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 PEOPLE DOWNTIME DINING WTM Nasreen Sururi on her recent ambitious venture! Colourful Summer Fashion! A Quarantine Feast Divine Fine Jewellery Beauty Essentials Conference of Birds’ Fawaz Al Shaikh tells us about his musical journey All the entertainment you need to keep you safe indoors! The best of takeout and delivery Dick Potter tells us about the electric shift All about the Ferrari Approved Certification June 2021 | Vol. 25 | Issue 6 | BD2 / SR20 Stay at Home Special
www.bahrainthismonth.com 4 June 2021 14 22 24 19 8 28 Cloud Kitchens – More on-ground than you think! Pria Masson Tanwar explores the potential of and processes behind Cloud Kitchens. Business Bites The best of dining options which you can enjoy safely at home. The Electric Revolution! Dick Potter delves into a hot topic in the motoring industry – greener vehicles. Maximum Security and Peace of Mind What you need to know about the Ferrari Approved Certification Motoring Bites Nuisance Noise Bill Grieve explores a relatable issue in residential apartment buildings.. 9 Movies to Keep you Indoors and Safe!. Our Review on Resident Evil Village. Our favourite tracks this month Tunes that Fly High! We chat with the solo artist and song writer, Fawaz Al Shaikh, about the Conference of Birds. JUNE 26 24 14 19 21 22 28 30 32 35 8 COMMERCE INTERVIEWS OPINION DINING MOTORING DOWNTIME ISSUE 286 CONTENTS www.bahrainthismonth.com bahrainthismonth bhthismonth 30
www.bahrainthismonth.com June 2021 5 50 JUNE ISSUE 218 CONTENTS Life in Vibrant Colour How you can incorporate bold and bright colours into your summer wardrobe this year. We get to know the Digital Media & Marketing Specialist and Certified Dreamer, Tanushree Mathur. What Is More Important Than Discipline? Ouiam El Hassani tells us seven important things when it comes to parenting. 5 Must-Have Skincare Products! Summer essentials for your beauty routine! We put together our top beauty essentials that will have you looking your best this summer. The Art of Paring Down Our take on Minimalism and top picks for to get your home minimalist chic! Quarantine Cook Off – Recipes You’ll Love! Stuffed mushrooms, Pad Thai, Chimichurri Steak and Strawberry tarts – what’s not to love? PRETTY AMBITIOUS Nasreen Sururi on her role in the media scene, world of motorsport and more. 38 57 48 42 46 50 52 40 Fashion Interview In Her Shoes Parenting Beauty LIFESTYLE www.womanthismonth.com womanthismonth rhmbahrain 38 40 52 42 48 57
June 2021 7 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 PEOPLE DOWNTIME DINING WTM Nasreen Sururi on her recent ambitious venture! Colourful Summer Fashion! A Quarantine Feast Divine Fine Jewellery Beauty Essentials Conference of Birds’ Fawaz Al Shaikh tells us about his musical journey All the entertainment you need to keep you safe indoors! The best of takeout and delivery Dick Potter tells us about the electric shift All about the Ferrari Approved Certification June 2021 | Vol. 25 | Issue 6 | BD2 / SR20 Stay at Home Special June 2021 Bahrain This Month George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman COVER Cover Picture: Stay at home 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 the June issue – our special ‘Stay At Home’ edition! Active cases on the island skyrocketed last month, as did the number of daily deaths, which resulted in the need for the temporary closure of venues. Since it’s everyone’s responsibility to stay in and stay safe, for the well-being of the community, we decided to put together an issue that should make the experience easier to bear. In our dining section, we’ve compiled delectable dining options from hospitality experts such as The Ritz-Carlton, Movenpick and Frasier Suites, which you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home! In our interview section this month, we had a chat with an extremely talented Bahraini musician, Fawaz Al Shaikh, who recently launched his debut album ‘Conference of Birds’. The divinely soothing album, which was mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London, is sure to bring on waves of nostalgia and inspire your deepest of thoughts. Our Downtime section is your source of endless entertainment this month with several excellent films and series, games, music and more. There’s plenty to read in our Motoring section this month as Dick Potter delves into the motoring industries’ move towards a greener, more electric future. We also find out more about the Ferrari certification and get the latest news from the BIC, London Concours as well as renowned motoring brands. Pria Masson Tanwar, as usual, gave us some eye-opening insight into the hot new business concept of ‘Cloud Kitchens’. On the other hand, Bill Grieve delved into a topic that we can all relate to - Nuisance Noise in apartment buildings! Thankfully, he provided us with some vital advice and remedial solutions in case we find ourselves in a similar situation. Woman This Month is jam-packed with fun content that’s cool for the summer. While most people dread the heat, our editorial team was overly enthusiastic about “bringing on the bright colours” and worked on a fun fashion focus for you. They’ve also put together a bunch of beauty essentials, skincare, and dazzling accessories to go with your wardrobe too! On the interview front, we spoke to the ever-so-ambitious media personality and influencer, Nasreen Sururi, who told us about how her career got started and her recent new business venture. Being a woman of many talents, there’s plenty of inspiration here! You’ll also enjoy cooking our delicious recipes and delving into the world of interior design with our take on minimalism. The pandemic has proved to be more resilient than anything we’d dreaded, but the good news is – so are we. We’re positive that our beautiful island will make it through as more people take the vaccination, and continue taking precautions through social distancing and mask wearing in public. STAY responsible and STAY safe, of course! Remember, Bahrain This Month on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter will always be ‘Your Guide to a Great Way of Life’.
8 June 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview TUNES THAT FLY HIGH! We chat with the ever-so-talented solo artist and song writer, Fawaz Al Shaikh, about the Conference of Birds. Music is a very welcome escape from reality… especially in this day and age when the world is faced with one of its biggest challenges yet. It’s undeniable - Bahrain has long been home to a multitude of extremely talented musicians who put their heart and soul into their music. One such musician is Fawaz Al Shaikh, whose solo artist name is Conference of Birds. He’s recently released a divinely soothing album of the same name that is sure to bring on waves of nostalgia and inspire your deepest of thoughts.
June 2021 9 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview Bahrain’s music scene needs no introduction to you, but could you tell our readers about yourself? Music has always been my passion, ever since I was seven years old. In 2014, I co-founded a cover band named BG Harmony. We have been actively performing across the island at music events and festivals. In 2019, I started working on my own, writing my own music, composing and producing them which led to me releasing my first debut album titled ‘Conference of Birds’. What’s the story behind the name ‘Conference of Birds’? I wanted to give myself an artist name rather than using my own name but failed to come up with one which I believed fit. One day, while listening to the song ‘A Head Full of Dreams’ by Coldplay, I heard the reference to a “conference of birds” in the lyrics. So, I humbly borrowed that name for myself, which I chose for many reasons. I’m inspired by the word “togetherness”; it’s a powerful word, and I think its meaning is reflected in the name. Tell us about your current EP. How long did you work on it and what would you consider the most memorable part of the project? It took me about a year to write those songs and almost six months to record, produce, mix and master the EP. There were so many memorable moments during the project, but my favourite would be the choir recording. It was experimental and sensational to have six vocalists recording four out of the five songs that are in the EP. You are the first Bahraini to have your album mastered at Abbey Road Studios - the studio where the Beatles made their albums in London, UK. How does this accomplishment make you feel? What was the experience like and how do you think it made a difference to the finished tracks? With technology and digitalisation, artists around the globe can now master their projects almost anywhere. I specifically chose Abbey Road Studios because I am a huge fan of the Beatles. It’s because of their songs that I became an artist. Just knowing that my music has been processed in that same physical building is enough for me to have that inspiration and satisfaction. How would you describe your music? I would say my music in this EP is an expression. I admire many artists of all kinds who express themselves through their artwork. In my music, I tried to spread out some positive energy, hope and love in those songs in my own way. However, I am sure listeners would have an even better perspective in describing those songs on the album as they can be interpreted in many ways. What’s the story behind ‘Two Lost Boys on a Run’? This song is about friendship. I rarely listen to stories about best friends growing apart. So, I wrote a song about it and hope people would be able to relate to it. Where did you find the inspiration for your music? Which of the tracks on your current EP do you believe you connect with the most? My inspiration came from various artists, both: global and local. The Beatles and Queen would top the list of global artists who have inspired me in every way possible. Not only did I listen to their music, but actually studied their songs and analysed most of them. In terms of local artists, I only learned from the best; Ala Ghawas, who in my opinion is the best song writer in our country; the members of Likwid Band - Ahmed Alqasim, Khalid Alshamlan, Ahmed Abdulaziz and AbdulrahmanMalallah; Mohammed Haddad who I consider my prime teacher in music; Na Der and many other artists who support me and many other local artists. I have heard many opinions from listeners regarding their favourite track in the EP. For me personally, I’m highly connected to the song ‘Fly’. You are a renowned musician in Bahrain, considering that you are a part of the band BG Harmony. What are your thoughts on Bahrain’s music scene and how has it adapted during the pandemic? Bahrain’s music scene has been booming positively in the past decade. Many opportunities opened up through music festivals, food festivals, shopping festivals, public and corporate events and many more. It’s a given that the pandemic has affected all industries and the economy as a whole, but for me personally, staying at home during COVID19 was the main factor to give metime to work on my EP. It was an odd advantage that I took. Tell us about your musician friends that you collaborated with on the project. I have contacted many talented friends and artists locally that I believed would add value to this album. I was blessed enough that none of my approaches were rejected. This includes Ala Ghawas, Abdulla Jamal, Jesse Q, Ismail Gharib, Debbi Francisco, Szabi Nigo and more. What’s next for you? Next stop: waiting for the situation to settle down in Bahrain. When it’s safe enough to go public, I will definitely go live with this album. Once I’m done with that, I will move on to writing my next album hopefully. Where can people find your album? The album is physically available for sale at Virgin Megastore in Bahrain City Center, Room 2 Rock in Saar and La Guitara Music Centre in Hoora. The album is digitally available on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Anghami, Youtube Music and more. To follow Fawaz, check out a Conference of Birds on Instagram using the handle @ conferenceofbirds.
10 June 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander Farewell Dinner for the Malaysian Ambassador Lanterns Restaurant Adliya, in their beautiful outdoor dining area, was the setting for a small dinner party with outgoing Malaysian Ambassador, HE Agus Salim Yusof and his wife Wani, at Lanterns, together with Indian Ambassador, HE Piyush Srivastava. Award Ceremony at the Indian Embassy The Embassy of India awarded certificates to participants from Bahrain in the online certificate course on Gandhian Philosophy conducted by renowned Gandhian scholar, Shobhana Radhakrishna. During the ceremony, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Bahrain, HE Mr. Piyush Srivastava, addressed the participants and presented them with their certificates.
12 June 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander Opening of Plums Al Fresco The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain held the opening of Plums Al Fresco, run by Chef de Cuisine, Alexis Knecht, under the guidance of newly appointed Director of Culinary and Food and Beverage, Yann Lejard. Jackson’s Birthday Celebration Natalia and Murat held a party to celebrate precious little Jackson’s first birthday at their residence in the presence of close family and friends.
June 2021 13 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander Welcoming Campaign by the Capital Governorate The Capital Governorate distributed traditional sweets to the public at The Avenues mall to welcome tourists visiting Bahrain from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
14 June 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com tablehopping Special occasions don’t have to be downplayed in the current time, when you can celebrate them with supreme gastronomy from the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. The hotel, known for its culinary prowess besides its stunning ambience makes it possible for you to treat yourselves to delectable fare in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy indulgent dishes at you dining table with the hotel’s new blended à la carte takeaway menu, which sports top favourites from some of Bahrain’s best-loved venues - Nirvana, Primavera, Cantina Kahlo, Thai Lounge and La Plage. Food can be ordered daily between noon to 10pm, and is to be picked up from La Plage Call 17 586-499. From All Day Breakfast like eggs, French Toast, sandwiches and foul medames, to soups and salads, starters, sandwiches and main course, the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain has it all. Guests can choose to make their own pasta by choosing their pasta type along with delicious sauces from Carbonara with turkey bacon, Pomodoro or Bolognese. For those of you feeling local, there is an entire section of the menu dedicated to Arabic foods – mezzeh, lentil soup, succulent lamb chops, shish taouk, sautéed Bahraini prawns and of course, the ultimate crowd-pleaser; a variety of biryani. Select your preferred hot or cold beverages and make it a meal to remember. Remember, you can’t go wrong with five-star flavours of the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain. Call 17 460-017. STAYING HOME IN STYLE FROM THE COMFORT OF HOME Your Dining Destination #StayHome doesn’t really translate to Stay Boring, thanks to the takeaway services offered by some of the island’s best dining venues. Savour the best and freshest ingredients that are prepared to make a decadent meal that will sweep you off your feet. YOUR HOME
June 2021 15 www.bahrainthismonth.com tablehopping Furn Bakery at The Westin City Centre Bahrain will be open for takeaway from 8am – 10pm every day. The outlet offers a range of delicious bites for those craving something decadent while staying safe at home. Enjoy the well-balanced flavours of a traditional mixed mezzeh, manakeesh and flavoursome mini pizza and then complete the meal with a round of sweet treats, just because you deserve it. When you need a quick fuelling in the morning, opt for Bircher muesli, homemade granola or keep it simple with cut fruits. The outlet has a great selection of desserts and cakes sold by slice, like moist, melt-in-your-mouth carrot cake, red velvet and pistachio slice. The Coconut Bounty cake is one for chocolate lovers and for something unique, the Cafeecrolene cake is a must-try. Call 17 171-441. Da Rosa Restaurant at Fraser Suites Diplomatic Area offers outstanding international and Middle Eastern cuisine with a touch of traditional Lebanese influence. Besides an extensive range of breakfast items, signature soups and salads, hot and cold mezzeh, pizzas, burgers, grills and sandwiches and native and international favourites, there are also an array of Healthy Options on the menu which are very popular. They are updated every week with different dishes from Sunday to Thursday, offering fresh seasonal food cooked in a healthier style. Keeping in line with trends and demands of its loyal patrons, the restaurant now offers Keto-friendly dishes as well. When you chose Da Rosa Restaurant for takeaway or delivery to your home or workplace, you will experience excellent service and delicious cuisine, made with the freshest and finest ingredients, and prepared with sensitivity and care. Visit www.darosabyfraser.com Who says staying home has to be mundane? Shake off the lockdown blues with a meal that has the distinct flavours of Korea from Red Plate Korean Restaurant. Conveniently located in Manama, this venue is nown for its serving size of dishes that are uniquely Korean. The team behind the scenes take great care to ensure that clients can savour authentic flavours that guests keep coming back for. The menu itself is a riot of colour – a prelude to the tastes one can expect to experience. The Korean Fried Chicken is happiness on a plate, with fresh, tender chicken coated in an irresistible crunch. The menu also boasts other varieties of this original dish – like Buldak, Honey Butter, Honey Ganjang, Snowing Cheese, Ma La and Creamy Onion fried chicken. Other dishes on the menu include true-blue Korean specialities that will leave your taste buds satiated. Ssam Dak, Dak Gaye Jang, Ojing-Eo Deop Bap, Kimchi Bokkeum Bap and Bi Bim Bap are just a few of the lip-smacking delicacies available at the Red Plate Restaurant, which is open from 3pm – 11.30pm. Call 33 054-233. KEEPING IT CLASSY AN IMPRESSIVE RANGE AUTHENTIC FLAVOURS
16 June 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com tablehopping Bambudha by David & Anne have an exciting offer for guests who order from the venue online. Avail 10 per cent discount along with free delivery when you order online, and a generous 20 per cent discount on takeaway orders. This deal is valid till June 10. Bambudha has been known to residents of the island as one of the best places to savour genuine flavours of Oriental street food tweaked with added flair in a chic bistro style environment. The venue will bring the flavours of the Far East right to your doorstep so you can dig in to Asian culture through its delicious food. From signature dishes like Grilled Chili Prawns with Fresh Mango Salad, Lettuce Wrapped duck or soft-shell Crab with Green Onion Aioli to a range of appetisers and mains, Bambudha does not fail to please the palate and the appetite. Call 17 100-188. Travel back in time to the age of Cesar Ritz and Auguste Escoffier by indulging in dishes inspired by these greats from the The Ritz Gourmet Lounge. This venue, that echoes the idea of the belle epoque, or the beautiful era, embraces the heritage of these two pioneers in international hospitality with a dedicated menu influenced by some of Escoffier’s world classics. Experience the sophisticated tastes of crowd favourites at home, from handpicked salad mix to homemade baked croissant and your favourite cakes. Orders can be placed daily from 8am – 10pm and picked up from the venue itself. Call 17 586-425. AWESOMELY ORIENTAL BRING GOURMET HOME
June 2021 17 www.bahrainthismonth.com tablehopping Here is the answer to the eternal question: So, what do we eat? If you want to choose from a truly international menu that suites a range of discerning taste buds, head online to the InterContinental Regency Hotel’s page on Talabat. Maybe you’re in the mood for some Traditional Italian Lasagna, or you crave the earthy flavours of a Daal Makhani. Fried Crumbed Calamari could be just the thing that your heart (and stomach) desires, or it could be the heartiness of Cream of Mushroom Soup after a long day to bring you solace. From five-star level pastas, sandwiches, pizza, burgers, desserts and even a dedicated kids’ menu, the renowned establishment can bring happiness in the form of great food to you. Don’t miss out on the list of Indian and Arabic specialities as well as party platters including for breakfast, light bites and pastries. Visit talabat.com HAPPINESS AT YOUR DOORSTEP @makirest @makirestaurant WWW.OLIVERMAKI.COM RIBS CROCANTE Innovative Japanese Cuisine For reservations call: 17522733
June 2021 19 www.bahrainthismonth.com I should be surprised, but I guess the only surprise is that it took so long for the announcement to be made. Supercar maker Lamborghini is the latest automotive brand to outline how it will transition to greener vehicles in the future. It vows to electrify their current range of models by the end of 2024, as the frightening 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars looms. Returning CEO, Stephan Winkelmann-he was away at Bugatti for a stint- announced that the iconic marque will invest over a billion Euros in the next four years that will see all cars in its line-up switch to petrol-electric hybrid powertrains. Whilst this was inevitable-the world’s most flamboyant supercar company was bound to embrace electric sooner or later- it doesn’t really have a choice. Lamborghini’s rivals are pushing ahead, Ferrari for example, recently confirmed its first EV will be with us by 2025. However, unlike rival Ferrari, Lamborghini will adopt a more cautious approach. It has yet to rubber stamp when it will sell its first fully-electric vehicle. While conventional brands such as Ford and Jaguar Land Rover have set out their phased switch to battery power, it’s a more difficult proposal for manufacturers of highperformance premium cars sold on their visceral sound, speed and distribution of weight for handling. For makers such as Lamborghini, abandoning the internal combustion is both a technical and emotional challenge. The brand with the rampaging bull for a logo is famed for its roaring 12-cylinder powerplants. I am reliably informed that the map for Lamborghini’s change will unfurl thus. The current Aventador, Huracán and Urus line up will keep going for another couple of years. Then over the course of two years – 2023 to 2024 – Lamborghini will electrify its whole line-up, which means plug-in hybrid replacements for the Aventador and Huracán and a heavily-updated, plug-in hybrid Urus. Question is, why wait so long? Well, Winkelmann wants to wait until there’s more development of battery technology and the charging infrastructure. Very wise Mr. Winkelmann. On a technical level, lithium-ion batteries cannot operate for long at top speed - a real issue for a car firm that sells outrageously fast motors. Furthermore, research suggests that one in four drivers plan to buy an electric car in the coming years. For those not planning to buy one, expense is cited as the primary reason- most likely they won’t be buying a Lamborghini then. Concerns around the battery lifespan and charging stations are the next reasons drivers are reluctant to go down electric avenue-(laugh!). Lamborghini have therefore vowed to give top priority to the range aspect in the battery electric era. It’s a time of total revolution for a company whose calling card has always been bigengined, noisy, high-drama machines. Whilst it must maintain its DNA, to be recognisable as a Lamborghini, there are those CO2 emissions to factor in. Lamborghini claim to have a target of 50 per cent CO2 reduction across the fleet by 2024. With their 60th anniversary in two years’ time, it’s fairly safe to assume Lamborghini won’t disappoint with their EV offerings as the motoring green movement inexorably draws nearer! Safe driving all. [email protected] THE ELECTRIC REVOLUTION! Dick Potter delves into a hot topic in the motoring industry – greener vehicles. motoring news
20 June 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander Opening of Suq Al Qaysariyyah The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities held and official opening of Suq Al Qaysariyyah in Muharraq. In one of the oldest parts of Suq Al Muharraq, Suq Al Qaysariyyah opened after its re-development through a two-day event, where the contemporary shops designed by Studio Anne Holtrop, hosted pop-up fashion and jewelry stores, cafés and more in the heart of the historic venue. The event was attended by members of the media apart from art and culture enthusiasts.
June 2021 21 www.bahrainthismonth.com MAXIMUM SECURITY AND PEACE OF MIND What you need to know about the Ferrari Approved Certification At the Ferrari headquarters in Maranello, Italy and across the world at the authorised dealerships, a heritage of excellence is maintained through the Ferrari Approved Certification. This application of the highest possible standards allows the Prancing Horse team to deliver the best possible customer experience for Ferrari owners. The Approved pre-owned certification programme reflects the marque’s unrivalled standards through an intricate inspection process that guarantees the ultimate satisfaction for the programme’s customers. Pristine Ferrari vehicles that were once completely out of reach to many have become that little bit more accessible. But before these pre-owned vehicles are made available to the public, they have to undergo a rigorous process comprising a series of wide-ranging checks and numerous guarantees that have been approved by the parent company. To ensure that any pre-owned Ferrari is operating at standards comparable to a brand-new vehicle, the local Ferrari dealership starts by implementing a detailed technical inspection of each and every car. This is carried out by a team of highly skilled Ferrari technicians who have undergone extensive training at Maranello in Northern Italy, the home of Ferrari. One of their very first tasks is to verify the origin and maintenance history of these vehicles to ensure they have been properly taken care of and have no major accidents in their service history. These technicians painstakingly prepare both the exterior and interior of each car to ensure that every aspect of the vehicle is in top condition, a fastidious process which enables them to provide a guarantee for the cars of up to 24 months. If you are wondering how thorough these inspections are, all in all a total of 190 individual checks are carried out before a used Ferrari may be bestowed with an Approved “license”. This detailed examination includes a mechanical operation test as well as a test on the operation of the electrical system. Liquid levels are also carefully examined, as are the state of the suspension, brakes, cooling system and steering system. These are but a handful of the primary checks implemented on all vehicles. On top of these, secondary checks are carried out on air conditioning, the dashboard and all safety systems. Operation of lights, wheels and tires (including tread depth and pressure) are yet more examples of the car’s functional capabilities that are carefully inspected. All of this takes place in compliance with Ferrari standards of safety, performance and reliability. Once these checks have been completed, seasoned testers put the car through its paces to ensure it is functioning at 100 percent. Thanks to these detailed inspections, all those who purchase a pre-owned vehicle from an authorised Ferrari dealership will receive a written analysis of all of the tests performed. The transparent nature of the history of Ferrari Approved models ensures every item of information is verified, and anyone purchasing a Ferrari Approved car will enjoy the benefits of a Ferrari warranty as well, which covers the parts and labour for major repairs. Another benefit of a Ferrari Approved car is that it has an unlimited mileage warranty, except for parts subject to routine maintenance such as brake pads & disks, tyres and other normal wear and tear. With such a comprehensive certification programme being applied, the Ferrari Approved pre-owned initiative guarantees the quality of all vehicles being sold as well as the support required to ensure a positive experience for all owners. motoring news
22 June 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com ON-ROAD TESTING INITIATED After initial testing on the proving grounds of the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach, the all-electric Macan is ready for the road, with the well camouflaged next-generation prototypes of the compact SUV now heading outside Porsche premises for the first time. “Testing in a real-life environment is now getting underway – one of the most important milestones in the development process,” says Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board, Research and Development, at Porsche AG. By the time the all-electric Macan is launched onto the market in 2023, it will have covered some three million test kilometres worldwide in varying conditions. The prototypes are able to incorporate the experience gained from countless previous test kilometres driven in a virtual space. Digital development and testing preserve resources and therefore enhance sustainability. Instead of real vehicles, the engineers use digital prototypes – computational models that replicate the properties, systems and power units of a vehicle to a high degree of accuracy. There are 20 digital prototypes for the purpose of simulation in a number of development categories, such as aerodynamics, energy management, operation and acoustics. New Supercar Day The London Concours presented by Montres Breguet is now extended over three days, cementing its reputation as one of the UK’s top motoring events. The third and final day of this year’s event is ‘Supercar Day’, in association with Drivers Union. The exclusive supercar owners club will bring 60 of its members’ finest cars to grace the lawns of the Honourable Artillery Club, alongside 100 of the world’s rarest and most collectible cars. Among the 60 eclectic supercars will be a beautiful, limited edition Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Spitfire edition, which was a unique tribute by Aston Martin Cambridge to the Supermarine Spitfire, celebrating its 80th anniversary. Also making an appearance on the lawns will be one of many stunning Ferraris. The Ferrari 575 was launched in 2002, designed by styling house Pininfarina, the car was essentially a tweaked version of the beautiful 550 Maranello. Adding to the collection of supercars on display are a few quirkier vehicles which include a BMW Z8 which was most famous for its role in in the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, the ultimate 80s pinup the Porsche 911 930 Turbo, and the definitive hellraiser from Blackpool, the outrageous TVR Sagaris, complete with side-exit exhaust pipes. The London Concours takes place from 8-10 June 2021. A LITTLE WAY TO PRESERVE HISTORY The Little Car Company, makers of the limited-edition Bugatti Baby II, are thrilled to commence deliveries to customers around the world. Built in partnership with Bugatti, the Bugatti Baby II is a contemporary tribute to Ettore Bugatti’s original masterpiece, the Bugatti Baby, built in 1926. The vehicle was developed to celebrate Bugatti’s 110th anniversary, and is not only significant in preserving the history of the Bugatti marque, but also inspiring a new generation of young Bugatti enthusiasts. The very first of 500 bespoke Baby II models have started to reach owners across the globe, sparking excitement with Bugatti collectors both old and new. One of the first Bugatti Baby II vehicles has arrived with a long-time Bugatti owner in Dubai. The carbon fiber ‘Vitesse’ version of the Baby II will be deployed for private transfers to VIP sections of the airport. Passengers passing through Al Maktoum International Airport may catch a glimpse of the visually striking Baby II – finished in a completely custom paint colour – on their next visit. motoring news
June 2021 23 www.bahrainthismonth.com HERE ARE YOUR CHAMPIONS! Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) hosted the fifth and final round of the Bahrain Rotax Max Challenge (BRMC) 2021 over the weekend, and the newest series of champions emerged at BIC’s world-class karting track. Taking impressive victories in the season-finale were Fahad Alkhaled in the Senior Max class, Fahad Almuqla in the Junior Max category, Luca Houghton in the Mini Max and Shaikh Rashid bin Salman Al Khalifa in the Micro Max. All four winners were also crowned the season’s champions in their respective divisions. Amongst the season’s title-winning Entrants, Forza Bahrain Racing were winners in the Senior Max category, BirelArt Bahrain in the Junior Max and Mini Max, and Praga ME in the Micro Max. The BRMC was part of this year’s Bahrain Karting Sprint Championship. All the action in the season-finale took place along the 1.414-kilometre CIK-FIA track of Bahrain International Karting Circuit. The 2021 championship-finale was run with strict health protection measures in place, in line with government regulations and guidance. REPORTING A SURGE As PEUGEOT continues to buck the automotive industry with its strong comeback into the GCC, the French automaker announced positive sales results in its first quarter. Buoyed by a successful performance to the fourth quarter in 2020, recent figures released by PEUGEOT indicate an increase of 210 percent and 420 percent for its passenger and light commercial vehicle (LCV) segments respectively. During Q1 of 2021, PEUGEOT expanded its operations in key markets such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain, growing its customer base and resulting in a significant increase in sales. Its passenger vehicle sales more than tripled, with products such as the 3008 SUV and 5008 SUV driving growth by 173 percent and 254 percent respectively and the 508 increasing by 270 percent. With the onset of COVID-19, Peugeot struck key deals with Noon, Amazon and DHL to support the rise of E-commerce. In addition, the brand prioritised the production of LCVs like the Partner, which accounted for a significant proportion of new vehicles in the GCC, to support deliveries and distribution networks. This resulted in the brand’s LCV segment performing strongly with sales up by 420 percent. IN THE MILLIONS Lexus has announced that the luxury brand eclipsed the milestone of 2 million global sales of electrified vehicles at the end of April 2021. Since the launch of the RX400h in 2005, Lexus has been a pioneer of electrification in the luxury market, and the models have continued to evolve on the mission of balancing excellent driving performance with environmental sensitivity. Based on a philosophy of “right time, right product, right place”, Lexus hopes to further develop its electrified product portfolio to best respond to a varied range of energy sources and infrastructure environments encountered around the world. As a result, Lexus now sells nine models of electrified vehicles, including Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), in approximately 90 countries and regions around the world. In 2020, 33% of the Lexus models sold globally were of the electrified variety. Since 2005, Lexus electrified vehicles have contributed to a cumulative reduction in CO2 emissions of approximately 19 million tons. This reduction is equivalent to the combined CO2 output of approximately 300,000 passenger cars each year for the past 15 years. Lexus will continue to lead the steady growth of electrified vehicles and the reduction of CO2 emissions in line with our corporate mission of carbon neutrality and Sustainable Development Goals. motoring news
www.bahrainthismonth.com business bites 24 June 2021 Bahrain Car Parks Company (trading symbol: CPARK) has announced its financial results for the three months ended 31 March 2021. As for the company’s financial results for the three months ended 31 March 2021, net profit reached BD199k compared to BD137k reported for the same period last year, an increase of 44%. Basic and diluted earnings per share were at 1.82 fils, compared to 1.26 fils for the same period in 2020. The company reported a total comprehensive income of BD144k, 716% higher compared to BD18k reported in the previous year, and a decrease of 7% decrease in operating income, BD437k compared to BD 468k for the same period in 2020. Commenting on the financial results, Chairman of Bahrain Car Parks Company, Amin Alarrayed, said: “We are delighted with the resilience of our financial results for the first quarter of the 2021. The company continues to invest in world class technologies and solutions to upgrade the customer journey for both public and private clients.” AGAINST ALL ODDS National Bank of Bahrain B.S.C. (NBB) has reported a 1.3% increase in its net profit attributable to equity shareholders to BD 15.6 million (USD 41.4 million) for the three months ended 31 March 2021, compared to BD 15.4 million (USD 40.8 million) in the same period of 2020. The increase in net profit is predominantly due to lower provisioning levels in 2021, as 2020 included precautionary provisioning requirements attributable to the pandemic. Total comprehensive income attributable to NBB’s equity shareholders for the quarter increased to BHD 16.1 million (USD 42.7 million) compared with a comprehensive loss attributable to NBB’s equity shareholders of BHD 39.3 million (USD 104.2 million) in the same period of 2020. The increase is predominantly attributable to the mark-to-market movements of the Bahrain Sovereign bond portfolio. Diyar Al Muharraq, one of the largest real estate development companies in Bahrain, has announced the launch of its graduate internship programme, Tumouh, which will take place from July to December this year. The programme is designed for Bahraini graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in the fields of engineering such as civil engineering, electrical engineering, architecture and real estate development. During their training, the selected graduates will be mentored by a team of Diyar Al Muharraq experts while benefiting from hands-on experience through placement across the Company’s various engineering and real estate development departments. The programme will empower the interns with skills through practical and online training courses delivered by global institutions. “We firmly believe in the importance of investing in today’s youth and providing them with opportunities to enhance their skills and talents. This programme will enable Bahraini graduates to further improve their skills, hone their talents, fuel their ambition, and ultimately enhance their CVs, making it easier for them to enter the job market in the future,” said CEO of Diyar Al Muharraq, Eng. Ahmed Ali Alammadi. Applications will be accepted starting from May 5 until May 31. INVESTING IN TODAY’S YOUTH The Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) received an official delegation from the Abdulla bin Khalid College for Islamic Studies to discuss joint cooperation between the two parties in offering training programs in the fields of Islamic banking and information technology. The BIBF Director, Dr. Ahmed Al Shaikh, welcomed the delegation, praising the efforts made in establishing the Abdulla bin Khalid College for Islamic Studies, as a great achievement that will serve the educational process in Bahrain. The meeting also highlighted the BIBF’s expertise in offering academic and training programmes, and concluded with forming a committee to coordinate joint activities. Due to the international trust in the BIBF as a Centre of Excellence for specialised training, an increased number of delegations are visiting the institute to discuss ways of cooperation, whereby training arrangements are done for human capital development locally, regionally and on a global scale. A Joint Cooperation A PROFITABLE QUARTER
www.bahrainthismonth.com business bites June 2021 25 The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s General Manager, Bernard de Villèle has announced the appointment of new personnel: Director of Culinary and Food and Beverage, Yann Bernard Lejard; Executive Assistant Manager in-charge of Sales, Marketing and Public Relations, Jeremy Canivet; Director of Human Resources, Rasha Ghoul and Senior Assistant Director of Food and Beverage, Alper Kucukbaycan. In this new role, Mr. Lejard will oversee a Culinary and Fand B team of 220 personnel along with the entire strategic vision and operation of the hotel’s unique gastronomic experience. Mr. Lejard intends to continue to keep the property’s 12 restaurants and banqueting facilities in prime positions within the local market. Bringing nearly two decades of luxury hospitality experience to the resort, Mr. Kucukbaycan will oversee all facets of the food and beverage operations under the guidance of Mr. Lejard, including the resort’s award-winning restaurants, in-room dining, and banquets catering division. In his new role, Mr. Canivet will continue to direct the Sales and Marketing and oversee the hotel in the absence of the General Manager. Mr. Canivet began his hospitality career in Sales and Marketing in Toronto, Canada before moving on to positions in Europe followed by the Middle East in 2010. With over 15 years in luxury hospitality, Ms. Ghoul will oversee all aspects of the Human Resources division for the five-star beachfront resort, including the resort’s award-winning Community Footprints program, Leadership Voyager program, Talent Acquisition and Management, and Employee Relations strategies. LEADING THE WAY Kuwait Finance House - Bahrain has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Eskan Bank to provide financing to customers who wish to own their dream home in Danaat Al Baraka as part of the Ministry of Housing’s Mazaya Social Housing Finance Scheme. The real estate financing offer, which is in compliance with the principles of Islamic Shari’a, includes competitive annual profit rates without administrative fees, a flexible payment period of up to 30 years, a zero down-payment for additional financing covering the property value, and more. The Danaat Al Baraka project, located in Jannusan, includes 211 modern villas with four different contemporary designs. A RENEWED AGREEMENT
26 June 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com CLOUD KITCHENS Pria Masson Tanwar explores the potential of and processes behind Cloud Kitchens. Recently, some frequently used terms have the word “cloud” attached to them like cloud computing, cloud servers, etc. One such term that caught my eye recently was the concept of cloud kitchens. Simply put, these are delivery-only food service operators. This core concept got me very confused since to my mind, that’s really the same as a restaurant using a delivery platform like Zomato, etc. Turns out, this is just the tip of the iceberg and the potential of this business is significant. So, what are cloud kitchens? Think of them as a large warehouse space where a custombuilt assembly line and cleverly planned logistics and supply chains ensure quick turnarounds and efficient cost numbers. That’s exactly what cloud kitchens are – a very large food court where space is rented out for a fee and an online platform is provided to interact with customers. One popular format is to offer “Kitchen-as-a service (KaaS) or satellite kitchens” that provide a space to existing brands. The other format is “virtual restaurants” wherein the chefs, cuisines and menu items are curated and offered under a new umbrella. How does this process begin? As always, with an investor, with deep enough financial resources, who owns or takes on a long-term lease for a significant space. This space is then custom-built or developed for either specific cuisines, specific brands or a mix of the above. It’s then organised for efficiency similar to an assembly line for a factory so that volume is easier and quality uncompromised. In return for this entire set up, a tenants fee plus a commission on each delivery is often charged. As a business, it’s of significant interest. Online food delivery in the MENA region, which includes regular restaurants using delivery platforms, is a USD three billion market, more than 65% of which is accounted for by the UAE and Saudi Arabia. As per a KPMG Food and Beverage report for 2019-2020, more than 80% of consumers surveyed used apps to order food. Another interesting statistic out of the same report is that 22% of the operators saw delivery contributing more than 25% of sales and is on an upward trajectory. By reducing overheads and making costs efficient, the barriers to entry for talent are reduced. Also, technology provides malleability and allows the menu options and cuisines themselves to be tweaked by demand. The data available with delivery apps allows cloud kitchens to offer food demanded by specific locations. The benefits of this system is the flexibility and opportunity that it provides for new talent to enter in a protected space. Operationally, there is no physical interaction with any client and the entire loop of communication is virtual. Since the entire focus is efficient delivery, the staff and overhead costs- which form a significant part of operational expenses for a restaurant – are minimised. For the investor, the rent received and commission along with the diversified cuisines offer a commercial hedge from low demand. More on-ground than you think! commerce
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28 June 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com Bill Grieve explores a relatable issue in residential apartment buildings. Most residential apartment building areas already have more than enough external noise from sewerage removal pump trucks, refuse removal, inconsiderate drivers “hooning” around, loud motorcycles or scooters, public transport and especially construction and maintenance. Nuisance noise in an apartment building can be one of the greatest negative impacts on modern lifestyle living regardless of the highest standards of a building. Inconsiderate neighbours generally know they are making a noise and simply don’t care - that’s why good building management is a crucial consideration when selecting an apartment. Ask the building management what the nuisance noise policies are and how they deal with noise makers - in writing. That being said, the main internal residential building related noise sources are: • Loud and inconsiderate neighbours - music, parties, get togethers and sports event gatherings. • Constantly activated fire alarms. • Slamming of doors. • Loud and unruly behaviour in common areas or facilities - especially near lifts. • Scraping furniture across tiled or hard surfaces. • Walking in hard heels on tiled or hard floors or dropping items continuously. • Unruly or constantly crying or performing children. • Personal relationship inconsiderations - screaming, shouting. Pets and toys - Both being the responsibility of the tenant or resident. Bill Grieve “It doesn’t matter if you are a pilot, a pastor, a plumber or a professor - if your neighbors complain about you making noise - you’re being a nuisance!” “You don’t have to be a genius to know that when you live in a residential apartment you have a moral duty to be considerate of your neighbours and the effect of your actions on them.” It is often the case that people downsizing from villas to apartment buildings continue to generate the same amount of noise they did in their villa or house and show little consideration for adjacent neighbours - especially underneath them. Another significant frustration is caused by introducing “villagers” and people who are not accustomed to the refinements and protocols of residential apartment living and due to their ignorance perpetually set off fire alarms, bang doors, drop items on the tiled or hard floors and adopt a couldn’t care less attitude about noise sources like music, loud voices, scraping furniture across the floor and causing a raucous when watching sports on TV showing little or no consideration for those around them. No! - it’s not ok to cause a nuisance noise until the early hours of the morning even if your favourite team is playing - use earphones, make use of party halls or building TV rooms, watch your loud sports, TV programmes or make your music in an environment that does not cause a disturbance to your neighbours - just because you have rented the apartment does not give you, your family, friends or visitors the right to be a nuisance or cause other tenants to complain about you making a racket or disturbing their peace. Nuisance Noise!
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