of the former Edo Castle and climb the ruins. While none of the main buildings remain today, the moats, walls, entrance gates and several guardhouses still exist. The garden itself is picturesque and wonderful to behold, with colourful flowers and plants that bloom all year round.

Often seen as a day trip from Tokyo, the mountain town of Nikko is the perfect base for Alpine sightseeing, particularly during autumn when the nearby Kegon Falls are absolutely resplendent. You can opt for a hiking or a bicycle tour. The scenic routes, with stunning views and colourful foliage are a true feast for the senses.

OKINAWA

Home to magnificent beaches and coastlines teaming with corals and other underwater life, Okinawa is a great destination to enjoy one last summer holiday before winter. The weather’s warm enough to enjoy the sand and sea and you can explore a range of activities including jet skiing, kayaking, parasailing, snorkelling and diving. Manza Beach is well-known and though it’s part of a resort, it’s open to the general public too. A 300-metre sandy stretch offers ample space to sunbathe or simply relax with family or friends. You can enjoy water activities as well. Don’t miss the chance to take in the blue expanse, standing atop Cape Manzamo, listening to the waves crashing against the rocks.

Yonaha Maehama Beach is also popular and known for its stunning sunsets. It’s relatively quiet, stretches for seven kilometres and is said to have the whitest sand in the Pacific.

Mibaru Beach is surrounded by coral reefs that you can explore aboard a glass-bottomed boat. These reefs are a hive of activity. Unusual rock formations also stand in the water, adding to the beauty of this white-sand beach flanked by clear blue waters. Other nearby attractions include Okinawa World theme park, where you can explore the Gyokusendō, a massive, five-kilometre-long limestone cave, and sample the local snake-infused medicinal drink, habushu – be brave! Explore traditional cuisine at Makishi Public Market, dubbed by the locals as the ‘Kitchen of Okinawa’. An erstwhile tributary state of imperial Ming China, Okinawa is known for its native Ryūkyūan culture, which is distinctly different from the mainland. Its cuisine is influenced by Chinese cooking styles. Okinawan soba is quite popular and made using flour rather than the traditional buckwheat. October 17 is even celebrated as Okinawa Soba Day. Gōyā Chanpurū, a stir-fry dish of bitter melon combined with eggs and tofu, is another staple. Soy-

based ingredients such as tofu are commonly used – a sweet dish to try is Jīmami dōfu or peanut tofu squares drizzled with sweetened soy sauce. A popular side dish is Umi-budō, which translates to sea grapes. Having a salty, ocean-like flavour, they are eaten raw and pop in your mouth. Other shores to watch out for include Furuzamami Beach, a popular snorkelling destination, in addition to offering other beach activities; Zanpa Beach, which is said to be one of the best for swimming even during low tide; Aharen Beach, which is budget-friendly and good for snorkelling; and Aragusuku Beach, known for its stunning coral reefs. A caveat, typhoons are common in Okinawa this time of the year so ensure you double check before you visit. Shurijo Castle Revival Festival is one of Naha, the capital of Okinawa’s, biggest and most important autumn events, celebrating the legacy of the Kingdom of the Ryūkyūs. Immerse yourself in the cultural performances. The Naha Giant Tug-of-War Festival is another one to note.

KANAGAWA

No holiday is complete without a bit of relaxation. Kanagawa is well-known for its hot spring resorts. Stay at one of the ryokans or traditional inns and soak in the mineral-rich waters. Many allow daytime visitors too but charge a fee.

Other tourist attractions include Ōwakudani, a volcanic valley. You can walk along the trail into the volcanic zone with numerous steam vents and bubbling pools. The views from here are to die for. A popular touristy thing to do is eat a boiled egg that’s cooked in the hot spring pools. The shell turns black due to the chemical reaction and eating it is said to prolong one’s life by seven years.

Enjoy a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi with a view of the nearby mountains and Mount Fuji. One of the famed Hakone Shrine’s traditional gates or torri stands in Lake Ashi and is a popular photo spot.

Located in Kamakura, Hōkoku-ji Temple is popular for its spectacular bamboo garden and a tea house where you can enjoy matcha green tea while taking in the surrounding view. Kōtoku-in Temple is known for the Great Buddha of Kamakura. A symbol of the city, this colossal statue towers at over 13 metres.

Nestled in a valley, Hase-kannon temple has the biggest Kannon statues in Japan. In order to reach the main hall, you need to scale almost 400 steps but the spectacular view of autumnal colours from the top makes the journey worth it. The capital city of Yokohama has some interesting things to see and do. The CupNoodles Museum in Minato Mirai 21, an urban centre, features exhibitions about instant noodles and hands-on workshops. Yokohama Chinatown, one of the biggest in the world, has numerous restaurants and food shops to try.

Yamashita Park is a popular place to relax and take a walk while enjoying waterfront views of the Port of Yokohama. Sankei-en Garden, a large traditional Japanese garden, with a ponds, streams and undulating pathways, is popular too. ✤

ZIGA

Missoni’s iconic zig-zag stripes make a bold return in the brand’s latest collections for both men and women.

Suggestions,

silhouettes and inspirations introduced for summer and amplified, creating a bridge between seasons are featured in the women’s pre-autumn pieces – a prelude to the upcoming winter show.

Like two worlds meeting and merging in a play of cross-pollinations, a typically Milanese bourgeois elegance mixes with a cool spirit which, vibrating with street suggestions, recalls New York in the 1990s, a creative hub for the rise of new styles and trends. The differences between these two, apparently distant, worlds disappear, giving life to a look transcending the concept of time and space.

Creative Director Alberto Caliri demonstrates a concrete femininity, ageless and stylish. Relaxed and soft volumes are combined with more fitted silhouettes, for an imperfect balance, reflecting the needs of today’s women.

Warm, cosy knitted coats find their place next to cropped bombers. Cigarette pants are juxtaposed to cargo-inspired styles, crafted from soft and precious fabrics. Laminated jeans are enriched with raschel inserts, while leather shines with a glossy finishing. The world of art, which has always been a great source of inspiration for Missoni, deeply influenced the brand’s men's collection for the autumn-winter 2022 season. In particular, informal abstract art, a movement that developed in Italy during the 1940s served as a starting point not only for the distinctive graphics characterising the collection, but also for the colour palette and the highly tactile textures.

Focused on neutral and timeless shades of gray and blue, combined with vibrant touches of bright tones, such as red, yellow, orange and green, the collection offers a realistic wardrobe designed for men with a dynamic lifestyle, who don’t want to renounce elegance and comfort. The style is openly informal, with effortless versatile pieces to combine with spontaneity. In keeping with the brand’s tradition, knitwear steals the spotlight. Timeless icons, such as the zigzag and the rashes, find space next to new jacquards featuring abstract motifs with an impactful graphic appeal. A novelty of this season, the Mountain Calling capsule combines a mountain inspiration with the brand's lively and colorful aesthetic in a selection of sweaters, sweatshirts and T-shirts. ✤

BIG SCREEN

The Sandman Only Murders inthe Building

Need to Know:

The Sandman is an American fantasy drama television series based on the comic books of the same name written by fantasy author Neil Gaiman. The story revolves around Dream (also known as Morpheus and Sandman), the entity that controls dreams and nightmares. He gets imprisoned in the living world for 100 years. After escaping, he begins a journey to find his stolen belongings to regain his power – a highly anticipated show for those who love this genre.

Creators: Neil Gaiman, David S. Goyer, Allan Heinberg

Cast : Tom Sturridge, Charles Dance, Vivienne Acheampong, Boyd Holbrook, Jenna Coleman

Why Is It Worth Watching?

Neil Gaiman is well known for his books full of imagination. However, The Sandman, written between 1989 and 1996, was considered unfilmable until now. With complex scenarios and a hard-to-adapt storyline, that The Sandman has taken this long to make it to screen is a good reason to give this TV series a chance. The King of Dreams (Tom Sturridge) is captured by Roderick Burgess (Charles Dance), an occultist looking to summon and imprison Death, one of Morpheus' siblings. However, Dream is the one trapped by Roderick's dark magic. He stays locked in a glass dome for a century before he finally escapes. But when he returns to The Dreaming (his world), he finds it destroyed with few remaining servants. Lucienne (Vivienne Acheampong), the head librarian and one of Sandman's most loyal assistants, helps him in his journey to locate his sand pouch, magical helm and ruby. These tools will allow him to become powerful again. The show is filled with dark elements, and two other characters worth mentioning are the Corinthian (Boyd Holbrook) and Johanna Constantine (Jenna Coleman). A must-watch for those who love the Neil Gaiman universe full of references from religion and mythology.

Need to Know:

Launched in 2021, the TV show is an American mystery comedy-drama that gained success and recently released its second season. The first season ended with a cliffhanger and season two revolves around a new assassination that directly involves the three main characters: Charles, Oliver and Mabel. The latest set of episodes brings the unusual trio back to solve another mysterious murder in their building complex.

Creators: Steve Martin, John Hoffman

Cast : Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Cara Delevingne

Why Is It Worth Watching?

The unusual friendship between Charles-Haden Savage (Steve Martin), Oliver Putnam (Martin Short) and Mabel Mora (Selena Gomez) grew stronger after they solved the mystery around the murder of one of the residents in the Arconia, the iconic building where they live. But just as they think they can go back to their ordinary lives, a new assassination happens; this time, they are the main suspects in the crime. The interesting aspect of this show, and probably in all the best crime shows, is that every episode introduces a new element that gives the audience a different impression of who the murderer is. Only Murders in the Building is not a regular crime TV series, though. The masters of comedy, Steve Martin and Martin Short, take the show to a completely different level with lots of laughter, wellbuilt characters and an amazing performance from the duo. An enjoyable watch if you are looking for something fun yet interesting; just be aware that you will be hooked!

The masters of comedy, Steve Martin and Martin Short, take the show to a completely different level with lots of laughter, wellbuilt characters and an amazing performance from the duo.

“

ON THE RECORD

ALTERNATIVE/INDIE

Keep On Smiling

By Two Door Cinema Club

Formed in 2007, Two Door Cinema Club are a three-member band from Northern Ireland – Alex Trimble on vocals, rhythm guitar, beats and synths; Sam Halliday on lead guitar and backing vocals and Kevin Baird on bass, synths and backing vocals. Their fifth and latest album, Keep On Smiling via Glassnote Records, starts off with the instrumental piece Messenger AD, which stands out from the other songs with its drones and dark synths. What follows is a surprise – Blue Light, a peppy number. However, this infectious beat then continues.

In many of the tracks, you’ll discover a background choir chiming in, sometimes with a playful vibe and at other times, possibly, to underline the emotions behind the lyrics. Either way, this format tempts you to sing along. A variety of themes pop up throughout the LP, which are easily relatable: “We’re leaving today

In search of a new life. We’ll change our colours and change our shape” on Blue Light suggests optimism and hopefulness; “It’s always a matter of time

If I can get what I want, I’ll know it’s not enough” as on Millionaire, points towards an underlying realisation that no matter how much you have, at some point, you’ll want more; “We all get it wrong, so don’t stay mad for long” as on Wonderful Life is an exhortation to take back your life, your power regardless of the past.

In terms of the music, the synths and guitars keep things upbeat, offering dancerock vibes with ‘80s pop influences.

FULLY BOOKED

ALTERNATIVE/INDIE

The Pink Album

By Unloved

Unloved is an alternative music band formed in 2015 by American musicians Jade Vincent and Keefus Ciancia and Northern Irish musician David Holmes. They released their latest The Pink Album via Heavenly Recordings, which hits differently from the off. Speaking of the sound of the album, think electro-punk, percussion and turbo synths, glam rock stompers, throbbing bass…there’s variety, oh yes! Afterall, there’s plenty of room to explore across a whopping 22 songs that could seem never ending. The intro Rainbrose is an instrumental piece. It’s almost psychedelic with the many effects and church-choir chime “Ahhh”. Girl Can’t Help It combines catchy drumbeats with a trance-like vibe, which seems like a contrast but works, transporting you to a different zone. WTC screams ‘60s psych pop through electronica. The lyrics explore strong emotions. On WTC, for instance, “No one's gonna hurt you, baby no one's gonna make you sad,” followed by a shift from “You're the best thing I ever had” to “I'm the best thing you ever had,” all points towards some kind of redemption. “She makes no sound with her subtle smile (fire). Silently becoming who she was all the while (fire),” on early single Mother’s Been A Bad Girl is imbued with the kind of fierce courage that’s often accompanied by the vulnerability of letting go, which makes it relatable.

Fairly Tale

By Stephen King

A boy, a dog, a mystery to solve and an adversary to defeat. What’s not to like? Stephen King is a masterful storyteller and early in the pandemic, he asked himself: “What could you write that would make you happy?” The result is a soaring tale of good versus evil in a dark fantasy world. Seventeen-year-old Charlie Reade is a regular high school kid with a very dysfunctional home life. He starts to do odd jobs for Mr Bowditch, an old man who lives in a big old house with a big dog, Radar. When the old man dies, he leaves Charlie the key to an alternative universe where evil powers are intent on destroying their own world and ours. Charlie and Radar team up to save the day.

MYSTERY/THRILLER/SUSPENSE

Killers Of A Certain Age

By Deanna Raybourn

This book was an instant New York Times bestseller and, given the subject matter, it’s no surprise. As is observed on publisher Penguin Random House’s description: “Older women often feel invisible, but sometimes that’s their secret weapon,” and therein lies the attraction and beauty of this tale. Billie, Mary Alice, Helen and Natalie have worked for the Museum, an elite network of assassins, for 40 years. Now their talents are considered oldschool and no one appreciates what they have to offer in an age that relies more on technology than people skills. Retirement looms but, of course, killers don’t get to just hang up their weapons. Now they’ve become the targets and they must work together to survive and teach their former bosses not to mess with killers of a certain age!

THRILLER/FANTASY FICTION/SUSPENSE

Antipasti: Bruschetta Al Funghi-Vegetarian

Soup: Pumpkin Zuppa with Chilli Oil and ParsleyVegan

Pasta: Pollo Di Digione Dalla TerraVegetarian

Pizza: Bolognese Con Carne Dalla TerraVegetarian

Bahrain City Centre Mall, Gate 6, 1st Floor, Tel: 17491391 Saturday until Autumn and Winter SpecialsAutumn and Winter Specials

Dolci: Chocolate Orange Tiramisu Dark Chocolate Pistachio TruffleVegan

Drink: Tiramisu Coffe

Wednesday

Friday (10:00 AM 12:00

NEW &

ESSENCE

Remove Like a Boss Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover

Remove long-lasting, waterproof make-up with just one wipe? Thanks to the Remove Like A Boss Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover, your search for the perfect product can end. The two-phase formula removes mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow quickly and thoroughly. At the same time, the formula is enriched with nourishing chamomile water and is both ophthalmologically and dermatologically tested. The product can also be used all over the face to remove powder, blush, highlighter, foundation and concealer.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY

Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer

Charlotte Tilbury’s new concealer not only does its job but it also works as an eye cream helping to heal dark circles, tired eyes, hyperpigmentation and blemishes, improving the look of your eyes every time you wear it.

The formula gives users an instant eyelift and facelift effect while correcting, concealing and contouring. The concealer is available in a range of 30 shades and is designed to last for 16 hours straight. It includes niacinamide to smoothen the look of your skin, vitamin C to even the skin tone, hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, glow peptide to enhance a light-reflecting finish and vegan collagen to make the skin feel plumper and smoother.

SIELLA BEAUTY

Lip & Cheek Tint

Just in time for the season, Siella Beauty, known for their instant and practical beauty solutions, once again bring new must-have lip and cheek products that combine make-up with skincare benefits for a gorgeous flush of colour while providing your skin with nourishing ingredients. The new and long-lasting Lip & Cheek Tint gives users an undeniably fresh wash of colour to achieve that sun-kissed flush throughout the day. The product is easy to carry, easy to blend and is infused with rose water to give your skin soothing and hydrating benefits. The tint comes in two different shades: Cherry and Strawberry.

CATRICE

Fall in Colours Baked Bronzing & Highlighting Palette

Let your glow shine as you extend your summer tan into the autumn with the Baked Bronzing & Highlighting Palette and enhance your complexion with warm, autumnal tones. The baked, silkysoft powder texture of the four different shades is gentle and easy to apply and blend. The shades can be used individually or combined to accentuate and highlight the contours of your face.

GUCCI FLORA

Gorgeous Jasmine Eau de Parfum

Gucci Flora Gorgeous Jasmine Eau de Parfrum bursts with a radiant composition led by Grandiflorum Jasmine. Tender wreaths of noble Jasmine are transformed through extraction into the heart and spirit of Gucci Flora Gorgeous Jasmine, resulting in an enlightened expression of this precious flower. Blended with base notes of sandalwood, benzoin and patchouli, its sensual notes create a skin imprint unique to the wearer. Its energy of inner joy is further lifted with notes of mandarin essence, magnolia accord and rose damascene essence.

Scents, skincare, grooming musthaves – check.

SISLEY PARIS Exfoliating Enzyme Mask

This product is a preparatory face mask that reveals a more uniform and radiant complexion in just one minute. The skin is gently exfoliated, dead cells are removed, pores look tightened and the skin’s texture appears refined. The complexion looks unified, smoother and clearer and its luminosity appears restored. It is the perfect preparatory step for subsequent skincare products. Papain, a 100% natural-origin enzyme derived from papaya, exfoliates the skin while a combination of other key ingredients, including vitamin B, cleanses and purifies the skin, making it glow with beauty, and lavender and marjoram essential oils provide a relaxing scent. The fine powder transforms into a rich foaming cream upon contact with water and must be applied as a mask. Use once or twice a week.

DOSE & CO.

Mixed Berry Beauty Collagen

Dose & Co Mixed Berry Beauty Collagen gives you your daily dose of concentrated collagen peptides with boosted beauty benefits that go beyond the surface. Added hyaluronic acid and vitamin C work in synergy with collagen peptides to amplify results for a smoother, plumper and more radiant complexion. Beauty Collagen is scientifically proven to improve skin elasticity, increase hydration, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Your skin will be energised, more moisturised and fresher than ever. This easy powder formula has a tasty, fruity, mixed berry flavour that works great in water, smoothies or baked goods. One serving offers users the optimum daily dosage.

SKANDINAVISK

Over Land & Sea Giftset

Treat yourself with the full Skandinavisk mini hand care collection featuring six different mini hand cream tubes with different fragrances, namely Skog, Fjord, Ro, Øy, Hav and Fjäll. Hydrate and protect your skin on the go, whatever the weather. The thick and richly moisturising hand creams have a natural and organic formula blended with Danish spring water and a touch of fragrance. Designed to absorb quickly without feeling greasy and protected inside post-consumer recycled aluminium tubes, this giftset is the ultimate hand care collection and a responsible Scandinavian gift to share.

LA PRAIRIE

Caviar Infinite

Caviar Infinite is an intensive anti-ageing treatment infused with a micro-fluidic formulation that separates its oil and water components to optimise its effect. The product helps to visibly strengthen the skin, re-sculpt facial contours, make the skin appear lifted, help restore facial volume and firmness and efface wrinkles and lines. When applied, the micro beads transform into a gel-like texture that seeps into the skin. Apply this product every morning and evening after cleansing, toning and moisturising.

DIESEL

D by Diesel Eau de Toilette

D by Diesel is the ultimate new fragrance for anyone and everyone. Boasting an image of self-expression and confidence, the perfume is composed of three main scents. At the top is the spicy freshness of ginger, with aromatic lavender following suit and then evolving into a softer and more sensual scent of vanilla, sustainably sourced from Madagascar. The fragrance settles on your skin as easily as your favourite pair of jeans.

Isa Town The Village- Muharraq Exhibition Center-Sakhir Jazayir

What We’re (Still) Talking About

Family Fliers The Very Britishness Big Numbers

A couple of stories have hit the headlines of late, including one from minor celebrity Vogue Williams (no, we don’t know her either), where plane travellers have refused to give up seats that they have pre-booked and, sometimes, paid extra for, in order for families to sit together.

Ms. Williams noted how she had got quite shirty towards a fellow traveller who did not want to move but, on being lambasted online for her sheer entitlement, she later backtracked and claimed it had been a joke that ‘didn’t land’. Hmm, really?!

Another person, who appeared on popular

Whatever you think about the death of Queen Elizabeth II, there’s absolutely no doubt that her passing, at the end of a 70-year reign, demonstrated some of the peculiarities and even, dare we say it, utter ridiculousness, of Britishness to the rest of the world. Of course, there was the expected pomp and ceremony of the official mourning period and funeral, but there were other fun things too. For example, the Royal apiarist telling the bees that they now have a new boss; the madness of ‘The Queue’ to see Her Majesty’s coffin lying in state which

Have you ever wondered how big a billion is? If, like us, big numbers seem a bit hard to comprehend, one way of looking at it is that a million hours is 114 years! A billion hours, though, starts to get complicated, particularly if you consider that in the UK a billion is a million million, whereas in the US it’s a thousand million. Suffice to say it’s a bloomin’ long time.

So, how about the latest announcement that the world has 20 quadrillion ants. The figure comes from a study by scientists

platform Reddit told a mum who demanded he swap seats: “Respectfully ma’am, your travel issues are not my problem. I am keeping the seat I paid for.” He too received the sharp end of said mum’s tongue. Now, we don’t know about you but we reckon that, aside from the very cheek of expecting someone to accommodate your own lack of pre-planning, often when travelling we’d pay good money to be seated as far away from young kids as possible…our own included!

stretched for hours, saw friendships formed and even had its own weather app! Someone pointed out the tail numbers on the plane that brought HM home to London ZZi77 – turn it upside down. But, for us, some of the sweetest and most poignant things, apart from the corgis and Emma the pony of course, were the postbox toppers. Where else but Britain would you see mini dioramas knitted and crocheted to sit atop Royal Mail boxes as a sign of remembrance?

at the University of Hong Kong and Germany’s University of Wuerzburg and in case you’re wondering, a quadrillion has 15 zeros. The number roughly translates to 2.5million ants for every person.

The numbers are indeed impressive but we’re more interested to discover how do they know this and why do they care?

ISLAND INSIDER

Jawad Assiri

Maserati Marketing Manager at Euro Motors

What first drew you to working in the automotive sector?

My first joyful experience in a nimble yet intimidating super car at the early age of 16. At this moment my passion truly ignited for the automotive sector and it was during my college days when I discovered that marketing could be a tool for me to ignite this same passion of mine in others. Being part of the automotive marketing sector in Bahrain for nine years has been a unique experience to me, witnessing first-hand the rapid changes and being a part of a still young, transforming sector inspires and draws me even closer!

What’s the best thing about your job?

So much can be said but what comes strongly to mind is first that Maserati is a brand distinguished from the rest, this gives me a daily dose of positivity and motivation, pushing me to work smarter, harder and present Maserati in a unique and successful way in a competitive market. Also, I can confidently say that the teamwork and camaraderie of the people here at Euro Motors is an aspect I cherish and respect.

What’s the best road in Bahrain to take a test drive and why?

It must be the drive at Bahrain Bay during sunset! Imagine that you are driving the audacious Maserati MC20, the sun is on its setting phase, all the clouds are bright orange in colour, the towers on your left are shining from the sun, the sea on your right is shimmering, you are cutting the wind while curving on the long road, this is the moment! This feeling is irreplaceable to me, it is this drive that excites me the most.