YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE Arts Culture Clubs Sports Interviews Lifestyle Dining Nightlife TECHNOLOGY - ENTERTAINMENT - DINING www.bahrainthismonth.com Digital Edition Since 1997 MOTORING DINING WTM An insightful chat with Fleur Hassan-Nahoum Beauty Essentials Fashionable in the colours of the year Where to Eat this Valentine’s Day We Dine at Kyro PEOPLE Instilling the Rule of Law with Ali Aljabal The Indian Ambassador, HE Piyush Srivastava on bolstering historic relations Dr. Jarmo T. Kotilaine on his new, reflective book How A Box of Goodness is helping the community Dick Potter tells us about Fangio Motoring News to get you up to speed February 2021 | Vol. 25 | Issue 2 | BD2 / SR20 VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL
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February 2021 5 February 2021 Bahrain This Month George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman COVER Cover Picture: Valentine’s Day Special www.bahrainthismonth.com Scan this QR Code to subscribe to the digital edition of the magazine. Printing Press Union Press, Bahrain Published monthly by RED HOUSE MARKETING P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: (+973) 17 813-777, Fax: (+973) 17 813-700 Email: [email protected] www.bahrainthismonth.com © Copyright Reserved 2005-2020 The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. and must not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Red House Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission. • Views expressed in this magazine by journalists and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month. Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001 ISBN 1 899 348 09 3 1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24 Gulf and international subscriptions available on request. THE TEAM Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Editor Farah Baig Contributors Behnaz Sanjana, Kristian Harrison, Dick Potter, Pria Masson Tanwar, Ouiam Charkani El Hassani, Bill Grieve Editorial Consultant Ahdeya Ahmed Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Art Director Hatem Monem Webmaster Nishad Eapen CRM & Database Coordinator Muna Yousef Staff Photographer Subeesh Kumar N S Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa Corporate Affairs Director Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Group (Hilal Direct Services) Media Sales Anuradha Manhas [email protected] DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director Lini Reghunath Digital Marketing & Social Media Executive Farah Baig Welcome to our special Valentine’s Day issue of Bahrain This Month, once again in digital and print format too! We all looked forward to 2021 with increased optimism, but we have to remind ourselves that we must power on to fight the current pandemic and avoid being complacent. While the Kingdom seemed to show a marked decline in December and at the start of January, the revelation of new strains has proved to be quite challenging with cases now climbing at a steady pace. Nevertheless, all hope is not lost. There’s no reason you can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, even with indoor dining suspended! Our team has put together seven ways in which you can make this year’s celebration one to remember aside from a bunch of exciting outdoor dining options. This month, we enjoyed conversations with several prolific personalities starting with Dr. Jarmo T. Kotilaine with whom we spoke about his recently released and highly relevant new book. We also had the opportunity to talk with Mr. Ali Aljabal, a renowned law practitioner in Bahrain who was recently named the International Association of Lawyers (UIA) Regional Secretary in the Middle East, once more. We also enjoyed a conversation with the Ambassador of India, HE Piyush Srivasta who aims to further bolster historic relations between the Republic of India and the Kingdom of Bahrain. Another interviewee this month is the thoughtful young woman, Miranthi ‘Miro’ Dole, who started the charity initiative, ‘A Box of Goodness’ in Bahrain that has come to the aid of over 3,000 less fortunate individuals over the last four years. In our Motoring section, Dick Potter shares his thoughts on the F1 marvel that was Juan Manuel Fangio while our team has put together a selection of Motoring news to get you up to speed with the industry. In Woman This Month, you’ll find our interview with Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Jerusalem’s Deputy Mayor for Foreign Relations, Economic Development and Tourism. She talks about her aim to build commercial relations in the region and her passionate battles for equality and plurality in her adopted homeland. As always, in this month’s issue, you’ll get a first-hand look at some of the best fashion trends, accessories and beauty essentials too! We’re sure you’ll enjoy this issue and, if you want more of the same, don’t forget to subscribe and follow us on our official social media channels while doing so! Until next month, remember; you can always count on ‘Your Guide to a Great Way of Life’.
6 February 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com www.womanthismonth.com Beauty Fashion Home Wellbeing Local Issues THE BEST SOURCE FOR ALL THINGS GIRLY AND FABULOUS
www.bahrainthismonth.com February 2021 7 20 28 42 8 10 44 21 30 We review KYRO – an exciting dining concept! The best of dining options this Valentine’s Day Business Bites Contactless Convenience Business Expert, Pria Masson Tanwar, the new world of payments My Life in Cars Dick Potter tells us about Fangio How to celebrate this very unique Valentine’s Day Motoring Bites Discovering the Silver Lining Dr. Jarmo T. Kotilaine on his new, reflective book Sharing Blessings How ‘A Box of Goodness’ changed the lives of over 3000 people Bolstering Historic Relations A conversation with the Indian Ambassador, HE Piyush Srivastava Instilling the Rule of Law We speak to renowned law professional, Mr. Ali Aljabal FEBRUARY 21 20 30 32 27 28 18 08 16 12 10 DINING INTERVIEWS COMMERCE MOTORING Love in the Time of COVID-19 ISSUE 282 CONTENTS www.bahrainthismonth.com bahrainthismonth bhthismonth CONTENTS WOMAN THIS MONTH Ouiam El Hassani urges mothers to tend to their own needs. The latest Skincare and Makeup products We speak to Jerusalem’s Deputy Mayor for Foreign Relations, Economic Development and Tourism, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum Exploring Pantone’s colours of the year through fashion How to decorate your home with Pantone’s 2021 colours 44 42 56 48 54 FASHION Opinion Interview Beauty Lifestyle
8 February 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com Congratulations on releasing your new book! What gave you the inspiration to write it, and why did you decide to focus on the effects of COVID-19? I had already been thinking about the broader issues around economic development and change, and of course the conversation across the region has increasingly shifted toward the realisation that the future of energy markets will not look like the past. With strategies such as Saudi Vision 2030 and the growing interest in economic diversification, this is more apparent than ever. Then, COVID-19 hit and the earlier agenda was no longer quite as timely, but it offered a new perspective to think about these issues. A colleague of mine suggested that I delve into how COVID-19 would affect the region and so I decided to write about it as I had a lot of the material ready, mainly concerned with how the virus is a stress test and a catalyst for change. Can you explain what exactly this ‘change’ entails? If there was any doubt that the region would have to change its economic strategy and people wanted proof that we now live in an uncertain world and we need to build a resilient, diverse and productive economic base, this is it. The way forward has actually been understood for some time, but until now the broader buyin for these changes has been coming somewhat gradually. The pandemic has brought this sense of urgency home to ordinary people and highlighted the importance of change. COVID-19 is obviously bad for everybody with plenty of disruption and human suffering. DISCOVERING THE SILVER LINING As the world continues to be plunged into economic and social difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bahrain has won international praise for its response to the crisis. Kristian Harrison spoke to Dr. Jarmo T. Kotilaine, the Chief of Planning and Monitoring of Tamkeen, fresh after launching his latest book: Trials of Resilience: How COVID19 is driving economic change in the Arab Gulf. interview
February 2021 9 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview However, in the context of the Gulf, it has been strengthening the sense of purpose around changes that had been spoken about for years. In a way, this growing determination is a silver lining to the whole crisis. How do you think the economic focus has shifted in the past year? One of the important aspects is that it has underscored the importance of nimbleness after decades of growth that relied on an evolving combination of oil revenues, government spending, and infrastructure investments. Businesses had easy access to low-cost labour and various subsidies, while many sectors saw brisk growth in demand and prices. Now in this new world, things are less predictable and COVID-19 has underscored the importance of thinking ahead. Alas, it is unlikely to be the last shock to the global economy in the 21st century so people need to think about a Plan B. The tendency to assume that the future is always like the past needs to change because productivity comes from looking at alternatives and new ways to manage costs and increase revenues. For economic growth to accelerate, we need to think beyond past practices and focus on productivity. The global experience shows that this is good news for living standards. By contrast, if growth is achieved purely from additional inputs – labour and capital – the impact is less clear. It stands to reason if you bring in more people, you are pushing up the numerator and the denominator at the same time. What effects has the COVID-19 pandemic had on the Gulf region, especially compared to the Western world? The effects on the Gulf region have in some ways been more profound than the Western world because the shift in the corporate environment has been startling compared to, say, Europe, where businesses are used to being on their toes because of economic cycles, tough competition, evolving regulations, new government taxes and trade unions, which are things which force you to keep thinking ahead. One of the areas in which Gulf countries have been channelling revenues into is tourism, which is changing in a way that is unprecedented. The product offering and touristic experience will likely keep evolving and call for new thinking in terms of making capital investments such as resorts, hotels and making them fit for purpose. Recent years have seen huge investments in sectors such as retail. It seems quite clear that e-commerce has been a lifeline for retail companies during this crisis and fundamentally reshaped people’s attitudes because it has offered people a much more convenient way of getting the goods that they want. This does, however, raise questions about how we enable shopping malls and other physical retail facilities to adapt and compete, and how we enable local businesses to benefit from the rise of e-commerce. How do you feel that the workplace environment has changed since the pandemic hit? The nature of the workplace is changing, with the whole “9-5 model” of coming to the office, doing your work and going home being challenged. Instead, we’ve arrived at a situation where people have worked from home and life has gone on. Many people are working in a way which is much more flexible in terms of hours and availability. If remote work becomes the new norm, which I think it will, what happens to all these offices around? More by default than by design, companies have been forced to invest in digitisation, especially in the service sector with more money invested in technology than in low-cost labour which is great for productivity and also means there is now an alternative to reliance on it. What changes do you expect in the labour market, especially with regards to women? If the labour market becomes more flexible, local talent will be able to offer a better value proposition than the traditional reliance on low-cost labour. Look at female participation for example; women are typically better educated than men in the region but are less likely to join certain sectors in the market for a number of cultural reasons. If we can move to a world where it’s possible for women to become economically active without having to leave home, then a lot of the traditional restrictions ease away because if they can work in a flexible manner, they no longer have the binary choice between their career and their family. If we move towards this model where we have more people who are working as independent professionals, many companies can reduce the pressure on in-house resources which are not always cost-effective, especially for smaller businesses. Finally, how do you feel Bahrain has handled the COVID-19 situation so far, and how does this bode for the future? I think Bahrain has handled this well and in a way that deserves international recognition. You can see there was a realistic plan and the response in the Gulf has been especially effective by being pragmatic thanks to the readiness to learn to live with this threat rather than shutting down and waiting for it to go away. In places such as Europe, firstly it didn’t go away and then you had everyone playing catch up when restrictions were lifted. Here, lockdowns were short and even more importantly, Bahrain built up huge testing capacity quickly with some of the highest testing rates in the world. This gave Bahrain information about where the virus was spreading and where outbreaks were so they could be contained quickly. The knock-on effect of this was that economic activity could normalise to a very high degree. Obviously ensuring proper compliance with the rules still remains important. But overall, I believe this pragmatic approach has been the right one and now that the Kingdom is moving to scale up on vaccinations quickly, it will create confidence and further facilitate the process of normalising economic activity.
INSTILLING THE RULE OF LAW THE STATE OF LAW IN THE REGION Many countries in the Middle East, including the Kingdom of Bahrain, realised the importance of comprehensive legal systems over the past decades, leading to the promotion of the rule of law and development of legislation to match global movements. “This is especially on the economic level, the Kingdom and other Gulf Countries focused on economic issues and attempted to build economies of strength by enacting important initiatives in trade liberalisation, development of the financial sector, labour regulations, human rights and other remarkable changes of policies,” says Mr. Aljabal. “Currently, it is fair to say that these countries enjoy advanced legal systems, a strong rule of law and enforcement mechanisms which highly contributed towards the evolution of those states and their strength,” he added. One of the many benefits of being a lawyer is the mental stimulation an attorney experiences when working through complex legal theories, statutes, and case law to find a solution to a legal question. “Most lawyers possess exceptional analytical skills including reading and writing skills as practicing law allows you to use your mental skills each day in effective ways to solve problems. In Bahrain and other Gulf Countries, we adapt a unique legal system that is a mixture of civil law, common law and Shari’a - this exceptional system opens doors of experience and knowledge to the practitioner in the region which cannot be found in other legal systems,” he explains. MAKING PROGRESS Over the last few years, the region has seen unprecedented regional and national laws and regulations which filled great legal gaps which existed before. “This includes laws concerning the protection of personal data, intellectual property, real estate regulations and cybersecurity laws,” he says. The legal system has also seen a digital transformation so individuals can raise a lawsuit online, submit requests to courts over a website and even take legal enforcement actions. “These changes have not only made it easier for the lawyer, but also greatly contributed to expediting litigation procedures and ruling on cases more quickly, where the Judiciary system in Bahrain became distinguished by speed and accuracy,” he explains. THE CHALLENGES However, albeit being a noble profession, being a lawyer is also one of the most serious and complex professions in the region with the changing dynamics of law making it quite challenging. “With technological advancements, governments started placing new regulations An Estonian proverb beautifully states that the law is three days older than the Earth. The rule of law has undoubtedly served as a guiding light for civilisations over time leading to substantial changes and progression in the way countries are governed. With this in mind, Bahrain This Month’s Farah Baig set out to discuss the state of law in the region with Mr. Ali Aljabal – the Founder and Managing Partner at Aljabal Consultancy Company. Mr. Aljabal who is licensed to practice law in Bahrain, is a certified Arbitrator and mediator through the courts in Bahrain, the GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre, a private notary in Arabic and English, and is a fully licensed lawyer in the Sultanate of Oman. Given his prolific career, spanning over 28 years, the International Association of Lawyers (UIA) recently renewed Mr. Aljabal’s position as the UIA Regional Secretary in the Middle East. interview 10 February 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com
which have changed existing practices and are expected to change even further. This in turn brings newer and newer regulations making it a big challenge for legal practitioners,” explains Mr. Aljabal , adding that there will always be challenges facing the industry with 2020 being no exception. While none of these challenges are insurmountable, some of them can only be addressed in the long term, including those presented by rapid technological advancements in the past decade. “The ascendancy of information technology and the availability of communication tools have transformed the practice of law. Hence, in my opinion, rapidly evolving technological advances, changing expectations on the part of the public concerning access to information and services, as well as sociologic and economic globalisation, combine to require a reconsideration of traditional ethical rules and regulation mechanisms for the legal profession,” says Mr. Aljabal. NETWORKING AS A LEGAL PRACTITIONER Being a member of the UIA gives legal practitioners the opportunity to build a network of over one million lawyers and legal practitioners from more than 120 countries around the world, while being internationally recognized in the field. “As a regional secretary of the UIA in the Middle East region, it is my responsibility to support the national committee presidents and national representatives of the UIA in the region. I’m also a member of the Governing Board which supervises the implementation of the decisions made by the General Assembly and ensures the smooth running of the association,” he states. UIA members are also updated with the frequent changes of laws and their impact on the profession. “Most importantly, membership in the UIA is a great way to support the legal profession and the protection of lawyers and human rights initiatives worldwide, where lawyers from all countries are united under one roof to protect and enhance the profession,” he says. KEEPING UP WITH THE DEVELOPMENTS IN LAW The UIA organizes seminars and training sessions regularly in order to keep up with the rapid developments of laws and legal issues around the world. However, due to the current situation of COVID-19 and the restrictions imposed on travel and movement, UIA events are being held online during the current year. “There are around three to four monthly webinars scheduled for this year which concern topics such as issues related to digital transformation, the role of women lawyers, international commercial arbitration, and biotechnology law, the schedule for which is available on the UIA website,” says Mr. Aljabal. THE WAY FORWARD FOR YOUTH A source of pride for Mr. Aljabal is the fact that his consultancy has trained numerous lawyers and legal professionals who are now judges, parliament members and successful lawyers managing law firms. “There are many new faces popping up in the legal profession. However, for the youth to prove themselves different from the big reputed lawyers, it is important for them to work hard in their specialised area, thereby giving them an ‘edge’ in a highly competitive market,” says Mr. Aljabal. The capabilities of newly onboarded professionals needs to be developed through their ongoing personal development. “Possessing the right attitude and working hard to remain stable in the market may be quite challenging for the youth; so, they need to evaluate all the pros and cons and ensure that are aware with updates, developments and amendments in law, even if those updates are beyond the scope of their specialisation; a lawyer needs to be well informed and prepared, always.” he concludes. interview February 2021 11 www.bahrainthismonth.com
12 February 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview BOLSTERING HISTORIC RELATIONS The Kingdom of Bahrain and Republic of India have enjoyed cordial relations, bilateral trade and cooperation that has been firmly rooted in history. Ahead of the Indian Republic Day, which is marked on January 26 every year, we met with the prolific individual responsible for representing the 350,000 Indians residing in Bahrain - the Ambassador of India, HE Piyush Srivastava. Having significant experience in the diplomatic field, including being stationed in Berlin and Ghana, HE aims to apply his understanding of global and regional issues during his tenure in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Working closely with Bahrain’s leadership and government, HE aims to further strengthen the multi-faceted ties between the two countries in all spheres including political, security, economic and trade, and social and cultural. CURRENT STATUS AND DEVELOPMENT OF TRADE In the present context, both countries have bolstered excellent trade and economic relations. “Key sectors include IT, construction and real estate, food products, iron ore and aluminum, energy, health and financial services. Though I must add that a huge potential is still untapped,” says HE. With Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, the gateway to the GCC market, has embarked on the journey of diversification of its economy with liberalisation of foreign direct investment (FDI) regime in a number of promising sectors such as financial services, ICT, logistics, manufacturing and tourism. “Several transformative economic reform measures and initiatives, taken recently by both governments for economic revival in the post COVID-19 scenario, have opened up new opportunities for bilateral trade and investment,” HE explains. In addition, India’s ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat (SelfReliant India)’ policy aims to make India a much stronger part of the global supply and value chain. “These developments have created a new, dynamic synergy between the two countries and have led to the opening up of new avenues for enhanced economic cooperation in sectors such as IT, Fintech, health and pharmaceuticals, defence, space, infrastructure and construction, and energy including solar or renewable energy,” HE adds.
February 2021 13 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview BILATERAL TRADE FIGURES “The bilateral trade and investment between India and Bahrain have shown a steady growth in recent years with our bilateral trade amounting to around US$ one billion in 201920,” highlights HE. India is the largest investor in Bahrain with a total investment of about US$ 1.74 billion, including the investment made by the Indian community in Bahrain, as of 2019. “Bahrain is the fourth largest investor in India from the GCC with an investment of US$ 180 million in 2019,” HE states. THE ‘PHARMACY OF THE WORLD’ India is the largest global supplier of generic drugs, and also the largest vaccine producer in the world. Hence, the country’s health and pharmaceutical sector has acquired special significance in the post COVID-19 scenario. “During the pandemic, India has come to be known as the ‘Pharmacy of the world’ having supplied necessary medicines including paracetamol and hydroxychloroquine to over 150 countries around the globe,” HE states. With more than 3000 pharmaceutical companies producing quality and cost-effective drugs, India has become a global player with a presence in all pharma segments: patented, generic and over-the-counter. “This sector has huge potential of increasing bilateral trade and investment. This is evident from the fact that about ninety Indian and Bahraini pharmaceutical companies participated in the virtual B2B meeting organised by the Embassy in October 2020,” HE says. WEATHERING THE PANDEMIC HE states that India and Bahrain have cooperated and coordinated their efforts in fighting the pandemic. “The Indian community, too, has shown tremendous resilience and came together to help the needy members of our community during this time,” HE says. With the support of the Government of Bahrain, under the Government of India’s ‘Vande Bharat Mission’, over 50,000 Indian nationals travelled back to India from Bahrain. “Since September, both countries have also implemented the ‘Air Bubble’ arrangement under which national carriers of both countries are operating a specified number of flights both ways. Over 23,000 Indian nationals have travelled back to Bahrain from India under this arrangement,” HE states. COOPERATION DURING THE PANDEMIC The Government of Bahrain provided medical and other necessary support to the Indian community in Bahrain aside from support and facilitation for repatriation of Indian nationals from Bahrain. “In addition, the government of Bahrain had also announced the amnesty scheme till December 31, 2020 to enable relaxation in stay for illegal expats including Indian expats in Bahrain,” HE says. “We remain thankful to the leadership and government of the Kingdom for the exceptional care taken by them of the Indian community during these difficult times,” HE stresses. The government of India provided 1.5 million Hydroxychloroquine tablets to Bahrain, besides facilitating a special flight to bring Indian nurses and medical professionals to Bahrain for treatment of COVID-19 patients in Bahrain. INDIAN COMMUNITY IN BAHRAIN To date, the Indian community constitutes over 25 percent of Bahrain’s population and form an important link between the two countries. “The Kingdom’s liberal and tolerant policies and welcoming society has made it the preferred destination among Indians which is reflective in the steady growth of the Indian community in Bahrain,” says HE Srivastava. While a significant number of the Indian community members are employed in blue collar jobs in construction and maintenance, the growing community also consists of a sizeable number of professionals including doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, bankers, managers, nurses and other professionals. “This is in addition to leading individuals at top businesses in Bahrain. The vibrant and dynamic Indian community has contributed to the economic development of the Kingdom, which has been publicly acknowledged by the leadership of Bahrain on several occasions,” HE added. SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, the Embassy continued to provide various services to the Indian community in Bahrain, besides providing medical, food and other necessary support. “The Embassy works closely with Indian associations and other organisations to support and help the community. In addition, we receive full cooperation from the concerned agencies of the government of Bahrain in this regard,” HE says. All necessary information, awareness and decisions taken by both governments are published on the Embassy’s website as well as its official social media accounts. “As we are now learning to live with this pandemic and the situation is somewhat stabilised, many Indians have returned to Bahrain. Others who have gone back are also willing to return to Bahrain for employment,” HE concluded.
14 February 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander World Hindi Day at the Indian Embassy The Embassy of India in Bahrain marked World Hindi Day or Vishwa Hindi Divas, which is celebrated on January 10 annually, at the embassy premises. During the event, students and teachers received awards for their exceptional use of the Hindi language. World Hindi Day is celebrated with the aim of promoting the use of Hindi worldwide and presenting it as an international language. Malaysian Embassy Annual Dinner Party The Embassy of Malaysia and the Embassy’ Ladies Association jointly organised the annual dinner party on January 28, 2021 at the Swiss-Belresidences Juffair. Everyone present was dressed in a cowboy outfit as per the evening’s theme.
February 2021 15 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at the Indian Embassy of Bahrain The Indian Embassy in Bahrain held a celebratory event to mark Pravasi Bharatiya Divas at the embassy premises in the presence of invited guests, while following all necessary COVID-19 protocols. During the event, the Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain, HE Piyush Srivastava awarded the highly-coveted Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2021 to QEL Managing Director, Babu Rajan K G. The celebratory day, observed on January 9 by the Republic of India, marks the contribution of the overseas Indian community towards the development of India. The day commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to Mumbai on January 9, 1915.
16 February 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview Bahrain This Month’s Farah Baig finds out how ‘A Box of Goodness’ has changed the lives of over 3000 individuals Random acts of kindness, charitable giving and a generous heart have the power to change the world. There’s no doubt in our mind that every bit of effort goes a long way when it comes to making a change. Here’s where a visionary young Sri Lankan Malay, Miranthi ‘Miro’ Dole comes in. The young woman is the heart and soul behind ‘A Box of Goodness’ - a charitable initiative which has positively impacted the lives of over 3000 less fortunate individuals in the Kingdom of Bahrain over the last four years. HOW IT ALL STARTED Miro moved to Bahrain in 2015 after a family visit gave her some insight into the Kingdom’s calm and grounded pace of life. “I was active within the Rotaract youth movement in Colombo and social service was always something I was interested in. I wanted to contribute to society in a positive manner and as such I began to think of how I can give back,” says Miro, who started A Box of Goodness in 2016. “The charity started off small as a simple exercise to create the habit of giving, and has grown to enrich more lives over the years. We encouraged people to add one item to a box daily; at the end of a month, they had a box of goodness to donate to someone in need,” she explains. The fundamental concept of the charity has been to inculcate the habit of sharing blessings with the less fortunate. “Our belief is that there are ample provisions in this world to go around for everyone - if we only shared,” she says. KEY INITIATIVES The charity aims to enrich local communities, save the environment and reach out to the less fortunate through food drives and emergency relief efforts. “We actively work towards feeding the hungry with the support of our donors who always donate in kind. We aid both: locals and expat workers, without any discrimination. However, we aim to help the most deserving and seek out those who are the most in need of aid,” she says. Families, individuals, blue collar workers and daily wage earners have all been supported through donations of dry food items, clothing, furniture and toiletries. “We also actively work with local imams in villages to support families with food, baby items, clothing and occasionally, during Gurgaon, toys for children on the streets,’ she says. The charity’s annual projects include a Ramadan Food Drive and a Winter Appeal which are supported by local companies and schools. “Every year we organise a Ramadan Food Drive to aid Muslims observing the fast,” she says, adding that the charity has also assisted the Migrant Workers Protection Society (MWPS) in the past by providing food, clothing and toiletries for migrant workers. SharingBlessings
February 2021 17 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview “We also generated and shared extensive aid with the Asian workers whose building collapsed in Salmabad in October, 2018. We provided not only dry food items but also toiletries, linen, clothing and more for these workers to get back on their feet,” she explains, highlighting the charity’s response to emergency relief requests when staff accommodations are burnt down or when staff are unpaid for prolonged periods of time. A Box of Goodness supports Al Sanabel Orphan Care Society too, often contributing furniture, clothing and toys to the families in addition to organising group birthday parties for the children. “We also aim to take care of the environment and organise beach cleanups regularly. The plastic we collect off the beaches are donated to the Bahrain Association for the Parents & Friends of the Disabled; who in turn use the funds from the sale of plastic to recycling plants to purchase wheelchairs for the disabled in Bahrain,’ she explains. A RAY OF LIGHT DURING THE PANDEMIC As COVID-19 hit Bahrain and businesses shut down, the charity began a food drive to collect dry food items for those affected. “Our main focus in 2020 was to help as many individuals and families whose livelihood has been compromised due to the global pandemic,” she says. With shop and business closures, many were asked to take unpaid leave and/or have been made redundant. She explains that large numbers of daily wage earners no longer have work and are severely affected. “We have now exceeded our humble expectations and assisted over 1500 people with relief packs including dry food items, cloth masks, milk powder and diapers for infants, toiletries and sanitary products for ladies,” she says, adding that the Kingdom has also provided relief to its citizens and residents, easing the burden of many. “Yet we continue in our efforts to help people with basic food items so that they have one less expense to worry about,” she adds. As the charity is not registered, it is unable to assist people financially and instead provides aid in kind. “Despite sharing food and other essentials with people; there is a need for financial assistance. People who lost their jobs or who are on salary cuts, still need to pay school fees and rents to sustain themselves and their families,” she says, adding that while many want to continue to live here others have made the hard decision to return to their home countries. The charity encourages donors to shop and support local businesses so the local economy is supported, and jobs and small businesses can stay afloat. “I myself have opted to shop from local brands, support new businesses and the local youth as opposed to buying from international brands. We have also assisted Shamsaha, previously Women›s Crisis International, with approximately sixty food packs, each sufficient for a family of four, for women in need who appealed to them during the pandemic,” she says. The emergency relief project during COVID-19 provided much needed relief to people who lost their livelihood overnight. “The generosity of our donors encouraged us to extend the project further than we had ever anticipated,” she says. “This was a time when people from all walks of life required our help and we were so blessed to be able to support them. The food we distributed not only fueled hunger but kept spirits alive during difficult times. This project provided relief to so many and we are so grateful to our donors for keeping the spirit of humanity and togetherness alive,” she concluded. To get in touch, volunteer or donate to the cause, check out @aboxofgoodness on Facebook or Instagram. To read the full interview, visit www.bahrainthismonth.com.
18 February 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com feature COV I D - 19 Valentine’s Day can be a bit typical in the sense of how we celebrate, but 2020 and this year too are far from typical, which means that COVID-19 has definitely thrown a wrench in the works. Does it mean you can’t celebrate the one day a year that’s solely dedicated to love? No. Does that mean your Valentine’s Day can’t be special? Absolutely not. We’ve come up with seven ways in which you can make your Valentine’s Day special, while staying safe, and truly make it a day to remember! Seven Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day (Safely) Have Your Flowers Delivered Straight to Your Door What would Valentine’s Day be without flowers? It just wouldn’t feel right… but, naturally, you wouldn’t want to find yourself in a crowded shop at a time like this. So, tap into a bit of premium convenience with the online floristry- Floward where everything is put together safely with all necessary precautions in place. You can just pop onto their website and pick one of their stunning arrangements and get them delivered straight to your valentine’s door. To add to the convenience, Floward has curated a range of stunning packages which could also include high-end perfumes, yummy chocolates, bags, cosmetics and more as gift options, all beautifully put together with an aesthetic arrangement of flowers. To place your order, visit www.floward.com. Treat Each Other with a Surprise Gift A gift doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive, but perhaps it could be timeless! We’ve been eyeing the range of watches at Ambassador Stores, so be sure to take a look. Check out @ambassadorstores on Instagram for more information. Enjoy a Romantic Getaway with a Brew! Alternatively, if you’d like to gift a hug in a cup, check out Nespresso’s new World Explorations collection which has six distinct brews. You can’t travel around the world this Valentine’s, but you can order the World Explorations sleeves online and have them delivered straight to your door! Frankly, we quite love that option. Visit www.buynespresso.com for more information. Love in the Time of
February 2021 19 www.bahrainthismonth.com feature Enjoy a Hearty Meal at Bambudha! Indoor dining is off the books once again, in light of the recent developments with COVID-19, but that won’t stop you from being able to book a lovely meal out with your significant other. Bambudha by David and Anne in Juffair has a lovely outdoor seating area and follows all the necessary precautions to keep diners safe. The best part is there’s no shortage of delicious food including their Katsu Chicken, Korean Bulgogi, Citrus Honey-Garlic Shrimp and more! To book your table, call 17 100-188. Order in Some Delicious Indian Food There’s not a doubt in our mind that you can get some of the best Indian food at Lanterns. So why not order in an amazing spread of mouthwatering tandoori chicken, curries, freshly made naan and perhaps some Rasmalai to end things on a sweet note? Call 17 250-999 for more information. Curl Up on the Couch and Watch a Movie Turn the lights down, get some snacks and enjoy a nice movie with your valentine. Just because you can’t go to the cinema, doesn’t mean you can’t recreate the same feeling at home. You’ll find plenty of inspiration in our TV and Film section. Book Yourself a Staycation at Ramee Grand If you’d like a change of scene, you can book yourself a room at Ramee Grand for an attractive price and enjoy some rest and relaxation with your loved one in the heart of the city. The property offers beautiful views of the city and you can probably enjoy some time by the pool too! Call 17 111-999 for more information.
20 February 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com dining To start our gastronomical adventure, we were served two appetisers: Arancini and an Artichoke Dip. The Arancini was the perfect mix of textures and literally provided layers of flavour. The classic saffron risotto balls are stuffed with mozzarella and flaky beef that’s been slow-cooked for eight hours. To add to the depth of flavour, it’s served on a bed of flavourful Napoletana sauce, made in-house. The Artichoke Dip, which is quite easily one of the best we’ve had, is topped with pomodoro salsa and sun-dried tomato with a side of crispy garlic baguette. We basked in the pure cheesiness of the dip which prepped our tastebuds for the mains. With thousands of restaurants, cafes and lounges dotted across the Kingdom, we’re constantly looking for a concept that will pique our interest. Something that’s not just good, but checks several essential boxes: unique food, beautiful ambience, excellent service and a great vibe. So, you can imagine our pure happiness when we came across Kyro in Adliya, which seemed to offer all that and more! When visiting Kyro, we were delighted to be seated on the terrace, basking in the pleasant winter sun while watching cars go by. It certainly set the mood for a fabulous lunch prepared by the team headed by Chef Amer Alhawaj who has over ten years of worldly culinary experience. To sweeten the experience, Chef Amer recommended the Panna Cotta – a traditional Italian cream dessert to which he adds a hint of nostalgia with delectable raspberry and passion fruit purées, and vibrant edible flowers. We even had the pleasure of diving into the Cinco Leches Sponge Cake which is a five-milk-soaked sponge cake dusted with cinnamon and bedazzled with edible gold leaf. The absolute piece de resistance of our experience had to be Chef Amer’s fresh take on a crowd pleaser – ribs. Quite contrary to the usual style of ribs you find in Bahrain, Chef Amer harnesses the effects of technique and refines the ‘Signature Ribs’ while staying true to its meaty goodness. The braised short-ribs are cooked sous vide for 48 hours resulting in a unique texture with just the right amount of bite to it. This is accompanied by a generous helping of mashed potato with authentic French butter, grilled vegetables and a quintessentially Bahraini sauce that has pleasant hints of black lemon, cumin and other familiar flavours – a very welcome touch! Chef Amer explained that all their pasta is made from scratch at the restaurant while other ingredients are sourced from around the world – resulting in a very special flavour profile. So naturally, we had to give their pasta a try! The Mushroom and Truffle Agnolotti, which is filled with four kinds of mushroom, is one of the chef’s specials and very highly recommended. We loved the pillowy softness of the hand-rolled Agnolotti and thrived on the pleasant burst of rich mushroom filling… all brought together with an absolutely delicious, creamy black truffle sauce. Next, we tucked into a plate of Mama’s Pasta which is a classic rigatoni pasta dish, tossed in a generous helping of creamy tomato sauce and topped with pine nuts and parmesan. We loved the fact that it was perfectly al dente and that we got to enjoy freshly-made pasta. We selected a range of delectable mocktails including ‘Delightful’ and ‘Passion Pleasure’, each a creative stroke of artistic genius put together by their experienced mixologist. Kyro is undoubtedly the fresh dining experience that Bahrain needed – one that makes you appreciate technique, experimental flavours and 5-star eats in a unique setting. Farah Baig discovers Kyro’s artistically flavourful menu. A Gourmet Dream!
www.bahrainthismonth.com tablehopping It’s a fantastic opportunity to woo your special someone under the stars on February 14, from 7pm – 11pm. Discover an immersive evening intertwined with a truly romantic, candle-lit ambiance, as Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa’s award-winning restaurant, Fiamma, returns with its trademark San Valentino Dinner. Guests will be offered the finest selection of authentic Italian delicacies. Your intimate evening is further amped up with splendid melodic performances to elevate your dining experience in well-protected ALL SAFE environs. The evening is priced at BD100 per couple, inclusive of a set menu with selected beverages and a bottle of grape. Call or WhatsApp 38 885-789.. A ROYAL SERENADE Jumeirah Royal Saray invites you to a romantic candle light dinner on February 14, from 6pm – 11pm, at Brasserie Royale to spoil your loved one with a unique dining experience, where delicious food and picturesque views under the glistening chandeliers will leave you more than satisfied. The meal is priced at BD55 per couple, inclusive of soft drinks, BD60 per couple, inclusive of two glasses of bubbly, or BD70 per couple, inclusive of a bottle of bubbly. WhatsApp 66 720-062.. On February 14, from 7pm – 11pm, Crowne Plaza’s La Mosaique Restaurant offers lovebirds an alfresco dining experience around the pool, dinner under the stars and celebration of your love with an intimate 5-course sharing meal infused with aphrodisiac flavours. The meal is priced at BD50 per couple, including soft beverages and a complimentary room with breakfast, or BD80 per couple including unlimited bubbly and a complimentary room with breakfast. Call 17 531-122 / 39 242-391. . SHARE THE LOVE CELEBRATING AMOUR This Valentines, indulge your loved one with some fine-dining at the classy Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain. Relish a five-course set menu paired with grape as you sway to live musical entertainment. Leave enough room to help yourself to your heart’s desire from the dessert selection. The evening costs BD69 per couple. Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Call 17 460-017.. REIGNITE YOUR ROMANCE LOVE-LY HIGH TEA This year, celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special themed teatime menu at Bay View, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay from February 14 – 20, from noon to 9pm. Guests will be treated to a choice between 18 looseleaf teas, an array of sandwiches and freshly baked scones, presented with clotted cream along with Bay View’s homemade jams. Expect some delicious patisseries by Executive Chef Imad, and a complimentary glass of rose juice and a chocolate box to take home. This delicious experience is priced at BD17 per person, or BD31.500 per couple Call 17 115-500. February 2021 21 FEASTING THIS FEBRUARY! Good food is certainly not a scarcity on the island. Here are some places you can grab a wonderful meal this Valentine’s Day and otherwise too! Romantic Dining
22 February 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com tablehopping Saraya, Fiamma and Rivaaj restaurants at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa will set the stage for a Grand Friday Valentine’s Brunch on February 12, from 12.30pm – 3.30pm. This dreamy escapade is elevated with sensational live entertainment acts that will make you fall in love all over again as you indulge in culinary wonders from across the world. The hotel devotedly follows Ministry of Health safety guidelines and elevated ALL SAFE protocols, accredited by Bureau Veritas, as everyone’s safety is its top priority. The brunch costs BD36, inclusive of selected beverages, and children from 6 to 12 years of age enjoy a 50-per-cent discount. Call or WhatsApp 38 885-789. TOAST TO TRUE LOVE Sweep your significant other off their feet this Valentine’s Day from 7pm onwards at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, with the ultimate quality time. Let your private butler serve your intimate five-course dinner on a secluded stretch of beach as you enjoy the soulful serenade by a live band and saxophonist. Surprise your love with a bouquet of fresh roses and a delectable box of chocolates. The unforgettable evening is priced at BD145 per couple, inclusive of soft beverages (welcome mocktail and one bottle of sparkling rose juice), or BD195 per couple, inclusive of extended beverages (welcome drink and one bottle from a selection on the menu). Guests can also benefit with two complimentary day passes to the beach and spa wellness facilities, along with a 20- per-cent discount voucher on any spa treatment. Call 17 115-500. ROMANCE AT THE BEACH The Merchant House will host a delightful Valentine’s Day escape at Indigo Terrace, where couples can enjoy a 4-course set dinner menu with a glass of sparkling grape, while they are entertained by the well-known Mo Zowayed, from 8pm – 11pm. The pleasant evening is priced at BD39 per person. Call 16 671-000. BE MY VALENTINE Al Areen Palace & Spa by Accor will be staging the perfect evening for the most romantic day of the year. Dine under the stars with an exclusive set menu package for BD28 per person, set amidst the lush green backdrop of Keizo garden. Call 36 057-494. UNDER THE STARS
February 2021 23 www.bahrainthismonth.com tablehopping The newly-opened Salero Spanish Restaurant at The Westin CityuCentre Bahrain invites you to savour a sumptuous Valentine’s Dinner on February 14. A special set-menu will be prepared by Chef Juan Perez for this occasion. The price per couple is BD24, with soft beverages, or BD30 per couple with selected beverages. The dinner will be on from 7pm - 11pm. Call 17 171-300. . Make Valentine’s Day the perfect occasion by experiencing the culinary delights at Legendz Steakhouse, at the InterContinental Regency, Bahrain with your significant other in a stylish, relaxed atmosphere. Relish the chef’s creation of five courses, priced at BD59 for two persons, from 6pm – 10.30pm. Call 17 227-777.. SWEET AND SIMPLE Head to Crossroads for an elegant dining experience. The outlet, located in Juffair offers a four-course set menu and a signature Valentine’s Day mocktail to guests, all for BD34 per couple Call 17 363-999. . This Valentine’s Day, fall in love with your special one all over again under a beautifully lit cabana near the poolside at Elements Pool and Lounge, at the InterContinental Regency, Bahrain in a private, romantic ambience. Couples can savour an exquisite dinner with unlimited pink drinks and bites, priced at BD59 for two persons, from 6pm – 10.30pm. Call 17 227-777.. ROMANTIC CABANA DINNER AN INTIMATE CULINARY EXPERIENCE This Valentine›s day, treat your other half to an exclusive dining experience at the luxurious Al Hadiqa private pool cabanas with your personal butler service at the Jumeirah Royal Saray. The evening extends from 6pm – 11pm, and costs BD175 per couple, including selected beverages. WhatsApp 66 720-062.. A SPANISH AFFAIR ROMANTIC DINNER IN LEGENDZ
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